US FDA's chief medical, science officer Prasad departs agency
WASHINGTON : Vinay Prasad, the US food and drug administration's (FDA) chief medical and science officer, has left the health regulator, the US department of health and human services (HHS), which oversees the FDA, said yesterday, confirming an earlier news report.
'Dr Prasad did not want to be a distraction to the great work of the FDA in the Trump administration and has decided to return to California and spend more time with his family,' an HHS spokesman said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
'We thank him for his service and the many important reforms he was able to achieve in his time at FDA,' the spokesman said.
STAT News first reported about Prasad's departure, saying it came after a number of controversial decisions by the FDA regarding a gene therapy drug for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy manufactured by Sarepta Therapeutics.
The agency first halted shipments of the drug, called Elevidys, after the deaths of some recipients but rescinded the suspension on Monday.
In June, STAT News reported that Prasad was named as the health regulator's chief medical and science officer, citing an internal memo.
In May, the FDA named Prasad, an oncologist who previously criticised FDA leadership and Covid-19 mandates, as the director of its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
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Free Malaysia Today
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Trump warns pharma companies to cut prices or be punished
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Malaysian Reserve
7 hours ago
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FDA approves Alhemo® as once-daily prophylactic treatment to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes for adults and children 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A or B (HA/HB) witho
FDA approval is based on phase 3 trial data (explorer8), which established the safety and efficacy of Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) injection in people 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B (HA/HB) without inhibitors1 Results showed a 79% reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR) in patients with HB without inhibitors and an 86% reduction in patients with HA without inhibitors, respectively, using Alhemo® prophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis2 Alhemo® was the first subcutaneous injectable pen of its kind for patients living with HA and HB with inhibitors and is now approved for those living without inhibitors1 PLAINSBORO, N.J., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Novo Nordisk announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) injection as a once-daily prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A or B (HA/HB) without inhibitors, expanding on the December 2024 approval for HA/HB with inhibitors.1,2,3 Currently, many treatments for HA/HB without inhibitors are administered via intravenous infusions.2 With this approval, Alhemo® now offers a subcutaneous injection treatment option for this population.1 'The FDA approval of an expanded indication for Alhemo® marks a meaningful step forward for people with hemophilia A or B without inhibitors who are looking for a new prophylaxis treatment option,' said Anna Windle, PhD, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk. 'By building on the initial indication for Alhemo® for those with hemophilia with inhibitors—an especially significant development in hemophilia B where challenges still exist despite advanced treatment options—Novo Nordisk continues its 35+ year legacy in rare bleeding disorders to continue to help address the unmet needs of this community.' Alhemo® is designed to block a protein called tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), which stops blood from clotting. By inhibiting TFPI, Alhemo® improves the production of thrombin, which helps to clot the blood and prevent bleeding, when clotting factors VIII and IX are missing or deficient regardless of inhibitor status.4,5 'For people living with hemophilia, it is important to continually monitor and discuss bleed control with their healthcare professional,' said Allison P. Wheeler, MD, Scientific Director, Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders, Seattle, WA. 'With today's approval of Alhemo® for hemophilia A or B without inhibitors, more people living with these rare blood disorders now have a daily prophylaxis option that may help decrease their bleeding rates.' The primary objective of the pivotal phase 3 explorer8 trial was to compare the number of treated spontaneous and traumatic bleeding episodes, as measured by the ABR, in patients aged 12 years and older with HA/HB without inhibitors, receiving Alhemo® prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis (on demand Factor VIII/Factor IX treatment).2 The study showed a statistically significant reduction in ABR of 79% for HB patients (ABR ratio: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.10–0.45; p<0.0001) and 86% for HA patients (ABR ratio: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07–0.29; p<0.0001). Additionally, notable reductions in the average and median ABRs further reinforced the efficacy of Alhemo® prophylaxis in reducing bleeds across both patient groups, with an average ABR of 3.1 (1.9-5.0) and a median ABR of 1.6 (0.0-4.8) for HB patients, compared to 14.8 (8.1-26.9) and 14.9 (3.3-22.1), respectively, and an average ABR of 2.7 (1.6-4.6) and median ABR of 2.9 (0.0-5.2) for HA patients, compared to 19.3 (11.3-33.0) and 19.6 (17.3-30.4), respectively. In the study, the most common adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients randomized to receive Alhemo® were injection site reactions (7%) and headache (7%).1 Alhemo® is provided in prefilled, premixed pens for subcutaneous injection (60 mg/1.5 mL, 150 mg/1.5 mL, or 300 mg/3 mL) via thin 32 gauge, 4 mm needles, which are provided separately, offering an additional treatment choice for patients with hemophilia with inhibitors – and now without inhibitors – to further customize their care. About the explorer8 studyExplorer8 is a phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of Alhemo® for adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older living with hemophilia A or B (HA/HB) without inhibitors.2 In explorer8, among the 156 males with HA/HB included in the trial, 63 were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to receive no prophylaxis (arm 1, n=21), or Alhemo® prophylaxis (arm 2, n=42).2,6 The median duration of treatment was 24.1 weeks in arm 1 (no prophylaxis) and 32.1 weeks in arm 2 (Alhemo® prophylaxis).The initial loading dose of Alhemo® was 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, followed by 0.2 mg per kilogram daily, and potentially individualized on the basis of concizumab-mtci plasma concentration as measured at week 4.1,2 Efficacy was evaluated separately in HA patients without inhibitors and in HB patients without inhibitors when all patients in arms 1 and 2 had completed the main part of the trial (at least 24 or at least 32 weeks, respectively), based on the number of treated bleeding episodes comparing Alhemo® prophylaxis and no prophylaxis.1 About Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) Alhemo® is a tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) antagonist. By inhibiting the TFPI, Alhemo® enhances factor Xa (FXa) production during the initiation phase of coagulation, leading to improved thrombin generation and clot formation in patients with hemophilia A or B (HA/HB) with or without inhibitors. The effect of Alhemo® is not influenced by the presence of inhibitory antibodies to FVIII or FIX and Alhemo® does not induce or enhance the development of direct inhibitors to FVIII or FIX. Alhemo® is approved as a once-daily prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with HA/HB with or without inhibitors in the US.1 What is Alhemo®?Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) injection 60 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg is a prescription medicine used for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and children 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A or B with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors. It is not known if Alhemo® is safe and effective in people receiving ongoing immune tolerance induction (ITI) or in children younger than 12 years of age Important Safety Information What is the most important information I should know about Alhemo®? It is important to follow the daily dosing schedule of Alhemo® to stay protected against bleeding. This is especially important during the first 4 weeks of treatment to make sure a correct maintenance dose is established. Use Alhemo® exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider (HCP). Do not stop using Alhemo® without talking to your HCP. If you miss doses or stop using Alhemo®, you may no longer be protected against bleeding Your HCP may prescribe factor VIII, factor IX, or bypassing agents during treatment with Alhemo®. Carefully follow your HCP's instructions regarding when to use on-demand factor VIII, factor IX, or bypassing agents and the recommended dose and schedule for breakthrough bleeds Do not use Alhemo® if you are allergic to concizumab-mtci or any of the ingredients in Alhemo®. Before using Alhemo®, tell your HCP about all of your medical conditions, including if you: Have a planned surgery. Talk to your HCP about when to stop using Alhemo® and when to start it again if you have a planned surgery Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if Alhemo® may harm your unborn baby or if Alhemo® passes into your breast milk Your HCP may do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Alhemo® Females who are able to become pregnant, talk to your HCP about using effective birth control (contraception) methods during treatment with Alhemo® and for 7 weeks after ending treatment Your HCP may do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Alhemo® Females who are able to become pregnant, talk to your HCP about using effective birth control (contraception) methods during treatment with Alhemo® and for 7 weeks after ending treatment Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. What are the possible side effects of Alhemo®?Alhemo® may cause serious side effects, including: Blood clots (thromboembolic events). Alhemo® may cause blood clots to form in blood vessels, such as in your arms, legs, heart, lung, brain, eyes, kidneys, or stomach. You may be at risk for getting blood clots if you use high or frequent doses of factor products or bypassing agents to treat breakthrough bleeds, or if you have certain conditions. Get medical help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots, including: swelling, warmth, pain, or redness of the skin; headache; trouble speaking or moving; eye pain or swelling; sudden pain in your stomach or lower back area; feeling short of breath or severe chest pain; confusion; numbness in your face; and problems with your vision Allergic reactions. Alhemo® can cause allergic reactions, including redness of the skin, rash, hives, itching, and stomach-area (abdominal) pain. Stop using Alhemo® and get emergency medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including: itching on large areas of skin; trouble swallowing; wheezing; pale and cold skin; dizziness due to low blood pressure; redness or swelling of lips, tongue, face, or hands; shortness of breath; tightness of the chest; and fast heartbeat The most common side effects of Alhemo® include: bruising, redness, bleeding, itching, rash or lump at the injection site, headache, and hives. These are not all the possible side effects of Alhemo®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Please click HERE for Alhemo® Prescribing Information and Medication Guide About hemophiliaHemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding.7 It is estimated to affect approximately ~800,000 people worldwide.8 There are different types of hemophilia, which are characterized by the type of clotting factor protein that is defective or missing. Hemophilia A is caused by a missing or defective clotting Factor VIII (FVIII), and hemophilia B is caused by a missing or defective clotting Factor IX (FIX).7 Hemophilia is often treated by replacing the missing clotting factor via intravenous infusions, also known as replacement therapy.8 About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D, and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X. References Alhemo® (concizumab-mtci) injection, for subcutaneous use [package insert]. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc. Chowdary P., et al. Concizumab prophylaxis in people with haemophilia A or haemophilia B without inhibitors (explorer8): a prospective, multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3a trial. Lancet Hematology. 2024;11:e891-904. Novo Nordisk. FDA approves drug to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes for patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors or hemophilia B with inhibitors. Accessed May 2025. Available at Shapiro AD. Concizumab: a novel anti-TFPI therapeutic for hemophilia. Blood Adv. 2021;5(1):279. Matsushita T, Shapiro A, Abraham A, et al. Phase 3 trial of concizumab in hemophilia with inhibitors. N Engl J Med. 2023; 389(9): 783-794. Research Study to Look at How Well the Drug Concizumab Works in Your Body if You Have Haemophilia Without Inhibitors (explorer8). Accessed May 2025. Available at MedlinePlus. Hemophilia. Accessed May 2025. Available at World Federation of Hemophilia. Annual Global Survey 2023. Accessed July 2025. Further information Liz Skrbkova (US)+1 609 917 0632 (Mobile)USMediaRelations@ Ambre James-Brown (Global)+45 3079 9289Globalmedia@ Alhemo® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk Health Care AG. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.© 2025 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US25AHM00187 July 2025
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Coalition Duchenne Mt Kinabalu Climb returns, workshop to be held
The Neurology team, from right to left – Ryan Darrel Robert, Dr Elyssa Majawit, Dr Heng Hock Sin, Dr Gan Chai Woon, Farrah Japius, Eybron Benture. KOTA KINABALU (July 31): Coalition Duchenne's 13th annual Expedition Mt Kinabalu will kick off on August 12 from Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, with an official flag-off by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew. The annual climb continues to raise global awareness and funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive and fatal muscle-wasting condition that affects one in 3,500 boys worldwide. There is no cure. Over the years, Coalition Duchenne, a California-based charity, has donated RM40,000 to the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital through the Sabah Paediatric Association to support Duchenne care. Catherine and her son, Dusty Brandom. This year, the charity is taking things further by collaborating with Sabah paediatric doctors and rehab therapists to host Malaysia's first Duchenne specific multidisciplinary workshop. The workshop will be held on August 10 at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, gathering over 100 participants — doctors, educators, caregivers, parents, and boys with Duchenne, some of whom are traveling from across Sabah to attend. The workshop is a community outreach of the multidisciplinary clinic of Sabah Women and Children's Hospital and the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The doctors participating are part of the Sabah Paediatric Association, a professional body representing paediatricians across Sabah that advocates for the health and wellbeing of all children. Benphysio, a leading Kuala Lumpur-based wellness and rehabilitation team, will be assisting with hands-on physiotherapy. 'Our dedicated clinic at Sabah Women and Children's Hospital offers holistic, multidisciplinary care for patients with Duchenne, bringing together specialists in rehab, endocrinology, neurology, cardiology, and complex care. It's all about patient-centered management,' said Dr Elyssa Majawit, pediatric neurologist at Sabah Women and Children's Hospital. For Catherine Jayasuriya, founder and executive director of Coalition Duchenne, helping boys with Duchenne in Sabah is deeply personal. Her son, Dusty Brandom, is 32 and lives with the disease. 'After seeing the challenges one faces with Duchenne, I felt a strong need to contribute and make a difference. Returning to Sabah allows me to support these children and their families directly — through awareness, resources, and advocacy. It's not just about giving back; it's about creating real, lasting change where it's needed most. When you lift the most vulnerable, you lift up everyone,' she adds. Catherine is Sabahan and grew up in Kota Kinabalu and always dreamed of taking her three children to the top of Mt Kinabalu. But after her son, Dusty Brandom, was diagnosed with Duchenne, this dream would no longer be possible. Now 32, Dusty uses a wheelchair and ventilator and follows the expedition from their home in California. 'The climb started after a dream I had in 2010,' she says. 'When my son was younger, there were no treatments or cures in sight, and I knew I had to do something. In my dream, a large group of people stood at the summit of Mt Kinabalu, all wearing red t-shirts with white lettering, united in purpose to raising awareness for Duchenne. I woke up and knew I had to make that vision a reality.' Over the past 13 years, Catherine has found creative ways to spotlight Duchenne awareness. In 2012, she brought a film crew to Sabah to produce the documentary Dusty's Trail: Summit of Borneo, telling Dusty's story and the story of the climb. Her father, the late Tan Sri Thomas Jayasuriya, appeared in the film, along with family, scientists, and doctors. She also brought the first-ever wingsuit flyers to Sabah — soaring over Mt Kinabalu in bright red suits emblazoned with the Coalition Duchenne logo. Reflecting on the mountain and her journey with Dusty and Duchenne, Catherine says: 'Over the years we have witnessed the expedition grow into something meaningful; a unique convergence of adventure, advocacy, and action. But it's the smiles I'll remember. The smiles at the summit, the smiles when we're back down. But most of all, the smiles of the boys and young men with Duchenne — those we can help and those we've lost. And, the smile of my son Dusty — pure, playful and full of quiet courage. Those are etched in my heart.' Those smiles are lasting proof that Sabah's natural beauty now stands alongside a global humanitarian cause; one that reaches beyond borders to bring hope to those affected by Duchenne.
