What We’re Reading: Mavacamten Approved for HCM; Oklahoma Abortion Bans; Baby Formula Whistleblower

Mavacamten Approved for Obstructive HCM

The FDA has approved Bristol Myers Squibb’s treatment mavacamten for adults with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), making it the first and only approved drug to target the underlying pathophysiology of the condition, according to a company statement. The oral treatment received approval for 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg and 15-mg capsules and is only indicated for those with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2-3 obstructive HCM. Mavacamten is also the only approved cardiac myosin inhibitor for use in the country, Reuters reports. Obstructive HCM is a common cause of cardiac arrest in young people and affects around 1 in 500 individuals in the United States.

Oklahoma Approves Restictive Abortion Law

Oklahoma’s legislature approved a bill yesterday that prohibits abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy that will go into effect as soon as it’s signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt, The Washington Post reports. The state is already popular with those from neighboring Texas seeking the procedure who are limited by that state’s own controversial bill. The Oklahoma bill makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for cases of rape or incest. Stitt is expected to sign the bill, while an additional bill voted on by the state’s senate seeks to ban abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. This bill will next move to the House.

Whistleblower Claims Abbott Knew of Baby Formula Safety Hazard

According to reporting by CNN, a complaint shows a whistleblower alerted the FDA to alleged safety lapses at a plant that produced baby formula months before recalls of the formula began. The complaint came from a former employee at Abbott Nutrition who said the company was hiding safety problems at its Michigan plant. In February, the company recalled 3 brands of powdered infant formula after infections from Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria were reported. Two infants died and production at the plan remains paused. In the whistleblower compliant, the former employee said he saw records falsified and a lack of disclosure of information. It also states the employee was fired after raising the safety concerns.