Mar 25 Amid criticism, drugmaker waives specialty status for COVID-19 drug By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Facing public criticism, the maker of a promising coronavirus drug said Wednesday it will waive a special regulatory designation that could have allowed it to block competition and boost profits for its treatment. Continue reading
Mar 21 AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s breathless takes on drugs for virus By Calvin Woodward, Hope Yen, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press “Could be a game changer.” “Very exciting.” “The way they acted with this kind of speed is an incredible thing.” “Very powerful.” “This could be a tremendous breakthrough. Tremendous breakthrough.” “We’re going to be able to make that drug available… Continue reading
Mar 04 FDA bans shock device used on mentally disabled patients By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Only one facility in the U.S. still uses the shock treatment — a residential school in Massachusetts. The school's administrators have said the shocks help control violent behaviors that endanger patients and those around them. But most experts say the… Continue reading
Feb 19 Analysis: Some natural supplements can be dangerously contaminated By C. Michael White, The Conversation Consumers take real risks if they use diet supplements not independently verified by reputable outside labs. Continue reading
Nov 15 U.S. approves new drug to manage sickle cell disease, costs $85,000 to $113,000 By Linda A. Johnson, Associated PRess The monthly infusion, which halves occurrences of sickle cell pain episodes, will carry a list price of roughly $85,000 to $113,000 per year, depending on dosing. Insured patients generally will pay less. Continue reading
Oct 08 Beauty products for vulvas? These doctors say don’t buy it By Jamie Leventhal Instagram influencers and companies are selling cosmetic products for vulvas and "wellness" products for vaginas, which could put people at risk for infection and bacterial vaginosis. Continue reading
Sep 13 U.S. finds contaminant in popular heartburn drug By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press For now, the Food and Drug Administration said patients can continue taking Zantac and related generic drugs. Continue reading
Jul 24 Breast implant recalled after link to more rare cancer cases By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it called for the removal after new information showed Allergan's Biocell breast implants with a textured surface were tied to the vast majority of cases of a rare form of lymphoma. Continue reading
Jun 01 At first-ever public hearing on CBD, advocates and FDA try to blaze trail to regulatory compromise By Nicholas Florko, STAT The meeting on Friday was the public kickoff of the FDA’s quest to sketch a clear framework to regulate CBD, or cannabidiol, products. Continue reading
May 05 FDA to end program that hid millions of reports on faulty medical devices By Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News In the wake of a Kaiser Health News investigation, the agency will no longer let device makers file reports of harm outside a widely used public database. Continue reading