This weekly update in endocrinology covers regulatory approvals and launches, late-stage clinical results, real-world technology rollouts, and evidence syntheses across diabetes, bone health, and thyroid care.
In Today’s Newsletter
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💊 Transdermal HRT best protects bone in FHA, meta-analysis finds [1] [UK • 06 Feb 2026]
https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/news/topical-hrt-protects-bone-density-in-women-whose-periods-stop
Context: Meta-analysis of randomized trials in FHA (n=692).
Key point: Transdermal HRT and teriparatide increased BMD, oral HRT and COC showed no significant benefit.
Implication: Could inform practice guidelines and shift frontline prescribing.
🌏 Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) now available in New Zealand for obesity and T2D [2] [NZ • 09 Feb 2026]
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2026/02/mounjaro-tirzepatide-now-available-in-new-zealand-for-treatment-of-obesity-and-type-2-diabetes/138983/
Context: Medsafe priority review pathway noted. Once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.
Key point: Commercial availability in NZ for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.
Dexcom adds AI to Stelo for nutrition logging and personalized insights [3] [07 Feb 2026]
https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/healthcare/nasdaq-dxcm/dexcom/news/dexcom-stelo-ai-update-links-glucose-data-to-everyday-metabo
Context: Consumer-facing metabolic health platform. Key point: Update adds food database, integrated meal tracking, and redesigned Daily Insights for personalized feedback.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.
UBC AI study suggests sex-specific DR imaging patterns [4] [Canada • 05 Feb 2026]
https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/using-ai-to-enhance-prevention-of-diabetes-related-blindness/
Context: PLOS One study, ~3,000 fundus images, CNN with explainability methods.
Key point: Model focused on macula in females and optic disc/vessels in males, suggesting sex-linked manifestation differences.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
Review: AI reshaping thyroid disease care, but gaps remain [5] [05 Feb 2026]
https://conexiant.com/pathology/ViewArticle?id=44d2188b-61c1-42cf-add3-6f2cd4896b03 Context: Systematic review in Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019–2025 studies; 30 included).
Key point: High diagnostic accuracy in imaging and pathology, expanding to treatment planning and monitoring; limits in generalizability and integration.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
CagriSema tops Ozempic in head-to-head T2D study; filings under consideration [6] [09 Feb 2026]
https://pharmaphorum.com/news/novo-nordisks-cagrisema-tops-ozempic-diabetes-trial Context: REIMAGINE 2 head-to-head vs Ozempic; 68-week follow-up.
Key point: Greater HbA1c reduction and weight loss with CagriSema than Ozempic; Novo considering broader diabetes filings.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
Roche launches AI-enabled predictive CGM (Accu-Chek SmartGuide) in Middle East [7] [Middle East • 05 Feb 2026]
https://www.digitalhealthnews.com/roche-unveils-ai-enabled-predictive-cgm-solution-for-diabetes-care-in-the-middle-east
Context: Regional launch with AI predicting glucose trends up to 30 minutes and beyond.
Key point: Provides anticipatory insights and alerts to support self-care and adherence.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.
Korea approves two denosumab biosimilars from HK inno. N [8] [Korea • 05 Feb 2026]
https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleViewAmp.html?idxno=30556
Context: MFDS cleared Izambia PFS and Denbrayce Injection as biosimilars to Prolia and Xgeva.
Key point: Adds competition to Korea’s osteoporosis and oncology bone-health markets.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.
Why it matters
- GLP-1/GIP landscape is expanding across regions, affecting access and pricing.
- AI is moving from research to product features in ophthalmology and CGM, with real-world integration questions.
- Head-to-head incretin data may reset efficacy benchmarks in T2D and obesity.
- Bone-health strategies in FHA may shift toward transdermal HRT or anabolic agents.
- Biosimilars continue to pressure legacy bone-health franchises.
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FAQ
What did Imperial College recommend for FHA-related bone loss?
Transdermal HRT or teriparatide improved BMD in FHA, while oral HRT and COC showed no significant benefit, per a meta-analysis [1].
Is tirzepatide (Mounjaro) actually available in New Zealand now?
Yes, Eli Lilly announced NZ availability for obesity and type 2 diabetes following a Medsafe priority review pathway [2].
What’s new in Dexcom’s Stelo update?
AI-enabled nutrition logging with a large food database, integrated meal tracking, and a redesigned Daily Insights experience for personalized guidance [3].
How might sex influence diabetic retinopathy management?
A UBC AI study found sex-linked imaging focus patterns, suggesting potential for sex-specific diagnostics, though further validation is needed [4].
Did CagriSema outperform Ozempic on both A1c and weight?
Yes, in a 68-week head-to-head, CagriSema achieved greater A1c reduction and weight loss than Ozempic; Novo may pursue additional diabetes filings [6].
What are HK inno. N’s new approvals in Korea?
MFDS approved denosumab biosimilars Izambia PFS (Prolia) and Denbrayce Injection (Xgeva), adding competition in osteoporosis and oncology bone-care markets [8].
Entities / Keywords
FHA; transdermal HRT; teriparatide; Eli Lilly; tirzepatide; Mounjaro; Dexcom Stelo; AI nutrition logging; UBC; diabetic retinopathy; sex differences; CNN; thyroid AI review; Novo Nordisk; CagriSema; Ozempic; Accu-Chek SmartGuide; Roche Diagnostics Middle East; HK inno. N; denosumab; Prolia; Xgeva; MFDS.
References
- https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/news/topical-hrt-protects-bone-density-in-women-whose-periods-stop
- https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2026/02/mounjaro-tirzepatide-now-available-in-new-zealand-for-treatment-of-obesity-and-type-2-diabetes/138983/
- https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/healthcare/nasdaq-dxcm/dexcom/news/dexcom-stelo-ai-update-links-glucose-data-to-everyday-metabo
- https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/using-ai-to-enhance-prevention-of-diabetes-related-blindness/
- https://conexiant.com/pathology/ViewArticle?id=44d2188b-61c1-42cf-add3-6f2cd4896b03
- https://pharmaphorum.com/news/novo-nordisks-cagrisema-tops-ozempic-diabetes-trial
- https://www.digitalhealthnews.com/roche-unveils-ai-enabled-predictive-cgm-solution-for-diabetes-care-in-the-middle-east
- https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleViewAmp.html?idxno=30556
