The FDA and a Breakthrough for Drug Repurposing Efforts
The FDA released a Request for Information (RFI) inviting submissions of FDA‑approved drugs that could be repurposed for unmet medical needs, especially in metabolic disease, neurodegeneration, gender‑specific health, substance‑use disorders, and rare diseases. The agency also seeks drug‑disease pairs with early clinical signals but insufficient efficacy data, a gap the HILT proposal aims to fill. Advocacy groups such as Reboot Rx, EveryCure, and Cures Within Reach now have a formal pathway to present their pipelines. CASPR will comment on the RFI, emphasizing funding mechanisms for phase‑3 trials of off‑patent medicines.
New Semaglutide for Alcohol Use Disorder Trial Shows Big Drops in Drinking
A Lancet‑published, double‑blind, 26‑week trial found once‑weekly semaglutide markedly reduced alcohol consumption in participants with alcohol use disorder and obesity. Across primary drinking endpoints, the semaglutide arm showed statistically significant declines compared with placebo, despite both groups receiving identical cognitive‑behavioral...
CASPR Is Hiring
CASPR announced three senior hires: Director of Research, Director of Policy, and Policy Lead. The research director will lead scientific collaborations, identify clinical trial opportunities, and ensure evidence‑based policy. The policy roles will advance legislative initiatives, including NIH trial funding...