Novo Nordisk will pay up to $2.6 billion to license HRS-1596, an experimental oral obesity drug from China's Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, marking the company's second major deal since a key investor meeting.
Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar told Reuters that oral weight-loss medications could represent up to half of the global obesity drug market by 2030, as the Danish drugmaker positions itself for a shift toward pill-based treatments alongside its injectable GLP-1 drugs.
Roche's experimental obesity shot enicepatide reduced blood sugar and body weight by 15.5% in type-2 diabetes patients in a mid-stage trial, with a meaningful proportion reaching normalized glucose levels within less than a year of treatment.
Novo Nordisk announced its experimental drug CagriSema achieved 12.4% average weight loss in diabetes patients, surpassing Eli Lilly's rival treatment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly reported 700,000 new seniors have begun GLP-1 treatments since Medicare coverage for obesity drugs launched in July, with 70% choosing Lilly medications.
Novo Nordisk announced topline results showing CagriSema achieved 12.4% weight loss versus 9.1% for tirzepatide at 60 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes in the REIMAGINE 5 trial, and induced 21% weight loss at 68 weeks in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes in the REDEFINE trial.
Researchers have identified eight widely used food preservatives in processed foods that are associated with significantly higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, according to a large observational study conducted in France.
Scientists are testing a new approach to fight mesothelioma by developing an experimental drug that kills cancer cells by disabling PRX3, an antioxidant defense mechanism that tumors use to survive oxidative stress. The counterintuitive treatment targets the aggressive asbestos-linked cancer, which currently has few effective treatment options.
New research indicates that structured physical activity and moderate exercise are associated with significantly reduced mortality risk in cancer patients, with one study showing a 23% lower death risk. Simply standing or taking breaks from sitting without active exercise does not provide the same protective benefits.
Danone USA has voluntarily recalled So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints due to potential contamination with foreign materials including stones in cashew pieces. This marks the second recall of the product in nine months for the same issue.
New research shows that multiple micronutrient supplements during pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of maternal anaemia, stillbirth, and low birth weight. The supplements are beginning to be distributed in the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates.
New research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, commonly used for weight loss and diabetes treatment, are associated with fewer exacerbations in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings are based on real-world patient data and add to growing evidence of respiratory benefits from these medications.
Teva's experimental drug prevented intestinal damage in celiac disease patients who underwent a gluten challenge in a mid-stage study, representing potential progress for a condition with no current drug treatments.
Roche acquired rights to Hanmi Pharmaceutical's obesity drug for $190 million upfront and up to $2.3 billion total. The drug is designed to activate receptors in skeletal muscle to increase muscle mass while reducing fat, addressing a key concern with current GLP-1 weight loss medications.
A decades-long UK study reveals that millions of men with heart disease have an elevated risk of developing and dying from cancer. Researchers identified smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption as the primary drivers behind the increased cancer cases in this population.
A two-year randomized trial found that adults with obesity following an adapted Mediterranean-style diet program achieved modest, sustained weight loss comparable to commercial programs, with greater improvements in self-reported diet quality. The findings suggest behavioral diet programs may be valuable for modest weight-loss goals beyond just the scale.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has authorized orforglipron (brand name Foundayo), a once-daily oral medication from Eli Lilly for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, making the UK the first country in Europe to approve the drug.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reported that more than 200 deaths have been linked to weight loss medications including Wegovy and Mounjaro, with the majority associated with tirzepatide. The data also shows approximately 18,000 adverse reactions have been reported.
The UN World Food Programme warns that acute child malnutrition has reached critical levels in one-third of Afghanistan's provinces, with 3.7 million children projected to suffer from malnutrition this year as funding shortfalls force cuts to food distributions and clinic services.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced it will allow a limited number of patients with severe obesity to access its unapproved experimental drug retatrutide through a compassionate use program, following a case where it granted the drug to a 79-year-old patient. The program has strict eligibility criteria that most patients cannot meet.
Researchers have developed a novel artificial intelligence model that analyzes data from routine polysomnography sleep studies to identify patients' long-term health risks, including cognitive decline. The study was published in Nature Communications.
Brazil's health regulator Anvisa approved five new injectable GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity treatment, following expedited regulatory reviews after Ozempic's patent expired in the country in March 2026.
Research examining 43 family triads in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil demonstrates that a father's diet before conception can influence their children's health and body composition, adding to evidence of paternal health impacts on offspring.
A new analysis reveals that many prebiotic sodas, which have surged in popularity with promises of gut health benefits and low-calorie content, may actually contain lower fiber levels and higher sugar content than consumers expect.
Researchers have developed engineered probiotic bacteria designed to overcome the 'cold' tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for this difficult-to-treat disease.
Scientists at Kyushu University in Japan have identified a sulfur-based compound called LASSS that protects and enhances a key muscle-repair protein called HGF, potentially offering a way to combat the muscle deterioration that occurs with aging. The compound appears to shield the protein from age-related chemical damage and more than double its strength.
Tech entrepreneur and anti-aging advocate Bryan Johnson announced he has created what he describes as a 'newborn' version of himself using stem cells, with the goal of growing replacement organs after being diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis. The controversial experiment represents his latest effort in his 'Don't Die' longevity campaign.
Garmin Ltd. has officially released the Cirqa Smart Band, a screenless fitness tracker priced at $200 (£180, S$258) that directly competes with Whoop Inc. but does not require a subscription. The device focuses on health and fitness tracking through a display-free design.
India's drug regulator approved Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease, expanding the drug's approved uses beyond weight loss.
Recent scientific reviews highlight the critical role of selenium metabolism and glutathione-related enzymes, particularly GPX4, in regulating ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation with implications for cancer treatment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory annual testosterone deficiency screenings for US service members 30 years and older as part of their physical exams, an initiative he said was aimed at improving warfighter readiness.
The European Commission has approved Novo Nordisk's once-daily Wegovy pill for weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight, marking the first oral GLP-1 weight-loss treatment cleared for use across the European Union.
Researchers found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed biological aging markers in adults with HIV, marking the first clinical evidence that the drug may influence human aging beyond its metabolic effects.
Governor Mike Kehoe signed comprehensive healthcare legislation that mandates Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to track and report cases of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a tick-borne illness causing allergies to mammal products. The law also expands Medicaid-covered doula services for pregnant women.
Indian drugmaker Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced it is delaying commercial production of its generic semaglutide (Ozempic) after discovering an unspecified issue with the active pharmaceutical ingredient in some batches. Shares fell as much as 6.5%.
On July 9, 2026, China's National Health Commission added injectable semaglutide and 115 other drugs to its National Essential Medicines List — the first update in eight years — expanding the catalog to 794 medicines effective September 1, 2026, while domestic oral GLP-1 candidates from Hengrui and Gan & Lee advanced in clinical trials.
Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who spends $2 million annually on anti-aging treatments in his quest to 'defeat death,' revealed he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis, an incurable condition causing his stomach to 'eat itself.'
A secret shopper investigation of 49 websites prescribing GLP-1 weight loss drugs confirmed experts' concerns about inadequate clinical oversight and fast, easy prescriptions with minimal medical evaluation.
A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals that approximately 24% of adults in five states with high rates of alpha-gal syndrome, including Missouri, test positive for antibodies associated with the tick-borne condition.
Lawsuits over vision loss risks from Saxenda (liraglutide) emerge as Medicare begins covering GLP-1 medications for seniors over 65, raising questions about proper usage and safety in older populations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Philip Morris permission to market its Zyn nicotine pouches as less harmful than cigarettes, allowing the company to market 20 variants of the product with modified risk claims.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is moving forward with a ban on using SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soft drinks, effective July 1, 2026, despite a recent federal judge's ruling that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law.
GLP-1 drugs from Pfizer and Innovent Biologics have cleared preliminary review to potentially be included in China's basic medical insurance drug catalogue, which would expand access to these treatments.
The lone star tick, which can cause alpha-gal syndrome—a potentially severe allergy to red meat—is expanding its range across the United States, including into Connecticut and Arkansas, prompting health warnings and business adaptations.
Eli Lilly provided its experimental 'triple-G' weight loss drug retatrutide to a 79-year-old patient through the FDA's compassionate use program, marking an extremely rare instance of pre-approval access to an obesity medication.
New research published in JAMA Otolaryngology analyzing health records from nearly 900,000 patients suggests long-term use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes management is associated with increased risks of smell and taste disturbances, though experts note these side effects are not common.
A multistate Listeria outbreak traced to requesón and soft ricotta-style cheeses from Clover Hill Dairy has resulted in one death in Maryland and 12 confirmed illnesses across Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. At least 10 people have been hospitalized as federal and state health officials continue their investigation.
The first participant has been treated in a groundbreaking clinical trial testing cellular reprogramming technology designed to rejuvenate aging cells. This marks the first time such reverse-aging therapy has been administered to a human.
AstraZeneca announced results from a phase II trial showing its oral GLP-1 therapy reduced body weight by 10.5%, positioning the company to compete with Eli Lilly in the race to develop convenient pill-based obesity treatments. The drug is advancing to late-stage trials.
Poison control centers have experienced a sharp increase in calls related to semaglutide medications (Ozempic and Wegovy) following their approval for weight management, with researchers finding most cases stem from preventable dosing mistakes such as daily instead of weekly injections or confusion about proper dosage units.
Longevity-focused biotech startup NewLimit announced a $435 million Series C funding round as it prepares to launch its first clinical trial of a liver medicine, marking one of the largest recent raises in the longevity space.
CVS Health announced it will add Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound back to some of its drug lists as an additional preferred option and begin coverage for the drugmaker's newly approved obesity pill, Forza.
Retro Biosciences, the longevity startup backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, announced it has raised additional funding at a $1.8 billion valuation, marking significant investor confidence in the anti-aging research space.
Eli Lilly announced positive results from its Phase 3 TRIUMPH-1 trial showing retatrutide, an experimental triple-agonist obesity drug, achieved average weight loss of 28.3% at 80 weeks and 30.3% at 104 weeks on the highest dose, matching weight reduction levels typically seen with bariatric surgery.
New ethics disclosures reveal President Trump purchased stock in Eli Lilly and an injectable device manufacturer while his health agencies implemented policies benefiting these companies' obesity drug products.
Novo Nordisk's stock price and earnings received a boost following less-negative news about the development of an oral version of its blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy, marking progress in the company's efforts to create a pill formulation.
France's medicines regulator has imposed fines on Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for their weight loss drug advertising campaigns, marking a significant regulatory action against the pharmaceutical giants' marketing practices.
A randomized clinical trial found that a vegan diet produced better outcomes than a Mediterranean diet for both metabolic health markers and environmental emissions, providing clear evidence linking dietary choices to human and planetary health.
A clinical trial of 108 adults with obesity and alcohol use disorder found that once-weekly semaglutide injections reduced heavy drinking days in the past 30 days by an average of roughly 12 days, representing a 50% reduction compared to placebo.
Medical professionals and researchers are expressing serious concerns about GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic being misused by people with eating disorders or triggering disordered eating behaviors, with patients describing the drugs as addictive and relapse-inducing.
British researchers have created a new diagnostic tool designed to identify individuals most at risk of developing obesity-related diseases, which could help target weight-loss medications to those who would benefit most from treatment.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that its temporary BALANCE model program to cover GLP-1 drugs for obesity in Medicare will not launch as scheduled in January, effectively extending the current coverage approach.
Mayo Clinic study finds metabolic and bariatric surgery provides significantly greater long-term cardiovascular risk reduction compared to GLP-1 medications in people with obesity, despite both treatments improving heart health.
Frequent, long, or early-day naps in older adults are linked to higher mortality risk and may signal underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, or sleep disorders, suggesting daytime sleep patterns could serve as an early warning sign of declining health.
A major study presented at ESCMID Global 2026 found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces accelerated biological aging in people with HIV by nearly four years, a finding that could transform understanding of HIV treatment benefits.
Study finds women with epilepsy taking antiseizure medication who initiate high-dose folic acid before pregnancy have approximately 45% reduced risk of major congenital anomalies in their children.
Researchers who developed GLP-1 obesity medications are now advancing a provocative hypothesis that targeting the GLP-1 hormone may not be necessary for effective weight loss, potentially reshaping the approach to obesity treatment.
Medical professionals and patients on social media are increasingly reporting a phenomenon called 'Ozempic personality,' characterized by emotional flattening and reduced ability to experience joy while taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
New research shows adolescents consuming more ultra-processed foods have significantly higher odds of obesity, while separate studies link UPF consumption to higher muscle fat content in adults at risk for knee osteoarthritis and worse overall muscle health.
New research reveals that approximately 10% of people carry specific genetic variants that make popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy significantly less effective, providing the first genetic explanation for variable drug response.
University of Pennsylvania researchers used AI to analyze over 400,000 Reddit posts to identify patient-reported symptoms associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide that may not be captured in clinical trials.
