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Patients with mental health conditions would favour non-invasive interventions over medication, finds a new survey

A new survey found that patients with neurological and mental health disorders prefer non-invasive neuromodulation interventions over current medications. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that providing accurate information to patients improves their perception of these treatments.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2025

Prevalence and control of diabetes among US adults

The study found that the prevalence of adults with diabetes did not significantly change between 2013 and 2023. However, glycemic control among those with diagnosed disease worsened, particularly among young adults. This trend is concerning due to its potential impact on lifetime risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 2025

All generic drugs are not equal, study finds

A new study found that generic drugs made in India have significantly more 'severe adverse events' for patients, including hospitalization and death. The researchers matched 2,443 drugs made in the US and emerging economies, finding that mature generic drugs were responsible for the higher rates of severe adverse events.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Older patients can inadvertently be put at risk when they are taken off blood-thinning drugs

A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2025

Longitudinal analysis of obesity drug use and public awareness

The study found a significant increase in obesity drug prescriptions from 0.76 million in July 2017 to 1.5 million in February 2024, mirroring rising public online search activity for semaglutide and tirzepatide. This correlation highlights the real-time association between public awareness and prescription trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 29, 2025

Alcohol use and antiobesity medication treatment

A cohort study found that nearly half of participants who consumed alcohol at baseline decreased their alcohol use after initiating anti-obesity medication treatment. The medications, such as naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), may have properties that lead to reduced cravings for alcohol.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 26, 2024

Differences in Drug Shortages in the US and Canada

A study published in JAMA found that drug-related reports of supply chain issues were 40% less likely to result in meaningful drug shortages in Canada compared to the US. This highlights the importance of global cooperation to curb the effects of drug shortages and strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 31, 2024

Study combines woodchips and biochar to clean water of pharmaceuticals, nutrients

Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.

Estimated long-term benefits of finerenone in heart failure

Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 2024

Antidepressant shows promise for treating brain tumors

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Bringing lost proteins back home

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2024

New study in JNCCN supports chemotherapy option that reduces side effects for people with gastrointestinal cancers

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.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 5, 2024

Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024