Study Shows Fever During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Autism at Birth
Researchers at Columbia University in New York have found children born to mothers who experience fever, especially multiple fevers, during the second trimester of pregnancy are at increased risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Subcutaneous Immune Globulin Effective as Maintenance Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
A Phase III, placebo-controlled study demonstrated both low-dose and high-dose therapy with a licensed, self-administered subcutaneous immune globulin product was efficacious and well-tolerated as maintenance treatment for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
New Secretary of Health and Human Services Confirmed
Alex Michael Azar II was confirmed the 24th Secretary of Health and Human Services.
CMS Launches Voluntary Bundled Payment Model
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has launched a new voluntary bundled payment model called Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced.
First Digital Pill for Mental Illness Approved by FDA
Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole tablets with sensor; Otsuka Pharmaceutical), the first digital ingestion tracking system, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FDA Issues Product Advisory for CSL Behring’s AlbuRx
CSL Behring noted the potential for fading print with more effect on the expiration dating on the patient tear-off portion of the vial label.
Study Finds Antibiotics Can Weaken the Immune System
Researchers have found antibiotics can be counterproductive and weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off bacteria.
Study Shows Antabuse Lowers Risk of Death from Cancer
A nationwide epidemiological study showed cancer patients who continuously used disulfiram (Antabuse), a drug prescribed to alcoholics to prevent them from drinking, have a lower risk of death from cancer compared to those who stopped using the drug once diagnosed.
Hike Proposed for Medicare Payments in 2019
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed a 1.84 percent increase in 2019 Medicare payments to health insurers that manage Medicare Advantage insurance plans for more than 20 million elderly and disabled people.
Subcutaneous Prophylaxis with Bispecific Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Bleeding Rate in Hemophilia A and Inhibitors
A Phase III study involving 109 male participants with hemophilia A and inhibitors showed that once-weekly subcutaneous prophylactic administration of an investigational bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody (emicizumab; ACE910) was associated with a significantly lower rate of bleeding events than no prophylaxis.
