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.   

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Estrogen-based hormone therapy may be good for heart health

Physicians and patients alike have often wondered if these therapies are bad for the heart. It turns out, according to this new analysis, that they can be quite beneficial. 

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

Safety update: Sensor issue with Abbott CGMs ruled a Class I recall

The sensors of certain FreeStyle Libre 3 devices are producing inaccurate glucose readings and should not be used. Two patient injuries have been reported. Abbott first reported the problem in July. 

Pausing oral anticoagulation during TAVR reduces bleeding risk

The findings, based on data from more than 800 TAVR patients, suggest that skipping OAC medications for a small amount of time could make a big impact.

Brittany Nicole Weber, MD, PhD, Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains the growing role of cardio-rheumatology clinics.

The growing role of cardio-rheumatology clinics

Cardio-rheumatology clinics use a heart team-like approach to enhance care for patients with chronic conditions such as lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. "It's not just about cardiology," the director of one clinic explains. "We work closely with rheumatologists, dermatologists and even primary care physicians to provide comprehensive care."

Heart attack patients see no benefits from stopping long-term beta-blocker therapy

Should patients stay on beta-blockers more than one year after a heart attack? The team behind the ABYSS clinical trial explored that very question, presenting its data at ESC Congress 2024.

Insulet Corporation, a Massachusetts-based medical device company focused on diabetes technology, announced that its Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is now cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage type 2 diabetes (T2D).

FDA clears first automated insulin pump for type 2 diabetes

Insulet's Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System was already cleared to help patients manage type 1 diabetes. 

TCT 2023 crowd

CRF announces late-breaking clinical trials for TCT 2024

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation has announced 10 late-breaking clinical trials and 15 late-breaking clinical science sessions for TCT 2024 in Washington, DC. Topics will include TAVR and other structural heart procedures, artificial intelligence and much more. 

Medicare coverage for weight loss drug semaglutide could cost up to $145B per year

Medications that target obesity are not typically covered by Medicare. When the FDA approved semaglutide as a way to treat certain cardiovascular risks, however, CMS said Medicare coverage was on the table.