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Hydroxychloroquine EUA Is First Rx Victim Of Hahn’s ‘Move Fast, Course Correct’ Philosophy

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

US FDA's decision to revoke the COVID-19 emergency use authorization for two anti-malarial drugs keeps with commissioner Hahn's stated goal of moving fast to tackle the pandemic, but shifting course as new data comes available. FDA cited new evidence as well as a reanalysis of the data it initially based the EUA on as reasons for pulling the authorization. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Alex Azar appeared to equate the EUA revocation as opening the doors for broader use of the medicine, potentially undermining FDA's own communication on the drug, in yet another example of political leaders complicating the science and public health response to COVID-19.

Rubber stamping that says 'Revoked'.
FDA revoked the COVID-19 emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine 15 June • Source: Shutterstock

The US FDA revoked on 15 June the emergency use authorization for two anti-malarial drugs, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine less than three months after granting the EUA, concluding that it is no longer reasonable to believe the drugs may be effective in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. New safety concerns along with lingering worries of cardiac risks with the drugs also factored into the agency’s latest risk-benefit calculus.

The decision appears to be keeping with Commissioner Stephen Hahn’s stated goal of making fast decisions during the pandemic, using...

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More from US FDA

Double Duty At US FDA: Tidmarsh Will Temporarily Lead Both CDER And CBER

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Just a week and a half into his tenure at the agency, the new CDER Director George Tidmarsh was also tapped to serve as acting head of CBER. Prasad’s swift ouster at CBER may point to a softening in cell and gene therapy regulation but could also portend even more scrutiny on vaccines.

NDA User Fees Will Grow 8.6% Next Year As FDA Projects More Applications But Fewer Sponsor Meetings

 
• By Nielsen Hobbs and Derrick Gingery

The ups – and some downs – of the US FDA’s prescription, biosimilar, and generic user fees for FY 2026 are tabulated by the Pink Sheet.

Vinay Prasad Out At US FDA

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The removal of CBER Director Prasad comes after a wave of right-wing backlash to his appointment over the past few days that was also critical of his decision to ask Sarepta to suspend all sales of the DMD gene therapy Elevidys. FDA reversed its decision the day before Parsad's departure.

Sarepta Will Resume US Elevidys Shipments For Ambulatory DMD Patients After FDA Reverses Course

 
• By Mandy Jackson

The FDA recommended removal of a voluntary hold on shipments of the gene therapy to younger patients after finding that the death of an 8-year-old boy in Brazil was unrelated to Elevidys. Discussions on safety of DMD treatment for non-ambulatory patients is ongoing.

More from Agency Leadership

New South Korea Health Minister Vows ‘People-Centric’ Medical System

 
• By Jung Won Shin

In line with new President Lee’s campaign pledges, South Korea's newly confirmed health minister is expected to tackle key issues including a prolonged doctors' conflict, essential drug supplies and R&D support for the industry.

Vinay Prasad Out At US FDA

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The removal of CBER Director Prasad comes after a wave of right-wing backlash to his appointment over the past few days that was also critical of his decision to ask Sarepta to suspend all sales of the DMD gene therapy Elevidys. FDA reversed its decision the day before Parsad's departure.

Sarepta Will Resume US Elevidys Shipments For Ambulatory DMD Patients After FDA Reverses Course

 
• By Mandy Jackson

The FDA recommended removal of a voluntary hold on shipments of the gene therapy to younger patients after finding that the death of an 8-year-old boy in Brazil was unrelated to Elevidys. Discussions on safety of DMD treatment for non-ambulatory patients is ongoing.