Health research digest

Important medical research findings, drug and therapy progress, and regulatory approvals.

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This week brought major diabetes and obesity data: Eli Lilly's combination therapy plus orforglipron and retatrutide reported results at EASD, while the FDA approved the first treatment for MCT8 deficiency.

Drugs & therapies

Lilly combination therapy shows major weight loss in mid-stage trial, but high discontinuation

Eli Lilly's investigational combination EloraTZP (eloralintide plus tirzepatide) produced up to 23.3% weight loss in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes in a phase 2b study, though high discontinuation rates raise tolerability questions.

Why it mattersIf tolerability issues persist, this high-efficacy option may be limited in real-world use.

Drugs & therapies

Oral orforglipron matches insulin on cardiovascular safety

In a Lancet study, daily oral orforglipron had cardiovascular safety comparable to daily insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes patients at increased cardiovascular risk, with greater weight and blood sugar improvements.

Why it mattersOffers an oral alternative for patients who cannot or prefer not to use insulin injections.

Drugs & therapies

Triple agonist retatrutide drives substantial weight loss in diabetes

Research to be presented at EASD and published in The Lancet shows the triple agonist retatrutide produced substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar control in people with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Why it mattersFurther validates multi-target drugs for people with diabetes and obesity.

Approvals

FDA approves first treatment for MCT8 deficiency, Emcitate

The FDA approved Emcitate (tiratricol) oral suspension tablets to treat peripheral thyrotoxicosis in patients with MCT8 deficiency, the first approved therapy for the condition.

Why it mattersProvides the first approved option for a rare disease that previously had no treatment.

Research

Single CRISPR dose halves 'bad' cholesterol for a full year

A single dose of an experimental CRISPR therapy cut LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by about half in patients with difficult-to-treat lipid disorders, with reductions still present one year later; the highest dose lowered LDL by 52.5% and triglycerides by 47.8%.

Why it mattersIf safe long-term, a one-time treatment could replace chronic lipid-lowering therapy.

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