Articles tagged with Drug Research
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
A large cohort study found that people using anticholinergic medications, commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence and anxiety, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cumulative use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.
A new study finds that a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist, Exendin-4-Phe (Ex-Phe-1), preserves glycemic control while reducing malaise and vomiting behaviors in preclinical models. The compound uses biased agonism to selectively activate certain signaling pathways, achieving desired effects without triggering others.
Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.
The FDA's plan to phase out animal testing in drug development has raised concerns among experts about the potential risks of relying on new methodologies. Researchers emphasize the need for rigorous validation and evidence-based approaches to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these alternative methods.
Researchers discovered that ATG triggers rapid clotting and inflammation in the liver by activating a complement activation system and TGF-β pathway, leading to severe side effects. The study used human organoid models and imaging analysis to reveal the biphasic mechanism of ATG-induced liver injury.
A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.
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.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a small molecule that can inhibit cancer-driving protein IGF2BP3, slowing leukemia growth and triggering cancer cell death. The discovery could lead to new treatments for leukemia and other hard-to-treat cancers.
Researchers have identified promising compounds that can combat resistant COVID-19 variants by targeting an enzyme similar to one used by Chagas disease. Compounds 5a and 5b, synthesized from older chemical libraries, demonstrated strong Mpro inhibition with low toxicity.
The 48th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium brings together over 10,000 global experts to share cutting-edge research on breast cancer discovery, therapeutics, and standard of care. Key findings include the effectiveness of active monitoring for low-risk DCIS patients and a new estrogen-blocking pill that slows cancer progression.
Researchers at UCLA present several new studies on emerging blood-based surveillance tools, new approaches to predicting treatment response, and tailoring therapies across the disease spectrum for patients with breast cancer. The findings highlight the potential of precision medicine in improving quality of life.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a mechanism to inhibit the P2X4 receptor, which plays a role in chronic pain, inflammation, and some types of cancer. The findings open up a new pathway for developing effective drugs.
A randomized clinical trial has shown that rituximab is effective in preventing relapses and reducing the need for corticosteroids in adults with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. The study involved 66 adult patients treated with either rituximab or a placebo, with impressive results at the 49-week follow-up.
Scientists have developed the world's first lab-produced, recombinant snakebite antivenom that protects against many African deadly snakes and outperforms existing antivenoms. The new formulation provides high protection against death and severe tissue damage caused by 17 different elapid snakes.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
A research team has identified a molecule that can prevent the onset of peripheral neuropathies caused by chemotherapy, which are common and persistent neurological complications. The molecule promotes cellular energy production and nerve cell resilience, reducing painful symptoms without affecting cancer treatment.
A new clinical trial by ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group found pembrolizumab reduced cancer recurrence risk to 73% in patients receiving the treatment after surgery. Patients also showed a 42% lower risk of developing distant metastases.
A team of scientists at HIPS has developed a chemo-enzymatic platform to produce large quantities of furanolides, a class of natural products with high structural diversity. The resulting substances have shown promising biological activities against bacterial pathogens and cancer cells.
A phase 1 trial has investigated the combination of a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, showing potential for improved treatment outcomes in patients with progressive GEP-NETs. The results have led to a planned phase 2 randomized trial to assess progression-free survival.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
A new study finds that over 50% of small-molecule drug patents this century are connected to NIH-backed research that would likely be cut under a 40% budget reduction. This highlights the significant impact of federally funded research on the development of life-changing medicines.
Researchers are conducting a national study to test the effectiveness of daily atropine drops in delaying and reducing nearsightedness in young children. The study aims to enroll over 600 children aged 6-11 who will receive either atropine or a placebo, with results comparing the timing of onset and progression of myopia.
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program has released its 36th study, introducing significant new data updates to two existing studies. These advances aim to uncover the genetic foundations of childhood cancers and congenital conditions. With over 110,000 data files available, researchers can explore publicly accessib...
Researchers at Wayne State University are developing an ultra-rapid insulin designed to mimic the human pancreas, aiming to improve glycemic control and reduce disease management burden. The project has the potential to create fully automated systems, enabling patients to manage their condition with fewer interruptions.
A new imaging approach allows researchers to visualize how dual-acting diabetes and obesity drugs like tirzepatide interact with cells in the pancreas and brain. The tool, called daLUXendins, provides insight into the metabolic effects triggered by these drugs, which stimulate both GLP-1R and GIPR receptors.
The new handbook provides a practical approach to harnessing zebrafish as a model organism for biomedical research, covering drug efficacy evaluation and disease mechanisms. It offers step-by-step experimental protocols and theoretical grounding for researchers of all levels.
A cross-sectional study found that white populations use more prescription drugs than Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations. After adjusting for age and disease prevalence, Black populations have lower prescription fill rates compared to the overall population average.
A study of over 452,000 adults found that metformin users had significantly lower risks of dementia and all-cause death compared to non-users. The benefits were seen across all categories of overweight and obesity, with reduced risks of up to 26% for death.
The Weill Cancer Hub West will harness expertise from two world-class institutions to accelerate new discoveries and develop innovative treatments. The initiative aims to drive early detection, diagnoses, and effective treatments through data science and human cell research.
The inaugural ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT) Asia Congress 2025 will convene a diverse group of stakeholders to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies. The congress aims to become a catalyst for global collaboration and innovation in oncology.
Researchers at UCLA Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia. They found that targeting inflammation in brain blood vessels can promote brain repair and functional recovery in mice. This breakthrough highlights a potential new treatment approach for this understudied form of dementia.
A new study found that almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that biological drugs used to treat severe asthma do not completely eradicate inflammatory cells. Researchers discovered an increase in blood levels of these cells during treatment, which could explain why inflammation often returns when treatment is tapered or discontinued. The study aims t...
Researchers have developed a test that can predict chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients, based on chromosomal instability signatures. This test has the potential to personalize treatment and reduce side effects for patients.
Researchers have created 'spinal cord-like' microtissues from stem cells to study ALS-linked neuroinflammation. These microtissues, derived from ALS patients and healthy donors, exhibit distinct inflammatory responses, enabling the testing of FDA-approved drugs for personalized treatment approaches.
Dr. Stephen Ross's groundbreaking studies using psilocybin therapy have demonstrated rapid, substantial, and sustained improvements in psychological symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, substance use disorders, and major depressive disorder. His research has the potential to challenge conventional psychiatric medication approaches.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is offering funding opportunities for next-generation researchers and clinicians, as well as projects advancing women's health in MS. The American Brain Foundation and US Department of Defense are also providing grants for neuroinflammation research and clinical trials.
A pioneering research brings psychedelic medicine into gastroenterology, exploring psilocybin's effects on treatment-resistant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Erin E. Mauney's study modulates interoception and uses integrated therapy sessions with neuroimaging to track brain changes.
Dr. Deanna Kaplan's innovative voice-capture app, Fabla, captures unstructured voice narratives to study how clinical interventions influence daily life. The platform has found applications across diverse health domains, including veteran experiences and healthcare provider burnout.
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
Moffitt researchers will present numerous oral and poster presentations covering a wide range of cancer types, including lung, breast, cervical and biliary tract cancers. The center's experts are also available to comment on various cancer research and care topics before and during the meeting.
Researchers at SwRI designed netting systems to deliver antimalarial drugs called Endochin-like Quinolones (ELQs) that destroy Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. The findings, published in Nature, show that the two ELQs kill parasites developing within the mosquito, potentially eliminating resistance.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered a new way acetaminophen targets pain by inhibiting an enzyme that produces endocannabinoids. Reduced levels of these compounds may lead to decreased pain relief, providing a potential target for designing safer pain medications.
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together global stem cell experts to discuss key scientific themes and applications. The meeting will take place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from July 8-11, 2026.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
Researchers investigated the clinical outcomes of concurrent TTFields therapy with CRT in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, finding no significant difference in survival outcomes compared to adjuvant therapy. The study also showed comparable safety profiles for both treatment groups.
A new approach, GlycoCaging, delivers medicine directly to the lower gut at significantly lower doses than current treatments, potentially helping people with inflammatory bowel disease. The technique has been shown to be effective in mice and has potential for treatment in humans, as most people have the ability to activate the drugs.
A VCU-led study suggests that semaglutide, a medication approved for weight loss and blood sugar control, may also reverse liver damage in patients with non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH). Researchers found that nearly 90% of participants remained on the medication after 72 weeks without significant side effects.
A UK study published in The BMJ found no direct association between gabapentinoid treatment and increased self-harm risk. However, rates of self-harm were higher before and after treatment, highlighting the need for close monitoring of patients throughout their treatment journey.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that GIPR agonism and antagonism decrease body weight and food intake via different mechanisms. GIPR agonists use GABAergic neurons to exert their effect, while antagonists rely on the GLP-1 receptor signal.
The American Heart Association has awarded $1M to research the link between cardiovascular risk reduction and GLP-1 use. The studies aim to identify predictors of cardiovascular risk reduction among individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease taking GLP-1 medications, enabling more precise and effective care.
The review highlights the limitations of existing dengue vaccines, such as CYD-TDV and TAK-003, and the urgent need for more effective vaccines to protect millions of people. The Butantan-DV vaccine has shown promise with its single-dose regimen, but its efficacy against DENV-3 and DENV-4 is still unclear.
A new voluntary program, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), could greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients taking expensive oral cancer drugs. By spreading annual costs across 12 monthly payments, patients can avoid large upfront payments and make treatment more affordable.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
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.
Researchers have discovered a promising bioactive compound that can effectively reduce symptoms of conditions like asthma and migraine by blocking a receptor on certain defense cells. The compound is effective in eliminating life-threatening allergic reactions in mice and has shown promise for treating inflammatory conditions.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment, lorundrostat, which reduced systolic blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a significant 15-point reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo.
Researchers developed a new model called React-OT that can predict the transition state of chemical reactions in under a second with high accuracy. The model uses linear interpolation to generate better initial guesses, reducing the number of steps and computation time needed.