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Vertex Pain Drug Fails Phase 2 Trial
Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that its non-opioid pain reliever, VX993, did not meet the primary endpoints in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The drug failed to show significant improvement over a placebo in managing pain. This setback highlights the challenges in developing effective non-opioid alternatives amid the ongoing opioid crisis. The failure of VX993 impacts Vertex’s…
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Phishing Attack Breaches US Cancer Centers
A coordinated phishing attack has compromised sensitive patient data at multiple U.S. cancer centers affiliated with Integrated Oncology Network (ION). The breach, occurring between December 13 and 16, 2024, accessed employee email and SharePoint accounts, exposing protected health information such as names, diagnoses, and Social Security numbers. Over 130,000 individuals are affected, with major centers…
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FDA Approves LENZ Eye Drop for Presbyopia
The FDA has approved LENZ Therapeutics’ VIZZ, an aceclidine ophthalmic solution, marking it as the first FDA-approved eye drop for presbyopia in adults. Presbyopia, a condition causing blurred vision due to aging, affects approximately 128 million people in the U.S. This approval represents a significant advancement in treatment options for this widespread condition. VIZZ, previously…
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AI and Organoids Revolutionize Drug Testing
Congress and the FDA are advocating for a shift from animal testing to advanced technologies in drug research. Researchers at Children’s Mercy Hospital have developed lab-grown ‘hearts’ from stem cells, which can help personalize treatment and reduce trial and error. These organoids, along with ‘organ-on-a-chip’ technology, offer more accurate drug testing, potentially saving the industry…
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Big Pharma Influences Push Against Drug Discounts
A coalition of conservative groups, many funded by the pharmaceutical industry, urged Republican leaders to reform the 340B drug discount program. This program mandates drug manufacturers to offer discounted medications to rural healthcare providers. Critics claim hospitals misuse the program for profit, distributing drugs to affluent areas at higher prices. Nine signatories of the letter…
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Jason Barrett Appointed CEO of GW University Hospital
Jason Barrett has been appointed as the new CEO of The George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., effective August 18. In addition to his role as CEO, Barrett will serve as group vice president for the District of Columbia market, overseeing the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health. His leadership is expected to…
