Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Scientists found that activating specific neurons in the claustrum region of male rats under psychedelic exposure strengthens connections to areas implicated in psychiatric diseases, potentially explaining how psychedelics improve memory and symptoms. The study suggests a new pathway for understanding psychedelics' therapeutic effects.
The FDA has approved elinzanetant for treating hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. The drug significantly reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms while improving sleep quality and quality of life.
A UH crystals expert has shown how to bend and twist crystals without physical force, using a molecule called a tautomer. This discovery has potential applications in drug delivery and material properties, such as optoelectronics and soft robotics.
A new study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide, a 'weight loss' drug, can help prevent heart attacks and other major cardiac events, regardless of the amount of weight people lose. The study suggests there are multiple ways the drug benefits the heart, beyond its protective effect on cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that 1% penciclovir cream is safe and well-tolerated when used to treat feline herpesvirus type 1-related eye infections. The cream maintained antiviral levels for over eight hours, suggesting twice-daily use could effectively manage the condition.
A recent study found that 44% of people with chronic conditions experience medication-related burden, which can reduce adherence to treatment and lower quality of life. Healthcare professionals should prioritize patient perspectives and individualized treatment planning to address this issue.
A potential new drug called RBM20-ASO has been shown to improve cardiac function in a mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The therapy reduces left ventricular stiffness and abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, even in the presence of comorbidities.
A team of UNLV researchers has engineered a new class of cannabidiol (CBD)-like medicines that show powerful seizure-reducing effects. The caraway-seed derived therapies offer a safer and more effective treatment for childhood seizure disorders than existing frontline therapies.
In a multicenter randomized clinical trial, rapid induction of injectable extended-release buprenorphine showed higher retention rates compared to standard induction. Administration of injection 2 after 1 week was well tolerated and reduced time below target therapeutic levels.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has released a comprehensive guide to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use. The guidance outlines key principles and decision points for developing safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant products.
A large-scale observational study found that patients who continued taking ACEis or ARBs had a significantly lower risk of mortality and functional decline after non-cardiac surgeries. These benefits were most evident among patients undergoing orthopedic or gastrointestinal surgeries.
Scientists at NYU Pain Research Center identified the EP2 receptor as the main cause of inflammatory pain but not inflammation. Blocking this receptor silenced pain responses without affecting inflammation, offering a new strategy for treating prostaglandin-mediated pain.
Researchers have developed a tool that can predict how patients with multiple sclerosis will respond to natalizumab treatment, allowing for targeted treatments with fewer side effects. The tool uses high-content imaging and machine learning to analyze cell morphology and identify individuals who are unlikely to respond to the medication.
Leading researchers are advocating for increased diagnostics and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, citing significant advances in research and the availability of new medicines. The European Union has approved two medicines that slow the progression of mild dementia by removing amyloid plaques from the brain.
Researchers highlight NAD+ supplements as potential key to healthier ageing and disease prevention, but call for larger studies. Early trials report improvements in memory, movement, and metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a groundbreaking new class of antibiotics called Novltex, which targets lipid II in bacterial cell walls. This innovative approach offers potent and durable protection against multidrug-resistant bacteria, addressing one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine.
A smartphone app, Med Safety, improved the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by 73% among healthcare workers in Uganda. This landmark trial provides robust evidence for digital pharmacovigilance systems in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
A recent study found that two-thirds of clinical trial participants experienced complete remission from major depressive disorder five years after psilocybin-assisted therapy. The treatment also showed significant and large reduction in depression symptoms, with many participants reporting improved well-being measures.
A Finnish study found that aspirin therapy does not provide significant relief for people suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who are hypersensitive to NSAIDs. Only a small number of patients benefited from the therapy, while a significant number experienced adverse effects.
A single dose of MM120 (lysergide) produced a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety in participants with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study supports the efficacy of MM120 and informs dose selection for phase 3 pivotal trials.
Semaglutide significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by 26%, with a 62% drop in seeking after abstinence. This finding suggests semaglutide's potential as a treatment for human cocaine dependency, currently lacking effective pharmacological options.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the European Heart Journal finds that beta blockers, commonly prescribed after a heart attack, provide no clinical benefit for patients with preserved heart function. Women treated with beta blockers had a higher risk of death, heart attack, or hospitalization for heart f...
A new study reveals that most epilepsy patients with focal epilepsy will still experience seizures for at least a year after starting treatment. The study suggests that neurologists should rethink their initial approach to antiseizure therapy, as many patients may not respond well to the first medication or regimen prescribed.
Researchers have reimagined hemoglobin as an antioxidant protein in the brain, where it breaks down harmful reactive oxygen species. A new compound, KDS12025, selectively enhances this natural defense mechanism to protect against ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
Breast cancer cells build molecular tunnels into nearby fat cells to release energy, blocking gap junctions stops tumor growth. The discovery provides a golden opportunity for developing effective strategies to treat the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Research highlights preventable harms of intensive diabetes and hypertension treatment in frail older adults, calling for personalized care approaches that prioritize patient safety. Guidelines recommend cautious individualized care, but complications remain alarmingly common.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
A new study found that tolcapone increases activity in the prefrontal cortex during self-control tasks, associated with better behavioral control and reduced alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that medications increasing prefrontal dopamine could be a promising lead for treating alcohol use disorder.
A new study reveals benztropine, a Parkinson's treatment, can boost the body's natural immune response to combat tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. The research found that benztropine can dramatically reduce TB bacterial counts in experiments with human and mouse immune cells.
A new study sampled different lung regions in cystic fibrosis patients before and after treatment with modulators, revealing that infections persisted throughout the lungs and drove inflammation. The findings suggest damage may not be the main cause of infection persistence, raising concerns about ongoing lung function deterioration.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.
A new treatment for corneal scarring is being developed by University of Houston optometry researcher Tarsis G. Ferreira. The treatment uses a natural protein called decorin to block scarring and unwanted blood vessel growth, offering hope for people with injured corneas.
Researchers discovered that statins selectively modulate key components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to lower levels of tumor-promoting proteins and cancer-suppressing cellular behaviors. Statins downregulate SATB1 while increasing SATB2, making cancer cells less able to grow and spread.
Researchers at MURR have optimized Terbium-161 for radiopharmaceutical use, enabling targeted destruction of cancer cells with high-energy electrons. The breakthrough could add extra therapeutic effectiveness to existing treatments without requiring new drug development.
A recent study found that people in poorer areas receive three times the prescriptions for opioids than those in wealthier areas, despite a decline in overall opioid use in Canada. The research highlights the persistence of inequalities in healthcare and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the risks of opioid misuse.
Chemotherapy-induced pyroptosis in bladder cancer can actually make the disease more resistant to treatment by fueling cancer stem cells. Blocking this inflammatory process with belnacasan may overcome chemoresistance in preclinical models.
The Be Well Texas initiative, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will expand access to opioid use disorder treatment services and recovery support across rural and urban communities. This major statewide expansion aims to reduce overdose deaths and build a lasting recovery infrastructure.
Researchers used an optogenetic platform to discover dozens of molecules that can act as pan-antivirals, including two chemical scaffolds that could serve as development candidates. The compounds were tested on Zika, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and herpes, showing promising results.
Recent studies have revealed significant improvements in patient prognosis for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past few decades. Advances in surgical techniques, drug development, and multimodal therapies have led to increased treatment rates and improved survival rates among patients.
Scientists at University of South Australia developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers levodopa and carbidopa over a week, reducing the need for multiple daily tablets. The biodegradable formulation improves treatment outcomes and patient compliance, offering a potential game-changer for Parkinson's care.
A study from The University of Osaka reveals nearly half of patients with extracranial arteriovenous malformations carry mutations in the RAS/RAF/MAPK signaling pathway. These mutations were linked to abnormal vascular morphology and were frequently detected in younger female patients.
A new study highlights major hurdles for multinational clinical trials in Europe, including differences in timelines and processing times between countries. Researchers found that the UK made significant gains in efficiency during the pandemic, while non-UK countries lagged behind.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
UVA Health received two anonymous $25 million estate gifts to support the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The institute will develop new treatments for hard-to-treat diseases with a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility expected to drive economic growth in Central Virginia.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Pathology has discovered that ADAM10 regulates abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can cause vision loss or impairment. The findings suggest that targeting ADAM10 or its downstream effectors, such as Ephrin B2, may offer novel strategies for managing or preventing retina...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. The new compound, called asperigimycins, has shown promising results against leukemia cells, rivaling FDA-approved drugs.
A comprehensive review highlights the impact of anti-cancer treatments on bone health, increasing the risk of fractures and bone fragility. The International Osteoporosis Foundation advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to early screening and proactive bone-protective strategies.
Scientists at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new nanoparticle capable of carrying high doses of chemotherapy drugs while staying stable for extended periods. This innovation could make treatments more effective and reduce side effects.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have made a major discovery in understanding cancer drug resistance, specifically in BRCA1-deficient cancers treated with PARP inhibitors. The study reveals that problems in the CST complex can cause resistance to these drugs, opening doors to new therapies and personalized treatments.
A Rutgers Health study reveals that ciprofloxacin accelerates antibiotic resistance by triggering energy crisis in E. coli cells, allowing them to survive and mutate faster. The discovery highlights the need for new strategies in antibiotic development and use.
A new study found that taking antipsychotic medication as prescribed significantly reduces the odds of a motor vehicle crash among drivers with schizophrenia. Researchers analyzed 20 years of data and found a 50% reduction in crash risk among those who adhered to their medication.
A large cohort study has shown that supplementary treatment with statins can boost survival chances for critically ill patients with sepsis. The results indicate a 39% lower death rate over 28 days after hospital admission.
Researchers have discovered that nicotinamide riboside supplementation significantly improves NAD+ levels, reducing arterial stiffness, skin ulcer area, and kidney dysfunction. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with Werner syndrome who lack effective treatment options.
A large study has found that cholesterol-lowering drugs do not have an antidepressive effect, contradicting previous small studies. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, involved 161 patients with depression and obesity, who received either statins or a placebo for 12 weeks.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.