- A key CDC panel recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots for people 65 years old and older, as well as those at high risk of severe COVID-19. Contrary to the FDA, the panel rejected a plan that would have distributed the booster shots to people whose occupations put them at risk of exposure. However, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended boosters for people ages 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of COVID-19 because of their workplaces or institutional settings, keeping in line with FDA recommendations. (Articles here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)
- The Health Resources and Services Administration asked the HHS Office of the Inspector General to determine whether six drugmakers should be fined for violating the 340B drug program. According to letters, the companies – which include Eli Lilly & Co., AstraZeneca PLC, Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi SA, and United Therapeutics Corp – refused to offer discounts to pharmacies that contract with safety-net providers in the program. The drugmakers could be fined more than $5,000 for each violation. (Article here)
September 24, 2021
Life Sciences