Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Maintenance immunosuppressive drugs linked to increased COVID-19 hospitalization risk in solid organ transplant patients. Clinicians treating transplant recipients should consider these findings for epidemic-related decisions.
A study published in Oncotarget reveals that HER2 mutant alleles play a crucial role in determining treatment response to neratinib and poziotinib. Researchers found that individual HER2 mutant alleles have distinct effects on therapeutic efficacy, suggesting new targets for breast cancer therapy.
Researchers found that changing treatment can lead to significant improvement in mobility and quality of life for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. A nationwide registry is planned to develop scientifically sound guidelines for combination therapies.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that boosting levels of a deficient protein improves survival rates for people with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The research, which tracked health data from over 600 patients, showed a clear survival benefit from augmentation therapy.
A small clinical trial led by the University of Houston demonstrates Riluzole's effectiveness in improving functionality in people with acute spinal cord injuries. The study used an SCI-specific biomarker to show how Riluzole reduces neuron cell damage and improves motor abilities.
A new classification system for heart attacks based on heart muscle damage is released, offering a more differentiated definition and improving understanding of acute atherothrombotic MI. This system has the potential to stratify risk more accurately and lay the groundwork for development of injury-stage-specific therapies.
Scientists at Nagoya University developed a new gastric acid inhibitor with a binding affinity nearly 10 times higher than existing drugs. The AI-driven approach led to the creation of compound DQ-18, which exhibits stronger binding to the gastric proton pump.
A groundbreaking clinical trial launched by the U.S. Army aims to find new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel and veterans. The trial will test multiple drug candidates and examine biological indicators to determine potential treatments.
Stanford researchers have discovered a pathway to break down problematic proteins, which can be harnessed to develop new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The findings also offer insights into lysosome storage disorders, rare conditions that affect babies and children.
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is offering global grants of up to $200,000 per annum for three years to develop novel therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential. Researchers are invited to submit expressions of interest for Round Two of the Foundation Grants program.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that a decades-old anti-anxiety drug can improve the effectiveness of chemo-radiotherapy towards glioblastoma, the most common and lethal brain cancer. The researchers found that the drug trifluoperazine can re-sensitize tumor cells to both therapies, leading to improved patient survival.
Scientists have discovered a new small molecule called Feeblin that inhibits the interaction of SLC15A4 with TASL, a key player in pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. This finding offers promising new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus.
Tongxinluo significantly improved 30-day and 1-year clinical outcomes in STEMI patients, according to a randomized clinical trial. Further research is needed to understand its mechanism of action.
A secondary analysis of the SWOG S0931 trial found that patients with very-high risk clear-cell renal cell carcinoma who received adjuvant everolimus after surgery had a statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival. The results suggest that everolimus may be beneficial for this high-risk patient population, but als...
Researchers found that tumour cells escape immunotherapy by losing or changing BCMA and GPRC5D targets on their surface. This understanding has led to the suggestion of periodically profiling myeloma cells throughout a patient's treatment course to adapt treatment strategies.
Researchers are testing a single target to weaken tumors and strengthen immune cells in pediatric brain tumor patients. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of CAR-T therapy, which has shown promise but also leads to exhaustion of immune cells.
A new hormone replacement therapy, Pulsatility, has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency conditions. The treatment, which delivers hydrocortisone in a pulsatile pattern, decreased fatigue by 10% and improved mood and energy levels by 30%.
Researchers discovered that lactate-producing intratumoral bacteria drives resistance to radiation therapy. Cancer cells respond to radiation by rewiring metabolic signaling pathways using lactic acid instead of glucose.
A team of researchers aims to develop drug therapies by targeting genes that affect metabolism in people with Down syndrome, potentially improving their quality of life. The project will focus on the protein SIM2, which has been linked to breast cancer and metabolic changes in individuals with the condition.
Researchers found that mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 is associated with increased tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients. CHCHD2 interacts with mutated EGFR to increase sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers have discovered new insights into microglia-astrocyte communication and its impact on intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as the testicular toxicity of triptolide. Additionally, a study on epicardial cells has identified key gene markers associated with cardiac regenerative therapy strategies.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology method to deliver medication through the blood-brain barrier, overcoming its selectivity and expanding therapeutic options for glioblastoma treatment. The technique demonstrated improved tumor shrinkage and survival rates in mice, paving the way for further preclinical studies.
Researchers at UCSF found a feedback loop between immune protein IL-31 and nerve cells, which dials back nearby inflammation and promotes skin healing. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma by targeting the nervous system's role in regulating the immune response.
TTUHSC researchers received funding for pilot studies on photothermal tumor therapy, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer screening in underserved areas. The grants support the purchase of a cell sorter and address regional health disparities.
Researchers developed a nanocapsule that reduces lactate levels and releases hydrogen peroxide, recruiting and activating immune cells to attack tumors. The approach increased immune cell activity by 2-5-fold, improving cancer immunotherapy success rates.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.
Scientists at Temple University's Alzheimer's Center have identified a promising new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease: the protein ABCA7. The study found that cholesterol depletion and inflammation suppress ABCA7 levels in human brain cells, potentially contributing to disease onset.
Brazilian researchers screened 160 existing drugs and identified six compounds effective against Toxoplasma gondii. Almitrine, a COPD treatment, showed significant reduction in brain parasite load. Further studies are needed to repurpose these drugs for toxoplasmosis treatment.
Researchers found tirzepatide equally effective in treating young-onset and late-onset type 2 diabetes, improving HbA1c levels and weight. The drug also showed similar benefits in cardiometabolic markers such as waist circumference and blood pressure.
A new study reveals that esketamine nasal spray is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, with 27.1% of patients achieving remission after 8 weeks compared to 17.6% on quetiapine XR. Long-term data shows sustained remission rates at 21.7% for esketamine NS and 14.1% for quetiapine XR.
Researchers found that administering precursors of Elovanoids improved neurological deficit in an experimental model of ischemic stroke. The study identified a cascade of gene responses and sheds light on potential new therapeutic avenues for treating ischemic strokes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein mutation in CD8+ T cells that can make them more effective against cancer and infections. The mutated T cells were found to be more active when stimulated, persist longer, and expand in great numbers during the initial immune response.
A real-world study of over 23,000 adults with type 2 diabetes found that semaglutide significantly improved blood sugar control and weight loss for up to 3 years. The study showed that patients who had never taken a GLP-1 RA or those with higher adherence achieved more pronounced reductions in blood sugar levels and weight loss.
A new study published in Exp. Mol. Med. has identified Thrap3 as a key player in exacerbating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting AMPK, a crucial regulator of fat metabolism. Inhibiting Thrap3 expression presents a promising avenue for treating NAFLD.
Men with metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden experienced an average survival rate increase of six months after dual treatment was introduced from 2016 onwards. This improvement coincides with the gradual rollout of 'dual treatment', combining standard hormone therapy and chemotherapy or androgen receptor blockers.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna discovered that dormant tumor cells surviving chemotherapy can be targeted through the inhibition of P-glycoprotein, opening new possibilities for delaying relapse. This breakthrough could represent a step forward in treating aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, which has limited treatment options and ...
Armida Labs, a UCR-founded pharmaceutical company, has received a $400,000 NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop its breakthrough pancreatic cancer therapy Targefrin. The grant will enable the company to gather industry-standard data for human clinical trials.
A new drug called vorasidenib has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and extend the average time until tumor growth in patients with grade 2 IDH-mutant gliomas. This breakthrough could offer a first early treatment option for these cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
Five lung stem cell variants dominate CF lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and mucin secretion. CFTR modulators fail to suppress these inflammatory variants, suggesting they as key targets for new drugs.
Researchers have discovered a peptide that stabilizes the normal structure of alpha-synuclein protein, preventing misfolding and toxic clumps. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
A significant increase in the need for treatment of eye diseases is expected due to the growing elderly population. The number of patients requiring anti-VEGF medication is projected to rise by 50% over the next five years.
A study of 69,000 adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found no difference in sustained virologic response across alcohol use categories. This suggests that restricting access to direct-acting antiviral therapy based on alcohol use may create unnecessary barriers for patients. The findings challenge HCV elimination goals.
A team of scientists has developed a method to detect active Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), which are responsible for destroying unwanted proteins in cells. The new technology, called a molecular radar, reveals which CRLs are deployed to address cellular stresses and perform the actions of some anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers identified potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions using a new approach combining AI-driven target identification with protein phase separation analysis. The study provides insights into the role of protein phase separation in human disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers have identified a specific error in the NOTCH1 gene that causes rare kidney cancer reninoma. The study found that using existing drugs targeting this gene could serve as an alternative treatment for patients where surgery is not recommended.
Research found ginger consumption makes neutrophils more resistant to NETosis, a process that contributes to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Ginger supplementation also boosted chemical levels in neutrophils, inhibiting NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli.
A promising drug candidate CDNF has been found to prolong the lifespan of ALS patients and alleviate symptoms in rats and mice. The study suggests that CDNF may rescue motoneurons by reducing ER stress response and cell death.
Researchers explore kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for specific CRC subsets, offering hope for improved treatment options. Key findings suggest that uncovering essential kinases for tumor growth can lead to more effective treatment strategies in metastatic or later-stage CRC patients.
A study of 68,000 patients with COVID-19 found that using Paxlovid or Lagevrio significantly reduced mortality and hospitalization rates in those at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, regardless of age, race, or virus strain. These medications can be used to treat non-hospitalized patients at high risk of severe disease.
Researchers found that DPP4 inhibition increased sunitinib efficacy in RCC spheroids and upregulated DPP4 in sunitinib-resistant cells. This suggests potential repurposing of DPP4 inhibitors to target therapy resistance in renal cell carcinoma.
A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal reveals that methotrexate can be an effective treatment for liver cancer with a specific genetic mutation. The drug works by disrupting nucleotide synthesis in cancer cells, making it a promising alternative to current first-line treatments.
A study found sociodemographic-based disparities in COVID-19 therapeutic drug availability, revealing gaps in treatment access. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a unique supramolecule to remove cholesterol from macrophages, stopping the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. Cholesterol crystals are also found in human patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
A nationwide study found that early treatment with plasma from recovered COVID patients can reduce the risk of developing post-COVID conditions. The research also suggests that elevated cytokine levels, particularly interleukin-6, may contribute to long COVID symptoms.
Researchers have identified novel therapeutic targets using single-cell and spatially resolved omics, including cannabidiol for colorectal tumors, Cux1 as a potential target for dry skin diseases, and microglia communication for Alzheimer's disease. These studies offer hope for future treatments.
The American College of Physicians has issued updated rapid, living practice points on treating COVID-19 patients in outpatient settings. The new guidance supports the use of molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir for symptomatic patients with confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19.