HCPLive Editorial Staff

Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know — whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include the US Food and Drug Administration’s Complete Response Letter (CRL) for cytisinicline for treating nicotine dependence, phase 3 data for tulisokibart in ulcerative colitis, phase 2 data for CX11 in 

, the FDA approval of olezarsen (Tryngolza) for severe hypertriglyceridemia, and a 5-part special report recapping Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) news and updates.

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here's your quick dive into the top stories for the week of June 21, 2026 — let's jump in!

FDA Issues CRL for Cytisinicline NDA for Smoking Cessation

On June 22, 2026, the FDA issued a CRL to Achieve Life Sciences’ New Drug Application for cytisinicline as a treatment for nicotine dependence, citing manufacturing-related observations from an FDA current good manufacturing practice inspection of a third-party facility and incomplete final product labeling by the action date. Of note, no clinical efficacy or safety deficiencies were identified by the Agency.

Achieve said it had already partnered with US-based Adare Pharma Solutions as its new primary commercial manufacturing partner.

Tulisokibart Meets Phase 3 Endpoints in Ulcerative Colitis, First for Anti-TL1A

On June 22, 2026, Merck announced topline results from the phase 3 ATLAS-UC induction-only study of tulisokibart (MK-7240) in patients with moderately to severely active UC, making it the first anti-TL1A monoclonal antibody to demonstrate clinical remission at week 12 in a phase 3 trial for this indication. In addition to meeting its primary endpoint, tulisokibart achieved key secondary endpoints and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with previous phase 2 studies.

CX11 Shows Weight Loss in Phase 2 Obesity Trial, Corxel Reports

On June 23, 2026, Corxel Pharmaceuticals reported positive topline findings from a phase 2 trial of CX11 in adults with obesity or overweight with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity. The Company said the trial met its primary endpoints and reported weight loss of up to 11.5% at 36 weeks.

“We are delighted with these positive U.S. Phase 2 results, which are consistent with the competitive profile established in the China Phase 3 program,” Bo Liang, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Corxel, said in a statement. “Together, these datasets reinforce our confidence in CX11 and our conviction to offer patients around the world an effective and highly tolerable option with dosing flexibility.”

FDA Approves Olezarsen (Tryngolza) for Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

On June 24, 2026, the FDA approved olezarsen (Tryngolza; Ionis Pharmaceuticals) as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides and the risk of acute pancreatitis in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG; triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL). The approval, which arrived ahead of the June 30, 2026 PDUFA date, makes olezarsen the first therapy approved specifically to reduce acute pancreatitis risk in sHTG.

Advancements and Insights from the Obesity Medicine Association Conference 2026

In this 5-part series, Raghuveer Vedala, MD, and Shagun Bindlish, MD, discuss the most impactful news from and key clinician insights on the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Annual Conference 2026, including stigmatization, pharmacotherapy updates, the expanding reach of GLP-1s, and more.

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FDA issued a Complete Response Letter for cytisinicline in nicotine dependence driven by third-party cGMP manufacturing observations and incomplete labeling, without citing efficacy or safety deficits; Achieve aligned with Adare for US commercial supply. Merck reported phase 3 induction data showing tulisokibart, an anti-TL1A mAb, achieved week-12 clinical remission and key secondary endpoints in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. Corxel’s phase 2 CX11 produced up to 11.5% weight loss at 36 weeks. FDA approved olezarsen for severe hypertriglyceridemia to lower pancreatitis risk. OMA updates emphasized stigma, GLP-1 expansion, and pharmacotherapy.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including phase 3 data, new clinical findings, and regulatory updates.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 06/21

Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.
Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know — whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include phase 3 data for roflumilast cream (Zoryve) in infants and older pediatric patients with 

 from the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis 2026 Conference, 2-year data from the PATHFNDR open-label extensions confirming efficacy and safety of paltusotine (Palsonify) for acromegaly, a Diabetes Dialogue podcast discussion on pediatric advances in teplizumab, Dexcom Stelo, and inhaled insulin Afrezza, new data suggesting tirzepatide (Zepbound) improves kidney transplant eligibility in patients with 

 and CKD with severe obesity, and a feature on how prior authorization requirements are impacting dermatology practice and patient care.
With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here's your quick dive into the top stories for the week of June 14, 2026 — let's jump in!

Phase 3 Data Indicate Roflumilast Cream Benefit Extends to Youngest Atopic Dermatitis Patients

A pair of poster presentations from the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis 2026 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, highlighted roflumilast cream (Zoryve) data across the pediatric age spectrum. In the INTEGUMENT-INFANT trial, roflumilast 0.05% cream applied once daily for 4 weeks in infants aged 3 to 24 months with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) achieved vIGA-AD treatment success in 49.0% of patients and EASI-75 in 67.5% at week 4. In a separate vehicle-controlled phase 3 trial of roflumilast 0.15% cream in patients aged ≥6 years, the agent produced numerically greater improvement than vehicle across all 4 EASI body regions and all 4 clinical signs from week 1 through week 4.

2-Year Paltusotine Data Confirms Efficacy, Safety for Acromegaly in Treatment-Naïve and SRL-Treated Patients

Presented at the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, open-label extension data from the PATHFNDR-1 and PATHFNDR-2 trials showed paltusotine (Palsonify), a once-daily oral selective somatostatin receptor type 2 agonist, maintained biochemical and symptomatic control of acromegaly through 2 years in both SRL-switched and treatment-naïve patients. In PATHFNDR-1 (SRL-switched), mean IGF-1 levels were stable at 0.81x upper limit of normal at week 96. In PATHFNDR-2 (treatment-naïve), mean IGF-1 levels decreased from 1.64x ULN at baseline to 0.96x ULN at week 72. No new safety signals were identified across either extension.

Diabetes Dialogue: Teplizumab, Stelo, and Inhaled Insulin Afrezza for Pediatric Patients

In a recent Diabetes Dialogue episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discussed 3 pediatric diabetes milestones announced around the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions 2026. These include the expanded FDA indication for teplizumab in children and adolescents aged 8–17 years with newly diagnosed stage 3 type 1 diabetes, in which 95% of PROTECT trial participants maintained peak C-peptide levels above the study threshold at week 78; the FDA clearance of Dexcom Stelo as the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor for children aged ≥2 years not using insulin; and the pediatric approval of inhaled insulin (Afrezza) as an alternative to mealtime injections for children managing type 1 diabetes.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) Improves Kidney Transplant Eligibility in T2D and CKD With Severe Obesity

Presented at the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting 2026, a poster from Angel Mary Joseph, MBBS, MD, MRCP, of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, showed tirzepatide (Zepbound) reduced mean BMI from 41.2 to 37.5 kg/m² and mean HbA1c from 61.9 to 52 mmol/mol over approximately 10 months in patients with type 2 diabetes, advanced CKD, and severe obesity who were ineligible for kidney transplant assessment due to elevated BMI. In total, 8 patients reached a BMI <35 kg/m², meeting the threshold for transplant assessment eligibility. Tirzepatide was well tolerated, with no reported severe hypoglycemia.

The Cost of Delay: How Prior Authorization Is Impacting Dermatology

 feature published this week interviewed 3 dermatologists — Harrison Nguyen, MD, MBA, MPH; Shannon Trotter, DO; and Matthew Zirwas, MD — about how prior authorization requirements, step therapy protocols, and formulary restrictions are affecting dermatology practice and patient access to biologics for conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. All 3 clinicians described prior authorization as an escalating administrative burden, with step therapy delays potentially leaving patients without effective treatment for months. All three also agreed on the need for reform, citing greater formulary transparency, streamlined authorization processes, and restructured pharmacy benefit manager incentives as priority areas.

Pediatric atopic dermatitis data support once-daily topical roflumilast efficacy from infancy through older children, with early EASI and vIGA-AD improvements versus vehicle. Two-year PATHFNDR open-label extensions show sustained IGF-1 and symptom control with oral paltusotine in acromegaly, without new safety signals. Pediatric diabetes milestones include expanded teplizumab for stage 3 T1D, OTC Dexcom Stelo for non–insulin users ≥2 years, and pediatric inhaled insulin Afrezza. Tirzepatide lowered BMI/HbA1c, enabling kidney-transplant assessment eligibility in severe obesity with CKD. Dermatologists cite prior authorization and step-therapy delays limiting biologic access and prompting reform demands.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 06/14

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know — whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include new phase 3 data on survodutide in patients with obesity without type 2 diabetes, phase 2b results for elecoglipron in a pair of trials in obesity and type 2 diabetes, the first-ever cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s addition of bemotrizinol as a permitted active ingredient in its list of over-the-counter sunscreen, and the Agency’s approval of a maintenance regimen of lebrikizumab (Ebglyss) 250 mg for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here's your quick dive into the top stories for the week of June 7, 2026 — let's jump in!

Survodutide Shows Fat Mass Loss, Liver Fat Reductions in Patients With Obesity Without T2D

Phase 3 data presented at the ADA Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, show survodutide, Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigative glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, has demonstrated substantial weight loss and improved metabolic health in patients with obesity or overweight without type 2 diabetes. Carel le Roux, PhD, director of the Metabolic Medicine Group at the University College Dublin School of Medicine and a global coordinating investigator of the study, discussed the implications of these data for survodutide’s investigative future – as well as the patient population it aims to serve.

Elecoglipron Advances to Phase 3, Shows Phase 2 Weight Loss, Glycemic Data

AstraZeneca announced positive phase 2b results for elecoglipron, an investigational oral small molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), across a pair of trials in obesity and type 2 diabetes, paving the way for an extensive phase 3 program. Results from the VISTA and SOLSTICE trials were presented at the ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans and simultaneously published in 

In VISTA, adults with obesity or overweight receiving elecoglipron 75 mg achieved an average 10.5% reduction in body weight at 26 weeks versus 0.6% with placebo, with weight loss continuing to 11.8% at 36 weeks. In SOLSTICE, elecoglipron 75 mg reduced HbA1c by an average of 1.9% from baseline at 26 weeks versus 0.2% with placebo, with 90% of treated participants reaching an HbA1c below 7%.

AHA, ACC Issue First-Ever Clinical Guideline for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology jointly issued the first-ever clinical guideline for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, identifying excess weight, particularly in the abdomen, as a key driver for the syndrome's development and progress.

Recommendations include screening, prevention and treatment for people with or at risk of developing CKM syndrome. Healthy lifestyle behaviors; medications, including GLP-1-based therapies and SGLT2 inhibitors; and/or metabolic and bariatric surgery, when appropriate, are recommended with the goal of preventing, managing and potentially reversing CKM syndrome progression.

FDA Adds Bemotrizinol as First New Sunscreen Ingredient in Decades

On June 9, 2026, the FDA finalized an order including bemotrizinol as a permitted active ingredient in its list of over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products approved for skin cancer protection, marking the first addition of a new active ingredient to the OTC sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s.

According to the Agency, the ingredient has demonstrated low levels of systemic absorption through users’ skin and is considered generally recognized to be both safe and effective (GRASE) for implementation in sunscreen products in adults and children aged 6 months and older. The FDA's final order allows bemotrizinol at concentrations of up to 6%.

FDA Approves Lebrikizumab 8-Week Maintenance Dosing in Atopic Dermatitis

On June 9, 2026, the FDA approved a maintenance regimen of lebrikizumab (Ebglyss) 250 mg administered once every 8 weeks for adults and children aged 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Lebrikizumab, an interleukin-13 (IL-13) inhibitor, received initial US approval in 2024 as a first-line biologic with once-monthly maintenance dosing and, more recently, long-term data have shown durable disease control with the agent through up to 4 years of continuous treatment.The every-8-week option reduces injection frequency for patients maintaining adequate clinical response.

Phase 3 ADA 2026 data indicate survodutide, a glucagon/GLP‑1 dual agonist, yields substantial weight loss with reductions in fat mass and hepatic steatosis in obesity without type 2 diabetes. Oral GLP‑1 RA elecoglipron delivered 10.5% weight loss at 26 weeks and 1.9% HbA1c reduction in phase 2b, supporting a phase 3 program. AHA/ACC released inaugural CKM syndrome guidance emphasizing abdominal adiposity and advocating lifestyle, GLP‑1/SGLT2 therapy, and bariatric surgery. FDA added bemotrizinol to the OTC sunscreen monograph and authorized 8‑week lebrikizumab maintenance dosing for atopic dermatitis.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including data from ADA Scientific Sessions, a new CKM syndrome guideline, and more.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 06/07

The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is currently hosting the 

 from June 10–14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

SDPA Summer 2026 runs June 10–14 in Denver, convening dermatology clinicians to share updates in research and clinical practice.

The program highlights key areas including pediatric biologics, antibiotic stewardship, integrative dermatology, nutrition, and molecular diagnostics.

Sessions emphasize practical, evidence-based tools for improving everyday dermatology care.

HCPLive will provide on-site interviews and coverage with leading dermatology experts and session presenters.

Featured talks focus on diagnostics, precision medicine, patient counseling, and integrative and whole-person approaches to skin disease.

 physician associates, nurse practitioners, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals will convene to discuss emerging research, clinical best practices, and evolving treatment strategies across a broad range of dermatologic conditions.

What to Expect at SDPA Summer 2026 in Denver:

This year’s conference agenda features educational tracks and sessions designed to address some of the most pressing topics in dermatology, including pediatric biologic therapy, antibiotic stewardship, integrative medicine, nutritional counseling, molecular diagnostics, and complex clinical decision-making.

Attendees can expect a blend of evidence-based lectures, case-driven discussions, and practical insights intended to enhance patient care in both academic and community practice settings.

 is here on-site throughout the conference, providing exclusive interviews with presenters and key opinion leaders, coverage of notable sessions, and reporting on the latest clinical data and practice updates shared during the meeting.

Kodachromes: A Visual Journey Through Dermatologic Diagnosis

 This visually focused session is designed to help dermatology providers strengthen their visual diagnostic skills and improve clinical decision-making. Miranti will guide attendees through rapid-fire clinical images, emphasizing pattern recognition techniques that can enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and confidence. The presentation will also highlight practical approaches for developing the clinical instincts needed to efficiently assess and triage dermatologic conditions in everyday practice.

From Evidence to Exam Room: A Whole-Person Dermatology Literature Review for Everyday Practice

 Whitney High, MD, Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C


 This session will explore the intersection of evidence-based medicine, clinical experience, and practical patient care in dermatology. High and DiRuggiero will share clinical pearls from everyday practice, highlighting situations in which diagnostic approaches, procedural techniques, and non-pharmacologic interventions can influence patient outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into biopsy selection in challenging neoplastic conditions, dietary strategies for managing skin disease, and the use of laser therapy for difficult-to-treat dermatologic disorders.

 As patient interest in complementary and alternative therapies continues to increase, Daveluy’s session will explore the principles of integrative dermatology and how evidence-based complementary treatments can be incorporated into routine clinical practice. The presentation will focus on the intersection of conventional dermatologic care and supportive therapies, reviewing available literature on interventions that may benefit patients with inflammatory skin diseases. The session is designed to equip attendees with clinically relevant tools for addressing patient questions about integrative therapies while maintaining an evidence-based approach to care.

Integrative Medicine Track: Prescribing with Precision: Antibiotic Stewardship in Dermatology

 This session will review the principles of antibiotic stewardship in dermatology, focusing on evidence-based antimicrobial use that promotes effective patient care while reducing antibiotic resistance and unnecessary treatment exposure. DiRuggiero will discuss appropriate antibiotic selection, treatment duration, and monitoring strategies for conditions such as acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, skin and soft tissue infections, and postoperative care. Attendees will also learn practical approaches for incorporating stewardship initiatives into clinical practice, including the use of non-antibiotic alternatives and patient counseling strategies to support responsible prescribing.

Pediatrics Track: Navigating Biologic Therapy in Pediatric Patients

 With biologic therapies increasingly utilized in pediatric dermatology, Gonzalez will review considerations for patients and clinicians to note. The session is designed to help clinicians navigate evolving evidence and apply biologic therapies effectively among younger patient populations.

Diet and Dermatology: What To Say When Your Patients Ask

 This session will examine the growing body of research exploring the relationship between nutrition and skin health, with an emphasis on translating evidence into practical patient guidance. Katta will address common myths and misconceptions surrounding diet and dermatologic disease while reviewing dietary factors that may influence conditions such as acne and rosacea. Attendees will gain actionable counseling strategies, including how to identify patients at risk for metabolic comorbidities and discuss evidence-based dietary interventions and supplement use in clinical practice.

Beyond What’s Visible: The Emerging Role of Molecular Testing in Dermatology in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Systemic Therapy Selection

 This session will explore the growing role of molecular testing in dermatology and its potential applications in dermatology. Trotter is expected to highlight advances in precision medicine and discuss how emerging diagnostic tools may help personalize care for patients with complex dermatologic diseases.

The HCPLive team will provide ongoing coverage from Denver, including session highlights, expert interviews, and key clinical takeaways from the SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference 2026.

Editor’s note: This summary was created with the help of AI tools.

The 2026 SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference in Denver convenes PAs, NPs, dermatologists, and allied clinicians for five days of practice-oriented education spanning pediatric biologics, antibiotic stewardship, integrative dermatology, nutrition counseling, molecular diagnostics, and complex decision-making. Programming emphasizes evidence-based lectures, image- and case-driven learning, and pragmatic “clinic-ready” pearls. Featured sessions include rapid visual diagnosis training, whole-person literature review translating evidence into workflows, integrative therapy appraisal, stewardship frameworks across common inflammatory and infectious conditions, and precision-medicine applications of molecular testing.

This preview of the 2026 SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference highlights different sessions and interviews covered by the HCPLive team.