Food and Drug Administration

President Donald Trump has selected Dr. Heidi Overton, a White House domestic policy aide and physician, to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If confirmed by the Senate, Overton would replace Marty Makary, who resigned after clashes with the administration. The nomination faces strong bipartisan criticism, particularly from Republican senators over her role in vaccine policy and conservative health stances. The FDA has lost over 3,000 staff and faces trust and politicization challenges.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 21, 01:00 PM UTC

The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching the PIVOT clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin's safety and effectiveness for treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and PTSD in at least 240 veterans across five VA medical centers. The double-blind, randomized study runs through June 2031, offering one or two doses with therapeutic support. It follows a small Ohio State study where 75% of veterans no longer met PTSD criteria after treatment. The initiative is backed by a Trump executive order accelerating FDA review of psychedelic therapies.

15 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 6, 07:22 PM UTC

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched the CRAVE clinical trial to test whether semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) can treat alcohol use disorder in veterans. Over 400,000 veterans have AUD. The 24-week study will enroll more than 600 veterans aged 18-80 at 18 VA medical centers nationwide, measuring changes in alcohol consumption, health, and quality of life. Recruitment began July 28, 2026. The VA cautioned against self-medication and noted larger trials are needed.

14 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 31, 08:50 PM UTC

In July 2026, a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico sickened thousands across multiple U.S. states, causing Taco Bell foot traffic to drop up to 31% on July 17. Yum Brands reported mixed Q2 earnings on July 30, beating profit expectations but missing revenue forecasts. CEO Chris Turner noted sales were recovering, with social media sentiment returning to pre-outbreak levels. The FDA identified Taco Bell lettuce as the only confirmed source, with over 11,500 cases reported nationwide.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 12:00 PM UTC

A clinical trial from the University of Colorado Anschutz found that oral semaglutide, the medication behind Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduced heavy drinking days, alcohol consumption per occasion, daily cravings, and alcohol-related problems in 50 adults with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder. No new medication has been approved for this condition since 2006, making this a potential breakthrough. Participants also used cannabis less, and the drug was well-tolerated with mild side effects. Researchers are planning larger, longer-term trials to confirm findings and establish optimal dosing. The condition affects 27.9 million people in the U.S. annually, yet only three FDA-approved medications exist for its treatment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:17 PM UTC

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official, acting deputy commissioner for food Donald Prater, stated that the U.S. food supply is safe despite a surge in cyclosporiasis cases, which have reached 11,000. Prater made the remarks on Monday during the International Association for Food Protection’s yearly meeting, as reported by The New York Times. The statement comes amid growing public concern over the parasitic infection, which is often linked to contaminated fresh produce. The FDA is monitoring the outbreak but maintains that overall food safety measures are robust.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:10 PM UTC

Gossamer Bio, Inc. held a business update call to announce several key developments. The company reported the outcome of its pre-NDA Type B meeting with the FDA, including receipt of official minutes. It also announced the reacquisition of worldwide development and commercial rights to seralutinib from Chiesi. Additionally, stockholders approved proposals related to a convertible note exchange and a reverse stock split. The call featured remarks from CFO/COO Bryan Giraudo, with CEO Faheem Hasnain, Chief Development Officer Caryn Peterson, and Commercial Officer Bob Smith available for Q&A. The company emphasized forward-looking statements regarding its planned NDA submission, potential regulatory review and approval timing, and the anticipated benefits of the rights reacquisition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:38 PM UTC

Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stated on Sunday that the agency has not yet brought the cyclosporiasis outbreak under control. He acknowledged that the FDA has done a good job isolating the source of the outbreak to central Mexico and specific farms. The statement indicates ongoing public health concerns and continued efforts to contain the parasitic infection, which is typically linked to contaminated fresh produce.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:51 PM UTC

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) stock dropped nearly 15% over the trading week ending July 24, 2026, driven by investor fears over a widening cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to lettuce. The CDC and FDA issued multiple alerts, with the outbreak originating in central Mexico and affecting 1,947 people across nine U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. No cases have been reported at Sweetgreen locations, but as a salad-focused chain, the company is seen as vulnerable to consumer avoidance. The article notes that while no fatalities have occurred, 98 hospitalizations have been reported. The author advises caution, suggesting the stock may fall further due to potential revenue impacts from diners avoiding restaurants like Sweetgreen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:44 PM UTC

The FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) voted on Thursday to recommend adding the peptides BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, and MOTS-C to the list of substances that compounding pharmacies are permitted to produce. This decision went against the position of FDA scientists, who raised concerns about the lack of demonstrated clinical benefits and safety data for these peptides. The committee heard public comments and reviewed presentations from agency staff before making its recommendation. The vote marks a significant policy divergence within the FDA regarding the regulation of compounded peptide products.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:38 PM UTC

The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas, prompting a recall of nearly 1.6 million shell eggs sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis, causing symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, and fever. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce affecting over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about food safety.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, which recalled nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that affected at least 41 states with over 12,000 possible cases, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring programs and CDC response teams, linking these cuts to the recent food safety crises.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

The entire congressional Democratic caucus, comprising 47 senators and 212 House members, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. They urged the court not to reinstate an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, a key abortion medication. The brief supports the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) current regulations, which allow for remote prescribing and mail-order pharmacy dispensing. This legal action is part of an ongoing battle over abortion access following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. The case challenges the FDA's 2016 and 2021 rule changes that eased restrictions on mifepristone. The Democrats argue that reinstating in-person requirements would create unnecessary barriers to healthcare, particularly for women in rural areas or with limited access to clinics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:19 PM UTC

A massive multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness, is testing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to overhaul the U.S. food system and restore public trust in agencies like the CDC. At least 7,000 people have been sickened in Michigan alone, with official CDC counts lagging at nearly 4,200 cases. The FDA and CDC initially identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source, but later retracted a positive test result as a false positive, creating confusion. Experts say the response highlights chronic underfunding of food safety at the FDA and CDC, exacerbated by recent Trump administration cuts to key investigative and public communication staff. Kennedy has defended the response as 'under control,' but former officials and food safety experts argue the system is overstrained and underprepared.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:32 PM UTC

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR) surged 28% to a five-year high of $95.49 after announcing plans to submit a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for plozasiran to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia by end of 2026. The drug, already approved as Redemplo for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) in the US, Europe, Australia, and Canada, showed strong Phase 3 results: 79-81% reduction in triglycerides and 78% reduction in acute pancreatitis cases versus placebo. The company will report Q3 earnings on August 4, 2026, and present detailed Phase 3 data at ESC 2026 on August 30. Despite the positive news, hedge fund conviction softened, with combined holdings declining 8.9% to $1.74 billion quarter-over-quarter.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:05 PM UTC

Vicarious Surgical, a surgical robot developer that raised over $425 million from investors including Bill Gates, is shutting down after shareholders voted to wind down and liquidate the business. The company, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2021 at a $1.1 billion valuation, failed to achieve FDA regulatory authorization for its single-port surgical robot. Despite receiving breakthrough device designation from the FDA, the company faced repeated delays, canceled clinical trial plans, and burned through cash. New CEO Stephen From, appointed less than a year ago, outsourced design aspects to save money but could not secure additional funding or a buyer. The company employed 26 people as of March 2026 and plans to file for dissolution in Delaware.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:21 PM UTC

A multistate Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants has sickened over 1,600 confirmed cases and thousands more suspected across the U.S., with Michigan hardest hit. The FDA traced contamination to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from a single farm in Mexico. Taco Bell proactively removed the lettuce and switched suppliers. Federal lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence. The outbreak has affected 34 states since May, prompting a recall and highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.

34 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:30 AM UTC

Dr. Stephen Chang, a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, explains how his family is navigating the cyclospora outbreak without abandoning fruits and vegetables. He emphasizes thorough washing of produce, caution with iceberg lettuce (especially from Taylor Farms), careful cleaning of berries, and avoiding raw produce for higher-risk individuals like the immunocompromised, elderly, and young children. He notes that cyclospora is killed at 158°F and that the outbreak is seasonal, likely declining after late August. He advises seeking medical care for persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days. The article is based on an as-told-to essay and provides practical food safety tips.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:59 PM UTC

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting thousands across the U.S. is 'under control,' claiming officials have identified the source through extensive forensics testing and that implicated companies have implemented recalls. However, the Food and Drug Administration earlier acknowledged a false positive result from a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, leaving no clearly confirmed source. Kennedy dismissed criticisms that the Trump administration delayed public notification and that federal funding cuts ended mandatory reporting for cyclospora in some states, arguing no cuts affected the Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network. The CDC noted it made cyclospora reporting optional in 2025. The story is developing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:36 PM UTC

Business Insider reports on consumer confusion and fear amid a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce and Taylor Farms. Five salad enthusiasts describe their strategies, from avoiding bagged lettuce to cutting fresh produce entirely. The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, with symptoms including explosive diarrhea. While no deaths have been reported, the outbreak has disrupted eating habits, especially for those who rely on salads for convenience and nutrition. Some consumers have switched to cooked vegetables or local farm produce, while others express frustration over changing guidance. The article highlights the emotional and practical impact on lettuce lovers during the summer season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:59 AM UTC

A decade after Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' declared that AI would make radiologists obsolete within five to ten years, the profession has defied predictions. The number of active radiologists in the U.S. has grown by about 10%, and demand is so high that there were 7,469 active job postings as of May 2025, with many remaining unfilled for over 60 days. Average salaries have risen to $571,000, a 9% increase year-over-year. Experts attribute the resilience to several factors: AI automates only specific sub-tasks like image analysis, not the full scope of a radiologist's job (which includes consultations and procedures); regulatory requirements mandate a licensed physician for final reads; and AI-driven efficiencies have actually increased demand for scans, with case loads rising 25% since 2018. Even Hinton has since walked back his prediction, now saying radiologists will work alongside AI. The article uses radiology as a case study suggesting that warnings of widespread AI job replacement may be oversold.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 01:19 PM UTC

Cathie Wood's ARK Genomic Revolution ETF purchased $15.3 million worth of Ionis Pharmaceuticals shares after the stock dropped nearly 37% from its 2026 high. The decline followed a surprise late-stage trial failure for eplontersen, a drug for ATTR-CM developed with AstraZeneca. However, Wood appears to be taking a long-term view, betting on Ionis's recent FDA approval of Tryngolza for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), which expands its market from 3,000 to over 3 million patients in the U.S. Tryngolza reduced acute pancreatitis events by up to 91%. Ionis is shifting from a licensing model to commercializing its own drugs, aiming for cash flow break-even by 2028. First-quarter revenue rose 86% year over year to $246 million, with net loss narrowing to $118 million. Wall Street projects Tryngolza peak sales of $3 billion.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:20 PM UTC

Cathie Wood's ARK Genomic Revolution ETF purchased $15.3 million worth of Ionis Pharmaceuticals shares after the stock dropped nearly 37% from its 2026 high. The decline followed a surprise late-stage trial failure of eplontersen, a drug for ATTR-CM developed with AstraZeneca. Despite this setback, Wood appears to be taking a long-term view. Ionis recently received FDA approval for Tryngolza (olezarsen) to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), expanding its target market from 3,000 to over 3 million patients in the U.S. Tryngolza reduced acute pancreatitis events by up to 91% in trials. Ionis is shifting from a licensing model to commercializing its own drugs, capturing higher margins. The company reported Q1 revenue of $246 million, up 86% year-over-year, and expects to reach cash flow breakeven by 2028. Wall Street projects Tryngolza peak sales of $3 billion.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:20 PM UTC

Shares of Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) rallied on July 17, 2026, after the CDC identified Taco Bell as the source of a cyclospora outbreak that had sickened thousands. Prior to this, Sweetgreen's stock had lost about a quarter of its value due to investor fears that its salads could be linked to the parasite. The FDA traced the outbreak to one of Taco Bell's suppliers, easing concerns about Sweetgreen. However, the company faces ongoing challenges: same-store sales fell 12.8% in Q1 due to an 11.2% decline in customer traffic, driven by higher energy costs weighing on consumer budgets. Sweetgreen is set to report its Q2 financial results on August 6.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:36 AM UTC

Early foot traffic data from Placer.ai shows that Taco Bell, Panera Bread, and Chopt experienced declining customer visits in late July as a cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated shredded lettuce spread across the US. Taco Bell saw a 4.6% drop on Friday and 5.8% on Saturday, with steeper declines in Michigan. Panera fell 3% and 7.4%, while Chopt dropped 7.1% on Saturday. The outbreak, traced to Taylor Farms produce, has sickened over 1,600 people across 34 states since May 1. Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce from its supply chain nationwide. Other chains like Chick-fil-A, Cava, Subway, and Jersey Mike's saw no significant traffic changes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:27 PM UTC

Intuitive Surgical reported Q2 2026 earnings with revenue of $2.89 billion (up 19% YoY) and net income of $818 million (up 24% YoY). However, U.S. da Vinci procedure growth slowed to 12%, which the company attributed to the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies at the end of 2025. CEO Dave Rosa noted that changes in patient coverage and premium dynamics are affecting when patients seek care, particularly for deferrable procedures. Shares fell 12% in Friday trading. Despite the U.S. slowdown, international procedure growth was 20%, and system placements remained strong, including 246 da Vinci 5 units. The company reiterated its 2026 global procedure growth forecast of 13.5% to 15.5%. Intuitive is pursuing new innovations, including a flexible robotic endoscope for gastrointestinal use, and faces growing competition from Medtronic, CMR Surgical, and others. The company is also focusing on expanding into ambulatory surgery centers and reducing procedure costs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:17 AM UTC

Citizens and pharmaceutical trade associations report a severe healthcare crisis in Iran, where medication prices have surged by up to 400 percent in recent months. Patients with critical conditions, including cancer, organ transplants, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders, face extreme difficulties accessing essential drugs. Many are forced to visit numerous pharmacies daily, often finding shelves empty or prices prohibitive, driving some toward black markets. In alarming instances, pharmacists have recommended herbal remedies as substitutes for specialized pharmaceuticals, risking treatment disruption. The shortage is exacerbated by insurance companies' failure to settle payments with pharmacies, leading to free-market pricing. Specific examples include skyrocketing costs for insulin, psychiatric medications like Sertraline, and cancer drugs such as Erbitux. Organ transplant recipients report life-threatening shortages of anti-rejection medications, while cancer patients struggle with costs far exceeding their pensions. The crisis extends to general medications and diagnostic services, creating a disastrous situation across various provinces, including Tehran and Gilan, effectively regressing healthcare access to pre-modern standards for many vulnerable populations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Citizens in Iran are facing a critical healthcare crisis characterized by severe shortages and price hikes of up to 400 percent for essential medications. Reports indicate that patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions, including cancer, organ transplants, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders, are disproportionately affected. Many individuals struggle to find prescribed drugs, often visiting numerous pharmacies daily without success, leading some to resort to black markets or ineffective herbal alternatives recommended by pharmacists. The situation is exacerbated by insurance companies' failure to settle payments with pharmacies, forcing many drugs onto the free market at prohibitive costs. Specific examples include the unavailability of Rapamune for transplant recipients, which risks organ rejection, and drastic price increases for insulin, psychiatric drugs like Asentra, and cancer treatments such as Erbitux. Residents describe the scenario as a regression to pre-modern medical practices, with basic painkillers and vaccines also seeing significant price surges. The crisis threatens the lives of vulnerable populations who cannot afford or access necessary treatments, highlighting systemic failures in the country's pharmaceutical supply chain and healthcare financing.

1 reports · 1 sources

Despite a headline referencing geopolitical tensions, the article details a severe healthcare crisis in Iran characterized by acute medication shortages and drastic price increases. Citizens report that prices for essential drugs, including those for cancer, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and organ transplants, have surged by up to 400 percent. Patients face immense difficulties locating medications, often visiting numerous pharmacies daily without success, leading some to resort to black markets or unproven herbal alternatives recommended by pharmacists. The situation is particularly critical for individuals with chronic conditions, where treatment interruptions pose life-threatening risks. For instance, transplant patients risk organ rejection due to the unavailability of specific immunosuppressants, while cancer patients struggle with exorbitant costs for chemotherapy drugs that far exceed their pensions. The crisis is exacerbated by insurance companies' failure to settle payments with pharmacies, forcing many drugs into the free market. Reports from various cities, including Tehran and Gilan, highlight the widespread nature of the issue, affecting both specialized and general medications, as well as diagnostic services, creating a humanitarian emergency for vulnerable populations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Citizens and pharmaceutical associations in Iran report a severe healthcare crisis characterized by drastic medication shortages and price hikes of up to 400 percent. Patients suffering from chronic and critical conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and organ transplants, face life-threatening interruptions in treatment. Many individuals are forced to visit numerous pharmacies daily without success, driving them toward black markets or ineffective traditional remedies due to the unavailability of prescribed drugs. The situation is exacerbated by insurance companies' failure to settle debts with pharmacies, leading to widespread stockouts. Specific examples include insulin prices reaching 900,000 tomans and cancer drug costs soaring beyond the reach of average pensions. Reports from Tehran, Gilan, and other regions highlight the desperation of families who cannot afford essential medicines like Rapamune or Erbitux. The crisis affects both specialized treatments and general medications, with diagnostic and therapeutic service costs also rising significantly, creating a disastrous environment for public health.

1 reports · 1 sources