FDA – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Belzutifan (brand name Welireg, developed by Merck & Co.) for the treatment of locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL)
From January to August 2025, the FDA approved 25 novel drugs – nearly one per week – reflecting an unprecedented pace in expanding treatment options across therapeutic areas
Dr. Vinay Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist and outspoken critic of both FDA approval standards and public health policy, was appointed in May 2025 by Commissioner Marty Makary to lead CBER, the FDA division overseeing vaccines, gene therapies, and blood products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to Modeyso (generic name: dordaviprone), a groundbreaking therapy for diffuse midline glioma (DMG) — a rare and highly aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects children, adolescents, and young adults. This marks the first time a systemic (body-wide) therapy has been approved for this devastating disease, representing a pivotal advance in neuro-oncology.
Tapentadol 100mg – Tapentadol (brand name Nucynta) is a prescription pain medication used for moderate to severe pain. It works by affecting the brain’s perception of pain through both opioid and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition mechanisms. While it can be highly effective, long-term use may lead to physical dependence, and stopping it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. That’s why a gradual taper—reducing the dose over time—is the safest approach.
Suicide Rates – Key Concept Overview The phrase means that when violence rises in a community, there is often a later increase in suicide rates. This suggests a strong link between exposure to violence and mental health consequences that may lead to suicide.
People With Eating Disorders Report Success Self-Medicating With Non-Rx Drugs
Recent discussions and studies show that individuals with eating disorders are increasingly turning to non-prescription (non-Rx) drugs to manage their symptoms. While not a replacement for professional treatment, this trend offers insight into how people are coping when traditional care isn’t available or effective.
🕯️ The Death: What Happened?
Terry Gene “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the legendary professional wrestler and pop culture icon, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. He died at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency responders were called to the scene just before 10 a.m. after Hogan reportedly collapsed due to cardiac distress. Despite attempts to resuscitate him for over 30 minutes and subsequent hospital care, he was pronounced dead within two hours of the initial emergency call.
The cause of death was confirmed to be an acute myocardial infarction—more commonly known as a heart attack. This occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing significant damage to the heart tissue. The medical examiner later reported that Hogan had also been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and atrial fibrillation, both of which were contributing factors. These health conditions had not been disclosed to the public prior to his passing.
FDA Approves Alhemo as Once-Daily Prophylactic Treatment for Hemophilia A or B Without Inhibitors
Overview
On July 31, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alhemo (concizumab-mtci) for the once-daily prophylactic treatment of adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B without inhibitors. This marks a significant expansion of Alhemo’s indications. The medication was previously approved for patients with inhibitors to clotting factors VIII or IX in December 2024. With this new approval, Alhemo becomes a treatment option for a broader population of individuals living with inherited bleeding disorders.
🗓 FDA Approval:
On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg / emtricitabine 200 mg / tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg) to expand its indication. The drug may now be used in people with HIV (PWH) who have prior antiretroviral treatment, are not virologically suppressed, and are re‑starting ART, provided they have no known or suspected resistance to integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs), emtricitabine, or tenofovir.
