Boehringer's new zongertinib data demonstrate durable and clinically meaningful results in patients with HER2 (ERBB2)-mutant advanced NSCLC
New data from the Phase Ib Beamion LUNG-1 trial were presented at AACR and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine
Data presented included an objective response rate (ORR) of 71%, with 7% of patients achieving complete responses (CR), and a 96% disease control rate (DCR)
Previously unreported results, including median duration of response (DoR) of 14.1 months and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.4 months, indicate the potential for zongertinib to impact clinical practice
Zongertinib continued to demonstrate a manageable safety profile, with low incidence of grade ≥3 drug-related AEs
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Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Health Canada approves Ozempic to reduce kidney deterioration in people with diabetes
TORONTO – Health Canada has approved Ozempic to reduce the risk of further kidney decline among patients with Type 2 diabetes. Between 30 and 50 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes develop some form of chronic kidney disease. An international clinical trial, called FLOW, showed the risk of kidneys significantly deteriorating or failing was 24 per cent lower in patients taking Ozempic compared to those taking a placebo injection. The patients taking the drug were also less likely to die from cardiovascular disease — another condition that affects many patients with diabetes. The study, funded by Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk, was peer-reviewed and published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year and contributed to Health Canada's decision. Dr. David Cherney, a nephrologist at Toronto General Hospital, helped lead the Canadian part of the trial and says the results show it's possible to reduce the loss of kidney function before patients need dialysis or a kidney transplant. 'What my patients are scared of is dialysis — dialysis or a transplant,' said Cherney, who is also a senior scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, in an interview. 'I can reasonably reduce that risk and thereby reduce their anxiety and fear of serious, serious complications. Not to mention all the cardiovascular disease, which patients are also extremely afraid of.' Dr. Ehud Ur, an endocrinologist in Vancouver who was not involved in the study, said the results are credible and that Health Canada's approval of Ozempic to help prevent kidney decline is 'great news.' 'The prevention of kidney disease is a very important goal in the management of patients with Type 2 diabetes and this is another tool,' said Ur, who is a professor of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of British Columbia. Ozempic is the brand name of an injectable dose of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. Ozempic was first approved in Canada as a diabetes medication because it reduces blood sugar. It can also decrease appetite and has been approved as a weight-loss drug for people with obesity at a higher dose under the brand name Wegovy, which is also manufactured by Novo Nordisk. In an email, Health Canada confirmed to The Canadian Press that on Aug. 13, it had approved Ozempic 'to reduce the risk of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.' Glomerular filtration rate is a measure that shows how well the kidneys are filtering out waste and excess water. Ozempic is the first GLP-1 drug approved in Canada to protect both kidneys and the heart in patients with Type 2 diabetes, said Ur, noting that the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide have been extensively studied. 'The benefit of Ozempic is that you also get weight loss, which is a very important goal for most people (with Type 2 diabetes). That's a very exciting combination,' he said. Some people experience gastrointestinal side effects when they take Ozempic, Ur said, including nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. More severe complications can include gall bladder inflammation and pancreatitis, but most side effects are minor, he said. The benefit of slowing or stopping progressive kidney disease in people with diabetes would outweigh the risks of minor side effects, Ur said. The FLOW trial was conducted in 28 countries, including Canada. The researchers randomized 3,533 people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease to either receive Ozempic or a placebo. The study was conducted between 2019 and early 2024. Participants were followed for an average of 3.4 years to monitor for 'major kidney disease events,' including kidney failure leading to dialysis or transplantation, a 50-per-cent reduction in kidney function measured by glomerular filtration rate, or death from kidney-related or cardiovascular causes. The Ozempic or placebo doses were given to participants on top of other medications they were taking, including drugs to control blood pressure and blood sugar. Although reducing blood pressure and blood sugar have beneficial effects for the kidneys, Cherney said Ozempic appeared to have an additional positive impact on kidney function and future research can help pinpoint how that works. 'Another weapon against kidney disease is incredibly powerful. And these medicines will often turn patients around who are doing very poorly because it addresses so many different issues — the kidney, the cardiovascular, the metabolic, and the weight,' said Cherney. Ur said it's possible Ozempic could play a role in reducing inflammation in the kidneys and that might be one explanation for its positive effect. Regardless of the reason for its effectiveness, he said the FLOW trial and Health Canada's approval reinforces the importance of using the drug 'relatively early in the disease process' to minimize kidney damage in people with Type 2 diabetes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
Aon Announces Strategic Investment in eMed to Scale GLP-1 Population Health Platform
Strategic investment is accelerating the transformation of employer-focused obesity solutions to boost adherence, retention and deliver breakthrough health outcomes with cost savings DUBLIN, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced a strategic investment in eMed Population Health, Inc., an emerging leader in the delivery of GLP-1 programs. The partnership will enhance employer sponsored access to GLP-1 therapies and scale solutions for obesity. The investment follows the launch earlier this year of Aon's subsidized GLP-1 weight management benefit program for its U.S. workforce – developed by eMed – which has delivered strong adherence, high retention and sustainable results for the firm's colleagues. In the sixth months since Aon's program launched, more than 1,200 people have registered and the firm has seen an average of 22.4 pounds lost with a retention rate of 95 percent. With this investment, eMed will continue to increase distribution of its digital-first healthcare platform — which combines at-home diagnostics, proctor-led screenings, clinician-guided prescribing, and continuous adherence support—to reach more employers and patients. "As the leader of Aon's People Organization, I know how important it's been to include GLP-1 coverage as part of our own U.S. Total Rewards strategy," said Lisa Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer for Aon. "When you see the benefits it brings to people you work with every day, it really underscores how the decisions employers make today shape the future health and performance of our workforces and our businesses." Stevens added: "This strategic investment in eMed enables our firm to have an active role in offering a global solution that is focused on medication adherence that will be differentiated in the marketplace in helping employers reduce long-term health costs while improving the quality of life for their people. By aligning innovation with behavior change and accountability, together we can deliver sustainable results at scale." The collaboration marks a major milestone in eMed's mission to deliver effective and sustainable care through an integrated, data-driven experience, while expanding its provider network, behavioral health tools and market reach. "Today marks a game-changing partnership between Aon and eMed and is a win for both payers and participants," said Linda Yaccarino, CEO of eMed Population Health, Inc. "Our shared vision of market transformation is validated and accelerated by the investment from Aon. This strategic investment in eMed further enables our firm to play an active role in offering a differentiated global solution focused on medication adherence – helping employers reduce long-term health costs while improving quality of life for their people." Aon continues to build a complimentary suite of GLP-1 solutions, industry-leading experience and advisory capabilities for clients. In April, Aon unveiled findings from its multi-year analysis of U.S. commercial health claims data, which evidenced the transformative potential of GLP-1 medications in managing obesity and improving health outcomes. "The rise of GLP-1 medications and its cost has sparked significant strategic considerations from employers looking to address obesity and other chronic conditions," said Farheen Dam, Head of Health for North America at Aon. "We know that GLP-1s are not a one size fits all strategy. This is why data, modelling and strategic guidance from our clinical, actuarial and pharmacy teams help employers build GLP-1s strategies that fit their population and objectives." About eMed eMed® is the world's first end-to-end GLP-1 care platform built on Empathetic AI™. From remote diagnostics and clinician-led prescriptions to adherence coaching and insights, eMed empowers employers to manage population health with accountability and compassion. Learn more at About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Media Contacts eMed Matt Gorman [email protected] Aon [email protected] Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114 International: +1 312 381 3024 SOURCE Aon plc
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Canada News.Net
Texas AG Paxton files suit accusing Eli Lilly of illegal kickbacks
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, alleging the company engaged in an illegal scheme to pay kickbacks to healthcare providers to encourage prescriptions of its most profitable medications. According to Paxton's office, the alleged scheme targeted drugs such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, GLP-1 medications used to treat diabetes and aid weight loss, with financial inducements designed to sway medical decision-making in the company's favor. "Big Pharma compromised medical decision-making by engaging in an illegal kickback scheme," Paxton said in a statement, adding that the case builds on previous efforts to hold drugmakers accountable for fraud and abuse. The lawsuit follows earlier legal action by Paxton's office against insulin manufacturers, including Lilly, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). That case claimed manufacturers inflated insulin prices and then funneled a significant, undisclosed share back to PBMs in exchange for preferential placement on drug formularies. Eli Lilly denied wrongdoing, saying the new claims come from the same corporate whistleblower whose allegations have been dismissed by multiple courts and rejected by the federal government. "We intend to vigorously defend against these allegations," a company spokesperson said, citing prior rulings that found the accusations lacked factual and legal merit.
