Devices

Fast Track for Neurotech Macular Degenerative Therapy

FDA has granted Neurotech Pharmaceuticals a fast track designation for Renexus (NT-501) for treating macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Renexus is a cell-based drug delivery system. Human-derived cells encapsulated in a semipermeable hollow fiber membrane device release ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), which is intended to reduce photoreceptor cell loss, the company says. “The implanted Renexus device results in sustained delivery of CNTF localized to the retina, the light-sensing tissue in the back of the eye,” it says.

MacTel is a rare macular degenerative disease typically diagnosed in middle age. Patients rarely experience total vision loss, but the disease has a significant impact, through visual loss, on a patient’s quality of life, Neurotech says.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome