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Pulsed field ablation procedures found safe and effective for atrial fibrillation patients

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has shown that pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed over 17,600 patients and found no significant risk of esophageal damage or other complications, increasing confidence in the use of PFA technology.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

Novel peptide formulation shows promise of restoring cognitive decline in schizophrenia

A novel peptide, KS-133, has been developed to target genetic mechanisms associated with schizophrenia. The nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, where KS-133 is encapsulated with a brain-targeting peptide, shows effective distribution in the brains of mice and improves cognitive functions in mice with induced schizophrenia.

Exploitation of supply chain monitoring loopholes fueled US opioid epidemic, study finds

Pharmaceutical companies exploited a loophole in the DEA's monitoring system, leading to an oversupply of opioids in communities. The study highlights the impact on Black communities, where overdose deaths tripled from 2014 to 2020. High supply chain complexity played a key role in evading regulations.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

More effective cancer treatment with iontronic pump

Researchers at Linköping University and the Medical University of Graz have developed a new cancer treatment using an iontronic pump to deliver continuous, low-dose chemotherapy directly to brain tumors. This approach significantly reduces tumor growth by bypassing the blood-brain barrier, a common obstacle to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial to launch for refractory prostate cancer patients: Novel alpha therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen

A new alpha-ray therapeutic agent ([At-211] PSMA-5) has been developed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in refractory prostate cancer patients. The therapy has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2024

An easy pill to swallow – new 3D printing research paves way for personalized medication

Researchers have developed a method to fabricate customized pharmaceutical tablets with tailored drug release profiles using Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing. This technology can print multiple drugs in a single tablet, simplifying complex medication regimens and providing precise treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMaterials Today Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Enabling rapid screening of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine through divergent synthesis; towards alternative mRNA-vaccines

Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for diversifying reactive end-groups on poly(2-oxazoline)s, enabling rapid exploration of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine platforms. The approach was shown to produce POx-based lipid nanoparticles comparable in transfection capability to their PEGylated counterparts.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Next-generation treatments hitch a ride into cancer cells

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Stopping aspirin one month after coronary stenting procedures significantly reduces bleeding complications in heart attack patients

Researchers found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI significantly reduced major and minor bleeding incidents by 55% compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. The study, ULTIMATE-DAPT, showed no increase in adverse ischemic events, suggesting continuing aspirin may cause harm without benefit.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2024

Cancer therapies show promise in combating tuberculosis

Researchers have identified a combination of medications that may improve blood flow within granulomas, benefiting drug delivery and reducing bacterial burden in tuberculosis-infected rabbits. The study leverages decades of cancer research to study tuberculosis-affected lung tissue and improves treatment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2024

UC study: Subcutaneous infusion pump safe, effective for Parkinson’s treatment

A phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher found that subcutaneous levodopa delivery through an infusion pump is safe and effective in reducing symptoms for longer periods. The study resulted in almost two hours of additional 'on time' compared to traditional oral medication, paving the way for potential FDA approval.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Ketamine’s promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain

New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Novel approach for lymph node metastasis treatment

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach for treating lymph node metastasis by administering anticancer drugs directly into the LNs, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. The Lymphatic Drug Delivery System (LDDS) targets sentinel lymph nodes, generating antitumor effects locally.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateJan 12, 2024

Scientists in Germany develop a new analytical method, which enables improved insight into (mRNA) nanoparticles and similar pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products

Scientists in Germany developed a new analytical method to precisely elucidate the size of particles, structure, and RNA molecules in pharmaceutical products. This information can help evaluate product quality, enabling improved development of new products.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Pharmacy forecast identifies growing societal challenges expected to impact care

The ASHP/ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Forecast Report identifies growing societal challenges that will alter healthcare delivery, including the impact of ultra-high-cost drugs on service lines. Pharmacists' engagement is crucial to ensuring safe care for all patients, particularly in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2023

Oral delivery a possibility for silica-based C’Dots

Researchers at Cornell University have found that silica-based C’Dots can be taken up by the bloodstream after oral administration, making them a potential therapeutic delivery method. The particles' ability to induce ferroptosis, a cell death program, may also provide health benefits due to their natural presence in food.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 27, 2023

Researchers launch first study of a vaginal film that dissolves in 30 days to assess its acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women

A vaginal film designed to dissolve in 30 days is being tested for its feasibility and acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women. The study will enroll 100 women and assess the comfort, usability, and safety of two prototype films with different shapes.

How a suction cup delivers medications to the bloodstream

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a suction cup capable of delivering large molecule medications like peptides to the bloodstream through the mucosal lining of the cheek. The device uses an endogenous agent to fluidise cell membranes, allowing the drug to penetrate deeper tissue layers and enter the bloodstream directly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Breakthrough in solid-state storage innovates how biological materials are stored and handled

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...

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023