Weekend ICYMI: June 10 to June 14
In case you missed it, this week we had news about e-cigarette task forces, combination COVID-19–flu vaccines, updating education on LGBT pain management, and more.
FDA, DOJ Launch Multi-Agency Task Force to Address Illegal E-Cigarettes
Person holding e-cigarette / and.one - stock.adobe.com
The US Department of Justice and the FDA announced the establishment of an interagency federal task force spanning the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the US Marshals Service, the US Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Trade Commission to curb the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. By uniting all available criminal and civil tools in an “all government” approach, the task force hopes to address nicotine addiction among American youth.
Moderna: Combination COVID-19–Flu Vaccine Trial Meets Primary Endpoints
The phase 3 trial of an investigational combination influenza-COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1083 has met its primary endpoints, according to a Moderna news release. The ongoing trial (NCT06097273) is a randomized, observer-blind, active controlled study evaluating the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of mRNA-1083. The study includes 2 independent age group cohorts of approximately 4000 adults each. In a cohort of adults aged 65 years and older, investigators compared mRNA-1083 to co-administered Fluzone HD and Spikevax; the second cohort, including adults aged 50 to 64 years, received either mRNA-1083 or Fluarix plus Spikevax.
FDA Approves 2 New OTC Continuous Glucose Monitors
The FDA has provided clearance to 2 over-the-counter (OTC) continuous glucose monitor (CGM) systems, health care technology company Abbott announced in a release. The new OTC devices are based on the company’s FreeStyle Libre sensing technology, which is the most widely used CGM system in the world.
Redefining Pharmacy Education for LGBTQ Pain Management
As the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists are well positioned to offer pain management counseling and screen patients for potential health problems or diseases. However, a lack of comprehensive LGBTQ education creates a critical gap in their ability to provide truly holistic care. To create a health care system that amplifies marginalized voices, academic, corporate, and clinical institutions must empower pharmacists to deliver informed and compassionate care to LGBTQ individuals that matches the standard received by their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
Assessing Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Wounds Treated at a Dedicated Clinic
Investigators from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City conducted a retrospective study to assess the effect of wound care clinics on quality of life in patients with malignant wounds. Data for the study were collected from electronic medical records from the hospital. Ultimately, investigators found that patients with advanced stage cancer who have malignant wounds can experience a significantly increased quality of life if they are treated at a dedicated wound clinic. Data was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2024 annual meeting, held May 31 to June 4 in Chicago, Illinois.
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