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 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released a clinical practice update on the evaluation and management of refractory constipation.

, on January 7, 2025, outlines 14 best-practice advice statements to help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage refractory constipation and to identify which patients may benefit from surgical intervention.

Constipation is a common disorder affecting approximately 1 out of every 6-7 people worldwide, and annually leading to > 1.5 million healthcare provider visits in the United States alone. While clinicians today have a wide therapeutic armamentarium, including osmotic and stimulant laxatives, secretagogues, and prokinetic agents, as well as emerging device-based therapeutic approach designed to enhance colonic motility without pharmacologic action like the vibrating capsule, some patients still do not respond to treatment.

“Though most patients with chronic constipation respond to standard treatments, a subset remains refractory to available therapies and merit the designation of ‘refractory.’ Such patients consume significant healthcare resources and frequently present to tertiary care centers,” Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Laboratory at Mass General., and colleagues wrote.

Commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board, the review is designed to provide best practice advice on 14 key clinical issues related to the diagnosis, treatment, and medical and surgical management of patients with refractory constipation.

Acknowledging that refractory constipation is relatively rare, the document recommends clinicians systematically exclude correctable secondary causes such as medications, neurologic disorders, and defecatory disorders, confirm the presence of slow colonic transit, and ensure that patients have undergone adequate trials of over-the-counter and Food and Drug Administration–approved medications and nonpharmacologic therapies, including combinations thereof.

While the update says surgical treatments like colectomy can be considered in patients who fail available treatments, the authors note surgical treatment of chronic constipation is associated with increased risk of complications and a not insignificant number of unsatisfactory outcomes. Prior to advising surgery, it is recommended that clinicians confirm slow colonic transit, exclude concurrent defecatory disorders, and evaluate for severe, symptomatic delays in gastric emptying or small bowel dysmotility.

Because psychological comorbidities may exacerbate symptoms and adversely affect surgical outcomes, preoperative psychological evaluation is advised to assess suitability for surgery.

Relative contraindications to surgical treatment of refractory constipation include clinically significant upper-gut dysmotility, severe, untreated psychiatric disease, and predominant complaints of bloating and/or abdominal pain.

In uncertain cases, the authors note a temporary diverting loop ileostomy may help predict the potential response to colectomy, but that a colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis should only be offered to patients without ongoing defecatory disorders.

Of note, the authors caution that even with careful assessment as outlined in the practice update, the decision to pursue surgery for refractory constipation should be made by an experienced clinician based on the preponderance of available evidence for a given patient without adhering to a strict algorithm.

Staller K, Neshatian L, Lembo A, Bharucha AE. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Evaluation and Management of Refractory Constipation: Expert Review. 

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 

American Gastroenterological Association. New expert guidance urges caution before surgery for patients with treatment-resistant constipation. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111165

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Chronic Constipation. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/lower-gi-disorders/constipation/

Brenner D. Real-World Data Highlight a New Approach to Chronic Constipation, With Darren Brenner, MD. December 15, 2025. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/real-world-data-highlight-a-new-approach-to-chronic-constipation-with-darren-brenner-md

Articles

Refractory constipation, affecting a subset of patients unresponsive to standard treatments, poses significant healthcare challenges. The American Gastroenterological Association has issued a clinical practice update with 14 best-practice advice statements to guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing this condition. Recommendations include excluding secondary causes, confirming slow colonic transit, and ensuring comprehensive trials of available therapies. Surgical options, such as colectomy, are considered for non-responders but carry risks. Psychological evaluation is advised pre-surgery, and contraindications include upper-gut dysmotility and untreated psychiatric conditions.

The document outlines 14 best-practice advice statements for diagnosing and managing refractory constipation, with an emphasis on surgical intervention. 

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AGA Urges Caution Around Surgery for Refractory Constipation in Clinical Practice Update

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.

, poorer quality of life is linked to internalizing mental health problems, parental illness perceptions, multiple allergens, and a history of 

“The study highlights how parental perceptions are intertwined with the child’s emotions and behaviors, and in some cases, are associated with an impaired QoL,” wrote study investigator Laura Polloni, PsyD, from the Food Allergy Referral Center at Padua University Hospital in Italy, and colleagues.

Food allergy affects approximately 8% of children in the US, increasing to 11% when parent-reported cases not confirmed by specialists are included.

Prior research has demonstrated substantial discrepancies between medically diagnosed food allergy and caregiver reports.

Parental beliefs about a disease and its treatment can, in turn, shape how children manage their illness, influencing attitudes, emotions, behaviors, treatment adherence, health outcomes, and overall quality of life.

In this cross-sectional study, investigators examined the relationship between parental illness perception, mental health, and quality of life among children with food allergies. The sample included 79 parents (mean age, 42.94 years; 53% mothers) of children aged 3 – 12 years (mean age, 7.97 years; 56% male), recruited during outpatient visits at the Food Allergy Referral Centre of the Veneto Region in Padua (North-Eastern Italy) over 6 months. Most children had multiple food allergies (84%) and a history of anaphylaxis (86%).

Participants completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire—Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). The SDQ assessed emotional and behavioral domains (hyperactivity and inattention, peer problems, and prosocial behavior), with higher scores indicating greater difficulties (except prosocial behavior).

B-IPQ evaluated cognitive and emotional illness representations across 9 dimensions: timeline (perceived duration of illness), identity (symptoms a person associates with the illness), personal control (the belief that the individual can control their illness), treatment control (the belief that the illness can be managed or cured through treatment), concern (worry of the illness), emotions (the emotional impact of the illness), coherence (the degree to which a person understands their illness), cause (personal ideas about the origins of the illness). A higher score indicated stronger illness perception.

FAQ-PF scores ranged from 2.98 to 3.18 (0 - 6 scale). The mean SDQ total score for emotional-behavioral difficulties was 10.99, within normal limits, with similar internalizing and externalizing profiles. Parents perceived timeline, identity, concern, emotions, and consequences for the child and parent as the dimensions of illness (B-IPQ) that had the greatest impact, while treatment control, coherence, and personal control had the least. Nearly half attributed (49%) the disease to genetics and not the environment, stress or chance, though no correlation with disease cause was observed (

Children’s quality of life was positively associated with behavioral difficulties (FAQLQ, 0.28), particularly internalizing problems (0.33). Quality of life was also positively associated with illness perceptions (B-IPQ, 0.64), including consequences for the child and parents (0.66), expected timeline (0.43), and emotional representation (0.63). Behavioral difficulties were negatively associated with parental control (SDQ, −0.27) and illness understanding (−0.24). Internalizing problems were negatively associated with parental control (−0.23) and positively associated with expected timeline (0.24).

A greater number of allergens was linked to worse quality of life (

 <.05), and prior anaphylaxis was associated with higher illness identity (

 <.05). Children aged 7 to 12 years reported lower personal and treatment control (

 =.006). The final model showed that internalizing problems, longer perceived timeline, and stronger emotional representation predicted poorer quality of life (

Additionally, multiple food allergies were moderately associated with a child’s worse quality of life (

 =.012) were associated with greater illness perception.

Male parenthood was associated with a lower perceived parental consequences (P =.023), emotional representation (

 =.010), but weakly associated with concern (

“The findings underscore the importance of understanding and exploring the illness perception of caregivers of pediatric patients with FA, as well as paying particular attention to the psychosocial–emotional aspects of the illness in both children and parents,” investigators wrote.

“Clinicians should investigate caregivers’ illness perceptions and offer evidence-based information, discussion of doubts and concerns, training in FA and anaphylaxis management, and, when appropriate, referral for psychological support.”

Polloni L, Ronconi L, Bonichini S, et al. Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Illness Perception in Pediatric Food Allergy. 

. 2025;12(12):1657. Published 2025 Dec 6. doi:10.3390/children12121657

Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, et al. The Public Health Impact of Parent-Reported Childhood Food Allergies in the United States. 

Warren CM, Jiang J, Gupta RS. Epidemiology and Burden of Food Allergy. 

Teufel M, Biedermann T, Rapps N, et al. Psychological burden of food allergy. 

Gupta RS, Springston EE, Smith B, Pongracic J, Holl JL, Warrier MR. Parent report of physician diagnosis in pediatric food allergy. 

Children with food allergies often experience a diminished quality of life, influenced by internalizing mental health issues, parental illness perceptions, multiple allergens, and anaphylaxis history. Parental beliefs significantly impact children's management of their allergies, affecting their emotions, behaviors, and treatment adherence. A study involving 79 parents revealed that children's quality of life is closely linked to behavioral difficulties and illness perceptions. Factors such as the number of allergens, anaphylaxis history, and parental perceptions play crucial roles. Clinicians are encouraged to address caregivers' illness perceptions and provide comprehensive support.

A study links caregiver beliefs, mental health challenges, multiple allergens, and prior anaphylaxis to worse food allergy–related quality of life in pediatric patients.

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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.

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Parental Illness Perceptions Drive Poor QoL in Children with Food Allergies

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.

Briquilimab therapy may lead to rapid and sustained disease control in patients with 

, new data suggest, with the majority of users achieving complete symptom resolution within weeks.

These data were announced by Jasper Therapeutics, Inc., highlighting the effects of patients with CSU given briquilimab, an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to target KIT (CD117). CSU itself is associated with various negative comorbidities and is known to impact approximately 1% of the general population around the world, including approximately 3 million people in the US.

“We are very pleased to present data from additional patients enrolled in the BEACON study, which reaffirms the potential of briquilimab to drive rapid and durable disease control in patients with CSU,”  Daniel Adelman, MD, the acting Chief Medical Officer of Jasper, said in a statement.

 “We are also pleased by the performance of the 180mg Q8W dose in the open label extension study, with the strong efficacy observed in CSU and CIndU patients.”

In their announcement, Jasper highlighted these encouraging updated clinical findings from the phase 1b/2a BEACON study in adults with CSU. They also released findings from an ongoing open-label extension involving patients with CSU and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). Briquilimab is being currently assessed for mast cell–mediated conditions such as asthma, CSU, and CIndU.

The BEACON analysis was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2a trial evaluating escalating doses of briquilimab administered subcutaneously in adults with moderate-to-severe CSU. These patients had been symptomatic despite the use of high-dose antihistamine therapy.

In their main objectives, BEACON investigators focused on safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes involved assessment of clinical activity and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic impacts on patients with CSU. Clinical efficacy was mainly determined via the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7). This combines the Hives Severity Score and daily Itch Severity Score on a scale ranging from 0 - 42.

The updated dataset incorporates 8 newly involved participants in the 240 mg/180 mg every-8-weeks patient group, 2 of whom were placed into the placebo arm. The mean reduction, among patients given briquilimab (n=6), in UAS7 from the point of baseline reached 31.0 points at the 12-week mark. A rapid level of symptom resolution was noted by the BEACON investigators, with 83% of those treated attaining a complete response by Week 3.

At the 12-week mark, complete responses were shown to be maintained by 67% of briquilimab-treated study subjects. Additionally, across the BEACON study, briquilimab continued to demonstrate a strong safety profile. The investigative team highlighted a lack of any dose-limiting toxicities and the uncommon observation of adverse events associated with KIT inhibition. AEs did appear were generally mild in severity, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation or delays in use. Most of these AEs resolved with continued dosing.

In the open-label extension study of BEACON, individuals with CSU who completed BEACON and individuals with CIndU who completed follow-up in the SPOTLIGHT study, were included. All of those assessed were treated with briquilimab 180 mg every 8 weeks. Efficacy outcomes from 36 patients with CSU and 17 with CIndU were reported after they completed at least 12 weeks of follow-up.

By this 12-week mark, 58% of participants with CSU attained a complete response. 75% attained either complete response or well-controlled disease, the latter being defined as UAS7 scores of 6 or under. Among those in the CIndU cohort, 65% of individuals evaluated attained either a complete or partial response at the 16-week mark, corresponding to 8 weeks following the second dose.

“Taken together with the favorable safety and tolerability profile observed in both studies, we believe these data are sufficient to support a differentiated profile for briquilimab in chronic urticaria,” Adelman said in a statement.

Jasper Therapeutics Reports Positive Updated Data from Briquilimab Studies in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Jasper Therapeutics. January 8, 2025. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/08/3215192/0/en/Jasper-Therapeutics-Reports-Positive-Updated-Data-from-Briquilimab-Studies-in-Chronic-Spontaneous-Urticaria.html

Kolkhir P, Bonnekoh H, Maurer M, et al. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Review. JAMA. 2024 Nov 5;332(17):1464-1477. 

Briquilimab, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting KIT (CD117), shows promise in rapidly and sustainably controlling chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). In the BEACON study, briquilimab demonstrated significant efficacy, with 83% of patients achieving complete symptom resolution by Week 3 and 67% maintaining this response at 12 weeks. The therapy also exhibited a strong safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities. In an open-label extension, 58% of CSU patients achieved complete response by 12 weeks. These findings suggest briquilimab's potential as a differentiated treatment for chronic urticaria.

Jasper Therapeutics has released new, positive findings on the use of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting KIT (CD117), in patients with CSU.

Urticaria

The HCPLive urticaria page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on chronic idiopathic urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for urticaria, and more.

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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.

BEACON: Positive Results Announced for Briquilimab in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Mishaela Rubin, MD, MS, is a professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Palopegteriparatide Allows for PTH Tapering in Hypoparathyroidism, With Mishaela Rubin, MD, MS

Palopegteriparatide’s efficacy and safety profile for patients with 

 has been reaffirmed by a recent real-world analysis of patients enrolled in a US expanded access program, which also provided insight into outcomes of different treatment transition processes.

The expanded access program was undertaken by Ascendis Pharma for the purpose of investigating patients who had previously received PTH treatment but were ineligible for an ongoing clinical trial of palopegteriparatide.

“Overall, the results were very similar to what was seen in the more rigorous clinical trials, namely that patients were able to come off of their standard of care requirements while maintaining a normal serum calcium level,” Mishaela Rubin, MD, MS, professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and investigator on the expanded access program, said in an interview with 

. “I think it was reassuring, taking our experience out of the very regimented scope of the clinical trial and moving it out into a real-world population.”

For inclusion in the program, these patients were also required to have a serum albumin-adjusted calcium level ≥7.8 mg/dL and 25(OH) vitamin D in the normal range for 2 weeks prior to the first dose, as well as a body mass index (BMI) 17-40 kg/m2. Patients were excluded if they were currently enrolled in an investigational drug or device study or had severe renal impairment, increased risk for osteosarcoma, active malignancy within the last 2 years, or severe or decompensated cardiac disease within 26 weeks.

Palopegteriparatide is a prodrug of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34), designed to provide active PTH within the physiological range for 24 hours daily. The PTH released from palopegteriparatide has a half-life of roughly 60 hours. Doses are given subcutaneously once daily via a prefilled pen.

During the program, patients would receive palopegteriparatide as a solution with a concentration of 0.3 mg PTH (1-34)/mL in a prefilled pen for subcutaneous injection. Initiation and titration were guided by a protocol-specified algorithm guided by serum calcium levels. Serum calcium was measured locally 7-14 days after initiating or titrating palopegteriparatide, at a minimum of every 2 months after the maintenance dose was reached.

Ultimately, 135 patients enrolled in the extended access program and received ≥1 dose of palopegteriparatide – of these, 123 consented to share their data and were included in the final analysis. At the data cut for the analysis, 96.7% of patients remained on palopegteriparatide treatment. Most patients were diagnosed with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (82.1%). Investigators noted comorbidities including anxiety (13.8%), thyroid cancer not otherwise specified (10.6%), papillary thyroid cancer (9.8%), nephrolithiasis (8.9%), and 

Of the total enrolled patients, 62 (50.4%) were classified as direct switch, which was defined as having stopped short-lived PTH therapy ≤1 day prior to palopegteriparatide initiation, including overlapping therapy. Another 61 patients were nondirect switch, defined as stopping short-lived PTH therapy ≥2 days before initiation.

Among the direct switch patients, 80.4% (n = 41) achieved independence from conventional therapy by month 3, and all patients achieved independence by month 12. 75% of the nondirect switch patients (n = 36) achieved independence from conventional therapy by month 3, and 66.7% of the remainder achieved independence by month 12. Mean serum calcium was within the reference range at each time point, with a mean of 8.8 mg/dL (standard deviation [SD], 0.6) at month 12. Direct switch patients maintained normocalcemia over 12 months of treatment with a mean of 9.1 mg/dL (SD, 0.7) at month 3 and 9.1 mg/dL (SD, 0.6) at month 12. For nondirect switch patients, normocalcemia was maintained over 12 months with a mean of 9.3 mg/dL (SD, 0.9) at month 3 and 8.3 mg/dL (SD, 0.3) at month 12.

Despite these positive results, however, data is still needed regarding switching hypoparathyroidism therapies. Little data exists regarding the process by which clinicians should transition from one given PTH to another.

“It’s important to ask, is there a protocol for how to stop one PTH and start the other? Should it be the same day? Should it even be overlapping by a day?” Rubin said. “We also want data about what happens when patients might need to stop palopegteriparatide. I think having more information about changes like that would be important.”

Graham T, Shoback DM, Abbott L, et al. Early U.S. Real-World Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Palopegteriparatide Treatment for Patients With Hypoparathyroidism. 

Ascendis Pharma Bone Diseases A/S. Expanded Access Program of Palopegteriparatide in Patients with Hypoparathyroidism. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05654701. Updated June 27, 2025. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05654701

Videos

Rubin discusses an analysis of Ascendis’s program for patients who had received PTH treatment but weren’t eligible for clinical trials of palopegteriparatide.

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US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have announced the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, aimed at reestablishing food as the foundation of health and the food pyramid as a tool for nourishment and education.

Released on January 7, 2026, the guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance including prioritizing protein at every meal, consuming full-fat dairy with no added sugars, eating vegetables and fruits throughout the day, and incorporating healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.

The document additionally encourages an increased focus on whole grains, reducing refined carbohydrates, limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives, eating the right amount, choosing water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration, and limiting alcohol consumption.

In a statement released following the publication of the guidelines, the American Heart Association (AHA) commended the inclusion of several important science-based recommendations, including the emphasis on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks, noting that these elements align closely with the longstanding dietary guidance of the AHA and other public health authorities.

However, the AHA also acknowledged certain aspects of the guidelines that may raise concern, including the language used regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption: “[This] could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease. While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products, which can be beneficial to heart health.”

In a similar vein, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a statement praising the inclusion of science-based recommendations, including a focus on eating whole fruits and vegetables, limiting added sugars, highly processed foods, saturated fats and sugary drinks, and incorporating whole grains and healthy fats from whole foods. Both the AHA and the ACC urged caution regarding the guidelines’ emphasis on high fat dairy and high protein products, the latter of which the organizations say requires more research on consumption and the best sources for optimal health.

“Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet, and we urge more scientific research on both the appropriate amount of protein consumption and the best protein sources for optimal health,” the AHA said in their statement.

 “Pending that research, we encourage consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.”

Both the AHA and the ACC described plans to release updated guidance later this year to continue to inform the public about healthy eating and the role diet plays in chronic disease.

A statement from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine praised the guidelines’ streamlined approach for limiting “bad” fat, emphasizing fruits and vegetables, and limiting alcohol, but drew similar criticisms to the AHA and ACC regarding the emphasis on meat, dairy, and overall protein intake.

“The Guidelines are right to limit cholesterol-raising saturated fat,” Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said.

 “But they should spell out where it comes from: dairy products and meat, primarily. And here the Guidelines err in promoting meat and dairy products, which are principal drivers of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.”

Beyond saturated fat intake, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine statement additionally criticizes the guidelines’ stance on processed foods, noting the known benefits of plant-based and vitamin-fortified processed foods. It also asserts that Americans already get enough protein and that if they are seeking more, it should come from plant-based sources.

“The Guidelines have unjustly condemned highly processed foods and exonerated meat and dairy products,” Barnard said.

 “They should have done the reverse.”

US Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html

American Heart Association. New dietary guidelines underscore importance of healthy eating. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111842

American College of Cardiology. American College of Cardiology comments on new dietary guidelines for Americans. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111905

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dietary Guidelines are a mixed bag, show industry influence, says physicians group. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111838

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize protein at every meal, full-fat dairy, and healthy fats from whole foods, while reducing refined carbohydrates and processed foods. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology commend the guidelines' focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but express concerns over high-fat dairy and protein emphasis. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine criticizes the guidelines for promoting meat and dairy, advocating for plant-based proteins. All organizations plan to release further guidance on healthy eating and chronic disease prevention.

A trio of professional societies voice concerns about certain elements of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, and their potential negative health impacts.

Obesity Management

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New Dietary Guidelines Draw Criticism For High Fat Dairy, Protein Recommendations

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.

The FDA has not approved the sNDA for tasimelteon in jet lag disorder in its current form, citing positive efficacy but limited real-world applicability. 


FDA News

Sleep

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FDA Denies Tasimelteon’s Supplemental New Drug Application For Jet Lag Disorder

This video segment outlines the clinical features of familial chylomicronemia syndrome and introduces the emerging role of novel triglyceride-lowering therapies.

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 Understanding Updates in FCS Management with Newer Therapies

Clinically meaningful improvements in global IBS symptom severity were observed as early as week 1 and sustained through week 7.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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EBX-102-02 Shows Benefit for IBS-C and IBS-D in Phase 2a TrIuMPH Trial

This study evaluated the drug survival of different biologic therapies for patients with psoriasis in a routine clinical practice setting.

Plaque Psoriasis

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Ustekinumab Superior for Drug Survival to Other Psoriasis Biologics for Bio-Naïve

The Q4 recap for gastroenterology spotlights GI FDA news, new AGA guidelines, trial data for UC therapies, and more.

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Q4 2025 Recap: Gastroenterology News and Updates

Current Pathway Treatment Targets in GCA

Meta-analysis shows exercise may match therapy in improving depressive symptoms, with moderate-intensity and 13–36 sessions offering the greatest benefit.

Major Depressive Disorder

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Exercise May Be as Effective as Therapy for Alleviating Depression Symptoms

 Real-World Complications Using Steroids to Treat GCA

John Osborne, MD, PhD, is the chief medical officer at ClearCardio LLC.

Osborne discusses the background behind fenofibrates’ approval for cardiovascular event reduction, despite no evidence supporting their efficacy.

Fenofibrates’ Complicated History in Cardiovascular Protective Care, With John Osborne, MD, PhD

Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

The Q4 recap for rheumatology spotlights regulatory and clinical advances across rheumatic diseases.

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Latest News

AGA Urges Caution Around Surgery for Refractory Constipation in Clinical Practice Update

Parental Illness Perceptions Drive Poor QoL in Children with Food Allergies

BEACON: Positive Results Announced for Briquilimab in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Palopegteriparatide Allows for PTH Tapering in Hypoparathyroidism, With Mishaela Rubin, MD, MS

New Dietary Guidelines Draw Criticism For High Fat Dairy, Protein Recommendations