What We're Reading: Fast Track Designation for Dapagliflozin; California Advocates Against Vaping; Measles Cases Fading

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation for Farxiga in Heart Failure

California Governor Warns Public of Vaping Danger

US Measles Outbreak Fading

AstraZeneca announced yesterday that the FDA has granted fast track designation for the development of dapagliflozin, sold as Farxiga, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death or worsening of heart failure in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The announcement follows last month’s FDA fast track designation of dapagliflozin to delay the progression of renal failure and prevent CV and renal death in patients with chronic kidney disease. The decision was based on 2 phase 3 trials, DAPA-HF and DELIVER, which investigated the role of dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure and HFrEF or HFpEF.Governor Gavin Newsom, D-California, announced yesterday that the state will spend $20 million on a public awareness campaign about the dangers of vaping nicotine and cannabis products, according to the Los Angeles Times. The move comes amid the nationwide rise in vaping-related illnesses and will increase efforts to stop the sale of illicit products. California has reported at least 63 cases, and 1 death, in association to these vaping-related lung illnesses. Many cases have been linked to the use of cannabis-based oils, but the CDC reports that some affected individuals were vaping nicotine products. The public awareness campaign will tackle all forms of vaping, added Newsom.The United States’ worst measles epidemic in 27 years may be in its final stages as no new cases were reported in the last week, according to The Associated Press. The epidemic emerged last year when travelers who had become infected overseas spread the disease to unvaccinated people, with most cases reported in Orthodox Jewish communities in and around New York City. This year, 1241 cases have been reported which has threatened to remove the disease elimination status held by the United States for over 2 decades. If no new cases occur, the epidemic will be set to end on or near September 30.