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.
A systematic review of 45 studies found inconsistent descriptions of psychotherapy sessions, making it difficult to replicate studies and compromise patient well-being. Researchers call for improved reporting standards to enhance the replicability, safety, and potential effectiveness of these therapies.
Researchers at MIT have developed a class of biodegradable materials that can replace plastic beads used in some health and beauty products. The particles are shown to be effective in encapsulating essential nutrients such as vitamin A, which could help alleviate nutrient deficiencies in populations worldwide.
A study estimates that approximately one-third of eligible US adults without diabetes were excluded from clinical trials supporting GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications. The FDA should consider updating labeling to advise caution on generalizing these medications' safety and effectiveness to excluded populations.
A clinical trial testing muvalaplin, a novel oral medication, safely and effectively lowered high levels of Lp(a), a type of inherited cholesterol. The study found that muvalaplin disrupted the formation of the Lp(a) particle, acting as an effective approach to lowering Lp(a) levels.
A nasal spray form of bumetanide has been found to reduce tissue swelling in heart failure as effectively as standard oral and intravenous formulations. This new treatment option could provide a valuable tool for treating heart failure, promoting care at home and reducing hospital admissions.
Research highlights edoxaban's effectiveness in reducing stroke and blood clots for patients after bioprosthetic heart valve replacement. Edoxaban was found to be equally or more effective than warfarin, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced burden on patients.
A randomized trial found reconditioned pacemakers comparable to new devices in terms of safety and effectiveness up to 90 days after implantation. However, longer-term follow-up is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of reconditioned devices.
A clinical trial found that combining two commonly recommended medications into a single pill lowered blood pressure and was safe among Indian adults. The study's results have significant meaning for South Asian adults, including those living in the US.
A study found that 64% of clinical trials for the top 30 highest-revenue medicines had their data accessible to researchers, a significant improvement over prior assessments. Companies using independent platforms achieved higher eligibility rates than those relying on internal processes.
A new study found that gabapentinoids, widely used to treat neuropathic pain, increased the risk of hip fractures in older patients. The study tracked patients hospitalized for hip fractures in Australia and found a 30% increased odds of hip fracture within two months of being dispensed gabapentinoid medication.
The new CAMP 2.0 tool provides personalized medicine for managing allergic contact dermatitis by generating safe lists based on individual patch testing results. It offers thousands of product options and interactive tools to help patients find safe products, track their quality of life, and understand their allergens.
Researchers at WVU are developing a hybrid of silver and carbon nanotubes to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections in open bone fractures. The study aims to create a safe and effective antimicrobial material that can be used on various medical products.
A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.
A new study proposes an ethics-based approach to medication decisions in pregnancy, combining existing evidence with a woman's values. The approach aims to balance the benefits and risks of medications for individual pregnant patients and fetuses.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
The Real-World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE-DE) combines longitudinal electronic health records with insurance claims data to improve the validity of studies on medical products in clinical practice. This new infrastructure will enable the FDA to conduct studies using granular clinical information to identify medication safety issues.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes has significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. This trend is driven by their benefits in weight management and cardiorenal protection, but caution is advised due to concerns about euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
A team of researchers developed a wearable camera system that uses artificial intelligence to detect potential medication delivery errors. The AI achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying vial-swap errors, making it a critical safeguard in operating rooms, intensive-care units, and emergency-medicine settings.
A phase Ib clinical trial has shown that the MVA-MERS-S vaccine candidate is safe and effective in healthy individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was tested in a placebo-controlled study with no serious vaccine-related side effects, indicating promising results.
Glioblastoma, the most malignant primary brain tumour, has an 18-month median survival rate despite treatment. New research from the University of Ottawa suggests a drug used to slow ALS progression may also suppress glioblastoma's self-renewing cancerous stem cells.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg and CSSB have uncovered the molecular details of vitamin B1 absorption, revealing critical transporters and barriers that hinder its progress. The study sheds light on rare diseases caused by SLC19A3 mutations and potentially life-threatening hidden deficiencies triggered by certain medications.
The FDA will continue to play a central role in regulating AI technologies that improve health outcomes. The agency emphasizes the need for rigorous oversight of these transformative tools, crucial for protecting patients and clinicians.
A new study found that GLP1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts in adolescents with obesity. The treatment, compared to lifestyle intervention, showed a favorable psychiatric safety profile and potential avenues for future research.
Researchers propose utilizing human 3D skin models to assess drug binding properties across different skin types. Genetic variations among minority groups can lead to starkly different drug responses across races and ethnicities.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
A new study from UCSF has found that ChatGPT overprescribes in emergency care situations, providing unnecessary x-rays and antibiotics. The AI model was less accurate than resident physicians, with a tendency to err on the side of caution. Researchers emphasize the need for better frameworks to evaluate clinical information before AI c...
A new study found that benzoyl peroxide acne treatments lack stability and degrade into carcinogenic benzene when exposed to heat, UV light, or stored at room temperature. Refrigeration may be a practical solution to minimize unnecessary exposure until safer formulations are developed.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024
The article provides an orientation to using implementation science in policing by integrating effective and evidence-based innovations into routine practices. Researchers offer agendas for integrating IS into EBP, highlighting the importance of metrics to assess police practice outcomes.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown spine model that can test the effects of valproic acid on fetal development. The study found that co-treatment with Rapamycin can prevent the negative effects of valproic acid, enabling women to take life-saving medication while having healthy children.
A new review of evidence has found that buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal occurs in only 0-13.2% of adults taking their first dose, with symptoms being generally mild. The study calls for better evidence to measure the true risk and encourages doctors and patients to use this effective treatment.
An investigation by The BMJ raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of donanemab, a new Alzheimer's drug approved by the US FDA. Financial ties among expert advisors have sparked doubts about the drug's reliability.
A study published in Neuron found that psychedelics, such as DOI, activate fast-spiking interneurons in the ventral hippocampus, which helps to silence other neighboring neurons and reduce anxiety in mice and rats. This understanding of brain chemistry could lead to the development of new drugs targeting anxiety.
Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.
A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.
The seasonal influenza vaccine was found to be safe in women with successive pregnancies, regardless of the interpregnancy interval and type of vaccine used. The study's findings support recommendations for vaccinating pregnant individuals or those who may become pregnant during the influenza season.
Researchers found pomalidomide to be safe and effective in reducing nosebleed severity, improving quality of life, and decreasing the need for blood transfusions in adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The trial stopped early due to successful findings, offering a promising treatment option for this rare bleeding disorder.
A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.
A study published in mAbs reveals that up to one-third of antibody-based drugs exhibit nonspecific binding to unintended targets, a serious concern for patient safety. The Membrane Proteome Array technology helped identify this issue, challenging the long-held belief in absolute antibody specificity.