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New atlas maps potential of genes to predict adverse drug reactions

A new atlas has been developed to map the potential of genes in predicting adverse drug reactions, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from the Million Veteran Program. This genomic-led strategy aims to anticipate drug safety effects by identifying key genetic variants associated with adverse reactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 16, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop DDINet for accurate and scalable drug-drug interaction prediction

Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed DDINet, a lightweight and scalable model that can accurately predict drug-drug interactions for new, unseen drugs. This approach avoids overfitting to training data and is designed to handle binary and multi-classification tasks.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalKnowledge-Based Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

UBCO study finds microdosing can temporarily improve mood, creativity

A UBC Okanagan study found that microdosing psychedelics temporarily improves mood, creativity, and wellbeing, but these effects do not persist on non-dosing days. The study, tracking over 1,435 participants from 49 countries, suggests that microdosing may 'reactivate' or build upon prior effects of larger-dose psychedelic experiences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPsychopharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 11, 2025

UniSA leads national pilot to improve medication safety in aged care

A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 6, 2025

Common heartburn and blood pressure medicines linked to adverse breast cancer outcomes in large global study

A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCancer Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2025

New research in JNCCN offers a simplified way to identify harmful medications in older adults with cancer

Researchers evaluated a tool based on NCCN Guidelines to identify high-risk medications and their association with frailty and outcomes in over 380,000 older adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found that each additional high-risk medication increased the odds of being mildly or moderately-to-severely frail by 66%.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 10, 2025

Study reveals how a popular fentanyl additive affects breathing and heart rate

A new U-M study found that xylazine does not amplify the decrease in breathing rate caused by fentanyl use, but reduces heart rate more than fentanyl. This reduction in heart rate may be a more important driver of increased overdose risk, highlighting the need for further research into polysubstance use involving opioids.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateAug 29, 2025

Marshall University researchers identify promising treatment for fentanyl-xylazine overdoses

Researchers developed a treatment strategy to address fentanyl-xylazine overdoses, combining naloxone with atipamezole to improve recovery outcomes in animal models. The co-administration of naloxone and atipamezole restored consciousness and physiological parameters in rats exposed to fentanyl and xylazine.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Translational Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Cinnamon could affect drug metabolism in the body

A study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences found that cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon activates receptors controlling medication clearance, raising concerns about potential interactions. Researchers recommend consulting a doctor before using cinnamon as a dietary supplement to avoid rapid clearance of prescription medicines.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalFood Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2025

Some gut bacteria could make certain drugs less effective

A new study reveals that specific gut bacteria can break down certain drugs, altering their efficacy. The research found that 30 out of 127 tested drugs were heavily metabolized by human gut microbiota, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for personalized medicine and drug ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 3, 2025

Cell death and aging in cancer research review

A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2025

A new geometric machine learning method promises to accelerate precision drug development

Researchers have developed a new geometric machine learning method called MaSIF, which enables the design of proteins that bind specifically to desired molecular structures. This approach accelerates precision drug development by allowing for precise dosing and control of biological drugs.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2025

NUS Medicine study: Brain connectome phenotype linked to cerebrovascular disease can track cognitive decline

Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2025

Antidepressant shows promise for treating brain tumors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Risky combos of psychiatric drugs prescribed for young patients

A new study reveals that young patients treated with psychiatric medications receive potentially dangerous combinations at a concerning frequency. Researchers analyzed New York State Medicaid records for over 141,000 patients and found nearly 400 received at least one potentially dangerous combination for one month or longer.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Primary Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Most blood thinner dosing problems happen after initial prescription

A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

Psychoactive agents in psychotherapy: New MDMA variants identified for potentially safer use

Researchers have identified three new variants of MDMA as promising alternatives for controlled psychotherapeutic use, retaining therapeutic potential while reducing side effects. The new compounds show a similar effect on clinical target structures in the brain and are broken down more favorably, resulting in fewer toxic products.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJun 25, 2024