Biohybrid micro- and nanorobots promise to deliver drugs to body tissues with high precision, enabling tasks such as cancer treatment, cell microsurgery, and tissue engineering. Researchers envision incorporating novel biological components into robots to overcome immune responses and increase efficiency in manufacturing.
A new form of drug delivery microparticle mimics the properties of a red blood cell, enabling controlled release of drugs and targeting specific destinations. The goal is to bypass the body's filtration systems, allowing for improved efficacy and reduced negative side effects.
A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Pittsburgh seeks to improve vascular graft integration by developing fully biodegradable tissue-engineered vascular grafts. The goal is to keep compliance-matched as it degrades and remodels, reducing long-term graft failure rates.
Researchers have identified the impact of protein corona formation on nanoparticles' physiochemical and biological properties. This knowledge can be used to optimize carriers for nanomedical applications, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of biopharmaceutical delivery.
A study of 236,000 individuals found patient- and prescription-related factors significantly linked to opioid-related fatal or nonfatal overdose. The research highlights the need for careful prescribing practices and post-discharge follow-up to prevent such overdoses.
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a novel 'supermolecular' material that binds to protein drugs, prolongs their effect without impairing activity, and improves overall drug performance. The material, called PEG-PRX, adds polyethylene glycol chains to proteins without compromising biological action.
A new framework evaluates medicines' impact on global health, calculating the impact of drugs used to treat diseases like TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and NTDs. The Global Health Impact Index model saves about 62 million disability-adjusted life-years, equivalent to saving almost a year of life for 1% of the world's population.
A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.
Between 2015 and 2019, Medicare spending on drugs with an accelerated approval indication more than doubled, reaching $9.1 billion in 2019, primarily driven by Part B drugs. The study's findings highlight the growing concern of rapidly increasing costs associated with these medications.
The 2022 Pharmacy Forecast Report notes that COVID-19 disruptions have led to increased roles for pharmacists in patient care, emergency preparedness, and technology. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable access to digital tools and explores strategies to mitigate supply chain issues.
Scientists at UC San Diego create nanoparticles that mimic the flu virus's ability to escape endosomes, enabling efficient delivery of mRNA into cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved delivery of mRNA vaccines and therapies.
Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that only 31% of hospitals have immediate availability of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a crucial blood cancer medication. This medication is essential for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has a better prognosis when treated appropriately. The lack of ATRA availability poses a signi...
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science used microscopy to examine surfactant onion layers, discovering they contain defects. Their findings are crucial for designing effective therapeutic carrier systems.
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed an innovative method for delivering vaccines, including those for COVID-19, using a handheld electroporator. The device is powered by a BBQ lighter and uses microneedle technology to reduce the complexity and cost of vaccine delivery.
Researchers developed a nanofluidic device called an 'exosome nanoporator' to load exogenous cargo into exosomes. The device efficiently loads clinically approved antitumor drugs into exosomes without damaging them, enabling the delivery of these drugs to cancer cells.
Researchers develop novel models to investigate the impact of drug-eluting stents on arterial tissue permeability and blood flow. The study identifies key factors contributing to restenosis near stent edges, highlighting potential avenues for design improvements.
A team of MIT engineers has developed a drug delivery capsule that can inject large quantities of monoclonal antibodies and other proteins into the stomach lining after being swallowed. The capsule overcomes a major challenge in delivering these drugs orally, which are usually administered via injections.
Engineers at MIT and the University of Twente study water jet impacts on droplets to inform needle-free injection systems. They developed a model predicting fluid jet behavior in human skin, aiming to minimize damage.
Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.
Researchers at Hokkaido University created a lipid polymer that can carry genetic code into lung cells, potentially treating diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancers. The delivery method bypasses the liver and targets specific lung cells without targeting ligands.
Research found that MRI's static magnetic field decreases blood-brain barrier opening volume and microbubble cavitation activity, leading to reduced drug delivery efficiency. The study suggests considering the impact of the magnetic field in clinical applications of focused ultrasound for brain disease treatment.
A $1 million grant will be used to develop fluorochemical dispersants, known as FTags, which coat proteins in vaccine liquids to stabilize them thermally. This technology aims to eliminate the need for refrigerated supply chains and ensure vaccines can be transported at elevated temperatures.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new class of hydrogels that can be controlled by light, enabling precise drug delivery and regenerative medicine treatments. The hydrogels are responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light, which has a higher penetration depth than other light sources, allowing for more effective therapy.
A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that nonfatal opioid overdose visits have more than doubled during the pandemic, while few patients who overdosed on opioids had received a prescription for naloxone. The number of individuals filling naloxone prescriptions fell by over 25% throughout the pandemic.
Nearly one in four people aged 50-80 rely on mail delivery for at least one medication, with 29% receiving all their medications via mail. This reliance is largely driven by insurance requirements and cost savings.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a key role for an adaptor protein in forming the outer structure of vesicles, which are essential for transporting molecules within cells. This finding sheds new light on how cells move resources and could potentially lead to breakthroughs in drug delivery and virus entry prevention.
Researchers developed a peptide-derived nanoparticle that prevents blood clots without causing an increased risk of bleeding. The new drug showed promising results in animal models, reducing damage to the heart and improving survival rates.
Research from Aston University identifies five key burdens faced by older people and their family carers when managing medication, including ambiguity and exclusion. A new five-stage framework is proposed to help clinicians manage medication more effectively, prioritizing regular reviews involving patients and carers.
Research suggests that ACA Medicaid Expansion has improved delivery of cardiovascular care to racial and ethnic minority groups, including increased medication adherence and follow-up appointments. However, disparities remain, highlighting the need for policy changes and further investigation into interventions to reduce barriers to care.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new understanding of asthma medicines through x-ray CT scanning, revealing the microstructure of individual particles. This innovation could lead to improved asthma medications and better quality control.
Metallic nanotechnology is advancing rapidly, with applications in renewable energy harvesting, cancer treatment, and climate solutions. On-command drug delivery and photothermal therapy are promising areas of research, showing promising results in animal trials.
Research reveals that MDA programmes often fail to reach marginalized communities due to inequitable treatment delivery, affecting PC NTD prevention. The study highlights the need for consideration of gender and equity issues in health systems to address these disparities.
Researchers from SUTD developed syringe-injectable biomaterials with unprecedented capabilities to handle nanosheets. The nanosheets demonstrated syringe-injectability, self-expandability, conformability, and guidability in an external magnetic field.
A study found that patients with poor health were more likely to continue taking insulin after age 75, despite guidelines recommending reduced treatment intensity. Discontinuing insulin may outweigh its benefits for older adults, especially those with multiple health conditions.
Researchers found that a daily polypill with four medications lowered systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol by an average of 9 mm Hg and 15 mg per deciliter, respectively. Medication adherence was high in the polypill group, with 86% sticking to their regimen over 12 months.
A collaborative project between the University of Washington and UCB will explore ways to enhance community pharmacist engagement in epilepsy care. The effort seeks to address fragmented healthcare services and medication adherence issues affecting the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy.
Researchers have created a graphene-based sandwiched superstructure that enables efficient transport of nanoparticles inside cell membranes, outperforming traditional carriers in anti-cancer efficacy. This discovery could significantly improve cytotoxicity effects and pave the way for novel membrane-specific drug delivery modes.
A team of Lehigh University researchers characterized the shear-induced extensional response of vWF, revealing new insights into the protein's biomechanical behavior. They also developed a coarse-grained model to explain the protein's flow-induced properties, shedding light on its role in blood clotting and platelet function.
A recent NIH-funded conference aimed to better understand the biological 'pillars of aging', which are interconnected factors driving the aging process. The study focuses on disrupting these hallmarks to contribute to chronic disease and frailty, with potential applications in improving function and independence for older adults.
High-need, high-cost patients account for 50% of US healthcare spending. Patients identify care management, telemedicine, and home health visits as beneficial solutions to prevent ED overuse. Care management helps with appointment scheduling and reminders, while home-based services enhance patient convenience and comfort.
Research on dietary fiber polymers reveals they physically influence the small intestine environment by causing solid particles to group together. This aggregation can impact nutrient and drug absorption, highlighting a previously underappreciated role of dietary fibers in gut function.
The journal BioTM has released a tribute issue dedicated to Robert Langer and Nicholas Peppas, two biotechnology luminaries whose contributions have shaped the fields of drug delivery and biomaterials. The issue features research articles from their former students and colleagues.
Researchers develop silver nanoparticles coated with anti-seizure drugs to kill brain-eating amoebae, increasing human cell survival rates. The drug-nanoparticle combos target protein receptors or ion channels on the amoeba's membrane, offering a potential treatment for deadly infections.
A Massachusetts-based study found that opioid overdose events decreased during pregnancy but increased in the postpartum period, particularly when fewer resources were available to mothers with substance use disorder. The research team developed a unique dataset linking statewide resources and found that women with opioid use disorder ...
The discovery of 'active holes' in droplets of an ionic liquid has led to the creation of a new class of synthetic active matter. The phenomenon is driven by the dissolution of the droplet and the fluctuation of its boundary, resulting in self-propelled motion.
Researchers found that certain antipsychotic medications increased the risk of gestational diabetes by 4.2% to 12% when continued during pregnancy. Women taking olanzapine and quetiapine had an increased risk compared to those who discontinued these medications.
The number of people receiving HCV cure is increasing with new, highly effective treatments available; simplification of treatment delivery can accelerate global scale-up. Cure leads to reductions in liver-related deaths and cancer risk, as well as improvements in comorbidities.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created cell-penetrating nanomaterials that can deliver molecular drugs and cargo into cells. The nanodrills, with distinct shapes resembling drill bits, showed a strong capacity for encapsulating guest molecules for therapy or imaging.
Researchers have created BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials that demonstrate effectiveness as catalysts, antibacterial agents, and drug delivery systems for treating oncological diseases. The hybrids show high potential for cancer therapy and water disinfection, offering a new approach to combatting these threats.
Researchers are exploring gene delivery strategies for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, enabling sustained drug production at the site of disease. Clinical trials are underway in the U.S., with the first arthritis gene therapy recently approved in Korea.
DFNS has been used in various applications including photocatalysis, solar cells, energy storage, CO2 capture, biomedical applications and environmental remediation. Its unique fibrous morphology provides enhanced accessibility to active sites and improved light harvesting properties.
A new study suggests that tracking pulse rate can help determine whether a woman needs blood pressure regulating medication after a spinal block before a Caesarean section. The research recommends considering factors such as pulse rate variability, pulse transit time, and body mass index to identify patients at risk of hypotension.
A pilot study found that patients following cesarean delivery often receive double the number of pain pills they need, leading to unused medication. Using a shared decision-making tool reduced opioid prescriptions by 50%.
A newly discovered mechanism behind reduced insulin production in type 2 diabetes reveals that insulin-producing cells regress and become immature, reducing their function. The study identifies key genes, including SOX5, which affects disease progression and suggests potential new treatments targeting cellular maturity.
A standardized assessment for UK medical students has shown a high pass rate of 95%, with significant variation in performance between schools. The Prescribing Safety Assessment aims to identify students who need further training or supervision before being able to prescribe independently.
Researchers have developed a new method using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) enzyme to produce precise, high molecular weight synthetic biomolecular structures. These structures can be tailored to create single-stranded DNA for self-assembling into ball-like containers for drug delivery or incorporating unnatural nucleotides.