Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A working group of medical organizations analyzed 29 pivotal phase III trials for disease-modifying drugs in MS, finding that patient symptoms and quality of life were often not considered. They suggest improving studies by focusing on patient-reported outcomes and long-term treatment effects.
A randomized controlled trial found that fenfluramine reduced convulsive seizures by 62% in patients with Dravet Syndrome. Low-dose fenfluramine also showed significant reductions in seizure frequency, while side effects were manageable.
A national study found a significant rise in teens taking and overdosing on benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed anxiety medications. The rate of exposure among adolescents increased by 54% between 2000 and 2015, with nearly half of all reported exposures documented as intentional abuse or misuse.
A recent clinical trial found that nilotinib increases dopamine levels and reduces neurotoxic proteins in people with Parkinson's disease. The study also showed potential in halting motor and non-motor decline, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.
Researchers found that women with poorer quality of life, higher pain and endocrine symptoms, and negative beliefs about medication effectiveness are more likely to stop taking aromatase inhibitors. Patient-reported outcomes can act as biomarkers, predicting non-adherence and informing personalized treatment strategies.
The Physicians Committee awarded Mihael H. Polymeropoulos the Trailblazer Award for his efforts to replace animal tests with human-relevant science. He challenged the FDA's utility of dog studies in drug development and advocated for modern, human-based scientific methods to advance human drug safety.
A new analysis confirms human genomic data can predict success in clinical trials, with genetically supported drug targets twice as likely to be approved. Historically, drugs targeting proteins with amino acid sequence changes linked to the disease have the best chance of approval.
A new study has confirmed that bovine kobuvirus is the causative agent for calf diarrhea in US cattle. The virus was found in four of nine samples tested at the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence supporting the safety of ivermectin administration among pregnant women. The studies included in the analysis reported some adverse events, but the number of cases was too low to be conclusive.
A phase III clinical trial shows tucatinib significantly improves survival rates in women with HER2+ breast cancer, especially those with brain metastases. The study found nearly tripled one-year progression-free survival and doubled two-year overall survivor compared to standard treatment.
A study found that pharmacy-based transition-of-care models can improve patient satisfaction by educating patients about their medications as they transition out of hospital care. The model also led to a significant drop in hospital readmission rates.
The trial showed that adding tucatinib to capecitabine and trastuzumab improved progression-free and overall survival in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer patients, regardless of whether they had brain metastasis. The treatment combination also increased the overall response rate compared to standard care.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that certain antidepressant medications cause more side effects in children and adolescents with OCD and anxiety disorders. SSRIs were associated with increased rates of agitation, while SNRIs showed no significant link to suicidality.
A study found that more than 25% of lung cancer patients are prescribed medications with potential cardiac risk, and almost 10% take multiple such medications. The researchers argue that these criteria may be excessive and could be too strict, excluding patients who don't pose a cardiac risk.
A new study found that Huntington's disease patients are at risk of therapeutic misconception due to a lack of understanding about clinical trial risks and benefits. Investigators recommend improving patient-doctor communication to address this issue.
Cinnarizine and sodium valproate show promise as preventive agents for pediatric migraine, reducing headache frequency by over 50% compared to placebo. The study suggests these medications may be a new option for children and adolescents with migraine, but long-term safety concerns need further investigation.
A new study found that varenicline tartrate is effective in quitting smoking among adolescents, with a higher rate of long-term success compared to the placebo group. However, it did not prevent relapse. The researchers suggest pairing medication with therapy and behavioral treatments for better results.
A recent review found that aspirin no longer provides a net benefit for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, despite its long history of reducing heart attack risk. Aspirin use has decreased in recent years due to the emergence of statins and improved cancer screening technology.
A recent study found that a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy caused serious side effects in 32% of older patients enrolled on a leukemia trial. The findings highlight the need for caution when enrolling vulnerable populations in clinical trials.
A study by University of Utah Health found that people with chronic illnesses turn to underground exchanges for medicines and supplies due to affordability and accessibility issues. Many participants donated or traded goods with family, friends, or strangers who couldn't get them through traditional channels.
A pilot study found that limiting food consumption to a 10-hour window per day improved health outcomes in participants with metabolic syndrome. Participants experienced significant weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and stable blood sugar and insulin levels.
A global clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of an oral medication to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease. The treatment, obeticholic acid, showed the ability to reverse liver scarring in patients most at risk for irreversible liver damage.
A pilot study found that restricting eating to 10 hours a day for 12 weeks improved weight loss and reduced symptoms of metabolic syndrome in individuals at high risk for diabetes. Participants also experienced increased sleep satisfaction and some were able to lower or discontinue medications.
A clinical trial found nilotinib to be safe and tolerable for patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease, but did not show a clinically meaningful benefit. The study, led by Northwestern University, involved 76 participants and tested three doses of the medication over six months.
A new field study in Nepal shows the typhoid vaccine is safe, immunogenic and effective against the disease, with results showing 7 cases out of 20,000 children vaccinated. The study's findings are significant, especially with the recent spread of drug-resistant typhoid, which threatens child health in affected regions.
Young adults who use heavily are more likely to receive medical marijuana cards, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found. The study analyzed data from California participants aged 18-20 and showed that frequent marijuana use was the primary driver of card acquisition.
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that metformin activates multiple biochemical switches, including Protein Kinase D and MAPKAPK2, which may explain its health-span-extending effects. The study identified new targets and cellular processes regulated by AMPK, shedding light on the therapeutic benefits of metformin.
A recent study highlights a 'worrying' increase in misuse of gabapentin and baclofen medications in the US, coinciding with a decline in opioid prescriptions. The analysis found significant rises in intentional suspected suicide attempts and hospital admissions related to these non-opioid medications.
A new study found that intravenous levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally effective in stopping status epilepticus seizures, with each drug working about 45% of the time. The results suggest a major change in clinical practice, recommending increased dosing of commonly used levetiracetam.
The PALM clinical trial found that investigational drugs mAb114 and REGN-EB3 offered lower mortality rates compared to ZMapp, with mortality rates of 35% and 34%, respectively. Early diagnosis and treatment also improved survival chances.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that high androgen levels during pregnancy increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in daughters for multiple generations. The study found that altered gene expression and placenta dysfunction contribute to the transmission of PCOS symptoms.
A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...
A review of randomized controlled trials found that pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication review and patient education, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Patients who received these interventions experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and LDL-cholesterol levels.
A new study has found that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus. The three drugs were tested on over 380 children and adults, showing similar benefits in stopping seizures and improving responsiveness.
A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that co-prescribing benzodiazepines with opioid agonist treatment increases the risk of overdose death by three-fold. Doctors should avoid this practice, especially for patients who have recently left treatment or continue to use opioid drugs.
Adults in recovery report experiencing micro and macro forms of discrimination, leading to increased distress and decreased quality of life. The study highlights the need for addressing discrimination to support successful recovery.
A UK study of over 3,000 doctors reveals that 36% experience burnout, leading to suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights the need for improved workplace environments, compassionate leadership, and support systems to prevent burnout and improve patient care.
A new study found that nearly 2 million people in the US skip medications due to cost concerns, with those under 65 and from low-income families being most affected. The study highlights the need for lower-cost generic drugs and advocating for changes in national healthcare policy to address this issue.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pain found that inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%. The study analyzed archival data from over 1,300 patients who used medical cannabis to track changes in their symptoms before and after use.
Cenobamate reduces seizures by 55% in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, offering new hope for those who have limited success with traditional medications. The study, led by Johns Hopkins lead investigator Gregory Krauss, involved 437 participants across 16 countries and found significant improvements in seizure control.
A systematic review found that levels of agreement were low to moderate, highlighting the need for better experimental controls and more thorough reporting of outcomes in TCM research. New statistical approaches may also be suited to analyze Traditional Chinese Medical patterns.
Research at McMaster University found that cannabis use didn't reduce illicit opioid use during treatment and failed to retain people in treatment. The study involved over 3,600 participants and provided limited insight into the potential benefits of cannabis as an 'exit drug' for opioid use disorder.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed new DNA transporters using artificial fats, offering a promising alternative to modified viruses. The lipids can encapsulate nucleic acids, protect them from degradation, and introduce them into cells efficiently.
The ORION-10 trial shows inclisiran significantly lowers LDL cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs, reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The medication's excellent safety profile and convenient dosing schedule make it a promising treatment option.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant adults without symptoms or risk factors. The evidence suggests that this type of screening has no health benefits and may lead to unnecessary testing, medication, and follow-up appointments.
Researchers have found that Ibrutinib, approved for B-cell tumors, may limit the impact of obesity-induced inflammation in metabolic syndrome. The study used big data analysis and computational approaches to identify potential drug interactions with mutated genes responsible for the condition.
A large clinical trial found that an oral drug improved exercise capacity in adolescent patients with severe single-ventricle heart defects. The treatment showed benefits in oxygen consumption and circulatory function, which may translate to better long-term outcomes for these patients.
The ISCHEMIA trial found that early revascularization doesn't lower rates of death or heart failure in stable patients, but improves quality of life and reduces spontaneous heart attacks. The study confirms the effectiveness of PCI in relieving angina symptoms.
A recent study found that providing more context about a drug's efficacy can improve physicians' knowledge but reduce enthusiasm for prescribing it. The researchers also discovered that company-sponsored information about off-label uses can increase prescription rates.
Researchers found that patients who received nudges had better adherence (80%) compared to those in the control arm. Nudges supported patient decisions without restricting options.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 86% of diet trials amended their primary outcomes. This discrepancy raises questions about the rigor of these trials and potential biases. Researchers are calling for more investment in rigorous diet research to pin down the effects of dietary changes.
A randomized clinical trial in Australia tested whether a dose of naloxone administered through the nose was as effective as the same dose delivered by injection to reverse opioid overdose. The study found that nasal naloxone was just as effective as injectable naloxone in preventing the need for a rescue dose within 10 minutes.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine finds that yoga can improve symptoms of clinical depression and major depressive disorder. Both short-term and long-term yoga sessions show significant improvements in sleep quality, tranquility, positivity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A new study found that lung transplant recipients who received an inhaled form of cyclosporine had improved lung function and increased survival rates. The treatment, which involves using liposomal cyclosporine with a nebulizer, showed promise in preventing chronic organ rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
A recent study published in Neurology found that women are more likely to survive a stroke, but experience worse disability and reduced quality of life compared to men. The research suggests that variations in hospital treatment and risk factor management may contribute to these differences.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that more than half of patients taking ruxolitinib gained over 5% in body weight, associated with increased systolic blood pressure and liver enzymes. The study highlights the need for physicians to counsel patients about potential metabolic effects.
Two studies examine the effects of intensive blood pressure control on life expectancy, with a target systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg. A cost-effectiveness analysis found that targeting high-risk patients is the most cost-effective approach over 10 years.