From the Desk of the CEO

In August 2023, FDA approved zuranolone (Zurzuvae), the first oral medication for postpartum depression. Until now, the only treatment specifically for postpartum depression was brexanolone, a 60-hour I.V. infusion administered in a health care facility.

Sonya Collins

Over a decade has passed since the first states, Colorado and Washington, legalized cannabis for recreational use. Another 5 years have gone by since the Farm Bill allowed for the sale of hemp and its derived products. And over the past several years, many states have passed legislation allowing cannabis to be used medically. But questions remain.

Ariel L. Clark, PharmD

Weight loss is big business, and the popularity of Ozempic, the FDA-approved prescription T2D drug, was boosted by those using it off-label for weight loss. Called “the poor man’s Ozempic,” psyllium husk is enjoying a rise in interest as an affordable alternative to semaglutide. But does it deliver on the promise of weight loss?

Mickie Cathers

On September 12, 2023, the FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that oral phenylephrine is ineffective, setting the stage for FDA to require its removal from hundreds of nonprescription products. But why did it take so long for a decongestant that patients claimed didn’t work to be brought to the committee for evaluation?

Mary Warner

Updates from FDA