Tech Talk

Pandemic, PBM, and other policies on hold during the summer recess.

FDA's approval of Leqembi paves the way for wider coverage of the drug by Medicare and establishes a process for further clinical testing and evaluation of treatments for this widespread, debilitating condition

There is concern that debates will delay the five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR under review by Congress.

Reimbursement for Alzheimer's medicines still will occur only with the completion of studies to support full FDA approval.

FDA has published a new system for providing basic and essential information on patient use of drugs and certain biologic products.

Challenges to approval decisions have prompted FDA officials to reexamine of the role and composition of the agency’s many advisory committees and to explore options for change.

The Supreme Court’s action leaves open the prospect of further rulings that could undermine FDA’s approval process.

Will court challenges to FDA’s oversight authority open the door for multiple lawsuits to block agency decisions on all sides?

The agency is dealing with high demand for staff because of a surge in the development of cell and gene therapies.

A new Interagency Working Group for Bayh-Dole will review the government’s authority to revoke licenses for medical products.

Even after an FDA advisory panel voted 14–1 in October 2022 to remove the drug, Makena manufacturer Covis Pharma continued to press for some continued access to the therapy.

Congressional leaders are investigating how pharmacy benefit managers determine health plan coverage and charges for medicines.

GAO calls for more oversight of institutional review boards in clinical trials.

After years of FDA issuing guidance documents and launching programs to encourage sponsors to seek broader representation in clinical trials, policy makers have added a “stick” to the process.

Biden outlined a host of priorities for improving health care and building the economy during State of the Union address.

A realignment of the Office of Regulatory Affairs would create a focus on “critical activities” for ensuring the safety of foods and other regulated products, including drugs, biologics, and medical devices.

FDA will restart in-person, face-to-face meetings with industry sponsors beginning Feb. 13, 2023, after a shift to all-virtual meetings during the pandemic.

FDA plans to authorize a common bivalent shot that targets both the original COVID-19 strain and Omicron subvariants.

The agency revised a regulation to enable pharmacies to dispense mifepristone directly to individuals with a prescription.

FDA keeps its user fees but fails to gain important reforms.

A possible change in leadership on Capitol Hill has aggravated fears of political push-back on FDA regulation and approval of contraceptives and other medications.

An advisory committee’s vote to remove Makena from the market illustrates how difficult it is for regulators to ensure that such drugs document safety and effectiveness in a timely manner.

CBER maps modernization plan to handle surge in research and applications.

FDA is highlighting how the Patient-Focused Drug Development program has encouraged active involvement of many patient groups in bringing their perspectives into the process of developing, testing, and approving new medicines.

Legislative leaders are looking to approve a bare-bones measure to fund FDA operations as part of a short-term government funding bill.

Regulatory officials are addressing challenges in ensuring that clinical data can be relied on in making regulatory decisions.

The White House hopes to expand US modern biotech manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign sources of bioindustrial materials.

Democrats approve curbs for Medicare plans, but not for commercial drug coverage.