U.S. Withdraws Financial Support from Pharma’s Arm GAVI
The U.S. government has withdrawn a $1.2 billion pledge to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) originally made by the Biden administration. GAVI, which is officially known as Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, is a public-private multilateral funding partnership launched in 2000 by the pharmaceutical industry, governments and private institutions and philanthropic organizations to […]
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Recalls 1.5 Million Bottles of Generic ADHD Drug
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of Mumbai, India, is recalling 1.476 million bottles of a generic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication called atomoxetine from the U.S market, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1 Eli Lilly had once marketed the branded version of the drug, Strattera, but stopped […]
U.S. Government Extends Liability Shield for COVID Shot Makers
On Dec. 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) announced it would extend through Dec. 31, 2029 liability protections for pharmaceutical companies that produce COVID-19 biologics. According to Bloomberg Law, the liability shield also protects “health professionals prescribing, dispensing or administering vaccines, including state-licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns.” The […]
Nurse’s Death in U.K. Linked to Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro
A 58-year-old nurse’s death has been linked to the popular weight loss drug tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro. While her certificate of death lists “multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis” as the immediate cause of her passing, “the use of prescribed tirzepatide” is listed as a contributing factor. Susan McGowan had only […]
Pfizer Agrees to Settle Zantac Cancer Lawsuits for $250 Million
Pfizer, Inc., the largest pharmaceutical corporation in the world marketing drugs and vaccines,1 has agreed to pay between $200 to $250 million to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits filed in the United States related to cancer risks associated with its over-the-counter heartburn drug Zantac (also known as ranitidine). The acid reflux drug was discontinued in […]
FDA Adds Boxed Warning to Merck’s Asthma Drug Singulair About Suicide, Neuropsychiatric Side Effects
In 2008, the FDA issued a warning advising that it would investigate a possible risk of suicide associated with Merck & Co.’s asthma and allergy drug Singulair after there were many reports of increases in agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Hallucinations also were documented for children and adolescents taking Singulair. When the drug’s […]