1
COVID-19 Update: 2025-2026 Vaccine Formulations and Recommendations
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 2025; (Issue 1739)
The FDA has licensed new 2025-2026 formulations
of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by
Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax,
mNEXSPIKE) and the adjuvanted protein subunit
COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax
(Nuvaxovid). The new formulations are indicated
for use in all adults ≥65 years old and in persons
6 months (Spikevax), 5 years (Comirnaty), or 12
years (mNEXSPIKE, Nuvaxovid) through 64 years old
who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 because
of an underlying condition. An Emergency Use
Authorization allowing administration of the Pfizer
vaccine to children 6 months through 4 years old has
been withdrawn.
2
In Brief: Aflibercept (Eylea HD) for Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2026; (Issue 1751)
Eylea HD (Regeneron), which contains 8 mg of the
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor
aflibercept, has now been approved by the FDA for
intravitreal treatment of macular edema following
retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A 2-mg dose of aflibercept
(Eylea) was approved previously for this indication.
Eylea and Eylea HD are also approved for treatment of
neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration,
diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
3
In Brief: A Second Subcutaneous Furosemide Infusor (Lasix ONYU) for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 16, 2026; (Issue 1750)
The FDA has approved Lasix ONYU (SQ Innovation),
a subcutaneous formulation of the loop diuretic
furosemide administered via a wearable pump (onbody
infusor), for treatment of edema in adults with
chronic heart failure (HF). A similar product, Furoscix,
is approved for treatment of edema in chronic HF
or chronic kidney disease. Furosemide has been
available for years in oral and IV formulations for
such use.
4
Correction
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 16, 2026; (Issue 1750)
In our article titled A Renal Indication for Semaglutide (Ozempic)
(Med Lett Drugs Ther 2025; 67:38), the MACE endpoint defined
in Table 2, footnote 3 was incorrectly stated as a composite of
cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal
stroke, or all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality should not
have been included in the composite endpoint.
5
Drugs for Dementia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2026; (Issue 1751)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause
of dementia, but cognitive decline also occurs in
other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's
disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and
frontotemporal dementia.
6
In Brief: Cardiovascular Outcomes with Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 17, 2023; (Issue 1674)
Since our initial review of the oral lipid-lowering
adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor
bempedoic acid (Nexletol – Esperion) in 2020,
cardiovascular outcomes data in statin-intolerant
patients have become available.
7
Comparison Table: Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease Dementia (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2026; (Issue 1751)
View the Comparison Table: Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease Dementia
8
Comparison Table: Amyloid Beta-Directed Antibodies for Alzheimer's Disease (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2026; (Issue 1751)
View the Comparison Table: Amyloid Beta-Directed Antibodies for Alzheimer's Disease
9
Antiviral Drugs for Seasonal Influenza for 2025-2026
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 27, 2025; (Issue 1740)
Influenza is generally a self-limited illness, but complications
including pneumonia, respiratory failure, and
death can occur, especially in persons at increased
risk (see Table 1).
10
Two New Drugs for Gonorrhea
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 16, 2026; (Issue 1750)
The FDA has approved two antibiotics, gepotidacin
(Blujepa — GSK) and zoliflodacin (Nuzolvence —
Entasis), for oral treatment of uncomplicated
urogenital gonorrhea in patients ≥12 years old.
Gepotidacin is approved for use in persons weighing
≥45 kg who have limited or no alternative treatment
options; it was approved in 2025 for treatment of
uncomplicated urinary tract infection in females.
Zoliflodacin is approved for use in persons weighing
≥35 kg. Neither drug is indicated for treatment of
rectal or pharyngeal gonorrhea.
