In this week’s round of insights, we highlight three recent talking points and findings in the healthcare industry.
The effects of the brain–gut–skin axis in chronic skin disease
A recent study from Frontiers in Immunology has found that the brain–gut–skin axis has a major effect in the development of chronic inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
This axis operates through neuroendocrine signalling, immune mediators and microbial metabolites. Chronic stress plays a central role, increasing cortisol and neuropeptides that disrupt gut barriers and alter microbiome composition. These changes can trigger generalised inflammation that manifests in the skin.
According to the authors, these findings promise to guide future therapies towards holistic approaches that involve dietary interventions and stress management.
Esketamine may potentially help treat treatment-resistant depression
Recent research data published by Johnson & Johnson have reinforced the clinical value of esketamine nasal spray in adults with treatment-resistant depression.
In the ECHO cohort study across Europe and Israel, 570 patients received esketamine for a mean duration of approximately 9 months. This treatment led to rapid and meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms over 48 weeks. Additionally, symptom control remained stable during a 6-month follow-up period after treatment discontinuation.
The glutamatergic mechanism of esketamine offers a valuable alternative to traditional therapies, particularly for patients who have not responded to conventional approaches. Esketamine, also known as Spravato (by Janssen Pharmaceuticals), nasal spray was approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant major depression in March, 2019.
FDA approves oral GLP-1 therapy for obesity
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved orforglipron, a once-daily oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly for chronic weight management.
According to clinical data, orforglipron achieved weight loss of approximately 9–11 percentage points over 72 weeks, with mean reductions of up to 12.4% in adherent patients. The therapy also demonstrated improvements in blood pressure and lipid parameters.
Unlike other oral GLP-1 therapies, orforglipron is available for intake without any food or water restrictions.
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