Merck is acquiring the clinical-stage startup EyeBio for $1.3 billion in cash upfront, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.7 billion. EyeBio develops drugs for retinal conditions, with their lead program Restoret targeting the Wnt pathway in the eye to restore and maintain the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic macular edema. Early clinical data for…
The Government has announced plans to open an additional 3,438 acute inpatient beds in hospitals across Ireland by 2031, with 929 replacement beds also included. Since 2020, 1,218 new beds have been introduced, with a commitment to deliver 4,367 beds by 2031. The HSE Dublin and Northeast region will see the greatest increase, with Cork…
RFK Jr. claimed he had a brain-eating worm that caused memory loss and brain fog, but experts doubt his story. Brain parasites are real and can cause infections, but they don’t actually eat brain tissue. RFK Jr. also had mercury poisoning at the same time, which could have contributed to his symptoms. Despite his claims,…
South Korean startup HoneyNaps, which offers AI for diagnosing sleep disorders, raised $11.6 million in Series B funding. The funds will help expand its presence in the US market, where the sleep technology sector is valued at $9 billion and expected to grow to $39 billion by 2033. HoneyNaps received FDA approval for its SOMNUM…
Lori Tipton, a trauma survivor, found relief from crippling anxiety and hypervigilance through MDMA-assisted therapy in a clinical trial for PTSD. The potential of psychoactive drugs like MDMA, LSD, and ketamine to treat mental illnesses is being explored through research and investment. However, challenges include validation of benefits, trial data integrity, accessibility, and safety concerns….
Adherence to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 lowers cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. Researchers found that this heart-healthy lifestyle can impact biological age and benefit cardiovascular health. The study analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study cohorts and examined the link between epigenetic age scores and adherence to the AHA’s recommendations. Higher scores…
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals announced positive results from an early-stage study of a new drug, BHV-1300, which reduces levels of the disease-causing immune molecule IgG implicated in autoimmune disorders. The drug showed a reduction in IgG levels by 5% to 37% in healthy volunteers without adverse effects on liver enzymes. This new antibody medicine works by transporting…
Kent Buse and Monika Arora highlight the need for WHO guidance on public sector engagement with the commercial sector to prevent non-communicable diseases. They discuss how the corporate playbook, initially used by the tobacco industry, has been adopted by other health harming industries. Despite the necessity of public-private engagement in some cases, it should be…
The federal government has changed its guidelines on organ and blood donation for men who have had sex with another man, but restrictions on donated tissues remain in place. Advocates and lawmakers are frustrated with the FDA for not aligning tissue donation guidelines for gay and bisexual men with the rest of the population. The…
Researchers evaluated the antiviral efficacy of harmol in treating herpes simplex virus-induced keratitis and enhancing acyclovir effects. Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) can lead to blindness and encephalitis if left untreated. Harmol, a β-carboline alkaloid with antiviral properties, inhibited HSV-1 replication in vitro and in a mouse model. It also showed effectiveness against ACV-resistant strains and…
Children with both atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata (AA) treated with dupilumab showed significant hair regrowth over nearly 68 weeks, according to preliminary results from a small case series. Dr. Emma Guttman-Yassky noted potential for a safe, long-term treatment for children with AA and suggested possible links between atopy and AA. A study of…
Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States and may last longer in individuals than previously believed. A recent study found that achieving full remission from the disorder can take several years, with relapses being common. The study followed 137 adults with binge eating disorder for five years and found…
The panel discussion at the MedCity INVEST conference in Chicago highlighted the importance of recognizing women’s health beyond maternal health, emphasizing the need for more education with investors. Visana Health, founded by Joe Connolly, focuses on treating women for various conditions including endometriosis and fibroids. Connolly observed a shift in investor conversations over the last…
Over 200 ophthalmologists attended the ICO Annual Conference 2024 where they heard about the latest clinical developments in the field of ophthalmology. Professor Geoffrey Rose delivered a lecture on the rehabilitation of patients with Thyroid Eye Disease, focusing on practical implications for patients and the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Prof Rose is a Senior…
Medical supply expenses make up 10.5% of hospital budgets, totaling $146.9 billion in 2023 according to the American Hospital Association. Amazon Business is working to streamline supply management in healthcare. They offer a portal for business organizations with transparent pricing and analytics for better structure. Amazon ensures the validity of healthcare products sold through a…
Caring for older adults with dementia can be challenging due to their neuropsychiatric symptoms, which often lead to placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. A new website offers free training in a comprehensive approach to managing these symptoms called DICE, focusing on understanding and addressing the underlying causes rather than prescribing medications with…
Low stress resilience in men may increase the risk of developing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, according to a study. The study analyzed data from 1,669,422 men who underwent mental assessments between 1968 and 2005. Results showed that men with low stress resilience had a 1.31-fold increased risk for psoriasis and a 1.23-fold increased risk for…
STAT is hosting an ASCO kickoff event on May 31 with top oncology experts and a live wrap-up broadcast on June 5. Daily ASCO emails are available during the convention and readers can bookmark a page for STAT’s coverage. The event at Convene will cover topics such as the drug industry’s war on cancer and…
Stephen H Bradley, a GP and NIHR academic clinical lecturer, emphasizes that patients do not need AI doctors, but better technology can allow doctors to spend more time caring for patients. The UK government has invested in AI in healthcare to speed up diagnosis and tackle NHS waiting times. AI can revolutionize radiology interpretation and…
A research team at Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute has developed an AI algorithm, a topographic deep artificial neural network (TDANN), that mimics how the brain organizes sensory information. This algorithm successfully predicts sensory responses and spatial organization in multiple parts of the human brain’s visual system. The team’s findings, published in the journal Neuron,…
A recent study explored the connection between different exercise patterns and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) using data from the U.K. Biobank. The study found that both weekend warriors and regular exercisers had a lower risk of developing PD. The duration of exercise, rather than the frequency, seemed to have a greater impact…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 684,000 Americans are diagnosed with obesity-associated cancers annually, with rising rates among younger individuals. However, obesity is not equivalent to smoking in terms of cancer risk. Only about 8% of cancers are directly linked to excess body weight. The relationship between excess weight and…
A recent study found that getting tattoos may increase the risk of developing lymphoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. While tattooing is a popular form of self-expression, known side effects include allergies, infections, and blood-borne diseases from tattoo equipment. The study involved over 11,000 participants, with 21% of those diagnosed with…
Insmed’s brensocatib drug showed promising results in a pivotal clinical trial for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), a chronic lung disease with no FDA-approved therapies. The drug significantly reduced pulmonary exacerbations and was well-tolerated by patients. Leerink Partners analyst Joseph Schwartz noted a potential market opportunity of 450,000 patients in the U.S. alone for NCFB treatment….
Over 200 ophthalmologists gathered at a scientific conference to discuss the latest developments in eye care. Dr. Patrick Murtagh received the William Wilde Medal for his research on uveal melanoma treatment outcomes. Uveal melanoma is a common eye tumor with a high metastasis rate, particularly in Ireland. Prof Brendan Kelly gave a talk on pandemics…
The article discusses the importance of home equipment for stroke survivors in promoting independence and recovery. Mobility aids such as walkers and canes can enhance mobility, while adaptive fixtures in the bathroom can provide safety and support. Home accessibility modifications, such as ramps and grab bars, can make the living environment more accessible. Communication aids…
Syra Health, a healthcare technology company, secured a contract with the Health Care Authority in Washington state, marking its 20th state contract. The company will provide behavioral health and recovery training to strengthen the recruitment and retention of Washington’s behavioral health workforce. This partnership includes training for various behavioral health services such as outpatient, inpatient,…
Florida ha permitido que los obstetras realicen cesáreas fuera de los hospitales, alegando que esto reducirá costos y ofrecerá un ambiente de parto más hogareño. Sin embargo, la industria hospitalaria y la principal asociación de obstetras advierten sobre los riesgos de complicaciones. La legislación también permite la creación de centros de parto avanzados, donde se…
A gene therapy called DB-OTO has shown promising results in improving hearing to normal levels in two children with congenital deafness. Conducted as part of an ongoing early-stage trial, the therapy targeted otoferlin-related deafness, with one child showing improvement within 6 months and the other within 6 weeks. Researchers plan to continue monitoring the participants…
Heat waves are increasing in frequency and intensity, presenting a significant health risk globally. Studies have shown a connection between heat exposure and preterm delivery and stillbirth. A recent study in the US found that preterm births increased by 2% and early births by 1% after a heat wave. Vulnerable populations, including younger mothers, those…
In Virginia, Vince Gilmer, a family practitioner convicted of murdering his father 19 years ago, has been released from prison after the doctor who took over his practice correctly diagnosed Huntington’s disease and secured a conditional pardon from the governor. Vince Gilmer strangled his father and claimed insanity at trial, citing years of sexual abuse…
A recent study published in Open Life Sciences suggests that analyzing vaginal microbial co-abundance networks could potentially detect early-stage gynecological cancers. Researchers found that women with gynecological cancers had lower levels of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and higher levels of potentially harmful bacteria, indicating a microbial signature for these cancers. This microbial signature showed promising…
The probable origin of stuttering in the brain has been identified by an international research group led by researchers from the University of Turku in Finland. Stuttering, a speech rhythm disorder, affects 5-10% of young children and can continue into adulthood, impacting individual’s lives significantly. Stuttering is now understood as a brain disorder related to…
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have successfully used artificial intelligence to extract functional and physiological data from routine coronary angiography. The AI was able to predict key cardiovascular biomarkers with an accuracy of 80% or greater. The team trained multiple algorithms using advanced machine-learning techniques on 20,000 angiograms to extract data on ventricular functions, filling…
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that better nutrition, specifically including more fruits and vegetables in the diet, can lead to optimal sleep duration. The study included 5,043 adults from Finland, examining their diet, sleep patterns, and chronotype. Results showed that those with normal sleep duration had higher fruit and vegetable intake…
Advancements in medical technology are leading to improved patient healthcare outcomes, but Medicare reimbursement policies need to keep up to ensure equal access to innovative technologies. AI-enabled medical imaging devices, for example, can help radiologists detect abnormalities more efficiently, leading to targeted treatments for conditions like cancer. However, Medicare has approved only a few AI-enabled…
The NDTP LEAD NCHD Spring Workshop took place at the Morrison Hotel in Dublin in March 2024. The event included workshops and discussions for non-consultant hospital doctors. Photos of the workshop were taken by David Coleman from BobbyStudio and were featured on the Irish Medical Times website. Source link
Beamtree, an ASX-listed health data analytics firm, has secured a $2.4 million contract to deliver its AI technology to improve clinical coding at HMG in the Gulf region. The deployment of Beamtree’s PICQ and RippleDown aims to automate audit processes and assess opportunities for clinical coding automation. The contract emphasizes the importance of data quality…
Florida has become the first state to allow doctors to perform cesarean sections outside of hospitals, which is supported by a private equity-owned physicians group. This change aims to lower costs and provide pregnant women with a more homely birthing atmosphere. However, the hospital industry and leading obstetricians’ association are concerned that performing C-sections in…
A study found that using invisible ink tattoos instead of visible ink tattoos for radiation treatment alignment can improve quality of life for cancer patients. Traditional dark-ink tattoos used for radiation setup can be a constant reminder of a traumatic time for patients. The study showed that patients preferred invisible ink tattoos and were even…
Asahi Kasei, a Japanese conglomerate, is making a move to buy Swedish biotech company Calliditas Therapeutics for nearly $1.1 billion in a cash deal. The offer of $19.68 per share represents an 83% premium over Calliditas’ closing price on a Swedish exchange. Calliditas has an approved drug called Tarpeyo for treating a kidney disease called…
An analysis found that over 750,000 deaths in low and middle income countries could be prevented annually by improving infection control, access to clean water and sanitation, and promoting pediatric vaccines. The authors of a Lancet series called for increased global efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, which is responsible for an estimated 4.95 million deaths…
Lightning struck a beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico, injuring three children aged 7 to 12. They were taken to a hospital in Aguadilla, with the oldest in serious condition. Lightning can strike the same place multiple times, like the Empire State Building being hit roughly 23 times a year. The incident serves as a reminder…
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated the factors involved in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on commercial flights. It found that long-haul flights without enforced masking had significantly higher COVID-19 rates compared to flights with enforced masking. Each additional hour of flight without enforced masking increased the transmission…
A study conducted in Sumatra observed an orangutan using an improvised topical paste to treat a facial wound. The researchers noted this behavior as a novel observation of self-medication in non-human primates. This finding highlights the intelligence and problem-solving abilities of orangutans, as well as their ability to use natural remedies for self-care. The study…
Asthma affects more than 27 million people in the US, but can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Dr. Priya Bansal explains that asthma cannot be outgrown, but symptoms may improve with proper management. Symptoms can vary between patients, and exercise is encouraged to improve lung capacity. Asthma medications are not habit-forming and do…
Hospitals are increasingly experimenting with new healthcare technology through pilot programs, but many of these initiatives fail. Justin Brueck from Endeavor Health emphasizes the importance of learning from these failures to improve innovation. He highlights three main reasons for unsuccessful technology pilots in health systems: unclear problem-solving goals, lack of engagement from frontline clinicians, and…
The American College of Rheumatology urged Congress to address challenges in private practice, including prior authorization and Medicare fee schedule issues, after a hearing on the collapse of private practice. The ACR emphasized the need for reform and legislative remedies to address barriers facing independent medicine. Panelists at the hearing highlighted the impact of Medicare…
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is facing scrutiny from lawmakers over its management of the national stockpile of emergency medical gear, as demands for protective equipment and therapies have rapidly increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2022 mpox outbreak, and avian flu among cows. The health department’s preparedness office is trying to solidify…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an artificial pancreas system developed by the University of Cambridge for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 2 and older, including during pregnancy. This Android app, called CamAPS FX, allows a compatible insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor to communicate, creating an artificial pancreas. The…