Studies will help evaluate MSM donor deferral, HHS official says

The U.S. government has undertaken three studies and is planning a fourth as it considers whether to change its blood-donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men, said James Berger, HHS senior adviser for blood policy....[more]

FDA expedites review of experimental hepatitis C drug

Achillion Pharmaceuticals' hepatitis C drug candidate ACH-3102 received fast-track status from the FDA. The drug is undergoing a Phase I trial. CNBC/Reuters

Source: AABBsmartbrief[more]

LifeSouth releases statement in light of recent HIV case

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has been sued by a man who alleges he contracted HIV from infected blood provided by the blood center; however, LifeSouth has assured the public that its blood products are as safe as possible....[more]

Biotechs weigh in at FDA hearing on biosimilars

During an FDA hearing, several biotech and biopharmaceutical companies urged the agency to put patient safety at the core of its biosimilar policies. The FDA must adopt policies that promote manufacturer accountability and supply...[more]

FDA Panel Endorses ’Quad’ Pill for HIV

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- The FDA’s Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee has voted 13 to 1 to recommend approval of Gilead Sciences’ new single-pill, once-daily regimen for HIV treatment. full story

Source: medpagetoday[more]

Europe's biosimilars market could reach $3.99B in 5 years

The European biosimilars market is forecast to grow to $3.99 billion in 2017 from $172 million in 2010, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. That is equivalent to compound growth of 56.7% a year. The expiration of patents...[more]

Calif. tattoo, piercing parlors to be subject to inspections

Tattoo and body-piercing establishments in California will face new standards and inspections in compliance with the state's Safe Body Art Act. The policy will be implemented in July. The move is intended to reduce the risk of...[more]