Amy Abernethy to resign as principal deputy commissioner, acting CIO of FDA

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

Last month, FDA withdrew a proposed rule for standardized asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics. The proposed rule, introduced in Nov. 2024 and withdrawn Nov. 2025, was mandated by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 or MoCRA.

December 17, 2025

Conversation with The Cancer Letter

John Byrd brings blood cancer expertise to solid tumor, immunology powerhouse at UPMC

John C. Byrd grew up in Augusta, a town of 2,000 or so in northeastern Arkansas.

December 12, 2025

Vol.51 No.45

By Jacquelyn Cobb and Paul Goldberg

Regulatory News

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

FDA has withdrawn a proposed rule that called for standardized testing for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products.

December 12, 2025

Vol.51 No.45

By Claire Marie Porter

Regulatory News

ESMO publishes guidances on AI tools for clinicians, patients, and researchers
Says one author: “We think there should be some degree of human oversight, otherwise, they can go completely rogue and nobody notices.”

The European Society For Medical Oncology has formally weighed in on a question that U.S. medical groups have been chipping away at as well: How can we guarantee safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in oncology?

Harvey Risch, critic of COVID-19 response, tapped by White House to serve as chair of the President’s Cancer Panel

Harvey A. Risch, professor emeritus and senior research scientist at Yale School of Public Health, said he was named chair of the President’s Cancer Panel. Risch will succeed Elizabeth M. Jaffee, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in January 2023.

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act, a bill to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases.

December 12, 2025

Vol.51 No.45

By Claire Marie Porter

Amy Abernethy to resign as principal deputy commissioner, acting CIO of FDA

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

John Byrd brings blood cancer expertise to solid tumor, immunology powerhouse at UPMC

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

ESMO publishes guidances on AI tools for clinicians, patients, and researchers
Says one author: “We think there should be some degree of human oversight, otherwise, they can go completely rogue and nobody notices.”

Harvey Risch, critic of COVID-19 response, tapped by White House to serve as chair of the President’s Cancer Panel

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

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Amy Abernethy to resign as principal deputy commissioner, acting CIO of FDA

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

John Byrd brings blood cancer expertise to solid tumor, immunology powerhouse at UPMC

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmeticsIt’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

ESMO publishes guidances on AI tools for clinicians, patients, and researchersSays one author: “We think there should be some degree of human oversight, otherwise, they can go completely rogue and nobody notices.”

Harvey Risch, critic of COVID-19 response, tapped by White House to serve as chair of the President’s Cancer Panel

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

Never miss an issue!

Login

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

ESMO publishes guidances on AI tools for clinicians, patients, and researchers
Says one author: “We think there should be some degree of human oversight, otherwise, they can go completely rogue and nobody notices.”