Hahn’s communications, which go far beyond the claims a sponsor could make of an investigational product, are raising new concerns about the agency’s ability to serve as a science-based regulator during the coronavirus pandemic. HHS Secretary Alex Azar and NIAID Director Anthony Fauci have also touted the lifesaving nature of plasma donations for COVID-19, even though the treatment is still unproven.

Omega Protein stockholders vote Dec. 19 on proposed acquisition by Cooke; Endexx acquires Holistic Earth Remedies to improve timing for CBD product commercialization; Dr. Axe brands protein; and more health and wellness industry news.

FDAs Oct. 3 meeting agenda includes Pieter Cohen, Harvard Medical School professor; Consumers Union Programs Director Chuck Bell; Laura MacCleery, Center for Science in the Public Interest regulatory affairs director; and Stephanie Scarmo, Pew Charitable Trusts Health Care Products Project officer.

FTC is implementing Trump administration directives on "eliminating wasteful, unnecessary regulations and processes," but attempting to reduce regulated industries' compliance burden is not the same as slowing FTC enforcement against false and misleading advertising, attorneys say.