The CHMP has recently issued a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorisation for erenumab (Aimovig) for the prevention of migraine.
Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors. CGRP is thought to have an important role in migraine pathophysiology …

In a final appraisal determination, NICE has recommended the disease-modifying therapies interferon beta-1b (Extavia), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex and Rebif) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
Earlier draft guidance issued in December 2017 recommended only Extavia, but following feedback from stakeholders …

The EMA’s PRAC has issued new recommendations on the use of Esmya (ulipristal acetate) following a review of its effects on the liver. Esmya is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids, to reduce bleeding, anaemia and fibroid size. Esmya …

A recent literature review from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel published in the European Heart Journal (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy182) has appraised the evidence for the most well recognised adverse effects of long-term statin therapy.
The panel of 27 authors performed a literature search of randomised controlled …

A review led by experts at Imperial College London and the University of Exeter (Science 2018;360:739–42) has warned of the rising rate of emergence of pathogenic fungi that are resistant to commonly used antifungal agents and the consequent threat to human health worldwide.
The threat of …

NICE has published a new guideline (NG95) on the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease. The aim is to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and to ensure prompt and effective diagnosis and treatment.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the bite …

Some classes of anticholinergic drug can increase the risk of future dementia, suggests a recent study published in the BMJ (2018;361:k1315).
The case-control study, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society, used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), which includes prescribing records for over 11 million …

According to a recent report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the quality of online services that provide GP consultations through independent websites and apps has improved over the last year, but many concerns remain, particularly with regard to safety.
The CQC assessed 35 independent providers …

NICE has published a new guideline on the treatment of acute otitis media (NG91) in children and young people under the age of 18 years. The guideline, developed in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), is one of a series on antimicrobial prescribing for common …

A mistake is made for every five NHS medications given to patients in England, according to a recent report from the Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Heath and Care Interventions (EEPRU) on the burden of medication errors.
Using data from 36 studies that reported …