Researchers at California Polytechnic State University have developed a novel method for storing biological materials such as RNA and proteins in a solid-state, resembling a pill or tablet that dissolves in water for on-demand use. This innovation overcomes current limitations in storage and handling, making it easier to access these m...
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized tanzawaic acid B in large amounts, paving the way for new antibiotic development. The breakthrough method could lead to creation of various compounds for pharmaceuticals, including new antibiotic candidates.
A randomized clinical trial found that treatment with these biologics showed no significant difference in time to recovery compared to placebo for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study's results suggest that alternative treatments may be needed for this patient population.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2023
A randomized trial will be conducted to test whether sticking with the initial medication or switching to a different one increases quitting success. The study aims to provide guidance for clinicians on handling relapses and may explore the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Recent studies in the New Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis feature novel diagnostic tools, RNA sequencing-based workflows, and mechanical property evaluations to enhance cancer and cardiovascular disease treatment outcomes. These innovations aim to improve the therapeutic effect of drugs and promote personalized medicine.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A decision analytical model study found that sustained public health interventions can reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. Implementing medications for opioid use disorder and increasing naloxone supply were key factors in reducing death rates.
A national panel survey of 2,000 older adults found that 1 in 5 experienced cost-related medication nonadherence due to incorrect pricing. Real-time benefit tools can support medication cost conversations and cost-conscious prescribing, but accurate pricing is crucial to build trust with patients.
The study found that medication for chronic conditions was relatively stable during the first 2 years of COVID-19, with no significant disparities by race or ethnicity. This stability holds lessons for outpatient services during future pandemics.
Patients using medical cannabis reported sustained improvements in health-related quality of life in the study. Adverse events were common but rarely serious, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing medical cannabis.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
A new study found that inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can inactivate the influenza A virus in mice without harmful side effects. The researchers believe this method could also treat similar viruses like Covid-19 and potentially stop pandemics. However, further evaluation is needed to ensure its efficacy and safety on humans.
A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
Researchers found that bad medical news can make patients more likely to choose brand name drugs over generics, resulting in increased healthcare expenditures. The study suggests that simply reminding patients of the equivalency of generic drugs via text message could improve their decision-making.
Researchers found that receipt of opioid use disorder-related telehealth services was associated with reduced risk for fatal drug overdoses. Additionally, medication from opioid treatment programs and buprenorphine in office-based settings also showed a protective effect.
Researchers found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 after PCAI treatment, implicating their role in cancer progression and metastasis. These findings support the potential of PCAIs as potent agents for developing new anticancer therapeutics.
A new study reveals that the SPUR tool, developed by Kingston University and Observia, can accurately predict hospital admissions and early readmissions in people with Type 2 Diabetes. The tool has been found to be effective in reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have found that brexanolone works by inhibiting systemic inflammatory pathways associated with depression. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the development of post-partum depression.
Researchers found that doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis did not prevent chlamydia or gonorrhea among cisgender women in a clinical trial. The lack of efficacy was attributed to differences in anatomy and antibiotic resistance.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus infection, even in symptomatic individuals. The lifelong nature of HSV infection means there is no cure, but antiviral medications can provide clinical benefits to those experiencing symptoms.
Research reveals that opioid tapering can lead to more hospitalizations and emergency department visits, while also reducing primary care visit rates. The study's findings suggest potential unintended consequences of opioid tapering for policymakers and clinicians.
An updated Cochrane review found no effect of vitamin D supplements on reducing the risk of asthma attacks or improving control of asthma symptoms in children and adults. The review analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials involving over 2,200 people with mild to moderate asthma.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 5, 2023
Researchers found that some antidepressant classes were effective in treating specific pain conditions, while others showed no benefits or unknown effects. The review of 26 systematic reviews involving over 25,000 participants suggests a more nuanced approach to prescribing antidepressants for chronic pain management is needed.
A recent study published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy found that about one-third of caregivers self-medicate. Carriers who reported unfavorable healthcare experiences were more likely to take personal care into their own hands. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals should interact with caregive...
A study shows that pharmacies can offer a safe starting point for patients with opioid use disorder, leading to higher rates of retention in treatment. The pharmacy-based model increases access to buprenorphine, a lifesaving medication, for diverse patient populations and promotes racial and economic equity.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.
Researchers at UBC identified three compounds derived from natural sources that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. The discovery paves the way for developing new medicines using natural sources.
A survey study found that 3 in 10 adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws used cannabis to manage their pain, often substituting it for other pain medications. The study highlights the importance of researching the effectiveness and potential adverse consequences of cannabis for chronic pain management.
A study found that children born in November-December had an 80% higher risk of being prescribed ADHD medication compared to those born in January-February. The researcher suggests that the youngest children are being overmedicated due to their age, rather than any inherent difference in maturity.
A new tablet-based vaccine has shown long-lasting protection against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The vaccine was found to be comparable to antibiotics in efficacy, with durable antibody responses lasting for the lifetime of a mouse.
Researchers uncover the origins of Kampo, tracing it back to 8th century Chinese monk Jianzhen's herbal medicines and prescriptions. These findings show that Kampo has been integrated into Japan's healthcare system for centuries, influencing traditional Japanese medicine.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants has identified apixaban as the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that apixaban had a 19-28% lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other DOACs.
A search of the Cambridge Structural Database found nearly 1,800 conglomerate crystal structures with spontaneous enriched chirality, augmenting synthetic building blocks for medicinal chemists. This discovery introduces a new pool of chiral molecules outside of natural sources, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.
A Swedish cohort study found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline or kidney failure compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). DOACs also showed a lower risk of acute kidney injury.
Researchers used a computer model to identify potential candidates for treating ASD, including loperamide, which has shown promise in restoring social behaviors in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that repurposing existing drugs like loperamide could provide a new treatment option for core autism symptoms.
The study found that hospitals vary in their stocking practices and often rely on wholesale distributors or neighboring facilities to acquire non-stocked antimicrobials. Researchers recommend improving information sharing and collaboration among local hospitals to reduce barriers to timely treatment.
A new analysis reveals that mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) do not significantly impact retail opioid sales across eight commonly prescribed opioids. The findings suggest that PDMP implementation is best considered as part of a broader policy response to the opioid crisis.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
Mandated PDMP use in US states reduced opioid prescriptions by 6.1% but led to a 50.1% increase in heroin-related deaths, according to researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas.
A large study of over 660,000 children found that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a range of symptoms and health conditions. The research suggests that some children may experience persistent health issues after infection, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Researchers have developed a new compound, afimetoran, that prevents lupus-like symptoms and reverses organ damage in mice. The compound works by blocking toll-like receptors 7 and 8, which are involved in the immune system's response to viral RNA. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in humans.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
A new study within the Veterans Health Administration system identified effective strategies to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions for older adults. The researchers found that initiatives focusing on passive strategies like education and patient identification have limited success in lowering prescription rates.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into cells, particularly in stem cells. They found that nanoparticles become trapped in bubble-like vesicles, preventing them from reaching their targets.
MIT researchers create microparticles that release their payload at different times, enabling self-boosting vaccines. The particles degrade over time and break down once released, allowing for potential use in regions with limited access to medical care.
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 assessed buprenorphine coverage and prior authorization requirements in US commercial formularies from 2017 to 2021. The study found that coverage and requirements changed over time, with more stringent regulations in place by 2021.
Following the leaked SCOTUS draft ruling, internet searches for abortion medication increased by 350,000 during the first week of May. These searches were more prevalent in states with restrictive reproductive rights.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing additional medical conditions such as migraine, hypertension, and endometriosis. They also report poorer health and use medications more frequently than women without PCOS.
SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJun 8, 2022
A new study finds that women using hormonal contraceptives have lower rates of attempted suicides compared to those who do not use them. The research, published by the European Psychiatric Association, analyzed data from over 587,000 Finnish women and found a significant reduction in suicide attempts among hormonal contraceptive users.
A study of nearly 4.5 million children found a potential association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming up to 1500mg of CBD daily has no impact on driving abilities. The research involved 17 participants who completed simulated driving tasks after taking different doses of CBD, with no dose inducing feelings of intoxication or impairing cognitive performance.
Researchers created oil-based gels that can deliver a variety of medications, including those for infectious diseases, in a stable and palatable form. The gels can be used to administer drugs to children and adults with difficulty swallowing pills, and could have a significant impact on improving medication adherence.
Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.
A large study has found six predictors that can help determine the optimal lithium dose for patients with bipolar disorder. The predictors include age, sex, kidney function, and medication use. The researchers hope to develop a digital app to aid psychiatrists in finding the right dose.