Curated news and analysis on clinical trials, drug approvals, and medical research.
New research reveals metformin regulates blood sugar through brain pathways involving the Rap1 protein in the hypothalamus. The study shows suppressing Rap1 in the brain prevents metformin from lowering blood sugar in diabetic mice. These findings could lead to new diabetes treatments targeting this brain pathway.
Avidity Biosciences announced promising Phase 1/2 trial results for its myotonic dystrophy type 1 drug delpacibart etedesiran, showing 40% reduction in DMPK mRNA and functional improvements. The therapy has received multiple regulatory designations and is now in Phase 3 testing with data expected in late 2026. The company's stock has surged 128% over the past year despite reporting a net loss of approximately $550 million.
New York City has launched its first affordable housing project using a new 90-day expedited approval process, with an 84-unit Bronx development marking the debut of voter-approved reforms. The Powerhouse Apartments will transform a vacant city-owned lot into fully affordable housing with community amenities, cutting review time from seven months to just 90 days.
The ProSense Cryoablation System achieved an 83.9% recurrence-free rate in kidney cancer patients after 4 years in the ICESECRET trial. The system treats small renal masses up to 5 cm and is approved in multiple global markets. Detailed results will be presented at the European Conference on Interventional Oncology in April 2026.
Eli Lilly has acquired rights to CSL's IL-6 inhibitor clazakizumab in a $100 million deal, expanding its cardiometabolic pipeline. The monoclonal antibody targets chronic inflammation, particularly in cardiovascular conditions. This move follows Lilly's successful obesity and diabetes drugs that drove $65.1 billion in 2025 revenue.
A new study of over 246,000 heart disease patients shows the shingles vaccine reduces major cardiovascular events by 46% and death by 61% within one year. The protective effects are comparable to quitting smoking and support existing vaccine recommendations for adults over 50. The findings will be presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting.
Kodiak Sciences' experimental drug Zenkuda achieved 62.5% response rate in diabetic retinopathy trial with 85% reduction in sight-threatening complications. The company plans to accelerate FDA submission while preparing for wet AMD study readout in Q3 2026. Shares surged 68.6% following the positive late-stage results.
Cardinal Health has recalled certain lots of Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads due to potential contamination with Paenibacillus phoenicis bacteria. The affected pads were distributed between September 2025 and February 2026 and pose infection risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The FDA is aware of the voluntary recall.
Research reveals how ectopic NMDA receptor expression in triple-negative breast cancer triggers autoimmune disease through antibody maturation. The study shows NMDAR expression recruits B cells and drives affinity maturation, producing antibodies that can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurological symptoms while constraining tumor growth.
Quoin Pharmaceuticals has secured Orphan Drug Designations for QRX003 in the U.S. and Europe for Netherton Syndrome, while advancing regulatory pathways in Japan and Saudi Arabia. The company reported clinical progress including expansion of pediatric studies and potential for a Priority Review Voucher worth up to $200 million.
The FDA has approved Agilent's PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx as a companion diagnostic for identifying esophageal cancer patients eligible for Merck's KEYTRUDA immunotherapy. This marks the eighth FDA-approved indication for this diagnostic test with KEYTRUDA. The test helps identify patients whose tumors express PD-L1 for potential treatment with the anti-PD-1 therapy.
A vaccine and two novel tuberculosis treatments are advancing through Phase III trials, marking renewed momentum in TB research. Tuberculosis claims over 1.25 million lives annually with 10.6 million new cases in 2023, while current treatments face challenges of high pill burden, toxicity, and rising resistance.
NIH funding uncertainty persists despite Congress rejecting budget cuts, with delays in grant dispersal and review processes creating challenges for biomedical researchers. The number of R01 grants dropped significantly from 2024 to 2025, and funding rates for both early-career and established researchers declined. Researchers face compressed timelines and administrative burdens that threaten scientific progress.
Orphan drug sales are projected to reach $400 billion by 2032, accounting for over 21% of prescription drug sales. Recent policy changes expanded IRA exemptions for multi-indication orphan drugs and reauthorized pediatric review vouchers. Johnson & Johnson's Darzalex leads orphan drug sales with $31 billion projected revenue.
Salem city councilors are considering spending $250,000 in opioid settlement funds for a new drug treatment and recovery program at Redwood Crossings supportive housing. The proposal comes as the city launches a broader "Prevent, Treat, and Enforce" initiative to address substance abuse through treatment, prevention, and law enforcement coordination.
Merck will acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion to bolster its cancer pipeline ahead of Keytruda's 2028 patent expiration. The deal gives Merck access to TERN-701, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor for chronic myeloid leukemia. Merck projects over $70 billion in commercial opportunities from its pipeline by the mid-2030s.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals recalls magnesium sulfate after a pouch intended for pregnant women was found containing tranexamic acid instead. The medication mix-up could cause serious adverse events including seizures and blood clotting if administered incorrectly.
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.
The FDA approved milsaperidone for bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia, while COMP360 psilocybin met its primary endpoint in a second phase 3 trial for treatment-resistant depression. Phase 2a data showed intravenous DMT (SPL026) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder patients.
Precigen reported $3.4 million in first commercial sales of PAPZIMEOS in Q4 2025 following FDA approval for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. The drug has received standard of care endorsement from physician experts and now covers approximately 90% of insured U.S. lives. The company has $100.4 million in cash and is pursuing European regulatory approval.
