Genes associated with lysosomal dysfunction increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study led by scientists at Northwestern University. The discovery also explains why some people who carry a pathogenic variant of the GBA1 gene develop PD or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and others do not. The key lies in the Commander complex, involved in the transport of proteins to this organelle. This discovery raises the need for combinatorial therapies that act on more than one pathway for this type of neurodegenerative disorder.

Medtronic plc’s diabetes unit posted another win with the U.S. FDA approval of the Simplera continuous glucose monitoring sensor for use with the Minimed 780G pump system, helping the company catch up with competitors Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom Inc. Medtronic plans to begin a limited launch of the Simplera Sync in the U.S. this fall.

The U.S. FDA’s January 2025 draft guidance for AI-enabled device software functions has not fared well in terms of industry response. Two major trade associations argue that the draft is at least somewhat redundant with existing agency guidance.

U.S. FDA warning letters typically have a noticeable effect on device manufacturing operations, but in the case of Q’Apel Medical Inc., a warning letter led to the withdrawal of a product for which the company made changes that were not cleared by the agency.

Nearly three weeks into the job, U.S. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary provided a comprehensive overview of his vision for the much-reduced agency, even as he’s taking first steps to implement his agenda.