A phase Ib/II trial evaluated the triple combination of famitinib, dalpiciclib, and fulvestrant in HR+/HER2− breast cancer, meeting initial efficacy targets with a confirmed objective response rate of 51.9%. However, the regimen showed no superiority over standard first-line treatments and was terminated early due to safety concerns.
A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.
A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A wearable microneedle patch can continuously monitor drug levels in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin, providing real-time therapeutic drug monitoring. This technology could improve treatment safety and optimize drug dosing for critical medicines like potent antibiotics.
Researchers are evaluating the health and economic consequences of subpar buprenorphine dosing among Medicaid-covered pregnant women to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Data suggest that up to 90% of pregnant women require higher doses of buprenorphine.
A new Ontario-wide study identifies potentially harmful drug combinations prescribed to older adults, revealing common medication interactions that can lead to unnecessary prescriptions and harm. The research highlights the need for clinicians to consider medication history and potential prescribing cascades to ensure safer care.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
A genetic marker already used to flag risk of vancomycin reaction also identifies patients at risk of lamotrigine reaction, but is missing from gene panels. HLA-A*32:01 is associated with a 16.4-fold higher odds of lamotrigine-induced DRESS, but a negative result does not rule out risk.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will support a five-year study on opioid treatment during breastfeeding, aiming to improve drug safety for lactating mothers. The researchers will develop a cell-based assay and use physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to predict drug levels in mothers and infants.
A new report from Adelaide University highlights significant medicine safety challenges among culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Nearly half of PBS medicine recipients with limited English proficiency were dispensed six or more medicines, increasing the risk of medicine-related harm.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a wearable microneedle patch called the iNal patch that can detect fentanyl in the body and automatically release naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. The patch uses porous silica nanoparticles loaded with naloxone, which is released when fentanyl levels are detected.
Researchers at UH College of Pharmacy are developing breakthroughs to combat sepsis, a leading cause of hospital deaths, and diseases such as Alzheimer's and sickle cell disease. A dual-action nanomedicine has shown a 100% survival rate in preclinical trials for sepsis treatment.
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.
The Herbularyo card game combines Filipino folk healing traditions with organic chemistry, teaching students about medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. The game has been shown to be an effective learning tool, increasing student engagement and understanding of the subject.
A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
Lecanemab is approved to treat early Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical benefits are modest. The treatment carries serious adverse effects and requires resource-intensive monitoring with MRI scans.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered adding salt can help release therapeutic material from endosomes, improving delivery efficiency for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies. The simple strategy overcomes a major obstacle in gene medicine, potentially making these therapies more efficient and accessible worldwide.
The University of Virginia has joined SPARK GLOBAL to leverage resources and expertise in accelerating the development of new medicines. This collaboration aims to reduce time from lab discoveries to clinic trials, delivering tangible healthcare solutions to patients.
Injectable peptides marketed online for enhancement purposes are raising concern due to lack of regulation and limited research. The use of these substances is blurring the line between legitimate treatment and enhancement use, complicating enforcement and creating uncertainty for clinicians, regulators, and consumers alike.
Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
Two projects, BOOST-HP and BIONIC, use machine learning to analyze large datasets of medication exposure and outcomes. The findings highlight the need for more data and cautious design of machine learning models to accurately assess potential links between medications and pregnant women.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology finds ecopipam to be effective in suppressing tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant adverse effects over a period of up to 24 weeks.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
A large South Korean study found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedative drugs during pregnancy. The study, published by the BMJ Group, tracked nearly 3.8 million children and analyzed data from the National Health Information Database.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
Researchers identified patient-reported symptoms associated with GLP-1s, including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints, that may not be fully captured in clinical trials or drug labeling. Nearly 4% of Reddit users reported reproductive symptoms, and fatigue was the second most common complaint.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Researchers have developed a low-cost fake drug detector that uses an infrared sensor to track pill dissolution rates. The device can identify legitimate medications from counterfeit ones with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global health threats.
Researchers evaluated 12 hypnotic medications on sleep architecture and respiratory function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that while some medications worsened respiratory outcomes, others showed no significant effects, highlighting the need for individualized treatment.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a way to reduce the risk of a lethal side effect in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. By targeting CD8 T cell-derived tumor necrosis factor, they found that blocking TNF signaling can prevent inflammatory cycle in the heart.
A study of 23 large-scale randomised studies found that statins do not cause the majority of side effects listed in package leaflets, including cognitive impairment and depression. The research provided reassurance to patients taking statins, highlighting the benefits of these life-saving drugs outweighing the risks.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
A new study found that MET signaling plays a critical protective role in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by reducing liver damage and accelerating regeneration. The findings suggest targeting MET signaling could become a game-changer for treating drug-induced ALF, potentially reducing the need for emergency liver transplants.
The Japanese version of the rPATD questionnaire has been validated to assess attitudes towards medication reductions among older adults and their caregivers in Japan. The tool is reliable, valid, and easily understood, facilitating shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 1,269 elderly patients with advanced cancer to find that over 70% were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which declined closer to death. PIM discontinuation was more common among female patients, those with polypharmacy, and palliative care unit admissions.
Researchers found viable spores of mycotoxigenic fungi, DNA fragments, and traces of toxins remained after gamma irradiation, highlighting the need for stricter testing and better safeguards in the cannabis industry. This is particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk.
A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
A new study finds that human tyrosinase plays a central role in metabolizing hydroquinone into reactive intermediates causing dermal pigmentation. The research shows that these compounds accumulate differently depending on molecular size and bind to dermal proteins, forming ochronotic pigments.
A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly form of blood cancer. The FDA-approved medication works by disrupting cellular protein interactions that drive leukemia cell growth and survival, offering patients a potential cure.
A study comparing GLP-1 RAs found that all three drugs are relatively safe options for patients with type 2 diabetes, with minimal differences in kidney and cardiovascular risks. Liraglutide had a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to dulaglutide.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The study offers reassurance for pregnant women, public health agenci...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 6, 2025
A new AI model uses machine learning to predict drug toxicity in humans by identifying biological differences between cells, mice, and humans. The model improved predictive power over existing state-of-the-art models and demonstrated practicality in predicting market withdrawal due to toxicity.
A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.
A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
A new drug-eluting balloon has been shown to match the outcomes of standard care for in-stent restenosis, offering a safer alternative for patients with multiple stent layers. The study's results suggest that patients with complex or multilayer ISR may benefit from sirolimus-eluting balloons as a viable treatment option.
A study found that first-generation antihistamines may increase delirium risk in older hospital patients. The analysis of 328,140 patients aged 65+ revealed a 41% increased odds of delirium among those prescribed higher amounts of these medications.
Research reveals an increase in emergency calls for pediatric opioid exposure among middle-school aged children, with a national trend of rising calls from 255 in 2019 to 553 in 2023. Teenagers showed a decline after 2022. Demographics varied by age group, with females outnumbering males in the middle school age group.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
Researchers detected traces of nitazene in discarded injecting equipment and syringes in Adelaide, Australia. Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths with 84% of patients unaware of the synthetic opioid's presence.