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.

 highlighted differences in relapse rates, kidney function decline, and time to first observed remission among adolescents and young adults with glomerular disease compared with adult patients.

Data from the Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) consortium, a network of investigators studying glomerular diseases in pediatric and adult populations, underscored the need for age-differentiated care and outcome assessment in this patient population.

Glomerular disease affects millions worldwide, with >17 million individuals developing 

 secondary to glomerulonephritis in 2019. Since 1990, incident cases have increased by 77% and prevalent cases by 81%. In the United States, glomerulonephritis accounts for approximately 10–15% of all end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and represents the third leading cause.

The most common forms of glomerular disease include

focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

, all of which are associated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life.

According to CureGN investigators, glomerular disease outcomes are often defined using arbitrary age cutoffs, typically separating pediatric and adult populations at 18 years. The current analysis aimed to address this gap by defining adolescents and young adults as a distinct group when evaluating disease trajectories.

“Adolescents and young adults are often navigating major life transitions: finishing high school, starting college or a job, moving away from home, and developing independence,” said Andrew Vissing, MD, attending physician and assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in an interview with 

. “For patients with chronic diseases like glomerular disease, these transitions can make disease management more difficult. Prior studies in kidney transplantation have shown that this age group experiences worse outcomes than both younger children and older adults, which motivated us to explore whether similar patterns exist in glomerular disease.”

In minimal change disease (MCD), investigators observed several differences across age groups. Adults experienced fewer relapses compared with young adults (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.61; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.41-0.91;

 = .01), whereas relapse rates did not differ between pediatric patients and young adults (IRR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.85–1.79; 

 = .28). Pediatric patients with MCD also achieved first observed remission more rapidly than young adults (hazard ratio [HR], 2.18; 95% CI, 1.03-4.63; 

Among patients with IgAN, adults experienced fewer relapses than young adults (IRR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.94; 

 = .03). Adults with IgAN were also slower to achieve first observed remission compared with young adults (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37=0.91; 

In FSGS, kidney function declined more rapidly among young adults, with an estimated decline of 1.7 mL/min/1.73 m² per year compared with 0.3 mL/min/1.73 m² per year in pediatric patients (

“One of the main takeaways is not any single outcome, but rather the consistent finding that adolescents and young adults experience different disease trajectories,” Vissing said. “This suggests that clinicians and researchers should not lump these patients into pediatric or adult categories based on an arbitrary age cutoff, but instead consider them as a distinct population.”

Vissing A, Fishbein J, Smith AR, et al. Is Age Just a Number? 

. Published online December 23, 2025. doi:

Balakrishnan S, Thongprayoon C, Craici IM, Cheungpasitporn W, Miao J. Global and national public awareness and interest in glomerular diseases from 2004 to 2024. 

https://doi.org/10.3389/fneph.2025.1519481

Podcasts

New CureGN findings and an interview with Andrew Vissing, MD, highlight distinct glomerular disease outcomes in adolescents and young adults compared with pediatric and adult patients


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The HCPLive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on FSGS. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in FSGS, and more. 

Unmet Needs of Glomerular Disease in Young Adults, Adolescents With Andrew Vissing, MD

Michael Weintraub, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology at NYU Langone Health.

Michael Weintraub, MD | Image Credit: NYU Langone Health

Within a year of discontinuing GLP-1 therapy, ≥50% of patients with 

 regained weight, with patients who initially lost the most weight regaining the most, according to a recent study.

Previous trials have established that patients must continue GLP-1 therapy for the medication’s effects to be sustained. However, ongoing use has been shown to decrease significantly after 1 year in patients with T2DM. This has been associated with inequities in access and adherence to effective treatments, which exacerbate disparities in patients with obesity or overweight.

This descriptive retrospective cohort study of US adults was conducted by Michael Weintraub, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology at NYU Langone Health, and colleagues, and included patients who filed GLP-1 prescriptions and subsequently discontinued usage between 2010 and 2024. Patients with and without T2DM were combined with GLP-1 prescriptions for all indications.

A total of 17,935 patients were enrolled, with ≥90 days of claims enrollment before and ≥365 days of claims enrollment after the first GLP-1 prescription fill, a recorded weight value within 90 days before and including first fill, recorded weight values within 60 days before/after and ≤1 year after GLP-1 discontinuation, and ≥5% weight loss at discontinuation.

At the time of discontinuation, Weintraub and colleagues saw a mean weight loss of 10.1% (standard deviation [SD], 4.8%; 10.9 kg, SD, 5.9 kg). During the monitored year post-discontinuation, based onthe  latest weight measurements, 58.4% of patients regained any amount of weight, 34.4% maintained their weight or continued to lose ≤10% of their weight at discontinuation, and 7.2% continued to lose an additional ≥10% of their discontinuation weight.

The proportion of patients with weight regain increased with greater weight loss between the first prescription fill and discontinuation: 56.1% regained weight among those with 5-<10% initial weight loss, 61.5% among those with 10-<15% initial weight loss, 62.3% among those with 15-<20% weight loss, and 63.8% among those with ≥20% initial weight loss. Relative and absolute weight gain were also substantially higher among patients with more initial weight loss.

To address these new data, the editorial team at 

 spoke with Weintraub in the following Q&A:

: The study required ≥5% weight loss at discontinuation. What was the rationale for that threshold, and how might the findings differ if all discontinuers were included?

: Weight loss of ≥5% is what is considered a clinically meaningful response. Conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and prediabetes all improve with weight loss of ≥5%. This is a common threshold that we consider a medication is effective at attaining weight loss. In fact, 5% is what the 

 requires for a drug to be considered an obesity treatment.

: One of the more striking findings is that patients who lost the most weight were the most likely to regain it. How do you interpret that gradient biologically, behaviorally, or both?

: This is likely a biological response – a return to the state prior to the GLP-1 medicine being initiated. These medications act on the appetite centers of the brain to decrease our food intake. A common theory on how this operates is the “body weight set point” theory – our brain has a predetermined body weight set point. If we lose weight intentionally, our brain doesn’t know this weight loss was intentional, and it fights for us to regain the weight to return to this body weight set point. I believe that GLP-1 medications essentially lower that body weight set point, and we lose weight until we reach this new body weight set point – this is why our weight loss plateaus. The way anyone responds to any individual medication is different – the degree to which this body weight set point changes is different for each person, hence why some patients lose a lot of weight and others may lose none at all. However, once someone stops the medication, I believe their body weight set point returns to what it was prior, in most scenarios.

: Given that GLP-1 discontinuation often leads to weight regain, how should clinicians counsel patients at therapy initiation about expectations for long-term treatment?

: In my clinic, I remind patients that obesity is a chronic disease that will require chronic treatment, which could change over time. It could be one medication now, a lower dose along with increased lifestyle modifications, or even bariatric surgery in the future. The important thing to recognize and communicate is that, without some combination of long-term intervention, patients will experience weight recurrence.

: Your findings highlight an unmet need for persistence strategies. What types of interventions do you think hold the most promise for improving long-term adherence?

: There is no one-size-fits-all approach – everyone is different, so a tailored approach to each person is needed. This is why it is critical for a patient to receive regular guidance and care by a team of experienced medical providers – a physician, a dietician, et cetera. In 1 patient, a medication that has fewer gastrointestinal side effects may be more tolerable in the long term. In another patient, a medication with a less frequent administration may be better for long-term success. Each person is different, and a personalized treatment plan is needed.

: Do you believe that the newer, more potent incretin combinations, such as GLP-1/GIP agonists, will show similar patterns of regain upon discontinuation, or do you hypothesize differences?

: I believe the GLP-1/GIP agonist tirzepatide behaves the same as GLP-1 agonists, both in clinical trials and in our real-world analysis. Regarding whether other novel incretin-based medications will behave the same way, I eagerly await future study results.

Chang E, Almandoz J, Weintraub M, et al. Weight Change After GLP-1 Discontinuation in US Patients Living With Overweight/Obesity or Diabetes. Oral Abstracts. 

Rodriguez PJ, Zhang V, Gratzl S, et al. Discontinuation and Reinitiation of Dual-Labeled GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2457349. Published 2025 Jan 2. 

Articles

A recent study found that over 50% of patients with overweight/obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regained weight within a year of discontinuing GLP-1 therapy, with those who initially lost the most weight experiencing the highest regain. The study highlights the necessity of continued GLP-1 therapy for sustained weight loss, as discontinuation often leads to weight regain. The findings underscore the importance of personalized, long-term treatment strategies and suggest that newer incretin combinations may exhibit similar patterns of weight regain upon discontinuation.

Weintraub discusses how patients with overweight or obesity, regardless of T2D, will regain weight in varying degrees after discontinuing therapy.

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GLP-1 Discontinuation Results in Significant Weight Regain, With Michael Weintraub, MD

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

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

Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? 

Top 5 Healthcare Headlines for January 11-17, 2025:

FDA Clears MiniMed Go Smart MDI App for Adults and Children with T1D, T2D

The FDA cleared Medtronic’s MiniMed Go Smart MDI app for pediatric and adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, enabling integrated smart pen and sensor–based decision support to improve insulin dosing with multiple daily injections.

FDA Approves ProlivRx, First At-Home Neuromodulation Device for MDD

The FDA approved ProlivRx as the first at-home, physician-directed neuromodulation therapy for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to antidepressant treatment.

FDA Requests Removal of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Warning From GLP-1 RA Therapies

The FDA requested removal of suicidal ideation and behavior warnings from GLP-1 receptor agonist labels after determining there is no increased risk associated with these therapies.

FDA Extends Sparsentan (Filspari) sNDA Review for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

The FDA extended the review timeline for sparsentan’s supplemental NDA in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, delaying the PDUFA decision without requesting additional safety or manufacturing data.

FDA Approves New Narcan Packaging, Aiming to Boost Carry Rates

The FDA approved new, more portable packaging for over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray to improve usability, reduce stigma, and increase the likelihood that naloxone is carried and available during overdose emergencies.

The recent healthcare updates include the FDA's clearance of Medtronic’s MiniMed Go Smart MDI app for diabetes management, and approval of ProlivRx, an at-home neuromodulation device for major depressive disorder. The FDA also requested the removal of suicidal ideation warnings from GLP-1 receptor agonist labels, citing no increased risk. Additionally, the FDA extended the review of sparsentan for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and approved new packaging for Narcan nasal spray to enhance portability and accessibility during overdose emergencies.

An audio recap of the top 5 stories in healthcare news from the week of 01/04-01/10.

Type 1 Diabetes

Schizophrenia

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HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 01/11

Seltorexant Shows Favorable Metabolic Profile, With Celine Goldberger, MD, PhD

Adjunctive seltorexant was associated with less weight gain and more favorable trends in insulin sensitivity than adjunctive quetiapine XR in adults with 

symptoms, according to new metabolic analyses from a 26-week, double-blind, head-to-head study presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) annual meeting from January 12 – 15 at the Bahamas.

The study compared adjunctive seltorexant, an investigational orexin-2 receptor antagonist, with adjunctive quetiapine XR in patients with MDD and clinically significant insomnia symptoms. While earlier results from the trial demonstrated numerically greater response rates and fewer discontinuations due to adverse events with seltorexant, the current analysis focused on metabolic outcomes, an area of particular importance given the high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in this population.

The study found that body weight changes over 26 weeks were more limited with seltorexant than with quetiapine XR. The mean weight gain was approximately 0.5 kg with seltorexant compared with 2.1 kg with quetiapine XR, representing a 1.6 kg or 3.5 lb difference in 6 months.

“It's very meaningful to patients and can make a difference between patients continuing the drug and discontinuing the drug,” Celine Goldberger, MD, PhD, vice president of global medical affairs at Johnson & Johnson, told 

Metabolic differences extended beyond weight. In participants with baseline metabolic risk, defined by obesity, diabetes, or a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score ≥ 2.9, investigators observed improvement in HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels with seltorexant. In contrast, quetiapine XR was associated with trends toward worsening. These shifts occurred in the absence of meaningful changes in fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c, suggesting a potential effect on insulin sensitivity rather than glycemic control.

Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients with baseline insulin resistance transitioned to insulin sensitivity with seltorexant than with quetiapine XR over the 26 weeks. While Goldberger emphasized that these findings are exploratory and warrant further investigation, she noted that insulin resistance is a recognized marker of cardiovascular risk and may be particularly relevant when selecting long-term adjunctive therapies.

“That is [a] very relevant finding that obviously needs to be confirmed, but [a] very interesting thing,” she said.

Goldberger has no relevant reported disclosures.

Wajs E, Trombello JM, Kelly R, et al. Metabolic profiles of participants with major depressive disorder with insomnia symptoms in a phase 3 trial of seltorexant versus quetiapine extended release as adjunctive therapy. Poster presented at American College of Neuropsychopharmacology 64th Annual Meeting 64th annual meeting; January 12-15; Bahamas. Accessed January 19, 2026.

Videos

In a 26-week head-to-head study, adjunctive seltorexant led to less weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity trends compared with quetiapine XR in MDD with insomnia.


Sleep

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

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

Mark Warren, MD, FACE is an endocrinologist and clinical associate professor at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Closing Thoughts on Hypoparathyroidism Management

In the final episode, ‘Closing Thoughts on Hypoparathyroidism Management,’ the panelists share their key takeaways from the series discussion on hypoparathyroidism.

Led by the moderator, Dr. Kohlmeier, the panelists, Dr. Rubin, Dr. Warren, and Dr. Al-Dallal, emphasize that PTH-based therapy marks a shift toward physiologic therapy beyond calcium supplementation. They also stress that chronic hypoparathyroidism is a lifelong, multisystem disease requiring individualized care and ongoing research. The panel highlight the need for clear communication with providers, vigilant safety practices, and a medical advocate when possible. Lastly, they describe the era as exciting, noting that meaningful treatment options, such as palopegteriparatide and others in development, will enable truly personalized management plans. Their insights underscore the importance of integrating emerging therapies with comprehensive monitoring to optimize patient outcomes significantly.

Thank you for watching this HCPLive Peer Exchange series on hypoparathyroidism. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.

Video Series

In ‘Emerging Therapies in Hypoparathyroidism,’ our experts delve into three emerging therapies in chronic hypoparathyroidism.



Emerging Therapies in Hypoparathyroidism

In this episode, ‘Value of Medical Advocates for Patients and Educational Resources for Clinicians in Hypoparathyroidism,’ the experts explore the importance of recommending medical advocates or medical alerts to patients as well as educational resources that are available for community providers to better manage hypoparathyroidism.



Value of Medical Advocates for Patients and Educational Resources for Clinicians in Hypoparathyroidism

This episode, titled ‘Multidisciplinary Approaches to Hypoparathyroidism Management,’ features expert endocrinologists discussing the role of multidisciplinary collaboration among endocrinologists, nephrologists, and primary care providers.



Multidisciplinary Approaches to Hypoparathyroidism Management

In ‘Safety and Titration Considerations and Quality of Life Impact of PTH-Based Therapy in Hypoparathyroidism,’ our panel delves into the potential titration challenges, safety considerations, and long-term monitoring of PTH-based therapy in patients with hypoparathyroidism. They also discuss the impact of PTH-based therapy on patient quality of life.

Safety and Titration Considerations and Quality of Life Impact of PTH-Based Therapy in Hypoparathyroidism

In this episode, ‘Addressing Bone Health in the Management of Hypoparathyroidism,’ the experts explore approaches to managing hypoparathyroidism in patients with osteoporosis.

Addressing Bone Health in the Management of Hypoparathyroidism

This episode, titled ‘Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Palopegteriparatide in Hypoparathyroidism from the PaTHway Trial,’ features panelists discussing the efficacy and safety data of palopegteriparatide in hypoparathyroidism from the phase 3 PaTHway trial as well as the limitations of the trial.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Palopegteriparatide in Hypoparathyroidism from the PaTHway Trial

In ‘Novel Approaches in Hypoparathyroidism Management,’ our experts delve into novel treatment options for patients who are inadequately controlled on conventional therapy and the mechanism of action of palopegteriparatide.

Novel Approaches in Hypoparathyroidism Management

In this episode, ‘Challenges of Conventional Therapy in Hypoparathyroidism,’ the expert endocrinologists explore conventional therapy for chronic hypoparathyroidism, symptom control, and the risk of complications. 


Challenges of Conventional Therapy in Hypoparathyroidism

In ‘Acute and Long-Term Complications of Hypoparathyroidism,’ our panel delves into the potential renal, neuromuscular, cognitive, and bone complications that impact patients.

Quality of Life Impact in Hypoparathyroidism

In ‘Acute and Long-Term Complications of Hypoparathyroidism,’ our panel delves into the potential renal, neuromuscular, cognitive, and bone complications that impact patients.

Led by the moderator, Dr. Kohlmeier, the expert panel, Dr. Rubin, Dr. Warren, and Dr. Al-Dallal, examines the following critical questions: 

1.	How is hypoparathyroidism diagnosed? 
2.	What are the key challenges in both diagnosing and monitoring patients with hypoparathyroidism? 

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

The next episode in this series, ‘Acute and Long-Term Complications of Hypoparathyroidism,’ features the panelists advancing their conversation on hypoparathyroidism and focusing on the potential renal, neuromuscular, cognitive, and bone complications that impact patients.

Latest News

Unmet Needs of Glomerular Disease in Young Adults, Adolescents With Andrew Vissing, MD

GLP-1 Discontinuation Results in Significant Weight Regain, With Michael Weintraub, MD

HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 01/11

Seltorexant Shows Favorable Metabolic Profile, With Celine Goldberger, MD, PhD

Closing Thoughts on Hypoparathyroidism Management