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.

Long-term antidepressant use may increase risk of sudden cardiac death
The risk appears to be greatest when patients are still actively taking antidepressants. Researchers noted that many more studies on this topic are still necessary.
FDA links weight loss pill to ‘unexpected’ cardiovascular risks
The once-daily pill received FDA approval on April 1. However, the agency has requested additional data on multiple potential side effects.
New data highlight an unexpected link between hypercortisolism and resistant hypertension
Clinicians may need to broaden their diagnostic approach when treating and managing patients with resistant hypertension.
New gene therapy may help protect the hearts of patients with Friedreich's ataxia
A majority of deaths from Friedreich's ataxia are associated with heart complications. A new treatment years in the making could provide some much-needed relief.
Long-term cardiac amyloidosis survival benefits seen in extension acoramidis trial
Patient outcomes clearly show acoramidis reduces both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations, but the study also reinforced the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy.

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.

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.

Medtronic’s diabetes division seeks $7.9B valuation in upcoming IPO

MiniMed, Medtronic's diabetes business, hopes to sell 28 million shares of its common stock at a price of $25 to $28 per share.

New study of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia finds higher LDL-C levels in women

The American Society for Preventive Cardiology celebrated researchers for uncovering new insights into this rare condition.

Statin labeling should be revised with updated warnings, meta-analysis confirms

Researchers explored data from more than 123,000 patients, noting that dozens of the adverse complications included on current labels can safely be removed.

Esperion Therapeutics Inc. has filed patent infringement lawsuits against eight generic drug makers for filing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) abbreviated new drug applications (ANDA) to make generic versions of its successful bempedoic acid (Nexletol).

Esperion settles another lawsuit to keep generic versions of popular drug off shelves

As soon as Esperion Therapeutics gained FDA clearance for Nexletol in 2020, competitors started trying to copy it. The company is fighting back.

Pharmaceutics

Long-term antidepressant use may increase risk of sudden cardiac death

FDA links weight loss pill to ‘unexpected’ cardiovascular risks

New data highlight an unexpected link between hypercortisolism and resistant hypertension

New gene therapy may help protect the hearts of patients with Friedreich's ataxia

Long-term cardiac amyloidosis survival benefits seen in extension acoramidis trial