GLP-1s

A $350 genetic test developed by researchers at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and subsequently licensed to Phenomic Sciences, seeks to assign risk scores to patients regarding their likelihood of responding well to GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic.

Weight loss drugs have the potential to bankrupt the U.S. healthcare system, according to a May 15 report from Sen. Bernie Sanders' office.

Novo Nordisk is investigating the potential of Ozempic, Wegovy's active ingredient and two other drug candidates as treatments for alcohol-related liver disease. 

Ozempic, Mounjaro and other GLP-1s do not increase the risk of surgical complications, according to research published May 14 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 

On average, people taking Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy see a 10% reduction in weight, which is sustained for four years, according to findings from a major trial published May 13. 

Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound could avert up to 627,000 atrial fibrillation cases by 2030, according to Airfinity analysts. 

Obesity is a significant chronic disease whose prevalence is worsening despite continued interventions and funding. Obesity is also a precursor to many other health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and orthopedic problems.

One in 8, or 12% of adults said they have taken GLP-1s and 6% of adults said they currently take the drugs, KFF Health reported May 10.

In February, Novo Nordisk agreed to buy Catalent for $16.5 billion. The Federal Trade Commission has since requested more information from the companies as it reviews the deal, The Wall Street Journal reported May 3. 

Delayed gastric emptying, also known as gastroparesis, is a more common side effect of GLP-1s than other diabetes and weight loss treatments, according to new research.