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'Kiss of death' cancer

Monash researchers have created a computer model that can predict which combination of drugs will be most effective in treating triple negative breast cancer. The model, developed using genetic and treatment data from hundreds of patients, reveals a previously unknown combination of two drugs that may be successful.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 19, 2018

Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that a two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol can effectively complete miscarriages, reducing the need for surgical intervention. The study showed that 91.2% of women experienced gestational sac expulsion after receiving the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018

CHEO researchers identify practices leading to safer outcomes in procedural sedation for children

Researchers at CHEO identified sedation medications and practices associated with the best clinical outcomes, making ketamine-alone a logical choice for providing procedural sedation to children. The study found that choice of sedation medication had the biggest impact on the incidence of adverse events.

Tuberculosis drug may work better than others in its class

Computer simulations show moxifloxacin kills bacteria more quickly and performs better when doses are missed, making it a superior option for tuberculosis treatment. The research also found that levofloxacin killed bacteria more quickly than gatifloxacin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 17, 2017

Teaching old drugs new tricks in the fight against infectious diseases

Currently available drugs may be used alone or in combination to treat infectious diseases, addressing a pressing need due to slow development of new therapies. Non-profit entities and private industry collaboration is crucial for discovering novel interventions to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 7, 2017

Drug combination benefits patients with tophaceous gout

A phase III clinical trial showed that combining lesinurad with febuxostat was more effective at lowering blood urate levels than febuxostat alone. The combination group achieved target urate levels in significantly more patients over 12 months.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 9, 2017

A CLOUD of possibilities: Finding new therapies by combining drugs

Scientists have created a library of 308 compounds to test drug combinations for new therapies. A study found a synergy between flutamide and phenprocoumon that efficiently killed prostate cancer cells, targeting the androgen receptor. The CLOUD library is ideal for discovering new applications for approved active ingredients.

Plan A is to get patients to stick to their blood pressure pills

A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fixed-dose combination pills work best to encourage patients with high blood pressure to stick to their prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Patients on these combined pills were 9% more likely to be persistent in taking their medication, compared to those on sin...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2017

A 2-in-1 punch for taking out cancer

A new study by bioengineers at Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of combination therapies in eliminating cancer cells. By pairing chemotherapy drug docetaxel with a targeted PI3K inhibitor, researchers achieved greater tumor inhibition and eliminated evidence of resistance.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 28, 2016

New drug combinations could significantly improve tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at UCLA and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new feedback system control technique to pinpoint the best possible drug-dose ratios for treating tuberculosis. This approach has identified promising combination treatments that can kill bacteria much faster than standard regimens, potentially shortening treatment ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Finding the right antithrombotic (anti-clotting) drug for you

Researchers from Kumamoto University used a new analysis system to evaluate the effectiveness of antithrombotic drugs in preventing and curing diseases caused by blood clots. The T-TAS system was able to accurately measure blood clotting ability, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about medication management.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 28, 2016

Identification of drug combinations that reverse HIV-1 latency

Researchers have developed a multifaceted approach to identify drug combinations that reverse HIV-1 latency. Several 2-drug combinations were found to be able to reactivate HIV-1 without triggering an inflammatory response, and a model was created to correlate changes in viral RNA with virus secretion from T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 30, 2015

3-D printed, mechanically robust carrier used to deliver immunosuppressive drug, and cells

Researchers developed a 3D-printed carrier that retains its shape and integrity, delivering immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A and cells for local and sustained release. The system overcomes existing delivery limitations, providing a promising solution for treating diseases requiring cell-based therapy.

Drivers who test positive for drugs have triple the risk of a fatal car crash

A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that drivers who test positive for drugs are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. The study also showed that the combination of alcohol and drugs increases the risk by 23 times, making drugged driving a critical safety issue.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 25, 2013

Drug design success propels efforts to fight HIV with a combination of 2 FDA-approved drugs

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center have developed a new delivery system for a combination of two FDA-approved drugs that may serve as an effective treatment for HIV. The discovery allows for a pill-form combination of decitabine and gemcitabine, marking a major step forward in patient feasibility.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalAntiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy·DateAug 30, 2013

Searching for therapeutic synergy in primary effusion lymphoma

Researchers found that a Bortezomib/Vorinostat combination therapy reactivated virus-induced cell lysis and induced PEL cell death, increasing the lifespan of mice with PEL tumors. This treatment combination could potentially be beneficial for immunocompromised patients with KSHV-associated malignancies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2013