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.   

semaglutide wegovy Novo Nordisk major adverse cardiovascular events

Weight loss drug semaglutide benefits obese patients presenting with HFpEF, type 2 diabetes

The new research, based on data from more than 600 patients, was presented at ACC.24 in Atlanta and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Semaglutide is sold by Novo Nordisk under the brand name Wegovy.

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Novo Nordisk to acquire biotech company working on new heart failure drug for $1.1B

Cardior Pharmaceuticals in Germany has been developing a new compound it says can “halt and partially reverse cellular pathology” in heart failure patients. 

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Medicare will now cover weight loss drug semaglutide if taken for heart benefits

The news represents a meaningful policy shift for CMS. In the past, Medicare prescription drug plans have not covered medications designed to help patients lose weight.

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‘Highly effective’: COVID-19 vaccines reduced risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular complications after infection

Researchers explored data from more than 20 million adults for the new study, tracking both short- and long-term outcomes. 

FDA approves new hypertension drug months after Idorsia reacquired rights for $343M

Aprocitentan, sold under the brand name Tryvio, is approved for patients with high blood pressure who are already taking other antihypertensive drugs. 

too much niacin, also known as vitamin b3, may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Too much niacin? Excess vitamin B3 may increase risk of heart attack, stroke

Nutritionists view niacin, also known as vitamin B3, as a fundamental part of any diet. Consuming too much, however, could potentially be bad for the heart. 

semaglutide wegovy Novo Nordisk major adverse cardiovascular events

A big win for Wegovy: Weight loss drug semaglutide first in history to gain FDA approval for reducing heart risks

The FDA made a special announcement about its decision, describing the news as "a major advance for public health."

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Some older patients taking aspirin to prevent CVD may be doing more harm than good

“Aspirin is no longer a one-size-fits-all preventive tool for older adults," according to one specialist with Michigan Medicine.