Articles tagged with Drug Studies
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.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression, with effects lasting at least a year for most patients. The treatment was shown to produce large decreases in depression severity and stable rates of response throughout the follow-up period.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a new method to generate sulphur pharmacophores, which are crucial for drug discovery. The method uses a catalyst called pentanidium and can produce multiple variations of pharmacophores, making the process more efficient and fruitful.
A new study from China suggests that tenecteplase, a bioengineered variant of alteplase, may increase the time for stroke treatment beyond 4.5 hours, potentially saving lives. The medication appears safe and potent in reestablishing blood flow through blocked brain vessels, but more research is needed to understand its effectiveness in...
The anticholinergic burden scale helps identify patients at risk of cognitive decline from these medications. The editorial highlights the complexity of safely reducing or stopping these medications due to their risks.
A clinical trial of niclosamide in COVID-19 patients found signals of benefit warranting further study. The medication showed potential in reducing contagiousness and symptoms, particularly in higher-risk populations.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
A large study analyzed administrative health data from Ontario and found a low risk of major anomalies with tramadol and morphine, minor anomalies with codeine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone exposure. The study highlights the need to consider both the benefits and harms of opioid treatment during pregnancy.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that baricitinib significantly reduced all-cause mortality in critically ill COVID patients on mechanical ventilation. The drug showed a 62% lower mortality rate compared to placebo, with one additional life saved for every six people treated with baricitinib.
A study estimates that switching from capsule to tablet or ointment and cream forms of prescription drugs can result in significant cost savings for insured patients. The analysis found potential savings ranging from $500 to $1,400 per year.
Researchers analyzed data from hospitals in the US, Australia, and New Zealand to compare alteplase and tenecteplase for treating ischemic strokes. The study found that patients treated with tenecteplase had significantly lower rates of serious bleeding into the brain compared to those treated with alteplase.
Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.
A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs is being developed to target the PCSK9 protein, which regulates LDL receptor degradation on cells. These therapies have shown promise in reducing LDL levels with fewer side effects than statins.
A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.
Researchers have identified the impact of protein corona formation on nanoparticles' physiochemical and biological properties. This knowledge can be used to optimize carriers for nanomedical applications, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of biopharmaceutical delivery.
A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.
A new study aims to improve antibody responses in kidney and liver transplant recipients to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses, exploring the impact of reduced immunosuppressive medication. The CPAT-ISR trial will enroll up to 400 adults with a history of organ transplants and evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified two hemp compounds that can block the coronavirus from entering human cells. Preclinical trials are expected to begin within a few months, and the study's findings suggest these compounds may be effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2.
A comprehensive study investigates the metabolism of four drugs in rabbit eyes, revealing different enzyme profiles from liver metabolism. The findings provide valuable information for advancing ophthalmic drug development.
A clinical trial found that combining remdesivir with hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin did not improve health status or safety for adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The trial also showed a higher risk of adverse outcomes among patients who generated SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies before treatment.
Lab tests show current anti-COVID pills remain effective against omicron, but available antibody therapies are substantially less effective. Researchers tested various treatments and found that some antibodies have lost their ability to neutralize omicron at realistic dosages.
Researchers found minority groups were less likely to start newer diabetes medications, despite needing them most. The study used data from nearly 5,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and showed Black patients were 20% less likely and American Indian or Alaskan Native patients were 50% less likely to initiate treatment.
A randomized controlled trial of combinatorial pharmacogenetics testing found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. However, the study suggests that testing results may influence physician decision-making and could be useful in specific cases where individual gene-drug pairs impact clinica...
A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.
Researchers developed an experimental drug that silences a faulty FUS gene, potentially treating rare and aggressive forms of ALS. The treatment delayed motor neuron degeneration in mice and showed promise in a patient with FUS-ALS.
A new study found that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs do not protect people with rheumatoid arthritis from developing Parkinson's disease. However, using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine was associated with a lower risk of PD. The study controlled for various factors, including comorbidities and age.
A retrospective analysis of 13 clinical trials found that most combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors worked due to independent drug action, rather than synergy or additivity. This discovery has implications for cancer clinical trial design and may help improve treatment outcomes.
A new review and meta-analysis found that drug companies are increasingly disclosing negative study findings for antidepressants. While progress has been made, full transparency remains an issue, with researchers emphasizing the need to report all trial results, both positive and negative, to inform patient treatment.
Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.
A randomized controlled trial found that remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study involved 1282 patients and showed that those treated with remdesivir were able to come off oxygen and ventilators sooner than those receiving standard care.
Rice University researchers developed a microfluidic platform to analyze how infectious bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics. The platform allows for controlled environments and fine-tuning of conditions, revealing previously unknown pathways to resistance.
Researchers found that a third of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration can safely stop eye injection therapy without further vision loss. Patients who stopped treatment showed better visual acuity, gain of vision, and less fluid in their retina compared to those requiring continued injections.
Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.