Featured Stories
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation Announce $500,000 Commitment to West Virginia Flood Relief
BENTONVILLE, Arkansas, July 25 -- Walmart issued the following news:
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Walmart and the Walmart Foundation Announce $500,000 Commitment to West Virginia Flood Relief
Supporting associates, customers and communities impacted by severe flooding
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Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are supporting communities across West Virginia following the severe flooding that has devastated neighborhoods, damaged homes and businesses, and disrupted the lives of families across the region. The response includes a $500,000 commitment from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, along with on-the-ground relief
... Show Full Article
BENTONVILLE, Arkansas, July 25 -- Walmart issued the following news:
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Walmart and the Walmart Foundation Announce $500,000 Commitment to West Virginia Flood Relief
Supporting associates, customers and communities impacted by severe flooding
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Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are supporting communities across West Virginia following the severe flooding that has devastated neighborhoods, damaged homes and businesses, and disrupted the lives of families across the region. The response includes a $500,000 commitment from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, along with on-the-ground reliefefforts helping communities address immediate needs, cleanup efforts and relief.
A Coordinated Response
As relief efforts continue, Walmart is working alongside nonprofit organizations and local leaders to help ensure resources reach the communities that need them most. To date, the company's response includes:
* A $500,000 commitment from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to support immediate needs, cleanup efforts and relief across impacted West Virginia communities.
* Our response also includes grants, gift cards and truckloads of donated food, water and other essential items supporting impacted communities through the Mountaineer Food Bank, Buckhannon Fire Department and other local organizations.
* Walmart Supercenter #2809 (Buckhannon): Walmart Disaster Relief is serving hot meals and bottled water alongside Operation BBQ Relief, providing bottled water, donated cleaning supplies and offering laundry services.
* Weston Donation Center (284 Market Place Mall, Weston, WV 26452): Hot meals, bottled water, mobile shower and drop-off laundry services, Wi-Fi, hotspot access and charging stations are available for impacted community members.
* These relief efforts are made possible with support from Operation BBQ Relief and ITDRC, as well as a collaboration between Matthew 25: Ministries, Tide Loads of Hope, Walmart and Procter & Gamble.
* Continued coordination with nonprofit organizations, emergency management officials and local leaders to assess evolving needs and provide additional support where it can make the greatest impact.
Standing with West Virginia Communities
Relief takes more than financial support--it takes neighbors, local organizations and community leaders working together. Walmart is committed to supporting that work by working alongside trusted organizations that know these communities best. Through this response, we hope these resources help meet immediate needs while supporting communities through the days ahead.
Across West Virginia, we've already seen the resilience of communities coming together in the face of unimaginable challenges. Associates, customers, first responders and neighbors are supporting one another with compassion and determination, demonstrating the strength that defines these communities. Walmart is proud to stand alongside them during these relief efforts.
"Flash flooding like we've seen in West Virginia can change lives in an instant, creating overwhelming challenges for families and communities. We are proud of the way our associates have already shown up for their neighbors, and we're committed to supporting those efforts with resources that help meet immediate needs--including funding for local organizations and essentials like food, water and mobile laundry and shower services in our parking lots. We're honored to stand alongside our West Virginia communities as they begin the road to recovery," said Kyle Kinnard, EVP and chief operations officer, Walmart U.S.
Our Ongoing Commitment
For decades, Walmart has worked alongside communities before, during and after disasters because our associates and customers call these places home. Through trusted nonprofit organizations and the strength of our dedicated associates, stores, and supply chain, Walmart helps deliver the resources communities need when they need them most.
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About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 280 million customers and members visit more than 10,900 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2026 revenue of $713 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
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Original text here: https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/07/24/walmarts-commitment-to-west-virginia-flood-relief
[Category: BizConsumer Services]
Marcus & Millichap Brokers Grocery-Anchored Retail Center Sale in Northeastern Florida
ENCINO, California, July 25 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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Marcus & Millichap Brokers Grocery-Anchored Retail Center Sale in Northeastern Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the sale of The Plaza at Normandy, a 58,691-square-foot Publix Super Market-anchored retail center in Jacksonville, Florida. The center sold for $20,685,000.
"The property is a rare, newly built, well-located
... Show Full Article
ENCINO, California, July 25 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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Marcus & Millichap Brokers Grocery-Anchored Retail Center Sale in Northeastern Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the sale of The Plaza at Normandy, a 58,691-square-foot Publix Super Market-anchored retail center in Jacksonville, Florida. The center sold for $20,685,000.
"The property is a rare, newly built, well-locatedPublix-anchored shopping center in a high- growth submarket of Jacksonville," said Laurie Ann (LA) Drinkwater, CCIM, senior managing director investments with Marcus & Millichap. "Our client recognized the superior blend of credit, age, and growth fundamentals that fit well into their larger multi-property 1031 exchange. This was part of the overall strategy for the client after having divested several properties in the Greater Boston area in order to branch out into Florida and other East Coast markets. They are very excited to be adding two Publix-anchored shopping centers to their portfolio."
Drinkwater, in association with Ryan Nee, Marcus & Millichap's broker of record in Florida, represented the buyer, Bruce Percelay, chairman of The Mount Vernon Company.
Built in 2024 near the intersection of Normandy Boulevard/Florida State Route 228 and Chaffee Road South on over 16 acres, The Plaza at Normandy is accessible from Interstate 10, Interstate 295, and the First Coast Expressway.
The Cecil Commerce Center and the Chimney Lakes, Normandy Village, and Normandy Estates neighborhoods are nearby. The Publix Super Market has a drive- thru pharmacy, and a Publix Liquors is adjacent. Additional tenants include UPS, AT&T, Hair Cuttery, Xtreme Wings, and Nail Art Studio & Spa.
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About Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE: MMI)
Marcus & Millichap, Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2025, the company had 1,808 investment sales and financing professionals in over 80 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients. Marcus & Millichap closed 8,818 transactions in 2025, with a sales volume of approximately $50.9 billion. For additional information, please visit www.MarcusMillichap.com.
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Original text here: https://www.marcusmillichap.com/news-events/press/2026/07/marcus-millichap-brokers-grocery-anchored-retail-center-sale-in-northeastern-florida
[Category: BizRealEstate]
Littler Issues Commentary: Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted - What Does This Mean for Employers?
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Tanya van Nieuwstadt:
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The Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted: What Does This Mean for Employers?
On July 7, 2026, the Senate of the Dutch Parliament approved the More Security for Flex Workers Act ("the Act"). Under the Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, employees with flexible employment contracts will have greater security regarding their income and working hours.
In the Netherlands, 3 out of 10 employees currently have what
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Tanya van Nieuwstadt:
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The Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted: What Does This Mean for Employers?
On July 7, 2026, the Senate of the Dutch Parliament approved the More Security for Flex Workers Act ("the Act"). Under the Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, employees with flexible employment contracts will have greater security regarding their income and working hours.
In the Netherlands, 3 out of 10 employees currently have whatis known as a flexible contract, where the scope and/or duration of the contract is not clearly defined or guaranteed. Nowhere else in Europe is that percentage so high.
The Act is part of a broader reform of the labor market and introduces a number of significant changes for employers that use temporary employment contracts, on-call workers, and/or temporary agency workers--also known as the "flexible workforce."
What is changing?
The most important changes are:
* Less leeway for successive temporary contracts. It is still possible to enter into three consecutive, fixed-term contracts for a maximum of 36 months, but in order to break the chain, the Act requires an interruption of more than 36 months (this currently stands at more than 6 months). This change is expected to prevent nearly 100% of the so-called revolving-door situations.
* The zero-hours contract will no longer be allowed. Instead, the Act introduces a bandwidth contract. A minimum and a maximum number of hours are agreed, whereby the difference between the two may not exceed 30%. This means that if the minimum is 10 hours, the maximum is 13 hours. Employees may refuse calls to work that exceed the maximum limit. And if an employee works more hours on a regular basis, they must be offered a contract with a higher number of hours. However, the Act does provide an exception for side jobs held by people who have another primary occupation, such as those eligible for the old age pension, high school students, and college students.
* More protection for temporary workers. Under the Act, temporary workers must be provided with terms of employment that are at least equivalent to those of regular employees. As far as remuneration is concerned, this had already been established by a ruling of the European Court of Justice, but this now therefore applies to all terms of employment as well. In addition, the most vulnerable phases for temporary workers will be shortened, and the Minister will be given the authority to intervene in cases of systemic underpayment in the temporary employment sector. This provision will take effect earlier, specifically on December 31, 2026.
The purpose of the Act is clear: regular work should, as far as possible, be carried out on the basis of a permanent employment relationship, i.e., on the basis of an employment contract for an indefinite period.
What does this mean for employers?
Companies that regularly rely on on-call workers, temporary contracts, or temporary agency workers would be wise to assess, over the coming months, whether their staffing strategy--and specifically, how they utilize a flexible workforce--remains future-proof.
Considerations could include:
* the use of on-call staff and the scheduling of shifts;
* the use of successive temporary contracts/temporary seasonal contracts;
* the use of temporary workers for ongoing tasks;
* the development of a long-term staff planning strategy;
* how many and which (groups of) employees will be subject to the new rules;
* how many and which types of contracts will need to be amended;
* what is the financial and organizational impact of the changes?
Now that the Act has actually been enacted, this is the perfect time for employers to prepare for these changes, take a critical look at their work organization and their flexible workforce in particular, and ensure that it complies with the new rules.
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Authors
Tanya van Nieuwstadt
Counsel
Amsterdam
tvannieuwstadt@littler.nl
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/netherlands-more-security-flex-workers-bill-has-been-enacted-what-does-mean
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: German Employment Law in Transition - Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sick
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sicknotes issued by telephone, and require the provision of a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness, among others.
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The German Federal Government, formed by the CDU/CSU (conservative political party union) and SPD (social democratic political party), has agreed in the Coalition Committee on a comprehensive "Program for Growth and Employment." The package of measures includes a number of employment-law initiatives that employers should monitor closely over the coming months. Of particular relevance are new options for terminating employment relationships with high earners, the planned expansion of fixed-term employment without objective grounds, and changes relating to the certificate of incapacity for work.
Below is an initial overview of the key employment-law proposals and assessment of their practical significance for companies, should the program be enacted in this form:
1. Easier Separation from Top Earners: From Protection against Dismissal to Protection by Severance
The planned introduction of a "dissolution of the employment relationship with a severance option" for top earners would be of considerable practical relevance. The provision is intended to apply from January 1, 2027, to employees whose annual income exceeds 1.75 times the contribution assessment ceiling for the German statutory pension insurance (currently approximately EUR 178,000).
In this respect, the coalition expressly draws on the rules familiar from the financial sector for so-called risk takers. Although details of the specific legislative design are not yet available, adopting the risk-taker regime from the financial sector (Section 25a(5a) of the German Banking Act (KWG)) would mean that employers would no longer face a reinstatement risk. In practical terms, employees falling within the scope of the provision could be dismissed even where the dismissal is ultimately held to be invalid, with the separation then being enforced by way of a request for judicial dissolution against payment of severance. Because the amount of severance to be determined by the court is capped (currently, under Section 10 of the German Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG), at a maximum of 18 gross monthly salaries where the employee is 55 years old and has 20 years of service), the separation risk for employers would finally become calculable.
If this proposal is adopted, it will materially change the dynamics of separation processes involving highly compensated employees.
2. Fixed-Term Employment without Objective Grounds: A Return to Greater Flexibility
The announcements regarding fixed-term employment law are equally noteworthy. For employees hired on or before December 31, 2030, fixed-term employment without objective grounds--i.e., where the employer does not need to provide a reason for the limited contract--is to be permitted for up to 48 months, with up to six extensions. Particularly far-reaching is the announcement that renewed fixed-term employment without objective grounds with the same employer is also to be made possible.
This would go well beyond the current legal framework and would significantly expand flexibility in workforce planning. To date, Section 14(2) of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG) generally permits fixed-term employment without objective grounds only for up to 24 months and with no more than three extensions.
In addition, the strict written-form requirement for fixed-term agreements is to be abolished as of January 1, 2027; in the future, text form is to suffice in this context as well.
3. Preferential Tax Treatment of Severance Payments
As a complementary measure, the coalition plans to introduce preferential tax treatment for severance payments where the individuals concerned promptly take up new employment or other gainful work. The tax benefit is intended to increase the faster the individual is reintegrated into the labor market. Specific legislative details are not yet available. However, the proposal is clearly aimed at facilitating job transitions and reducing the costs of unemployment benefits.
4. Telephone Sick Notes Set to Be Abolished; Certificate of Incapacity for Work Required from Day One
The coalition intends to abolish sick notes issued by telephone. In addition, employees are to be required to provide a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness. The stated objective is to reduce absenteeism, although it remains open to question whether, in the case of very short illnesses, employees will be certified as unfit for work for several days rather than just one.
The added value for employers is not apparent, as employers have already been able to require a medical certificate from the first day of illness. In any event, employment contracts and internal processes will need to be reviewed and adjusted. It remains unclear whether it will still be possible in the future to agree that a certificate need only be submitted from the third day. In any case, it is doubtful whether the new rule will be adopted in view of the criticism likely to come from an already overburdened medical profession.
5. No Changes to Working Time
By contrast, no consensus was reached on changes to the existing working-time rules. The only agreement reached was to extend Sunday opening hours for bakeries, confectioneries, and libraries.
A possible new Working Time Act will, however, be "discussed later this summer," according to German Chancellor Merz.
Employees are also expected to take home more net pay from tax-privileged bonuses for work on Sundays and public holidays: the thresholds under Section 3b of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) are to be increased as of January 1, 2027, up to an hourly wage of EUR 75; at the same time, the tax-exempt bonus within the scope of a collective bargaining agreement will be made fully exempt from social security contributions.
6. Further Employment-Law-Relevant Initiatives
In addition to the reforms already widely discussed, the package of measures contains further changes with an employment-law nexus:
* The flat-rate tax for mini-jobs is to be increased from two to five percent.
* Employee participation at board level in an SE (Societas Europaea or European Company) is to be strengthened by abolishing the current possibility of using a "shelf SE" with no employees.
* Potential opening clauses in favor of the collective bargaining parties are to be discussed, particularly in the areas of employment law and occupational health and safety.
* An amendment to the German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) is also to be discussed, with the aim of facilitating and accelerating the introduction of AI systems and technical equipment. The social partners are to develop proposals.
For the time being, these remain political resolutions only. The specific legislative implementation remains to be seen. In particular, the planned changes to fixed-term employment law and the obligation to submit certificates of incapacity for work are likely to give rise to intensive political debate.
Littler will closely monitor the legislative process and report on significant developments.
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Authors
Ulrike Schulke
Counsel
Frankfurt am Main
uschulke@littler.com
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/german-employment-law-transition-coalition-committee-agrees-noteworthy-reforms
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fastly Joins Experian Agent Trust Ecosystem to Advance Trusted AI Commerce
COSTA MESA, California, July 25 -- Experian, an information services company, posted the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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Fastly Joins Experian Agent Trust(TM) Ecosystem to Advance Trusted AI Commerce
New collaboration helps enterprises verify AI agents, authorize transactions in real time, and transform autonomous traffic into a trusted business opportunity
Key Highlights
* Fastly joins the Experian Agent Trust(TM) ecosystem, extending trust decisions to the network edge and helping organizations securely verify and authorize AI driven transactions.
* Experian Human to Agent
... Show Full Article
COSTA MESA, California, July 25 -- Experian, an information services company, posted the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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Fastly Joins Experian Agent Trust(TM) Ecosystem to Advance Trusted AI Commerce
New collaboration helps enterprises verify AI agents, authorize transactions in real time, and transform autonomous traffic into a trusted business opportunity
Key Highlights
* Fastly joins the Experian Agent Trust(TM) ecosystem, extending trust decisions to the network edge and helping organizations securely verify and authorize AI driven transactions.
* Experian Human to AgentBinding securely connects verified consumers, devices, and AI agents, creating trusted relationships that enable accountable autonomous commerce.
* Together, Experian and Fastly help organizations verify AI agents, evaluate delegated authority, and authorize transactions before requests reach their applications.
* Fastly works with existing APIs, authentication systems, payment workflows, and security controls so organizations can adopt trusted AI commerce without rebuilding their infrastructure.
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Experian today announced that Fastly (NASDAQ: FSLY), a leading global edge cloud platform, has joined the growing Experian Agent Trust(TM) ecosystem. Together, the companies will help enterprises verify AI agents, authorize transactions, and make trust decisions in real time as autonomous commerce continues to grow.
"Agentic commerce represents one of the most significant shifts in digital commerce since the rise of mobile," said Kathleen Peters, Chief Innovation Officer at Experian. "As AI agents become active participants in online transactions, businesses need infrastructure that establishes trust without slowing down the customer experience. Experian's Human to Agent Binding is foundational to that trust, creating a persistent connection between verified people and the AI agents acting on their behalf. Fastly extends those trust decisions to the edge, helping organizations authorize transactions in milliseconds while creating secure, seamless experiences for consumers and businesses alike."
AI agents are now capable of discovering, recommending and purchasing items on behalf of shoppers. As that happens, organizations need a reliable way to understand which agents they can trust, who those agents represent, and whether they are authorized to act.
Experian Agent Trust addresses this challenge by establishing trusted identity, delegated authority, and transaction confidence for AI agents. Through Human to Agent Binding, Experian securely connects verified individuals, their devices, and the AI agents acting on their behalf. Fastly joins a growing ecosystem of technology partners working with Experian to build an open framework for trusted AI commerce.
Fastly's programmable edge platform enables organizations to verify AI agent identity, evaluate trust signals, and authorize transactions before requests reach their origin infrastructure. Because the platform integrates with existing APIs, authentication systems, payment workflows, and security controls, businesses can support trusted AI commerce without redesigning their existing applications.
"As AI agents become an increasingly important channel for digital commerce, businesses need a way to distinguish trusted, authorized agents from everything else," said Jeff Alpen, Vice President of Fastly's Partner Ecosystem. "Instead of treating every autonomous agent as something to block, Fastly enables businesses to verify who is behind the request, attach commercial value, and authorize transactions in real time. We help organizations turn trusted AI agents into a competitive advantage without requiring them to rearchitect their existing infrastructure."
Trust Decisions at the Edge
Within the Experian Agent Trust ecosystem, Fastly extends Experian's trust framework to the network edge, enabling organizations to evaluate AI agent identity, delegated authority, intent, and payment credentials before requests reach backend systems.
Fastly also supports integrations with emerging Know Your Agent technologies, including Skyfire, helping businesses validate identity and payment credentials in milliseconds. Organizations can apply identity-based access policies, pricing, rate limiting, and transaction approval while maintaining performance and preserving their existing business logic.
Rather than viewing AI generated traffic solely as a cybersecurity concern, organizations can recognize trusted AI agents as a new channel for digital commerce that is authenticated, accountable, and ready to transact.
A Growing Opportunity for AI Commerce
Agentic commerce is already reshaping digital business. Salesforce reported AI agents influenced $262 billion in holiday sales during 2025. Imperva reports that 53 percent of all web traffic is automated, while McKinsey projects AI agents could drive up to $1 trillion in U.S. commerce by 2030.
As autonomous commerce continues to grow, organizations need infrastructure that combines identity, trust, security, and performance. Together, Experian and Fastly help businesses build that foundation while working with the systems they already have in place.
Built for the Future of Commerce
Experian Agent Trust is designed to work with existing commerce, payment, identity, and security platforms. Supported by the Experian Agent Registry, the framework maintains dynamic trust scores for Human to Agent Bound AI agents, helping organizations establish confidence in autonomous interactions while preserving transparency and accountability.
Building on Experian's leadership in identity verification and fraud prevention, which helps clients prevent an estimated $15 billion to $19 billion in fraud losses each year, Experian continues to expand its Agent Trust ecosystem by bringing together leaders across identity, payments, cybersecurity, and edge infrastructure to establish the trusted foundation for AI driven commerce.
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About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and platforms. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.
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Original text here: https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2026/fastly-joins-experian-agent-trust--ecosystem-to-advance-trusted-
[Category: BizFinancial Services]
BMJ Group: GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Linked to Increased Risk of Hair Loss
LONDON, England, July 25 (TNSjou) -- BMJ Group issued the following news release about The BMJ:
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GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of hair loss
Absolute risk low, but findings may help inform treatment decisions, say researchers
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Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of hair loss (alopecia) in adults with type 2 diabetes, finds a study published by The BMJ today.
Although the absolute risk is low, awareness of this potential effect may help to inform shared treatment decisions,
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, July 25 (TNSjou) -- BMJ Group issued the following news release about The BMJ:
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GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of hair loss
Absolute risk low, but findings may help inform treatment decisions, say researchers
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Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of hair loss (alopecia) in adults with type 2 diabetes, finds a study published by The BMJ today.
Although the absolute risk is low, awareness of this potential effect may help to inform shared treatment decisions,say the researchers.
Alopecia has been reported as a possible side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, studies assessing the risk of alopecia associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with other diabetes drugs are lacking.
To address this, researchers used electronic patient data from the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine) to compare rates of alopecia in adults with type 2 diabetes who started using GLP-1 receptor agonists or other types of diabetes drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors, or DPP-4 inhibitors.
In total, 12,004 patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists were compared with 15,221 using SGLT-2 inhibitors and a further 11,964 GLP-1 users were compared with 11,233 DPP-4 inhibitor users between January 2019 and September 2024.
Compared with SGLT-2 inhibitor users, GLP-1 receptor agonist users were younger (mean age 58 v 65), had a higher body mass index (36.2 v 32.3), and lower rates of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. Similarly, GLP-1 users were younger (mean age 58 v 67) and had a higher body mass index (36.2 v 31.3) than DPP-4 inhibitor users.
After adjusting for potentially influential factors including age, sex, ethnicity, pre-existing conditions, other medication use, and body mass index, use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with a 37% higher risk of alopecia than use of SGLT-2 inhibitors (6.91 v 5.04 per 1,000 person years) and a 68% higher risk than use of DPP-4 inhibitors (6.53 v 3.89 per 1,000 person years).
Further analyses indicated that the association was specific to non-scarring alopecia (where hair follicles remain intact, leaving the potential for regrowth) with an increased risk of 53% and 72% compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, respectively.
The authors point out that rapid weight loss is a well established trigger of hair shedding and can also lead to iron or zinc deficiencies, which disrupt the hair growth cycle. Hormonal changes may also be relevant, they note, although further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
They also acknowledge several study limitations. For example, a lack of clinical information limited their ability to assess details such as severity, extent, duration and reversibility of alopecia after stopping treatment. Nor can they rule out the possibility that other unmeasured factors may have influenced their results.
However, they say this was a rigorous study based on high quality data from a large representative cohort and results were consistent after additional analyses, suggesting they are reliable.
As such, they conclude: "Our findings extend previous anecdotal safety signals and provide more systematic evidence to inform clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect."
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Notes for editors
Research: Risk of hair loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in adults with type 2 diabetes: target trial emulation doi: 10.1136/bmj-2026-100077
External funding: National Institutes of Health
Link to Academy of Medical Sciences press release labelling system: http://press.psprings.co.uk/AMSlabels.pdf
Externally peer reviewed? Yes
Evidence type: Observational (target trial emulation study)
Subjects: People
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Original text here: https://bmjgroup.com/glp-1-diabetes-drugs-linked-to-increased-risk-of-hair-loss/
[Category: BizMedia]
A&O Shearman Advises Arrangers on Financing for Bain Capital's Acquisition of Vitabiotics
LONDON, England, July 25 -- A and O Shearman, a law firm, issued the following news:
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A&O Shearman advises arrangers on financing for Bain Capital's acquisition of Vitabiotics
A&O Shearman has advised the arrangers in relation to the committed financing for Bain Capital's proposed acquisition of Vitabiotics, a leading UK vitamins and supplements business.
Vitabiotics, headquartered in London, has built an international portfolio of established consumer-health and nutritional-supplement products and has a significant presence in India through Meyer Organics. The proposed acquisition comes
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, July 25 -- A and O Shearman, a law firm, issued the following news:
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A&O Shearman advises arrangers on financing for Bain Capital's acquisition of Vitabiotics
A&O Shearman has advised the arrangers in relation to the committed financing for Bain Capital's proposed acquisition of Vitabiotics, a leading UK vitamins and supplements business.
Vitabiotics, headquartered in London, has built an international portfolio of established consumer-health and nutritional-supplement products and has a significant presence in India through Meyer Organics. The proposed acquisition comesamid accelerating deal activity across supplements and nutraceuticals, as investors seek exposure to continued demand for preventive-health and wellness products.
Matt Del Rosso, A&O Shearman partner in Singapore, commented: "Financings of this scale demand seamless execution across markets and an ability to navigate the evolving terms of sponsor-backed transactions in Asia-Pacific. We are proud to have supported the arrangers in delivering committed financing for the acquisition, drawing on A&O Shearman's cross-border leveraged finance capabilities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and across the wider region."
Gautam Narasimhan, A&O Shearman Regional Managing Partner (ASEAN), added: "Asia-Pacific continues to be a compelling market for sponsor-led investment, with sophisticated financing needs increasingly spanning jurisdictions, sectors and capital pools. Transactions of this nature underscore the importance of advisers who can combine regional depth with global leveraged finance expertise to support clients on their most strategic opportunities."
The A&O Shearman team was led by partners Matt Del Rosso and Gautam Narasimhan in Singapore and Daniel Tan in Hong Kong, with support from associates Glen Tay and Jia Min Lim and trainees Annika Shah and Hannah McGreevy.
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URL: Bain Capital
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Original text here: https://www.aoshearman.com/en/news/ao-shearman-advises-arrangers-on-financing-for-bain-capitals-acquisition-of-vitabiotics
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
