Recently published multisociety guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia emphasize early identification and treatment of dyslipidemia to reduce the lifetime risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and death.

The FDA has restricted its Emergency Use Authorization for the adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) to adults who are unable or unwilling to receive another COVID-19 vaccine. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax) are preferred for all persons without a contraindication.

The FDA has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Narcan (Emergent), a nasal spray that delivers 4 mg of the opioid antagonist naloxone. Narcan nasal spray has been available by prescription since 2015 for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Generic formulations of Narcan have also been approved; the manufacturers of these products will be required to switch them to OTC status and amend their labeling accordingly. Kloxxado, an 8-mg naloxone nasal spray, remains available only by prescription.

The amyloid beta-directed monoclonal antibody lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi – Eisai/Biogen) has now been approved by the FDA for once-monthly use for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. It was previously approved only for administration once every 2 weeks. Now, lecanemab can be given every 4 weeks after an 18-month initiation phase of biweekly administration.

The FDA has approved a 12.5-mg tablet formulation of the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone (HemiClor – Ingenus) for treatment of hypertension. Chlorthalidone has been available for years in 15-, 25-, and 50-mg tablets (Thalitone, and generics) and in fixed-dose combinations with azilsartan medoxomil (Edarbyclor) and atenolol (Tenoretic, and generics).

Eylea HD (Regeneron), which contains 8 mg of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor aflibercept, has now been approved by the FDA for intravitreal treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A 2-mg dose of aflibercept (Eylea) was approved previously for this indication. Eylea and Eylea HD are also approved for treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.

The FDA has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Rextovy (Amphastar), a nasal spray formulation of the opioid antagonist naloxone, for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Other naloxone nasal sprays (Narcan, and generics; RiVive) are also available OTC (see Table 1).

The FDA has approved nirsevimab-alip (Beyfortus – AstraZeneca/Sanofi), a long-acting monoclonal antibody, for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates and infants born during or entering their first RSV season, and in children ≤24 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. Nirsevimab is the first drug to be approved for protection of all infants during their first RSV season.

The FDA has approved lebrikizumab-lbkz (Ebglyss – Lilly), a subcutaneously injected interleukin (IL)-13 antagonist, for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that has not been or cannot be adequately treated with topical therapy in patients ≥12 years old (weight ≥40 kg). Lebrikizumab is the third subcutaneously injected human IgG4 monoclonal antibody to be approved in the US for this indication. Tralokinumab (Adbry), another IL-13 antagonist, is also approved for use in patients ≥12 years old, and dupilumab (Dupixent), an IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor, is approved for...

Adults with persistent fasting triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL are considered to have hypertriglyceridemia; when levels are ≥500 mg/dL, it is considered severe. Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); severe hypertriglyceridemia increases the risk of acute pancreatitis.