1,060 Best Boy Names to Name Your Son in 2023

We’ve also got lists of unique, unusual, and rare boy names that can help you search for the perfect name for your baby son. Every year, the SSA compiles a list of the most popular baby names based on social security card applications. This year, familiar favorites continue to dominate the top spots. Names like Liam, Noah, and Oliver have maintained their strong presence. These names are not only trendy but have stood the test of time, appealing to parents across various cultures and regions. Discover the top 1,000 baby names for boys in 2024, the most common boys’ names, and which boy names are trending based on the latest report from the Social Security Administration.

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Do you want a modern name for your boy or a name that is rooted in tradition? Modern names tend to have fewer associations, allowing your child to build his own identity, while traditional names can tie your child to an important history or legacy. Are you looking for a boy name starting with a particular letter? Perhaps you’re searching for a third J boy name to match with siblings, or you hope to honor a family member by using their initials, or maybe you just want an easy way to explore what’s out there! Find all our search by letter tools on the Baby Names A-Z page.

This list includes names from 2023, the most recent data available. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips.

Every year, the SSA rounds up the 1,000 most popular baby girl and boy names. We have the hip names you love in all shapes and sizes, whether you’re a fan of modern finds or old-school classics. Celebrities have been naming their children with unique and unusual names for years, so it’s a good idea to look to famous babies for inspiration.

Just when you thought Star Wars couldn’t drive any more baby names, along comes Cassian — as in Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna. (It’s also a big one for the A Court of Thorns and Roses fans.) And doesn’t Kyren seem like it could be a shortening of Kylo Ren? Kylo is already No. 405 on the SSA list, a good match for Rey at No. 794.

Look for a Boys’ Name That’s Unusual Yet Appealing Hunt for a cool and unique name for boys, one that isn’t so common and has an edgy and attractive vibe.2. Pay Tribute to a Male Family Member With a Great Boys’ Name Select a name from within your family tree, such as your father’s, grandfather’s, or uncle’s name. Be Inspired by Your Beautiful Environment Consider choosing a boys’ name inspired by nature or the name of one of your favorite places, from city names to country boy names.4.

Find the best and most beautiful baby boy names for your little prince. We have a huge collection of boy names with meanings and origin. What about the trends that are so new, they haven’t shown up on the SSA list yet? The top names for boys also include lots of gender-neutral names, meaning this roundup is a decent place to poke around for baby girl name inspiration, too. Cool boy names are found everywhere, but television and movies particularly harbor great options. You may recognize the edgy Jax and Nero from the show Sons of Anarchy and hipster picks like Theon and Ramsay from Game of Thrones.

Muhammad has become the most popular baby name for boys in England and Wales for the first time, new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed. In the United States, it’s traditional for a person to have three names—a first name, a middle name, and your family or last name. Of course, there are plenty of parents who give their children more than one middle name, or none at all.

AMERICAN GIRL 2025 GIRL OF THE YEAR SUMMER MCKINNY

So, what names did we see more of in the last year, and what trendy boy names do we expect to be on the rise for the future? When we scoured the popular naming trends for this year and next, these were the ones that rose to the top. So sit back and relax with our list of cool boy names and you just might find a new favorite or two. Some of the “K” names that were affected by this alteration include Kameron, Kane, Khalid, Kian, Kobe, and Kyle, which all dropped significantly. In addition to these, other names like Arjun, Nehemiah, Rory, Royce, and Walter are also witnessing a decline.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family. The category of Irish baby boy names is full of individual names straight out of Irish legends and folktales, with names derived and inspired by saints, warriors and kings of old. The time of year also had an impact for baby girls, with Autumn and Summer increasing in popularity, particularly during their respective seasons; both names were in the top 100. In December the names Holly, Robyn and Joseph were more popular. Some parents will name their child the same first name as the father, but call them by their more unique middle name to help differentiate between the two. Or some families use different names completely, but choose ones that have similar meanings or sounds to honor the original name.

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Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards. Some fun facts about Summer are that she is a budding entrepreneur, starting her own dog-walking business where she shares some of her profits with a local animal shelter. As an avid animal lover, Summer adopted her dog, Crescent, from her local shelter.

That’s why for 2025, IWD sees a big call-to-action for all IWD events to incorporate an element of women-focused fundraising. And one of the biggest ways to help Accelerate Action for gender equality is to Support the Supporters. One of the best ways to forge gender equality is to understand what works and to do more of this, faster. Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Maike Plenzke studied illustration at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Department of Design. She currently lives in Berlin with her partner and their dog.

When you register the birth, you will be asked your baby’s full name as well as details about when and where he was born. Once you have picked a name, contact your local register office for an appointment to go in and register your baby’s birth. Cross off names you can’t agree on, ones that don’t match your requirements, and any names that don’t feel right for your baby.

Luckily, the Social Security Administration publishes annual lists of the most popular names each year, dating back to the 1800s. Parents considering a boy name like Noah, Elijah, Mason, or Logan should know their baby boy will be in good company, as those names are among the top 10 most popular boy names every year. But the Social Security lists also tell us which baby boy names are uncommon. If you’re looking for original or unusual boy names — ones that will set your kid apart from the Erics and Bens in his class and keep things interesting, we’ve got you covered.

Baby Boy Names You Will Love 2024

American Girl fans are in for a sweet surprise with the early arrival of the 2025 Girl of the Year Summer McKinny. Growing up with her family in Columbia, MD, 10-year old Summer is a dog lover and baker who turns her two passion projects into a budding business. Kids of all ages are sure to love Summer, her animal friends, baked treats and her entrepreneurial spirit, too.

They bring a sense of timelessness while still resonating in contemporary settings. Sports figures are a perennial favorite (the year Derek Jeter retired from the New York Yankees, “Jeter” was in the top 10 male dog names), so it’s not surprising to see “Kobe” on the list. Outdoor activity-inspired names like “Moose” or “Harley” are another popular theme. You might meet a “Whiskey,” “Mochi,” or “Oreo” on your daily walks. And at least 20 percent of dogs have traditionally human names like “Max,” “Cooper,” or “Charlie,” which figure high in our list.

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The doll wears a rainbow dress, pink-and-purple ombre glasses, two beaded bracelets, and colorful sandals with platform soles. Summer joins the brand’s line of contemporary characters that “represent a wide range of backgrounds and interests to reflect what it means to be an American girl today,” said the company in a release. Growing up in Columbia, Md., 10-year-old Summer is a dog lover and baker who turns her two passions into a business of her own.

No refunds or adjustments on previous purchases or orders in progress that have not yet shipped. Offer is subject to change at the discretion of American Girl®. Our pet-loving, treat-baking American Girl® Girl of Year™ 2025 Summer McKinny™ brightens every day with adventures your girl will love! Summer’s™ world comes to life with an 18-inch large doll as well as doll accessories, playsets, and clothing for girls and dolls. Plus, furry four-legged friends add to the fun, especially Summer’s always playful, sometimes problem-making pets—Crescent™ and Fettuccine™.

In addition to the most popular names, the SSA also identified the “fastest-rising” names. These names are used very rarely, but they’ve been shooting up the charts. Choosing the perfect name for your baby is an exciting yet challenging task for any parent. In a world where individuality and uniqueness are cherished, and just like the names below, many parents are seeking names that stand out from the crowd. Helen is Deputy Editor of MadeForMums, the author of Parenting for Dummies (Wiley, £17.99).

Team Metabolic Health

In a recent study published in Nature, a research team led by scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Novo Nordisk explored a novel, needle-free microjet system to deliver drugs directly into the gastrointestinal tract.

Inspired by the jet propulsion system in cephalopods, these devices were designed to efficiently administer macromolecules such as insulin and ribonucleic acid (RNA) via precise, high-pressure jets into the gastrointestinal tract, potentially improving drug absorption and addressing the challenges associated with traditional injection-based delivery methods.

Background

Drug delivery for macromolecules has depended on needle-based injections, which raises issues such as the need for medical training, the risk of needle-related injuries, and the challenge of disposing of sharps. In recent times, the development of ingestible devices has offered a convenient alternative, potentially enhancing patient compliance.

However, current oral delivery devices struggle to effectively deliver large molecules, such as proteins, due to their vulnerability to digestive breakdown. Many oral systems also fail to achieve bioavailability levels comparable to those of subcutaneous injections. Furthermore, although robotic and autonomous devices have shown some success with self-directing and needle-free drug delivery, these methods have remained largely underexplored for gastrointestinal applications.

About the study

In this study, inspired by the natural propulsion mechanisms observed in cephalopods, the researchers aimed to develop a jet-based drug delivery approach to enhance the safe and effective delivery of large molecules in gastrointestinal tissues. They developed and tested a series of microjet devices (MiDe systems) designed to deliver drugs directly into the gastrointestinal tract.

Four device configurations were created: two autonomous, self-activating versions (MiDeRadAuto and MiDeAxAuto) and two versions compatible with endoscopic guidance (MiDeRadEndo and MiDeAxEndo). Furthermore, the orientation of each device was optimized for specific gastrointestinal tract sections. The radial models were designed to target tubular structures such as the small intestine, while the axial models were suited for wider areas in the stomach.

The devices were first calibrated in laboratory settings through in vitro and ex vivo studies. During these tests, the researchers varied nozzle diameter, input pressure, and jet angle to determine optimal conditions for effective tissue penetration.

Ex vivo trials on porcine gastrointestinal tissue measured the fluid delivery depth and distribution in the tissue layers using computed tomography (CT) to visualize the fluid spread. Following these tests, the researchers fine-tuned the device pressure and nozzle dimensions to produce high-pressure jets suitable for different gastrointestinal regions.

Additionally, in the in vivo trials, the MiDe devices delivered therapeutic agents such as insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) into specific gastrointestinal sites in pigs and dogs. Subsequently, the researchers collected blood samples at regular intervals to measure systemic bioavailability.

Moreover, high-speed imaging was used to capture the jetting dynamics, enabling the researchers to assess the stability and recoil of the device. Safety and precision tests were also conducted to confirm the suitability of the device for use in the gastrointestinal tract without causing adverse effects or damage to surrounding tissues.

Results

The researchers demonstrated that MiDe devices significantly improved the delivery and bioavailability of macromolecules within the gastrointestinal tract. The devices achieved high systemic absorption for insulin, GLP-1 analogs, and siRNA, with performance comparable to subcutaneous injections.

Specifically, the radial endoscopic device (MiDeRadEndo) delivered GLP-1 with a 67% bioavailability in pig intestines, while the axial endoscopic device (MiDeAxEndo) achieved an 82% bioavailability for siRNA in the stomach. Autonomous devices, MiDeRadAuto and MiDeAxAuto, demonstrated 31% and 23% bioavailability, respectively, for insulin in pigs.

The results showed that bioavailability was influenced by factors such as jet angle, distance from tissue, and pressure level. A 40% decrease in volumetric delivery efficiency (VDE) was observed when the jet angle reached 45° relative to the tissue.

Furthermore, while the self-orienting design of MiDeAxAuto enabled stable positioning in the stomach, MiDeRadAuto was seen to maintain a co-axial orientation in the intestine despite some variability due to animal movement. Histological analysis also confirmed that the jets delivered therapeutic agents deep within the target tissue layers without causing damage.

The radial devices minimized recoil with a dual-nozzle design, which also enhanced stability. Moreover, the devices demonstrated reliable safety and stability across in vivo and ex vivo tests, suggesting that MiDe systems can safely and effectively deliver large molecules within the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings demonstrated that the needle-free, microjet-based MiDe systems for drug delivery into the gastrointestinal tract achieved bioavailability levels similar to subcutaneous injections while safely and effectively targeting specific gastrointestinal regions. These findings indicated that the MiDe platform could be used to advance oral drug delivery technology, making it feasible to deliver macromolecule therapies directly into the gastrointestinal tract.

Credit: news-medical.net

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Team Metabolic Health

At some point, many people can attest to attempting to lose weight. In fact, it’s estimated that 45 million Americans go on a diet each year in order to shed some stubborn pounds. While weight loss can be as simple as calories in versus calories out, everybody is unique and yields different results. What works for one person, doesn’t work out for the other, leading to feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy when weight loss goals aren’t being met. Fortunately, weight loss injections have taken the world by storm when it comes to achieving your dream body. What can you expect during and after a weight loss injection treatment? Are weight loss injections right for you? Read on to learn more. The Studio Med Spa offers a variety of weight loss injection treatments to help people attain the body they’ve been working for!

How Can I Obtain Weight Loss Injection Treatments? 

Nowadays, lifestyle, age, and other factors can put a grinding halt to your weight loss. Weight loss injections are a safe treatment that allows people to be closer to their goals, without completely changing their lives. It should be noted that weight loss injections work even more effectively if a person is eating better and moving their body. If you are looking to obtain weight loss injection treatments, talk with an expert at The Studio Med Spa. Consultation for weight loss injection treatments includes looking at your individual weight loss goals, metabolism, medical history, diet, and more.

What Are My Options? 

The most popular weight loss injections include: 

Semaglutide which consists of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These agonists mimic the naturally developed hormone within the body known as GLP-1, to reduce appetite and regulate hunger cues for a lower calorie intake. 

Tirzepatide is a much more potent weight loss injection compared to semaglutide. This injection treatment works as a dual receptor agonist for GLP-1 and GIP hormones in the body, helping to curb appetite and also slow down the digestion process and leave people feeling fuller longer. 
What is the Process During the Injection?

The injection process for weight loss treatments is generally fast. Many people find the process takes anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. The injection is applied through a subcutaneous injection in an area of fatty tissue, most commonly the abdomen. Since the injections are not administered in the muscle, very fine needles are used, which also help to minimize feelings of pain and discomfort in patients. The best part is that these injections can be applied once a week, once every two weeks, or through a timeline that best fits your weight loss goals.    

What Do I Have to Do After the Injection Treatment?

After the weight loss injection is administered, many people worry that they will have to take the day off from work. However, this is far from the case. Many people find themselves leaving the med spa clinic and jumping into their routine immediately. In fact, with an injection such as a Skinny Shot, a lot of individuals feel a burst of energy that allows them to tackle a massive to-do list they may not have wanted to do before! After the injection treatment is complete, all you have to do is let the injection run its course and go about your daily life.   

Are There Any Side Effects? 

Many people often ask if there are side effects from weight loss injection treatments. It is important to note that the side effects of these injections are typically very mild. The most common side effects include: Nausea, Fatigue, Dizziness, Stomach pain, Low blood sugar, Redness, tenderness, or pain in the injection site. These side effects do not take long to clear. The best part is there is no further maintenance needed for weight loss injections in the form of additional medication. One injection is all it takes to give you that much-needed boost to your weight loss goals!

Looking into Weight Loss Injections, But Unsure Where to Start?

Do you wonder if weight loss injections are right for you? Weight loss can be a long stubborn process for many. Many people often find themselves giving up when it takes longer to achieve their ideal body weight. Body injections have become a promising treatment that allows people to enhance their weight loss journey, without necessarily interrupting their busy routines. Weight loss injections have been deemed safe for administration, and many people can testify to how these injections have helped shed those last few pounds. 

The process during and after the injection administration is relatively fast and easy, with minimal side effects recorded. Are you looking into weight loss injections? Unsure which treatment may be the right choice for you? Booking a consultation with a trustworthy and certified med spa clinic can help you learn about each treatment and which specific choice may align with your goals and needs. Call The Studio Med Spa to book your consultation now, and take the first step toward that goal body!

Credit: studiospa.com

Team Metabolic Health

In the evolving world of weight loss advancements, two notable medications, Tirzepatide injections vs Semaglutide injections, have emerged as powerful tools in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are praised for their efficacy in controlling appetite, reducing weight, and managing blood sugar levels, but they differ in composition and mechanism. This article delves into the distinct features, uses, and effects of each medication to help you understand what’s the difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

What Do Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Share?

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide are distinct in their mechanisms yet share crucial similarities that position them as powerful contributors in managing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and appetite control. Both drugs belong to the incretin modulator category, effectively targeting hormones that regulate metabolism, reduce appetite, and enhance insulin secretion. As synthetic peptides, Tirzepatide and Semaglutide boost the body’s natural insulin response, decrease appetite, and promote better blood glucose control and weight loss outcomes.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Scientific Comparison

Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide fall under the category of incretin mimetics. Incretins are gut hormones released immediately after eating, significantly influencing insulin production by the pancreas. Both medications target GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) to enhance the body’s insulin response, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce appetite.

Key Mechanisms of Action

GLP-1 Activation: Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide mimic GLP-1 activity to increase insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated, regulate glucose absorption in the stomach, and decrease hunger signals. While both medications share GLP-1 activation, Tirzepatide also targets GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, enhancing its impact on insulin release and metabolic regulation.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide—Layman’s Explanation

Imagine GLP-1 as a “helpful signal,” guiding your body to process sugar slowly and feel satisfied after smaller meals. Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide amplify this signal, helping your body focus on better blood sugar management and allowing you to feel fuller longer, reducing excessive calorie intake. Tirzepatide, however, offers an additional boost by acting on GIP receptors, further enhancing insulin response and promoting efficient weight reduction.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide—What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide lies in the dual receptor action of Tirzepatide. Unlike Semaglutide, which targets only GLP-1 receptors, Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism results in a more pronounced effect on insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and weight loss. HydraMed client reporting have shown that Tirzepatide may provide superior weight loss results for some individuals due to its broader mechanism of action, making it a potentially more effective treatment for patients looking for significant health improvements.

Shared Benefits of Tirzepatide & Semaglutide

Both Tirzepatide & Semaglutide lead to similar health benefits, which include:

Weight Loss: By enhancing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite, both medications can significantly reduce body weight. Feedback has shown that individuals using these medications can experience considerable weight loss, making them powerful tools for managing obesity.

How They Work As A Peptide Primer

Both Tirzepatide injections and Semaglutide injections are part of a class of medications known as incretin mimetics. Here’s how they work:

Peptides as Master Keys: These medications are synthetic peptides that mimic natural hormones in the body. They act like master keys that unlock specific responses in the brain and digestive system to control appetite and insulin.

Biological Mechanisms: By activating GLP-1 receptors, these drugs increase insulin release in response to meals, slow down digestion, and signal fullness to the brain, reducing overall calorie intake.

Real-World Impact: This translates to less hunger, better control over eating, and improved blood sugar levels, which are crucial for weight management and diabetes control.

Comparing Mechanisms Between Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide

Peptides like Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide function as master keys that unlock specific bodily processes, particularly those involved in appetite regulation and glucose control. These medications mimic natural hormones that signal the brain to feel full and satisfied, effectively reducing calorie intake and promoting weight loss. While both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide activate GLP-1 receptors, Tirzepatide injections goes a step further by also stimulating GIP receptors. This dual action not only broadens its impact on glucose control but is also believed to significantly enhance weight loss outcomes compared to medications that target GLP-1 receptors alone. Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide represent significant advances in the management of weight and metabolic health.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Feedback indicates that Tirzepatide generally results in greater weight loss than Semaglutide, positioning it as a potentially more effective solution for individuals with severe obesity or those who have not achieved desired weight management results with other treatments. The enhanced weight loss observed with Tirzepatide can be attributed to its dual-receptor action, which not only improves glucose metabolism but also significantly impacts body weight regulation.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide in Controlling Hunger and Cravings

Both Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide effectively reduce hunger and appetite, pivotal factors in successful weight management. However, Tirzepatide appears to have a slight advantage in decreasing calorie intake. This edge is likely due to its ability to act on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing the feeling of fullness and satisfaction after meals and leading to a more substantial reduction in overall calorie consumption.

Administration: Injections and Shots

Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are administered through injections, typically once a week. This method ensures the medication is delivered efficiently and maintains consistent levels in the bloodstream.

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Side Effects

The common side effects associated with both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are primarily gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are typically manageable and often decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, both medications can occasionally lead to more serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and renal impairment. These severe side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention should they occur, underscoring the importance of close monitoring by healthcare professionals during treatment.

Side Effects of Tirzepatide

Like all medications, Tirzepatide can have side effects, which typically include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are generally mild and decrease over time.

Side Effects of Semaglutide

Semaglutide also shares similar side effects, with gastrointestinal distress being the most common. Patients may experience nausea, constipation, or mild abdominal pain.

How to Choose the Right Option for You

Choosing between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide can feel overwhelming, but it really comes down to understanding your own health needs and goals. Here are a few steps to help guide you in making the best decision:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always start with professional medical advice. Discuss your overall health, medical history, and any specific conditions like diabetes that might affect your choice.

Consider Your Weight Loss Goals: Are you looking for significant weight reduction, or is your focus more on controlling blood sugar levels? While both medications help with weight loss, Tirzepatide’s dual-action may offer an edge if your primary goal is more substantial weight loss.

Evaluate Side Effects: Both drugs have similar side effects, but individual tolerances can vary. Consider how you handle gastrointestinal discomfort or other potential side effects.

Assess Lifestyle Fit: Think about how each treatment fits into your lifestyle. This includes considering the weekly injection schedule and any other medication routines you already have.

Budget Considerations: Review the cost of each medication with your insurance provider to understand the financial impact of your choice.

Credit: hydramed.com/blog

In general, automated end-to-end tests are expensive, slow, and inconsistent unless well-maintained and well-written. With the traditional Waterfall model, QA testing happened late in the software development life cycle (SDLC). The QA team would provide feedback to the development team at the end of a given development cycle, and the development team would then fix as many bugs as they could. Usability is all about creating highly interactive and engaging user experiences. That is why QA professionals use manual testing to check software functionalities and various scenarios in user behavior. Hardly can automated testing ensure what color type, images, or fonts are appropriate for creating eye-catching user interfaces.

Tests where you must explore features and app behavior, such as Usability Testing, Exploratory Testing, and Manual Testing, should be prioritized. Whereas for Regression Testing and for those tests where scalability and test coverage is the priority, Automation Testing should be prioritized. Teams perform several types of system testing, manual qa courses like regression testing, stress testing, functional testing, and more, depending on their access to time and resources. As you can see, there are numerous reasons why you should acquire automated testing skills. In addition to above-average job growth, you can anticipate strong earnings potential as a QA automation engineer.

Best Practices for QA Testing

Anyone who’s been in the QA field for awhile (or Engineering in general!) is familiar with the Agile QA process in software development. Test automation eases the burden of managing the various parts of the testing process. It enables the QA team to use their time to create effective test cases.

Automated testing can bring several advantages to the QA process and indeed, to the SDLC. Additionally, automated tests bring advantages to a codebase that manual QA testing cannot, such as code confidence and maintainability. Manual testing, including exploratory testing and usability testing, is vital in the software development life cycle. And development teams would do well to keep this golden rule in mind. To create stable software, teams should look to both manual testing and automated testing and make each one a core part of their SDLC. There are many pros and cons to automated testing, but ultimately creating stable software necessitates both automated and manual quality assurance testing.

Manual Testing vs. Automated Testing

Despite a continuous buzz around the automated testing, manual one is still important. Particularly, mobile devices and wearables do require manual testing to check what bottlenecks they might have in our daily lives. A key to getting all the automation testing benefits is to blend it successfully with manual testing.

Team Metabolic Health

A new study found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with type 2 diabetes

Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drug Ozempic (NVO-0.35%) is linked to yet another health benefit. This time it’s lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

People who are prescribed semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — as a treatment for type 2 diabetes may have a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published Thursday in the scientific journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

The study found that prescriptions for semaglutide were associated with a lower risk of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis compared to people taking other diabetes medications, including other GLP-1 drugs.

Ozempic is medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that along with diet and exercise may improve blood sugar. While some doctors are prescribing it “off label” for weight loss. Image: Steve Christo – Corbis/Contributor (Getty Images)

Semaglutide is part of the GLP-1 class of medications, which mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. These medications have become highly sought after for their remarkable effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Other GLP-1 treatments include Eli Lilly’s (LLY+4.38%) Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Researchers in this study analyzed the electronic records of more than 1 million patients with type 2 diabetes who had no previous diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease over a three-year period.

The study found that semaglutide was associated with a 40% to 70% reduced risk of a first-time Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis compared to patients taking other diabetes medications.

The study authors noted that semaglutide has been shown to address several factors linked to Alzheimer’s, including weight, heart health, alcohol use, smoking, and depression. They suggested that, due to its impact on these risk factors, semaglutide may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in high-risk patients.

The researchers also added that their findings support the need for further clinical trials to evaluate semaglutide’s potential in delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

As of 2024, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease, a figure expected to nearly double to 13.8 million by 2060.

Credit: Quartz

Team Metabolic Health

Diabetes and weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic may also help patients suffering from addiction, according to a new study. 

In the study, published in the scientific journal Addiction, researchers found people with opioid or alcohol use disorder who take Ozempic or similar medications appear to have a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose and a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication compared to people who aren’t on the medications. 

Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, said these are “significant clinical impacts for patients.”

The study used a large data set, looking at almost 10 years of data from patients in over 100 health systems across the country.  

Previous research has also looked at whether the medications may help people quit smoking.

Gounder says it’s possible we’ll see these drugs prescribed primarily for addiction treatment in the future, but more study is needed.

“We would need to see some randomized clinical trials over time to prove that this is truly cause and effect. That’s what you would need also for the FDA to expand the indication, which paves the way also for insurance coverage. But I think it’s quite possible we see that down the line,” she said on “CBS Mornings.”

That doesn’t mean these drugs don’t have risks, though, Gounder cautioned. 

“These drugs are working on the brain, and we don’t know what the long term effects of having this kind of hormone impacting your brain would be. We don’t know what the risks in the long term for cancer would be,” she said. “We know that there are risks of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney issues, and there are some reports of suicidal thoughts, so that would be a concern.”

Credit: cbsnews.com

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Team Metabolic Health

So, you hit the gym or work out from home and eat healthy, but still gain a couple of kilos overnight? If that’s the case, here’s what you need to know.

Are you trying to lose weight fast? You may be aware that your diet and workout routine and making small changes to your lifestyle can help you see results. Certified fitness and nutrition coach Shitija, in a recent Instagram post, highlighted how you can follow a healthy diet and consistently work out, but still gain weight. 

How do you know you’re losing body fat if the scale doesn’t show it? Find out. (Unsplash)

She wrote, “You need to share this with someone who is too scared of weighing scale and needs to know this! Women can eat healthy, exercise, and still see a 2-pound (almost 1 kg) increase overnight. Does this happen to you? It’s frustrating, especially when you keep hearing everywhere the ‘calories in versus calories out’ kind of advice. Let me tell you that’s not the whole truth.”

Reasons you are putting on weight

Shitija then listed 10 common causes for the weight gain:

1. High-carb dinner

2. Stress

3. Heavy workout

4. Late dinner

5. Menstrual cycle

6. Poor sleep

7. Need to poop

8. Sodium-rich meal

9. Feeling unwell

10. Weighing at a different time

Shitija also said, “Remember, most of these are due to water retention or inflammation, and not fat. You didn’t eat 7000 calories by accident! But how do you know you’re losing body fat if the scale doesn’t show it?”

Shitija added, “Use these tips to track real progress, not just the number on the scale. Stay calm and remember, weight fluctuations are normal!”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Credit: Hindustan Times

Team Metabolic Health

An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, is displayed in New York City, U.S., December 11, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

Dec 11 (Reuters) – Telehealth company Ro said on Wednesday it will offer single-dose vials of Eli Lilly’s (LLY.N), weight-loss drug Zepbound to patients with obesity, becoming the first alternative platform for the lower-cost version of the drug to Lilly’s own website.

In August, Lilly started selling vials of the lowest starter dose of Zepbound in the U.S. through its direct-to-consumer website LillyDirect.

“Offering Zepbound single-dose vials … through another platform to LillyDirect will help ensure broader availability,” said Patrik Jonsson, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.

The 2.5 milligram and 5 mg vials, the lowest doses of the drug cost $399 and $549, respectively, for a month’s supply on Lilly’s website. The vials are available for the same price through Ro, the telehealth firm said.

Ro said it is directly integrated with LillyDirect’s self-pay pharmacy. “No one else is currently working with Lilly on that, we’re the first,” a Ro spokesperson added.

The telehealth firm also helps fill prescriptions for Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), rival weight-loss drug Wegovy.

Besides branded medicine, Ro also offers a copycat version of Novo’s medicine that can be made and supplied by compounding pharmacies as long as the branded drug is in shortage.

Ro said it also used to offer a compounded version of the Lilly drug, but does not currently offer it.

Shortages of weight-loss drugs have pushed patients to cheaper compounded versions, which can be sold and distributed in bulk as long as the original drug is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s shortage list.

Lilly and Novo have been looking to get the drugs off the shortage list to curtail the market for online pharmacies.

In early October, the FDA removed Zepbound and Mounjaro from its shortage list. However, in the face of a lawsuit brought by compounders, the FDA decided they can continue to make copies while the agency reevaluates whether there is sufficient supply.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

This is the first of a six-part series on how AI is changing medical research and treatments.

The heart in front of me beats and moves like a human organ, but has no blood flowing through it, nor does it live in a human body.

It’s a computer-generated heart, or digital twin, used to test implantable cardiovascular devices, like stents, and prosthetic valves that, once confirmed they are safe, will eventually be used on real people.

But the heart’s creators, Adsilico, have gone beyond just creating one accurate model.

Using artificial intelligence and huge amounts of data, they have created multiple different hearts.

This is the first of a six-part series on how AI is changing medical research and treatments.

The heart in front of me beats and moves like a human organ, but has no blood flowing through it, nor does it live in a human body.

It’s a computer-generated heart, or digital twin, used to test implantable cardiovascular devices, like stents, and prosthetic valves that, once confirmed they are safe, will eventually be used on real people.

But the heart’s creators, Adsilico, have gone beyond just creating one accurate model.

Using artificial intelligence and huge amounts of data, they have created multiple different hearts.

These AI-generated synthetic hearts can be made to reflect not just biological attributes like weight, age, gender and blood pressure, but health conditions and ethnic backgrounds.

As these differences often aren’t represented in clinical data, digital twin hearts can help device manufacturers conduct trials across more diverse populations than they could with human trials, or trials involving just digital twins without AI.

“This allows us to capture the full diversity of patient anatomies and physiological responses, which is not possible using conventional methods. This use of AI to enhance device testing leads to the development of devices that are more inclusive and safer,” says Adsilico chief executive Sheena Macpherson.

In 2018 an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed that 83,000 deaths and over 1.7 million injuries were caused by medical devices.

Ms Macpherson hopes that AI powered digital twins can cut down those numbers.

“To really make these devices safer, you need to test them more thoroughly, and it isn’t feasible to do that in a clinical trial environment due to the expense of it,” says Ms Macpherson, who is based in Northumberland.

“So you want to be able to use the computer-generated version, to make sure that whatever you’re doing, you’ve tested it as thoroughly as possible before you test it on a human.

“Even a fraction of those deaths – and the associated lawsuits – could have been avoided with more thorough testing. You can also get more detailed results.

“You could take the same [virtual] heart and you could test under low or high blood pressure, or against different disease progression, to see whether that affects the device in any way.”

Ms Macpherson adds: “[Virtual] testing gives medical device manufacturers many more insights. It also means that we can test in other sub patient groups, not just white men which clinical trials have traditionally been based on.”

Adsilico’s AI models are trained on a combination of cardiovascular data, and data from real MRI and CT scans, that includes medical imaging from consenting patients.

The data draws from detailed anatomical structures of the heart, to help create accurate digital representations of how medical devices will interact with different patient anatomies.

Adsilico’s trials involve the creation of a digital twin of the device to be tested, which is then inserted into the virtual heart in an AI-generated simulation.

It all takes place inside a computer, where the test can be replicated across thousands of other hearts – all AI-simulated versions of a real human heart. Human and animal trials, on the other hand, tend to involve just hundreds of participants.

Perhaps the biggest incentive for drug and device manufacturers to supplement clinical trials with AI digital twins is how it reduces the time it takes, which translates into big cost savings, too.

Drug manufacturer Sanofi, for example, hopes to reduce the testing period by 20%, while also increasing the success rate. It is using digital twin technology in its immunology, oncology and rare disease specialism.

Using biological data from real people, Sanofi creates AI-based simulated patients – not actual clones of specific individuals – that can be interspersed across the control and placebo groups within the trial.

Sanofi’s AI programmes also then creates computer-generated models of the drug to be tested, synthesising properties like how the drug would be absorbed across the body, so it can be tested on the AI patients. The programme predicts their reactions, too – replicating the real trial process.

“With a 90% failure rate across the industry of new drugs during clinical development, an increase of just 10% in our success rate by using technologies like digital twins could result in $100m in savings, given the high cost of running late phase clinical trials,” says Matt Truppo, Sanofi’s global head of research platforms and computational research and development.

The results so far have been promising, Mr Truppo, who is based in Boston, US, adds.

“There is still a lot to do. Many of the diseases we are now trying to impact are highly complex. This is where tools like AI come in. Powering the next generation of digital twins with accurate AI models of complex human biology is the next frontier.”

Digital twins might have weaknesses though, says Charlie Paterson, an associate partner at PA Consulting and a former NHS service manager.

He points out that the twins are only as good as the data that they are trained on.

“[Due to] aged data collection methods, and low representation of marginalised populations, we could end up in a position where we could still be introducing some of those biases when we’re programming virtual recreations of individuals.”

Working with limited legacy data to train its AI is an issue Sanofi is aware of and working to resolve.

To fill gaps in its internal data sets – made up of millions of data points from the thousands of patients that undergo its trials each year – it sources data from third parties, like electronic health records and biobanks.

Back at Adsilico, Ms Macpherson is hopeful that one day AI digital twin technology will eliminate animal testing from clinical trials, which is still currently considered an essential part of the drug and device testing process.

“A virtual model of our hearts is still closer to a human heart than that of a dog, cow, sheep, or pig, which tends to be what they use for implantable device studies,” she says.

Credit: BBC

Team Metabolic Health

Indian drugmakers are preparing for the launch of copycat weight-loss drugs as the world moves towards the patent expiry of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster brands Ozempic and Wegovy.

The Danish firm’s patents for semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in its star brands, will start expiring in Asia (including India) and Africa in 2026 and in the US in 2030. While all eyes are on the Indian industry – known for its ability to produce generic drugs at a fraction of the cost – to cater to the soaring yet unmet demand for anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drugs, driving sales through price war won’t be easy this time.

Globally the demand for weight-loss drugs, specifically the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class of medications is “exploding”, experts told News18. The drug is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity and it works by mimicking the effects of the body’s natural hormone, GLP-1, which helps to reduce appetite, slow digestion, boost insulin production, and decrease the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Health experts eagerly anticipate the launch of these drugs in India to meet the rising demand. It’s important to remember that India is known as the “diabetes capital of the world”, and the latest Economic Survey report reveals that the rate of adult obesity in the country has more than tripled.

It’s important to remember that India is known as the ‘diabetes capital of the world’, and the latest Economic Survey report reveals that the rate of adult obesity in the country has more than tripled. Representational Image

Popular endocrinologist Dr Anoop Misra told News18 that semaglutide and other advanced drugs in this class are “impactful, offering a range of significant health benefits”.

“Their use is expected to rise sharply,” said Misra, who is chairman of Fortis C-Doc Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences. “However, cost remains a significant concern, and the availability of affordable alternatives, such as generics for Ozempic, is crucial for India where obesity and diabetes are on the rise.”

As research progresses, Misra said, “We anticipate even more potent medications on the horizon that could offer substantial benefits for individuals with severe obesity.”

Misra’s expectations align with the industry’s strategy—to introduce improved medicines that are more effective than current options like Ozempic but at a significantly lower cost.

Will loss of patent bring prices down?

The Indian market for GLP-1 drugs is yet to open up fully due to the unavailability of these top brands, with affordability also being a significant barrier. It means that while Ozempic or many other top-selling versions are not in India and even if they were, they could have been unaffordable for many Indians.

According to Novo Nordisk’s website, the price of an Ozempic pen (0.25 or 0.5 mg) is $968.52, which translates to over Rs 81,000. But, the local drug dealers claim to import and sell the injection for Rs 20,000 per shot.

However, the market for this category may not move as it does for other generic drugs where the price of generic drugs falls dramatically. In fact, experts cautioned that moving further, the price of the copycat version of the majority of GLP-1 class drugs or semaglutide may not crash heavily. The reason is that these drugs follow a complex manufacturing process very similar to making biological products.

To put it in perspective, semaglutide is a polypeptide and was originally classified as a biologic. However, under the FDA’s newly revised definition, it is no longer classified as a biologic because it contains fewer than 40 amino acids.

Vishal Manchanda, pharma analyst at financial services firm Systematix, told News18 that the category registered annual sales of $50 billion this year which is almost twice the size of the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

“Generally, we expect prices to crash in the range of 80 to 90% after the drug loses its patent, but in this case, we must also consider that making this class of drugs is complex. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the desired price reduction can be achieved or not.”

Currently, two innovators are dominating the $50 billion market : Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic or Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro/Zepbound (Tirzepatide).

Novo Nordisk had said that it has tripled Wegovy production over the last three years and will continue to ramp up at the same pace, but still, it is unable to serve the demand. “We still have a situation where there are far more patients who would like to have the treatment than what both Eli Lilly and we can supply,” CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen told Reuters. This shows the huge demand and gap in supply.

Manchanda believes that in the coming two to three years, multiple other innovator brands will emerge in the global market with eight to ten brands coming from large credible players. “This is when the economics is going to change as the demand shortages will be plugged. People in developed markets will get even better options than existing ones and developing markets like India (which are being ignored by innovators) will gain attention.”

In short, it’s expected that the upcoming drugs are likely to have a better profile in terms of quicker weight loss and convenient dosage (such as oral pills instead of injections).

“Hence, in a few years from now, emerging markets (including India) will have multiple GLP-1 options to choose from,” Manchanda predicts. “Also, semaglutide generics will become available…While the price of semaglutide is expected to fall once generics are launched, it remains to be seen whether the reduction will be significant enough to greatly expand access or not.”

Indian pharma developing semaglutide, other GLP-1 drugs

Wegovy and Ozempic drove Novo Nordisk to record bumper sales since the launch. In fact, the success story has turned the Danish drugmaker into Europe’s most valuable firm. Estimates peg that the company’s market value of about $570 billion is more than its home country, Denmark’s, annual GDP.

While Novo Nordisk declines to comment on its plan to launch Ozempic or Wegovy in India (in an email sent by News18), it’s obvious that all major Indian generic manufacturers are closely monitoring the upcoming expiry of Novo Nordisk’s exclusivity on GLP-1 drugs.

Manchanda said that in India, at least five to six players are working on developing the generic versions including Sun Pharma, Biocon (which already has large-scale peptide drug-making experience), Dr Reddy’s, Zydus, Natco, Shilpa Medicare, and Aurobindo Pharma.

Furthermore, Novo Nordisk may also not step back once the drug’s patent expires. The company may lower its price and continue to compete in the market. “Majority of Indian firms have capabilities to manufacture peptides and they can certainly manufacture this complex category. But we also expect the innovator Novo Nordisk to compete with generic players and chase a majority share,” Manchanda added.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories announced in an investor call that the company aims to have about “15 GLP-1 drugs” to treat obesity and diabetes, in its portfolio with various timelines.

In October, last year, the company received the nod for conducting a bioequivalence study for Ozempic (semaglutide injection) from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) after it sought a waiver of the phase-III clinical trial of the drug and its market authorisation. It aims to bring in the generic version as soon as the patent expires.

A company spokesperson told News18 that while the product is under patent right now, Dr Reddy’s Labs “will definitely participate in the opportunity but we will be part of the generics entry when the patent expires”.

Bengaluru-based Biocon – which is known for its expertise in developing complex biosimilars – has become the first company to win UK authorisation to offer a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s other popular GLP-1 category drug liraglutide sold under the brand name Saxenda. The firm told the Financial Times that it is ready to launch sales by November.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Siddharth Mittal, chief executive officer, Biocon Limited, predicted, “When the generics come in there will be a huge price war…There is a huge demand for these drugs at the right price.”

Biocon’s spokesperson did not respond to News18’s request for comment seeking more information on its plans to launch anti-obesity drugs in India.

What’s cooking in Indian drugmakers’ research labs?

India’s top drugmaker, Sun Pharma, is working on developing the GLP-1 category drug Utreglutide. In June, it announced the results from the study showing significant weight loss, glucose-metabolic and lipid-lowering efficacy.

Another Mumbai-based drugmaker, Cipla, is also preparing to launch GLP-1 drugs in India, the US, and other emerging markets.

“GLP-1 for diabetes and obesity is a very big transformation, equivalent to statins for cholesterol control,” Umang Vohra, the company’s global CEO, said in a press briefing in January this year. “And I would like to believe there are 100 million diabetics (patients) in this country (India) and there are several that are not diagnosed. And I think if we were to even cover 20 or 25% of that population by using GLP-1, it’s going to be a very significant opportunity.”

He said that “Cipla will be looking (at hopping on the opportunity) for India, emerging markets, and the US [for semaglutide]. We may not be the first wave launcher in the US, but we have plans.”

Natco and Mylan have also collaborated on the development of generic Ozempic products.

Not only top pharma companies are keen to manufacture but the central government is also gearing up to make GLP-1 drugs under the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

Arunish Chawla, secretary, department of pharmaceuticals (DoP), told reporters in June that “the local pharmaceutical industry is already working on producing these drugs here after the patents expire around 2026″.

Without divulging details of which companies are working on it (citing competition sensitivity), he said: “Work has already begun on the same and soon GLP-1RA drugs will be made in India under the PLI scheme.”

While increased competition is certainly good news for patients, the real winner will likely be the company that offers the lowest cost and can meet the market’s demands on a large scale.

Credit: News18