Australia's TGA has issued a safety warning for GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, linking them to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye disorder causing potential permanent vision loss. Experts advise caution but not panic, stressing consultation with prescribers.
Eli Lilly announced it will file for approval of its next-generation obesity drug, retatrutide, in Q1 2027, later than previously stated. This follows successful late-stage trials showing significant weight loss in adults with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Medicare has begun covering obesity drugs for the first time, a significant policy shift offering access to millions of older Americans. Walmart and CVS Health are launching nationwide efforts to educate patients and provide support, including pharmacy consultations and virtual visits, to navigate the new coverage and manage treatments.
Medicare is launching the Bridge demonstration program to cover GLP-1 obesity drugs for eligible beneficiaries with a $50 monthly copay, a first for the program. This temporary initiative, set to expire in 2027, could unlock millions of new patients for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, but raises concerns about healthcare system strain and long-term patient access.
Medicare's Bridge program starts covering obesity drugs for eligible beneficiaries with a $50 monthly copay, but 82% of older Americans are unaware of this new coverage.
A single 79-year-old patient received early access to Eli Lilly's experimental obesity drug retatrutide through the FDA's compassionate use program. The unusual case has sparked speculation about the patient's identity, with questions raised if it could be former President Donald Trump.
Telehealth companies hired by employers to manage obesity drug costs are increasingly criticized for prioritizing cost-cutting over patient care. Patients report being forced to try less effective generic drugs or face denial of access to crucial medications like Zepbound and Wegovy, leading to frustration and weight regain.
Telehealth companies hired by employers to manage obesity drug costs are facing criticism for potentially limiting patient access to medications like Zepbound and Wegovy. Patients report being forced to try generic drugs first or facing hurdles that lead to out-of-pocket expenses, while doctors express concern over these companies offering medical advice outside their scope.
Drugmakers are exploring new obesity treatments beyond GLP-1s, including less frequent shots and pills with fewer side effects. Eli Lilly's experimental drug retatrutide showed significant weight loss, while competitors like Novo Nordisk, Structure Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Amgen are developing new oral and injectable options. The market is expected to grow significantly, with pricing and insurance coverage being key factors.
Anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1 analogues are altering consumer behavior, affecting sales of snacks, sodas, and meal replacements. Companies like Nestlé and Danone are acquiring meal substitute startups to adapt to these changes.
Retatrutide, a new obesity drug from Eli Lilly, has shown a 30% weight loss in trials, surpassing previous drugs like Ozempic. It mimics GLP-1 and other hormones, offering benefits beyond weight loss, including anti-inflammatory effects.
Retatrutide, a new obesity drug, has shown a 30% weight loss in trials, surpassing previous drugs. Experts highlight its broader benefits beyond weight loss, including reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular and kidney function, attributing these to its multi-organ receptor action.
South Korea's obesity drug market has surged over threefold in a year, reaching 819.5 billion won in 2024. With 34.4% of adults obese, domestic companies like Hanmi Pharmaceutical and Celltrion are accelerating development of GLP-1 based drugs, aiming to compete on price and reduced side effects.
Financial disclosures reveal hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in Eli Lilly on Donald Trump's behalf in early 2026, coinciding with his administration's initiatives to expand access to obesity treatments like those produced by Lilly.
The FDA proposed excluding active ingredients in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Zepbound, Mounjaro from the list of drugs outsourcing facilities can compound in bulk. The proposal targets 503B facilities and would limit mass compounding unless the drugs appear on the FDA's shortage list. Public comments will be accepted until late June.
