Cardiovascular Diseases

CMS Coverage Decision of Pulmonary Embolectomy Criticized

November 19, 2021

JAMA Internal Medicine editor and a UCSF colleague wrote in a New England Journ of Medicine opinion piece that the decision highlights the need to establish a new requirement that would make coverage decisions contingent on evidence of benefit for Medicare population.

A Window into the HCM Experience

November 09, 2021

Interviews with 32 patients shows a wide range of experiences but authors say one takeaway is a need for better coordination between HCM specialist and community cardiologists.

Study Finds Racial Differences in HCM

September 23, 2021

Black HCM patients were more likely than White HCM patients to have mid-ventricular obstruction, according to recently reported findings.

FDA Updates: Genentech Withdraws Tecentriq Indication; New Approvals for Xarelto, Tibsovo

August 28, 2021

Tecentriq loses indication, Xarelto is approved for reduce risks of cardiovascular events, Tibsovo is approved for rare cancer, Skytrofa is a new, once-weekly growth hormone, and supplemental application is filed Orencia graft-versus-host disease.

ICER Updates Assessment of Hereditary Angioedema Therapies

August 24, 2021

ICER calculations using real-world data would result in major price cuts of three therapies — Takhzyro, Haegarda, and Cinryze — if they were to meet commonly used cost-effective thresholds.

FDA Updates: Opdivo, Jardiance and Jemperli Get Nods for New Indications

August 21, 2021

FDA approves Opdivo, Jardiance for new indication, Jemperli gets accelerated approval for solid tumors, and Lilly’s rapid-acting insulin, Lyumjev is approved for administration via an insulin pump.

Mavacamten, First-in-Class Therapy, May Soon Be Available for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

August 18, 2021

Positive trial results were reported in The Lancet last year. The FDA is scheduled (the PDUFA date) to make a decision on the application for approval early next year.

Common Drugs Associated with Increased Risk for Cardiac Disease, Sudden Death in Elderly Patients

July 30, 2021

Study finds antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-platelets and other drugs contribute to adverse events and mortality.

FDA Update: Keytruda and Aduhelm News Leads the Week

July 10, 2021

Keytruda loses one indication but gains another, Biogen narrows use of Aduhelm, Padcev gets regular approval and expanded indication, Amgen submits application for asthma biologic, agency issues complete response letter for diabetes prevention therapy teplizumab, Novartis resubmits NDA for inclisiran.

Treating Sleep Apnea With CPAP Therapy Lowers the Risk of Heart Problems, COVID-19

June 30, 2021

Data presented at the virtual Sleep 2021 meeting by the Annual American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests treating sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea is important for heart health and better prevents chances of COVID-19.