Q2 Recap: What's new in obstetrics and gynecology?

Q2 Recap: What's new in obstetrics and gynecology? | Image Credit: © oatawa - stock.adobe.com.

As we close out the first half of 2025, the second quarter has delivered major advancements across cervical cancer screening, infectious disease management, and preventive women’s health.

From FDA approvals and clinical trial breakthroughs to evolving screening technologies and expert insights on disparities and lifestyle interventions, these developments reflect the ongoing innovation in gynecologic care. Topics span self-collection devices for cervical cancer, oral antibiotic alternatives for urinary tract infections, and emerging strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.

In this Q2 recap, Contemporary OB/GYN highlights the most impactful regulatory decisions, research findings, and expert commentary shaping women’s health in 2025.

Click on each title below for full coverage and clinical insights.

Q2 2025 regulatory updates in ob-gyn

FDA accepts NDA for zoliflodacin to treat gonorrhea

The FDA has accepted a New Drug Application for zoliflodacin, a first-in-class oral antibiotic for uncomplicated gonorrhea in patients aged 12 and older. If approved, it would be the first new oral treatment for gonorrhea in decades and a critical option against rising antibiotic resistance. Clinical trials showed that a single oral dose of zoliflodacin was non-inferior to the standard ceftriaxone plus azithromycin regimen, with a favorable safety profile and no severe adverse events. As global resistance to cephalosporins and azithromycin grows, zoliflodacin may address a significant public health need.

FDA approves Teal Wand for at-home cervical cancer screening

The FDA approved the Teal Wand on May 9, 2025, as the first at-home vaginal self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in U.S. women. Designed for women aged 25 to 65 at average risk, the device demonstrated 96% accuracy in identifying cervical precancer in the SELF-CERV trial and showed strong user preference and ease of use. The Teal Wand offers a comfortable alternative to traditional Pap smears and may help increase screening rates, especially among underserved populations. Nationwide availability is expected to follow its June launch in California, with insurance support aimed at reducing access barriers.

CDC removes COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy children, pregnant individuals

The CDC has removed its recommendation for routine COVID-19 vaccination in healthy children and pregnant women, according to an announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and national reports. The change, which follows recent FDA policy updates, limits vaccine eligibility to those with risk factors for severe illness. Critics, including Tina Tan, MD, editor-in-chief of Contemporary Pediatrics, called the decision “complete madness,” citing serious risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy and the potential for severe illness in children. The update may complicate insurance coverage and vaccine access ahead of the fall immunization season.

Q2 2025 trial announcements in ob-gyn

Oral sulopenem demonstrates non-inferiority to amoxicillin/clavulanate in phase 3 uUTI trial

Oral sulopenem (ORLYNVAH; Iterum Therapeutics) was found non-inferior to amoxicillin/clavulanate for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women, based on results from the phase 3 REASSURE trial. Among 2,222 participants, sulopenem showed a 60.9% overall success rate vs 55.6% for amoxicillin/clavulanate, meeting the noninferiority threshold. Sulopenem also showed statistical superiority in patients with susceptible pathogens but had higher rates of mild adverse events. With demonstrated activity against multidrug-resistant organisms, sulopenem offers a promising oral alternative for uUTIs, especially amid rising antibiotic resistance and limited treatment options.

Tebipenem HBr cUTI trial ends early after meeting efficacy goals

The phase 3 PIVOT-PO trial evaluating tebipenem HBr for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) will stop early due to efficacy, according to GSK and Spero Therapeutics. Tebipenem HBr met its primary endpoint of noninferiority to IV imipenem-cilastatin, making it a potential first oral carbapenem for cUTIs in the U.S. The trial included 1690 adults, with no new safety concerns reported. Common adverse events were mild and included diarrhea and headache. GSK plans to submit the data to regulators later in 2025 and present findings at an upcoming scientific meeting.

Secnidazole shows promise for recurrent BV treatment in new clinical trial

New data presented at the 2025 ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting support the long-term use of secnidazole oral granules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting nearly 1 in 3 reproductive-aged women in the U.S. In a small trial, once-weekly 2 g doses showed comparable or improved efficacy to CDC-recommended suppressive regimens. Lead investigator Chemen M. Neal, MD, emphasized the potential for simplified dosing to improve adherence and reduce recurrence. The findings also underscore the need for accurate diagnosis and sustained management of BV, which carries both physical and psychosocial burdens.

Q2 2025 expert perspectives in ob-gyn

In this section, click the "play" button on each video interview to watch.

Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, highlights AMA's new breast cancer prevention guidelines

In an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Neal Barnard, MD, discussed persistent racial disparities and rising incidence in breast cancer, emphasizing the need for prevention-focused strategies. He highlighted new AMA guidelines recommending plant-based diets, regular exercise, alcohol reduction, and healthy weight maintenance to reduce breast cancer risk. Barnard noted that soy may lower risk, while cow’s milk and alcohol may raise it. Despite strong evidence, only 28% of women recognize diet as a risk factor. He encouraged referrals to dietitians and promoted the “Let’s Beat Breast Cancer” campaign to improve awareness and outcomes.

Ciera Kirkpatrick, PhD, shows how TikTok is transforming cervical cancer awareness

In this video interview, Ciera Kirkpatrick, PhD, highlighted the growing role of TikTok and other short-form video platforms in promoting cervical cancer screening among young women. She noted that providers are using these tools to deliver visual, approachable education on Pap tests, helping demystify the procedure and reduce anxiety. While visuals can be helpful, Kirkpatrick cautioned against focusing on pain or discomfort, which may deter viewers. Instead, empathetic, clear messaging can boost awareness and intent to screen, particularly for uninsured or underserved audiences with limited access to traditional health care.

Tia Welsh, MD, highlights breakthroughs in cervical cancer screening

In this interview, Tia Welsh, MD, MPH, discussed recent advancements in cervical cancer screening, including primary HPV screening and extended genotyping. She emphasized that these tools, particularly self-collection in clinical settings, can expand screening access by over 30%, reaching underserved groups such as those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and patients facing socioeconomic barriers. Welsh also highlighted BD’s FDA-approved Onclarity Assay, which enables extended genotyping and supports self-collection, marking a key evolution in cervical cancer screening and patient-centered care.