Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new study published in the journal Stroke demonstrates that vagus nerve stimulation can improve recovery in stroke patients by reducing impairments and increasing motion and strength in affected arms. The trial involved 20 patients with arm weakness due to stroke, showing significant potential for reducing disabilities.
Researchers at Oxford University have successfully conducted human trials on the 'rescued' drug ebselen, which may offer a safer alternative to lithium for treating bipolar disorder. The initial trial found that ebselen had similar effects on the brain as lithium and showed promise in reducing side effects.
A study of over 21,000 women found that only 1 in 6 with increased breast cancer risk take preventive medication, despite being eligible for clinical trials. Most women who started the medication continued taking it for at least a year, but usage declined over time.
Researchers found that combining palbociclib with paclitaxel shrank tumors in nearly half of patients with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. The combination appears to be safe and may offer benefits over paclitaxel alone, suggesting a larger clinical trial is warranted.
A phase 1B clinical trial of the novel antidepressant NSI-189 has shown that the compound appears to be safe and may be effective against depression. The study found improvements in depressive and cognitive symptoms in study participants, with effects persisting for several months after treatment discontinuation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that treating ear mites in Santa Catalina Island foxes reduced ear tumor prevalence by 99% and inflammation by 90%. The success story highlights the impact of preventative treatments on wildlife populations, with improved conditions for foxes' ear canals and a notable decline in tumors.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that enzalutamide is active and well-tolerated alone and with fulvestrant in patients with advanced breast cancer. The study supports a larger trial of the combination, building on promising preclinical data and targeting androgen receptors in breast cancer.
New research published in CMAJ found that older men taking alpha-blockers for prostate issues are at higher risk of ischemic stroke during the initiation phase. The study suggests caution when prescribing alpha-blockers to patients not already on other blood pressure medications.
Researchers have found that continuous intravenous infusions may not be appropriate for all patients with drug-resistant status epilepticus, while a sedative called ketamine is increasingly used as a treatment option. The duration of status epilepticus in children depends on factors such as the length of time between seizure onset and ...
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have conducted three studies demonstrating the effectiveness of new drug combinations in treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. The trials showed impressive partial and complete remissions, as well as increased duration of remissions with tolerable side effects.
A study of 261 children with severe epilepsy found significant seizure reduction after taking pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) in combination with anti-epileptic drugs. The frequency of seizures was reduced by a median of 45% in all participants, with some patients experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.
Four studies explore the interplay between epilepsy and aging, revealing unexpected consequences on the brain. Researchers found that uncontrolled epilepsy can lead to accelerated brain aging, while others discovered a link between traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy in the elderly population.
A new randomized clinical trial found that acetaminophen does not provide benefits in fighting the flu or reducing symptoms. The trial involved adults with confirmed influenza infections, who were treated with paracetamol or placebo for five days.
Researchers report improvements in four children treated with gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, including reduced bleeding events and improved immunologic symptoms. The treatment's long-term safety and efficacy remain to be assessed as the children are monitored for 15 years.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ibrutinib, a targeted drug, was superior to chlorambucil in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The study showed improved progression-free survival, overall response rate, and overall survival rates for patients taking ibrutinib.
Three studies explore SCN8A gene mutations linked to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and other neurological conditions. The findings provide new data on the spectrum of SCN8A-related epilepsies, including familial and sporadic cases.
Studies reveal that different types of autoimmune responses elicit distinct responses in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Antibodies targeting intracellular proteins lead to a worse prognosis and poorer response to immunotherapy compared to those against cell surface proteins.
A pilot study suggests that targeted magnetic pulses to the brain can significantly reduce craving and substance use in cocaine-addicted patients. The treatment, known as rTMS, showed promising results in helping patients maintain abstinence from cocaine.
City of Hope researchers presented phase 1 clinical trial results for novel leukemia and lymphoma treatments, including targeted radiation and antibody therapy. The studies showed promising safety and efficacy outcomes, paving the way for future trials and potential improved patient outcomes.
A study found that taking Truvada 'as needed' around periods of sexual activity reduced the risk of HIV transmission amongst men and transgender women at high-risk by 86%. The researchers suggest this approach can increase adherence to medication regimes, leading to improved prevention outcomes.
A Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled study found that taking estriol along with conventional medications helped RRMS patients avoid relapses. Estriol treatment improved cognition and prevented brain atrophy, potentially providing a one-two punch against the disease.
A new drug combination is being tested for its effectiveness in treating metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers are optimistic about the results, citing improved quality of life and delayed disease progression in patients participating in a Phase 3 clinical trial.
A study of 1315 infants found no significant benefits from using probiotic Bifidobacterium breve to prevent late-onset sepsis, death, or necrotizing enterocolitis. The results contradict previous meta-analyses suggesting reduced mortality and complications associated with probiotic administration.
A new form of immunotherapy aims to protect insulin-producing cells using patients' own immune cells. The therapy, called regulatory T cells, was well-tolerated and durable in a Phase 1 clinical trial, supporting the development of a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
A new University of Michigan study found that kids and teens taking ADHD medications are twice as likely to be bullied by peers than those without ADHD. Middle school students who sold or shared their medications were four-and-a-half times more likely to be victimized.
A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine and nonpharmacological interventions found that they alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and pain in Chinese cancer patients. These interventions include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical training.
A study found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced the rate of HIV acquisition, even among those at high risk. Adherence to PrEP was higher among participants with more reported risk behaviors.
A novel mouse study finds that modulating the brain's stress circuitry with a CRF-antagonist significantly prevents Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment. The treatment reduced amyloid plaque generation and cellular damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AD prevention.
A new study published in JAMA-Oncology found that a personalized approach to treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is more effective than the existing 'one size fits all' guidelines. Patients at higher risk of nausea and vomiting due to personal factors such as age, pregnancy history, or travel sickness showed significant i...
A new study ranks drugs based on their transparency and ethical practices, finding that nearly half of all reviewed drugs had undisclosed Phase II or III trials. The 'Good Pharma Scorecard' aims to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to improve disclosure, benefiting consumers and protecting human research subjects.
A national survey of US surface waters found pharmaceuticals in high levels near urban areas, posing risks to aquatic organisms. Research on complex mixtures of pharmaceuticals reveals inconsistent responses across different life stages, highlighting the need for diverse biological endpoints.
Researchers found that adding exposure and response prevention therapy to treatment regimens significantly improved symptoms in patients with OCD who had not responded to medication. The study also showed significant increases in insight, quality of life, and social function after just eight weeks.
A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospital patients taking acid-reducing drugs have a higher risk of dying from infections such as pneumonia and C. diff. The simulation model used by researchers found that around 90% of hospital inpatients who were first prescribed these drugs had a higher ris...
A study published in The AAPS Journal suggests that medication degradation does not differ significantly between space and Earth. Nine medications were analyzed after being stored for up to 11 months in space, with some remaining viable beyond their expiration dates.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that behavioral interventions can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health. The research indicates that small behavioral changes can have a substantial impact on physical health outcomes.
A study on medicines stored in space for up to 550 days revealed that they do not degrade faster than on Earth. The research found that some medications were still viable beyond their expiration dates, while others showed minimal degradation.
Dr. Jackson T. Wright Jr.'s decades-long clinical research helped create and fine-tune approaches to address hypertension in African-American populations, leading to significant reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality. His work has also informed the development of treatment guidelines for hypertension, addressing health dispa...
A large study found that low-income patients on Medicaid are rarely screened for diabetes, despite being at high risk. Integrated health care would make it easier for patients to get screening and treatment.
Researchers found that white coat and masked hypertension are associated with increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. These conditions were also linked to aortic stiffness and kidney damage.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg significantly reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults, especially those over 75. However, intensive treatment also increased the risk of hypotension, fainting, and acute kidney abnormalities.
Recent SPRINT trial results suggest lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality by 25%. The study's findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead to a reevaluation of blood pressure goals for non-diabetic individuals over 50
A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths from heart failure. The EMPA-REG trial found that patients treated with the drug experienced significant reductions in blood sugar, blood pressure, weight loss, and major hospitalizations for heart failure.
Vericiguat did not significantly reduce natriuretic peptide levels in patients with worsening chronic heart failure, but was well-tolerated. Further clinical trials are needed to determine its potential role for this patient population.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that paying both physicians and patients financial incentives leads to a greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The study enrolled 340 primary care physicians and over 1500 of their patients, dividing them into four groups: physician-only in...
Recent high-impact clinical trials have explored various treatments for kidney-related medical care. Researchers found that statins may increase risk of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease, while methylprednisolone did not alter the risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Additionally...
Samumed's Phase II clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SM04690 in treating moderately to severely symptomatic OA patients. The trial will assess changes in WOMAC pain and function subscores at Week 13.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who switch to clozapine have better outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and longer medication adherence. The findings provide important guidance for clinicians caring for this vulnerable population.
A new study found that most seasonal allergy sufferers take over-the-counter medications rather than prescribed treatments, despite being more satisfied with these options. The survey also revealed children are more likely to receive care from allergists and be on prescription medication compared to adults.
A new study from Lund University suggests that unwanted blood vessel formation may be behind intractable walking and balance difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease. The researchers used cerebrospinal fluid samples from 100 patients and found clear connections between angiogenesis markers and symptoms.
A Grand Valley State University nursing faculty member is presenting research on the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence among older adults. The study found that enrolling patients through a specialty pharmacy resulted in higher enrollment rates, and that adults over 60 were more likely to participate.
A study published in Neurology found that raloxifene, an estrogen-like drug, had no demonstrated benefit on memory and thinking skills for women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that the drug may not be effective as a treatment for this condition.
Antiepileptic drugs may progressively impair balance in patients, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Long-term use can lead to significant changes in balance function over time.
A collaborative effort between pharmacists and physicians improved blood pressure control among a diverse group of patients. The study found that the intervention resulted in lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures and higher hypertension control rates, with costs mostly due to prescription drug expenses.
A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego has developed a predictive model that can forecast how different individuals will respond to a particular drug. The model, which uses genomic and metabolomics data, aims to provide insights into why some patients experience side effects while others do not.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that NASA astronauts' medication usage in space is more similar to Earth-based groups than expected. The most common issues were sleep problems and skin rashes, which highlights the need for better understanding of how medicines work in microgravity environments.
Two new studies show that increased use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may contribute to the CKD epidemic. PPI users were between 20% and 50% more likely to develop CKD than non-PPI users, even after accounting for baseline differences.
A multicenter clinical trial led by CHOP researcher David T. Teachey found that sirolimus, an immunosuppressant drug, is effective in treating autoimmune blood disorders such as ALPS with complete responses and rapid improvements. The treatment has minimal side effects, with most patients able to discontinue steroids within months.
Two new studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that doctors should work together with patients to de-intensify treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes in older people. In some cases, stopping or cutting back on medications can be safer than continuing treatment due to the risk of low blood pressure and sugar levels.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found medication errors and adverse drug events occurred in almost 1 out of every 2 surgical operations, with a third resulting in harm to patients. The study analyzed over 275 operations and identified common causes of errors, including labeling mistakes and incorrect dosages.