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.

FDA ends semaglutide shortage, closing the door on compounded Wegovy, Ozempic
The years-long shortage of Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular prescription-only semaglutide injections, is officially over.
Novartis to acquire drugmaker behind new heart therapy for up to $3.1B
The FDA has already shown great interest in the drug, which is designed to help AFib patients reduce their stroke and systemic embolism risks.
Blood pressure drug recalled due to black contaminants—FDA highlights safety risks
The recall was put in place after a customer discovered “visible black particulate matter” in a sealed vial. If the contaminant enters a patient's blood vessels, it could lead to serious complications, including a stroke or even death.
Biden chooses semaglutide for next round of Medicare price negotiations—Trump gets final say
The final list also included diabetes drugs sold by Boehringer Ingelheim and Merck. The first round of drug price negotiations reduced the Medicare prices for 10 popular drugs by up to 79%.
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders
The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

Cardiology’s Challenge for the 2020s: Turning the Trend on Rising Mortality

The latest numbers on cardiovascular deaths put the focus on innovative ways to point the trend line down again.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

American Heart Association highlights importance of NIH as battle over Trump funding cuts continues

“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist questions FDA’s approval process for high-risk medical devices

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of Johnson & Johnson heart pumps over safety concerns

No devices need to be returned at this time. However, the FDA warned, using these heart pumps without reviewing the updated instructions could result in "serious injury or death.”

Pharmaceutics

FDA ends semaglutide shortage, closing the door on compounded Wegovy, Ozempic

Novartis to acquire drugmaker behind new heart therapy for up to $3.1B

Blood pressure drug recalled due to black contaminants—FDA highlights safety risks

Biden chooses semaglutide for next round of Medicare price negotiations—Trump gets final say

FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

Around the web