Articles tagged with Drug Development
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that US FDA testing of imported seafood is inadequate, with only 2% of imports tested, compared to 15-50% in EU, Japan, and Canada. This lack of inspection may lead to adverse health consequences due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Researchers developed a novel indirect screener to detect recent drug use in at-risk post-partum women, proving more sensitive than alternatives. A brief, computer-delivered intervention aims to motivate behavioral change without presuming drug use, showing promise for improved detection and treatment.
The Arizona State University-led initiative aims to identify molecular markers for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, with the goal of predicting heart attack risk and assessing potential new treatments. The project will use proteomics and mass spectrometry technology to discover and validate biomarkers.
Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the common cold sore. The study found a positive link between the frequency of outbreaks, hereditability, and the presence of a specific gene, C21orf91, on chromosome 21.
Researchers developed non-natural flavanones with broad activity against bacteria and fungi, but no toxicity to mammalian cells. The compounds showed promising activity against various pathogens, including E. coli and fungal species.
Clinical trials should be reported even when product development is terminated to benefit the research community and prevent negative drug developments from being unpublished. This ensures greater patient safety, improves treatment research strategies, and optimizes resource allocations for promising new therapeutics.
Researchers found that bortezomib inhibits transforming growth factor beta, a protein essential for scar tissue growth, preventing its development in human cells and mouse models. The drug also prevented expression of proteins necessary for scarring in fibroblast cells from scleroderma patients
Researchers at Salk Institute developed bacteria that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins, enabling the creation of new synthetic chemicals. This breakthrough may lead to the development of drugs that last longer in the bloodstream and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods.
A $23.2 million grant has been awarded to Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to continue research on developing drug products to treat individuals exposed to mustard gas, a deadly chemical agent used in chemical warfare.
Scientists have developed 'transcription factor beacons' to quickly detect the activity of proteins controlling gene expression in cancer. The breakthrough technology may enable faster cancer diagnosis and the discovery of new cancer drugs.
A group of researchers argue that ranking drugs by harm is conceptually flawed, as it combines individual harms and societal impacts. They propose more refined tools for policymakers to assess the likely changes in different types of harm associated with each change in drug policy.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology reveals a novel mechanism for pillar formation during intussusceptive angiogenesis in tumors. The researchers found that targeting just one type of blood vessel formation may not be sufficient to slow tumor growth, and instead propose a more tailored approach to anti-tumor therapy.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that particles in liquids don't always settle at the bottom based on size or speed. Instead, they arrange themselves in a way that achieves the lowest energy state, often resulting in a layered structure with larger particles at the bottom and smaller ones above.
A recent study found that early treatment with the diabetes drug metformin may prevent or delay the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents. The study, which compared early versus late metformin treatment, showed that early therapy prevented PCOS symptoms more effectively than late treatment.
A team of researchers has detailed the molecular mechanism by which FTY270 causes adverse effects in the lungs of mice with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that developing a drug targeting S1P receptors on immune cells could provide a therapeutic with decreased side effects.
The study found that the private market for TB drugs is substantial and poses a significant risk of drug misuse and resistance. In many countries, private sector sales account for nearly equal amounts of treatment as the public sector, but often exceed international guidelines.
Researchers are developing a new antidote to regenerate an enzyme that ages after exposure to deadly chemical warfare agents. Dr. Christopher Hadad is using supercomputers to test reagents for this treatment, which could provide complete recovery from severe muscle spasms and death.
The Prix Galien awards recognize outstanding achievements in improving the global human condition through innovative drugs and treatments. The 2010 winners were announced as a special issue of Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, including Luminex Corporation for xTAG™ and Merck & Co, Inc. for RotaTeq™.
Scientists at Notre Dame and Cornell have made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, which affects brain cells and causes devastating symptoms. Using histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers were able to correct the damage done by the genetic flaw and restore normal cell function.
University of Houston professors have developed a computerized modeling system to accelerate the development of new antibiotics. The system aims to identify effective dosing regimens and prioritize clinical investigations.
Grand Challenges Canada and Canadian partners have joined forces to tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. Researchers will develop new drugs using compounds from African botanical and microbial sources, collaborating with African scientists.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio found that resveratrol stimulates the expression of adiponectin, a hormone with wide-ranging benefits for obesity-related medical complications. This discovery provides important information on the development of novel therapeutic drugs for these diseases.
Marine biotechnology has the potential to address critical future challenges such as sustainable food and energy, new drugs and health treatments, and industrial materials. The European Science Foundation predicts that with the right actions taken now, Europe could become a global leader in marine biotech by 2020.
Researchers at University of British Columbia develop a lipid-based formulation of Amphotericin B, stabilizing the drug in tropical temperatures and making it more accessible for treating Visceral Leishmaniasis. The new oral formulation is effective in mouse models and has the potential to bring relief to millions affected by the disease.
Cancer treatment decisions will be based on biology as medical oncologists need skills and knowledge to implement personalized medicine. Governments, companies, and clinicians must adapt drug development with targeted patient selection, shorter trials, and cost-effectiveness improvements.
Scientists have developed a novel system called MultiLabel to efficiently label mammalian cells with multiple fluorescent markers, allowing for faster disease process analysis. This technique enables precise labeling of cellular components involved in various diseases, facilitating accelerated drug development and screening.
Research reveals that teenagers' brains respond differently to drugs than adults, with greater cognitive shortfalls and altered stress responses. Long-term effects of adolescent drug use on brain chemistry are also being explored.
Researchers have successfully delivered a protective protein called erythropoietin into the brain using a Trojan Horse approach, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's ability to block it. This breakthrough has potential for treating stroke patients, traumatic head injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic brain disorders.
The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is accelerating the simulation of molecule movement, reducing processing times from years to months for the development of new drugs. Chemists are embracing this technology to streamline computations and accelerate discovery.
Human African Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, affects millions in Africa and South America. Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are developing a new oral treatment to tackle the disease.
A meta-analysis of nine studies found that patients with common genetic variants of the CYP2C19 gene and taking clopidogrel for cardiac procedures are at increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including blood clots in stents. The study suggests that individualized treatment regimens may be needed to tailor therapy.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded four new contracts for large-scale clinical trials to evaluate treatment alternatives for diseases caused by resistant bacteria. These trials will focus on acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, and Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Robert Langer will receive the Founders Award for his contributions to drug delivery and tissue engineering, while Anita Jones will receive the Arthur M. Bueche Award for leadership in science and technology policy. The awards recognize outstanding achievements that have benefited society.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to understand and improve an important protein purification process. The study validated the effectiveness of multimodal chromatography, a method that separates proteins from their surrounding materials using molecular glue.
A recent study published in Neurology found that intravenous treatment with dexamethasone can significantly reduce the mortality rate of patients with bacterial meningitis. The study revealed a 10% lower death rate among those treated with dexamethasone, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.
Scientists have identified a potential new treatment for toxoplasmosis, an infection affecting almost 2 billion people worldwide. Triclosan, commonly found in soaps and toothpastes, has shown promise as a guiding light for developing effective medications.
A large clinical study found patients with specific genetic variations in the IL-1Ra gene were almost twice as likely to progress to severe osteoarthritis. The study suggests using genetic patterns to identify high-risk patients for clinical trials and personalize treatment plans.
New findings from a major drug trial have revealed that the platelet function in patients taking ticagrelor recovered much quicker after the drug is stopped, compared to clopidogrel. Additionally, ticagrelor has been shown to prevent 1 in 5 deaths after a heart attack, even in patients with adverse effects like breathlessness.
A team led by Dr. Jonathan Stamler will research the development of a new class of drugs that selectively dilate blood cells under hypoxia, enhancing soldiers' performance at high altitudes. The grant aims to improve tissue oxygenation and deliver more oxygen to tissues despite low blood oxygen content.
The new fluorescent biosensor could aid in the development of drugs targeting GPCRs, a crucial class of proteins present in cells. The biosensor uses fluoromodules to monitor protein activity and provides a homogeneous assay that can screen large numbers of molecules to identify new drug leads.
A study found that drugs inhibiting the protein MTOR can impair heart function in patients with ongoing heart dysfunction. Additionally, researchers discovered that deleting the protein 4E-BP1 improved heart function and survival in mice. These findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for improving heart health.
Scientists discover A20 protein plays a protective role in chronic bowel inflammation, making it a promising therapeutic target. The study confirms genome-wide analysis results showing defects in A20 associated with Crohn's disease development.
The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation aims to stimulate health product research and development in Africa. Successful implementation requires sustainable capacity, infrastructure, funding, leadership, and understanding of health R&D in the African continent.
Experts argue for shifting focus from biomedical mechanisms to socio-environmental aspects of neglected tropical diseases. Mass drug administration is recognized as a cost-effective approach for controlling these diseases, while integrating biomedical and social approaches through 'social offsets' may complement this strategy.
Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have created a method to develop safer drugs by simulating metabolism and identifying potentially toxic metabolites. This approach has been successfully applied to the antimalarial drug amodiaquine, which was withdrawn due to liver damage and immune system impairment.
Dental providers can prepare for medical emergencies by stocking essential medications and equipment, such as automated external defibrillators and portable oxygen delivery systems. The new guidelines provide a detailed list of emergency medications and equipment to ensure timely and effective treatment.
Telcagepant, a CGRP receptor blocker, provides similar pain relief as triptans but with fewer cardiovascular risks. Topiramate may also prevent migraine attacks in chronic sufferers.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered how two proteins manipulate nerve cells to send pain signals, offering a new target for painkillers. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and safer pain treatments by targeting peripheral nervous system.
A new combination drug treatment has been found to be effective in controlling parasitic worms, reducing the need for repeated treatments and minimizing drug resistance. The dual therapy uses a protein crystal made by bacteria, which works by a different mechanism than existing levamisole-like drugs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the University of Oxford conducted a study to find ways to control progression to diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people at risk. Valsartan showed a moderate effect on reducing diabetes progression, but nateglinide proved ineffective at halting this progression.
Researchers have discovered a Bt protein that is highly effective at curing intestinal parasitic roundworm infections in humans. The Cry5B protein produced by the Bt bacterium is three times better than tribendimidine and shows promise as an alternative to existing treatments.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that early intervention may be able to prevent schizophrenia in those at high risk. The researchers found that administering drugs to rats during adolescence prevented the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms and brain deterioration.
Researchers found a 'longevity gene' associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The CETP gene variant alters protein function, leading to higher HDL cholesterol levels and increased protection against age-related illnesses.
Researchers propose integrating NTD interventions into the regular health system, leveraging resources from malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis programs. Careful planning and community engagement are crucial for successful integration and co-implementation of these efforts.
Researchers have developed a new survival prediction equation for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), improving upon an outdated NIH equation. The new formula shows vastly improved survival rates, highlighting the need for accurate hemodynamic assessment.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease have discovered that two main causes of AD, amyloid-beta peptides and apolipoprotein E4, impair the growth of new neurons born in adult brains. Drug treatments can normalize their development even in the presence of these factors.
A global drive is necessary to develop new antibiotics, with only a single new antibacterial approved in the USA since 2006. The EU report also shows limited progress, with just five new drugs reaching phase 3 clinical trials within the next 10 years.
Scientists have observed ion channels within the surface membrane of cells for the first time, improving our understanding of how signals travel among neurons. This discovery may lead to a complete picture of how ion channels function and could have implications for future drug development.
Researchers have found a way to control male fertility using testicular hormone levels, offering hope for those with low sperm counts. The discovery provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for male infertility and potentially new male contraceptives.