- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has seized “thousands of units” of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources. The FDA and the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk, are testing the shots. They do not yet have information about the drugs’ identity, quality, or safety, according to a statement. The FDA said Thursday that five illnesses have been linked to the fake shots, but none have been serious. In addition to the drug itself, the needles, pen labels, cartons, and accompanying health care information are also counterfeit. (Articles here and here)
- Drugmakers, including Pfizer, Sanofi, and Takeda Pharmaceutical, plan to raise prices on more than 500 drugs in the United States in early January, according to data analyzed by health care research firm 3 Axis Advisors. Excluding different doses and formulations, more than 140 brands of drugs will have their prices raised next month, the data showed. The expected price hikes come as the pharmaceutical industry gears up for the Biden Administration to publish significantly discounted prices for 10 high-cost drugs in September and continues to contend with higher inflation and manufacturing costs. (Article here)
March 11, 2024
Life Sciences | Tea Leaves