Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Three new studies led by The Ottawa Hospital researchers show that ramipril, levofloxacin, and sirolimus are not nearly as effective as previously thought, with potential serious side effects.
A clinical trial reports superior outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular titanium implants, compared to nonsurgical management. The study shows significant reductions in pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
The world's largest clinical trial on aspirin to prevent cancer recurrence has launched in the UK. The Add-Aspirin trial will recruit 11,000 patients and run for up to 12 years to determine if daily aspirin intake can stop or delay cancers from returning.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that blood pressure medication can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but it cannot undo all previous damage. Middle-aged adults with well-controlled hypertension on medication had a higher risk of end-organ damage compared to those without treatment.
A BMJ study reveals barriers to accessing heart failure drug trial data, highlighting the risks of not doing so. Researchers urge funders and institutions to make data sharing a mandatory requirement to prevent erroneous clinical decisions.
A systematic review of heart failure drug effectiveness found only six studies provided usable data due to difficulties accessing author contact information. The researchers argue that improved data sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent selective reporting and research fraud.
Research suggests that antidepressants like SSRIs and NRI can improve motor recovery and aphasia treatment in stroke patients. However, more studies with well-designed methodologies are required to establish the usefulness of these medications as adjuvants to rehabilitation.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that the use of vital life-saving generic medicines for prevention in people with existing heart disease is poor worldwide. The study found that these medicines are not widely available and unaffordable in low-income countries, affecting their use even in rich nations.
Recent study found nearly 77 percent of pulmonary clinical trials failed to report race and ethnicity data, particularly biologic-related studies. Researchers highlight the importance of increased reporting to clarify treatment effects among ethnic and racial minorities.
A UCLA-led study suggests that brief interventions in primary care clinics can significantly reduce risky drug use among patients. Participants who received brief advice and follow-up coaching reported a 33% reduction in their drug use over three months.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that OSU6162 can reduce craving for alcohol in people with alcohol dependence, normalizing dopamine levels in brain reward system. Thorough clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
A new laboratory study finds that mothers taking certain medications during pregnancy may be at risk of birth defects or stunted fetal growth. The research highlights the need for more detailed knowledge of placental drug transport to preserve fetal health.
Research published in the American Heart Association journal found that young women are less likely to be prescribed or fill their medication after a heart attack. Despite being eligible for the same treatment as men, only 65% of women under 55 initiated treatment on all appropriate drugs, similar to men.
Researchers have discovered three immune system biomarkers - PD-1, Tim-3 and Lag-3 - that can predict when the HIV virus will rebound after treatment interruption. These biomarkers are associated with 'exhausted' T-cells prior to patients commencing ART.
The American Geriatrics Society released its second updated Beers Criteria, which identifies over 40 potentially problematic medications for older adults. The guidelines also provide alternative therapies and guidance on best practices for implementing recommendations.
A Yale University study found that varenicline was 46% more effective in women after three months of treatment, leading to higher abstinence rates. The drug's effectiveness for women may be due to differences in the nicotine receptor system in the brain.
A five-year trial found that emergency department-based brief interventions significantly reduced underage drinking and related consequences among patients aged 14-20. The study suggests that a single-session intervention can play a role in decreasing underage drinking among youth.
A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.
A study published in Sexual Medicine found that postcoital dysphoria affects 46% of women, leading to feelings of melancholy or depression. The study also revealed a relationship between negative emotions and potential evolutionary functions.
A study of Danish patients undergoing noncardiac surgery found that use of β-blockers was associated with increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and death. The results suggest that perioperative management of patients with hypertension should receive specific attention in clinical practice.
A 45-year study of 179 individuals with childhood-onset epilepsy found that patients attain excellent seizure outcomes, but often exhibit abnormal neurologic signs. These signs may be a risk factor for future stroke and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and care.
Researchers discovered that excess IGFBP3 damages colonic stem cells, leading to intestinal lining damage and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. A biopharmaceutical blocking circulating levels of the protein has shown promising results in reversing colon damage in diabetic mice.
A large international team of researchers is investigating the genetic factors behind transplant successes and failures. The project, iGeneTRAiN, has generated genomics data for over 32,000 organ donors and recipients, aiming to discover genetic variants that lead to rejection and other complications.
A six-week clinical trial found that reduced-nicotine cigarettes decreased nicotine exposure and dependence, as well as the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The study suggests potential benefits for smoking cessation and reducing tobacco-related harm.
A team from Penn Dental Medicine successfully produced a shelf-stable, low-cost drug using freeze-dried lettuce leaves, which promotes tolerance to clotting factors for hemophilia patients. The study confirms the viability of plant-based biopharmaceutical production on a commercial scale.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that psychotherapy's effectiveness in treating depression is often overstated due to publication bias. The research team analyzed unpublished data from 55 clinical trials and concluded that the treatment works but its benefits are inflated by selective publication of positive results.
The Collaboration for Alzheimer's Prevention (CAP) brings together researchers from six clinical trials to share information, resources, and expertise. CAP aims to accelerate the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments through data harmonization and standardization.
A new study from Mayo Clinic shows that simple conversation cards can dramatically improve patients' and clinicians' satisfaction with antidepressant discussions. The tool increased patients' comfort in making decisions by 5 points and their satisfaction likelihood by 2.4-fold, while also improving physicians' decision-making comfort a...
A two-drug combination of venlafaxine and aripiprazole relieved depression in 44% of treatment-resistant patients over 60, while reducing suicidal thoughts. The study's findings suggest that older adults may respond to this treatment strategy, offering new hope for those with hard-to-treat depression.
A new study suggests that a diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence, with results showing a 30-40% reduction in consumption and prevention of relapse. The medication works by interfering with the hormone GLP-1, which regulates food intake and reward centers.
Researchers found that combining antidepressants with blood thinners increases autophagy in cancer cells, causing them to die. This combination therapy doubled the lifespan of mice with early-stage brain cancer, but further study is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Two US studies published in The BMJ reveal a significant increase in drugs approved via expedited pathways, raising concerns about efficacy and safety. The findings suggest that most new drugs may not be significantly more effective than existing products.
A new study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that patients participating in stage III renal cell cancer drug trials are often younger and healthier than those who ultimately receive the drugs. The study highlights concerns about the direct applicability of trial data, particularly for patients with more advanced canc...
A NAMS panel recommends behavioral approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis as effective in reducing hot flash symptoms. Nonhormonal prescription medications, such as SSRIs and gabapentinoids, are also recommended for their mild to moderate improvements.
A new study published in Diabetologia shows that taking blood pressure medications at bedtime halves the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in hypertensive patients. The research found a 57% decrease in risk with nighttime treatment compared to morning treatment.
A 10-week randomized trial showed significantly reduced measures of agitation in patients treated with dextromethorphan-quinidine, with an average 51% reduction compared to placebo. The combination medication was associated with a lower risk of adverse events and cognitive impairment.
A review of 54 studies from 20 countries found that people in addiction treatment have a much higher smoking rate, 84% vs 31%, for the general population. The study suggests that addressing tobacco use is crucial to improve substance treatment outcomes.
The EORTC 1320 trial, coordinated by the EORTC Brain Tumor Group, aims to assess the efficacy and safety of YONDELIS (trabectedin) compared to standard care in patients with recurrent grade II or III meningioma. The study plans to accrue 86 patients across 47 sites in ten countries.
A new study found that patients on one-fourth the suggested dose of beta-blockers survived at the same rate or even better than those on higher doses, increasing survival by 20-25%. The research suggests that beta-blocker dosing needs to be personalized for individual patients.
A new animal study reveals that traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the body as well as the brain, leading to chronic inflammation, nerve cell death, and reduced blood flow. Treatment with hypertension drugs blocks the production of proteins related to inflammation, potentially healing the brain.
A Mayo Clinic study examines the adoption and cessation of calcium magnesium (CaMg) use for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, highlighting the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. The study reveals a decade-long cycle of rapid changes in treatment, driven by emerging evidence and public perception.
A new study found no significant differences in self-care activities and diabetes test results between patients of nurse prescribers and non-prescribers. Despite the benefits of prescribing qualification, budget concerns may lead primary care practices to invest in lower-paid nurses.
The Women's Antiretroviral Efficacy and Safety Study found that women receiving Stribild had a higher rate of HIV suppression compared to those on ritonavir-boosted atazanavir plus Truvada. No one on Stribild developed resistant mutations, in contrast to three women in the comparator group.
A recent Alberta study found that pharmacist-led care can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients, with patients receiving enhanced care being twice as likely to reach their recommended targets. The RxACTION project demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmacists' independent prescribing and active patient management.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that higher doses of hydrocortisone are not associated with brain injury or neurodevelopmental impairments in extremely low birthweight infants. However, the study suggests that lower doses of hydrocortisone may improve cognitive outcomes.
A clinical trial of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, found that it can reverse HIV latency in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy. The treatment did not negatively affect T-cell function, and increased plasma HIV-1 RNA was detectable in five of six participants.
A Phase 2a trial will assess the safety and immunogenicity of IDRI's TB vaccine candidate in 60 participants in South Africa, who have previously had active TB. The trial aims to reduce TB recurrence after treatment, a major threat to TB control programs.
A reanalysis of a 2001 study on antidepressants found that popular drug paroxetine is neither safe nor effective for adolescents with depression. The new results contradict the original research and have important implications for research and practice.
A University of Adelaide-led reanalysis of Study 329 found that paroxetine was no more effective at relieving depression symptoms than a placebo, linked to 11 suicidal or self-harming behaviours
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that electronic reminders can significantly improve tuberculosis treatment adherence in China. Patients who received electronic medication monitors missed only 17% of their doses, compared to 29.9% for those with no reminders and 27.3% for those receiving text message reminders.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.
A new classification system for gout has been developed to standardize its diagnosis and treatment. The system uses evidence-based criteria and has been validated by comparing it to existing published criteria, outperforming them in performance.
The American College of Physicians released a guide for appropriate use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to address growing concerns over their use in hospitals. The guide highlights the potential for complications like thrombosis and infection, as well as variation in their use among patients.
PharmaMar presents new data for YONDELIS (trabectedin) in soft tissue sarcoma and solid tumors, including final overall survival analysis and real-world data from a large prospective phase IV study. Additionally, early clinical studies show synergistic activity for PM1183 in combination with paclitaxel or cisplatin.
Researchers found that high-dose resveratrol stabilized a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. The study, involving 119 participants, also showed that resveratrol was safe and well-tolerated, but its effects on brain volume were unclear.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a potential neuroprotective mechanism for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the ApoE2 gene. The study suggests that ApoE2 carriers may be resistant to Alzheimer's disease due to enhanced brain energy metabolism.
Researchers have found a new strategy to eliminate HIV by reactivating latent infected cells using a class of drugs called Smac mimetics. The approach, which has shown promising results in clinical trials for cancer, may lead to a safe and effective treatment to cure the virus.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that 41% of open lung cancer clinical trials excluded patients with previously treated CNS disease, while 26% allowed those with untreated CNS involvement. The study suggests that current practice may be based on habit rather than scientific rationale.
Recent small studies suggest psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin may help reduce anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and alcohol addiction. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine clinical application.
The Phase I study confirms the therapeutic dose and safety profile of SCYX-7158, a first oral drug candidate specifically developed to combat human African trypanosomiasis. The study results translate into prolonged exposure with just one dose, targeting the late stage of the disease where the parasite crosses the blood-brain barrier.