Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Researchers at Oregon State University found that symptoms of alcoholism make it difficult for patients to take naltrexone, a medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that ongoing daily contact with the patient is crucial to improving adherence, particularly after heavy drinking episodes or strong cravings.
A possible treatment for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome has been identified, which may also help with age-related osteoporosis. Researchers found that a medication called DAPT blocks osteoclast formation, reversing bone loss in mice with the disease.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that extending natalizumab dosing intervals from every 4 weeks to 5-12 weeks significantly reduced the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection. The extended dosing regimen resulted in a 94% reduction in PML risk.
Researchers found that adding cetirizine to standard therapy significantly reduced annualized relapse rates in patients with neuromyelitis optica, a rare disease causing inflammation and demyelination. The study suggests that cetirizine may be beneficial in preventing relapses by modulating eosinophil activity.
A randomized, double-blind trial showed that adding sodium benzoate to clozapine improved negative symptoms and overall symptoms in patients with refractory schizophrenia. The treatment had no side effects and may provide hope for treating the most difficult-to-treat patients.
A study of 3,812 retired NFL players found a slightly higher risk of death compared to replacement players, mainly due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Repeated head trauma in football may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease.
A new Tel Aviv University study published in Addiction found that only eight out of 100 smokers benefit from taking smoking cessation medications after a year. The researchers conclude that policymakers should find better methods to help smokers quit and prevent young people from starting to smoke.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that cholesterol-lowering statins and blood-pressure lowering candesartan/HCTZ medications do not affect erectile function. The study, which evaluated over 2,000 men, showed no significant change in erectile function between treatment groups and placebo groups.
Researchers found widespread redactions in commercially sponsored trial protocols, making them useless for assessing ethical justification and identifying discrepancies with publications. The study highlights the mistrust in industry-sponsored drug trials and calls for unconditional access to trial protocols and data.
A specialized stenting system has been shown to benefit certain stroke patients by reducing the risk of complications. The Wingspan Stent System Post-Market Surveillance Study found a complication rate of just 2.6 percent among patients with intracranial stenosis due to cholesterol plaque.
The COMPASS trial found that the ADAPT technique is at least as good as stent retrievers for treating large-vessel occlusions, with 52% of patients achieving functional independence. Aspiration also showed a non-significant trend in favor of reperfusion success.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that cannabidiol reduced the number of drop seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by 43.9% compared to placebo. However, long-term efficacy and safety concerns remain to be confirmed.
The study aims to evaluate the current preferred first-line regimen for pregnant women recommended by WHO and two newer drug regimens containing dolutegravir. It will provide data on the use of these newer drugs during pregnancy, helping to ensure that women living with HIV and their infants receive the best available treatments.
A large clinical trial found that solanezumab, a monoclonal antibody-based treatment for Alzheimer's disease, did not significantly slow cognitive decline. Researchers propose alternative strategies and ongoing studies may lead to effective treatments.
A clinical trial led by Stanford University researchers found that brain-imaging software identified patients who could benefit from clot-removal procedure up to 10 hours after stroke onset. The study showed improved outcomes for nearly half of patients treated between six and 16 hours after symptoms began.
Researchers found that RSV and rhinovirus trigger different molecular pathways in the NFkB pathway, a protein cascade involved in inflammation. This discovery suggests that steroids may be effective for rhinovirus but not for RSV, paving the way for targeted treatment approaches.
ProjectDR enables clinicians to see patients' internal anatomy displayed right on the body, using motion-tracking and projection technologies. The system has vast applications in teaching, physiotherapy, laparoscopic surgery, and surgical planning.
A recent study found that none of the 89 approved pediatric drug products include dosing information for obese kids. Obesity affects how the body takes up medicine, where it retains it and how quickly it is excreted. More efforts are needed to provide safe dosing guidelines for children with obesity.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in IBD treatment with the approval of a new antibiotic and the use of Janus kinase inhibitors. These advancements aim to improve outcomes for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.
A Finnish study found that statin medication reduces risk of repeated surgery after vitrectomy for retinal detachment, likely due to reduced inflammation and scar tissue formation. Statins show promise in preventing scar tissue in eye health, but further research is needed.
The DeWorm3 collection presents evidence on interrupting soil-transmitted helminth (STH) transmission. Key studies evaluate the impact of biannual mass drug administration and diagnostic tool sensitivity.
A new report by Dr. Nav Persaud at St. Michael's Hospital suggests that the widely prescribed nausea medication Diclectin may not be effective in reducing symptoms for pregnant women. The report reanalyzes previously unpublished clinical trial data, which found a small symptom reduction of 0.7 points on a 13-point scale.
A recent review by CU researcher Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic examines the effects of general anesthesia on developing brains, revealing that multiple, shorter-lasting exposures during vulnerable periods cause significant impairments. The study's findings have important implications for pediatric surgery and anesthesia practices.
Researchers found that patients who received a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors before and after surgery had a six-fold increase in time to progression compared to standard-of-care surgery. The study suggests that presurgical targeted therapy may improve outcomes for patients with high-risk stage 3 melanoma.
Researchers identified G-CSF as a key player in the development of cocaine addiction, altering mice's desire for the drug but not other rewards. Manipulating G-CSF in the brain's reward center could reduce addiction-like behaviors, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers have identified new drug candidates that target multiple protein kinase families to reduce inflammation in COPD. The Narrow Spectrum Kinase Inhibitors (NSKIs) show promising anti-inflammatory effects and may constitute a breakthrough in treating advanced lung disease.
A new clinical trial has found that a stem cell transplant treatment can significantly improve the survival and quality of life for patients with severe scleroderma. The experimental procedure uses chemotherapy and radiation to destroy the body's malfunctioning immune system, then replaces it via a stem-cell transplant.
A recent review of US Food and Drug Administration registration data reveals that the proportion of women participating in clinical trials gradually increases from phase 1 to phase 2/3 trials. The analysis of 38 drugs with over 185,000 trial participants shows no systemic significant under-representation of women.
A new antifungal compound has been shown to effectively treat drug-resistant Candida auris, a major contributor to hospital outbreaks and deadly infections. The novel mechanism of action suggests the potential for broader treatment applications across fungal species.
An investigation by The BMJ found that researchers misrepresented the results of animal studies to gain funding and approval for human trials. Experts call for urgent action to tackle poor practice and make animal research more transparent and reliable.
A survey of 1,728 participants found that most preferred surgical treatment over antibiotics for appendicitis. This contradicts the idea that antibiotics alone can be a suitable alternative to surgery for many patients.
New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that children with asthma who received a combination of telemedicine support and school-based medication therapy were almost half as likely to need an emergency room or hospital visit. The program, which expanded on previous research, demonstrated its effectiveness in r...
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a slow-release pill that can deliver HIV therapeutics once weekly, improving adherence rates and preventing thousands of new infections. The pill uses an ingestible mini pill box to release medication slowly over time, reducing the need for daily doses.
A six-month treatment with idalopirdine failed to slow cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study involved over 2,500 participants and used a combination of idalopirdine and cholinesterase inhibitors.
The ingestible capsule detects and measures gut gases, revealing a potentially new immune system and mechanisms in the human body that have never been seen before. The technology offers a game-changer for gastrointestinal disorders and could lead to fewer invasive procedures like colonoscopies.
A new clinical trial has shown that a stem cell transplant regimen can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma. The study found myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide, offering significantly greater long-te...
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 18% of multiple myeloma patients experiencing cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) such as hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmia. Higher doses of carfilzomib are associated with higher rates of CVAE, and the drug is linked to an elevated risk of CVAE com...
People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may experience improved memory and thinking ability with regular exercise, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline recommends that doctors recommend exercise as part of an overall approach to managing symptoms.
A new study by Aarhus University suggests that certain lactic acid bacteria can prevent depressive-like behavior in rats fed an unhealthy diet. The probiotics offset the consequences of the fatty diet, reducing inflammation and improving brain function.
A new UGR study found tramadol affects cycling performance and sustained attention, with divergent results between two experiments. The researchers agree that more research is needed to conclusively establish the substance's impact on sports and cognitive performance.
Researchers have discovered how cells adapt to stressors by reprogramming their internal signaling networks, which could lead to therapeutics for multiple diseases. The studies focus on cellular mechanisms that protect against cell death and dysfunction, particularly in the context of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Researchers identified clomipramine as a promising candidate to alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis' progressive form. In preclinical studies, the therapy suppressed neurological disturbances and minimised damage to nerve cells and inflammation. Clinical studies are planned to test its effectiveness in patients.
New research suggests that varenicline, a commonly prescribed smoking cessation drug, may be associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The study found that patients taking varenicline were 34% more likely to experience a cardiovascular event compared to those who did not take the drug.
A new study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers suggests that medications alone may not be effective in helping smokers quit. Despite promising results in clinical trials, the study found no evidence that pharmaceutical cessation aids improved smoking cessation rates in real-world settings.
A comprehensive review of published research found no proven intervention for preventing late-life dementia. Physical activity, prescription medications, cognitive training, and over-the-counter supplements were tested, but none showed significant effectiveness.
Stroke patients receive treatment within 60 minutes or less at 87% of Kaiser Permanente's Northern California hospitals, with an average 'door-to-needle' time of just 34 minutes. The regionwide adoption of standardized protocols and telemedicine has significantly reduced the time to start critical treatment.
A University of Michigan team has identified seven distinct phenotypes in people with bipolar disorder, each with unique biological mechanisms and external influences. These findings have the potential to help patients, clinicians, and researchers better understand the condition.
Researchers are investigating genetic variations that offer protection against Alzheimer's disease in elderly Amish individuals. They will also explore the causes of rapidly progressing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a faster rate of cognitive decline and death compared to typical cases.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a sedative in reducing suicidal thoughts in depressed patients, with improvements occurring within hours. The treatment showed promise as a rapidly acting treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with depression.
A recent study examined the skin cancer history and habits of active Florida firefighters. The research found that 4.5% of participants had skin cancer, with a significantly higher frequency of melanoma (0.7%) compared to the general U.S. population. Non-work-related sun exposure may be contributing to this increased risk.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a small increase in the risk of heart defects after first-trimester exposure to methylphenidate. In contrast, amphetamines were not associated with an increased risk of birth defects or congenital heart defects.
A team of experts re-analyzed data from 31 clinical trials to compare single vs. multiple-use catheters and urinary tract infections. They found that studies tend to favour single-use catheters, indicating potential risks with catheter reuse.
Researchers present promising results from clinical trials suggesting patients with blood disorders and several types of cancer will soon have expanded treatment options. The studies show significant breakthroughs in reducing risks during rare blood disorders, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and improving treatment for mul...
The PCORI Board approved a new funding opportunity to support research projects comparing medications with psychological treatments for moderate to severe anxiety disorders in children. The studies will assess effective treatment options and enable informed decision-making by patients, families, and clinicians.
A study of 600 Chinese women found no improvement in pregnancy and live-birth rates among those treated with levothyroxine for infertility due to thyroid autoantibodies. The results contradict previous studies suggesting potential benefits.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week for six months is safe and decreases worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The study compared high-intensity exercise to moderate intensity and found significant benefits for the high-intensity group.
A clinical trial found that combining an antibody drug with food desensitization treatment improved allergy relief for children with multiple food allergies. The treatment, omalizumab, showed promising results in reducing allergic reactions when introducing small amounts of trigger foods into their diet.
Researchers announce innovative tools and therapies for hard-to-treat blood disorders, including gene editing platform CRISPR/Cas9. Interim results from a Phase I/II clinical study show restoration of all immune cell types in infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.
Research reveals significant gaps in participation among older adults with blood cancers, underscoring the need to close the gap and increase enrollment. Most patients under 65 are over-represented, while those aged 75+ account for only 4% of trials despite being diagnosed at a higher rate.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise can safely reduce worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Participants who exercised three times a week showed minimal decline in symptoms, while those who didn't exercise experienced significant worseness.