Why U.S. purchase of radiation sickness drug Nplate is no cause for alarm

The Department of Health and Human Services has ordered a $290 million supply of a medication used for injuries caused by radiation.

Amid concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent nuclear threats came a bit of startling news: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that it spent $290 million on a drug to treat radiation sickness.

The department said in a statement that the purchase of the drug, called Nplate, is part of its “long-standing, ongoing efforts by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to better prepare the U.S. for the potential health impacts of a wide range of threats to national security.”

Why U.S. purchase of radiation sickness drug Nplate is no cause for alarm

The Department of Health and Human Services has ordered a $290 million supply of a medication used for injuries caused by radiation.