Every first Friday in March, people wear blue to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. The campaign aims to remember those affected by the disease and promote early diagnosis for better survival rates. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US, with rates increasing in adults under 50. Symptoms include rectal…

Walgreens’ VillageMD clinics in Florida and Illinois are closing as the company strives to increase profitability. Dr. Sashi Moodley, Walgreens’ Chief Medical Officer, discussed the company’s healthcare initiatives, including a new virtual care program available in nine states. The program offers direct-to-consumer services, aiming to provide a seamless experience for patients. Walgreens is focused on…

CommonSpirit Health is hosting an educational event featuring RaDonda Vaught, the nurse who accidentally killed a patient by injecting the wrong medication. The event, taking place on March 12 during National Patient Safety Week, will focus on human factors and system issues that led to the fatal error. Vaught will discuss medical error prevention and…

Tanuseputro, Webber, and Downar discuss how advanced analytics can help shift from population-based predictions to personalized predictions in healthcare. They highlight traditional trajectories of health decline at the end of life, including sudden death, terminal illness, organ failure, and frailty. Two BMJ articles by Murray et al and Geijteman et al explore new dimensions of…

Smoking affects gene expression, leading to the development of lung cancer and other diseases. Understanding the epigenetic signatures of smoking, especially across different racial and ethnic groups, could help predict the risk for smoking-related illnesses. A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine analyzed 2,728 individuals from six racial and ethnic groups, identifying 408…

Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered how Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induces cancer by manipulating human enzymes CDK6 and CAD. This finding has significant implications as viruses cause 10-20% of cancers globally. The study showed that inhibiting the virus’s manipulation of these enzymes with existing drugs could reduce replication, block progression, and shrink tumors in preclinical…

Multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, disproportionately affects Black people compared to white people. Some possible reasons for this disparity include genetic factors, such as variations in genes that may make Black individuals more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, health care disparities, such as lack of access to quality medical care…

The FDA has approved Boston Scientific’s Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis in patients with coronary artery disease. The DCB transfers a therapeutic dose of the antiproliferative drug paclitaxel to the vessel wall to prevent restenosis. The approval was based on positive results from the AGENT IDE trial, which showed…

A recent study has found that the timing of COVID-19 vaccination can lead to slight, temporary changes in the length of the menstrual cycle. Researchers discovered that individuals who receive the vaccine during the first half of their cycle are more likely to experience changes in cycle length compared to those vaccinated in the latter…

The EAGLE-1 phase III trial demonstrated that gepotidacin has the potential to be a novel oral treatment option for uncomplicated gonorrhoea. This new medication could offer an effective and convenient alternative for patients with this sexually transmitted infection. The study results suggest that gepotidacin may be a promising solution to combat the rising rates of…

The famous movie line “Show me the money” from Jerry Maguire serves as a metaphor for the shift towards evidence-based practices in the health and wellness industry. Consumers are now seeking products and practices backed by scientific credibility, driving a convergence between traditional health and wellness sectors. Tele-wellness technologies are bridging the gap between individuals…

The NCHD General Adult Psychiatrists position is temporary full-time from July 2024 to July 2025, requiring current Irish Medical Council Registration. Interested applicants can inquire with Sarah Foley or Caitlyn McGoldrick and submit their CVs via email or post by the closing date. The proposed interview date is in the week commencing 8th April 2024….

The study found a significant association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an increased risk for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. MetS and its components were linked to a higher risk for colorectal, esophageal, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Lifestyle changes or medical interventions targeting MetS patients could be potential prevention strategies for GI cancers. MetS components like…

Salvo Health, a digital gastrointestinal care startup, recently closed a $5 million Seed Prime round led by City Light Capital and Human Ventures. The company’s existing investors, including Torch Capital, Threshold Ventures, and Felicis Ventures, also participated in the round. Salvo Health offers a virtual clinic for chronic gastrointestinal and metabolic liver issues, providing wraparound…

Gavinn McKinney was a beloved teenager who passed away from fentanyl poisoning just before his 16th birthday. His friends are now advocating for a bill in Colorado that would allow students to carry naloxone without fear of discipline. Many states have policies allowing high school students to carry naloxone, but a statewide law like the…

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced policies to improve access to maternal health care, leading to a significant increase in breast pump premarket notifications and patents. This resulted in an increase in innovation and competition in the breast pump market. Data from 1994 to 2021 showed an increase in yearly mean number of premarket notifications…

FogPharma, an oncology startup based in Cambridge, Mass., recently closed a $145 million Series E round of financing. The company is developing cancer treatments using unique peptides called helicons that could potentially improve cell penetration. CEO Mathai Mammen believes that many drugs released by pharma and biotech companies are only incrementally better than existing treatments,…

Yemisi Bokinni, a freelance journalist in London, reports on the economic struggles facing Nigeria due to the departure of major drug companies. This has led to a 1100% increase in antibiotic costs and other healthcare prices in the country. The escalating drug prices reflect a larger issue with Nigeria’s economy, with inflation reaching a 27-year…

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a promising treatment for cancer, but it is not always effective in neuroblastoma, a deadly childhood cancer. Researchers have found that combining CAR-T cells with an ALK inhibitor drug can enhance the therapy’s effectiveness by increasing the number of targets for the CAR-T cells to attack. In preclinical…

Health providers and addiction experts are concerned about the unstable funding structure of California’s CA Bridge initiative, which aims to place patients with substance use disorder into long-term treatment after they leave the emergency room. The program, which relies on one-time funding, has led to employees leaving critical positions. Despite the program’s success in prescribing…

Motivating a child to exercise can be challenging if they aren’t interested, but there are ways to inspire them. Dr. Blaise A. Nemeth suggests exercising with your child in a fun way, talking about the benefits of physical activity, and finding creative ways to get them moving without them realizing. Understanding why your child may…

A 20-year study tracked biomarker changes in adults progressing from normal cognition to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), using cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis, cognitive assessments, and brain imaging. Changes in levels of Aβ42, p-tau181, and NfL were observed years before clinical symptoms appeared, with accelerated changes followed by a slowing of progression up to diagnosis….

Eating disorders affect millions of people in the United States, with binge eating being one of the most common. Overeating and binge eating are different, with the latter involving loss of control and distress. Binge eating is characterized by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often as a coping…

Biocon Biologics’ facility at Biocon Campus (Site 1) received 4 observations from the USFDA during an inspection. The company uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. Further information can be found in the Cookie Policy and Settings. Source link

Orbis Medicines, a biotech company based in Copenhagen, aims to develop peptide-based drugs that can be dosed orally, unlike traditional biologic drugs that require injection or infusion. Backed by €26 million in seed financing, Orbis’s technology platform enables the design of macrocycles with desired properties such as oral bioavailability and cellular permeability. These compounds have…

The ‘I Am Number 17’ campaign in Ireland aims to bring awareness to rare diseases, with statistics showing that 1 in 17 people will be affected by one in their lifetime. An exhibition featuring 17 individuals living with rare diseases has been launched in Dublin, showcasing their resilience and stories. The campaign, funded by Takeda…

Videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) is seen as a valuable tool in diagnosing nonovert bleeding patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with high accuracy. IDA, a common cause of anemia globally, often leads to referrals to gastroenterologists for gastrointestinal issues. Despite standard examinations, many IDA patients go undiagnosed, prompting the use of VCE for a thorough examination…

Moxe Health, a healthcare data exchange startup, raised $25 million in growth capital from Trinity Capital. The company provides tools for sharing patient health record information, including a convergence product for payers and a digital release of information product for providers. The investment will be used to scale operations. The healthcare data exchange market is…

Julie Rovner, the chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ podcast “What the Health?” discussed the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that embryos are legally children. Lawmakers in Alabama and Florida are dealing with the impact of this ruling on in vitro fertilization. Congress is close to a funding deal for the fiscal year,…

A study on veterans with hepatitis C found that an overall successful hepatitis C elimination program by the Department of Veterans Affairs resulted in 80.1% of veterans initiating treatment, with 91.6% achieving sustained virologic response. Younger veterans were less likely to initiate treatment and achieve SVR. Factors such as stimulant and opioid use, unstable housing,…

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…

A study found that longer weekend sleep duration was associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, regardless of weekday sleep duration. Data from the NHANES survey was used to assess the relationship between kidney function and sleep duration. Individuals with shorter weekday sleep but longer weekend sleep had the lowest eGFR levels. Maintaining…

Virtus Health is shifting its customer relations management to the cloud with the help of RingCentral, utilizing AI to enhance communication across its 62 fertility clinics worldwide. The deployment will consolidate telephony and contact center functions, allowing for central management of call flows and queues. The integration of RingCentral for Salesforce will ensure calls are…

Madeline Beal, a senior risk communication adviser for the Environmental Protection Agency, has been addressing concerns about ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing gas used to sterilize medical devices. Residents near facilities emitting the gas want to know why the EPA took so long to warn them and are seeking stricter regulations. The EPA is expected to…

The CDC recommended a spring COVID-19 vaccine booster for adults aged 65 and older, citing the need for added protection against the virus. This recommendation was made by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and was approved in a vote of 11 to 1. The CDC also recommended the world’s first chikungunya vaccine…

The UK is seeing a rise in measles cases due to declining vaccination rates among children. An advertising campaign has been launched to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated, as only 83.8% of 5-year-olds have received both doses of the measles vaccine. The UKHSA is warning of potential outbreaks in London and estimates between…

response to this urgent need, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling on the government to invest in expanding children’s eating disorders services. This includes increasing the number of child and adolescent psychiatrists specializing in eating disorders to address staff shortages. The current lack of capacity in the NHS results in children facing physical and…

A study published by The BMJ found that many cancer drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 1995 and 2020 lack proof of added benefit, especially those approved through expedited pathways. Despite claims by the pharmaceutical industry about high drug prices being necessary for research and development costs, more than half of these drugs…

A study published in Neurology found that irregular meals, especially skipped breakfasts, are linked to an increased risk of frequent headaches in children and teens. Additionally, substance use and exposure, particularly e-cigarettes, were associated with frequent headaches in participants ages 12 to 17. Lifestyle changes, such as regular family meals, may reduce the occurrence of…

New research suggests that women may benefit more from physical activity than men do, leading to questions about sex-based exercise guidelines. While there isn’t a consensus on this, incorporating weight training into routines is important for all. Women, especially, benefit from weight training due to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Recommendations include weight training twice…