Articles tagged with Drug Studies
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.
Researchers at Texas Biomed continue testing Ebola therapies and vaccines in human clinical trials, motivated by promising preclinical data. The goal is to positively impact human lives with effective treatments, building on previous studies involving nonhuman primates.
Two studies investigated links between clinical benefit and pricing in Europe and the USA, finding that many new anti-cancer medicines had low added value. The median monthly cost of these drugs was EUR2,525 more than comparator drugs in Europe, but not associated with improved outcomes.
A new clinical trial found that a cost-effective generic medication, spironolactone, is just as effective as the more expensive drug eplerenone in preserving cardiovascular function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study also showed stabilization of kidney and lung function, with no serious side effects.
A survey of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes found that many long-time patients downplay medical and social factors in favor of more aggressive treatment. The study's findings suggest that patients' perceptions of their care diverge from professional recommendations, highlighting the need for better physician-patient communications.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that oncologists dropped usage of two immunotherapies by 50% within six months of FDA label changes. The findings suggest that oncologists can quickly incorporate new guidelines into their practices.
A novel initiative called the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) is testing six potential new stroke therapies, including compressing the arm with a blood pressure-like cuff. This approach, known as remote ischemic conditioning, may reduce stroke size and improve patient recovery.
A UCL-led clinical trial found that antidepressant sertraline reduces anxiety symptoms earlier than depressive symptoms, with participants showing improvement in mental health overall. The study suggests antidepressants like sertraline may benefit a wider group of people beyond those diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
A randomized clinical trial of 6,000 patients with type 2 diabetes compared the cardiovascular outcomes of linagliptin and glimepiride. The results suggest that linagliptin may be associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.
Rates of filled opioid prescriptions after eye surgery doubled from 1.2% in 2000-01 to 2.5% in 2014 across six ocular subspecialties, despite reduced invasiveness and recovery time for these procedures. The study's findings are concerning as they suggest that efforts to reduce opioid use have not had the desired impact.
A recent study found that around half of cancer drug trials approved in Europe between 2014 and 2016 were at high risk of bias, indicating potential exaggeration of treatment effects. The findings highlight the need for improved trial design and reporting to ensure real benefits for patients.
A recent study by the SWOG Cancer Research Network found that nearly half of phase 3 cancer clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) were associated with new cancer care guidelines or new drug approvals. The analysis suggests that NCTN trials contribute to cost-effective evidence guiding cancer patient care.
Researchers found that electronic pill bottles and two-way text messaging increased medication adherence to over 80%, but didn't lower blood pressure levels. The study's results highlight the need for more effective strategies to manage hypertension.
A Rutgers study found that US physicians are ordering off-label medications for children at increasing rates, particularly for unapproved conditions. The study analyzed data from 2006 to 2015 and found that about 19% of office visits involved the use of off-label systemic drugs.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly reduces symptoms associated with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, two types of blood cancer. The study suggests MTX could provide low-cost, safe, and effective treatment for patients suffering from these conditions.
A pre-clinical study published in Redox Biology reveals that vitamin E may help preserve heart function after a heart attack by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The findings suggest that vitamin E could be an effective and inexpensive therapy for patients with heart attacks, providing new hope for cardiovascular health.
A recent study by Radboud University Medical Center found that exercising at home using motivating apps significantly improves cardiovascular fitness and motor disability in Parkinson's patients. The cycling exercise program was more effective than stretching exercises alone, with a notable impact on disease progression.
Scientists have identified thousands of novel messenger proteins in human microbiomes, which could lead to new medicines. A new TB drug has been approved, offering hope for treatment-resistant forms of the disease.
A potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease has shown a significant reduction in kidney size in afflicted mice, with no evidence of toxicity in animal or human cell tests. The drug is now in early clinical trials in humans, offering hope for a new option for survival beyond dialysis or transplant.
A study found abnormal gut microbiota in veterans with PTSD and cirrhosis is tied to poorer cognitive performance. The research also identified beneficial bacteria like Ruminococcaceae as associated with better performance.
A recent analysis reveals that kidneys from donors infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are now routinely used in transplants at many US centers. These organs function just as well as uninfected kidneys throughout the first year after transplantation, providing strong evidence for their safe and effective use.
A new study from Swansea University shows that a structured approach to medicine monitoring, using the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRe) Profile, can lead to positive impacts on patients in care homes. The study found that nurses using ADRe picked up issues that resulted in changes to nursing care and medication reviews for many residents.
New research reveals that only 21 cents per drink in taxes cover alcohol-related costs, with the majority falling on non-drinkers and moderate drinkers. The study suggests increasing prices through higher taxes could reduce excessive consumption and related harms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the FDA approved drugs and devices based on nonrandomized clinical trials (10%), with estimated treatment effects higher for these approvals. The study's findings suggest that no clear threshold of treatment effect exists, which may lead to more frequent RCTs in the future.
A prize has been awarded to researchers who investigated an experimental schizophrenia drug that didn't improve cognitive function but had a good safety profile. The study will inform the development of other treatments for patients with schizophrenia, including potential applications in other disease areas.
A NIH-funded clinical trial found that methotrexate was more effective than mycophenolate mofetil in controlling inflammation and treatment success for patients with severe forms of uveitis. At six months, 74% of participants in the methotrexate group achieved control compared to 55% in the mycophenolate group.
A study found that most European expedited approvals for new medicines are based on non-validated surrogate endpoints instead of proven clinical outcomes, casting doubt on their effectiveness.