Diabetes

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Eli Lilly’s weekly insulin injection efsitora alfa secured two late-stage victories on Thursday in a potential blow to rival Novo Nordisk, which in July failed to secure the FDA’s approval for its basal insulin icodec.
Like its U.S. and European counterparts, Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency found no conclusive link between the use of GLP-1s and a heightened risk of suicidal and self-injury thoughts.
Patients taking Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster GLP-1 drug appear to be more likely to harbor thoughts of suicide or self-harm, especially if they are already suffering from anxiety or depressive disorders, according to a new study.
Experts say Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 drugs are unlikely to reach more countries in the near term, but Sanofi’s diabetes treatment has gained ground globally.
Eli Lilly released topline Phase III data on Tuesday showing that after more than three years of follow-up, pre-diabetic patients treated with tirzepatide were less likely to progress to type 2 diabetes.
By the end of the year, Novo Nordisk intends to make a regulatory filing for the combination of its icodec and semaglutide, keeping its once-weekly insulin program afloat.
Adding to growing evidence of its benefits beyond glucose control and weight loss, Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic could also potentially help diabetics quit smoking, according to new research.
Innovent Biologics’ dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist mazdutide is also being developed for chronic weight management. China’s regulator accepted Innovent’s drug application for this indication in February 2024.
After discontinuing its long-acting insulin product Levemir, Novo has again found itself under legislative scrutiny, with three Democratic senators seeking a sit-down with the pharma.
The Federal Trade Commission plans to file lawsuits against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers over allegedly steering patients away from less expensive drugs, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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