The Drugs.com Monthly Update Podcast

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Drugs.com Monthly Update, where we bring you some of the latest FDA approvals. This episode uses AI tools to help with formatting, organisation, and narration. All content has been reviewed by a senior editorial pharmacist.

Today, we've got exciting news featuring Eli Lilly’s Zepbound KwikPen for obesity management, Ozempic tablets for type 2 diabetes, and Rybrevant Faspro for lung cancer, among other new approvals.

Let's begin with some news in weight management therapy. Eli Lilly has introduced a new dosage form of Zepbound, called the Zepbound KwikPen, spelled Z-E-P-B-O-U-N-D K-W-I-K-P-E-N. The Zepbound KwikPen is a multi-dose, prefilled, ready-to-use autoinjector pen that simplifies treatment because it contains 4 fixed weekly doses in one pen, meaning only one pen is needed per month instead of four. The Zepbound Kwikpen is available in six different strengths. Approved for use with diet and exercise, Zepbound, or tirzepatide, works as both a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist to reduce excess body weight in certain adults with too much weight. 

Moving over to type 2 diabetes treatments, Novo Nordisk is set to launch the Ozempic pill, spelled (O-Z-E-M-P-I-C). The Ozempic pill is a new name for the previously-approved Rybelsus R2 formulation. These once-daily oral tablets will be available in doses of 1.5 mg, 4mg, and 9 mg. This change is expected to happen in the second quarter of 2026. Until then, patients should continue to take their Rybelsus medication as prescribed and should not stop treatment without speaking to their prescriber.

In oncology, the FDA approved a once-monthly under-the-skin injection called Rybrevant Faspro (spelled R-Y-B-R-E-V-A-N-T F-A-S-P-R-O). It can be used for the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with lazertinib. The new formulation significantly simplifies administration compared to its intravenous counterpart. Approved following strong results from the PALOMA-2 trial demonstrating favorable response rates, it allows for faster administration and lower administration-related reactions compared to IV administration.

Switching focus to rhinosinusitis treatment, Dupixent delivers the first approved therapy for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. This chronic condition, often managed by surgery and prolonged steroids, now has a novel pharmaceutical option. Dupixent, spelled D-U-P-I-X-E-N-T, which is already approved for several other inflammatory conditions, significantly minimizes recurrent needs for systemic steroids and surgery. Common side effects include injection site reactions, trouble sleeping, and irritated eyes.

In the realm of men’s health, the FDA has approved Vybrique (spelled V-Y-B-R-I-Q-U-E). This novel oral film formulation of sildenafil is approved for erectile dysfunction. Developed by IBSA Pharma, the single-dose film dissolves on the tongue without the need for water. It can be taken 30 minutes to four hours before sexual activity, once a day. As a PDE5 inhibitor, Vybrique improves blood flow by relaxing smooth muscle. Clinical trials across 25 mg to 100 mg doses showed superior efficacy over placebo. While offering a discreet alternative to traditional tablets, healthcare providers and patients should monitor for cardiovascular contraindications, risks of priapism, and common side effects like headache or flushing.

Lastly, for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, the FDA approved Calquence (spelled C-A-L-Q-U-E-N-C-E) and venetoclax (spelled V-E-N-E-T-O-C-L-A-X) as the first all-oral, fixed-duration treatment. Clinicians can look forward to a regimen showing reduced risks of disease progression compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy.

Thank you for tuning in to the Drugs.com monthly update podcast, where staying informed means staying ahead in your field. We look forward to bringing you more updates next month. Until next time, know more, be sure.