A 13-year study found significant changes in Onchocerca volvulus populations' genetic structure, indicating adaptation to repeated ivermectin treatments. The parasite's resistance to the drug threatens the current control strategy against onchocerciasis.
A new strategy for designing drugs that target resistant viral strains has been discovered by Penn researchers. The M2 protein, located in the viral envelope, forms a long, narrow channel allowing protons to flow into the viral interior, an essential step for infection.
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.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered a genetic pathway that makes cancerous leukaemia cells resistant to treatment. Inhibiting this pathway, called hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), reverts the cells to respond to death-inducing agents.
Nucleonics has initiated a Phase 1 human safety study of its experimental treatment NUC B1000, an expressed interfering RNA-based product designed to target and destroy HBV within infected cells. The therapy aims to reduce viral antigen load and potentially resolve viral infection in patients with mild to moderate disease.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report promising early results for bosutinib in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have developed resistance to frontline therapy. The drug has shown good efficacy and low toxicity, particularly when compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug candidate, SGX393, effective against highly resistant mutations in CML. Combining SGX393 with existing drugs Sprycel and Tasigna suppresses resistant growth, raising the possibility of 'cocktail' therapies to prevent drug resistance.
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...
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.
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.
A combination of common anti-HIV drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine with nevirapine during labor significantly reduces the risk of HIV-positive pregnant women developing resistance to a class of drugs, potentially improving future treatment options.
A single dose of tenofovir and emtricitabine can substantially reduce non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations in women given intrapartum nevirapine for perinatal HIV prevention. The study found a 53% lower risk of NNRTI mutations in the intervention group compared to controls.
Researchers discovered that peroxynitrite plays a critical role in developing morphine tolerance. Therapeutic manipulation of peroxynitrite can prevent its formation or decomposition to maintain the pain-relieving effect of morphine, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that a combination of infection control measures, including masks, reduced hospitalization time, and improved ventilation, could prevent nearly half of new XDR tuberculosis cases. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate action to address the growing epidemic in South Africa.
Researchers at UMass Medical School are developing new strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, including designing inhibitors that can evade drug resistance. The $8.5M grant will support studies on the structure and function of HIV protease, aiming to create more effective treatments for patients.
Changes in gene expression may cause people to develop a tolerance to inhalants by altering the response of fruit flies to future doses through epigenetic modifications. The research lays groundwork for understanding mechanisms of inhalant addiction and developing treatment methods.
A team of scientists discovered that a cell protein plays a crucial role in protecting cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs. Blocking this protein's expression increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer cells, offering a potential target for improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UC Irvine find Imatinib can kill cancerous stem cells, potentially curing CML under certain circumstances. A mathematical formula helps determine the optimal treatment duration.
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.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have identified 400 genes that can be manipulated to make chemotherapy drug cisplatin more effective. These genes, involved in sphingolipid metabolism, are linked to whether a tumor cell survives or dies after treatment.
Researchers identified two genes that can predict which breast cancer cells will respond to docetaxel chemotherapy and which will resist it. A simple test for docetaxel resistance could be developed, sparing patients from unnecessary side effects and reducing healthcare costs.
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.
Binghamton University researchers study archived human blood samples to understand how Plasmodium falciparum evolved resistance to chloroquine. The analysis aims to provide insights for current treatments and future drug development.
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.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a pattern of gene expression shared by patients who successfully stopped taking anti-rejection drugs. This discovery may allow some transplant patients to reduce or eliminate their lifelong dependence on immunosuppressive drugs, improving their quality of life.
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.
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.
Researchers at U of M create Portmanteau Inhibitors, merging antiviral agents into one drug to reduce cost and toxicity. The new approach is less likely to develop resistance from the virus and shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for AIDS patients.
A new study demonstrates that ABT-737 can enhance the combined toxicity of common drugs against leukemia cells, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The results provide hope for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a common form of childhood cancer.
Non-compliance with dermatologic treatment is a widespread issue, and physicians can improve compliance by establishing strong patient-physician relations, choosing suitable medications, and using effective education materials. Research shows that addressing non-adherence can lead to better success for patients with psoriasis and other...
Cancer researcher Peter Duesberg's chromosomal theory of cancer suggests that each cancer is unique and resistant to drugs due to aneuploidy, a chromosomal disruption that can be seen easily through a microscope. This theory supports the development of drug resistance in cancer cells.
Nepalese researchers have identified Gatifloxacin as a more effective and affordable treatment option for drug-resistant typhoid fever. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, has significant implications for treating enteric fever in areas with high levels of drug resistance.
Researchers in Nepal have found a cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant typhoid fever using Gatifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone drug. The study shows that Gatifloxacin is effective against two common bacteria causing enteric fever and is relatively inexpensive at $1 per seven-day course.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that entecavir should not be used alone in patients co-infected with HIV, as it can lead to cross-resistance and compromise treatment for the AIDS virus. The study's findings have prompted changes to the drug's labeling and guidelines from governmental agencies.
A recent study found that treating hepatitis B patients with the drug entecavir can cause those co-infected with HIV to become resistant to two key anti-HIV drugs. Researchers identified a mutant strain of HIV that developed in one patient, rendering it resistant to lamivudine and emtricitabine.
A review of studies found that two doses of a malaria preventive therapy during pregnancy provide substantial benefit to HIV-negative women, while more frequent dosing is necessary for HIV-positive women. The treatment also reduces the risk of low birth weight and anemia.
Researchers used genome sequencing to detect rare viral mutations and found that low-frequency resistant HIV strains can lead to premature therapy failure. The study aimed to determine if patients who fail treatment early were initially infected with drug-resistant strains.
A retrospective study identified rare drug-resistant HIV variants in blood samples from an earlier clinical trial using ultra-deep sequencing. The findings suggest that even low-level mutations can lead to early treatment failure, highlighting the need for improved resistance testing methods.
Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a primary cause of treatment failure in patients with metastatic cancer. The study identifies individual genes associated with resistance to certain drugs, including paclitaxel, and finds that ceramide metabolism plays a critical role in sensitivity to multiple cytotoxic agents.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have constructed the largest synthetic gene ever built, which contributes to malaria drug resistance. The PfMDR1 gene, when expressed in yeast, produces large quantities of its protein, allowing for molecular understanding of how Plasmodium falciparum becomes resistant to drugs.
A retrospective study of 700 patients found that HIV-infected individuals had significantly higher TB relapse rates compared to those without the virus. The study also showed that shorter treatment regimens may lead to more frequent relapses in HIV-infected patients.
Researchers found antifolate therapies, including sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and chlorproguanil-dapsone, effective in clearing P vivax parasites by day 14. The treatments were well-tolerated and may be used as an alternative to chloroquine in cases where species-specific diagnosis is unavailable.
Despite progress in research, malaria persists as a major public health challenge due to limited vaccine development and drug resistance. The disease causes an estimated 1 million deaths annually and affects 3 billion individuals worldwide.
Researchers found that chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells have a high frequency of BCR-ABL gene mutations, even in the absence of imatinib, which could lead to drug resistance. This genetic instability may contribute to relapses and disease progression.
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.
A study found that drug-resistant HIV can quickly establish itself in infants' CD4+ T cells, making it difficult for future treatments to be effective. Protease inhibitors were still effective in controlling the virus, but resistance testing is crucial for choosing appropriate treatment.
Researchers discovered a new way lung tumors become resistant to targeted therapy drugs like Iressa and Tarceva, involving the activation of an oncogene that bypasses blocked growth signal. A potential new treatment strategy using combination therapy against both protein targets is suggested for patients with resistant tumors.
A study by Ugandan researchers found that interruptions in antiretroviral medication supply due to financial or logistical issues led to the development of drug resistance in HIV-infected patients. Despite near-perfect adherence, treatment interruptions created opportunities for resistance to develop.
A novel cell culture technique could lead to the discovery of new drugs for preventing DCIS recurrence or progression. Breast cancer cells expressing a shortened form of the HER2 gene can be treated with lapatinib, but are resistant to trastuzumab.
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.
A new method developed by Professor Jarl Wikberg at Uppsala University allows for the precise analysis of retroviral protein interactions with small molecules. This enables the prediction of effective drug candidates against various HIV-strain resistance.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment for malaria, which showed that longer-acting drugs can prevent patients from getting sick again within six weeks. The study found that combining two drugs increased the effectiveness of treatment and reduced the risk of relapse.
A study identifies ceramide as a key contributor to insulin resistance, linked to saturated fats and obesity. Blocking ceramide's synthesis improves insulin response in obese rodents, offering potential for new therapies.
Researchers used gene chips to profile tumors before treatment and found markers that identified breast cancer subtypes resistant to Herceptin. They discovered that IGF-1R expression was associated with a lower response rate, and that resistant tumors continued to over-express the HER2 growth factor protein.
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.
A team of medical ethics and public health experts argue that involuntary isolation measures are justified to contain the deadly XDR-TB strain in South Africa. The forced isolation of extensively drug-resistant TB and MDR-TB infected individuals may be a proportionate response given the extreme risk posed.
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...
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a new peptide molecule that significantly enhances the effectiveness of current treatment for advanced breast cancer. The molecule, called ANK, blocks resistance to cancer drugs and has shown a 3.5-fold increase in anti-cancer drug efficacy.
A 28-year study of Japanese-American men found that growing up in a large family or being born later in the family increased the risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma. The results suggest that early-life social environment plays a significant role in microbially induced malignancies expressed decades later.
Researchers discover how malaria parasites hijack red blood cells and develop a new strategy to block them using propranolol. The finding opens the possibility for important new drugs that won't become resistant, addressing the growing problem of drug-resistant malaria.