Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Ezogabine, an antiepileptic drug, has been shown to reduce motor neuron excitability in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The study's findings could lead to the development of new therapies for ALS and establish the use of neuron excitability metrics as valuable biomarkers.
A large study of over 2,300 patients found that paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents do not increase mortality rates compared to conventional devices. The results resolve a long-standing debate on the safety of these treatments for peripheral arterial disease.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that maternal asthma medication is associated with an increased risk of premature births and small birth weights. The study analyzed data from over 117,000 births in Wales and found that prescriptions for asthma medicines were linked to lower birth weights and higher rates of preterm birth.
The study highlights a need for standardized terminology to distinguish between medicine misuse, abuse, and medication errors. A clear taxonomy is required to accurately identify situations involving medicine misuse, ensuring better public health outcomes.
Researchers found that red propolis extract was more effective in reducing parasite load and killing helminths than the only available drug, praziquantel. Red propolis also blocked reproduction and oviposition, making it a promising alternative treatment for schistosomiasis.
Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) achieved undetectable cancer levels in nearly 80% of patients, and durable responses in most participants. The therapy demonstrated improved response rates for follicular lymphoma compared to marginal zone lymphoma.
Researchers found metformin use reduced mortality risk by 21-24% among female patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The study suggests inflammation reduction as a key mechanism, but more research is needed.
A study found that vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can metabolize HIV prevention drugs, reducing their effectiveness. This imbalance can increase the risk of HIV transmission in women. The researchers highlight the need for better treatments and studies on women's health to improve HIV prevention efforts.
A new antiviral drug, MK-4482/EIDD-2801, completely suppresses virus transmission within 24 hours, according to Georgia State University researchers. The drug is potent against influenza viruses and has broad-spectrum activity against respiratory RNA viruses.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received genetic test results about statin side effects did not have worse outcomes after one year. The study's results provide reassurance that pharmacogenetic testing can be used to maximize benefits while minimizing harm.
Researchers use human white blood cell membranes to carry drugs directly to infected lungs in mice, successfully treating bacterial growth and inflammation. The nano-sized drug delivery method shows promise for treating infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that fluorescent proteins behave like miniature antennas, absorbing and emitting light in specific directions. This finding has significant applications in basic biological research and novel drug discovery.
A new special edition of Rehabilitation Psychology examines the diverse ways caring for an individual with TBI impacts well-being, including family life, mood, physical health, sleep and social relationships. A unique tool called the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System helps standardize measures for quality of life in caregivers.
A large Swedish registry study found that DOAC use did not reduce the rate of hospitalisation, intensive care or fatality due to COVID-19. The study included over 100,000 patients with atrial fibrillation and over 350,000 individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers are investigating a potential treatment for people recently diagnosed with SARS-Cov2 who have no or mild symptoms. The trial aims to determine whether treating asymptomatic patients with a combination of medications can reduce viral replication and the risk of getting sick.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that observing safe peers can encourage young people to make healthier decisions. The research team found that substance-naïve teens were more likely to follow their safe peers' choices, leading to safer outcomes.
A new study finds that tiny malfunctioning compartments in neurons, called endosomes, are commonly defective in Alzheimer's patients. Endosomal trafficking disruption is associated with high levels of tau proteins in spinal fluid and blood, making it a promising target for developing therapies.
A new drug treatment, otilimab, has shown promising results in reducing both inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a multicentre trial, patients who received otilimab demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores, while also experiencing reduced tender and swollen joints.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that iron infusion is highly effective in low-income settings compared to oral iron tablets. Women who received an iron infusion had normalized levels of haemoglobin after just six weeks, with continued benefits after one year.
Researchers have created a bioactive plant-based nanocellulose hydrogel to support organoid growth for biomedical applications. The gel is cheaper than current gold standard options, cost-effective and animal-free.
A research team led by Susan Bergeson has developed a new medication to treat alcohol use disorder, receiving a $7.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to begin testing the drug. The treatment targets neuroinflammation as a major pathway in AUD.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended against using remdesivir for treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals, regardless of their severity. The guideline is based on a review of four international trials involving over 7,000 patients and found no meaningful effect on mortality or ventilation needs
Research from USC's Keck School of Medicine found that financially exploited seniors show distinct brain activity patterns compared to those who have not been victimized. The study also linked hearing and vision problems to increased frailty in older adults who experienced financial exploitation.
Researchers at UIC are conducting three national NIH studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of various types of blood thinners for treating adults diagnosed with COVID-19. The trials aim to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular or pulmonary complications, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attacks.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that pod e-cigarettes are significantly safer than combustible cigarettes, with reduced levels of carcinogens and respiratory symptoms. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be a viable harm-reduction option for smokers who struggle to quit or reduce their smoking habit.
A novel diabetes medication, sotagliflozin, significantly reduces hospitalization for heart failure, heart attack, and stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The study found a 26% decrease in cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
Researchers will analyze human tissue samples to determine genetic predispositions to liver side effects from antiviral drugs. The study aims to identify potential genetic factors and dosing recommendations for safer treatment.
The study provides milestone data from six growth studies, revealing consistent growth trajectories among the studies. Researchers aim to develop prediction models for clinicians to optimize treatment timing and develop individualized predictions of future growth.
Researchers found that combining ticagrelor and aspirin is more effective than either medication alone in preventing another stroke in patients with heart plaque. The study showed a 27% reduction in stroke risk among these patients, highlighting the potential benefits of this combination therapy.
A novel patient engagement tool improved treatment outcomes for half of the 290 patients with heart failure, who were randomized into two groups. The study found that patients assigned to the engagement tool received better treatment and had optimized medication prescribing, which can improve patient outcomes.
A combination of remdesivir and hrsACE2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load and inhibited replication in cell cultures. The therapy achieved a dual effect with low doses and lower toxicity, paving the way for clinical trials. HrsACE2 is currently being evaluated in a phase II trial involving 200 people with severe COVID-19.
Finerenone reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other negative cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes. The medication also reduced the rate of death, hospitalization for heart failure, and worsening kidney disease among these patients.
A global clinical trial led by Cleveland Clinic found that rilonacept resolved acute pericarditis episodes and reduced recurrence risk. The study showed 81% of patients on rilonacept reported no symptoms, compared to 25% on placebo.
A Portland State University study found that pharmacy dropboxes increase customer awareness of proper drug disposal and reduce improper disposal methods. The study suggests that legislation mandating dropboxes at pharmacies and industry funding for disposal are crucial to addressing this issue.
A Rutgers study found that nursing staff had the highest rate of COVID-19 infections among health care workers. Health care workers with direct patient contact and those caring for multiple patients with suspected or confirmed cases were more likely to test positive.
The SCORED and SOLOIST trials demonstrate the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or recent worsening heart failure. These trials show significant reductions in cardiovascular events, including deaths, hospitalizations, and strokes.
A new medication, mavacamten, has been shown to reduce heart muscle thickness and improve cardiac structure and function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study found significant reductions in heart mass and improvements in blood flow, exercise capacity, and markers of fibrosis.
In a new study, patients taking statins reported experiencing symptoms that were identical to those experienced while taking placebo pills. Researchers suggest that the nocebo effect may be the cause of these side effects, rather than an actual pharmacological effect of the drug.
Researchers found that 90% of symptoms reported by statin users were also experienced when taking a placebo. This suggests a psychological rather than pharmacological effect of statins. Despite concerns about side effects, half of participants restarted taking a statin medication six months after the trial.
A new fish oil-based medication, omega-3 carboxylic acids, did not decrease the risk of cardiac events compared to a placebo in a large phase III international study. The study found no significant differences in cardiovascular death or heart attack rates between the two groups.
Researchers found that rivaroxaban is comparable to warfarin in preventing events in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban was also shown to be superior to warfarin for a subgroup of patients with recent mitral valve replacement.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that baricitinib treatment significantly reduces mortality in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The drug, commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, was shown to block viral entry and reduce inflammation, leading to a 71% reduction in mortality rates.
A new medication has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure-related events in patients with reduced ejection fraction. The study found that omecamtiv mecarbil, a novel heart medicine, had a greater effect on patients with lower ejection fractions.
A clinical trial found that fluvoxamine prevented COVID-19 infections from worsening and kept patients out of the hospital. The antidepressant drug reduced inflammation and protected against serious breathing difficulties, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
Brigham researchers present findings on the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies in reducing cardiovascular events and deaths in both younger and older patients. Additionally, a study reveals that over 80% of heart failure patients are eligible for recently FDA-approved SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.
A clinical study found that baricitinib reduced the rate of death or invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19 by roughly half. The drug also restrained high ACE2 receptor expression in liver cells, helping to reduce viral infection.
A national study published in JAMA found that hydroxychloroquine did not improve clinical outcomes for adult patients hospitalized with respiratory illness related to COVID-19. The study, which enrolled 479 patients, showed no evidence that the drug prevented death or helped patients recover more quickly.
A single daily pill combining blood pressure and cholesterol medications with or without aspirin reduced cardiovascular disease events in people at intermediate risk for heart disease. The polypill plus aspirin combination lowered cardiovascular disease by 31%, compared to the polypill alone, which reduced it by 21%.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that a type of arthritis drug called baricitinib can reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19 among elderly patients. The study found that patients who received the drug had a 71% reduced risk of death compared to those who did not receive it.
A recent study published in JAMA found that fluvoxamine may prevent serious breathing problems in people with mild COVID-19 illness. The results show that fluvoxamine has the potential to reduce the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that fluvoxamine prevented serious clinical deterioration in COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate disease. The study, which involved 152 patients, showed that those treated with fluvoxamine were less likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization.
Researchers found that C-section birth doubles asthma and allergy risk, but recovery of gut microbiota by age 1 may prevent this. The study suggests restoring the perturbed microbiome could prevent asthma development in high-risk children.
Two studies suggest that older adults aged 70 and over with elevated LDL cholesterol levels have the highest incidence of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol-lowering therapies, including statins, are as effective at reducing cardiovascular events in this age group as they are in younger people.
Using FDA-approved treatments increases the likelihood of success, but many smokers still struggle to quit. New research finds e-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than other therapies, including nicotine-free options and behavioral counseling.
A study analyzing over 20,000 participants found that healthy lifestyle behaviors decreased the risk of death regardless of medication usage. Higher numbers of healthy habits led to lower death risks.
A study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter found a significantly higher risk of death and ICU mortality. However, meta-analyses examining the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on COVID-19 outcomes showed no increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or dying from the illness.
A Rutgers study found antipsychotic prescribing in young children is declining, but doctors continue to prescribe for conditions lacking FDA approval and without recommended psychiatric consultations. The study highlights the need for safer first-line psychosocial treatments to minimize risks associated with antipsychotic treatment.
A new study shows that the introduction of new cancer drugs between 2000 and 2016 led to a significant reduction in mortality rates for patients with 15 common types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. The study estimates that these drug approvals saved over 1.2 million lives during this period.
Mavacamten improves key structural abnormalities in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, reducing obstruction to blood flow and abnormal mitral valve motion. The treatment also decreases elevated filling pressures and restores normal cardiac structure and function.
A new medication, centhaquine, has been found safe and effective in treating severe blood or fluid loss caused by trauma. The study showed significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and improved blood pressure and organ function.