Njira Lugogo, MD, from University of Michigan.

Tezepelumab Reduced Severe Asthma Across Phenotypes in Phase 4 PASSAGE

Final results from the phase 4 PASSAGE study presented at the 

American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2026 International Conference

 in Orlando, Florida, suggest tezepelumab may provide meaningful clinical benefit across a broad spectrum of patients with severe uncontrolled 

, including populations frequently excluded from biologic trials, such as active smokers and patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pivotal trials often exclude these populations because of concerns that smoking-related airway inflammation may blunt treatment response.

The multicenter, single-arm, open-label study evaluated tezepelumab in a diverse US real-world cohort of 286 patients aged ≥ 12 years with severe asthma and ≥ 2 exacerbations in the previous year. Investigators specifically enrolled patients representing different inflammatory phenotypes and traditionally underrepresented populations, including Black/African American patients, adolescents, smokers with ≥ 10 pack-years, and patients with mild-to-moderate comorbid COPD.

According to study findings, annualized asthma exacerbation rates (AAERs) declined by 70% overall after 52 weeks of treatment with tezepelumab (95% confidence interval [CI], 63 to 75). Reductions across phenotypes and underrepresented populations ranged from 54% to 77%, with consistent improvements observed regardless of eosinophil count or allergic status.

“The PASSAGE study was really important [because it included] … populations that were not part of the phase 3 clinical program,” Njira Lugogo, MD, professor of internal medicine and director of the asthma program at the University of Michigan, said in an interview at ATS 2026. The [group]… I was most excited about [was patients] with comorbid COPD and…previous or current smokers, because we really don’t have data on those patients.”

Tezepelumab targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine positioned upstream in the inflammatory cascade. Because TSLP can be activated by multiple triggers, including allergens, infections, pollutants, and environmental exposures, investigators have hypothesized the therapy may provide benefit across diverse asthma phenotypes.

PASSAGE findings appeared to support that premise. Patients with eosinophilic and allergic asthma demonstrated robust responses, but clinically meaningful improvements were also observed in patients without elevated eosinophils or perennial allergen sensitization.

Lugogo noted that this broad activity is particularly relevant in routine clinical practice, where many patients have overlapping triggers and mixed inflammatory profiles.

“The majority of patients in PASSAGE actually had multiple triggers,” Lugogo said. “As a clinician, it’s important to know I can treat a broad population of patients, and I can target some of those triggers that many of our patients are exposed to.”

In addition to reductions in exacerbations, PASSAGE demonstrated improvements across multiple patient-reported outcome measures. Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6; 74%), Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire (AIRQ; 63%), and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ; 80%) scores in most patients at week 52. The team observed improvements in these scores across asthma phenotypes and underrepresented populations: ACQ-6 (64% to 86%), AIRQ (51% to 75%), and SGRQ (63% to 91%).

Investigators also reported gains in lung function. Mean pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) increased by 0.12 L overall, with larger improvements (0.21 L increase) among patients with baseline FEV1 ≤ 80% predicted.

Safety findings were consistent with the known profile of tezepelumab. Serious adverse events were reported in 9.8% of patients during treatment, with no unexpected safety concerns identified.

Among patients with comorbid COPD and smokers, tezepelumab demonstrated treatment effects similar to those observed in the broader study population. Lugogo said the consistency of benefit in these groups was somewhat unexpected and could have important implications for biologic eligibility decisions in clinical practice.

“Some clinicians withhold biologics until patients stop smoking,” Lugogo said. “But it’s very difficult to stop smoking, and the steroids we are giving patients are toxic. This reassures us that we can treat these active smokers and people with a significant smoking history with biologics while working to reduce their reliance on tobacco products.”

Editor’s note: Relevant disclosures for Lugogo include GlaxoSmithKline, GENZYME CORPORATION, SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Incyte Corporation, and more.

) Tezepelumab in Diverse Real-World Patients With Severe Asthma Across Different Phenotypes and Underrepresented Populations: Final Results from the US Phase 4 PASSAGE Study. Late breaker was presented at ATS 2026 on May 18.

Videos

At ATS 2026, Njira Lugogo, MD, discussed PASSAGE data showing tezepelumab reduced severe asthma exacerbations in smokers and patients with comorbid COPD.


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Asthma

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Rebecca Vasquez, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern.

Henry Lim, MD, is the senior vice president of academic programs at Henry Ford Health. He previously served as chair of the department of dermatology.

Jeanine Downie, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, and founder of image Dermatology PC in Montclair, NJ.

Jane Yoo, MD, is an assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and is both a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.

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

The latest episode of the Skin of Color Savvy podcast focused on “the sunscreen gap” in skin cancer prevention among patients with skin of color, with experts emphasizing the persistent misconceptions, delayed diagnoses, and systemic barriers contributing to poorer outcomes despite lower overall incidence rates of skin cancer in darker-skinned populations.  Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.  The conversation opened with Lim defining the “sunscreen gap” as both a technological and educational problem. On the formulation side, Lim highlighted limitations in currently available ultraviolet filters in the United States, particularly for long-wave UVA protection, which plays a significant role in pigmentation disorders and photoaging among patients with darker skin tones. Equally important, he said, is the widespread misconception that patients with skin of color do not require sunscreen or sun protection because of their natural melanin.  Downie strongly challenged that belief, emphasizing that “anybody with skin needs to wear sunscreen.” She explained that even darker skin tones provide only limited intrinsic SPF protection and pointed to disparities in melanoma survival rates among Black patients compared with White patients. According to Downie, these misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes, particularly because skin cancers in Black and Asian populations may appear in less commonly examined locations such as the palms, soles, nails, genital areas, and oral mucosa.  Yoo expanded on the issue of delayed diagnosis, describing melanoma disparities in skin of color as one of the largest racial gaps seen in cancer outcomes. She noted that many patients with darker skin are diagnosed at later stages, often because both patients and clinicians underestimate skin cancer risk. Yoo stressed the importance of comprehensive skin examinations, including careful assessment of acral areas and nail pigmentation, particularly because acral lentiginous melanoma may not always present with classic pigmentation. She also pointed to continuing educational gaps among non-dermatology providers, who may incorrectly reassure patients that nail streaking or pigmented lesions are benign.  The panel also discussed how sunscreen adherence is heavily influenced by cosmetic acceptability. Yoo described how older sunscreen formulations often left noticeable white or gray residue on darker skin tones, discouraging regular use. She highlighted newer tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides as an important advancement, particularly because they also provide protection against visible light, a known contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Yoo additionally discussed ongoing advocacy efforts to expand access to newer-generation UV filters already available internationally.  Beyond sunscreen itself, Lim emphasized that photoprotection should be viewed as a “total package” that includes shade-seeking, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and photoprotective clothing. He also discussed emerging research into biologic photoprotection, including antioxidants and oral agents that may help suppress UV-induced skin damage.  Downie focused heavily on the importance of culturally relevant public health messaging, arguing that campaigns should better reflect diverse patient populations. She encouraged the use of skin of color models and more inclusive educational materials to improve awareness and help patients recognize that skin cancer can affect all skin tones.  Throughout the discussion, Vasquez underscored the importance of representation, clinician education, and patient-centered messaging in closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

 podcast focused on “the sunscreen gap” in skin cancer prevention among patients with skin of color, with experts emphasizing the persistent misconceptions, delayed diagnoses, and systemic barriers contributing to poorer outcomes despite lower overall incidence rates of skin cancer in darker-skinned populations.

Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The conversation opened with Lim defining the “sunscreen gap” as both a technological and educational problem. On the formulation side, Lim highlighted limitations in currently available ultraviolet filters in the United States, particularly for long-wave UVA protection, which plays a significant role in pigmentation disorders and photoaging among patients with darker skin tones. Equally important, he said, is the widespread misconception that patients with skin of color do not require sunscreen or sun protection because of their natural melanin.

Downie strongly challenged that belief, emphasizing that “anybody with skin needs to wear sunscreen.” She explained that even darker skin tones provide only limited intrinsic SPF protection and pointed to disparities in melanoma survival rates among Black patients compared with White patients. According to Downie, these misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes, particularly because skin cancers in Black and Asian populations may appear in less commonly examined locations such as the palms, soles, nails, genital areas, and oral mucosa.

Yoo expanded on the issue of delayed diagnosis, describing melanoma disparities in skin of color as one of the largest racial gaps seen in cancer outcomes. She noted that many patients with darker skin are diagnosed at later stages, often because both patients and clinicians underestimate skin cancer risk. Yoo stressed the importance of comprehensive skin examinations, including careful assessment of acral areas and nail pigmentation, particularly because acral lentiginous melanoma may not always present with classic pigmentation. She also pointed to continuing educational gaps among non-dermatology providers, who may incorrectly reassure patients that nail streaking or pigmented lesions are benign.

The panel also discussed how sunscreen adherence is heavily influenced by cosmetic acceptability. Yoo described how older sunscreen formulations often left noticeable white or gray residue on darker skin tones, discouraging regular use. She highlighted newer tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides as an important advancement, particularly because they also provide protection against visible light, a known contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Yoo additionally discussed ongoing advocacy efforts to expand access to newer-generation UV filters already available internationally.

Beyond sunscreen itself, Lim emphasized that photoprotection should be viewed as a “total package” that includes shade-seeking, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and photoprotective clothing. He also discussed emerging research into biologic photoprotection, including antioxidants and oral agents that may help suppress UV-induced skin damage.

Downie focused heavily on the importance of culturally relevant public health messaging, arguing that campaigns should better reflect diverse patient populations. She encouraged the use of skin of color models and more inclusive educational materials to improve awareness and help patients recognize that skin cancer can affect all skin tones.

Throughout the discussion, Vasquez underscored the importance of representation, clinician education, and patient-centered messaging in closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

Editor’s note: This episode was summarized with the help of AI tools.

Podcasts

This episode highlights the importance of closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

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.

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

Skin of Color Savvy: The Sunscreen Gap—Cancer Prevention in Skin of Color

Goodyear is an integrative medicine physician at the Williams Cancer Institute, board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a leader in wellness and cancer prevention. He specializes in functional and regenerative medicine, focusing on healing and teaching the body to restore itself while advancing a holistic approach to reprogram diseased cells and promote long-term wellness.

In modern medicine, few tools are as ubiquitous—or as trusted—as the 

. Fast, precise, and widely reimbursed, CT imaging has become a go-to diagnostic solution across emergency rooms, cancer centers, and primary care offices alike. But as its usage has soared over the past two decades, so has a sobering question: Can the very technology designed to diagnose illness quietly contribute to it?

Recent studies suggest the answer, at least in part, may be yes.

 estimated that more than 103,000 future cancer cases in the United States could be linked to CT scans performed in a single year

. That figure—up to four times higher than earlier projections—represents approximately 5% of all annual cancer cases. Particularly troubling is the study’s finding that children under the age of one face a relative cancer risk ten times higher than other groups, especially after head scans. The research points to a conclusion long acknowledged in radiation oncology: ionizing radiation, even in modest doses, is not without consequences.

As a physician, I believe it’s time to reframe the conversation around diagnostic imaging. We must be honest about the risks, particularly for our youngest and most vulnerable patients. We must also confront how deeply ingrained systems—reimbursement protocols, outdated medical training, and risk-blind routines—have made it harder, not easier, to prioritize safer diagnostic tools.

Ionizing radiation from CT scans can damage DNA at a cellular level, directly breaking the double-helix and triggering mutations that either activate cancer-driving oncogenes or suppress protective tumor-fighting genes. It’s a cumulative risk: each exposure adds to the body’s total radiation load, which becomes more dangerous over time, especially when scans begin in childhood.

This is not abstract theory. Survivors of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl demonstrate the devastating effects of high-dose exposure. CT scans, while lower in dose, still fall into the category of ionizing radiation. For every one millisievert (mSv) of exposure, cancer risk increases 5–10%. And while the average background radiation exposure globally is around 2.4 mSv annually, Americans receive roughly 

In my clinical experience, patients and physicians alike often underestimate that risk. CT scans are prescribed so routinely that their hazards feel negligible. But routine doesn’t mean risk-free. Even low-frequency exposures, when repeated, become a meaningful concern. Particularly alarming is the use of CT imaging in infants, whose developing tissues are far more vulnerable to genetic damage. When radiation exposure begins early, the cumulative lifetime risk soars.

Reimbursement and Routine: What Drives Overuse

Why do we default to CTs despite safer options? In short: it’s fast, it’s familiar, and it’s covered.

CT scans are widely reimbursed by insurance with minimal scrutiny, especially when ordered according to standard protocols. Hospitals know these scans won’t trigger denials or financial loss. For overworked physicians and administrators, it’s an easy yes. Safer alternatives—such as MRI or QT ultrasound—may require pre-authorizations, face reimbursement hurdles, or fall outside approved diagnostic guidelines.

In this system, protocols become gospel. Insurance companies don’t pay for innovation—they pay for conformity. That stifles critical thinking and punishes clinicians who want to reduce harm but are bound by reimbursement logic.

, we’ve seen firsthand how rethinking this paradigm can help. For example, instead of relying exclusively on repeated CTs to monitor tumor progression, we often alternate modalities. A patient may start with a PET-CT, but we’ll follow up with an MRI, or even ultrasound, to reduce cumulative radiation exposure. This integrated approach preserves diagnostic accuracy while minimizing long-term harm. But we shouldn’t be the exception—we should be the model.

MRI scans, which use magnetic fields rather than ionizing radiation, are an effective and safe alternative for many diagnostic needs. QT ultrasound, another emerging technology, offers radiation-free breast imaging that avoids the physical compression and radiation of traditional mammography—particularly beneficial for patients with suspicious lesions. Research has shown that preoperative manipulation and radiation of tumors can increase circulating tumor cells, potentially exacerbating the very disease we seek to detect.

Unfortunately, these alternatives face systemic barriers. For instance, the innovative company Prenuvo offers full-body MRIs with fast turnaround times and no radiation—but operates outside the traditional insurance system due to reimbursement constraints. QT ultrasound, while promising, is still viewed as novel despite its diagnostic potential. These innovations thrive outside the mainstream because the mainstream often refuses to adapt.

And this speaks to a larger systemic issue: medicine today rewards standardization over innovation. Yes, protocols can promote safety and consistency—but they can also discourage progress. Creativity in diagnostic imaging shouldn’t be penalized. It should be incentivized.

The deeper issue is this: healthcare has shifted from a doctor-patient relationship to a protocol-payer relationship. Doctors are no longer just caregivers; they are often beholden to hospital policies, government agencies, and insurance rules that dictate their every move. And patients, sensing this shift, are losing trust. A recent 

40% of Americans trust physicians and hospitals—a sharp decline from past decades

When physicians are forced to prioritize compliance over care, and patients are left out of critical decisions, medicine suffers. We must return to our primary purpose: to serve patients, not systems.

That begins in medical education. We need to teach physicians not just 

 to think—critically, ethically, and independently. Innovation should be a core tenet of clinical training, not an elective. We also need to reform reimbursement structures to support safer, smarter diagnostics—not just faster ones.

Looking Ahead: Innovate, Elevate, Empower

The future of diagnostic imaging lies in a three-part vision: innovate, elevate, and empower.

We must innovate by embracing new tools and approaches that reduce risk and improve outcomes. We must elevate our standards of care beyond routine to reflect what’s truly best for patients. And we must empower both doctors and patients to make informed, individualized decisions that weigh long-term impact—not just short-term convenience.

CT scans will always have a role in medicine. But they must be used with discernment, transparency, and respect for the full picture—not just the image.

Smith-Bindman R, Chu PW, Azman Firdaus H, et al. Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging. 

. 2025;185(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0505

Radiation Sources and Doses | US EPA. US EPA. Published April 15, 2015. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses?utm

‌Perlis RH, Ognyanova K, Ata Uslu, et al. Trust in Physicians and Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a 50-State Survey of US Adults. 

. 2024;7(7):e2424984-e2424984. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24984

Articles

CT utilization has expanded rapidly due to speed, familiarity, and reimbursement ease, yet ionizing radiation carries cumulative carcinogenic risk. A 2025 estimate projects >103,000 future US cancers from one year of CTs, with infants—particularly after head CT—facing markedly higher relative risk. Overuse is reinforced by protocol-driven care and payer incentives that disadvantage radiation-free alternatives. Wider adoption of MRI and emerging modalities such as QT ultrasound, combined with modality rotation and reformed training and reimbursement, could preserve diagnostic performance while reducing long-term harm and rebuilding trust.

Goodyear explores how the medical community often downplays this risk and why it's time for a more transparent, patient-first conversation.

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into internal medicine can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on internal medicine research, treatment, and drug development.

The Hidden Risk: Reassessing the Long-Term Cancer Impact of CT Scans

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.

Riyaz Patel, MD | Image Credit: Twitter/X

Eli Lilly reported interim phase 1b data for VERVE-102, an investigational 

 base-editing therapy targeting PCSK9, with dose-dependent reductions in circulating PCSK9 and 

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

The results were announced on May 25, 2026, and presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress (EASC). The 

 has also granted Fast Track designation for VERVE-102 for LDL-C reduction in participants with hyperlipidemia and high lifetime cardiovascular risk.

“These early data give us encouraging evidence that 

 may offer a novel approach to achieving substantial and durable LDL-C reduction with a one-time treatment,” Riyaz S. Patel, MD, a cardiologist at Barts Health NHS Trust and a professor of cardiology at University College London, said in a statement. “Many patients with elevated LDL-C struggle to achieve sustained control despite ongoing efforts with the medicines available today, putting them at significant risk for cardiovascular events. With coronary artery disease still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, the need for new approaches is real.”

Heart-2 is an ongoing, open-label, single-ascending-dose phase 1b study evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic effects of VERVE-102. Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or premature coronary artery disease (CAD) who require additional LDL-C lowering despite maximally tolerated oral lipid-lowering therapy are eligible for inclusion and are actively being enrolled.

The interim analysis included 35 participants who received a single intravenous infusion across 6 dose cohorts: 0.3 mg/kg, 0.45 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.7 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg. All participants received the full planned dose. Follow-up was at least 28 days for all participants, with a subset followed for up to 18 months; as of the data cutoff of February 27, 2026, median follow-up was approximately 9 months, and 15 participants had at least 1 year of follow-up.

Across dose levels, mean PCSK9 reductions ranged from 51% at 0.3 mg/kg to 88% at 1.0 mg/kg. Mean LDL-C reductions were 9%, 44%, 45%, 33%, 51%, and 62% across the ascending dose cohorts, respectively. Lilly reported reductions in PCSK9 and LDL-C were sustained over available follow-up, including observations extending to 18 months in some participants.

No treatment-related serious adverse events and no dose-limiting toxicities were recorded during the analysis. Adverse events attributed to VERVE-102 included low-grade infusion-related reactions and fatigue. No participants withdrew from the study.

VERVE-102 Mechanism and PCSK9 Clinical Context

VERVE-102 is designed to durably inactivate the hepatic 

 gene using an adenine base editor. The therapy consists of messenger RNA encoding the base editor and a guide RNA targeting 

, encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle and administered as a single intravenous infusion over approximately 4 hours. The delivery platform utilizes GalNAc-lipid nanoparticle technology intended to support hepatocyte uptake through the low-density lipoprotein receptor or asialoglycoprotein receptor.

The rationale for targeting PCSK9 is grounded in human genetics and established pharmacologic experience with PCSK9 inhibition, although VERVE-102 differs from monoclonal antibodies and small interfering RNA approaches because it is intended to produce a durable genomic edit after 1 administration. Loss-of-function variants in 

 have been associated with lower LDL-C exposure over the life course and lower risk of coronary heart disease.

The Heart-2 population reflects patients with genetic or early-onset atherosclerotic risk. HeFH is characterized by lifelong LDL-C elevation and increased risk for premature 

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

. The World Heart Federation estimates familial hypercholesterolemia affects approximately 1 in 200 to 250 people globally. A 2025 cross-sectional analysis also evaluated familial hypercholesterolemia prevalence and cardiovascular risk associations in an adult population.

The current findings remain early-phase: the study was not designed to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes, and the available data do not establish whether LDL-C reductions with VERVE-102 translate into fewer myocardial infarctions, revascularizations, strokes, or cardiovascular deaths. The durability analysis is also limited by variable follow-up, with all participants followed for at least 28 days, but only a subset followed for ≥12 months.

According to the announcement, participants are expected to enroll in a long-term follow-up study for up to 15 years, an important element for an investigational gene-editing therapy because questions remain around long-term safety, durability, off-target effects, and clinical outcomes.

The company said it plans to begin enrolling a phase 2 study of VERVE-102 by the end of 2026. Lilly also noted a separate phase 1b program, Pulse-1, which is ongoing for VERVE-201, an investigational 

“Twenty years ago, genetics showed us that people born with 

 naturally turned off have low LDL-C for life and are remarkably protected from heart attack, yet today’s chronic therapies struggle to deliver this lifelong lowering,” Sekar Kathiresan, MD, senior vice president of Lilly and co-founder of Verve Therapeutics, said in a statement. “The Heart-2 results provide early clinical evidence that a single dose of VERVE-102 may mimic the LDL-C lowering effects of 

 cardioprotective variants, potentially transforming cardiovascular care from chronic management to a one-time treatment.”

No treatment-related serious AEs reported  

Eli Lilly and Company. A single dose of Lilly's PCSK9 base editor, VERVE-102, reduced PCSK9 by up to 88% and LDL-C by up to 62%, with durable effects supporting its potential as a one-time treatment for hypercholesterolemia. Published May 25, 2026. 

https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/single-dose-lillys-pcsk9-base-editor-verve-102-reduced-pcsk9-88

World Heart Federation. Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Accessed May 2026. 

https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/cholesterol/familial-hypercholesterolemia/

Davletov K, et al. Prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia and its association with cardiovascular risk in a cross-sectional adult population. 

Interim phase 1b Heart-2 data for VERVE-102, an in vivo adenine base-editing therapy targeting hepatic PCSK9, showed dose-dependent and apparently durable reductions in circulating PCSK9 and LDL-C after a single IV infusion in HeFH or premature CAD patients on maximally tolerated oral therapy. Across 0.3–1.0 mg/kg cohorts, mean PCSK9 fell 51%–88% and LDL-C decreased up to 62%, with follow-up extending to 18 months in some participants. No treatment-related serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities were observed.

Lilly reports dose-dependent PCSK9 and LDL-C reductions with single-dose VERVE-102 in interim phase 1b hypercholesterolemia data.

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...

Dyslipidemia

VERVE-102 Lowers PCSK9, LDL-C in Interim Phase 1b Hypercholesterolemia Data

Intravenous Iron — Formulation Selection, Patient Counseling, Infusion Reactions, and Dosing Principles 

Freed discusses how to select among IV iron formulations based on practical and access considerations.

When IV iron has been determined to be the appropriate route of repletion, formulation selection in clinical practice is driven by 2 considerations: which formulation can deliver a full replacement dose in a single infusion setting, and which formulation the patient's insurance will cover without burdensome prior authorization. All IV iron formulations are equivalent in efficacy on a milligram-per-milligram basis — the milligrams of elemental iron are directly comparable across products, and there is no plausible mechanistic basis for preferring 1 formulation over another for a specific indication. Among the agents capable of delivering 1,000 mg in a single session, low-molecular-weight iron dextran satisfies both criteria for most patients: it has been available since the 1990s, is inexpensive, and is covered by nearly all payers without requiring additional authorization. Ferric derisomaltose offers the advantage of a 15-minute infusion time for a 1,000 mg dose but remains on patent and is not universally covered. Where insurance will support it, the shorter infusion time is a meaningful practical benefit; where it will not, iron dextran is an effective and appropriate alternative. The priority from the patient's perspective is minimizing the number of clinic visits required, not the duration of any single infusion — a distinction that should anchor formulation discussions.

Patient counseling before a first IV iron infusion warrants deliberate attention and is best supported by a standardized written information sheet. Patients should be explicitly advised to take all their usual medications on the day of the infusion and eat breakfast normally, as a surprising proportion will otherwise fast or hold medications in the absence of specific instruction. The most important anticipatory guidance concerns Fishbane reactions — infusion-related reactions involving flushing, chest tightness, and back pain that affect approximately 1 in 20 patients and are rate-dependent rather than immunologically mediated. These reactions are not life-threatening when properly managed but are dramatic in presentation and frightening to patients who have not been forewarned. The appropriate response is to pause the infusion, allow the reaction to self-resolve over several minutes, and resume at 50% of the prior rate after a 15-minute observation window; the full infusion can typically be completed in the same setting. True anaphylaxis to IV iron is rare — occurring in approximately 1 in 200,000 infusions — and is distinguished from Fishbane reactions by the presence of bronchospasm and other systemic manifestations; the rate of true anaphylaxis is lower than that associated with IV antibiotics, a comparison that usefully contextualizes the risk for patients. Post-infusion arthralgias and myalgias occur in a small percentage of patients, typically resolve within 1 to 2 days, and can be managed with acetaminophen; patients should be counseled about this possibility so that they do not present for urgent evaluation when it occurs. Diphenhydramine premedication should be avoided, as its side effects — flushing, chest tightness — can mimic infusion reactions and complicate clinical assessment. The safety profile of IV iron during pregnancy is well established in the second and third trimesters; first-trimester safety data are insufficient, and IV iron should not be administered during the first trimester. Given that iron deficiency disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, pregnancy status should be confirmed before infusion in all patients for whom this is clinically relevant.

In this segment of the video discussion on iron deficiency anemia, Jason Freed, MD, describes how he applies the Ganzoni to individualize iron dosing. The equation accounts for the severity of anemia — lower hemoglobin requires more iron to support red blood cell production — and the patient's body weight, since blood volume and therefore total iron requirements scale with body size. In practice, Freed uses the equation primarily to determine whether a patient's needs are approximately 1,000 mg, in which case a single infusion is scheduled, or closer to 2,000 mg, in which case a second infusion is scheduled proactively rather than waiting to recheck labs. In diagnostically uncertain cases — such as patients with chronic kidney disease or anemia of inflammation where the iron-attributable component of anemia is unclear — he uses a lower test dose of 200 to 500 mg and rechecks hemoglobin in 2 to 3 weeks: a response of approximately 1 g/dL per week confirms that iron was the limiting factor, while absence of response indicates that additional iron will not be productive. Freed also notes that patients who are actively losing iron — through ongoing heavy menses or uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding — should receive an intentionally higher dose to account for continued losses during and after repletion.

Mark G. Lebwohl, MD, the dean for Clinical Therapeutics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,

This Q&A interview highlights the broader implications of the phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial for ixekizumab and tirzepatide in managing psoriatic disease.

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.

Q&A: Implications of Ixekizumab, Tirzepatide Data for Psoriasis and PsA, With Mark Lebwohl, MD

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA approvals and phase 3 data.

Hypertension

The HCPLive hypertension page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on high blood pressure. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for hypertension, 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.

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 05/17

This interview highlights recent phase 3b data from the TOGETHER-PsO trial on ixekizumab and tirzepatide for psoriasis and obesity or overweight.

Phase 3b Data on Ixekizumab, Tirzepatide for Psoriasis and Overweight, With Mark Lebwohl, MD

Michael Miedema, MD, is the director of cardiovascular prevention at the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute.

Miedema highlights the shortcomings of current technology and medication for what is among the US’s fastest-growing and most devastating conditions.

Addressing the Manifold Barriers in Hypertension, With Michael Miedema, MD

Jeffrey Thiboutot, MD, from Johns Hopkins University.

Jeffrey Thiboutot, MD, discussed efficacy advantages seen in the trial at ATS 2026.

Cryobiopsy Outperforms Forceps in Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in RCT

Patrick Campbell is the editorial director of HCPLive. Patrick has spent years spearheading coverage surrounding cardiometabolic health and rheumatic disease for MJH Life Sciences. Before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2019, he spent time as a beat reporter and/or multimedia specialist with the Pocono Record, Star News Group, and NJ Advance Media. He is the executive producer for multiple HCPLive podcasts, including Diabetes Dialogue, Don't Miss a Beat, Kidney Compass, Medical Ethics Unpacked, The Medical Sisterhood, and Skin of Color Savvy. 


Follow him on Twitter @RealPatCampbell or reach him via email at PCampbell@mjhlifesciences.com.

Until this decision, clinicians relied on off-label, interferon-based regimens with limited efficacy.

FDA News

Hepatology

Bulevirtide Receives Historic First FDA Approval for Chronic Hepatitis Delta

Ashkan Shoamanesh, MD, is an associate professor of medicine and the Marta and Owen Boris Chair in Stroke Research and Care at McMaster University.

Ashkan Shoamanesh, MD, discusses a series of abstracts presented at ESOC 2026 reinforcing asundexian’s protective effect in patients at risk of ischemic stroke or TIA.

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.

Secondary Analyses of OCEANIC-STROKE Confirm Efficacy of Asundexian

Kilian Eyerich, MD, PhD, is chair and professor at the Department of Dermatology and Venerology of the University of Freiburg, Germany, as well as a guest professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

This segment of a Q&A interview with Kilian Eyerich, MD, PhD, highlights the signficance of the LumiNE phase 3 study on lebrikizumab.

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.

Significance of New Phase 3 Lebrikizumab Trial in Nummular Eczema, With Kilian Eyerich, MD, PhD

Explore where ezetimibe and bempedoic acid fit for statin‑reluctant patients, lowering LDL with proven outcomes and diabetes benefits.

Latest News

Tezepelumab Reduced Severe Asthma Across Phenotypes in Phase 4 PASSAGE

Skin of Color Savvy: The Sunscreen Gap—Cancer Prevention in Skin of Color

The Hidden Risk: Reassessing the Long-Term Cancer Impact of CT Scans

VERVE-102 Lowers PCSK9, LDL-C in Interim Phase 1b Hypercholesterolemia Data

Intravenous Iron — Formulation Selection, Patient Counseling, Infusion Reactions, and Dosing Principles