Trending Topics & Drug Approvals: September 2026
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published its 2026–27 recommendations for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants and children. RSV immunization continues to be recommended for infants younger than 8 months of age during their first RSV season, except for those with documented protection from maternal RSV vaccination received during pregnancy (a minimum of 14 days prior to delivery). Both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved monoclonal antibodies nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and clesrovimab (Enflonsia) are recommended for prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in these infants and are administered as a single dose for infants less than 8 months of age. The AAP does not list a preference for one of these products over the other when either product is appropriate for the infant. The AAP has expanded the high-risk criteria for RSV immunization in infants and children 8–19 months of age entering their second RSV season. Those considered eligible for prophylaxis during their second RSV season include: preterm children born at less than 32 weeks’ gestation; children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, as well as those with anatomic pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders that increase their risk for severe disease; and children with Down syndrome or other chromosomal differences who are at a higher risk of severe disease (consult the policy statement for a complete listing of high-risk groups). Beyfortus is the only product currently FDA-approved for prevention of RSV in children at high risk entering their second RSV season.
AAP also published updated guidance on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and recommends all infants and children 6–23 months of age receive a 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine as long as contraindications do not exist. The following children and adolescents 2–18 years of age are recommended to receive a single dose of an age-appropriate 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior COVID-19 vaccination status: those who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, residents of long-term care facilities/congregate living facilities, those who have never been vaccinated, and those who have household contacts at high risk for severe COVID-19. A single dose of an age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine should also be offered for children in this age group not included in the above risk groups whose parents/guardians desire vaccination. AAP recommends children 6 months through 18 years of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive two or more COVID-19 vaccine doses, depending on prior vaccination status. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty, Spikevax and mNexspike, as well as the adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid, have received approval for the 2026–27 formula. The 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine formula targets the XFG subvariant from the JN.1 lineage, aligning with FDA guidance and more closely matching currently circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants.
Earlier this year, AAP published their 2026 recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents in the United States who are 18 years of age or younger. Other medical organizations have also published their 2026–27 immunization recommendations for the upcoming respiratory virus season. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) published guidelines on vaccines for prevention of COVID-19, influenza and RSV infections in immunocompromised patients. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released their immunization schedule recommendations for the upcoming respiratory season, along with related resources. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published its first 2026 maternal immunization schedule, offering evidence-based vaccine recommendations for pregnant, postpartum and lactating individuals, as well as their infants, in June 2026.
In mid-August 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on vaccination coverage and exemptions among kindergartners for the 2025–26 school year. Compared with the prior year, the data demonstrated reduced rates for all reported vaccines. Vaccination coverage was 92% for the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) and 92.4% for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and polio vaccine. Exemptions from one or more vaccines increased from 3.6% to 4.2%, with 24 states reporting exemption rates above 5%. Following publication of the vaccination data, the AAP issued a statement regarding these decreasing kindergarten vaccination rates. Certain diseases, such as measles, require community immunity rates above 95% to prevent transmission among susceptible populations. Even slight reductions in immunization coverage can increase the likelihood of outbreaks.
- The FDA is monitoring increased demand for estradiol transdermal patches and is collaborating with manufacturers to improve product supply. Although estradiol transdermal patches continue to be available, supply may be variable by pharmacy or location for certain products/brands. The FDA states demand increased after the November 2025 label updates that included removal of boxed warnings on (1) a probable risk of breast cancer, (2) cardiovascular disease and (3) probable dementia for patients receiving hormone therapy products for menopause.
- The FDA withdrew Accelerated Approval for use of adagrasib (Krazati) in combination with cetuximab (Erbitux) for the treatment of adults with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Bristol Myers Squibb voluntarily requested withdrawal of this indication following final results from the Phase 3 KRYSTAL-10 trial showing no significant benefit with the combination compared with chemotherapy. Krazati, a rat sarcoma (RAS) small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPase) family inhibitor, remains indicated for use as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior systemic therapy under the Accelerated Approval pathway.
- The Libre DUO 10 Day continuous dual glucose ketone monitoring system from Abbott Diabetes Care is now authorized by the FDA for use in individuals 2 years of age and older with diabetes. The device represents the first wearable continuous ketone monitor available in the United States and the first device globally to combine continuous ketone and glucose monitoring in a single platform. In clinical studies, the device accurately measured ketone levels throughout the 10-day wear period, enabling earlier detection of increased ketone levels prior to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- A new boxed warning has been added to the labeling for ferric carboxymaltose injection (Injectafer) to highlight the risk of symptomatic hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate levels. Phosphate monitoring is recommended in at-risk patients and in those receiving repeat treatment within three months of a prior course.
- The CDC launched the Overdose Prevention Data Channel, a comprehensive resource that provides overdose surveillance data, prevention information and program resources. The platform integrates data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), the Nonfatal Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology System (DOSE) and the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to support identification of national and community-level trends and aid in prevention efforts.
- The Endocrine Society (ES) recently released a scientific statement examining key challenges in obesity treatment and identifying critical gaps in current research. The ES established the Center on Obesity to promote innovation in obesity research and care and plans to publish a clinical practice guideline addressing obesity drug therapy in 2027.
- The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Headache Society (AHS) published a clinical practice guideline addressing pharmacotherapy for the prevention of migraine in adults. The guideline provides recommendations to support decision-making in special populations and clinical scenarios, including patients with fibromyalgia, obesity, hypertension, pregnancy and lactation, and older age.
- The AAP released a frequently-asked-questions document outlining recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and management of congenital measles. This guidance was issued in response to two recent measles-associated infant deaths and comes as the CDC has reported more than 3,000 confirmed cases in the United States as of early September.
- The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) published an updated guideline on stroke rehabilitation and recovery in adults. Replacing the 2016 guideline, the 2026 update includes expanded recommendations on key aspects of post-stroke care, including comorbidity management, fall and fracture risk reduction, technology-enabled rehabilitation strategies, caregiver support, and return-to-work and driving considerations.
Drug Approvals
Specialty
Aug. 13, 2026 — iberdomide (Zenbexus)
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New Drug Application (NDA) approval; Accelerated Approval, Assessment Aid, Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations; Project Orbis review
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Cereblon-modulating protein degrader
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Indicated in combination with daratumumab/hyaluronidase-fihj (Darzalex Faspro) and dexamethasone (Dd) for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior line of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent
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Accelerated Approval was based on minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete response (CR) at any time; therefore, continued approval may require demonstration of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s)
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Oral capsules: 0.75 and 1 mg
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Recommended dosage is taken orally once daily, with or without food, on Days 1–21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
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Approval was based on data from the two-stage, randomized, multicenter, open-label Phase 3 trial (EXCALIBER-RRMM; n=939) that evaluated adults with relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM) who had previously received 1–2 prior lines of therapy; MRD-negative CR at any time was evaluated as the primary endpoint of the first 420 patients randomized to iberdomide 1 mg in combination with Dd or the comparator arm of daratumumab/hyaluronidase-fihj, bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd); at any time, the MRD-negative CR was 41% in the study arm that received iberdomide + Dd compared with 21% in the DVd study arm (P<0.0001)
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Boxed warning for embryo-fetal toxicity and serious venous and arterial thromboembolism
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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) MM guidelines list iberdomide (Zenbexus)/dexamethasone plus daratumumab as a Category 2A (other recommended regimen) for relapsed/refractory disease after 1–3 prior therapies; the guidelines also recommend several other regimens as options in this setting
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Zenbexus is available from Bristol Myers Squibb through a restricted distribution program called Zenbexus Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Aug. 19, 2026 — garetosmab-grts (Pasatru)
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Biologics License Application (BLA) approval; Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations
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Activin signaling inhibitor
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Indicated to reduce formation of new heterotopic ossification (HO) lesions and clinician-assessed flare-ups in adults with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)
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Solution for injection: 300 mg/5 mL (60 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial
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Recommended starting dosage is a weight-based intravenous (IV) infusion administered by a healthcare professional (HCP) over 60 minutes once every four weeks; dosage can be decreased due to tolerability
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Approval was based on data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 study (OPTIMA; n=63) that evaluated adults with FOP; the primary endpoint was the number of new HO lesions that formed by Week 56, as detected using low-dose, full-body computed tomography (CT) imaging; at Week 56, garetosmab significantly reduced the number of new HO lesions compared with placebo at both the recommended starting dose (10 mg/kg) and the tolerability-reduced dose (3 mg/kg); two new lesions among 23 patients receiving the starting dose and one new lesion among 19 patients receiving the reduced dose, compared with 19 new lesions among 21 patients receiving placebo) resulting in a 90% reduction for the recommended starting dose and a 94% reduction for the reduced dose compared with placebo (P<0.05 for both doses)
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FOP is an ultra-rare, genetic condition resulting in connective tissues (e.g., muscle, tendons, ligaments) gradually turning into bone, leading to reduced mobility, physical deformities, severe disability and early mortality; FOP is caused by a mutation in the activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1) gene, a receptor involved in bone growth; Pasatru binds activin A and stops its ability to activate FOP-mutant ACVR1; it is the second FDA-approved therapy for this condition; the retinoid palovarotene (Sohonos) is an oral capsule indicated for reducing the volume of new HO in adults and children ≥8 years of age for females and ≥10 years of age for males with FOP
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Pasatru is available from Regeneron
Aug. 19, 2026 — pariglasgene brecaparvovec-opnr (Genglycos)
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BLA approval; Accelerated Approval, Fast Track and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designations; Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher
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Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy
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Indicated to reduce daily cornstarch intake as an adjunct to nutritional management in adult and pediatric patients ≥8 years of age with glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa)
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Accelerated Approval was based on a decrease in daily cornstarch intake; therefore, continued approval for this use may require demonstration of benefit in confirmatory clinical trial(s)
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Suspension for IV infusion: 3 × 1013 genome copies (gc)/mL; supplied as a kit with 3–15 single-dose vials
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Recommended dosage is administered as a single-dose IV infusion dosed in gc per kg of body weight; baseline testing for pre-existing antibodies to AAV8 should be conducted and baseline liver-function tests should be assessed before infusion; acetaminophen and nonsedating antihistamines should be administered as premedication 30–60 minutes before the infusion; two weeks following administration, prophylactic corticosteroids should be administered for a minimum of eight weeks
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Approval was based on data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 GlucoGene study (n=46) in patients ≥8 years with GSDIa; the primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline to Week 48 in cornstarch intake; patients who received pariglasgene brecaparvovec-opnr demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the least-squares average daily cornstarch intake from baseline (41% versus 10% for placebo; P<0.0001)
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GSDIa is an ultra-rare, inherited disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the glucose-6-phosphatase gene (G6PC) that leads to the absence of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) enzyme responsible for release of glucose from glycogen stores in the liver; as a result of the enzyme deficiency, the body’s ability to maintain stable blood glucose between meals, during fasting and in periods of metabolic stress is severely compromised, leading to potentially life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes and serious, long-term metabolic complications; traditional management strategies for GSDIa include frequent meals, avoidance of simple sugar-containing foods, medical monitoring, and continuous consumption of uncooked/specially formulated cornstarch to provide a slow-digesting complex carbohydrate for prevention of hypoglycemia; this approach can lead to hyperglycemia in an effort to avoid hypoglycemia; Genglycos is the first FDA-approved therapy for patients with GSDIa and is administered as a one-time gene therapy that provides a functional human copy of the G6PC gene to the liver to aid in restoration of the deficient G6Pase enzyme, which may help restore the body’s ability to utilize glycogen stored in the liver to maintain blood glucose levels
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Genglycos is available from Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical through a national network of Qualified Treatment Centers
Aug. 26, 2026 — daraxonrasib (Rasonque)
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NDA approval; Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations; Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program
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RAS GTPase family inhibitor
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Indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have received at least one prior systemic therapy or who are not candidates for multiagent systemic therapy
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Oral tablets: 100 mg and 150 mg
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Recommended dosage is administered orally once daily, with or without food; prophylactic and concurrent medications should be administered as recommended in the Rasonque labeling to decrease the risk of dermatologic reactions
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Approval was based on a randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase 3 clinical study (RASolute 302; n=500) that evaluated patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma with disease progression after receiving one prior line of systemic therapy, which included either a fluoropyrimidine-based or gemcitabine-based regimen; patients received either daraxonrasib orally once daily or physician’s choice of standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy regimens that were continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; the primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with a RAS G12 mutation (91.8% of enrolled patients had these mutations); the median OS was 13.2 months with daraxonrasib compared with 6.6 months with SOC chemotherapy in the RAS G12 population (hazard ratio, 0.4; P<0.001); the median PFS in the RAS G12 population was 7.3 months with daraxonrasib compared with 3.5 months with SOC chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.45; P<0.001)
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Most newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer cases in the United States are pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and although this represents only 3.2% of all cancer diagnoses, pancreatic adenocarcinoma continues to be associated with a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis, aggressive presentation and historically limited response to conventional therapies; traditional treatment options in the recurrent disease setting are based on whether prior therapy was gemcitabine- or fluoropyrimidine-based; in patients with pancreatic ductal carcinoma, an oncogenic RAS mutation exists in >90% of cases; Rasonque is a first-in-class oral RAS(ON) multiselective inhibitor for both mutant and wild-type RAS and is included in NCCN guidelines as a Category 1 recommendation in the subsequent therapy setting for locally advanced/metastatic disease and a Category 2A or 2B recommendation (depending on performance status) in the first-line setting for metastatic disease
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Rasonque is available from Revolution Medicines
Aug. 27, 2026 — brepocitinib (Lisraya)
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NDA approval; Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations
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Dual Janus kinase (JAK) and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor
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Indicated for the treatment of dermatomyositis in adult patients
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Not recommended for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, other TYK2 inhibitors or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
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Oral tablets: 30 mg
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Recommended dosage is taken once daily, administered orally, with or without food
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Approval was based on data from a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study (VALOR; n=241) that evaluated the primary endpoint of Total Improvement Score (TIS; score range, 0–100; higher score demonstrates greater improvement) at Week 52 in patients receiving standard therapies for dermatomyositis (with tapering of glucocorticoids); the TIS is a validated composite myositis index assessing muscle enzymes, both physician and patient assessments of overall health, and changes in muscle strength, physical function, skin and other disease activity; at Week 52, patients who received brepocitinib 30 mg once daily demonstrated significantly higher mean TIS scores compared with placebo (46.5 versus 31.2, respectively; treatment difference, 15.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.7–24; P<0.001) indicating greater clinical response and disease control with brepocitinib
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Boxed warning for serious infections, mortality, malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and thrombosis
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Dermatomyositis is a rare systemic autoimmune disease involving chronic inflammation that leads to progressive damage to the muscles, skin, lungs, joints, heart and gastrointestinal tract; management approaches are dependent on the presence and severity of myositis and the type and extent of skin and organ involvement; systemic glucocorticoids have historically been considered a cornerstone for treatment and are utilized in combination with steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agents (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine); IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) (e.g., Octagam 10%) is FDA-approved for dermatomyositis in adults and used for patients with severe/refractory disease; as a selective JAK/TYK2 inhibitor, Lisraya provides a new, oral targeted therapeutic approach for patients with dermatomyositis
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Lisraya is available from Priovant Therapeutics
Aug. 28, 2026 — rusfertide (Mimrylo)
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NDA approval; Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations
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Hepcidin mimetic
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Indicated for the treatment of erythrocytosis in adults with polycythemia vera (PV)
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Lyophilized powder in single-dose vials for reconstitution: 9.5 mg, 19 mg, 28 mg, 41 mg and 54 mg
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Recommended starting dosage is given once weekly by subcutaneous (SC) injection with dose adjustments based on efficacy and safety; a complete blood count (CBC) should be performed every 2–4 weeks or as clinically indicated during dose modifications; patients and/or caregivers can administer following proper training
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Approval was based on data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study (VERIFY; n=293) that evaluated adults with PV who were receiving SOC therapy (phlebotomy alone or phlebotomy plus one or more cytoreductive agents) and still required frequent phlebotomies; the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients between Week 20 and 32 of the study that achieved a response (defined as not being eligible for a phlebotomy); phlebotomy was based on a confirmed hematocrit ≥45% that is ≥3% (absolute) points higher than the baseline hematocrit or a hematocrit ≥48%; significantly more rusfertide patients (76.9%) achieved a response compared with those who received placebo (32.9%) resulting in a common risk difference of 43.8% (95% CI, 33.5%–54.2%; P<0.0001)
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Other FDA-approved therapies for PV include the SC interferon alfa-2b (Besremi) indicated for adults with PV and the oral kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib (Jakafi/Jakafi XR) indicated for PV in adults with an inadequate response to or intolerance of hydroxyurea; as a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic, Mimrylo mimics the endogenous hormone hepcidin, resulting in regulation of iron levels and a subsequent decrease in red blood cell production
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Mimrylo will be available from Takeda Pharmaceuticals; the launch timeframe is to be determined (TBD)
Sept. 3, 2026 — zilganersen (Zanvastro)
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NDA approval; Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations; Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher; first FDA-approved treatment for Alexander disease
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Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-directed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)
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Indicated for the treatment of Alexander disease in pediatric and adult patients
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Solution for injection: 56 mg/2.8 mL (20 mg/mL) in single-dose vials; supplied with artificial cerebrospinal fluid diluent (21 mL) in a single-dose vial for dilution of Zanvastro
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Recommended dosage is administered every three months intrathecally using a lumbar puncture by or under the direction of HCPs experienced in performing lumbar punctures; administered as an intrathecal bolus injection over 1–3 minutes
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Approval was based on data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 60-week clinical study (n=49) in pediatric and adult patients with Alexander disease 2–65 years of age, and in an open-label substudy (n=4) in patients <2 years of age; the primary endpoint was evaluated in Stratum 1, which included patients (1) ≥5 years of age and, (2) if ≥18 years of age, onset of motor symptoms/signs within five years, and (3) demonstrated abnormality in gross motor skills; the primary endpoint was the difference in the mean percentage change in gait speed from baseline to Week 61, as assessed by the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) with zilganersen compared with control; there was a statistically significant difference in gait speed with zilganersen (-2.1%) compared with control (-35.4%) for an adjusted least squares mean difference of 33.3% (95% CI, 1.44–65.25, P=0.041); for patients 2–4 years of age, motor function was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 subscales for standing (Dimension D) and for walking, running and jumping (Dimension E); zilganersen-treated patients (n=4) exhibited improvement in the Dimensions D and E combined score, whereas patients who received control (n=3) exhibited decline
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Zanvastro is the first disease-modifying treatment for pediatric and adult patients with Alexander disease, an ultra-rare, progressive, frequently fatal neurological disease caused by mutations in the GFAP gene that result in overproduction and accumulation of GFAP; this mutation leads to abnormal protein aggregates, known as Rosenthal fibers, inside astrocytes in certain regions of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in damaged neurons and myelin; neurological manifestations include seizures, developmental regressions, difficulty walking, muscle weakness and increased intracranial pressure; as an ASO, Zanvastro decreases the production of abnormal GFAP protein, reducing accumulation in astrocytes and potentially slowing further neurological damage; prior to approval of Zanvastro, management was primarily symptomatic
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Zanvastro is available from Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Sept. 4, 2026 — camizestrant (Etcamah)
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NDA approval; Accelerated Approval, Assessment Aid and Breakthrough Therapy designations; Project Orbis review; the FDA also approved the companion diagnostic device, Guardant360 CDx assay, to identify patients with breast cancer with estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations
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Estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist
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Indicated in combination with a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor (abemaciclib [Verzenio], palbociclib [Ibrance] or ribociclib [Kisqali]) for the treatment of adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer upon detection of ESR1 mutation during aromatase inhibitor and CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy, based on an FDA-authorized test
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Accelerated Approval was based on PFS, as measured from detection of ESR1 mutation; therefore, continued approval for this use may require demonstration of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial
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Oral tablets: 75 mg
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Recommended dosage is taken orally once daily, with or without food
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Approval was based on data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial (SERENA-6; n=315) that evaluated switching to camizestrant versus continuing an aromatase inhibitor, in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, in adults with ER-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with detectable ESR1 mutations; the primary endpoint of median PFS was assessed at an interim analysis with a median follow-up of 12.6 months and was found to be significantly improved in the camizestrant plus CDK4/6 inhibitor arm (16 months) compared with the aromatase inhibitor plus CDK4/6 inhibitor arm (9.2 months) corresponding to a hazard ratio for disease progression or death of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.31–0.6; P<0.0001)
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Boxed warning for arrhythmia risk with concomitant use of QTc interval prolonging drugs
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The NCCN invasive breast cancer guidelines list elacestrant (Orserdu), imlunestrant (Inluriyo) or vepdegestrant (Veppanu) for HR-positive, HER2-negative, recurrent unresectable (local or regional) or metastatic breast cancer patients with an ESR1 mutation (all Category 2A, other recommended regimens) in certain settings; ESR1 mutations are the most common acquired resistance mutation during therapy with an aromatase inhibitor plus a CDK4/6 inhibitor; at initial diagnosis, <5% of patients have an ESR1 mutation, however after disease progression on an aromatase inhibitor, almost 40% of patients will exhibit this type of mutation; Etcamah is a next-generation, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) and complete ER antagonist with efficacy in patients with emergent ESR1 tumor mutations
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Etcamah is available from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Aug. 26, 2026 — leuprolide acetate (Vobrig)
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505(b)(2) NDA approval
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Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist
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Indicated for the treatment of central precocious puberty in pediatric patients
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Solution for injection: 28 mg/2.8 mL single-patient-use prefilled pen
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Recommended starting dosage is based on body weight and is given SC once daily by patients or caregivers following proper training; the daily dosage should be increased if total down regulation is not reached with the starting dose; to ensure adequate suppression, monitor with a GnRH stimulation test, basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels or serum concentrations of sex steroid levels; bone age and height should be assessed every 6–12 months; discontinue Vobrig at the appropriate age for puberty onset
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Vobrig will be available from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries; the launch timeframe is TBD
July 31, 2026 — rituximab-cdxx (Zimrixby)
BLA approval; 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) injection in a single-dose vial for IV use and 500 mg/50 mL (10 mg/mL) injection in a single-dose vial for IV use have received FDA approval as biosimilar to the same presentations of rituximab (Rituxan)
Zimrixby is approved for most of the same indications as reference drug Rituxan, with the exception that Rituxan carries additional indications for (1) patients ≥2 years of age with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; Wegener’s granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in combination with glucocorticoids; (2) pediatric patients ≥6 months of age with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and mature B-cell acute leukemia (previously untreated, advanced stage, cluster of differentiation [CD]20-positive, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL], Burkitt lymphoma [BL], Burkitt-like lymphoma [BLL] or mature B-cell acute leukemia [B-AL] in combination with chemotherapy); and (3) moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris in adults
Zimrixby will be available from Fresenius Kabi USA; the launch timeframe is TBD
Aug. 20, 2026 — pegcetacoplan (Empaveli)
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Apellis Pharmaceuticals; complement inhibitor
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Indication update: indication for adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) updated to describe additional benefit of reducing loss of kidney function; indication previously only included benefit of proteinuria reduction
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Dosage is administered SC twice weekly via a commercially available infusion pump or single-use, on-body injector; dosing for pediatric patients is weight based (<35 kg, 35–49 kg or ≥50 kg); patients/caregivers may administer following proper training by an HCP
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Other indication: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults
Aug. 24, 2026 — nipocalimab-aahu (Imaavy)
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Janssen Biotech; neonatal Fc receptor blocker; Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations; first drug to be approved for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA)
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New indication: wAIHA in adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age currently or previously treated with corticosteroids
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Administered via IV infusion by an HCP every four weeks; dosage is weight based and is given over ≥30 minutes for the initial dose and over ≥15 minutes for maintenance doses
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Other indication: generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive
Aug. 25, 2026 — tislelizumab-jsgr (Tevimbra)
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BeOne Medicines; programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody; Assessment Aid, Priority Review and Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) designations; Project Orbis review
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New indication: in combination with zanidatamab-hrii (Ziihera) and fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy in adults for first-line treatment of HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or IHC 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH]+), unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or esophageal adenocarcinoma, as detected by an FDA-authorized test
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Dosage is administered by an HCP as an IV infusion every two, three, four or six weeks, in combination with Ziihera and fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; initial infusion rates vary from 60 to 120 minutes, based on dosage; subsequent infusion rates can be gradually decreased to 30 minutes if prior infusions are tolerated
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Other indications are detailed in the product label
Aug. 25, 2026 — zanidatamab-hrii (Ziihera)
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Jazz Pharmaceuticals; bispecific HER2-directed antibody; Assessment Aid, Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, Orphan Drug, Priority Review and RTOR designations; Project Orbis review; FDA also approved two companion diagnostic devices — PATHWAY anti-HER-2/neu (4B5) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody and VENTANA HER2 Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail (Ventana Medical Systems/Roche Diagnostics) — for identifying eligible patients for treatment with Ziihera
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New indication: treatment of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (1) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy and tislelizumab-jsgr (Tevimbra) as first-line treatment for adults with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+), unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or esophageal adenocarcinoma, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and (2) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line treatment for adults with HER2-positive (IHC 3+), unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or esophageal adenocarcinoma, as detected by an FDA-approved test
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Administered by an HCP as a weight-based (<70 kg or ≥70 kg) IV infusion every two or three weeks, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy (with or without Tevimbra), until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; first infusion is administered over 120 minutes; the second infusion can be administered over 90 minutes, and subsequent infusions can be given over 60 minutes if previous infusions were well-tolerated
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Other indication: Accelerated Approval for adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer, as detected by an FDA-authorized test
Aug. 27, 2026 — lenacapavir (Sunlenca)
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Gilead Sciences; human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid inhibitor
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New indication: oral loading as a component of the initiation regimen for bictegravir/lenacapavir (Bixlenvo), a complete regimen for treatment of HIV-1 infection, in adults to replace the current antiretroviral (ARV) regimen in virologically suppressed patients (HIV-1 ribonucleic acid [RNA] <50 copies/mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no known or suspected resistance to the individual components of Bixlenvo
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Administered as two tablets taken orally on Days 1 and 2 as part of an initiation regimen in combination with Bixlenvo
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Other indication: treatment of HIV-1 infection, in combination with other ARV(s), in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug resistant HIV-1 whose current ARV regimen is failing due to resistance, intolerance or safety considerations
Aug. 28, 2026 — ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (Besremi)
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PharmaEssentia; interferon alfa-2b
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New indication: essential thrombocythemia in adults
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Administered as an SC injection every two weeks, with initial dose escalation during Weeks 2 and 4; maintenance dose should be given every two weeks unless dose modification is needed for safety or tolerability; patients/caregivers may administer if deemed appropriate by an HCP
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Other indication: polycythemia vera in adults
Aug. 28, 2026 — ustekinumab (Stelara)
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Janssen Biotech; human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist; Orphan Drug designation
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Expanded indication: moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in pediatric patients ≥2 years of age; previously, the UC indication was limited to adults
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Induction dosage for pediatric patients weighing ≥10 kg is a single IV infusion with dosage based on patient’s body weight at the time of dosing (10–25 kg, 26–55 kg, 56–85 kg, >85 kg); maintenance dosage is weight based (10–35 kg or >35 kg) and is administered SC eight weeks after the initial IV dose and every eight weeks thereafter; administration by an HCP is recommended for pediatric patients
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Other indications are detailed in the product label
Sept. 9, 2026 — sevabertinib (Hyrnuo)
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Bayer Healthcare; kinase inhibitor; Accelerated Approval; Assessment Aid, Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug and Priority Review designations; Project Orbis review
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Expanded indication: adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-authorized test; previously only approved for this indication in patients who had received prior systemic therapy
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Administered orally twice daily with food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Traditional
None
Aug. 27, 2026 — bictegravir/lenacapavir (Bixlenvo)
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NDA approval; provides a once-daily single tablet regimen for virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1
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Fixed-dose combination of bictegravir, an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and lenacapavir, an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor
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Indicated as a complete regimen for treatment of HIV-1 in adults to replace the current ARV regimen in virologically suppressed patients (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no known or suspected resistance to the individual components of Bixlenvo
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Oral tablet: 75 mg bictegravir and 50 mg lenacapavir
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Recommended dosage includes a two-day initiation regimen of one oral Bixlenvo tablet plus two oral lenacapavir (Sunlenca) tablets, followed by a maintenance dose of one Bixlenvo tablet once daily
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Bixlenvo is available from Gilead Sciences
Aug. 18, 2026 — lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol)
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LIB Therapeutics; proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor; FDA also approved a new 300 mg/1.2 mL single-dose autoinjector presentation
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Indication update: indication as adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), updated to state that cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trials have shown that reducing LDL-C lowers risk of MACE in adults at increased risk when treated with statins or monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors as an add-on to statin therapy
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Administered as a once-monthly SC injection; patients/caregivers can administer following proper training
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New autoinjector presentation is expected to be available by January 2027
Aug. 25, 2026 — dolutegravir tablets for oral suspension (Tivicay PD)
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ViiV Healthcare; HIV-1 INSTI; Priority Review designation
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Expanded indication: HIV-1 infection in newborns from birth up to 4 weeks of age weighing ≥2 kg that are treatment-naïve, or treatment-experienced but INSTI-naïve, in combination with other ARV agents; previously only approved for adults and pediatric patients ≥4 weeks of age weighing ≥3 kg
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Recommended dosage in term neonates (≥37 weeks of gestation) <4 weeks of age and weighing ≥2 kg is based on age; administered orally once every other day from birth to 14 days and once daily from 15 days to <4 weeks; tablets should be swallowed whole or dispersed in water
Aug. 27, 2026 — tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
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Eli Lilly and Company; glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; first and only dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved for CV risk reduction
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New indication: to reduce the risk of MACE — including CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or nonfatal stroke — in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are at high risk for these events
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Administered as an SC injection once weekly; Mounjaro should be initiated at the lowest dosage, and dosage should be gradually escalated after at least four weeks on the current dose
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Other indication: adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years of age with T2DM
Sept. 9, 2026 — aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (Ameluz)
- Biofrontera; porphyrin precursor
- New indication: treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) in adults, in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp, a narrowband, red light illumination source
- Administered topically by an HCP as a 1-mm-thick layer to sBCC lesion(s), in combination with PDT, in two sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart; should be applied to cover lesion(s) and to include about 5–10 mm of surrounding skin; treatment is a multistage process requiring administration of both Ameluz and a BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL light; lesions that have not completely resolved after three months should be retreated with two additional sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart
- Other indication: lesion- and field-directed treatment of actinic keratosis of mild-to-moderate severity on the face and scalp in adults, in combination with PDT using a BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp
First generic drug launches
Aug. 26, 2026 — nisoldipine (Sular)
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Avet Pharmaceuticals/AMTA launched oral extended-release tablets (8.5 mg, 17 mg) generic to Azurity Pharmaceutical’s Sular
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Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of hypertension; may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents
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Recommended dosage is taken orally once daily with the dosage individualized based on blood pressure response; tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour prior to or two hours after a meal
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United States annual sales for Sular in 2025 are <$10 million
AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians
AAN American Academy of Neurology
AAP American Academy of Pediatrics
AAV adeno-associated virus
AChR acetylcholine receptor
ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
AHS American Headache Society
ARV antiretroviral
ASA American Stroke Association
B-AL B-cell acute leukemia
BL Burkitt lymphoma
BLA Biologics License Application
CBC complete blood count
COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019
CRC colorectal cancer
CT computed tomography
CV cardiovascular
DLBCL diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
DM dermatomyositis
DMARDs disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
DVd daratumumab/hyaluronidase-fihj, bortezomib and dexamethasone
ESR1 estrogen receptor 1
FDA Food and Drug Administration
G6Pase glucose-6-phosphatase (enzyme)
G6PC glucose-6-phosphatase (gene)
gc genome copies
GFAP glial fibrillary acidic protein
GIP glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide-1
GnRH gonadotropin releasing hormone
GPA granulomatosis with polyangiitis
GSDIa glycogen storage disease type Ia
GTPase guanosine triphosphatases
HCP healthcare professional
HER2 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
HIV-1 human immunodeficiency virus type 1
HO heterotopic ossification
IC-MPGN immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
IDSA Infectious Diseases Society of America
IHC immunohistochemistry
ISH in situ hybridization
IV intravenous
JAK Janus kinase
MACE major adverse cardiovascular events
MRD minimal residual disease
NDA New Drug Application
OS overall survival
PD-1 programmed cell death receptor-1
PDT photodynamic therapy
PD-1 programmed cell death protein 1
REMS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy
RMAT Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
sBCC superficial basal cell carcinoma
SUDORS State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System
TKD tyrosine kinase domain
Editor-in-Chief: Maryam Tabatabai, PharmD
Executive Editor: Anna Schreck Bird, PharmD
Deputy Editors: Nicole Kjesbo, PharmD, BCPS; Olivia Pane, PharmD, CDCES
All brand names are property of their respective owners.