Pharmaceuticals
Analysis
Drugs
Anger, frustration and revolt: Inside the final day of NSW’s drug summit
As the drug summit unfolded, it became dominated by the one topic the government wanted off the table: decriminalisation.
- by Michael McGowan and Angus Thomson
Latest
Dodgy science in crosshairs as fraud audit censures Australia’s top research agency
The National Health and Medical Research Council has been criticised over its lax approach to scientific misconduct in an audit that lays the groundwork for changes in the way bad science is policed.
- by Liam Mannix
This asthma drug is taken by millions. Now scientists have found it in the brain
The findings, presented at a conference in Texas last week, have raised pressure on Australian authorities to better warn patients about the risks of montelukast.
- by Angus Thomson
‘The stigma that will come with sharing this – I don’t care’: Jackie O opens up
She’s the better half of the Kyle and Jackie O radio show. She’s also a recovering addict: a fact she kept close to her chest until this week.
- by Konrad Marshall
Codeine bans helped avoid a COVID spike in ‘deaths of despair’
Deaths of despair have surged in parts of the world as people use drugs or alcohol. But a new study shows Australia has not followed that trend.
- by Shane Wright
After Pfizer’s coronavirus boom, CEO in crosshairs over sales slump
It’s a sharp turn in fortune for Albert Bourla, who oversaw development and mass production of the novel RNA vaccine that helped get the pandemic under control and put the global economy back on track.
- by Daniel Gilbert
Mental health tragedy sparks questions on medicinal cannabis oversight
The death of a man with mental health issues who took his life after cannabis was prescribed by a Melbourne company has thrown a spotlight on a booming industry.
- by Clay Lucas
Vapes are legal again - but pharmacies allowed to sell them aren’t celebrating yet
Pharmacies can now stock therapeutic vapes – but many are holding back on ethical grounds or believe registration for the new system is too onerous.
- by Millie Muroi
The Australian research (and brains) that led to a new schizophrenia drug
Schizophrenia is common and difficult to treat. But Australians who donated their brains for scientific research have paved the way for a breakthrough drug that promises to address some of the more debilitating symptoms.
- by Angus Dalton
Exclusive
Jobs
WeightWatchers Australia forced to shed staff as Ozempic effect takes toll
Oprah Winfrey’s abrupt break with WeightWatchers this year pointed to the company’s struggles amid a new generation of weight-loss drugs. Now its Australian arm is taking a hit.
- by Colin Kruger and Jessica Yun
Opinion
Pets
My pet’s on Prozac. Otherwise, I’d have to rehome her
We agonised over the decision to put our pet on anti-depressants, but it meant we didn’t have to make an even tougher decision.
- by Ellen Milankovic