Articles tagged with Medications
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 study suggests a novel electronic health record-based marker, MLVI, can help identify transplant patients at high risk for organ rejection due to non-adherence. The study found that using MLVI as a risk marker reduced overall rejection rates by bringing them down to levels typically seen in low-risk patients.
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.
A recent study analyzing 5.8 billion medicines dispensed in England from 2019 to 2024 found significant health disparities, with nearly twice as many medicines prescribed to the most deprived groups as those in the least deprived groups by age 40.
A study found that nearly 4 in 10 patients stopped GLP-1 medication within the first year and nearly two-thirds restarted therapy within two years. The researchers also identified sociodemographic, clinical, and provider-level predictors of discontinuation, including Medicaid or Medicare status, Black patients, and side effects.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that a laxative drug, Prucalopride, improved executive function and memory in patients with depression. The research suggests that targeting serotonin receptors may help alleviate cognitive problems associated with depression.
Researchers at UCSF built a robotic system to treat thousands of mini tumors, identifying shared features among persister cells that could help explain why cancer comes back. Nine drugs consistently weakened persister cells, suggesting common vulnerabilities.
A study of 6,165 Salmonella samples identified 128 types of toxins, including 45 previously unknown. The toxins act in competition among microorganisms and may inspire antibiotic development and biotechnological applications.
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 study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that metformin reduced the risk of clinician-diagnosed long COVID by 50% when administered during acute COVID-19 infection. The study, which enrolled nearly 3,000 adults, showed improved long-term outcomes and no safety concerns.
A recent study by Semmelweis University found that alkaline mineral and medicinal waters can weaken the enteric coating of medications, reducing their effectiveness. The study analyzed 22 beverages and found that tap water was less damaging to the coating than acidic or alkaline liquids.
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.
The application deadline has been extended to June 23, 2026, in two categories: Women's Health and Pharmaceutical Strategies and Innovation. The €45,000 prize fund includes six awards of €10,000, €7,500, and €5,000.
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.
In an exploratory analysis, finerenone was found to slow kidney function decline, reduce albuminuria, and lower the risk of kidney failure or substantial loss of kidney function in patients with glomerular diseases. These findings suggest a crucial role for finerenone in preserving kidney function in this population.
In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease at high cardiovascular risk, low-dose rivaroxaban did not reduce the composite risk of a cardiovascular outcome. Major bleeding rates were significantly higher in the low-dose rivaroxaban group compared to the placebo group.
A new summary of evidence reveals that antidepressants have limited benefits beyond 12 months and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Researchers are calling for treatment reviews every six months and recommending gradual weaning strategies when discontinuing medication.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 adults who started taking aspirin and found a similar bladder cancer prevalence but lower invasive stage. Aspirin initiators received more cystoscopies, which uncovered the cancer. The study suggests that aspirin may unmask otherwise asymptomatic bladder cancer.
International experts will gather in Valencia to discuss phage therapy's translation from isolated successes to widespread clinical implementation. The challenge now is addressing regulation, manufacturing, accessibility, and clinical integration to make phage therapy a routine healthcare solution.
Journalists from eligible European countries can submit entries in two categories: Women’s Health and Pharmaceutical Strategies. The total prize fund is €45,000, with €10,000 awarded to the first prize winner.
Research found that active pharmaceutical ingredients degrade at a higher rate when stored in resealable plastic bags compared to original packaging, posing risks for astronauts during space missions.
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 clinical trial found that low-dose quetiapine improved sleep quality and reduced obstructive sleep apnea severity, but significantly impaired alertness and driving performance. The study highlights the need for caution when using sedating medications for insomnia in people with known or possible sleep apnea.
The study found that adjuvant nivolumab did not improve disease-free survival in patients with resected non–small cell lung cancer. The treatment was also not effective in sensitizing EGFR and ALK alterations.
A scoping review compared biosimilar regulatory guidelines across all WHO regions, identifying barriers to data transferability that may affect medication pricing, access, and reimbursement. The study aims to improve biosimilars' global accessibility.
A study from UC San Francisco researchers reveals that regulatory differences around the world are slowing the development and adoption of biosimilars. The lack of standardization in biosimilar approval processes is a major obstacle for these cheaper alternatives to expensive biologics, which could lower costs for patients.
A recent study from UT San Antonio reveals that low-cost on-the-job training for frontline health workers can significantly reduce medical supply shortages, resulting in a 30% reduction in stock-outs. This training has the potential to save thousands of lives globally by preventing unintended pregnancies and maternal and newborn deaths.
Research suggests that commonly used anemia medications can inhibit tumor growth and prevent new blood vessel formation, offering a potential dual approach to treating both conditions. The findings open up new possibilities for treating cancer in patients with anemia, who currently face separate treatment goals.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology finds ecopipam to be effective in suppressing tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant adverse effects over a period of up to 24 weeks.
A cohort study found that Medicaid prescription caps were associated with lower overall prescription medication use and greater frequency of acute care visits among young adults with opioid use disorder. This suggests that the implementation of these caps may have unintended consequences for individuals struggling with addiction.
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
AD109, a new oral pill, successfully controlled obstructive sleep apnea by addressing its underlying mechanisms and preventing airway collapse. The drug showed significant improvements in breathing interruptions, oxygen levels, and disease severity category.
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.
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.
A new trial from China finds that giving tranexamic acid to women with placenta praevia undergoing caesarean birth leads to a significant reduction in severe bleeding after delivery. The treatment also showed no evidence of an increase in serious adverse events.
Researchers developed ApexGO, an AI-powered method to turn weak antibiotic candidates into more potent ones. The tool uses generative AI and Bayesian optimization to guide molecular tweaks, predicting which changes are likely to increase antimicrobial activity.
Researchers discovered that CD4+ immune cells spot and attack the virus in the liver, leading to viral clearance. This finding points to a potential cure for hepatitis B, with therapies designed to activate these immune cells.
The updated algorithm incorporates evidence from multiple randomised clinical trials, highlighting the strength of tirzepatide for weight loss and semaglutide for liver disease management. The new guidance also recommends semaglutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis remission.
A comprehensive review of existing research shows no evidence that men's use of valproate increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis combines data from large population-based studies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Treatment with digitalis glycosides reduces worsening heart failure events in HFmrEF and HFrEF patients, suggesting its use as additional therapy to reduce worsening heart failure events. The study found no significant interaction with other important study characteristics.
A new international study found that genetic variations in the PAM gene can reduce the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor medications, such as Ozempic. Researchers discovered that 44% of people with these genetic variants experienced reduced glucose lowering properties, and only 11% achieved recommended glucose levels.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers review organoid-related regulations and progress in IND approval, highlighting the prospects and limitations of organoid models. Organoids are poised to reshape drug research and development with their high clinical relevance, shorter experimental cycles, and lower costs.
A study found that a prenatal and infant cash transfer program significantly reduced investigated allegations of maltreatment among infants. The program provided economic stability, which prevented child welfare system involvement.
The study found that Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START) was a cost-effective approach for addressing opioid use disorder in the inpatient setting, increasing medication initiation and linkage to care after discharge. Additionally, START improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found single and repeated intravenous ketamine infusions to be efficacious in reducing suicidal and depressive symptoms in acute major depressive episodes. Longer-term outcomes remain unclear.
A randomized clinical trial found that genotype-guided prescribing of SSRIs did not improve depression symptoms at 3 months but showed higher remission rates at 6 months. Future studies should focus on the long-term impact of this approach.
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 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.
A large South Korean study found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedative drugs during pregnancy. The study, published by the BMJ Group, tracked nearly 3.8 million children and analyzed data from the National Health Information Database.
The 2026 Semmelweis-Richter Journalism Award is now open for entries, with a focus on high-quality health journalism and its impact across Europe. Journalists can submit articles in two categories until June 9, 2026, with a total prize fund of €45,000.
A cross-sectional study found that older adults are disproportionately prescribed medications affecting cognition from acute or postacute care settings. This highlights the need to target prescriptions from these settings to reduce such prescribing.
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 cross-sectional study found a substantial increase in medication use for opioid use disorder among Medicaid beneficiaries, potentially contributing to reductions in overdose deaths. The study suggests that expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder may be an effective strategy to address the opioid crisis.