Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the agency’s continued efforts to promote the safe adoption of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – the use of medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapies – is one of the major pillars of the federal response to the opioid epidemic in this country. This type of treatment is an important tool that has the potential to help millions of Americans with an opioid use disorder regain control over their lives. In fact, patients receiving MAT cut their risk of death from all causes in half, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Addressing the epidemic of opioid addiction is my highest public health priority. One element of that effort is promoting more widespread, safe adoption of MAT as a way to help more people overcome addiction.

FDA clears first duodenoscope with disposable distal cap

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared the first duodenoscope with a disposable distal cap, a new feature that will improve access for cleaning and reprocessing. The Pentax ED34-i10T model duodenoscope is intended to provide visualization and access to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract to treat bile duct disorders and other upper GI problems.

Natural Grocers Issues Recall on Organic Deglet Dates Due to Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergens

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery chain, is recalling Natural Grocers brand Organic Deglet Noor Dates Pitted because it may contain undeclared coconut, an allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to coconut run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
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FDA permits marketing of mobile medical application for substance use disorder

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration permitted marketing of the first mobile medical application to help treat substance use disorders (SUD). The Reset application is intended to be used with outpatient therapy to treat alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and stimulant SUDs. The application is not intended to be used to treat opioid dependence.

OriGen Biomedical Issues Nationwide Recall of OriGen VV28F Reinforced Dual Lumen ECMO Catheters

On August 2, 2017, OriGen Biomedical initiated a nationwide recall for two (2) lots of VV28F Reinforced Dual Lumen ECMO Catheters. These VV28F Reinforced Dual Lumen ECMO Catheters have been found to have the potential for a separation of the clear extension tube from the hub that it is inserted in, which potentially could result in required intervention to prevent permanent impairment/damage.