Drug approvals to watch in 2026
Health system pharmacists and clinicians are monitoring a wave of drug approvals expected throughout 2026, including first-in-class therapies and expanded uses of existing drugs with implications for hospital formularies, prescribing protocols and patient access. A report published Jan. 8 by GoodRx, “FDA Approval Watch: New Drugs, Vaccines, and Therapies Pending Approval in 2026” outlines several […]
VKTX Completes Enrollment in Phase I Maintenance Study of Obesity Drug
Viking Therapeutics VKTX announced that it has completed enrolling patients in its exploratory maintenance dosing study of VK2735, the company’s dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. VKTX is developing the candidate in both oral and subcutaneous (SC) formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Viking Therapeutics’ phase I maintenance […]
Here’s Why Biotech ETFs Are Rallying Hard
Biotech stocks have rallied strongly into 2026, building on the late-2025 momentum from positive clinical data, cheaper valuation, easy money policy and favorable macro conditions. Biotech-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) iShares Biotechnology ETF IBB rallied 36.7% in six months ending Jan. 7, 2026, outperforming SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY (up 11.2%). Year to date, IBB has risen 4.2% compared […]
Surgery Beats GLP-1 Drugs for Fat Loss, Muscle Retention, Study Suggests
(MedPage Today) — Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 receptor agonists both reduced fat mass over 2 years of treatment, but surgery was associated with a more favorable body composition, a cohort study indicated. By month 24, the covariate-adjusted…
Weight loss drugs make it harder to get the nutrients you need – here’s what to do about it
Weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work primarily by reducing hunger. They mimic a hormone the body already produces called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. By slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach and acting on appetite centres in the brain, the drugs help people feel full […]
GLP-1 Drugs May Protect Against Vertebral Fractures
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were associated with a lower vertebral fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery.
6 Takeaways from the WHO’s First Obesity Drug Guideline
This Medical News article discusses key learnings from new World Health Organization guidance on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for the treatment of obesity in adults.
Weight Often Returns After Stopping Ozempic, Wegovy, Study Finds
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2026 — People who stop taking popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are likely to gain the weight back, and sooner than many expect, a new study finds.
Researchers reviewed dozens of earlier studies and found that…
Nutritional Guidance Lacking for Adults Receiving Semaglutide, Tirzepatide
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2026 — Nutritional guidance to support safe weight loss is frequently lacking for adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes receiving semaglutide or tirzepatide, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Obesity Reviews.
Marie…
The Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
The Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript January 8, 2026 The Simply Good Foods Company beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.39, expectations were $0.36. Operator: Greetings. Welcome to Simply Good Foods Company’s First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this conference is being recorded. At this […]