Clinical Insights: June 12, 2024
Welcome to Pillr Health’s Clinical Insights, designed to help pharmacy professionals stay up to date on the ever-changing pharmaceutical and pharmacy marketplace.
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Rytelo™ (imetelstat) for Injection - New Drug Approval – June 6, 2024 – Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to change lives by changing the course of blood cancer, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rytelo™ (imetelstat) for the treatment of adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with transfusion-dependent (TD) anemia requiring four or more red blood cell units over eight weeks who have not responded to or have lost response to or are ineligible for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). <Read More> mRESVIA® (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Vaccine Approval – May 31, 2024 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mRESVIA® (mRNA-1345), an mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, to protect adults aged 60 years and older from lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV infection. The approval was granted under a breakthrough therapy designation and marks the second approved mRNA product from Moderna. <Read More> Onyda™ XR (clonidine hydrochloride) Extended-Release Suspension – New Drug Approval – May 24, 2024 – Tris Pharma, Inc. (Tris), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pain, addiction and neurological disorders, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Onyda™ XR (clonidine hydrochloride), a once-a-day extended-release oral suspension with nighttime dosing, for the treatment of ADHD as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy to approved central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications in pediatric patients six years and older. <Read More> Imdelltra™ (tarlatamab-dlle) for Injection – New Drug Approval – May 16, 2024 – The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltraä, Amgen, Inc.) for extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Efficacy was evaluated in 99 patients with relapsed/refractory ES-SCLC with disease progression following platinum-based chemotherapy enrolled in DeLLphi-301 [NCT05060016], an open-label, multicenter, multi-cohort study. Patients with symptomatic brain metastases, interstitial lung disease or non-infectious pneumonitis, and active immunodeficiency were excluded. Patients received tarlatamab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. <Read More>
New Indication/Dosage/Formulation Approval
Arexvy® (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) Suspension for Intramuscular Injection – New Label Expansion – June 7, 2024 – GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Arexvy® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine, Adjuvanted) for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in adults 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk. In the US, the vaccine is currently approved for use in adults aged 60 and older and recommended by CDC/ACIP using shared clinical decision-making. <Read More> Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Suspension for Intravenous Infusion – New Label Expansion – May 30, 2024 – Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel), a CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received two or more prior lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and duration of response. <Read More> Retevmo® (selpercatinib) Capsules and Tablets – New Label Expansion – May 29, 2024 – The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to selpercatinib (Retevmo® , Eli Lilly and Company) for pediatric patients two years of age and older with the following: 1) Advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) with a RET mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who require systemic therapy; 2) Advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer with a RET gene fusion, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who require systemic therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate); and 3) Locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors with a RET gene fusion, as detected by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed on or following prior systemic treatment or who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. <Read More> Benlysta® (belimumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – May 16, 2024 – GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 200 mg subcutaneous route of administration of Benlysta® (belimumab), a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibiting monoclonal antibody, for patients five years of age and older with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy. This option provides pediatric patients the possibility to receive the treatment at home. <Read More> Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Suspension for Intravenous Infusion – New Label Expansion – May 15, 2024 – Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel), a CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, including a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. This FDA approval marks the fourth distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma for which Breyanzi is approved, making it the CAR T cell therapy available to treat the broadest array of B-cell malignancies. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
June 10, 2024
Vitamin A Palmitate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
June 04, 2024
Calcium Chloride; Dextrose; Magnesium Chloride; Sodium Chloride; Sodium Lactate Solution (Discontinuation)
Estradiol Valerate Injection (Discontinuation)
May 30, 2024
Furosemide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
May 24, 2024
Insulin Glargine Injection (Discontinuation)
May 17, 2024
Azithromycin for Suspension (Discontinuation)
Updated Drug Shortage
June 06, 2024
Sodium Acetate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
May 05, 2024
Atropine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Bumetanide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Cefotetan Disodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Chloroprocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Cisplatin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Cytarabine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dacarbazine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dextrose Monohydrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Epinephrine Bitartrate, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Gentamicin Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Leucovorin Calcium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Midazolam Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Rifampin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 14.6% Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 23.4% Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic, Anhydrous, Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sterile Water Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Vinblastine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
June 04, 2024
Disopyramide Phosphate Capsule (Resolved)
Dulaglutide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Liraglutide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Somatropin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Tirzepatide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
May 31, 2024
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Flurazepam Hydrochloride Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
May 30, 2024
Alprostadil Suppository (Currently in Shortage)
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Vecuronium Bromide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Sagent Pharmaceuticals Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Docetaxel Injection, USP – New Voluntary Recall – May 28, 2024 – Sagent Pharmaceuticals announced the voluntary nationwide recall of two lots of Docetaxel Injection, USP (80 mg per 8 mL multi-dose vials and 160 mg per 16 mL multi-dose vials). The product was distributed by Sagent Pharmaceuticals. Sagent has initiated this voluntary recall of Docetaxel Injection, USP to the User Level as the result of a customer complaint due to potential presence of particulate matter from the stopper in the drug product. <Read More> Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Injection Carpuject™ Units and Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP Carpuject™ Units Hospira Inc. - New Voluntary Recall – May 22, 2024 - Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer company (“Pfizer”), is voluntarily recalling the lots listed in the table below of Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Injection Carpuject™ Units and Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP Carpuject™ Units to the User level. The recall was initiated due to the potential for incomplete crimp seals; one customer complaint has been received for one leaking unit. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
Bkemv™ (eculizumab-aeeb) Injection – New Biosimilar Approval – May 28, 2024 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Bkemv™ (eculizumab-aeeb) as the first interchangeable biosimilar to Soliris (eculizumab) to treat certain rare diseases. Bkemv™ is approved for the following treatment indications, which are also currently approved for Soliris: 1) the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis; and 2) the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. <Read More> Opuviz™ (aflibercept-yszy) and Yesafiliä (aflibercept-jbvf) Injection – New Biosimilar Approvals – May 20, 2024 – FDA approved Yesafili™ (aflibercept-jbvf) and Opuviz™ (aflibercept-yszy) as interchangeable biosimilars to Eylea® (aflibercept). Aflibercept products work by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which prevents abnormal blood vessel growth within the eye. By blocking VEGF, aflibercept products can slow down or reduce damage to the retina and help preserve vision. <Read More>
Clinical and Pharmacy News
Clinical Practice Guideline Updated for Service Members and Veterans at Risk for Suicide – June 6, 2024 – For adults who served or current active duty military at high risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, new guidance for clinicians can streamline the help they need. Updated clinical practice guidelines, otherwise known as CPGs, from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are an essential tool in assessing and managing patients and offer evidence-based recommendations for health care providers, according to Isabella Alvarez, nurse administrator coordinator, DOD program management for VA-DOD clinical practice guidelines. A joint VA-DOD working group announced in May 2024 the release of the revised guideline, “The Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (2024),” to aid in critical decision points, Alvarez said. <Read More> How a St. Paul Pharmacy's Fight for Survival is Tied to the 'Middle Men' of Drug Pricing – June 7, 2024 –Lavonne Meyer is no stranger to the St. Paul Corner Drug Store…“We can't continue to do business with PBMs that aren't going to pay us the cost to do business,” said Hoeschen. Hoeschen is talking about the reimbursements that PBMs pay to pharmacies for dispensing specific drugs. When he took over ownership of the pharmacy in the 1990s, those reimbursements were enough to pay the pharmacy's bills and keep its doors open. However, those reimbursements from PBMs have continued to drop, and according to Hoeschen, the drop has been so severe that the pharmacy is now losing money on most of the prescriptions it fills for patients, which, in turn, led the pharmacy to stop taking new patients. <Read More> U.S. Pharmacy Benefit Management Market Size to Reach USD 853.50 Bn by 2033 – June 3, 2024 – According to latest study, the U.S. pharmacy benefit management market size is calculated at USD 518.24 billion for 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 853.50 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2033. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play a crucial role in the U.S. healthcare system, facilitating safe, efficient, and affordable access to prescription drugs for over 260 million Americans. <Read More> Pharmacy Benefit Coverage of CGMs Increases Uptake – May 30, 2024 – Covering continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through a pharmacy, versus medical, benefit resulted in improvements in hemoglobin A1c and average glucose scores in people with diabetes, according to data presented in a bronze award–winning poster (E6) at AMCP 2024, in New Orleans. “The importance [of this study] for employers and health plans [is] to identify and address barriers such as prior authorizations and copays that are limiting a person’s access to a proven technology, such as CGM, that can help a person manage diabetes effectively,” said study author Roy Thomas, PharmD, the director of managed markets medical affairs at Dexcom, in San Diego. “As employers and health plans improve access to CGM, pharmacists and prescribers can confidently recommend and prescribe it to their patients with diabetes regardless of their treatment, without concerns of insurance not covering the CGM.” <Read More> Focus on Women’s Health, From Contraception to Well-Being – May 29, 2024 – May is Women’s Health Awareness Month and the perfect time to highlight the vital role pharmacists play in medication therapy management (MTM). From reproductive health to osteoporosis prevention, pharmacists can provide a variety of services to support women’s health initiatives such as health screening, maternal vaccinations, and reproductive health services. One of the goals of Healthy People 2030 focuses on women’s health, including topics such as cancer, family planning, foodborne illness, osteoporosis, pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted infections, tobacco use, and vaccinations. <Read More>
340B in the News
Lawsuits Pile up Over State Laws on Discounts for Hospitals' Contract Pharmacies – June 3, 2024 – The pharmaceutical industry has filed at least four lawsuits this year challenging state laws requiring drugmakers to offer discounts on drugs dispensed by third-party pharmacies that contract with hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations… All of the lawsuits say that the state laws conflict with the federal law governing a drug-discount program for hospitals and clinics that serve low-income populations, known as 340B. Drugmakers must participate in the 340B program in order to receive funds from government health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid. <Read More> An Obscure Drug Discount Program Stifles Use of Federal Lifeline by Rural Hospitals – May 30, 2024 – Facing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide. In Anamosa, Iowa — a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more than 900 miles from the nation’s capital — rural hospital leader Eric Briesemeister is watching for Congress’ next move. The 22-bed hospital Briesemeister runs averages about seven inpatients each night, and its most recent federal filings show it earned just $95,445 in annual net income from serving patients. Yet Briesemeister isn’t interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, which would mean getting millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. In exchange for that financial support, hospitals that join the program keep their emergency departments open and give up inpatient beds. <Read More> Manufacturers Are “Winning” in the 340B Drug Discount Dispute – May 29, 2024 – Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act has grown significantly since its enactment in 1992 – both in the number of covered entities eligible to participate and in the volume of drugs purchased through the program. The rapid growth in the discount drug program has caused a series of legal challenges between manufacturers and providers. Manufacturers secured an important victory on May 21, 2024, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision in United Therapeutics Corporation v. Carole Johnson, et al./Novartis Pharmaceuticals v. Carole Johnson (consolidated cases). The D.C. Circuit affirmed that Section 340B does not categorically prohibit manufacturers from imposing conditions on the distribution of covered drugs to covered entities. This is the second federal appeals court to rule on the ongoing 340B drug discount dispute. <Read More> Talks to Expand 340B Medicaid Drug Program to Continue Next Session – May 28, 2024 – New York lawmakers do not expect to reach an agreement to expand the state's managed Medicaid prescription drug reimbursement program, known as 340B, before session ends in the next two weeks — saying Tuesday the debate will continue next year amid a push for greater oversight to ensure hospitals give adequate aid to distressed health centers…The state transitioned last year to a system to directly manage pharmacy reimbursements in attempts to rein in Medicaid spending that continues to grow at an unsustainable rate and give greater transparency into prescription drug costs. Impacted health providers say the change has led to a decrease in savings for clinics other providers that serve low-income patients. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: September 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 28, 2025 – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) for adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The approval was based on the pivotal LUNA 3 phase 3 study, in which Wayrilz™ met the primary and secondary endpoints, showing a positive impact on sustained platelet counts and other ITP symptoms. <Read More>
Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 21, 2025 – Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Dawnzera™ is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. Dawnzera™ 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W). <Read More>
Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) - formerly TNX-102 SL – New Drug Approval – August 15, 2025 – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. Tonmya™ is a first-in-class, non-opioid, once-daily bedtime analgesic with a unique sublingual (under the tongue) formulation that is designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Tonmya™ is the first new FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in over 15 years. <Read More>
Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 14, 2025 – Precigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGEN), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the advancement of innovative precision medicines to improve the lives of patients, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Papzimeos™ is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of adults with RRP. Precigen completed submission of the rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) in December 2024 under an accelerated approval pathway; however, the FDA has granted Papzimeos™ full approval, which does not require a confirmatory clinical trial. Papzimeos™ is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based immunotherapy designed to express a fusion antigen comprising selected regions of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 proteins—the root cause of RRP. Papzimeos™ is delivered via four subcutaneous injections over a 12-week interval. <Read More>
Brinsupri™ (brensocatib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 12, 2025 – Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM), a people-first global biopharmaceutical company striving to deliver first- and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients facing serious diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved first-in-class Brinsupri™ (brensocatib 10 mg and 25 mg tablets), an oral, once-daily treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adults and children 12 years and older. Brinsupri™ is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for NCFB, giving hundreds of thousands of patients and clinicians across the U.S. an option to manage this chronic and progressive disease that can lead to permanent lung damage and lung function decline. <Read More>
Hernexeos® (zongertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 8, 2025 – Boehringer Ingelheim’s Hernexeos® (zongertinib tablets) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The kinase inhibitor is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received prior systemic therapy. <Read More>
KETARx™ (ketamine hydrochloride) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 7, 2025 – PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "PharmaTher") (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the pharmaceutical potential of ketamine, announced the advancement of its ketamine transdermal patch as a next-generation, non-opioid pain relief solution, building on the recent FDA approval of its IV ketamine product (KETARx™). <Read More>
Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) Capsules – New Drug Approval – August 6, 2025 – Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with diffuse midline glioma harboring an H3 K27M mutation with progressive disease following prior therapy. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the Phase 3 ACTION confirmatory trial. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Leqembi® (lecanemab-irmb) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 29, 2025 – Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, "Eisai") and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB, Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, CEO: Christopher A. Viehbacher, "Biogen") announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for once weekly lecanemab-irmb subcutaneous injection (U.S. brand name: Leqembi® Iqlik™, pronounced "I Click") for maintenance dosing. Leqembi® Iqlik™ is a subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI) developed by Eisai, containing 360 mg/1.8 mL (200 mg/mL) that can be administered in approximately 15 seconds. <Read More>
Comirnaty® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE, “Pfizer”) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, “BioNTech”) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the companies’ LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® LP.8.1; COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for use in adults ages 65 years and older, as well as in individuals ages 5 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Filspari® (sparsentan) Tablets – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Travere Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) labeling for Filspari® (sparsentan), the only Dual Endothelin Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist for the treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Applications (sBLA) for the 2025-2026 formulas for Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®, targeting the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 to help prevent COVID-19. <Read More>
Nuvaxovid™ (COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted) Injectable Suspension – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Nuvaxovid™ 2025-2026 Formula for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 65 years of age and older, or 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Repatha® (evolocumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 21, 2025 – Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened the approved use of Repatha® (evolocumab) to include adults at increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) due to uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as 'bad cholesterol.' The update removes a prior requirement for a patient to have been diagnosed with cardiovascular (CV) disease. <Read More>
Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 15, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection to treat metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis (excessive scar tissue in the liver). MASH, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is a serious liver disease. Wegovy®, which was first approved in 2017, is also approved for obesity or overweight and to reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in individuals at high risk of these events. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults (14.9 million people) have MASH, and its prevalence is expanding. <Read More>
Ajovy® (fremanezumab-vfrm) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 5, 2025 – Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ajovy® for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in children and adolescent patients aged 6-17 years who weigh 45 kilograms (99 pounds) or more. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
September 8, 2025
Sumatriptan Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
Vecuronium Bromide Injection (Discontinuation)
September 4, 2025
Azelastine Hydrochloride; Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
August 29, 2025
Methotrexate Injection (Discontinuation)
August 27, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 25, 2025
Bumetanide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
September 5, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 4, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 3, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 2, 2025
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
August 29, 2025
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Resolved)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg by Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – August 27, 2025 – Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc. is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg, to the consumer level. The Cyclobenzaprine 10mg (90ct) label was inadvertently placed on a bottle containing Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablets. <Read More>
Lactated Ringer’s Injection USP 1000 mL and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL by B. Braun Medical – New Voluntary Recall – August 19, 2025 - B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun) is voluntarily recalling two lots of Lactated Ringers Injection USP 1000 mL, and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL to the hospital level due to the presence of particulate matter inside the container. B. Braun has identified through complaints the potential for the product to contain particulate matter in solution. To date there have been no reports of serious injury, death or other adverse events associated with this issue. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
Walgreens Shakeup Sparks Patient Fear as Pharmacies Face More Closures After 295 Shutters – September 8, 2025 – A few months after a definitive agreement signing in March, Walgreens has been officially purchased by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion, per a press release. Part of the deal means that Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries are split into five separate and privately-owned operations… While the $10 billion was heavily supported by Walgreens shareholders, some industry experts worry that this decision will ultimately lead to more layoffs and closures for the brand, per what they told Healthcare Brew. <Read More>
A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Stopped Covering a GLP-1 for Obesity. Now There’s a Lawsuit – September 6, 2025 – A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS Caremark over its decision to stop covering Zepbound®, Eli Lilly’s blockbuster GLP-1 drug to treat obesity. When the major pharmacy benefit manager informed patients about the change this year, it suggested that there was “another covered medication that’s safe and effective for your condition and may cost less”: namely Wegovy®, from Novo Nordisk, with which CVS Caremark announced a partnership just before the change took effect. <Read More>
The Five Biggest Challenges Facing Retail Pharmacy – August 28, 2025 – Retail pharmacy operators face an array of challenges beyond PBM reform, which many observers say remains the single biggest obstacle to operating successfully in today’s environment. Among the most pressing issues is how the Medicare price negotiations that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act will play out at the retail level. Many retailers are concerned that reimbursement mechanisms might not be adequate to support their cash flow needs. In addition, the reimbursement models that evolve for GLP-1 drugs and other high-cost medications could also pose challenges for retailers. <Read More>
Getting a Covid Shot This Fall Could be a lot More Complicated – August 22, 2025 – The millions of Americans who are used to getting their Covid-19 vaccines at a local pharmacy may face new hurdles this fall depending on where they live and whether federal health officials have decided they qualify. Pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate individuals varies across state lines. In some places, it’s dependent upon a federal advisory process that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has upended. <Read More>
Determining if LAAO Will Benefit Patients With Afib Using Novel AI Algorithm – August 16, 2025 – Researchers in Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery in collaboration with Cardiovascular Medicine developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to identify patients likely to benefit from transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) versus direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This algorithm can help patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who need to be referred to a subspecialty for consultation. The findings were published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. <Read More>
Costco to Not Sell Abortion Pill Mifepristone at its US Pharmacy Stores – August 15, 2025 – Costco Wholesale (COST.O), opens new tab said on Thursday it has decided to not sell abortion pill mifepristone across all its U.S. pharmacy stores, citing low demand. "Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers," Costco said. The decision comes amid campaigns against the pill by religious activist groups, including Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom. <Read More>
House, Senate Bills Would Expand Pharmacists’ Scope of Practice – August 14, 2025 – H.R. 3164, the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, has been sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.). The bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for pharmacists to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients for a range of illnesses including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and streptococcal pharyngitis. The measure also would let pharmacists test and treat patients in response to an unspecified “public health need” related to a public health emergency. <Read More>
Eli Lilly Accused of Bribing Providers to Prescribe GLP-1RA Drugs – August 13, 2025 – Despite posting record Q2 growth for its blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drug tirzepatide, Eli Lilly is facing legal challenge from a lawsuit filed in Texas that accuses the pharma company of bribing providers to prescribe its drugs. Attorney General for Texas Ken Paxton and Health Choice Alliance claim Eli Lilly “offered illegal incentives” to medical providers in the southern state so its most profitable drugs, including popular glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, would be preferentially prescribed to patients. <Read More>
An AI “Copilot” Can Reduce Prescription Errors That Put Patients at Risk – August 12, 2025 – “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” If only prescribing medications were as simple as that. In reality, the prescription process involves many players and steps. Details must be accurately spelled out, interpreted, and double-checked to ensure patients get the correct drug and dosage…With several collaborators at Amazon, Bayati developed an AI-based system for translating prescriptions with fewer errors. “An AI approach to this problem is a good choice because it’s capable of seeing patterns in prescription data and could flag prescriptions that match error-related patterns and write error-free ones,” Bayati says. <Read More>
340B in the News
AHA Accuses Drug Companies of Colluding to Impose 340B Rebate Plans – September 9, 2025 – The country’s largest hospital lobby is accusing five major drugmakers of secretly conspiring to transition to a rebate model in 340B, in the latest salvo between providers and pharmaceutical companies over the future of the drug discount program. On Monday, the American Hospital Association sent a letter to the heads of the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department’s antitrust division asking them to investigate Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi and Novartis for potential collusion. <Read More>
CBO Confirms 340B Drug Pricing Program Increases Costs for Federal Taxpayers – September 9, 2025 – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) report released September 9th, which confirmed the 340B Drug Pricing Program encourages behaviors that increase federal spending and raise prices for American taxpayers. Some of those behaviors include incentivizing the prescription of more expensive drugs, reducing negotiated rebates for insurers, and increasing vertical integration among facilities. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: September 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 28, 2025 – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) for adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The approval was based on the pivotal LUNA 3 phase 3 study, in which Wayrilz™ met the primary and secondary endpoints, showing a positive impact on sustained platelet counts and other ITP symptoms. <Read More>
Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 21, 2025 – Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Dawnzera™ is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. Dawnzera™ 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W). <Read More>
Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) - formerly TNX-102 SL – New Drug Approval – August 15, 2025 – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. Tonmya™ is a first-in-class, non-opioid, once-daily bedtime analgesic with a unique sublingual (under the tongue) formulation that is designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Tonmya™ is the first new FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in over 15 years. <Read More>
Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 14, 2025 – Precigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGEN), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the advancement of innovative precision medicines to improve the lives of patients, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Papzimeos™ is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of adults with RRP. Precigen completed submission of the rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) in December 2024 under an accelerated approval pathway; however, the FDA has granted Papzimeos™ full approval, which does not require a confirmatory clinical trial. Papzimeos™ is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based immunotherapy designed to express a fusion antigen comprising selected regions of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 proteins—the root cause of RRP. Papzimeos™ is delivered via four subcutaneous injections over a 12-week interval. <Read More>
Brinsupri™ (brensocatib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 12, 2025 – Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM), a people-first global biopharmaceutical company striving to deliver first- and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients facing serious diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved first-in-class Brinsupri™ (brensocatib 10 mg and 25 mg tablets), an oral, once-daily treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adults and children 12 years and older. Brinsupri™ is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for NCFB, giving hundreds of thousands of patients and clinicians across the U.S. an option to manage this chronic and progressive disease that can lead to permanent lung damage and lung function decline. <Read More>
Hernexeos® (zongertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 8, 2025 – Boehringer Ingelheim’s Hernexeos® (zongertinib tablets) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The kinase inhibitor is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received prior systemic therapy. <Read More>
KETARx™ (ketamine hydrochloride) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 7, 2025 – PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "PharmaTher") (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the pharmaceutical potential of ketamine, announced the advancement of its ketamine transdermal patch as a next-generation, non-opioid pain relief solution, building on the recent FDA approval of its IV ketamine product (KETARx™). <Read More>
Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) Capsules – New Drug Approval – August 6, 2025 – Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with diffuse midline glioma harboring an H3 K27M mutation with progressive disease following prior therapy. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the Phase 3 ACTION confirmatory trial. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Leqembi® (lecanemab-irmb) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 29, 2025 – Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, "Eisai") and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB, Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, CEO: Christopher A. Viehbacher, "Biogen") announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for once weekly lecanemab-irmb subcutaneous injection (U.S. brand name: Leqembi® Iqlik™, pronounced "I Click") for maintenance dosing. Leqembi® Iqlik™ is a subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI) developed by Eisai, containing 360 mg/1.8 mL (200 mg/mL) that can be administered in approximately 15 seconds. <Read More>
Comirnaty® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE, “Pfizer”) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, “BioNTech”) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the companies’ LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® LP.8.1; COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for use in adults ages 65 years and older, as well as in individuals ages 5 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Filspari® (sparsentan) Tablets – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Travere Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) labeling for Filspari® (sparsentan), the only Dual Endothelin Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist for the treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Applications (sBLA) for the 2025-2026 formulas for Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®, targeting the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 to help prevent COVID-19. <Read More>
Nuvaxovid™ (COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted) Injectable Suspension – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Nuvaxovid™ 2025-2026 Formula for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 65 years of age and older, or 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Repatha® (evolocumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 21, 2025 – Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened the approved use of Repatha® (evolocumab) to include adults at increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) due to uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as 'bad cholesterol.' The update removes a prior requirement for a patient to have been diagnosed with cardiovascular (CV) disease. <Read More>
Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 15, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection to treat metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis (excessive scar tissue in the liver). MASH, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is a serious liver disease. Wegovy®, which was first approved in 2017, is also approved for obesity or overweight and to reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in individuals at high risk of these events. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults (14.9 million people) have MASH, and its prevalence is expanding. <Read More>
Ajovy® (fremanezumab-vfrm) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 5, 2025 – Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ajovy® for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in children and adolescent patients aged 6-17 years who weigh 45 kilograms (99 pounds) or more. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
September 8, 2025
Sumatriptan Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
Vecuronium Bromide Injection (Discontinuation)
September 4, 2025
Azelastine Hydrochloride; Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
August 29, 2025
Methotrexate Injection (Discontinuation)
August 27, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 25, 2025
Bumetanide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
September 5, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 4, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 3, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 2, 2025
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
August 29, 2025
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Resolved)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg by Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – August 27, 2025 – Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc. is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg, to the consumer level. The Cyclobenzaprine 10mg (90ct) label was inadvertently placed on a bottle containing Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablets. <Read More>
Lactated Ringer’s Injection USP 1000 mL and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL by B. Braun Medical – New Voluntary Recall – August 19, 2025 - B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun) is voluntarily recalling two lots of Lactated Ringers Injection USP 1000 mL, and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL to the hospital level due to the presence of particulate matter inside the container. B. Braun has identified through complaints the potential for the product to contain particulate matter in solution. To date there have been no reports of serious injury, death or other adverse events associated with this issue. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
Walgreens Shakeup Sparks Patient Fear as Pharmacies Face More Closures After 295 Shutters – September 8, 2025 – A few months after a definitive agreement signing in March, Walgreens has been officially purchased by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion, per a press release. Part of the deal means that Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries are split into five separate and privately-owned operations… While the $10 billion was heavily supported by Walgreens shareholders, some industry experts worry that this decision will ultimately lead to more layoffs and closures for the brand, per what they told Healthcare Brew. <Read More>
A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Stopped Covering a GLP-1 for Obesity. Now There’s a Lawsuit – September 6, 2025 – A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS Caremark over its decision to stop covering Zepbound®, Eli Lilly’s blockbuster GLP-1 drug to treat obesity. When the major pharmacy benefit manager informed patients about the change this year, it suggested that there was “another covered medication that’s safe and effective for your condition and may cost less”: namely Wegovy®, from Novo Nordisk, with which CVS Caremark announced a partnership just before the change took effect. <Read More>
The Five Biggest Challenges Facing Retail Pharmacy – August 28, 2025 – Retail pharmacy operators face an array of challenges beyond PBM reform, which many observers say remains the single biggest obstacle to operating successfully in today’s environment. Among the most pressing issues is how the Medicare price negotiations that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act will play out at the retail level. Many retailers are concerned that reimbursement mechanisms might not be adequate to support their cash flow needs. In addition, the reimbursement models that evolve for GLP-1 drugs and other high-cost medications could also pose challenges for retailers. <Read More>
Getting a Covid Shot This Fall Could be a lot More Complicated – August 22, 2025 – The millions of Americans who are used to getting their Covid-19 vaccines at a local pharmacy may face new hurdles this fall depending on where they live and whether federal health officials have decided they qualify. Pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate individuals varies across state lines. In some places, it’s dependent upon a federal advisory process that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has upended. <Read More>
Determining if LAAO Will Benefit Patients With Afib Using Novel AI Algorithm – August 16, 2025 – Researchers in Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery in collaboration with Cardiovascular Medicine developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to identify patients likely to benefit from transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) versus direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This algorithm can help patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who need to be referred to a subspecialty for consultation. The findings were published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. <Read More>
Costco to Not Sell Abortion Pill Mifepristone at its US Pharmacy Stores – August 15, 2025 – Costco Wholesale (COST.O), opens new tab said on Thursday it has decided to not sell abortion pill mifepristone across all its U.S. pharmacy stores, citing low demand. "Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers," Costco said. The decision comes amid campaigns against the pill by religious activist groups, including Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom. <Read More>
House, Senate Bills Would Expand Pharmacists’ Scope of Practice – August 14, 2025 – H.R. 3164, the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, has been sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.). The bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for pharmacists to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients for a range of illnesses including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and streptococcal pharyngitis. The measure also would let pharmacists test and treat patients in response to an unspecified “public health need” related to a public health emergency. <Read More>
Eli Lilly Accused of Bribing Providers to Prescribe GLP-1RA Drugs – August 13, 2025 – Despite posting record Q2 growth for its blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drug tirzepatide, Eli Lilly is facing legal challenge from a lawsuit filed in Texas that accuses the pharma company of bribing providers to prescribe its drugs. Attorney General for Texas Ken Paxton and Health Choice Alliance claim Eli Lilly “offered illegal incentives” to medical providers in the southern state so its most profitable drugs, including popular glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, would be preferentially prescribed to patients. <Read More>
An AI “Copilot” Can Reduce Prescription Errors That Put Patients at Risk – August 12, 2025 – “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” If only prescribing medications were as simple as that. In reality, the prescription process involves many players and steps. Details must be accurately spelled out, interpreted, and double-checked to ensure patients get the correct drug and dosage…With several collaborators at Amazon, Bayati developed an AI-based system for translating prescriptions with fewer errors. “An AI approach to this problem is a good choice because it’s capable of seeing patterns in prescription data and could flag prescriptions that match error-related patterns and write error-free ones,” Bayati says. <Read More>
340B in the News
AHA Accuses Drug Companies of Colluding to Impose 340B Rebate Plans – September 9, 2025 – The country’s largest hospital lobby is accusing five major drugmakers of secretly conspiring to transition to a rebate model in 340B, in the latest salvo between providers and pharmaceutical companies over the future of the drug discount program. On Monday, the American Hospital Association sent a letter to the heads of the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department’s antitrust division asking them to investigate Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi and Novartis for potential collusion. <Read More>
CBO Confirms 340B Drug Pricing Program Increases Costs for Federal Taxpayers – September 9, 2025 – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) report released September 9th, which confirmed the 340B Drug Pricing Program encourages behaviors that increase federal spending and raise prices for American taxpayers. Some of those behaviors include incentivizing the prescription of more expensive drugs, reducing negotiated rebates for insurers, and increasing vertical integration among facilities. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: September 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 28, 2025 – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wayrilz™ (rilzabrutinib) for adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The approval was based on the pivotal LUNA 3 phase 3 study, in which Wayrilz™ met the primary and secondary endpoints, showing a positive impact on sustained platelet counts and other ITP symptoms. <Read More>
Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 21, 2025 – Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dawnzera™ (donidalorsen) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Dawnzera™ is the first and only RNA-targeted medicine approved for HAE, designed to target plasma prekallikrein (PKK), a key protein that activates inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of HAE. Dawnzera™ 80mg is self-administered via subcutaneous autoinjector once every four (Q4W) or eight weeks (Q8W). <Read More>
Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) - formerly TNX-102 SL – New Drug Approval – August 15, 2025 – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tonmya™ (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. Tonmya™ is a first-in-class, non-opioid, once-daily bedtime analgesic with a unique sublingual (under the tongue) formulation that is designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Tonmya™ is the first new FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in over 15 years. <Read More>
Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 14, 2025 – Precigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGEN), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the advancement of innovative precision medicines to improve the lives of patients, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Papzimeos™ (zopapogene imadenovec-drba) for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Papzimeos™ is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of adults with RRP. Precigen completed submission of the rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) in December 2024 under an accelerated approval pathway; however, the FDA has granted Papzimeos™ full approval, which does not require a confirmatory clinical trial. Papzimeos™ is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based immunotherapy designed to express a fusion antigen comprising selected regions of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 proteins—the root cause of RRP. Papzimeos™ is delivered via four subcutaneous injections over a 12-week interval. <Read More>
Brinsupri™ (brensocatib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 12, 2025 – Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM), a people-first global biopharmaceutical company striving to deliver first- and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients facing serious diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved first-in-class Brinsupri™ (brensocatib 10 mg and 25 mg tablets), an oral, once-daily treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adults and children 12 years and older. Brinsupri™ is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for NCFB, giving hundreds of thousands of patients and clinicians across the U.S. an option to manage this chronic and progressive disease that can lead to permanent lung damage and lung function decline. <Read More>
Hernexeos® (zongertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – August 8, 2025 – Boehringer Ingelheim’s Hernexeos® (zongertinib tablets) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The kinase inhibitor is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received prior systemic therapy. <Read More>
KETARx™ (ketamine hydrochloride) Injection – New Drug Approval – August 7, 2025 – PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "PharmaTher") (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the pharmaceutical potential of ketamine, announced the advancement of its ketamine transdermal patch as a next-generation, non-opioid pain relief solution, building on the recent FDA approval of its IV ketamine product (KETARx™). <Read More>
Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) Capsules – New Drug Approval – August 6, 2025 – Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Modeyso™ (dordaviprone) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with diffuse midline glioma harboring an H3 K27M mutation with progressive disease following prior therapy. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the Phase 3 ACTION confirmatory trial. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Leqembi® (lecanemab-irmb) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 29, 2025 – Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, "Eisai") and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB, Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, CEO: Christopher A. Viehbacher, "Biogen") announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for once weekly lecanemab-irmb subcutaneous injection (U.S. brand name: Leqembi® Iqlik™, pronounced "I Click") for maintenance dosing. Leqembi® Iqlik™ is a subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI) developed by Eisai, containing 360 mg/1.8 mL (200 mg/mL) that can be administered in approximately 15 seconds. <Read More>
Comirnaty® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE, “Pfizer”) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, “BioNTech”) announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the companies’ LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® LP.8.1; COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for use in adults ages 65 years and older, as well as in individuals ages 5 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Filspari® (sparsentan) Tablets – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Travere Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) labeling for Filspari® (sparsentan), the only Dual Endothelin Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist for the treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Applications (sBLA) for the 2025-2026 formulas for Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®, targeting the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 to help prevent COVID-19. <Read More>
Nuvaxovid™ (COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted) Injectable Suspension – New Label Expansion – August 27, 2025 – Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Nuvaxovid™ 2025-2026 Formula for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 65 years of age and older, or 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. <Read More>
Repatha® (evolocumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 21, 2025 – Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened the approved use of Repatha® (evolocumab) to include adults at increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) due to uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as 'bad cholesterol.' The update removes a prior requirement for a patient to have been diagnosed with cardiovascular (CV) disease. <Read More>
Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 15, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection to treat metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis (excessive scar tissue in the liver). MASH, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is a serious liver disease. Wegovy®, which was first approved in 2017, is also approved for obesity or overweight and to reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in individuals at high risk of these events. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults (14.9 million people) have MASH, and its prevalence is expanding. <Read More>
Ajovy® (fremanezumab-vfrm) Injection – New Label Expansion – August 5, 2025 – Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ajovy® for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in children and adolescent patients aged 6-17 years who weigh 45 kilograms (99 pounds) or more. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
September 8, 2025
Sumatriptan Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
Vecuronium Bromide Injection (Discontinuation)
September 4, 2025
Azelastine Hydrochloride; Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray (Discontinuation)
August 29, 2025
Methotrexate Injection (Discontinuation)
August 27, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 25, 2025
Bumetanide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
September 5, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 4, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 3, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
September 2, 2025
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently in Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently in Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently in Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently in Shortage)
August 29, 2025
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Resolved)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg by Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – August 27, 2025 – Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc. is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg, to the consumer level. The Cyclobenzaprine 10mg (90ct) label was inadvertently placed on a bottle containing Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablets. <Read More>
Lactated Ringer’s Injection USP 1000 mL and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL by B. Braun Medical – New Voluntary Recall – August 19, 2025 - B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun) is voluntarily recalling two lots of Lactated Ringers Injection USP 1000 mL, and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL to the hospital level due to the presence of particulate matter inside the container. B. Braun has identified through complaints the potential for the product to contain particulate matter in solution. To date there have been no reports of serious injury, death or other adverse events associated with this issue. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
Walgreens Shakeup Sparks Patient Fear as Pharmacies Face More Closures After 295 Shutters – September 8, 2025 – A few months after a definitive agreement signing in March, Walgreens has been officially purchased by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion, per a press release. Part of the deal means that Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries are split into five separate and privately-owned operations… While the $10 billion was heavily supported by Walgreens shareholders, some industry experts worry that this decision will ultimately lead to more layoffs and closures for the brand, per what they told Healthcare Brew. <Read More>
A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Stopped Covering a GLP-1 for Obesity. Now There’s a Lawsuit – September 6, 2025 – A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS Caremark over its decision to stop covering Zepbound®, Eli Lilly’s blockbuster GLP-1 drug to treat obesity. When the major pharmacy benefit manager informed patients about the change this year, it suggested that there was “another covered medication that’s safe and effective for your condition and may cost less”: namely Wegovy®, from Novo Nordisk, with which CVS Caremark announced a partnership just before the change took effect. <Read More>
The Five Biggest Challenges Facing Retail Pharmacy – August 28, 2025 – Retail pharmacy operators face an array of challenges beyond PBM reform, which many observers say remains the single biggest obstacle to operating successfully in today’s environment. Among the most pressing issues is how the Medicare price negotiations that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act will play out at the retail level. Many retailers are concerned that reimbursement mechanisms might not be adequate to support their cash flow needs. In addition, the reimbursement models that evolve for GLP-1 drugs and other high-cost medications could also pose challenges for retailers. <Read More>
Getting a Covid Shot This Fall Could be a lot More Complicated – August 22, 2025 – The millions of Americans who are used to getting their Covid-19 vaccines at a local pharmacy may face new hurdles this fall depending on where they live and whether federal health officials have decided they qualify. Pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate individuals varies across state lines. In some places, it’s dependent upon a federal advisory process that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has upended. <Read More>
Determining if LAAO Will Benefit Patients With Afib Using Novel AI Algorithm – August 16, 2025 – Researchers in Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery in collaboration with Cardiovascular Medicine developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to identify patients likely to benefit from transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) versus direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This algorithm can help patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who need to be referred to a subspecialty for consultation. The findings were published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. <Read More>
Costco to Not Sell Abortion Pill Mifepristone at its US Pharmacy Stores – August 15, 2025 – Costco Wholesale (COST.O), opens new tab said on Thursday it has decided to not sell abortion pill mifepristone across all its U.S. pharmacy stores, citing low demand. "Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers," Costco said. The decision comes amid campaigns against the pill by religious activist groups, including Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom. <Read More>
House, Senate Bills Would Expand Pharmacists’ Scope of Practice – August 14, 2025 – H.R. 3164, the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, has been sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.). The bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for pharmacists to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients for a range of illnesses including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and streptococcal pharyngitis. The measure also would let pharmacists test and treat patients in response to an unspecified “public health need” related to a public health emergency. <Read More>
Eli Lilly Accused of Bribing Providers to Prescribe GLP-1RA Drugs – August 13, 2025 – Despite posting record Q2 growth for its blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drug tirzepatide, Eli Lilly is facing legal challenge from a lawsuit filed in Texas that accuses the pharma company of bribing providers to prescribe its drugs. Attorney General for Texas Ken Paxton and Health Choice Alliance claim Eli Lilly “offered illegal incentives” to medical providers in the southern state so its most profitable drugs, including popular glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, would be preferentially prescribed to patients. <Read More>
An AI “Copilot” Can Reduce Prescription Errors That Put Patients at Risk – August 12, 2025 – “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” If only prescribing medications were as simple as that. In reality, the prescription process involves many players and steps. Details must be accurately spelled out, interpreted, and double-checked to ensure patients get the correct drug and dosage…With several collaborators at Amazon, Bayati developed an AI-based system for translating prescriptions with fewer errors. “An AI approach to this problem is a good choice because it’s capable of seeing patterns in prescription data and could flag prescriptions that match error-related patterns and write error-free ones,” Bayati says. <Read More>
340B in the News
AHA Accuses Drug Companies of Colluding to Impose 340B Rebate Plans – September 9, 2025 – The country’s largest hospital lobby is accusing five major drugmakers of secretly conspiring to transition to a rebate model in 340B, in the latest salvo between providers and pharmaceutical companies over the future of the drug discount program. On Monday, the American Hospital Association sent a letter to the heads of the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department’s antitrust division asking them to investigate Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi and Novartis for potential collusion. <Read More>
CBO Confirms 340B Drug Pricing Program Increases Costs for Federal Taxpayers – September 9, 2025 – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) report released September 9th, which confirmed the 340B Drug Pricing Program encourages behaviors that increase federal spending and raise prices for American taxpayers. Some of those behaviors include incentivizing the prescription of more expensive drugs, reducing negotiated rebates for insurers, and increasing vertical integration among facilities. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: August 6th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Vizz™ (aceclidine) Ophthalmic Solution - formerly LNZ100 – New Drug Approval – July 31, 2025 – LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LENZ or “LENZ” or the “Company”), announced the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved Vizz™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%, the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Samples are anticipated in the United States as early as October 2025, with commercial product to be broadly available by mid-Q4 2025. Direct-to-eye care professional sales and marketing activities to be initiated immediately. <Read More>
Sephience™ (sepiapterin) Oral Powder – New Drug Approval – July 28, 2025 - PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sephience™ (sepiapterin) for the treatment of children and adults living with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approval includes broad labeling for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive PKU. <Read More>
Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) Topical Cream - New Drug Approval – July 23, 2025 - LEO Pharma, a global leader in medical dermatology, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) cream (20 mg/g) for the topical treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults who have had an inadequate response to, or for whom topical corticosteroids are not advisable. Anzupgo® is an innovative steroid-free, topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adults with CHE. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) Injection – New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors or hemophilia B with factor IX inhibitors. Alhemo® is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) daily. <Read More>
Leqvio® (inclisiran) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 - Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update for Leqvio® (inclisiran), enabling its use as monotherapy along with diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia. The FDA proactively requested the label update based on the robust LDL-C lowering data for PCSK9-targeting therapies. <Read More>
Biktarvy® (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 30, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a new approval for a novel indication for Biktarvy® (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, B/F/TAF). This new indication expands Biktarvy®’s label to include the treatment of people with HIV (PWH) with an antiretroviral treatment (ART) history who are not virologically suppressed, with no known or suspected resistance to the integrase strand inhibitor (INSTI) class, emtricitabine or tenofovir. <Read More>
Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) as the first treatment for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) in patients 12 years of age and older, to reduce proteinuria. C3G and primary IC-MPGN are rare kidney diseases, affecting 5,000 people in the United States. <Read More>
Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; developed as TransCon hGH) for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a rare disorder resulting from decreased or total loss of growth hormone production. Lonapegsomatropin (approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of pediatric GHD) is a prodrug of somatropin (human growth hormone, or hGH) administered once weekly, providing sustained release of active, unmodified somatropin. <Read More>
Doptelet® (avatrombopag) Tablets and Oral Granules - New Label Expansion – July 25, 2025 - Sobi North America, the North American affiliate of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi®), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients one year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a prior therapy. The approval also includes a new formulation, Doptelet® Sprinkle (avatrombopag) oral granules, for use in children ages one to less than six years. <Read More>
Shingrix® (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 17, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prefilled syringe presentation of Shingrix® (GSK’s Recombinant Zoster Vaccine or RZV) for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). The new prefilled syringe removes the need to reconstitute separate vials prior to administration, simplifying the vaccine administration process for healthcare professionals. <Read More>
Kerendia® (finerenone) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 14, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kerendia® (finerenone) to treat patients with heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%, following the agency’s Priority Review of its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). <Read More>
Spikevax® (Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine) (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 10, 2025 - Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Spikevax®, the Company's COVID-19 vaccine, in children 6 months through 11 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 disease. The Company's COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273, was previously available for pediatric populations under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). <Read More>
Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 9, 2025 - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update with a new recommended titration dosing schedule for Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt), Lilly's once-monthly amyloid-targeting therapy for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), which includes people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as people in the mild dementia stage of AD, with confirmed amyloid pathology. In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study, the modified titration schedule significantly lowered the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusion (ARIA-E) versus the original dosing schedule at 24 and 52 weeks, while still achieving similar levels of amyloid plaque removal and P-tau217 reduction. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 1, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate; Benzoyl Peroxide Gel (Discontinuation)
July 29, 2025
Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablet (Discontinuation)
Esterified Estrogens Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 28, 2025
Voriconazole Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 24, 2025
Glipizide Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 23, 2025
Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablet (Discontinuation)
Potassium Chloride Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 21, 2025
Insulin Aspart Injection (Discontinuation)
Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart Mix 70/30 Injectable Suspension (Discontinuation)
Insulin Degludec Injection (Discontinuation)
July 17, 2025
Lidocaine Patch (Discontinuation)
Oxaprozin Tablet (Discontinuation)
Pemetrexed Ditromethamine Injection (Discontinuation)
Potassium Citrate Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
Updated Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
August 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 31, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Midazolam Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Penicillin G Benzathine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sterile Water Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 28, 2025
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 25, 2025
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
July 24, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
July 23, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Etomidate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 22, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 18, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 17, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 Gram by Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – July 14, 2025 – Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. (“Nostrum Labs”) filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 30, 2024. In connection with that filing, the company has ceased and shutdown operations and terminated its operational employees at all domestic U.S. sites. Nostrum Labs is initiating a voluntary recall of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots within expiry, as a result of the closures and discontinuation of its Quality activities. This recall pertains only to Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots with expiry, manufactured by Nostrum Labs after June 2023. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
Kirsty™ (insulin aspart-xjhz) Injection - New NovoLog® Biosimilar Approval – July 15, 2025 - Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a fully integrated global biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd. (BSE code: 532523, NSE: BIOCON), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kirsty™ (Insulin Aspart-xjhz), 100 units/mL as the first and only interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog® (Insulin Aspart). Kirsty™ is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. Kirsty™ will be available as a single-patient-use prefilled pen for subcutaneous use and a multiple-dose vial for subcutaneous and intravenous use. <Read More>
Clinical and Pharmacy News
PBM Markets are at Risk of Harming Patients – July 31, 2025 – The American Medical Association (AMA) published a new annual analysis (PDF) measuring competition in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) markets and vertical integration of insurers with PBMs. The assessment demonstrates low competition in PBM markets across the nation and high vertical integration as the largest PBMs share ownership with health insurers. The AMA analysis adds to growing concern over anticompetitive harm resulting from low competition and high vertical integration in the PBM industry. It comes on the heels of reports by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability finding that a handful of PBMs have vast power and control over medication access and affordability. <Read More>
First Guideline on Alzheimer’s Blood-Based Biomarker Tests Released – July 31, 2025 – An expert panel convened by the Alzheimer’s Association has released the first clinical guidelines to help clinicians choose the most appropriate blood-based biomarker (BBM) test to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The evidence-based guideline recommends that tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity and specificity can serve as a substitute for amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing. Tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity but only ≥ 75% specificity should be used as a triaging test. In this case, a negative result rules out AD pathology with high probability and a positive result should be confirmed with CSF or PET testing. <Read More>
This Year’s Prescription Drug Bills Aim to Reduce Consumer Costs – July 30, 2025 – More than 800 prescription drug access and affordability proposals were introduced across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the territories in this year’s legislative sessions. The more than 130 enacted bills included some familiar policies as well as some new ones. Lawmakers were looking for ways to hold costs down through pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, with more than 40 states considering some 270 PBM-related bills. Several themes emerged, including Prohibiting spread pricing. States may enter contractual arrangements with PBMs to administer state employee health plan and Medicaid prescription benefits. Spread pricing, which is a traditional PBM business model, is a contractual agreement where an insurer or employer pays a higher amount for a prescription drug than the PBM reimbursement to the pharmacy. The PBM then keeps a portion of the spread. Regulating agencies in several states have raised concerns over the spread PBMs retain. <Read More>
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk Slashes Wegovy® Sales Forecasts, Blaming Compounding – July 29, 2025 – Novo Nordisk's shares plunged more than 20% Tuesday, after the company cut the forecast for its flagship obesity drug. Before the markets opened, the company announced that sales of its obesity medicine, Wegovy®, are expected to grow no more than 14% this year. That's down from its prediction of up to 21% on May 7. The company blames cheaper alternatives made by compounding pharmacies, which are allowed to make what are essentially copies of drugs when they're in short supply. Wegovy® and Ozempic®, a diabetes drug sometimes prescribed for weight loss, had been on the Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage list, paving the way for a boom in compounded versions. <Read More>
Delinking Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation From Drug List Prices Could Unleash Major Savings – July 24, 2025 – Breaking the link between prescription drug list prices and compensation to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) could cut a significant portion of the U.S.'s annual drug tab, finds a new analysis from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. The work is published in the journal Health Affairs Scholar. PBMs, who negotiate drug benefits on behalf of insurers and employers, are typically paid based on a percentage of a drug's list price before rebates and other discounts are applied. Federal and state policymakers have proposed delinking PBM compensation from list prices in response to evidence that PBMs often steer patients toward higher-priced drugs—even when cheaper alternatives are available—to boost their own profits. <Read More>
New Biosimilars Metric Confirms Switching Efficacy – July 23, 2025 – Most patients who were switched from adalimumab (Humira®, AbbVie) to an interchangeable biosimilar experienced clinical success, with the vast majority remaining on a biosimilar three months after conversion, according to a study conducted at Brown University Health and presented in a poster (38-M) at the ASHP Pharmacy Futures 2025 meeting. The study used data from the center’s electronic health records and specialty pharmacy from Jan. 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024. The primary objective was to evaluate the rate of reversion to the reference product three months after a payor mandated a switch to a biosimilar. <Read More>
Specialty Pharmacies Can Dispense the Emotional Script to Support Patients – July 23, 2025 – Behind every specialty medication is a person facing uncertainty. As this market surges toward unprecedented growth over the next decade, specialty pharmacies are increasingly turning to automation to meet demand and manage costs. However, while efficiency metrics climb, something essential gets lost—the human experience. Specialty pharmacies that prioritize efficiency over empathy risk missing what matters most: meaningful connection during a critical moment in care. Research suggests that adherence may be influenced not only by logistical or clinical barriers but also by emotional and psychological factors, such as fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. <Read More>
HHS and Private Health Insurers Team Up to Improve Prior Authorization Process – July 14, 2025 - Stakeholders from federal health agencies and leading payors have pledged to streamline the often burdensome prior authorization process that can lead to delays in treatment and poorer clinical outcomes. The new pledge, by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade organization representing many health insurance companies, was at the center of a recent roundtable discussion that AHIP held with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Mehmet Oz, MD, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). <Read More>
340B in the News
HHS Announces New 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program – July 31, 2025 – The Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice announcing a 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program as a voluntary mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on select drugs to all 340B-covered entities. The notice said HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs, which currently oversees the 340B Drug Pricing Program, is inviting certain drug manufacturers to apply for participation in the pilot program for a minimum of one year. HRSA said the pilot program will be limited to the NDC-11s included on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Selected Drug List regardless of payer. HRSA said manufacturers must submit applications to participate in the pilot program by Sept. 15, and approvals will be made by Oct. 15 for a Jan. 1, 2026, effective date. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: August 6th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Vizz™ (aceclidine) Ophthalmic Solution - formerly LNZ100 – New Drug Approval – July 31, 2025 – LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LENZ or “LENZ” or the “Company”), announced the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved Vizz™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%, the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Samples are anticipated in the United States as early as October 2025, with commercial product to be broadly available by mid-Q4 2025. Direct-to-eye care professional sales and marketing activities to be initiated immediately. <Read More>
Sephience™ (sepiapterin) Oral Powder – New Drug Approval – July 28, 2025 - PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sephience™ (sepiapterin) for the treatment of children and adults living with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approval includes broad labeling for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive PKU. <Read More>
Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) Topical Cream - New Drug Approval – July 23, 2025 - LEO Pharma, a global leader in medical dermatology, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) cream (20 mg/g) for the topical treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults who have had an inadequate response to, or for whom topical corticosteroids are not advisable. Anzupgo® is an innovative steroid-free, topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adults with CHE. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) Injection – New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors or hemophilia B with factor IX inhibitors. Alhemo® is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) daily. <Read More>
Leqvio® (inclisiran) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 - Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update for Leqvio® (inclisiran), enabling its use as monotherapy along with diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia. The FDA proactively requested the label update based on the robust LDL-C lowering data for PCSK9-targeting therapies. <Read More>
Biktarvy® (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 30, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a new approval for a novel indication for Biktarvy® (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, B/F/TAF). This new indication expands Biktarvy®’s label to include the treatment of people with HIV (PWH) with an antiretroviral treatment (ART) history who are not virologically suppressed, with no known or suspected resistance to the integrase strand inhibitor (INSTI) class, emtricitabine or tenofovir. <Read More>
Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) as the first treatment for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) in patients 12 years of age and older, to reduce proteinuria. C3G and primary IC-MPGN are rare kidney diseases, affecting 5,000 people in the United States. <Read More>
Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; developed as TransCon hGH) for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a rare disorder resulting from decreased or total loss of growth hormone production. Lonapegsomatropin (approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of pediatric GHD) is a prodrug of somatropin (human growth hormone, or hGH) administered once weekly, providing sustained release of active, unmodified somatropin. <Read More>
Doptelet® (avatrombopag) Tablets and Oral Granules - New Label Expansion – July 25, 2025 - Sobi North America, the North American affiliate of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi®), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients one year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a prior therapy. The approval also includes a new formulation, Doptelet® Sprinkle (avatrombopag) oral granules, for use in children ages one to less than six years. <Read More>
Shingrix® (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 17, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prefilled syringe presentation of Shingrix® (GSK’s Recombinant Zoster Vaccine or RZV) for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). The new prefilled syringe removes the need to reconstitute separate vials prior to administration, simplifying the vaccine administration process for healthcare professionals. <Read More>
Kerendia® (finerenone) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 14, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kerendia® (finerenone) to treat patients with heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%, following the agency’s Priority Review of its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). <Read More>
Spikevax® (Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine) (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 10, 2025 - Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Spikevax®, the Company's COVID-19 vaccine, in children 6 months through 11 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 disease. The Company's COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273, was previously available for pediatric populations under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). <Read More>
Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 9, 2025 - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update with a new recommended titration dosing schedule for Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt), Lilly's once-monthly amyloid-targeting therapy for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), which includes people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as people in the mild dementia stage of AD, with confirmed amyloid pathology. In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study, the modified titration schedule significantly lowered the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusion (ARIA-E) versus the original dosing schedule at 24 and 52 weeks, while still achieving similar levels of amyloid plaque removal and P-tau217 reduction. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 1, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate; Benzoyl Peroxide Gel (Discontinuation)
July 29, 2025
Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablet (Discontinuation)
Esterified Estrogens Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 28, 2025
Voriconazole Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 24, 2025
Glipizide Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 23, 2025
Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablet (Discontinuation)
Potassium Chloride Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 21, 2025
Insulin Aspart Injection (Discontinuation)
Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart Mix 70/30 Injectable Suspension (Discontinuation)
Insulin Degludec Injection (Discontinuation)
July 17, 2025
Lidocaine Patch (Discontinuation)
Oxaprozin Tablet (Discontinuation)
Pemetrexed Ditromethamine Injection (Discontinuation)
Potassium Citrate Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
Updated Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
August 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 31, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Midazolam Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Penicillin G Benzathine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sterile Water Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 28, 2025
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 25, 2025
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
July 24, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
July 23, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Etomidate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 22, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 18, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 17, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 Gram by Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – July 14, 2025 – Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. (“Nostrum Labs”) filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 30, 2024. In connection with that filing, the company has ceased and shutdown operations and terminated its operational employees at all domestic U.S. sites. Nostrum Labs is initiating a voluntary recall of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots within expiry, as a result of the closures and discontinuation of its Quality activities. This recall pertains only to Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots with expiry, manufactured by Nostrum Labs after June 2023. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
Kirsty™ (insulin aspart-xjhz) Injection - New NovoLog® Biosimilar Approval – July 15, 2025 - Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a fully integrated global biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd. (BSE code: 532523, NSE: BIOCON), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kirsty™ (Insulin Aspart-xjhz), 100 units/mL as the first and only interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog® (Insulin Aspart). Kirsty™ is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. Kirsty™ will be available as a single-patient-use prefilled pen for subcutaneous use and a multiple-dose vial for subcutaneous and intravenous use. <Read More>
Clinical and Pharmacy News
PBM Markets are at Risk of Harming Patients – July 31, 2025 – The American Medical Association (AMA) published a new annual analysis (PDF) measuring competition in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) markets and vertical integration of insurers with PBMs. The assessment demonstrates low competition in PBM markets across the nation and high vertical integration as the largest PBMs share ownership with health insurers. The AMA analysis adds to growing concern over anticompetitive harm resulting from low competition and high vertical integration in the PBM industry. It comes on the heels of reports by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability finding that a handful of PBMs have vast power and control over medication access and affordability. <Read More>
First Guideline on Alzheimer’s Blood-Based Biomarker Tests Released – July 31, 2025 – An expert panel convened by the Alzheimer’s Association has released the first clinical guidelines to help clinicians choose the most appropriate blood-based biomarker (BBM) test to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The evidence-based guideline recommends that tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity and specificity can serve as a substitute for amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing. Tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity but only ≥ 75% specificity should be used as a triaging test. In this case, a negative result rules out AD pathology with high probability and a positive result should be confirmed with CSF or PET testing. <Read More>
This Year’s Prescription Drug Bills Aim to Reduce Consumer Costs – July 30, 2025 – More than 800 prescription drug access and affordability proposals were introduced across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the territories in this year’s legislative sessions. The more than 130 enacted bills included some familiar policies as well as some new ones. Lawmakers were looking for ways to hold costs down through pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, with more than 40 states considering some 270 PBM-related bills. Several themes emerged, including Prohibiting spread pricing. States may enter contractual arrangements with PBMs to administer state employee health plan and Medicaid prescription benefits. Spread pricing, which is a traditional PBM business model, is a contractual agreement where an insurer or employer pays a higher amount for a prescription drug than the PBM reimbursement to the pharmacy. The PBM then keeps a portion of the spread. Regulating agencies in several states have raised concerns over the spread PBMs retain. <Read More>
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk Slashes Wegovy® Sales Forecasts, Blaming Compounding – July 29, 2025 – Novo Nordisk's shares plunged more than 20% Tuesday, after the company cut the forecast for its flagship obesity drug. Before the markets opened, the company announced that sales of its obesity medicine, Wegovy®, are expected to grow no more than 14% this year. That's down from its prediction of up to 21% on May 7. The company blames cheaper alternatives made by compounding pharmacies, which are allowed to make what are essentially copies of drugs when they're in short supply. Wegovy® and Ozempic®, a diabetes drug sometimes prescribed for weight loss, had been on the Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage list, paving the way for a boom in compounded versions. <Read More>
Delinking Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation From Drug List Prices Could Unleash Major Savings – July 24, 2025 – Breaking the link between prescription drug list prices and compensation to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) could cut a significant portion of the U.S.'s annual drug tab, finds a new analysis from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. The work is published in the journal Health Affairs Scholar. PBMs, who negotiate drug benefits on behalf of insurers and employers, are typically paid based on a percentage of a drug's list price before rebates and other discounts are applied. Federal and state policymakers have proposed delinking PBM compensation from list prices in response to evidence that PBMs often steer patients toward higher-priced drugs—even when cheaper alternatives are available—to boost their own profits. <Read More>
New Biosimilars Metric Confirms Switching Efficacy – July 23, 2025 – Most patients who were switched from adalimumab (Humira®, AbbVie) to an interchangeable biosimilar experienced clinical success, with the vast majority remaining on a biosimilar three months after conversion, according to a study conducted at Brown University Health and presented in a poster (38-M) at the ASHP Pharmacy Futures 2025 meeting. The study used data from the center’s electronic health records and specialty pharmacy from Jan. 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024. The primary objective was to evaluate the rate of reversion to the reference product three months after a payor mandated a switch to a biosimilar. <Read More>
Specialty Pharmacies Can Dispense the Emotional Script to Support Patients – July 23, 2025 – Behind every specialty medication is a person facing uncertainty. As this market surges toward unprecedented growth over the next decade, specialty pharmacies are increasingly turning to automation to meet demand and manage costs. However, while efficiency metrics climb, something essential gets lost—the human experience. Specialty pharmacies that prioritize efficiency over empathy risk missing what matters most: meaningful connection during a critical moment in care. Research suggests that adherence may be influenced not only by logistical or clinical barriers but also by emotional and psychological factors, such as fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. <Read More>
HHS and Private Health Insurers Team Up to Improve Prior Authorization Process – July 14, 2025 - Stakeholders from federal health agencies and leading payors have pledged to streamline the often burdensome prior authorization process that can lead to delays in treatment and poorer clinical outcomes. The new pledge, by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade organization representing many health insurance companies, was at the center of a recent roundtable discussion that AHIP held with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Mehmet Oz, MD, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). <Read More>
340B in the News
HHS Announces New 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program – July 31, 2025 – The Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice announcing a 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program as a voluntary mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on select drugs to all 340B-covered entities. The notice said HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs, which currently oversees the 340B Drug Pricing Program, is inviting certain drug manufacturers to apply for participation in the pilot program for a minimum of one year. HRSA said the pilot program will be limited to the NDC-11s included on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Selected Drug List regardless of payer. HRSA said manufacturers must submit applications to participate in the pilot program by Sept. 15, and approvals will be made by Oct. 15 for a Jan. 1, 2026, effective date. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: August 6th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Vizz™ (aceclidine) Ophthalmic Solution - formerly LNZ100 – New Drug Approval – July 31, 2025 – LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LENZ or “LENZ” or the “Company”), announced the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved Vizz™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%, the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Samples are anticipated in the United States as early as October 2025, with commercial product to be broadly available by mid-Q4 2025. Direct-to-eye care professional sales and marketing activities to be initiated immediately. <Read More>
Sephience™ (sepiapterin) Oral Powder – New Drug Approval – July 28, 2025 - PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sephience™ (sepiapterin) for the treatment of children and adults living with phenylketonuria (PKU). The approval includes broad labeling for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive PKU. <Read More>
Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) Topical Cream - New Drug Approval – July 23, 2025 - LEO Pharma, a global leader in medical dermatology, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Anzupgo® (delgocitinib) cream (20 mg/g) for the topical treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults who have had an inadequate response to, or for whom topical corticosteroids are not advisable. Anzupgo® is an innovative steroid-free, topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adults with CHE. <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) Injection – New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors or hemophilia B with factor IX inhibitors. Alhemo® is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) daily. <Read More>
Leqvio® (inclisiran) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 31, 2025 - Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update for Leqvio® (inclisiran), enabling its use as monotherapy along with diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia. The FDA proactively requested the label update based on the robust LDL-C lowering data for PCSK9-targeting therapies. <Read More>
Biktarvy® (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 30, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a new approval for a novel indication for Biktarvy® (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets, B/F/TAF). This new indication expands Biktarvy®’s label to include the treatment of people with HIV (PWH) with an antiretroviral treatment (ART) history who are not virologically suppressed, with no known or suspected resistance to the integrase strand inhibitor (INSTI) class, emtricitabine or tenofovir. <Read More>
Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan) as the first treatment for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) in patients 12 years of age and older, to reduce proteinuria. C3G and primary IC-MPGN are rare kidney diseases, affecting 5,000 people in the United States. <Read More>
Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – July 28, 2025 - Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Skytrofa® (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; developed as TransCon hGH) for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a rare disorder resulting from decreased or total loss of growth hormone production. Lonapegsomatropin (approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of pediatric GHD) is a prodrug of somatropin (human growth hormone, or hGH) administered once weekly, providing sustained release of active, unmodified somatropin. <Read More>
Doptelet® (avatrombopag) Tablets and Oral Granules - New Label Expansion – July 25, 2025 - Sobi North America, the North American affiliate of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi®), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients one year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a prior therapy. The approval also includes a new formulation, Doptelet® Sprinkle (avatrombopag) oral granules, for use in children ages one to less than six years. <Read More>
Shingrix® (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 17, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prefilled syringe presentation of Shingrix® (GSK’s Recombinant Zoster Vaccine or RZV) for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). The new prefilled syringe removes the need to reconstitute separate vials prior to administration, simplifying the vaccine administration process for healthcare professionals. <Read More>
Kerendia® (finerenone) Tablets - New Label Expansion – July 14, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kerendia® (finerenone) to treat patients with heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%, following the agency’s Priority Review of its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). <Read More>
Spikevax® (Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine) (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 10, 2025 - Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Spikevax®, the Company's COVID-19 vaccine, in children 6 months through 11 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 disease. The Company's COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273, was previously available for pediatric populations under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). <Read More>
Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt) Injection - New Label Expansion – July 9, 2025 - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label update with a new recommended titration dosing schedule for Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt), Lilly's once-monthly amyloid-targeting therapy for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), which includes people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as people in the mild dementia stage of AD, with confirmed amyloid pathology. In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study, the modified titration schedule significantly lowered the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusion (ARIA-E) versus the original dosing schedule at 24 and 52 weeks, while still achieving similar levels of amyloid plaque removal and P-tau217 reduction. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection (Discontinuation)
August 1, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate; Benzoyl Peroxide Gel (Discontinuation)
July 29, 2025
Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablet (Discontinuation)
Esterified Estrogens Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 28, 2025
Voriconazole Tablet (Discontinuation)
July 24, 2025
Glipizide Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 23, 2025
Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablet (Discontinuation)
Potassium Chloride Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
July 21, 2025
Insulin Aspart Injection (Discontinuation)
Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart Mix 70/30 Injectable Suspension (Discontinuation)
Insulin Degludec Injection (Discontinuation)
July 17, 2025
Lidocaine Patch (Discontinuation)
Oxaprozin Tablet (Discontinuation)
Pemetrexed Ditromethamine Injection (Discontinuation)
Potassium Citrate Tablet, Extended Release (Discontinuation)
Updated Drug Shortage
August 4, 2025
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
August 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 31, 2025
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Midazolam Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Penicillin G Benzathine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sterile Water Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 28, 2025
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 25, 2025
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
July 24, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
July 23, 2025
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Etomidate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sufentanil Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 22, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 18, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 17, 2025
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 Gram by Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – July 14, 2025 – Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. (“Nostrum Labs”) filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 30, 2024. In connection with that filing, the company has ceased and shutdown operations and terminated its operational employees at all domestic U.S. sites. Nostrum Labs is initiating a voluntary recall of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots within expiry, as a result of the closures and discontinuation of its Quality activities. This recall pertains only to Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram, all lots with expiry, manufactured by Nostrum Labs after June 2023. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
Kirsty™ (insulin aspart-xjhz) Injection - New NovoLog® Biosimilar Approval – July 15, 2025 - Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a fully integrated global biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd. (BSE code: 532523, NSE: BIOCON), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kirsty™ (Insulin Aspart-xjhz), 100 units/mL as the first and only interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog® (Insulin Aspart). Kirsty™ is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. Kirsty™ will be available as a single-patient-use prefilled pen for subcutaneous use and a multiple-dose vial for subcutaneous and intravenous use. <Read More>
Clinical and Pharmacy News
PBM Markets are at Risk of Harming Patients – July 31, 2025 – The American Medical Association (AMA) published a new annual analysis (PDF) measuring competition in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) markets and vertical integration of insurers with PBMs. The assessment demonstrates low competition in PBM markets across the nation and high vertical integration as the largest PBMs share ownership with health insurers. The AMA analysis adds to growing concern over anticompetitive harm resulting from low competition and high vertical integration in the PBM industry. It comes on the heels of reports by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability finding that a handful of PBMs have vast power and control over medication access and affordability. <Read More>
First Guideline on Alzheimer’s Blood-Based Biomarker Tests Released – July 31, 2025 – An expert panel convened by the Alzheimer’s Association has released the first clinical guidelines to help clinicians choose the most appropriate blood-based biomarker (BBM) test to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The evidence-based guideline recommends that tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity and specificity can serve as a substitute for amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing. Tests with ≥ 90% sensitivity but only ≥ 75% specificity should be used as a triaging test. In this case, a negative result rules out AD pathology with high probability and a positive result should be confirmed with CSF or PET testing. <Read More>
This Year’s Prescription Drug Bills Aim to Reduce Consumer Costs – July 30, 2025 – More than 800 prescription drug access and affordability proposals were introduced across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the territories in this year’s legislative sessions. The more than 130 enacted bills included some familiar policies as well as some new ones. Lawmakers were looking for ways to hold costs down through pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, with more than 40 states considering some 270 PBM-related bills. Several themes emerged, including Prohibiting spread pricing. States may enter contractual arrangements with PBMs to administer state employee health plan and Medicaid prescription benefits. Spread pricing, which is a traditional PBM business model, is a contractual agreement where an insurer or employer pays a higher amount for a prescription drug than the PBM reimbursement to the pharmacy. The PBM then keeps a portion of the spread. Regulating agencies in several states have raised concerns over the spread PBMs retain. <Read More>
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk Slashes Wegovy® Sales Forecasts, Blaming Compounding – July 29, 2025 – Novo Nordisk's shares plunged more than 20% Tuesday, after the company cut the forecast for its flagship obesity drug. Before the markets opened, the company announced that sales of its obesity medicine, Wegovy®, are expected to grow no more than 14% this year. That's down from its prediction of up to 21% on May 7. The company blames cheaper alternatives made by compounding pharmacies, which are allowed to make what are essentially copies of drugs when they're in short supply. Wegovy® and Ozempic®, a diabetes drug sometimes prescribed for weight loss, had been on the Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage list, paving the way for a boom in compounded versions. <Read More>
Delinking Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compensation From Drug List Prices Could Unleash Major Savings – July 24, 2025 – Breaking the link between prescription drug list prices and compensation to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) could cut a significant portion of the U.S.'s annual drug tab, finds a new analysis from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. The work is published in the journal Health Affairs Scholar. PBMs, who negotiate drug benefits on behalf of insurers and employers, are typically paid based on a percentage of a drug's list price before rebates and other discounts are applied. Federal and state policymakers have proposed delinking PBM compensation from list prices in response to evidence that PBMs often steer patients toward higher-priced drugs—even when cheaper alternatives are available—to boost their own profits. <Read More>
New Biosimilars Metric Confirms Switching Efficacy – July 23, 2025 – Most patients who were switched from adalimumab (Humira®, AbbVie) to an interchangeable biosimilar experienced clinical success, with the vast majority remaining on a biosimilar three months after conversion, according to a study conducted at Brown University Health and presented in a poster (38-M) at the ASHP Pharmacy Futures 2025 meeting. The study used data from the center’s electronic health records and specialty pharmacy from Jan. 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024. The primary objective was to evaluate the rate of reversion to the reference product three months after a payor mandated a switch to a biosimilar. <Read More>
Specialty Pharmacies Can Dispense the Emotional Script to Support Patients – July 23, 2025 – Behind every specialty medication is a person facing uncertainty. As this market surges toward unprecedented growth over the next decade, specialty pharmacies are increasingly turning to automation to meet demand and manage costs. However, while efficiency metrics climb, something essential gets lost—the human experience. Specialty pharmacies that prioritize efficiency over empathy risk missing what matters most: meaningful connection during a critical moment in care. Research suggests that adherence may be influenced not only by logistical or clinical barriers but also by emotional and psychological factors, such as fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. <Read More>
HHS and Private Health Insurers Team Up to Improve Prior Authorization Process – July 14, 2025 - Stakeholders from federal health agencies and leading payors have pledged to streamline the often burdensome prior authorization process that can lead to delays in treatment and poorer clinical outcomes. The new pledge, by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade organization representing many health insurance companies, was at the center of a recent roundtable discussion that AHIP held with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Mehmet Oz, MD, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). <Read More>
340B in the News
HHS Announces New 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program – July 31, 2025 – The Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice announcing a 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program as a voluntary mechanism for qualifying drug manufacturers to effectuate the 340B ceiling price on select drugs to all 340B-covered entities. The notice said HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs, which currently oversees the 340B Drug Pricing Program, is inviting certain drug manufacturers to apply for participation in the pilot program for a minimum of one year. HRSA said the pilot program will be limited to the NDC-11s included on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Selected Drug List regardless of payer. HRSA said manufacturers must submit applications to participate in the pilot program by Sept. 15, and approvals will be made by Oct. 15 for a Jan. 1, 2026, effective date. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: July 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Ekterly® (sebetralstat) Tablets - New Drug Approval – July 7, 2025 - KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KALV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ekterly® (sebetralstat), a novel plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Ekterly® is the first and only oral on-demand treatment for HAE. <Read More>
Lynozyfic™ (linvoseltamab-gcpt) Injection - New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to linvoseltamab-gcpt (Lynozyfic™, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager, for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. <Read More>
Zegfrovy® (sunvozertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to sunvozertinib (Zegfrovy®, Dizal (Jiangsu) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. <Read More>
Harliku™ (nitisinone) Tablets - New Drug Approval – June 19, 2025 - Cycle Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Harliku (nitisinone) Tablets for the reduction of urine homogentisic acid (HGA) in adult patients with AKU. Launching in July 2025, Harliku™ will be the first and only FDA-approved treatment for AKU, an ultra-rare genetic metabolic disorder in which patients have a buildup of HGA that leads to osteoarthritis, ochronosis, and complications in the kidneys, and heart. <Read More>
Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) Tablets and Injection - New Drug Approval – June 18, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Yeztugo® (lenacapavir)—the company’s injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor—as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, making it the first and only twice-yearly option available in the United States for people who need or want PrEP. Data show that ≥99.9% of participants who received Yeztugo® in the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials remained HIV negative. <Read More>
Andembry® (garadacimab-gxii) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 16, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia – CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Andembry® for immediate launch in the United States. Andembry® helps prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is the first and only treatment targeting factor XIIa for prophylactic use to provide sustained protection from attacks of HAE in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. HAE occurs in about 1 in 50,000 people of any ethnic group. <Read More>
Zusduri™ (mitomycin) for Intravesical Solution - formerly UGN-102 - New Drug Approval – June 12, 2025 - UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zusduri™, the first and only FDA-approved medication for adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Zusduri™ consists of mitomycin and sterile hydrogel, using UroGen’s proprietary sustained release RTGel® technology. ZUSDURI has been designed for potent tumor ablation. <Read More>
Ibtroz™ (taletrectinib) Capsules - New Drug Approval – June 11, 2025 - Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ibtrozi™ (taletrectinib) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ibtrozi™ is a highly selective, next-generation oral ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed to address some of the outstanding challenges of treating ROS1+ NSCLC. It has demonstrated high response rates with durable benefit and intracranial activity and is generally well tolerated, providing a new treatment option for patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC. <Read More>
Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 9, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season. Enflonsia™ is a preventive, long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to provide direct, rapid and durable protection through 5 months, a typical RSV season, with the same 105 mg dose regardless of weight. A typical RSV season usually spans autumn to spring of the next year. <Read More>
Widaplik™ (amlodipine, indapamide and telmisartan) Tablets - formerly GMRx2 - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - George Medicines, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet needs in cardiometabolic disease, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Widaplik™ (telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide), formerly known as “GMRx2”, for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients, including as initial treatment, to lower blood pressure. Widaplik™ is a proprietary single pill combination of three medicines: telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide and is available in three doses: a standard dose and two low doses. It is the first and only FDA-approved triple combination medication for use as an initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to achieve blood pressure goals. Widaplik™, with its three different doses, can deliver the efficacy benefits of a triple mechanism approach early in the treatment pathway with an established safety profile and good tolerability. <Read More>
Xifyrm™ (meloxicam) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xifyrm™ (meloxicam injection) an IV non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that offers once daily dosing. Xifyrm™ is indicated for use in adults for the management of moderate-to-severe pain, alone or in combination with non-NSAID analgesics. Xifyrm™ provides a non-opioid analgesic in a 30mg/mL vial for IV bolus injection over 15 seconds. Because of delayed onset of analgesia, Xifyrm™ alone is not recommended for use when rapid onset of analgesia is required. <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Vaccine Approval – May 30, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mNEXSPIKE® (mRNA-1283), a new vaccine against COVID-19, for use in all adults 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 12-64 years with at least one or more underlying risk factor as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 28, 2025 - Sobi® (STO: SOBI) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) for the treatment of adult and pediatric (newborn and older) patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in known or suspected Still’s disease, including systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA), with an inadequate response or intolerance to glucocorticoids, or with recurrent MAS. <Read More>
Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Suspension for Intravenous Infusion – New Label Expansion – June 26, 2025 - Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved label updates for both of its CAR T cell therapies, Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel) for the treatment of large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) and other lymphomas and Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. These label updates reduce certain patient monitoring requirements and remove the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs that had been in place since each product was initially approved. <Read More>
Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 23, 2025 - Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) has been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received prior EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial. <Read More>
Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an updated label for its positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18 injection) for beta-amyloid detection. The revised label, effective immediately, expands the indications for use, enables quantitative analysis of Vizamyl™ scans, and removes significant previous limitations such as monitoring patient response to anti-amyloid therapy. <Read More>
Benlysta® (belimumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 200 mg/mL autoinjector of Benlysta® (belimumab), a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS)-specific inhibiting monoclonal antibody, for subcutaneous injection in patients five years of age and older with active lupus nephritis (LN) who are receiving standard therapy. With this approval, GSK is expanding choices for belimumab treatment, offering pediatric lupus nephritis patients and caregivers a first-of-its-kind subcutaneous option that can be administered at home. The 200 mg/mL autoinjector was approved for pediatric patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2024. <Read More>
Dupixent® (dupilumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of adult patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP). BP primarily affects elderly patients, and is characterized by intense itch, painful blisters, and lesions, as well as reddening of the skin. It can be chronic and relapsing with underlying type 2 inflammation. The blisters and rash can form over much of the body and cause the skin to bleed and break down, resulting in patients being more prone to infection and affecting their daily functioning. Available treatment options are limited and can add to overall disease burden by suppressing a patient’s immune system. <Read More>
Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix), a humanized Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody, in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). <Read More>
Endari® (L-glutamine) Oral Powder – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: EMMA), a leader in sickle cell disease treatment, announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for changes to the labelling of Endari® to reflect additional prescribing information derived from post-marketing pharmacokinetic study data submitted by Emmaus. The additional information provides a more comprehensive characterization of Endari®, including confirmation of dosing by body weight, no unwanted accumulation through twice daily dosing, and the ability to administer Endari® with or without food. Endari® is approved in the U.S. and elsewhere to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older. <Read More>
Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. <Read More>
Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Celltrion, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new presentation of Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba), a biosimilar to Stelara® (ustekinumab), in a 45mg/0.5mL solution in a single-dose vial for subcutaneous injection. The additional presentation is approved for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years, weighing less than 60kg, with plaque psoriasis (PsO) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). With this approval, Steqeyma® now offers all dosage forms and strengths of its reference product, providing flexibility to meet physicians' clinical needs while supporting treatment continuity for patients. <Read More>
Mavyret® (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) Tablets and Oral Pellets – New Label Expansion – June 10, 2025 - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label expansion for Mavyret® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), an oral pangenotypic direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is now approved for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients three years and older with acute or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. With this approval, Mavyret® is the first and only DAA therapy approved to treat patients with acute HCV in eight weeks with a 96% cure rate. <Read More>
Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) Capsules and Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ: ONC; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new tablet formulation of Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) for all five approved indications. Brukinsa® remains the leader in new chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient starts across all lines of therapy in the U.S., and for the first time, has become the overall BTK inhibitor market share leader. <Read More>
Nubeqa® (darolutamide) Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its oral androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) Nubeqa® (darolutamide) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), which is also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The approval is based on positive results from the pivotal Phase III ARANOTE trial, which demonstrated a significant reduction of 46% in the risk of radiographic progression or death (rPFS) for those treated with Nubeqa® plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54; 95% CI 0.41-0.71; p<0.0001). <Read More>
Xenoview® (xenon Xe 129 hyperpolarized) for Oral Inhalation – New Label Expansion – June 2, 2025 - Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX) (“Polarean” or the “Company”), a commercial-stage medical imaging technology leader in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") of the lungs, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved the Company’s Supplemental New Drug Application (“NDA”) to expand the indication of Xenoview®. This approval immediately lowers the minimum patient age from 12 to six years old, significantly broadening access to this technology and expanding Polarean’s total addressable market. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Discontinuation)
Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsule (Discontinuation)
July 1, 2025
Isoniazid Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 27, 2025
Ezetimibe Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 26, 2025
Eszopiclone Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 24, 2025
Amlodipine Besylate; Benazepril Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Docetaxel Injection (Discontinuation)
June 18, 2025
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 7, 2025
Peritoneal Dialysis Solution (Resolved)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 3, 2025
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Resolved)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rifampin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 2, 2025
Albuterol Sulfate Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Resolved)
Sodium Chloride 23.4% Injection (Resolved)
July 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dextrose Monohydrate 10% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Propranolol Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 30, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
June 27, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Leucovorin Calcium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 26, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Currently In Shortage)
June 23, 2025
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Peginterferon alfa-2a Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 20, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cefazolin for Injection by Sandoz Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 27, 2025 - Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary recall of one (1) lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. This single lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units labelled vials were incorrectly included in a carton (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product. <Read More>
Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs by Church & Dwight Co., Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 6, 2025 - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to potential microbial contamination identified as fungi in cotton swab components. Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries. The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions. To date, no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported. <Read More>
Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC – New Voluntary Recall – June 4, 2025 - Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling three lots of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg to the consumer level as the tablets may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination. The observance of black spots was reported in a product quality complaint. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
FTC Holds Its First Listening Session on Practices and Regulations Impacting Pharmaceutical Generic or Biosimilar Competition – July 1, 2025 – On June 30, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held the first of three listening sessions focused on ways to lower Americans’ drug prices through competition. The panels are being held as part of the agencies’ implementation of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order No. 14273, titled “Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First.” That order instructed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to conduct “joint public listening sessions with the [… DOJ], the Department of Commerce and the [FTC] and issue a report with recommendations to reduce anti-competitive behavior from pharmaceutical manufacturers.” <Read More>
Major Insurance Changes are Coming for Weight Loss Drugs. Here’s How it Could Affect Patients – July 1, 2025 – Last week, Tara Eacobacci had an appointment with her doctor that was devoted exclusively to the topic of health insurance. A major change to her prescription benefits meant the medication she was using to manage her weight – a treatment that had taken years of trial and error to get right – would no longer be covered by insurance. “I’m completely outraged,” Eacobacci said. “It’s not only causing me stress, but it is making me angry.” Starting Tuesday, CVS Caremark – a major pharmacy benefit manager that serves as a middleman for health insurers, large employers and other payers to manage their prescription drug plans – will stop covering Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, a blockbuster GLP-1 drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight. <Read More>
Congress Should Remove the Rare Disease Carve-Out From Medicare Drug Price Negotiation, Not Expand It – June 27, 2025 – The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 allowed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to begin negotiating prices for certain prescription drugs in Medicare. For products to be eligible, they must meet several statutory requirements, including generating more than $200 million in annual Medicare sales (a threshold that increases annually with inflation), being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at least seven years (for small-molecule products) or 11 years (for biologic products), and not yet facing biosimilar or generic competition. In addition, Congress exempted from negotiation any drugs that are approved to treat a single rare disease. <Read More>
Trump Vows to Cut 'The Best Deal' on Drug Prices. What to Expect – June 26, 2025 – Imagine forking out north of $25,000 for a month's supply of the drug keeping you alive. That's what many hepatitis C patients in the U.S. have had to pay for a 28-day course of Gilead Sciences' (GILD) Epclusa. Canadians paid 35% less for the same treatment, while Australians could buy nearly three months of the drug for roughly the same price…The Trump administration has a plan to change that. Dubbed the "Most Favored Nation" approach, the strategy aims to bring drug prices paid by Americans down to roughly the same level charged by pharma companies in other countries. President Donald Trump said he aims to get Americans "the best deal" on their prescriptions. <Read More>
Generic Cancer Drugs Used Around the World Fail Quality Tests, Investigation Shows – June 25, 2025 – Vital chemotherapy drugs used around the world have failed quality tests, putting cancer patients in more than 100 countries at risk of ineffective treatments and potentially fatal side effects, an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) reveals. The generic drugs in question form the backbone of treatment plans for numerous common cancers — including breast, ovarian, and leukemia. Some drugs contained so little of their key ingredient that pharmacists said giving them to patients would be as good as doing nothing. Other drugs, containing too much of the active ingredient, create the risk of severe organ damage or even death. “Both scenarios are horrendous,” said one pharmacist. “It’s heartbreaking.” <Read More>
Increasing Biosimilar Use Reflects Changing Practice in Pediatric IBD Care – June 25, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilar initiation among pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rose gradually from 1% in 2018 to nearly 42% in 2023, with no consistent differences by age, race, or ethnicity and notable regional variation, according to a retrospective study. The analysis, published in Children, incorporated data from the ImproveCareNow (ICN) Network, a multicenter pediatric IBD quality improvement collaborative. Pediatric IBD is becoming increasingly common, with an incidence of about 10 cases per 100,000 children in the US and Canada and a rising trend. In the US alone, IBD prevalence ranges from 100 to 200 per 100,000 children—amounting to an estimated 70,000 affected children—meaning that most pediatricians are likely to encounter and care for patients with IBD in their practice. <Read More>
Abbvie Announces Head-to-Head Results Challenging Migraine Treatment Status Quo – June 24, 2025 – For the more than one billion people worldwide living with migraine, the path to effective prevention can feel like an obstacle course. While some migraine patients struggle to find a formal diagnosis, others must navigate a lengthy trial-and-error process with outdated therapies before they can access treatments that provide real relief. Despite migraine ranking as the second leading cause of disability globally, new patients must undergo a “step-therapy” approach, first trying older preventive medications such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants repurposed for migraine before being granted access to newer, more targeted therapies. <Read More>
HRSA Announces Action to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Life-Saving Medications at Health Centers Nationwide – June 24, 2025 – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA announced new steps to lower out-of-pocket costs for life-saving medications. In alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting Americans First,” HRSA has issued updated award terms requiring HRSA-funded health centers to provide insulin and injectable epinephrine to low-income patients at or below the price paid by the center through the 340B Drug Pricing Program…This new requirement aims to improve access and affordability for two of the most vital medications in emergency and chronic care: insulin, used by millions of Americans to manage diabetes, and injectable epinephrine, critical for the treatment of severe allergic reactions. The high costs of these medications have posed a growing challenge for underserved populations. <Read More>
Infliximab Biosimilar Switch Due to Flare Risk: Monitoring Patients is Crucial for Pharmacists – June 5, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilars (infliximab-abda and infliximab-dyyb) may delay treatment after patients switch from the reference product, suggesting a possible risk factor for flaring/loss of disease control, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology. Clinicians often treat rheumatic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and uveitis, with the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, infliximab. Over the past few years, the FDA approved 4 infliximab biosimilars. <Read More>
New ACG Guidelines Reflect ‘Tremendous’ Surge in Treatments for Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis – June 4, 2025 – The ACG has released new clinical guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in adult patients. The guidelines, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, reflect numerous advances and new therapeutic options in the management of the two conditions, according to Gary R. Lichtenstein, MD, FACG, lead author of the CD guideline and vice chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, development and philanthropy at Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. <Read More>
340B in the News
340B Could Have a New Cop on The beat - Hospitals are Worried – July 2, 2025 – The Trump administration wants to move oversight of the controversial drug discount program to the CMS, which has a more aggressive history with 340B than its covered providers would prefer. The Trump administration is pushing significant changes to the healthcare status quo that it says will save money, improve oversight and make the $4.9 trillion sector more efficient. Many of the HHS’ most controversial actions since President Donald Trump took office in January have sparked widespread discussion or been litigated in court as the healthcare industry looks to adjust to the “move fast and break things” mentality of the new Washington. <Read More>
Judge Rules Against J&J, for HHS and 340B Hospitals in Rebate Model Case – June 27, 2025 – A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia judge June 27 ruled against Johnson & Johnson and sided with the Department of Health and Human Services and hospitals in a lawsuit brought by J&J challenging the government’s authority to reject J&J’s proposed 340B rebate model. “In sum, based on the plain and unambiguous language of the 340B statute, and supported by its purpose and history, HRSA has the authority to ‘provide’ for discounts, rebates, or both,” Judge Rudolph Contreras wrote. “This conclusion defeats J&J’s claim that HRSA lacked the authority to require prior approval of J&J’s rebate model.” <Read More>
Cancer Patients are Overmedicated to Enrich Health Systems, Study Claims – June 23, 2025 – Are patients being prescribed more medications not for their health, but to generate profit? A new economic study published in The Journal of Health Economics reveals that cancer patients treated by physicians participating in the 340B Program receive more medications—including those outside clinical guidelines—without improvements in survival. The federal program, named after Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, was created by Congress in 1992 to support hospitals and clinics serving low-income communities. It allows eligible entities to purchase outpatient drugs at steep discounts and sell at full prices, retaining the difference. The Affordable Care Act expanded eligibility criteria, accelerating the program’s growth. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: July 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Ekterly® (sebetralstat) Tablets - New Drug Approval – July 7, 2025 - KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KALV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ekterly® (sebetralstat), a novel plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Ekterly® is the first and only oral on-demand treatment for HAE. <Read More>
Lynozyfic™ (linvoseltamab-gcpt) Injection - New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to linvoseltamab-gcpt (Lynozyfic™, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager, for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. <Read More>
Zegfrovy® (sunvozertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to sunvozertinib (Zegfrovy®, Dizal (Jiangsu) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. <Read More>
Harliku™ (nitisinone) Tablets - New Drug Approval – June 19, 2025 - Cycle Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Harliku (nitisinone) Tablets for the reduction of urine homogentisic acid (HGA) in adult patients with AKU. Launching in July 2025, Harliku™ will be the first and only FDA-approved treatment for AKU, an ultra-rare genetic metabolic disorder in which patients have a buildup of HGA that leads to osteoarthritis, ochronosis, and complications in the kidneys, and heart. <Read More>
Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) Tablets and Injection - New Drug Approval – June 18, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Yeztugo® (lenacapavir)—the company’s injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor—as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, making it the first and only twice-yearly option available in the United States for people who need or want PrEP. Data show that ≥99.9% of participants who received Yeztugo® in the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials remained HIV negative. <Read More>
Andembry® (garadacimab-gxii) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 16, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia – CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Andembry® for immediate launch in the United States. Andembry® helps prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is the first and only treatment targeting factor XIIa for prophylactic use to provide sustained protection from attacks of HAE in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. HAE occurs in about 1 in 50,000 people of any ethnic group. <Read More>
Zusduri™ (mitomycin) for Intravesical Solution - formerly UGN-102 - New Drug Approval – June 12, 2025 - UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zusduri™, the first and only FDA-approved medication for adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Zusduri™ consists of mitomycin and sterile hydrogel, using UroGen’s proprietary sustained release RTGel® technology. ZUSDURI has been designed for potent tumor ablation. <Read More>
Ibtroz™ (taletrectinib) Capsules - New Drug Approval – June 11, 2025 - Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ibtrozi™ (taletrectinib) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ibtrozi™ is a highly selective, next-generation oral ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed to address some of the outstanding challenges of treating ROS1+ NSCLC. It has demonstrated high response rates with durable benefit and intracranial activity and is generally well tolerated, providing a new treatment option for patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC. <Read More>
Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 9, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season. Enflonsia™ is a preventive, long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to provide direct, rapid and durable protection through 5 months, a typical RSV season, with the same 105 mg dose regardless of weight. A typical RSV season usually spans autumn to spring of the next year. <Read More>
Widaplik™ (amlodipine, indapamide and telmisartan) Tablets - formerly GMRx2 - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - George Medicines, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet needs in cardiometabolic disease, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Widaplik™ (telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide), formerly known as “GMRx2”, for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients, including as initial treatment, to lower blood pressure. Widaplik™ is a proprietary single pill combination of three medicines: telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide and is available in three doses: a standard dose and two low doses. It is the first and only FDA-approved triple combination medication for use as an initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to achieve blood pressure goals. Widaplik™, with its three different doses, can deliver the efficacy benefits of a triple mechanism approach early in the treatment pathway with an established safety profile and good tolerability. <Read More>
Xifyrm™ (meloxicam) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xifyrm™ (meloxicam injection) an IV non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that offers once daily dosing. Xifyrm™ is indicated for use in adults for the management of moderate-to-severe pain, alone or in combination with non-NSAID analgesics. Xifyrm™ provides a non-opioid analgesic in a 30mg/mL vial for IV bolus injection over 15 seconds. Because of delayed onset of analgesia, Xifyrm™ alone is not recommended for use when rapid onset of analgesia is required. <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Vaccine Approval – May 30, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mNEXSPIKE® (mRNA-1283), a new vaccine against COVID-19, for use in all adults 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 12-64 years with at least one or more underlying risk factor as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 28, 2025 - Sobi® (STO: SOBI) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) for the treatment of adult and pediatric (newborn and older) patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in known or suspected Still’s disease, including systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA), with an inadequate response or intolerance to glucocorticoids, or with recurrent MAS. <Read More>
Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Suspension for Intravenous Infusion – New Label Expansion – June 26, 2025 - Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved label updates for both of its CAR T cell therapies, Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel) for the treatment of large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) and other lymphomas and Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. These label updates reduce certain patient monitoring requirements and remove the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs that had been in place since each product was initially approved. <Read More>
Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 23, 2025 - Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) has been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received prior EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial. <Read More>
Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an updated label for its positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18 injection) for beta-amyloid detection. The revised label, effective immediately, expands the indications for use, enables quantitative analysis of Vizamyl™ scans, and removes significant previous limitations such as monitoring patient response to anti-amyloid therapy. <Read More>
Benlysta® (belimumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 200 mg/mL autoinjector of Benlysta® (belimumab), a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS)-specific inhibiting monoclonal antibody, for subcutaneous injection in patients five years of age and older with active lupus nephritis (LN) who are receiving standard therapy. With this approval, GSK is expanding choices for belimumab treatment, offering pediatric lupus nephritis patients and caregivers a first-of-its-kind subcutaneous option that can be administered at home. The 200 mg/mL autoinjector was approved for pediatric patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2024. <Read More>
Dupixent® (dupilumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of adult patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP). BP primarily affects elderly patients, and is characterized by intense itch, painful blisters, and lesions, as well as reddening of the skin. It can be chronic and relapsing with underlying type 2 inflammation. The blisters and rash can form over much of the body and cause the skin to bleed and break down, resulting in patients being more prone to infection and affecting their daily functioning. Available treatment options are limited and can add to overall disease burden by suppressing a patient’s immune system. <Read More>
Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix), a humanized Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody, in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). <Read More>
Endari® (L-glutamine) Oral Powder – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: EMMA), a leader in sickle cell disease treatment, announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for changes to the labelling of Endari® to reflect additional prescribing information derived from post-marketing pharmacokinetic study data submitted by Emmaus. The additional information provides a more comprehensive characterization of Endari®, including confirmation of dosing by body weight, no unwanted accumulation through twice daily dosing, and the ability to administer Endari® with or without food. Endari® is approved in the U.S. and elsewhere to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older. <Read More>
Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. <Read More>
Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Celltrion, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new presentation of Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba), a biosimilar to Stelara® (ustekinumab), in a 45mg/0.5mL solution in a single-dose vial for subcutaneous injection. The additional presentation is approved for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years, weighing less than 60kg, with plaque psoriasis (PsO) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). With this approval, Steqeyma® now offers all dosage forms and strengths of its reference product, providing flexibility to meet physicians' clinical needs while supporting treatment continuity for patients. <Read More>
Mavyret® (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) Tablets and Oral Pellets – New Label Expansion – June 10, 2025 - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label expansion for Mavyret® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), an oral pangenotypic direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is now approved for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients three years and older with acute or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. With this approval, Mavyret® is the first and only DAA therapy approved to treat patients with acute HCV in eight weeks with a 96% cure rate. <Read More>
Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) Capsules and Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ: ONC; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new tablet formulation of Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) for all five approved indications. Brukinsa® remains the leader in new chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient starts across all lines of therapy in the U.S., and for the first time, has become the overall BTK inhibitor market share leader. <Read More>
Nubeqa® (darolutamide) Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its oral androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) Nubeqa® (darolutamide) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), which is also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The approval is based on positive results from the pivotal Phase III ARANOTE trial, which demonstrated a significant reduction of 46% in the risk of radiographic progression or death (rPFS) for those treated with Nubeqa® plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54; 95% CI 0.41-0.71; p<0.0001). <Read More>
Xenoview® (xenon Xe 129 hyperpolarized) for Oral Inhalation – New Label Expansion – June 2, 2025 - Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX) (“Polarean” or the “Company”), a commercial-stage medical imaging technology leader in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") of the lungs, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved the Company’s Supplemental New Drug Application (“NDA”) to expand the indication of Xenoview®. This approval immediately lowers the minimum patient age from 12 to six years old, significantly broadening access to this technology and expanding Polarean’s total addressable market. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Discontinuation)
Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsule (Discontinuation)
July 1, 2025
Isoniazid Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 27, 2025
Ezetimibe Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 26, 2025
Eszopiclone Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 24, 2025
Amlodipine Besylate; Benazepril Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Docetaxel Injection (Discontinuation)
June 18, 2025
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 7, 2025
Peritoneal Dialysis Solution (Resolved)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 3, 2025
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Resolved)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rifampin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 2, 2025
Albuterol Sulfate Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Resolved)
Sodium Chloride 23.4% Injection (Resolved)
July 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dextrose Monohydrate 10% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Propranolol Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 30, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
June 27, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Leucovorin Calcium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 26, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Currently In Shortage)
June 23, 2025
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Peginterferon alfa-2a Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 20, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cefazolin for Injection by Sandoz Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 27, 2025 - Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary recall of one (1) lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. This single lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units labelled vials were incorrectly included in a carton (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product. <Read More>
Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs by Church & Dwight Co., Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 6, 2025 - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to potential microbial contamination identified as fungi in cotton swab components. Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries. The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions. To date, no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported. <Read More>
Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC – New Voluntary Recall – June 4, 2025 - Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling three lots of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg to the consumer level as the tablets may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination. The observance of black spots was reported in a product quality complaint. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
FTC Holds Its First Listening Session on Practices and Regulations Impacting Pharmaceutical Generic or Biosimilar Competition – July 1, 2025 – On June 30, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held the first of three listening sessions focused on ways to lower Americans’ drug prices through competition. The panels are being held as part of the agencies’ implementation of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order No. 14273, titled “Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First.” That order instructed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to conduct “joint public listening sessions with the [… DOJ], the Department of Commerce and the [FTC] and issue a report with recommendations to reduce anti-competitive behavior from pharmaceutical manufacturers.” <Read More>
Major Insurance Changes are Coming for Weight Loss Drugs. Here’s How it Could Affect Patients – July 1, 2025 – Last week, Tara Eacobacci had an appointment with her doctor that was devoted exclusively to the topic of health insurance. A major change to her prescription benefits meant the medication she was using to manage her weight – a treatment that had taken years of trial and error to get right – would no longer be covered by insurance. “I’m completely outraged,” Eacobacci said. “It’s not only causing me stress, but it is making me angry.” Starting Tuesday, CVS Caremark – a major pharmacy benefit manager that serves as a middleman for health insurers, large employers and other payers to manage their prescription drug plans – will stop covering Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, a blockbuster GLP-1 drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight. <Read More>
Congress Should Remove the Rare Disease Carve-Out From Medicare Drug Price Negotiation, Not Expand It – June 27, 2025 – The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 allowed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to begin negotiating prices for certain prescription drugs in Medicare. For products to be eligible, they must meet several statutory requirements, including generating more than $200 million in annual Medicare sales (a threshold that increases annually with inflation), being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at least seven years (for small-molecule products) or 11 years (for biologic products), and not yet facing biosimilar or generic competition. In addition, Congress exempted from negotiation any drugs that are approved to treat a single rare disease. <Read More>
Trump Vows to Cut 'The Best Deal' on Drug Prices. What to Expect – June 26, 2025 – Imagine forking out north of $25,000 for a month's supply of the drug keeping you alive. That's what many hepatitis C patients in the U.S. have had to pay for a 28-day course of Gilead Sciences' (GILD) Epclusa. Canadians paid 35% less for the same treatment, while Australians could buy nearly three months of the drug for roughly the same price…The Trump administration has a plan to change that. Dubbed the "Most Favored Nation" approach, the strategy aims to bring drug prices paid by Americans down to roughly the same level charged by pharma companies in other countries. President Donald Trump said he aims to get Americans "the best deal" on their prescriptions. <Read More>
Generic Cancer Drugs Used Around the World Fail Quality Tests, Investigation Shows – June 25, 2025 – Vital chemotherapy drugs used around the world have failed quality tests, putting cancer patients in more than 100 countries at risk of ineffective treatments and potentially fatal side effects, an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) reveals. The generic drugs in question form the backbone of treatment plans for numerous common cancers — including breast, ovarian, and leukemia. Some drugs contained so little of their key ingredient that pharmacists said giving them to patients would be as good as doing nothing. Other drugs, containing too much of the active ingredient, create the risk of severe organ damage or even death. “Both scenarios are horrendous,” said one pharmacist. “It’s heartbreaking.” <Read More>
Increasing Biosimilar Use Reflects Changing Practice in Pediatric IBD Care – June 25, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilar initiation among pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rose gradually from 1% in 2018 to nearly 42% in 2023, with no consistent differences by age, race, or ethnicity and notable regional variation, according to a retrospective study. The analysis, published in Children, incorporated data from the ImproveCareNow (ICN) Network, a multicenter pediatric IBD quality improvement collaborative. Pediatric IBD is becoming increasingly common, with an incidence of about 10 cases per 100,000 children in the US and Canada and a rising trend. In the US alone, IBD prevalence ranges from 100 to 200 per 100,000 children—amounting to an estimated 70,000 affected children—meaning that most pediatricians are likely to encounter and care for patients with IBD in their practice. <Read More>
Abbvie Announces Head-to-Head Results Challenging Migraine Treatment Status Quo – June 24, 2025 – For the more than one billion people worldwide living with migraine, the path to effective prevention can feel like an obstacle course. While some migraine patients struggle to find a formal diagnosis, others must navigate a lengthy trial-and-error process with outdated therapies before they can access treatments that provide real relief. Despite migraine ranking as the second leading cause of disability globally, new patients must undergo a “step-therapy” approach, first trying older preventive medications such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants repurposed for migraine before being granted access to newer, more targeted therapies. <Read More>
HRSA Announces Action to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Life-Saving Medications at Health Centers Nationwide – June 24, 2025 – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA announced new steps to lower out-of-pocket costs for life-saving medications. In alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting Americans First,” HRSA has issued updated award terms requiring HRSA-funded health centers to provide insulin and injectable epinephrine to low-income patients at or below the price paid by the center through the 340B Drug Pricing Program…This new requirement aims to improve access and affordability for two of the most vital medications in emergency and chronic care: insulin, used by millions of Americans to manage diabetes, and injectable epinephrine, critical for the treatment of severe allergic reactions. The high costs of these medications have posed a growing challenge for underserved populations. <Read More>
Infliximab Biosimilar Switch Due to Flare Risk: Monitoring Patients is Crucial for Pharmacists – June 5, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilars (infliximab-abda and infliximab-dyyb) may delay treatment after patients switch from the reference product, suggesting a possible risk factor for flaring/loss of disease control, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology. Clinicians often treat rheumatic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and uveitis, with the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, infliximab. Over the past few years, the FDA approved 4 infliximab biosimilars. <Read More>
New ACG Guidelines Reflect ‘Tremendous’ Surge in Treatments for Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis – June 4, 2025 – The ACG has released new clinical guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in adult patients. The guidelines, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, reflect numerous advances and new therapeutic options in the management of the two conditions, according to Gary R. Lichtenstein, MD, FACG, lead author of the CD guideline and vice chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, development and philanthropy at Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. <Read More>
340B in the News
340B Could Have a New Cop on The beat - Hospitals are Worried – July 2, 2025 – The Trump administration wants to move oversight of the controversial drug discount program to the CMS, which has a more aggressive history with 340B than its covered providers would prefer. The Trump administration is pushing significant changes to the healthcare status quo that it says will save money, improve oversight and make the $4.9 trillion sector more efficient. Many of the HHS’ most controversial actions since President Donald Trump took office in January have sparked widespread discussion or been litigated in court as the healthcare industry looks to adjust to the “move fast and break things” mentality of the new Washington. <Read More>
Judge Rules Against J&J, for HHS and 340B Hospitals in Rebate Model Case – June 27, 2025 – A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia judge June 27 ruled against Johnson & Johnson and sided with the Department of Health and Human Services and hospitals in a lawsuit brought by J&J challenging the government’s authority to reject J&J’s proposed 340B rebate model. “In sum, based on the plain and unambiguous language of the 340B statute, and supported by its purpose and history, HRSA has the authority to ‘provide’ for discounts, rebates, or both,” Judge Rudolph Contreras wrote. “This conclusion defeats J&J’s claim that HRSA lacked the authority to require prior approval of J&J’s rebate model.” <Read More>
Cancer Patients are Overmedicated to Enrich Health Systems, Study Claims – June 23, 2025 – Are patients being prescribed more medications not for their health, but to generate profit? A new economic study published in The Journal of Health Economics reveals that cancer patients treated by physicians participating in the 340B Program receive more medications—including those outside clinical guidelines—without improvements in survival. The federal program, named after Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, was created by Congress in 1992 to support hospitals and clinics serving low-income communities. It allows eligible entities to purchase outpatient drugs at steep discounts and sell at full prices, retaining the difference. The Affordable Care Act expanded eligibility criteria, accelerating the program’s growth. <Read More>
Clinical Insights: July 10th, 2025
New Drug/Vaccine Approval
Ekterly® (sebetralstat) Tablets - New Drug Approval – July 7, 2025 - KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KALV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ekterly® (sebetralstat), a novel plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Ekterly® is the first and only oral on-demand treatment for HAE. <Read More>
Lynozyfic™ (linvoseltamab-gcpt) Injection - New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to linvoseltamab-gcpt (Lynozyfic™, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager, for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. <Read More>
Zegfrovy® (sunvozertinib) Tablets – New Drug Approval – July 2, 2025 - The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to sunvozertinib (Zegfrovy®, Dizal (Jiangsu) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. <Read More>
Harliku™ (nitisinone) Tablets - New Drug Approval – June 19, 2025 - Cycle Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Harliku (nitisinone) Tablets for the reduction of urine homogentisic acid (HGA) in adult patients with AKU. Launching in July 2025, Harliku™ will be the first and only FDA-approved treatment for AKU, an ultra-rare genetic metabolic disorder in which patients have a buildup of HGA that leads to osteoarthritis, ochronosis, and complications in the kidneys, and heart. <Read More>
Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) Tablets and Injection - New Drug Approval – June 18, 2025 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Yeztugo® (lenacapavir)—the company’s injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor—as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, making it the first and only twice-yearly option available in the United States for people who need or want PrEP. Data show that ≥99.9% of participants who received Yeztugo® in the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials remained HIV negative. <Read More>
Andembry® (garadacimab-gxii) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 16, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia – CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Andembry® for immediate launch in the United States. Andembry® helps prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is the first and only treatment targeting factor XIIa for prophylactic use to provide sustained protection from attacks of HAE in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. HAE occurs in about 1 in 50,000 people of any ethnic group. <Read More>
Zusduri™ (mitomycin) for Intravesical Solution - formerly UGN-102 - New Drug Approval – June 12, 2025 - UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zusduri™, the first and only FDA-approved medication for adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Zusduri™ consists of mitomycin and sterile hydrogel, using UroGen’s proprietary sustained release RTGel® technology. ZUSDURI has been designed for potent tumor ablation. <Read More>
Ibtroz™ (taletrectinib) Capsules - New Drug Approval – June 11, 2025 - Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ibtrozi™ (taletrectinib) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ibtrozi™ is a highly selective, next-generation oral ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed to address some of the outstanding challenges of treating ROS1+ NSCLC. It has demonstrated high response rates with durable benefit and intracranial activity and is generally well tolerated, providing a new treatment option for patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC. <Read More>
Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 9, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab-cfor) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates (newborns) and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season. Enflonsia™ is a preventive, long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to provide direct, rapid and durable protection through 5 months, a typical RSV season, with the same 105 mg dose regardless of weight. A typical RSV season usually spans autumn to spring of the next year. <Read More>
Widaplik™ (amlodipine, indapamide and telmisartan) Tablets - formerly GMRx2 - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - George Medicines, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet needs in cardiometabolic disease, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Widaplik™ (telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide), formerly known as “GMRx2”, for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients, including as initial treatment, to lower blood pressure. Widaplik™ is a proprietary single pill combination of three medicines: telmisartan, amlodipine and indapamide and is available in three doses: a standard dose and two low doses. It is the first and only FDA-approved triple combination medication for use as an initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to achieve blood pressure goals. Widaplik™, with its three different doses, can deliver the efficacy benefits of a triple mechanism approach early in the treatment pathway with an established safety profile and good tolerability. <Read More>
Xifyrm™ (meloxicam) Injection - New Drug Approval – June 5, 2025 - Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xifyrm™ (meloxicam injection) an IV non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that offers once daily dosing. Xifyrm™ is indicated for use in adults for the management of moderate-to-severe pain, alone or in combination with non-NSAID analgesics. Xifyrm™ provides a non-opioid analgesic in a 30mg/mL vial for IV bolus injection over 15 seconds. Because of delayed onset of analgesia, Xifyrm™ alone is not recommended for use when rapid onset of analgesia is required. <Read More>
mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) Injection - New Vaccine Approval – May 30, 2025 – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mNEXSPIKE® (mRNA-1283), a new vaccine against COVID-19, for use in all adults 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 12-64 years with at least one or more underlying risk factor as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <Read More>
New Label Expansions
Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 28, 2025 - Sobi® (STO: SOBI) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gamifant® (emapalumab-lzsg) for the treatment of adult and pediatric (newborn and older) patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in known or suspected Still’s disease, including systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA), with an inadequate response or intolerance to glucocorticoids, or with recurrent MAS. <Read More>
Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Suspension for Intravenous Infusion – New Label Expansion – June 26, 2025 - Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved label updates for both of its CAR T cell therapies, Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel) for the treatment of large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) and other lymphomas and Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. These label updates reduce certain patient monitoring requirements and remove the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs that had been in place since each product was initially approved. <Read More>
Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) Lyophilized Powder for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 23, 2025 - Datroway® (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) has been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received prior EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial. <Read More>
Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an updated label for its positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent Vizamyl™ (flutemetamol F 18 injection) for beta-amyloid detection. The revised label, effective immediately, expands the indications for use, enables quantitative analysis of Vizamyl™ scans, and removes significant previous limitations such as monitoring patient response to anti-amyloid therapy. <Read More>
Benlysta® (belimumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 24, 2025 - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 200 mg/mL autoinjector of Benlysta® (belimumab), a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS)-specific inhibiting monoclonal antibody, for subcutaneous injection in patients five years of age and older with active lupus nephritis (LN) who are receiving standard therapy. With this approval, GSK is expanding choices for belimumab treatment, offering pediatric lupus nephritis patients and caregivers a first-of-its-kind subcutaneous option that can be administered at home. The 200 mg/mL autoinjector was approved for pediatric patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2024. <Read More>
Dupixent® (dupilumab) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of adult patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP). BP primarily affects elderly patients, and is characterized by intense itch, painful blisters, and lesions, as well as reddening of the skin. It can be chronic and relapsing with underlying type 2 inflammation. The blisters and rash can form over much of the body and cause the skin to bleed and break down, resulting in patients being more prone to infection and affecting their daily functioning. Available treatment options are limited and can add to overall disease burden by suppressing a patient’s immune system. <Read More>
Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 18, 2025 - Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix), a humanized Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody, in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). <Read More>
Endari® (L-glutamine) Oral Powder – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: EMMA), a leader in sickle cell disease treatment, announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for changes to the labelling of Endari® to reflect additional prescribing information derived from post-marketing pharmacokinetic study data submitted by Emmaus. The additional information provides a more comprehensive characterization of Endari®, including confirmation of dosing by body weight, no unwanted accumulation through twice daily dosing, and the ability to administer Endari® with or without food. Endari® is approved in the U.S. and elsewhere to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older. <Read More>
Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) for Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. <Read More>
Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba) Injection – New Label Expansion – June 12, 2025 - Celltrion, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new presentation of Steqeyma® (ustekinumab-stba), a biosimilar to Stelara® (ustekinumab), in a 45mg/0.5mL solution in a single-dose vial for subcutaneous injection. The additional presentation is approved for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years, weighing less than 60kg, with plaque psoriasis (PsO) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). With this approval, Steqeyma® now offers all dosage forms and strengths of its reference product, providing flexibility to meet physicians' clinical needs while supporting treatment continuity for patients. <Read More>
Mavyret® (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) Tablets and Oral Pellets – New Label Expansion – June 10, 2025 - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label expansion for Mavyret® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), an oral pangenotypic direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is now approved for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients three years and older with acute or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. With this approval, Mavyret® is the first and only DAA therapy approved to treat patients with acute HCV in eight weeks with a 96% cure rate. <Read More>
Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) Capsules and Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ: ONC; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new tablet formulation of Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) for all five approved indications. Brukinsa® remains the leader in new chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient starts across all lines of therapy in the U.S., and for the first time, has become the overall BTK inhibitor market share leader. <Read More>
Nubeqa® (darolutamide) Tablets – New Label Expansion – June 3, 2025 - Bayer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its oral androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) Nubeqa® (darolutamide) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), which is also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The approval is based on positive results from the pivotal Phase III ARANOTE trial, which demonstrated a significant reduction of 46% in the risk of radiographic progression or death (rPFS) for those treated with Nubeqa® plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54; 95% CI 0.41-0.71; p<0.0001). <Read More>
Xenoview® (xenon Xe 129 hyperpolarized) for Oral Inhalation – New Label Expansion – June 2, 2025 - Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX) (“Polarean” or the “Company”), a commercial-stage medical imaging technology leader in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") of the lungs, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved the Company’s Supplemental New Drug Application (“NDA”) to expand the indication of Xenoview®. This approval immediately lowers the minimum patient age from 12 to six years old, significantly broadening access to this technology and expanding Polarean’s total addressable market. <Read More>
New Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Discontinuation)
Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsule (Discontinuation)
July 1, 2025
Isoniazid Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 27, 2025
Ezetimibe Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 26, 2025
Eszopiclone Tablet (Discontinuation)
June 24, 2025
Amlodipine Besylate; Benazepril Hydrochloride Capsule (Discontinuation)
Docetaxel Injection (Discontinuation)
June 18, 2025
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Updated Drug Shortage
July 8, 2025
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 7, 2025
Peritoneal Dialysis Solution (Resolved)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 3, 2025
Lorazepam Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Resolved)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rifampin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
July 2, 2025
Albuterol Sulfate Solution (Currently In Shortage)
Amino Acid Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Nitroglycerin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Resolved)
Sodium Chloride 23.4% Injection (Resolved)
July 1, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dextrose Monohydrate 10% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Fentanyl Citrate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Morphine Sulfate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Propranolol Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Remifentanil Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Valproate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 30, 2025
Dobutamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Rocuronium Bromide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
June 27, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Leucovorin Calcium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 26, 2025
Clindamycin Phosphate Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Furosemide Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Heparin Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation (Currently In Shortage)
June 23, 2025
Indocyanine Green Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Tablet, Chewable (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Peginterferon alfa-2a Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection (Currently In Shortage)
June 20, 2025
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Azacitidine Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Carboplatin Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Mefloquine Hydrochloride Tablet (Currently In Shortage)
Methotrexate Sodium Injection (Currently In Shortage)
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release (Currently In Shortage)
Oxazepam Capsule (Currently In Shortage)
Streptozocin Powder, For Solution (Currently In Shortage)
New Drug Recall and Safety Alerts
Cefazolin for Injection by Sandoz Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 27, 2025 - Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary recall of one (1) lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. This single lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units labelled vials were incorrectly included in a carton (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product. <Read More>
Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs by Church & Dwight Co., Inc. – New Voluntary Recall – June 6, 2025 - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to potential microbial contamination identified as fungi in cotton swab components. Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries. The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions. To date, no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported. <Read More>
Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC – New Voluntary Recall – June 4, 2025 - Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling three lots of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg to the consumer level as the tablets may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination. The observance of black spots was reported in a product quality complaint. <Read More>
New Generic/Biosimilar Approval and Launch
No new update.
Clinical and Pharmacy News
FTC Holds Its First Listening Session on Practices and Regulations Impacting Pharmaceutical Generic or Biosimilar Competition – July 1, 2025 – On June 30, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held the first of three listening sessions focused on ways to lower Americans’ drug prices through competition. The panels are being held as part of the agencies’ implementation of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order No. 14273, titled “Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First.” That order instructed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to conduct “joint public listening sessions with the [… DOJ], the Department of Commerce and the [FTC] and issue a report with recommendations to reduce anti-competitive behavior from pharmaceutical manufacturers.” <Read More>
Major Insurance Changes are Coming for Weight Loss Drugs. Here’s How it Could Affect Patients – July 1, 2025 – Last week, Tara Eacobacci had an appointment with her doctor that was devoted exclusively to the topic of health insurance. A major change to her prescription benefits meant the medication she was using to manage her weight – a treatment that had taken years of trial and error to get right – would no longer be covered by insurance. “I’m completely outraged,” Eacobacci said. “It’s not only causing me stress, but it is making me angry.” Starting Tuesday, CVS Caremark – a major pharmacy benefit manager that serves as a middleman for health insurers, large employers and other payers to manage their prescription drug plans – will stop covering Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, a blockbuster GLP-1 drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight. <Read More>
Congress Should Remove the Rare Disease Carve-Out From Medicare Drug Price Negotiation, Not Expand It – June 27, 2025 – The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 allowed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to begin negotiating prices for certain prescription drugs in Medicare. For products to be eligible, they must meet several statutory requirements, including generating more than $200 million in annual Medicare sales (a threshold that increases annually with inflation), being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at least seven years (for small-molecule products) or 11 years (for biologic products), and not yet facing biosimilar or generic competition. In addition, Congress exempted from negotiation any drugs that are approved to treat a single rare disease. <Read More>
Trump Vows to Cut 'The Best Deal' on Drug Prices. What to Expect – June 26, 2025 – Imagine forking out north of $25,000 for a month's supply of the drug keeping you alive. That's what many hepatitis C patients in the U.S. have had to pay for a 28-day course of Gilead Sciences' (GILD) Epclusa. Canadians paid 35% less for the same treatment, while Australians could buy nearly three months of the drug for roughly the same price…The Trump administration has a plan to change that. Dubbed the "Most Favored Nation" approach, the strategy aims to bring drug prices paid by Americans down to roughly the same level charged by pharma companies in other countries. President Donald Trump said he aims to get Americans "the best deal" on their prescriptions. <Read More>
Generic Cancer Drugs Used Around the World Fail Quality Tests, Investigation Shows – June 25, 2025 – Vital chemotherapy drugs used around the world have failed quality tests, putting cancer patients in more than 100 countries at risk of ineffective treatments and potentially fatal side effects, an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) reveals. The generic drugs in question form the backbone of treatment plans for numerous common cancers — including breast, ovarian, and leukemia. Some drugs contained so little of their key ingredient that pharmacists said giving them to patients would be as good as doing nothing. Other drugs, containing too much of the active ingredient, create the risk of severe organ damage or even death. “Both scenarios are horrendous,” said one pharmacist. “It’s heartbreaking.” <Read More>
Increasing Biosimilar Use Reflects Changing Practice in Pediatric IBD Care – June 25, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilar initiation among pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rose gradually from 1% in 2018 to nearly 42% in 2023, with no consistent differences by age, race, or ethnicity and notable regional variation, according to a retrospective study. The analysis, published in Children, incorporated data from the ImproveCareNow (ICN) Network, a multicenter pediatric IBD quality improvement collaborative. Pediatric IBD is becoming increasingly common, with an incidence of about 10 cases per 100,000 children in the US and Canada and a rising trend. In the US alone, IBD prevalence ranges from 100 to 200 per 100,000 children—amounting to an estimated 70,000 affected children—meaning that most pediatricians are likely to encounter and care for patients with IBD in their practice. <Read More>
Abbvie Announces Head-to-Head Results Challenging Migraine Treatment Status Quo – June 24, 2025 – For the more than one billion people worldwide living with migraine, the path to effective prevention can feel like an obstacle course. While some migraine patients struggle to find a formal diagnosis, others must navigate a lengthy trial-and-error process with outdated therapies before they can access treatments that provide real relief. Despite migraine ranking as the second leading cause of disability globally, new patients must undergo a “step-therapy” approach, first trying older preventive medications such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants repurposed for migraine before being granted access to newer, more targeted therapies. <Read More>
HRSA Announces Action to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Life-Saving Medications at Health Centers Nationwide – June 24, 2025 – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA announced new steps to lower out-of-pocket costs for life-saving medications. In alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting Americans First,” HRSA has issued updated award terms requiring HRSA-funded health centers to provide insulin and injectable epinephrine to low-income patients at or below the price paid by the center through the 340B Drug Pricing Program…This new requirement aims to improve access and affordability for two of the most vital medications in emergency and chronic care: insulin, used by millions of Americans to manage diabetes, and injectable epinephrine, critical for the treatment of severe allergic reactions. The high costs of these medications have posed a growing challenge for underserved populations. <Read More>
Infliximab Biosimilar Switch Due to Flare Risk: Monitoring Patients is Crucial for Pharmacists – June 5, 2025 – Infliximab biosimilars (infliximab-abda and infliximab-dyyb) may delay treatment after patients switch from the reference product, suggesting a possible risk factor for flaring/loss of disease control, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology. Clinicians often treat rheumatic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and uveitis, with the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, infliximab. Over the past few years, the FDA approved 4 infliximab biosimilars. <Read More>
New ACG Guidelines Reflect ‘Tremendous’ Surge in Treatments for Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis – June 4, 2025 – The ACG has released new clinical guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in adult patients. The guidelines, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, reflect numerous advances and new therapeutic options in the management of the two conditions, according to Gary R. Lichtenstein, MD, FACG, lead author of the CD guideline and vice chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, development and philanthropy at Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. <Read More>
340B in the News
340B Could Have a New Cop on The beat - Hospitals are Worried – July 2, 2025 – The Trump administration wants to move oversight of the controversial drug discount program to the CMS, which has a more aggressive history with 340B than its covered providers would prefer. The Trump administration is pushing significant changes to the healthcare status quo that it says will save money, improve oversight and make the $4.9 trillion sector more efficient. Many of the HHS’ most controversial actions since President Donald Trump took office in January have sparked widespread discussion or been litigated in court as the healthcare industry looks to adjust to the “move fast and break things” mentality of the new Washington. <Read More>
Judge Rules Against J&J, for HHS and 340B Hospitals in Rebate Model Case – June 27, 2025 – A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia judge June 27 ruled against Johnson & Johnson and sided with the Department of Health and Human Services and hospitals in a lawsuit brought by J&J challenging the government’s authority to reject J&J’s proposed 340B rebate model. “In sum, based on the plain and unambiguous language of the 340B statute, and supported by its purpose and history, HRSA has the authority to ‘provide’ for discounts, rebates, or both,” Judge Rudolph Contreras wrote. “This conclusion defeats J&J’s claim that HRSA lacked the authority to require prior approval of J&J’s rebate model.” <Read More>
Cancer Patients are Overmedicated to Enrich Health Systems, Study Claims – June 23, 2025 – Are patients being prescribed more medications not for their health, but to generate profit? A new economic study published in The Journal of Health Economics reveals that cancer patients treated by physicians participating in the 340B Program receive more medications—including those outside clinical guidelines—without improvements in survival. The federal program, named after Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, was created by Congress in 1992 to support hospitals and clinics serving low-income communities. It allows eligible entities to purchase outpatient drugs at steep discounts and sell at full prices, retaining the difference. The Affordable Care Act expanded eligibility criteria, accelerating the program’s growth. <Read More>
Ready to get started?
The Pillr Health team is here to empower your 340B program, and beyond. Reach out at the link below.
Ready to get started?
The Pillr Health team is here to empower your 340B program, and beyond. Reach out at the link below.