Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A Rice University-led team developed an implantable 'cytokine factory' that triggers potent immune responses against hard-to-treat cancers. The IL-12 cytokine factory successfully induces the recruitment of tumor-targeting T cells, eliminating local and distal tumors in preclinical models.
The expansion of mifepristone to community pharmacies has increased access to abortion services in Ontario, with the proportion of regions with a pharmacy or procedural provider growing from 20% to 82%. The study found that access to abortion services improved in both urban and rural areas.
A new analysis suggests that fees for food companies could generate much-needed resources for the FDA to strengthen its oversight of foods and keep unsafe ingredients out of the market. The FDA's current lack of resources hampers its ability to ensure the safety of the country's food supply, with growing concerns about the agency's ina...
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that ADHD medications have small but significant effects on blood pressure and heart rate. While there were concerns about the side effects of these medications, the study suggests that their benefits outweigh the risks.
In an open-label study, patients hospitalized for a serious heart attack who received rivaroxaban or warfarin had similar efficacy and safety outcomes. Rivaroxaban showed comparable results in dissolving left ventricular blood clots at three months follow-up.
Researchers have identified six promising biomarkers that can detect drug-induced kidney injury earlier than traditional markers, enabling more timely monitoring during drug development. These biomarkers could lead to the development of safer medications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers propose GLDH as a more liver-specific biomarker for detecting liver injury, offering greater specificity than current ALT and AST tests. The test performed similarly to ALT for detecting liver injury but was not impacted by associated muscle injury.
A UniSA-led study is trialing medication safety rounds in aged care homes to identify and address potential problems with medication use. The project aims to reduce medication-induced harm and improve residents' health and wellbeing through pharmacist-led safety rounds, adapting an existing palliative care need rounds model.
A study found that genetic variants in three genes (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, SLCO1B1) can lead to adverse reactions in up to 75% of cases. This could allow for personalized prescribing and reduce ADRs by three quarters.
The Ochsner Children's & ISMP Safe Medication Management Fellowship aims to educate pharmacist leaders in the fight against medication errors. Participants will learn from ISMP's experts virtually and support error prevention efforts onsite at Ochsner Children's in New Orleans.
The Dexcom G7 CGM device demonstrated an accuracy of 8.0% in a study involving 130 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, setting a new standard for continuous glucose monitoring devices.
More than 20 leading organizations and providers urge the FDA to take action following the recent resolution of GLP-1 medicine shortages. Signatories include the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, Association of Black Cardiologists, and National Hispanic Medical Association.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of xylazine in Tijuana's illicit drug supply, posing severe health risks due to sedation, withdrawal syndromes, skin infections, and wounds. The study highlights the need for public health intervention and expanded surveillance to mitigate the spread of xylazine in the region.
A study from Aarhus University found a possible link between JAK inhibitor medication and unexpected blood clots. The researchers identified a potential mechanism behind the side effect, which could lead to the development of safer medications.
The UMass Amherst nurse-engineer team, led by Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, has developed an innovative IV pole designed to enhance patient safety and reduce errors. The award-winning design features a smart pump that can detect potential problems and alert medical staff, improving overall care.
The Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP) trial found that tecovirimat did not reduce the time to clinical resolution of clade II mpox lesions or improve pain control. The antiviral drug was shown to be safe but ineffective in treating clade II mpox.
Fentanyl poisoning among US children has surged by 924% and 1,506% for teens aged 13-19 over the past eight years. Parents are advised to be vigilant about hidden fentanyl risks and know the signs of overdose symptoms to save their children.
Eradivir's EV25 is a small molecule immunotherapy biotech company developing treatments for influenza. The Phase 2 challenge study will gather safety and efficacy data from healthy participants infected with influenza.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
A new stem cell transplant treatment has shown promising results in clearing clinical safety hurdles for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves removing abnormal blood vessels and transplanting stem cell-derived retinal cells to replace damaged or lost retinal cells.
The FDA has resolved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic shortages, ensuring access to critical medications for obesity and diabetes treatment. The Obesity Society urges the FDA to enforce regulations against unauthorized GLP-1 compounders, highlighting concerns over safety and efficacy.
A new study found that nearly 20% of cancer patients in middle-stage drug trials receive treatment that later gets FDA approval. This has important implications for drug development and clinical trial recruitment.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
Professor Collen Masimirembwa receives Precision Medicine World Conference Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking work in pharmacogenomics, advancing personalised medicine and tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. His research has improved patient outcomes and saved lives by uncovering critical issues with HIV medications.
A global study by Amsterdam UMC found that new medication direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are equally safe and effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for treating sinus thrombosis. Regular monitoring is no longer necessary, making it more user-friendly.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...
A University of Cincinnati researcher has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to investigate postoperative pain at the molecular and cellular levels. The goal is to develop new, safer non-addictive treatments for chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and pain associated with diabetes or chemotherapy treatments.
A new clinical trial will evaluate whether adding ketamine to standard treatment can improve outcomes for patients suffering from status epilepticus. The trial, called KESETT, hopes to determine whether ketamine can terminate the seizures in more patients than current treatments.
New cyanine-carborane salts show promise in eradicating metastatic breast cancer tumors with minimal side effects. The therapy targets specific proteins in cancer cells, allowing for precise killing of diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A new study suggests that delivering tenecteplase directly into a large brain artery after removing a blood clot can improve stroke survivors' function 90 days later. The treatment, which was tested in 127 patients, showed promising results compared to standard medical care.
Researchers developed a one-page medication handout that quantifies a drug's risk and benefits, improving patient understanding and decision-making. The study compared this handout with the FDA's version and found it to be more effective in conveying complex information.
A new study adds weight to the safety and effectiveness of a gene therapy for hypophosphatasia, a rare inherited disorder that causes abnormal bone development. The treatment, AAV8-TNAP-D10, has shown promising results in mice models, with female mice achieving improvements in bone and teeth at lower doses.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that Swedish pharmacy personnel report a deteriorating patient safety climate. Pharmacists gave lower ratings for teamwork, job satisfaction, and management, with only 37% having a positive outlook on working conditions. The study suggests that changes in the work environment, including inc...
A new trial will test whether taking HMB can improve patients' physical function and quality of life. The BOOST study aims to recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis and measure its effects on liver disease, mental wellbeing, and physical function over 24 weeks.
The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.
A new study reveals that opioid smokers die at two-thirds the rate of injectors, likely due to reduced transmission of HIV and hepatitis C. However, smoking opioids carries a substantial overdose risk and should not be misconstrued as safe.
A study by Brown University researchers found that only 0.8% of clinical drug trials involving women aged 18-45 included pregnant participants, while 75% excluded them. This gap in research leaves critical questions about medication safety and efficacy unanswered for maternal and child health.
Researchers found that short-course antibiotics can be as effective as traditional longer treatments in preventing death and recurrence of pneumonia. This approach offers significant value for healthcare systems by reducing hospital expenditure while maintaining excellent patient outcomes.
A cross-sectional study found that websites selling compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists often misinformed potential consumers about the medications' safety, efficacy, and FDA approval status. The study highlights the need for increased transparency and regulation in the online advertising of these medications.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
A multidisciplinary team led by the Wyss Institute aims to create novel anesthesia-inducing drugs that can safely induce an anesthesia-like state without compromising vital functions. The project leverages expertise from Harvard's MCB, MIT, and Tufts University to develop safe battlefield-ready anesthetics.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
A large international study of GLP1-RA users and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) found no evidence that GLP1-RA use is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The study, published in the Thyroid journal, analyzed data from 92,497 GLP1-RA users and 2,484,408 DPP-4i users.
A new analysis reveals critical gaps in the UK's self-regulated system for disclosing payments from drug companies to healthcare professionals and organisations. The study finds billions of pounds in untraceable research payments and non-research payments lack clarity, with significant breaches by major companies. Researchers are calli...
A new study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that varenicline, a prescription medication, and text message-based interventions can help people quit vaping. The findings are particularly promising for young people aged 13 to 24, who showed significant success with text message-based programs.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found GLP-1 RAs and co-agonists to be effective for weight loss in adults with obesity, including promising options not yet FDA-approved. The study also showed similar safety profiles across agents, with mild gastrointestinal side effects being the most common.
The January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry explores the use of psychedelic medications in psychiatry, addressing basic pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and public health considerations. The series of articles aims to provide sufficient evidence for therapeutic strategies utilizing psychedelic drugs.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that digital healthcare consultations are not reliable enough to assess tonsillitis due to limitations in criteria such as tonsil inspection and lymph node examination. Physical examinations remain crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers aim to make school inhaler programs sustainable and scalable to improve student health and safety, with a focus on rural areas where challenges exist. The study seeks evidence-based recommendations to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators on how to implement effective asthma management strategies.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant breakthroughs in smoking cessation treatments, with a study finding that varenicline plus counseling is the most effective treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder. Additionally, a new radiotherapy technique demonstrates effectiveness in treating metastatic ...
A phase 1/2 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the AEF0217 molecule in improving cognitive function in people with Down syndrome. Measured outcomes showed significant improvements in behavioral skills, social interactions, and cognitive flexibility.
A team of University of Melbourne researchers has developed a novel drug delivery system composed of metal-biomolecule networks (MBNs), which eliminate the need for toxic drug carriers. The MBNs show antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, potentially increasing success in drug development.
A study by UCSF researchers found that language, education, and age affect someone's ability to engage with digital health tools. Young English speakers are most comfortable using digital health tools, but others face barriers due to limited education or language proficiency.
A recent study in the Netherlands has found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with adverse health outcomes in infants. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,600 participants and found no significant associations between maternal COVID-19 vaccination and neonatal health issues, including breathing difficul...
A new blood test developed by RMIT University researchers could help personalize cancer treatments, making them safer and more effective. The test assesses how well different nanomedicines target cancer cells in the blood of leukemia patients, allowing for more tailored therapies.
A new study by the University of Nottingham found repeated paracetamol doses in older adults (65+) can lead to increased risks of peptic ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests paracetamol use should be carefully reconsidered for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis.
A randomized clinical study found that an opioid-free treatment pathway is both safe and effective for bariatric surgery patients. The alternative method, which combines three different medicines, significantly reduces the need for opioids during treatment.
A study suggests that low doses of the commonly prescribed hair loss treatment minoxidil are safe and effective for regrowing hair in most breast cancer patients. The researchers found that all participants who took a low dose of oral minoxidil saw improvements in hair growth or stabilization within three to six months.
Researchers have identified a promising new drug, lomonitinib, targeting treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT-3 mutation. Additionally, they developed a novel compound to target MALT1 protein in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), aiming to provide better control of the disease.