Trending News Today: Industry Group Urges FDA to Stop Drug Importation Research

AbbVie and Roche’s targeted therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) significantly reduced the risk of disease worsening or death in a late-stage trial, Reuters reported. According to the article, the drug Venclexta used in combination with Roche’s Gazyva delayed the progression of CLL compared with the standard of care. In a statement, AbbVie chief scientific officer Michael Severino said the results demonstrate the potential of Venclexta as a treatment with a fixed duration for patients with CLL and may serve as a basis to expand into first-line therapy, the article reported.

The Council for Affordable Health Coverage, which represents insurers, employers, pharmacy benefit managers, and drug manufacturers, sent a letter urging the FDA to disband an agency group researching drug importation, The Hill reported. According to the article, the group said in the letter that drug importation is a “risky scheme” that gambles with patient safety. The Trump administration announced the working group over the summer, focusing on limited importation of prescription drugs that have a dramatic price increase and are not protected by patents or exclusivities, the article reported.

A new study found that individuals with slightly elevated blood sugar and other early signs of type 2 diabetes may avoid developing the disease fully if they start taking preventive steps, Reuters reported. According to the article, the study authors examined data on 422 adults with slightly elevated blood sugar and an intermediate or high risk of developing diabetes based on their insulin production. Overall, the annual rate of transitioning to full diabetes was 4.1% among those who received only lifestyle therapy and 1.7% among those administered a type 2 diabetes drug, the article reported.