A study of over 1.1 million births found a U-shaped relationship between early pregnancy hemoglobin levels and severe neonatal morbidity and mortality, with both anemia and erythrocytosis increasing risk.
Ruxolitinib remains the standard frontline therapy for intermediate-2 and high-risk myelofibrosis, with phase 3 and real-world data showing spleen and symptom benefits. Cytopenias, transfusion needs and resistance after 2 to 3 years continue to drive interest in new combinations.
A study of 2,282 adults aged 60 and older found anemia was associated with higher Alzheimer’s disease blood biomarkers and a 66% higher chance of developing dementia. The highest risk was seen in participants with both anemia and higher biomarker levels.
Final phase 3 trial results show atrasentan (Vanrafia®) provides significant long-term kidney function benefits in IgA nephropathy patients, with a 2.59 mL/min/1.73m² eGFR improvement versus placebo. Earlier phase 2 data demonstrated the drug reduces proteinuria by 30.7% when added to standard background therapy. The drug's manufacturer plans to seek traditional FDA approval in 2026 based on these findings.
The FDA has approved Lifyorli (relacorilant) plus nab-paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer based on trial data showing improved survival. Separately, the agency granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Lilly's sofetabart mipitecan for the same condition, expediting development of the antibody-drug conjugate.
China's NMPA approved Desidustat Tablets on March 13, 2026, for treating anemia in non-dialysis CKD patients. Clinical trials showed the oral HIF-PHI was non-inferior to erythropoietin in maintaining hemoglobin levels with improved quality of life.
New research reveals red blood cells absorb large amounts of glucose in low-oxygen conditions, explaining why high-altitude populations have lower diabetes rates. A drug mimicking this effect completely reversed high blood sugar in diabetic mice.
Researchers discovered that red blood cells act as "glucose sponges" in low-oxygen conditions, dramatically lowering blood sugar levels. A new drug called HypoxyStat completely reversed high blood sugar in diabetic mice, working better than existing medications.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered why living at high altitude reduces diabetes risk: red blood cells absorb large amounts of glucose in low oxygen environments. A drug mimicking this effect reversed diabetes in mice.
March of Dimes awarded the 2026 Richard B Johnston Jr, MD Prize to hematologist Leonard Zon for pioneering zebrafish research that illuminated blood development in embryos and led to breakthrough treatments for genetic blood disorders in children.
