Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A phase 2 trial found that adding durvalumab to chemotherapy significantly improved median overall survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, with response rates and tolerability seen as well-tolerated. The combination is considered suitable for further investigation in a randomized phase 3 study.
Research finds women are less likely to be prescribed statins, aspirin, and ACE-inhibitors, but more likely to be prescribed diuretics for heart disease treatment. Women should discuss benefits and risks with their physicians about using heart disease medications.
Scientists are conducting a randomized trial to assess the efficacy of ibrutinib, a blood cancer treatment, in reducing supplemental oxygen needs and shortening hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. The goal is to improve survival rates among those with breathing problems caused by the virus.
The COVID SHIELD trial, led by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, aims to determine whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 in high-risk healthcare workers. The trial will enroll 2250 participants and compare the effects of hydroxychloroquine versus a placebo over four months.
A new clinical trial protocol has been created to rapidly assess the efficacy of hydroxychlorquine and azithromycin in treating hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The study aims to recruit up to 300 participants and monitor their progress for 14 days.
Two studies from University of Otago researchers found that a higher fibre intake can reduce premature mortality by 35% in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, food processing may dilute the health benefits of whole grains, leading to increased blood glucose levels and weight.
Researchers from SWOG will make 31 digital presentations at the ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program, reporting on trials involving chemotherapy regimens, financial toxicity, and multiple myeloma treatments. The studies found that pre-surgery chemotherapy can be done safely and has good outcomes regardless of the drugs used.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that hop-based dietary supplements do not cause significant drug interactions in menopausal women. The study involved 16 participants who took a cocktail of four drugs while also consuming hops extract daily for two weeks, with no enzyme inhibition detected.
A study found that people infected with Hepatitis D have up to three times the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those infected only with Hepatitis B. Researchers are calling for increased awareness and screening of Hepatitis D in patients with Hepatitis B.
A global trial is testing whether chloroquine can prevent COVID-19 infection or decrease its severity in front-line health-care workers. The CROWN CORONATION trial will recruit over 30,000 workers globally and examine the effectiveness of three different chloroquine dose schedules.
A new study launched by Clínica Universidad de Navarra and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health aims to determine if ivermectin can reduce viral replication in patients with mild COVID-19. The trial, which will be conducted at home, will monitor symptoms and nasal swabs over a month-long period.
A small study found that anakinra improved respiratory function and reduced signs of immune system overactivation in severe COVID-19 patients with sHLH. The therapy did not prevent deaths on ventilators, but may improve outcomes for these patients.
The TWILIGHT trial found that bioabsorbable polymer DES (BP-EES) performed similarly to durable polymer DES (DP-DES) in high-risk patients undergoing PCI. The study also showed a lower frequency of prior MI in BP-EES patients compared to DP-DES patients.
The NIH is sponsoring a Phase 2b trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The trial will enroll approximately 2,000 adults across the US with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Nita Limdi and colleagues found that patients with loss-of-function variants who were treated with clopidogrel had elevated risks of heart attacks and death. In contrast, prasugrel or ticagrelor proved to be more effective and cost-effective alternatives for genotype-guided anti...
Two studies from France and China found no significant reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths with hydroxychloroquine treatment. Adverse events were more common in patients receiving the drug, contradicting previous lab test results and guidelines that recommended its use.
Researchers found that LACTIN-V, a product containing healthy vaginal bacteria, significantly reduced the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. The study also suggests that LACTIN-V may have the potential to prevent HIV infection and preterm birth.
Researchers identified gene sets linked to protective responses in malaria vaccine trials, highlighting the role of TLR4 and NF-κB in immunity. Pre-immunization signatures also showed promise in identifying non-responders who may benefit from immune priming or interventions.
A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of adalimumab in preventing recurrence of uveitis and improving quality of life. The study aims to identify which patients with uveitis benefit most from this medication, both in terms of vision and treatment side effects.
A new study found that a brief motivational interview with a health professional can reduce drug use among occasional users. Six months after the intervention, participants reported less frequent use of their main drug.
A study by Yale researchers found that only 21% of emergency department clinicians indicated readiness to offer buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorder. Barriers included lack of formal training, time limitations, and perceptions that initiating therapy falls outside the scope of emergency medicine.
Researchers emphasize the need to balance individual patient treatment decisions with well-designed clinical trials to test the efficacy and safety of repurposed drugs like hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and remdesivir. Controlled, randomized trials are crucial to justify larger-scale trials during future disease peaks.
The NIH is enrolling hospitalized adults with COVID-19 in a trial testing the safety and efficacy of remdesivir plus anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib. Patients who received remdesivir had a statistically significant shorter time to recovery compared to those on placebo.
A two-week course of antiviral therapy with interferon beta-1b plus lopinavir-ritonavir and ribavirin has been found to be safe and more effective at reducing the duration of viral shedding than lopinavir-ritonavir alone in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The treatment combination also showed significant shortening of hospital...
A nationwide study reveals that only 2% of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications during and after discharge. This finding highlights a critical gap in care, as evidence-based treatment is rarely prescribed in US hospitals.
A small observational study of 29 Italian patients with severe COVID-19 and hyperinflammation found that high-dose intravenous anakinra was associated with respiratory improvements and reduced signs of cytokine storm in 72% of patients. The treatment was generally safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
A recent trial demonstrated that an intensified antithrombotic regimen comprising rivaroxaban and aspirin reduces major adverse limb events by 46% compared to aspirin alone. The review highlights the need for better evidence on antithrombotic treatment in peripheral vascular interventions.
A new multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform is proposed to evaluate potential therapies for Parkinson's disease, potentially accelerating the search for a cure. This approach has already been successful in other diseases, such as prostate and renal cancer, and could speed up trials by eliminating unsuccessful treatments early.
The combination of atovaquone and azithromycin has been previously studied in other infectious conditions and may represent a well-tolerated option for patients infected with COVID-19. The study will analyze interval nasopharyngeal swabs and genomic sequencing to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 virus.
A study published in Neurology found that yoga reduced headache frequency by 48% and pain intensity in people with episodic migraine. The yoga group experienced fewer headaches, less pain, and decreased need for medications compared to the medication-only group.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that organic nitrates do not have a clinically relevant effect on bone mineral density or bone turnover in postmenopausal women. The treatment caused significant side effects, casting doubt on previous research reporting large positive effects of nitrates on bone health.
A study published in the Journal of American Biomedical Science & Research found that higher doses of statins and long-acting inhalers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may not provide significant benefits for most patients, given the costs and risks involved.
Researchers developed DunedinPoAm, a blood test measuring DNA methylation marks to assess biological aging rate. Midlife adults with faster aging rates showed accelerated physical and cognitive decline.
Long-term buprenorphine treatment is associated with improved health care outcomes, including lower prescription opioid use and opioid-related events. Patients with continuous treatment had significantly lower rates of overdose events, inpatient and emergency department services, and prescription opioids use compared to those who disco...
Researchers developed a miniature human vein device called Vein-Chip to study changes in vein wall cells and blood flow that lead to DVT. The technology allows for testing various factors such as gender and ethnicity to predict DVT risk, paving the way for personalized therapies.
A study in seven Front Range emergency departments found that counseling parents on safe storage of guns and medications helped improve safety practices. The results showed a significant increase in parents reporting safer storage practices, with behavioral health counselors expressing enthusiasm for the training.
A series of Canadian studies found that conspicuous alcohol labels can increase awareness of drinking harms and guidelines, leading to a 6.9% decrease in total sales of alcohol. The labels provided information on the risks of alcohol consumption or drinking guidelines, improving knowledge of alcohol-related health risks such as cancer.
Researchers found that L-thyroxine therapy did not improve symptoms, quality of life, or handgrip strength in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism and high symptom burden. This study's results do not support routine use of L-thyroxine for this population.
A UniSA-led study found that combining varenicline tartrate with Quitline counselling significantly increases smoking cessation rates, with nearly 30% of participants remaining smoke-free after two years. The treatment has shown a six-fold increase in quitting rates compared to those without support.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that cancer patients with no health insurance or Medicaid do not receive the same trial benefits as those with private insurance. The research highlights the importance of expanding insurance coverage to ensure all Americans access life-saving treatments.
Despite preliminary trial results, experts caution against using antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19. Serious side effects and limited clinical evidence make these drugs unsuitable for general use.
A survey of U.S. primary care physicians found that nearly one-third do not view medication treatment for opioid use disorder as effective, despite strong research evidence and clinical guidelines emphasizing its life-saving benefits. The study also revealed low support for policies to remove prescription barriers and increase insuranc...
A recent study found that older adults who receive potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) after hospitalization are more likely to experience harmful drug reactions, emergency department visits, rehospitalizations, and death. Nearly half of patients prescribed PIMs experienced these adverse events within 30 days of discharge.
A study found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce serious renal events in type 2 diabetes patients, with a 58% lower relative risk compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. The findings provide further support for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients at risk of kidney disease.
A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.
The E1912 trial showed that the ibrutinib-rituximab combination provided better leukemia control, prolonged life, and had fewer side effects compared to standard care in untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The FDA approval is based on data from the phase 3 trial developed by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals significant variation in how drug side effects are reported, potentially leading to misinformation about a drug's safety. The study suggests standardizing reporting methods could improve the accuracy of risk assessments and drug licensing.
Researchers in Namibia demonstrated the effectiveness of targeting high-risk individuals with anti-malarial drugs and insecticide spraying to reduce malaria transmission. The trial, conducted in a low-endemic setting, showed a significant reduction in cases by up to 75%.
A phase II randomized trial found that continuous dosing of BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved progression-free survival by nine months compared to intermittent treatment, which failed to show significant benefits. The study, led by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, enrolled 249 patients with common melanoma mutations and showed that con...
Goblet cells in nasal passages highly express ACE2 receptor, allowing COVID-19 virus to enter airway cells. Researchers suggest these cells may serve as viral reservoir, helping to disseminate the disease.
A recent study found pediatric cancer trial enrollment decreased from 40-70% in the 1990s to 19.9% in the current study. This decline is partly attributed to improved treatments for common childhood cancers, shifting focus to rarer and higher-risk cancers.
A qualitative study found that women living with HIV prefer long-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral therapy due to its convenience, privacy, and perceived effectiveness. However, they also raised concerns about access, mistrust, and medical burden.
Researchers discover that nutrient deficiencies in tumor cells trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells that inhibit effective attacks. The lack of blood supply is interpreted as a wound, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth.
A study of 86 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 found that lopinavir/ritonavir and Arbidol did not improve clinical outcomes or reduce symptoms, but may cause side effects. The findings suggest caution when using these antivirals for treatment.
An observational study of 1,000 older women found a significant association between visual impairment and an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that addressing visual impairment could be an important prevention strategy for reducing dementia risk.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease can disrupt the absorption of oral medications through the digestive tract, leading to lower plasma concentrations. The study recommends revisiting dosing regimens for certain drugs in AD patients to ensure appropriate plasma ranges.
Two studies on foxgloves published by University at Buffalo biologist Zhen Wang investigate the production of cardiac glycosides. The research aims to improve the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of farming foxgloves, which currently takes two years to produce a small amount of the compound digoxin.
A first-in-human study of a drug candidate targeting brain inflammation has shown promising results, supporting its further development for treating acute brain injuries. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Kentucky and other institutions, found that MW189 was safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers.
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin in treating patients with severe COVID-19. The study aims to determine whether these medications can decrease the severity or duration of respiratory symptoms.
A novel clinical trial using the REMAP-CAP platform aims to rapidly test multiple treatment approaches for COVID-19. The UPMC-REMAP-COVID19 trial will integrate with electronic health records, allowing doctors to prescribe treatments quickly and efficiently.