Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has shown that pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed over 17,600 patients and found no significant risk of esophageal damage or other complications, increasing confidence in the use of PFA technology.
A randomized, controlled trial found acupuncture to be effective in reducing methadone dose and opioid cravings in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. The study suggests that acupuncture could be a useful adjunctive treatment for individuals receiving MMT, potentially improving their treatment outcomes.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to make microbes hardy enough to withstand industrial processing, high temperatures, radiation, and long-term storage. The method involves mixing bacteria with food and drug additives, resulting in stable formulations that can be used in various applications.
A recent study found that US medical boards are often lenient when disciplining doctors for misconduct related to opioid overprescription. Researchers examined 100 cases and found that only six cases resulted in a doctor's license being revoked, with most receiving lighter disciplines such as temporary suspension or probation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A study from UC San Diego found a 1250% surge in microdosing-related Google searches from 2015 to 2023, correlating with relaxed policies on cannabis and psychedelics. Microdosing involves taking 'sub-perceptual' doses of psychedelics for claimed health benefits, but its effectiveness lacks clinical evidence.
Researchers have identified three new variants of MDMA as promising alternatives for controlled psychotherapeutic use, retaining therapeutic potential while reducing side effects. The new compounds show a similar effect on clinical target structures in the brain and are broken down more favorably, resulting in fewer toxic products.
A new study by UC San Francisco's ANSIRH program found that patients who received care remotely for medication abortion had similar outcomes to those who got ultrasounds and in-person care. The researchers analyzed the experiences of over 500 patients and found a high success rate for the
A new ketamine tablet form has shown promise in treating severe depression with negligible side effects and convenience. The study found that patients on the strongest dose of ketamine had the best results compared to placebo.
Researchers have developed a method to deliver drugs to specific areas of the body using ultrasound waves, triggering drug release from stable nanocarriers. The approach is made both safe and efficient for the first time, paving the way for clinical trials.
A new type of dart launcher has been developed as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to firearms or air guns for injecting animals with drugs. The prototype uses electromagnetic coils and lidar technology to deliver a projectile with controlled kinetic energy.
This review bridges traditional wisdom and modern science to examine the safety, efficacy, and bioactivity of herbal medicines. It highlights successful case studies where herbal remedies enhance patient outcomes when used alongside conventional treatments.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) has issued a position paper on the safety of administering live vaccines to patients treated with dupilumab. The review suggests that treatment should not be stopped, but rather, shared decision-making between doctors and patients is recommended to weigh risks and benefits.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.
A new study found that tirzepatide significantly reduced weight in Chinese adults with obesity, with both 10mg and 15mg doses showing clinical benefits. The treatment also demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.
A study published in Andrology found that testosterone therapy significantly improves body composition in transgender men, with no long-term side effects. Researchers also discovered that higher doses of testosterone may lead to faster results.
A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers shows zodasiran, an RNA inhibitor targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces various types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The therapy also lowers apolipoprotein B, a lipid-transporting protein linked to heart disease.
The study found a substantial increase in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) dispensing among adolescents and young adults between 2020 and 2023. This trend is particularly notable for females, emphasizing the need for targeted education on sex-specific safety risks, such as concerns during pregnancy.
Researchers investigated the biological repercussions of UV-C radiation exposure from readily available domestic lamps and found that even brief exposure can lead to irreversible alterations in skin cells and retinal cells. The study highlights the need to prioritize safe utilization of these lamps to prevent potential harm.
A phase 3 trial found that pamrevlumab did not significantly improve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study's results underscore the need for effective treatments to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
Nach0 was trained on diverse tasks, including natural language understanding, synthetic route prediction, and molecular generation. The model performed well on molecular tasks using molecular data and outperformed ChatGPT, making it a significant step toward unlocking the full potential of LLMs for drug discovery.
Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.
Researchers at Ochsner Health have developed SRP-001, a novel medication that leverages unique biological mechanisms to alleviate pain without typical side effects. The first-in-human Phase 1 trial confirms SRP-001's safety and tolerability, paving the way for its progression to further clinical stages.
A study by Chiba University researchers reveals that a specific variant of the HLA gene can trigger an endoplasmic reticulum stress response in skin cells when exposed to certain drugs, leading to drug eruptions. This newfound knowledge may form the basis for innovative treatment options.
A KAUST team developed a simple approach to tackle CRISPR's deletion issue by targeting error-prone DNA repair pathways. By modulating specific genes, they reduced large deletions while enhancing homology-directed repair efficiency.
A recent study published in the Ochsner Journal found alarming increases in daily vaping device use among US adolescents from 2015 to 2021. The percentage of EVP use increased significantly over this period, with a greater increase among girls than boys and higher rates among whites and Blacks.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that dispensing abortion pills through the mail is a safe and effective method, with nearly 98% of patients completing their abortions. The study suggests that this model can help increase access to abortion care for clinicians and patients alike.
A UC San Diego study found that people injecting drugs in San Diego and Tijuana often lacked access to drinking water, toilets, handwashing facilities, and showers. The study highlights the need for improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in both cities to reduce health disparities.
A new study conducted by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found increases in exposures to delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THC-O acetate among young children, teens, and adults. The study highlights the importance of safe storage practices and improved regulation of these products.
The review emphasizes non-pharmacological approaches as the initial strategy, but acknowledges the need for medical intervention in severe cases. It highlights diphenhydramine as a preferred choice for mild to moderate agitation due to its sedating effects and minimal adverse outcomes.
The 5-year TAF treatment efficacy was high and similar to that of 3-year TDF followed by 2-year TAF in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients. Favorable effects on bone and renal parameters were sustained with TAF treatment alone and were observed following the switch from TDF to TAF.
A study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine found that 7% of patients experienced at least one adverse event and 1.9% experienced a preventable adverse event in outpatient settings, emphasizing the need for evidence-based interventions to improve patient safety.
A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.
Researchers developed a dose-sparing intradermal mpox vaccination regimen that was safe and generated an antibody response equivalent to the standard regimen at six weeks. The results suggest this regimen could be used during future outbreaks to extend limited vaccine supply, but more study is needed to confirm its efficacy.
A cohort study found statistical signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years, consistent with previous reports. Seizures after mRNA-1273 vaccinations in younger age groups require a robust epidemiologic investigation to confirm findings.
Researchers have discovered that rice bran-derived nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer effects, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticles reduced tumor growth and inhibited metastatic cell growth in mice models.
The University of Birmingham's Drug Discovery Hub has developed a novel approach to drug discovery, enabling projects to overcome the funding gap between original research and commercial investment. The hub has attracted over £4m in industry funding, grants, and awards, with a successful portfolio of projects.
A new study found that ChatGPT can consistently recommend deprescribing medications in patients without a history of cardiovascular disease. However, the AI model was more cautious when considering patients with cardiovascular disease and varied its responses depending on the chat session.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine have developed a novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor with improved oral absorption and robust antitumor efficacy using the company's generative AI engine. The new compound demonstrates enhanced biological activities compared to existing inhibitors, offering new treatment possibilities for cancer patients.
A clinical trial found that a nasal spray called etripamil effectively and safely treated recurrent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in patients. The study showed that two-thirds of participants experienced relief within an hour, with an average time needed for symptom relief being 17 minutes.
Researchers at University of Waterloo found that nasal-administered naloxone is more cost-effective than current intramuscular version, potentially reducing opioid-related deaths. The study suggests that publicly funding intranasal naloxone distribution across Canada could save additional lives.
Researchers found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI significantly reduced major and minor bleeding incidents by 55% compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. The study, ULTIMATE-DAPT, showed no increase in adverse ischemic events, suggesting continuing aspirin may cause harm without benefit.
Researchers from China conducted a nationwide study to assess optimal treatment strategies for CSDH. The study found that multimodality management and personalized treatment plans significantly reduced recurrence rates.
Research highlights gaps in information, support, and resources for women with serious mental illness who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study found that few women recalled discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers and were dissatisfied with the information they received about potential safety concerns.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have discovered a novel compound, 11c, a 5HT2A antagonist, which exhibits robust biological activity and a favorable safety profile. The compound has shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and is poised to advance the treatment of metabolic liver diseases.
A study by Washington State University found that cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at high risk of experiencing serious adverse effects from products containing eprinomectin. Cats without this mutation appear safe when using these products, but many cases of severe reactions have been reported.
Purdue University researchers create biocompatible nanoparticles modified with ATP that slowly release anti-cancer drugs and recruit immune cells to fight tumors. In mouse studies, these nanoparticles improved the effectiveness of paclitaxel against various types of cancers, including those in distant locations.
A new nanofluidic implant has been shown to deliver an HIV drug with increased potency compared to existing oral medications, providing a potential breakthrough in addressing treatment nonadherence. The device is intended for long-term controlled release and avoids repeated systemic treatment, which can lead to adverse side effects.
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center team has opened a Phase 2 clinical trial to test a new combination treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly form of brain tumors. The treatment uses letrozole, a drug that targets an enzyme present in breast cancer cells, and temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug already approved as a GBM treatment.
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.
Researchers discovered toxic metal particles in unused cannabis vape liquids, with lead levels 100 times higher than acceptable limits. The contamination was linked to device production, not heating, and highlights the need for regulation and improved testing procedures.
A new trial demonstrates that non-allergy specialist healthcare professionals can safely assess and remove penicillin allergy labels in low-risk patients, with no serious hypersensitivity reactions reported. This approach has the potential to improve quality of clinical care and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method to determine the clinical potency of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This technique uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for accurate extraction and measurement of the strength of the mushrooms.
A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.
A phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher found that subcutaneous levodopa delivery through an infusion pump is safe and effective in reducing symptoms for longer periods. The study resulted in almost two hours of additional 'on time' compared to traditional oral medication, paving the way for potential FDA approval.
A study published in Open Medicine found that Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine (GDLM) improves cognitive function in patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke. The treatment showed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, reducing inflammation and coagulation markers.
A new study by the Microbicide Trials Network found no safety concerns with using the dapivirine vaginal ring during all stages of pregnancy. The research provides sufficient evidence that the ring is safe to use throughout pregnancy to protect against HIV, which poses a higher risk than at any other time.
A study found 35% of illicit drugs sourced from the dark web contained unexpected substances, including mixtures or no advertised substance at all. This highlights the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose.
A University of Cincinnati study found liraglutide to be efficacious and safe for weight loss in individuals with stable bipolar disorder, without destabilizing the illness. The drug reduced binge eating behavior and significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C levels.