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Virtual human in HIV drug simulation

Researchers at University College London used a virtual human simulation to predict the effectiveness of an HIV drug against resistant mutations. The study could lead to tailored treatment approaches for patients developing resistance to their drugs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 29, 2008

Dasatinib, Nilotinib show strong early results as frontline therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia

Two drugs, dasatinib and nilotinib, are showing promising results as frontline therapy for newly diagnosed CML patients with high complete cytogenetic response rates of approximately 90% at 6 months. The treatments target a greater variety of genetic variations than imatinib, which has increased the 5-year survival rate for CML patient...

A new approach to study flu drug resistance

Researchers developed a new method to assess the danger of flu drug resistance emergence, combining human infection data with a mathematical framework. The study found that immune response plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of resistant infections spreading.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 6, 2007

For treating malaria, less drugs may be best drugs

Using fewer drugs in treating malaria could help slow the spread of drug resistance, making patients just as healthy. Longer treatment periods increase resistant parasite numbers, which can lead to shorter lifespan of antimalarial drugs.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2007

Tamiflu survives sewage treatment

A study found that Tamiflu is not removed or degraded during normal sewage treatment, leading to high levels of the drug in surrounding waters. This increases the risk of influenza viruses developing resistance to the medication, posing a threat to public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

Heeding the WARNing from malaria’s past

The World Antimalarial Resistance Network (WARN) aims to provide a globally co-ordinated effort to tackle malaria. The network will facilitate worldwide monitoring and characterisation of drug resistance, including clinical efficacy, in vitro response, molecular markers, and pharmacological properties.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateSep 5, 2007

Novel MS drug shows promise in 2 lethal leukemias

Researchers discovered that an experimental multiple sclerosis drug, fingolimod, may also help patients with certain lethal forms of leukemia. The study found that the drug prevents cancer cell development and kills leukemia cells in mouse models, suggesting a promising new approach for treating resistant cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2007

Can cancer drugs combine forces?

Researchers suggest treating CML patients with a combination of imatinib and dasatinib to prevent BCR-ABL mutants that are resistant to both drugs. A study found that combining the two drugs can increase time before relapse or decrease chance of cancer return.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2007

JCI table of contents: Aug. 16, 2007

Researchers investigating chronic myeloid leukemia treatment options suggest combining drugs to combat resistance, while others explore targeting prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 for hypertension therapy. Additionally, a study reveals that Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 deficiency prevents abnormal blood vessel formation in the retina.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2007

'Wrapping' Gleevec fights drug-resistant cancer

A new study finds that the re-engineered Gleevec variant WBZ-7 is effective against both drug-resistant and nonresistant gastrointestinal cancer cells. The wrapping prototype seals out water molecules from a critical area, preventing resistance to the drug, and demonstrates promising results in laboratory studies.

SourceRice University·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 1, 2007

Study suggests some drug resistance to influenza B medications

A recent study in Japan found partial resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors among influenza B viruses, which may have implications for treatment and prevention strategies. The emergence of these resistant variants poses a significant concern, as they can cause infections with no difference in duration or clinical outcome.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 3, 2007

Drug resistance in an influenza pandemic

A mathematical model suggests that widespread use of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir can quickly spread resistant viruses, even if they emerge rarely. Prophylaxis and treatment with oseltamivir would still delay the onset of the pandemic and reduce its total size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 22, 2007

World Health Organization's plan to monitor HIV drug resistance in Botswana likely to fail

A new UCLA study warns that the World Health Organization's (WHO) plan to track transmitted HIV drug resistance in Botswana may not be effective due to a high detection threshold. The researchers suggest revising the threshold to around 3 percent to detect resistance earlier and provide more accurate information on the situation in Bot...