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Ten-million-person study links semaglutide to lower COVID-19 mortality

Researchers analyzing claims from more than 10.1 million commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage enrollees found that semaglutide use was associated with a 49% lower adjusted hazard of COVID-19-related death. The observational findings corroborate earlier SELECT trial results but do not establish causation, making further prospective research essential.

30 Jul 2026

Common allergy medications offer no real relief for eczema patients

It's typical for someone looking for relief from dry, itchy, red and irritated skin – also known as eczema or atopic dermatitis – to turn to common allergy medications called antihistamines.

30 Jul 2026

Study questions antihistamine use for managing eczema symptoms

Adding oral antihistamines to existing eczema treatments is unlikely to lead to clinically important reductions in eczema and itch severity, and may not reduce sleep disturbance or flare-ups, finds a review of the latest trial evidence published by The BMJ today.

29 Jul 2026

FDA grants fast track designation to Insilico's AI-designed mesothelioma drug candidate

Insilico Medicine ("Insilico"; HKEX: 3696), a clinical-stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, today announced that ISM6331, a novel, potential best-in-class pan-TEAD inhibitor driven by Insilico's proprietary AI, has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S.

29 Jul 2026

Exeter scientists uncover how doxycycline disarms bacteria

Scientists have discovered two new mechanisms for how a well-established antibiotic works, paving the way for potential development of new antibiotic treatment.

28 Jul 2026

Study identifies simvastatin as promising adjuvant for periodontitis treatment

Porphyromonas gingivalis can evade antibiotics by invading host cells, contributing to recurrent periodontitis and persistent tissue damage.

26 Jul 2026

Cambridge scientists solve brain puzzle behind popular obesity drugs

Cambridge scientists have solved the mystery of why both stimulating and blocking a particular 'switch' in the brain can help people lose weight – findings which could help boost the effectiveness of obesity drugs.

24 Jul 2026

Semaglutide and tirzepatide linked to fewer alcohol-related hospital visits

Newer GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, were associated with fewer alcohol-related ED visits or hospitalizations among adults with alcohol use disorder and type 2 diabetes or obesity.

24 Jul 2026

GLP-1 receptor agonists may increase hair loss risk

Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of hair loss (alopecia) in adults with type 2 diabetes, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

22 Jul 2026

Generic semaglutide could improve diabetes treatment affordability in Canada

In a novel analysis examining the economic implications of generic semaglutide entering the Canadian market, researchers predict that the anticipated price reductions of up to 70% will dramatically increase both the cost-effectiveness and health system affordability of therapy options for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiorenal risk.

22 Jul 2026

Newer GLP-1 medications may reduce alcohol-related hospitalization risk

Use of newer GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for obesity or diabetes by people with alcohol-use disorder was associated with a reduction in alcohol-related admissions to hospital, finds a study published online in the open access journal BMJ Open.

21 Jul 2026

High costs continue limiting insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications

Despite growing evidence that GLP-1 medications improve health and are worth their cost, many insurance plans still limit coverage. University of Mississippi researchers are examining why, and where that leaves patients.

20 Jul 2026

Semaglutide vs. liraglutide: Head-to-head study reveals a diabetes risk difference

Researchers compared semaglutide with liraglutide in 57,456 insured adults without recorded diabetes or cardiovascular disease who initiated formulations indicated for chronic weight management. Semaglutide users had a lower risk of incident diabetes, particularly beyond six months of follow-up, but limited cardiovascular events prevented a precise comparison of cardiovascular risk.

20 Jul 2026

Semaglutide fuels rapid growth in US GLP-1RA use as payments rise

Nationally representative US data show GLP-1RA use rose 230% among adults with diabetes and 643% among those without reported diabetes between 2017 and 2022, largely driven by semaglutide. Mean annual out-of-pocket payments decreased, but mean total annual payments per user increased, raising concerns about long-term affordability.

20 Jul 2026

Daily polypill significantly improves cardiac function in heart failure patients

Treatment with a "polypill" that combines multiple medications into a single daily dose significantly enhanced cardiac function and reduced hospitalizations for patients with heart failure, according to a study led by Michigan Medicine and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

20 Jul 2026

Popular diabetes drugs do not alter the risk of developing a blinding eye condition

An estimated 27% of U.S. adults with diabetes are using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) - a type of medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone - to lower blood sugar and support weight loss. Some research has suggested that their use can reduce the risk of developing other diseases.

17 Jul 2026

Compounded GLP-1 drug market remains strong despite shortage ending

Despite the end of federal shortages of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications, the market for compounded alternatives remains strong – and some patients may unknowingly be receiving products from pharmacies with concerning regulatory histories, according to new research from the University of Colorado Anschutz.

17 Jul 2026