• Maryland: FDA last week announced that yogurt companies can now make a qualified health claim that the food may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Qualified health claims "are supported by scientific evidence, but do not meet the more rigorous 'significant scientific agreement' standard required for an authorized health claim," FDA said. "To ensure that these claims are not misleading, they must be accompanied by a disclaimer or other qualifying language to accurately communicate to consumers the level of scientific evidence supporting the claim." With FDA's decision, companies may claim that, according to limited scientific evidence, "eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week," may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, health experts noted that the supporting research for qualified health claims is often limited and may not be very strong. According to Caroline Passerrello, a registered dietitian nutritionist and an instructor in the University of Pittsburgh's school of health and rehabilitation sciences, the way the studies were conducted "means we can’t really say for sure there is a causal relationship, but more of a correlation between type 2 diabetes and yogurt." (Rogers, CNN, 3/3)
• Michigan: Opill, the first birth control medication approved for over-the-counter sale, will be available in U.S. stores later this month. According to the manufacturer, Perrigo, it has begun shipping the medication to major retailers and pharmacies across the United States and will also sell Opill online. A one-month supply of Opill will cost around $20, while a three-month supply will cost around $50. According to reproductive health experts, Opill being available over-the-counter could be especially helpful for teenagers, young women, and other people who may have difficulties getting prescription birth control. "[O]ver-the-counter access to birth control will greatly reduce the barriers like transportation, cost, language, and documentation," Lupe Rodriguez, the executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. (Perrone, Associated Press, 3/4; Belluck, New York Times, 3/4)
• New Jersey: In a new clinical trial, Novo Nordisk found that semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic, reduced the risk of kidney disease-related events in diabetic patients by 24%. The trial, known as FLOW, found that diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease had a statistically significant and superior reduction in kidney disease progression, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death. "We are very excited about the results from FLOW showing that semaglutide 1.0 mg reduces the risk of kidney disease progression," said Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk's EVP for development. "The positive results from FLOW demonstrate the potential for semaglutide to become the first GLP-1 treatment option for people living with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease." According to the Wall Street Journal, Novo Nordisk plans to file for regulatory approvals to expand Ozempic's label in the United States and European Union this year. (Chopping, Wall Street Journal, 3/5)

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