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.

Twelve months of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) provides sustained improvement in 

, new findings suggest, with men and women seeing hair counts and thickness gradually increasing with use.

These data supporting laser therapy’s role as a long-term therapeutic option for AGA were authored by a team of investigators, such as Jung-Won Shin, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Shin et al had set out to evaluate at-home use of a helmet-type LLLT device among those with this hair loss condition.

Prior to this analysis, recent data had pointed to low-level laser therapy as a potentially promising, non-pharmacologic alternative for addressing AGA, with the team pointing to a 2018 systematic review showing gains of about 17 hairs per cm2 with LLLT use.

 However, most studies looked at relatively brief periods of treatment, typically ranging from 16 - 26 weeks.

“A 48-week, prospective, multicenter clinical trial was conducted to assess changes in hair density and thickness over time, with additional subgroup analyses by sex and disease severity,” Shin and coauthors wrote.

 “Furthermore, the safety of extended use of LLLT on the scalp was closely monitored, given the limited data on prolonged exposure in home settings.”

Over 48 weeks, the investigators conducted their analysis using a multicenter, prospective, open-label clinical trial design. They involved adults diagnosed with AGA who were between the ages of 19 - 65 years. Eligible men exhibited male-pattern hair loss noted as as Hamilton–Norwood stages IIa through V. Women deemed eligible presented with female-pattern hair loss corresponding to Ludwig or Sinclair stages I–II. A lack of prior treatment history for AGA was also required by Shin et al. Additional devices used for hair growth at the time of enrollment were also not permitted.

Among the 82 patients initially screened by the investigative team, there were 68 who met all requirements for inclusion and were ultimately recruited for the study. For the study’s subgroup analyses, Shin and coauthors categorized baseline severity of participants’ AGA as mild, moderate, or severe. They described mild disease as Norwood II–III in men or Ludwig I in women and moderate disease as Norwood III Vertex–IV or Ludwig II. Severe disease was defined as Norwood V or Ludwig III.

A helmet-style LLLT device, intended for home utilization, was given to each study subject. 146 low-level laser diodes and 104 light-emitting diodes were incorporated in the LLLT device, arranged to allow for uniform scalp exposure. In total, there were 250 laser and LED light sources emitting red light to penetrate the scalp and reach the hair follicle level. Use of the laser therapy device was needed for 20 minutes per session, with Shin and colleagues requiring 3 times weekly on non-consecutive days. Additionally, subjects were recommended not to implement any concurrent hair loss treatments.

Outcomes evaluated by the investigative team to determine efficacy included measurements of hair shaft diameter and hair shaft density via phototrichogram analysis at predetermined points in time. During each visit, the team also used blinded global photographic assessments and patient-reported information on perceived hair growth. Safety monitoring consisted of clinical examinations along with a review of patient-reported events throughout the study period.

Results of At-Home Laser Therapy for Hair Loss

Mean hair density at 48-weeks rose significantly from 99.2 ± 27.7 hairs/cm² at the point of baseline to 124.2 ± 33.1 hairs/cm².

 According to the investigators, this represented a mean gain of 25.0 ± 28.1 hairs/cm² (

 < .0001). In looking at mean hair shaft thickness improvements, they noted thickness similarly increased 65.1 ± 11.8 μm to 74.9 ± 12.6 μm (

 < .0001). This corresponded to an approximate 15% increase.

Such improvements in patients’ hair were highlighted consistently across both sexes as well as all baseline categories of AGE severity.

 Shin et al noted, by the final visit, their global photographic assessment findings pointed to visible improvement in 59% of trial participants. They also noted more than 85% reporting satisfaction with the outcomes of LLLT treatment. There were also no device-related adverse events documented by the team. Participant adherence to the laser therapy regimen remained high over the course of the analysis.

“These findings support incorporating LLLT into routine clinical management of AGA and highlight the need for further research to refine treatment parameters—such as optimal wavelengths and frequency—and to explore its potential in combination with other therapeutic modalities for enhanced hair regrowth,” they wrote.

Shin JW, Paik K, Huh CH, et al. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 12-Month Prospective Trial, Dermatologic Therapy, 2026, 6621458, 8 pages, 2026. 

Delaney SW, Zhang P. Systematic review of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Aug;20(4):229-236. 

Articles

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown sustained improvement in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) over 12 months, with increased hair density and thickness in both men and women. A 48-week clinical trial involving a helmet-type LLLT device demonstrated significant gains in hair count and thickness, with no adverse events reported. The study highlighted the potential of LLLT as a long-term, nonpharmacologic treatment for AGA, with high patient satisfaction and adherence. Further research is needed to optimize treatment parameters and explore combination therapies for enhanced outcomes.

In this analysis, the 12-month use of a home-use helmet-type LLLT device was evaluated among individuals with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Alopecia

Dermatology

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12 Months of Low-Level Laser Therapy at Home Improves Androgenetic Alopecia

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

 significantly increased tolerated doses of multiple nuts.

“Our findings suggest that a low and slow dose escalation with only three planned up-dosing visits every 2 months may be beneficial for patients, demonstrating similar immunological outcomes to higher dose regimens,” wrote Julia E. M. Upton, MD, MPH, from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and colleagues.

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) typically targets 1 food allergen at a time using maintenance doses ≥ 300 mg protein, but higher doses are linked to adverse events. This can make OIT especially burdensome for children with multiple food allergies, who account for approximately 40% of allergic children, according to a 2024 FARE report.

Using very low doses in OIT may reduce the risk of adverse events. In this study, investigators assessed VLOIT in 18 children aged 3 – 9 years (mean age, 5 years; 66.7% males) who were allergic to 2 – 5 nuts, including peanut (n = 1), walnut (n = 12), hazelnut (n = 9), cashew (n = 14), pistachio (n = 14), and macadamia (n = 1). The baseline median tolerated dose was 10 mg protein (IQR, 3 – 100 mg).

The primary outcome was the change in reaction threshold and tolerated dose from baseline to 18 months, specifically looking at participants who reached a dose that was ≥ 5 times greater than the baseline tolerated dose or tolerated a cumulative dose of 2040 mg. Immunological outcomes included changes in allergen-specific IgG4 from baseline to post-escalation (at about 6 months) and study completion (18 months). Secondary outcomes include tolerating 30 mg protein (444 mg cumulative), a dose anticipated to protect against reactions from accidental exposure.

Oral food challenges (OFCs) confirmed nut allergies at ≤ 444 mg protein each nut. Following the OFCs, participants began an open-label nut mix starting at 4 mg protein, with dose increases every 2 months to a target maintenance dose of 30 mg per nut. An exit OFC at 18 months assessed threshold changes.

During the study, 3 withdrew, and 1 did not reach the target maintenance dose but was still invited for the exit OFC. The participant who did not reach the target dose still increased tolerance from 3 mg to 16 mg.

The median time to reach 30 mg target maintenance dose was approximately 10 months (304.50 days), which investigators attributed to reduced clinic capacity and patient fears during the COVID-19 pandemic. The median time from OIT initiation to exit OFC (564.00 days) was very close to the planned 18 months (548 days).

At exit OFC, the mean tolerated dose was 1000 mg (IQR, 300 – 1000 mg), which was a significant difference from baseline (

 <.0001). In total, 10 out of 15 participants tolerated the maximum dose (

<.0001); 10 out of 15 also experienced a decrease in OFC reaction severity from baseline. Treatment adherence was estimated to be 99.6%, based on the number of reported missed doses and the total treatment days.

The intention-to-treat analysis revealed that 14 children tolerated 5 times their baseline dose or ≥ 300 mg (

 <.001). In total, 10 children tolerated the maximum dose (1000 mg, 2040 mg cumulative;

<.001). No participants required epinephrine during the trial or experienced serious adverse events, hospitalizations, or death. The most reported symptom during home-dosing was abdominal pain, followed by local oral discomfort.

Patients on multi-OIT were desensitized to several nuts in the prescribed nut mix, reflected in significant reductions in SPT diameters: walnut (

<.05). Allergen-specific IgE signficantly decreased, while IgG4 blocking antibodies to two 2S albumins increased from baseline to 18 months.

“We demonstrate this low maintenance dose provides expected protection against accidental exposure and effectively induces immunoregulatory mechanisms,” investigators concluded.

Upton JEM, Li CH, Berenjy A, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Very Low-Dose Multi-Nut Oral Immunotherapy in Children. 

. 2025;15(12):e70125. doi:10.1002/clt2.70125

Food Allergy Facts and Statistics for the U.S. Food Allergy Research & Education. Food Allergy Research & Education. Published April 18, 2024. Accessed December 15, 2025 

https://www.foodallergy.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/FARE%20Food%20Allergy%20Facts%20and%20Statistics_April2024.pdf

A study on very low-dose oral immunotherapy (VLOIT) demonstrated its efficacy in increasing tolerated doses of multiple nuts in children with nut allergies. The study involved 18 children aged 3-9 years, showing significant improvements in reaction thresholds and tolerated doses over 18 months. The approach reduced adverse events compared to higher-dose regimens, with no serious adverse events reported. Immunological outcomes included increased allergen-specific IgG4 and decreased IgE levels. The findings suggest that VLOIT can effectively desensitize children to multiple nuts, providing protection against accidental exposure.

An 18-month study of children with up to 5 nut allergies found that a 30-mg per-nut maintenance dose significantly improved tolerated doses without serious adverse events.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

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

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.

 and anuria are predictive factors of high post-void residual (PVR) after transplantation in patients with

The findings also report a potential association between larger prostate volume in male transplant recipients and an increased likelihood of re-catheterization (RC).

“No patients developed acute urinary retention, suggesting that proactive bladder monitoring and timely intervention may reduce this complication and potentially lower the risk of urinary leak in the early postoperative period,” wrote study investigator Jiro Kiruma, MD, PhD, a transplant surgery fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and colleagues. “In addition, pre-transplant urological evaluation may be valuable for patients at risk of high PVR and RC.”

When a transplant recipient’s age increases, lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), which has been associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as DM, becomes more prevalent. In men between 60-70 years of age, 40% are affected by these conditions and increased complications. Kidney transplant recipients commonly have increased PVR, which has been observed as both a marker of LUTD and a potential risk factor for renal graft dysfunction.

Through the prospective study, Kimura and colleagues aimed to develop a risk model for predicting high PVR following urinary catheter removal early in the postoperative period, and to identify risk factors for subsequent urethral recatheterization (RC) due to persistent high PVR.

Investigators assessed patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes stratified by PVR status among participants. Anuria was defined as urine output  < 100 mL per 24 hours. Once patients with high PVR were identified, investigators examined risk factors. Using the results of a multivariate analysis, they developed a risk model to predict high PVR.

The study included 110 patients ≥ 18 years of age who underwent kidney transplantation, with 28.2% classified as high PVR (n = 31) and 71.8% as low PVR (n = 79). The mean age of the patient population was 53.0 years (Interquartile Range [IQR], 42.0–64.7), and 59.1% were men.

Regarding comorbid conditions, 96 patients (87.3%) had hypertension, 50 (45.5%) had DM, and 22 (20.0%) had coronary artery disease (CAD). The prevalence of DM was significantly increased in the high PVR group (64.5% vs. 38.0%, 

= .02), according to investigators. Furthermore, a higher proportion of patients in the high PVR group exhibited anuria before transplant (35.5%) compared to the low PVR group (16.5%) (

In univariate analysis, investigators discovered an association of male sex (Odds Ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.01–6.34; 

 = .047), DM (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.25–7.05; 

= .01), and anuria at the time of surgery (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.08–7.19; 

 = .03) with an increased risk of high PVR. However, in multivariate analysis, only DM (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.22–7.94; 

 = .02) and anuria at the time of surgery (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.34–10.80; 

 = .01) remained independently predictive of high PVR.

Overall, 14 patients (12.7%) underwent RC, with investigators reporting the most frequent indication for RC was persistent high PVR, in 10 patients (9%). Among male patients, prostate volume was significantly larger in those requiring RC (43.4 cm3) compared to those who did not (26.7 cm3, 

The model demonstrated moderate accuracy in predicting high post-void residual (PVR). Based on the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.61–0.82), with investigators indicating the model could reliably distinguish patients with high PVR from those without.

“These findings support a peritransplant care model that integrates pretransplant prostate size and bladder capacity assessments with early postoperative bladder scanning and targeted management in high-risk patients,” concluded investigators. “Such an approach may help reduce postoperative voiding dysfunction, preserve ureteroneocystostomy integrity, and improve graft and patient outcomes.”

Kimura J, Badi Rawashdeh, Thomas B, Dunn TB, Cooper M, Emre Arpali. Risk Factors Associated With High Post‐Void Residual Urine and Urethral Re‐Catheterization in the Early Postoperative Period Following Kidney Transplantation. 

. 2025;39(12):e70418-e70418. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ctr.70418

Mitsui T, Shimoda N, Morita K, Tanaka H, Moriya K, Katsuya Nonomura. Lower urinary tract symptoms and their impact on quality of life after successful renal transplantation. 

. 2009;16(4):388-392. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-2042.2009.02252.x

Diabetes mellitus and anuria are identified as predictive factors for high post-void residual (PVR) in kidney transplant patients. Larger prostate volume in male recipients is linked to increased re-catheterization risk. No acute urinary retention cases were observed, suggesting proactive bladder monitoring may prevent complications. The study developed a risk model for predicting high PVR, highlighting the importance of pre-transplant urological evaluation. The model showed moderate accuracy, emphasizing the need for integrated care approaches to improve postoperative outcomes and preserve graft function.

A prospective study reports an association between diabetes mellitus and anuria with high post-void residual post-transplantation. 


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

Diabetes, Anuria May Predict High Postvoid Residual After Kidney Transplantation

Laura Wingate is the Chief Education, Support & Advocacy Officer at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Bridging the Insurance Gap in Transition-Age IBD Care, With Laura Wingate

Young adulthood represents a critical and often fragile period in the care continuum for patients with chronic disease, including 

. As patients transition from pediatric to adult care, they face increased risks of disease activity, treatment disruption, and healthcare utilization, while simultaneously assuming responsibility for insurance coverage and care navigation for the first time.

Emerging data from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation suggest that this transition is further complicated by disproportionate insurance barriers and financial strain, raising concerns about access to timely, appropriate treatment and the long-term consequences for disease control and health outcomes.

The 52-question electronic, US-based survey included questions on medication access, experience with step therapy mandates, financial barriers to obtaining medications, and disease and demographic characteristics.

Results showed young adults 18-25 years of age were significantly more likely to experience insurance-mandated step therapy, with 35% reporting these requirements in the past 12 months compared to 27% of adults and 20% of pediatric caregivers.​ Additionally, 35% of young adults reported low confidence in knowing which questions to ask their insurer during coverage issues, versus 25% of pediatric caregivers indicating greater uncertainty and need for support among young adults.​

Of note, 18% of young adult patients reported taking on extra jobs or increased work hours to cover healthcare or insurance costs for their IBD, a significantly higher rate than both adults (11%) and pediatric caregivers (11%).​

“One key message for healthcare providers is to frame insurance navigation as a fundamental part of transition competency,” Laura Wingate, Chief Education, Support & Advocacy Officer at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, told 

. “This is really on par with medication self-management and building their medications into their adult routines, clearly identifying a team member, such as a nurse, a navigator, a social worker that can be the point person for insurance related issues, and coordinating that handoff from pediatric care, where so much of this is handled for the young person by the their parents and the healthcare system.”

Wingate also underscored the importance of proactively assessing skills that may not yet be fully developed in this population, including financial understanding and health literacy. By incorporating targeted questions into clinic visits, healthcare teams can flag young adults who may be at higher risk for insurance-related barriers before delays or denials disrupt care, and practices can connect these patients with internal resources or external support, such as educational tools designed specifically for young adults navigating insurance.

“It really is about all of us working together, and clinicians can contribute practice-based data on delays, denials, the outcomes that they're seeing that are negatively impacting young people, and use this evidence to inform research questions that then can help set policy priorities that are focused on young adults with IBD,” Wingate said. “Researchers can then further dissect this information and work with insurance practices to address this and also address those transition gaps so that we begin to create more of a smooth process for young people transitioning care.”

She notes that advocacy organizations can additionally leverage this evidence to push for reforms focused on utilization management practices, improved insurer transparency, and better coordination of care for young adults with IBD. Taken together, these efforts have the potential to help move the field beyond describing access barriers toward implementing concrete changes that improve care continuity and outcomes during this vulnerable stage.

Brooks A. Young Adults With IBD Face Greater Healthcare Access Challenges, Financial Burdens. HCPLive. January 6, 2026. Accessed January 9, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/young-adults-with-ibd-face-greater-healthcare-access-challenges-financial-burdens

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation survey reveals more than 1/3 of young adults with IBD face step therapy insurance barriers. January 6, 2026. Accessed January 9, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111249

Videos

Wingate reviews new Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation data on insurance barriers faced by young adults with IBD and offers practical insights for overcoming these challenges.

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Strategic Alliance Partnership

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.

Ascendis Pharma has announced topline results from week 52 of COACH, the first phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate combination therapy with once-weekly navepegritide (TransCon CNP) and once-weekly lonapegsomatropin (TransCon hGH) in children with achondroplasia.

As described in a January 9, 2026, press release from the Company, at week 52, combination therapy showed durable growth without compromising safety or tolerability, as well as benefits beyond linear growth with improvements in body proportionality and arm span, aligning with the increase in linear growth.

“The COACH Trial has demonstrated unmatched improvements in growth and benefits beyond linear growth without compromising safety or tolerability compared to historical data,” Ciara McDonnell, MD, a consultant in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at Children's Health Ireland in Dublin, said in a statement.

 “Seeing the additive effects of these complementary once-weekly therapies, where TransCon CNP makes the growth plates receptive to the growth-promoting effects of TransCon hGH, suggests we may be entering an era where rational dual-agent regimens such as this become a new standard of care in achondroplasia and other growth disorders.”

Navepegritide is an investigational prodrug of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) administered once weekly, providing continuous exposure of active CNP to receptors on tissues throughout the body, including growth plates and skeletal muscle. It is under Priority Review by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), with an upcoming PDUFA target action date of February 28, 2026.

Lonapegsomatropin is a prodrug of somatropin administered once weekly, providing sustained release of active, unmodified somatropin. It is investigational in achondroplasia and other indications. In July 2025, it was approved by the FDA for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency based on results from phase 3 foresiGHt trial.

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of combined treatment with once-weekly navepegritide at 100 µg/kg/week and once-weekly lonapegsomatropin at a starting dose of 0.30 mg/kg/week is being assessed in the ongoing proof-of-concept prospective phase 2 open-label COACH trial. The study enrolled children with achondroplasia 2-11 years of age and included a cohort of navepegritide treatment-naïve children (n = 12, mean age 4.67 years) and a cohort of navepegritide-treated children (n = 9, mean age 7.89 years), who had received navepegritide (100 µg/kg/week) for a mean of 2.56 years in clinical trials.

Topline week 52 results showed that in the navepegritide treatment-naïve cohort, mean annualized growth velocity (AGV) was 8.80 cm/year, with an improvement in mean ACH height Z-score of +1.02 over 52 weeks, indicating a tripling of efficacy compared to navepegritide monotherapy. In the navepegritide-treated cohort, mean AGV was 8.42 cm/year, representing an increase from baseline at week 52 of 3.28 cm/year, with an improvement in mean ACH height Z-score of +0.86, increasing from 1.28 to 2.15 over 52 weeks.

After 52 weeks, children treated with combination therapy exceeded the 97th-percentile AGV of average-stature children. Additionally, results showed children treated with navepegritide and lonapegsomatropin demonstrated improvements in body proportionality after 52 weeks, aligning with the increase in linear growth.

Further analysis revealed arm span of children treated with combination therapy improved beyond the 84th-percentile of children with achondroplasia at week 52, while bone age remained consistent with chronological age at week 52.

Of note, safety and tolerability were consistent with those observed for navepegritide and lonapegsomatropin monotherapies, and combination treatment was generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of injection site reactions and generally mild TEAEs. As described in the release, all children completed 52 weeks of treatment and remain on therapy in the COACH trial.

“The dwarfism community has long emphasized the importance of research that honors dwarf and disability pride while also deepening understanding of outcomes that matter most in achondroplasia,” said Michael Hughes, Chair of the Biotech Industry Liaison Committee at Little People of America.

 “Although the COACH findings are still early, it is encouraging to see meaningful improvements in arm span and body proportionality alongside changes in linear height, as these endpoints provide important context beyond height alone. Given the diversity of healthcare goals within the dwarfism community, data like these may help expand the range of options individuals and families consider as they weigh what matters most to them.”

Ascendis. Week 52 COACH Trial Topline Results Confirm Consistent and Durable Treatment Benefits in Children with Achondroplasia (ACH). January 9, 2026. Accessed January 9, 2026. 

https://investors.ascendispharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/week-52-coach-trial-topline-results-confirm-consistent-and

Brooks A. FDA Approves Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd (Skytrofa), Formerly TransCon hGH, for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency. HCPLive. July 28, 2025. Accessed January 9, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-lonapegsomatropin-tcgd-skytrofa-formerly-transcon-hgh-for-adult-growth-hormone-deficiency

Ascendis Pharma's COACH trial evaluated the combination of navepegritide and lonapegsomatropin in children with achondroplasia, showing significant growth improvements without compromising safety. The trial demonstrated enhanced growth velocity and body proportionality, with children exceeding the 97th-percentile AGV of average-stature peers. The combination therapy was well-tolerated, with mild adverse events. The trial's findings suggest potential for dual-agent regimens as a new standard of care in achondroplasia. The results also highlight the importance of considering diverse healthcare goals within the dwarfism community, offering expanded treatment options.

Topline 52 week results show durable growth without compromising safety or tolerability, as well as benefits beyond linear growth with combination treatment.

Endocrinology

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Combination Navepegritide, Lonapegsomatropin Shows Durable Benefit in Phase 2 Pediatric Achondroplasia Trial

The document outlines 14 best-practice advice statements for diagnosing and managing refractory constipation, with an emphasis on surgical intervention. 

AGA Urges Caution Around Surgery for Refractory Constipation in Clinical Practice Update

A study links caregiver beliefs, mental health challenges, multiple allergens, and prior anaphylaxis to worse food allergy–related quality of life in pediatric patients.

Food Allergy

Psychiatry

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Parental Illness Perceptions Drive Poor QoL in Children with Food Allergies

Jasper Therapeutics has released new, positive findings on the use of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting KIT (CD117), in patients with CSU.

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BEACON: Positive Results Announced for Briquilimab in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

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

Rubin discusses an analysis of Ascendis’s program for patients who had received PTH treatment but weren’t eligible for clinical trials of palopegteriparatide.

Thyroid Disorders

Palopegteriparatide Allows for PTH Tapering in Hypoparathyroidism, With Mishaela Rubin, MD, MS

A trio of professional societies voice concerns about certain elements of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, and their potential negative health impacts.

Obesity Management

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New Dietary Guidelines Draw Criticism For High Fat Dairy, Protein Recommendations

The FDA has not approved the sNDA for tasimelteon in jet lag disorder in its current form, citing positive efficacy but limited real-world applicability. 


FDA News

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FDA Denies Tasimelteon’s Supplemental New Drug Application For Jet Lag Disorder

This video segment outlines the clinical features of familial chylomicronemia syndrome and introduces the emerging role of novel triglyceride-lowering therapies.

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Clinically meaningful improvements in global IBS symptom severity were observed as early as week 1 and sustained through week 7.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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

EBX-102-02 Shows Benefit for IBS-C and IBS-D in Phase 2a TrIuMPH Trial

This study evaluated the drug survival of different biologic therapies for patients with psoriasis in a routine clinical practice setting.

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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.

Ustekinumab Superior for Drug Survival to Other Psoriasis Biologics for Bio-Naïve

The Q4 recap for gastroenterology spotlights GI FDA news, new AGA guidelines, trial data for UC therapies, and more.

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Ulcerative Colitis condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into colitis can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on UC research, treatment, and drug development.

Latest News

12 Months of Low-Level Laser Therapy at Home Improves Androgenetic Alopecia

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

Diabetes, Anuria May Predict High Postvoid Residual After Kidney Transplantation

Bridging the Insurance Gap in Transition-Age IBD Care, With Laura Wingate

Combination Navepegritide, Lonapegsomatropin Shows Durable Benefit in Phase 2 Pediatric Achondroplasia Trial