Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Scientists are closely monitoring remdesivir trials for COVID-19 treatment, despite caution from infectious disease experts about difficult-to-interpret results. The antiviral drug blocks RNA polymerase used by SARS-CoV-2 to replicate, showing promise in lab experiments and animal studies.
A mindfulness-based stress reduction class improved gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life for adults with irritable bowel syndrome. Acting with awareness was found to be particularly beneficial, possibly by reducing fears and worries.
A recent analysis published in Dermatologic Therapy suggests that probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for acne. The study found that probiotics can reduce inflammation and help the skin's natural defenses against acne, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A large randomized clinical trial investigated whether anti-viral drugs used to treat HIV would relieve the symptoms of COVID-19, showing promise for further study. The trial found patients who received lopinavir-ritonavir improved faster and experienced shorter times to clinical improvement, with acceptable safety levels.
The A4 study found that higher levels of the amyloid protein in the brain are associated with an early stage of Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed data from 4,486 participants and showed that amyloid burden is linked to a family history of disease, lower cognitive test scores, and reports of daily cognitive decline.
Monash University researchers have identified an anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The study found that a single dose of the drug can stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus from growing in cell culture within 48 hours.
Researchers at UIC are studying the effectiveness of sarilumab and remdesivir as potential COVID-19 treatments in hospitalized patients. The trials aim to determine whether these drugs can provide evidence-based therapeutic options for this highly contagious virus.
The global nuclear medicine community has shared approaches to containing the spread of COVID-19, including triage, reduced elective studies, improved hygiene practices, and rotation of medical personnel. These measures aim to minimize patient contact and optimize distance to reduce the risk of transmission.
A 10-year study found no significant differences in death, heart attack, or stroke rates between cardiac stenting and CABG for patients with left main coronary artery disease. However, more patients receiving a stent needed a repeat procedure to unblock the same artery.
A fast-fail trial has identified the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) as a potential target for treating anhedonia. The study found that participants who received a KOR antagonist showed increased activation in brain circuits involved in reward and pleasure, leading to reduced anhedonia scores.
Researchers found no significant difference in Parkinson's disease progression between those taking isradipine and placebo. Despite its neuroprotective properties in animal models, the study didn't support the hypothesis that isradipine slows early-stage Parkinson's progression.
Researchers found evinacumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduced LDL cholesterol to near-normal levels among patients with HoFH, meeting the primary endpoint. Patients achieved an average relative reduction of 49% and nearly half had LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL.
A clinical trial using genetic testing to guide antiplatelet medication found a 34% reduction in serious cardiovascular events at one year, as well as a significant decrease in the number of events per patient. This finding suggests that genetically guided therapy may be beneficial for patients with specific genetic variants.
Two NIH-funded studies find that invasive procedures like stenting and surgery provide better symptom relief but not reduced risk for heart attack and death compared to medication and lifestyle changes. The trials followed over 5,000 patients with stable ischemic heart disease for three years.
Patients with untreated high blood pressure experienced statistically significant reductions in average blood pressure over 24 hours following renal denervation. The procedure offered an effective alternative approach to traditional medications, lowering blood pressure throughout the day and early morning periods.
A phase three clinical trial found alirocumab to substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adult patients with HoFH, with an average relative reduction of 35.6%. The drug also reduced other harmful lipids typically elevated in people with FH.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who took oral anticoagulants alone after TAVR had a lower rate of bleeding complications without an increased risk of clotting-related complications. Oral anticoagulants alone were significantly less likely to suffer bleeding complications than those who took antiplatelet medication in addition.
Vericiguat, a novel guanylate cyclase stimulator agent, has shown significant benefits in reducing negative health events in patients with worsening chronic heart failure. The VICTORIA trial demonstrated an absolute reduction of 4.2% in patients already receiving optimal care.
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension finds no credible evidence that ARBs increase COVID-19 susceptibility. Discontinuing these medications would pose significant health risks for patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Researchers propose a new therapeutic modality for sepsis by targeting cell-free chromatin in healthy cells. The study found that three cfCh-inactivating agents improved parameters related to sepsis, including increased survival rates in mice.
Researchers at UC Davis are conducting two clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir and sarilumab in treating hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The studies aim to identify early signs of clinical benefit while avoiding ineffective therapies in critically ill patients.
A new study finds that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days and attacks, with manual acupuncture showing greater benefits than sham or usual care. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in migraine episodes, making it an effective alternative to drugs for patients who prefer not to use them.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that lung cancer clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry demonstrate no more bias compared to studies funded by other sources. The analysis, led by Dr. Pedro Aguiar, assessed 477 studies and found that pharmaceutical-backed trials had stronger evidence, ev...
The Mayo Clinic has provided guidance on how to use ECGs to monitor patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death due to COVID-19. The guidelines aim to minimize the chance of fatal arrhythmias, particularly for patients taking antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine.
A novel oral formulation of Amphotericin B has been developed to overcome dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, drug formulation costs, and parenteral administration-associated toxicities. The lead formulation has successfully completed phase 1b human clinical trials and is set to begin phase 2 trials in vulvovaginal candidiasis
A new study found that cumulative doses of oral steroids are associated with increased hypertension, affecting over 24,000 adults with chronic inflammatory diseases. The researchers recommend closer monitoring of blood pressure in these patients.
Researchers used AI to predict tumor sensitivity to three systemic cancer therapies in patients with advanced NSCLC. The models achieved an AUC of 0.77, 0.67, and 0.82 for nivolumab, docetaxel, and gefitinib, respectively.
A study by TTUHSC investigators found that an interprofessional patient navigation program reduced emergency room visits and hospital admissions among high-risk patients. The program, which used DSRIP guidelines, resulted in a significant decrease in hospital utilization, with participants experiencing 1.13 ER visits per year compared ...
A phase 2 clinical trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that selumetinib improved outcomes for children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), shrinking inoperable tumors and reducing pain. The treatment also led to clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, strength, and range of motion.
Two new studies link childhood obesity to a higher risk of mortality in early adulthood, as well as increased rates of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the need for specific prevention tools and long-term treatment to address these risks.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that delivering dantrolene through the nose increases its brain concentration and duration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study showed no obvious adverse side effects, paving the way for potential long-term treatment options.
The study of 1,100 people with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from eight countries shows that TACTs are highly efficacious with no safety concerns. However, they showed slightly higher rates of vomiting and minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart compared to existing treatment.
A comprehensive analysis of 35 studies found AA to be nearly always more effective than psychotherapy in achieving abstinence and lowering health care costs. The fellowship's social interaction model provides emotional support and practical tips, facilitating behavior change.
A multinational study of over 640 pregnant women with HIV found that regimens containing dolutegravir were more effective in suppressing HIV than a commonly used regimen containing efavirenz. Nearly 98% of women who received either of the DTG-containing regimens were virally suppressed at delivery, while only 91% of those receiving EFV...
A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.
A randomized clinical trial found that gabapentin, commonly used for nerve pain, was effective in reducing symptoms of alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this medication may be beneficial for millions of Americans struggling with problem drinking and a history of withdrawal symptoms.
A new HIV prevention drug, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), has been met with criticism for its high cost and limited benefits compared to generic alternatives. The study found that F/TAF is not cost-effective and may even cause more avoidable HIV transmissions than it prevents.
A new approach using harmless viruses to deliver antibody genes has led to sustained production of HIV antibodies for over a year in a NIH clinical trial. The technology shows promise for preventing and treating various infectious diseases with further development.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant African adolescent girls and young women have significantly lower concentrations of the PrEP drug tenofovir compared to non-pregnant individuals. The study suggests that daily PrEP adherence is crucial for this population, despite potential physiological changes during pregnancy.
Studies show a growing number of US medical students with disabilities, but disparities continue in terms of research funding and job prospects. Researchers highlight the need for increased support and accommodations to address barriers to inclusion.
A new trial led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that platinum-based therapy was not superior to standard chemotherapy in treating patients with BRCA mutations. The study, known as INFORM, compared the efficacy of cisplatin to a standard treatment regimen in patients with breast cancer.
A new experimental platform for cancer diagnostics, prognoses, and testing cancer drugs has been developed by analyzing the extracellular matrix of tumor tissues. The platform uses protein fibers surrounding cells to predict disease risk and potential treatment efficacy in various patients with different types of cancers.
The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of MicroPine, an atropine eye solution, in slowing myopic progression in children aged 3-12 years. Participants will receive MicroPine or a placebo for three years, with some receiving it for four years, and comprehensive eye care, glasses, and travel expenses covered.
A study found that drug prices in the US increased 159% in inflation-adjusted list prices, but only 60% in net prices, which account for manufacturer discounts. Net prices rose 3.5 times faster than general inflation.
A commonly used anti-psychotic medication has been linked to potentially adverse changes in brain structure, particularly a thinning of the cortex. The study found these changes were more prominent in elderly participants and those who experienced relapse of psychotic symptoms.
Researchers found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had adequate folate levels were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that maintaining optimal folate levels through diet and supplements could help reduce this risk in these patients.
Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that nicotine increases craving for benzodiazepines, known as benzos, in rats, leading to increased consumption. Boosting a specific protein KCC2 appears to restore normal brain function and decrease benzo consumption.
A phase 2b clinical trial of gefapixant, a new treatment for unexplained chronic cough, has shown promising results. The study found that patients who received the medication experienced a significant reduction in cough frequency, with the lowest dose of 50mg showing the most pronounced effect.
A US population-based study found that medication treatment for opioid use disorder significantly reduces fatal overdose risk. Patients receiving treatment with opioid agonists had an 80% lower risk of dying from an opioid overdose compared to those without medication.
The NIH has begun a randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of remdesivir in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. The study aims to assess whether remdesivir can improve clinical outcomes for patients with severe respiratory illness.
Trials show that Gefapixant can ease the often distressing symptoms of chronic cough with minimal side effects. A dose of 50mg reduced coughing by 67% and another study showed that as little as 30mg was effective in reducing cough frequency.
The number of people prescribed opioids for chronic non-cancer pain increased from approximately 20% to 40% between 1991 and 2015. However, there is a crucial evidence gap in global prescription data outside the US, with few studies reporting on opioid prescribing practices in other countries.
A new study shows that individuals with opioid use disorder who receive medication and residential treatment after detox have lower mortality rates. The research highlights the importance of ongoing treatment to increase survival chances.
A digital intervention targeting attention and cognitive control improved attentional functioning in children with ADHD, with minimal adverse effects. The study's findings suggest that digital alternatives to traditional care could help tackle issues with access to treatment.
Public health experts conclude that exposure to alcohol marketing is a cause of drinking onset during adolescence and binge drinking. The authors recommend stricter government-enforced laws to limit alcohol-marketing exposure and message appeal to youth.
Researchers have found a combination of two existing medications that can trigger the release of stem cells from bone marrow, which can aid healing in spinal fractures. The study suggests using these drug combinations could speed up the repair process and potentially lead to new treatments for various bone fractures.
Researchers have found that adding cilostazol, an antiplatelet medication used to treat leg pain, can prevent re-blockage of carotid artery stents within two years. The study showed a significant reduction in in-stent restenosis and cardiovascular events compared to other antiplatelet medications.
A large-scale study has found no association between varenicline and increased cardiovascular or neuropsychiatric hospitalization risk. The study also suggests bupropion may be linked to lower cardiovascular risks and higher neuropsychiatric risks compared to NRT.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.
Racial and ethnic minorities with kidney failure and atrial fibrillation are less likely to fill prescriptions for blood thinners, resulting in higher stroke rates. Equalizing warfarin distribution could prevent 7-12% of the stroke disparity among minority groups.