Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a small-molecule compound that harnesses the power of a natural cellular cleanup system to eliminate tumors. The degrader achieved nearly complete elimination of tumors in mouse models of leukemia and lymphoma, with lasting results.
A six-week treatment with low-dose oral prednisolone substantially improves pain and decreases signs of inflammation in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. Substantial improvements in pain and function were seen, exceeding effects of currently available therapies.
Children with JIA continue to have active arthritis despite available medications, highlighting a need for additional treatments. Researchers found that 52% of patients had ongoing active JIA despite treatment with two or more biologics.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with kidney dysfunction who were prescribed high doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were more likely to experience cognitive-related symptoms such as severe confusion. The research team analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found a significantly higher risk of hospitalization a...
A new study found that the live zoster vaccine is safe and effective in patients taking TNF inhibitors, with no cases of confirmed disseminated or local varicella infection. The researchers observed a very low risk of infection, with an upper bound confidence interval of approximately one percent.
Women are disproportionately affected by penicillin allergies, with a significantly higher rate of positive skin tests and reactions. Direct oral challenges without preliminary testing can safely rule out penicillin allergy in low-risk children, allowing them to have the allergy label removed from their medical records.
Several high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results, including the ATHENA trial showing azathioprine to be as effective as mycophenolate mofetil in preventing chronic kidney rejection, and the NOBILITY trial demonstrating that obinutuzumab improves kidney health in patients with lupus nephritis. Additionally, a phase 3 s...
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabidiol may not have a significant antiepileptic effect on seizure frequency in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, the interaction between cannabidiol and clobazam could be responsible for the reduction in seizures.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with increased infection events in children. Genetic testing can help identify patients at risk, allowing for tailored treatment and reduced side effects.
Recent analysis examined safety of oral fluconazole and itraconazole in pregnant women, finding slight increases in risk of congenital heart defects and limb defects. Oral agents were not associated with increased risk of overall birth defects.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating the impact of opioids and sedatives on veteran health, with a focus on reducing overdose and death rates. The study aims to identify effective treatment strategies for co-prescribing these medications, which have been linked to increased risks of respiratory depression and suicide.
A new study from UChicago identifies 44 drugs that may prevent suicide attempts, including folic acid and several antidepressants. The research used a statistical tool to analyze data on 922 prescription medications and found that just 10 were associated with an increased rate of suicide attempts.
Researchers have discovered significant differences in gene expression between male and female mouse kidneys, shedding light on the organ's complex physiology and potential impact on human kidney disease. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand genetic programs linked to disease and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.
A nurse-led program has been shown to improve the care of older adults, with improved patient safety, quality of care, and reduced complications. The program addresses issues specific to this population, including falls, medications, and dementia symptom management, and helps healthcare providers become unit-based leaders.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that adding weight management counseling to group visits improved diabetes outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who received the counseling showed significant weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who on...
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified three complement system genes linked to MS-caused vision loss. The researchers found that patients with specific genetic changes in these genes were more likely to experience severe vision problems, opening up new avenues for precision medicine and potential treatments.
Late-stage clinical studies of new anti-obesity medications will be presented during a special research forum at the 37th Annual Meeting of The Obesity Society. Promising targets and medications in preclinical development will also be discussed.
A new study has discovered four subtypes of primary Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the body's fluid production. This finding offers hope for personalized treatment and improved quality of life for patients.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...
The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.
A new study of nearly 5 million patients shows that ACE inhibitors are not as effective in treating hypertension as thiazide diuretics, which cause fewer cardiovascular events. The research highlights the need for more evidence to guide drug selection in treating high blood pressure.
The National Institute on Aging has funded a major study to examine the benefits and risks of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins in adults age 75 or older. The trial, called PREVENTABLE, aims to determine whether statin therapy can help prevent dementia and disability in this age group.
A small proof-of-concept trial has shown promising results for a new therapy targeting the immune system to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment, called etokimab, led to significant improvements in physical symptoms and a reduction in eosinophils in patients with severe eczema.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that taking anti-hypertensive medication at bedtime reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death by nearly half compared to morning medication. Patients who took their medication at night had better-controlled blood pressure and a significantly lower risk of heart attack...
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that one in eight pharmacies in the US closed between 2009 and 2015. Independent pharmacies in urban areas are disproportionately affected, with nearly half closing due to lack of access to preferred pharmacy networks and 340B contracts.
A new smartphone app reminder significantly increased medication adherence among heart patients, with 65% correctly taking their pills at 90 days compared to 21% in the control group. The study's results suggest that mobile health technology can be a cost-effective strategy to improve adherence and reduce poor outcomes.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative collaboration highlights potential issues and offers recommendations for clinical research with neural devices, emphasizing the need for informed consent and post-trial responsibilities. The paper discusses three main areas of ethical challenges related to these devices.
A recent University of Sheffield study found that taking vitamin D by oral spray is just as effective as taking a tablet in improving levels. The six-week trial compared the efficacy of vitamin D3 delivered through both capsule and sublingual methods, with results showing an equal rate of improvement in participants.
Researchers detected a significant correlation between kinesiophobia and chronic musculoskeletal pain, with increased fear of movement linked to longer pain durations. In contrast, whiplash patients showed less influence from kinesiophobia, suggesting other factors at play.
A global Foundational Standard describes how to represent data for natural history and efficacy studies in animals submitted under the FDA's Animal Rule. The standard aims to streamline data reporting and accelerate therapies for humans.
A global trial has found that early treatment with tranexamic acid can reduce deaths from traumatic brain injuries by up to 20%, depending on the severity of injury. The study, published in The Lancet, included over 12,000 patients and showed a significant benefit in those with mild and moderate injuries.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that outdoor activities were more clinically effective than anti-psychotic medication for treating physical aggression in patients with dementia. Massage and touch therapy were also more efficacious than usual care or caregiver support for patients with physical agitation.
A randomized clinical trial found that varenicline was well-tolerated but did not significantly improve abstinence rates among adolescents and young adults. However, secondary findings suggest that varenicline helped smokers achieve earlier and better self-reported abstinence during treatment and follow-up.
A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.
Researchers have identified a new class of therapy for dry eye disease by targeting anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) with antibody-based eye drops. The treatment has shown statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in corneal damage and symptoms in patients with severe dry eye disease.
A phase IIa trial and a subsequent extension trial show dupilumab's long-term safety and efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents. The medication works by blocking specific substances that cause eczema symptoms, providing substantial clinical benefit with an acceptable safety profile.
The study reveals the detailed 3D structure of the CysLT1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes and allergic diseases like asthma. The researchers used advanced X-ray sources to determine the receptor's mechanism of operation, providing insights into improving asthma medications.
Researchers at UTHealth are testing psilocybin to alleviate treatment-resistant depression, a condition that can be challenging to treat. The study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in changing brain perceptions and cognition.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded McLean Hospital nearly $1 billion to address the national opioid crisis through scientific solutions and evidence-based treatments. The hospital will explore ways to improve outcomes for patients using medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder.
The study aims to examine the efficacy of a drug that inhibits an enzyme used by brain tumors to protect themselves from the immune response. Adding the inhibitor to chemotherapy and radiation therapy may enable lower doses, better quality of life, and improved survival for children with recurrent or newly diagnosed brain tumors.
A new study found that one in three young adults (18-45 years old) received medication for opioid use disorder within 12 months of a non-fatal overdose. The study shows that age affects the type of medication administered, with younger adults more likely to receive naltrexone and older adults more likely to receive methadone.
New studies from George Mason University found that young drinkers underestimates alcohol content in Four Loko, even with new labels, and experienced dangerous effects such as blacking out or vomiting. The studies suggest that limiting the alcohol content of these beverages could help reduce their harmful effects on young people.
A national essential medicines list in Canada could reduce inequitable access to medication, improve health outcomes, and optimize spending on medicines. The study highlights the importance of an independent decision-making body, selection criteria based on clinical and cost-effectiveness, and clear communication with stakeholders.
A systematic review suggests that published studies on burnout and patient care quality may exaggerate the magnitude of the effect. The review analyzed 145 study populations and found that many results were due to biases in measurement and analysis, leading to overestimation of the relationship between burnout and poor quality care.
A new study found that distributing essential medicines at no charge resulted in a 44% increase in adherence to medications. The study also discovered improvements in systolic blood pressure and the likelihood of participants meeting their financial needs.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing free essential medicines increased adherence to treatment among patients who couldn't afford their medications. The study showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, but not in LDL cholesterol levels or diabetes control.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrates Wirelessly Observed Therapy (WOT) superior to directly observed therapy (DOT) in boosting TB treatment adherence, with all patients cured and preferring WOT. The novel technology allows for private medication taking while preserving patient autonomy and enabling targeted treatment support.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate area provides a robust and sustained antidepressant effect in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Most participants experienced an antidepressant response and maintained it over eight years, with significant improvements in quality of life.
A new rapid testing method is being used to improve antibiotic treatment for sepsis patients, enabling medical teams to make quicker and more targeted therapy choices. The study found that providing rapid drug susceptibility information can lead to better patient outcomes and less unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
A new review shows that Russia's decline in overall alcohol consumption has gone hand-in-hand with a parallel decrease in the country's mortality rates. The study analyzed data on death rates, cause of death, life expectancy, and beer sales to find this correlation. Government policies, including restrictions on hours of sale, minimum ...
A new study found that over half of people prescribed the cancer drug ibrutinib developed high blood pressure within six months, with a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation. Initiating blood pressure-lowering medications reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 60%.
A new study of 45 meta-analyses found that antidepressants are not associated with strong adverse health outcomes, and most reported effects were likely due to underlying psychiatric conditions. The study suggests that antidepressants are generally safe but cautionary measures should still be taken during treatment
Iowa State University researcher Marcus Credé found nearly all power posing studies were poorly designed and failed to compare power poses to normal poses. Only four studies met the criteria, showing that feelings of power diminished when compared to neutral pose.
The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and Entasis Therapeutics have partnered to develop a new oral antibiotic, zoliflodacin, for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea. The phase 3 trial will assess the treatment's efficacy in preventing persistent infections.
Researchers found anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrrolate significantly reduced drooling, but caused adverse effects such as behavioral changes and dehydration. The study suggests choosing a medication with fewer side effects for those with severe motor impairment.
A new triple-therapy inhaler combining a steroid preventer, long-acting bronchodilator, and muscarinic antagonist significantly improved lung function and reduced moderate to severe asthma attacks. Patients with uncontrolled asthma who used the inhaler saw increased airway obstruction clearance and fewer exacerbations.
New research from the University of Oxford suggests that poorly reported placebos can influence treatment outcomes, leading to incorrect inferences about a new treatment's effects or harms. The study highlights the need for more transparent reporting of placebo components in clinical trials.
A Phase III trial validates the benefit of veliparib for patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The combination therapy achieved a PFS of 23.5 months, compared to 17.3 months for the control arm.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants totaling $940,000 to support research projects focusing on horse and alpaca health. The studies aim to develop better diagnostics and treatments for equine herpesvirus, strangles, and fungal infections.