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Eli Lilly recently reported that its experimental next-generation obesity drug retatrutide outperformed Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 drug Ozempic on blood sugar control and weight loss in a study, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Indiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
- Indiana: Eli Lilly recently reported that its experimental next-generation obesity drug retatrutide outperformed Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 drug Ozempic on blood sugar control and weight loss in a study. Retatrutide, which has been nicknamed a "triple-G" drug, activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon hormone receptors. Triple-G drugs are expected to lead to greater weight loss than earlier drugs by combining appetite suppression, blood sugar control, and increased calorie burning. In a study that compared 9 mg and 12 mg doses of retatrutide and 2 mg doses of Ozempic, both doses of retatrutide were able to lower A1C at higher levels than Ozempic. Patients taking retatrutide also lost 20.9% of their body weight compared to 9.4% for those on Ozempic. "Overall, the data reaffirms retatrutide's differentiated efficacy across weight and glycemic control, strengthening its position as a key long-term cardiometabolic growth driver," said Geoffrey Meacham, an analyst with Citi. Lilly plans to present detailed data from the study at a future medical meeting. The company is also expected to seek U.S. approval of retatrutide in 2027. (Roy, Reuters, 10/28)
- Maryland: FDA has warned Baxter International over significant manufacturing violations at one of its drug manufacturing facilities in Round Lake, Illinois. The agency identified the violations, including deficiencies involving contamination controls and sterile injectable productions, during an inspection that took place between March 23 and April 2. FDA also identified deficiencies involving aseptic processing, visual inspection of sterile injectable drugs, and investigations into leaking products and sterility failures. This was not the only Baxter facility with issues; FDA noted in its warning letter that similar manufacturing violations had been cited at other Baxter facilities. According to FDA, the violations showed that Baxter had inadequate management oversight and control over its drug manufacturing. In a statement, Baxter said it is taking the warning letter seriously and is committed to addressing the issues raised. The company also said that it has taken significant steps to strengthen quality systems and operations at its Round Lake facility over the last several months. (Jeffries, Becker's Hospital Review, 10/23)
- Pennsylvania: Cencora has signed a definitive agreement to acquire American Oncology Network (AON), which includes more than 350 oncology providers, in a deal valued at $2.4 billion. Cencora currently has roughly 4% equity interests in AON and will pay $1.7 billion to increase its ownership to 75% if eligible stockholders fully participate in an equity rollover. AON's board has approved the deal, but it is still subject to stockholder approval and regulatory clearances. "The acquisition of AON will expand our physician-led oncology [managed services organization (MSO)] and support of care in communities across the country," said Robert Mauch, president and CEO of Cencora. "AON serves as a trusted partner to oncology practices with a differentiated solution set designed to meet their comprehensive needs." According to Fierce Healthcare, the deal expands Cencora's investments involving oncology providers. In late 2025, the company acquired a majority stake in another oncology network, OneOncology, for $5 billion. (Muoio, Fierce Healthcare, 10/21)
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