Pharma & Drug Safety

MHRA: Stop using non-sterile alcohol-free wipes due to infection risk

The MHRA and UKHSA are advising the public not to use four specific non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products due to contamination with Burkholderia stabilis bacteria. These products have been withdrawn from sale, but may still be in homes, and are linked to 59 cases, including one death.

MHRA: Quetiapine Oral Suspension Recalled Due to Incorrect Active Ingredient

The MHRA has issued a recall for all batches of quetiapine oral suspension manufactured by Eaststone Limited due to an incorrect amount of the active ingredient, potentially leading to overdose. Approximately 166 bottles manufactured between October 2025 and January 2026 are affected. Patients are advised not to stop medication without consulting a healthcare professional.

MHRA Updates GLP-1 Guidance on Pancreatitis Risk

The MHRA has updated product information regarding the small risk of severe acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 medications. Healthcare professionals and patients are reminded to be alert to symptoms, and the MHRA is investigating genetic factors influencing this risk.

MHRA Updates Semaglutide Guidance on NAION Risk

The MHRA has updated its guidance for semaglutide prescribers and patients regarding the very rare risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The update alerts healthcare professionals and patients to the symptoms and advises immediate medical attention if vision changes occur. This guidance follows three reports of NAION associated with semaglutide since 2018.

FDA Guidance on Promotional Labeling for Biosimilar Products

The FDA has issued new guidance addressing promotional labeling and advertising considerations for prescription reference products, biosimilar products, and interchangeable biosimilar products. The guidance aims to ensure promotional communications are accurate, truthful, and non-misleading for manufacturers and their representatives.

FDA Finalizes Guidance on Drug Dispute Resolution

The FDA has finalized guidance for industry on formal dispute resolution and administrative hearings for drugs subject to final administrative orders under section 505G of the FD&C Act. This guidance provides recommendations for resolving scientific and medical disputes between the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and drug sponsors.

FDA Draft Guidance on Bayesian Methodology in Drug Trials

The FDA has issued draft guidance on the use of Bayesian methodology in clinical trials for drug and biological products. This guidance is intended for sponsors and applicants and focuses on supporting primary inference for effectiveness and safety. The agency is seeking public comments on this draft document.

FDA Draft Guidance: Common Technical Document for Quality

The FDA has released draft guidance on the Common Technical Document (CTD) for the quality section of pharmaceutical registration applications. This guidance, developed under the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), aims to harmonize the organization and presentation of quality data for human use pharmaceuticals. Comments on the draft are due by March 23, 2026.

FDA Draft Guidance on Patient Preference Studies

The FDA has released draft guidance on general considerations for patient preference studies, developed under the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). The agency is accepting public comments on this draft guidance until April 7, 2026.