Hypothalamic Obesity Tx; Weekly Insulin Under Review; Ozempic Price Investigation

Setmelanotide, an investigational melanocortin-4 receptor agonist, reduced body mass index (BMI) by a mean 15% at 16 weeks and 26% at 12 months in people with hypothalamic obesity in a phase II open-label trial. Developer Rhythm Pharmaceuticals said phase III results are expected in the first half of 2025. (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)

The 1.7-mg dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) is back in stock after being in short supply, according to the FDA’s website. Lower doses of 1 mg, 0.5 mg, and 0.25 mg are still listed as in shortage. (Reuters)

An FDA advisory committee is slated to convene on May 24 to review Novo Nordisk’s application for once-weekly insulin icodec (Awiqli) based on the ONWARDS clinical program; this would be the first once-weekly insulin option if approved. The European Medicines Agency’s committee already recommended it for approval last month. (Fierce Pharma)

The FDA gave the Eversense implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system an integrated CGM designation, meaning it is now available to use with compatible insulin pumps as part of an automated insulin delivery system, maker Senseonics said.

A Senate committee launched an investigation into how Novo Nordisk prices its semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) in the U.S. (Reuters)

Intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) four times daily for 8 weeks flopped for reducing body weight, body composition, and resting energy compared with placebo in adults with obesity. It was, however, linked with reduced calorie intake on a test meal. (NEJM Evidence)

A KFF analysis showed that over one in four Medicare beneficiaries with overweight or obesity — representing 3.6 million people — may be eligible for semaglutide (Wegovy) coverage now that it is indicated for heart protection.

A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE study found that circulating testosterone concentrations within the “high-normal” range were independently linked with a higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation in healthy men ages 70 and older. (eClinicalMedicine)

Emulsifiers commonly found in food may disrupt gut microbiota and lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, according to a prospective cohort study. (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)

This is how supplement stores are trying to find their way into the “Ozempic boom.” (New York Times)

Every decade of earlier age at the time of a hypertension diagnosis was linked with an 11% higher cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. Intensive antihypertensive therapy attenuated this risk in women, but not men. (Diabetes Care)

Advanced hybrid closed loop therapy with the MiniMed 780G didn’t boost overall time in target range for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes already starting with tighter glycemic control compared with standard insulin therapy. But it did improve overnight time in target range, time below range, and treatment satisfaction in the CRISTAL trial. (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)

A cross-sectional study of Mexican adults showed that consuming any amount of avocados weekly was linked with significantly lower odds of diabetes in women, but not men. Of note, some study authors worked for the Avocado Nutrition Center. (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

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