Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
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.
Researchers discover that lanosterol stimulates the degradation of cholesterol-building enzyme HMG CoA reductase, controlling cellular cholesterol production. This finding has important clinical implications for improving cholesterol control in statin therapy.
A new international treaty aims to address the global management of publicly funded health R&D, prioritizing diseases with a high burden such as tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. The treaty would provide a binding framework for redirecting knowledge and scientific expertise towards priority needs.
Researchers found that 'blips' in HIV treatment were not clinically significant and did not lead to drug resistance. The blips were attributed to random statistical fluctuations rather than ongoing viral replication or developing resistance.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) funded a 10-year project to determine the shapes of proteins found in nature. The pilot phase yielded over 1,000 protein structures, transforming structure determination from manual to highly automated processes.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the FSH hormone attaches to its receptor, paving the way for improved fertility drugs. The crystal structure of FSH and its receptor reveals key details about their interaction, which could lead to the development of new oral drugs for fertility treatments.
Researchers found that levels of circulating endothelial cells and progenitor cells correlate with tumor blood vessel growth and response to antiangiogenic therapy. Measuring these cells could be a reliable surrogate for therapeutic inhibition of angiogenesis.
Researchers developed a new way to predict the number of drug users, finding two epidemic periods with significant increases in opiate and injecting drug users between 1975 and 1995. The study suggests the number of current opiate users has continued to rise since the early 1970s, doubling between 1977 and 1982.
Gene expression is a complex process that translates genetic information into biological activity, impacting various diseases. NIST's Metrology for Gene Expression Program aims to evaluate and standardize microarray analysis techniques to ensure quality and comparability.
Researchers found that bretylium tosylate, an old antiarrhythmic drug, prevents arrhythmias and reduces heart muscle damage after AMI. Blocking the sympathetic nervous system may be a key factor in its effectiveness.
OneWorld Health recognized as a Business Leader of the Scientific American 50 for its groundbreaking work on affordable medicines. The institute has made significant progress in developing treatments for deadly parasitic diseases, with preliminary positive results announced for visceral leishmaniasis.
A worldwide survey of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation found varying methods, effectiveness, and complications. The study reported a significant increase in procedures, but also noted major complications such as early deaths, strokes, and tamponade.
A study suggests that peripheral blood analysis can help develop surrogate biomarkers of stroke risk and prognosis, providing insights into cellular and pathological mechanisms. Blood studies offer a faster and more practical alternative to brain tissue samples, allowing for serial data collection throughout the ongoing stroke.
Researchers found only six new antibiotics in R&D pipeline, a 56% decline since 1998. The lack of new antibiotics poses significant risks for patients and public health due to emerging drug-resistant bacteria.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that HIV drugs from developing countries meet US standards for active ingredient levels. Bioequivalency studies are still necessary to ensure efficacy and safety, according to lead author Dr. Scott Penzak.
Researchers studied fruitfly embryos to understand how specific cells change shape during gastrulation, a critical growth step in development. They found that many types of proteins are involved and that changes occur well before the cells actually transform.
OneWorld Health plans to launch a network of volunteer pharmaceutical scientists to develop treatments for diseases like visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and malaria. The initiative aims to harness the expertise of industry professionals to address global health disparities.
The new center will integrate basic molecular and cellular research with advanced imaging technologies and computational science to understand complex biological systems. This collaboration aims to develop computer models of entire cells, revolutionizing drug development and reducing costs.
A Swedish study found that risperidone long-acting injection reduced hospital admissions by 23% and mean hospital stay duration by 35%. This results in significant cost savings for the healthcare system, with estimates suggesting up to €6,300 per patient annually.
This special issue aims to expand knowledge on drug supply and trafficking by providing accessible information to academic researchers. The articles cover various aspects of the topic, including a case study of a middle market drug broker and a conceptual framework for action against drug supply.
A new grant of US$41 million from the Global Fund will support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in South Africa over 2 years. Generic antiretrovirals will be developed and produced locally, offering affordable access to life-saving medications.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to separate proteins in the gas phase, allowing for faster analysis and enabling the study of hundreds of proteins simultaneously. The technique uses a mass spectrometer to collect ions onto different locations on a chip's surface, producing highly pure protein samples.
Vitamin A supplements have saved millions of lives by preventing childhood blindness and reducing mortality rates. Dr. Alfred Sommer's research also shows that supplementing women with vitamin A can reduce maternal mortality by an average of 45 percent.
A recent study highlights the importance of nurses in reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The research found that the proportion and quality of reports received from nurses were similar to those from doctors. This suggests that nurses can play a valuable part in enhancing pharmacovigilance within the UK.
Researchers found that a combination of endostatin and radiation therapy reduced new blood vessel growth in mice with squamous cell cancer. After radiation, endostatin blocked the growth of new blood vessels, leading to long-term survival and tumor control in 40% of mice.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities in global conflicts. Experts highlight the need for international cooperation to mitigate the devastating effects of war on vulnerable populations.