Diana Isaacs, PharmD, is an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic.

Retatrutide Provides Substantial Weight Loss in Patients With Obesity or Overweight

On May 21, 2026, Eli Lilly announced topline results from TRIUMPH-1, its phase 3 trial of retatrutide in adult patients with obesity or overweight with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity and without diabetes. At the 80 week endpoint of the trial, all doses of the GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist, including 4 mg, 9 mg, and 12 mg, saw major reductions in weight, with an average of 70.3 pounds lost across all 3 arms.

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the implications of these significant data and speculate on the future of this promising new treatment for obesity.

Check out the full episode on the latest diabetes news

In this segment, Isaacs and Bellini frame the results as a major development in the rapidly evolving obesity treatment landscape, particularly as clinicians begin to move beyond single- and dual-incretin therapies toward more advanced multi-receptor approaches. Retatrutide is presented as a potential next-generation therapy capable of producing weight loss outcomes approaching those historically seen only with bariatric surgery.

The discussion emphasizes the study population and trial design, noting that participants did not have diabetes, an important distinction given that incretin-based therapies typically produce less weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants enrolled in the study had obesity or overweight accompanied by at least 1 obesity-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or hyperlipidemia. Isaacs and Bellini underscore the long-term nature of the trial, with primary endpoint analysis conducted at 80 weeks and extension data extending through 104 weeks, highlighting the importance of sustained treatment approaches for obesity as a chronic disease.

The speakers review the topline efficacy data across all 3 studied doses—4 mg, 9 mg, and 12 mg—stating that each dose met both primary and key secondary endpoints. Investigators reported average weight loss reaching 70.3 pounds, corresponding to a 28.3% reduction in body weight. Nearly half of participants, 45.3%, achieved at least 30% weight loss, results that the cohosts repeatedly compare to bariatric surgery outcomes. The extension-phase findings generated additional enthusiasm, particularly among participants with baseline BMI ≥35 kg/m², where average weight loss reportedly reached 85 pounds, or 30.3% of body weight, at 104 weeks. The speakers note that weight loss had not yet plateaued at the time of analysis, suggesting the possibility of additional reductions with longer follow-up.

Considerable attention is also given to tolerability and treatment adherence. The speakers highlight the unexpectedly favorable discontinuation data in the 4 mg arm, where discontinuation rates were reportedly lower than placebo. They characterize this as especially meaningful given the gastrointestinal adverse effects and adherence challenges commonly associated with GLP-1–based therapies. The simplified dosing structure, consisting of only 3 doses, is also described as a practical advantage for future clinical implementation.

The conversation then shifts toward the broader clinical implications of triple agonist therapies. Isaacs and Bellini outline upcoming studies within the broader TRIUMPH program, including trials evaluating retatrutide in obesity with type 2 diabetes and obesity with established cardiovascular disease. The speakers stress the importance of determining whether the profound weight reductions observed with triple agonism will also translate into cardiovascular risk reduction similar to that demonstrated with existing GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual agonists.

Finally, the cohosts reflects on the growing enthusiasm among patients, many of whom are already aware of the topline data through widespread media coverage. The speakers note increasing patient interest in pharmacologic alternatives to bariatric surgery, particularly among individuals seeking less invasive treatment options or those unable to accommodate surgical recovery. They conclude that retatrutide and other emerging triple agonists may represent the beginning of a new era in obesity medicine and chronic weight management, with anticipation building ahead of the full data presentation and potential publication expected at the upcoming ADA Scientific Sessions.

Editor’s Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

Eli Lilly. Lilly’s triple agonist, retatrutide, delivered powerful weight loss in pivotal Phase 3 obesity trial. May 21, 2026. Accessed May 29, 2026. 

https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-triple-agonist-retatrutide-delivered-powerful-weight-loss

Podcasts

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, cover topline data from the TRIUMPH-1 trial of retatrutide for obesity management.

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This page also hosts content previously published by EndocrinologyNetwork. 


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Diabetes Dialogue

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives is a monthly podcast hosted by Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, aimed at providing a regular roundup of the latest clinically applicable insights across diabetes and metabolic diseases, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve care.

Strategic Alliance Partnership

Jonathan A. Bernstein, MD: University of Cincinnati

) is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease, with growing evidence supporting distinct endotypes characterized by different immunologic mechanisms and treatment responses. Investigators have focused on identifying biomarkers that may help distinguish between type I autoallergic and type IIb autoimmune CSU, particularly as newer targeted therapies expand treatment options.

Although several biomarkers, including total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and functional basophil assays, have been associated with treatment outcomes, questions remain about their role in routine clinical practice. Much of the available evidence is derived from observational studies and post hoc analyses, and standardized approaches to biomarker-guided care have yet to be established.

At the 2026 Eastern Allergy Conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Jonathan Bernstein, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati and a physician with Bernstein Allergy Group and the Bernstein Clinical Research Center, presented the session, “CSU Biomarkers and Advanced Treatments.” In an interview with HCPLive, Bernstein discussed the current landscape of CSU biomarkers, their potential clinical utility, and what additional evidence is needed to support biomarker-driven treatment selection.

 The field has increasingly described two major CSU endotypes—type I autoallergic and type IIb autoimmune—with distinct biomarker profiles and treatment responses. In your clinical practice, how reliably can you actually distinguish these endotypes using currently available tests, and do you think most community allergists have the tools and workflow to do this?

The question about biomarkers came about because of response or poor response to antihistamines and also to omalizumab, and so people started looking at biomarkers and looking at characteristics to see what would predict response or nonresponse.

Part of this depends on [whether] you are looking at individual biomarkers or a compilation, a composite number of biomarkers, and where you cut, what levels you cut, [and] what cut point you use, for instance, for IgE. What is your cut point? Is it 40 international units? Is it 100? Is it lower than 10 or 20?

When you start looking at really low levels, they're more predictive for response or nonresponse to omalizumab. When you start putting IgE together with thyroid peroxidase antibody and even CU indexes, which measure expression of certain receptors on basophils, they become more predictive. But most allergists are not using these biomarkers routinely in their analysis.

When we [started] looking at the newer agents like dupilumab and remibrutinib, which have been approved, there's less information about the utility. It appears thus far that dupilumab works regardless [of] whether an IgE level is high or low, although the cut point has been not very low. It’s like 100. I wouldn't call that anything below that low.

And then remibrutinib, we know that it works in patients who have autoimmune urticaria, and so it seems to respond to patients who aren't responders to omalizumab. So the verdict is still out.

I still feel that it's useful to order biomarkers because it's a conversation that can help patients understand where they are in terms of the types of urticaria they have and what they can expect in terms of treatment outcomes. I think there is a utility, but what we found out from omalizumab doesn't necessarily translate to dupilumab and to remibrutinib.

And [for] the newer agents, we have very little information about biomarkers. I know companies who are developing these therapies are checking biomarkers as exploratory assessments, but we don't have that information yet.

I think it is helpful and useful to order a few of these biomarkers. I limit it to total IgE and thyroid peroxidase antibody, and then I also get something called a CU Index, but that latter test is not validated yet, and it's not standardized adequately.

There's also the basophil activation test, which is another surrogate marker for autoimmune urticaria. It really depends on the individual patient.

 Biomarkers like total serum IgE, anti-thyroid antibodies, basophil counts, and functional assays have emerged as tools for differentiating between CSU subtypes. Which of these do you consider actionable today?

Very low IgEs, less than 20, are significant, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies are also very important. As I said, the CU Index is still [uncertain]. Some of the studies don't really show that by itself it's very predictive.

When you put these together, though, there is some value. We did a study that we published a few years ago, which showed that TPO was probably the most predictive, but when you looked at TPO in conjunction with IgE and CU index, that composite score was more predictive of poor response to omalizumab.

 Connections between identified biomarkers, genetic risk loci (lo-sigh), phenotypes, and their corresponding endotypes remain insufficiently characterized, with much of the available data coming from real-world or small-scale studies. What would it take to actually move biomarker-driven treatment selection into routine care?

 Well, it's going to take more real-world evidence to support these findings. Not everybody responds to these medications. Why do some people respond and others don't? It comes down to looking at responders and non-responders, their clinical characteristics, and then trying to identify other biomarkers.

It is important to characterize patients phenotypically because it's not one size fits all. The algorithm [does] not just start this and go to that. There [are]…some discussions that need to be had with patients.

Most of this is going to be longitudinal, real-world studies looking at responders and non-responders and trying to identify phenotypic and maybe genetic markers down the line. That's going to be a little bit more challenging, I think.

Articles

Bernstein discussed the evolving role of biomarkers in chronic spontaneous urticaria  at EAC 2026.

Dermatology

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Endotyping & Biomarkers in CSU, With Jonathan Bernstein, MD

Discussing Zumilokibart Data in Atopic Dermatitis, With Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA

team, Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA, spoke about her team’s newly released 

 assessing the use of investigational IL-13 inhibitor zumilokibart (APG777) in adults with moderate-to-severe 

, noting what she described as notably strong efficacy results paired with a familiar and reassuring safety profile.

In her discussion, Vleugels said the data stood out not only because the study attained its primary endpoint of EASI-75 at the 16-week mark, but because several higher-threshold efficacy measures exceeded investigators’ expectations. She pointed specifically to the rates of EASI-90 and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 responses, noting that the numerical improvements appeared meaningfully higher than those seen historically with currently available biologic agents for atopic dermatitis. Vleugels also emphasized that earlier findings with the therapy suggest responses may continue to deepen beyond the initial 16-week induction period.

“[We] know from previous data that even past the initial 16 weeks there's additional improvement on this therapy, so the efficacy data is quite robust and exciting to those of us who take care of patients with atopic dermatitis,” she explained.

One of the most clinically meaningful findings, according to Vleugels, was the proportion of patients achieving very low disease activity (vLDA), a composite endpoint incorporating both skin clearance and itch control. Vleugels noted many individuals classified as treatment successes under traditional endpoints still experience residual symptoms, particularly pruritus, underscoring why clinicians increasingly view more stringent disease-control targets as needed.

Vleugels contrasted these outcomes with the efficacy profile of JAK inhibitors, which she acknowledged can achieve similarly high-level responses but may create hesitation among some clinicians because of boxed safety warnings involving cardiovascular events, malignancy, and thrombosis risk. In that context, she said a biologic capable of reaching comparable efficacy benchmarks could represent an important advancement for clinicians seeking highly effective options with a more established safety profile.

Regarding tolerability, Vleugels noted that the adverse event (AE) profile observed with zumilokibart aligned with prior experience using IL-4 and IL-13 pathway inhibitors. She characterized conjunctivitis, the most discussed adverse event in this therapeutic class, as generally manageable, often mild, and rarely severe enough to require discontinuation.

She also highlighted the therapy’s reduced injection frequency as a potentially important differentiator. According to Vleugels, maintenance dosing as infrequently as 2 to 4 times annually could substantially lessen treatment burden compared with currently available biologics, something she said patients consistently value in clinical practice.

Disclosures: Vleugels has previously reported serving as a principal investigator and/or consultant for Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Apogee, Priovant, BMS, Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson.

Apogee Therapeutics Announces Positive 16-Week Part B Induction Dose Optimization Results from Phase 2 APEX Trial of Zumilokibart in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Apogee Therapeutics. May 27, 2026. 

https://investors.apogeetherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/apogee-therapeutics-announces-positive-16-week-part-b-induction

Smith T. APEX: Positive 16-Week Data Released on Zumilokibart for Atopic Dermatitis. HCPLive. May 27, 2026. Accessed May 29, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/apex-positive-16-week-data-released-zumilokibart-atopic-dermatitis

This interview highlights topline findings from Part B of the phase 2 APEX trial highlight the efficacy of zumilokibart (APG777) in adults 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.

Tatiana V. Kudryashova, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh.

2026 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference 

in Orlando, Florida, investigators presented findings evaluating the role of E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation in 

. The study focused on identifying signaling pathways downstream of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2), a transcriptional coregulator previously associated with pro-proliferative and pro-survival signaling in PAH PASMCs.

Using RNA sequencing analysis of PAH PASMCs treated with the HIPK2 inhibitor tBID, investigators identified downregulation of several transcription factors, including MYBL2 and E2F2, with only E2F2 also demonstrating reduced protein expression on immunoblot analysis. Additional analyses using publicly available datasets and primary PASMC samples from patients with PAH showed increased E2F2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels compared with non-diseased controls. Investigators also identified increased expression of TFDP1, a known binding partner of E2F2 involved in cell-cycle progression and growth-related gene activation.

The investigators further evaluated potential mechanisms regulating E2F2 expression and reported that E2F2 upregulation appeared independent of AKT kinase and YAP signaling pathways in siRNA- and inhibitor-based studies. Functional analyses demonstrated that siRNA-mediated downregulation of E2F2 significantly reduced proliferation in hyperproliferative PAH PASMCs as measured by BrdU incorporation. In this Q&A, Tatiana V. Kudryashova, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh, discussed the study findings, the significance of E2F2 signaling in PAH, and future directions for evaluating anti-remodeling therapeutic approaches targeting proliferative pathways in the disease.

 Your work identifies E2F2 as upregulated in PAH smooth muscle cells. How central do you think this pathway is to the broader proliferative phenotype seen in pulmonary arterial hypertension?

 Besides PAH smooth muscle cells, we found a significant increase in E2F2 on both mRNA and protein levels. We also analyzed the expression of the E2F2 gene on other vascular cell types—endothelial cells and fibroblasts—using publicly available transcriptomic data sets. We didn't detect any obvious changes in E2F2 expression in pH compared to non-diseased cells. Of course, these transcriptomic findings require further validation on the protein level to confirm E2F2 functional relevance in PH pathobiology.

 E2F2 is a well-known regulator of G1-to-S phase progression. What makes it an attractive target compared with other cell-cycle regulators that have been explored in PAH?

The key [G1-to-S] regulators include cyclin D, CDK4 and 6, cyclin E, CDK2, RB, a family of E2F2 factors, and CDK inhibitors. It was well demonstrated that the CDK axis is indeed dysregulated in pH smooth muscle cells, and it has been directly studied in this context.

All current approaches either cause significant toxicity or fail to show clinical benefits in reversing the established vascular remodeling that drives pH progression. Unlike broad CDK inhibitors, E2F2 sits downstream in the pathway, potentially allowing more precise targeting of an abnormal vascular cell proliferation with fewer systemic side effects.

E2F2 may be more selectively [active] in PH smooth muscle cells, meaning targeting it could [better suppress] proliferative [programming], driving vascular remodeling more specifically than current approaches. Since E2F2 is an unexplored target in pH, it also offers a novel therapeutic angle that previously has not been addressed.

 You also showed that E2F2 knockdown reduced PASMC proliferation. How do you interpret the strength of that functional signal in terms of therapeutic potential?

We are at the early stage of discovery and in vitro stages of our studies. It's important to be both encouraged and appropriately cautious about functional effects. A strong anti-proliferative effect, which we detected in a cell-based system, tells us that we have genuine biological activity, that the target is engaged, and the pathway is responsive.

We interpret this data more as a proof-of-concept rather than a direct predictor of therapeutic outcomes, and the key questions we want to answer next [include]: Does this effect hold across multiple cell lines, and is the specific targeting of E2F2 physiologically achievable? How does it behave under more complex or stress conditions?

Overall, [the] positive in vitro [functional] effect, which we observed at this stage, supports its potential attractiveness as a target. Therapeutic potential ultimately depends on multiple other factors, which need to be further investigated.

 HIPK2 appears to regulate E2F2, but your data suggest this is independent of AKT and YAP signaling. Why is that independence important biologically or therapeutically?

YAP and AKT are well-established drivers of smooth muscle cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance in PH, and progressive vascular remodeling. However, [completely] inhibiting either target presents therapeutic challenges.

AKT plays essential roles in glucose homeostasis and cardiac survival signaling, [and its inhibition can lead to] toxicities, including hyperglycemia, cardiac dysfunction, and QT prolongation. YAP is equally indispensable [and] critical for normal tissue homeostasis, organ repair, and regeneration.

A more rational strategy is to simultaneously partially inhibit multiple independent pathways at subtherapeutic doses. In this approach, the synergetic efficacy is achieved without the toxicity of complete single-target blockade. It offers a mechanistically distinct node that could be incorporated into such a combination strategy and potentially improves therapeutic efficacy while maintaining an acceptable safety profile for pH patients.

 From a translational perspective, what are the biggest challenges in moving a target like E2F2 from mechanistic biology into a druggable pathway in PAH?

Transcriptional factors have historically been considered undruggable targets. However, recent advances offer genuine hope. Direct TF transcription factors inhibition has now been validated clinically, at least for heath 2f alpha and STAT3 inhibitor, which is entering phase 1 clinical trials. This demonstrates that transcription factors can be selectively targeted and provide a roadmap for targeting E2F2.

The second challenge is that E2F2 belongs to a functional and structurally related subgroup [that includes E2F1 and E2F3]. They share similar domain structures, overlapping target genes, and RB-dependent regulation. [The] loss of all 3 together leads to profound cell cycle arrest. This raises the concern that selective E2F2 inhibition may have limited therapeutic impact if E2F1 and if E2F3 can functionally substitute [for] each other and E2F2.

 Do you think E2F2 is more likely to serve as a direct therapeutic target, or as a biomarker of proliferative disease activity in pulmonary vascular remodeling?

It has [the] potential to be considered a therapeutic target. Using it as a biomarker is more challenging since it is a transcription factor [with] nuclear localization. No data indicate that it can be excreted and measured as a circulating biomarker.

However, we can't exclude the possibility that E2F2-related noncoding RNAs or mRNAs could potentially be detected in circulating extracellular vesicles or exosomes. This, of course, required further investigation.

 What is the next critical step to validate this pathway in vivo or in human disease before it could influence PAH treatment strategies?

We're also planning to evaluate the in vitro effects of E2F2 downregulation in non-diseased PA smooth muscle cells since we're hoping that downregulation of E2F2 [will] have detrimental effects only in diseased cells. By this, we hope to reduce systemic toxicity, minimize the potential of target effects and other cell types, and overall improve the safety profile of this new novel therapeutic strategy.

) E2F Transcription Factor 2 (E2F2) Supports Increased Proliferation in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Late breaker presented at ATS 2026 in Orlando, Florida, on May 20.


In this Q&A, Tatiana V. Kudryashova, PhD, discusses new data presented at ATS 2026 that show silencing E2F2 suppresses hyperproliferation in PAH smooth muscle cells.

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.

Could E2F2 Offer a More Precise Anti-Remodeling Target in PAH?

Abigail Brooks is a strategic content lead overseeing 

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.

Credit: Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination

GSK has announced pivotal phase 3 data for bepirovirsen, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), showing a statistically significant functional cure rate of 19% in adults with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Results were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) congress on May 28, 2026.

“Today’s standard of care for CHB imposes a heavy burden on patients and healthcare systems, and rarely delivers a functional cure. With recent guidelines now prioritising functional cure, these new data could represent an important advance,” Jinlin Hou, Director of Guangdong Institute of Hepatology, China, and lead author of the 

’s manuscript, said in a statement. “Combined with improved testing and diagnosis, this innovation has the potential to improve the lives of millions living with CHB.”

Existing nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy suppresses viral replication but requires lifelong administration, with functional cure achieved in < 1% of treated patients. Bepirovirsen's phase 3 readout positions it as a potential first-in-class finite-duration regimen capable of inducing durable, treatment-free disease control.

In April 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration accepted for Priority Review the New Drug Application (NDA) for the investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for the treatment of adults with CHB. The Agency simultaneously granted bepirovirsen Breakthrough Therapy designation and established a PDUFA target action date of October 26, 2026.

The NDA was supported by results from a pair of global phase 3 trials: B-Well 1 and B-Well 2. Both were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted across 29 countries. Enrolled participants were adults with CHB who were receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy and had baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels of ≤3000 IU/mL.

Participants received 6 months of bepirovirsen plus standard of care or placebo plus standard of care, with the primary endpoint assessed at week 72 — 24 weeks after discontinuing all treatment.

In pooled data from both trials, 19% of bepirovirsen recipients achieved functional cure, defined as undetectable HBV DNA and undetectable HBsAg for ≥ 24 weeks after stopping all treatment (233 of 1220 vs 0 of 614 in the placebo group; 

<.001 in both trials), meeting the primary confirmatory endpoint. Results were consistent across both individual trials: 20% in B-Well 1 and 19% in B-Well 2.

In a key ranked secondary endpoint, the functional cure rate rose to 26% among participants with baseline HBsAg of ≤ 1000 IU/mL (200 of 768 vs 0 of 393 in the placebo group; 

<.001 in both trials). This lower-antigen subgroup represents approximately 45% of diagnosed CHB cases globally.

Sustained HBV DNA suppression to below the lower limit of quantification at week 72 was achieved in 23% of all bepirovirsen recipients (283 of 1220 vs 0 of 614 in the placebo group; 

<.001 in both trials) and in 31% of those with baseline HBsAg of ≤ 1000 IU/mL (237 of 768 vs 0 of 393; 

<.001 in both trials). In an exploratory analysis, 49% of bepirovirsen recipients reached a quantitative HBsAg level of ≤ 100 IU/mL one year after the end of treatment, a threshold associated in the medical literature with enhanced immune control and improved outcomes.

The clinical significance of HBsAg clearance extends to long-term liver outcomes. HBsAg loss has been associated with an 89% reduction in the risk of liver cancer and a 62% reduction in all-cause mortality in a separate retrospective cohort analysis.

The safety and tolerability profile in the B-Well trials was consistent with prior bepirovirsen studies. The three most frequently observed adverse events were injection site erythema, local pain, and transient elevation of a hepatic enzyme. GSK reported no new safety signals.¹

“CHB affects over 240 million people worldwide and accounts for over half of global liver cancer cases. For the first time, bepirovirsen offers the possibility of significantly better functional cure rates than the current standard of care, and the potential to reduce the risk of long-term liver complications, including cancer,” Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said in a statement. “This is a major step forward in our growing pipeline to treat liver disease to help transform outcomes for patients.”

GSK. Bepirovirsen achieves unprecedented functional cure rates with potential to redefine treatment for chronic hepatitis B. Published May 28, 2026. Accessed May 29, 2026. 

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/bepirovirsen-achieves-unprecedented-functional-cure-rates-with-potential-to-redefine-treatment-for-chronic-hepatitis-b/

Hou JL, Lim SG, Buti M, et al. Phase 3 results of bepirovirsen treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. 

Drysdale M, et al. Association of hepatitis B surface antigen loss with long-term clinical outcomes among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. 

. 2025;63(08):e481. doi:10.1055/s-0045-1810830

Pivotal phase 3 trials support bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide added to nucleos(t)ide analogues for 6 months, as a finite-duration strategy for chronic hepatitis B. At week 72 (24 weeks off all therapy), pooled data showed 19% functional cure versus 0% with placebo, with higher cure rates in patients with baseline HBsAg ≤1000 IU/mL (26%). Additional off-treatment viral suppression and meaningful HBsAg declines were observed, with no new safety signals. FDA Priority Review is underway with an October 2026 action date.

Pooled B-Well phase 3 data show bepirovirsen achieved a 19% functional cure rate in CHB vs 0% with standard of care alone.

Hepatology

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.

Bepirovirsen Achieves 19% Functional Cure in Chronic Hepatitis B

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.

The FDA has approved fast-acting inhaled insulin Afrezza for pediatric patients aged 6-18 years with T1D or T2D.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

FDA News

FDA Approves Inhaled Insulin Afrezza for Pediatric Patients With Diabetes

This episode covers the FDA’s recent approval of MannKind’s inhaled insulin Afrezza for patients aged 6-18 years with either T1D or T2D.

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

Diabetes Dialogue: FDA Approves Afrezza Inhaled Insulin for Pediatric Patients

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, cover the recent approval of the Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day monitors.

The World’s First Dual Glucose-Ketone Monitor Receives Clearance in Europe

This segment of the May episode of The Medical Sisterhood highlights the importance of addressing patients' and parents' fears in dermatology.

Addressing Pediatric Patients' and Caregivers' Fears in Dermatology, With Lisa Swanson, MD

Compare statins, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and PCSK9 inhibitors for side effects, dosing preferences, and shared decision-making tips.

Adherence, Persistence, and Long-Term Success in ASCVD Lipid-Lowering Therapy

Compare statin side effects with ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and PCSK9 inhibitors, plus practical dosing tips and shared decision-making.

Safety, Tolerability, and Patient-Centered Decision-Making in ASCVD Lipid Therapy

Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.

Amlitelimab was discussed in the ABCs in Dermatology podcast, with the hosts highlighting atopic dermatitis patient demographics and high disease burden.

What Does New Phase 3 Amlitelimab Data Suggest for Atopic Dermatitis?

Heather Johnson, MD, is a preventive cardiologist at Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute in Baptist Health South Florida and a clinical affiliate associate professor at Florida Atlantic University.

Heather Johnson, MD, discusses progress in providing more individualized care to female cardiovascular patients, as well as what remains to be done.

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...

Recent Advancements and Ongoing Roadblocks in Cardiovascular Care for Women

Igor Barjaktarevic, MD, PhD, is the medical director of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Igor Barjaktarevic, MD, discussed findings at ATS 2026, where the recombinant therapy outperformed weekly plasma-derived augmentation on key pharmacokinetic endpoints.

Efdoralprin Alfa Normalizes Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Levels in Phase 2 ElevAATe

In a recent episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, Lisa Swanson, MD, spoke about the importance of female mentorship in medicine.

Latest News

Retatrutide Provides Substantial Weight Loss in Patients With Obesity or Overweight

Endotyping & Biomarkers in CSU, With Jonathan Bernstein, MD

Discussing Zumilokibart Data in Atopic Dermatitis, With Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA

Could E2F2 Offer a More Precise Anti-Remodeling Target in PAH?

Bepirovirsen Achieves 19% Functional Cure in Chronic Hepatitis B