An FDA advisory panel backed the use of Pfizer’s nirmatrelvir/ritonavir antiviral (Paxlovid) as a treatment for adults with COVID-19 who are at high risk for severe illness. The endorsement is expected to allow the drug, which is available under an EUA, to receive full FDA approval.

A new study published in NEJM found that bempedoic acid (Nexletol—Esperion Therapeutics) modestly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications from heart disease. However, it did not reduce the overall mortality rate. Bempedoic acid was approved by FDA 3 years ago to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.

A new study in Pediatrics found that in recent years opioids were the leading cause of fatal poisonings among children aged 5 years and younger in the United States.

FDA announced it is taking steps to curb illicit importation of the animal sedative xylazine, which is frequently being mixed with illegal street drugs.

A new report from the Global Healthy Living Foundation and the consultant company IQVIA found that pharmacists in the United States administered more recommended routine vaccinations compared with physicians from 2020 to 2021.