Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered adding salt can help release therapeutic material from endosomes, improving delivery efficiency for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies. The simple strategy overcomes a major obstacle in gene medicine, potentially making these therapies more efficient and accessible worldwide.
A new meta-analysis from the University of Georgia found tirzepatide to be the most effective GLP-1 medication for weight loss in non-diabetic patients, achieving over 20% weight reduction. Semaglutide and liraglutide were less effective, with weight losses of 15% and 8%, respectively.
The University of Virginia has joined SPARK GLOBAL to leverage resources and expertise in accelerating the development of new medicines. This collaboration aims to reduce time from lab discoveries to clinic trials, delivering tangible healthcare solutions to patients.
Researchers found that pramipexole, a Parkinson's disease medication, improved symptoms of anhedonia in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The therapy was associated with positive effects on the brain's reward system and increased physical activity.
The FDA has accepted Genentech's supplemental Biologic License Application for atezolizumab, supported by phase III ATOMIC trial results. The trial showed a 50% reduction in cancer recurrence or death and 86.3% disease-free survival rate.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
A new review highlights advances in preventing bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis, showing that modern antirheumatic therapies can significantly reduce both localized erosions and generalized bone loss. Emerging imaging technologies like HR-pQCT have been found to detect subtle bone erosions earlier and more sensitively.
Researchers identify key mechanisms and molecular targets to prevent tumor progression in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer affecting young children. Two new treatment possibilities have been highlighted, targeting the IRE1α-XBP1 signaling axis and protein TAK1.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have identified a key immune pathway that appears to drive damaging inflammation in Huntington disease. Blocking this pathway reduced brain inflammation, protected neurons, and improved movement in a humanized mouse model of the disease.
Mazdutide, a GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, provides clinically meaningful weight reduction in Chinese adults with obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse reactions are more common among those taking the drug compared to placebo.
Patients described GLP-1 RA therapy as a facilitator of lifestyle change, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines on patient education and clinical support. The quality of care was highly variable, leading to potential expectation management issues around adverse effects and long-term management.
Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Adding fovinaciclib to first-line aromatase inhibitor therapy confers significant progression-free survival benefits and consistent improvements in efficacy outcomes. The treatment also has manageable safety profiles with no negative impact on quality of life.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows an investigational targeted therapy, daraxonrasib, significantly extends overall survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, reducing death risk by 60%, compared to standard chemotherapy.
Researchers found that a vitamin D analog reduced fibroblast activation and increased T cell infiltration in pancreatic tumors, improving chemotherapy responses and progression-free survival. Patients with high vitamin D receptor expression also had longer overall survival.
Researchers developed a senolytic therapy using dasatinib and quercetin, which preserved disc structure and reduced inflammation, highlighting JUN signaling as a key pathway. This preclinical study provides evidence for a potential therapeutic strategy to slow disease progression in individuals with genetic susceptibility.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.
Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.
A USC-led study analyzed insurance claims data from 940 patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer to compare the effectiveness of five tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The results showed alectinib and lorlatinib as promising treatments, offering longer survival times and better treatment duration compared to other options.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
A single dose of psilocybin was associated with rapid antidepressant effects, persisting for more than 3 months. The study suggests that psilocybin may provide a rapid and relatively long-lasting antidepressant effect on major depressive disorder.
IEC-HS is a rare but potentially fatal complication of CAR-T therapy, characterized by sustained inflammatory response and distinct biochemical differences from CRS. Targeted therapies, such as interleukin-1 blockade, are gaining attention for its management.
A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that combining phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with selective oestrogen receptor modulators may slow or stop disease progression when given early. This combination resulted in improved penile curvature and reduced pain during erections compared to standard care.
A nationwide self-controlled cohort study found that GLP-1 class of obesity drugs were associated with a 26% fall in asthma exacerbations and a 14% drop in use of asthma inhaler reliever. The study suggests that weight loss, modulation of airway inflammation, and improvements in metabolic functions may improve asthma outcomes.
A new study has identified the most effective dosages for five commonly used ADHD medications using data from thousands of participants. The research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, provides a comprehensive view of dosage effects and developed an online tool to help clinicians and patients choose the right dosage.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity, dietitian societies, and patients' organizations have issued a new consensus statement on using incretin drugs to treat obesity. The statement highlights the importance of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) and reinforces healthy dietary patterns. It also emphasizes the need to monitor ...
A new UK drug approval pathway is expected to benefit the pharmaceutical industry while prioritizing earlier revenue over patient needs. The pathway, which aligns regulatory review by the MHRA with NICE's health technology appraisal process, has raised concerns about its impact on population health and NHS resources.
Researchers at Cornell University found that adding just 0.5% grape pomace to broiler chicken feed can nearly match the performance of antibiotics, improving weight gain and gut health. This alternative could help reduce antibiotic use in poultry production and address growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
In patients with symptomatic rheumatic heart disease, digoxin significantly reduced the risk of a composite of all-cause death or new-onset or worsening heart failure. The treatment had little risk of toxicity, making it a promising therapeutic option for these patients.
Adjunctive intravenous tirofiban increased the likelihood of an excellent outcome at 90 days in patients with acute ischemic stroke who had inadequate response to tenecteplase. The study found improved outcomes in these patients, providing new insights into treatment options.
A study published in JAMA found that intravenous tenecteplase prior to endovascular treatment did not improve clinical outcomes compared to EVT alone for patients with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion. The results suggest that EVT may be the preferred treatment option for this patient population.
The ERASur clinical trial is investigating whether total ablative therapy can improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed, limited metastatic colorectal cancer. The study has reached one-third patient accrual milestone, signaling strong momentum.
Regular physical activity is essential for mitigating the regain of lost weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. Exercise has complementary effects beyond energy balance, including improved insulin sensitivity and increased fat oxidation. Clinicians must develop individualized strategies to improve exercise adherence.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that low doses of endoxifen reduce breast density to the same extent as tamoxifen without causing severe side effects. The results suggest a lower dose may be sufficient for therapeutic effect while being better tolerated.
A new review found that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. The treatment also lowered rates of non-fatal heart attacks, hospital admissions for heart failure, and deaths from any cause.
Chronic liver disease in the US costs $41.57 billion, with prescription medication expenditures accounting for nearly half of all-cause healthcare expenditures. Poor adherence to antiviral medications is a key factor in preventing disease progression and treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs increasing non-adherence risk.
Researchers from UH, Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center propose a new treatment approach for Crohn's disease by targeting the stress signal that fuels inflammation. They found that repurposing two existing cancer medications can promote natural repair and regeneration of the intestinal lining.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Parkinson's disease are using psychotropics more frequently than controls, even before diagnosis. The use of psychotropic medications increases as the disease progresses, reflecting emerging non-motor symptoms and worsening disease progression.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
A new Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials found that anti-amyloid Alzheimer's drugs have no significant impact on cognitive decline or dementia severity, but may increase the risk of brain swelling and bleeding. The evidence suggests that these drugs are unlikely to provide clear benefit to patients.
Researchers identified patient-reported symptoms associated with GLP-1s, including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints, that may not be fully captured in clinical trials or drug labeling. Nearly 4% of Reddit users reported reproductive symptoms, and fatigue was the second most common complaint.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a safer and more effective way to treat Alzheimer's disease by combining anti-amyloid antibodies with molecules found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and turmeric. This combination approach neutralizes amyloid protein clumping in the brain, leading to better outcomes.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
A new analysis from UC San Francisco argues that diagnostics are being overlooked, slowing progress against major diseases despite advances in targeted therapies. The study suggests that nearly half of the world's population lacks adequate access to diagnostics due to inadequate investment and insurance reimbursement.
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
City St George's, University of London, is partnering with Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals to test a potential treatment for osteoarthritis. The partnership aims to investigate the mechanism of action of pentosan polysulfate sodium (iPPS) on bone marrow lesions, which are linked to pain in osteoarthritis.
In this randomized clinical trial, mirtazapine effectively reduced methamphetamine use in adults with methamphetamine use disorder. The study's findings have important implications for the treatment of this condition, which currently lacks approved pharmacotherapies.
Researchers identified NOX-1 as a key molecular target to prolong ketamine's therapeutic benefits. Combining ketamine with NOX-1 inhibitors significantly extended its antidepressant-like effects. K-4, a novel AMPAR modulator, also showed rapid antidepressant effects that persisted for at least 2 weeks.
Early-stage drug development has nearly doubled globally over the past decade, driven by a shift from a US-dominated system to a two-hub structure. This change may have implications for scientific workforce development, investment, and patient access to new therapies.
Researchers have identified and overcome metabolic instability as the key barrier to developing ovalicin, a potent relative of fumagillin. Using chem-bio hybrid synthesis, they created metabolically stable drug candidates that worked in animal models of amebiasis.
A Concordia-led study reveals that many Canadian surgery residents scored below the threshold of adequate pain knowledge, with limited grasp of the biopsychosocial model and unpreparedness to treat pain in children. This highlights the need for improved medical training to address this critical gap.
A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.
The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.
Research reveals associations between antiseizure drugs and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, with valproate and zonisamide linked to increased risks. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of new antiseizure drugs and further evaluation of their safety during pregnancy.
Research shows that bacteria harbor resistance genes may respond differently to antibiotics under non-standard conditions. This affects treatment efficacy and contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance development and spread. Understanding these variations is crucial to combat global public health threats.