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

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you!

Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? 

RAINIER: Povetacicept Reduces Proteinuria By 52.0%

A pre-specified week 36 interim analysis of the phase 3 RAINIER trial found that povetacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, reduced proteinuria by 52% from baseline and achieved a statistically significant 49.8% reduction in UPCR versus placebo in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Lorundrostat Secures FDA NDA Acceptance for Hypertension, Falls Short in Phase 2 OSA Trial

The FDA accepted Mineralys Therapeutics' NDA for lorundrostat as an add-on treatment for hypertension, supported by phase 3 and phase 2 trial data, with a PDUFA action date set for December 22, 2026.

Discontinuing GLP-1 Treatment Associated With Up to 60% Weight Regain, With Brajan Budini

New findings indicate that stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy leads to a predictable pattern of weight regain—reaching approximately 60% at one year before plateauing—suggesting meaningful but substantially diminished long-term benefit after cessation.

FDA Approves Leucovorin Calcium (Wellcovorin) Tablets as First Cerebral Folate Deficiency Treatment

The FDA approved GSK's leucovorin calcium tablets as the first treatment for cerebral folate deficiency in patients with a confirmed FOLR1 gene variant, based on a systematic review of published literature and mechanistic data.

New Long-Term Data Announced on Roflumilast Cream for Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Long-term data from the INTEGUMENT-OLE extension study show that once-daily roflumilast cream 0.05% is safe and well-tolerated in children aged 2 to 5 with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, with efficacy not only sustained but continuing to improve through 56 weeks of treatment.

Articles

A week’s clinical and regulatory updates span nephrology, cardiometabolic disease, rare neurology, and dermatology. In IgA nephropathy, povetacicept demonstrated a 52% proteinuria reduction at week 36 and a 49.8% UPCR improvement versus placebo. Mineralys’ lorundrostat NDA for add-on hypertension therapy was accepted with a December 22, 2026 PDUFA date, despite a phase 2 obstructive sleep apnea miss. GLP-1 discontinuation predictably yields substantial weight regain. FDA also cleared leucovorin calcium for FOLR1-linked cerebral folate deficiency and reported favorable long-term pediatric roflumilast cream outcomes.

An audio recap of the top 5 stories in healthcare news from the week of 03/02-03/08.

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.

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.

Clinical

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

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.

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...

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.

Hepatology

HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 03/08

Nicole Negbenebor, MD, is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and the director of the Skin of Color Clinic for the University of Iowa, as well as a Skin of Color Society (SOCS) member.

Using Writing to Advocate for Patients in Dermatology, With Nicole Negbenebor, MD

Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color

 in partnership with the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), Nicole Negbenebor, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at the University of Iowa, discusses how writing and collaboration have shaped her academic and clinical work in 

Negbenebor reflects on her longstanding passion for writing, noting that scholarly work has become a meaningful extension of her clinical practice. For her, writing offers an opportunity to translate real-world patient experiences into broader conversations that can inform the dermatology community. Whether through case reports, reviews, or perspective pieces, she views academic writing as a way to highlight clinical observations, raise awareness about conditions affecting patients with skin of color, and contribute to the evolving dermatologic literature.

She explains that writing also allows physicians to address structural challenges within healthcare. Topics such as barriers to treatment access, insurance limitations for certain therapies, and disparities in dermatologic care are areas where published work can help spark discussion and drive change. By documenting these issues in the literature, clinicians can bring attention to systemic challenges that affect patient care.

Negbenebor also emphasizes the collaborative nature of academic work. She highlights how partnerships with colleagues, both within dermatology and across other specialties, can strengthen research and lead to more comprehensive perspectives on complex topics. Collaborative writing projects, she notes, often bring together clinicians with diverse expertise, allowing for richer analysis and a broader impact within the field.

In addition to advancing scholarship, collaboration also serves as a valuable mentorship opportunity. Negbenebor encourages trainees and early-career dermatologists to seek out collaborative projects as a way to develop writing skills, build professional networks, and contribute to ongoing research efforts.

Together, these experiences reflect Negbenebor’s broader view of academic dermatology as a collective effort. By combining clinical insight with collaborative scholarship, dermatologists can continue to expand the evidence base, share practical lessons from patient care, and advocate for improved outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Editor’s note: This summary was developed with the help of AI tools.

Negbenebor N. Skin of Color Savvy: Challenges and Successes in a Dermatologist’s Career, With Nicole Negbenebor, MD. HCPLive. March 10, 2026. Accessed March 14, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/skin-of-color-savvy-challenges-successes-dermatologist-career-nicole-negbenebor-md

Videos

Nicole Negbenebor, MD, discusses how writing and collaboration help advance dermatologic research and patient advocacy.

Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD, of NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

 Best Practices for Managing FPIES Reactions, With Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD

 Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

 highlights evolving strategies for both acute treatment and long-term dietary management in infants and young children. At the 

2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

 annual meeting in Philadelphia, Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD, from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed best practices for clinicians navigating this complex non-immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy.

FPIES most commonly begins in infancy and typically presents with delayed gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of a trigger food. Unlike classic allergic reactions, symptoms usually occur 1 to 4 hours after ingestion and are characterized by repetitive, often forceful vomiting, pallor, lethargy, and occasionally diarrhea. Because skin or respiratory symptoms are typically absent, the condition can initially be mistaken for viral gastroenteritis.

“It may start on the first known feeding of the food,” Nowak-Wegrzyn said. “Maybe [the] third or fourth time the baby tolerated a small amount, [but] then they are fed a larger amount, and now 2 hours later, between 1 and 4 hours after eating, they develop vomiting. Sometimes…if it's witnessed by the parent, it's described as projectile.”

Acute management strategies have evolved as clinicians better understand the underlying inflammatory pathways involved in FPIES. Nowak-Wegrzyn noted that increasing evidence supports the use of ondansetron, a serotonin antagonist commonly used to treat chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. During FPIES reactions, serotonin release appears to contribute to the vomiting response, making ondansetron an effective option for symptom control.

For milder reactions, management can often occur at home. Caregivers may administer oral ondansetron and begin careful oral rehydration using small, frequent amounts of fluids such as oral rehydration solutions or breast milk. However, more severe reactions require emergency evaluation.

“FPIES is considered an allergic emergency because a subset of patients may have more severe manifestations with hypotension, with really distributive hypovolemic shock, and this will not resolve unless you can provide fluid resuscitation,” Nowak-Wegrzyn said.

These patients need intravenous fluids and, in some cases, corticosteroids to reduce the inflammatory response.

Beyond acute treatment, one of the most challenging aspects of FPIES management is determining how and when to introduce new foods after a reaction. To reduce the risk of additional reactions, clinicians typically recommend introducing foods from entirely different food groups rather than closely related foods that may carry a higher risk of cross-reactivity. For example, if an infant reacts to oat, the next food introduced might be a fruit or vegetable rather than another grain.

Initial introductions are often done gradually, starting with very small amounts and slowly increasing to a typical serving size. As infants successfully tolerate more foods, the pace of dietary expansion can usually increase.

Because diagnostic tests are typically negative in FPIES, decisions about food reintroduction often rely on clinical judgment.

“We don't attempt to reintroduce the food sooner than 6 months after the reaction, but after that, we may wait longer if the child is avoiding multiple foods and hasn't introduced all of [the] other foods,” Nowak-Wegrzyn said. “We would like to avoid a situation [where] they will get turned off and unwilling to try other foods.”

Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn has no relevant disclosures.

Nowak-Wegrzyn, A. Update on Diagnosis and Management of FPIES in Early Life. Session presented at AAAAI 2026 in Philadelphia on February 27, 2026.

At AAAAI 2026, Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, discussed the use of ondansetron, home management strategies, and guidance on the gradual reintroduction of foods in FPIES.

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.

Conference

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

Best Practices for Managing FPIES Reactions, With Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD

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 positive data from a pre-specified week 36 interim analysis of the ongoing phase 3 RAINIER trial of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptance of a New Drug Application (NDA) for lorundrostat in hypertension, new data on weight regain after GLP-1 RA discontinuation, the FDA approval of GSK’s leucovorin calcium (Wellcovorin) tablets as the first treatment for cerebral folate deficiency, and data from the phase 3 INTEGUMENT-OLE study of once-daily roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.05% in children 2 to 5 years of age with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

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 March 08, 2026—let’s jump in!

On March 9, Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced positive data from a pre-specified week 36 interim analysis of the ongoing phase 3 RAINIER trial of povetacicept, an engineered fusion protein and dual inhibitor of the BAFF and APRIL cytokines, in IgAN. Results showed patients treated with povetacicept achieved a 52% reduction from baseline in proteinuria as measured by 24-hour urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) and achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 49.8% reduction in UPCR versus placebo (

On March 9, 2026, the FDA accepted Mineralys Therapeutics’ NDA for lorundrostat for the treatment of adult patients with hypertension in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. The NDA was based on positive data from the phase 3 Launch-HTN and phase 2 Advance-HTN trials demonstrating favorable safety and blood pressure reduction in adults with hypertension. With the acceptance, the FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of December 22, 2026.

Findings from a recent study suggest GLP-1RA cessation is associated with a predictable and decelerating pattern of weight regain, reaching 60% at 1 year, that plateaus below pre-treatment levels, suggesting that partial weight-loss benefit may persist long-term but is substantially attenuated.

On March 10, 2026, the FDA approved GSK’s leucovorin calcium (Wellcovorin) tablets for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency in adult and pediatric patients who have a confirmed variant in the folate receptor 1 gene (CFD-FOLR1), making it the first treatment for the rare genetic condition of cerebral folate deficiency. The approval was based on a systematic review of the published literature on the topic, including published case reports with patient-level information, as well as mechanistic data.

On March 10, 2026, Arcutis Biotherapeutics announced that 

 published data from the phase 3 open-label extension (INTEGUMENT-OLE) study evaluating once-daily roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.05% in children 2 to 5 years of age with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Data from the INTEGUMENT-OLE trial, which supported the FDA approval of roflumilast cream 0.05% in October 2025, demonstrated that roflumilast cream 0.05% is safe and well-tolerated, and efficacy was not only maintained but continued to improve with up to 56 weeks of treatment.

Vertex reported week-36 interim phase 3 RAINIER data showing povetacicept (dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor) reduced 24-hour UPCR 52% from baseline and 49.8% versus placebo (P<.0001) in IgA nephropathy. Mineralys’ lorundrostat NDA for adjunctive hypertension therapy was accepted, with a Dec 22, 2026 PDUFA date, supported by Launch-HTN and Advance-HTN results. GLP-1RA discontinuation was linked to decelerating weight regain approaching 60% at one year. FDA approved GSK’s Wellcovorin for CFD-FOLR1. Long-term INTEGUMENT-OLE data supported sustained/improving pediatric AD control with roflumilast cream to 56 weeks.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA actions and new trial data, in this week’s essential news roundup.

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.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 03/08

Shahinian is a Dr. Robert H and Eva M Moyad Research Professor of UrologyCo-Chief of Dow Division of Health Services ResearchProfessor of Internal Medicine, and Professor of Urology at the University of Michigan Medical School. 

PCP's Role in Reducing ER Use Among ESKD Patients on Dialysis

Having a primary care physician (PCP) along with a nephrologist for patients with 

 receiving dialysis may help reduce emergency department (ED) utilization, a major driver of healthcare costs in this patient population.

"We kind of hypothesize that having a primary care physician, separate from the nephrologist, might help reduce health care utilization,” said Vahakn Shahinian, MD, MS, Co-Chief of Dow Division of Health Services Research, Professor of Internal Medicine and Urology at the Medical School at the University of Michigan, in an interview with 

. “They might be more available after hours on an urgent basis to see patients and head off issues, and overall just kind of help the management of a lot of the underlying chronic conditions that accompany most patients on dialysis."

The > half a million patients receiving dialysis for ESKD in the US represent 4 times the national mean rate for all Medicare beneficiaries. Furthermore, approximately 98% of patients with ESKD have ≥1 comorbidity, with 83 to 90% living with hypertension and up to 69% living with diabetes. While a majority of these patients see a nephrologist to manage their dialysis, study investigators wondered whether having a PCP would impact ED visits.

To address this gap in the benefit of PCPs in this patient population, Shaninian and colleagues conducted a national, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 181,520 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis to assess the association between primary care involvement and ED utilization and hospitalization in this population.

Upon analysis, In the instrumental variable model comparing patients estimated to have a 100% probability of having a PCP with those estimated to have a 0% probability of having a PCP, there was not a significant difference in the estimated risk of any hospitalization (51.0%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 49.6%-52.4% vs 48.7%; 95% CI, 45.9%-51.4%), but there was a difference in estimated risk of any ED visit (69.4%; 95% CI, 68.1%-70.7% vs 75.0%; 95% CI, 72.5%-77.6%; 

 = .003), particularly in estimated risk of any ED visit not resulting in hospitalization (51.2%; 95% CI, 49.7%-52.7% vs 72.1%; 95% CI, 69.2%-74.9%; 

"What we saw was that having a primary care physician really didn't make a difference with respect to being hospitalized. Where it made its biggest difference was ER visits that didn't result in hospitalization... to me, the story that our paper seems to suggest is that's where primary care can potentially help, in perhaps heading off issues early on before they become very serious or just less serious issues."

Editor’s Note: Shahinian reports no relevant disclosures. 

Bailoor K, Hirth RA, Guro P, Oerline MK, Hollingsworth JM, Shahinian VB. Primary Care Involvement and Health Care Utilization Among Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease. 

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.080

MacRae C, Mercer SW, Guthrie B, Henderson D. Comorbidity in chronic kidney disease: a large cross-sectional study of prevalence in Scottish primary care. 

Chronic Kidney Disease

Douglas P. Mack, a pediatric allergist and assistant clinical professor at McMaster University

Research presented at AAAAI 2026 found that 88% of participants preferred intranasal epinephrine over injectables.

Anaphylaxis

The HCPLive anaphylaxis page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on acute allergic reactions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for preventing anaphylaxis, and more.

Epinephrine Nasal Spray Shows Strong Patient Preference, With Douglas Mack, MD

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.

This FDA approval of secukinumab (Cosentyx) for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) represents the fourth pediatric indication for the drug.

FDA News

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.

FDA Approves Secukinumab for Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older with HS

In this feature, 3 experts discuss the expansion of telehealth and telemedicine use, including their positive and negative aspects in dermatology today.

Where Teledermatology is Today: Expanding Access and Navigating Limits

New biologics transform severe asthma and COPD, yet prednisone overuse persists—see practical selection tips and outpatient steroid stewardship gaps.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

Asthma

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Steroid Stewardship in Severe Airway Disease: The Case for Earlier Biologic Escalation

Tatyana Kushner, MD, is an associate professor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

With new therapies emerging for hepatitis D, Kushner discusses brelovitug’s potential and what will be learned from the phase 3 AZURE program.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into HCV can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on hepatitis C virus research, treatment, and drug development.

Inside the AZURE Program of Brelovitug for Hepatitis D, With Tatyana Kushner, MD

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.

New CKD therapies and a cardiometabolic care model are reshaping kidney disease management.

Integrating Kidney Health Across the Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Care Spectrum

Lala discusses ongoing challenges in the HF treatment cascade, highlighting widespread misunderstandings among patients and the issue of extreme pill burden.

Heart Failure

The HCPLive heart failure page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on HF. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for heart disease, reduced and preserved ejection fraction, and more.

Improving Patient Education and Pill Burden in Heart Failure Treatment, With Anuradha Lala, MD

Podcasts

This March episode of The Medical Sisterhood, in honor of Women's History Month, covers building influence in the dermatology field as a woman physician.

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

The Medical Sisterhood, with Mona Shahriari, MD

The Medical Sisterhood, hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, is a podcast dedicated to empowering female physicians by providing a platform for shared experiences, mentorship, and support. 

Each episode delves into the unique challenges women in medicine face, including work-life balance, leadership roles, and overcoming gender biases. Shahriari aims to inspire women to lead fulfilling professional and personal lives on their own terms through candid discussions and expert interviews. 

e as we foster a community where women can uplift and support each other in achieving their goals!

The Medical Sisterhood: Building Influence in Medicine as Women Physicians, With Nastasha Mensikovzka, MD, PhD

Clinicians share practical tips to boost colorectal screening, comparing colonoscopy and stool tests while addressing fears.

Video Series

Comparing Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Performance and Prep Options

Doctors share tactics to boost colorectal screening: compare colonoscopy vs stool tests, address fears, and prevent cancer before symptoms.

Latest News

HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 03/08

Using Writing to Advocate for Patients in Dermatology, With Nicole Negbenebor, MD

Best Practices for Managing FPIES Reactions, With Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 03/08

PCP's Role in Reducing ER Use Among ESKD Patients on Dialysis