The FDA has announced that Tracy Beth Høeg will be taking over as the new leader of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This is a significant appointment that will impact the regulation of drugs moving forward. In other news, the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee is set to review the hepatitis B vaccine, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve vaccine efficacy and availability.
A recent article published in NEJM by 12 former FDA commissioners raised concerns about the agency’s planned changes for regulating vaccines. These changes, as outlined in a leaked memo by Vinay Prasad, could potentially disrupt core policies governing vaccine development and updates. The former commissioners believe that these changes pose a threat to effective vaccines and public health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current regulations.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed an increase in antipsychotic prescriptions for older adults in the U.S. over the past decade. The study found that rates of antipsychotic use among adults aged 65 and older have risen significantly, particularly from long-term care pharmacies. This trend highlights the need for improved mental health care and behavioral interventions for the elderly population.
The disruption in the American research enterprise caused by the Trump administration has been the focus of a new 10-part series by STAT. The series, titled American Science, Shattered, delves into the impact of recent policy changes on scientists, labs, and communities. The first installment explores how the administration’s actions have unraveled the foundation of American research, leaving lasting effects on the scientific community.
An FDA alert issued regarding faulty continuous glucose monitors made by Abbott Diabetes Care has linked seven deaths and hundreds of injuries to the devices. The FreeStyle Libre 3 and its “plus” version have been providing inaccurately low glucose readings, posing a serious health risk to users. While the company has resolved the manufacturing issue that led to the problem, the incidents highlight the importance of accurate medical devices for individuals with diabetes.
In other news, the FDA is set to lower the number of trials required for the approval of drugs and other medical products, a move that could streamline the approval process. Additionally, there have been efforts to strip IVF health coverage from a defense bill, raising concerns about access to reproductive health services. Watch: What to know about the new flu variant, subclade K, and the ongoing debate over expanding disability parking placards for pregnancy.
Overall, these developments underscore the importance of effective regulation, access to healthcare services, and the ongoing challenges facing the healthcare industry. Stay informed about the latest updates and trends in health and medicine by signing up for STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds.
