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.

New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts
Association of Black Cardiologists President Anthony Fletcher, MD, discusses the group's efforts to educate patients in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.
New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise
Reducing the activity of a specific protein could provide significant relief for many heart failure patients.
FDA confirms recalls for Abbott CGM sensors—new lawsuit alleges company concealed information
The FDA finalized four Class I recalls related to safety concerns first reported by Abbott in November. Meanwhile, a Florida man who uses these sensors to manage his diabetes has already filed a lawsuit over the issue.
Cardiovascular health in the United States: Exploring the good, the bad and the ugly
A new comprehensive report detailed the latest stats and trends in hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and many other areas of interest. “Progress in cardiovascular health depends on knowing where we stand,” the authors wrote. “To improve, we must measure—not occasionally, but consistently, transparently and with purpose.”
FDA clears Medtronic’s new smart diabetes management app
Medtronic's MiniMed Go technology was designed to deliver real-time health data and recommendations to patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It works with the Instinct sensors designed by Abbott.

Illustration showing how procizumab captures circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (cDPP3) to block this key molecular driver of shock. Illustrations courtesy of 4TEEN4

$64M raised for new cardiogenic shock drug—research already underway

Procizumab was developed to change the trajectory of shock by addressing an underlying molecular driver rather than just managing symptoms.

‘Unprecedented’: Single dose of new gene-editing therapy lowers cholesterol, triglycerides

First-in-human data suggest the therapy, CTX310, could be a breakthrough for patients with lipid disorders.

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.

Pharmaceutics

New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts

New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise

FDA confirms recalls for Abbott CGM sensors—new lawsuit alleges company concealed information

Cardiovascular health in the United States: Exploring the good, the bad and the ugly

FDA clears Medtronic’s new smart diabetes management app