Resident Editors: Rose Yang, PharmD
Faculty Editor: Lucas Cannon, PharmD
This edition was published June 30th, 2026.
Updates in Research
ACHIVE-3 Trial: Efficacy and safety of orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes
Vanessa Nasi, PharmD, M Health Fairview
A new oral glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), orforglipron, is reshaping the landscape of type 2 diabetes (DM) treatment. This next-generation agent promises the benefits of GLP‑1 therapy without injections and dosing limitations, signaling a potential shift in how obesity and diabetes are managed. The ACHIEVE-3 trial evaluated safety and efficacy of orforglipron compared to oral semaglutide on A1c reduction and weight loss in adults with type 2 DM.
Placebo Controlled Trial of the Oral PCSK9 inhibitor Enlicitide
Bree Bellemare, PharmD, Mille Lacs Health System
Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in patients who had previous events and LDL cholesterol levels of 70 mg/dL or higher. Unfortunately, current PCSK9i’s are only available as injectable formulations, which has limited their use in clinical practice. In this phase 3 trial, enlicitide decanoate, an oral PCSK9i, was compared to placebo in participants with a history of or who were at risk of their first ASCVD event with an elevated LDL cholesterol level.
Therapeutic Thought
Redefining Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: 2026 Approaches in Managing Dyslipidemia
Jerrel Siazon, PharmD, Mille Lacs Health System
The American Heart Association presents a more aggressive approach to treating those with dyslipidemia with emphasis on an earlier, aggressive, and individualized lipid-lowering strategy.
The 2026 Updated Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Morgan Alder, PharmD, PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Hennepin Healthcare
The 2026 Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Schedule introduces important updates that reinforce the need for timely vaccine assessment, individualized patient counseling, and coordinated implementation across healthcare settings. Staying current with these recommendations is essential for pharmacists and other clinicians to optimize preventive care and protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Miscellaneous News
Shifting Paradigms in Kidney Function Assessment for Medication Dosing
Joyce Hu, PharmD, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
The Cockcroft-Gault equation has been the main tool used to estimate kidney function through creatinine clearance (CrCl). It has been the basis for medication dose adjustments based on renal function and labeling. However, growing evidence has shown that it is often inaccurate.
FDA Approves New Higher-Dose Version of Wegovy® Shots
Anthony Ngo, PharmD, CentraCare-St. Cloud
FDA approval of higher dose Wegovy® for those who tolerated Wegovy® 2.4 mg and need additional weight reduction