News Watch, Shining Stars, Shimmering Flaws, Sleep on It, and It’s a Wonder

News Watch, Shining Stars, Shimmering Flaws, Sleep on It, and It’s a Wonder https://aepc.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/iStock-1021583776-scaled.jpeg 2560 1875 AEPC Health AEPC Health //aepc.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AEPC-LOGO-v1.png April 20, 2024 April 20, 2024

Ready for a Miracle

Could we be witnessing a historic moment similar to those of 1899, 1916, 1921,or 1942? If you’re wondering what connects these dates, here’s a clue: they mark the discovery of “miracle” drugs that have reshaped the landscape of medicine. In 1899, aspirin transformed pain relief; 1916 saw the advent of heparin; 1921 brought about insulin, revolutionizing diabetes management; 1942, penicillin emerged as the first antibiotic.

We’re living in an exciting era for groundbreaking medications, many of which may deserve the title of a “miracle” drug. Specialty drugs have revolutionized the treatment of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. And now, the promise of cell and gene therapy is finally a reality – providing an opportunity to cure diseases.

Amidst this buzz, some of the latest drugs for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and weight loss are in the running for the title of “miracle” drugs.

Meet the Stars
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand-name medications with the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Ozempic has become the catch-all name associated with weight loss drugs, but it was approved by the FDA in 2017 for adults with Type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Wegovy was approved in 2021 for adults and children over 12 who are overweight or have obesity to lose weight, when used in tandem with diet and exercise. Last month, the FDA expanded the approval of Wegovy to say the drug can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease and either overweight or obesity. Wegovy is administered at a higher dose than Ozempic.

Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand-name medications of the same drug, tirzepatide. Mounjaro was approved by the FDA in 2022 to help adults with Type 2 diabetes control blood sugar and Zepbound was approved in November 2023 for weight loss.

Both drugs work by activating two receptors simultaneously: the GLP-1 (like semaglutide) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP, receptors. Because of this dual action, tirzepatide has been shown to be even more effective than semaglutide for weight loss.

Glowing Potential
Scientists are currently exploring the potential of the latest Type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications to treat a range of other health conditions. In a recent study, it was discovered that individuals with diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists had a reduced risk of colorectal cancer compared to those on other diabetes medications. Additionally, researchers are investigating the use of GLP-1 drugs as therapies for conditions like alcohol use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and fatty liver disease.

Be sure to check out Shining Stars, Shimmering Flaws for the latest on these potential “miracle” drugs!

Happy Reading!

Suzanne Daniels

News Watch: current healthcare news, HSAs impact on costs & utilizations, weight loss surgery v. drugs, treating tinnitus.
Shining Stars, Shimmering Flaws: Zepbound for sleep apnea, Ozempic risks, impact of weight loss drugs on disparities.
Sleep On It: less sleep, more stress, health impact of the work grind, & SIDS deaths.
It’s a Wonder: including my personal favorite, Your morning coffee may be more than a half million years old!