Articles tagged with Drug Development
The Penn State Prevention Research Center is expanding its PROSPER program, which helps young people avoid substance abuse and behavioral problems through partnerships with local communities. The program has shown positive outcomes in family functioning and adolescent substance use rates.
Researchers have discovered a new compound, sLRP1-alpha, that attenuates neuropathic pain in rodents. The study found that sLRP1-alpha reduces inflammation and inhibits pain signals in the nervous system.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created novel biomimetic membranes that can efficiently transport water, making them ideal for desalination and wastewater purification. The membranes' high permeability and selectivity could also be useful for drug delivery applications.
A new 'Twinkle' eye test has been developed to detect vision loss in people with age-related macular disease (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The test relies on a visual illusion that can identify regions of the eye with vision loss, and its results indicate it could be a powerful diagnostic tool.
A study found that a strain of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa developed resistance to multiple drugs due to inadequate drug susceptibility testing. The authors emphasize the need for increased use of drug resistance surveillance programs to prevent further development of XDR TB.
Researchers found that CFTR mutations cause TGN acidity, leading to increased furin activity, which promotes tissue fibrosis and suppresses immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study suggests chloroquine as a potential treatment and identifies furin inhibitors as new therapeutics for cystic fibrosis
A recent editorial highlights the need for further research on bariatric surgery's risks and outcomes to convince non-believers of its benefits for morbidly obese patients. Studies suggest that routine upper GI tests may not be necessary, and complications can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
A new research project aims to integrate radio frequency identification technology into cardiac sensor networks, improving remote medical delivery. The team will also work to enhance the security of the systems used in the process, reducing the possibility of identity theft and cyber-terrorism.
Scientists found that inhibiting Nox1 and Nox2 genes can slow down ALS progression in mice, leading to improved survival rates. The study suggests developing drugs targeting the Nox pathway could be beneficial for individuals with ALS.
A study published in Neurology found that people with multiple sclerosis who stop taking natalizumab may develop more brain lesions, indicating increased disease activity. The results suggest that discontinuing the drug can lead to a rebound increase in disease activity, particularly for those who take it for a short time.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) experience poor response to imatinib due to emerging drug-resistant clones. Research reveals signals from the bone marrow microenvironment can sustain viability of Ph+ ALL cells, enabling rapid resistance development.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for ginkgo biloba, enabling the validation of analytical methods and support measurements associated with clinical trials or product label claims. The SRMs can also be used by dietary supplement manufacturers to improve p...
A study found that 21% of patients taking verapamil for cluster headaches experienced irregular heartbeats, while 37% had slower than normal heart rates. Close monitoring with electrocardiograms is recommended to mitigate potential heart problems.
A decision aid for patients with diabetes was developed by Victor Montori and colleagues, enabling them to make informed choices about statin use. The tool created a conversation about medications, allowing patients to weigh the benefits and risks of statins.
Preliminary research suggests that hydroxychloroquine reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a 38% lower risk among those taking hydroxychloroquine, which increased to 77% for longer-term users.
The new criteria focus on a clinical core of early and significant episodic memory impairment, incorporating biomarker-based tests. Validation studies are necessary to optimize sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
The International AIDS Society conference in Sydney drew a record number of 5,000 delegates and featured a new biomedical prevention track, reflecting increasing interest in microbicides and other innovative approaches.
Research found that prenatal toxicity is associated with immunological damage leading to chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, and autoimmunity. The study identified several substances, including herbal and fungal chemicals, that may help restore inflammatory cell regulation.
A recent report highlights the need for medical professionals to be trained in managing rape and sexual assault cases, particularly in the UK. The editorial argues that teaching future doctors about this topic could improve victim responses and increase convictions.
The USGS has developed a new waterborne aquaculture drug, 35% PEROX-AID, which was recently approved by the FDA for use in treating three major freshwater fish diseases. The approval is expected to benefit both commercial and public aquaculture industries, reducing losses estimated at $100 million annually.
A new drug delivery method developed by UBC researcher Kishor M. Wasan has shown promising results in treating devastating fungal infections, including candidemia and aspergillosis, with minimal toxic side effects compared to traditional intravenous administration.
Research reveals significant differences in gene expression between individuals and populations, with individual-level factors dominating variations. This study challenges the notion of biological races, highlighting the importance of understanding human genetic variation for better disease treatment and drug development.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new type of technology using the world's thinnest material, which can be used to sieve gases and make ultra-fast electronic switches. The discovery has significant implications for the development of medical drugs, as it will potentially allow the rapid analysis of atomic str...
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a new therapeutic target, casein kinase 1, which may lead to treatments for Alzheimer's disease that don't cause harmful side effects. By blocking casein kinase 1, production of beta-amyloid proteins can be reduced without affecting Notch signaling.
A new oral corticosteroid therapy has significantly reduced deaths from gastrointestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in stem-cell transplant patients. The treatment, which includes a reformulated version of beclomethasone dipropionate, kept GVHD in remission and allowed patients to taper off high-dose prednisone therapy.
Limited trials on obesity drugs have failed to show major reductions in related morbidity and mortality. The authors call for longer trial durations to ensure the development of safe and effective treatments.
A five-year study has shown that Gleevec's potency against chronic myeloid leukemia, with only 5% of patients dying from the disease during the study period. The drug produced few significant side effects, particularly after the initial two years of treatment.
Researchers identify barriers and opportunities in treating mental illness, proposing a new paradigm for CNS drug development. The study highlights the need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects, focusing on treatments that act on multiple molecular targets.
A protein called NMNAT has been found to protect against nerve cell degeneration, with researchers discovering it plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that increasing NMNAT production could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases affecting the nervous system.
The new biochip enables researchers to obtain 60 times more data in one reading than current technology, accelerating scientific research and drug development for muscle and nerve disorders. It also allows for the screening and identification of different crop lines, reducing time and cost.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that MDMA can increase the survival of dopamine cells during fetal development. This may lead to better therapies for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The study suggests that preventing dopamine cell death is key to finding lasting treatments.
The University of Cincinnati has developed a faster approach to informing consumers online when the FDA withdraws a medication. The new system, using NetWellness.org, allows for updates in under 24 hours following an FDA announcement.
A new study suggests that taking rosiglitazone, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent the disease in people at high risk. The three-year trial found that this combination reduced the risk by about two-thirds, preventing around 144 cases of diabetes per 1000 people.
A viral target has been found to sustain EBV-related tumors, and blocking its activity breaks the virus life cycle. This discovery could lead to a drug that kills only EBV-positive tumor cells without harming other tissues.
Despite an increase in drug development for killer diseases, researchers argue that more incentives and access guarantees are needed to address the lack of economic demand. The rise of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is also cited as a contributing factor.
A new strain of mice has been developed to mimic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common and incurable form of cancer. The TCL-1 transgenic mouse shares molecular features with human CLL and responds to drugs, making it a valuable tool for developing new treatments.
A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.
A new study in mice reveals that marijuana use at conception and early pregnancy can cause embryos to fail to reach the uterus, resulting in early pregnancy failure. The study found that THC, a major psychoactive component of marijuana, disrupts anandamide signaling, leading to impaired fertility and ectopic pregnancies.
New research from Karolinska Institutet reveals the role of substances like cytokines and leukotriene B4 in inflammation and arteriosclerosis. The study identifies three enzymes that contribute to the formation of LTB4, a powerful chemotactic substance that reinforces inflammation.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to deliver antisense cancer drugs using gold nanoparticles, outperforming conventional agents. The nanoparticles improve stability, binding efficiency, and cellular uptake of the DNA, resulting in enhanced gene knockdown and lower toxicity.
The UQ Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development is developing new tools to streamline the preclinical trials process. This will improve productivity across the pharmaceuticals industry and address a blockage in the drug production pipeline.
Researchers have discovered the structure of Anopheles gambiae's 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase, a key enzyme in its oxidative defense mechanism. This finding could lead to the development of novel antimalarial agents by inhibiting this enzyme and disrupting the malaria parasite's lifecycle.
Several serious adverse effects have been identified from analyzing medical insurance claims data. Researchers will present a case study on bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis using dental claims data for enhanced drug safety surveillance.
A team of neuroscientists has identified a specific molecular mechanism that targets the machinery causing fusion process, allowing for controlled release of neurotransmitters instead of an all-or-none release. This discovery has important implications for treating neurological conditions and may lead to new drugs.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that emotional brain centers can dampen activity in executive centers responsible for memory tasks. The researchers used fMRI to examine how emotional distractions affect cognitive processing and found a 'see-saw' effect, where activation of emotional centers reduces activity in ...
Researchers have discovered a way to selectively target alpha 4 integrin molecules, which cause white blood cells to accumulate at the site of inflammation. This could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study found that non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-resistant viruses have an advantage over sensitive viruses even at low levels of adherence. NNRTI and protease inhibitors are potent antiretroviral drugs with demonstrated effectiveness when taken as directed.
Researchers identified over 200 cases of TIC involving 421 human genes, finding that genes often reside closer together and share standard splicing machinery. The discovery challenges the 'one gene, one protein' rule and may lead to the development of non-toxic engineered fused proteins for drug applications.
Researcher Steven W. Van Sciver is investigating the properties of liquid helium to develop a cryogenic technique for separating particles at the submicron level. This could lead to more efficient medication delivery, particularly for respiratory medications that require precise particle sizing.
The investigational methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and was well-tolerated in patients aged 6 to 12. MTS improved behavior, math performance, and overall symptom reduction compared to placebo.
A prospective study found that long-term aspirin use reduces the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett's oesophagus. Current users had a significantly lower risk than never users, with a hazard ratio of 0.32.
Children with ADHD treated with the MTS patch showed statistically significant improvements in behavior and math performance. The phase II and III studies demonstrated a 56% reduction in ADHD symptoms, paving the way for potential approval by the FDA.
A dramatic increase in research into neglected diseases such as malaria and leprosy could lead to the development of at least eight new drugs by 2010. The analysis found that Public-Private Partnerships have been a critical driver of this growth, bringing together the best skills of both public and private partners.
A new mechanism controlling cholesterol and lipid metabolism has been discovered, with the Fbw7 protein identified as a potential target for treating high cholesterol. The findings also suggest a connection between this protein and cancer, with aspects of its link to diabetes currently under investigation.
NexMed's Femprox treatment showed demonstrable improvement in sexual arousal, with statistically significant gains reported at the end of both evaluation periods. The study involved 372 patients and found positive patient satisfaction, with side effects being mostly mild and reversible.
NIAID has awarded $27 million to institutions and companies to develop medical countermeasures against Category A bioterror agents, including botulinum toxin and Ebola. The awards will support the development of new treatments and therapies using promising scientific discoveries.
Scientists create biochips that allow analysis of cells using fluorescent chemicals and tiny lasers, enabling examination of cellular conditions for diseases and developing new treatments. The technology has the potential to create small diagnostic devices for medical diagnostics, improving patient treatment by reducing hospital visits.
Scientists found that P. falciparum uses gene silencing to mask its presence by packaging DNA into tight forms and preventing expression. The study also revealed the role of protein SIR2 in this process, suggesting new avenues for developing novel drugs for malaria.
Researchers at Imperial College London have solved the structure of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus enzyme, revealing its atomic details and potential target for anti-viral drugs. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine that can be administered quickly to control outbreaks.
The University of Liverpool will establish a national research network to develop medicines for children, including treatments for diseases like meningitis and asthma. The £20M grant will support clinical research, good clinical practice, and quality in trials.