Back in July, an FDA advisory panel voted not to recommend obesity drug Qnexa for government approval because of concerns about cardiovascular risks, memory loss and suicidal thoughts in people taking it, and potential harm to …
Policy & Industry
FDA Panel Can’t Make Heads or Tails of Genetically Modified Salmon
As you’ve probably heard by now, the first genetically engineered animal grown for food may soon be on the market. But not quite yet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel assigned to assess the safety of the new …
Seagull Droppings in Drug Development? Why Not!
Researchers have all kinds of sophisticated ways of tracking antibiotic resistant bacteria. Like biological CSI investigators, they use the bugs’ genetic fingerprints and knowledge of their favorite host haunts to learn more …
Stalling On Food Safety
Breaches on food safety are so common these days, my eyes glaze over looking at the FDA’s recall list. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 16,112 confirmed cases of foodborne illness, which amount to …
Why Being Poked and Prodded Is a Good Thing
Richard Knox had a great story on NPR today looking at how technologies are replacing the oldest form of doctoring – the physical exam. Knox’s reporting focuses on how modern medical training doesn’t emphasize the …
‘Frankenfish’ May Soon Be Spawning: Is Genetically Modified Salmon Safe?
I haven’t decided what to think about the controversial “Frankenfish,” the genetically modified salmon whose maker, Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies, is seeking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval — and seems …
New Weird Source of Antimicrobial Drugs: Cockroach Brains?
As I wrote recently, many of our most useful medications come from bizarre sources, ranging from mold from Adriatic castles to Gila monster spit and horse urine. Soon, cockroach brains may be added to this profoundly unappetizing list.
Egg Investigation Heads to Maine
The AP is reporting an inquiry into 3 egg farms in Maine that have ties to Jack DeCoster, owner of an Iowa farm involved in the largest ever egg recall. DeCoster’s company recalled 380 million eggs for salmonella contamination, …
Experts Split on Safety of Diet Drug Meridia
Two months after a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee recommended stronger restrictions on the use of a popular diabetes drug, the same panel voted to impose similar limitations on the use of the diet drug Meridia.
Number of the Day: 50.7 Million
The Census bureau announced today that 50.7 million people in the U.S., including 7.5 million children, did not have health insurance in 2009, up from 46.3 million in 2008. The number of U.S. residents with insurance in 2009 was …
No More Outdoor Smoking in New York City?
New York City’s government proposed legislation yesterday to ban smoking in city parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas like Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Despite rumors, the ban would not extend to city streets.
New Fat Fighting Machines: Real, FDA Approved
Two new machines that either freeze or deflate fat cells, helping to assist weight loss and even change a person’s overall shape, may be on the market soon. According to the FDA, they are not a gimmick.
FDA Panel Won’t Restrict Cough Syrup
As Healthland noted earlier, the FDA considered imposing an age limit on purchasing cough syrup, due to its abuse among teenagers. But last night, a panel assembled by the FDA voted to keep cough syrups like Robitussin and …