QUICK HITS

1Packaging Issue Leads to Massive

Moderna Vaccine Recall

A recent AP News article discussed the late August recall of Moderna’s mRNA coronavirus vaccine due to contamination. The vials that house the vaccines were found to contain tiny particles of stainless steel. Though health ministry officials believe the high-grade stainless steel poses no health risks, the company was still forced to suspend 1.63 million doses. An investigation, led by Moderna and its Japanese partner Takeda Pharmaceuticals, concluded that the contamination occurred on the production line at the point where stoppers are added to the vials.

2Smart Dental Implants Resists Bacteria

A recent MedicalXpress article discussed a new high-tech dental implant with two novel features from a team of engineers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. The first is a biofilm material infused with nanoparticles that resist bacterial colonization, and the second is an embedded light source for phototherapy. The latter is powered by the mouth’s natural motions like chewing or brushing teeth, and it promotes the health of the surrounding gum tissue. The tech earned the team a finalist position in the University City Science Center accelerator program, which links them with commercialization experts and a chance to receive $200,000 in funding.

3Veterans Want Medical Marijuana in the

South

A recent Stripes article discussed a new effort from U.S. Military veterans to legalize medical marijuana, specifically in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country thanks to its eight military bases. The effort is led by a Wilmington resident, Chayse Ross, a former Marine sergeant who served multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The goal: legalize medical marijuana for veterans living with debilitating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Ross has banded together with other vets to form NC Families for Medical Cannabis.

4New Breath Test Determines Epilepsy

Drug Regimen

Patients with epilepsy need a tailored drug regimen because the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic one is very small. A recent Medgadget article discussed a breath test that can quickly determine the optimal drug treatment approach. Developed by researchers at Switzerland’s University of Basel, it helps outline metabolic hallmarks to help clinicians determine the efficacy of a medication. The technology is based on a system that measures breath metabolites in real time without the need for laboratory analysis. 5Counterfeit Gilead

Drugs Found in Authentic Packaging

A recent FiercePharma article discussed unsettling news about Gilead’s HIV drugs sold at pharmacies in the U.S. According to Gilead, Biktarvy and Descovy have been swapped out for fake versions. Unauthorized distributors were selling counterfeit versions of the drugs in genuine Gilead bottles. The company alerted the affected pharmacies and is working with FDA officials to remove the fake tablets from circulation and prevent future incidents.

6FDA Modernizes

Social Media Voice

It’s not uncommon to see a pun or humorous reference on the highway. Dynamic message signs are intended to increase compliance. A recent FiercePharma article said the FDA has enlisted its own wordsmiths to help relay their messages to get peoples’ attention and combat dangerous viral misinformation. In one example, the FDA’s Twitter account read, “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.” The post linked to an article discouraging people from using veterinary ivermectin to treat COVID-19. “Historically, we’ve used our social media platforms to communicate about a lot of important public health issues in fairly straightforward ways, but as the platforms have evolved, we’ve embarked on an effort to find creative ways to deliver our messages,” noted Brad Kimberly, Dir. of Social Media for the FDA’s Office of External Affairs.

To keep up with the latest news bits from around the world visit healthcarepackaging.com to subscribe and get Quick Hits sent right to your inbox.