• where experts go to learn about FDA
  • Month: February 2019

    • HP&M’s Hatch-Waxman Practice Grows With the Addition of Michael ShumskyFebruary 8th, 2019

      Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. (“HP&M”) is pleased to announce that Michael Shumsky has become its newest Director.  Mike joined HP&M in February 2019 after nearly 15 years at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he played a key role in developing that firm’s FDA and …

    • New Efforts to Expand Access to Laboratory Tests in MarylandFebruary 6th, 2019

      Readers who work with laboratory tests are likely aware that such tests can be subject to regulation by FDA, CMS, and individual states. A few state laws, particularly those in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, currently constrain how some laboratory tests are …

    • Congress Floats Discussion Draft of IVD LegislationFebruary 5th, 2019

      Since FDA announced in late 2016 that it would not finalize its laboratory developed test (LDT) guidances, it has become clear that any change to the LDT regulatory framework (at least during this administration) would need to come through a statutory change.  The first such …

    • Orange You Glad We Didn’t Make an Orange Book Pun?February 4th, 2019

      In yet another step to address drug pricing, Commissioner Gottlieb announced last week several new initiatives, including an update to the revered Orange Book.  Cue the crazy Muppet arms!  Proclaiming the Orange Book update a “transparency initiative,” FDA expects that this undertaking will “provide greater …

    • This Cannot Stand, Man! The BLOCKING Act of 2019 Would Unnecessarily Reform 180-Day Generic Drug ExclusivityFebruary 1st, 2019

      Over the 12 years that we’ve been doing this blogging gig, we’ve never before drawn inspiration for a post from Lebowski Pony – a.k.a. “the Dude” – that iconic character from the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. …

    • OIG Proposed Safe Harbor Revisions Take Aim at Formulary Rebates, Volume-Based PBM Administrative FeesFebruary 1st, 2019

      Yesterday the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”) released a proposed rule to put into practice an idea floated in HHS’ May 2018 Blueprint for lowering drug prices:  eliminating discount safe harbor protection for manufacturer rebates offered …