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.

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately
The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall. If patients update their phone or watch apps as needed, they can continue to use these devices like normal.
Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV
The American College of Cardiology has shared new recommendations highlighting the protective benefits of a variety of vaccines. The new guidance also examines how to speak with patients who are hesitant to be vaccinated.
First study of its kind to focus on new therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
The new trial represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of one of the most devastating congenital heart defects.
Real-world data link semaglutide, tirzepatide to improved heart failure outcomes
GLP-1 drugs have been taking the United States by storm in recent years. According to a new study of more than 90,000 patients, some of these medications can also make a big impact on reducing adverse heart failure outcomes.
Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients
One researcher described the study's findings as "one of the most significant advances in heart attack treatment in decades.”

Paul Ridker, MD, MPH, Eugene Braunwald Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, explains the role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in detecting coronary inflammation and the opportunities to improve outcomes with targeted therapies.

Inflammation playing a much bigger role in heart disease evaluations

From new drug therapies and imaging technologies to updated prevention strategies, nearly every aspect of cardiovascular care is starting to embrace the value of coronary inflammation evaluations. Paul Ridker, MD, MPH, discussed the trend in a new interview.

AMA brainstorms on key topics impacting healthcare

"With significantly strengthened penalties, standardized reporting requirements and unprecedented enforcement commitments, the regulatory landscape has dramatically shifted," the AMA wrote.

How anticoagulants may impact a patient’s risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after TAVR

Researchers tracked the rates of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with AFib randomized to receive edoxaban or a vitamin K antagonist after a successful TAVR procedure.

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

FDA wants new heart damage warnings added to COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a very low risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, primarily in young adults. The long-term impact of this risk has been the subject of many studies and debates over the years. One side says that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and the other side says that even the smallest risk of heart damage is too high.

Work begins on first ATTR-CM study of its kind

ACT-EARLY is testing the hypothesis that treating asymptomatic carriers of a pathogenic TTR variant with the drug acoramidis could delay amyloidosis from developing.

Semaglutide works fast, protecting the heart before weight loss kicks in

"These results highlight semaglutide’s early action on decreasing major cardiovascular events," one cardiologist explained.

Many attendees shot selfies in front of the the massive heart on display in the Cytokinetic booth at AHA 2022.

New drug for obstructive HCM outperforms the current standard of care

Cytokinetics announced positive results from a new clinical trial comparing aficamten monotherapy to the beta blocker metoprolol.

Obicetrapib linked to substantial reductions in LDL cholesterol for high-risk heart patients

Researchers shared new studies on the highly selective CETP inhibitor in The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet.

Pharmaceutics

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately

Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV

First study of its kind to focus on new therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Real-world data link semaglutide, tirzepatide to improved heart failure outcomes

Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients