Diana Ernst, RPh

Editorial Director

Diana Ernst, RPh, is the Editorial Director for MPR, part of the Haymarket Medical Network. Since 2003, Diana has worked to provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date drug information through MPR's print and digital offerings. She is a graduate of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University.

All articles by Diana Ernst, RPh

CDC Declares Flu Epidemic After Death of 15 Children

Influenza

FDA to Review Baloxavir for Pediatric Use, Postexposure Prophylaxis of Influenza

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 30, 2020

Baloxavir inhibits the endonuclease activity of the polymerase acidic protein resulting in inhibition of influenza virus replication.

COVID19

FDA Allows Use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma for Severely Ill Patients Under Emergency IND

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 30, 2020

Convalescent plasma, which is collected from patients who have recovered from COVID-19, contains antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease.

Diagnostics

Update on REMS-Required Testing During COVID-19 Pandemic

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 24, 2020

For patients suspected of having COVID-19, undergoing REMS-required testing to obtain a medication may put others at risk.

Respiratory

FDA Issues Statement Regarding NSAID Use and COVID-19

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 23, 2020

The FDA has issued a statement regarding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Respiratory

FDA: Thermo Fisher COVID-19 Test Gets Emergency Use Authorization

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 20, 2020

The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization to Thermo Fisher for its TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit, a diagnostic test that detects nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019.

Respiratory

FDA Updates Policy to Increase COVID-19 Testing Capabilities

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 20, 2020

Similar to the action taken in New York State, states will be responsible for the tests developed and used by laboratories in their states.

Respiratory

Pipeline: Investigational Therapies for COVID-19

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 17, 2020

Currently, there are no antivirals licensed by the FDA to treat patients with COVID-19.

Respiratory

FDA, FTC Crack Down on Fraudulent COVID-19 “Treatments”

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 16, 2020

Warning letters issued by the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have been sent to several companies selling fraudulent products claiming to treat or prevent coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

Respiratory

CDC Updates Guidance on Evaluating, Testing for COVID-19 as More Tests Become Available

Diana Ernst, RPh

March 13, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated the guidance for evaluation of persons under investigation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), expanding the criteria to a wider group of symptomatic patients.