Articles tagged with Drug Studies
According to a new study, hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program provide more medication access services than comparably sized non-340B hospitals. The study found that 340B hospitals offered an average of 6.2 services, including prior authorization assistance and free or discounted outpatient medications.
New research reveals that deworming expectant mothers significantly reduces infant mortality and low birth weight, with a 14% decrease in neonatal mortality risk. In countries with lower transmission rates, deworming treatment decreases the odds of low birthweight by 11%.
A USC study reveals that 1 in 3 neighborhoods in the largest US cities have limited pharmacy access, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino residents. This 'pharmacy desert' phenomenon may contribute to persistent racial and ethnic health disparities.
A pharmacist-led smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve medication safety and reduce hospitalizations in kidney transplant recipients. The study found that participants who used the app were 61% less likely to experience medication errors and 45% less likely to experience serious side effects.
A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.
A phase two study found that an experimental treatment improved cognitive function and language in patients with fragile X syndrome. The treatment, BPN14770, increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the brain, which is critically involved in memory formation.
Researchers found that common over-the-counter antibiotic treatments can slow healing and prevent regeneration of hair follicles after wounding. The study suggests that normal levels of bacteria actually improve healing, challenging the long-held theory that antibiotics promote healthy skin regeneration.
The ANTICOV study is testing a new potential treatment that combines nitazoxanide and ciclesonide to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The trial aims to identify early treatments that can prevent progression to severe disease and potentially limit transmission.
A randomized trial found that droperidol was more effective than lorazepam or ziprasidone for sedation in patients with acute undifferentiated agitation. Additionally, it was associated with lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the other medications. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A Phase 2b trial will test Dalbavancin for safety and efficacy in treating complicated S. aureus bacteremia in hospitalized adults. The study aims to validate a dalbavancin regimen of one dose a week for two weeks, potentially leading to a shorter and less invasive treatment.
The NCI-MATCH cancer clinical trial is expanding with the addition of a new treatment arm, Arm Z1M, which targets mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 protein expression. This brings the total number of available treatment arms to 12, addressing 12 unique molecular targets and corresponding drugs that have shown efficacy evidence.
A new mouse study found that ACE inhibitors can increase levels of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in the body. The researchers suggest that people taking these medications should work with their healthcare providers to manage their treatments.
Researchers discovered that strawberry geranium (Saxifraga stolonifera) suppresses excessive immune response mediated by Toll-like receptor 2, reducing skin inflammation. This finding offers a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics and steroid-like compounds used to control dermatitis.
A clinical trial of 240 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 found that a high dose of vitamin D3 had no impact on length of stay or risk of ICU admission and death. The researchers suggest that continuous use of vitamin D may have beneficial effects for certain individuals, but more research is needed.
Etrasimod demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in both clinical signs of atopic dermatitis and patient reported outcomes. The treatment group achieved statistical significance in the percentage change in weekly peak pruritis, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).
A study investigated racial/ethnic representation in ophthalmology drug trials approved by the FDA. It found significant disparities, highlighting a need for increased diversity in clinical trial participation.
A Phase 3 trial to test the safety and efficacy of Zyesami and remdesivir for life-threatening cases of COVID-19 has begun enrolling patients. The trial aims to provide additional protection for lung cells and increase treatment options for critically ill patients.
A new study found that the anti-aging compound NMN improved insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of postmenopausal women with prediabetes. However, it did not lower blood glucose or blood pressure, and more research is needed to determine its clinical benefits.
A new study highlights the urgent need for more research on safe approaches to discontinuing antidepressant treatment. Long-term use can lead to adverse events, but the current low-certainty evidence makes it difficult to determine the best tapering strategies.
A new analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that fear of cancer recurrence leads to increased use of healthcare resources by cancer survivors. Implementing existing effective interventions for fear of cancer recurrence may improve both mental health and reduce unnecessary healthcare usage.
Pharmacist-led programs have been shown to prevent medication-related harms such as cognitive impairment and falls in older adults. Medication reviews and education for healthcare professionals were the most common interventions.
A new analysis of the EAGLES trial data found that varenicline does not increase the risk of psychiatric problems in people without a history. In those with a psychiatric history, it likely did not cause problems but with less certainty.
The ACTIV-2 trial is testing SAB-185, a fully-human polyclonal antibody therapeutic candidate for COVID-19. The trial will enroll participants with mild or moderate cases of the disease and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
A large randomized Phase 3 clinical trial will test existing prescription and over-the-counter medications for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The ACTIV-6 trial aims to provide evidence-based treatment options for adult patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms, reducing the need for hospitalization.
According to a new study published in Pain, nearly one-fifth of American adults (20.5%) suffer from chronic pain, with significant impacts on workdays missed, social activities, and daily living. The total economic burden is estimated at nearly $300 billion annually, including lost wages and productivity.
Scientists develop new catalyst to efficiently synthesize aziridines with high enantiopurity, a crucial step towards creating novel medicines. The reaction method also shows potential for other stereo-selective synthetic reactions.
A novel PET radiopharmaceutical targeting vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) showed promising results in a first-in-humans study. The compound was well-tolerated and safe, with thousands of times lower doses than regular drugs.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of SGLT2 inhibitors among Black, Asian, female, and lower-income patients with diabetes. The study's findings are consistent with prior studies showing decreased use of novel therapies among marginalized groups.
Researchers found that about 25% of study participants developed vision loss from glaucoma, a lower rate than expected. The conventional thinking was that most patients with elevated eye pressure should receive treatment due to high costs and potential side effects.
In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.
The NIH is conducting a Phase 2 trial to test the safety and efficacy of an anti-CD14 antibody, IC14, in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low blood oxygen. The study aims to determine if treatment with IC14 decreases recovery time and reduces disease severity.
A comprehensive analysis of 80 scientific studies found a 'window of impairment' of 3-10 hours caused by moderate to high doses of THC. Impairment duration varies depending on dose, method of consumption, and user's regularity., The study suggests that laws should focus on safety on the roads rather than arbitrary punishment.
New studies show a similar association between ambient air pollution and worse COVID-19 outcomes, with long-term exposure linked to increased risk of infection and death. The pandemic has highlighted the need for stricter air quality standards and improved respiratory health worldwide.
A new combination drug therapy using a live common cold virus has demonstrated safety and efficacy against advanced skin cancer. The treatment shrunk melanoma tumors in nearly half of patients, with some experiencing complete remission.
Studies found that patients treated with antipsychotics had a lower risk of becoming infected or suffering a milder form of the disease. The protective effect was attributed to the reduction of inflammatory and immunological pathways associated with COVID-19 severity.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is launched to evaluate ImmunityBio's Anktiva (IL-15 agonist) in Thai participants with acute HIV infection. The goal is to target the establishment of the HIV reservoir at a very early stage.
A clinical practice review article by Rita Kalyani provides a systematic approach for treating patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The article recommends using GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly for patients with heart or blood vessel disease, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need to rethink antihistamine use, as millions worldwide take these medications incorrectly. The study emphasizes that newer generation antihistamines are safer and more effective than first-generation antihistamines.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion significantly improves access to evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder among those involved with the criminal justice system. However, disparities persist due to incarceration-related stigma and barriers to treatment.
A study examining remote cardiology clinic visits during COVID-19 found disparities in patient use of care, diagnostic testing, and medication prescribing. The transition to remote visits was associated with uneven access to care, highlighting the need for improved healthcare infrastructure.
A new study found that certain high blood pressure medications prescribed to people with HIV may alter their heart risk, particularly those taking beta-blockers. Researchers suggest ACEi/ARBs and diuretics as safer alternatives.
A study by a University of Ottawa medical student found that video games can improve surgical skills, particularly in robotic surgery and laparoscopic procedures. Games like Super Monkey Ball and Half Life were associated with improvements in time to completion, economy of motion, and overall performance.
A new study by UC researchers uses brain imaging to predict treatment outcomes for adolescents with anxiety disorders. The study showed that medication can 'dampen' the overactivity of fear areas in the brain, leading to improved transmission of messages between neurons.
A low-cost hypertension management intervention was shown to be cost-effective and scalable for rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that scaling up the program could save governments $10.70 per participant treated, with costs decreasing over time.
Researchers used an FDA-approved cancer drug to blunt the effects of a toxic COVID-19 viral protein on human cells. The study found that the drug improved cell survival by 12% and restored damaged cellular functions.
A new study published in Neurology shows that cholinesterase inhibitors can slow cognitive decline and reduce mortality in people with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients treated with these drugs had a 27% lower risk of death compared to those not treated, highlighting the benefits of current treatment recommendations.
A new review identifies key personality traits associated with positive and negative psychedelic experiences, suggesting that individuals open to new experiences and willing to surrender may benefit from the therapy. Researchers propose using lower doses as a starting point for hesitant patients, building up to higher doses later.
Researchers found that combination therapy is equally effective to levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism, with patients preferring DTE over other treatments. Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) was shown to improve symptoms and lead to modest weight loss compared to levothyroxine.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society has found that commonly used medications for type 2 diabetes and obesity, known as GLP-1 RAs, are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This new research provides relief to concerns arising from previous clinical trials of liraglutide.
A pilot clinical trial found that progesterone injections improved lung function and reduced disease severity in male patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19. The study suggests a potential protective effect of female hormones against the disease.
A study found that osteoporosis treatment is rarely prescribed to patients who break a hip, despite medical associations recommending evaluation and treatment. The study's lead author suggests that the diagnosis of osteoporosis is often overlooked, even in patients with disease-defining fractures.
A new smartphone app has been shown to improve medication adherence and safety in patients with chronic kidney disease. The eKidneyCare app sent monthly reminders for medication reviews and reduced medication discrepancies by 44% compared to a commercially available stand-alone app.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of adults over 65 taking thyroid hormone also use medications known to interfere with thyroid function tests. The study highlights the complexity of managing thyroid hormone replacement in older adults, who often take multiple medications for other conditions.
The AMP trials tested a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01, which was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains in sensitive populations. However, results showed that more than one single bnAb is needed to prevent HIV acquisition, highlighting the need for combination monoclonal antibody cocktails.
The Endocrine Society emphasizes the need to study biological differences between females and males in medicine and research to improve public health. Studies have shown that SARS CoV-2 infection disproportionately affects men, while failing to consider sex differences can lead to failure of promising drug candidates.
Adding icosapent ethyl to statin therapy may lower stroke risk by an additional 36% in people with high triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease. The study, based on the REDUCE-IT trial, found that icosapent ethyl can benefit patients with heart disease, diabetes, or elevated triglycerides above 150mg/dL.
A randomized clinical trial found that participants experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder showed significant improvements in reducing drinking and improving health through behavioral harm reduction treatment. The study suggests that traditional abstinence-based treatment may not be effective for this population.
An observational study analyzed data from 10,477 individuals in Israel and found that aspirin use was associated with a 29% lower likelihood of COVID-19 infection. Aspirin treatment was also linked to shorter conversion times for positive to negative PCR test results and reduced disease duration.
A study conducted in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa among 162 people living with HIV found that home delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly increased viral suppression compared to clinic care. The paid home delivery model improved health outcomes, particularly for men who struggle with clinic-based services.
A year-long clinical trial by University of Washington School of Medicine found hydroxychloroquine ineffective against COVID-19 progression to pneumonia or hospitalization. Researchers were able to efficiently enroll participants remotely and obtain vital signs through self-submitted data.