SPOTLIGHT -
Jill Wechsler is Pharm Exec's Washington Corespondent
Industry Slams Medicare Price Negotiation Scheme
Recent lawsuits are challenging the constitutionality of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Congress Leaves Town with Major Drug-Related Bills on Hold
Pandemic preparedness and curbing PBMs among the pending legislation that will have to wait until after summer recess.
FDA Inspections Face Overhaul
The agency proposes significant revisions to oversight programs for drugs and medical products.
Large Clinical Trial Supported Leqembi's Full Approval
The confirmatory study—which tracked 18 months of data—helped clear the way for new Alzheimer’s drug.
Long-Admired PEPFAR Program Caught in Abortion Debate
Could feel the impact from potential new provisions to legislation reauthorizing US international health programs.
Medicare Still Won’t Pay for Alzheimer’s Drugs Without Confirmatory Data
Indicates that reimbursement for new slate of Alzheimer’s treatments will occur only with the completion of studies to support full approval.
FDA Proposes Streamlined Medication Handouts
New program seeks to reduce misuse and adverse reactions by simplifying prescription labels.
FDA Eyes Advisory Committee Reform to Enhance Credibility
Agency hopes to update and improve its advisory committee composition and operations—to help FDA scientists “get the best advice possible.”
Pharma-PBM Battle Escalates on Capitol Hill
Amid drug pricing blame game, Congress advancing a range of reform efforts to manage and curb pharmacy benefit manager practices.
FDA Eyes New Strategies to Spur Gene Therapy Development
Agency seeks added resources and new approaches to accelerate more of these promising treatments to the market.
Court Ruling Leaves FDA Authority in Limbo
The Supreme Court’s emergency action maintaining access to mifepristone fails to protect agency from future rulings that could subvert drug approval process.
FDA Regulatory Authority Under Attack
Legal experts: Ruling on abortion pill could spur challenges involving other authorized medical products.
FDA Seeking New Talent to Handle Gene Therapy Rise
Agency hopes to attract more seasoned expertise in manufacturing; also looking to add field inspectors.
FDA, Industry Prepare for End to COVID Health Emergency
Impact areas that will be closely watched during phase-out include drug testing and authorization, telehealth, and patient access.
Feds to Review March-In Authority on Drug Patents
Amid continued tussling over drug costs, a new working group will review the government’s authority to revoke licenses for medical products.
Makena Saga Shows How Hard it is to Remove Unproven Drug from Market
Manufacturer to withdraw preterm birth drug, amid latest FDA push.
Vaccine Development Builds on COVID-19 Breakthroughs
New candidates are targeting cancer, infectious diseases, and RSV.
Congress Probes PBM Link to Higher Drug Prices
Latest investigation signals more scrutiny of pharmacy benefit managers and their role in treatment cost and coverage.
Kudos and Hurdles in Tackling Rare Diseases
The key issues for industry and FDA as the Orphan Drug Act hits its 40th anniversary.
Clinical Trial Diversity Continues to Face Challenges
With industry’s uneven track record in patient representation, sponsors now mandated to submit Diversity Action Plans (DAPs) to FDA for Phase III and pivotal studies.
Biden Hits Drug Prices For Boosting Healthcare Costs
Addresses a host of issues and policy priorities impacting pharma.
FDA Interactions With Industry Under the Microscope
Probe targets agency’s role in advising on drug testing and submissions.
FDA Food Center Reorganization Puts Field Inspections in Limbo
Proposed realignment of the Office of Regulatory Affairs would impact oversight of drugs and medical devices as well.
FDA Resumes In-Person Meetings with Industry…Sort Of
Face-to-face meetings will now include in-person and virtual components.
FDA Seeks to Simplify COVID Vaccination Program
Agency panel backs the use of a common bivalent shot for all patients.
A Rocky Road Ahead for FDA and Industry
2023 is poised to deliver a new set of challenges.
Congressional Probe of Alzheimer’s Drug Hits FDA Interactions with Industry
House report on Aduhelm approval calls for FDA to clarify its role in advising sponsors on drug testing and submissions.
FDA Policy Change Heightens Debate Over Medicated Abortion
Regulation revision now allows pharmacies to dispense mifepristone directly to individuals with a prescription.
Massive Government Spending Bill Tackles Key FDA and Research Issues
The Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023 includes dozens of measures involving drug development and regulation.
Rising Demand Drives Drug Shortages
Current virus “triple whammy” taxes supply levels, while raising concerns over FDA’s limited power to track drug demand spikes.