Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Two studies found that e-cigarettes are not effective in helping adults quit smoking, but may lead to nicotine dependence. Researchers used data from a large nationally representative longitudinal study and found that cessation rates did not differ between e-cigarette users and closely matched smokers who did not use e-cigarettes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that JAK inhibitors improved developmental milestones in patients with AGS, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment showed promise in improving neurological function, particularly in children who received higher doses.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are conducting a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of nasal saline irrigations in reducing COVID-19 symptoms and transmissibility. The study aims to explore if nasal hygiene can be used as an affordable and accessible treatment option.
A Yale clinical trial is using an automated bilingual computerized approach to screen for and intervene with high-risk drinking behaviors among Latino patients in emergency departments. The study aims to explore unique differences within Latino subgroups and advance understanding of addressing health disparities in alcohol use disorders.
A new study found that an educational mailing did not increase the uptake of stroke prevention drugs among patients with atrial fibrillation. The IMPACT-AFib trial involved over 47,000 patients and showed no significant difference in oral anticoagulant initiation between the intervention group and control group.
A randomized trial found that continuing common heart medications in COVID-19 patients did not negatively impact their health. The trial enrolled 659 patients and showed no significant difference in the number of days alive and out of hospital between those who continued and suspended their medications.
A recent study by the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences found that one quarter of prescription drugs in Canada were reported in shortage during a study period. The average length of a shortage was five months, with markets with single generic manufacturers being the most vulnerable to shortage.
The LoDoCo2 trial found that low-dose colchicine significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by almost one-third in patients with chronic coronary disease. The study also showed that colchicine was well-tolerated over the long-term, with no significant adverse effects.
Two randomized controlled studies demonstrate that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow CKD progression across all patient groups, not just those with diabetes. The DAPA-CKD trial found a significant reduction in kidney function decline and end-stage disease with dapagliflozin treatment.
The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.
A large study of over 260,000 participants found no evidence that blood pressure lowering drugs increase the risk of cancer. The research analyzed data from 31 trials and investigated five antihypertensive drug classes, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
The EAST-AFNET 4 trial found that early rhythm control therapy reduces cardiovascular complications and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control therapy delivered soon after diagnosis can improve outcomes, including reduced risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
The PARALLAX trial found that sacubitril/valsartan reduces NT-proBNP levels by 16.4% compared to individualised medical therapy, indicating improved heart failure severity. However, functional capacity was not improved, with no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between groups at week 24.
A large Australian-Dutch trial confirmed low-dose colchicine significantly reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with chronic coronary disease. Colchicine was safe and well-tolerated over the long-term, making it a potential cornerstone treatment alongside aspirin and statins.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that senolytic drugs can rejuvenate older organs, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates. The study suggests that these drugs could help close the gap between organ demand and supply, benefiting patients on transplant waitlists.
A Yale University study finds that the brain takes time to normalize after abstaining from alcohol, making 'one day at a time' an effective recovery strategy. The study also suggests potential medications to aid in long-term abstinence.
Researchers developed a synthetic compound called CPTX that improved symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, and cerebellar ataxia in mice. The protein restored neural connections, increased excitatory transmission, and promoted memory formation.
Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can completely prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Staphylococcal enterotoxin. The study suggests a possible treatment for ARDS caused by COVID-19.
The Phase I/II LIBRETTO-001 trial found that selpercatinib achieved durable objective responses in the majority of participants with RET gene fusions, including an ORR of 85% in previously untreated patients. The study also showed promising results in patients with brain metastases and thyroid cancers.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.
A new clinical trial, TAILOR-PCI, found that genetic testing can identify patients who may benefit from alternative antiplatelet therapy. The study showed a statistically significant 40% reduction in blood clotting events in patients with the CYP2C19 gene variation who received genotype-guided treatment.
Most adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and common forms of arthritis are not at increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19, despite taking immunosuppressive medications. Hospitalization rates for these groups are similar to those for the general population.
A recent trial found that genetic testing can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events after balloon angioplasty. The study used personalized genetic testing to identify patients with a specific gene variation that affects the activation of antiplatelet medication, resulting in a 34% reduction in adverse events.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a new class of compounds that can restart cellular production of VEGF-A, a key factor in rebuilding blood vessels and muscle in damaged heart tissue. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at IKBFU have discovered that heather is a rich source of biologically active compounds with various medicinal properties. The study found that the budding stage of heather plants contains the highest amount of flavonoids, which are of great medicinal value.
A Danish study found that none of the most common high blood pressure medications increase depression risk, while nine lowered it. The medications enalapril and ramipril, amlodipine and other calcium antagonists, and beta-blockers like propranolol lowered depression risk.
Vaxine Pty Ltd is accelerating clinical testing of its COVAX-19 vaccine using Microsoft's AI for Health program. The company aims to collect and analyze trial data in real-time, reducing the traditional waiting period.
Researchers have discovered stable, synthetic STING agonists that induce anticancer immune responses in mice. These non-nucleotide small molecule STING agonists show robust anti-tumor activities and may represent an attractive approach for targeting the STING pathway.
A European research alliance studied 252 adults at risk of spinocerebellar ataxia, tracking the development of symptoms over several years. The study provides valuable data for prevention studies and highlights the need for additional biomarkers to detect ataxia early.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with hypoxia responded positively to icatibant treatment, with improved oxygen levels and reduced need for supplemental oxygen. A follow-up study is underway to explore the effectiveness of a new drug, lanadelumab, which may offer longer-lasting benefits.
Biomedical scientists have discovered that diethylcarbamazine directly targets parasitic worms with a temporary paralysis, allowing the host's body to flush out the parasites. This breakthrough could lead to better predictability of resistance development and more effective treatment outcomes for patients.
A new diagnostic definition for Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) has been established, allowing researchers to better characterise the condition and its prognosis. The criteria also hold promise for strengthening research into dementia by identifying patients for trials.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that pregnant women face significant challenges accessing opioid treatment, including limited provider availability and high out-of-pocket costs. The study calls for policymakers to intervene and establish systems for timely access to life-saving medications.
A new study found that short-term use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication can effectively prevent HIV transmission in men who have sex with men. During a vacation, 94% of participants had blood concentrations protective against HIV, while no transmissions occurred during the trip itself.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital studied nearly 94,000 people with atopic dermatitis and found no association between topical immunosuppressants and increased skin cancer risk. The study suggests that patients can safely use these medications to treat their condition without an increased risk of skin cancer.
New research from UC Berkeley and University of Chicago finds a significant gender gap in drug dosages, leading to women experiencing worse side effects nearly twice as often as men. The study recommends dosage reductions for women for various medications, calling for broader awareness of biological sex and gender differences.
A new international study has shown that a newly developed treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is highly effective, with an 85% success rate among patients with serious comorbidities. The regimens, bedaquiline and delamanid, offer a promising alternative to the historical standard of care, which has approxim...
Majority of patients in remdesivir trials were Caucasians, raising concerns about medication efficacy in people of color. The study emphasizes the need for diverse clinical trial participants to accurately represent the US population and inform treatments.
A study conducted at an EPA facility shows that expired and sterilized used N95 masks retain their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. The researchers created a hierarchy of mask supplies, ranking N95 masks as the safest option, followed by CDC-FDA-NIOSH approved products.
The Studies To Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network will focus on Central Appalachia's urgent need for recovery support services. Researchers aim to advance understanding of treatment services, particularly those using medication-assisted treatment and counseling.
The COVID-19 Prevention Network is launching two Phase 3 trials to evaluate the effectiveness of LY-CoV555 and REGN-COV-2 monoclonal antibodies in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among high-risk groups. These trials aim to explore the potential of mAbs as a rapid solution to prevent COVID-19 acquisition.
The study found that implementing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV and newer tuberculosis medications decreases the risk of death for adults with drug-resistant TB. Access to these life-saving medications varies widely globally.
A team from Lawson Health Research Institute is conducting a multi-centre clinical trial to study the use of inhaled sedatives as an alternative to intravenous sedatives for COVID-19 patients requiring ventilation. The trial aims to improve patient outcomes and address global shortages of IV sedatives.
A new drug, ofatumumab, has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and clinical relapses in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Nearly nine out of ten patients on the treatment showed no sign of disease activity after one year.
Among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease, limited use of recommended medications was observed. Despite similar treatment needs, Hispanics of Mexican background reported the lowest usage of cardiovascular medications, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that two-thirds of hospitalized seniors are prescribed inappropriate medications, increasing the risk of injury and adverse drug reactions. The study concludes that improving hospital prescribing practices can reduce this risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a next-generation cholesterol-lowering drug can lower blood cholesterol to safer levels faster when added to traditional therapies. The study showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol during hospitalization and within a month following a heart attack, suggesting the drug is safe a...
Researchers used machine learning to correlate information on drugs, genes, and diseases, identifying 63 drugs targeting 31 genes as potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The approach will also be applied to search for correlations between drugs, genes, and COVID-19.
The SEMIRA trial found that continuous glucocorticoid regimens controlled disease activity better than discontinuation, but the latter was also effective in preventing long-term side effects. Treatment success rates were 77% for continued prednisone and 65% for tapering regimen.
Researchers found that nearly 40,000 people who received Botox injections for various reasons reported significantly lower rates of depression compared to patients undergoing different treatments. The study suggests a complex mechanism underlying the antidepressant effects of Botox.
A panel of experts recommends using remdesivir in patients with severe COVID-19 to potentially reduce recovery time. However, the evidence is uncertain due to limited trials and study limitations, making it a costly treatment option.
Researchers analyzed how ovarian function in mice responded to various levels of glyphosate exposure and found increased ovarian weight and follicle number at highest exposure levels. However, the study did not uncover evidence that glyphosate affects the healthy functioning of ovaries.
A randomized clinical trial found that prescribed doses of non-intoxicating CBD reduced cannabis use and increased abstinence days. Participants treated with 400mg or 800mg CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and more days abstinent compared to placebo.
A phase 2a trial of 82 people investigated whether cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and can help people with cannabis use disorder reduce cannabis use. The study found that daily prescribed medical-use CBD use can cause reduction in cannabis use among people with cannabis use disorder.
The observational study evaluates COVID-19 studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, assessing their characteristics and expected evidence strength. The study highlights the importance of considering study design, sample size, and outcome measures when evaluating the quality of COVID-19 research.
The article discusses drug-induced interstitial lung diseases caused by breast cancer treatments, which can be fatal. Multi-disciplinary integration of clinical practice and pharmacology may reduce the incidence of these diseases.
A phase I clinical trial found that the antiviral drug cocktail ledipasvir/sofosbuvir resulted in a 100% hepatitis C cure rate among nine pregnant volunteers, with none of their babies contracting the virus. The study suggests that pregnancy could be an excellent time to diagnose and cure hepatitis C infection.