Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new study suggests that finasteride, a common hair loss and prostate drug, may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in men. In mice, the researchers found significant correlations between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.
The FDA has approved omalizumab for the reduction of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children aged 1 year and older with food allergy. The approval is based on data from a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by NIAID.
Researchers developed a framework for standardizing biomarker development and validation to improve the prediction of age-related health outcomes. The study highlights the need for expanded focus on functional decline, frailty, chronic disease, and disability, and calls for harmonization of omic data to enhance reliability.
A four-drug chemotherapy regimen, NALIRIFOX, has been approved by the FDA for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The regimen, combining irinotecan liposome, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, resulted in longer overall survival compared to a two-drug protocol.
A new treatment combining a novel drug with traditional chemotherapy has been shown to increase the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The ATOMIC-meso trial found that this treatment quadrupled the survival at 36 months compared to placebo-chemotherapy.
A new analysis reveals that approximately 30-90% of first-time mothers worldwide receive medical augmentation with oxytocin, despite only 10-15% experiencing prolonged labor. This excessive treatment increases the risk of stillbirths, brain damage, and complications for subsequent pregnancies.
Researchers use bacteriophages to target and kill drug-resistant bacteria, with a patient experiencing complete resolution of infection after combination therapy. However, immune response may lead to recurrence, highlighting need for further clinical trials.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to analyze brain scans and clinical data, predicting treatment response with 8-week accuracy.
Researchers found that adding blood thinners to clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes did not improve physical function at 90 days post-stroke. The study, MOST, enrolled 514 patients and analyzed the effectiveness of two blood-thinning medications.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of ruxolitinib in treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Researchers found that ruxolitinib inhibited JAK signaling, leading to enhanced anti-tumor effects and improved patient outcomes.
A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure levels in nearly 500 adults with obesity. The results suggest treating obesity with this weight loss medication may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating high blood pressure.
The lack of synergy between academia and industry in drug discovery hinders the development of effective treatments. Researchers discuss why many therapeutic molecules fail to reach clinical trials despite pre-clinical efficacy.
Researchers at Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute have identified a combination of drugs that could change the treatment of patients with prostate cancer resistant to docetaxel. The study proposes a new treatment based on a combination of kinase inhibitors in patients who inevitably stop responding to docetaxel.
A study found that tenecteplase is safe and effective for treating ischemic stroke in mobile stroke units, offering a simpler alternative to alteplase. The new medication requires only a single injection, reducing administration time and complications.
A phase II clinical trial found Muse cell-based product CL2020 to be highly tolerated and improved ALS symptoms, but may not halt disease progression. The treatment's efficacy depends on combining it with other drugs for future treatments.
A study published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that treating people with ischemic stroke with intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba during the first two weeks after the stroke improved early cognitive recovery. The treatment, called ...
A combination of two cancer drugs has shown promise in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), a type of cancer that is notoriously hard to treat. The study found that the combination therapy of SHP2 inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors suppressed tumor growth and triggered cell death in mouse models.
Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced kidney stone rates by 30% compared to GLP1 agonists and 25% compared to DPP4 inhibitors. The study included data from 716,406 adults with type 2 diabetes who took these medications.
A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.
A recent study published in the journal Blood revealed that hydroxyurea treatment resulted in a 60% reduction in severe or invasive infections among Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia. The findings provide powerful justification for hydroxyurea's use as a standard of care in Africa, which could ultimately save countless lives.
A phase 3 trial shows that adjuvant pembrolizumab therapy significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at high risk for recurrence. The treatment reduces the risk of death by 38% compared to placebo.
A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.
Researchers explore the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improving sensitivity to radiation therapy for lung cancer. TCM compounds, such as oridonin and ginsenoside Rg5, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and radiosensitizing properties.
Researchers develop technology that alleviates retinal pathologies by targeting mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which is implicated in the breakdown of blood-retinal barrier and pathological neovascularization. This treatment approach holds great promise for revolutionizing the treatment landscape for ischemic retinopathy.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet found that GLP1 agonists like Ozempic reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. Those who continued taking the medication for ten years were half as likely to develop severe liver disease.
A new study found that propranolol, a medication for high blood pressure, can lower anxiety levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study involved 69 patients and showed significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo group.
A study found that primary care physicians spent nearly 30 minutes more on EHR tasks between pre-pandemic and final year, with time spent outside of scheduled hours increasing significantly. This growth in EHR workload may contribute to burnout and affect decisions to cut back on clinic time or leave the profession.
A new international trial investigated the safety and efficacy of sabatolimab combined with hypomethylating agents in patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms. The study found manageable side effects, but no significant improvement in response rates or progression-free survival.
Gabapentinoid usage has continued to rise in the US, increasing from 4.0% in 2015 to 4.7% in 2021, according to a recent report. The study found that users continue to take these medications despite FDA warnings against combining them with other sedating medications.
Researchers identified genetic variants that predict response to treatment for preterm birth, a condition affecting one in 10 infants. High levels of mutations in certain genes are associated with lower response rates, suggesting a precision framework for future drug development.
A recent meta-analysis of 20,000 patients with Alzheimer's disease found no clinically significant improvement in cognitive or functional abilities from monoclonal antibody treatment. The studies also revealed a high risk of serious harms, including cerebral edema and death, associated with the use of these expensive medications.
Researchers have effectively targeted three distinct groups of cholangiocarcinoma, a lethal disease caused by liver fluke parasite or herbal carcinogen exposure. Experimental models show that specific treatments targeting these pathways can slow cancer growth and improve prognosis for CCA patients
A new study published in Oncogene highlights the effectiveness of MDX-124, a therapeutic drug targeting annexin-A1, which promotes tumour progression. High annexin-A1 expression levels correlate with poorer overall survival in various cancers.
A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.
A multisite clinical trial will evaluate repurposed FDA-approved drugs as treatment options for patients with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development. The study aims to find new therapies to improve the lives of individuals with Rett syndrome, potentially providing multiple treatment options.
A clinical trial showed that an extract of Boswellia, a plant used in traditional medicine for centuries, has anti-proliferative effects against breast cancer. The study found a statistically significant reduction in tumor proliferation compared to non-treated patients, suggesting potential anti-cancer activity in humans.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger and Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to decrease early seizure likelihood among infants with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Presymptomatic treatment involving anti-seizure medication and low-dose aspirin improves neurologic outcomes.
A new trial found that combining anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy led to more young people seeing their tumors shrink, from 18% in the control group to 26%. Patients who received Bevacizumab additionally had better one year progression-free survival rates.
A study of nearly 900 patients found that delayed or missed diagnoses contributed to temporary or permanent harm in three-quarters of cases. Improving diagnostic tools and techniques could reduce errors by up to 40%, according to researchers.
A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.
Cancer immunotherapy can cause severe colitis due to hyper-activated immune T cells and deleted regulatory T cells. Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a new mouse model that develops colitis after treatment with antibodies used for tumor immunotherapy, revealing the mechanism behind this side effect.
The Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine has hit a major milestone of returning clinical genetic results to over 30,000 patients, making it a leader in providing personalized patient care. The center is also studying pharmacogenomics and providing results to guide drug selection and dosing.
A large-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.
Researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma were associated with better lung function and longer survival without needing a lung transplant. This was consistent regardless of smoking history or cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that cytisine significantly increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than two-fold compared to placebo. The study also suggests that cytisine may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in some cases, making it a promising solution for smokers worldwide.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 observational studies found a significant association between sedative-hypnotic medication use and an increased risk of fractures. The study estimates that users have a 30% higher risk of fractures compared to non-users, with the highest risk associated with benzodiazepine and z-drug use.
A monoclonal antibody treatment increased food-allergic children and adolescents' tolerance to common foods, reducing allergic reactions. Omalizumab, approved for other indications, is being reviewed for a new indication based on the trial's interim analysis.
A study by the University of Sydney and University of Warwick found large gaps in evidence regarding opioid medicines for cancer pain. Non-opioid medicines, including aspirin, may be as effective as opioids for background cancer pain.
A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.
A clinical trial found that an experimental drug, BI 690517, reduced albuminuria in 70% of patients when paired with a standard-care medication. The study also showed that the combination of the two drugs mitigated the risk of hyperkalemia.
A study found that over 13% of cancer drug trials in China used suboptimal control arms, which may lead to biased results and patient harm. The researchers highlight the need for refining trial design to generate optimal clinical evidence.
A Northwestern University study found that nearly two-thirds of patients discontinue or change their medication within a year, highlighting the need for better understanding of barriers to treatment adherence. The high discontinuation rate for GLP-1 RAs may be due to gastrointestinal side effects.
A phase 3 trial found that tirzepatide promotes additional weight loss and preserves metabolic health when continued, but discontinuation leads to significant weight regain. Researchers suggest chronic treatment may be necessary for sustained weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk factors.
A phase III trial has found that personalised treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can improve survival and remission rates. The trial showed that individualising therapy based on regular blood tests significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously untreated CLL.
Researchers have decoded the factor driving rapid growth of T cell lymphomas, revealing a 'sugar appetite' that triggers processes leading to tumor growth. The discovery provides new hope for treating aggressive cancer types, with existing medications potentially effective against these tumors.
A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that bexmarilimab therapy alters macrophage behavior to promote anti-tumor immune defense. The therapy was well-tolerated and stabilized disease progression in patients with advanced-stage cancer, inducing tumor-associated macrophage and lymphocyte activation.
The TAF/EVG fast-dissolving vaginal insert is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study to determine its safety and user acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness as an on-demand HIV prevention method for women, particularly those who do not want or can't use daily PrEP or long-acting products.