Pharma Pulse 6/6/25: GLP-1 Drugs May be Linked to Elevated Risk of Serious Eye Disease; Incyte’s Zynyz Wins FDA Approval as Single and Combo Therapy for Anal Cancer

GLP-1 Drugs may be Linked to Elevated Risk of Serious Eye Disease, Study Finds

A new observational study finds that people with diabetes taking GLP-1 drugs have a low but doubled risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause blindness, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of eye health in these patients.

Incyte’s Zynyz Wins FDA Approval as Single and Combo Therapy for Anal Cancer

The FDA has approved Incyte’s Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr) for both combination and monotherapy treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, offering new effective options after limited prior innovation and based on clinical trials showing improved progression-free survival and response rates.

Study: Maternal Asthma Increases Incidence of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

A large retrospective study found that maternal asthma, especially active disease and certain inflammatory phenotypes, significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and cesarean delivery, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and updated treatment guidelines during pregnancy.

Addressing Underdiagnosed Diabetes Prevents Complications, Increased Mortality Rates

Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare providers, play a crucial role in identifying undiagnosed diabetes—which affects millions and leads to serious complications and higher mortality—by offering screenings, patient education, and collaborative care to enable earlier diagnosis and improved management, especially in underserved populations.

Overcoming Operational Challenges in Oncology Clinical Trials: Lessons from a Multicentric Study in India

This Applied Clinical Trials article details how a multicentric Phase II oncology trial in India overcame regulatory, recruitment, patient retention, vendor management, data quality, and financial challenges through strategic planning and collaboration, ultimately optimizing trial execution and ensuring high-quality outcomes.