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  • Teva Accelerates Its Biosimilar Strategy With New FDA Approval and Dual Global Filings

    Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is kicking off 2026 with major momentum in the biosimilars space, securing FDA approval for PONLIMSI™ (denosumab‑adet) and advancing a key biosimilar candidate to Xolair® through regulatory filings in both the U.S. and EU. These milestones signal a significant step forward in Teva’s long‑term “Pivot to Growth” strategy and its evolution into a leading biopharmaceutical company.

    Source: Teva press release

    What’s New: FDA Approval of PONLIMSI™

    Teva’s biosimilar PONLIMSI™ (denosumab‑adet) has officially been approved by the U.S. FDA as a biosimilar to Prolia®, covering all of the reference product’s indications. This includes treatment for:

    • Postmenopausal osteoporosis at high risk of fracture
    • Osteoporosis in men at high risk of fracture
    • Glucocorticoid‑induced osteoporosis
    • Bone loss associated with prostate cancer therapy
    • Bone loss associated with breast cancer aromatase inhibitor therapy

    The approval was based on a comprehensive evidence package demonstrating comparable efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to Prolia®.

    Teva notes that this milestone reflects the maturity of its biosimilars R&D engine and its growing capability to deliver high‑quality, globally competitive biosimilar products.

    Dual Filing Acceptance for Teva’s Xolair® (omalizumab) Biosimilar Candidate

    In addition to the PONLIMSI™ approval, Teva also announced that regulatory agencies in both the U.S. (FDA) and Europe (EMA) have accepted filings for its proposed biosimilar to Xolair® (omalizumab).

    The candidate is being reviewed for all approved Xolair® indications, including:

    • Moderate‑to‑severe (U.S.) / severe (EU) persistent allergic asthma
    • Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
    • Chronic spontaneous urticaria
    • IgE‑mediated food allergies (U.S.)

    This investigational biosimilar is supported by analytical and clinical data demonstrating similarity to the reference biologic.

    Why This Matters

    Teva’s latest achievements underscore several key trends:

    1. Strengthening Its Biosimilars Portfolio

    The company is rapidly expanding its presence in high‑value therapeutic areas, particularly immunology and bone health.

    2. Advancing Its “Pivot to Growth” Strategy

    These regulatory wins align with Teva’s long‑term plan to transform into a biopharmaceutical leader with a robust pipeline and global commercialization capabilities.

    3. Increasing Patient Access

    Biosimilars like PONLIMSI™ have the potential to improve affordability and expand treatment options for patients with chronic and often debilitating conditions.

    Looking Ahead

    With FDA approval secured and major filings underway, Teva is positioning itself for a strong year in biosimilars. The company continues to invest in strategic partnerships, early‑stage development, and global regulatory expansion—signaling more updates to come as its portfolio matures.

    For more details, you can read the full press release directly from Teva:
    👉 [Teva Gains Biosimilar Momentum – Official Press Release](https://ir.tevapharm.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release

    Disclaimer: Health Evidence Digest provides general information about health research. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  • FDA Approves Foundayo (Orforglipron), the First Once‑Daily GLP‑1 Pill for Weight Loss

    On April 1st, 2026, the FDA approved Foundayo™ (orforglipron), a once‑daily oral GLP‑1 receptor agonist for adults with obesity or overweight with weight‑related medical conditions. Foundayo is the first GLP‑1 pill for weight loss that can be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions, offering a more flexible option compared to injectable GLP‑1 medications.

    What Foundayo Is Approved For

    Foundayo is approved for adults who:

    • Have obesity, or
    • Are overweight with weight‑related medical problems,
      and are using the medication alongside a reduced‑calorie diet and increased physical activity.

    It should not be used with other GLP‑1 receptor agonists.

    How Well It Works: Key Clinical Trial Results

    Foundayo was evaluated in the ATTAIN Phase 3 clinical trial program, which enrolled more than 4,500 adults.

    ATTAIN‑1 (Adults without diabetes)

    At the highest dose:

    • Average weight loss: 27.3 lbs (12.4%) among participants who completed treatment
    • Placebo comparison: 2.2 lbs (0.9%)

    Across all participants (including those who discontinued early):

    • Average weight loss: 25 lbs (11.1%)
    • Placebo: 5.3 lbs (2.1%)

    Cardiometabolic improvements

    Participants also saw reductions in:

    • Waist circumference
    • Non‑HDL cholesterol
    • Triglycerides
    • Systolic blood pressure

    Why This Approval Matters

    Fewer than 1 in 10 eligible adults currently use GLP‑1 medications, often due to access barriers, stigma, or the complexity of injectable treatments. Foundayo’s oral, once‑daily format may expand access for people who prefer a pill over injections.

    How to Take It

    • One tablet daily, with or without food
    • Tablets must be swallowed whole
    • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible — but never take two doses in one day

    Safety Information

    Foundayo carries a boxed warning for potential thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It should not be used by individuals with:

    • Personal or family history of MTC
    • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

    Serious risks include:

    • Pancreatitis
    • Severe gastrointestinal issues
    • Dehydration leading to kidney problems
    • Hypoglycemia (when used with insulin or sulfonylureas)
    • Gallbladder problems
    • Serious allergic reactions

    Common side effects:

    • Nausea
    • Constipation or diarrhea
    • Vomiting
    • Indigestion
    • Abdominal pain
    • Headache
    • Fatigue
    • Hair loss

    Availability and Cost

    Foundayo will be available through LillyDirect® with:

    • $25/month for eligible commercially insured patients
    • $149/month for self‑pay
    • $50/month for eligible Medicare Part D patients starting July 2026

    Retail pharmacy and telehealth availability will follow shortly after LillyDirect fulfillment begins.

    The Bottom Line

    Foundayo is the first flexible, once‑daily oral GLP‑1 pill for weight loss, offering meaningful weight reduction and cardiometabolic benefits in clinical trials. Its approval expands treatment options for adults seeking non‑injectable obesity therapies.

    Source: Read the official Lilly press release here.

    Disclaimer: Health Evidence Digest provides general information about health research. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  • FDA Approves First Once‑Weekly Basal Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes

    In a major development for diabetes care, the FDA has approved Awiqli®, the first and only once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. This marks a meaningful shift in treatment options for people who currently rely on daily basal insulin injections.

    What Was Approved

    Awiqli® (insulin icodec-abae), developed by Novo Nordisk, is designed to improve blood sugar control when used alongside diet and exercise. Its standout feature is the dosing schedule: instead of seven injections per week, adults with type 2 diabetes can now take just one. This could make insulin therapy less burdensome and easier to maintain for many.

    What the Clinical Trials Showed

    The FDA’s approval is based on Novo Nordisk’s ONWARDS clinical trial program, which included about 2,680 adults with type 2 diabetes. Key findings from the trials include:

    • Effective reductions in HbA1c, a key measure of long-term blood sugar control
    • Safety profile consistent with existing basal insulin options

    Why This Approval Matters

    This approval represents a significant advancement in diabetes treatment, potentially improving adherence and quality of life for people managing type 2 diabetes. With fewer injections, patients may find insulin therapy more convenient and less disruptive.

    When It Will Be Available

    Novo Nordisk plans to launch Awiqli® in the United States in the second half of 2026, using its FlexTouch® injection device. The medicine has already been approved in the European Union and more than a dozen other countries.

    The Bottom Line

    Awiqli® offers a promising new option for adults with type 2 diabetes, combining effective blood sugar control with a more convenient once-weekly dosing schedule.

    For more details, read the full press release from Novo Nordisk: Novo Nordisk Press Release

    Disclaimer: Health Evidence Digest provides general information about health research. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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    Health Evidence Digest was created to make health research news clear and accessible. Our goal is simple: to help readers understand the science behind public health, medical research, and policy — without jargon or sensationalism.

    We translate complex studies and official reports into straightforward insights so you can make informed decisions based on evidence, not opinion.

    At Health Evidence Digest, we believe that credible information empowers better choices. Every article is grounded in data, reviewed for clarity, and written to bring transparency to the world of health research.

    Health Evidence Digest provides general information about health research, public health topics, and scientific findings. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    We summarize and explain research, regulatory updates, and scientific reports, but we do not provide personalized medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.