Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A phase-3 clinical trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of clot-busting therapy in reducing mortality and post-stroke disability in patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The treatment significantly reduced death rates by 10% and improved functional recovery in patients with larger clots.
A nationwide trial found that providing GPs with tailored feedback on their antibiotic prescribing habits reduced prescriptions by an average of 3.3% over 6 months. The intervention resulted in over 73,000 fewer prescriptions and direct savings of £92,000.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that two acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, galantamine and donepezil, reduced nicotine consumption in rats and human participants. The treatment decreased cigarettes smoked daily by 12% and improved feelings towards smoking.
A recent study found that only 29% of completed clinical trials led by investigators at major US academic centers were published within two years of completion, highlighting the need for improved timely reporting and publication. The study also revealed marked variation in rates of dissemination across institutions, with no center publ...
Research suggests that quicker clot removal can significantly improve stroke patient outcomes, with 88% of patients experiencing substantial blood flow restoration. However, delays in treatment can result in decreased functional independence, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
A global study suggests that pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, can prevent recurrent stroke and heart attacks in people with insulin resistance but without diabetes. The Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial found a 24% relative decrease in stroke or heart attack risk among patients taking pioglitazone.
The TTrials study reveals that testosterone treatment improves sexual function, including increased sexual activity and desire, as well as walking ability and mood. However, the treatment did not significantly improve energy or cognitive function, and its risks remain unclear.
A clinical trial found no significant difference in stroke prevention between carotid stenting and endarterectomy for asymptomatic patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included over 1,400 participants with severe carotid artery narrowing.
Studies have shown that medications used to treat bipolar disorder, particularly mood stabilizers, can increase grey matter volume and normalize white matter disorganization. These findings suggest a predominantly ameliorative effect of psychopharmacological treatment on brain anatomy.
The study found that 30% of epilepsy women did not use highly effective contraception due to medication risks. Women who used hormonal contraception were considered a promising alternative.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has identified four inherited NUDT15 gene variations that alter thiopurine metabolism, leaving patients sensitive to the drugs and at risk for treatment-disrupting toxicity. The research paves the way for personalized chemotherapy tailored to each patient's genetic makeup.
A large German health insurer study found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults. The study included over 218,000 individuals and found that regular PPI users had a 44% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the antimalarial drug Artesunate can reduce organ failure following injury in rats. The study's findings suggest that Artesunate could be a highly effective option for treating major trauma patients, particularly those experiencing hemorrhagic shock.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology confirmed that different generic antiepileptic products are equally effective in treating epilepsy, with no measurable difference found between them. This finding provides reassurance for patients and clinicians about the safety of substituting generics.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated significant health improvements in the vascular system of mice following repeated treatments to remove senescent cells. The study shows that regular clearance of senescent cells can improve age-related vascular conditions and may be a viable approach to reduce cardiovascular disease and death.
Researchers found that less than a third of PCORI-funded grants were implemented in primary care settings, contradicting the organization's goal. However, PCORI successfully diversified its funding by awarding 25% of grants to PhD-holding principal investigators.
UPMC's PreCISE-Rx program uses pharmacogenomics to individualize patient treatments, targeting the right drug for each patient based on their genes. The goal is to reduce hospital readmissions and recurrent illness while improving treatment outcomes.
The Independent Data Monitoring Committee has recommended continuing the Phase III trial with PM1183 due to positive safety data from the first 80 patients. The trial assesses PM1183's efficacy compared to standard treatments for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in the female reproductive tract, regardless of exposure method. This discovery has significant implications for future HIV prevention, vaccine, and cure research.
A new investigation by The BMJ questions the validity of a pivotal trial supporting rivaroxaban's approval, citing concerns over a faulty blood clotting test device. Doctors and scientists are now calling for an independent investigation and access to original trial data to clarify the drug's benefits and harms.
A study published in JAMA found that dupilumab improves nasal polyp symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic sinusitis not responsive to corticosteroids. The medication was generally well-tolerated and showed significant improvements in endoscopic, clinical, and radiographic outcomes after 16 weeks.
A recent paper published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids identifies experimental design issues in neutral studies questioning the benefits of omega-3s for heart health. The study suggests that these issues may be responsible for the lack of significant effects on cardiovascular disease outcomes.
A meta-analysis suggests that text messaging can increase medication adherence in chronic disease patients, but further research is needed to confirm the findings and determine their clinical significance. The study's results have implications for developing low-cost, widely available technologies to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that a blood pressure medication, propranolol, can improve some social functions in individuals with autism. A study involving 20 participants showed that those taking propranolol scored higher on conversational skills than those receiving a placebo.
Researchers found that patients taking strong anticholinergic medications performed poorly on attention tests and had lower physical function compared to those not taking the medication. The study suggests that alternative treatment options may be more effective in rehabilitating patients with dementia.
A worldwide study led by UC San Francisco and Emory University investigators found belatacept to be a better option for kidney transplant recipients, with lower mortality and graft loss rates. The drug's long-term benefits are seen in preserving kidney function and suppressing antibodies that cause late graft loss.
A systematic review found antidepressants increase aggression and suicidal thoughts in children, with a doubled risk compared to adults. Experts recommend minimal use and alternative treatments like exercise or psychotherapy.
A new study comparing smoking cessation therapies found that 12-week treatment with a nicotine patch, varenicline, or combination therapy produced similar quit rates at 26 and 52 weeks. The treatments did not differ significantly on any abstinence outcome measure.
Researchers have found an epilepsy drug that can protect nerve damage in MS patients, according to a study published in the Lancet Neurology. The anti-convulsant drug phenytoin protected neural tissue in patients with optic neuritis, a symptom of MS.
The University of Warwick is partnering with doctors from University Hospital, Coventry to investigate the causes of early miscarriage. Researchers aim to develop new treatments and improve understanding of why miscarriages occur in some women more frequently than others.
A European multicenter study found that intravenous thrombolysis is safe and effective for ischemic stroke patients with preexisting dependency, despite concerns of higher complication rates. The study suggests that these patients should be considered for IVT treatment in randomized-controlled trials.
A meta-analysis found a significant association between antipsychotic treatment in youth and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study included 13 studies and analyzed the cumulative risk of diabetes and its incidence rate per patient year of antipsychotic exposure.
A new randomized controlled trial at Brown University found that combining the drug topiramate with psychological counseling significantly reduced marijuana use among young smokers. However, many participants struggled with the medication's side effects, leading to dropout rates of 60%. The study suggests that medications can help redu...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital restored vision in mice with optic nerve injury using gene therapy and a channel-blocking drug. The study found that the regenerated nerve fibers needed to be helped to conduct impulses without myelin sheath, which can be achieved by adding a potassium channel blocker.
New research finds that women with heart failure live longer and experience lower mortality rates when equipped with implanted defibrillators. The study used data from the Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure registry to compare survival in patients with and without ICDs.
New smart gas sensing pills reveal how low & high-fibre diets affect gut health, offering clues for treating gut disorders. The research found that low-fibre diets produce more hydrogen gas in the small intestine and high-fibre diets produce more methane gas in the large intestine.
A clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of cholesterol-lowering drug Simvastatin in treating Parkinson's disease. The study, funded by several organizations, aims to explore its potential neuroprotective effects and could lead to new treatments for the condition.
A landmark Phase II study by Winship Cancer Institute led to the approval of daratumumab for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least three prior treatments. The drug showed an overall response rate of nearly 30% and demonstrated single-agent activity in a novel monoclonal antibody treatment.
A nationwide Danish study found that oral fluconazole exposure during pregnancy is associated with a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion compared to unexposed women or those treated with topical azole antifungals. The risk was not significantly higher for stillbirths, but further investigation is warranted.
A study in Health Affairs examines Mexico's life expectancy trends between 2000 and 2010, finding that homicide rates in the second half of the decade caused male life expectancy to stagnate. The authors suggest that approaches like epidemiological surveillance can strengthen policies to reduce violence.
A $13.5 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will support a study analyzing the safety and effectiveness of three blood-thinning drugs used to prevent post-surgery blood clots in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement.
A new study reveals a sharp increase in drug shortages affecting emergency care in the US, from 26 to 123, a 373% rise from 2008 to 2014. Life-threatening medications are particularly affected, leaving emergency department physicians without necessary treatments for critical patients.
A study using mobile health technology has shown that patients taking kidney transplants can improve their medication adherence and blood pressure levels, leading to better patient outcomes. The innovative approach aims to reduce premature graft loss by providing personalized computer-automated monitoring systems.
A study analyzed 787 phase II/III clinical trials sponsored by the National Clinical Trials Network, finding that increased competition, planning to enroll a larger proportion of the available population, and lack of new agents were associated with poor accrual. The researchers developed a multivariable prediction model to identify tri...
Selexipag, an orally available selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, demonstrates effectiveness in treating pulmonary hypertension, reducing hospitalizations by 40%. The medication targets a well-known disease pathway, improving heart function and opening blood vessels to the lungs.
In a phase 1 trial, VRC01 antibody suppressed HIV levels by more than tenfold in six patients not on antiretroviral therapy, with some experiencing undetectable levels for up to 3 weeks. However, immune responses limited efficacy in others, highlighting the need for new strategies to prevent viral reservoirs.
A meta-analysis of five RCTs found no significant differences between nalmefene and placebo in mortality, quality of life, or mental health outcomes. However, participants taking nalmefene had fewer heavy drinking days and lower total alcohol consumption compared to those on placebo.
Researchers assessed the impact of evidence-based principles on medicine procurement in a healthcare facility, achieving significant decreases in expenditures. The ABC/VEN-analysis method helped prioritize medicines and inform training workshops for medical professionals.
The KEYNOTE-010 trial shows that pembrolizumab improves median survival in all PD-L1-positive patients compared to docetaxel. Patients with higher PD-L1 staining benefit the most, with a hazard ratio of 0.54 and 0.50 at two doses of pembrolizumab.
A new cell culture technique called VOGIM allows the formation of tumor blood vessels and their interaction with immune cells to be observed in real-time. This enables the study of tumor growth, cell death, and the influence of medications on these developments without live animal testing.
A leading researcher at the Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing is developing new treatments for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease. The scientist will lead two studies to explore gene-modifying treatments that can minimize CF symptoms, including medications and genetic correction.
Researchers found that soaking islet cells in Anti-aging Glycopeptide (AAGP) protects them from tacrolimus, a toxic drug commonly used during transplants. This allows for fewer cells to be used, potentially treating more patients with the Edmonton Protocol.
The 2015 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting drew a record attendance of over 5,200 professionals to discuss new discoveries and emerging technologies in treating epilepsy. Key findings included studies on the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical CBD for severe epilepsy and personalized medicine that offers new targets for diagno...
Candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection requiring early treatment. New guidelines update recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting an infectious diseases (ID) specialist to ensure a good outcome.
The number of industry-sponsored clinical trials has dramatically increased since 2006, while NIH-funded trials have declined substantially. This trend raises concerns about the influence of commercial interests on medical research, potentially compromising public health outcomes.
The number of NIH-funded trials decreased by 328, while industry-funded trials increased by 1,965, during the period. The total number of newly registered trials increased by 5,410, with industry-funded trials accounting for the majority of growth.
A study by University of Chicago cancer specialists found that expensive research biopsies in early cancer drug studies had no impact on subsequent drug development or treatment decisions. Only a small percentage of the biopsies yielded statistically significant results.
A study of postmenopausal women with DCIS found that anastrozole and tamoxifen caused different symptom profiles. Hot flashes were more common in the tamoxifen group, while musculoskeletal complaints and vaginal problems were more prevalent in those receiving anastrozole.
Human astrocytes have unique genes and respond differently to neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate, suggesting improved detection of neuroactivity. The study's novel method allows researchers to compare astrocytes from healthy tissue and those affected by diseases such as glioblastoma and epilepsy.