FDA warns of counterfeit Ozempic; Panamanian fraud case could save U.S. $25 million; music therapy for heart and lung patients – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

The FDA warns against counterfeit Ozempic injections, urging avoidance of specific lot and serial numbers due to sterility and safety concerns.
A Panamanian surgeon's guilty plea in a fraud scheme is projected to save the U.S. government $25 million, showcasing international cooperation.
Music therapy for heart failure and COPD patients shows promise, with positive mental health feedback despite challenges in remote participation.

The top news stories in medicine today.

FDA warns of counterfeit Ozempic in U.S. drug supply chain

The FDA is warning patients and physicians not to use counterfeit Ozempic injections recently found in the U.S. drug supply chain. On April 3, Novo Nordisk alerted the agency that several hundred units labeled as 1 mg semaglutide had been distributed outside its authorized supply channels. The FDA seized the suspect products on April 9 and urges consumers and pharmacies to avoid products marked with lot “PAR0362” or serial numbers beginning with “51746517”. A previous counterfeit lot, “NAR0074,” remains under investigation. The counterfeit products may contain fake needles, labels and packaging, raising concerns about sterility and safety. While no serious adverse events have been linked to the fakes so far, the FDA's investigation is ongoing.

Fraud case in Panama could save U.S. $25 million

A Panamanian surgeon has pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme expected to save the U.S. government nearly $25 million. Rolando Chin, MD, admitted to helping defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Foreign Medical Program, which funds care for U.S. veterans living abroad. Authorities uncovered false claims for unperformed services and undelivered medications, triggering a 2022 complaint against nearly 40 individuals and entities. Following a VA suspension of payments, projected program spending in Panama for fiscal 2025 has been cut in half. U.S. officials praised Panama’s cooperation and vowed continued efforts to fight international fraud.

Music therapy for heart and lung patients

A study from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health proved a four-session hybrid music therapy intervention to be feasible and well-received by patients with heart failure and COPD. The “MAJOR CHORD” study delivered in-person sessions during hospitalization and virtual sessions post-discharge, aiming to ease symptoms and reduce readmission risk. Despite challenges with remote participation and technology use, researchers reported high protocol fidelity and encouraging patient feedback on mental health benefits.