Message from the Director

The summer months are an important time to focus on health and safety. Whether you are helping loved ones find information on their medicine, searching for the latest research or looking for general summer safety tips, I encourage you to look to FDA. FDA works to protect women and their families by approving new treatments and staying at the forefront of research on women’s health topics. Communicating about product safety issues also remains our priority. I hope you will continue to use FDA safety and other information to help make informed decisions for you and your family/ community. In this update, you will find news on pregnancy research, a new treatment for sickle cell disease and opportunities to participate in public meetings and training webinars.

Marsha Henderson, Assistant Commissioner for Women's Health

WOMEN’S HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS

Public Meeting: Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC)

The 21 Century Cures Act established the PRGLAC Task Force to advise the Secretary of HHS regarding gaps in knowledge and research on safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women.

The Task Force will hold a public meeting on August 21 – 22, 2017, from 8:00am to 5:30pm at the National Institutes of Health.

Read the Federal Register Notice

OWH-Funded Researcher Receives Teratology Society’s 2017 F. Clarke Fraser New Investigator Award

Dr. Evi Struble, of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, recently received the Teratology Society’s 2017 F. Clarke Fraser New Investigator Award in recognition of her OWH-supported study to advance knowledge of the safety and efficacy of antibody therapeutics used in the treatment of viral infections during pregnancy. This work has served to demonstrate the suitability of pregnant guinea pigs as pre-clinical models for these studies. Data from this study will provide information that can inform dosing decisions during pregnancy. OWH supports studies such as this one that address the use of FDA-regulated products during pregnancy.

Learn more about the Research Award

Read about other OWH-funded Research related to Pregnancy

Tips for Caregivers

Taking care of family and friends is a normal part of every day for many women. Caregiving, while rewarding, can be tough at times. FDA has tips to help women manage the care of loved ones. Read and share tips from our Tips for Caregivers webpage to help women talk with their family members, other caregivers and health care providers. Help us spread the word! Share www.fda.gov/caregivertips on your webpage, social media or in your outreach.

How to Safely Use Nail Care Products

Love manicures and pedicures, or know someone who does? The cosmetic products you use, along with lamps that dry (or "cure") gel nail polishes and artificial nails, are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Watch the video, “5 Ways to Safely Use Nail Drying and Curing”

Read the Consumer Update

Extras

FDA Approves New Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Endari (L-glutamine oral powder) for patients age five years and older with sickle cell disease to reduce severe complications associated with the blood disorder.

Read the News Release

FDA Clears Expanded Use of Cooling Cap to Reduce Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of a cooling cap, DigniCap Cooling System, to reduce hair loss (alopecia) during chemotherapy. This is the first cooling cap cleared by the agency for use in cancer patients with solid tumors.

Read the Press Announcement

FDA Grand Rounds

Tune in to FDA’s Grand Rounds, webcast live today, July 13 from 12-1p.m. EDT. Dr. Marc Allard of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Nutrition will present, “GenomeTrakr: How a Large Network of Sequencing Laboratories is Transforming Food Safety and Public Health.”

View the Meeting Webpage