A Senate probe has found Novartis’ former CEO had extensive contact with one-time Trump lawyer Michael Cohen about drug policy and White House access. Novartis said in May that Cohen did not do any work on behalf of the company despite being paid $1.2 million. However, the investigation found that former Novartis CEO Joe Jimenez was in contact with Cohen via several phone calls and email exchanges over six months about drug pricing, opioid lawsuits, and other topics. (Endpoints News)
Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $4.7 billion in a Missouri talc lawsuit. Twenty-two women said J&J’s products, including baby powder, caused them to develop ovarian cancer. The company is planning to appeal. (Reuters)
The FDA’s Office of Prescription Drug Promotion sent Arog Pharmaceuticals a letter about promotional materials for an investigational drug. The letter cites a booth display and website for the drug, which treats acute myeloid leukemia, that suggested it was safe and effective when it has not yet been approved by the FDA. (FDA)
Amazon is planning a program to deliver medical products to patients after discharge. The company would work with startup Xealth and Seattle hospital system Providence on the service. Doctors could “prescribe” the products to patients before they leave the hospital and Amazon would deliver them to their homes. (CNBC)
The FDA has formed a task force to address and prevent drug shortages. The task force will look into the underlying causes of drug shortages, like structural or supply chain problems, and find holistic solutions. Two areas of focus will be the decrease in companies supplying low-profit margin generic drugs and an under-investment in manufacturing. (FDA)
