Gilead Sciences' lenacapavir, a long-acting antiviral, has shown significant efficacy in preventing HIV infections, while GLP-1 drugs are being explored for their potential benefits in type 1 diabetes management. Additionally, a novel brain cancer treatment has been approved, offering new hope for patients.
Lenacapavir's Success in HIV Prevention
Gilead's twice-yearly antiviral, lenacapavir, reduced the risk of HIV infections by 96% compared to the expected rate of infection. This study included cisgender men, transgender women, transgender men, and gender nonbinary individuals who have sex with partners assigned male at birth. This positive outcome marks the second pivotal trial for lenacapavir, potentially leading to its use in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The first trial also demonstrated the antiviral's effectiveness in protecting women against HIV.
GLP-1 Drugs in Type 1 Diabetes: An Observational Study
Researchers are investigating the use of GLP-1 drugs, typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, in individuals with type 1 diabetes who are overweight or obese. Insulin use can lead to weight gain, prompting some type 1 patients to explore GLP-1 drugs off-label. An observational study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting examined the effects of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) in this population.
The study, involving approximately 100 patients, revealed that those on semaglutide experienced a 9% weight loss, while those on tirzepatide saw a 21% weight loss over one year, compared to a 0.4% weight gain in the control group. Furthermore, semaglutide and tirzepatide were associated with A1C decreases of 0.42% and 0.62%, respectively, compared to a 0.02% increase in the control group. No hospitalizations due to severe low blood sugar or ketosis were reported during the trial. The researchers emphasize that these are preliminary, observational findings, and larger, prospective trials are necessary to fully understand the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 drugs in type 1 diabetes patients.
New Hope for Brain Cancer Patients
Regulators have approved Voranigo, a daily pill developed by Servier, for brain cancer treatment, marking a significant advancement in decades. This treatment has been shown to delay tumor progression, potentially extending the time patients can spend with their families before needing more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors hope that this approval will encourage other pharmaceutical companies to invest in developing drugs for these types of tumors.
