The FDA and makers of fentanyl did not act decisively enough to end inappropriate off-label prescribing of the drug, according to a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The type of fentanyl in question had been approved for some adult cancer patients. However, fentanyl drugs were prescribed for off-label use for between 34.6% and 55.4% of patients. (Axios)
CVS’ full-year earnings forecast did not meet analysts’ expectations. The company predicted that income from its retail, long-term care, and pharmacy services will decline year-over-year. Drugmakers not increasing drug prices and Trump administration proposals to ban rebates are two reasons why. (CNBC)
Facebook has been accused of disclosing users’ information from closed medical-support groups. A complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission said some personal health information was released after users were led to believe the groups were private. Federal lawmakers are asking for information about the complaint by the end of the month. (STAT)
Starboard Value has nominated five directors for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s board, one of which is Starboard cofounder Jeff Smith. The activist investor holds 1 million shares of the drugmaker. Some analysts are predicting Starboard may attempt to dissolve Bristol-Myers Squibb’s $74 billion deal to acquire Celgene. (Bloomberg)
A post-marketing study of Pfizer’s rheumatoid arthritis drug Xeljanz found a 10mg dose to be a safety concern. Patients in the clinical trial will be switched to a 5 mg dose after a higher death rate was found in the 10 mg group. (Endpoints)
