A study published in the Lancet found that more than 1 billion people, or one in eight worldwide, have obesity, with rates increasing significantly among children and teens. Obesity is spreading rapidly in low- and middle-income countries due to industrialized lifestyles and poor diets. The study also highlighted the global burden of obesity and the…
Menkes and colleagues argue that transparent reporting of drug industry payments to doctors is crucial to managing conflicts of interest. In 2022, New Zealand saw its first disclosures of financial relationships between drug companies and health professionals. While this was a step towards transparency, it was limited, with some payment types omitted. International comparisons show…
Endo Health Solutions has agreed to pay $2 billion to settle civil and criminal charges related to mislabeling the pain reliever drug Opana, which contributed to the opioid epidemic. The agreement includes a criminal plea where the company admitted to mislabeling Opana, marketing it for non-medically accepted purposes, and misleading healthcare providers regarding its abuse…
A University of Kansas study on rare gene mutations causing hereditary Alzheimer’s disease found that disruptions in the production of amyloid, a protein found in plaques in the brain, can lead to the loss of nerve cell connections. The research focused on rare inherited mutations that trigger Alzheimer’s disease at a younger age, with a…
Long-lasting and harmful chemicals known as “forever chemicals” are widespread in everyday items like water bottles, cookware, and cosmetics, contaminating water, food, and homes. Studies link exposure to health issues, including cancer. Recent FDA regulations aim to limit harmful chemicals in food packaging, signaling progress. Consumers can reduce exposure by choosing unpackaged, organic foods, using…
A study from Utrecht University in the Netherlands found that many cancer drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 1995 and 2020 lack proof of added benefit. The researchers reported that a large proportion of these drugs offered minimal or no added benefit, especially those approved through fast-track pathways. The costs of these drugs…
Red light therapy is a natural and effective solution for hair loss, stimulating cellular activity and promoting hair growth. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments and requires consistent usage to see results. Different devices, such as laser caps and helmets, offer convenience and comfort in home treatments. Red light therapy devices vary…
An investigational oral drug called sebetralstat was found to provide on-demand relief for attacks of tissue swelling in patients with hereditary angioedema, according to a Phase 3 study. The study showed promising results in reducing symptoms of the condition. The drug may offer a new treatment option for patients experiencing these attacks. Cookies are used…
The annual San Antonio Breast Cancer meeting in 2023 highlighted advancements in metastatic breast cancer treatment, which affects 40,000 women and 4,000 men in the US annually. CDK4/6 inhibitors have improved progression-free survival, but resistance remains a challenge. New therapies like Olaparib, capivasertib, and everolimus are showing promise for resistant patients. Precision oncology screening is…
The Irish Government will fund 50 medical student places at Queen’s University Belfast over the next two years to strengthen the HSE workforce. These places will be available for qualifying students from Ireland or Northern Ireland, who will pay the same student contribution rate as those studying in Ireland and commit to working for the…
