July 2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class I recall, its most serious recall category, for certain Medtronic Harmony™ Delivery Catheter Systems (DCS) used to implant transcatheter pulmonary valves. The recall follows concerns that a manufacturing defect could cause the catheter's distal tip to detach during implantation, potentially leading to serious complications, including emergency surgery or death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home starting dose for an Alzheimer's disease treatment, marking a significant advancement in the management of early Alzheimer's disease. The approval allows eligible patients to begin therapy using a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection at home, either by self-administration or with the assistance of a caregiver, reducing the need for hospital or infusion-center visits.

The Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA) has written to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi seeking a high-level independent inquiry into the functioning of the Delhi Pharmacy Council (DPC). In a letter dated 12 July 2026, the association requested immediate intervention, alleging that administrative shortcomings and prolonged registration delays are adversely affecting pharmacy students and registered pharmacists.

1. Assume that for digoxin, the therapeutic range is cited as Cavg 5.5 = 0.8 - 2 mg/ml. If the patient is assumed to have an estimated digoxin t1/2 of 48 hours, how long would you wait to take serum digoxin concentration measurement and when during the dosing interval would you schedule it? 
(a) 28 days then 3-4 hours after the dose is administered 
(b) 14 days then 6-8 hours after the dose is administered 
(c) 7 days then 10-14 hours after the dose is administered 
(d) 3 days then 1-2 hours after the dose is administered 

1. Separation of a tablet into two or more distinct layers is called as
(a) Capping
(b) Mottling
(c) Chipping
(d) Lamination
Correct Answer : (a) Capping

2. The polyethylene glycol ointment is an example of which type of ointment base?
(a) Hydrocarbon base
(b) Absorption base
(c) Cream base
(d) Water-soluble base
Correct Answer : (a) Hydrocarbon base

3. In the production facility of injectable drug products, the water for injection is stored in tanks at
(a) 10°C
(b) 37°C
(c) 50°C
(d) 80°C Correct Answer : (b) 37°C