Patients Taking GLP-1s Face a Double Dose of Stigma

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/patients-taking-glp-1s-face-double-dose-stigma-2026a10012zi?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_ous_261020_etid8813672&uac=148436CN&impID=8813672 GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity, transforming treatment for obesity and diabetes and showing promise for a growing range of other conditions. According to Gallup, an estimated 11% of US adults are currently taking GLP-1s for weight loss, nearly four times the rate since 2024. But despite their clinical benefits, people taking GLP-1s can face a double stigma: criticism related to their body size and judgment for using medication to lose weight. These attitudes may influence whether patients disclose their GLP-1 use, how they discuss treatment with others, and even their healthcare decisions.

FDA Approves Once-Weekly Generic Hormone Therapy Patch for Women (+++)

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-once-weekly-generic-hormone-therapy-patch-women?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved the first generic of Climara Pro (estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system, 0.045 mg per day/0.015 mg), a transdermal hormone therapy patch for women with an intact uterus applied once a week. The approval aligns with FDA’s Public Health Pillar: Increasing Access to Affordable Medicines & Medical Products. “Menopause is a universal experience for women, and it can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. This approval makes effective treatment more accessible,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “Approvals like this reflect FDA’s ongoing commitment to expanding American patient access to safe, affordable, high-quality medications.” https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/what-we-do/fdas-public-health-pillars?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery The generic estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system is therapeutically equivalent to Climara Pro, which is indicated for use in women with an intact uterus for: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis Climara Pro and the generic estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system contain both estrogen and progestogen in a single patch; this differs from estrogen-only patches commonly used in menopause treatment. Climara Pro and the generic estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system are specifically approved for women with an intact uterus, as the progestogen component is included to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia that can occur with estrogen use alone. “Once-weekly dosing can make a real difference in how patients manage their care,” said Michael Davis, M.D., Ph.D., Director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “A patch offers a convenient alternative to daily oral medications, which may help patients stay on track with their treatment.” https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information/fda-drug-competition-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Climara Pro and the generic estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system are contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; breast cancer or a history of breast cancer; estrogen-dependent neoplasia; active deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) or a history of these conditions; active arterial thromboembolic disease or a history of these conditions; known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema or hypersensitivity to estradiol and levonorgestrel; hepatic impairment or disease; and protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other thrombophilic disorders. The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 5%) are: application site reaction, vaginal bleeding, breast pain, upper respiratory infection, back pain, depression, pain, headache and flu syndrome. In the U.S., nine out of 10 prescriptions filled are for generic drugs. Increasing the availability of generic drugs helps to create competition in the marketplace, which then helps to make treatment more affordable and increases access to healthcare for more patients. Learn more about the FDA Drug Competition Action Plan. Climara Pro is a registered trademark of Bayer. The FDA approved Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.’s Estradiol and Levonorgestrel Transdermal System. Please contact the manufacturer for information about the medicine’s availability.

FDA Approves First-of-Its-Kind Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment New treatment may allow some patients to maintain viral control after stopping all hepatitis B therapy

https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/breakthrough-therapy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Hibsago (bepirovirsen) injection, in combination with existing antiviral therapy, to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in certain adults without cirrhosis. Hibsago is the first FDA-approved antisense oligonucleotide to treat chronic hepatitis B. Hibsago is approved for certain adults without cirrhosis who have been taking HBV antiviral therapy for at least six months, have suppressed levels of HBV in their blood and have hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels of 3,000 IU/mL or less, as determined by an FDA-authorized test. “For many people living with chronic hepatitis B, treatment can mean taking antiviral medication for years to keep the virus suppressed,” said Wendy Carter, DO, Acting Director of the Office of Infectious Diseases in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Hibsago provides a new treatment approach that gives some patients the possibility of maintaining control of the virus after all chronic HBV treatment has ended. This approval represents an important advance for people living with this serious disease.” Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term liver infection caused by HBV. Over time, the infection can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis, and increase the risk of liver cancer. Hibsago works by targeting the genetic instructions the virus uses to make copies of itself and viral proteins, helping reduce the amount of virus and hepatitis B surface antigen in the body. The FDA also authorized the Roche Elecsys HBsAg II quant II RxDx assay as a companion diagnostic device to aid in the selection of patients with chronic HBV infection for treatment with antiviral therapy in accordance with the FDA approved drug labeling and to assist in monitoring patients throughout the course of treatment. Researchers studied Hibsago in two clinical trials that compared it with a placebo, an inactive treatment. Hibsago is injected under the skin for up to 24 weeks. Patients take it alongside their existing hepatitis B medicine and continue that medicine for at least 24 weeks after their last Hibsago injection. Some patients may then be able to stop their existing medicine if they meet certain health and lab test requirements. Across the two trials, 24% of patients who received Hibsago met the requirements to stop their existing medicine, compared with none who received placebo. Twenty-four weeks after stopping all hepatitis B treatment, 19% of patients who received Hibsago still had the virus under control, and a protein that signals hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) could not be detected in their blood. Hibsago has a boxed warning for serious liver reactions as well as low platelet counts, which can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding. Hibsago also has warnings for worsening kidney function, serious inflammatory adverse reactions like vasculitis, and serious risks if the injection is not administered properly. Patients need regular blood tests and follow up with their healthcare provider before and during treatment to monitor these risks. The most common side effects, excluding laboratory abnormalities, are injection site reactions, fever, fatigue and headache. https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/fast-track?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Optimizing Clinical Practice in Prostate Cancer (video series) +... +

Optimizing Clinical Practice in Prostate Cancer Advanced prostate cancer (PC) includes metastatic hormone-sensitive PC (mHSPC), nonmetastatic castration-resistant PC (nmCRPC), and metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC). Management of these disease types differs, but the overall goal when treating them is the same: to prolong life, to delay disease progression, and to maintain quality of life for patients by minimizing symptoms. This Learning Center will focus on understanding the latest data in advanced PC, including innovations in androgen receptor-targeted (ART) therapy, radiopharmaceuticals, how to interpret the data for clinical practice, and what impact this may have on clinical decision-making and aligning treatment for the individual patient. https://www.medscape.org/advances/optimizing-clinical-practice-prostate-cancer-2026a1000jj9?src=mkmcmr_driv_32025_mscpedu_461680.01_ace_final&uac=148436CN The New Era of mHSPC Treatment: Evaluating Emerging Doublet and Triplet Combinations Authors: Neal D. Shore, MD, FACS; Sarah Caulfield, PharmD, BCOP; Rana R. McKay, MD, FASC https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/new-era-mhspc-treatment-evaluating-emerging-doublet-and-2026a1000kt7?page=1&src=mkmcmr_driv_32025_mscpedu_461680.01_ace_final&uac=148436CN

Medscape Now! Cancer and Bone Health Screening: Evidence-Based Strategies for Older Adults Authors: Blessing Ajayi, PA-C (++)

Medscape Now! Cancer and Bone Health Screening: Evidence-Based Strategies for Older Adults Authors: Blessing Ajayi, PA-C https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/medscape-now-cancer-and-bone-health-screening-evidence-based-2026a10012vq?page=1&src=wnl_tpal_261020_mscpedu&uac=148436CN&impID=8815023 Understanding Cancer and Bone Health Challenges in Aging Populations Population aging is a defining global trend, driven by longer lives, improved survival, and lower fertility.[1] The global population aged 65 years and older is projected to increase substantially, reaching about 17% of the world's population by 2050.[1] Cancer disproportionately affects older adults: More than 60% of patients with cancer are aged 65 years or older.[2] Knowledge gaps remain regarding the safest and most effective treatments for this population.[2] Aging increases bone loss in both women and men.[3] Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of accelerated bone loss; in breast cancer, estrogen deprivation decreases bone mineral density and raises fracture incidence by 40% to 50%.[3] Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) suppresses estrogen production and likewise accelerates bone loss and increases fracture rates.[3] Cytotoxic chemotherapy may also adversely affect bone metabolism.[3] Medscape NOW! Prehabilitation Before Major Abdominal Surgery: Exercise, Nutrition, and Outcomes Authors: ​Naseem Bazargan, MPH https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/medscape-now-prehabilitation-before-major-abdominal-surgery-2026a10012w8?page=1&src=wnl_tpal_261020_mscpedu&uac=148436CN&impID=8815023 This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

Med Op-Ed: Time Toxicity, Clinical Trial Access, and RECIST Edited by Victoria Stern

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/med-op-ed-time-toxicity-clinical-trial-access-and-recist-2026a10013hh In this installment of Med Op-Ed: The concept of time toxicity is morphing from patient- to stakeholder-centric, clinical trial access remains a challenge, and why it’s time to revisit Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Reduced US Incidence Rates Surprise Researchers John Jesitus (++) +...

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Reduced US Incidence Rates Surprise Researchers John Jesitus https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma-reduced-us-incidence-rates-2026a10013fc?src= A recent analysis showed that although age-adjusted US rates of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) incidence rose between 2000 and 2015, the number of cases declined from 2015 to 2022 — a timeframe marked by widespread use of biologic drugs that have raised concerns about potentially inducing or exacerbating CTCL. As an epidemiologic study, the analysis did not assess causality. However, authors and a CTCL expert agreed that it is plausible that dupilumab in particular might have accounted for at least some of the downturn. Watchful Waiting Has Lasting QOL Benefit in Rectal Cancer https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/watchful-waiting-has-lasting-qol-benefit-rectal-cancer-2026a10013eh?src= Patients who are able to undergo watchful waiting instead of immediate surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer can see lasting gains in quality of life (QOL), according to a new analysis of two clinical trials. https://www.medscape.com/index/list_13474_0