FDA issued warning letters to 5 firms for the unauthorized marketing of 15 different e-cigarette products that are packaged to look like toys, food, or cartoon characters and are likely to promote use by youth. FDA said the products are designed to look like toys and youth-appealing electronics like glow sticks, Nintendo Game Boy, and walkie-talkies; feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video game characters, including “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Squid Game,” “Rick and Morty,” “Minions,” and “Baby Bus”; or imitate foods such as popsicles.
When the 118th Congress convenes in January, Republicans assuming key health leadership positions in the House are expected to bring with them antiscience rhetoric honed on the campaign trail. The origins of SARS-CoV-2, mask mandates and school closings, actions of Pres. Biden and Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the pandemic, and CMS decisions on Medicare policies and covered drugs are areas that could be examined by leaders such as Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the likely next chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Vern Buchanan of Florida, who may head the powerful Ways & Means Committee. Jim Banks of Indiana may continue his focus on “aggressive regulation of nonprofit hospitals,” according to a Stat article, including hospital pricing, scrutiny of hospital mergers, and financial incentives involved in hospitals buying up physician practices.