Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.
Researchers at Purdue University and Houston Methodist have developed a novel TB vaccine formulation that enhances T cell responses to combat tuberculosis. The new vaccine uses autophagy-mediated antigen presentation, showing promising results in improving immune response.
Researchers have identified several drug contenders that can block or reduce SARS-CoV2 infection in cells, including lactoferrin and MEK-inhibitors. These findings suggest potential efficacy against COVID-19 variants, with ongoing clinical trials to examine their ability to reduce viral loads and inflammation.
A nationwide study found that US health systems used COVID-19 treatments dexamethasone and remdesivir variably, with dexamethasone possibly underused in severe cases. The use of these drugs peaked in mid-2020 but fell to lower rates by late February 2021.
Recent studies demonstrate the applications of LC-MS in characterizing Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, real-time drug measurement, and bioactive compounds from Osmanthus fragrans. These techniques offer high sensitivity, robustness, and ease of use for quality assessment and characterization.
Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans remain underrepresented in pancreatic cancer clinical trials, despite federal mandates. The lack of diversity hurts patients and science alike, with racial and ethnic minorities accounting for a disproportionate burden of pancreatic cancer cases.
A multicenter randomized trial showed acupuncture improved symptoms of moderate to severe CP/CPPS, with effects lasting over 24 weeks. Acupuncture was more effective than sham therapy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Researchers found that four patients with rare angiosarcoma partially or completely responded to treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. Stable disease was maintained by two more patients, with at least one patient experiencing complete tumor disappearance.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.
A licensed drug normally used to treat abnormal levels of fatty substances in the blood, fenofibrate, has been shown to significantly reduce SARS-COV-2 infection in human cells in laboratory settings. The reduction of infection was obtained using safe and achievable concentrations of the drug.
Researchers found no evidence of increased suicide risk among patients taking recently developed antiseizure medications. The study suggests that the FDA's blanket warning on anti-seizure medications may not be justified, highlighting concerns about its impact on patient treatment and trial results.
A study examined the association between COVID-19 and prescription medication changes among nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada. The researchers found significant changes in medication prescribing patterns before and after the pandemic onset.
A new study published in DNA Repair shows that hydroxychloroquine exhibits DNA-damaging and mutagenic effects at a clinically achievable dose. The findings suggest the possibility of additional side effects, particularly in patient populations, and emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and informed consent.
A synthetic hinge concept developed by Indiana University School of Medicine Professor Michael A. Weiss and his team could lead to a breakthrough in 'smart' insulin therapy. The invention exploits a natural mechanism that allows the insulin to adjust its activity based on blood glucose levels, which could transform diabetes care.
A new study finds that youth-onset type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing serious complications by young adulthood. Within 15 years of diagnosis, nearly a third of participants had two or more complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and eye disease.
A phase 2 study found that riluzole slowed brain metabolic decline and improved cognitive performance in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The drug targets glutamate dysregulation thought to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.
A study found that antibodies produced to fight Covid-19 can trigger platelet activity, leading to fatal blood clots. Researchers developed a lab-based test to replicate this process, and suggest that existing medications may be able to inhibit platelet response.
Analysis of real-world data found that ACE inhibitors and ARBs prevent heart events with equal effectiveness, but ARBs may cause fewer side effects. Patients taking ARBs were 3.3 times more likely to develop angioedema, while those taking ACE inhibitors were 32% more likely to experience a cough.
A multinational observational study compared the safety and efficacy of ARBs and ACE inhibitors, finding no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes but a lower risk of side effects with ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients worldwide and used advanced mathematical techniques to reduce bias.
A study found that lonely older adults are at a higher risk of using high-risk medications. The survey data analysis revealed a significant correlation between loneliness and medication use among adults over 65.
A phase 2 trial of Loncastuximab tesirine demonstrates efficacy in treating relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), with a response rate of 48% among patients. The drug, an antibody-drug complex targeting CD19, provides a novel mechanism of action for this patient population.
A new dietary supplement, K.Vita, has been shown to reduce seizures in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with a mean 50% reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events. The study found that the supplement was well-tolerated and palatable, with fewer than 10% of participants producing significant ketones.
A new clinical trial aims to test a personalized treatment for severe asthma targeting a specific mutation found disproportionately in people of color. The trial, led by Boston Children's Hospital, will test dupilumab, an existing drug that blocks the mutated IL-4 receptor, in patients with and without the mutation.
Researchers analyzed 1.95 million family units, finding a low overall rate of misattributed paternity (1.7%) with rates closer to 1% in recent decades. The study's findings suggest that misattributed paternity is unlikely to have significant effects on hereditary condition studies.
A novel method predicts COVID-19 clinical trial success rates by analyzing features from clinical trial reports, including keywords and drug information. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting trial status, indicating a potential tool for optimizing research efforts and reducing costs.
A study by Cleveland Clinic found that combining a weight management program with FDA-approved anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight loss among adults with obesity. The research showed that participants who had access to the medications averaged -7.7% weight loss at 12 months, compared to -4.2% in those without medication.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are using mathematical models to simulate COVID-19 infections and test drug efficacy. The models allow for virtual trials, helping narrow down effective treatments before clinical trials begin.
The global Phase 2/3 study with opaganib in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia has completed patient treatment and follow-up. The company expects to report top-line results in the coming weeks, which will determine the efficacy of opaganib in treating COVID-19.
The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality rates in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The study also showed similar safety profiles for dapagliflozin and placebo in this patient population.
A study found that adolescent girls and young women in Africa consistently used daily oral PrEP and monthly dapivirine vaginal ring to prevent HIV. The results exceeded expectations, with 97% of participants using the products, indicating high acceptability and adherence.
A study found that high-dose buprenorphine administered in emergency departments is safe and tolerable, providing extended withdrawal relief and helping patients navigate barriers to follow-up care. The therapy may enhance opioid use disorder treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (z-drugs) significantly increase the risk of death when used in combination with opioid pain medications. The risk is particularly high for those taking benzodiazepines, which had a 221% increased risk of death.
A new study published in the North American Menopause Society's journal Menopause found that a plant-based diet rich in soy reduces moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 84%, with nearly 60% of women becoming free of these symptoms. The study also showed improvements in sexual symptoms, mood, and overall energy.
Researchers found a 40% objective response rate for patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. The treatment was well-tolerated, with improved progression-free and overall survival rates compared to standard chemotherapy.
A new trial found that remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine have no impact on viral clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite not affecting mortality, the treatment groups showed a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 load within the first week.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that managing medications at the end of life can be a significant 'work' task for families. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide tailored support and for simplifying Health and Social Care services to make them more navigable.
Two new studies aim to reduce vaccine hesitancy among long-term care workers, a key population group vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. The studies will test different approaches to increasing vaccine confidence, including virtual webinars, social media content, and peer-led interventions.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a new AI methodology to hunt for disease targets and predict drug success. The approach, which uses machine learning to analyze big data, was tested in a Phase '0' clinical trial and showed high accuracy across diverse IBD patient cohorts.
A vaccine to protect against hepatitis C could be developed and rolled out within five years, according to Professor Sir Michael Houghton. The development of a vaccine is crucial for reducing new infections and mortality rates by 90% and 65%, respectively, by 2030.
A new study found that using an existing immunotherapy drug for late-stage kidney cancer at an earlier stage can reduce the risk of cancer returning by a third. The KEYNOTE study involved over 1000 patients and showed similar side effects to other cancer treatments.
A recent trial by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that azithromycin does not prevent mild COVID-19 cases from progressing to hospitalization or death. The study showed no difference in the risk of progression between those treated with azithromycin and those who received standard care alone.
Researchers found that general internal medicine and family medicine clinicians spent an average of two hours actively using the EHR each day, while pediatricians spent around one hour and a half. The study suggests improvements in messaging and placing orders could reduce burnout among primary care clinicians.
A new study analyzing 1,200 RCTs found that reporting of adverse effects has only improved slightly over the past 17 years. Researchers argue that many trials focus on benefits rather than harms, and selective reporting can misinform clinical decisions.
Researchers analyzed 41 studies on myocarditis in COVID-19 patients, finding median age of 43.4 years and male predominance. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals knowing about this cardiac complication to prevent sudden worsening of patient conditions.
A study led by Regenstrief Institute found that most electronic health record (EHR) alerts attempting to deprescribe high-risk medications linked to dementia went unread, raising questions about their effectiveness. The goal was to facilitate the deprescribing of anticholinergics through both provider and patient-based alerts.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of people living with HIV have coronary artery plaque, even those considered at low-to-moderate risk. The plaque was linked to increased arterial inflammation and immune system activation, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new modeling study suggests that randomization and early recruitment in COVID-19 clinical trials can help identify effective antiviral drugs. The researchers found that timing of treatment initiation also plays a crucial role, with treatments administered within the first day of symptom onset showing improved outcomes.
Researchers analyzed all relevant COVID-19 studies to determine if cardiovascular drugs affect disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. The study found that patients with COVID-19 should continue taking their prescribed cardiovascular medications.
Researchers have successfully repurposed two existing medications to reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in people by at least 30 per cent. The study showed that reboxetine and butylbromide increased muscle activity around participants' airways, reducing the number of breathing stoppages and improving oxygen intake.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that two existing medications can reduce sleep apnoea severity by up to one third. Almost everyone who participated in the study showed some improvement, with increased muscle activity around the airway and reduced breathing stoppages.
A recent trial found that consuming a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduces headache frequency and severity compared to a typical diet. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that increasing omega 3 intake can lead to reduced levels of pain-reducing oxylipins and improved quality of life for those with migraines.
A large study found that pregnant women using over-the-counter painkillers have a higher risk of preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Healthcare guidance for pregnant women regarding non-prescription painkiller use should be reassessed.
Researchers explored whether ivermectin administration influences malaria transmission, finding large effects on mosquito mortality but no significant impact on malaria incidence in children. Further studies are underway to determine the efficacy of community-wide ivermectin treatment for reducing malaria transmission.
Researchers found that LSL60101 improved cognitive deficit and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease in animal models. The compound acts on I2 imidazoline receptors, which are altered in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
The ACTIV (Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines) workgroup has developed nine master protocols to evaluate therapeutic agents for COVID-19. The protocols aim to accelerate drug development and improve treatment outcomes for patients with COVID-19.
Researchers have linked specific genes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using genome-wide analysis, pointing toward novel avenues for treatment. The study identified a strong correlation between OCD and rare mutations in genes such as SLITRK5.
A European gene therapy trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome has demonstrated the first therapeutic effects of the treatment, allowing patients to stop phototherapy. The trial's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting that gene therapy could become an alternative treatment for this severe liver disease.
Antacids have been found to lower HbA1c levels by 0.36% and fasting blood sugar by 10 mg/dl in individuals with diabetes. However, taking antacids had no effect on the risk of developing diabetes in non-diabetic individuals.
A new study found that many younger adult dental patients are taking medications, highlighting the importance of reviewing medication histories. Medications such as antidepressants and opioids can increase the risk of dry mouth, tooth decay, and tooth loss.