Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Study Links Type 2 Diabetes With Higher Risk Of Cancer
Newsweek: Type 2 Diabetes Linked To Higher Cancer Rates, Study Finds
Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may have a higher risk of developing cancer, a new study has suggested. The study, which looked at data over a 27-year period, was presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy, and has not yet been submitted to a medical journal for publication. (O'Connor, 9/29)
In related news about weight loss drugs —
NBC News: People With Type 2 Diabetes Lost Up To 60 Pounds On Lilly’s Latest Weight Loss Drug
Eli Lilly’s highly anticipated GLP-1 drug retatrutide helped people with Type 2 diabetes lose up to 60 pounds, or about 23% of their body weight, according to late-stage trial results published Tuesday in The Lancet. It’s the most weight loss ever recorded in a drug trial for diabetes patients, a group that often has a harder time losing weight. (Lovelace Jr., 9/29)
The Guardian: ‘Godzilla’ Of Weight-Loss Drugs Could Provide Other Important Health Benefits
The ‘Godzilla’ of weight-loss drugs could help improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and cut a person’s body weight by a quarter, according to the largest study of its kind. Retatrutide mimics three key gut hormones that help control appetite, blood sugar and metabolism: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. Unlike other drugs such as Wegovy, which primarily targets the GLP-1 pathway to suppress appetite, or Mounjaro, which contains GLP-1 plus GIP to control blood sugar levels, retatrutide also engages the glucagon receptor, which helps increase energy expenditure. (Gregory, 9/29)
Stat: From Obesity Medicine To Lifestyle Drug: GLP-1 Marketing Shift Explored
Blockbuster GLP-1 drugs have transformed the lives of millions of people. Lately, they’re undergoing a makeover of their own. Once promoted as tools to address obesity as a medical issue, GLP-1 drugs are increasingly being seen — and marketed — as a way to look and feel better generally. And, as the pioneer in the field, Novo Nordisk, in particular, has leaned into the shift. (Chen, 9/28)
In other health and wellness news —
The Washington Post: The Era Of Male Birth Control May Be Nearing
For nearly a half-century, Sujoy Guha has worked to perfect a male contraceptive. Now the 86-year-old Indian doctor’s idea is gaining momentum, raising the prospect of changing the way birth control is practiced across the globe. Injecting hydrogel into the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles — temporarily blocks sperm from passing through. Guha’s injectable contraceptive, known as RISUG, remains under development in India after decades of research, regulatory review and bureaucratic obstacles. But now companies in the United States are pursuing their own versions, racing to bring “vas-occlusive” contraceptives to market. (Hetherman, 9/30)
Bloomberg: Pop-Tarts Ends BuzzBallz Tie-Up On Underage Drinking Fears
Mars Inc. is pulling its Pop-Tarts and BuzzBallz collaboration just a month into its rollout over concerns that the product could appeal to underage drinkers. The company, which also owns M&M’s and Snickers candy brands, has canceled all planned marketing of the limited-time release, according to a press release from the US Alcohol Policy Alliance. (Brown, 9/29)
Fortune: Survey: Proteinmaxxing Shows A ‘Meaningful Shift’ In How Gen Z Takes Supplements Versus Baby Boomers
Nowadays, you can find protein in pretty much every section of American grocery stores—beyond the typical meat aisle. Thirsty? Protein shakes and soda are on the shelves. Hungry? Aisle 20 has got all your meals covered with protein cereal, coffee, chips, and even mac and cheese. (Sataua, 9/29)
The Washington Post: This Leg Condition Overlooked In Women Can Raise Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
Research suggests women with peripheral artery disease are less likely than men to have the textbook symptom of claudication, or pain in the calf with walking that subsides within 10 minutes of rest, said Heather Gornik, medical director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. Their day-to-day function also tends to take a bigger hit, with PAD more significantly limiting their mobility, walking speed and endurance. And women, especially Black women, are also less likely than men to receive the guideline-recommended treatment for PAD. (Sloan, 9/30)
Also —
The Baltimore Sun: Psilocybin May Ease Suicidal Thoughts, Small Study Finds
People living with persistent suicidal thoughts may find relief from psilocybin paired with structured psychological support, according to a small clinical trial led by Sheppard Pratt clinicians. (Hille, 9/29)
