Elizabeth leads a team of Medtech Insight reporters devoted to covering medical device and diagnostics regulation in the US and abroad. As a reporter, she focuses on FDA regulation, legislation, and legal issues. A graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, she worked for outlets including FDA News, DecisionHealth (formerly UCG) and the Washington Examiner before joining Medtech Insight in 2015. She lives in Arlington, VA, with her husband and children.
Latest from Elizabeth Orr
A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.
The World Health Organization is seeking input from stakeholders to create an official definition of the term ‘diagnostics.’ This initiative follows a 2023 resolution aimed at enhancing global diagnostics capacity; the definition, it is hoped, will help drive the creation of effective health policies. Comments will be accepted until 23 May.
The US FDA has approved the Teal Wand, the first at-home cervical cancer screening device. Capable of detecting preclinical cancer with 96% accuracy, it will launch in California in June and expand nationwide soon after.
The FDA plans to implement artificial intelligence in its scientific review process by 30 June, following a successful pilot. The agency hopes the tool will reduce nonproductive tasks for reviewers amid recent staff cuts. A Chief AI Officer will oversee the rollout and integration.