Landmark study links GLP-1s to reduced addiction risk in 600K+ veterans, J&J's ICOTYDE shows durable psoriasis clearance, and tesamorelin gets new formulation.
10 stories · Covering research, clinical-trials, regulatory, industry
Today's peptide landscape centers on three big themes: GLP-1 drugs are revealing surprising new benefits (addiction treatment, testosterone boost), the compounding pharmacy battle is intensifying with both FDA enforcement and industry pushback escalating, and oral peptide therapeutics continue their march forward with J&J's ICOTYDE showing strong 52-week psoriasis data and a new cyclic peptide system making oral insulin delivery viable. Meanwhile, India's generic semaglutide market is already generating trademark disputes, and the UK's grey-market peptide boom is drawing investigative scrutiny.
A BMJ-published study of over 600,000 US veterans found GLP-1 medications tied to reduced risk of substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, plus reduced overdose and death risk.
One-year Phase 3 data at AAD 2026 show ICOTYDE (icotrokinra) achieves 49% complete clearance at Week 52, with nearly 60% in adolescents. No new safety signals.
New research shows semaglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide can increase testosterone levels in men with obesity, adding another ancillary benefit to the GLP-1 portfolio.
The FDA approved a new formulation of tesamorelin, the only approved treatment for HIV-associated excess abdominal fat, representing continued investment in peptide therapeutics for rare conditions.
Kumamoto University's DNP cyclic peptide system achieved roughly one-third to nearly half the effectiveness of injected insulin in animal studies — a major advance for oral insulin delivery.
London Standard investigation exposes consumers self-injecting BPC-157 and CJC-1295 sourced from Discord groups and online sellers, bypassing medical oversight. UK solicitors warn clinics are on 'very shaky ground.'
Clinical insights suggest GLP-1 agonists may pose extra risks for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients, as delayed gastric emptying can exacerbate GI connective tissue vulnerabilities.
Dermatology Times Q&A explores advances in GHK-Cu delivery for skincare, discussing how the peptide complexes with copper in human plasma and new formulation approaches to improve topical efficacy.
Dr. Reddy's will rename its semaglutide drug from 'Olymviq' to 'Olymra' after Delhi High Court flagged similarity to Novo Nordisk's 'Ozempic'. Fierce competition in India's generic market.
Updated explainer clarifying BPC-157 is not outright banned but in Category 2 requiring further investigation. Discusses potential shifts after public statements about moving peptides back to Category 1.