Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

 – between the approval and release of new glucose monitors, like the Dexcom G7 15-day and the Biolinq Shine, and the meteoric rise of orforglipron through the investigative period for T2D. The 

 also played a major role this year, with highlights including the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D and the end of the years-long semaglutide and tirzepatide shortage.

With so many critical updates in an already busy year, the editorial team at 

 has collected the top 13 stories of 2025, including key FDA approvals, crucial trial results, and expert clinician perspectives. Catch up on some of the biggest news you missed in 2025 below:


FDA Approves Semaglutide (Ozempic) for Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease


On January 28, 2025, the FDA approved semaglutide for cardiovascular disease-related mortality and worsening kidney disease in patients with T2D and 

. This decision addressed a significant treatment gap in T2D, especially given the connection between T2D and major kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. The FDA’s decision was based on the phase 3b FLOW trial, which saw semaglutide demonstrate superior risk reduction of kidney disease worsening and cardiovascular disease death when added to standard care versus placebo.


FDA Announces End to Shortage of Semaglutide Products (Ozempic, Wegovy)


On February 21, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced an end to the shortage of semaglutide products, which had begun in March of 2022. The FDA and Novo Nordisk confirmed that manufacturing capabilities could now meet projected national demand, although supply disruptions continued for a brief period after the announcement. This declaration also put an end to the issue of compounded medications, which circulated from 2022 until 2025 and posed a serious risk to patients, given their lower quality and potential to cause direct harm.


Dexcom announced on April 10, 2025, that the new G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system received clearance from the FDA. Besides the longest-lasting CGM system on the market at 15.5 days of wear and a mean absolute relative difference of 8%, the G7 also boasts a waterproof sensor, direct connectivity to smartwatches, and automated activity logging with a 12-hour grace period for an uninterrupted transition for sensor replacement. Dexcom has more recently announced a planned pharmaceutical launch in early January 2026.


FDA Grants De Novo Classification to Needle-Free Glucose Monitor


With this De Novo Classification, the Biolinq Shine stands to become the first wearable glucose biosensor to not require a needle for sensor placement. The monitor will integrate glucose, activity, and sleep information into a single, autonomous device in the form of a patch placed on the forearm. The Biolinq Shine will provide real-time glucose feedback through a primary color-coded LED display. It circumvents the need for a subcutaneous introducer needle by utilizing a microsensor array, which is up to 20 times shallower than conventional continuous glucose sensors.


FDA Approves Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) for CV Risk Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes


On October 17, 2025, the FDA announced their approval of oral semaglutide, which is now the first oral GLP-1 approved for major adverse cardiovascular events in adult patients with T2D. This decision further blurs the line between endocrinology and cardiology, with this semaglutide dose demonstrating a substantial 14% relative risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events after 4 years of follow-up in the phase 3b SOUL trial.


SOUL: Oral Semaglutide Cuts MACE by 14% in People with Type 2 Diabetes


4-year results from the SOUL trial provided the backbone for the FDA’s approval of oral semaglutide for cardiovascular disease risk – the tablet dose led to a 14% reduction of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with T2D. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven, superiority trial marked the first significant exploration of oral semaglutide’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes, and its positive topline results helped to boost GLP-1s to their current cardioprotective standing.


Obicetrapib Reduces HbA1c, New-Onset Diabetes Risk in ASCVD, HeFH


A pooled analysis of the phase 3 BROOKLYN and BROADWAY trials highlighted obicetrapib’s capacity for reducing HbA1c and lowering new-onset diabetes risk in patients with 

 or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and prediabetes or normoglycemia. Meta-analysis results from this pooled analysis showed similarities between obicetrapib and other CETP inhibitors, opening an important new pathway for preventative medicine research in prediabetes.


CATALYST Trial: Mifepristone Improves Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes with Hypercortisolism


Part 2 of the phase 4 CATALYST trial highlighted mifepristone’s efficacy in improving glycemic control, reducing body weight, and decreasing waist circumference in patients with T2D and hypercortisolism, leading to 49% of patients on mifepristone discontinuing therapy compared to 18% in placebo. Although investigators also noted an increase in blood pressure as a result of mifepristone treatment, the data still offer a promising new opportunity for a historically underserved population.


Orforglipron Delivers Weight Loss, A1C Reductions in Phase 3 ATTAIN-2 Trial


Orforglipron was thrust into the spotlight after the ATTAIN-2 trial highlighted substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, weight loss, and A1C reduction in patients with 

 or overweight and T2D. The trial met its primary and all key secondary endpoints, positioning the once-daily small molecule oral GLP-1 as a revolutionary method of circumventing the frequent issues and stresses patients face in a field of only injectable agents.


ACHIEVE-3: Orforglipron Superior to Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes in Phase 3 Trial


Continuing its rapid advancements, orforglipron also outperformed semaglutide in treating T2D inadequately controlled with metformin. Results from the phase 3 ACHIEVE-3 trial showed an average A1C reduction of 1.9% and 2.2% for the 12 and 36 mg doses of orforglipron, compared to 1.1% and 1.4% in the 7 and 14 mg doses of semaglutide. Additionally, orforglipron recipients saw an average loss of 14.6 and 19.7 lbs, compared to 7.9 and 11 lbs in semaglutide. Between ACHIEVE and ATTAIN, orforglipron is positioned for an excellent performance in 2026.

Diabetes Dialogue: ADA’s 2025 Standards of Care in Diabetes Therapeutics


In this January 2025 episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discussed the updated American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 Standards of Care. These updates included substantial changes to treatment algorithms, aiming to expand flexibility for treating T2D and CKD. The ADA highlighted treatments such as GLP-1s and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, particularly in combination.


Diabetes Dialogue: CATALYST Trial, Mifepristone, and Hypercortisolism in T2D, with John Buse, MD, PhD


This June 23, 2025 episode saw Isaacs and Bellini speak with John Buse, MD, PhD, of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, about the phase 4 CATALYST trial. During the trial, mifepristone (Korlym) had shown significant improvements in glycemic control and reductions in body weight and waist circumference in patients with hypercortisolism and difficult-to-control T2D. Given this population’s history of limited treatment success, mifepristone is a promising new alternative to existing medications.


Diabetes Dialogue: Reacting to Retatrutide and TRIUMPH-4 Topline Data


On December 16, 2025, Isaacs and Bellini covered the groundbreaking TRIUMPH-4 trial data, which showcased retatrutide’s impact on weight and pain for patients with obesity and osteoarthritis. The once-weekly triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist caused a mean weight loss of 28.7% at 68 weeks, plus a reduction of 75.8% in WOMAC pain scores from baseline by week 68. Although full trial details are still forthcoming, these findings reflect positively on the ADA’s recent push towards obesity-related comorbidities like osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.

Articles

The year 2025 marked significant advancements in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, with notable FDA approvals and trial results. Key developments included the approval of semaglutide for cardiovascular and kidney disease in T2D patients, the end of the semaglutide shortage, and the introduction of innovative glucose monitoring systems like the Dexcom G7 and Biolinq Shine. Orforglipron emerged as a promising oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, demonstrating superior efficacy in weight loss and A1C reduction compared to semaglutide. These advancements highlight the evolving landscape of T2D treatment and management.

Catch up on the most impactful headlines in T2D from all of 2025 with our Year in Review.

News

news page, resources on the topics of disease- and specialty-specific medical news and expert insight can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on health care research, treatment, and drug development.

Clinical

clinical page is a resource for content on every specialty, disease, and topic available on our medical news site.

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The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

Type 2 Diabetes

FDA News

Type 2 Diabetes in 2025: Year in Review

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for HCPLive. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: Skin of Color Savvy and The Medical Sisterhood. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

Weight-loss interventions may improve the severity and quality of life of patients with 

, new findings suggest, and such interventions may be considered for routine treatment plans.

These recent findings were authored by a team of investigators led by Sarah Morrow, MSc, a Dermatology Specialist Registrar at Oxford University Hospitals in the UK. In this study, Morrow et al noted previous meta-analyses had only looked at behavioural weight-loss interventions and not quality-of-life.

Additionally, Morrow and colleagues noted such reviews had not previously been conducted to assess the full weight-loss intervention range. They noted such reviews may also have not had sufficient data to meta-analyse necessary patient-reported outcomes such as dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

“This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address this evidence gap by synthesising and quantifying the impact of any weight-loss intervention on psoriasis severity and/or patient quality of life,” Morrow and coauthors wrote.

The investigative team utilized 5 bibliographic databases and 2 clinical study registries from inception through to March 9, 2025 for their comprehensive literature search. The selection of outcomes used by the team was guided by insights gathered from previous patient focus group discussions. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science Core Collection were all searched by an information specialist (EH).

This specialist used the Cochrane randomized controlled trial filter. The search strategies used in Morrow and colleagues' research were informed by prior systematic reviews in the dermatology field. Studies deemed eligible by the investigators were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adult subjects with psoriasis. These studies, in order to be eligible, would also have looked at any form of weight-loss intervention and compared it to usual care or a less intensive weight-loss approach. 

The investigative team also required such RCTs to report any shifts in patients' body weight along with at least a single measure of psoriasis disease severity or health-related quality of life. The generation of pooled estimates took place using random-effects meta-analytic models. Morrow et al's screening of RCTs carried out independently by pairs of reviewers, with data extraction being performed via Covidence. Resolution of any disagreements took place through discussion, and corresponding authors were contacted when clarification or additional information was warranted.

There were 13 RCTs in total, encompassing 1145 study subjects and contributing 14 intervention–control comparisons, which Morrow and coauthors said met their criteria for inclusion. Among the included interventions, there were 3 studies assessing pharmacologic weight-loss therapies and 11 assessing dietary modification, with 4 of the latter group also incorporating physical activity components. Across all 14 comparisons, the investigative team noted the mean difference in weight change between intervention and control groups was −6.7 kg.

The team found weight-loss interventions were linked with a significantly greater reduction in subjects' Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores compared with control conditions.

 They specifically highlighted a mean difference of −2.5 (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.1) and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 85.2%). Interventions for weight-loss were also shown to have substantially increased patients' probability of attaining PASI75.

Based on 6 comparisons including 681 participants, all of which saw a mean difference in weight change of −7.3 kg, Morrow et al noted the relative risk for attainment of PASI75 was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1–2.2), with low to moderate heterogeneity (I² = 22.6%).

 Conversely, they found no statistically significant effects for participants' PASI50 or PASI100 responses.

For PASI50, there were 4 comparisons highlighted by the investigators involving 509 participants and a mean weight change difference of −4.0 kg yielded a relative risk of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.9–2.4) with considerable heterogeneity (I² = 72.8%).

 For PASI100, there were 2 comparisons comprising 334 participants and a mean weight change difference of −5.2 kg, which the team noted had a relative risk of 1.6 (95% CI, 0.3–9.7). There was no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%). Both of these studies were constrained by the small number of contributing analyses.

Dermatology-specific quality of life improvements were also noted by the investigative team.

 Across the 7 comparisons highlighted by Morrow et al, including 364 participants, the mean difference in weight change was −7.8 kg and weight-loss interventions were linked with a significantly greater improvement in patients' DLQI scores compared with control groups. There was a mean difference of −5.0 (95% CI, −9.7 to −0.3) and a high level of heterogeneity (I² = 96.0%).

“Weight-loss interventions may improve skin disease and quality of life for people with psoriasis and excess weight,” the investigators concluded.

 “Clinicians should consider using these findings to counsel patients and refer them for weight-loss support when appropriate. Future research should bridge the gap between evidence and patient awareness, while addressing clinician hesitancy.”

Morrow S, Hawkins P, Scragg J, et al. Impact of weight-loss interventions on psoriasis severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025; 00: 1–14. 

Mahil SK, McSweeney SM, Smith CH. Does weight loss reduce the severity and incidence of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? A Critically Appraised Topic. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Nov;181(5):946-953. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17741. Epub 2019 May 2. PMID: 30729517.

Weight-loss interventions have been shown to improve psoriasis severity and patient quality of life, suggesting their potential inclusion in treatment plans. A systematic review and meta-analysis led by Sarah Morrow examined randomized controlled trials involving weight-loss interventions for psoriasis patients. The study found significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. The findings highlight the importance of weight management in psoriasis care and suggest that clinicians should consider weight-loss support for patients with excess weight.

In this analysis, investigators assessed the effects of any weight-loss intervention, behavioural or pharmacological, on the severity of psoriasis as well as quality-of-life outcomes.

Plaque Psoriasis

The HCPLive plaque psoriasis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on psoriasis. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for psoriatic disease, and more.

Dermatology

The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

Weight-Loss Interventions Improve Psoriasis Severity, Quality of Life

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

A small prospective, double-blind study found that heated cow’s milk desensitization did not provide clear immunologic advantages over conventional raw milk oral immunotherapy in children with IgE-mediated 

 and was associated with more frequent anaphylaxis.

“According to our findings, the serum level of IgE decreased significantly after desensitization in both groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed between these two methods in terms of reducing IgE antibody levels,” wrote study investigator Masoud Movahedi, from Children’s Medical Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and colleagues.

Cow’s milk allergy is among the most common immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated food allergies in pediatric populations. In several countries, prospective studies have reported that cow’s milk triggers an allergic reaction in 2.5% of infants during the first year of their life.

 Most infants with non–non-IgE-mediated reactions to cow’s milk outgrow the allergy by age 3; however, 10% to 25% of those with IgE-mediated milk allergy will continue to have the condition a decade later.

The only accepted treatment for cow’s milk allergy is avoidance and treating acute reactions. However, avoiding cow’s milk entirely may have consequences. The dietary restriction can lead to growth disorders and a lack of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Immunotherapy and desensitization can help children safely tolerate cow’s milk. Heating milk alters protein structures and chemical interactions, reducing the exposure of allergenic sites to the immune system. This modification of spatial epitopes prevents recognition by immune cells and decreases the risk of an allergic reaction. However, how effective is desensitization using heated milk versus the usual method of oral desensitization?

In this study, the team sought to assess the immunological changes following the consumption of heated cow’s milk products compared to the usual method of oral desensitization in 25 children > 2 years old with cow’s milk allergy.

 Children were included in the study if they had a reaction within ≤ 2 hours after consuming cow’s milk during the past 6 months, such as urticarial, erythema, angioedema, acute vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rhinitis, and bronchospasm, within ≤ 2 hours after consuming cow’s milk during the past 6 months. Children also had a positive food challenge test, a positive skin test, or a positive serum-specific IgE test to cow’s milk. They were all referred to the allergy clinic at the Children’s Medical Center from 2016 to 2017.

Investigators randomized children to 2 arms: desensitization with heated cow’s milk (intervention treatment; n = 12; mean age, 4.50 ± 1.73 years) and desensitization with raw milk (normal treatment; n = 13; mean age, 3.92 ± 1.44 years). The anaphylaxis rate was greater in the heated milk group vs the raw milk group (50% vs 15.4%). The two treatments had no significant difference in the incidence of urticaria and angioedema.

The mean concentration of serum IgE decreased in both groups after desensitization, with no significant difference between heated versus raw milk (

 =.028). The raw milk group had more of an increase in CD4+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD25+ cells compared with the heated milk group, but this finding was nonsignificant (

=.058, respectively). Similarly, investigators observed a greater number of eosinophil cells in the heated milk group versus the raw milk group, but the difference was not statistically significant (

“We conclude that the immunological changes induced by a diet containing heated milk were not significantly different from those observed with conventional oral desensitization,” investigators wrote.

 “Further, it is recommended that multicenter studies with larger sample sizes be conducted to investigate the number and function of mast cells and basophils, as well as the phenotype of TH1 and TH2 cells.”

Movahedi M, Bahraminia E, Amirzargar A. Comparison of Oral Desensitization with Heated Cow's Milk Products with Conventional Desensitization Method in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy. 

. 2025;24(6):734-740. Published 2025 Oct 29. 

Milk Allergy. Food Allergy Research & Education. Accessed December 19, 2025. 

https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergy/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/milk

A small prospective, double-blind study compared heated cow’s milk desensitization to conventional raw milk oral immunotherapy in children with IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy. Both methods showed a significant decrease in serum IgE levels, but no significant difference between them. The heated milk group experienced a higher rate of anaphylaxis compared to the raw milk group. The study found no significant differences in immunological changes between the two methods. Researchers recommend larger multicenter studies to further investigate the immunological effects and safety of these desensitization methods.

Study finds comparable IgE reductions with heated milk and conventional desensitization, but heated milk linked to higher anaphylaxis risk in children with cow’s milk allergy.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Heated Milk Desensitization Offers No Clear Advantage Over Raw Milk in Children

Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know—whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include the US Food and Drug Administration approvals of lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) injection for adults with hypercholesterolemia, depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma, and fibrinogen, human-chmt (Fesilty) for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, as well as Breakthrough Device Designation granted to to the Holly™ implantable, continuous dialysis system and positive topline results from a pair of phase 3 studies of zasocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO).

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here’s your quick dive into the top stories for the week of December 14, 2025—let’s jump in!

FDA Approves Lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) for LDL-C Reduction in Hypercholesterolemia

On December 15, 2025, the FDA approved LIB Therapeutics’ lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) injection for subcutaneous use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

The novel, third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor is self-administered as a once-monthly, single small-volume subcutaneous injection with extended room-temperature stability up to 3 months.

FDA Approves Depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) for Severe Asthma

On December 17, 2025, the FDA approved GSK’s depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) as an add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype in adult and pediatric patients ≥ 12 years of age. The decision was based on data from the phase 3 SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 trials showing sustained exacerbation reduction with 2 doses per year versus placebo, both plus standard of care.

FDA Approves Fibrinogen, Human-chmt (Fesilty) for Congenital Fibrinogen Deficiency

On December 19, 2025, the FDA approved Grifols’ fibrinogen, human-chmt (Fesilty) for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, including hypo- or afibrinogenemia. The product will be commercialized in the US by Grifols and is expected to be available during the first half of 2026.

FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to Holly Implantable Dialysis System

On December 15, 2025, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Nephrodite’s Holly™ implantable, continuous dialysis system, recognizing Holly as a novel, transformative therapy addressing end-stage kidney disease. The designation was supported by data from a multi-day large animal study demonstrating sustained kidney function replacement with strong safety and performance outcomes.

Once-Daily Oral Zasocitinib Delivers Strong Phase 3 Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis

On December 18, 2025, Takeda announced positive topline results from a pair of phase 3 randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator-controlled studies of zasocitinib (TAK-279), a next-generation, highly selective oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in adults with moderate-to-severe PsO. The Latitude studies demonstrated superiority of zasocitinib compared to placebo for the coprimary endpoints of static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 at week 16, with a significantly greater PASI 75 response rate observed as early as week 4 and continuing to increase through week 24. Of note, the studies also met all 44 ranked secondary endpoints, including PASI 90, PASI 100 and sPGA 0 against placebo and apremilast.

The FDA has approved several new treatments, including lerodalcibep-liga for hypercholesterolemia, depemokimab-ulaa for severe asthma, and fibrinogen, human-chmt for congenital fibrinogen deficiency. Additionally, the Holly implantable dialysis system received Breakthrough Device Designation, highlighting its potential in treating end-stage kidney disease. Takeda's zasocitinib showed promising results in phase 3 trials for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, demonstrating significant efficacy over placebo. These developments underscore ongoing advancements in therapeutic options across various medical conditions, offering new hope for patients and healthcare providers.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA news and phase 3 trial readouts, in this week's essential news roundup.

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

Hematology

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 12/14

Pooja Singhal, MD, is a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and obesity medicine specialist at Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness.

Pooja Singhal, MD | Image Credit: Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness

 published a Commission establishing an official definition and diagnostic criteria for 

, aiming to alter the way the condition is approached in 

The central conceit of the Commission was the difference between clinical and preclinical obesity, which is described as the presence or absence of objective clinical manifestations. These primarily include altered organ function or the impairment of a patient’s ability to conduct daily activities. A lens this specific allows clinicians to account for patients who are technically obese but exhibit no comorbidities, outwardly appearing to be in good health.

Additionally, the Commission provided suggestions for altering the diagnostic process for obesity, encouraging the abandonment of the body mass index (BMI) as the sole indicator. Instead, the commissioners suggest the utilization of ≥2 individual anthropometric criteria, such as waist circumference, or direct fat measurement when possible. This should prevent the rampant overdiagnosis of obesity that was predicted by the Commission.

To address how the Commission’s decision has influenced endocrinology since its publication, the editorial team at 

 spoke with Pooja Singhal, MD, a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and obesity medicine specialist at Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness, in the following Q&A:

: How has the move toward formally defining obesity as a disease shaped the landscape of obesity care?

: I think defining obesity as a disease was truly transformational. It helped establish a scientific and moral basis for treating obesity directly. You know, in the past, we used to treat the complications – sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, MASLD. Now it has helped us to have a newer approach, which is that obesity itself is a disease, and we need to treat that and prevent complications. I think this reframing has been revolutionary and has really redefined how we approach obesity in general. It’s validated that obesity should be treated. It is a disease, and it should be treated before complications arise. It also helped reduce this kind of moral blame on patients by defining it as a true disease that exists on its own, in its own right. It has promoted earlier intervention proactiveness to seek help, and I also think it’s going to help and already has helped early intervention in pediatric obesity, because that’s what we have seen more and more of. I think the whole Commission’s work is helping us in all these ways.

: To what extent has defining obesity as a disease opened the door to broader acceptance of pharmacologic treatment, especially GLP-1s?

: I think GLP-1s have fit perfectly into this new narrative of biological disease. Because it’s really when people see results, when they see that a medication that works neurohormonally can lead to appetite curbing and lead to the weight loss that people were absolutely not able to achieve, no matter what they tried. It has changed that narrative and acceptance as a community, as a society, even globally, that obesity is truly a disease and regulation of appetite signaling has a big role in it. So, I think the timing of the GLP-1s and the results have also been very much a boon to this biologic narrative of obesity as a disease without that disease framing, where GLP-1s would not have been culturally accepted.

: What other details can you provide around clinicians’ views of obesity following the Commission?

: It’s also led to the clinician’s view of obesity has changed too. Before, it was kind of episodic treatment, if you will. Now there’s more willingness to view pharmacotherapy as a first-line option of obesity for many patients. In the past, it was all about diet and exercise and lifestyle changes. Now, more and more clinicians understand that obesity is a disease, and early prevention and treatment could lead to preventing some very serious complications. So I do also love the fact that it has informed clinician behavior as well and promoted chronic management approach rather than episodic weight loss attempts.

Rubino F, Cummings DE, Eckel RH, et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. 

Livingston R. The Lancet Commission on Obesity: Redefining Endocrinology’s Most Notorious Condition. 

. December 18, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/the-lancet-commission-on-obesity-redefining-endocrinology-s-most-notorious-condition

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission has redefined obesity by distinguishing between clinical and preclinical obesity, focusing on objective clinical manifestations. This new definition encourages moving beyond BMI as the sole diagnostic tool, advocating for multiple anthropometric criteria. The reclassification of obesity as a disease has transformed its treatment, promoting early intervention and reducing patient stigma. It has also facilitated the acceptance of pharmacologic treatments like GLP-1s, shifting clinician perspectives towards chronic management rather than episodic interventions.

Singhal discusses the multi-pronged impact of the Commission’s definition of obesity and how it effects clinicians, patients, and the treatment structure itself.

Obesity Management

Obesity Management condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into clinical weight management can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on obesity research, treatment, and drug development.

Impacts of the Lancet Commission on Obesity Treatment, With Pooja Singhal, MD

This study explored the potential impact of body mass index (BMI) and smoking on patients’ risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatology research, treatment, and drug development.

BMI, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Both Show Causal Effect on HS Development

Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The approval is based on phase 3 SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial. The full US Prescribing Information includes a Boxed Warning for the risk of heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy

FDA Approves Aficamten (Myqorzo) for Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Alex Hillenbrand is an assistant editor for 

. She earned her BA in English from Lafayette College in 2023 and went on to write for pop culture, entertainment, and sports media outlets before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2025. In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, going on walks, and meeting new people. Contact her at mjhlifesciences.com.

A cross-sectional study compares renal transplantation with dialysis, highlighting an improved sleep quality in end-stage renal disease.


Chronic Kidney Disease

Renal Transplantation May Lower Sleep Disorder Risk Versus Dialysis

Hanny Al-Samkari, MD, is the Peggy S. Blitz Endowed Chair in hematology and oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Videos

Al-Samkari discusses a potentially novel use for bevacizumab in improving outcomes for patients with lesions from non-HHT etiologies.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Systemic Bevacizumab Improves Chronic Bleeding from GI Lesions, With Hanny Al-Samkari, MD

The decision makes nerandomilast the first and only PDE4B inhibitor with immunomodulatory and antifibrotic effects approved in this indication.

FDA Approves Nerandomilast (Jascayd) Tablets for Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

Patients with gout frequently experience kinesiophobia and central sensitization, which were independently linked to greater pain intensity.

Gout

On the HCPLive gout page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into gouty arthritis can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on gout, and more.

Rheumatology

Rheumatology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on rheumatologic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for arthritis, gout, nr-AxSpA, and more.

Fear of Movement, Central Sensitization May Worsen Outcomes in Gout

Positive topline results from the phase 2b IMPACT trial show statistically significant improvements in key noninvasive tests with pemvidutide.

Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

The HCPLive MASH & MASLD page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, and more.

Pemvidutide Shows Continued Antifibrotic Activity for MASH, Progresses to Phase 3 Trial

Grifols’ fibrinogen concentrate is now approved for acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency.

The panel discusses the importance of monitoring and supporting vitamin status in patients receiving ATTR-CM therapies, particularly those on transthyretin silencers that reduce hepatic production of TTR. Because TTR transports retinol-binding protein, lowering TTR levels can affect vitamin A transport. The clinicians explain that when silencing therapy is used, patients should receive vitamin A supplementation, but at the appropriate physiologic dose, not excess replacement. They caution that high-dose vitamin A can be harmful and stress the need to avoid overcorrection, particularly in older adults.
The panel also notes that education is essential, as patients may assume all supplements are beneficial or may take additional over-the-counter vitamins without disclosing them. Clear counseling helps ensure patients understand what to take, what to avoid, and why. Overall, the discussion emphasizes thoughtful, monitored supplementation as part of comprehensive care, rather than a standalone intervention.


Video Series

The Role of Vitamin Supplementation in Patients Receiving ATTR-CM Therapies

In this episode, the panelists focus on evaluating the safety profile of IL-17 inhibitors in psoriatic disease. The experts explain that IL-17 therapies are generally well tolerated and offer a favorable safety profile compared with older systemic agents like TNF inhibitors and methotrexate, which require frequent lab monitoring. They note that while all IL-17 inhibitors share certain class effects, the most commonly observed adverse event is mucosal or oral candidiasis, which is typically mild, manageable, and tends to decrease over time. The panelists emphasize careful patient selection, avoiding IL-17 inhibitors in individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), given the risk of exacerbation. They briefly discuss safety observations from dual IL-17A and IL-17F blockade, noting reports of liver enzyme elevation and mood changes, though these lack strong mechanistic evidence. Overall, the experts conclude that IL-17 inhibitors provide a safe, targeted, and effective option for long-term psoriasis and PsA management.

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The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 12/14

Impacts of the Lancet Commission on Obesity Treatment, With Pooja Singhal, MD