Articles tagged with Drug Resistance
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.
Research at Ohio State University suggests that pandemic H1N1 flu strains may become resistant to Tamiflu, the primary antiviral drug used to treat the disease. The study found that mutations in the neuraminidase protein of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 viruses drove the development of resistance to Tamiflu.
Researchers found that single-dose nevirapine can trigger resistance to AIDS-drug cocktail, but this resistance fades after 12 months. Women who need treatment within a year of using nevirapine for HIV prevention can use standard ART regimens.
Van Andel Research Institute researchers found a way to reverse resistance to sunitinib, a treatment for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, by administering sunitinib and IL-8 neutralizing antibodies. This discovery may help predict patients' response to the treatment.
An international team of researchers has decoded the genomic blueprint of Plasmodium falciparum, a strain of malaria most resistant to drugs. The discovery may lead to advanced pharmaceuticals and help prevent drug resistance among the 250 million people infected by malaria each year.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discover a compound found in feverfew may block pro-survival signals in breast cancer cells resistant to tamoxifen. This finding provides insight into the biological roots of resistance and tests a novel way to overcome it.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with type 2 diabetes who take thiazolidinediones are at a higher risk for developing bone fractures. Women over 65 years old were shown to be particularly susceptible, with a 50% increased risk after one year of treatment.
Researchers identified two compounds that bind to novel parts of the HIV protease enzyme, which could improve potency of existing treatments and combat drug-resistant strains. These findings open a new approach to drug design against HIV protease, targeting non-active sites that may help restore effectiveness against resistant superbugs.
A proteomics study reveals prohibitin1 as a protein involved in taxane resistance, which could be targeted with drugs to make cancers more susceptible to chemotherapy. Suppressing prohibitin1 may also serve as a biomarker for predicting patient response to chemotherapy.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene activity signature predicting high cancer recurrence risk in breast tumors treated with chemotherapy drugs. The study suggests that these tumors may still be vulnerable to other types of chemotherapy agents.
A research team at Uppsala University discovered that point mutation can introduce new functions into an enzyme without major structural alterations. This finding may explain the emergence of resistance to toxins in various organisms, including insects, viruses, bacteria, and tumors.
Researchers have developed a novel way to trace mutations in HIV that lead to drug resistance. By comparing sequences of HIV from treated and untreated patients, they identified clusters of mutations that help the virus escape treatment. This breakthrough could enable doctors to tailor drug cocktails to individual patient strains.
Researchers have identified a set of proteins related to the malaria parasite that can serve as new drug targets. The discovery uses a plant-based model, Arabidopsis, to understand how these proteins normally function, which could lead to the development of more effective antimalarial drugs.
Prions, infectious protein particles devoid of DNA, can develop mutations and adapt through natural selection, leading to drug resistance. The study suggests that normal prion proteins may be more effective therapeutic targets than their abnormal forms, offering new hope for treating deadly neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study presents a promising approach to re-sensitize breast cancer to standard therapy after it becomes resistant. The treatment combination of an aromatase inhibitor and sorafenib shows encouraging responses in 20% of post-menopausal women with metastatic breast cancer, offering a potential new treatment option.
A new mouse model of lung cancer has been developed that replicates the resistance of human lung cancer cells to certain treatments. The study identified secondary mutations in the EGFR gene that contribute to this resistance, which may be targetable with specific drugs.
The university's School of Medicine will oversee two international trial sites in Uganda and the Philippines to test new TB treatments and regimens. The contract aims to improve TB treatment and control programs globally, benefiting millions of people affected by the disease.
Researchers used computer search algorithms to identify fragments of FDA-approved drugs that could inhibit neuraminidase proteins, a key target for treating swine and avian influenza. The study suggests six compounds with potential as new medicines if emerging viruses develop resistance to current therapies.
A new drug, SPC3649, developed by Santaris Pharma, targets liver cells and showed a substantial drop in blood levels of the virus in animals, continuing to work after treatment stopped. The study also suggests that this technology could be useful for treating other diseases like HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Thomas Jefferson researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs can block HIV-1 from entering host cells, targeting the gp41 protein. The study reveals that fusion inhibitors induce irreversible deactivation of gp41, and suggests strategies to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Researchers from UC San Diego used a systems biology approach to determine how core biochemical pathways are altered in skeletal muscle cells and fat cells in people with insulin resistance. The study found that common drugs for treating insulin resistance, such as TZDs, alter these pathways, leading to improved drug therapies.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that a potential drug for lung cancer eliminated tumours in 50% of mice and stopped growth and resistance to treatment. The researchers are planning to take the drug into clinical trials to establish its effectiveness for patients with small cell lung cancer.
A clinical trial found that adding two antiretroviral drugs to single-dose nevirapine effectively reduces drug resistance in mothers and babies. The combination regimen is safe, easy to provide, and effective in preventing subsequent nevirapine resistance.
Researchers have developed a new drug, L803-MTS, that targets the GSK3 protein to prevent CNS diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The compound slows down disease progression without exhibiting toxic side effects, offering a potential therapeutic approach for these devastating conditions.
Researchers discover a drug that inhibits TAK-1 enzyme, making pancreatic cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy. The combination of the drug with classic anti-cancer drugs shows significant tumor reduction and increased survival rates in mice.
A recent study found that intermittent preventive malaria treatment in African infants is both safe and effective, with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine providing protection for up to 6 weeks. However, the use of this drug is limited by potential resistance and its risks. New long-acting antimalarial drugs are urgently needed for this strategy.
Research papers published in PLOS Medicine identified gaps in TB treatment guidelines, suggesting improvements are needed. Regimens with shorter rifampin use had higher failure rates, while longer duration and more drugs were associated with lower relapse rates.
A new endothelin type A antagonist, darusentan, provides significant reduction in blood pressure for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study shows that darusentan is generally well-tolerated, but fluid retention is a main adverse effect.
UCSF researchers have identified specific genes influencing how cancer cells respond to drugs and become resistant. The new strategy, using genetic mutations in mouse models, may lead to more effective treatments for leukemia and other cancers.
Researchers found that a key protein called Fbx6 helps eliminate activated Chk1, but defects in this process can lead to chemotherapy resistance. By understanding how cancer cells respond to Chk1 degradation, scientists may develop new treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers developed a gene assay that identifies key genes contributing to drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The assay showed strong correlation between multi-gene signatures and individual chemotherapy agents, allowing for personalized treatment guidance.
A research team led by Professor Patrick Gunning at the University of Toronto has developed molecules that inhibit Stat3, a protein involved in almost all cancers. These inhibitors show selectivity against cancer cells but not healthy cells, offering potential for improved chemotherapy efficacy and reduced side effects.
Studies have shown that standard doses of anti-tuberculosis drugs may not be effective in modern-day patients due to weight and gender variability. A new model developed at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shed light on the issue, suggesting that different doses are needed for various populations.
Researchers found malaria parasites in western Cambodia resistant to artemisinin-based therapies, making them less effective and a potential game-changer for malaria control. The study's findings highlight the need for swift action to contain the spread of resistant parasites.
Two genes, AEG-1 and LSF, contribute to chemotherapy resistance in liver cancer treatment. The study found that over-expression of AEG-1 increases resistance to 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug.
A new global subsidy, Affordable Medicines Facility–malaria (AMFm), will be rolled out in 2009 to address poor access to artemisinin combination therapies for malaria. The authors argue that the AMFm should focus on quality patient care by funding fixed dose combinations and rapid diagnostic tests.
Researchers discover potential drugs that block the first step in the infection process, preventing flu viruses from infecting cells. This breakthrough could lead to a new genre of antivirals and be used to develop treatments for other medical problems.
Eliminating polio requires global cooperation on lowering vaccine costs and strengthening surveillance. Experts argue that coordinated efforts are necessary to succeed in eradicating the disease.
Researchers discovered a protein profile that may accurately predict tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients. The study found that the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) was significantly associated with an earlier tumor progression and poor clinical outcome.
Researchers identified a protein capable of degrading a key leukemia treatment, L-asparaginase, in some patients. Expression of this protein is more common in high-risk forms of the disease and can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness.
ChemGenex's omacetaxine shows durable hematological and cytogenetic responses in patients with highly resistant CML. The Phase 2/3 study demonstrated a complete hematologic response rate of 85% in chronic phase patients, suggesting a promising treatment option for this difficult-to-treat population.
A study found that healthcare workers in South Africa are at risk of developing XDR-TB, a potentially untreatable strain of tuberculosis. The researchers emphasize the need for stringent TB screening policies and rapid diagnostic testing to minimize the spread of drug-resistant TB.
Research suggests that Rocket 'Eruca sativa' has potent gastric anti-ulcer properties, inhibiting acid secretion and reducing ulceration. The herb's extract also replenishes mucous and sulfhydryl levels, while reducing oxidative stress markers.
Researchers suggest using a small stockpile of a secondary antiviral drug to delay the development of resistance to primary drugs in flu pandemics. By treating only 1-1.5% of the population with a secondary drug, resistance to primary drugs can be substantially reduced.
A study in Zanzibar found that rapid malaria tests reduced prescriptions of antimalarial drugs and increased treatment for non-malarial causes, while also lowering reattendance rates due to perceived lack of cure. The results suggest improved health outcomes with routine use of these tests.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed chemicals that kill the deadliest malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and those resistant to existing drugs. These compounds work by preventing an enzyme essential to the parasite's growth, resulting in its death.
A new combination of chemotherapy drugs, topotecan and docetaxel, has produced clinical benefit for patients with recurrent gynecologic cancers. The treatment showed an unusually high proportion of women experiencing clinical benefit, with a median survival time of 18.5 months.
Researchers have discovered different resistance mutations in east and west Africa, suggesting varying effectiveness of sulfadoxine as an antimalarial drug. Coordinating malaria control efforts across socioeconomically linked areas may be more effective in reducing the malaria burden across the continent.
Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.
A team of researchers has identified a class of drugs that may enhance the therapeutic effects of imatinib mesylate, a commonly used treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. By inhibiting autophagy, these drugs can increase the effectiveness of imatinib mesylate and improve outcomes for patients with CML.
A new therapy for metastatic prostate cancer has shown considerable promise in early clinical trials involving patients whose disease has become resistant to current drugs. Researchers have developed a novel compound, MDV3100, which blocks the androgen receptor in CRPC cells, lowering PSA levels and reducing tumor growth.
Researchers have developed two new drugs, RD162 and MDV3100, that prevent male hormones from stimulating growth of prostate cancer cells. These compounds appear to work well even in prostate cells with heightened sensitivity to hormones, which makes them effective against drug-resistant prostate cancer.
A catheter-based technique deactivates nerves in the kidneys, reducing blood pressure and offering a new treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension. The study found significant blood-pressure reduction in treated patients, while non-treated patients experienced an increase in blood pressure.
Researchers found drug-resistant viruses can circulate between individuals who haven
Researchers Harmit Singh Malik and Toshiyasu Taniguchi receive HHMI funding for their innovative work in evolutionary biology and cancer genetics. Malik studies genetic conflicts in cells, while Taniguchi investigates DNA repair pathways to combat drug resistance.
Researchers found omacetaxine killed 90% of leukemic stem cells in vitro and prolonged survival in test animals with resistant CML. The findings may open the door to developing a curative treatment strategy for some patients with CML.
Researchers have created a new onsite method to quickly diagnose tuberculosis, reducing diagnosis time from weeks to days. The test uses bacteriophages with green fluorescence protein to detect the deadly drug-resistant strains that can mingle undetected with treatable TB strains.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to describe and quantify relationships between dose, concentration, and effectiveness of drugs against HIV/AIDS and malaria. The study found that genetic differences can influence efavirenz metabolism and that reducing daily doses can minimize undesired effects.
Researchers have developed a microbial-based method to produce artemisinin, the most powerful anti-malarial drug, at lower costs. This technology can restrict access to artemisinin and delay malaria parasite resistance.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have compiled a list of 93 common HIV mutations associated with drug resistance to track the spread of the virus. The updated list is based on data from over 15,000 patients and will be used globally to gauge the effectiveness of HIV medication programs.