The number of opioid prescriptions has dropped for the fifth year in a row. The report from the American Medical Association found there were 55 million fewer prescriptions from 2013 to 2017, a 22% drop. The AMA said it shows progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic. (The Hill)

AstraZeneca was reprimanded by a U.K. regulator for a “misleading” press release. GlaxoSmithKline issued a complaint about the press release to the Prescription Medicines Code Of Practice Authority saying the statement was “unbalanced and misleading.” (MM&M)

Samsung has partnered with digital health company Babylon to provide access to medical services through smartphones. The Ask an Expert, Powered by Babylon feature uses AI to allow users in the U.K. to check symptoms and book live video doctor appointments on their Samsung Galaxy. (PharmaPhorum)

The FDA has introduced policies to stop drugmakers from blocking generics. Brand drug makers have been accused of using REMS programs to limit generic drugmakers’ access to their products, which they need to develop generic versions of branded drugs. (FDA)

A nonprofit health organization wants agencies to drop tobacco clients. Vital Strategies launched the Quit Big Tobacco campaign to push agencies to end relationships with the tobacco industry and compel clients to refuse to work with firms that also work with tobacco. (MM&M)