Daniel DiGiacomo, MD, a clinical immunologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

AI, Genetic Testing May Advance Precision Care in Immunology, With Daniel DiGiacomo, MD

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

annual meeting in Philadelphia, Daniel DiGiacomo, MD, a clinical immunologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, discussed how emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could complement genetic testing and help clinicians better understand complex immune disorders.

, DiGiacomo explained that AI may help clinicians interpret the growing volume of genetic data now available in clinical practice, particularly for rare immune conditions known as Inborn Errors of Immunity. Although advances in sequencing have accelerated the discovery of single-gene defects linked to these disorders, identifying and interpreting the clinical significance of genetic variants remains challenging.

“Things have started to plateau a little bit, so leveraging AI or machine learning or new methods to further understand different, more complicated genetic inheritance patterns certainly is… [helpful],” DiGiacomo said.

AI tools can support genetic interpretation through computational analyses that model how specific genetic changes may alter downstream biological processes, including RNA expression or protein structure. In conditions where rare genetic variants are detected, these tools may help clinicians better determine whether a mutation is likely to contribute to disease.

Advances in genetics are also influencing treatment strategies across allergy and immunology. As researchers better characterize the molecular pathways underlying immune-mediated disease, new biologic therapies are being developed to target specific components of those pathways. DiGiacomo noted that conditions such as hereditary angioedema (HAE) illustrate how improved understanding of disease biology can translate into targeted therapies that affect pathways involved in bradykinin metabolism and contact system activation.

These advances have led to the development of monoclonal antibodies, RNA-based therapeutics, and other targeted treatments designed to modulate specific immune pathways, DiGiacomo said. In some cases, emerging therapies are also expanding treatment options beyond injectable medications to oral alternatives or novel molecular strategies.

DiGiacomo suggested that continued progress in genetic testing and biomarker research could eventually shift allergy and immunology toward more predictive and preventative models of care. Identifying patients who are genetically predisposed to immune disorders or allergic diseases may allow clinicians to intervene earlier in the disease course.

New diagnostic approaches, including advanced immune profiling techniques such as detailed flow cytometry panels and cytokine analysis, are also helping clinicians identify the immune pathways driving disease in individual patients.

“Genetic testing has been easier to order. It's become more available, and it's been integrated specifically in the immunology realm,” DiGiacomo said. “Understanding the basic aspects of how to order it, why you're ordering it, how to counsel patients, how to interpret some of those findings, and how to leverage it to best treat the patient should definitely be integrated into teaching.”

DiGiacoma D. Practical and Hands-On Guidance Regarding Genetic Testing. Presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) on February 27 – March 2, 2026

Invitae Hereditary Angioedema Panel - Clinical Genetic Test - GTR - NCBI. Nih.gov. Published 2021. Accessed March 11, 2026. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/tests/593409/

Videos

At AAAAI 2026, DiGiacomo discussed how artificial intelligence, genetic testing, and biomarkers could improve diagnosis and precision care.


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Caleb Alexander, MD, MS, is a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-founder and principal of Stage Analytics.

GLP-1 RA Effects are Largely Homogeneous but Stronger in Women than Men, With Caleb Alexander, MD, MS

The efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in 

 favors women over men, despite being largely consistent across other key patient subgroups.

Despite a long history of proven efficacy, past GLP-1 RA trials have included a substantial minority of individuals who failed to achieve weight loss. Because of this, clinicians have suggested a potential variance in efficacy based on patient characteristics, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline body mass index, and baseline hemoglobin A1c.

“All too often during the course of clinical trials, one really doesn’t learn whether or not a product, such as a GLP-1, is similarly efficacious across different populations of patients,” Caleb Alexander, MD, MS, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-founder and principal of Stage Analytics, told 

 in an exclusive interview. “In other words, trials deliver information, on average, about a product, but don’t allow one to really understand whether or not the product may work similarly well across important subpopulations. Our results should reassure clinicians that some of these populations, which may have been excluded from clinical trials, still stand to gain from GLP-1s.”

Alexander and colleagues searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their respective inceptions through July 26, 2024. Trials including semaglutide, lixisenatide, exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide, as well as GLP-1 or insulin combination products, were eligible. Tirzepatide trials were excluded due to its status as a dual GIP or GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients ≥18 years with weight as a primary outcome were included – additionally, investigators required trials to compare GLP-1 RAs with placebo or non-GLP-1 RAs. Trials that did not report subgroup analyses or had an analysis without estimates for the non-GLP-1 RA group were excluded.

A total of 41 articles were ultimately included, representing 64 RCTs. The mean population of participants was 1181 between the 48 RCTs reporting study-level data (standard deviation [SD] 2513). The most frequently evaluated GLP-1 was semaglutide (21 [43.8%]), followed by dulaglutide (9 [18.8%]).

The vast majority of subgroups saw homogeneous effects from GLP-1 treatment: Alexander and colleagues provided an example of the 7 RCTs reporting stratified analyses by age. Among these 4314 patients, the mean weight loss among those <65 years was 1.98 (95% CI, 0.8-3.15) kg and 1.97 (95% CI, 1.15-2.79) kg among patients ≥65 years (between-group heterogeneity, 

However, 4 of the 6 RCTs reporting percentage change in weight by sex saw statistically significantly greater weight loss among women than men. Of the 6 RCTs, including 19,906 patients, the mean reduction was 10.9% (95% CI, 7-14.8%) among women and 6.8% (95% CI, 4.6-9%) among men (between-group heterogeneity, 

The team provides several possible explanations for this disparity between men and women. The synergy between GLP-1 RAs and estrogens could potentially increase their effectiveness, as could lower average body weight among women. Both may alter the pharmacokinetics of the treatment, allowing for greater response and increased efficacy by comparison.

Alexander and colleagues highlighted the implications of these data for both patients and clinicians. Although several patient populations have been underrepresented in or excluded from GLP-1 RA trials, these data indicate the overall homogeneity of treatment effects among most subcategories. Additionally, the team believes that the findings of this trial underscore the importance of examining heterogeneity of similar drugs across underrepresented patient groups. The team also calls for further research into whether these heterogeneity findings extend to other GLP-1 RA indications, including diabetes management, 

 are a transformational product; they are really a once-in-a-lifetime medical innovation,” Alexander said. “But the value of medicines isn’t an inherent function of the product itself – it depends on how it’s used in the real world. We still need to figure out how to optimize their value and ensure that the patients who get them are those who stand to gain the most from them.”

Editors’ Note: Alexander reports being past chair of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Advisory Committee (US Food and Drug Administration) and a cofounding principle and equity holder in Stage Analytics outside the referenced work.

Alexander GC, Xiao X, Dilek S, et al. Heterogeneity of treatment effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss in adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. Published online March 2, 2026. 

Wong HJ, Sim B, Teo YH, et al. Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Weight Loss, BMI, and Waist Circumference for Patients With Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression of 47 Randomized Controlled Trials. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(2):292-300. 

Alexander discusses his recent study comparing 61 trials of 4 main GLP-1 RAs, highlighting their increased efficacy for weight loss in female patients.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

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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.

Dominic Sisti, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy and the director of the Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Health Care. Sisti is also the host of 

, our monthly multimedia series on medical ethics in modern healthcare. 

Medical Ethics Unpacked: Ethical Challenges of Carceral Healthcare

, hosts Dominic Sisti, PhD, a bioethicist from Penn Medicine, and Steve Levine, MD, a psychiatrist from Compass Pathways, unpack the ethical and clinical challenges of carceral healthcare, a topic many clinicians encounter in practice but rarely receive formal training in. The discussion features Rose Onyeali, MD, clinical assistant professor at Penn Medicine, and Penn student Chinelo Osakwe, who collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving health education and advocacy for incarcerated populations.

The episode explores how incarceration, particularly solitary confinement, can have lasting physical, 

l, and neurological effects. Onyeali described how deprivation of movement, sunlight, and social interaction can accelerate both cognitive and physical decline among incarcerated individuals.

Osakwe, a neuroscience major planning to pursue medicine, highlighted the neurological implications of prolonged isolation. She explained that extended periods without social interaction can alter brain structure and function, contributing to chronic stress responses and long-term mental health consequences after individuals leave solitary confinement.

“Humans are inherently social primates,” Osakwe said. “Your amygdala gets a little bit bigger; your hippocampus gets a little bit smaller. All these little things that are happening, your fight or flight, your hypothalamus, it's running like crazy…and then you come out…but you're still kept from outside the world. It has a big impact. Something as small as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand…can break apart the overly structured carceral environment. You can make it a little challenge. It's a little game now, and it's something that won't get you in trouble, won't get you put in the hole, or get your privileges revoked, because you're not doing anything outside of the structure. At the one hand, it's fun, it's a game, but on the other hand, it is literally good for your cognition.”

A major focus of the conversation is the rapidly aging prison population. Onyeali explained that correctional systems often classify individuals > 50 years as geriatric because incarceration accelerates aging and increases the prevalence of chronic disease and cognitive impairment. Yet clinicians working inside and outside correctional facilities may lack training to recognize conditions such as dementia in this population.

The episode also highlights systemic gaps in care for people transitioning out of incarceration. Even when individuals qualify for compassionate release or medical parole, many struggle to access housing, long-term care facilities, or coordinated medical follow-up. As Onyeali noted, “There's transition for people who…have drug issues or HIV, things of that nature…but there isn't a transition for especially the older adults with these chronic issues.”

In this episode, experts discuss solitary confinement, aging in prison, and gaps in care for incarcerated populations.

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Medical Ethics Unpacked

Medical Ethics Unpacked is a regular multimedia series hosted by Dominic Sisti, PhD, and Steve Levine, MD, spotlighting a spectrum of topics within the field of medical ethics. Throughout the year, hosts will sit down for an in-depth discussion on a specific ethical dilemma within modern healthcare, with some episodes also featuring a special guest. 

Check back throughout the year for discussions on a variety of topics, including data privacy in health apps, euthanasia and medical assistance in dying, reproductive rights and technologies, and more!

Psychiatry

Psychiatry condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on mental illnesses. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and more.

Clinical trial innovation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increasingly reflects a dual mandate: advancing novel therapeutics while ensuring research populations reflect the patients seen in everyday practice. Academic centers play a critical role in bridging this gap, particularly through translational science and inclusive recruitment strategies that expand both scientific discovery and clinical relevance.

UChicago Advances IBD Trials With Focus on Microbiome and Access

, professor of medicine and clinical director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Chicago, highlighted several ongoing investigations within the Digestive Diseases Center that may shape the next generation of IBD care. Among the most promising are therapies targeting TL1A, a cytokine within the tumor necrosis factor superfamily believed to act upstream in the inflammatory cascade. By interrupting earlier immune signaling, these agents may offer more durable disease control.

Additional areas of active investigation include microRNA-based therapies designed to suppress inflammatory protein production at the cellular level and stem cell approaches for fistulizing Crohn disease, a complication that remains difficult to manage with existing treatments. Cohen also emphasized the center’s leadership in advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies, including capsule endoscopy and device-based drug delivery platforms. “There is a lot of interest in what is going to be potentially the next big medicine,” Cohen said, noting the breadth of ongoing therapeutic exploration.

Equally important is ensuring equitable access to clinical trials. Cohen described a multidisciplinary model that integrates dietitians, specialty pharmacists, and gastrointestinal psychologists to support patients throughout the research and treatment process. This infrastructure helps address common barriers to participation, including financial concerns, treatment complexity, and logistical challenges.

Institutional outreach efforts have also focused on historically underserved communities, particularly on Chicago’s South Side and surrounding regions. Partnerships with community health systems, patient education initiatives, and geographically expanded clinical services have helped broaden engagement while preserving rigorous study protocols.

Explore emerging IBD treatments—TL1A blockers, microRNA, stem cells—and new small-bowel imaging, plus team-based care improving access.

Senior Allergy Dietitian at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Clinician-Scientist Fellow at MCRI & Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Melbourne University,

Multi-Nut OFC Feasible, Comparable to Home Introduction in Infants With Peanut Allergy, With Vicki McWilliam, MND, PhD

A supervised hospital-based multi-nut oral food challenge did not outperform standard home introduction in preventing tree nut allergy in peanut-allergic infants, according to preliminary data from the TreEAT trial — though the finding comes with an important safety reassurance and leaves open the question of whether the supervised approach confers benefits in parental anxiety and quality of life that the primary endpoint does not capture.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

 2026 Annual Meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from February 27 to March 2, 2026, by Vicki McWilliam, MND, PhD, Senior Allergy Dietitian at the Royal Children's Hospital, Clinician-Scientist Fellow at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. 

sat down with McWilliam during the meeting to learn more. She described the study's origins in a practical clinical gap: in her Melbourne allergy clinics, families of peanut-allergic infants were routinely advised to introduce tree nuts at home without prior sensitization screening, yet only about 25% felt comfortable doing so. The multi-nut butter approach — blending almond, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut into a single product delivering 1 g of protein per nut per two-teaspoon dose — was designed to offer a supported, efficient alternative that could address parental anxiety while facilitating introduction across four allergens in a single hospital visit.

TreEAT enrolled 212 infants aged 4–11 months with confirmed peanut allergy (clinical history and peanut skin prick test ≥3 mm), randomized to either hospital-based multi-nut OFC (n = 107) or home introduction of individual nuts (n = 105), with tree nut sensitization not assessed prior to randomization. 

On the primary outcome — tree nut allergy at 18 months assessed by questionnaire, SPT, and OFC where indicated — preliminary complete case analysis showed no significant difference: 18.9% (n = 18/95; 95% CI, 11.6–28.3%) in the multi-nut OFC arm developed allergy to one or more tree nuts versus 12.4% (n = 11/89; 95% CI, 6.3–21.0%) in the home introduction arm, with cashew the most commonly implicated allergen. Peanut allergy resolved in 26.3% (n = 25/95; 95% CI, 18.0–36.7%) and 30.3% (n = 27/89; 95% CI, 22.0–42.1%) respectively. 

Critically, no infant in either group experienced anaphylaxis — a meaningful safety signal given that approximately 33% of infants were sensitized to tree nuts at baseline, yet true clinical allergy rates of 12–19% were substantially lower, reinforcing McWilliam's point that routine pre-screening risks driving unnecessary avoidance in this population. Ongoing analyses examining parental anxiety and quality of life outcomes may yet identify a meaningful advantage for the supervised multi-nut model where the primary endpoint did not.

“We did find it to be a successful and safe way to introduce the nuts in a combination product, which is maybe when we look at our quality of life outcomes and our parental anxiety outcomes, this might be something that comes out as a strong benefit of doing it as a multi nut butter versus doing it at home,” McWilliam said.

McWilliam’s reported disclosures include Nutricia

McWilliam V, Parker K, Koplin J, et al. The TreEat Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Early Introduction of Tree Nuts for the Prevention of Tree Nut Allergy in Infants with Peanut Allergy. Presented at: AAAAI 2026 Annual Meeting, February 27-March 2, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Abstract #L15

McWilliam discussed findings from the TreEat study at AAAAI 2026.

Food Allergy

Salvatore Viscomi, MD, is the chief executive officer of Carna Health.

Salvatore Viscomi, MD on closing CKD health disparities through community testing, AI equity, and accessible care for underserved populations.

Nephrology

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

Chronic Kidney Disease

Enhancing CKD Early Detection in High-Risk Populations Via Community Programs, AI, With Salvatore Viscomi, MD

María José Torres Jaén, MD, PhD, from Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga.

At AAAAI 2026, Torres highlighted phase 3 peach immunotherapy research, nanostructure preclinical models, and a phase 2 prebiotic trial for LTP allergy.

Immunomodulation for Plant-Based Food Allergy, With María José Torres Jaén, MD, PhD

This interview highlights the significance of the potential FDA approval of imsidolimab for patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).

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.

What Is the Significance of New Data on Imsidolimab for GPP? With Neal Bhatia, MD

Bernard Kadosh, MD, is the medical director of the ventricular assist device and cardiogenic shock programs at NYU Langone Health.

Kadosh and Gorodeski discuss the value of including non-specialists in HF care and the challenges of prescribing 4 pills in a time of increasing medical distrust.

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...

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Multidisciplinary Care and Addressing Pill Burden in HF, With Bernard Kadosh, MD, and Eiran Gorodeski, MD, MPH

from Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

At AAAAI 2026, Magerl discusses phase 2 data showing BW-20805 reduced hereditary angioedema attacks by up to 100% with dosing intervals of up to 6 months.

BW-20805 Reduces HAE Attacks in Phase 2 Trial, With Markus Magerl, MD

Mohan Satish, MD, is a cardiology fellow at NYP-Weill Cornell.

Satish discusses his recent study highlighting significant increases in first AMI in-hospital mortality among young adults, particularly in women.

AMI Mortality Increasing Among Young Adults With Nontraditional Risk Factors, With Mohan Satish, MD

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for HCPLive. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: Skin of Color Savvy and The Medical Sisterhood. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

Articles

These data, resulting from the INTEGUMENT-OLE trial, highlight the efficacy and safety of roflumilast cream (ZORYVE) 0.05% in children aged 2 - 5 years.

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.

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.

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

Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The approval comes after the FDA requested GSK submit an sNDA for leucovorin for the treatment of CFD-FOLR1.

FDA News

Neurology

Neurology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on nervous system disorders. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, PTSD, and more.

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

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

This March episode highlights one SOCS member’s journey in dermatology, covering clinical and research passions as well as lessons learned along the way.

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

Hosted by Skin of Color Society and produced by HCPLive, 

 delves into the latest research, clinical insights, and culturally intelligent care practices in dermatology with leading experts. 

Whether it’s groundbreaking research, practice-changing insights, or highlights from the SOCS community, this twice-monthly program provides dermatologists and care providers with expert perspectives on treating patients with skin of color.

Skin of Color Savvy: Challenges and Successes in a Dermatologist’s Career, With Nicole Negbenebor, MD

The expert faculty explore how clinicians approach rectal bleeding and surveillance decisions in colorectal cancer screening.

Latest News

AI, Genetic Testing May Advance Precision Care in Immunology, With Daniel DiGiacomo, MD

GLP-1 RA Effects are Largely Homogeneous but Stronger in Women than Men, With Caleb Alexander, MD, MS

Medical Ethics Unpacked: Ethical Challenges of Carceral Healthcare

UChicago Advances IBD Trials With Focus on Microbiome and Access

Multi-Nut OFC Feasible, Comparable to Home Introduction in Infants With Peanut Allergy, With Vicki McWilliam, MND, PhD