Drug Studies
Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Study shows that most weight loss achieved using injectable obesity drugs can be maintained by switching to daily oral orforglipron (ATTAIN-MAINTAIN)
People who have lost weight using tirzepatide are seven times more likely to maintain their weight loss if they continue on the maximum dose compared to those who stop treatment
Generative artificial intelligence can significantly reduce the number of animal experiments
Researchers developed genESOM, a generative AI that can expand dataset volume and simulate larger animal numbers while maintaining reliability. This allows for 30-50% reduction in animal experiments without compromising results.
New post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron in adults over 65 with obesity, with or without diabetes
A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.
Pooled analysis of trails reveals semaglutide shows good efficacy in older adults aged over 65 years
A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.
Oral small-molecule GLP-1 drugs penetrate deep into the brain to suppress cravings
A recent NIH-funded study reveals that oral small-molecule GLP-1 drugs can suppress eating for pleasure and reduce cravings by targeting a deeper brain region, potentially treating other dysfunctions in reward processing. The findings provide insight into the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of these medications.
ERASur colorectal cancer trial reaches one-third patient accrual milestone
The ERASur clinical trial is investigating whether total ablative therapy can improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed, limited metastatic colorectal cancer. The study has reached one-third patient accrual milestone, signaling strong momentum.
UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital treats first clinical trial participant in novel cancer study
The hospital is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating STAR0602, which activates the immune system to stop tumor growth across various cancers. The goal of this study is to identify safer and more effective treatments for people with advanced cancers.
For women with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, could Roche’s best selling drug be doing more harm than good?
The FDA is reviewing a petition to revoke the approval of Roche's top-selling drug ocrelizumab for treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis in women due to concerns over its lack of effectiveness and potential increased risk of breast cancer. The investigation highlights internal FDA warnings about the drug's safety and effectiv...
New drug doubles one-year survival in pancreatic cancer trial
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that a new drug, elraglusib, when combined with chemotherapy, doubles one-year survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients, reducing the risk of death by 38%. The study is a rare success in showing a survival benefit applicable to a broad population.
New AI technology to speed drug development
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.
Brain tumors: 3D experimental system to evaluate candidate drugs against glioma
Researchers have created a 3D experimental system to study the response of low-grade gliomas to drugs, providing a more realistic environment for testing treatments. The system uses organoids from pluripotent stem cells to replicate glioma development and characteristics.
AI-based monitoring reveals protein deficiencies in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss
A real-world study found that adults taking GLP-1 RAs for weight loss have significantly lower total energy and protein intake. The use of an AI-powered nutritional tracking app revealed that 88% of users were under national protein guidelines, with many skipping meals to reduce protein intake.
Antidepressant unable to prevent chemotherapy-associated nerve damage
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
OYE Therapeutics achieves first patient first dose in 505(b)(2) bridging study
OYE-101, a novel intravenous caffeine formulation, has been developed to accelerate recovery from general anesthesia and deep sedation. The company's lead program is being evaluated in a scientific bridging study to support a 505(b)(2) NDA for OYE-101.
Alliance marks Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
City St George’s partners with Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals to investigate mechanism of osteoarthritis pain drug candidate
City St George's, University of London, is partnering with Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals to test a potential treatment for osteoarthritis. The partnership aims to investigate the mechanism of action of pentosan polysulfate sodium (iPPS) on bone marrow lesions, which are linked to pain in osteoarthritis.
AstraZeneca joins Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program as Funding Partner
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program has partnered with AstraZeneca to support five medical students participating in the Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). The program provides immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers in clinical research.
PSMA therapy delays hormone therapy in prostate cancer
A new study shows that PSMA therapy can delay the need for hormone therapy in prostate cancer patients by an average of 20 months. The therapy is effective in earlier stages of the disease, improving survival and quality of life for approximately two out of three patients.
Global trial supported by SickKids stem cell research shows targeted heart drug reduces obstructive HCM in youth
A global clinical trial led by SickKids has found that mavacamten improves blood flow and reduces obstruction in youth with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart disease. The study's results offer hope to families avoiding open-heart surgery, setting the stage for precision therapeutics.
Landmark Alliance ATOMIC Trial establishes new standard of care for patients with stage III dMMR colon cancer
The phase III Alliance ATOMIC trial shows that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy improves clinical outcomes for patients with stage III dMMR colon cancer. The study found a 50% reduction in cancer recurrence risk and a 86.3% disease-free survival rate at three years.
Using new anti-obesity drugs in prevention of obesity-related cancers – global panel of experts suggest 10-year trial with 5,000 participants with cancer pre-cursor condition to establish efficacy
A global panel of experts recommends a 10-year trial with 5,000 participants at high risk of cancer due to pre-cursor conditions. The trial will evaluate the potential efficacy of GLP-1 and dual receptor agonists in preventing obesity-related cancers.
Answering an urgent need
The Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation has donated to USC's Keck School of Medicine to enhance clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer's. This will increase domestic and international sites, accelerating the development of treatments specifically for this population.
New test dissolves threat of fake drugs
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.
For the first time, Robert A. Winn Career Development Award opens to neuropsychiatry investigator-physicians
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
New alliance clinical trial aims to improve outcomes in brain tumors
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer
The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.
Safer blood clot treatment with apixaban than with rivaroxaban, according to large venous thrombosis trial
A large venous thrombosis trial has found that apixaban is safer than rivaroxaban, with 3.3% of participants experiencing clinically relevant bleeding compared to 7.1% with rivaroxaban. This trial has significant implications for clinical practice and patient care.
Wegovy may have highest ‘eye stroke’ and sight loss risk of semaglutide GLP-1 agonists
Analysis of unintended side effect reports reveals that Wegovy carries the highest risk of 'eye stroke' and sudden sight loss among semaglutide drugs, with odds nearly 5 times higher than Ozempic. The risk is particularly pronounced in men, with a signal nearly 3 times higher than in women.
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March
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.
New study identifies growth hormone receptor as possible target to improve lung cancer treatment
Researchers at Ohio University discovered that blocking the growth hormone receptor may help make lung cancer treatments more effective. Patients with low GHR tumors survived significantly longer than those with high GHR tumors, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.
Alcohol explains most suspected drugging cases
A nationwide review of 373 reported drugging cases in Denmark found that alcohol was the most frequent substance detected in complainants' blood and urine samples. Blackout was also a common symptom, suggesting high levels of alcohol consumption.
Barshop Institute to receive up to $38 million from ARPA-H, anchoring UT San Antonio as a national leader in aging and healthy longevity science
The Barshop Institute will conduct the VITAL-H trial, evaluating the repurposing of FDA-approved medications to delay age-related health decline in generally healthy middle-aged adults. The trial aims to preserve everyday abilities during a critical window of midlife aging.
Researchers identify speech latency as a key biomarker for predicting treatment response in patients with schizophrenia
A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified speech latency as a promising biomarker to enrich clinical trials for patients with schizophrenia. By analyzing speech latency, participants with a high placebo response can be identified and excluded, leading to significant improvements in treatment outcomes.
Randomized trial finds drug therapy reduces hot flashes during prostate cancer treatment
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.
OYE Therapeutics will initiate clinical development of its caffeine injection
OYE-101, a novel intravenous caffeine formulation, aims to accelerate recovery from general anesthesia and deep sedation in adults. The FDA-cleared treatment also seeks to address opioid-induced respiratory depression and related overdose situations.
Pulling the plug on tumors: Varun Venkataramani receives Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Early Career Award 2026
Cancer cells tap into the nervous system's power grid by forming synaptic contacts with nerve cells, promoting tumor growth and spread. Venkataramani's research aims to repurpose the drug perampanel for glioblastoma treatment and develop gene therapy approaches to disconnect tumors from the nervous system.
Targeted therapy shows promise against aggressive brain tumors, alliance trial finds
A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.
UCLA Health launches novel clinical trial for recurrent prostate cancer
The Phase 2 ANDROMEDA trial combines two types of PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals with stereotactic body radiotherapy to delay progression and minimize side effects in patients with oligorecurrent prostate cancer. Researchers aim to determine which approach provides the most durable cancer control.
Alliance trial reveals gene variant may affect prostate cancer drug efficacy
A major U.S. clinical trial has uncovered a genetic factor that may inform how to optimize the dosing of abiraterone, a widely used hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who carry a specific version of the gene SULT2A1 clear abiraterone from their bodies more slowly, which could affect how well it w...
New alliance trial seeks to reduce delays in gastrointestinal cancer treatment
A new clinical trial, PAGODA, seeks to minimize treatment interruptions and help patients complete their chemotherapy as planned. The trial will test a structured plan to guide doctors in making small, proactive changes to chemotherapy doses to prevent treatment delays.
Personalizing cancer treatments significantly improve outcome success
A clinical trial by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that personalizing cancer treatments using molecular testing improves treatment success. The study used advanced genomic sequencing to identify unique tumor DNA profiles and developed personalized treatment plans, resulting in better treatment results for patients.
NU-9 halts Alzheimer’s disease in animal model before symptoms begin
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
4 million for study with personalized phage therapy
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Vasoactive drugs and the distribution of crystalloid fluid during acute sepsis in sheep
Acute sepsis alters fluid kinetics and creates a 'third space' resistant to adrenergic modulation, leading to maldistribution of crystalloid fluid. Vasoactive drugs have limited effect on fluid distribution in septic sheep compared to healthy animals.
Blood test may help identify which colon cancer patients benefit from NSAIDs
A blood test may help doctors identify which patients with colon cancer can benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and chemotherapy after surgery. The test measures circulating tumor DNA levels, and high-risk patients who test positive see improved survival rates when taking celecoxib with chemotherapy.
FDA drug trials exclude a widening slice of Americans
A study found that only 6% of FDA-approved drugs reflect the US racial and ethnic makeup, with a decline in Black and Hispanic enrollment between 2021 and 2023. The researchers recommend setting diversity goals at preclinical stages and collecting biological samples to understand how people's bodies react to medications.
Mass General Brigham announces new AI company to accelerate clinical trial screening and patient recruitment
Mass General Brigham's new AI company, AIwithCare, has developed a software platform that leverages generative AI to screen patients for clinical trial eligibility. The tool, RECTIFIER, was found to accurately identify eligible patients and enroll them in clinical trials at a lower cost than traditional methods.
Sedative choice could improve outcomes for breathing tube patients
A randomized trial found that etomidate is safe to use and significantly decreases the risk of dangerously low blood pressures during tracheal intubation compared to ketamine. This new evidence supports the use of etomidate as a safer alternative for critically ill adults.
Mass General Brigham announces new AI company to accelerate clinical trial screening and patient recruitment
The company's AI tool, RECTIFIER, uses generative AI to screen patients for clinical trial eligibility, significantly outperforming manual screening in accuracy and efficiency. The tool has been shown to more accurately identify eligible patients and reduce the burden of manual chart review in various healthcare settings.
New online tool detects drug exposure directly from patient samples
A new online tool has been developed to detect drug exposure directly from patient samples, revealing a more accurate picture of what drugs are in a person's body than what is listed on their medical record. The tool uses a publicly-available library of chemical fingerprints from thousands of drugs and their breakdown products.
World's first mitochondrial disease treatment 'MA-5' commences Phase II clinical trial
A new treatment called MA-5 has been developed to target mitochondrial diseases, a rare and intractable condition with severe symptoms like neurological disorders and organ damage. The Phase II clinical trial is expected to slow the progression of the disease and improve hearing loss, a common complication.
Faster, simpler, more efficient, and sustainable: A new method for detecting illicit drugs on surfaces
A new method for detecting illicit drugs on surfaces uses common household items to identify both the type and quantity of substances, achieving high levels of sensitivity and selectivity. The process reduces toxic chemicals and is faster, simpler, and more environmentally sustainable than existing methods.
Monthly injection helps severe asthma patients safely stop or reduce daily steroids
A monthly injection has helped 90% of severe asthma patients reduce their reliance on daily steroid tablets. Treatment with tezepelumab improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and overall quality of life, with two-thirds of patients experiencing no asthma attacks.
Much-needed new drug approved for deadliest blood cancer
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.
Behind the 2025 “shroom boom” hides a bad trip
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
Phase 2 clinical trial results show potential to shorten TB treatment time
Sorfequiline, in combination with pretomanid and linezolid, showed greater activity against TB than the standard of care, indicating potential to shorten treatment time. The regimen had a comparable safety profile to the standard of care for people with drug-sensitive TB.
Shingles vaccine most promising common drug to potentially prevent Alzheimer’s – research
A new study has identified three existing medications that could potentially prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. The shingles vaccine is the most promising candidate, showing a strong safety record and reducing dementia risk by 16%. Repurposing medicines from other conditions offers a quicker and safer route to potential new treatments.
First-of-its kind nationwide telehealth therapeutic clinical trial for cancer now open at Ohio State
A nationwide telehealth clinical trial is now open at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for adults with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer with specific mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene. The study will test pemigatinib, a smart drug targeting these genetic mutations.