Pharmaceutics

This page contains key pharmaceutical news on drug recalls, FDA clearance, safety communications and research. In cardiology, key pharmaceutic agents include antiplatelet therapies, anticoagulants, hypertension drugs, and drugs for heart failure and arrhythmias.   

MiniMed Flex Medtronic

FDA clears MiniMed’s screenless, smartphone-controlled insulin pump

Just weeks after separating from Medtronic and going public, MiniMed secured FDA clearance for its next-generation insulin pump technology. 

A single injection of saNppa lipid nanoparticles enables self-amplification and high-yield pro-ANP production for more than 28 days. Circulating pro-ANP is selectively cleaved by the cardiac protease corin into active ANP, activating NPR1/cGMP signaling in the heart. Image courtesy of Science, Kaiyue Zhang et al. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu9394

Single injection could help heal heart attack damage

Amplifying the body’s natural release of a specific hormone may reduce stress on the heart and limit long‑term damage after myocardial infarctions.  

cardiologists heart doctors

New dyslipidemia guideline puts add-on testing, early screening in the spotlight

The updated recommendations represent a collaboration between the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and several other U.S. healthcare organizations. 

Blood leg clotting thrombosis ultrasound

Apixaban bests rivaroxaban in new DOAC comparison

The randomized COBRRA trial included more than 2,700 patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism or proximal deep-vein thrombosis. 

heart drugs with stethoscope

Prior authorization may reduce access to important heart failure drugs

Researchers noted that these requirements are more common for Black and Hispanic patients, creating a critical barrier to guideline-recommended care.

doctor patient elderly check up hospital

Heart patients unsure about GLP-1 drugs? A physician’s advice is often the best medicine

When patients fear that GLP-1 drugs are “too new” to be trusted, cardiologists can make a world of difference by closely listening and then explaining how they work.

heart health attack cardiology

How recreational Adderall use affects the heart: a cardiologist’s warning

Students sometimes take unprescribed Adderall to stay up late and study. According to new research out of Mayo Clinic, however, that may do more to the heart than those students realize. 

GLP-1 drugs and healthy habits work together to boost heart health, Harvard study confirms

When patients on GLP-1 therapy also make healthy lifestyle choices—getting enough sleep and exercising, for example—the benefits are significantly greater.