Montana passed SB535, a biotech law allowing physicians to administer experimental treatments outside trials if they completed FDA Phase 1, received approval from a state review board, and are delivered at licensed clinics with enhanced consent. The law uniquely permits sponsors and clinics to charge for treatment, addressing the "Valley of Death" funding gap where promising drugs stall between early trials and commercial investment.
Intercon Chemical Co. recalled six hand soap brands distributed across 15 U.S. states due to potential contamination with unspecified bacteria or antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas and Serratia species. The affected products, sold under Laura Lynn, Summit, Vestis, and Intercon brands, may cause serious infections including blood infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections if used.
The American Medical Association has passed a resolution to classify nearsightedness as a disease, supporting insurance coverage for treatments that slow its progression in children. With nearly 42% of Americans now nearsighted and the WHO predicting 50% global prevalence by 2050, the policy aims to increase access to FDA-approved interventions including special eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye drops that can prevent serious vision complications.
A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has been declared over by the CDC after affecting 12,883 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. The outbreak was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell locations, though the FDA investigation into its cause remains ongoing.
The CDC declared an end to the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history, which sickened 12,833 people across 21 states and caused 2 deaths. The foodborne illness was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in Mexico, leading to recalls and significant economic impacts on restaurants and grocery retailers. The outbreak totaled 19,595 cases nationwide and raised concerns about food safety procedures and FDA resources.
The FDA has cleared the iLet Bionic Pancreas, a wearable automated insulin delivery device developed in a Boston University lab by biomedical engineering professor Ed Damiano. The device, inspired by Damiano's son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis, can deliver tailored insulin doses every five minutes and is now available for people aged six and older with the chronic condition.
The FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC, with 22 illnesses reported across Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Utah. The contaminated sprouts were distributed to grocery stores and restaurants, with expiration dates between September 7-16, and symptoms typically appear within 12-72 hours of consumption.