FDA Policy/General

Panel to Vote on Converting Paxlovid EUA to Traditional Approval

A Pfizer NDA to convert its emergency use authorization for Covid-19 drug Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir co-packaged tablets) to a traditional approval is heading to a 3/16 Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee meeting review and vote. The company is seeking an indication for treating mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe Covid-19, including hospitalization or death.

Paxlovid generated about $19 billion in revenues last year, and it is projected to decline to $8 billion this year as fewer cases of Covid-19 are expected. It is believed that gaining traditional approval for Paxlovid could lead to more use by those reluctant to take therapies that are not “FDA approved.”

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