Wednesday, 17 June 2026

New Alzheimer's agitation medication, GLP-1 drugs pilot program, Measles outbreak in Bangladesh

1. 01

   FDA Approves New Medication for Alzheimer's-Related Agitation

   The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication specifically for treating agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer disease. This approval expands treatment options for clinicians managing patients with this condition. The development is significant as it addresses a common and challenging symptom in Alzheimer's disease.

   via JAMA

2. 02

   Medicare Pilot Program Offers GLP-1 Drugs at $50 Monthly

   The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new pilot program that will provide access to specific glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss at a cost of $50 per month for Medicare beneficiaries. This initiative aims to improve access to these medications for eligible patients. The program's introduction may influence prescribing practices and patient access to weight loss treatments.

   via JAMA

3. 03

   Large Measles Outbreak Reported in Bangladesh

   Bangladesh is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, raising concerns about public health amid declining vaccination rates. The situation has global implications, highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts. This outbreak may affect health strategies and discussions surrounding immunisation in various regions.

   via JAMA

4. 04

   ERCP with Minor Papillotomy Shows No Benefit in Pancreas Divisum

   A multicenter, sham-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papillotomy in patients with unexplained acute recurrent pancreatitis and pancreas divisum. The trial found no significant reduction in the primary outcome of acute pancreatitis occurring more than 30 days after randomization, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.83. These findings may influence management strategies for this patient population.

   via JAMA · also covered by JAMA, JAMA

5. 05

   Long-term APPAC trial results on antibiotics for appendicitis

   A 10-year follow-up of the APPAC trial revealed a 37.8% recurrence rate of true appendicitis and a 44.3% cumulative appendectomy rate in patients treated with antibiotics for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The authors concluded that antibiotics are a viable treatment option, but raised concerns regarding the generalizability, safety, and practicality of this approach. These findings may influence treatment considerations in general practice.

   via JAMA · also covered by JAMA

6. 06

   Conservative Strategy Preferred for Frail Older Adults with NSTEMI

   Research indicates that frail older patients with non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) may benefit more from a conservative treatment strategy rather than an invasive approach. This finding is significant for managing this vulnerable population, as it may influence treatment decisions.

   via JAMA

MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.