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International study: Asthma drug could help to treat a rare neurological disorder

A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

How PM2.5 wrecks your airways and how the damage might be reversed

Exposure to PM2.5 air pollutants impairs mucociliary clearance, a key protective mechanism in the respiratory tract, leading to severe airway damage and respiratory diseases. Researchers have identified the enzyme ALDH1A1 as a potential therapeutic target to reverse this damage and strengthen our respiratory defenses.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - Osaka University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025

Experimental Drug Development Centre granted US FDA fast track designation for antibody-drug conjugate EBC-129 to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The Experimental Drug Development Centre's EBC-129, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting pancreatic cancer, has received FDA fast track designation. The treatment is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials and aims to provide new treatment options for patients with solid tumours.

Never too old: medication improves survival rates after a first heart attack even in patients over 90 years old

A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2025

Cannabis use disorder is increasing rapidly, especially among older adults and people living with HIV

A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Oxygen deprivation promotes colon cancer growth

Researchers at The University of Osaka found that localized oxygen deficiency in colon tumors can promote tumor growth by transforming normal fibroblasts into inflammatory fibroblasts. These altered cells release factors that help tumors grow, offering a potential new target for cancer therapy.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

First all-oral treatment for a rare but deadly strain of sleeping sickness now available and being used to treat patients in endemic countries in Africa

A breakthrough all-oral treatment for a rare but deadly strain of sleeping sickness is now available, revolutionizing care for patients in endemic countries. Fexinidazole Winthrop has been approved for use in several African countries and is being distributed by WHO, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

GLP-1 drugs are helpful for children who are living with severe obesity, data from Swedish clinic indicates

A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that GLP-1 agonist drugs can lead to a clinically relevant change in BMI for children with severe obesity. In this study, 30% of children who received GLP-1 drugs experienced a significant reduction in BMI, compared to around 27% of those who did not receive them.

Race and ethnicity often not reported in trials of medications for mental health conditions

A new study found that only 39% of clinical trials report the race or ethnicity of participants involved. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive reporting and recruitment practices to ensure studies better reflect diverse populations globally. This is crucial for developing inclusive, effective, and equitable treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

Adding perioperative pembrolizumab to standard of care improves outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer

A phase III clinical trial found that adding pembrolizumab before and after surgery improved responses and survival in patients with previously untreated, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Patients treated with pembrolizumab were at least 27% less likely to have experienced recurrence.

This injected protein-like polymer helps tissues heal after a heart attack

Researchers developed a new therapy that can be injected intravenously right after a heart attack to promote healing and prevent heart failure. The therapy both prompts the immune system to encourage tissue repair and promotes survival of heart muscle cells after a heart attack, showing effectiveness up to five weeks after injection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2025

Radioiodine therapy improves relative survival rates of differentiated thyroid cancer patients

A new study finds that radioiodine therapy significantly increases relative survival rates in differentiated thyroid cancer patients, with benefits observed across low-, intermediate-, and high-risk subgroups. The treatment reduces recurrence rates and improves long-term survival in high-risk groups, while also showing promise for low-...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 25, 2025

For colon cancer that no longer responds to treatment, a new drug combination offers hope

A Phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a combination of sotorasib and panitumumab significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with KRAS G12C metastatic colorectal cancer. The study found improved overall survival rates, with the high-dose sotorasib group experiencing a 30% prolongation compared to standard care.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2025

Comparative analysis of bioactive ingredients and medicinal functions of natural and cultivated Ophiocordyceps sinensis (berk.)

This review compares the bioactive components and medicinal properties of natural and cultivated O. sinensis, highlighting differences in composition and effectiveness for specific therapeutic uses. Polysaccharides, nucleosides, sterols, and amino acids contribute to their health benefits, with natural specimens often exhibiting higher...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateApr 23, 2025

Hospitalized patients who receive alcohol use disorder treatment can substantially reduce heavy drinking

A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2025

UT Health San Antonio-led discovery means IV medication could be taken orally for range of cancer, Alzheimer’s treatments

A UT Health San Antonio-led discovery could redefine drug discovery by turning IV medications into orally administered treatments for brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other complex conditions. The new strategy uses a protein receptor called CD36 to efficiently deliver large molecules into cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Scientists hack cell entry to supercharge cancer drugs

Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Preventing onset and development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Researchers discovered a natural mechanism that protects the heart from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a serious condition in need of effective treatment. Restoring this mechanism prevents progression of HFpEF and alleviates lipid overload in heart cells, providing molecular evidence for a promising therapeutic...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Researchers may have solved decades-old mystery behind benzodiazepine side effects

A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Cutting-edge optical genome mapping technology shows promise for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options of multiple myeloma

Researchers have developed an innovative optical genome mapping technique that can identify structural variants and copy number variations across the entire genome in a single test. The method has been shown to reduce material requirements and improve prognostic stratification for patients with multiple myeloma.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Marshall researchers explore gut microbiota’s role in sleep apnea in new review published in Sleep Medicine

A new review from Marshall University researchers highlights emerging connections between gut health and sleep apnea, pointing to potential new therapeutic approaches for managing this common disorder. Alterations in gut microbiota composition have been consistently observed in individuals with sleep apnea, inducing systemic inflammati...

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2025

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improve survival in mice exposed to high-dose irradiation

A new study found that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles significantly enhance survival and facilitate substantial peripheral blood recovery in mice exposed to high-dose irradiation. The treatment promoted hematopoietic recovery, with increases in red blood cell, platelet, white blood cell, and hemoglobin levels.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Discovery of mitochondrial protein by researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University opens path to therapeutic advances for heart and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have discovered a novel regulator of the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger (NCLX), which helps maintain calcium balance in mitochondria. The discovery of TMEM65 could lead to new therapeutic agents to combat calcium overload associated with heart failure and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2025

Study: Platform-predicted treatments improve outcomes for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

A Phase 3 trial found that ChemoID improves objective response rates, median progression-free survival, and duration of response in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The test identifies effective treatments by challenging cancer stem cells against specific anticancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 4, 2025

Groundbreaking consensus statement on conduction system pacing released: a major milestone in the evolution of pacing therapy

The European Society of Cardiology has released a groundbreaking consensus statement on conduction system pacing, offering updated guidance for healthcare professionals on selecting patients. Conduction system pacing is being increasingly adopted due to its perceived ease of implantation and superior electrical performance.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEP Europace·DateMar 29, 2025