COVID & Childhood Obesity; Phase III Oral Octreotide Success; Anti-Fog Chemicals

According to new CDC research, COVID-19 is a much greater threat to kids with obesity, with the average length of their hospital stay double that of kids without obesity. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

A new phase III trial found that oral octreotide (Mycapssa) was noninferior to injectable somatostatin receptor ligands for the treatment of patients with acromegaly. (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)

A new meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, though they appeared to have no effect on the rate of acute myocardial infarction. (JAMA Network Open)

The Endocrine Society announced that Stephen R. Hammes, MD, PhD, of the University of Rochester, will serve as the president-elect for the 2023-2024 term.

Beware of those anti-fogging sprays and cloths, as they may contain high levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances — better known as PFAS, a family of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. “Our tests show the sprays contain up to 20.7 milligrams of PFAS per milliliter of solution, which is a pretty high concentration,” said lead study author Nicholas Herkert, PhD, of Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, in a statement. (Environmental Science & Technology Letters)

There’s been major pushback over in the U.K. after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence chose not to recommend the osteoporosis drug romosozumab (Evenity) for approval. The treatment was FDA approved back in 2019. (The Pharmaceutical Journal)

In related news, Entera Bio said it had a successful meeting with the FDA following the conclusion of its phase II study of the oral human parathyroid hormone treatment for osteoporosis. Entera said a phase III study of the drug is planned for this year.

Following the success of the FreeStyle Libre diabetes technology, Abbott announced plans to move into the space of wearable technology for consumers, tracking measures such as glucose, ketones, and lactate levels. (MedTechDive)