Researchers engineered injectable microtissue containing motor and sensory neurons to provide a source of axons to muscles, preventing degeneration and loss of function while nerves regrow. The technology shows promise to improve recovery of sensory and motor function after peripheral nerve injuries.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a new type of cell in the human lung with regenerative properties. The cells, called respiratory airway secretory cells (RASCs), line tiny airway branches and can regenerate other cells essential for alveoli functioning.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a new approach to alter immune cells for CAR T cell therapy in just 24 hours, cutting manufacturing time from nine to 14 days. This could make the therapy more cost-effective and accessible to more patients.
A new Penn Medicine study suggests that clinically depressed older individuals without other inflammatory conditions do not have elevated levels of inflammation. The study found no significant difference in bloodstream levels of inflammatory markers between depressed and healthy individuals.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new approach to treat solid cancers using CDH17CAR T cells, which selectively target and eliminate gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in preclinical models. Unlike other immunotherapies, CDH17CAR T cells do not show toxicity to healthy tissues.
A team of researchers found that re-activating the Piezo1 protein allows muscle stem cells to repair broken down muscles in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study opens doors for potential molecular-level treatments to slow or halt disease progression.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients who underwent facial surgery thought their surgical scars looked worse than surgeons and independent observers did. The researchers suggest that surgeons should counsel patients on what to expect their scars will look like in weeks following surgery.
A new discovery could lead to modified thiazolidinediones with fewer side effects, benefiting more patients with diabetes. Activating only PPARγ2 eliminates the risk of weight gain while maintaining anti-diabetic effects.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key factor in T-cell leukemia disease relapse - genome refolding. The study found that cancer cells adapt to targeted therapy by changing the folding of their genome, driven by transcription factor repositioning.
Researchers will compare proton, carbon and electron radiotherapy to protect normal tissues from harm while controlling solid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, soft tissues throughout the body, and bones. The goal is to develop a more effective treatment with shorter duration and frequency.
Researchers have revealed that during Type 1 Diabetes development, pancreatic duct cells reprogram to suppress autoimmune T cell responses. This discovery advances understanding of the disease by creating a map of pancreatic islet cells over time.
A new study found that the CareAlign system was voluntarily adopted by 94% of departments four years after its roll-out. The majority of providers began using it within a week, with over 90% regularly using it within a week.
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of antivirals to treat COVID-19 by combining brequinar with remdesivir or molnupiravir. The combinations inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human respiratory cells and mice, suggesting increased potency compared to individual drugs.
Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.
Researchers found that telemedicine improved access to primary care services for Black patients, reducing the historical racial gap in follow-up appointment attendance. Completion rates rose from 52% to 70%, while overall benefits included shorter wait times and higher completion rates via telemedicine.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) may be rooted in impaired and inefficient muscle tissue regeneration, which enables unwanted bone growth. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting both extra-skeletal bone formation and muscle function.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new method to prevent the body's proteins from attacking treatment-carrying nanoparticles, allowing for more effective delivery of therapies. By coating nanoparticles with natural suppressors of complement activation, such as Factor I, the team has shown improved protection against immune ...
The first-in-human trial of CAR-M cell therapy demonstrated that engineered macrophages can target and alter the solid tumor microenvironment, altering the composition of myeloid cells and T-cells. This innovative immunotherapy offers a promising new strategy in the fight against cancer.
Researchers have created an mRNA-based approach to reprogram immune cells to attack specific targets, with promising results in treating heart failure. The technique, which is simpler and more temporary than current CAR T cell technology, holds potential for addressing a range of fibrotic diseases.
The THINKER-NEXT trial will transplant 200 kidneys from HCV-positive donors into new patients to assess long-term outcomes and risks. The study aims to increase adoption of this practice nationwide and provide hope for those waiting on the kidney transplant list.
A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a structural blueprint for nanoparticles that can target and deliver treatment to white blood cells, such as neutrophils, that contribute to acute lung inflammation. The findings represent a significant step in understanding the condition and function of the immune system.
A program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine increased buprenorphine treatment rates in emergency departments by sixfold, from 3% to 23%, and sustained the changes. The program used behavioral design tactics and automated connections to peer recovery specialists to overcome barriers to treatment.
A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.
The FDA has approved Cytalux, which enables surgeons to identify and remove cancerous lesions with greater precision. In a Phase 3 study, nearly 27% of women with confirmed ovarian cancer found at least one undetected lesion during surgery.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 12.4% of patients who received implantable cardiac devices and filled an opioid prescription within two weeks of surgery developed persistent opioid use. Higher initial prescriptions were associated with a higher risk of persistent opioid use.
Researchers have found two genetic risk variants that may exacerbate the severity of sepsis and COVID-19 in African Americans, who carry nearly 40% of these variants. The study identifies potential pathways to reduce health disparities driven by these gene mutations.
Researchers found that patients enrolled in COVID Watch, an automated texting system, were 68% less likely to die than those not using it. The system used algorithmically guided text message conversations with patients and was credited with saving 1.8 lives per 1,000 patients at 30 days.
Researchers found that low-to-moderate caffeine intake was associated with a reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes. Drinking up to 100mg of caffeine per day during the second trimester showed a 47% reduction in diabetes risk.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Oncology found that immunotherapy use among trial-ineligible solid-tumor cancer patients increased significantly between 2014 and 2019, yet no survival benefit was observed. Researchers emphasize cautious use of immunotherapies for this population due to potential early harm.
A newly published study analyzed the effectiveness of Penn Medicine's COVID-19 Triage Tool, which categorized 782 patients into safe severity levels. The tool identified only six patients with symptoms more severe than its assessments, and clinicians were able to upgrade these classifications to ensure accurate care.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has been awarded a $9.5 million grant to increase diversity in genetic counseling programs, which currently lack a diverse workforce. The program aims to expand all dimensions of diversity and provide full tuition support to underrepresented students.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have made a major advance in understanding dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common and fatal heart disorder. The largest single cause of DCM involves the mutation of the gene that encodes titin, leading to abnormalities in heart muscle cells.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mice with altered internal clocks gained more weight, had higher blood sugar, and fattier livers when fed high-fat and sugar diets. However, adjusting their environment to match their internal clock corrected these outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that red blood cells bind to cell-free DNA during sepsis and COVID-19, leading to their removal from circulation and triggering inflammation. This finding opens the door to new treatments for inflammatory diseases and acute anemia.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Yelp star ratings on health care facilities can indicate county-level death rate disparities. Counties with more 1-star reviews had higher death rates, and a one-point difference in average scores was associated with a reduction of approximately 60 preventable deaths.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that the gene CDKL5 plays an essential role in the brain throughout life, even after childhood. Researchers discovered that reinstating CDKL5 activity in young adult mice with a genetic deficiency led to significant improvements in neurological problems.
The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.
A randomized controlled trial of 1,600 patients found that rates of survival, functional recovery, and post-operative delirium are similar for both general and spinal anesthesia. This challenges common thinking about spinal anesthesia being safer.
The Penn Innovation in Suicide Prevention Implementation Research (INSPIRE) Center aims to develop and test evidence-based suicide prevention interventions for underserved groups, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ populations. The center will also focus on optimizing the scale of these interventions.
A national task force endorses a new diagnostic equation for measuring kidney function, which removes racial data to increase access to transplantation for Black patients. The recommendation is supported by Penn Medicine research and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare.
Researchers at Penn Medicine and The Wistar Institute will explore new treatments for skin cancer using the grant, including projects on exosomal PD-L1 and autophagy inhibition. The team aims to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective immunotherapy strategies.
A study of nearly 200,000 patients found that Black women have a three-fold increased risk of triple negative breast cancer, which has a poor prognosis. Higher breast density and obesity are associated with increased risk among this group.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Trulicity and Rybelsus, reduced the risk of glaucoma in diabetic patients by approximately half. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 patients and showed a significant decrease in new glaucoma diagnoses among those taking these medications.
Children exposed to gun violence within a four-block radius are more likely to experience mental health distress, with symptoms appearing days after the incident. Researchers recommend reducing community violence through safe storage and background check laws, as well as providing preventive support for affected families.
Researchers found that patients with MS receiving aCD20 treatment generated robust CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to the COVID-19 vaccination. The study measured both antibody and T cell responses in 20 patients with MS who were undergoing aCD20 treatment, compared to those in a group of healthy controls.
A new precision medicine test has been developed using blood proteins to identify patients with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) most likely to respond to siltuximab. The study also reveals Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a promising alternative treatment option for those who do not respond to siltuximab.
A new study from Penn Medicine demonstrates that RN7SL1, a naturally occurring RNA, can activate the body's own natural T cells to seek out cancer cells that have escaped recognition by CAR T cells. This approach may help improve efforts to treat solid tumors.
A new study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that individuals who choose their own exercise goals and start immediately are more likely to achieve significant increases in physical activity, with an average increase of 1,384 steps per day. This approach also leads to sustained high activity periods and maintai...