Articles tagged with Drug Studies
The ACTG announced that the Camostat treatment group in the ACTIV-2 Outpatient Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Therapies Trial will not move to phase 3. The phase 2 data failed to meet criteria for graduation, based on demonstrating early changes in viral shedding or improvement in symptoms.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are conducting a clinical trial to transplant neural progenitor cells into the brains of ALS patients to slow disease progression. The cells have been genetically reprogrammed to express GDNF, which may help keep motor neurons healthy and extend survival.
Opaganib was shown to reduce supplemental oxygen support, improve discharge time and be well-tolerated in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study's findings suggest a potential role of SK2 inhibition in combating the effects of the virus.
The NIH ACTIV-4B trial found that not treating certain symptomatic but stable outpatients with anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy may be the best course of action, suggesting a very low rate of thrombotic complications. This recommendation has immediate implications for prophylactic treatment and management of mild COVID-19 symptoms.
The study found that gantenerumab reduced amyloid plaques, lowered soluble tau and phospho-tau levels, and slowed neurofilament light chain rise in participants with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease. The drug showed potential benefit as a secondary endpoint.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers may confer the greatest benefit to long-term cognition. These medications, which cross the blood-brain barrier, were associated with improved memory recall in older adults with hypertension.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial on losartan for mildly-ill COVID-19 outpatients and found it was ineffective in reducing hospitalization rates. The medication also did not worsen symptoms of COVID-19 or cause significant side effects, according to the study published in EClinicalMedicine.
Recent studies from the University of Minnesota Medical School have found that dramatic drug price increases lead to higher outpatient costs and decreased patient access to appropriate treatment. The studies recommend transparency laws and separate review thresholds for off-patent drugs to address extreme pricing.
A recent study by the National Food Institute found that clotrimazole, an over-the-counter fungicide, can significantly alter sex hormones in pregnant rats and their developing fetuses. This exposure was observed at concentrations comparable to those experienced by human mothers taking clotrimazole to treat vaginal thrush. The research...
Researchers have identified seven genes responsible for excessive inflammation and damage to the lungs in tuberculosis. A new drug treatment, doxycycline, has shown promise in reducing lung damage and accelerating recovery in patients with pulmonary TB.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Data and Safety Monitoring Board reviewed three formal interim efficacy analyses of trials for Moderna, Janssen, and AstraZeneca. The board's goal is to assure public independence and lack of interference while operating under exceptional conditions.
A recent UCLA clinical trial has shown encouraging results in helping daily smokers who are also heavy drinkers quit smoking and cut down their alcohol intake. The study found that nearly 36% of participants had quit smoking, with varenicline alone showing a highly encouraging quit rate.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed AI2 software that analyzes patient data to detect gaps in care and trigger interventions. The tool showed potential in reducing hospitalization rates among patients with severe mental illnesses.
Researchers developed a new dosage form, amorphous solid dispersion (ASD), to increase drug bioavailability. The study showed that ASD increased efavirenz absorption by up to 16.7 times, making it a promising solution for improving medication efficacy.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combination ibrutinib and venetoclax provided lasting disease remission in patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with a three-year overall survival rate of 96%
A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) has added BMS-986414 and BMS-986413, two monoclonal antibodies, to the ACTIV-2 outpatient treatment study for COVID-19. The combination therapy aims to improve efficacy, cover multiple variants, and reduce resistance. Participants will receive subcutaneous injections of the antibodies or placebo.
A live-cell screening strategy identified Kv7.2/7.3 as a key target for treating hyperexcitability-induced neurodegeneration in ALS patients. QurAlis' therapeutic candidate QRL-101 (QRA-244) shows promise in decreasing spinal and cortical motor neuron excitability.
A new vaccine called KCONVAC has been shown to be safe and induce antibody production in healthy Chinese adults. The phase 1 and 2 clinical trials demonstrated that the vaccine is well-tolerated and generates a robust immune response, with stronger antibody production seen when participants received their second dose four weeks apart.
A large research project found that children of women with epilepsy who took antiseizure medication during pregnancy have similar cognitive outcomes at age 2 as those born to healthy women. However, higher levels of medication were linked to lower scores on motor and general adaptive tests related to self-care.
A global multicentre clinical trial found that a one-hour ultrasound-based procedure called 'renal denervation' significantly reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests this procedure could offer hope to patients who do not respond to recommended treatments.
RedHill Biopharma has completed enrollment and randomized the last patient in its global Phase 2/3 study of orally-administered opaganib for treating severe COVID-19. The study captured outcomes such as breathing room air without oxygen support by Day 14, hospital discharge time, and intubation rates.
Researchers have found a new four-month antibiotic regimen using rifapentine to be effective in treating TB, reducing the treatment duration by two months. The study showed that patients with HIV also cleared their TB just as well as those without HIV.
The Phase II study showed that sotorasib achieved a 37.1% objective response rate and 12.5 months median overall survival in previously treated patients with KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The drug was found to be safe and tolerable, with manageable toxicities.
A new drug, sotorasib, has shown significant benefit in treating non-small-cell lung cancer patients with a specific KRAS mutation. The study found that 37.1% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage and 82% saw slowing of tumor growth.
Researchers have found a new treatment with the potential to improve outcomes for patients with hereditary BRCA mutations and high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study shows that olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer returning in high-risk patients following standard therapies.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a promising oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The experimental drug TEMPOL can inhibit viral replication by degrading iron-sulfur clusters required by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicase enzyme.
A phase 3 clinical trial of adjuvant immunotherapy found that pembrolizumab prolonged disease-free survival rates in patients with kidney cancer at high risk of relapse. The estimated disease-free survival was 77.3% with pembrolizumab and 68.1% with placebo, translating to a 32% decrease in the risk of recurrence or death.
Researchers at George Mason University discovered that the over-the-counter drink Respiratory Detox Shot (RDS) may broadly inhibit respiratory viruses such as influenza. RDS contains nine herbal ingredients traditionally used in Eastern medicine to manage lung diseases.
Centivax has entered into a strategic partnership with the US Naval Medical Research Center to develop Centi-B9, a broad-spectrum injectable antibody therapeutic and prophylactic for COVID-19. The Phase I trial aims to demonstrate safety and pharmacokinetics of Centi-B9 in healthy volunteers.
A new type of penile traction therapy (PTT) device has been shown to increase penile length and preserve erectile function in men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery. The device, marketed under the brand name RestoreX, works by applying gentle, dynamic pressure to stretch and shape the penis.
A weight management program has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medications in people with type 2 diabetes. The program, developed by researchers at Universities of Glasgow and Newcastle, induces substantial weight loss and leads to remission of type 2 diabetes in 8 out of 10 participants.
Experts identify four under-researched areas critical to advancing symptom management in progressive MS, including fatigue, mobility impairment, pain, and cognitive impairment. Rehabilitative therapies show promise for managing these symptoms and improving physical and cognitive function.
The COLCORONA study suggests that colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, could be used to prevent COVID-19-related complications in non-hospitalized patients with at least one risk factor for disease progression. The study's primary endpoint was the composite of death or hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.
The NUCLEUS-2021 conference will cover various topics in nuclear physics, including atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, modern methods and technologies, relativistic nuclear physics, and more. The results of the conference will be published in two Springer journals.
A study found that lifting FDA restrictions on mifepristone would allow pharmacy dispensing, normalizing medication abortion care and making it more accessible to patients facing barriers. Providers support this change to reduce logistical barriers and increase patient autonomy over their care options.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is launching a new clinical trial to study the effectiveness of ivermectin, metformin, and fluvoxamine as potential treatments for COVID-19. The multi-site trial aims to prevent hospitalization and 'long COVID' in patients with COVID-19.
A new study suggests that exempting asthma medications from the deductible in high-deductible health plans may reduce medication use and exacerbations in children, but not adults. The research found small decreases in annual fills for some controller medications among children switching to HDHPs.
A new multicenter study found that continuing antiseizure medication after neonatal seizures stopped did not prevent epilepsy or developmental delays in babies. This contradicts standard practice of extending treatment for months, and highlights the need to reassess standard care for newborns with seizures.
A two-year study found that providing patients with free access to essential medicines increases adherence by 35% and reduces total health spending by an average of over $1,000 per patient per year. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, tested the effects of free medication on a selected set of medications.
Researchers at UCI tracked 22,896 patients with COVID-19, analyzing medicine usage rates of 10 different medicines. The study found that dexamethasone increased in usage from 1.4% to 67.5%, while hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin saw significant declines.
A new class of diabetes medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists, has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and reduce lung inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that these medications can help control asthma exacerbations and reduce breathing symptoms.
A national study found nearly 90,000 people taking immunosuppressive drugs, including steroids, may have a slower or weaker response to COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are exploring strategies to improve vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population.
A multinational study validated a four-month multi-drug therapy regimen as effective as the standard six-month treatment for active tuberculosis, reducing treatment time by a third. The new regimen, which includes rifapentine and moxifloxacin, was safe and well-tolerated.
In a Phase I trial, IACS-6274 demonstrated successful target inhibition and early signs of anti-tumor activity in 60% of evaluable patients. Durable disease stabilization was observed in six patients with biomarker-defined advanced cancers.
A study found six key factors that hinder people with bipolar disorder from taking their medication as prescribed. Patient beliefs and knowledge about the condition, as well as fear of addiction and lack of support from healthcare professionals, were among the factors identified.
The NAVIGATOR study showed that tezepelumab significantly reduced annualized asthma exacerbation rates across all eosinophil level subgroups, including a 70% reduction in EOS ?300. The therapy also prolonged the time to first exacerbation requiring hospitalization or ED visit.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that potentially inappropriate prescribing is associated with functional decline, falls and hospital admissions. Decision support tools can help reduce medication-related harm, but comprehensive assessment of medication use during care transitions is crucial.
A combination of ponatinib and blinatumomab achieves 100% complete response rate and 85% complete molecular remission in newly diagnosed patients, reducing the risk of treatment-related complications. The treatment is safe and well-tolerated, with no additional toxicity observed when used together.
A randomized trial comparing a new, thin-strut bioresorbable scaffold with a metallic stent showed non-inferiority of the bioresorbable scaffold in terms of late lumen loss and covered struts. The trial's results may revitalize the concept of bioresorbable scaffolds.
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration recommend adopting best practices in designing exploratory trials, including rigorous statistical analyses and biomarker selection. These recommendations aim to reduce costs and improve patient engagement in clinical trials.
A randomized controlled trial found that an additional auditing and feedback program on hospital care for heart failure patients did not improve outcomes, including reduced rehospitalization and death rates. The study's lead author suggests future interventions may employ digital tools or focus on care delivery outside the hospital.
Research suggests that higher pulse rates among non-sleepy obstructive sleep apnea patients with coronary artery disease may be associated with increased risk of cardiac events. However, CPAP therapy has been shown to provide protection for these patients, particularly those with high pulse rate responses.
The LIFE trial found that sacubitril/valsartan combination therapy did not improve health outcomes for patients with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The study showed that valsartan alone was more effective in reducing hyperkalemia and clinical outcomes.
Researchers found that sotagliflozin reduced the risk of death or worsening heart failure by 22-43% in patients with both diabetes and heart failure. The medication showed significant benefits across various patient subgroups, including those with preserved ejection fraction.
A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.
Switching from high-potency DAPT (ticagrelor) to less potent clopidogrel after 30 days reduced major cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes. In a study of over 2,700 patients, de-escalation was shown to be safe and more effective than continuing on ticagrelor.
A phase III trial found dapagliflozin did not significantly reduce organ failure or death, but showed favorable safety data and lower numbers of serious adverse events. The study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may offer organ protection in acutely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
In a phase 2 trial, evinacumab significantly reduced triglyceride levels in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, particularly those with specific genetic mutations. The study found that the magnitude of response was highly dependent on the participant's genetic profile.
Patients taking daily omega-3 carboxylic acid had similar rates of major cardiovascular events as those taking corn oil placebo, according to a post-hoc analysis of the STRENGTH trial. Higher levels of achieved EPA and DHA did not affect outcomes.