Eli Lilly on Thursday said its next-generation obesity drug retatrutide cleared its first late-stage trial on Type 2 diabetes patients, helping them manage their blood sugar levels and lose weight. 

The drug lowered hemoglobin A1c — a key measure of blood sugar levels — by an average of 1.7% to 2% across different doses at 40 weeks compared to placebo, meeting the study’s main goal. Patients started the trial with an A1c in the range of 7% to 9.5%, and were not taking other diabetes medications. 

Retatrutide also met the study’s second goal, helping patients at the highest dose lose an average of 16.8% of their weight, or 36.6 pounds, at 40 weeks, when evaluating only patients who stayed on the drug. When analyzing all participants, including those who discontinued treatment, the highest dose of the drug helped patients lose 15.3% of their weight.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes historically struggle to lose weight, so Lilly is “very excited” to see that the drug led to both a competitive drop in blood sugar levels and significant weight loss, Ken Custer, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said in an interview. 

The company was also “very pleased” with the relatively low discontinuation rates due to side effects, which were up to 5%, he added.

They are the second late-stage results to date on retatrutide, which works differently from existing injections and appears to be more effective, at least for weight loss. Lilly is betting big on retatrutide as the next pillar of its obesity portfolio after its blockbuster weight loss injection Zepbound and its upcoming pill, orforglipron. 

But Lilly has yet to file for approval for the drug for obesity or diabetes. The company expects to report findings from seven additional phase three trials on the drug by the end of the year. 

There are no head-to-head trials of retatrutide against other drugs, making it difficult to directly compare efficacy. 

Still, retatrutide’s A1C reduction doesn’t appear to be the greatest Lilly has seen within its portfolio: The highest dose of Zepbound lowered the measure by more than 2% at 40 weeks in two separate trials on diabetes patients.

But Custer said retatrutide’s A1C reduction is still “very, very strong” compared to other diabetes medications that don’t target gut hormones. 

He also said that having options in the obesity and diabetes space will be important because “not everybody is going to be helped with or satisfied with the same treatment.” Choosing which drug to take will depend on “individualized tailoring of solutions and patients,” particularly earlier in their diabetes treatment, he added. 

For example, Custer said patients who want to regulate their blood sugar could benefit from either Zepbound or retatrutide. But if they are looking to lose more weight, the latter might be a better option, he said.

In the two separate diabetes trials, Zepbound helped patients lose slightly less weight than retatrutide did. In one study called SURPASS-2, the highest dose of Zepbound helped patients lose an average of 13.1% of their weight at 40 weeks. In the other study, SURPASS-1, the highest dose helped patients lose an average of 11% of their weight at the 40-week mark.

Retatrutide’s safety profile was similar to other injectable diabetes and obesity drugs, primarily causing gastrointestinal side effects. Around 26.5% of patients on the highest dose experienced nausea, while roughly 22.8% and 17.6% had diarrhea and vomiting, respectively. 

Low rates of patients experienced dysesthesia, which is an unpleasant nerve sensation.

Dubbed the “triple G” drug, retatrutide works by mimicking three hunger-regulating hormones – GLP-1, GIP and glucagon – rather than just one or two like existing treatments. That appears to have more potent effects on a person’s appetite and satisfaction with food than other treatments.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, mimics GLP-1 and GIP. Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, mimics only GLP-1.

As retatrutide inches closer to the market, Novo is racing to catch up to Lilly. In March 2025, Novo said it agreed to pay up to $2 billion for the rights to an early experimental drug from the Chinese pharmaceutical company United Laboratories International. 

Novo’s newly acquired drug is a clear potential competitor to retatrutide because it similarly uses a three-pronged approach to promoting weight loss and regulating blood sugar. But Novo’s treatment is much earlier in development, meaning it will take several years before it reaches patients.

RHEINFELDEN, GERMANY – In the world of specialized transport and utility vehicles, the components hidden beneath the chassis are the difference between a seamless operation and a costly breakdown. From its headquarters in Rheinfelden, CVS engineering GmbH has established itself as the engineering heartbeat of the mobile industry, providing the “lungs” for everything from city trains and buses to heavy-duty vacuum trucks and silo trucks.

With a portfolio that bridges the gap between high-performance vacuum systems and precision compressor technology, CVS engineering is redefining what it means to move materials. Whether they are liquid, solid, or even living.

A multidimensional portfolio for global industries

CVS engineering doesn’t just manufacture parts; they provide the mechanical backbone for several critical sectors. Their complete product range addresses the specific stresses of mobile applications:

• Dry Bulk Handling: The SKL series of oil-free screw compressors (SKL 700, 1100, 1200, 1500) sets the standard for unloading silo vehicles. These systems ensure that bulk goods like cement, grain, or plastic pellets are moved rapidly and crucially without oil contamination.
• Sewage & Liquid Waste: The VacuStar series (including rotary vane and liquid ring pumps) is built for the “dirty work.” These pumps are essential for sewer cleaning, sludge extraction, and the transport of hazardous liquid waste.
• Urban Transportation: CVS provides specialized rotary vane compressors for the rail and bus sectors, ensuring reliable pneumatic power for braking and suspension systems in public transit.
• Aquaculture: Precision-engineered vacuum pumps are also tailored for fish handling, allowing for the gentle and efficient transport of live fish in commercial fishing and farming.

Innovation driven by durability

What sets CVS engineering apart is a relentless focus on longevity in “harsh and heavy” conditions. “Our technologies ensure maximum suction capacity and durability in extreme environments,” explains Fabio Geiger, Area Sales and Marketing Manager at CVS engineering.

To combat the high-heat and corrosive nature of industrial cleaning, CVS offers optional plasma nitriding and ceramic coatings on its VacuStar series. Furthermore, their innovative cell aeration systems allow for continuous operation at high vacuum without the risk of overheating—a common failure point in inferior systems.

The shift toward sustainable operations

As global regulations tighten around noise and emissions, CVS is leading the transition with “Dry Bulk” solutions that prioritize efficiency. This includes the SKL-E Pack, a stationary solution that allows for the unloading of dry bulk without requiring the truck’s main engine to idle.

“Particularly against the backdrop of urbanization and increasing environmental regulations driven by decarbonization and noise protection, there is a growing need for low-emission transport solutions,” emphasizes Geiger.

A partner for OEMs and Fleet Owners

By focusing on low weight, wide speed ranges, and outstanding performance, CVS components help manufacturers (OEMs) and haulage firms reduce their overall lifecycle costs. Beyond the core units, CVS also delivers the right accessories including innovative cell aeration systems, filters, and valves as well as drive components like hydraulic adaptors, all designed to integrate seamlessly into modern vehicle architectures.

Whether it’s maintaining urban infrastructure, supporting the food supply chain, or powering public transit, CVS engineering GmbH continues to prove that when the world needs to move, their technology provides the pressure, vacuum and the power to get it done.

Contact:

Fabio Geiger

Area Sales & Marketing Manager

CVS engineering GmbH

Mobile: +4915167973982

E-mail: fabio.geiger@cvs-eng.de

Visit us at: www.cvs-eng.com

Oil prices jumped on Thursday, with benchmark Brent rising to its highest in more than a week to more than $116 a barrel, after Iran attacked energy facilities across the Middle East following Israel’s strike on its South Pars gas field, a major escalation in the war.

Brent futures were up $6.08, or 5.7%, at $113.46 ‌a barrel by 0814 ⁠GMT, after ⁠climbing almost $8 to the highest since March 9 to a session high of $115.10.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 57 cents, or 0.6%, to $96.89 a barrel, after earlier gaining almost $4 to trade at $100.02.

WTI has been trading at its widest discount to Brent in 11 years due to releases from U.S. strategic reserves and higher freight costs, while renewed attacks on Middle Eastern energy facilities boosted support for Brent.

“Escalation in the Middle East, precise attacks on oil infrastructure, and the death of Iranian leadership all point to a prolonged disruption in oil supplies,” Phillip Nova analyst Priyanka Sachdeva said ⁠in a ‌note.

“Adding fuel to the fire, the Federal Reserve served ‘steady rates’ with a hawkish narrative, pointing to the economic concerns that follow a war.”

U.S. FED HOLDS STEADY

The U.S. central bank held interest rates ⁠steady on Wednesday, projecting higher inflation as policymakers take stock of the impact of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. On Wednesday, QatarEnergy said Iranian missile attacks on Ras Laffan, the site of Qatar’s core LNG processing operations, caused “extensive damage” to its energy hub. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles launched on Wednesday toward Riyadh and an attempted drone attack on a gas facility. Saudi Aramco‘s SAMREF refinery in the Red Sea port of Yanbu was also targeted in an aerial attack on Thursday. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said an operational unit at its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by a drone, igniting ‌a limited fire.
Iran issued evacuation warnings before its attacks for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, as it prepared to retaliate for strikes on its own energy infrastructure in South Pars and Asaluyeh.

South Pars is the Iranian ⁠sector of the world’s largest natural gas deposit, which Iran shares with U.S. ally Qatar on the other side of the Gulf. Israel carried out the South Pars gas field attack, but the United States and Qatar were not involved, President Donald Trump said late on Wednesday.

He added that Israel would not further attack Iranian facilities in South Pars unless Iran attacked Qatar, and warned that the United States would respond if Iran acted against Doha. Earlier, Reuters reported that Trump’s administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East, in preparation for the next steps of its campaign against Iran.

Talks between Unilever and Kraft Heinz over a possible merger of parts of their food businesses have ended, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The discussions had explored combining Unilever’s food division with Kraft Heinz’s condiments unit, a move that could have created a massive new company worth tens of billions of dollars.

The proposed deal would have brought well-known brands like Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Heinz ketchup under one roof.

However, people familiar with the matter said the companies have now stopped negotiations as both face weaker demand for packaged foods due to ongoing economic uncertainty.

Neither company gave a public comment when asked about the talks.

The end of the discussions comes at a time when both firms are rethinking their strategies. Unilever is now considering a broader separation of its food business, according to a separate report by Bloomberg News.

According to Reuters, investors appeared uneasy about this possibility, as Unilever’s shares dropped 3.5% on Wednesday.

Some worry the company could become “distracted” if it moves forward with a major spin-off.

FT Exclusive: The discussions between the companies in recent months, which have now ended, were over a merger of Unilever’s food business and Kraft Heinz’s condiments division, according to people familiar with the talks. https://t.co/E74mBxXtta pic.twitter.com/yvhe0rhbY1

— Financial Times (@FT) March 18, 2026

Kraft Heinz Drops Breakup Plan

On the other side, Kraft Heinz has already changed its plans. In February, the company decided to stop efforts to split itself into separate parts.

CEO Steve Cahillane said this decision was necessary because of worsening conditions in the food industry.

Instead of breaking up the business, Kraft Heinz is focusing on a $600 million turnaround plan aimed at improving performance.

The company has faced challenges for years, especially after its earlier merger backed by investor Warren Buffett and private equity firm 3G Capital.

Its shares also slipped nearly 4% in extended trading, showing continued concern from investors, US News reported.

Before halting its breakup plan, Kraft Heinz had been looking at separating its slower-growing grocery brands—such as Oscar Mayer and Lunchables—from its faster-growing sauces and spreads division, which includes Heinz ketchup and Philadelphia cream cheese.

The talks with Unilever happened before this strategy shift.

Originally published on vcpost.com

The law initially took effect nearly a decade ago to protect the billions of dollars that Americans move annually from their 401(k)s into IRAs by requiring advisers to act in the best interest of their clients. For people with retirement accounts, the stakes are high. Americans moved $841 billion from 401(k)s to IRAs in 2024, up from $612 billion in 2020, according to consulting firm Cerulli Associates. Read more:

Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the world’s largest LNG export plant, suffered extensive damage from Iranian missile strikes, triggering sharp rises in global oil and gas prices and escalating regional tensions.

Key Points

• Multiple Iranian missiles hit Ras Laffan, damaging LNG facilities and Shell’s gas-to-liquids plant; fires erupted and production remains halted.
• Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas facilities were also affected by falling debris, while Saudi Arabia intercepted drone and missile attacks targeting its energy infrastructure.
• The U.S. warned of retaliation if attacks continue, and Qatar expelled Iranian diplomatic staff within 24 hours, calling the strikes a “dangerous escalation.”
• Brent crude surged up to 5.5%, and analysts warn of prolonged supply disruptions, with no strategic LNG reserves to cushion the market.
• The attacks follow Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s threat to target Gulf energy sites, further destabilizing global energy security.

The damage to critical LNG infrastructure threatens global energy supply chains, particularly for Asia and Europe, and could keep prices elevated well into mid-2026.

Why It Matters for Thailand

Geopolitical Risk: The Gulf crisis underscores how Thailand’s energy security is tied to Middle Eastern stability, making hedging strategies essential.

• Energy Security: Thailand imports significant volumes of LNG from Qatar. Damage to Ras Laffan means tighter supply and higher costs for Thai utilities and industries.
• Price Shock: Brent crude already spiked 5.5%. LNG has no strategic reserves, so Asian buyers like Thailand face immediate exposure to price volatility.
• Economic Impact: Rising energy costs will ripple into manufacturing, transport, and household electricity bills, adding inflationary pressure.
• Regional Competition: Japan, South Korea, and China will also scramble for replacement cargoes, intensifying competition in Asia’s LNG market.

Thailand may need to accelerate diversification—more pipeline gas from Myanmar, renewables, or long-term contracts with other suppliers. This strategy could help Thailand reduce its reliance on spot markets and shield the economy from volatile energy prices. Additionally, investing in energy storage solutions and improving energy efficiency across industries could further strengthen the country’s energy security.

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