Palopegteriparatide confers benefits for up to 3 years

LAS VEGAS — Most adults with hypoparathyroidism who received long-term therapy with a daily parathyroid hormone prodrug achieved normal serum calcium levels independent of conventional therapy at 3 years, according to a speaker.
As Healio previously reported from the phase 3 PaTHway open-label extension, 81% of adults receiving palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath, Ascendis Pharma) had normal serum calcium levels at 1 year without conventional therapy. The therapy was approved by the FDA in August 2024 for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism.
In new data from PaTHway presented at the American

Atogepant safe, effective for migraine at 3 years

CHICAGO — Atogepant led to improvements and showed no new safety signals in patients with chronic and episodic migraine after 3 years of treatment, according to data presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.
“It’s actually the first safety and efficacy data reported for atogepant (Qulipta/Aquipta, AbbVie) greater than 1 year,” Jonathan H. Smith, MD, senior medical director, clinical development neuroscience at AbbVie, said during his presentation.
The oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor agonist has been approved globally for preventive treatment in adults with

CQI protocol supports vascular access outcomes on home dialysis

A continuous quality improvement approach helped identify and intervene in vascular access issues for patients on home hemodialysis, according to study data published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Addressing vascular access complications is crucial to improving outcomes for patients on home hemodialysis, according to Ryan J. Chan, MD, of The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and colleagues. By following a real-world continuous quality improvement (CQI) program, the researchers could ensure patients maintained proper technique and address any infection issues

VIDEO: New technologies, developments ‘really breaking through’ for atopic dermatitis

DENVER — In this video from the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Brian S. Kim, MD, MTR, discusses the continued influx of novel therapies for atopic dermatitis treatment.
“So many new drugs came in for atopic dermatitis that many thought ‘okay, maybe this is the end of the road,’ but that doesn’t seem to be the case,” Kim, professor of dermatology and vice chair of research at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of the Mark Lebwohl Center of Neuroinflammation and Sensation, told Healio. “The technologies and new developments are really breaking through.”

FDA grants expanded access to the pancreatic cancer drug daraxonrasib

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted expanded access for the use of an experimental pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib. This means the drug will be available for early access to those who previously received conventional treatment for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A health care provider must request access to the medication for their patient, according to an FDA statement.

New guidelines help long-term care communities support residents’ intimacy and dignity

Intimacy doesn't disappear in long-term care, but clear guidance on how to support it often does. A new paper outlines a practical framework for how organizations can move from uncertainty and inconsistency to a structured, ethical approach that respects residents' autonomy while protecting their safety. At the heart of the model is the creation of a dedicated sexual health committee, a multidisciplinary team charged with developing policies, guiding staff, and helping communities navigate one of the most sensitive—and often avoided—aspects of care.

Severe asthma linked to increased mortality

Thanks to improved treatments, many people with asthma live good lives. However, for a smaller group—those with severe asthma—the picture is different. A new study within the Nordic research collaboration NORDSTAR, based on data from more than 11,000 patients, shows that the risk of death is significantly higher in this group. In fact, people with severe asthma have nearly twice the risk of dying prematurely compared to other asthma patients, according to the study published in the European Respiratory Journal.