Articles tagged with Medications
Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new method to relocalize misplaced proteins in cells, which could lead to therapeutic treatments for diseases. The team created a class of molecules called TRAMs that convince natural shuttles to take cargo like proteins to different parts of the cell.
Researchers developed a label-free biological sensing method that can detect substances at the zeptomolar level, significantly improving drug testing and research capabilities. This advancement has the potential to lead to portable sensors for environmental toxins, food quality monitoring, and cancer screening.
A randomized controlled trial found erenumab injections significantly improved medication overuse headache remission rates and reduced acute migraine treatment days in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headaches. The study suggests that erenumab can be a simplified treatment option for MOH patients.
A retrospective cohort study of 3,389 patients with obesity found that semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with significant weight reduction at 1 year. The study suggests that persistent medication coverage, dosage, treatment indication, and patient sex are important factors in determining weight loss outcomes.
Prescription volumes for stimulant and antidepressant medications rose, while opioid volumes decreased between 2019 and 2022. Telehealth prescriptions climbed across medications, with a notable increase in opioids.
Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
Researchers investigated peptide clumping behavior using molecular dynamics simulations and AI techniques. They discovered that aromatic amino acids enhance aggregation, while hydrophilic ones inhibit it, offering insights into peptide structure and function.
A post hoc analysis found semaglutide treatment did not increase the risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation and was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms. Monitoring for mental health concerns is essential for individuals with obesity to receive proper support and care.
A low-dose triple-pill protocol demonstrated improved blood pressure lowering and control, with good tolerability, compared to standard-care protocols for Black African adults with uncontrolled hypertension. The study results have significant implications for hypertension treatment in Nigeria.
Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced hospitalization for any reason, particularly in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below normal. Lower rates of cardiac and pulmonary hospitalizations were also observed in this patient population.
A five-year study led by Tulane University is investigating a new medication to treat trichomoniasis. The research compares secnidazole with metronidazole, finding that one-dose treatment could offer better options for the infection, which affects 156 million people annually.
Elinzanetant, a selective neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist, demonstrated significant reductions in vasomotor symptoms frequency and severity vs placebo in postmenopausal individuals with moderate to severe VMS. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances and menopause-related quality of life, with a favorable safety profile.
A USC study found that prescription fills for semaglutide increased by over 400% between 2021 and 2023, with most prescriptions going to privately insured patients. The study suggests that this may worsen disparities in diabetes and obesity outcomes among Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
US adolescents have reported decreases in both medical and nonmedical use of prescription medications between 2009 and 2022. The study attributes these changes to factors such as revised prescribing guidelines and COVID-related school closures.
A study by Dr. Takanori Sekito and colleagues reveals a strong association between vaginal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent cystitis in postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeting both the urinary bladder and vagina is crucial for effective treatment.
Researchers at Mainz University have identified aniquinazolin B, a natural substance from the marine fungus Aspergillus nidulans, which stimulates opioid receptors and could potentially replace opioids in the long term. The compound shows promising results with fewer undesirable reactions compared to opioids.
Treatment approaches for opioid use disorder are underreported and inadequate in US substance use treatment facilities, with more than one-third lacking medications for OUD. The study highlights the need for improved treatment options to address the opioid epidemic.
A cohort study found increased patient coinsurance in Medicare Part D's coverage gap and catastrophic coverage phases at age 65, associated with higher spending on T2D medications. This may lead to reduced diabetes medication utilization, increasing the risk of nonadherence and complications.
Tirzepatide was associated with significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. Future studies are needed to explore differences in other outcomes.
Researchers develop new method to create azetidines, a stable form of heterocycle that don't oxidize under physiological conditions, expanding toolkit for drug developers to improve medication safety and reduce side effects. This breakthrough enables the creation of more useful chemical transformations with better medical functions.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found an association between semaglutide and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition that can cause vision loss. The observational study suggests caution when prescribing semaglutide to patients at risk of this condition.
A Massachusetts statewide standing order policy led to a 32% increase in emergency contraceptive fills at pharmacies. The policy's impact was largely attributed to increased prescription-only ulipristal fill rates, which more than doubled after the policy was implemented.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
A world-first study from HKUMed and Harvard found that continuous statin therapy reduces the relative risk of cardiovascular diseases by 21-35% in adults aged 75+, without increased safety concerns. The study used real-world data to inform decision-making on statin initiation for this large population.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated strong protection against a range of COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission. Annual updates to the vaccine are recommended due to waning immunity from older versions.
A prospective study found that medication abortion via no-test telehealth and mailing of medications was comparable in effectiveness to in-person care with ultrasonography. The research also revealed low adverse event rates across all groups.
A randomized clinical trial found that an intermittent fasting plan consisting of two nonconsecutive fasting days and five days of meal replacement diet improved glycemic outcomes and weight loss in the short term compared to metformin or empagliflozin. The study suggests a promising initial intervention for type 2 diabetes management.
Scientists are conducting a clinical trial to explore the use of anti-retroviral medications Ritonavir and Lopinavir as a potential treatment for brain tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis 2. The study aims to determine if these drugs can help reduce tumor growth and survival in NF2 patients.
A study of 450 community outpatient mental health facilities found that approximately one-third offered medications for opioid use disorder. The availability of these medications highlights the need for further research on uptake and effective referral models.
A recent study has identified over 300 distinct types of bacteria in Roman Baths water, including those with antibiotic-producing capabilities. These microorganisms show promise as a potential source of novel natural products to combat antibiotic resistance.
A study published in Andrology found that testosterone therapy significantly improves body composition in transgender men, with no long-term side effects. Researchers also discovered that higher doses of testosterone may lead to faster results.
A study found that pharmaceuticals like metoprolol and atenolol, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, were present in over 60% of water samples from Hudson and East Rivers. Enterococci bacteria and rainfall also contributed to drug presence, highlighting the need for improved water management systems
A phase 3 trial found that pamrevlumab did not significantly improve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study's results underscore the need for effective treatments to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
A new study finds mail-order pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone for medication abortion is effective, acceptable to patients, and feasible. This care model can improve access to medication abortion services and reduce the need for in-person screening.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that home blood pressure self-monitoring plus medication self-titration reduces BP in the longer term without increasing healthcare use or adverse events. This simple, inexpensive intervention has potential to improve long-term hypertension control in routine clinical practice.
A telehealth program created by Project ECHO has been found to reduce reliance on opioids in pain management. The program connects primary care providers with experts via videoconferencing, leading to lower rates of opioid prescribing and greater adherence to evidence-based recommendations.
Black and Hispanic patients with atrial fibrillation were less likely to initiate direct oral anticoagulants at study onset, but these disparities narrowed over time. The study highlights the need to address unequal access to novel therapies for Black and Hispanic populations.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure of bulevirtide in complex with HBV/HDV receptor NTCP, revealing a unique 'plug' that inhibits virus entry. The study also sheds light on evolutionary adaptation of HBVs to host species and provides insights for developing smaller, more effective active agents.
A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing supply chain issues, leading to increased drug shortages in the US. Clinically valuable drugs at greatest shortage risk need prioritization to protect future supplies.
Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
After the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, a substantial number of abortion seekers accessed services. Provision of medications for self-managed abortions increased in the six months following the decision, indicating growing access to abortion services despite state-level bans and restrictions.
Researchers found that statins altered macrophage response and suppressed inflammatory response in periodontal disease. The study suggests statins could improve gum health and reduce heart disease risk.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing genetic treatments for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss. They created a new type of lipid nanoparticle, called Thio-lipids, that can deliver therapeutic payloads to the lungs and retina.
After 7 to 12 years of follow-up, bariatric surgery outperformed medical/lifestyle intervention in achieving superior glycemic control with reduced medication use and higher rates of diabetes remission. Individuals who underwent bariatric surgery had better long-term management of their type 2 diabetes.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
Despite a lack of clinical efficacy evidence, phenylephrine remained the most common oral decongestant in the US from 2012-2021, with hundreds of millions of units sold annually. Most phenylephrine products were co-formulated with antihistamines or antitussives, providing symptom relief for cough and cold symptoms.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,680 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion found no significant improvement in disability with adjunctive methylprednisolone. The study suggests that methylprednisolone may not be effective as an adjunct therapy after endovascular thrombectomy for this patient population.
A new study found that phenylephrine is the most popular nasal decongestant despite lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. Removal from the market could disrupt supply chains and require significant investment in infrastructure for over-the-counter drug review.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,015 participants found that apixaban did not significantly reduce recurrent stroke risk compared to aspirin in patients with cryptogenic stroke and atrial cardiopathy. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be more effective for preventing stroke recurrence in these patients.
A population-based study in Germany reveals almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age are prescribed isotretinoin, a medication linked to fetal defects. The study found a significant increase in isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies, highlighting the need for better monitoring and guidance.
A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.
A meta-analysis of 90 studies found that adolescents use nonprescription weight-loss products excessively, with girls being more affected. The study highlights the need for interventions to reduce this behavior and mitigate potential long-term health consequences.