FDA flags misleading claims for cancer drug by biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. misleading / mɪsˈli dɪŋ / (adj.) – giving information that makes people believe something that is not true or gives a wrong idea about something
    Example:

    Some online ads are misleading and do not show the full truth about the product.


  2. podcast / ˈpɒdˌkæst / (n.) – a digital audio program that people can listen to on the internet
    Example:

    The fitness coach started a podcast to talk about healthy habits and exercise tips.


  3. take issue with (something) / teɪk ˈɪʃ u wɪθ / (idiom) – to disagree with something and express an opposite view or idea
    Example:

    The company takes issue with a report saying its product is not safe.


  4. regulator / ˈrɛg yəˌleɪ tər / (n.) – a person or organization that makes sure systems, rules, or laws are followed
    Example:

    Labor regulators check if companies follow health and safety rules for their workers.


  5. balanced / ˈbæl ənst / (adj.) – including both sides of something, without giving too much importance to one side
    Example:

    The doctor gives a balanced discussion of the treatment’s advantages and disadvantages.


Article

Read the text below.

Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements made by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who recently told podcast listeners that his company’s bladder cancer drug may be able to treat, cure, or even prevent other types of cancers.


The warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes issue with a TV advertisement and a separate podcast episode promoting Anktiva, the lead product of ImmunityBio Inc. The drugmaker is one of several biotech firms acquired by Soon-Shiong, who also owns the Los Angeles Times.


Anktiva was approved by the FDA in 2024 for patients with a hard-to-treat form of bladder cancer. ImmunityBio has been working to win FDA approval to expand the drug’s use to a number of other conditions, including forms of lung and pancreatic cancer.


Soon-Shiong’s controversial statements came during a January episode of “The Sean Spicer Show” podcast titled “Is the FDA blocking life-saving cancer treatments?” At one point during the interview, Soon-Shiong described his company’s drug as “the most important molecule that could cure cancer.” A few minutes later, Soon-Shiong—who is the company’s executive chairman and chief medical officer—said that while the drug is approved for bladder cancer, “it actually can treat all cancers.”


Later in the episode, he said, “We have the therapy to prevent cancer if you were exposed to radiation, and that’s Anktiva.”


FDA regulators said the statements violate federal drug marketing rules because they “create a misleading impression” of the drug.


Regulators also noted that the podcast didn’t contain any information about risks and side effects of the drug, which can include urinary tract infections, pain, chills, and pyrexia. Under FDA law, drug promotions are required to give a balanced view of a drug’s risks and benefits.


The FDA warning, addressed to ImmunityBio CEO Richard Adcock, raises similar concerns with a TV advertisement for Anktiva. Both the ad and the podcast refer to the company’s drug as a “cancer vaccine,” which the FDA said is false.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In a podcast, Patrick Soon-Shiong said his company’s drug, approved for bladder cancer, could treat all cancers. If you saw or heard of this claim, would you believe it? Why or why not? What problems could this cause for patients? Discuss.
  • A TV ad and a podcast episode about the drug led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to post a warning, saying the claims were misleading. Do you think the FDA’s warning was enough, or should there be stronger action? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The podcast in which Soon-Shiong was interviewed is titled “Is the FDA blocking life-saving cancer treatments?” What do you think of its title (ex. it’s interesting, it’s controversial)? Imagine you’re scrolling through podcast titles looking for something to watch, and you come across this podcast with Dr. Soon-Shiong. Would the title encourage you to watch it? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The title of the podcast seems to imply that authorities might be keeping certain treatments from the public. Do you think this is likely? Why do you say so? How do controversial podcasts like this affect your trust in government authorities? Discuss.