FDA
In a July 9 memo, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research contended there was not enough evidence that the benefits of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax outweighed its risks in healthy children.
FEATURED STORIES
As the biopharma industry grapples with the uncertain macro environment brought on by the new administration, CEOs, regulators and many others speak out.
Experts express concern that last week’s unprecedented FDA layoffs will trigger a little-known mechanism that could result in a “disaster” the Trump administration doesn’t see coming.
While it’s not unusual for certain positions to turn over with a new administration, the number of senior-level FDA staffers who have recently left the agency is unprecedented. The lack of communication, transparency and human decency is as well.
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The FDA’s independent advisors found Pfizer’s data lacked the precision needed to establish the efficacy of Talzenna in patients with prostate cancer who do not carry HRR mutations.
The FDA had given Pfizer and Moderna until May 17 to propose changes to the labels of their COVID-19 vaccines or challenge the agency’s directive. The products’ labels already include myocarditis warnings, albeit for different age groups.
After discussions with the FDA, Moderna has withdrawn its application for a combination shot, which had demonstrated efficacy in eliciting antibodies in data announced earlier this month.
The ODAC cited concerns with patient populations in clinical trials used to support the proposed expansion. Johnson & Johnson fared better, with the FDA’s cancer advisors voting to recommend Darzalex in patients with a certain type of multiple myeloma.
The new framework was well-received by biopharma analysts, who say it “largely formalizes” current COVID-19 vaccination trends.
In an interview on Friday, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary threw his weight behind psychedelic therapies, noting that patients taking these substances experience significant benefits for various neuropsychiatric conditions.
In a year when eradicated diseases are on the uptick in America, how will American children survive RFK Jr.’s vaccine scrutiny and inconsistency? Two experts call on pharma and regulatory bodies to rebuild trust.
The restrictions on Novavax’s vaccine could portend changes at the FDA. Commissioner Marty Makary suggested last week that the agency could update its vaccine approval guidelines “in the coming days.”
Analysts at BMO Capital Markets said in a weekend note that a non-invasive blood test could help boost uptake of Alzheimer’s disease therapies.
While sparking excitement among biopharma companies focused on rare and ultrarare indications, experts say FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s proposal is light on details and raises potential concerns about safety, access and liability.