STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a big Roche investment in the U.S., estrogen patch shortages, and more

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is still in the works, but we do plan to promenade extensively with the official mascots, catch up on our reading, welcome our vacuum cleaner back home, and hunt for the perfect iced coffee. We also hope to hold yet another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? If weather permits, the possibilities are endless — you could hike trails, stroll boardwalks, stop by a favorite restaurant, or take a long drive to nowhere. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. …

Heidi Overton’s years of loyalty to President Trump helped her become his pick to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but that devotion could ruin her chances at Senate confirmation, Politico explains.  Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a vaccination proponent who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, already signaled she may not have his vote. Another stumbling block: Many in the Make America Healthy Again coalition dislike her for backing Trump’s decision to protect the manufacturing of a weedkiller they believe causes cancer.

Drugmakers continue to face severe supply constraints for transdermal estrogen patches as demand surges, The Hill writes. The problem began last November, when the FDA began removing some of the strongest safety label warnings from hormone replacement therapy, which triggered a surge in prescriptions. But the patches are complicated to make and take considerably longer to manufacture than traditional pills. Limited manufacturing capacity has meant that many women are switching brands and dosages.

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