While GLP-1 drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, researchers keep finding additional ways these medications can potentially benefit patients.

Medtronic confirmed its decision in a statement, but did not provide any specific details. The deal was originally announced in May.

The popular SGLT2 inhibitor, sold under the brand name Farxiga, is approved by the FDA to treat heart failure, type 2 diabetes and CKD. Recent data on its ability to affect the symptoms of heart failure patients have been inconsistent. 

Renee Bullock-Palmer, MD, director, non-invasive cardiac imaging, at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, explains CT calcium scoring can determine if a patient needs to take aspirin and statins for prevention of coronary disease.

Two separate studies examined the controversial topic of prescribing statins to high-risk elderly patients who do not already have high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease.

Roche, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, will gain both oral and injectable assets as a result of this acquisition.

Avidity Biosciences, a San Diego-based biopharmaceutical company, is expanding its ongoing collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to identify new cardiovascular therapies.

GLP-1 agonists are often taken as daily or weekly injections. A new delivery system could help make it so those same drugs are only required three times per year.