Paul Sorajja, MD, is the associate director of the Banner – University Medicine Heart Institute and professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. 

New AMEND MR Ring Successfully Implanted for the First Time in the US

Valcare Medical, Ltd.’s AMEND annuloplasty ring, a closed D-shaped semi-rigid device built to mimic the surgical gold standard of 

treatment, has been successfully implanted in a patient for the first time in the US.

In a procedure led by Paul Sorajja, MD, associate director of the Banner Heart Institute and Lentsch Family Endowed Chair, Service Line for Valvular Heart Disease at Banner Health, the ring was applied via a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg and crossed over from the right to the left side of the heart. The ring is the same size and shape as those typically used during open cardiac surgery, allowing this procedure to circumvent the need for stopping the heart.

 editorial team met with Sorajja to discuss the operation, the AMEND ring’s functionality and effectiveness, and the probable next steps for the device’s testing and potential inclusion in pivotal clinical trials.

“I think the AMEND ring has the ability to really transform the field in a big way, because it’s the one piece of our toolbox that we really need as interventionists,” Sorajja told 

. “Surgeons essentially try to put rings in patients every time they try to repair mitral valves, and we know the outcomes are better in patients who get rings than those who don’t. The ability for us to be able to do this from an interventional standpoint through the groin is really pioneering.”

The full system, called the AMEND Trans-Septal System, received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for investigational device exemption on March 13, 2025. An Early Feasibility Study began on September 11, 2025, and is currently recruiting patients, sponsored by Valcare Medical. The study aims to enroll ≤15 participants in ≤7 sites between the US and Canada and is projected to last 5 years.

The primary endpoint for the feasibility study is a composite of mortality, including all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, or non-elective cardiovascular surgery for device related complications at 30 days. Secondary endpoints include the technical success of ring delivery, implantation, and delivery system retrieval, as well as changes in NYHA functional class, 6-Minute-Walk-Test, and safety at 6 months and 1 year.

According to Sorajja, the learning curve for the AMEND ring is relatively simple – his team was reportedly fully trained and capable of installing the ring successfully after 1.5 days. The operation took 2 hours, which Sorajja remarked was particularly promising given the myriad complications which frequently occur in similar procedures.

Sorajja also discussed the ring’s potential as an add-on to existing therapies, allowing clinicians to elevate care by adding the annuloplasty on top of valve replacement or other MR treatment procedures.

“I think the most amazing thing about the AMEND technology is that it really is a platform for future transcatheter mitral surgeries,” Sorajja said. “When we think about the role of annuloplasty for stabilizing and treating patients with MR, it’s fundamental. And what’s important about technology like this is that it’s fundamental to all the other things we do in terms of repair and replacement, and it allows all those other technologies to still take place.”

Editor’s Note: Sorajja reports disclosures with 4C Medical, Abbott Structural, Edwards Lifesciences, EvolutionMed, Foldax, Haemonetics, and others.

Valcare Medical, Ltd. Valcare Medical Receives FDA Approval to Initiate Early Feasibility Study for its Novel AMEND Trans-Septal System. March 13, 2025. Accessed February 3, 2026. 

https://www.valcaremedical.com/valcare-medical-receives-fda-approval-to-initiate-early-feasibility-study-for-its-novel-amend-trans-septal-system/

Valcare Medical, Ltd. AMEND TS Early Feasibility Study. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06951672. Updated January 7, 2026. Accessed February 3, 2026. 

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06951672?term=AREA%5BBasicSearch%5D(AREA%5BBasicSearch%5D(amend))&rank=1&checkSpell=

Videos

Sorajja describes his team’s operation to implant the ring via a novel trans-septal system, effectively avoiding the need to stop the heart in MR treatment.

News

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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...

Structural Heart Disease

First-in-America Implantation of AMEND Annuloplasty Ring in Mitral Regurgitation, With Paul Sorajja, 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.

Recent findings suggest, as early as Week 4, patients with 

 on risankizumab may see greater response rates across all measures of skin clearance and psoriasis severity versus rates reported among patients on icotrokinra.

These data were featured in a poster titled ‘Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Risankizumab Versus Icotrokinra in Adult Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis,’ and was authored by such investigators as Jeff Crowley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist.

, and it was designed to compare the clinical efficacy of risankizumab with icotrokinra among adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Because of the lack of direct comparative research between these medications, an indirect analytical approach was deemed necessary to assess relative performance and to support clinical decision-making.

Risankizumab is an approved interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor administered as a 150-mg subcutaneous injection at baseline, Week 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. It has consistently demonstrated robust skin clearance in individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Icotrokinra, an oral IL-23 receptor antagonist provided at a dose of 200 mg once-per-day, is under investigation for the same patient population. In light of the lack of head-to-head data, Crowley et al conducted a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to explore these drugs’ efficacy.

They included phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating each medication in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were also deemed eligible for phototherapy and systemic agents. All of the trials were independently reviewed, with only those meeting predefined inclusion criteria being incorporated. The availability of individual patient-level data for risankizumab was noted from the UltiMMa-1, UltiMMa-2, and IMMhance trials. Published aggregate data were used for icotrokinra from the ICONIC-LEAD trial (adult population exclusively) and ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2.

Crowley and colleagues ensured comparability across populations, with patient-level data from the risankizumab studies being statistically weighted to align with the pooled baseline characteristics reported in the icotrokinra research. Such characteristics included sex, age, race, baseline body mass index (BMI), body surface area involvement, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, static Physician’s Global Assessment score, and prior phototherapy and biologic therapy exposure.

Efficacy outcomes were assessed by the investigative team via risk comparisons between risankizumab and icotrokinra for PASI 75, PASI 90, and PASI 100 responses, as well as Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) scores of 0 or 1 and 0 alone, at the 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24-week marks. In Crowley and coauthors’ findings, patients as early as the 4 and 8-week marks receiving risankizumab attained higher response rates across all measures of skin clearance and severity of psoriasis versus those treated with icotrokinra.

These differences persisted through the 16-week mark, with risankizumab continuing to demonstrate superior efficacy across all endpoints assessed by the investigators. Comparable advantages favoring risankizumab were also observed by the investigators in the unanchored analysis conducted at the 24-week mark.

Crowley J, Song E, Strober B, et al. Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Risankizumab Versus Icotrokinra in Adult Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Magnolo N, Lee L, Paller A, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Pediatric Patients With Psoriasis in the OptIMMize-1 Phase 3 Study: Results Through 52 Weeks. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Armstrong A, et al. Comparative analysis of icotrokinra and approved advanced treatments for achievement of completely clear skin in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii Conference 2026; January 25-29; Maui, Hawaii.

Articles

Early outcomes from a matching-adjusted indirect comparison suggest risankizumab may deliver higher skin-clearance and disease-severity responses than investigational oral icotrokinra in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Individual patient data from UltiMMa-1/2 and IMMhance were weighted to match pooled baseline characteristics from ICONIC-LEAD and ICONIC-ADVANCE trials. Across PASI 75/90/100 and IGA 0/1 and 0 endpoints, response advantages favoring risankizumab emerged by Weeks 4 and 8, persisted through Week 16, and remained in an unanchored Week 24 analysis.

In this analysis presented at Maui Derm, indirect comparisons were made between risankizumab and icotrokinra in patients with psoriasis.

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.

Conference

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

Risankizumab Compared to Icotrokinra in Adult Patients with Psoriasis

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

Pulmonology research and clinical practice opened 2026 with momentum across drug development, guideline refinement, and diagnostic innovation. Early‑phase data in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) highlighted encouraging biologic and mechanistic signals—most notably with GRI‑0621 and the STAT3 inhibitor TTI‑101—while new evidence reframed conversations about bronchodilator responsiveness, positioning it as a powerful prognostic marker rather than a diagnostic divider. At the same time, the FDA’s clearance of LEADOPTIK’s high‑resolution biopsy system underscored a growing emphasis on real‑time precision in lung cancer diagnostics, a critical step as screening programs continue to expand.

Parallel progress unfolded in severe asthma, where CHEST released its first guideline dedicated to selecting and sequencing biologics, offering long‑needed structure for managing patients who fail initial therapy. Our conversations with experts in the past year, partly captured in Lungcast’s 2025 recap, reflected this shift toward precision, prevention, and implementation—spanning equitable lung function testing, environmental threats like wildfire smoke, updates to COPD care, and new thinking at the intersection of lifestyle, climate, and respiratory health.

Check out this January 2025 pulmonology month in review for a recap of HCPLive’s coverage of the top news and research from the past few weeks:

1. GRI-0621 Well-Tolerated, Shows Positive Biomarker and FVC Data in IPF

GRI‑0621 showed strong safety and early signs of efficacy in a 12‑week Phase 2a  trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with no major tolerability issues and fewer cough or GI adverse events than placebo. The drug also produced biomarker shifts toward fibrosis resolution and an anti‑fibrotic immune profile, including a placebo‑adjusted FVC gain of around 100 mL.

2. New CHEST Recommendations Guide Biologic Use for Severe Asthma

CHEST released its first guideline dedicated to choosing and sequencing biologics in severe asthma, offering 7 evidence-based recommendations that often favor dupilumab, especially for patients with frequent exacerbations or steroid dependence. The guideline fills a major gap for clinicians navigating biologic switches after treatment failure, helping tailor therapy based on biomarkers, comorbidities, and response patterns.

3. FDA Clears LEADOPTIK's LIA System for Higher-Accuracy Lung Biopsy

The FDA cleared LEADOPTIK’s Last Inch Assessment system, a biopsy tool that embeds high‑resolution depth imaging directly into the needle to confirm real‑time tissue sampling, offering 50× higher resolution than current technologies. With preclinical data showing >95% biopsy accuracy, the system could significantly reduce diagnostic delays in lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death, and strengthen early detection efforts that can cut mortality by up to 25%.

Bronchodilator Response Outperforms Genetic Risk in Predicting COPD Progression

The COPDGene analysis shows that bronchodilator responsiveness, often used to classify asthma versus COPD, is actually a strong prognostic marker in smokers with normal spirometry, outperforming genetic risk scores in predicting FEV₁ decline and future COPD. Investigators emphasized that bronchodilator response should not determine disease label but may identify early airway disease and potentially help to prevent COPD progression.

5. Additional Phase 2 REVERT IPF Data Shows Greater Fibrosis Reduction With TTI-101

A secondary analysis of Tvardi’s phase 2 REVERT IPF trial found that the STAT3 inhibitor TTI‑101 led to greater reductions in fibrosis on CT (‑9.4% vs ‑2.4%) and larger declines in IL‑6 than placebo, suggesting pharmacologic activity despite earlier mixed results. Although the study wasn’t powered for efficacy and showed unexpected placebo performance, 63% of TTI‑101–treated patients had FVC improvement at 12 weeks, supporting continued development of next‑generation STAT3 inhibitors like TTI‑109.

Lungcast’s 2025 recap highlights a year of rapid progress in pulmonology, showcasing expert discussions on topics ranging from race‑neutral lung function equations to wildfire air‑quality risks, lung cancer screening lessons, and major COPD guideline updates. The year’s conversations reflect the field’s growing focus on prevention, equity, and climate resilience.

The Lungcast 2025 Recap

Pulmonology entered 2026 with notable advances spanning antifibrotic drug development, severe asthma biologic strategy, and lung cancer diagnostic precision. Early Phase 2 signals in IPF supported biologic activity for GRI‑0621 and pharmacodynamic and imaging effects for STAT3 inhibition with TTI‑101, despite modest trial power and placebo effects. CHEST issued its first severe asthma biologic sequencing guideline, frequently favoring dupilumab based on exacerbation burden and steroid dependence. FDA clearance of an imaging-enabled biopsy needle highlighted momentum toward real-time sampling confirmation as screening expands. Bronchodilator responsiveness emerged as prognostic, not diagnostic.

January 2025 saw new data and guidelines in asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.

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.

Asthma

The HCPLive asthma page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on asthmatic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for allergic and severe asthma, and more.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

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.

7 Pulmonology Headlines You Missed in January 2026

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.

January brought several noteworthy updates in 

research, pediatric care, and immunotherapy. From 

approvals to innovative approaches in oral immunotherapy (OIT), the month highlighted advances that could meaningfully improve patient safety and quality of life.

Key developments include an oral HAE therapy for children, faster-acting intranasal epinephrine, and promising heat-processed allergens for safer peanut and egg OIT. Clinicians also gained new insights into multi-nut tolerance, sesame allergy testing, and long-term epinephrine safety.

This roundup captures 7 standout allergy headlines from January 2026, offering a concise look at the latest research, regulatory updates, and expert perspectives shaping clinical practice.

FDA Approves Oral Berotralstat for Pediatric HAE, With Jolanta Bernatoniene, PhD

The FDA approved berotralstat (ORLADEYO; BioCryst) oral pellets for long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in children aged 2–11 years. Supported by APeX-P trial data, the once-daily oral therapy reduces injection burden. Investigator Jolanta Bernatoniene, PhD, of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, highlighted improved pediatric and caregiver experience.

Phase 2 Data Show NS002 Intranasal Epinephrine Acts Faster Than EpiPen

Interim phase 2 data show NS002 intranasal epinephrine (Nasus Pharma) achieved faster absorption and greater early exposure than EpiPen in healthy adults. In the study, 91% reached therapeutic plasma levels within 5 minutes, compared with 67% with autoinjectors. Michael Blaiss, MD, said the needle-free option could improve time-critical care for anaphylaxis.

Additional Expert Perspectives on Autoclaved Peanuts, Low Dose OIT

Autoclaved Peanuts Reduce IgE Binding, Improve Tolerability, With Casey Cohen, PhD

New data show autoclaved peanuts—treated with heat, pressure, and moisture—significantly reduce IgE binding and skin test reactivity while improving oral tolerability in peanut-allergic patients. Casey Cohen, PhD, of McGill University, highlighted that this process fragments major allergens, potentially creating safer substrates for peanut immunotherapy, offering a promising advance over traditional roasted or boiled peanut preparations.

Very Low-Dose OIT Safely Increases Multi-Nut Tolerance in Young Children

VLOIT Boosts Multi-Nut Tolerance in Children, With Julia E. M. Upton, MD, MPH

An open-label study led by Julia E. M. Upton, MD, MPH, at The Hospital for Sick Children shows very low–dose oral immunotherapy (VLOIT) safely increases multi-nut tolerance in children. Most participants achieved ≥5-fold higher doses, up to 1000 mg per nut, with no serious adverse events. Immunologic improvements and reduced skin test reactivity suggest VLOIT may offer practical, safe protection from accidental exposures.

Sesame OFC Forms, Hidden Epinephrine Risks, Heat-Treated Eggs for Safer OIT

Tahini May Be the Preferred Form for Pediatric Sesame Oral Food Challenges

A study led by Aimee Huynh, MBBS, at Sydney Children’s Hospital found tahini-based pediatric sesame oral food challenges (OFCs) produce lower reaction thresholds and greater anaphylaxis rates than whole seeds. Results suggest tahini or crushed sesame better reflects true allergy risk, while whole seeds may yield falsely elevated tolerance, guiding safer and more accurate assessment in children with sesame allergy.

Heat-Denatured Egg Allergens May Offer Safer Oral Immunotherapy

Heat-denatured egg allergens may offer a safer approach for OIT in egg-allergic patients, according to Marta Paolucci, PhD, from the University of Zurich. The study showed reduced IgE binding and blunted basophil activation for Gal d 1 and Gal d 2, supporting lower allergenic potency. Heat-treated eggs could enable safer, stepwise OIT and improved tolerance in pediatric patients.

20 Years of FDA Data Reveal Previously Unrecognized Epinephrine Risks

A 20-year FDA post-marketing analysis of 9262 epinephrine reports reveals previously unrecognized risks, including myocardial stunning, mitral valve motion abnormalities, harlequin syndrome, and injection-site nerve damage. Investigator Binglin Yan noted common issues like injection-site reactions and perceived drug ineffectiveness, highlighting a broader real-world safety profile. Findings inform clinicians and guide future research on epinephrine’s rare adverse events.

January 2026 allergy advances spanned pediatric HAE prophylaxis, anaphylaxis rescue innovation, and safer immunotherapy substrates. Oral berotralstat pellets gained FDA approval for children 2–11 years, reducing reliance on injectable prophylaxis. Interim phase 2 results suggested NS002 intranasal epinephrine delivers faster early systemic exposure than autoinjectors. Heat/pressure processing of peanuts and heat-denaturation of egg allergens reduced IgE binding and effector-cell activation, supporting improved OIT tolerability. Studies also refined sesame OFC methodology and expanded real-world epinephrine safety signals.

FDA clears pediatric HAE oral therapy as intranasal epinephrine and heat-treated peanut/egg OIT studies point to safer allergy care.

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.

Anaphylaxis

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7 Allergy Headlines You Missed in January 2026

Eliezer Katz, MD, is the chief medical officer at Eledon Pharmaceuticals. 

2-Year Phase 1b Tegoprubart Preserves Kidney Function in Transplant Recipients, With Eliezer Katz, MD

2-year phase 1b results from the first adult de novo kidney transplant recipients treated with tegoprubart as the core immunosuppressive agent showed preserved 

, no episodes of acute rejection, and an acceptable safety profile.

The findings were presented at the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) Winter Symposium, January 22–25, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ, and highlight the potential for non-calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression.

Currently, the standard of care for kidney transplant immunosuppression in the United States is a calcineurin inhibitor–based regimen with tacrolimus and mycophenolate. Overall, > 90% of patients are maintained on these 2 agents, with or without corticosteroids.

Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive drug used primarily to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. It acts as a calcineurin inhibitor, binding to FKBP12 to block T-cell activation and IL-2 production. While highly effective, neurotoxic effects are common, including hand tremors, insomnia, and headaches. Long-term tacrolimus use is associated with nephrotoxicity, supporting continued evaluation of noncalcineurin inhibitor–based regimens.

“Calcineurin inhibitors are very effective at preventing rejection, but they come at a significant cost,” said Eliezer Katz, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Eledon Pharmaceuticals, in an interview with 

. “Beyond nephrotoxicity, calcineurin inhibitors can damage pancreatic islet cells, leading to diabetes, and cause neurologic side effects such as tremor, brain fog, insomnia, and headaches. They are also associated with hypertension and cardiovascular effects. Patients are grateful that their graft is functioning, but many are still suffering from these side effects.”

Tegoprubart, a humanized monoclonal antibody, selectively inhibits CD40 ligand (CD154), a co-stimulatory molecule in T-cell activation. The investigational drug has the potential to enter the treatment landscape as a non–calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressive option, with sustained preservation of kidney function observed through 24 months.¹

To investigate tegoprubart, Katz and colleagues conducted a multicenter, phase 1b, single-arm trial, enrolling adults who were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–seropositive, had low levels of panel-reactive antibodies, and had no donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) at screening before receipt of their first kidney transplant from a living or deceased donor.

On the day of transplantation, all patients received induction with rATG ≤6 mg/kg and maintenance therapy with intravenous tegoprubart (20 mg/kg, administered on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-transplantation). After this, every 21 days, patients received mycophenolate and corticosteroids.

The primary safety endpoints included the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and adverse events of special interest (AESIs). If a patient experienced > 1 adverse event with the same preferred term, they were counted once for that term.

At 12 and 24 months, exploratory endpoints included the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft failure, de novo DSA formation, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients who completed 12 months of treatment were offered enrollment in an open-label extension study.

Overall, 8 patients completed 12 months of treatment and continued into the extension study. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) treatment duration with tegoprubart was 29.50 (5.42) months, with 7 of the 8 patients completing at least 24 months of treatment.

“Tegoprubart has a different mechanism of action. It offers the possibility of achieving effective immunosuppression without many of these side effects, as we demonstrated in a phase 2 study that we recently presented at Kidney Week in Houston in early November,” explained Katz. “The fundamental difference is specificity. Tacrolimus is a small molecule taken orally, and its effects are distributed throughout the body. Because calcineurin plays a role in many cellular processes, inhibiting it affects virtually every organ system, which explains the wide range of side effects.”

Over 24 months, tegoprubart had an acceptable safety profile. All patients experienced ≥1 TEAE, while SAEs were reported for 3 patients, and AESIs were reported for 7 patients. No cases of biopsy-proven acute rejection, de novo DSA, delayed graft function, or graft loss were reported.

Investigators observed that functional eGFR levels were restored within 1 month after transplantation and generally maintained over 24 months. At 12 and 24 months, mean (SD) eGFRs were 67.0 (19.85) mL/min/1.73 m² and 74.2 (24.91) mL/min/1.73 m², respectively.

Tegoprubart is also advancing through additional clinical programs, including the Phase 2 BESTOW trial in kidney transplantation and early investigator‑initiated studies in islet cell transplant rejection, with further data and regulatory guidance expected as development continues.

E. Katz, T. Coates, J. Gill2, et al. Long-Term Outcomes of a Phase 1, Single-Arm Cohort of De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Treated with Tegoprubart, an Anti-CD40L Antibody, as the Core Immunosuppression Regimen. Poster presented at: American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) Winter Symposium. January 22-25, 2026; Phoenix, AZ.

Araya AA, Tasnif Y. Tacrolimus. PubMed. Published May 29, 2023. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544318/

Laskow DA, Neylan JF, Shapiro RS, Pirsch JD, Vergne-Marini PJ, Tomlanovich SJ. The role of tacrolimus in adult kidney transplantation: a review. 

Eliezer Katz, MD, says investigational anti-CD40L therapy tegoprubart shows promise as a non-calcineurin inhibitor option for adult de novo kidney transplant patients

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.

2-Year Phase 1b Tegoprubart Preserves Kidney Function in Transplant Recipients,  With Eliezer Katz, MD

David Golden, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Despite usability concerns cited by the FDA, investigators say dibutepinephrine’s needle-free, portable design could still address gaps in real-world epinephrine use.

FDA News

Anaphylm Remains Promising for Anaphylaxis Despite FDA CRL, With David Golden, MD

Ahmad Anouti, MD, is a pediatric resident at the University of Texas Southwestern in the Physician Scientist Training Program.

Anouti describes clinical uncertainties regarding signs of cholestatic liver disease, like jaundice, in patients with skin of color, and how this may impact transplant outcomes.

Hepatology

Diagnostic Challenges and Transplant Outcomes in Pediatric Cholestatic Liver Disease, With Ahmad Anouti, MD

AbbVie’s upadacitinib (Rinvoq) has had its regulatory applications submitted to the FDA and the EMA, with the drug being indicated for adults and adolescents with vitiligo.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on the dermatologic condition. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for the affected skin of vitiligo patients.

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.

Upadacitinib Regulatory Applications Submitted for Adults, Adolescents with Vitiligo

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.

These data from the ongoing VESPER-3 phase 2b study highlight PF’3944’s capacity for reducing weight across 4 weekly-monthly dosing arms.

Endocrinology

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.

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.

VESPER-3: Positive Results of Long-Term GLP-1 PF’3944 in Overweight and Obesity Without T2D

Drew Kuraitis, MD, PhD, works for the Department of Dermatology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY.

This Q&A interview with Drew Kuraitis, MD, PhD, highlights Kuraitis’s talk on strategies for cutaneous adverse events linked with therapeutic agents in oncology.

Management of Cutaneous Adverse Events in Oncodermatology, With Drew Kuraitis, MD, PhD

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.

TACITO phase 2a suggests an improvement in clinical outcomes for patients with mRCC with fecal microbiota transplantation 


TACITO: Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Improves Immunotherapy Response in Advanced Kidney Cancer

Stephen Greene, MD, is an associate professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine and cardiologist at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, NC. Greene is a member of HCPLive's advisory board and co-host of Don't Miss a Beat, a podcast presented by Inside Cardiology.

Greene discusses his recent study highlighting the limitations of quadruple therapy in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates among patients with HFrEF.

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.

Strategic Alliance Partnership

Addressing the Limitations of Quadruple Therapy in HFrEF, With Stephen Greene, MD

Recent pooled analysis data suggest consistently low adverse event rates with upadacitinib over 7 years for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis 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 dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

Upadacitinib Safe for Atopic Dermatitis up to 7 Years in Pooled Analysis Findings

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.

Catch up on disparities in IBD care, a potential new IBS drug, new insight on diet’s role in Crohn’s disease care, & more.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

On the HCPLive inflammatory bowel disease page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBD can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBD and more.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On the HCPLive irritable bowel syndrome page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBS can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBS, IBD, and more.

6 Gastroenterology Headlines You Missed in January 2026

Catch up with major FDA decisions, key guidelines updates, and more.

Stroke

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

Latest News

First-in-America Implantation of AMEND Annuloplasty Ring in Mitral Regurgitation, With Paul Sorajja, MD

Risankizumab Compared to Icotrokinra in Adult Patients with Psoriasis

7 Pulmonology Headlines You Missed in January 2026

7 Allergy Headlines You Missed in January 2026

2-Year Phase 1b Tegoprubart Preserves Kidney Function in Transplant Recipients, With Eliezer Katz, MD