The FDA has approved several biosimilars for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including multiple alternatives for Stelara (ustekinumab) and Humira (adalimumab), with launches set for early 2025. These approvals aim to improve patient access, reduce healthcare costs, and expand treatment options for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Key approvals include:
Author: Rutali Thakur
With the FDA’s recent approval of Guardant Health’s Shield blood test and Exact Sciences’ Cologuard Plus stool test, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening options are expanding beyond traditional colonoscopy. While these tests offer convenience and could boost screening rates, concerns remain about their effectiveness in detecting precancerous lesions and preventing CRC compared to colonoscopy. Are these innovations a breakthrough or a compromise? Dive deeper into the debate, expert insights, and the latest research on CRC screening advancements.
Private-equity-backed physician groups are a relatively small segment of the U.S. health care system, but they are getting a lot of attention that could end up hurting independent practice, patient care, and the nation’s health care system in general. AIMPA Board Chair and President Paul Berggreen, MD, talks about the ramifications.
The FDA has approved a generic version of liraglutide (Victoza) for type 2 diabetes in patients aged 10 and older, aiming to expand access amid GLP-1 medication shortages. Developed by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, this daily injectable offers a more affordable alternative, complementing diet and exercise for blood sugar control. The move is part of the FDA’s Drug Competition Action Plan to boost affordability and access to complex generics.
The field of gastroenterology witnessed transformative advancements in 2024, driven by groundbreaking clinical trials, updated practice guidelines, and innovative therapeutic approaches. From metabolic dysfunction–associated liver disease to inflammatory bowel disorders and pancreatic cyst management, these developments are reshaping clinical strategies and improving patient outcomes. With new drugs gaining approval, clearer guidelines for complex conditions, and advancements in diagnostic precision, gastroenterologists are now equipped with more tools than ever to provide evidence-based, personalized care. This year’s highlights focus on emerging treatments, disease management protocols, and updated quality metrics, addressing challenges in both diagnosis and long-term care.
A groundbreaking consensus document, spearheaded by international experts and published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, outlines standardized guidelines for microbiota testing to curb the proliferation of unsupported do-it-yourself kits and ensure its ethical, clinical, and educational integration into personalized medicine. While gut microbiota analysis holds potential for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy guidance, the panel emphasizes that current scientific evidence is insufficient for widespread clinical adoption, advocating for rigorous research, physician education, and regulatory standards to maximize its future impact on patient care.
Three gastroenterologists faced serious legal battles in one week: a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut, a tax fraud conviction carrying up to 204 years in prison in West Virginia, and shocking sexual misconduct allegations under investigation in Ohio.
On October 30, 2024, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates (RGA) disclosed a data breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, following a December 16, 2023 cyberattack that accessed sensitive patient information. RGA confirmed that files containing personal and health information were compromised, although the electronic health records system remained secure. The investigation concluded on September 4, 2024, identifying affected individuals who were notified via data breach letters. The breached data may expose patients to fraud or identity theft risks. Founded in 1980, RGA is based in Rockford, Illinois, and specializes in gastrointestinal care.
News Flash: Cardinal Health to Acquire Majority Stake in GI Alliance Sources: PS. The following pages (80-81) from Scope Forward and page 391 (interview with Dr. Lawrence Kosinski) from The Shift discuss private equity consolidation.
Cardinal Health has announced plans to acquire a 71% stake in GI Alliance (GIA), a leading gastroenterology management services organization, for approximately $2.8 billion in cash. This strategic move aims to enhance Cardinal Health’s specialty healthcare offerings by integrating GIA’s extensive network of over 900 physicians across 345 locations in 20 states. The partnership is expected to create a comprehensive multi-specialty managed-services platform, benefiting both physicians and patients by delivering high-quality, dependable specialty care.