Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for RSV has been FDA approved for adults 60 and older, marketed as mResvia. The vaccine is expected to be available before the 2024/2025 respiratory virus season. It is based on prefusion F protein technology, showing 78.7% efficacy in initial studies. Compared to GSK and Pfizer’s RSV vaccines, mResvia is administered via…
The CAI Airway Leads Network Education Day took place in Dublin on April 5, 2024, featuring informative sessions and networking opportunities. David Coleman from BobbyStudio captured photos from the event. The education day was organized by the Irish Medical Times and provided valuable insights for professionals in the field of airway management. Source link
San Francisco-based Plenful, a workflow-automation platform for pharmacy and healthcare operations, has raised $17 million in Series A funding just under a year after its launch, adding to the initial $9 million investment. TQ Ventures led the round, with other investors including Mitchell Rales and Susa Ventures. Plenful offers AI-enabled automation tools for pharmacy technicians,…
Céline Gounder discussed concerns about the avian flu virus impacting the supply of eggs used in vaccine production on “CBS Morning News.” Fertilized hen eggs are still the main ingredient in flu vaccines, despite challenges like mutations and virus spread. Scientists are exploring alternatives such as cell-based vaccines, but companies are hesitant to switch from…
Eating six servings of flavonoid-rich foods per day was linked to a 26% lower risk for type 2 diabetes, with individual flavonoid subclasses showing risk reductions ranging from 19% to 28%. Researchers found that consuming more flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods like tea, berries, and apples was associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes….
In less than three months, the FDA will decide on approving MDMA for treating PTSD, potentially marking the first Schedule I psychedelic with medical use. Other psychedelics are also being researched for various conditions. The FDA will review the effectiveness and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, considering blinding issues and expectancy bias in trials….
Medicines can have up to four types of names: chemical, generic, brand, and colloquial. Chemical names refer to the full chemical composition, while generic names are assigned by organizations like the World Health Organization. Brand names are assigned by pharmaceutical companies, and colloquial names are given by the public. Proprietary names are used to market…
Researchers at the University of Cologne found that reducing glycogen levels in fruit flies improves short-term memory related to food intake. The study focused on how the neurotransmitter octopamine influences the formation of food-related memories based on internal energy reserves in the body. High glycogen levels led to stable memories of food intake, even during…
SciY was created to provide comprehensive scientific software solutions for industries such as biopharma and chemistry, focusing on automation and digitalization. Different companies came together under the SciY umbrella to combine expertise and activities in a vendor-agnostic approach. The mission of SciY is to empower life sciences through automation and digitalization, ensuring effective data storage,…
The European Medicines Agency has recommended the approval of Ixchiq, the first vaccine in the EU intended to protect adults against chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever and joint pain, with some individuals experiencing lasting joint pain or severe acute disease. The vaccine triggers the production of neutralizing antibodies and…
Ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been found to be responsible for insomnia in one-third of adults, according to researchers. These foods, which are mass-produced and high in fat, sugar, and salt, are designed for extended shelf life. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found a significant association between the…
CinRx Pharma, known for creating startup companies around promising drug assets, has raised $73 million in financing. The investors were industry insiders and high-net worth individuals. CinRx has now raised a total of $176 million. The company operates using a “hub and spoke” model, with separate subsidiaries sharing resources provided by the parent company. One…
Opportunity for partnership in a high-earning practice in Co. Wexford after 6 months as a salaried GP with competitive salary and covered expenses. Located near Kilmore Quay and Rosslare, with 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm hours. 15-minute appointments, fully computerized with diagnostic equipment. One full-time GP and two part-time GPs, out-of-hours covered by CareDoc. Contact Dr. Michelle…
Former National Institutes of Health official Anthony Fauci is facing questions about incendiary emails written by his close adviser, David Morens. Morens described deleting emails and using a personal account to avoid FOIA disclosure. The pressure is on Fauci as he prepares to appear before a House subcommittee exploring COVID-19 origins. Lawmakers are questioning NIH’s…
The Endocrine Society will hold their annual meeting, ENDO 2024, in Boston from Saturday through Tuesday. The meeting will feature plenary sessions on cardiometabolic disease, AI, hormones and aging. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, attend debates, and hear about new clinical practice guidelines. Professional development sessions will also be available for career development….
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, a California company, conducted two late-stage clinical trials on an experimental therapy for hereditary angioedema. The results showed significant benefits for patients, including those already on existing medications. In one trial, patients given injections of the therapy had a significant reduction in swelling attacks compared to those given a placebo. The second trial…
The government has implemented an emergency ban on private clinics prescribing puberty suppressing hormones to under 18s in England, Wales, and Scotland. This follows the NHS’s decision to stop routine prescriptions of these treatments to minors in March. A loophole allowed private clinics to still prescribe the drugs, prompting concerns for patient safety. The ban…
An international study published in Nature Communications suggests new personalized treatments for schizophrenia patients by targeting G proteins to modulate symptoms. Current treatments targeting serotonin receptors have side effects and limited symptom relief. The study found that specific G proteins can modulate symptoms, offering new drug development opportunities. The researchers used molecular simulations, cell studies,…
A study published in Nature Immunology demonstrates that durable asthma remission can be achieved with engineered and long-lived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment in mice. The study showed that these cells, specifically 5TIF 4 cells, were effective in suppressing inflammation and reducing eosinophils in mouse models of acute and chronic asthma. The engineered T-cells…
The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) has released the fourth Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE-4), which focus on managing nonopioid use disorders such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). The guidelines recommend phenobarbital for severe alcohol withdrawal, naltrexone/acamprosate for AUD,…
A plant-based diet rich in flavonoids can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids are natural components found in fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and beverages such as tea and wine, with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. A study with over 100,000 participants showed that increasing daily intake of flavonoid-rich foods by one serving can…
The annual INVEST conference in Chicago featured a pitch competition with 22 startups. Four companies were recognized as winners in various tracks, including miRecule in the biopharma track, CoraVie Medical in the Devices/Diagnostics track, Samaritan in the Payer/Provider track, and Mother’s Milk is Best in the Consumer/Employer track. Each company presented innovative solutions in their…
The latest review of ICU activity in Ireland found issues such as delays in patient discharge and high bed occupancy rates. The report revealed that there are not enough critical care beds in Ireland compared to international standards. Delays in urgent admissions were seen due to full ICUs, with only 30 percent of patients admitted…
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory for healthcare providers to implement phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect against cyber threats. The advisory follows a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) conducted by CISA that identified vulnerabilities in healthcare organizations. Cyberattacks can impact patient care through extended hospital stays and increased mortality rates….
Telstra Health has announced its full acquisition of pharmacy IT solutions provider Fred IT Group, purchasing the remaining 50% equity from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Fred IT co-founder and CEO Paul Naismith. Naismith will remain CEO, and Fred IT will continue to develop solutions and services as usual. The acquisition is part of…
Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ podcast “What the Health?”, discusses the upcoming Supreme Court rulings on abortion-related cases and the potential impact on healthcare policies. The cases involve the abortion pill mifepristone, federal emergency care laws, and the interpretation of legislation by federal agencies. Laurie Sobel, an associate director…
A study found that a weekly intake of 14 or more potatoes was associated with a lower risk of death compared to an intake of six or fewer potatoes. Each 100g per day increment of potato consumption was linked to a 4% decrease in the risk of death. The study focused on the effects of…
Novartis has filed a lawsuit to block a Maryland law that requires them to supply medicines to any pharmacy working with hospitals in the 340B government drug discount program. The company argues that the law is illegal, preempted by federal law, and violates the U.S. Constitution. The 340B program was created to help hospitals and…
The Cass review, conducted by Hilary Cass in April 2024, highlighted issues with NHS services for children and young people questioning their gender identity. The review pointed out lack of evidence on long-term effects of hormonal prescriptions for young people with gender dysphoria, leading to a call for more evidence-based and holistic services. The toxic…
Tobacco-funded research is still being published in major medical journals, despite some attempts to cut ties with the industry. While some journals have policies banning such research, enforcement is challenging due to the industry’s involvement in pharmaceutical and health technology fields. The Investigative Desk and The BMJ found numerous relationships between Big Tobacco’s subsidiaries and…
Three UN agencies warn of worsening malnutrition in Sudan due to ongoing conflict, lack of access to food, water, and healthcare. Children and mothers are at risk of famine, with acute malnutrition levels reaching emergency levels. Displacement and violence hinder humanitarian access and delivery of aid, exacerbating the crisis. Malnourished children face life-long health challenges…
First-trimester use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) does not increase the risk for miscarriage, according to a UK population-based cohort study. The elevation of risk among users is likely due to underlying psychiatric conditions for which the medications are used. Overall, 14.5% of pregnancies with first-trimester ASM exposure ended in miscarriage, compared to 12.2% without exposure….
Researchers have found that adopting heart-healthy behaviors can potentially delay the aging process. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that individuals who followed a heart-healthy lifestyle had a younger biological age and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as a reduced risk of mortality. The…
A recent report from Deloitte and the Meharry School of Global Health reveals that the U.S. spends $477.5 billion annually on unnecessary expenses related to mental health inequities, with projected costs increasing to $1.3 trillion by 2040 if left unaddressed. The report suggests integrating mental health and primary care, incentivizing mental health screenings, and improving…
Construction of the National Children’s Hospital in Ireland has faced delays, with completion now pushed back to February 2025. The hospital is not expected to admit its first patient until August 2025. The budget for the project has increased to €1.88 billion, with an overall budget of €2.24 billion approved by the government. Despite delays…
Researchers have discovered that mosquitoes protect themselves from getting sick from viruses like dengue and Zika by producing small RNAs that target and degrade viral RNA, which is facilitated by a protein called Argonaute 2 (Ago2). By genetically modifying mosquitoes to remove the Ago2 gene, they become vulnerable to these viruses and die before being…
SamaCare, a specialty medication workflow platform, has secured $17 million in a Series B investment round led by Questa Capital, with existing investors participating. The California-based company offers a cloud-based platform to streamline the process of obtaining prior authorization for specialty drugs and verifying benefits. The funds will be used to enhance their Script-to-Therapy Operating…
Lawmakers and state officials are pressuring federal regulators to crack down on insurance agents enrolling people in Affordable Care Act plans without their knowledge. Customers are often left unaware until they are denied coverage or face unexpected bills. Proposed legislation would hold fraudulent brokers accountable, but current penalties have not been enforced. States using the…
The Cleveland Clinic is currently hosting its biannual Medical Dermatology Therapy Update meeting, where news about medical therapies in dermatology is being discussed. Anthony P. Fernandez, MD, PhD, a clinical assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and the activity director for the meeting, highlighted the importance of the event in a video….
A recent analysis found that 93% of physicians who endorsed a prescription drug or medical device on Twitter also received payments from the manufacturers. The average payment was over $27,400 for things like food, speaking, consulting, or travel. Most payments were related to specific products endorsed on the platform, with only one physician being paid…
On 26 May, New Delhi experienced its highest ever temperature exceeding 50°C, while 37 other cities in India also witnessed temperatures above 45°C. One death has been confirmed due to the heatwave, with at least 13 more reported across the country. Authorities in Delhi are investigating the record-breaking temperature, suspecting a faulty sensor. Concerns have…
New research from the University of Lausanne shows that both an excess and a deficiency of the AFF3 protein can lead to severe intellectual deficiencies. This discovery is crucial for early diagnosis of the rare genetic disorder KINSSHIP syndrome, characterized by mutations in the AFF3 gene. The study reveals that abnormalities in the protein’s levels…
A study led by Mass General Cancer Center found that statins may block a pathway linked to cancer development from chronic inflammation. Environmental toxins activate signaling pathways that lead to inflammation in the skin and pancreas, contributing to cancer development. Pitavastatin, a statin, effectively suppresses inflammation and prevents cancer development in mice and human tissue…
The FDA has approved Onyda XR, a liquid nonstimulant medication for treating ADHD, making it the first of its kind. The drug can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulant medications in children aged 6 and older. Onyda XR offers a convenient option with nighttime dosing to help individuals better control their ADHD symptoms….
A large-scale study in the U.S. revealed that girls are experiencing their first periods at an earlier age and taking longer to regularize their menstrual cycles than previous generations. The trend is more pronounced among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed-race participants. Factors such as environmental influences, obesity, and socioeconomic status may contribute to this trend….
A new report by J.D. Power showed a significant gap in customer satisfaction between top- and bottom-ranked commercial health plans. The study, based on responses from over 29,000 members, measured satisfaction in eight dimensions. Overall satisfaction with commercial health plans increased slightly from the previous year, but there is still a 79-point difference between the…
The RCPI Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference featured the presentation of awards to notable professionals in the field. Prof Hilary Hoey received the Kathleen Lynn Medal, Prof Desmond Cox was honored with a Special Recognition Award, and Dr Judith Meehan, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics, was also recognized. The event was attended by Ms…
Venture Startups International, operating as Updoc, has secured A$20 million ($13.2 million) in funding from Bailador for its telehealth services, which include virtual consultations, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more. The company aims to use the investment for international expansion and technology development. Updoc has served 200,000 patients, and the funding will help it reach more…
Farmworkers are facing intense exposure to the bird flu virus, with dairy farm workers in Texas and Michigan testing positive for the virus. Scientists are concerned about the potential for the virus to mutate and spread among people like the seasonal flu. However, many farmworkers lack health insurance and paid sick leave, making it difficult…
Regular fish oil supplement use had different impacts on cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression based on prior cardiovascular health. A study found that in individuals with no prior CVD, fish oil supplements were associated with an increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. However, in those with existing CVD, regular fish oil supplement use had beneficial…