Articles tagged with Drug Studies
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A new study published in JAMA found that patients who spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) are less likely to renew their prescriptions for chronic medications after discharge. The research examined data from nearly 400,000 Ontario residents and found that ICU patients had a higher rate of prescription non-renewal compared to tho...
A meta-analysis of biologic therapies for chronic plaque psoriasis found no significant increase in cardiovascular events among patients treated with these medications. However, the analysis highlights limitations of current clinical trial designs, which may not detect rare or long-term adverse events.
A UCLA study found that smokers with alcohol, drug, and mental disorders are five times more likely to quit with help from their primary care physician. The study suggests targeting these patients for smoking cessation counseling to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs.
The first clinical studies of omecamtiv mecarbil suggest it could be a promising treatment for systolic heart failure, improving heart muscle contraction and pumping function. The drug has dose-dependent and concentration-dependent effects on cardiac function, increasing stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening.
A new class of drugs called cardiac myosin activators targets the motor proteins in heart failure patients, prolonging contraction duration and improving blood pumped per stroke. Omecamtiv mercabil shows promise as a safe and effective treatment option with minimal increased energy expenditure.
Chronic kidney disease patients with high blood phosphate levels may be at risk of progressing to kidney failure faster. Lowering phosphate levels could help optimize the effectiveness of important kidney medications like ramipril.
Researchers tested a device to prevent intraoperative awareness and found it was no more effective than a less expensive method. The study involved over 6,000 surgical patients and found that both methods were probably effective in decreasing the incidence of awareness.
Researchers report significant and sustained clinical improvements in 42% of patients with chronic gout resistant to conventional therapies. Pegloticase lowers uric acid levels and resolves painful swollen joint nodules, improving physical function and quality of life.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing financial assistance for Medicare patients could result in an additional 18,000 patients discontinuing one or more prescriptions annually. The lack of funding led to a decrease in drug switching despite government advice to switch to generic or low-cost drugs.
A recent study found that pegloticase significantly reduces plasma uric acid levels and improves physical function and quality of life in patients with severe, chronic gout. The medication was effective in achieving the primary outcome in approximately 42% of patients, with significant improvements also seen in patient-reported pain.
A study analyzing results from multiple international clinical trials of beta-blocker drugs found significant differences in survival rates among patients treated in different regions. US patients showed a lower survival rate compared to patients outside the US, while other countries demonstrated more substantial reductions in mortality.
Researchers found that limiting drug-eluting stent use to high-risk patients preserves clinical benefits while reducing costs by an average of $401 per patient. The selective use of these stents has saved the US healthcare system around $400 million annually.
Researchers found moderate drinkers were 23% less likely to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Moderate drinking was more beneficial than beer or spirits, but the finding was based on a relatively small number of studies.
A large double-blind study has shown that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin for preventing stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that rivaroxaban use led to less intra-cranial and fatal bleeding, making it an attractive alternative to the current standard treatment.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that psychiatrists are not regularly monitoring patients for metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic medication. The researchers reviewed over 300,000 individuals across five countries and found that only half of patients had blood pressure and triglyceride checks conducted.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have demonstrated the direct participation of IgE in atherogenesis in a mouse model. IgE stimulates macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, leading to increased atherosclerotic lesions. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies may become a novel therapy for atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that lenalidomide interacts with P-glycoprotein, a molecule that pumps toxic chemicals out of cells. This interaction may lead to increased toxicity and require safer dosing of the drug in various diseases. The study involved 21 patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.
A recent NIH study found that ATGAM significantly improved blood cell counts and survival rates for patients with severe aplastic anemia compared to Thymoglobulin. The study enrolled 120 patients and showed improved outcomes after six months, with 96% of ATGAM patients surviving after three years.
Scientists have developed a battery-powered skin patch that can deliver medication for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and healing stubborn skin ulcers and burns. The patch uses transdermal iontophoresis to deliver fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), larger proteins that were previously ineffective when given by mouth or injected, result...
A study published in JAMA found that adding risperidone to ongoing antidepressant therapy did not reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant symptoms. The researchers concluded that the data do not support widespread prescription of risperidone for this patient population.
The hospital is participating in two new studies: one examining new treatments for wheezing in young children with colds and another investigating whether Vitamin D can help adolescents and adults control their asthma. The goal of these trials is to find better treatments for this common and often poorly managed condition.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of TMC207, an experimental anti-tuberculosis drug with activity against both susceptible and resistant TB. The study will be led by Dr. Robert Salata and involves 32 healthy participants.
Tamoxifen therapy for 5 years improves survival by about a third in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to an analysis of over 20,000 patients. The treatment reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death in ER-positive disease, regardless of chemotherapy use.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that short-term amphetamine use can improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults. However, the high risk of adverse events and limited duration of treatment restrict its effectiveness.
A study found that Medicare Part D implementation led to significant reductions in nondrug medical spending, particularly for inpatient care. The reduction was attributed to increased medication use and adherence among beneficiaries with limited prior drug coverage.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was more effective than cranberry capsules in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. However, the use of antibiotics increased the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.
A clinical trial led by Newcastle University found that the drug idebenone improved vision and perception of color in patients with LHON, a condition causing inherited blindness. In nine out of 36 patients taking idebenone, vision improved to the point where they could read at least one row of letters on a chart.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that patients with new statin prescriptions obtained through mail-order pharmacies showed improved cholesterol control in the first 3-15 months. This is compared to those who only used their local pharmacy, where 74.2% achieved target cholesterol levels.
A Johns Hopkins University study found that an existing anti-seizure drug improves memory and brain function in adults with a form of cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that the drug may slow the abnormal loss of brain function in some aging patients before their condition becomes Alzheimer's.
A new clinical trial is underway to examine the efficacy of STX209, a medication that has shown promise in improving social behaviors in people with Fragile X syndrome. The trial, which includes adults and children, aims to assess the safety and tolerability of the drug in treating social withdrawal symptoms.
A Temple University study found that urban residents' rates of borrowing prescription medication were comparable to the national average, challenging stereotypes about lower socioeconomic groups. The majority of borrowed medications were for convenience and obtained from friends or family members.
A study analyzed data from 844 individuals with early-stage Multiple Sclerosis and found that disease-modifying drugs provide modest health gains, but their cost is more than 8 times higher than considered reasonable. The study's authors highlight the need to reevaluate treatment costs to control healthcare expenses.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have longer survival rates than those who don't. Treatment for GER may help reduce microaspiration and scarring of lung tissue, leading to improved survival outcomes.
A surgeon's behavior in the operating room affects patient outcomes, healthcare costs, medical errors, and staff-satisfaction. Civility in the surgical suite can lead to fewer post-operative deaths and complications, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced medical errors.
A new analysis of a clinical trial found that an experimental drug, torcetrapib, can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study showed that torcetrapib increased levels of 'good' cholesterol and improved glucose measurements.
Pomalidomide increases production of fetal hemoglobin, boosting red blood cells in patients with sickle cell disease. Unlike hydroxyurea, pomalidomide preserves bone marrow function without suppressing it.
The HPTN 052 study found that early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to uninfected partners, with a 96% reduction in transmissions. Early cART also benefits the infected individual by maintaining higher CD4 counts and reducing HIV-related illnesses or death.
The THRIVE and ECHO phase 3 trials showed that rilpivirine is non-inferior to efavirenz with a better side-effect profile, but had a higher incidence of virological failures. Rilpivirine was found to be effective in suppressing HIV virus levels in patients starting treatment for the first time.
Researchers found evidence of a trial effect during earlier periods but not later ones, attributing the lack of demonstrable effect to improved antiretroviral therapy and changing attitudes towards HIV.
The Partners PrEP Study demonstrates that antiretroviral medication tenofovir significantly reduces HIV infection risk in individuals at high risk. The study found that those who received daily tablets containing tenofovir or a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine experienced fewer HIV infections than those who received a placebo.
The Partners PrEP Study and the CDC's TDF2 study found significant reductions in HIV infections among participants taking antiretroviral drugs. The VOICE study will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, with a focus on its impact on women and the optimal treatment approach.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Researchers at TGen present two key studies on the role of genes and proteins in therapeutic treatments for lung cancer. The studies suggest that combination drug therapy may be necessary to combat non-small cell lung cancer, particularly when patients have elevated levels of a protein called JAK2.
A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that Twitter posts can be a useful source of public health information, revealing patterns about various ailments. The study uncovered interesting findings on allergies, flu cases, insomnia, cancer, obesity, depression, pain, and other health issues.
Research reveals disparities in trial populations reflecting U.S. demographics, with women and older patients under-enrolled. Minority groups also show significant underrepresentation, highlighting concerns about toxicity and treatment efficacy.
A new study found that varenicline, marketed as Chantix, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization due to serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and arrhythmias. The study, published in CMAJ, suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks.
A randomized controlled trial found that both structural and relaxation massage types helped alleviate chronic low back pain and improve function. Massage patients experienced significant reductions in pain, improved functioning, and increased activity compared to those with usual care.
A Johns Hopkins-led study suggests that healthy, middle-aged smokers taking varenicline have a 72% increased risk of being hospitalized with a heart attack or serious heart problems compared to those on a placebo. This risk applies even among smokers without pre-existing heart disease.
A new study found that varenicline, a commonly used smoking cessation drug, is associated with a 72% increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. The research suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication for tobacco dependence treatment.
A clinical study found that a gabapentin trial was likely a 'seeding trial' to promote the drug, raising concerns about pharmaceutical industry sponsorship of clinical trials. The study's authors argue that this practice is unethical and highlights the need for reform in clinical trial practice.
A review of documents suggests that the Study of Neurontin: Titrate to Effect, Profile of Safety (STEPS) study was a seeding trial intended to promote gabapentin and increase prescribing. The study's uncontrolled design and compromised data quality raise concerns about its validity.
Two studies suggest diet soft drink consumption may lead to increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Diet soda users experienced a 70% greater increase in waist circumference compared to non-users.
A large, long-term study confirms that medications with anticholinergic activity cause cognitive impairment. The research also identifies a possible link between these drugs and risk of death.
A new anti-inflammatory drug has been shown to improve kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The study found significant increases in estimated glomerular filtration rates at weeks 24 and 52, with continued benefits after discontinuation.
A large cohort study of over 13,000 people aged 65 and over found that those taking medications with anticholinergic properties had a higher risk of dying and experiencing cognitive impairment. The study suggests that clinicians should review medication regimens regularly to minimize harm.
A systematic review of community health worker programs found significant increases in mammography screening rates among medically underserved women. The programs were most effective in urban and medical settings, with racial-ethnic parity strengthening the beneficial effect.
A new UCLA study reports favorable long-term outcomes for lower-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent angioplasty with medication-coated stents. The procedure had an excellent short-term outcome profile and a low risk of complications.
A team of scientists used induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with inherited ALS to reveal how reduced VAPB protein levels contribute to the disease. The study provides a novel in vitro model of ALS and offers an unprecedented opportunity to answer questions about the disease's pathogenesis.
Despite better glucose, lipid and blood pressure control, diabetic kidney disease continues to increase in prevalence. Tight control of blood sugar levels did not lead to significant improvements in kidney function, suggesting additional interventions are needed to prevent the disease.
Research found that millions of adults with peripheral artery disease are not taking cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications, despite having a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Taking two or more of these medications was associated with a 65% lower rate of death from all causes.