Formula

• Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health published a new study on July 20, 2026, regarding formulary-related insurance denials for single-source branded drugs in the U.S. • The report highlights how drug utilization management tools, such as prior authorization, step therapy, and formulary exclusions, are used to reduce overall drug spending. • This is significant because while these measures lower costs for insurers, they may create critical barriers to patient access for essential branded medications.

Experts say the Food and Drug Administration is not prepared for the health threat of bacterial contaminationMultiple brands of infant formula have been recalled recently due to bacterial contamination, and experts say the Food and Drug Administration is inadequately prepared to deal with the health threat they pose in the wake of Trump administration cuts.Last March, the FDA announced the launch of Operation Stork Speed, specifically intended to “expand options for safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for American families”. Two months later, Martin Makary, who was FDA commissioner at the time, told Congress that the FDA had lost around 3,100 employees due to the Trump administration’s reorganization and cuts. Makary departed the FDA the same month. Continue reading...

Late physicist turned issue of when to stop searching for a better place to eat into mathematical problemWhen it comes to exploring a new city, it can be tricky to know when to stop searching for a different restaurant to try every night, or to visit the first place you love on repeat.Now researchers have found that the late physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman devised a mathematical equation that can tackle the conundrum – at least when the range of options is known – and they believe the approach is similar to tactics people use intuitively. Continue reading...

• An FDA advisory panel overwhelmingly recommended on Thursday that manufacturers base the 2026-2027 Covid-19 vaccine formulas on the dominant XFG variant. • This recommendation ensures that future vaccine iterations remain effective against evolving strains of the virus to maintain public health protections. • Separately, World Health Organization experts are urging that all prevention and treatment products for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus be used exclusively within clinical trials.

Independent scientists who reviewed the results said most samples were contaminated with Pfas or phthalatesThe Trump administration announced earlier this month that hundreds of baby formula samples it tested for toxic chemicals “meet a high safety standard”, but public health advocates warn this claim contradicts data showing a majority were contaminated with dangerous substances, such as Pfas or phthalates.Independent scientists who reviewed the results say the data gaps and the contamination raise concerns, though they added the testing shows some bright spots, and praised the US Food and Drug Administration for expanding the testing program, then making the results public. Continue reading...

• New Zealand-based a2 Milk Company voluntarily recalled a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months with batch numbers 2210269454, 2210324609, and 2210321712, sold on Amazon and at Meijer stores. • The recall was initiated after testing detected cereulide, a heat-stable toxin from Bacillus cereus, following New Zealand regulatory guidance, with no confirmed illnesses reported by the FDA. • A total of 16,428 tins were affected, imported during the 2022 Operation Fly Formula to address U.S. shortages; the product was discontinued prior to the recall.

• Express Scripts added CARDAMYST (etripamil) nasal spray to its commercial national formularies effective March 27, 2026, expanding access for commercially insured patients. • The FDA-approved self-administered spray converts acute paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) episodes to sinus rhythm in adults. • This coverage decision makes the first-in-class treatment broadly affordable across the U.S., improving cardiovascular care options.