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Lawsuit Claims Pharma Firm Employed Code Terms to Promote Fake Weight-Loss Medication

## Pivotal Peptides Charged with Distributing DIY Tirzepatide Kits Following Cease-and-Desist Notice

In a strange and alarming turn of events, a drug supplier based in Washington, Pivotal Peptides, has been accused of marketing do-it-yourself (DIY) kits for crafting counterfeit versions of prescription-only medications for diabetes and weight management, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro. These medications, which feature the active substance tirzepatide, are generally utilized to manage type 2 diabetes and are increasingly sought after for their weight-loss properties. Nonetheless, Pivotal Peptides purportedly evaded legal and safety protocols by presenting customers with the means to prepare their own injectable copies of these drugs without needing a prescription or a medical evaluation.

### The Reported Scheme

A lawsuit initiated by pharmaceutical behemoth Eli Lilly, the producer of tirzepatide-based drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, alleges that Pivotal Peptides sold DIY kits containing a white powder that customers were directed to combine with sterile water to produce an injectable solution. The powder was labeled as a “research chemical for lab research and veterinary use only,” raising significant alarms regarding its safety and suitability for human consumption.

The kits included explicit instructions, urging customers to sanitize their home work area and utilize a 30-gauge syringe for administering the self-made concoction. This method starkly contrasts with the controlled and sterile conditions under which pharmaceutical-grade drugs are formulated, evaluated, and dispensed. The absence of regulatory oversight and the hazards of contamination or incorrect dosing present serious health threats to consumers.

### Eli Lilly’s Legal Proceedings

In July, Eli Lilly issued a cease-and-desist letter to Pivotal Peptides, cautioning the firm that it was vending a research-grade variant of tirzepatide that had not undergone purification to pharmaceutical standards and lacked approval for human usage. Despite this warning, Pivotal Peptides allegedly persisted in its activities, even altering its website to claim it was “down for maintenance” while instructing clients to place orders via email.

In a notably brazen action, Pivotal Peptides’ registered agent, Elizabeth Gately, allegedly dispatched an email to clients advising them to use coded terminology when ordering tirzepatide. In the email, the product was referenced as “11 mg” instead of its official name, likely as an attempt to avoid additional legal scrutiny. Gately identified the product as Pivotal Peptides’ top seller and motivated customers to continue ordering it under the altered code name.

### Safety Concerns and Legal Consequences

Eli Lilly’s lawsuit targeting Pivotal Peptides forms a segment of a wider legal struggle regarding the illicit sale of counterfeit versions of tirzepatide. The pharmaceutical entity has lodged various lawsuits against suppliers of unapproved iterations of its medications, citing alarming threats to patient safety. In its statement, Lilly underscored that these untested, non-pharmaceutical-grade products could be hazardous, particularly since they are marketed without prescriptions or medical supervision.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also expressed apprehensions about the safety of compounded variations of GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide, which are sometimes fabricated by licensed pharmacies during drug shortages. Nonetheless, the FDA has cautioned that these compounded forms may not fulfill the same safety and efficacy regulations as the original, FDA-sanctioned drugs. In fact, the FDA has issued several warnings concerning the potential risks of utilizing unapproved GLP-1 medications for weight reduction.

### The Wider Legal Framework

The legal environment regarding tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications is intricate. Compounding pharmacies may create off-brand versions of these drugs when shortages occur, but this practice has come under investigation. In early October 2024, the FDA declared that the tirzepatide shortage had ended, which would have curtailed the capability of compounding pharmacies to persist in producing these medications. However, after encountering lawsuits from compounding pharmacies, the FDA resolved to reassess its ruling, further complicating the matter.

Eli Lilly’s lawsuits, including the action against Pivotal Peptides, spotlight the escalating friction between pharmaceutical corporations, compounding pharmacies, and unlicensed vendors. While compounding pharmacies function within a legal framework, entities like Pivotal Peptides seem to be capitalizing on loopholes and distributing potentially harmful products to consumers.

### Conclusion

The action against Pivotal Peptides highlights the critical need for regulatory supervision within the pharmaceutical sector. Distributing DIY kits for crafting injectable medications without appropriate testing, endorsement, or medical oversight is not only unlawful but also presents substantial dangers to public health. As the legal conflicts surrounding tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications persist, it is imperative for consumers to remain conscious of the hazards linked to unapproved and untested pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical firms like Eli Lilly, in conjunction with regulatory agencies such as the FDA, are striving to guarantee that only safe, vetted, and sanctioned drugs are accessible to the public. Meanwhile, consumers must exercise caution.

Anthropic Introduces AI Tool That Can Manipulate User’s Mouse Cursor

# Anthropic’s Latest AI Innovation: Advancing Beyond Screen Vision

Anthropic, a prominent AI research organization, has recently created a stir with the introduction of an innovative tool that transcends conventional screen vision functions. This tool, named **”Computer Use,”** enables AI to take over a user’s mouse cursor and conduct basic operations on their computer. This advancement is a part of a larger enhancement to Anthropic’s AI architectures, such as **Claude** and **Haiku**, and is currently accessible through the company’s mid-tier **Claude 3.5 Sonnet model** via API access.

## A New Era of AI Interaction

The **Computer Use** tool from Anthropic is crafted to carry out multi-step commands on a user’s computer, ranging from elementary to intricate tasks. The AI is capable of “viewing” a screen, maneuvering the cursor, clicking on elements, and even typing out text. As per Anthropic, the tool is capable of executing instructions that consist of tens or even hundreds of steps, rendering it a flexible aide for a variety of functions.

### How Does It Operate?

The tool functions by assessing screenshots of the user’s display and determining how many pixels need to be moved for the cursor to click in the right spot. This capability of counting pixels is essential for the AI to interact accurately with the graphical user interface (GUI). As Anthropic points out, training the AI to count pixels posed a major challenge. Without this proficiency, the AI would find it difficult to accomplish even straightforward tasks, analogous to how many models struggle with seemingly simple inquiries like “How many A’s are in the word ‘banana’?”

### Limitations and Hurdles

Despite the significant advancement that the **Computer Use** tool provides, it has its share of limitations. The tool captures rapid successive screenshots rather than relying on a real-time video feed. This limitation can result in the omission of fleeting notifications or rapid changes on the screen. Furthermore, the tool currently cannot execute certain common functions, such as **drag-and-drop** actions.

Anthropic has also admitted that the tool can be “clumsy and prone to errors” at times. For instance, during evaluations, the AI once discontinued a coding assignment and started browsing images of Yellowstone National Park—a humorous yet revealing illustration of the tool’s existing constraints.

In spite of these issues, the tool is now in **public beta** and has undergone limited testing by employees of organizations such as **Amazon**, **Canva**, **Asana**, and **Notion**.

## The Competitive Arena: An AI Arms Race

Anthropic is not the only entity developing AI solutions that can interact with computer systems. Rival companies, including **OpenAI**, are also in the process of creating comparable tools, although they have yet to be publicly launched. This has initiated a sort of **arms race** in the AI sector, as these tools are projected to generate considerable revenue in the years ahead if they continue to advance as expected.

### Possible Uses

The potential uses of tools like **Computer Use** are extensive. In workplace settings, such tools could automate numerous mundane tasks, allowing employees to concentrate on more intricate and creative projects. For developers, the AI could enhance efficiency in repetitive responsibilities, like quality assurance (QA) testing and optimization, streamlining the development workflow.

Anthropic has consistently informed its investors that its AI tools could manage large segments of office tasks more proficiently and cost-effectively than human workers. The public trial of the **Computer Use** feature marks a step toward achieving that ambition.

## The Discussion: Tool or Menace?

As with any technological advancement, the emergence of AI tools like **Computer Use** has ignited discussions. Advocates assert that these tools will ease the workload by automating repetitive chores. Conversely, critics caution that such tools could result in widespread job loss across numerous sectors.

Both outcomes are feasible to some extent, and the implications will likely differ by industry and occupation. While some roles could see increased efficiency through AI, others might become irrelevant. The crucial inquiry is the balance between job creation and job displacement.

## Safeguards and Ethical Issues

Anthropic has taken measures to tackle some ethical concerns associated with the deployment of AI tools like **Computer Use**. The organization has instituted safeguards to avert misuse, particularly in sensitive areas such as political elections. For instance, Anthropic has crafted classifiers and other strategies to identify and reduce potential misuses. With the impending U.S. elections, the company remains vigilant against attempts to utilize the tool in ways that could undermine public confidence in electoral processes.

Additionally, Anthropic has implemented protocols to prevent the AI from engaging in activities like generating and sharing content on social media, registering web domains, or interacting with government websites. While these safeguards represent progress, they may not be completely secure. There could be inventive ways to bypass these protections, or other unintended effects may emerge as the tool gains broader usage.

## The

Announcing the Victors of Nikon’s 2024 Photomicrography Competition

# Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest: An Amalgamation of Science and Art

Annually, the **Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest** acts as a striking reminder that science can be just as visually captivating as it is educational. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the contest continues to highlight the allure and intricacy of the microscopic realm, unveiling detailed aspects that typically elude our vision. This year’s winning photograph, taken by **Bruno Cisterna** and **Eric Vitriol** from Augusta University, presents a stunning portrayal of differentiated mouse brain tumor cells, offering both visual delight and significant scientific insight.

## The Winning Image: A Window into Neurodegenerative Ailments

The 2024 top entry showcases a remarkable image of differentiated mouse brain tumor cells, emphasizing the **actin**, **microtubules**, and **nuclei**—essential parts of the cellular cytoskeleton. This image transcends mere artistry; it also aids our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions such as **Alzheimer’s** and **Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)**.

According to Cisterna, the study associated with the image examines how disruptions within the cytoskeleton of brain cells contribute to these crippling ailments. “A significant challenge with neurodegenerative diseases is our incomplete comprehension of their causes,” Cisterna stated. “To formulate effective therapies, we must first grasp the fundamentals. Our research is instrumental in uncovering this information, ultimately leading us towards a cure.”

By investigating differentiated cells, researchers can witness how mutations or toxic proteins—such as those connected to Alzheimer’s or ALS—affect neuronal structure. This inquiry could also facilitate screening for prospective drugs or gene therapies designed to safeguard neurons or restore their functionality.

## A Half-Century of Scientific Creativity

Initiated in **1974**, the Nikon Small World contest was established to showcase the beauty and intricacy of the microscopic environment through **photomicrography**—the art of capturing images through a microscope. This technique originated in the mid-19th century, with British physiologist **Richard Hill Norris** being among the early adopters for the study of blood cells in 1850. Throughout the years, photomicrography has advanced, especially with the introduction of **digital imaging technologies**, leading to enhanced precision and artistic expression.

The competition has transformed into a global forum that honors the convergence of science and art. As **Eric Flem**, a spokesperson for Nikon Instruments, observed, “After 50 years, Nikon Small World represents more than just a contest for imaging—it has evolved into a gallery celebrating the remarkable individuals who make it happen. They are the backbone of this event, seamlessly intertwining science and art to unveil the marvels of the microscopic universe.”

## The Science Behind the Image

This year’s top image is the culmination of thorough investigations into **profilin 1 (PFN1)**, a protein vital for establishing the structure of brain cells. PFN1 is crucial for sustaining **cellular transport**, essential for optimal cellular operations. Cisterna’s research uncovered that disruptions to this protein can cause the **microtubule highways**—responsible for transporting vital resources within the cell—to fail, resulting in cellular impairment.

Creating the image demanded meticulous effort. The staining process for the actin, microtubules, and nuclei took around three months to perfect. After extensive observation, Cisterna and Vitriol finally succeeded in capturing the ideal image, revealing the intricate beauty of cellular components.

## A Tribute to the Microscopic Realm

The Nikon Small World contest is more than a pursuit of scientific findings; it also stands as a tribute to the often-ignored splendor of the microscopic universe. The contest inspires us to take a moment and value the “small things” integral to the essence of life. From the delicate formations of brain cells to the detailed designs of insect eggs, the contest uncovers the hidden marvels surrounding us.

This year’s contest highlighted an array of striking submissions, from the **electric arc between a pin and a wire** to an up-close observation of **octopus eggs** and the **eyes of a green crab spider**. These images not only enchant viewers but also provide valuable perspectives on nature.

## The Top Winners of 2024

Here are some of the standout entries from this year’s contest:

1. **First Place**: Differentiated mouse brain tumor cells (actin, microtubules, and nuclei) by **Bruno Cisterna** and **Eric Vitriol**.
2. **Second Place**: Electrical arc between a pin and a wire by **Marcel Clemens**.
3. **Third Place**: Leaf of a cannabis plant, showcasing trichomes and cannabinoid vesicles by **Chris Romaine**.
4. **Fourth Place**: