Cases related to the mysterious vaping lung disease are expected to increase “considerably,” according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention principal deputy director Anne Schuchat. During a hearing on Wednesday, Schuchat told Congress the disease is fatal or nearly fatal, can appear similar to pneumonia and can make patients vulnerable to other diseases. So far, 1,300 people have been affected and at least 26 have died. (CNBC)
Jury selection began in the first federal opioid trial. The selection moved forward despite lawyers’ attempt to delay the trial due to the potential settlement offer, under which three drug distributors would agree to pay $18 billion over 18 years. Presiding judge Dan Polster said that any delay could push the trial into 2020 and that information leaks, like the potential settlement, cannot be avoided. (The Washington Post)
Teva Pharmaceuticals is planning to contribute $15 billion worth of drugs to settle its opioid lawsuits. Teva is one of the defendants in the federal opioid trial set to begin on October 21. In addition, Johnson & Johnson has reportedly offered $4 billion to settle more than 2,000 lawsuits. (Reuters)
Doctors are encouraging Americans to get a flu shot sooner rather than later. Australia experienced a tough flu season that peaked earlier than usual. This may indicate what to expect from the U.S. flu season this year. (WSJ)
Novartis’ Sandoz unit has ended its partnership with Pear Therapeutics. The two teamed up to collaborate on reSET, a digital therapeutic to be used in outpatient treatment as a cognitive behavioral therapy tool. It is speculated that Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan may sell off the generics unit entirely. (Endpoints)
