Endocrinology Month in Review: April 2025

April brought a wave of momentum in endocrinology, with major trial readouts and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decisions highlighting continued evolution in diabetes management and endocrine disorders.

From promising data on oral and injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapies to expanded treatment options for Cushing’s syndrome, the field is moving toward more flexible, effective, and patient-friendly care. Approvals for longer-lasting continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and novel insights into the hormonal underpinnings of hard-to-control type 2 diabetes (T2D) further reinforced this trend.

Together, these updates reflect a broader shift toward optimizing outcomes through individualized therapies, real-world usability, and a deeper understanding of complex endocrine conditions.

Here’s a recap of what happened in endocrinology in April:

Switching to Tirzepatide Shows Greater Benefit Than Escalating Dulaglutide in T2D, Obesity

A switch to tirzepatide from escalating dulaglutide was linked to greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight loss among individuals with inadequately controlled T2D and obesity in the Phase 4 SURPASS-SWITCH trial. Tirzepatide previously achieved clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and body weight in the Phase 3 SURPASS trial.

FDA Clears Dexcom G7 15 Day CGM System

On April 10, 2025, the FDA granted clearance to the Dexcom G7 15-day CGM system for individuals aged 18 years and older with diabetes. With the clearance, the G7 became the longest-lasting CGM system with 15.5 days of wear and best-in-class accuracy with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.0%.

FDA Approves Label Expansion for Osilodrostat for Cushing's Syndrome

The FDA approved the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Recordati’s osilodrostat (ISTURISA) for endogenous hypercortisolemia in individuals with Cushing’s syndrome who cannot have surgery or for whom it was not curative. The approval expanded the available indication to patients with Cushing’s disease, a subtype of Cushing’s syndrome.

Oral GLP-1 Orforglipron Hits Target in Phase 3 Diabetes Trial

Oral orforglipron was effective and safe for adults with T2D inadequately controlled by diet and exercise in the Phase 3 ACHIEVE-1 trial. Eli Lilly and Company’s once-daily GLP-1 RA achieved statistically significant reductions in HbA1c and body weight, and its safety remained consistent with injectables from the drug class.

Diabetes Dialogue: SOUL and STRIDE Trials from ACC 2025

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, explored two key trial updates in T2D care at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 Annual Scientific Sessions. The episode focused on the benefits of semaglutide on cardiovascular and functional outcomes reported in the SOUL and STRIDE trials, respectively.

Diabetes Dialogue: Oral GLP-1 Orforglipron in ACHIEVE-1 Trial

In this episode, hosts emphasized the clinical significance of orforglipron’s Phase 3 data in the ACHIEVE-1 trial, including the convenience advantage of orforglipron compared to oral semaglutide, which has strict dosing requirements. Oral orforglipron can be taken without food or water restrictions, potentially increasing adherence and reducing treatment burden.

Diabetes Dialogue: CATALYST Reveals High Prevalence of Hypercortisolism in T2D

In this episode, hosts explored the fully published data from the CATALYST trial, a prospective, observational study establishing the prevalence of hypercortisolism among individuals with difficult-to-control T2D. Hypercortisolism was identified in 23.8% of participants, with higher rates among those with cardiac disease (33.3%) or on ≥3 antihypertensives (36.6%).