A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.
Scientists have discovered a promising new treatment for nail infections using hydrogen sulphide, a naturally occurring gas that can penetrate the nail plate efficiently. The research has shown strong antimicrobial activity against a range of nail pathogens, including fungi resistant to common antifungal treatments.
A new analysis of the PANDA trial found that sertraline contributes to improvements in low mood and suicidal thinking within two weeks of taking the drug. The study also revealed an improvement in emotional symptoms of depression within two weeks, with continued benefits from six weeks to 12 weeks.
A University of East Anglia study found that treating patients at home with IV antibiotics can save the NHS over £3,500 per patient and potentially free-up vital hospital beds. The treatment involves having antibiotics prepared at home and continuously delivered into the bloodstream by an elastomeric pump.
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 Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
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.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortion requests doubled in 18 states following the Dobbs decision, with the majority of requests occurring before 6 weeks of pregnancy. This increase builds upon previous findings indicating a rise in telehealth requests among individuals living far from in-person abortion services.
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.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
This study found that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is offer the greatest cardiovascular benefits for adults with type 2 diabetes. The magnitude of benefit depends on baseline age, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and kidney impairment.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
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.
Researchers discovered reduced concentrations of key lipids in patients with NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), whereas healthy controls showed increased levels with low-dose aspirin. Elevated lipid mediators linked to inflammation were also observed, suggesting potential new diagnostic and treatment options.
A comparative effectiveness study found that liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide have similar risks for kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in veterans with type 2 diabetes. Head-to-head trials are needed to confirm these findings.
A cohort study found that 40% of GLP-1RA orders were not filled, with lower rates among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients. These disparities may be attributed to differences in insurance coverage, GLP-1RA use, or cost thresholds.
A new study shows that direct-to-consumer pharmacy pricing can offer lower total costs (431% lower) compared to commercial pharmacies for insured patients. Out-of-pocket neurologic drug costs are 75% higher, but most medications cost less than $635 per year.
A pooled data analysis found tramadol to be ineffective in easing chronic pain, with a small and clinically insignificant effect. The use of tramadol was also associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, including heart disease and certain cancers.
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.
The 340B program has grown into the nation's second-largest drug purchasing program, with significant revenue generated from spread pricing, which disproportionately benefits providers with more commercially insured patients. Eliminating this distorted incentive is essential to ensuring safety-net providers receive benefits.
A new study suggests that low-dose aspirin can prevent cancer in older adults based on individual characteristics. The analysis found varying treatment effects among participants, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to cancer prevention.
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.
Conventional treatment methods used by municipal wastewater treatment facilities are ineffective at removing common pharmaceuticals like Prozac, fluoxetine, and loratadine from wastewater. These drugs are discharged into lakes, rivers, and streams, posing risks to aquatic organisms.
A binational study found nearly 6 in 10 US adults and 3 in 10 Japanese adults discontinued semaglutide within 12 months of treatment. Patients with established cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease had higher discontinuation rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
A University of Leicester-led study reveals that around one in three hospital infections involve antimicrobial resistance, independently associated with a higher risk of death. The study found patients with resistant infections had a 58% increased risk of mortality compared to those with susceptible infections.
A recent analysis reveals a modest decline in new and additional opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer from 2016 to 2020. For patients with metastatic cancer, prescribing remained stable for those reporting any pain but declined steeply for those reporting no pain.
A study analyzed antibiotic prescribing patterns in Arkansas Medicaid's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) program. The results showed a decrease in pediatric and adult age group claims, with clinics that prescribed the least antibiotics having lower rates in 2021 compared to previous years.
A new survey found that the high cost of legal cannabis products is a significant barrier for many participants, while access to unbiased information helps people avoid illicit products. Understanding patients' difficulties in accessing safe products can guide strategies to make the process easier.
A cohort study suggests nicotinamide reduces skin cancer risk, with greatest effect seen after initial skin cancer diagnosis, indicating potential chemopreventive properties of the vitamin B3 derivative
A Swedish study of over 1.2 million children found no significant association between prenatal exposure to opioids and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers attributed the observed differences in ASD rates among exposed versus unexposed children to other pre...
A national study found that half of adults without diabetes who started taking semaglutide for weight loss discontinued treatment within a year. The most common factors influencing discontinuation were age, with younger users more likely to stop, as well as high costs and higher predisposition to adverse effects.
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.
Researchers evaluated a tool based on NCCN Guidelines to identify high-risk medications and their association with frailty and outcomes in over 380,000 older adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found that each additional high-risk medication increased the odds of being mildly or moderately-to-severely frail by 66%.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
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.
A new study reveals that more than half of affected women consider terminating their pregnancy due to extreme morning sickness, with high rates of anxiety and depression. The condition is linked to significant disruptions in daily life and a need for personalized care.
A study of 2,201 patients after heart bypass surgery showed that dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin did not reduce cardiovascular risks but increased the risk of excessive bleeding. The results contradict current guidelines recommending dual therapy for these patients.
A study of Medicare database payments found that nearly 80% of US neurologists prescribing multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs received industry payments, with higher volume prescribers more likely to be beneficiaries. Recipients were also more likely to prescribe the company's drugs, especially if payments were larger and sustained.
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
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.
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.
Adults with a history of cancer are significantly more likely to use depression and anxiety medications than noncancer survivors. Non-Hispanic Black patients exhibit decreased medication use, highlighting disparities in mental health treatment.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine developed a non-invasive system that delivers drugs to specific regions of the body, reducing unwanted side effects. The system uses nanoparticles encapsulated in a sugar solution that responds to ultrasound stimulation, allowing for precise delivery of medication.
A daily intranasal corticosteroid treatment with stapokibart resulted in reduced polyp size and improved nasal symptom severity after 24 weeks. Stapokibart, a novel monoclonal antibody, showed efficacy in treating severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
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.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 17, 2025
A cross-sectional analysis of 549 essential medicines in 72 markets reveals significant variation in prices and affordability. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote equitable drug prices and improve access to life-saving medications.
Researchers designed over 36 million compounds using generative AI algorithms and computationally screened them for antimicrobial properties. The top candidates show promise against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by novel mechanisms that disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
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 study found no association between semaglutide treatment and diabetic retinopathy, but suggested a potential link to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to clarify this risk.
A recent study analyzed use of online asynchronous telemedicine abortion services from July 2023 to September 2024. The research found that these services increased access to abortion care, particularly in rural areas where traditional abortion providers are scarce.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide are at increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders. The overall risk is low, but highlights the need for close monitoring of these conditions.
Initiation of semaglutide in adults leads to reductions in weight and cardiovascular risk factors, while increasing health care expenditures. These findings suggest potential clinical benefits, highlighting the need for long-term evaluation of semaglutide's economic impact.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
Researchers found that Ozempic-induced weight loss decreased lean mass by 10% in mice, with most of the lost weight coming from non-skeletal tissues. While some skeletal muscles did shrink, others stayed the same size, and strength was affected for some but not all muscles.
A digital tool called MedSafer has been developed to help clinicians identify and deprescribe unnecessary medications for seniors. The software helped reduce the use of such medications in 36% of long-term care residents, nearly triple as many as without the tool.
Researchers found that injecting botox directly into the TMJ alleviated TMD-related pain, hypersensitivity, and neural activity, while preserving movement abilities. The study suggests avoiding muscle tissue to overcome botox side effects and offers new hope for treating jaw disorders.
Researchers at University of Bath have developed a system that can transport therapeutic proteins across the gut wall and into the bloodstream, enabling medication delivery via pill. The new technology has shown consistent delivery rates, with potential to transform lives of patients who currently inject themselves daily.
A nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
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.