Pharma & Drug Safety

HHS-Certified Laboratories for Urine/Oral Fluid Drug Testing

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published the current list of HHS-certified laboratories and instrumented initial testing facilities for urine and oral fluid drug testing. This notice serves as an informational update for federal agencies and relevant parties.

HSA Seizes Over $1.1M in Vaporisers

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized over $1.1 million worth of vaporisers in an operation on February 24, 2026. New penalties under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) will take effect from May 1, 2026, targeting importers, suppliers, and premises owners.

NY Health Urges Colorectal Cancer Screening for Adults 45+

The New York State Department of Health is urging adults aged 45 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer, as it is now a leading cause of cancer death for those under 50. The department highlights that screening can prevent or detect the cancer early, and aims to improve current screening rates across the state.

WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization Eightieth Report

The World Health Organization has published the eightieth report of its Expert Committee on Biological Standardization. This report details the proceedings and recommendations from the committee's meeting held in October 2024, focusing on the norms and standards for biological products.

WHO Expert Committee Adopts New Pharmaceutical Guidance

The WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations has adopted nine new guidance texts aimed at ensuring the quality assurance of medicines. These texts cover areas such as nitrosamine prevention, good manufacturing practices for excipients, and bioequivalence assessments, and are recommended for implementation.

WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations 57th Report

The WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations has released its 57th report, recommending new and revised guidance texts for pharmaceutical quality assurance. These include updated GMP for excipients, new GMP for radiopharmaceutical cold kits, revised lab quality control practices, and updated biowaiver guidelines.

WHO Expert Committee on Pharmaceutical Preparations Meeting

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the Sixtieth meeting of the Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations, scheduled for October 12-16, 2026. This committee advises the Director-General on medicine quality assurance and the maintenance of The International Pharmacopoeia.

DEA Announces 10,744 Arrests in DC Safety Initiative

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced 10,744 arrests as part of an initiative to enhance safety in Washington D.C. The operation involved collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies, with the goal of removing illicit substances from communities.

EMA PRAC Warns of Aseptic Meningitis Risk with Ixchiq Vaccine

The EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has recommended updating the product information for the chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq to reflect recent evidence of aseptic meningitis risk, particularly in healthy young adults. This follows a safety signal investigation and is part of a regular safety assessment.

FDA Extends Drug Use Dates Due to Shortages

The FDA has extended the use dates for specific lots of certain drugs to help alleviate drug shortages. This guidance allows providers and patients to use these lots beyond their labeled expiration dates, based on manufacturer stability data. The agency is not requiring relabeling but expects replacement and disposal when new product becomes available.