STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an RFK Jr. push against psychiatric meds, a Sanofi blood cancer drug, and more

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. And of course, it is nice to see you again after we stepped away for a brief hiatus (and thanks to our pinch hitters last week). Not surprisingly, we are scurrying to catch up on events and way too many emails, but also making time for a cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple bourbon. So please join us as we dig in. To that end, we have accumulated a brief menu of tidbits for you to peruse as you brace yourself for what lies ahead. We hope that all goes well and that you conquer the world. Meanwhile, do keep in touch. …

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pressing forward with his effort to help Americans stop taking psychiatric drugs, a medical practice known as deprescribing, STAT reports. Earlier this month, dozens of mental health professionals met with federal health officials to map out forthcoming clinical guidance they hope will help providers instruct patients on how to come off of antidepressant medications. A senior HHS official said they discussed gaps in the research around deprescribing SSRIs, including the side effects a person may experience, which vary depending on the drug and how long the person was on it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ​approved a wearable form of Sanofi’s blood cancer drug, Sarclisa, offering multiple ‌myeloma patients a less burdensome alternative to intravenous infusions, Reuters writes. This becomes the first cancer drug approved by the FDA that can be delivered through an on-body injector, attached ​to the skin. Subcutaneous dosing can significantly reduce time spent in infusion centers for patients who receive repeated treatment courses, while also easing the strain on oncology clinics and nurses. The ​infusions can take up to three hours, while the median injection ​time for the wearable device is 13 minutes

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…