Dr. Sherri McFarland, a cancer researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been elected as the president of the American Society for Photobiology. She is committed to promoting research related to the effects of light on human health and the natural world. McFarland is known for her work on developing a light-based therapy…
The European Medicines Agency recommends granting marketing authorization to the medicinal product Elahere for the treatment of adults with FR-alpha-positive ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. Elahere contains the active substance mirvetuximab soravtansine, an antibody-drug conjugate that binds to FR-alpha receptors on cancer cells, leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death. The product…
A recent study suggests that picky eating in children is largely influenced by genetics, not parenting. The study found that children with food fussiness traits may continue this behavior into early adolescence. The study, involving 4,804 twins born in England and Wales, found that genetic factors accounted for 60% to 74% of food fussiness variation…
Dr. Paul Peter Tak, a physician, researcher, and biotech leader, emphasizes the importance of putting patients first in medical innovation, focusing on the need for better treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer. He discusses the challenges and importance of active surveillance in managing low-risk prostate cancer and calls for a more patient-centered approach to drug…
State laws restricting abortion access have led to the shuffling of medical equipment from Planned Parenthood clinics, with some equipment being sent to states with greater access to abortion. The patchwork of laws has caused patients to travel between states to access care, with many coming to Kansas, where access is protected by the state…
David B. Thordarson, MD, has been named president of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society for 2024 to 2025. He will also serve on the board of directors for the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation. Thordarson, who currently serves as chief of the division of foot and ankle surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, expressed…
Latiga Biotherapeutics has hired Neil Singla as their new chief medical officer, previously working at Lotus Clinical Research. This change is highlighted in a regular feature that shares news of new hires, promotions, and other updates in the industry. Readers are encouraged to share their own news as well. It’s important to celebrate new additions…
Dr. Partha Kar, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, points out the challenges and concerns surrounding the expansion of physician associates in the NHS. The lack of defined scope for physician associates from different royal colleges could lead to conflict and legal issues for trusts. Issues with training, supervision, and…
In a study presented at the ECNP Congress in Milan, a comparison was made between psilocybin and escitalopram, a common SSRI antidepressant. The study found that over a 6-month period, both treatments showed similar improvements in depressive symptoms. However, patients taking psilocybin reported better psychological well-being, social functioning, and a greater sense of meaning in…
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition affecting 4-6% of new mothers. Traditional treatments include medications, physical compression, and balloon devices. If unsuccessful, doctors may recommend uterine artery embolization (UAE) to block blood vessels and stop bleeding. Recent studies show concerns about UAE’s impact on subsequent deliveries, prompting further investigation. A study led by Prof….
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved two new biosimilar medications, Afqlir and Opuviz, for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Both drugs contain aflibercept, the same active ingredient as Eylea, and have comparable quality, safety, and efficacy. They will be administered by qualified physicians experienced in giving injections. Biosimilars are medicines highly similar…
Saying no to smoking is crucial for a healthier, longer life. Quitting smoking, while challenging, offers numerous benefits, from disease prevention to improved quality of life. Nicotine patches are a helpful tool in managing smoking cravings and addiction, gradually reducing nicotine dependency and easing withdrawal symptoms. By using nicotine patches as part of a step-down…
MedCity News hosted the INVEST Digital Health conference in Dallas, featuring six pediatric mental health startups. The winner, Healthy Young Minds, offers telehealth services for children and adolescents with various mental health conditions. The company specializes in Medicaid market, providing counseling, testing, and therapy services. Founder and CEO Paul Graf expressed his excitement at winning…
Dr. Edmond Holland, a consultant psychiatrist, brought Judicial Review proceedings against the HSE regarding his retirement age and entitlement to pension. The High Court ruled that there was no unlawful age discrimination in his treatment, as he was required to retire just before his 71st birthday. Dr. Holland was not entitled to further salary after…
Central Oregon Pathology Consultants has been affected by the aftermath of the February hack of payments manager Change Healthcare. The practice operated for months without being paid, with approximately 20,000 outstanding claims as of July. The patient payment portal remains down, causing financial losses and delays. Health care is a frequent target for ransomware attacks,…
Mary E. Maloney, founder and CEO of Revealing Genius, spoke at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium in Carlsbad, California about building a more passionate brand as a leader. She discussed the importance of a “brand manifesto” in inspiring leadership and how clarity and conviction can lead to a more fulfilling career. Maloney encouraged doctors…
Rachel Cohrs Zhang is the Chief Washington Correspondent reporting on health policy and business in Washington. She covers Capitol Hill, lobbying, federal agencies, and focuses on the pharmaceutical and hospital industries. She is also the co-author of the free D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Zhang’s reporting delves into the intersection of health policy and business, providing insights…
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the UK is urging the government to take stronger action to protect children from the serious health risks of air pollution. The latest scientific evidence shows that poor air quality, specifically from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide, is having a significant impact on children’s…
Around 80% of women experience “baby blues” after giving birth, a brief period of feeling down that usually resolves within a few days. However, about 1 in 7 women develop postpartum depression, a more serious condition that can impact the mother’s bond with the baby and have long-term consequences. A group of European researchers found…
Scientific research consistently favors plant-based and Mediterranean diets over Western diets for promoting gut health and preventing non-communicable diseases. A study published in Nutrients explores how different dietary components impact the gut microbiome and the development of NCDs. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health by helping to absorb nutrients, regulating appetite,…
The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended the granting of marketing authorization for Hympavzi (marstacimab) to treat bleeding episodes in individuals aged 12 years and older with severe hemophilia A and B. The drug is pending final approval from the European Commission after receiving orphan status in December 2023. The…
Face serums are lightweight skincare products that target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, acne, and hydration. Packed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol, serums penetrate deeper into the skin, offering more targeted treatment compared to traditional moisturizers. While suited for a wide range of skin types, using a serum depends on…
Zevra Therapeutics has developed a new drug called acrimoclomol, now FDA-approved to treat Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), an ultra-rare metabolic disorder with fatal effects on the central nervous system. NPC is caused by gene mutations affecting cholesterol transport within cells, leading to organ damage and symptoms like mobility loss and cognitive decline. Miplyffa, a…
The Medical Council has appointed Yvonne Clancy as Interim CEO to replace Leo Kearns, who served his last day as CEO. Clancy was chosen through a competitive internal selection process and will hold the position until a permanent CEO is hired. Dr. Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council, welcomed the announcement and praised Kearns…
A new mental health diary app called REDI developed in South Korea utilizes generative AI to screen for depression early while protecting user data. The app analyzes voice patterns to provide insights into the user’s mental state. It classifies users based on voice characteristics that change with depression levels. In a 2021 study, REDI demonstrated…
KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed opioid settlements and the Supreme Court overturning a bankruptcy deal involving Purdue Pharma on podcasts. She also talked about how much settlement money Pennsylvania is receiving, who makes spending decisions, and public involvement. KFF contributor Andy Miller discussed selecting a nursing home that fits one’s needs on…
Virtual Vision Health announced at Vision Expo West the release of an enhanced user interface for its Virtual Eye Device. The technology currently offers visual field and color sensitivity testing as well as progression analysis, with plans to add visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and ocular motility testing by the end of the year. CEO Matteo…
Policy Exchange think tank wants to abolish NHS England as an independent body and have its functions managed by an NHS management board within the Department of Health and Social Care. Ara Darzi’s report highlighted the critical condition of the NHS, partly due to disastrous reforms in 2012. This suggests that constant reorganization may be…
Chronic pain can lead to overwhelming fatigue, affecting energy levels and motivation. Pain and fatigue are significant barriers to an active life, with persistent pain causing an excessive protective response that drains resources and leads to exhaustion. Chronic pain also impacts sleep and can result in disruptions to the immune, endocrine, and motor systems. Effective…
A study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University has shown that a single treatment session involving the video game Tetris can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study focused on healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using mental rotation, which is central to Tetris, participants experienced a significant decrease in intrusive…
During a meeting in September 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the use of Penbraya, a pentavalent meningococcal vaccine by Pfizer, to protect individuals from invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine contains components from Trumenba and Nimenrix to protect against the five most common meningococcal serogroups. A Phase 3 trial showed…
In two letters, 195 members of Congress urged leadership to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that are set to expire in 2025. These credits, introduced in 2021, have reduced health insurance costs for millions of marketplace plan purchasers, resulting in a record 21.4 million enrollments for the 2024 Open Enrollment Period. The letters emphasized…
The Irish College of General Practitioners presented a submission stating that between 10-20% of general practice consultations involve illegal drug use. They advocate for a non-judgmental and health-led approach to helping People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and support the expansion of HSE specialist clinics. The Irish Pharmacy Union, on the other hand, wants any policy…
LG NOVA has launched the Partner Alliance Program to facilitate collaboration between industries and startups in order to develop new ventures and products. The program, led by LG Electronics North America Innovation Center, aims to bring together organizations to explore and test new concepts, collaborate on offerings, and potentially create new businesses. Partners include IBM,…
PhiferCares Clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, owned by a manufacturing company, provides free primary care to employees and their families to control health care costs and prevent debt. The company saves money by offering no-cost healthcare, including prescriptions and specialist referrals, and has seen significant benefits for employees, including increased retirement savings and reduced financial stress….
The FDA has recently approved several groundbreaking treatments for gastroenterology, including the first blood test for colorectal cancer. Despite a summer lull, three approvals for GI have closed out the season. Some notable approvals include Skyrizi for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, a rapid test for hepatitis C virus, and Livdelzi for primary biliary cholangitis….
A second health worker who cared for a person with H5N1 bird flu in Missouri developed mild respiratory symptoms but was not tested for influenza, according to the CDC. Missouri health officials were unaware of the symptoms until after the individual had recovered. This is the second possible case associated with the confirmed case that…
US Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized the “healthcare crisis” caused by former President Trump’s abortion bans, following reports of two women dying due to lack of abortion care. Harris condemned Trump for overturning Roe v Wade, leading to criminalization of doctors and endangering women’s lives. The US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe…
A study presented at the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) led to increased guideline-concordant care for colon cancer among non-white patients, rural patients, and those from deprived neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. The study analyzed data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry from 2010-2019 and found…
Researchers have discovered a novel drug molecule that shows promise in preventing Parkinson’s disease in younger patients. The compound developed by Biogen can reactivate a crucial protein called parkin, which is responsible for maintaining healthy brain cells. This discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with specific mutations that contribute to the disease. The…
A Phase 3 trial presented at the Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in 2024 showed that tolebrutinib, a new investigational drug, was effective in delaying disability progression in patients with nonrelapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nrSPMS). The trial demonstrated that tolebrutinib slowed the onset of 6-month confirmed…
Many rural hospitals lack resources to adopt AI tools, causing doctors to miss out on benefits such as reduced administrative workload. Meditech, targeting rural hospitals, is integrating Suki’s AI assistant into health systems to democratize access to AI-assisted clinical documentation. Suki’s tool allows physicians to access patient information quickly, generate clinical notes from conversations, and…
Two research projects by Trinity College Dublin scientists, Dr Sarah Doyle and Prof Jane Farrar, have received significant funding from the Irish government through the Health Research Board’s Joint Funding Scheme. The projects aim to revolutionize vision research, with Dr Doyle focusing on manipulating immune pathways to prevent vision loss and Prof Farrar investigating mitochondria…
Maintaining good posture is essential for overall health and offers numerous benefits, including boosting self-confidence, promoting a healthy spine, preventing pain, supporting digestion, and improving mental well-being. Correcting poor posture can feel uncomfortable at first but with practice, it becomes second nature. Good posture plays a crucial role in preventing back pain and supporting the…
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company is teaming up with Alerje to revolutionize allergy diagnosis and treatment worldwide. The partnership aims to create personalized allergy care with better patient outcomes, focusing on integrating the latest allergy diagnostic platforms in the U.S. market and advancing food allergy technologies. Alerje’s CEO is excited about the collaboration’s potential to improve…
Martin General Hospital in Williamston, N.C., closed due to financial collapse, leaving the community without healthcare services. The new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation from CMS offers hope of reopening. Martin County is exploring this model, which allows for enhanced Medicare payments for emergency and outpatient services. Community members, like Christopher Harrison, who faced a…
The FDA approved the use of isatuximab-irfc in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for the treatment of certain adults with multiple myeloma who are not eligible for stem cell transplantation. This approval was based on results from a phase 3 trial showing a significant reduction in disease progression and death with isatuximab-irfc. Common side…
The FDA has approved AstraZeneca’s FluMist nasal spray influenza vaccine for home administration. This means that starting next flu season, individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 can order the vaccine online and administer it at home. The approval provides a new option for individuals and families to receive a safe and effective influenza…
In this content, Jeffrey K Aronson discusses the concept of “barbarisms” in the context of English language usage, drawing from the works of writers Henry W Fowler and Wilson Follett. Fowler categorized barbarisms into Type 0, Type 1, and Type 2, based on the formation of words using elements from different languages. Follett expanded the…
A study found no correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the risk of developing movement disorders in patients taking antipsychotics. Researchers investigated this association in 89 adult patients at a psychiatric facility and found that only eight patients had movement disorder symptoms. There was no significant association between Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores and…