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 finalizes new heart warnings for COVID-19 vaccines
The new warnings, first proposed to Pfizer and Moderna in April, are now officially required by the FDA. They provide additional information about the potential risks of myocarditis and/or pericarditis associated with these vaccines.
New report raises questions about data that helped heart drug gain FDA approval
Ticagrelor, an antiplatelet medication from AstraZeneca commonly prescribed by cardiologists, gained FDA approval back in 2011. The author of a new investigative report, however, is raising several concerns about the data used to secure that approval.
Popular obesity drugs limit amputations, heart issues among patients with peripheral artery disease
Semaglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 drugs appear to provide significant value for patients with moderate PAD.
Updated: Dexcom recalls more than 700K CGM receivers over safety issues—dozens of adverse events reported
There is an increased risk that these devices will not provide audible alerts for low or high blood glucose levels. The FDA has ruled that this is a Class I recall, highlighting the safety risks associated with missed alerts.
Eli Lilly to acquire gene-editing specialists focused on CVD for up to $1.3B
The company has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion. The total could increase significantly, however, if certain milestones are met. One of Verve's biggest gene therapies has already received the FDA's fast track designation.

Blood pressure drug could make leukemia more responsive to chemotherapy

“This finding shows great potential to enhance the success of chemotherapy while protecting the heart," one researcher said.

Biden Administration lowers prices for 64 prescription drugs, including 3 prescribed by cardiologists

The new list of discounted drugs includes an anticoagulant, a beta-blocker used to treat atrial fibrillation and much more.

A historic moment in diabetes care: Teva launches first-ever generic GLP-1 in US

Teva Pharmaceuticals has officially launched generic liraglutide injections in the United States. Novo Nordisk currently sells liraglutide under the brand name Victoza.

tirzepatide injections Zepbound Eli Lilly

Diabetes drug resolves sleep apnea in up to 52% of patients—is FDA approval in the cards?

Based on positive results from two different trials, Eli Lilly and Company hopes to secure a new FDA approval for tirzepatide in the months ahead.

New 5:2 intermittent fasting diet bests metformin, empagliflozin in patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes

The new-look diet was linked to significant weight loss and reductions in HbA1C levels. Researchers see it as a potential alternative to immediately putting patients on new medications.

Hospira, an Illinois-based pharmaceutical and medical device company owned by Pfizer, has issued a voluntary recall of two different drugs due to ongoing safety issues. The recall includes specific lots of labetalol hydrochloride injections and buprenorphine hydrochloride injections. Labetalol hydrochloride injections are used to control blood pressure in patients with severe hypertension.

Pfizer recalls 2 drugs, including 1 for hypertension, over safety concerns

The recall was put in place due to a leak risk that could make the therapies less effective and potentially lead to an infection.

Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system

Medtronic automated insulin pump named one of year’s ‘world-changing ideas’

The FDA-approved device includes meal detection technology that can deliver insulin when users lose track of time or underestimate how a meal may affect their health.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

COVID-19 vaccines helped heart failure patients stay out of the hospital and live longer

Vaccination was linked to key benefits in terms of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, stroke, heart attack, myocarditis, venous thromboembolism and testing positive for COVID-19.

Pharmaceutics

FDA finalizes new heart warnings for COVID-19 vaccines

New report raises questions about data that helped heart drug gain FDA approval

Popular obesity drugs limit amputations, heart issues among patients with peripheral artery disease

Updated: Dexcom recalls more than 700K CGM receivers over safety issues—dozens of adverse events reported

Eli Lilly to acquire gene-editing specialists focused on CVD for up to $1.3B