Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A randomized clinical trial found that rituximab significantly improved disease control in patients with new-onset myasthenia gravis, reducing the need for cortisone treatments and hospitalizations. The study's results offer hope for a more effective treatment strategy, but larger studies are needed to assess long-term effects.
Researchers from Temple University Health System developed a device that significantly reduces blood clot size in pulmonary arteries, leading to improved heart function and shorter treatment duration. The breakthrough is based on data collected in the NIH-sponsored RESCUE trial.
A randomized trial found that a 12-week online yoga program improved knee function in participants, but did not significantly reduce knee pain during walking. The study suggests that unsupervised online yoga programs can be feasible and improve physical function, but more research is needed to sustain the effectiveness.
A new genomic test can predict a patient's risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to research from the University of Virginia Health System. The test, called CovGENE, analyzes genes expressed in a person's blood to determine if they may experience a severe disease course with increased risk of death.
The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a public-private partnership with the FDA and NIH to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will leverage C-Path's expertise in data management, quantitative analytics, and regulatory science to accelerate medical product development.
A team of scientists from Ural Federal University has developed a complex mathematical model to understand the dynamics of nanoparticles and viruses in cells. The model reveals how viruses cluster inside endosomes and interact with cellular proteins, shedding light on their behavior and replication mechanisms. This breakthrough can hel...
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology special issue highlights the potential of theranostics to tailor cancer treatment to individual patients. The innovation uses targeted radiopharmaceuticals for both diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
A study by Case Western Reserve University has identified a promising path to developing therapies for esophageal tumors. The research team linked the TGFβ-pathway, a cell signaling mechanism, to tumor development and found that a protein-coding gene called HNF4α is a predictive biomarker of cancer.
A newly developed agonistic antibody targeting TREM2 reduced amyloid burden and alleviated cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that increasing TREM2 activation could have therapeutic effects such as improved cognition.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to directly measure the strength of skeletal muscle myotubes by analyzing wrinkles formed on an elastic substrate when stimulated with electric pulses. This new technique is more sensitive than existing measures and has great potential for accelerating drug discover...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a groundbreaking method to eradicate glioblastoma brain tumors by targeting astrocytes and starving them of energy. The study found that in the absence of these brain cells, tumor cells die and are eliminated, offering a promising basis for developing effective medications.
Researchers identified critical period plasticity in the amygdala that can be treated with therapeutic intervention at key developmental time points. Early pharmacological intervention was shown effective in reducing fear-learning in the mouse model.
A large cross-sectional study found that baseline plasma antigen levels are highly associated with both the severity of pulmonary illness and clinically important patient outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Higher antigen levels were linked to increased risk of pulmonary worsening and delayed hospital discharge.
Researchers found that brief rapamycin exposure in early adulthood can prevent age-related decline and extend lifespan. The study used fruit flies and mice to test the effects of short-term drug administration, showing protection against intestinal pathology and increased health span.
Researchers have developed a new treatment principle that combines DNA-based and protein-based vaccines to stimulate the immune system against both hepatitis B and D viruses. The treatment has been shown to protect cultured cells against HBV and HDV infection, producing high levels of neutralizing antibodies and T-cells.
The American College of Cardiology has published an expert consensus decision pathway on the role of nonstatin therapies for LDL-C lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction. The guidance provides recommendations for individuals at high-risk and those with familial hypercholesterolemia, ...
A KAUST-led research team identified two drug treatments that boost the activity of molecules involved in cell adhesion, enhancing the ability of blood-forming stem cells to enter the bloodstream and produce new blood. This breakthrough could lead to improved bone marrow transplant success for leukemia patients.
A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers suggests that certain anti-cancer drugs may target a key player in Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that mutations in a specific chromatin reader, SP140, are associated with an increased risk of immune diseases like Crohn's.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a potential curative treatment for neuroblastoma, using DHODH blockers in combination with chemotherapy to cure mice with the disease. The treatment has shown promising results and could improve survival rates for children with neuroblastoma.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute create micro-organospheres for direct viral infection, immune cell penetration, and high-throughput therapeutic drug screening. The technology holds promise for personalized medicine, tumor therapy and rapid drug testing.
A proof-of-concept study developed three machine learning models to predict posttreatment recurrence in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The models achieved high accuracy using imaging data alone, while combining clinical data did not significantly improve performance.
A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
Intravenous (IV) nutrition is being used by professional athletes as a regular routine, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential risks. The 'food first' approach is crucial to avoid normalization of unproven treatments.
The study found a 31% decline in sleep medication use between 2013 and 2018, with the strongest decrease in FDA-approved medications. Behavioral treatments for insomnia are increasingly encouraged due to their effectiveness and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.
The study found an overall response rate of 57% and disease control rate of 83% in 23 patients with diverse cancer types. These results validate RET as a tissue-agnostic target with sensitivity to RET inhibition.
A comprehensive analysis of interstitial lung disease diagnosis and treatment in patients who received an antibody drug conjugate known as T-DXd found that close monitoring and proactive management can reduce the risk of ILD. The study results suggest that patient awareness and ongoing education can aid in early detection.
Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.
Researchers found that lidocaine injections reduced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores by 35-70% and maintained improvements for at least 24 weeks. The study suggests targeting sensory nerves as a potential therapeutic strategy for psoriasis treatment.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
A study published in eLife identified three microRNAs that may impair healing in venous ulcers, a common type of chronic wound. The findings suggest that drugs targeting these microRNAs could help facilitate healing in patients, offering new approaches for treating this painful and slow-to-heal condition.
Researchers found that administering tisagenlecleucel at the higher end of the approved dose range significantly improves overall and event-free survival in young patients. The study suggests that using higher doses of CAR-T therapy can achieve more effective and long-term responses without increasing toxicity risk.
Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.
Researchers at Okayama University discovered EPA's molecular target, which blocks purinergic chemical transmission and reduces pain perception. The study suggests EPA can be used as a therapeutic strategy for managing chronic pain with fewer side effects.
A clinical trial found that three smoking cessation treatments could also reduce alcohol consumption and found high rates of behavior change for both. Nicotine replacement therapy performed as well as prescription drugs in reducing alcohol intake.
The NCI-backed Molecular Targets Platform streamlines and catalyzes drug development by integrating pediatric cancer targets and pathways. This platform empowers researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups to accelerate the pace of drug development for pediatric cancer.
The August issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative illnesses. Featured research includes reports on mental health services for people with serious mental illness.
Researchers developed a non-invasive ocular imaging method to detect flavoprotein fluorescence in the eye, indicating mitochondrial oxidative stress. This technique may predict glaucoma progression earlier than current methods, with similar sensitivity to visual field changes.
Leukemia cells exploit metabolic pathways to evade programmed cell death, but researchers identified a weak spot in acute lymphoblastic leukemia that can be targeted with experimental drugs. Inhibiting glutathione metabolism induces ferroptosis, leading to the death of malignant lymphocytes.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a series of chemical-based compounds that could be potential drug candidates for treating pulmonary tuberculosis. The compounds were licensed by US-based Neuro-Horizon Pharma LLC for commercialization.
The ISM Annual Meeting highlights new topics in oral, vaginal, skin, and gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites and potential implications in diseases like cancer, depression, and stroke. The meeting aims to explore the mechanism behind microbiota efficacy and its potential application in precision medicine.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered a cell signaling pathway responsible for the development of esophageal adenocarcinomas. The Ephrin B2 (EphB2) Tyrosine kinase pathway is activated during cancer growth and regulates the behavior of normal esophageal cells, making it an attractive therapeutic target.
A study of over 500 patients with multiple myeloma reveals a high prevalence of genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways, leading to treatment resistance. The research found a specific link between RASopathies and mutations in these pathways, offering new insights into the development of resistance mechanisms.
Researchers discovered that REM sleep disturbances are linked to increased risk of drug relapse, and that targeting MCH neurons may be a promising therapeutic approach. The study found that improving REM sleep reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in rats.
A team of scientists has discovered a key link between the protein αSyn and Parkinson's disease, finding that it interacts with immune responses in neurons. This interaction may play a critical role in the development of the disease, suggesting a potential new approach for treatments by targeting inflammatory pathways.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high blood viscosity have a 60% higher death rate than those with low blood viscosity. The study suggests that checking for blood viscosity early on could help determine the best treatment course and improve outcomes.
Researchers found that men who lose their Y chromosome as they age are more likely to experience deadly heart scarring and earlier death. The study suggests an existing drug may help counteract the effects of this loss, potentially leading to longer, healthier lives for affected men.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.
Researchers used human heart muscle cells and machine learning to predict arrhythmias in patients, achieving over 90% accuracy. The study lays the foundation for safer and more effective medicines by generating patient risk profiles and drug toxicity testing.
A new treatment approach using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) may help reduce cystic fibrosis symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with a specific gene mutation. The ASO strategy tricks cells into making an imperfect but functional version of the CFTR protein, which is better than having none at all.
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.
Researchers at University of Essex found no benefit from oxytocin administration on healthy men's ability to recognize emotions. Computer-based emotional training programs proved more effective in improving emotion recognition and mental health.
Thousands of people with long covid are traveling abroad for expensive, unproven treatments like apheresis and anti-clotting therapy. Experts question the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, citing inadequate consent forms and lack of evidence.
A new AI technology called in silico FOCUS analyzes cell images to predict therapeutic effect of drugs for neurodegenerative disorders like Kennedy disease. The technology has 100% accuracy and can analyze several hundred thousand cells in just a few minutes.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an easy and inexpensive method for linking molecules to DNA sequences with desired functions. The method uses sulfonyl azides to introduce various functionalities, avoiding the need for expensive and unstable special phosphoramidites.
A recent clinical trial found that low-dose benzbromarone was more effective in reducing blood urate levels in patients with renal urate underexcretion. The study showed that more participants in the benzbromarone group achieved the target blood urate level of < 6 mg/dL compared to those receiving febuxostat.
Researchers have discovered a unique biochemical profile in severe asthmatic patients, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study found a decrease in carnitine metabolism in severe asthmatics, playing an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.
Researchers found a protein in eye fluid linked to disease progression in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Measuring its levels can accurately predict treatment needs, allowing for safe reduction or cessation of therapies.