What We're Reading: Gene Editing Moratorium; e-Cigarette Sales; PBMs Invited to Drug Price Hearing

Scientists Call for Moratorium on Gene Editing

Proposal Would Limit Sales of Flavored e-Cigarettes

Senate Committee Invites Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Execs to Testify

Months after the controversial births of the world's first gene-edited babies, a group of 18 researchers from around the globe are calling for a world-wide moratorium on editing DNA in human sperm, eggs, and embryos, reported The Wall Street Journal. The researchers, who include some inventors of CRISPR, said that a moratorium would prevent irresponsible use of the technology before it causes irreversible changes.As part of the FDA’s ongoing effort to combat teen vaping, Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, introduced proposed guidance that would limit the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to vape shops that bar sales to minors. The changes would not apply to menthol, mint, and tobacco flavors. According to The Hill, the proposal would likely ban sales of e-cigarettes at gas stations and convenience stores.The Senate Finance Committee has invited 5 executives from PBMs to its third drug pricing hearing on April 3. According to Reuters, Committee Chair Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, invited executives from UnitedHealth Group’s OptumRx Cigna, Humana, CVS Caremark, and Prime Therapeutics to testify on rising prescription drug prices.