Rakesh, how about other emerging studies in both pediatric and adult ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder] treatments? What are you most excited about?

 The world of adult ADHD researchers and clinicians has been more empowered in the last decade or so. If our excitement is being shared by our colleagues listening to us, that’s great, but be ready for even more. In fact, 3 of us—Dr Andrew Cutler, Dr Mattingly, and myself—published a paper in 

 in 2020. I encourage people to check it out. The title of that very paper is “Current and Future Nonstimulants in the Treatment of ADHD.” There are a number of them. Obviously, viloxazine is 1 we have our eyes on. Centanafadine is another compound that shows great promise, with a very different mechanism of action. There are a number of other molecules in development. Our goal is to be very excited, but let’s not forget that what we have today is pretty powerful. We should focus on our accurate identification, matching the patient with the right treatment option, and using measurement-based tools. We remain very excited for what the future holds for us.

 I would add, as David also said, there are other stimulants in development. A variety of nonstimulants are in development. The 1 that’s probably going to get approval soon is viloxazine, but there are others in development. There’s a whole group of digital therapeutics in development. In these digital therapeutics, we use the world around us—digital video games, cognitive enhancers—to strengthen pathways in the brain of adults with ADHD. I have 3 trials going on of digital interventions for adults with ADHD. That’s a really promising and interesting area of the future.

Thanks to all of you for this very rich and informative discussion with my friends. Before we conclude, I’d like to get final thoughts from each of you. Are there any messages you’d like to send to our audience? I also want to thank them for caring about ADHD patients and being with us. Dr Mattingly?

 Thank you, everybody, for joining us. Thank you for the discussion. Most important, ADHD is there. We all see it. When you treat it, you make a big difference. These are the patients who walk in and they’re thankful. They’ll tell you the difference you’ve made in their job, in their family, in their marriage, at their school. Treatment makes a difference. It’s rewarding. Once you get used to this, you’ll be thankful that you dove into this field.

 I echo everything that everyone has said. What’s most important and unique about ADHD is that if you treat depression, you bring the person back to where they were. When you treat anxiety disorder, you bring them back to where they were. When you treat ADHD, you transform this person’s psychological state into a state of mind they’ve never experienced. This is an inflexion point on the trajectory of the success of their life. That’s what is unique about treating ADHD compared with some of the other psychiatric disorders.

 I’ll reflect similarly. It can be such a bittersweet story when they come in and haven’t had treatment or have been only partially treated. We watch them gain confidence and self-esteem and flourish in so many aspects of their lives. It’s rewarding for them and for me. I’ll echo what my colleagues said. Thank you all for having me.

 Here is a good way to look at it. It’s the best of times, and it’s the best of times. There’s nothing negative to talk about in terms of adult ADHD. We have so many treatment options. We have so many pathways we can take to help these individuals. I want to thank our colleagues who are listening. In many ways, you could choose to ignore adult ADHD. You might say, “I’m busy enough. I’ve got so many other disorders to take care.” But let me share this with you. If you’ve identified and treated an adult with ADHD, the transformative power of clinical intervention is 1 of the greatest I’ve seen in my 32-year career in medicine, so I encourage you to be empowered in identifying and treating as optimally as you possibly can. It’s getting more possible with the passage of time. Before I wrap up. Teresa, I want to hear your thoughts. What are you most excited about in the world of ADHD?

First, thank you all for being part of this panel. It’s much appreciated. Thank you to our viewing audience for participating. I want to emphasize that, as all of you have said, there’s so much to look forward to in this field. When I started as an ADHD specialist 20 years ago, we had very few options for treatment. We had very little understanding that there even was adult ADHD. I’ve been thrilled to be part of the process and the evolution in our understanding. I’m very excited to know that there’s much more to come.

 discussion to be useful and informative. We look forward to seeing you in the future. Thank you, everyone.

Drs Rakesh Jain, Greg Mattingly, David W. Goodman, Birgit H. Amann, and Theresa R. Cerulli, discuss emerging agents in the pipeline for the management of pediatric and adult ADHD.

Novel Agents for the Management of Pediatric and Adult ADHD

David W. Goodman, MD

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

Diabetes Dialogue: SCORE, Semaglutide, and ACC Wrap-up

In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, break down a pair of studies examining the effects of semaglutide and long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).

Real-World Semaglutide Effects from SCORE Study

Building on the SELECT trial, which demonstrated semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) significantly reduced cardiovascular risk in people with 

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

 and obesity but without diabetes, the new SCORE study provides real-world validation of these benefits in a US population.

Using claims and EMR data, researchers matched 9321 semaglutide 2.4 mg users with 18,642 non-users, all aged 45 years or older, with ASCVD and overweight or obesity but no diabetes. The groups were balanced using a propensity score matching method.

The analysis showed that semaglutide 2.4 mg use was associated with a 46% lower risk of 5-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)—which includes myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization, and all-cause death (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.69; 

 <.001). The risk of all-cause death alone was reduced by 87% in semaglutide users compared to non-users (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.28; 

Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials for GLP-1s in T2D

A new meta-analysis, including recently published data from the SOUL and FLOW trials, reinforces the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of long-acting GLP-1 Res in individuals with 

Across 10 large, placebo-controlled trials containing 71,351 individuals, long-acting GLP-1RAs were associated with a 14% reduction in MACE (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.90; I² = 27.6%), a 14% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.93; I² = 2.1%), and a 17% reduction in a composite kidney outcome (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.92; I² = 20.4%). All-cause mortality was reduced by 12% (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.93; I² = 17.5%), and each individual MACE component—cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke—showed a consistent 14% risk reduction.

Benefits were consistent regardless of administration route, and no increased risks were observed for severe hypoglycemia, retinopathy, or pancreatic events.

Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.

Zhao Z, Song J, Faurby M, et al. LOWER RISK OF MACE AND ALL-CAUSE DEATH IN PATIENTS INITIATED ON SEMAGLUTIDE 2.4 MG IN ROUTINE CLINICAL CARE: RESULTS FROM THE SCORE STUDY (SEMAGLUTIDE EFFECTS ON CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN PEOPLE WITH OVERWEIGHT OR OBESITY IN THE REAL WORLD). Presented at: American College of Cardiology (ACC.25) Annual Scientific Session. March 29 – 31, 2025. Chicago, Il.

Lee MMY, Sattar N, Pop-Busui R, et al. Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes and Mortality With Long-Acting Injectable and Oral Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. 

This episode spotlights a pair of studies examining use of semaglutide from the American College of Cardiology's 2025 Scientific Sessions.

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES

FCS Patient Case study

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely high triglyceride levels, leading to recurrent pancreatitis and other complications. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can exacerbate cardiovascular and metabolic consequences, including increased risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Long-term health risks involve persistent hypertriglyceridemia, which can cause chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and liver disease. Early intervention is crucial to mitigate these risks, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of life by managing triglyceride levels and preventing severe complications.

Panelists walk through a patient case scenario involving Maria, a 29-year-old woman diagnosed with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), offering recommendations from each of their specialty perspectives, including dietary modifications, triglyceride-lowering medications, and patient education on managing the condition to prevent recurrent pancreatitis and improve overall quality of life.

FCS Patient Case study 

Erin Michos, MD, MHS, FACC, FAHA, FASE, FASPC 

In the pediatric population, it is no secret that needle phobia can have an impact on the administration of routine vaccines, injections to prevent allergic reactions, and intravenous uses for blood work.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at least two-thirds of children have a fear of needles, which isn’t just a pediatric fear, as nearly a fourth of adults also have the phobia.

While there have been long-standing practices to help children get through the challenges of a needle, vaccine, or injection—such as acknowledging their very real concern while decreasing shame, or substituting words such as “shot,” with “pinch” or “poke” to help limit fear—needle-free options for children with this phobia can eliminate the needle while delivering the medical care the child needs.

In some cases of needle phobia, the fear is so great that it could prevent receipt of potentially life-saving care through vaccination or injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"We know that a lot of patients are reluctant to either inject themselves or inject their children with epinephrine because of needle phobia," said Thomas Casale, MD, professor of medicine and chief of Clinical and Translational Research, Allergy and Immunology at the University of South Florida, in a previous interview with our sister publication 

. "Having alternatives is very important.”

It has been a good year of progress for needle-free options among the pediatric population, specifically with the FDA approvals of epinephrine nasal spray (neffy; ARS Pharmaceuticals) to treat type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and Influenza Vaccine Live (FluMist; AstraZeneca) to prevent influenza disease for self- or caregiver-administration.

Neffy to treat type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

On August 9, 2024, epinephrine nasal spray was approved by the FDA for adult and pediatric patients who weigh at least 66 lbs (30 kg). The approval followed a Complete Response Letter issued nearly a year prior on September 20, 2023, because of an FDA request to complete a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study to assess repeat doses of epinephrine nasal spray compared to repeat doses of an epinephrine injector.

Once approved, epinephrine nasal spray became the first nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis, an exciting statement for those who encounter life-threatening allergic reactions and are also afraid of injection treatments.

Epinephrine nasal spray is a single-dose nasal spray administered into 1 nostril. A second dose can be given if there is no improvement in symptoms or if symptoms worsen. The secondary dose is used with a new nasal spray to administer in the same nostril, stated the FDA when epinephrine nasal spray was approved.

Russell Libby, MD, founder and president of the Virginia Pediatric Group and an assistant clinical professor of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, stated and reinforced the benefits and importance of this FDA approval.

“I think this [treatment] will just float way to the top as soon as it becomes an option and people are aware of it, and there are a number of reasons why,” noted Libby, who also serves as a board member for the Physicians Foundation and an editorial advisory board member of 

. “The first one, to me, is that it is needle-free and it is a stable solution. When you look at EpiPens, you have a real narrow window of temperatures where it stays stable. Sometimes it can become impotent, but more often, the potency just diminishes.”

Libby added this increased flexibility for use life and storage benefits are notable positives that can make treating with epinephrine nasal spray effective, offering peace of mind for parents. According to ARS Pharmaceuticals, epinephrine nasal spray should be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), but storage at high temperatures up to 122°F (50°C), is “allowed for a few days,” per the nasal spray’s prescribing information.

“That’s an amazing scope of stability,” said Libby. “On top of that, it lasts 30 months on the shelf without decreased potency, and when we think about shelf life and expiration dates, we think about potency, not necessarily its inability to do the intended treatment. So, it is quite an alternative; needle-free, stable in extreme temperatures, and a longer shelf life. It is amazing.”

Approval was based on comparable epinephrine blood concentration data following administration of epinephrine nasal spray or approved epinephrine injection products demonstrated in 4 studies comprising 175 healthy adults without anaphylaxis. Similar increases in blood pressure and heart rate, a pair of critical epinephrine effects when treating anaphylaxis, were demonstrated relative to injection products.

Click here to view additional data points that led to the FDA approval of neffy including highlights of the nasal spray’s pharmacokinetic profile compared to injection, as well as additional video commentary from Thomas Casale, MD.

FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration

This updated indication of Influenza Vaccine Live, which was originally approved in 2003 for individuals aged 5 to 49 years, saw the age expand down to 2 years, as well as the ability for self- or caregiver-administration.

The updated indication was approved by the FDA on September 20, 2024, and still requires a prescription. Influenza Vaccine Live contains a weakened form of live influenza virus strains sprayed in the nose. With the updated indication, the vaccine may be administered by a health care provider in a health care setting (including a pharmacy) or by the vaccine recipient or a caregiver who is 18 years of age or older, according to previous coverage by 

The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year with rare exceptions. In seasons when flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, influenza vaccination has demonstrated a risk reduction of having to visit a doctor by 40% to 60%.

For infants and young children, who are among individuals with the greatest risk of flu complications, vaccination is critical. Per the CDC, flu vaccination prevents “millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year.”9 More specifically, in the 2019-2020 influenza season, the CDC stated that vaccination prevented approximately 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million associated medical visits, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 7,000 associated deaths in the United States.

With numbers such as these, a strong track record of effectiveness, and with your recommendations for seasonal and routine vaccines, it is clear influenza vaccination is critical in protecting the entire population, including children. For those children with needle phobia, who are likely already afraid of a doctor’s office, the at-home administration option among those aged 2 years and up is a welcomed addition and should help increase vaccination rates overall.

"This intranasal live attenuated vaccine has been around for years as an option for influenza vaccination, but utilization of the vaccine has been less than expected,” said 

Editor-in-Chief Tina Tan, MD, professor of pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the pediatric infectious diseases attending, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

"It can only be given to healthy individuals 2 to 49 years of age with no underlying conditions, including asthma. Making it available for in home use should increase the use of this vaccine and influenza vaccine, however, it will be important that the selling of this vaccine be monitored as you do not want the wrong individuals receiving the vaccine," said Tan.

Tan noted that attention to detail should be taken for those administering the intranasal vaccine, but this option should help those afraid of poking and prodding.

"There will need to be clear instructions as to what should be done if the person does not receive the entire dose given that this is a nasal spray, but there is some volume to it, so parts of the dose could drip out of the nose," Tan added.

 "In-home vaccine is not available this influenza season but is expected to be available next influenza season. It's definitely an option for needle phobic individuals."

A potential new needle-free treatment for severe allergic reactions

In an October 24, 2024, announcement from Aquestive Therapeutics, positive topline results were demonstrated in the Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) challenge study for epinephrine sublingual film (Anaphylm), a polymer matrix-based epinephrine prodrug product candidate.

According to the announcement, the data presented from OAS marked the completion of the final supportive adult study in the development program before Aquestive meets with the FDA.

In addition to seeking approval for the adult population, the company is on track to commence a pediatric study among individuals who weigh 30 kg or more in the fourth quarter of 2024. Further, Aquestive plans to submit a New Drug Application to the FDA in the first quarter of 2025.

Taking fear and pain out of needles–for your child and you. HealthyChildren.org. Updated August 3, 2022. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/managing-your-childs-pain-while-getting-a-shot.aspx

Healthcare providers: Understanding needle fears and phobia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated March 17, 2022. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/humandevelopment/covid-19/needle-phobia/healthcare-providers.html

Fitch, J. FDA approves neffy as first nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis. 

. August 9, 2024. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/fda-approves-neffy-as-first-nasal-spray-to-treat-anaphylaxis

Fitch, J. FDA issues CRL for neffy nasal spray to treat allergic reactions, requests more research. 

. September 20, 2023. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/fda-rejects-approval-of-neffy-nasal-spray-for-allergic-reactions-requests-more-research

FDA approves first nasal spray for treatment of anaphylaxis. FDA. Press release. August 9, 2024. December 6, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-nasal-spray-treatment-anaphylaxis

Highlights of prescribing information. ARS Pharmaceuticals. Pdf. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.ars-pharma.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Prescribing_Information.pdf

Fitch, J. FDA approves FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration. 

. September 20, 2024. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/fda-approves-flumist-for-sefl--or-caregiver-administration

Seasonal flu vaccine basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 17, 2024. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/index.html

Aquestive Therapeutics announces positive topline results from Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) Challenge study for Anaphylm (epinephrine) sublingual film. Aquestive Therapeutics. Press release. October 24, 2024. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://investors.aquestive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/aquestive-therapeutics-announces-positive-topline-results-oral

Needle-free treatments, such as Neffy and FluMist, offer promising alternatives for children and adults with needle phobia, ensuring access to critical care.

2024’s Needle-Free Approvals Transform Management of Anaphylaxis, Influenza in Children

Joshua Fitch

Karen O. Klein, MD

upcoming treatments featuring innovative mechanisms of action and novel delivery systems for addressing neovascular AMD

Novel Investigational Approaches for the Treatment of Neovascular AMD

1:00 Retina specialists’ wish list for innovative therapies

8:43 Extending treatment intervals beyond four months

15:00 Need for long-term retinal fluid suppression

22:00 Helping patients facing end-stage vision loss

Dr Paul Hahn and Dr Michael Cohen explore upcoming treatments featuring innovative mechanisms of action and novel delivery systems for addressing neovascular AMD.

Novel Investigational Approaches For the Treatment of Neovascular AMD

Michael Cohen, MD, FAAO

Spring Allergy Tips Clinicians Can Share with Patients, with Noah Greenspan, DPT, PT

spoke with Noah Greenspan, DPT, PT, CCS, EMT-B, a board-certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, on spring 2025 allergy predictions and tips.

Greenspan, the program director of the Pulmonary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, provided tips not only for the general population with spring allergies but among patients with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or post-viral syndromes like long COVID. At the center, he had worked 5 years with patients suffering from long-COVID and has expertise in how this immunocompromised group should be better prepared during allergy season.

allergists at the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting

 from February 28 – March 3, Greenspan addressed the lengthening of pollen seasons, exacerbated by climate change. He predicts that this spring allergy season will be longer and more severe.

The general population with allergies may experience a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes or throat, mucus production, and sneezing, but the pulmonary population may experience symptoms such as narrowing of the airways, broncho constriction, or bronchospasm.

Greenspan touched on the intersection between seasonal allergies and chronic respiratory conditions. In the general population, airways produce mucus that protects the inflammatory system, so even if debris goes into your face, mucus catches it before it can go into the lungs.

“When we talk about allergies, and when we talk about hypersensitivity in asthma and COPD, we're really talking about the system going into overdrive,” Greenspan said. “It's not just protective—it's hypervigilant—and so things that might [normally trigger someone who doesn't have allergies or doesn't have a respiratory condition might trigger somebody, and it might increase their symptoms.”

As for patients with long COVID who have seasonal allergies, many report shortness of breath or chest pressure. However, their chest x-rays and cardiac tests often look normal. He said many people with long COVID are susceptible to over-stimulation.

Greenspan said cognitive or emotional physical exertion from pollen can lead to over-stimulation.

“You never quite know what's going to be the last piece of the Jenga that's going to tip the boat and cause somebody to have a flare,” Greenspan said. “But, in all of these cases, the best strategy is really prevention.”

Greenspan has no relevant reported disclosures.

Nyenhuis, S, Mahdavinia, M, Commins, S, et al. How Climate Change is Making Allergies Worse—And What Clinicians Can Do. HCPLive. March 20, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/how-climate-change-is-making-allergies-worse-and-what-clinicians-can-do

Greenspan offers tips in treating seasonal allergies in patients with pulmonary conditions, such as long-COVID, and provides his 2025 spring allergy prediction.

Noah Greenspan, DPT, PT, CCS, EMT-B

Do each of you have some parting advice or a word of wisdom for any physicians out there taking care of patients with prurigo nodularis [PN]? Shawn, I'll start with you.

I would tell the physicians, ‘You have an opportunity to make a humongous impact on someone's quality of life.’ When we looked at the overall quality of life and how it's affected in PN patients, it's as severe as having a stroke, chronic heart failure, or being on hemodialysis. I think that's underestimated, the opportunity that any type of doctor has when you encounter a PN patient, to make a difference. At that moment, you can give folks the proper diagnosis. You can do a lab workup. You can make sure that they don't have many of these different disease comorbidities. You can also start them on therapies that are going to reduce, in my view, their likelihood of developing many different comorbidities. Sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and even worsening type 2 diabetes. I think it's a great opportunity that doctors have to intervene and make a tremendous difference. I think it's one of those conditions that has such a significant effect on quality of life. It's arguably one of the highest we see among any patients in our specialty.

How about you Sarina? Any parting thoughts?

Yes. I couldn't say it better than that. I usually say at the end of these that I advise physicians to care about their patients. I will say also to think broadly and stay up-to-date on the treatments we can offer. This is a landscape that is changing; as we mentioned, there are multiple drugs. I think there are probably going to be more that are coming online as the landscape of AD, atopic dermatitis, evolves, and the landscape of other disorders evolves. We will also learn more about prurigo nodularis. It's not just the limited few that we spoke about. I encourage everybody to really stay up-to-date and keep an eye out for things on the horizon.

I really can't put it better than both of you did. The one thing I tell my residents when it comes to any patients, but particularly these patients, is just listen. Just take a second and listen. You'll be surprised how much you figure out. How quickly you're going to change what your point of view might have been when you came into the room. Your viewpoint when you read the chief complaint or looked through the chart and saw what other notes said before the same findings you eventually get to. You'll find that perhaps you will understand why this is such an interesting and fascinating disease state and one which deserves to be treated as such. Just alongside all the other diseases that we think about potentially that are more prevalent or better understood.

With that, thank you, Shawn and Sarina, for this rich and informative discussion. This was amazing to talk to 2 world experts and get to the cutting edge of where we are and where we should be going. Thank you all for watching this HCPLive® Peer Exchange. If you enjoyed the content, please subscribe to our e-newsletters to receive upcoming peer exchanges and other great content right in your inbox. Thank you very much.

Shawn Kwatra, MD, and Sarina B. Elmariah, MD, PhD, share final pearls of wisdom for other physicians taking care of patients with prurigo nodularis (PN).

Advice for Managing Patients With PN

Sarina B Elmariah, MD, PhD

Steven Fein, MD, is a telehealth hematologist with HemeOnCall. 

Recapping ASH 2024 Highlights, with Steven Fein, MD

Hematology represents an area of immense progress and innovation in recent years, with no greater example of this continued advancement than the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting.

In this video series, Steven Fein, MD, a telehealth hematologist with HemeOnCall, breaks down the most impactful news and updates from ASH 2024 and the remainder of the past year, with a focus on iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell disease, and other nononcology hematologic conditions.

In this, the first in our 5-part series, Fein highlights key findings from ASH 2024. He begins by discussing the promising results for rilzabrutinib, a BTK inhibitor shown to be safe and effective for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), including those refractory to multiple treatments.

Fein also reviews a clinical trial confirming the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in patients with hemoglobin SC disease, solidifying its role in treatment strategies. Additionally, he discusses new studies on iron infusions, emphasizing evidence supporting total dose iron infusion as a cost-effective and efficient approach, particularly for women requiring iron replacement.

Relevant disclosures for Fein include Pharmacosmos Therapeutics, Sobi, Amgen, Agios, BeiGene, and others.

In this video, Steven Fein, MD, discusses updates and topics of note from the American Society of Hematology annual meeting.

Steven Fein, MD

Patient Education Tips for CSU and Final Thoughts

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Can you describe the importance of patient education and shared decision-making when selecting an appropriate therapy?

What are the unmet needs in CSU management? How is the field evolving?

What advice do you have for allergists for managing CSU based on your experience and the data available?

Patient education and shared decision-making are crucial in selecting appropriate therapies, as they empower patients and ensure treatment plans align with their values and preferences. In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) management, unmet needs include more effective treatments and better understanding of disease mechanisms. The field is evolving with advancements in biologics and personalized medicine approaches. Allergists should stay informed about emerging therapies, engage patients in discussions about treatment options, and tailor management strategies to individual patient needs and responses, leveraging the latest data and clinical experience.

Panelists discuss the importance of patient education and shared decision-making in selecting appropriate therapies for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), addressing unmet needs in CSU management and the evolving nature of the field, while also offering practical advice for allergists based on their experiences and available data.

Authors