Articles tagged with Drug Studies
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.
A new laboratory study has identified five herbal medicines with potent activity against Babesia duncani, a malaria-like parasite causing babesiosis. The herbal medicines included Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Alchornea cordifolia, and Polygonum cuspidatum.
Researchers at UNLV are studying the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA. Their work suggests that these compounds can alter brain activity patterns, leading to rapid antidepressant effects.
A phase 2 trial led by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) shows a promising combination therapeutic candidate for adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. The treatment combines anti-IL-21 antibody with liraglutide and has been found to increase endogenous insulin secretion without safety concerns.
A mobile app designed to help women manage urinary incontinence was found to be equally effective as usual, in-person treatment. After four months, both groups experienced a decline in symptom severity, less frequent leakage, and improved quality of life.
A new study found that 1 in 7 people with dementia are taking at least three brain and nervous system medications, which can accelerate memory loss and increase the risk of falls, overdoses, and death. Regular prescription drug reviews could help spot risky combinations.
Researchers have confirmed the safety of an anti-inflammatory peptide, TnP, which shows promise in treating chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. The peptide has been tested in zebrafish and shown to be non-toxic, crossing the blood-brain barrier without causing neurological problems.
A study analysis suggests bremelanotide has very limited effectiveness as a treatment for HSDD in women. Trial participants preferred taking a placebo over the drug, with higher dropout rates and adverse event-induced discontinuation. The findings also highlight issues with the validity of HSDD as a diagnosis.
A new trial conducted in hospitals across India found that tocilizumab improves outcomes in severely ill COVID-19 patients. Analysis revealed a subset of patients with severe disease may benefit from tocilizumab treatment, reducing mortality risk.
The ACTIV-3 clinical trial has closed enrollment in two sub-studies, one examining the monoclonal antibody therapy VIR-7831 and another evaluating the combination therapy BRII-196 and BRII-198. The trials were halted due to futility, with no safety concerns reported.
A new study found that children born to women taking epilepsy medications during pregnancy have no developmental delays at age three. The study involved 275 women with epilepsy and 77 without the disease, and found no differences in developmental scores between the two groups.
A new study from The George Institute for Global Health found that countries are wasting resources by treating only one aspect of cardiovascular disease, rather than looking at the big picture. The researchers discovered a higher risk of CVD in lower educated and non-employed people, as well as an underuse of medicines in those at high...
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proteins in urine can be used as biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression to chronic kidney disease and death after acute kidney injury. The three protein biomarkers, MCP-1, UMOD, and YKL-40, showed promise in predicting patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified ezogabine, a drug that opens potassium channels in the brain, as a promising new approach to treating depression. The study showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms and anhedonia in patients with depression.
A new trial shows that immunotherapy drug teplizumab can delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes in people at high risk by an average of five years compared to a placebo. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, found reduced T-cell damage and improved insulin-producing beta cells in those who received the treatment.
A new study published in The Lancet found that patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Semaglutide achieved significant weight loss and improved blood glucose control. Two-thirds of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight, while over a quarter lost more than 15%.
A recent international study found that semaglutide, an injectable medication, is effective in reducing weight and treating obesity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study showed significant weight loss results, with over 25% of participants achieving a 10% or greater weight loss.
Researchers found that tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, improved length of stay by eight days and reduced mechanical ventilator use, but had no significant impact on clinical status or mortality rate in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness
Researchers found that heart failure causes impaired gene activity in the brain's memory center, leading to cognitive deficits. A specific drug alleviated mental deficits in mice, suggesting potential approaches for therapies.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab can significantly improve survival and reduce time in ICU, with a 8.5% reduction in mortality.
In a groundbreaking 68-week study, semaglutide combined with intensive behavioral therapy resulted in an average weight loss of 16% for participants, exceeding one-third who lost 20% or more of their baseline weight. The treatment also showed significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and marked metabolic benefits.
A UK-based trial found that statins do not increase the frequency or severity of muscle symptoms in people who had previously reported severe muscle symptoms when taking statins. Most participants planned to restart treatment after completing the study.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received corticosteroids after kidney transplantation had similar survival rates compared to those who did not receive them. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of side effects, including acne and bone disease.
A study published in Stroke found that propranolol can shrink and stabilize vascular lesions in the brain, potentially treating cerebral cavernous malformations. Researchers administered propranolol to mice with hereditary CCMs, which resulted in fewer and smaller lesions.
Researchers found that older people correctly understood basic medication information in over 70% of cases. However, when physicians failed to discuss potential side effects, patients incorrectly assumed there were none for nearly half of their prescribed medications.
Researchers identified a mechanism linking acrolein accumulation to glycocalyx modifications, damaging the blood-brain barrier. The study suggests that acrolein-modified proHPSE could be a novel drug target for post-stroke inflammation.
A research team from Texas A🌍 University and The University of Texas Medical Branch has identified a potential drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 using the FDA-approved heart medication bepridil. The study suggests that bepridil shows significant effectiveness in interfering with SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells.
Aarthi Narayanan and Lance Liotta are conducting three studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of candidate interventions for COVID-19. The researchers are using mouse models to determine the survival advantage conferred by various treatments.
A new report highlights disparities in vaccine clinical trials, showing that certain racial/ethnic groups and older people are not adequately represented. The study emphasizes the need for increased diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
A recent study by University of Alberta cardiologists shows that patients with stable ischemic heart disease and high-risk cardiac anatomy benefit from revascularization with stents or bypass surgery. This approach leads to better health outcomes, including reduced risk of death or heart attack.
The European Union is funding a new vaccine research network, VACCELERATE, to coordinate clinical trials and promote knowledge exchange among 26 partner institutions. The network aims to build long-term herd immunity in Europe by testing vaccine efficacy and safety against SARS-CoV-2.
Using sensor-based asthma inhalers may improve control of the condition and enhance the quality of life for caregivers. The study found that non-Hispanic Black participants experienced the greatest gains in asthma symptom control.
A Phase 3 clinical trial showed that a new medication, avacopan, is more effective than treatment with glucocorticoids in keeping patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis in remission for a year. Avacopan appears to work rapidly and may prevent the accumulation of disease-related damage.
A daily oral combination therapy has been found to be reliable, safe and effective for long-term treatment of uterine fibroids. The therapy, which combines relugolix with small doses of estrogen and synthetic progesterone, led to dramatic improvements in fibroid-related measures such as volume of menstrual blood loss and pain.
Ruth Plummer, a renowned Clinical Professor and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist, has been awarded the TAT 2021 Honorary Award. Her tireless work in clinical trials has led to the development of numerous standard treatments for proven patient benefit.