The Federal Trade Commission warned lawyers about ads on drug side effects. The FTC said these spots, which call for people who experience certain side effects from drugs to file a lawsuit, may be deceptive and unfair under federal law. (STAT)
Massachusetts has ordered a four-month ban on the sale of vaping products. The state will block sales of both nicotine and THC vapes, which are legal. The ban is intended to give medical experts time to determine the cause of the vaping-related lung illness. (Reuters)
A top official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testified before Congress about the illness. Dr. Anne Schuchat expressed support for bans on flavored vape products and provided updates on the outbreak of vaping-related lung illnesses. She also said there were “hundreds” more cases of the illness reported. (MM&M)
Walmart has expanded its $1-a-day degree program into healthcare. The company will offer seven bachelor’s degrees and two diplomas in fields such as health science and healthcare management as it grows its footprint in health and wellness. (Reuters)
Novartis blamed ousted executives for data manipulation in its response to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration. The company said former AveXis leaders Brian and Allan Kaspar, who have left the company, either personally manipulated data or pressured subordinates into doing so. The brothers have denied involvement in manipulating data for gene therapy Zolegensma. (Reuters)
