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News|Articles|February 14, 2026

The Rx Recap: February 8-13

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Key Takeaways

  • CTD402, an anti-CD7 CAR-T cell therapy, received orphan drug designation for T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, with promising early trial results showing high remission rates.
  • Aviva Bio advances AVA-291, a female-specific testosterone therapy, following FDA guidance, aiming to address safety concerns linked to breast cancer risk.
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This week, we feature top articles from our sister publications on regulatory updates, clinical trial insights, and more.

Welcome to this week’s roundup of the most insightful and impactful articles from the sister publications of Dermatology Times, all under One MJH Life Sciences. Our network brings together expert perspectives, clinical advancements, and industry updates to keep clinicians informed and ahead of the curve. From cutting-edge treatments to practice management strategies, here’s a look at the top stories shaping the field of medicine.

What Are Embolism Warning Signs for Patients With Cancer?

In a recent interview with CURE, Ryan Moore, MD, of Hackensack University Medical Center discussed warning signs of pulmonary embolism that patients with cancer and caregivers should watch for, following reports from The Associated Press that actress Catherine O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause. Moore explained that symptoms can be subtle but may include sudden or unusual shortness of breath, difficulty catching one’s breath, rapid shallow breathing, and an increased heart rate (tachycardia), which can occur as clots in the lungs place added strain on the heart. He emphasized that these symptoms can be serious and warrant immediate medical attention, particularly in patients with cancer who are already at elevated risk for blood clots.

FDA Removes Black Box Warning on 6 Menopausal Hormone Therapy Products

As reported by Drug Topics, the US FDA has approved significant labeling changes for 6 menopausal hormone therapy products, removing boxed warning statements related to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and probable dementia after a comprehensive scientific review initiated in November 2025. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the decision reflects a commitment to updating guidance as evidence evolves, while FDA Commissioner Marty Makary noted that relatively few eligible women currently use hormone therapy despite data suggesting benefits when initiated within 10 years of menopause onset. The changes affect systemic combination and estrogen-alone therapies, progestogen use for women with a uterus, and topical vaginal estrogen products. Although certain risks have been removed from the boxed warning, pharmacists are advised to continue counseling patients on established risks such as venous thromboembolism and stroke, consider safer routes like transdermal formulations for some patients, monitor for drug interactions, and recommend nonhormonal alternatives when appropriate.

Budesonide Shows Positive Phase 3 Data Against Uncontrolled Asthma

As reported by Contemporary Pediatrics, budesonide triple-combination therapy (BREZTRI Aerosphere) from AstraZeneca significantly improved lung function and reduced severe exacerbations in patients with uncontrolled asthma in the phase 3 KALOS and LOGOS trials, demonstrating greater gains in FEV1 and lower annual exacerbation rates compared with dual-combination inhaled therapies. Investigators reported no new safety concerns, and experts emphasized that the fixed-dose combination—containing an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting beta2-agonist, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist—may offer a promising option for patients with persistent symptoms. Additionally, pediatric pulmonologist Richard Wong highlighted ongoing challenges in asthma control among children, particularly during the school year, underscoring the importance of adherence to maintenance therapy and asthma action plans.

Buntanetap for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Positive Recommendation From Data and Safety Monitoring Board

As reported by Psychiatric Times, an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board has issued a positive 6-month safety recommendation for buntanetap, an investigational oral therapy from Annovis Bio being studied for Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, allowing the ongoing pivotal phase 3 Alzheimer trial (NCT06709014) to continue without modification. The study, now about 40% enrolled, aims to randomize 760 patients with early Alzheimer disease to receive daily buntanetap 30 mg or placebo over 18 months, assessing both 6-month symptomatic effects and 12-month disease-modifying outcomes. According to CEO Maria Maccecchini, PhD, the DSMB found no safety concerns, and safety findings were consistent with parallel Parkinson disease data; initial symptomatic efficacy results are expected in early 2027, with disease-modifying data anticipated in early 2028.

The Medical Device Industry: The Real Effects of Tariffs

As reported by Medical Economics, the medical device industry has faced significant disruption over the past year due to new and proposed tariffs that have increased costs across globally integrated supply chains. Tariffs on metals, electronics, and finished components have strained manufacturers already operating under tight pricing and regulatory pressures, forcing difficult decisions about absorbing costs, raising prices for providers, or scaling back research and development. Policy uncertainty has further complicated long-term planning, capital investment, and domestic expansion, with smaller and mid-sized companies particularly vulnerable to supplier instability and market consolidation. Industry leaders warn that these pressures could slow innovation, reduce product availability, and intensify supply shortages, ultimately affecting hospitals, physician practices, and patients. In discussing these challenges with Casey Hite, CEO of Aeroflow Health, the publication highlighted the broader ripple effects of trade policy on health care economics and patient care delivery.

Want to read more on specialty care, pharmacy, industry sciences, and more? Check out MJH Life Sciences full list of brands here.


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