HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 03/08

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you!

Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? Check out the HCPFive!

RAINIER: Povetacicept Reduces Proteinuria By 52.0%

A pre-specified week 36 interim analysis of the phase 3 RAINIER trial found that povetacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, reduced proteinuria by 52% from baseline and achieved a statistically significant 49.8% reduction in UPCR versus placebo in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Lorundrostat Secures FDA NDA Acceptance for Hypertension, Falls Short in Phase 2 OSA Trial

The FDA accepted Mineralys Therapeutics' NDA for lorundrostat as an add-on treatment for hypertension, supported by phase 3 and phase 2 trial data, with a PDUFA action date set for December 22, 2026.

Discontinuing GLP-1 Treatment Associated With Up to 60% Weight Regain, With Brajan Budini

New findings indicate that stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy leads to a predictable pattern of weight regain—reaching approximately 60% at one year before plateauing—suggesting meaningful but substantially diminished long-term benefit after cessation.

FDA Approves Leucovorin Calcium (Wellcovorin) Tablets as First Cerebral Folate Deficiency Treatment

The FDA approved GSK's leucovorin calcium tablets as the first treatment for cerebral folate deficiency in patients with a confirmed FOLR1 gene variant, based on a systematic review of published literature and mechanistic data.

New Long-Term Data Announced on Roflumilast Cream for Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Long-term data from the INTEGUMENT-OLE extension study show that once-daily roflumilast cream 0.05% is safe and well-tolerated in children aged 2 to 5 with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, with efficacy not only sustained but continuing to improve through 56 weeks of treatment.