Pharma & Drug Safety

MHRA Statement on Pathways Clinical Trial Safety

The MHRA has issued a statement regarding the Pathways clinical trial, emphasizing participant safety. As a precaution, Professor Jacob George has been recused from further involvement due to social media posts made prior to his appointment.

BSCC Releases $125 Million for Illicit Cannabis Enforcement

The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has released $125 million in grant funding to support local governments in their efforts to combat illicit cannabis operations. This funding, part of a larger statewide initiative, aims to address public health and safety impacts associated with illegal cannabis activities.

Massachusetts Confirms Two Measles Cases

Massachusetts public health officials announced two confirmed cases of measles in the state for 2026. The cases are being investigated for potential exposures, and residents are reminded of the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles amidst national and international outbreaks.

EMA Recommends Ojemda for Paediatric Low-Grade Glioma

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended a conditional marketing authorisation for Ojemda (tovorafenib) to treat paediatric low-grade glioma in patients aged 6 months and older with specific BRAF gene alterations. This recommendation addresses an unmet medical need for a targeted therapy in this patient population.

EMA CHMP Recommends 12 Medicines for Approval

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended 12 new medicines for approval and six for extension of therapeutic indications. This includes novel treatments for influenza, COVID-19, paediatric brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, and several biosimilar medicines.

California Officials Seize Illegal Cannabis Plants Worth $57 Million

California state officials, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, announced the seizure of over 58,000 illegal cannabis plants and approximately three tons of processed cannabis in November. The operation, conducted by the Department of Cannabis Control, targeted the illicit market and resulted in the eradication of plants and product valued at an estimated $56.5 million.

Cannabis Business Dispute and Fraud Avoidance Guidance

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued guidance on avoiding business disputes and fraud within the cannabis industry. The document outlines proactive measures for vetting partners, understanding contracts, and maintaining records to prevent common pitfalls.

DCC Awards $30 Million in Cannabis Research Grants

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) awarded nearly $30 million in research grants to nine academic institutions for 22 projects. This funding, derived from cannabis tax revenues, supports research on economic dynamics, public health, and environmental impacts related to cannabis.

Sonoma County CEQA Cannabis Projects Public Comment

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has released draft environmental documents for three commercial cannabis projects in Sonoma County for public review and comment. These documents, prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), analyze potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures. The comment period is open until March 1, 2026.

California Seizes Over $1.2 Billion in Illegal Cannabis

California announced state officers have seized and destroyed over $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis products through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF). Seizures in 2025 alone reached $609 million, an 18-fold increase since 2022, highlighting the state's efforts to combat the illegal market.