Linda Johnson

AP Business Writer

This Oct. 21, 2019, photo shows Johnson's Baby Aloe & Vitamin E Powder in Salt Lake City. Johnson & Johnson reports financial results Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Johnson & Johnson is ending production of its iconic talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder, which has been embroiled in thousands of lawsuits claiming it caused cancer. The world’s biggest maker of health care products said Tuesday, May 19, 2020 that the discontinuation only affects the U.S. and Canada, where demand has been declining.

J&J to Stop Selling Talc-Based Baby Powder in US

The company says the decline in demand for these products in North America has been "fueled by misinformation."

Insulin Makers Offer Drug Free, or Cheap

All top three insulin makers are now offering programs to help patients.

This Oct. 21, 2019, photo shows Johnson's Baby Aloe & Vitamin E Powder in Salt Lake City. Johnson & Johnson reports financial results Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

J&J Races to Develop Vaccine

The company also slashed its 2020 sales forecast by billions of dollars.

This undated photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office shows a phony coronavirus cure that a British man tried to smuggle into the United States. Con artists are finding lots of marks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Watchdog groups and authorities report a surge of complaints about scams targeting people who fear catching the virus or need money due to lost income.

COVID-19 Cure Cons Run Rampant

Americans filed complaints about losses to coronavirus-related fraud totaling nearly $6 million.

In this July 8, 2016, file photo, a pharmacist holds a package of EpiPens epinephrine auto-injector, a Mylan product, in Sacramento, Calif. On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the public about malfunctions involving some EpiPens, the emergency injectors for severe allergic reactions.

Malfunctioning EpiPens Could Harm Patients

The malfunctions can prevent or delay the devices from injecting the drug or cause them to eject it prematurely.

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Hospitals Fear Ventilator Shortages

Up to 960,000 coronavirus patients in the U.S. may need ventilators. The nation has 200,000.

This Aug. 2, 2018, file photo shows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration building behind FDA logos at a bus stop on the agency's campus in Silver Spring, Md.

US Warns Over Fraudulent Coronavirus Claims

The companies are selling soaps, sprays and other concoctions with false claims that they can treat the new coronavirus or keep people from catching it.

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FDA Says Drug Shortage Tied to Virus Outbreak

They declined to identify the manufacturer or the product.

This undated image provided by Eisai in August 2018 shows the company's Belviq medication.

Weight Loss Drug Pulled Over Cancer Risk

Despite the FDA's ruling, the manufacturer feels the drug’s benefits outweigh any risks.

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Chinese Scientists Ask for Patent on US Drug

The country has the right under WTO rules to declare an emergency and compel a company to license a patent to protect the public.

This May 1, 2018, file photo shows Merck corporate headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J. Merck is posting a 29% jump in fourth-quarter profit and it's spinning off its women's health division and other operations that churn out $6.5 billion in annual revenues. The drugmaker on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 reported net income of $2.36 billion, up from $1.83 billion, a year earlier.

Merck Spins Off

It's spinning off its women's health division and other operations.

In this undated photo provided by Civica, Inc., former drug industry executive Martin VanTrieste poses for a photo. VanTrieste, who came out of retirement to run Civica without a salary, recently spoke with the Associated Press.

Hospital Group Fights Drug Shortages by Making Meds

Hospitals are fed up with shortages of critical medicines.