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.

FDA approves new drug for genetic heart disease
Cytokinetics has secured FDA approval for aficamten, its new drug for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive HCM. Aficamten will be sold under the brand name Myqorzo.
Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’
Hemostemix believes its new cell therapy platform can help treat peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other serious medical conditions. The company plans on scooping up multiple practices to conduct additional research and increase the use of its platform.
Semaglutide, other obesity drugs show potential to treat nondiabetic stroke
Much more research is still required, but a new meta-analysis in Stroke suggests these medications may provide valuable stroke prevention.
Beta-blockers do not benefit heart attack patients with a normal LVEF
The new meta-analysis included data from nearly 18,000 patients. Overall, patient outcomes were quite similar for patients who did and did not undergo beta-blocker therapy.
Oral heart failure drug receives FDA’s fast track designation
A clinical trial focused on patients with HFpEF is expected to be completed by July 2026.

New pill lowers cholesterol for patients already on statins—no needles required

The new drug from Merck was linked to several benefits for patients who are already on statins. If an oral PCSK9 inhibitor gains FDA approval, it could be a game-changer for the field of preventive medicine.

Some reviewers opposed FDA's approval of new drug for life-threatening disease

When the FDA approved elamipretide for the treatment of Barth syndrome, not everyone agreed with the agency's decision.

Is long-term melatonin use safe? New study highlights heart risks

Taking melatonin for a year could increase a person's risk of developing heart failure by 90%. While more research is still needed to confirm these findings, the data suggest patients should think twice about relying on melatonin to sleep.

GLP-1 drugs and healthy lifestyle choices work in tandem to protect the heart

The rise of these medications continues to be one of the biggest stories in healthcare.

Insulin pumps recalled due to malfunction risk—users warned to update software

The new Class I recall covers nearly 18,000 insulin pumps distributed throughout the United States. While this is not a product removal, users are being urged to update their devices immediately.

COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination

Adults are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke after a COVID-19 infection than when they are healthy. The risks are even greater for the flu.

Novo Nordisk, Pfizer enter bidding war for biotech startup—and it is getting ugly

Pfizer was all set to acquire New York City-based Metsera for $4.9 billion, but Novo Nordisk stepped in with an unexpected counteroffer of $6.5 billion. Both companies hope to add Metsera's drugs to their GLP-1 portfolios.

Nearly 600K bottles of blood pressure drug recalled due to carcinogen risk

The FDA has detailed three voluntary recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat hypertension, due to safety concerns.

Pharmaceutics

FDA approves new drug for genetic heart disease

Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’

Semaglutide, other obesity drugs show potential to treat nondiabetic stroke

Beta-blockers do not benefit heart attack patients with a normal LVEF

Oral heart failure drug receives FDA’s fast track designation