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VARIPURE study data highlights high arrhythmia-free rates and low adverse events, alongside expanded CE mark enabling broader ablation strategies. Johnson & Johnson has reported 12-month interim results from the VARIPURE study, showing 84.2% freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence and a low 0.8% adverse event rate in patients treated with its Varipulse pulsed field ablation platform. The updated CE mark allowing ablation beyond pulmonary veins further strengthens the platform’s potential in treating more complex atrial fibrillation cases. Alert Type Clinical Data / Study Update Drug/Device Name Varipulse PFA Platform (Varipulse catheter, Trupulse generator, Carto 3 mapping system) Indication Atrial fibrillation (AFib), including paroxysmal and persistent AFib Therapy Area(s) Cardiology, Electrophysiology Geography Europe What Changed Johnson & Johnson reported 12-month interim results from the VARIPURE study, showing 84.2% freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence and a low 0.8% adverse event rate in AFib patients treated with the Varipulse PFA platform. The device also received an updated CE mark enabling ablation beyond pulmonary veins. Clinical Relevance Demonstrates strong real-world efficacy and safety for pulsed field ablation, with expanded treatment capability for persistent AFib and broader ablation strategies, potentially improving outcomes in complex arrhythmia patients. Source Link https://www.jnj.com/ Date 16-Apr-2026 Status Draft Notes VARIPURE study includes 1,023 patients across 22 European sites; 12-month data available for 442 patients. Results presented at EHRA 2026 and published in Europace. Varipulse Pro recently launched in Europe.   Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Deal highlights accelerating pharma shift into rare metabolic disorders and obesity-adjacent indications as companies hunt for de-risked, high-value assets. Neurocrine Biosciences has agreed to acquire Soleno Therapeutics in a $2.9 billion all-cash deal, marking the company’s largest acquisition to date and securing access to Vykat XR, a recently approved therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome. The acquisition strengthens Neurocrine’s position in rare disease and metabolic disorders, adding a first-in-class treatment for hyperphagia and expanding its commercial rare disease portfolio alongside Ingrezza and Crenessity. A Strategic Move Into Rare Metabolic Disorders The deal centres on Soleno’s Vykat XR (diazoxide choline), the first FDA-approved treatment for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. The drug has already demonstrated early commercial traction following its 2025 launch, generating approximately $190 million in sales in its first year. For Neurocrine, the acquisition provides an immediate revenue-generating asset alongside a long-dated patent position, with exclusivity expected into the mid-2040s. Why This Deal Matters Now This acquisition reflects a broader strategic pivot across the pharmaceutical industry toward rare disease and metabolic adjacencies , particularly conditions linked to obesity biology but outside the highly competitive GLP-1 space. Rather than competing directly in crowded obesity markets dominated by GLP-1 therapies, companies are increasingly targeting: Rare genetic drivers of hyperphagia Neurological-endocrine crossover conditions High-unmet-need populations with clear regulatory pathways What This Means for the Industry The Neurocrine–Soleno deal underscores three key industry trends: Rare disease remains a core M&A growth engine Metabolic disorders beyond GLP-1s are becoming strategic targets Pharma is increasingly buying de-risked, revenue-generating assets Summary Neurocrine’s $2.9 billion acquisition of Soleno reflects a clear strategic push into rare metabolic disease, reinforcing a broader industry shift toward de-risked assets and niche, high-value therapeutic markets. As competition intensifies in obesity and endocrinology, companies are increasingly seeking differentiated positions rather than direct competition in crowded drug classes. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Strategic move enhances vascular access and specialty device offerings, reinforcing Merit’s position in a consolidating med‑tech market. Merit Medical Systems has acquired View Point Medical through a merger aimed at strengthening its interventional solutions business and broadening its medical device portfolio. The acquisition brings View Point’s established vascular access product line into Merit’s ecosystem, offering new technologies and expanded customer reach across hospitals and specialty care settings. Reinforcing Merit’s Portfolio Strategy The strategic motivation behind the deal reflects Merit’s growth strategy of acquiring companies that provide complementary technologies and expand its solution footprint. As healthcare providers demand integrated procedural solutions, particularly in vascular access and minimally invasive therapies, larger med‑tech companies like Merit are increasingly buying innovation from focused, nimble innovators. With ongoing pressure on hospitals to deliver efficient care and reduce complications associated with vascular access and interventional procedures, having a robust, end‑to‑end product suite gives Merit a competitive edge. A Broader Trend in Medical Technology This acquisition follows a wider trend in the medical device industry. Major device manufacturers are actively acquiring smaller, specialised firms to accelerate innovation and market reach, rather than relying solely on organic R&D. Across specialties such as cardiology, interventional radiology, and vascular access, there has been a steady stream of partnerships and buys as companies scale technologies that solve specific procedural challenges. What This Means for the Industry The Merit–View Point Medical deal highlights three key industry trends: Platform expansion through strategic acquisition - Established med‑tech companies are integrating adjacent technologies to create more comprehensive portfolios. Focus on procedural efficiency and outcomes - Investors and acquirers are prioritising device technologies that improve procedural performance and patient care. Accelerated consolidation in med‑tech - Smaller innovators with differentiated platforms are increasingly targets for acquisition. As consolidation continues, strategic deals like this one are likely to remain a central feature of growth strategies in the medical technology sector. Summary As Merit Medical Systems extends its product suite through the acquisition of View Point Medical, this deal underscores the growing importance of strategic mergers in med‑tech, where scale, complementary technologies, and procedural breadth are key to staying competitive in an evolving market. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Keytruda now approved across EU for PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal carcinoma. Merck’s Keytruda, combined with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab, has received European Commission approval for adults with PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, following positive Phase III KEYNOTE-B96 trial results showing improved progression-free and overall survival. The approval also covers Keytruda SC (Keytruda Qlex in the US), providing Europe’s first PD-1 inhibitor-based treatment option for this patient population. Alert Type European Commission Approval Drug/Device Name Keytruda (pembrolizumab) ± paclitaxel ± bevacizumab; Keytruda SC (Keytruda Qlex in US) Indication PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma Therapy Area(s) Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Immunotherapy Geography European Union (27 member states), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein What Changed The EC approved Keytruda combination therapy for adults with PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer following positive Phase III KEYNOTE-B96 trial results showing improved progression-free and overall survival. Approval includes Keytruda SC (Keytruda Qlex in the US). Clinical Relevance Provides the first PD-1 inhibitor-based treatment option for this patient population in Europe, expanding access and offering a clinically meaningful survival benefit for PD-L1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Source Link https://www.merck.com/news/msd-secures-ec-clearance-for-keytruda-combination-therapy-for-ovarian-cancer/ Date 1-Apr-2026 Status Draft Notes Approval follows FDA approval in Feb 2026; based on Phase III KEYNOTE-B96 (ENGOT-ov65); includes adults who had 1–2 prior systemic regimens. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

New oral weight-loss treatment enters the market as competition with Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy accelerates. The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 drug Foundayo (orforglipron) for weight management, supported by Phase III trial data showing significant weight loss in patients. The approval marks a major step in the growing oral obesity treatment market, setting up increased competition with Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide. Alert Type FDA Approval Drug/Device Name Foundayo (orforglipron) Indication Chronic weight management / Obesity Therapy Area(s) Obesity, Metabolic, Endocrinology Geography United States What Changed The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 agonist Foundayo (orforglipron) for weight management, becoming the first new molecular entity approved under the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher programme. The approval was supported by Phase III ATTAIN-1 trial data showing up to 12.4% weight loss at 72 weeks. Clinical Relevance Provides a new oral GLP-1 treatment option for obesity that can be taken without food or water restrictions, potentially improving adherence and expanding access compared with existing oral GLP-1 therapies. Source Link https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7156789 Date 2-Apr-2026 Status Draft Notes Competes directly with Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide (Wegovy). Label includes simvastatin dosing considerations. Analysts forecast strong sales growth and major competition in oral obesity market.   Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Bringing Together Caregivers, Clinicians, and Researchers to Advance Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care New York, March 30, 2026  – CaringKind hosted its first Dementia & Alzheimer’s Education Conference at the New York Academy of Medicine, bringing together caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and people living with dementia. The sold-out event focused on best practices, patient support innovations, and the latest research insights. Keynotes included David Hyde Pierce and leading experts Dr Tobe Banc, Dr Sara Czaja, Dr Kendra Ray, and Dr Mary Sano, who covered emerging approaches to care and strategies to improve patient well-being. The conference offered hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, along with AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, nursing, and psychologist contact hours, plus continuing education credits for social workers in New York State. Top Takeaways from the Conference: Caregiver Support:  Practical strategies to reduce burnout and enhance patient care at home. Clinical Insights:  Latest research on dementia progression and early intervention approaches. Patient Empowerment:  Innovative tools to engage people living with dementia in daily life. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:  Opportunities for caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to share knowledge. Industry Involvement: Sponsors like Bristol Myers Squibb, Biogen, Acadia, Eisai, Axsome, and Novartis are supporting education initiatives. “Under one roof, we unite family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to share knowledge and advance dementia care,” said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, CaringKind CEO . Learn more and plan for next year:   ckconference.org Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Merck has agreed to acquire biotechnology company Terns Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at approximately $6.7 billion , strengthening its oncology pipeline ahead of the upcoming patent expiry of its blockbuster drug, Keytruda. The acquisition centres around TERN-701, an experimental treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia currently in clinical development. The drug has shown promising early results and could become a major revenue driver if approved. Preparing for the Keytruda Patent Cliff The strategic motivation behind the deal is clear. Keytruda is one of the world’s best-selling drugs and generates tens of billions in annual revenue for Merck. However, key patent protections begin to expire in 2028, creating a potential revenue gap. Large pharmaceutical companies often respond to these “patent cliffs” by acquiring late-stage drugs or biotechnology companies with promising pipelines. The Terns acquisition appears to be part of Merck’s broader strategy to replace future lost revenue with new oncology products. A Wider Industry Trend This deal is part of a wider trend across the pharmaceutical industry. Many major drugmakers are increasingly acquiring smaller biotech companies rather than relying solely on internal research and development. This approach allows them to access new technologies, pipelines and therapeutic areas more quickly. Oncology remains the most active area for pharmaceutical acquisitions, with companies investing heavily in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and rare cancer treatments. What This Means for the Industry The Merck–Terns deal highlights three major trends in pharma: Companies are preparing for major patent expiries Oncology remains the top investment area Big pharma increasingly buys innovation from biotech rather than building it internally As patent cliffs approach for several blockbuster drugs across the industry, further acquisitions and licensing deals are likely over the next few years. Summary As Merck moves to secure its next generation of oncology treatments, this acquisition underscores the growing importance of strategic biotech partnerships for big pharma to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive, patent‑driven market. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, but its success depends on more than algorithm, it also depends on humans. At Doximity’s annual AI Medical Summit, it has become clear that AI’s greatest potential lies in enhancing physicians’ work, not replacing them. Key Takeaways from the Summit: Opportunities and Limitations:  AI in clinical medicine has enormous potential, but its effectiveness hinges on context and thoughtful deployment. Physicians in the Driver’s Seat:  Doctors must guide how AI tools are used. Their expertise ensures that AI safely and meaningfully augments clinical decisions . Enhancing Patient Care:  AI can become a “care partner,” improving the patient-doctor relationship by handling routine tasks and providing actionable insights. Tailored Tools for Real-World Medicine:  Doximity’s portfolio—including Scribe, Dialer, and DoxGPT—demonstrates how AI can meet the evolving demands of modern medicine. PeerCheck Innovation:  DoxGPT’s PeerCheck allows AI recommendations to be corroborated by expert human input, creating trustworthy outputs that clinicians can rely on. A “Physician First” Philosophy:  At its core, Doximity prioritises the needs of physicians, designing tools by doctors, for doctors . Highlighting that Doximity isn’t just a platform. It’s a physician-led approach to integrating AI into healthcare. By keeping doctors at the centre, these tools aim to support clinical work, reduce administrative burden, and allow clinicians to focus on patient care with trust and empathy. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Phase III GLISTEN trial data supports approval of the first therapy specifically targeting cholestatic pruritus in PBC patients. The FDA has approved Lynavoy (linerixibat) for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, marking the first dedicated therapy for this debilitating symptom. Backed by Phase III GLISTEN trial results, the drug demonstrated rapid and sustained improvements in itch and sleep interference, addressing a significant unmet need in liver disease management. Alert Type Drug Approval (FDA) Drug/Device Name Lynavoy (linerixibat) Indication Cholestatic pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) Therapy Area(s) Hepatology / Liver Disease Geography US (FDA) What Changed The FDA approved Lynavoy, the first therapy for cholestatic pruritus linked to PBC, following Phase III GLISTEN trial results showing rapid and sustained improvement in itch and sleep interference compared to placebo. Clinical Relevance Provides the first dedicated treatment for PBC-related itch, addressing a previously unmet symptom with significant impact on patient quality of life. Source Link https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/fda-approves-lynavoy-for-pruritus-in-pbc/ Date 19-Mar-2026 Status Draft Notes GLISTEN Phase III trial met primary and key secondary endpoints; market competition includes PPAR agonists Livdelzi (seladelpar) and Iqirvo (elafibranor); Alfasigma licensing deal includes upfront $300M, $100M on approval, plus EU/UK milestones and royalties; Lynavoy under review in EU and UK; first liver medicine from GSK’s pipeline to receive approval. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The collaboration leverages Trialing’s platform to connect physicians with early-phase cancer studies and provide real-time updates on patient enrolment opportunities. START’s partnership with Trialing aims to streamline referrals and increase physician awareness of ongoing oncology trials, improving patient access to innovative therapies. By sharing dynamic study information and eligibility updates, the initiative supports faster, more transparent connections between physicians and clinical trial sites across Europe. Alert Type Clinical Trial / Partnership Drug/Device Name N/A – Clinical Trial Access Platform Indication Oncology – Early-phase cancer trials Therapy Area(s) Haematology / Oncology Geography Europe What Changed START Center for Cancer Research has partnered with Trialing to improve access to early-phase oncology trials across Europe, leveraging Trialing’s platform to connect physicians with active studies and notify them of patient enrolment opportunities. Clinical Relevance Enhances referral pathways, increases physician awareness of ongoing trials, and enables real-time updates on eligibility and enrolment, improving patient access to innovative cancer therapies. Source Link START Press Release Date 09-Mar-2026 Status Draft Notes Trialing’s platform supports rapid study identification using structured decision pathways; START continues to expand its European trial network and has prior collaborations, including Fundación Rioja Salud in Spain. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

Aldeyra Therapeutics’ new drug application for reproxalap was not approved due to insufficient clinical trial data demonstrating efficacy. The FDA issued a complete response letter for reproxalap, citing inconsistencies in the clinical trial results and insufficient evidence of its effectiveness for dry eye disease. Aldeyra Therapeutics will request a Type A meeting with the agency to discuss potential pathways forward, while no additional trials are currently required. Alert Type Complete Response Letter (FDA) Drug/Device Name Reproxalap Indication Dry eye disease Therapy Area(s) Ophthalmology Geography US (FDA) What Changed The FDA issued a complete response letter for Aldeyra Therapeutics’ NDA for reproxalap, citing insufficient evidence of efficacy and inconsistencies in clinical trial results under the proposed conditions of use. Clinical Relevance Reproxalap’s effectiveness remains unproven; further guidance from the FDA will be required before potential market access. Source Link https://www.globaldata.com/newsletter/details/fda-issues-crl-to-aldeyra-s-reproxalap-drug-application_380478 Date 27-Feb-2026 Status Draft Notes FDA recommended exploring reasons for trial failures and identifying responsive populations; no new trials required. Aldeyra plans a Type A meeting within 30 days. Company cash position as of 31-Dec-2025: $70m, supporting operations into 2028. Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

A Small Group of Specialties Continues to Pull Away From the Rest The latest physician compensation data highlights a clear structural reality within healthcare: earnings are not evenly distributed, and a small group of specialities continues to dominate the top end of the market. At the highest level, procedure-led fields such as neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery and cardiology consistently command the strongest salaries. Average earnings in these areas comfortably exceed $500,000 per year, creating a significant gap with the rest of the profession. The Scale of the Gap Tier Specialty Average Compensation Top Neurosurgery $749,140 Top Thoracic Surgery $689,969 Top Orthopaedic Surgery $679,517 Top Plastic Surgery $621,445 Top Cardiology $587,360 Mid Emergency Medicine $411,133 Mid Obstetrics & Gynecology $389,566 Mid Psychiatry $341,977 Lower Internal Medicine $326,116 Lower Family Medicine $318,959 Lowest Endocrinology $290,606 Lowest Pediatrics $265,230 The drop-off is immediate. Once you move away from procedure-heavy specialties, compensation compresses into a much narrower band. The majority of physicians operate within this middle tier, rather than at the top. Compensation Is Driven by Type of Work, Not Volume of Demand One of the more revealing aspects of the data is that compensation is not aligned with demand. In fact, many of the most widely recruited specialties sit outside the highest-paying bracket. Salary Distribution by Specialty Type Salary Band Example Specialties $500k–$750k Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Radiology $400k–$500k Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN, Pulmonology $300k–$400k Psychiatry, Internal Medicine $250k–$300k Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Geriatrics Primary care fields—despite being critical to healthcare systems—sit at the lower end of the pay spectrum. Meanwhile, highly specialised, procedure-driven roles continue to command a premium. This highlights a key dynamic: "Earnings are shaped more by the nature of the work than by the role's demand" Growth and Pay Do Not Always Move Together Another important trend is the disconnect between compensation and growth. Some of the fastest-growing specialties are not the highest paid, suggesting that market demand is not being matched by financial incentives . Fastest Growing Specialties vs Pay Specialty Growth Rate Average Pay Pediatric Nephrology +15.6% $263,013 Preventive Medicine +10.0% $310,177 Radiology +7.5% $571,749 Hematology +7.4% $421,482 Family Medicine +6.0% $318,959 While radiology sits at both the high-growth and high-pay end, most other fast-growing specialties remain in the middle or lower compensation tiers. This creates a structural imbalance, where areas of increasing need are not necessarily the ones that offer the strongest financial returns. Where Doctors Work Also Shapes What They Earn Compensation is influenced not only by speciality but also by practice setting. The structure of employment plays a meaningful role in determining earning potential. Compensation by Practice Setting Practice Setting Average Compensation Single Specialty Group $476,807 Multi-Specialty Group $461,671 Solo Practice $457,562 Hospital $439,319 Academic $382,223 Government $303,385 Doctors working in private or specialised group settings tend to earn more than those in academic or government roles, where salaries are typically more standardised. What This Means for the Healthcare Market Taken together, the data paints a clear picture of how value is distributed within healthcare. A relatively small group of specialties, those tied to complex, revenue-generating procedures, continue to capture a disproportionate share of total earnings. Meanwhile, the majority of physicians operate in essential, high-demand roles that are comparatively less well compensated. For organisations operating in healthcare, this has direct implications for recruitment, retention and long-term workforce planning. Understanding where compensation is concentrated and why offers a clearer view of the pressures shaping the system. It is not simply a question of who earns the most but how the structure of healthcare itself determines where financial value is created. Source - Doximity Physician Compensation Report 2025 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies  for the Medical Education sector   Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com