Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Melanotan spray dose warning, Kalbarri crowdfunds GP clinic, Lower US LDL-C targets
- 01
TGA warns after variable melanotan II doses found in sprays
TGA testing confirmed melanotan II in five seized nasal spray bottles labelled ‘Pure Tans Triple Strength 30 MG’, with estimated amounts ranging from 22 mg to 54 mg per bottle. The regulator said this dosage variation increased the risk of adverse events and warned that products containing melanotan II may pose serious health risks. Melanotan II is not approved as a tanning agent in Australia, and no products containing it are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods or approved for supply. The TGA issued 27 infringement notices totalling $101,412 to a NSW-based individual over the alleged unlawful supply of the products to Australian consumers. It urged consumers to stop using tanning products containing melanotan II and safely dispose of any remaining product.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Kalbarri residents crowdfund not-for-profit general practice clinic
Residents of Kalbarri in remote Western Australia have launched a crowdfunding campaign to establish a not-for-profit general practice after the town’s sole clinic closed in late June. The Kalbarri Development Association aims to raise $200,000 for set-up, recruitment, accreditation and early operating costs, and plans to apply for an expected Shire of Northampton tender to run the clinic. The closure has left the town’s 1500 residents travelling to Northampton or more than 150 kilometres to Geraldton for GP care, with older residents and those needing regular prescriptions among those affected. The association hopes the clinic could initially employ a salaried GP and nurse practitioner, before expanding to attract visiting specialists. The campaign had raised just under $7000 by 18 August.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
US dyslipidaemia guidelines lower LDL-C treatment goals
New US dyslipidaemia guidelines have lowered lipid treatment goals for many patients and introduced the PREVENT cardiovascular risk assessment score. The guidelines set LDL-C targets as low as 70 mg/dL for most patients requiring primary prevention. Targets fall to as low as 55 mg/dL for most patients at high risk or requiring secondary prevention. The multiple medical organisations behind the guidelines indicate that many people in the US are candidates for lipid-lowering therapy and will be advised to reach lower blood lipid concentrations.
via JAMA
- 04
FDA extends gene therapy approval to children aged two
The US Food and Drug Administration issued supplemental approval for a gene therapy in patients aged two years or older. The approval covers sickle cell disease with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises and transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia. The source gives limited detail about the therapy or approval.
via JAMA
- 05
US estimates link influenza vaccination to lower paediatric mortality
Updated US estimates found that influenza vaccine coverage reduced mortality risk among children and adolescents, both with and without underlying medical conditions. The source provides no figures or further details on the study population, period or size of the effect.
via JAMA
- 06
FDA assessment finds negligible toxicological concern from tampon metals
Metals found in tampons posed negligible toxicological concern, according to a risk assessment study at the US Food and Drug Administration. The assessment addresses potential safety concerns about metal exposure among tampon users. The source gives limited detail about the methods, metals assessed or results.
via JAMA
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.