A new publication in Acta Materia Medica journal discusses the potential of neocryptolepine and its derivatives in cancer treatment. The article outlines the structures of 228 neocryptolepine derivatives, with some showing promising cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The study highlights compounds that have good cytotoxicity against gastric and colorectal cancer cells, with potential mechanisms of…
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the use of Rytelo (imetelstat) for adult patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of cancers affecting blood cells in the bone marrow. These diseases can lead to fatigue, infections, and bleeding disorders, with a risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Imetelstat blocks telomerase activity,…
In response to the skyrocketing cost of EpiPens, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring health insurers to cover at least two auto-injectors per patient, limiting annual out-of-pocket costs to $100. The cost of EpiPens has risen by 600% since 2007, making it difficult for individuals with severe allergies to afford this life-saving…
The Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act) introduced by U.S. senators and representatives aims to prohibit the combined ownership of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies. The bill requires parent companies of PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. It comes as PBMs face scrutiny for having major power over drug prices and…
A recent survey conducted in Ireland found that self-reported long Covid symptoms are more common among women and those in their forties. The most common symptoms reported by those still experiencing long Covid include fatigue, cognitive issues, joint or muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and breathlessness. The study involved 4,671 participants, with 16% reporting ever experiencing…
California’s Care program, which orders mental illness and drug treatment for residents, has expanded statewide but is falling short of objectives. The program allows for court-ordered treatments including housing and social services for those with severe mental illness or addiction. Despite initial goals to serve 2,000 people by 2024, only 787 Care petitions were filed…
A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum revealed a decrease in the prevalence of obesity in the United States in 2023, marking the first drop since 2013. The study found a slight decrease in mean population BMI in 2023 compared to the previous year, after almost a decade of steady increases. GLP-1 receptor agonists…
Sign up for the biotech newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. Editas Medicine is laying off staff and shifting focus to in vivo gene editing. Ionis Pharmaceuticals is changing its commercialization strategy to maximize profit. There are disagreements in Trump’s circle regarding GLP-1 drugs. Drugmakers are not lobbying against RFK…
Geeta Nargund, founder of Create Health Foundation, addresses the issue of “medical misogyny” affecting women in the UK in a recent report. The report emphasizes the urgent need for healthcare professional education to improve diagnosis and treatment of reproductive health conditions. Lack of investment in women’s health issues like endometriosis and menopause costs the UK…
A study led by UCLA Health found that a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with fish oil supplements, significantly reduced the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in men undergoing active surveillance. Participants followed a personalized diet plan and took fish oil capsules for a year. The study showed…
A recent poll found that friends play a crucial role in the lives of adults aged 50 and older. However, those with health issues may face challenges in maintaining friendships. 90% of older adults have at least one close friend, and 75% feel they have enough close friends. Those with poor physical or mental health…
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended marketing authorizations for two treatments for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Paxneury, containing guanfacine, has been approved for reducing ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It will be available as prolonged-release tablets. The EMA also recommended Tuzulby, containing methylphenidate hydrochloride, for once-daily dosing to improve attention…
A UCLA student, Kaya Clementine Breen, is suing California doctors for allegedly misdiagnosing her with gender dysphoria at age 12, leading to irreversible gender transition treatments. Breen was sexually abused as a child, leading to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. At 11, she expressed doubts about her gender and was quickly diagnosed as transgender at school…
Redesign Health, a company focused on creating healthcare startups, has closed a $175 million investment for a new fund to support the creation of more startups. Some venture firms participating in the funding round include Declaration Partners, Euclidean Capital and True North Advisors. Redesign helps founders navigate the complexities of healthcare by providing support in…
The HSE is looking for a General Practitioner for the GMS Scheme in Coole, Co Westmeath. The panel size is approximately 2,118 as of December 5, 2024. The premises are owned by a property group, and potential applicants must discuss the lease/rental of the premises before applying. Contact details for the property group can be…
Un número creciente de personas, incluyendo a los mayores y sin hogar, están muriendo de frío en California durante el invierno. La hipotermia causada por bajas temperaturas fue la causa principal de la muerte de 166 californianos el año pasado, más del doble que hace una década. El aumento de muertes por hipotermia está relacionado…
Researchers found that vaccine hesitancy is more common among patients who seek information from the media and the internet. Factors such as social media algorithms, anti-vaccine tweets, and conspiracy theories drive patients’ hesitancy. Physicians recommend shared decision-making to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients’ perspectives and building trust through storytelling. In another…
South African regulators have determined that Vertex Pharmaceuticals has adequately provided access to its cystic fibrosis medications, resolving a controversy over treatment costs. Patient activists are unhappy with the decision, arguing that the arrangement is unfair and will result in some patients continuing to suffer and die. This issue began when families and activists petitioned…
The article discusses the importance of enhancing general practice care for asylum seekers and refugees in the community. It is authored by Datapwa Mujong, Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, Agatha Nortley-Meshe, and Leonora G Weil. The focus is on providing better healthcare services for this vulnerable population, addressing the challenges they face in accessing care, and improving their…
A research team at HKUMed has developed a novel photocurrent-responsive implant surface to enhance bone-to-implant integration after orthopedic surgeries. This coating reduces acute inflammation and fosters a favorable osteoimmune microenvironment, accelerating integration time to just two weeks, compared to the standard 28 days. By regulating macrophage differentiation through the generation of a photocurrent in response…
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that over 60% of adults in the U.S. want to be notified about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Preferences for notification varied by age, sex, race, and education level. The study highlights the importance of transparent AI practices, with policymakers and health organizations urged…
The European Medicines Agency recommends marketing authorization for Seladelpar Gilead for treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease primarily affecting women. Seladelpar helps normalize ALP and bilirubin levels in adults with PBC and has shown promising results in a phase 3 trial, reducing pruritus and delaying liver fibrosis. Common side effects include abdominal…
California dentist Dr. Mark Burhenne warns that snoring in children is more than just a harmless quirk, it could indicate a serious health issue known as sleep apnea. This condition, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and other health issues if left untreated. Early intervention, such…
Belgian sleep diagnostics company Sunrise is expanding its services to the U.S. by acquiring Dreem Health, a California-based sleep clinic. The company aims to simplify the patient journey for those suffering from poor sleep by offering telehealth services and connecting patients with sleep specialists for diagnosis and care plans. Sunrise has raised over $35 million…
The imbalance in cancer survival rates in the Mid-West region of Ireland compared to the rest of the country may be due to the centralization of cancer services. The splitting of the HSE into regional areas has highlighted disparities in healthcare outcomes. The need for equitable survival outcomes in all regions is important, but complex…
A growing number of older and homeless people are dying from hypothermia in California, with 166 deaths last year. The state has seen a significant increase in hypothermia deaths, linked to the rise in homelessness. The increase in deaths is also seen nationwide. Homeless people are particularly vulnerable due to living outside and being exposed…
Clinical trials in Sjögren’s disease have shown mixed results over the past decade, but new drugs in the pipeline are raising hopes for potential paradigm shifts in treatment. B-cell depletion therapies like rituximab have been studied, along with CD40 blockade and CAR T-cell therapy. While results have been mixed, researchers remain optimistic and emphasize the…
The author, a Syrian immigrant, shares their journey of achieving the American dream by becoming a U.S.-trained physician through hard work and dedication. They highlight the vital role immigrant doctors play in the U.S. healthcare system, filling gaps in care and contributing to the economy. The impact of the travel ban on Syrian medical graduates…
Medical student Jun Liu and Associate Professor Zhichao Wang published a case report in BMJ about a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who presented with progressive breathlessness. The patient’s symptoms worsened despite treatment with bronchodilators and steroids. Further investigations revealed a large mediastinal mass compressing the thoracic airway, which was surgically excised. The case highlights…
A recent study by the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa tested a new therapy for children with chronic nightmares. The therapy reduced the frequency of nightmares, improved sleep quality, and decreased distress caused by nightmares. This therapy is significant because nightmares are often overlooked in children, impacting their mental health, behavior, and…
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing vaccines to target the accumulation of amyloid beta and tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. The $2.9 million grant from the National Institute on Aging will fund the project led by Jai Rudra, PhD, and Meredith Jackrel, PhD. They aim to create noninflammatory vaccines…
Middle-aged adults with standing hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg) have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, while orthostatic increases in SBP do not show a significant association. A study from the ARIC cohort analyzed data from over 11,000 participants without CVD, finding that standing hypertension was linked to increased risks of heart disease, heart…
Every year, over 3000 infants under six months old die from unsafe sleep positions in the U.S., including accidental strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a healthy baby, often associated with incorrect sleeping positions. A recent study found that 12% of four-month-old infants are placed in unsafe…
Noom, a digital health company, is now offering oral medications for weight loss through its Noom Med program. Patients can access one-on-one messaging with weight loss clinicians, medication prescriptions, a community of patients, medication management, and educational content. The first oral weight loss medication offered is Metformin, which can help reduce appetite and increase insulin…
Leo Varadkar spoke at the Doolin lecture, discussing pay negotiations for doctors and nurses in Ireland. He advised doctors not to sell themselves short and suggested they could expect an increase in pay. However, he expressed concern about the lack of new hospitals being built. Varadkar also mentioned the need for more hospital beds and…
The shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City elicited sympathy for the perpetrator, highlighting deep-seated issues in the healthcare system. President-elect Donald Trump remains vague about his healthcare plans, leaving uncertainty about the future of the ACA. Congress has limited time to address funding for healthcare priorities, such as telehealth access….
Chimeric antigen receptor nature-killing cell therapy showed efficacy, persistence, and safety in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a small study presented at ACR Convergence 2024. The study involved 22 patients with active severe and refractory SLE who received an allogenic CD19-targeting CAR-NK cell treatment. Results showed high response rates in terms of disease activity…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested samples from a child in California suspected of having H5N1 bird flu after consuming raw milk, which turned up no evidence of influenza viruses. The child had tested positive for flu A initially but subsequent tests were negative for all flu targets. Despite the lack of confirmation,…
A decline in trust in women’s leadership is concerning for global health, especially as attitudes become more regressive, particularly among young men. The Reykjavik index on leadership shows a decline in equality between how men and women are viewed as leaders. This decline in trust mirrors a growing gender gap in voting patterns, with young…
New research suggests that people with type 2 diabetes should be screened for liver damage at the same time as they undergo screening for eye disease. Liver fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, is common in individuals with type 2 diabetes but often goes undetected. Screening for liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning…
Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and organ damage. Noah Oakland, a student at Virginia Tech, is researching new treatments for lupus using DNA-like molecules to ease symptoms. Oakland received an NIH F30 award to support his research, focusing on CpG ODNs to attenuate lupus in cell cultures, with plans to test…
Questions are being raised about the PLATO study that launched the antiplatelet drug ticagrelor worldwide. A new investigation by Peter Doshi raised concerns about data inconsistencies and omissions in the 2009 trial originally published in The New England Journal of Medicine. AstraZeneca’s failed bid for FDA approval highlighted discrepancies in the effectiveness of ticagrelor compared…
The CDC reported a decrease in flu vaccinations for children in the U.S. in 2024 compared to the previous year, with only 36% of children aged six months to 17 years receiving the vaccine. This decline follows a deadly 2023-24 flu season, with 205 pediatric deaths reported. The CDC estimates the actual number of deaths…
The ASH 2024 meeting in San Diego brought together over 30,000 attendees to discuss advancements in blood cancers and hematological disorders. Key highlights included new data on treatments for multiple myeloma, such as GSK’s Blenrep and J&J’s Darzalex Faspro. Cell therapies like Arcellx’s anito-cel and Legend Biotech’s Carvykti also showed promising results. In leukemia and…
A recent report from the National Cancer Registry Ireland found that patients in the Midwest region have lower five-year survival rates for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate tumors compared to other regions in Ireland. The report highlighted disparities in survival rates across different cancers, with the Midwest having lower rates for lung and colorectal cancer,…
Red wine has been thought to have health benefits due to antioxidants like resveratrol. However, recent research published in The Lancet suggests that no amount of alcohol is truly beneficial for health. Alcohol consumption can lead to harmful byproducts in the body, causing issues such as liver disease and cancer. While moderate red wine consumption…
In KFF Health News’ “Navigating Aging” conversation, older adults living alone shared insights into their experiences. They discussed hopes, fears, challenges, and strategies for aging solo. The conversation highlighted the need for support for older adults living alone, financial concerns, the importance of help with technology, the need for care teams, and the impact of…
Exercise with lower extremity blood flow restriction can enhance strength-related outcomes in athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies involving 546 athletes found that most studies favored exercise with blood flow restriction over exercise alone. Significant improvements were reported in overall strength, muscle size, endurance, and sport-specific outcomes. The studies also showed that…
Investors in biotech startup Padlock Therapeutics are suing Bristol Myers Squibb for allegedly failing to make up to $450 million in milestone payments as agreed in a 2016 acquisition deal. Bristol originally paid $150 million in cash for Padlock, which was working on new drugs for autoimmune diseases. The lawsuit accuses Bristol of manipulating the…
Eatizaz Yousif, the country director in Sudan for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), discusses the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan, particularly on women and girls. The IRC is providing essential services and psychosocial support to those affected. The situation in Sudan is dire, with millions internally displaced and facing extreme food insecurity. The…