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Washington Watch

FDA Approves First Sleep Apnea Drug

— Tirzepatide ok'd for obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity

FDA APPROVED tirzepatide (Zepbound) over a photo of a sleep apnea mask.

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FDA OKs Bioengineered Vessel to Reduce Limb Amputations After Vascular Trauma

Off-the-shelf product indicated for cases where autologous vein harvesting is not an option

Dec 20, 2024
First Drug Approved for Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome

Antisense oligonucleotide olezarsen slashes high triglycerides

Dec 20, 2024
White Bread Out, Salmon In: FDA Releases 'Healthy' Food Claim Rule

Final rule is first update to "healthy" nutrient content claim in 30 years

Dec 19, 2024
FDA Says Compounded Tirzepatide Must Exit the Market

Compounders only have 2 to 3 months left to copy injectable

Dec 19, 2024
White Bread Out, Salmon In: FDA Releases 'Healthy' Food Claim Rule

Final rule is first update to "healthy" nutrient content claim in 30 years

FDA Says Compounded Tirzepatide Must Exit the Market

Compounders only have 2 to 3 months left to copy injectable

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FDA Approves Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy for Refractory Acute GVHD in Kids

Response rate of 70% at day 28 with remestemcel-L

Dec 19, 2024
FDA APPROVED remestemcel-L (Ryoncil) over a photo of a bag of stem cells in a purple rubber-gloved hand.
New First-Line Option for Advanced ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

In randomized study, ensartinib doubled PFS versus first-generation ALK inhibitor

Dec 18, 2024
FDA APPROVED ensartinib (Ensacove) over a computer rendering of lung cancer.
Health Spending Up 7.5% in 2023, CMS Says

Spending reached $4.9 trillion, with spending on physician and clinical services up 7.4%

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of a spilled bottle of prescription medication lying on $100 bills.
SCOTUS to Weigh State Moves to Cut Off Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood

South Carolina governor says that any public money "results in the subsidy of abortion"

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
What Americans Think of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and His Health Stances

Is there support for his views?

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of Donald Trump shaking hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a Turning Point Action rally in Duluth, Ga.
Opinion
The 2024 Election Should Remind Us of the Value of Listening to Our Patients

Establishing trust makes our work more meaningful and effective

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of the gesticulating hands of a female patient who is speaking to her male physician.
Experts Debate the Best Ways to Use Opioid Settlement Funds

Approaches include evidence-based treatments, drug courts, harm reduction

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of a judge’s gavel lying on a pile of $100 bills.
Congress Agrees on Tentative Budget Deal; Mostly Reverses Docs' Medicare Pay Cut

Agreement would reduce a 2.8% cut to 0.3%, but doesn't include prior authorization reform

Dec 18, 2024
A photo of the US Capitol building at sunrise.
FDA Adds Boxed Warning to Hot Flash Drug

The warning highlights known risk of rare but serious liver injury associated with fezolinetant

Dec 17, 2024
FDA WARNING fezolinetant (Veozah) over a photo of the product.
Nonsteroidal Topical OK'd for Atopic Dermatitis

FDA approves tapinarof cream 1% for adults and kids 2 years and up

Dec 17, 2024
FDA APPROVED tapinarof (Vtama) over a photo of atopic dermatitis on a man’s arm.
RFK Jr. Meets With Senators; School Shooting Leaves 3 Dead; 'Uber for Nursing'?

Health news and commentary gathered by 51˶ staff

Dec 17, 2024
Morning Break over illustration of a syringe, Covid virus, and DNA helix over a photo of green vegetation.
Trump Says He'll Preserve Access to Polio Vaccine, Equivocated on Other Shots

President-elect also pledged to look at bringing down the costs of pharmaceuticals

Dec 16, 2024
A photo of Donald Trump speaking at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago as Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick listens.
FDA Approves First Drug for Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in 70 Years

Crinecerfont reduces excessive adrenal androgen production, lowering glucocorticoid dose

Dec 16, 2024
FDA APPROVED crinecerfont (Crenessity) over a computer rendering of a transparent body with the adrenal glands highlighted.
Cosibelimab OK'd for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PD-L1 inhibitor indicated for metastatic or locally advanced disease

Dec 16, 2024
FDA APPROVED cosibelimab (Unloxcyt) over a photo of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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