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WASHINGTON — Last week, more than 30 organizations  — including the American Medical Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America and Pew Charitable Trusts — urged Congressional leaders to strengthen the labeling requirements for drugs approved under the proposed Antibiotic Development to Advance Patient Treatment Act of 2013 (ADAPT Act) limited population approval pathway, which will streamline regulatory approval for antibiotics. 

WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its Bydureon pen (exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension) 2-mg, which is to be used as an addition to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

The Bydureon pen is a pre-filled, single-use pen injector, which eliminates the need for the patient to transfer their medication between a vial and syringe during the process of self-injection. The pen contains the same formula and dose as the original Bydureon single-dose tray.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An international team led by researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital has identified mutations in a gene that can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, even in people who have such risk factors as obesity and old age, the group announced Sunday. The results focus the search for developing novel therapeutic strategies for Type 2 diabetes — if a drug can be developed that mimics the protective effect of these mutations, it could open up new ways of preventing this devastating disease.

WASHINGTON — The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America on Tuesday announced the appointment of Charles “Chuck” Clapton to the position of SVP federal advocacy, effective March 17, 2014.  

In this capacity, Clapton will be responsible for leading PhRMA’s federal government affairs initiatives and advancing its legislative agenda, working with stakeholders to develop and advocate for health policies that foster innovation and ensure patient access to new medicines in the United States and around the world.  

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — A new national survey released Wednesday found that the majority of moms who have experienced head lice in their household as an adult (81%) used an OTC treatment the last time they had an infestation. Less than a third of moms (27%) chose a prescription option.

CHICAGO — Medication to treat high blood pressure in older patients appears to be associated with an increased risk for serious injury from falling such as a hip fracture or head injury, especially in older patients who have been injured in previous falls, the JAMA Network Journals reported Monday. 

Most people older than 70 years have high blood pressure, and blood pressure control is key to reducing risk for myocardial infarction and stroke. Previous research has suggested that blood pressure medications may increase risk of falls and fall injuries.

ATLANTA — The annual ritual of visiting a doctor's office or health clinic to receive a flu shot may soon be outdated, thanks to the findings of a new study published in the journal Vaccine.

WASHINGTON — As part of the National Governors Association’s ongoing effort to help states reduce prescription drug abuse, findings from the Prescription Drug Abuse Reduction Policy Academy were the focus of the Health and Human Services Committee session at NGA’s 2014 Winter Meeting, the association announced Sunday.