Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new study found three FDA-approved medications caused distinct physiological changes in microscopic nematode worms C. elegans, suggesting potential unrecognized effects in humans. The research highlights the need for continued evaluation of medications even after FDA approval.
A new study analyzed data on over 15,000 people to better understand the association between HDL cholesterol, heart attacks, and strokes. The researchers found that the number of HDL particles is a more reliable predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than the standard HDL cholesterol metric.
A monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine is being considered as a new HIV prevention method for cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive scientific opinion on its use, paving the way for potential approval.
A Phase III vaccine trial will be conducted at UC San Diego, recruiting up to 500 participants to assess the efficacy and immunogenicity of a Moderna-developed vaccine. The trial aims to demonstrate the vaccine's ability to prevent COVID-19 and severe symptoms, with results expected by end of year.
Case studies published by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that plant-based diets rich in whole carbohydrates improved health markers in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The diets led to decreased insulin needs, stabilized blood sugar control, and reduced cholesterol levels.
Researchers at UC San Diego Health are conducting a national trial to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating severe brain injuries. The study aims to reduce brain swelling and increase oxygenation to neurological tissues, promoting restorative responses over inflammatory ones.
A randomized trial found that IV indomethacin was more effective in successfully closing hemodynamically significant PDAs in very low birth weight infants. The study showed a success rate of 55% for IV indomethacin versus 6% for IV acetaminophen.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that stepping down asthma medication doses did not increase exacerbations and can significantly reduce costs. The research suggests that clinicians may be prescribing higher levels of treatment than is clinically indicated, highlighting the potential for cost savings.
Researchers have identified key biological insights that may help solve the mystery of what drives PAH and why a new therapy in clinical trials may work. The fusion protein is more effective than vasodilators at treating PAH and preventing blood vessel remodeling, restoring a normal balance between cell proliferation and death.
The AHEAD 3-45 study is a Phase III clinical trial aiming to prevent worsening memory and thinking among individuals at risk for future decline. Researchers hope to find that BAN2401 can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
A small clinical trial found that higher doses of omega-3 supplements may be needed to make a difference in preventing cognitive decline. Participants with the APOE4 gene mutation showed lower increases in brain levels of omega-3s compared to those without it.
A new clinical trial suggests that vaporized cannabis is safe and potentially effective in mitigating chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease. The study found that patients experienced reduced pain levels and improved mood over time, paving the way for further research on medical cannabis as a treatment option.
A new study by Dolores Albarracin and colleagues found that people tend to conflate intentions and behaviors in routine actions, creating false memories. This phenomenon has significant implications for healthcare settings and self-reporting of following through on actions.
Wolfram Syndrome is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by diabetes, psychiatric symptoms, loss of vision, deafness, and incontinence. Yale researchers have discovered a potential treatment involving two existing drugs that restore calcium signaling and improve cell functions.
A study supported by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation found that rotigotine, a dopamine-acting drug, improved frontal lobe executive function and daily activities in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. The treatment also enhanced dopaminergic pathways reaching this section of the brain.
The National Lung Matrix Trial, the world's largest precision medicine clinical trial for NSCLC, matches treatments to genetic changes in cancer. It found that targeted therapy is challenging due to genomic complexity and the need for more sophisticated models.
A recent study found that most New Zealanders have large quantities of paracetamol stored at home, contributing to a significant number of calls to the National Poisons Centre. The study's results highlight the need for public initiatives to encourage safe disposal of unused medicines and prevent unnecessary accumulation.
Researchers used single-nucleus sequencing to investigate COVID-19's effects on the heart, discovering that the SARS-CoV-2 receptor is upregulated in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions only in cardiomyocytes. The study also found no significant impact of hypertension medications on ACE2 levels.
A yearlong trial enrolls patients with COVID-19 to evaluate ramipril's ability to prevent worsening of the illness. Experts investigate ACE inhibitors' potential to reduce severity by regulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
A single dose of the drug tocilizumab was found to reduce mortality by 45% and increase the likelihood of patients leaving the hospital or being off a ventilator within a month. However, this benefit came with an increased risk of additional infection.
A new clinical trial has tested a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, showing a median survival time of 14.5 months and a 1-year survival rate of 60.9%. The treatment strategy involves injections of paclitaxel into the abdomen and gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel into the blood.
Tofersen, an experimental drug for a rare inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has shown early promise in a phase 1/phase 2 clinical trial. The study found that the drug is generally well-tolerated and lowers levels of a disease-causing protein in people with SOD1 ALS.
A large, NIH-funded trial found that a nurse-managed, individually tailored falls prevention plan did not significantly reduce the risk of serious fall injuries in older adults. The study assessed the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention implemented by trained Falls Care Managers.
A randomized trial of a multifactorial fall injury prevention strategy found an approximately 8-10% reduction in serious fall injuries, lower than expected. The study enrolled 5,451 people aged 70 and older and evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-delivered intervention.
A new long-acting injectable form of PrEP containing cabotegravir outperformed a daily oral Truvada regimen in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender women. The study found that the injectable PrEP had a superior protective effect, with a 66% lower incidence rate compared to the daily pill.
Two studies found that methotrexate treatment does not increase the risk of chronic interstitial lung disease in RA patients, but may even delay its development. This is significant as ILD is a common complication of RA and can be life-threatening.
Researchers suggest Epo may mitigate severe disease progression and protect patients from neurological effects in Covid-19. Initial case studies indicate a positive effect of Epo treatment, with one patient showing rapid recovery after treatment.
A large study found that taking common hypertension medications such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in patients over 55 and those with a history of colon polyps, but only for the first three years after a negative baseline colonoscopy.
A recent report of two children's deaths in a gene therapy trial for X-linked myotubular myopathy has sparked concerns over the safety of gene therapy vectors. The editorial emphasizes the need for iterative development and cooperation among scientists to ensure safe and effective treatments for rare genetic diseases.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of alpha-1-antitrypsin in treating critically ill patients with severe COVID-19. The trial aims to understand how the body's inflammatory mechanisms are impacted by COVID-19.
A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.
The study found that integrated pharmacists in GP teams flagged 786 patients with medication issues, leading to changes and potential cost savings. This collaborative model of care has the potential to alleviate pressures on GP practices and improve patient care.
New trials and the Global Symplicity Registry report consistent and clinically meaningful ambulatory and office BP reductions in patients with mild to moderate uncontrolled hypertension. RDN is effective and durable in these high-risk populations, with low rates of new-onset end-stage renal disease.
In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, crossover patients who received renal denervation due to elevated ambulatory blood pressures experienced significant reductions in daytime ambulatory systolic BP. The blood pressure lowering effect was consistent with primary RADIANCE-HTN SOLO results.
A new clinical trial from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that allopurinol did not slow kidney function in people with type 1 diabetes, despite reducing uric acid levels. The three-year study enrolled 530 participants and followed their glomerular filtration rate to assess kidney health.
A clinical trial found that reducing uric acid levels with the medication allopurinol did not slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Despite a significant drop in uric acid levels, participants showed no improvement in their kidney function.
A large clinical trial, CKD-FIX, found that allopurinol does not prevent worsening of kidney disease. The study showed no difference in kidney function decline between the treatment and placebo groups.
The CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory aims to accelerate the identification of potentially effective drugs for patients with unmet treatment options. The initiative uses data collected through the FDA-NCATS CURE ID platform to identify existing drugs that demonstrate possible treatment approaches.
A recent study by SWOG Cancer Research Network found that black cancer patients are more likely to be enrolled in taxpayer-funded clinical trials compared to industry-sponsored trials. The study analyzed data from over 93,000 patients across 358 trials and found a significant disparity in representation.
A large retrospective cohort study found that flu vaccination was associated with a small increased risk for subdeltoid bursitis. Researchers suggest education and training on proper injection technique could prevent this adverse event.
Recent studies examined the association between recreational marijuana legalization and changes in traffic fatality rates. The research found a significant decrease in traffic fatalities after states legalized cannabis use.
Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 people to find that the number of HDL particles is a more reliable predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than standard HDL cholesterol metric. In black people, neither HDL measurement was significantly associated with heart attack risk.
Researchers found that infecting patients with a safe dose of Necator americanus induces immunoregulatory responses and boosts regulatory T cells, which help control the immune system. The study showed that more than half of patients receiving the hookworm had no new lesions at all.
The Phase 1 trial demonstrated that repeated immunisation with PD01A is safe and well-tolerated, with a substantial reduction in alpha-synuclein oligomers and stable motor scores. The results suggest that PD01A may offer a promising strategy for long-term management of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that intensive psychosocial intervention can lead to reduced symptoms and improved functioning without antipsychotic medication in young people with early stage first episode psychosis. A larger trial is needed to investigate whether antipsychotic-free treatment could be recommended for specific groups.
A systematic review of multiple sclerosis treatments found no effective interventions for cognitive symptoms, despite over half of affected individuals experiencing cognitive dysfunction. Researchers emphasize the need for future studies focusing on cognitive outcomes and standardized criteria to inform optimal treatment choices.
A Phase II trial found that the treatment inhibited key enzyme, resulting in lowered triglyceride production and slower progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The study showed robust reduction in liver fat without corresponding increases in blood lipids.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will partner with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to rapidly test hundreds of drugs approved for other conditions to see if they can be repurposed to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Researchers investigate medication use in older adults, finding that certain hypertension medications may reduce dementia risk and improve stroke outcomes. A deprescribing program also shows promise in reducing falls risk, with primary care providers accepting over 90% of recommendations.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that teplizumab significantly delayed the onset of type 1 diabetes by three years compared to a placebo. The trial involved individuals at high risk of developing T1D, and those treated with teplizumab showed higher rates of insulin secretion and C-peptide levels.
The Corrona Psoriasis Registry presents studies on real-world prescribing patterns, biologic drug effects, and COVID-19 outcomes. Longitudinal studies also report improvements in quality of life and work productivity for patients treated with biologics.
A new investigator-initiated clinical trial in metastatic breast cancer is underway at HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center, testing a combination treatment regimen that targets the MYC oncoprotein. The study aims to find the right dosage for further studies and biomarkers to guide patient selection with improved precision.
Pregnant patients with COVID-19 are often excluded from drug trials due to lack of fetal safety data. A new position paper suggests using electronic health record (EHR) data to simulate drug trials, identifying safer therapeutics for treatment. This approach could offer an alternative to delivering all pregnant patients with COVID-19.
A new methodology catalogues the intestinal microbial community's effect on oral medications, identifying 57 cases of gut bacteria altering existing drugs. The framework aids in personalized treatment by predicting drug behavior and suggesting changes to therapeutic strategies.
Researchers are assessing drugs commonly prescribed to children diagnosed with COVID-19, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications. The study aims to understand how these drugs interact with the bodies of young patients and identify potential side effects.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict six major clinical forms of drug-induced cardiac toxicity from gene expression data. The model demonstrated generalizability and was validated on an independent dataset, with potential applications in enhancing pharmaceutical industry safety evaluation.
A study analyzing 201 registered COVID-19 clinical trials found that many lacked key features such as control groups and blinding. The majority were also designed to enroll fewer than 100 patients, limiting their usefulness. This has raised concerns about the quality of evidence for potential treatments.
A large study in northern Italy found that even frail elderly people (65 and older) who take blood pressure medication as prescribed live longer. The healthiest older people experienced the biggest survival boost, with benefits greatest for those taking more than 75% of their prescribed doses.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative recommends screening for anxiety in women and adolescent girls to detect specific types of anxiety and co-occurring conditions. Researchers found strong evidence that screening instruments are moderately to highly accurate.
A team of UTHSC researchers will study genetic differences in stress response, oxycodone consumption and stress-induced drug seeking in rats. The findings have great potential to translate to human conditions of opioid addiction.