Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new study found the second-generation Chocolate Touch paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter to be superior for opening blocked leg arteries. The trial showed improved patency rates and lower mortality rates compared to the commercially available Lutonix device.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A new animal study suggests that combining marijuana compounds like CBD and THC with opioids may not increase the risk of addiction. The research found that these compounds do not enhance the rewarding effects of opioids, which could lead to a lowered risk of addiction or physical dependence.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.
Vupanorsen, an experimental drug targeting non-HDL cholesterol, showed modest reductions in Non-HDL cholesterol by up to 28%, triglycerides by up to 57%, and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) levels by up to 95% in patients with high cholesterol.
Researchers found significant and sustained improvements in left ventricular outflow tract gradients, health status, symptoms, and exercise capacity among patients taking mavacamten. The drug appears to be safe and well-tolerated long-term with no new adverse events reported.
A preclinical study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given the mineral supplement Aquamin did not develop liver cancer, unlike those without the supplement. The researchers observed a dramatic reduction in late-stage consequences of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animals receiving the supplement.
The study found that patiromer significantly lowers blood potassium levels in patients taking RAASi medications for heart failure. The results suggest that patiromer can be used to control excess potassium buildup in the blood, which is a common side effect of RAASi therapy.
A study found that omecamtiv mecarbil did not improve exercise capacity or daily physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The drug was well-tolerated, but its effectiveness in improving functional limitations was limited.
The study found a twofold regression of coronary atherosclerosis and stabilization of high-risk plaques in patients who received alirocumab, compared to those who received a placebo. Patients treated with alirocumab also needed significantly fewer repeat stenting procedures.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers shows that adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are more likely to develop prescription drug misuse and overdose risks in adulthood. Screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult problems and prevent overdoses.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new antidiabetic substance that preserves beta cell activity and prevents high blood glucose in mice. This approach may prevent the exhaustion of beta cells and improve long-term diabetes treatment.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that astegolimab reduced exacerbation rates by 22% and improved quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were seen in those with specific inflammatory signals and genetic markers.
A systematic review of animal studies suggests that regular caffeine consumption can increase attention and retention capacity in people with ADHD. The study found improved concentration, learning benefits, and memory improvements without adverse effects on blood pressure or body weight.
A new study shows that a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, sargramostim, improves cognitive function in people with Down syndrome and normal aging mice. The drug reverses learning and memory deficits, nerve cell loss, and brain abnormalities in mouse models of Down syndrome and aging.
A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.
A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...
A Rutgers analysis of Medicare database found that two IV iron formulations have a much higher chance of provoking severe allergic attacks. The risk was highest for iron dextran and ferumoxytol, with rates three to eight times higher than ferric gluconate.
A new study found that an orally absorbed tablet containing cannabidiol (CBD) effectively reduced post-operative pain after shoulder surgery without side effects. The study showed significant pain relief and higher patient satisfaction compared to placebo, highlighting the potential of CBD as a safe and effective pain management tool.
A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the AFIRE trial found that reduced kidney function significantly influences bleeding events during antithrombotic therapy. Patients with healthy kidney function have a decreased risk of bleeding over time, while those with reduced kidney function remain at high risk.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A study finds that extreme heat is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, particularly among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,100 counties in the US and found that each additional day of extreme heat was linked to an average of 600-700 additional deaths per year.
Medication for opioid use disorder was lowest among adolescents and adults ages 50 or older, with only 13% of adults in this age group receiving treatment. The study highlights substantial gaps in access to medication treatment, particularly among people of color and those with at least some college education.
Scientists have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha protein. The compound YCT529 was found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy without observable side effects, paving the way for human clinical trials.
A study found that only 28% of individuals needing opioid use disorder treatment received medication, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight critical gaps in treatment engagement and access to effective medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new oral compound that is as effective as molnupiravir in reducing disease in mice, showing promise for treating COVID-19. The pill form of remdesivir could make it accessible for early treatment and reduce hospitalization rates.
Researchers report promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria. The therapy showed better effect sizes than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was equally effective in treatm...
A Phase 3 clinical study of selinexor as maintenance therapy for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer showed a 30% decrease in hazard for progression or death compared to the placebo-controlled group. Patients with functional p53 genes saw the most pronounced effect, with median progression-free survival at 10 months longer.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened a new treatment arm in the NCI-MATCH trial for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 expression. The trial is evaluating two immunotherapy combinations: relatlimab plus nivolumab and dabrafenib plus trametinib, both targeting BRAF mutations.
A clinical trial found that genomic sequencing enabled 107 patients to receive matched therapy, increasing treatment options for those experiencing cancer relapse. The study identified previously unknown mutations and showed promise for using circulating tumor DNA to identify targetable alterations.
Two clinical trials will report groundbreaking data on adjuvant olaparib for germline BRCA1/2 associated breast cancer and pembrolizumab for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. These treatments aim to improve survival rates and reduce recurrence.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that a higher dose of the antibiotic rifampin may be more effective in treating TB meningitis, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The research suggests that high doses of rifampin can kill bacteria faster while minimizing brain inflammation.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
A new smartphone app developed by Scripps Research calculates genetic risk for coronary artery disease and finds that users at high risk are more likely to start using statins or other cholesterol-lowering therapies. The app, called MyGeneRank, uses genetic data from 23andMe and outputs a CAD risk score.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine inhibits pathways that drive resistance to cisplatin in head and neck cancers, restoring tumor-killing effects. The study paves the way for a clinical trial combining hydroxychloroquine and cisplatin to treat chemotherapy-resistant patients.
Fosfomycin, a long-dormant antibiotic, has been revived as a potential treatment for multidrug-resistant E. coli infections. The study involved 143 patients with invasive urinary tract infections and found effective results, offering an alternative to last-resort antibiotics.
A randomized Phase III trial showed a significant overall survival benefit with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy for postmenopausal patients with HR+ and HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The median survival was 63.9 months, and the six-year survival rate was 44.2%, compared to 51.4 months and 32% for placebo.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved funding for 12 new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies focusing on maternal health, autism, and urinary incontinence. These studies will improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in real-world settings.
Research found that individuals who have previously taken cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering medications before a heart attack were less likely to adhere to these medications afterwards. Despite the proven benefits, fewer than one-third of patients continued taking their prescribed tablets for over a year after hospitalization.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open finds that a combination treatment of nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline is more effective for smoking cessation in heavy drinkers, resulting in 44.3% abstinence rate. Participants also showed significant reductions in drinking rates, with 25% decrease in weekly drinking days.
The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.
Researchers created implantable beads that produce high concentrations of interleukin-2, a natural compound activating white blood cells to fight cancer. The treatment eradicated ovarian and colorectal cancer in mice within six days, paving the way for human clinical trials later this year.
Researchers found that some painkillers and fever medications may help fight infection, while others can weaken the immune system. The review highlights the need for more studies on the impact of these medicines on infectious diseases.
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a groundbreaking approach to drug testing and treatment development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With over 800 patients enrolled, the trial has already shown promising results, including a favorable active-to-placebo ratio of three to one in favor of receiving an active drug.
A new study suggests that outpatient treatment for infective endocarditis can reduce mortality rates, extend life expectancy, and be more cost-effective than standard inpatient therapy. The strategy also showed improved cure rates compared to other approaches.
A University of Cincinnati clinical trial showed promising results for patients with intermediate risk head and neck cancer when an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, was added to standard treatment regimens. The study found improved one-year disease-free survival rates compared to historical controls.
A Phase 1 clinical trial showed CBM588 significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer when combined with immunotherapy. The treatment also increased response rates compared to immunotherapy alone, with no significant differences in toxicity.
A new patient-centered intervention reduced severe asthma exacerbations by 15% in African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. The study also found improved asthma symptoms and days of impairment, mirroring previous recommendations for patients with similar conditions.
A study found that older adults are open to using smart packaging to track their medication, with ease of use and social support being key factors. However, device size, cost, and inconsistent technology usage were major drawbacks, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to assess patient needs before recommending these products.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development
A randomized, double-blind study found suvorexant to be effective in reducing insomnia severity and night sweats in peri- and postmenopausal women. The medication showed promise as a treatment for chronic insomnia in midlife women.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted lung cancer clinical trial enrollment, with a 14% decline between 2019 and 2020. Patient-specific challenges included fear of infection, transportation issues, and willingness to visit sites.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.
A new study suggests that common blood pressure medications can prolong survival for pancreatic cancer patients. The study found that patients who took ARB-type therapies and ACE inhibitors had a lower risk of mortality compared to those who did not.