Diabetes Drug May Double the Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease in People Already at Risk
The research found that 1.1 percent of tirzepatide users developed proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)—a serious form of diabetic eye disease that can cause blindness—compared to just 0.5 percent of patients not taking the drug.
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Business Wire
11 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Vizient Projects Continued Cost Pressures Across the Healthcare Supply Chain in 2026
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vizient® released its Summer 2025 Spend Management Outlook forecasting a 3.35% increase in pharmaceutical prices in 2026 with healthcare providers seeing increased usage in GLP-1 therapies, specialty medications and high-cost cell and gene therapies. Supply chain prices in products, materials and services are projected to rise 2.41%, led by IT services, capital equipment and surgical supplies. Read the Summer 2025 Spend Management Outlook. The Outlook provides a forward-looking analysis of product cost inflation for the 2026 calendar year and identifies ongoing market challenges—including the evolving impact of U.S. tariffs. Established tariffs as of April were considered in the formulation of the projections for supply chain categories outside of pharmacy. Vizient continues to monitor pending and potential tariffs working with suppliers and providers to mitigate any impact. CAR-T therapies and GLP-1s reshape pharmacy market dynamics An analysis of the Vizient Clinical Data Base shows specialty therapies—particularly CAR-T cellular therapies—emerge as one of the dominant drivers of inpatient drug spend across all acquisition channels. These treatments, such as Carvykti® manufactured by Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and Yescarta®, manufactured by Kite Pharma, a Gilead Sciences company, are used for complex conditions such as hematologic cancers. 'These emerging therapeutic technologies are typically obtained through direct-from-manufacturer purchasing models rather than traditional wholesale distribution, which puts additional cost and operational pressures on healthcare organizations and clinical teams,' said Carina Dolan, associate vice president, clinical oncology, pharmacoeconomics & market insights, Vizient. 'Health systems must be equipped not only to deliver these therapies, but also to manage their financial impact and navigate the complex acquisition and reimbursement processes associated with them.' Spend for GLP-1 tirzepatide (Mounjaro® and Zepbound™), both manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, surged by 167% in 2024 compared to 2023 among Vizient pharmacy program participants, with GLP-1 agents ranking seventh and eighth in total Vizient-tracked wholesaler pharmacy spend. As these therapies help reduce obesity-related conditions, hospitals may see a decline in certain associated procedures, including those for hernias, pressure-related wounds and soft tissue complications. At the same time, providers must prepare for potential increases in surgeries linked to medication side effects, such as cholecystectomies or procedures addressing gastrointestinal complications. Immune globulin surpasses Humira® amid rising autoimmune treatment costs Autoimmune and inflammatory therapies have overtaken oncology as the top therapeutic class for the first time, now accounting for 24.83% of total wholesaler-based pharmacy spend among Vizient program participants. Immune globulin is now the number one drug by spend, with a 22% increase since January, driven by expanding use in pediatric and chronic disease segments. Humira® (manufactured by AbbVie Inc.), a longstanding leader in total Vizient pharmacy spend, has declined 7.6% since January to No. 2 in total Vizient pharmacy program spend due to the increase in biosimilar competition. Indirect spend category and capital equipment lead supply chain inflation Indirect spend, encompassing non-clinical goods and services such as security, food services, information technology and construction, accounts for approximately 20-25% of a hospital's total expenses and is expected to rise 3.34%, driven by IT services prices, projected to rise 5.5% and prices for non-medical capital equipment for purchases such as HVAC and furniture, projected to rise 4.17%. Rising labor costs, diseases impacting poultry, cattle and produce and weather-related events, such as drought in the Midwest leading to reduced cattle herds, are driving cost pressures across key food categories—contributing to supply instability and continued pricing volatility. Food prices are projected to increase by 3.31%. 'These changes will significantly impact procurement strategies for health systems in the coming year,' said Jeff King, research and intelligence director, Vizient. Additional areas of focus include: Medical capital equipment— Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine emerged as a newly tracked capital spend category, reflecting growing investment in precision diagnostics and theranostics, therapies that combine therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, across health systems. Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine emerged as a newly tracked capital spend category, reflecting growing investment in precision diagnostics and theranostics, therapies that combine therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, across health systems. Surgical supplies— Prices for surgical supplies are projected to rise 3.28%, driven in part by increases in raw material prices, manufacturing labor costs and fluctuating freight expenses. Prices for surgical supplies are projected to rise 3.28%, driven in part by increases in raw material prices, manufacturing labor costs and fluctuating freight expenses. Physician preference items—This category, including cardiology, surgical services and orthopedic devices, continues to show high variability, underscoring the need for greater standardization and strategic sourcing strategies. The Spend Management Outlook projects the price of products purchased in both the acute and ambulatory care environments providing a year-over-year estimate of the expected price changes. Pharmacy projections are based on Vizient client purchases made through traditional wholesaler channels from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Supply chain projections are based on a Vizient analysis of various public sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Energy Information Administration and Vizient product category expertise. Read more about the latest Spend Management Outlook. About Vizient, Inc. Vizient, Inc., the nation's largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, serves more than 65% of the nation's acute care providers, including 97% of the nation's academic medical centers, and more than 35% of the non-acute market. The Vizient contract portfolio represents $140 billion in annual purchasing volume enabling the delivery of cost-effective, high-value care. With its acquisition of Kaufman Hall in 2024, Vizient expanded its advisory services to help providers achieve financial, strategic, clinical and operational excellence. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Pharmacies warn of unsustainable demand for weight loss medication
The booming demand for weight loss jabs may be unsustainable, pharmacists warn. Many more patients are interested in using weight loss medication than are actually suitable for treatment, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents more than 6,000 independent community pharmacies. Some 21% of people who were interviewed in a NPA-commissioned poll agreed they had attempted to access weight loss treatments in the last year, either online or in person at a pharmacy, rising to 35% of 16 to 34-year-olds. This is compared to only 7% of those over 55. There were also 41% who agreed they would opt for weight loss treatments on the NHS if they were made available to them. This figure rose to 64% among 25 to 34-year-olds, despite many of these patients being unlikely to be clinically eligible. The NPA says the poll, in which 2,002 people were interviewed, reflects an increasing demand for private and NHS weight loss services. NPA chairman Olivier Picard said: 'Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century, but growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it. 'It's clear from this polling that many more people are interested in getting weight loss jabs than would actually be suitable for treatment. 'We want to make sure supplies are carefully managed so that those in most clinical need can benefit from weight loss medication.' Spiralling demand, fuelled partly by social media, could see people being tempted to resort to unregulated online suppliers instead of regulated pharmacies staffed by medical professionals, they fear. Online suppliers may not be offering weight loss jabs alongside a structured programme aimed at helping them change their behaviour. Wegovy and Mounjaro are among a number of drugs that are recommended to help tackle obesity on the NHS. Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in patients with a BMI of over 30 or between 27 and 30 but with a weight-related co-morbidity. This occurs when an individual who has obesity develops another medical condition due to their weight. The NHS currently rolls out Mounjaro to patients with a BMI of over 40 and at least four co-morbidities, the NPA says. The NPA is calling for new regulations to protect patients buying weight loss medication online, so there is a full two-way consultation and all relevant historical medical records are reviewed before the treatment is prescribed. They are waiting for more details about the role pharmacies could play in the rollout of the NHS weight management programme. At least 85% of weight loss medication prescriptions were made by pharmacies in April this year, the NPA estimates. Mr Picard said: 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many have extensive experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care, including lifestyle advice. 'Pharmacies are well placed to help roll this treatment out on the NHS, and help people make the best use of these powerful medicines.'
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Plastic Surgeons Are Reporting A Rise In Patients Asking For This Ozempic-Related Treatment
Dramatic weight loss can sometimes come with dramatic side effects. And that's never been truer than it is now, thanks to the rise of popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. These injections are making the goal of shedding stubborn pounds within reach, but patients who've had success using them are noticing certain aesthetic downsides, including loose skin (a phenomenon that's been dubbed 'Ozempic face') and sagging (the charmingly titled 'Ozempic butt'). One study has even linked GLP-1 use to hair loss. Sure, the physical transformation of a slimmer frame can result in feeling of accomplishment, but dealing with flat-looking features can erode those happy vibes, which may be why more and more people are turning to plastic surgeons for solutions. Yes, there are ways to tighten skin without surgery, but for the best—and most lasting—results, patients are opting for what's now being called the the 'Ozempic makeover.' This comprehensive approach to addressing the head-to-toe cosmetic changes caused by GLP-1-induced weight loss is typically comprised of surgical and nonsurgical face and body procedures geared toward improving slack skin, re-contouring certain areas for a more defined appearance, and bringing volume to areas where a loss of fullness is evident. Think of it as a highly personalized one-stop-shop that tightens, re-inflates, and spruces up every commonly affected area, including the face, breasts, stomach, butt, and beyond. Here, top plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists break down the trend—and explain why, for those with the means, it's providing an extra layer of confidence. The full picture. GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been a godsend for those struggling to lose weight and, to be clear, a healthy weight far outweighs any appearance-related concerns, stresses New York plastic surgeon Ryan Neinstein, MD. But sometimes, the rapid weight loss that accompanies the use of these medications can have unexpected appearance-related outcomes. "Unlike with more gradual weight loss, GLP-1 patients often experience a 15% to 25% body weight reduction over 12 to 18 months." he says. Dropping pound so swiftly doesn't always allow the skin the time or sufficient elasticity to retract, particularly in thinner areas like the face. The same can also be said for bariatric surgery and crash dieting, of course, but there may also be some unique factors at play, says New York dermatologic and cosmetic surgeon Hooman Khorasani, MD. "It appears that GLP-1 medications act on catabolic hormone receptors, breaking down fat and protein, like the collagen and elastin found in skin." Muscle mass can also be a casualty, compounding the problem. While fat helps to maintain skin tension and body contours, muscle acts as underlying scaffolding, and losing it—especially in bulky areas like the torso and legs—prevents skin from draping as it should, resulting in a loss of definition. So, while it's clear these medications are effective, there's a trade-off. And that's given rise to a demand for treatments to help remedy these aesthetic changes: A new survey confirms what our experts already know—that GLP-1 use has created a dramatic shift in how patients are interacting with medical aesthetic procedures, with people bundling treatments for comprehensive full-body results. "Bottom line, people want to look as good as they feel," Dr. Neinstein says. "A lot of weight loss patients experience a tremendous health transformation and want their appearance to reflect that. They don't necessarily want to look 20 years younger—they just want to be the best version of themselves." As a result of this demand, Dr. Neinstein started offering Ozempic makeovers that combine elements of his popular Mommy Makeover with techniques specific to weight loss. It's an approach that's hardly limited to just his office. Enter the 'Ozempic Makeover.' Often consisting of a combination of customized surgical and nonsurgical treatments, common elements of this head-to-toe refurb include: Tummy tuck with muscle repair Arm lift Thigh lift Breast augmentation Volume restoration with fillers, injectables, or fat Lasers Tissue-stimulating peptide therapy Facelift and neck lift. The overarching commonality is that there isn't one: "Not all people experiences the same degree of facial and body changes with GLP-1 medications,' says Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Gabriel Chiu, MD, 'Weight loss-related changes vary based on individual factors, including age, genetics, and even sun exposure." As a result, the solutions will vary. Dr. Khorasani eschews a one-size-fits-all approach, instead creating individualized plans. "Every person who comes through my office undergoes a detailed consultation, including a physical exam and comprehensive medical history review, to develop a tailored strategy featuring cutting-edge technologies," he says. And the mix of invasive and non-invasive therapies means there are solutions for every budget. Some of the most common issues addressed by the Ozempic makeover include: Sagging Breasts Since the breasts naturally store a large amount of fat, a rapid depletion can impact the skin's ability to naturally drape over the contours of the chest, leading to a saggy or flat appearance. "Breast changes after GLP-1 weight loss are unique," says Dr. Neinstein, "since we see volume loss and skin laxity." To restore what was once perky, Dr. Neinstein performs breast lifts with augmentation, using either implants or fat grafting (if there's enough fat left) to restore fullness to the upper part of the breasts and reshape. The surgery can be done in stages, if necessary, with the lift first and augmentation later, once the breasts have fully healed so the doctor can assess the new shape. Drooping buttocks Not only can a decrease of fat in the butt make it look smaller, there may be more pronounced cellulite too. That's because cellulite, which forms when fat pushes up against fibrous bands of tissue called septae, is affected by how the remaining fat is distributed. "Right now, there is an increased demand for buttock augmentation either with implants or fat grafting since people lose so much volume in this area," Dr. Neinstein says. Sculptra injections are also a surgery-free way to enhance the butt, while Dr. Chiu likes Renuvion (sometimes called J-Plasma), a radiofrequency (RF) and helium plasma skin tightening procedure, to help lift, tighten, and reshape the butt. During the treatment, a special wand is inserted under the skin through tiny incisions to heat the tissue and induce controlled collagen contraction for firmness and more lifting. "The skin tightens instantly and continues to improve over six to nine months," Dr. Chiu says. Excess skin This can crop up anywhere, but especially on the abdomen, arms, and thighs. Nonsurgical RF microneedling treatments are ideal for improving skin texture, especially in crepey skin accompanied by stretch marks. These treatments deliver a dose of thermal energy into the deeper layers of skin to reach fibroblasts, which are responsible for stimulating the building of new collagen and elastin, thereby improving skin texture and firmness. Dr. Chiu says the most popular RF microneedling treatment is Morpheus8. He also opts for other nonsurgical treatments, such as Emsculpt, when rebuilding and restoring muscle definition is necessary. Emsculpt relies on radiofrequency heating and high intensity focused electro-magnetic (HIFEM) technology to burn fat while firming and toning the muscles for improved strength and muscle mass. That scaffolding? Restored. But for more severe skin laxity, a tummy tuck "improves excess skin while tightening the abdominal muscles," says Dr. Chiu. Liposuction, often paired with a skin-tightening procedure, is another option to remove stubborn pockets of fat that may remain after weight loss and refine a particular area. Inner thigh lifts, in particular, are becoming increasingly common after weight loss with GLP-1s. "Skin laxity in this area can cause functional issues with chafing and hygiene," Dr. Neinstein explains. "The upper back and bra line also develop loose skin rolls that may require surgical excision." Dr. Neinstein is also seeing a rise in lower body lifts, which he says address changes to both the abdomen and back and flanks in a single surgery. 'Ozempic face' A 2023 survey from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found that 15% of facial plastic surgeons recommend treating Ozempic face exclusively with facial filler, 12% recommend face and neck lifts, and 2% recommend fat grafting. "Biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse create a more youthful, balanced profile and hyaluronic acid fillers to help with contour restoration," Dr. Khorasani says. Fat transfer, a popular option for those who have sufficient fat to spare through a liposuction-like procedure, also restores lost facial volume. To help tighten the skin nonsurgically, go-to treatments include collagen-stimulating RF microneedling and ultrasound-based therapies such as Ulthera and Sofwave, which help lift and tighten the skin, and ablative and non-ablative tightening lasers used with PRP, PRF, or exosomes. Dr. Khorasani relies on a layered approach that combines RF microneedling with fractional laser resurfacing and regenerative medicine. "I often use Morpheus8 (RF microneedling) to target the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue to tighten the skin and subtly improve the contour along the jawline and cheeks," he says. "Then, I pair it with CO₂ laser resurfacing to refine the skin texture, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen production." He often also uses these treatments, in addition to FaceTite (which uses directional radiofrequency energy), to target more significant laxity and fullness in the lower face and neck, further boosting the results. "In some cases, liposuction is needed to refine the jawline further and remove stubborn fat beneath the chin, followed by RF skin tightening." Looking—and feeling—your best. The bottom line is that most people go on GLP-1 medication to improve their health—and that should always be the main goal. Weight loss undoubtedly helps to reduce the risk of disease and provide a better quality of life. But if aesthetic related concerns are troubling you, modern medicine has a solution. With more and more weight loss medications on the horizon and innovative technologies to address the drawbacks popping up almost monthly, the Ozempic makeover trend shows no signs of slowing down. While Dr. Neinstein predicts that weight loss medications will likely improve to predominantly target fat and spare muscle, resulting in less loose skin, for now, a plastic surgeon may be your best option. 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