Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
Bio-TCV, a typhoid conjugate vaccine developed by IVI and Bio Farma, has been licensed in Indonesia following marketing approval from BPOM. The vaccine is expected to provide protection against typhoid fever as early as 9 months of age.
Researchers developed injectable nanoparticles that release naloxone when triggered by blue light, potentially preventing opioid overdose deaths. The system showed effectiveness up to a month after injection and could be incorporated into a wearable device.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new antifungal molecule that targets fungal cells without harming human kidney cells or other tissues. The molecule, dubbed AM-2-19, has shown significant efficacy against various fungal infections in vitro and in vivo studies.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a correlation between flavonoid compounds and reduced endometriosis symptoms. Flavonoids like Quercetin and Kaempferol show promise in easing inflammation, with studies suggesting they may help suppress the symptoms of inflammatory diseases like endometriosis.
The American Gastroenterological Association suggests a balanced approach when treating patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing endoscopic procedures. AGA recommends proceeding with the procedure as planned for patients who followed standard pre-procedure fasting instructions and do not have symptoms suggesting retained gastric contents.
A recent study in JAMA Cardiology analyzed data from 15,000 patients and found that enteric coating on aspirin does not change its effectiveness or safety for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that patients can choose the aspirin formulation that suits them best.
A multicenter, retrospective study of Japanese patients treated with JAK inhibitors found impressive remission rates and low disease activity. The study's results contradict previous concerns about the effectiveness of these drugs, suggesting they may be a viable option for patients with other health problems.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found 10 predictors of opioid overdose after prescription for chronic pain, including high-dose opioids, fentanyl prescription, and history of overdose. The risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose increased two- to six-fold with these factors.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
A clinical trial led by Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute has revealed that Sailuotong, a novel herbal extract, shows promise as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment. The study found improvements in memory and executive function in participants taking SLT compared to those on a placebo.
A major study has found that taking benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan intermittently instead of continuously can lead to significant reductions in side effects such as falls, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. The research showed a 20% decrease in hip fractures, 33% fewer men's falls requiring hospitalization, and a ...
A new study shows that XEN1101 can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminate seizures altogether. The medication, a potassium-channel opener, boosts the flow of potassium out of nerves to stop them from firing.
A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.
A study has identified genetic markers that can predict whether rheumatoid arthritis will improve or worsen during pregnancy. These markers were found in white blood cells and genes related to B cells, and may help women plan their treatment and avoid unnecessary medication exposure.
A new study has detected high levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in two Australian aged care facilities, highlighting a concerning trend in the sector. The study used wastewater-based surveillance to detect antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and found above-average levels of gentamicin resistance in one facility.
Researchers at UVA Health System have developed a powerful new tool to understand how medications affect men and women differently. The model has provided unprecedented insights into biological processes in the liver, helping ensure that new medications will not cause harmful side effects.
Researchers found that etripamil nasal spray restored normal heart rhythms within 30 minutes in 54% of patients, making it a potential new option for self-treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The study showed the medication to be safe and well-tolerated.
A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.
New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.
Researchers found that EHR systems rated as being difficult to operate did not perform well in safety tests. When clinicians experienced difficulties with EHRs, those systems were less likely to flag medication errors.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
Scientists at UCSF have developed an artificial kidney that can mimic key functions of a real kidney. The bioreactor keeps kidney cells alive for up to seven days and has shown promising results in animal trials. If successful, the device could improve treatment for kidney disease, making it more effective, tolerable, and comfortable.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...
A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment, EBT-001, effectively removes SIV from the genomes of non-human primates without off-target effects. The study's findings support the development of a cure for HIV/AIDS in humans and pave the way for ongoing clinical trials.
Scientists created a unique data process that provides valuable insights into how drugs are processed in the body and their impact on biochemical responses. The approach reveals detailed maps of drug transformation and allows for simultaneous discovery of fate and effects.
A new study by UCLA chemists reveals that many HHC products contain less of the biologically active isomer, which can lead to inconsistent effects. The researchers have developed a method for synthesizing the more active isomer, reducing variability in products.
A new drug treatment, KCL-286, has demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial, promoting recovery through activating retinoic acid receptor beta (RARb) in the spine. Researchers are now seeking funding for a Phase 2a trial to study its effects in those with spinal cord injuries.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
The AAGBI has published new guidance on safe injection practice, highlighting the importance of prefilled and labelled syringes to avoid medication errors. The guidance recommends standardization of fit-for-purpose physical structure and medicine storage, as well as exploring technological solutions to reduce errors.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
A muscle-building supplement called beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been shown to reduce plaques and increase factors for neuronal growth in mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology. The study found that HMB stimulates a nuclear hormone receptor to improve memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that PCSK9 inhibitors may impair lung function in some patients, while statins have a protective effect on the brain, increasing hippocampus volume which may reduce dementia and depression risk. The study used genetic data from 340,000 UK Biobank participants.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
The eTRANSAFE project has integrated data from over 10,000 pharmacological studies to predict drug safety. The project's machine learning application, Flame, can analyze preclinical and clinical studies to identify potential side effects.
A new drug, mirikizumab, has demonstrated a doubling in remission rates for ulcerative colitis patients, with up to 50% achieving clinical remission. The treatment showed little to no side effects and was found to be safe, offering a promising option for those with moderately severe and severe forms of the disease.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
The article explores how Quris-AI's bio-AI platforms can solve clinical prediction challenges, predicting safe and efficacious drug candidates. Bio-AI advances will cut the time and cost of developing safe drugs, breaking down barriers for personalized medicine and rare disease cures.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
The FDA has issued a Biomarker Letter of Support for four novel biomarkers identifying drug-induced pancreatic injury. These microRNAs will enhance the detection of acute drug-induced pancreatic injury (DIPI) in phase 1 clinical trials, improving safety and accuracy.
A statewide pay-for-performance intervention based on Choosing Wisely reduced rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections from 43% to 25%. This reduction occurred without measurable harms at safety-net hospitals serving disadvantaged patients.
A new study found that police drug seizures are associated with increased fatal overdoses in the surrounding geographic area, suggesting that efforts to disrupt drug markets can have unintended effects. The research highlights the need for comprehensive policing strategies that consider all outcomes, including harm reduction approaches.
Researchers have developed a color-changing material that can detect when medications get too warm, with tunable melting points to track temperatures from -94 to +99 degrees Fahrenheit. This innovative system has the potential to reduce electronic waste and improve medical cold supply chains.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
Researchers have developed a pharmacological treatment that improves cardiac function in patients with stiff-heart syndrome, a condition caused by amyloid protein deposition. The new drug reduces amyloid protein deposits and shows promise in reversing established disease symptoms.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that valbenazine significantly reduces chorea symptoms in patients with Huntington’s disease. The Phase III trial showed improvement as early as the second week of treatment, with consistently greater benefits compared to a placebo.
A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
A study analyzing 34,000 people found that lowering sclerostin levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that strategies to minimize potential impact on heart attack risk are needed.
A multicentre registry study found that medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain while reducing the total number of medications and opioids taken. Products with an equal balance of THC and CBD were particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and symptoms.