Throughout the first quarter of 2026, our coverage at Contemporary Pediatrics has highlighted a broad spectrum of critical updates and emerging research across diverse therapeutic areas. Key focal points include evaluating demographic disparities in oral food challenge completion rates, assessing the safety and efficacy profile of tapinarof cream in pediatric atopic dermatitis, and examining the clinical implications of the newly updated US Dietary Guidelines.

Furthermore, our recent reporting examines the FDA approval of setmelanotide for acquired hypothalamic obesity, as well as the significance of long-acting monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in vulnerable infant populations. Review the expert interviews and video discussions below to stay current on these significant clinical developments in patient care and disease management.

Small Bites: Disparities in oral food challenges at AAAAI 2026 with Melissa Ptak, DO

At the 2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting, Melissa Ptak, DO, of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, presented research examining health care disparities in oral food challenge completion. Following this presentation, Ptak sat down with Brian Schroer, MD, host of Small Bites of Allergy and Immunology and board-certified allergist/immunologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.

As Ptak explains in the interview, the study aimed to identify racial and socioeconomic factors influencing whether patients complete this gold-standard diagnostic test for food allergy.

Ptak and fellow investigators retrospectively reviewed 279 pediatric patients (aged 7 months to 19 years) who underwent oral food challenges at 2 sites. Results indicated that scheduling rates were similar between White and non-White patients (95% vs 96%). However, completion rates differed significantly: 90% of White patients completed oral food challenges compared with 80% of non-White patients (P = .029). Completion rates varied among racial/ethnic subgroups, including 76% among Black patients and 79% among multiracial patients, despite comparable initial uptake.

Special Report: Key updates from the 2025–2030 US Dietary Guidelines

In a Special Report, presented by Contemporary Pediatrics, HCPLive, The Educated Patient, and Patient Care Online, Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, was joined by Catherine McManus, PhD, RDN, LD, and Viet Le, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, FACC, to discuss key updates in the 2025-2030 US Dietary Guidelines and their implications for clinicians, patients, and public health policy.

McManus highlighted a stronger emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and a clearer discouragement of highly processed foods. Although these principles were present in earlier guidelines, she noted that the updated document places greater urgency on shifting dietary patterns at a population level. She also emphasized the inclusion of gut health and the microbiome—an area newly acknowledged in the guidelines—as a growing body of evidence links microbiome health to metabolic, immune, and overall health outcomes.

Le framed the guidelines within their broader purpose, noting that they are designed to shape food environments and policy—not just individual patient behavior. He emphasized that recommendations such as limiting added sugars and prioritizing water and unsweetened beverages send clear signals to industry and policymakers about food availability and regulation. He also underscored the challenge of creating guidance that applies broadly while acknowledging individual variability, particularly given differences in metabolism and gut microbiota.

Leveraging setmelanotide in acquired hypothalamic obesity, with Ashley Shoemaker, MD, MSCI

The FDA has approved setmelanotide for acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO) in adults and pediatric patients 4 years and older, marking the first approved therapy for this rare and treatment-resistant condition.

The approval, announced March 19, 2026, was based on robust phase 3 data demonstrating meaningful reductions in body mass index (BMI) in a population with historically no targeted options.

“Setmelanotide has shown effectiveness in targeting the underlying biology of acquired HO,” said Ashley Shoemaker, MD, MSCI, associate professor of pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology at Vanderbilt Health. “Patients treated with setmelanotide experienced meaningful reductions in BMI and hunger, demonstrating the therapy’s ability to deliver clinically significant outcomes in children and adult patients. Acquired HO is a severe disease that requires early and proactive management. With the availability of Imcivree, physicians can offer a targeted therapy.”¹

Anushua Sinha, MD, MPH, highlights antibody for sustained RSV risk protection in infants

In a recent interview for Contemporary Pediatrics, Anushua Sinha, MD, MPH, lead clinical director of the clesrovimab-cfor (Enflonsia) program at Merck, discussed the significance of the SMART trial (NCT04938830) results regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection.

RSV remains a leading cause of infant hospitalization globally and the leading cause in the United States. Clesrovimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody developed by Merck, received FDA approval in June 2025 to prevent RSV in infants entering their first season. Sinha emphasized that although all infants are at risk, the SMART trial specifically addressed those at increased risk for severe disease, including those born preterm or with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease and congenital heart disease.

The SMART trial serves as a pivotal study to bridge efficacy data from healthy infants, established in the CLEVER trial, to those with complex medical needs. Because clesrovimab is designed to target the viral F protein without interacting with the host, clinical protection is dependent on achieving specific serum concentrations.

Tapinarof cream shows safety and efficacy for pediatric atopic dermatitis

In this interview, Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health, discusses the clinical utility and safety profile of tapinarof cream, 1% (Vtama), for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients as young as 2 years.

Stein Gold highlights that tapinarof, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, demonstrates a favorable safety profile. Common adverse events observed in clinical trials included folliculitis, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections, most of which were mild to moderate in severity.

A key advantage of this topical therapy is its minimal systemic absorption, even in pediatric populations with significant body surface area involvement. Unlike many nonsteroidal topicals that historically caused stinging or burning upon application—a major barrier for patients with sensitive or excoriated skin—tapinarof was well tolerated and comfortable for younger children.