The Rx Recap: September 21-26

Welcome to this week’s roundup of the most insightful and impactful articles from the sister publications of Dermatology Times, all under One MJH Life Sciences. Our network brings together expert perspectives, clinical advancements, and industry updates to keep clinicians informed and ahead of the curve. From cutting-edge treatments to practice management strategies, here’s a look at the top stories shaping the field of medicine.

WHO's Update on Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Infection Control Today reports that the CDC has issued a Health Alert Network advisory following confirmation of a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of September 21, WHO reported 57 cases (47 confirmed, 10 probable) and 35 deaths, with children and women disproportionately affected. The CDC stressed that no US cases have been identified and the risk of spread remains low due to the absence of direct flights from the DRC. However, clinicians are urged to remain vigilant, obtain travel histories, promptly isolate suspected patients, and use appropriate PPE. The advisory emphasizes that early detection, infection control, and coordination with public health authorities are essential to containing potential spread. Vaccines and therapeutics are available, but preparedness and rapid response remain critical.

Hospitals urge Congress to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

Chief Healthcare Executive reports that hospitals and health leaders are urging Congress and President Trump to extend enhanced tax credits that help millions afford health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Without action, the credits will expire at year’s end, raising premiums and leaving many uninsured. Hospital leaders warn this would drive patients to emergency rooms without coverage, worsen chronic conditions, and increase uncompensated care. More than 24 million Americans could see higher costs, with states like Florida and Pennsylvania particularly affected. With open enrollment starting November 1, health care leaders stress that Congress must act quickly to preserve the credits and protect families from steep premium hikes.

FDA Alleges Association Between Prenatal Acetaminophen Use and Autism in Children

Pharmacy Times reports that the FDA is initiating a label change and alerting physicians about studies suggesting a possible link between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. While the agency acknowledges no causal relationship has been proven, it urges caution given acetaminophen is the only OTC option considered safe in pregnancy. Medical groups, including ACOG, criticized the move as misleading, citing large-scale studies that show no connection between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD. Pharmacists are advised to reassure patients, emphasize that acetaminophen remains the safest choice for fever or pain during pregnancy, and guide them to use it judiciously.

The FDA Grants Priority Review to T-DXd/Pertuzumab in 1L Metastatic Breast Cancer

Cancer Network reports that the FDA has accepted and granted priority review to a supplemental biologics license application for fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu; T-DXd) plus pertuzumab (Perjeta) as first-line therapy for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. The decision is supported by the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast09 trial, where the combination achieved a median progression-free survival of 40.7 months vs 26.9 months with standard of care, along with higher response rates and durable benefits across subgroups. Although overall survival data remain immature, the regimen showed a favorable trend and is being hailed as the first major advance in frontline HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treatment in over a decade. A Prescription Drug User Fee Act decision is expected in Q1 2026.

US, Japan Patients With Diabetes Discontinue Semaglutide After First Year

AJMC reports that nearly 60% of older US adults with diabetes stop injectable semaglutide within a year, according to a study in JAMA Cardiology. Similar trends were seen internationally, with 31% of Japanese patients and over 50% of Danish patients discontinuing. High costs, adverse effects, and treatment disappointment were major drivers, with high-risk patients—those with kidney or cardiovascular disease—more likely to quit despite standing to benefit most. Researchers warned that stopping therapy reverses many health gains, including weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements, underscoring the need for global efforts to improve affordability, manage side effects, and support long-term adherence.

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