GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, are now transforming care across multiple conditions—including obesity, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases. These drugs not only lower blood sugar and support significant weight loss but also reduce cardiovascular events, improve kidney and liver health, and show promise in treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even addiction. While gastrointestinal side effects are common, the overall safety and wide-ranging benefits make them a cornerstone of modern medicine. Remarkably, some patients even report losing cravings for unhealthy foods—like their brain simply “forgot” it ever liked pizza.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Freenome plans to file for US FDA approval of its blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer mid-year. If cleared, the test would rival Guardant Health’s Shield, the first FDA-cleared blood test for primary screening of colorectal cancer. Exact Sciences is also in the race to bring a blood-based colorectal screening test to market.
Geneoscopy has appointed veteran healthcare strategist Amit Bhalla as Chief Financial Officer to steer its financial and commercial trajectory amid rapid expansion. Bhalla, who brings over 25 years of healthcare finance experience—including leadership roles at Sampled and Becton Dickinson—joins the team as the company readies for the commercial launch of ColoSense®, its RNA-based, noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test approved by the FDA in May 2024.
A Virginia jury ruled in favor of a gastroenterologist accused of medical malpractice after a patient suffered a colon perforation during a 2019 screening colonoscopy, according to a recent blog post by defense attorneys Michael Olszewski and Brian Han. What happened?
A new report led by UNC gastroenterologist Dr. Anne Peery reveals that gastrointestinal (GI) diseases cost the U.S. a staggering $111.8 billion in 2021 alone, reflecting the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll these conditions continue to inflict. With 60% of U.S. adults experiencing recurring GI symptoms, the findings highlight an urgent need for investment in innovative GI science and treatment strategies. From rising rates of pancreatic cancer to record-high liver transplants, the data paints a picture of a system under strain.
The first quarter of 2025 brought significant advances in gastroenterology, including FDA approvals for mirikizumab and guselkumab, expanding treatment options for Crohn’s disease. Apraglutide’s rolling NDA submission also raised hope for patients with short bowel syndrome. Promising clinical trial data emerged for fecal microbiota transplantation in type 1 diabetes-related gastroenteropathy and icotrokinra for ulcerative colitis. In colorectal cancer screening, annual FIT testing was validated as the most effective and cost-efficient method for low-adherence populations.
Australian researchers at the University of South Australia, in collaboration with Ferronova, are pioneering a quantum sensor-powered laparoscopic probe that could revolutionize how gastrointestinal cancers are detected and treated. Backed by a $405,050 government grant, this minimally invasive tool works with iron-oxide nanoparticles (FerroTrace) to precisely map cancerous lymph nodes, potentially sparing patients from extensive surgeries and long-term side effects. Unlike traditional radioactive tracers, this innovation offers a safer, more targeted approach—especially valuable for patients undergoing chemo or radiation therapy. Interestingly, the same technology showed remarkable promise in oral cancer trials, where it helped pinpoint hidden tumors with uncanny accuracy—like…
Innovative drug delivery systems like nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microgrippers are transforming gastrointestinal treatment—particularly for IBD—by enabling precise, sustained, and targeted therapeutic delivery. These technologies aim to overcome GI tract barriers, improve patient adherence, and offer personalized, efficient disease management solutions.
Neurogastroenterology (NGE), the subspecialty focused on disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) such as IBS and chronic constipation, faces limited growth due to inadequate training, lack of referral centers, and persistent stigmas within the medical community. Despite their high prevalence and burden on healthcare systems, DGBIs remain underrepresented in curricula and poorly resourced, especially in countries like Italy, where surveys reveal insufficient diagnostics and clinical infrastructure. Expanding education, multidisciplinary care, and institutional support is essential to improve patient outcomes and attract more young gastroenterologists to the field.
Teladoc Health has launched a next-generation Cardiometabolic Health Program aimed at preventing and managing diabetes, hypertension, and obesity by addressing key lifestyle and biomarker metrics such as diet, sleep, stress, and blood pressure. The enhanced program includes personalized coaching, at-home testing, connected device integration, and places 100% of program fees at risk, reflecting Teladoc’s confidence in improving population health outcomes.