🐢 FDA approves first weight loss pill + 8 more stories

In the last 5 days ChatGPT read 146994 top news stories. After removing previously covered events, there are 9 articles with a significance score over 5.5.

[5.5] FDA approves first GLP-1 pill for obesity — statnews.com (+77)

The FDA has approved the first oral GLP-1 pill for obesity, a version of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, potentially expanding access to effective weight loss treatments starting in January.

The 25-milligram daily medication demonstrated 14% weight loss in trials, mirroring the efficacy of the injectable version. It also reduces cardiovascular risks and will initially cost $150 per month for the lowest dosage through direct-to-consumer channels.

This peptide-based pill requires strict morning fasting for absorption. Meanwhile, competitor Eli Lilly is developing a small-molecule pill, orforglipron, which may offer easier manufacturing and fewer dietary restrictions once approved.

[6.4] European governments agree to introduce a digital euro — nrc.nl (Dutch) (+5)

European governments have agreed to create a digital euro, establishing a central bank-backed public currency to safeguard the continent’s financial sovereignty and payment resilience.

This public currency would offer a secure alternative to commercial bank accounts and US-based payment providers. Pending European Parliament approval, the digital euro could launch by 2029 via apps or cards, featuring offline capabilities to ensure transaction continuity during cyberattacks.

The proposal guarantees privacy and bans programmable spending to mirror the utility of physical cash. While merchants must eventually accept the currency, commercial banks remain critical of the implementation costs and competition.

[6.1] TikTok agrees to sell US operations to American investors — theguardian.com (+93)

TikTok has signed a binding deal to sell its United States operations to a group of American investors including Oracle and Silver Lake, preventing a ban and ensuring continued service.

The agreement, set to close January 22, grants Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX a combined 45 percent stake. Oracle will license TikTok’s recommendation algorithm to address long-standing national security concerns.

Highly covered news with significance over 5.5

[5.8] EU leaders approve €90 billion loan for Ukraine despite dissent from Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic — irishtimes.com (+65)

[5.6] FCC bans new Chinese-made drones over national security concerns — apnews.com (+21)

[5.6] EU court rules for refugee in landmark case against Frontex — independent.co.uk (+2)

[5.6] Austria's top court rules Meta's ad model illegal, orders overhaul of user data practices in EU — channelnewsasia.com (+4)

[5.6] OpenAI launches an app store inside ChatGPT — tomsguide.com (+7)

[5.5] Trump appoints special envoy to Greenland to pursue acquisition — nrc.nl (Dutch) (+148)

Thanks for reading!

— Vadim

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