Resident Editors: Joyce Hu, PharmD; Rose Yang, PharmD
Faculty Editor: Jody Lounsbery, PharmD; BCPS
This edition was published March 4th, 2026.
Updates in Research
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Exposure and Pregnancy: Emerging Insights into Weight Gain and Obstetric Risk
Beth Vlieger, PharmD, Welia Health
New evidence from a large retrospective cohort study suggests that exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists before or during early pregnancy may be associated with increased gestational weight gain and higher rates of select obstetric complications, including preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders. Findings could highlight important considerations for clinicians counseling patients of reproductive age using GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy.
Oral PCSK9 Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy in Phase III Trial
Aubrey Bockorny, PharmD, M Health Fairview
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a part of guideline recommended therapy; however, PCSK9i medications are only available as injectable formulations. This phase III trial was completed assessing the effectiveness and safety of enlicitide decanoate vs placebo for persons with heterozygous hypercholesterolemia currently on maximally tolerated statin therapy.
Therapeutic Thought
Optimizing COPD Care: Updates from the 2026 GOLD Report
Margaret Mattson, PharmD, St. Cloud VA Health Care
As the global burden of COPD continues to rise, the importance of early treatment and ongoing therapy optimization becomes increasingly critical. Implementing the clinical guidance outlined in the 2026 GOLD Report enables healthcare providers to deliver more effective, evidence-based care for patients with COPD.
Pressure Points: Key Therapeutic Takeaways from the 2025 Hypertension Guidelines
Emily Streit, PharmD, PGY1 MTM Resident with M Health Fairview
The 2025 hypertension guidelines mark an important shift in cardiovascular prevention, introducing expanded risk assessment through the PREVENT™ model and reinforcing earlier, more individualized intervention to address persistently uncontrolled blood pressure rates across the U.S. The update elevates both screening precision and treatment urgency by redefining severe hypertension, broadening recommendations for secondary-cause evaluation, and lowering thresholds for antihypertensive initiation in patients with diabetes, CKD, or elevated long‑term cardiovascular risk. These changes emphasize a more proactive, prevention‑focused framework that reshapes pharmacist roles in identifying, counseling, and managing patients earlier in the hypertension disease course.
Miscellaneous News
FDA Removes Black Box Warnings on Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
Amanda Smith, PharmD, CentraCare-Paynesville
The FDA removed several black box warnings on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms after a review of scientific literature.
Reformulated Ranitidine Returns to the U.S. Market After Five-Year Absence
Zachary Paulsen, PharmD, Allina Health
FDA approves reformulated ranitidine with updated storage requirements following prior safety concerns.