FDA Approves First Oral GLP-1 Therapy: Wegovy® Pill for Weight Management

FDA Approves First Oral GLP-1 Therapy: Wegovy® Pill for Weight Management

Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy® 2.4 mg weekly) have transformed obesity treatment, demonstrating substantial weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, patient preference for oral administration and potential barriers to injectable therapies highlight the need for non-injectable options. Novo Nordisk developed a once-daily oral formulation of semaglutide at 25 mg for weight management.

Valacyclovir vs. Placebo in HSV-Seropositive Early Alzheimer Disease: The VALAD Trial

Valacyclovir vs. Placebo in HSV-Seropositive Early Alzheimer Disease: The VALAD Trial

Observational studies and autopsy findings have suggested a potential role for herpes simplex virus (HSV), particularly HSV-1, in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), prompting interest in antiviral therapies to slow disease progression. The study evaluated whether high-dose valacyclovir, an antiviral agent effective against HSV, slows cognitive and functional decline in patients with early symptomatic AD who are seropositive for HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Tirzepatide vs. Dulaglutide: Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

Tirzepatide vs. Dulaglutide: Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

Tirzepatide, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, has demonstrated superior glycemic control and greater weight reduction compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists alone in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dulaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has established cardiovascular benefits in this population. However, the cardiovascular effects of tirzepatide relative to dulaglutide remain unknown.

FDA Approves AKEEGA for BRCA2-Mutated Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

FDA Approves AKEEGA for BRCA2-Mutated Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

On December 12, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for AKEEGA® (niraparib and abiraterone acetate dual-action tablet) in combination with prednisone for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA2-mutated metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). This supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) approval marks AKEEGA as the first and only precision medicine combination of a PARP inhibitor and androgen receptor pathway inhibitor specifically indicated for BRCA2-mutated mCSPC, expanding its prior 2023 approval for BRCA-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

ADA 2026 Guidelines on Standards of Care in Diabetes

ADA 2026 Guidelines on Standards of Care in Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, published as a supplement to Diabetes Care (Volume 49, January 2026), offers a comprehensive, evidence-graded framework (A–E) for healthcare professionals managing diabetes across diverse populations, including type 1, type 2, gestational, monogenic, and special cases like cystic fibrosis- or immunotherapy-related diabetes. Developed by the Professional Practice Committee through systematic reviews (June 2024–July 2025), the document adopts person-first, empowering language; updates evidence levels; and incorporates endorsements from global societies. Targeting primary care providers, specialists, educators, policymakers, and patients, it stresses shared decision-making, social determinants of health (SDOH), and telehealth to mitigate access barriers, such as insulin cost caps under the Inflation Reduction Act ($35/month) and 15–19% nonadherence due to affordability.