The Rx Recap: September 7-13

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.

New FDA Guidance Seeks to Expand Nonopioid Options to Manage Chronic Pain and Curb Misuse

Research reported by Patient Care detailed new FDA draft guidance designed to accelerate development of nonopioid therapies for chronic pain. Despite declines in prescribing, about 1 in 5 US adults with chronic pain still receive opioids, with misuse rates estimated between 8% and 12%. The guidance outlines regulatory pathways for drug developers, emphasizing trial design, opioid-sparing outcomes, and patient-reported measures. FDA officials said the goal is to expand safe, effective alternatives, giving clinicians more tools to manage chronic pain while reducing reliance on opioids. Public comments on the draft will be accepted for 60 days.

FDA Clears Updated AI Software for Generating Inline Mapping with Cardiac MRI

Research reported by Diagnostic Imaging highlighted that the FDA has cleared an updated version of Tempus Pixel, an AI software for cardiac MRI. The tool generates T1 and T2 inline maps with numerical values for tissue characteristics, supporting detection of subtle abnormalities such as fibrosis, inflammation, or edema. Alongside automated reporting and enhanced flow visualization, the software aims to give cardiologists and radiologists deeper insights into cardiac health to guide more precise and personalized care.

COVID-19 Era Toddlers Had Lower Emotional, Behavioral Problems

Research reported by Contemporary Pediatrics suggests that toddlers showed signs of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a study of more than 3,400 children across the US and Puerto Rico, those assessed during the pandemic had slightly fewer emotional and behavioral problems compared with those assessed before. Differences were modest but consistent, with stronger effects seen among children of mothers without a bachelor’s degree. Investigators noted that stable caregiving routines and positive coping strategies may have helped buffer toddlers from behavioral challenges, underscoring the need for future research into protective household factors that support child development during crises.

Patients Must Seek Pharmacists, Other Providers For Reproductive Health as Abortion Clinics Close

Research reported by Drug Topics found that abortion-providing clinics, which have long served as key access points for contraceptive care, STI testing, and cervical cancer prevention, have declined sharply since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision. A scoping review of 74 studies showed a 5% decrease in clinics offering abortion between 2020 and March 2024, with closures linked to restrictive state laws. Researchers noted that these clinics often provided broader reproductive health services, and their loss may exacerbate barriers to preventive care. As access contracts, pharmacists may increasingly be called on to fill gaps in contraceptive and reproductive health services, though their authority varies by state.

Trump Administration Wants Full Safety Disclosures on TV Drug Ads; Chronic Disease Deaths Fall Worldwide; the Importance of Treating Opioid Addiction in Jail – Morning Medical Update

Research reported by Medical Economics highlighted several major health policy and research updates. The Trump administration has directed the FDA to reinstate requirements that TV and digital drug ads include full safety disclosures, with expanded oversight to social media and influencer marketing; the move could reshape the $13 billion drug advertising market but faces likely court challenges. A global study published in The Lancet found chronic disease deaths declined in most countries from 2010 to 2019, though progress slowed compared with earlier decades, with the US and Germany lagging behind other nations. Meanwhile, NIH-funded research in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that providing medications for opioid use disorder in jails significantly reduced overdose deaths and reincarceration, yet fewer than 15% of US jails currently offer this treatment.

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