Sibeprenlimab (Voyxact – Otsuka), a subcutaneously injected cytokine A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) blocker, has been granted accelerated approval by the FDA to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN; also called Berger's disease) who are at risk for disease progression. Sibeprenlimab is the first APRIL blocker to be approved in the US. Atacicept (Trutakna), a B-lymphocyte stimulator and APRIL blocker, was recently granted accelerated FDA approval for the same indication; it will be reviewed in a future issue.

View the Comparison Chart: Some Drugs for HFrEF

Finerenone (Kerendia – Bayer), an oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage renal disease, nonfatal MI, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes. It is the first nonsteroidal MRA to be approved in the US.

Mild to moderate plaque psoriasis can be treated with topical drugs and phototherapy. Patients with moderate to severe disease generally require systemic therapy. Guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic drugs have recently been published.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel implant are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available. Hormonal oral contraceptives, patches, rings, and injectables are also effective in preventing pregnancy. When used alone, barrier and behavioral methods generally have higher failure rates than other methods (see Table 1). Selection of a contraceptive method is usually based on patient-specific factors and personal preference