Endocrinology Today—March 31, 2026

LucidQuest

7 hours ago

This week’s Endocrinology update highlights regulatory progress, access expansion, digital care initiatives, device innovation, and strategic partnerships across metabolic and endocrine disorders.

In Today’s Newsletter

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🏃 BetterMe launches diabetes-friendly workouts [1] [UK • 24 Mar 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/betterme-launches-diabetes-friendly-workouts-to-support-people-living-with-the-condition-in-collaboration-with-diabetes-uk-302723184.html
Context: Program developed with Diabetes UK; includes 28 beginner sessions combining strength, cardio, and recovery.
Key point: BetterMe (digital health platform) introduced a diabetes-specific workout program to support glucose management and confidence in exercise.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.

🧬 Continuity Biosciences x Breakthrough T1D advance NICHE® platform [2] [US • 24 Mar 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continuity-biosciences-y-breakthrough-t1d-colaboran-para-impulsar-la-plataforma-de-terapia-celular-niche-302723524.html
Context: Planned Phase 1/2a first-in-human study; implantable system aims to support islet survival and localized immunomodulation.
Key point: Continuity Biosciences (NICHE® platform) and Breakthrough T1D partnered to enable IND submission and early clinical testing in type 1 diabetes.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

💉 Novo Nordisk’s Awiqli (insulin icodec) wins FDA approval [6] [US • 27 Mar 2026]

https://www.tradingview.com/news/zacks:36cb7cab4094b:0-novo-nordisk-s-awiqli-gets-fda-approval-for-type-ii-diabetes/
Context: Phase 3a ONWARDS program (~2,680 adults); evaluated vs daily basal insulin; safety consistent with class.
Key point: Novo Nordisk (Awiqli, once-weekly basal insulin) approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💊 Hetero launches generic semaglutide in emerging markets [5] [28 Mar 2026]

https://medicarepharmabusiness.com/hetero-debuts-semaglutide-generic-in-emerging-markets/
Context: Rollout across 75+ countries; multi-dose pen formats targeting diabetes and weight loss indications.
Key point: Hetero introduced generic semaglutide brands (GLP-1 receptor agonist) across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

🩸 Glucotrack plans U.S. trial for implantable CGM [4] [US • 27 Mar 2026]

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/glucotrack-plans-us-trial-of-implantable-glucose-monitor-this-year/816006/
Context: Device implanted in subclavian vein; prior small feasibility studies showed accuracy and no major safety signals (n small).
Key point: Glucotrack aims to file IDE and initiate a U.S. clinical trial for a long-duration implantable glucose monitor.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.

🤖 Insilico Medicine x Eli Lilly sign $2.75B AI drug deal [7] [30 Mar 2026]

https://www.businessworld.in/article/insilico-medicine-signs-up-to-2-75-bn-ai-drug-discovery-deal-with-eli-lilly-599815
Context: Includes upfront payment and milestones; covers preclinical oral candidates across selected indications.
Key point: Insilico Medicine (AI drug discovery) granted Eli Lilly rights to develop and commercialize candidates, with deal value up to $2.75B.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🧪 Crinetics files Brazil MAA for paltusotine (Palsonify) [8] [Brazil • 26 Mar 2026]

https://bluestudio.estadao.com.br/agencia-de-comunicacao/releases/releases-geral/crinetics-pharmaceuticals-announces-submission-of-marketing-authorization-application-in-brazil-for-palsonify-paltusotine-in-acromegaly/
Context: Supported by 18 trials including Phase 3; endpoints met (details per source).
Key point: Crinetics Pharmaceuticals submitted MAA to ANVISA for paltusotine, an oral SST2 agonist for acromegaly.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧬 Henlius denosumab biosimilars approved in Canada [3] [Canada • 24 Mar 2026]

https://www.henlius.com/en/NewsDetails-5818-26.html
Context: Biosimilars to Prolia and Xgeva; approved for all reference product indications.
Key point: Henlius (BILDYOS®, TUZEMTY®) received Health Canada approval for denosumab biosimilars.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

Why It Matters

Weekly insulin (Awiqli) may shift adherence dynamics and treatment algorithms in T2D.
Generic semaglutide expansion signals a transition from premium GLP-1 pricing to broader access.
Implantable CGMs and cell therapy platforms reflect a push toward longer-duration, lower-burden interventions.
AI partnerships (Insilico–Lilly) continue to reshape early-stage drug discovery economics.
Digital health programs (BetterMe) highlight scalable, non-pharmacologic intervention models.

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FAQ

What is Awiqli (insulin icodec) and how is it different from existing insulins?

Awiqli (Novo Nordisk) is a once-weekly basal insulin approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It showed HbA1c reduction vs daily basal insulin in Phase 3 studies, with comparable safety (details per source) [6].

What is the NICHE® platform by Continuity Biosciences?

NICHE® is an implantable cell therapy system designed to support insulin-producing cells with localized immune protection. The collaboration with Breakthrough T1D aims to move it into first-in-human trials (Phase 1/2a planned) [2].

How significant is Hetero’s generic semaglutide launch?

Hetero’s rollout across 75+ countries targets broader access to GLP-1 therapies. As patents expire, generics may reshape pricing and availability in diabetes and obesity care [5].

What makes Glucotrack’s CGM different?

Glucotrack’s device measures glucose directly in the blood via an implantable sensor, rather than interstitial fluid. A U.S. trial is planned pending FDA IDE approval [4].

What does the Insilico–Lilly deal cover?

The agreement grants Eli Lilly rights to develop AI-discovered drug candidates from Insilico, with total potential value up to $2.75B including milestones and royalties [7].

What is paltusotine (Palsonify) used for?

Paltusotine (Crinetics) is an oral SST2 agonist for acromegaly. It has U.S. approval and is under regulatory review in Brazil following MAA submission [8].

Entities / Keywords

BetterMe (digital health), Diabetes UK, Continuity Biosciences (NICHE®), Breakthrough T1D (JDRF), Novo Nordisk (Awiqli, insulin icodec), Hetero (semaglutide generic), Glucotrack (implantable CGM), Insilico Medicine (AI drug discovery), Eli Lilly, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals (paltusotine, Palsonify), Henlius (denosumab biosimilars, BILDYOS®, TUZEMTY®)