Sarah Karlin-Smith
Sarah is a senior writer at the Pink Sheet, specializing in the policy and politics that affect the pharmaceutical industry. She covers the US Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service and Congress. Her work explores how government policies influence how drugs are developed and approved, what diseases are prioritized by scientists, and who gets access to medicines and at what cost. Sarah has covered health care since 2011. Prior to returning to the Pink Sheet in March 2020, she covered health policy at Politico for five years.
Latest From Sarah Karlin-Smith
Califf Clears First Senate Hurdle, But FDA Decision On Abortion Pill May Complicate Final Confirmation
Republican opposition to Califf over agency’s recent move to relax its Mifeprex restrictions is ominous since, in order be confirmed as commissioner, he’ll need enough GOP votes to make up for Democratic opposition over his opioid track record and connections to pharma industry.
Califf Clears First Senate Hurdle, But FDA Abortion Pill Decision May Complicate Final Confirmation
Republican opposition to Califf over the agency’s recent move to relax its Mifeprex restrictions is ominous since in order be confirmed as FDA commissioner he’ll need enough GOP votes to make up for Democratic opposition over his opioid track record and connections to the drug industry.
Califf Clears First Senate Hurdle, But Could FDA’s Abortion Pill Access Decision Be A Headache?
Robert Califf’s nomination to be the next US FDA commissioner squeaked out of the Senate health committee, but a significant number of Republicans are against his confirmation over the agency’s recent decisions on abortion drugs.
A Brief But Memorable Tenure: Former US FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford Dies At 83
Crawford’s time as permanent FDA commissioner lasted less than three months and ended in scandal, but with that stint and his longer stretches as acting commissioner, he oversaw the agency through several historic moments that continue to influence the current regulatory environment.
Aduhelm & Medicare: HHS Reconsideration Of Premium Hike May Ease Blowback On Coverage
Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug may not cause as much of a financial headache to American seniors as expected, which could dampen criticism of Medicare’s upcoming coverage determination. But questions remain about what exactly HHS will be able to do about Part B premiums.
CDC’s Walensky Suggests Higher Bar May Be Needed For Fourth COVID Vaccine Shots
Pfizer and Moderna have both indicated a fourth mRNA COVID vaccine may be needed. Companies may need to show waning protection against severe disease first.