Audit Scotland has highlighted the need for the NHS in Scotland to make tough decisions on reducing services in order to free up funds for critical healthcare. The current spending levels are unsustainable and a detailed delivery plan is necessary to ensure the future health of the nation. This will require prioritizing high-priority care over…
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new bioprinting technique called HITS-Bio that uses spheroids to create complex tissue structures. This technique improves precision and scalability, allowing the rapid bioprinting of tissues 10 times faster than existing methods. The team was able to fabricate cartilage tissue in less than 40 minutes and demonstrated the technique’s…
RAND research has found that cognitive ability, physical health, and functional limitations can predict the risk of developing dementia, with lifestyle factors such as exercise and hobbies influencing the likelihood of developing the disease. Early detection of cognitive impairments can help individuals prepare for future financial and physical challenges. The study also found that out-of-pocket…
In November, the FDA approved three new drugs, including obe-cel for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revumenib for acute leukemia with a gene translocation, and zanidatamab for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. The FDA also approved a liquid formulation of imatinib for leukemia and other cancers. Drug labeling for fludarabine phosphate was updated to include new…
A recent study in Texas found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water could increase the risk of kidney cancer. Researchers from Texas A&M University linked arsenic levels in water to kidney cancer rates in 240 counties. Factors like being male, African American, family history of kidney cancer, lifestyle choices, and health conditions…
AI is revolutionizing healthcare by improving efficiency, scalability, and personalized care. However, healthcare organizations face challenges in developing AI strategies due to regulations and data quality issues. A recent survey by Define Ventures found that leaders in payers and providers are enthusiastic about AI but proceeding cautiously. They are focused on governance, establishing priorities, ROI…
Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews the latest clinical papers on HIV, highlighting the global impact of the virus with millions infected and deceased. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), the development of an effective HIV vaccine remains challenging due to the virus’s genetic variability and latency. Clinical trials of potential vaccines have shown limited efficacy, leading…
The Covid-19 pandemic led to over 172,000 deaths in nursing homes and sparked a reform requiring minimum nurse staffing. The nursing home industry is pressuring to overturn this regulation under the Trump administration, fearing the cost and staffing shortages. Advocates worry about the impact on resident care and quality. The Biden administration planned to invest…
A study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting found that treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors increased the risk of venous thromboembolism in adults with metastatic lung cancer. Specifically, those who received anti-PD-1 therapy had a higher risk for pulmonary embolism compared to those who received anti-PD-L1 agents. The study, which reviewed data from the TriNetX…
The Medicare Advantage program has been a profitable venture for insurers, with costs exceeding $500 billion this year. The program has faced recent regulatory challenges that could affect profitability. Under the Biden administration, insurers saw a significant payment increase, but changes in coding and audits have aimed to reduce overpayments and care denials. Despite expected…
Neville Rowell was a prominent figure in the field of dermatology, born and educated in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he worked at the Royal Victoria Infirmary before moving to Leeds. After obtaining membership in the Royal Colleges of Physicians, he became a consultant in 1961 and eventually headed the department in 1973. Neville worked tirelessly…
EU countries are discussing stricter anti-smoking rules, including bans on smoking and vaping in outdoor areas like playgrounds and cafe patios. Health ministers from 27 nations will meet to address second-hand smoke and vapor exposure, with a non-binding recommendation likely to be approved. The proposal aims to reduce smoke-related deaths and ailments, extending restrictions to…
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a new approach to targeting the protein Aurora-A, which is involved in cell division and often misfunctions in cancer. This protein is of interest for anti-cancer drug development, but previous attempts have failed due to its essential role in all cells, leading to toxicity. By targeting the…
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises against using compounded versions of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA medications, due to safety concerns and potential dosing errors. They recommend using only FDA-approved versions of these medications for treating type 2 diabetes, reducing cardiovascular and kidney disease risk, and…
A recent study led by an international team from the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that fluctuations in daily testosterone levels do not have as much influence on sexual desire as previously thought. The study evaluated the connection between testosterone, sexual desire, and courtship efforts in young men and found that men with higher…
The Radiological Society of North America is hosting its annual meeting in Chicago this week, featuring hundreds of companies showcasing the latest technology in the field. Philips announced an expanded partnership with AWS to move its integrated diagnostics portfolio to the cloud. They also introduced the BlueSeal MRI system that requires less helium and is…
. The study found that treatment with certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, specifically methotrexate and TNF inhibitors, was associated with a reduced risk of developing interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This highlights the potential benefits of these medications beyond managing joint symptoms. Sparks emphasizes the importance of further research to confirm these findings…
The concept of ‘value-based care’ has gained traction on Wall Street, with the phrase being mentioned over 1,800 times since 2011. It became popular after the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. The term is often used during company earnings calls and presentations, as well as at banking conferences. The exact definition of…
Research published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine shows that benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, significantly reduces asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations compared to prednisolone. This is the first new treatment for these conditions in 50 years, with experts believing it could be a game-changer. Benralizumab could benefit those with severe asthma or COPD, as it has shown…
A series of five papers published in The Lancet Oncology by a University of Pittsburgh-led team highlights the challenges related to cancer control in SAARC countries and the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The papers underscore disparities in cancer outcomes, barriers to cancer care, and the need for actionable solutions to improve prevention, early detection,…
An international research collaboration has made significant advances in understanding the molecular basis of gene expression. Using advanced microscopy techniques, the team observed how genetic information is translated into proteins at a detailed level. The study focused on how ribosomes find messenger RNA for protein synthesis, revealing a mechanism that aids in mRNA delivery to…
US regulators used a fast-track approval process for asciminib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), despite its availability of existing medications. Asciminib is one of six tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML and was granted accelerated approval for newly diagnosed patients. Concerns have been raised about the rapid approval process, with some questioning the…
PTC Therapeutics reported positive data for their Huntington’s disease drug, prompting Novartis to make a $1 billion upfront offer to license the drug. PTC will continue ongoing testing and lead discussions with the FDA, while Novartis will take over the pivotal study, manufacturing, and commercialization. The deal includes profit-sharing and milestone payments for PTC. The…
Carolyn Dickens, 76, a lung cancer survivor living in central Harlem, struggles with serious lung disease, high blood pressure, and regular fainting spells. She lives alone and is dangerously underweight. Across the country, over 2 million homebound seniors face similar challenges, with limited access to healthcare and social contact. Programs like Mount Sinai’s Visiting Doctors…
The TIDE-Asthma study focused on increasing diversity in clinical trial enrollment by targeting specific racial and ethnic groups. By implementing outreach strategies, including engaging key opinion leaders in diverse communities, the study exceeded its enrollment goals for Hispanic and Asian patients. The study aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of amlitelimab as an…
The Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding the FDA’s decision to block flavored vaping products, which could change how the agency regulates tobacco. Two e-cigarette manufacturers sued the FDA after their marketing applications were denied, arguing that the agency changed its standards midway. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the FDA,…
The book review highlights An Imperfect Storm by Chikwe and Vivianne Ihekweazu, emphasizing the need for African voices in storytelling, particularly in non-fiction and health literature. The authors provide a personal narrative of the Covid-19 pandemic, drawing from Chikwe Ihekweazu’s experience as an epidemiologist in Nigeria. The book offers insights into leadership, global health inequities,…
A study from the University of Copenhagen explores how changes in the gut environment impact gut bacteria, leading to differences in reactions to food. The research involved subjects swallowing a capsule to track pH, temperature, and pressure throughout the digestive system, revealing variations in gut transit time and environment. The findings suggest that individual differences…
Researchers at multiple institutions found a novel cause of cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, leading to increased risk of death. By analyzing the genomes of patients who died from COVID-19, they identified around 50 upregulated immune genes that play a role in the hyperinflammatory process. These genes, when overactivated, lead to cytokine storm syndrome and…
Novocure’s experimental therapy using Tumor Treating Fields alongside chemotherapy showed positive results in extending the lives of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in a late-stage trial. The therapy, which uses electric fields to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, helped patients live an average of 16.20 months compared to 14.16 months with chemotherapy alone….
The FDA and CDC have issued an alert about a salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers that has sickened dozens across 19 states. Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and is transmitted through contaminated food or water. The outbreak, linked to cucumbers from SunFed Produce, LLC, has affected 68 people, with 18…
Physicians spend over three hours a day on documentation, often sacrificing personal time for paperwork. This results in significant costs to organizations and impacts physician satisfaction. Autonomous medical coding using AI technology is gaining traction as a solution to this burden. Physicians traditionally handle their own coding due to shortages in certified medical coders. The…
The Finance Bill introduced by Minister Jack Chambers in Ireland includes changes to the pension landscape, particularly impacting Hospital Consultants and GPs close to or above the €2m pension limit. Key changes include an increase in the Standard Fund Threshold to €2.8 million by 2029, reduction in revenue factors, and maintaining lump sum limits. These…
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bone weakness, affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over 50 in Canada. It causes fragile bones and increases the risk of fractures, with common ones being wrist, hip, and spinal fractures. Pain is usually not present until a fracture occurs, and hip fractures in…
University of North Carolina-Charlotte professor Anita Blanchard lost 45 pounds using Ozempic, a medication initially for Type 2 diabetes that helps with weight loss. The drug was covered by her health insurance, but it was soon removed from the state employee health plan due to high costs. North Carolina’s Medicaid program now covers the drug…
A study found that most dermatologists believe AI chatbots will be used in dermatology, with 76.5% of respondents agreeing. Concerns about misinformation and incorrect diagnoses were raised, but benefits such as administrative help were also acknowledged. Despite only 71.9% of physicians reporting using AI chatbots in practice, 76.5% believed it is somewhat or very likely…
Novartis has signed a licensing deal with PTC Therapeutics for an experimental Huntington’s disease treatment, with an upfront payment of $1 billion. The agreement also includes the potential for another $1.9 billion in payments based on hitting development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan stated that this deal aims to strengthen their neuroscience…
Colin Macdougall and colleagues discuss the challenges facing the UK National Health Service, citing workforce shortages and a crisis in healthcare. The NHS published a long term workforce plan in 2023 with ambitious goals to address these issues, including increasing medical school places, general practitioner training places, nursing training places, and dentistry training places. The…
New research indicates that fear of another heart attack plays a significant role in stress levels for survivors. This fear, separate from anxiety and depression, was found to contribute to increased stress levels. Factors such as age, race, alcohol use, and perceptions of their condition predicted fear of recurrence and stress. The study highlighted the…
A study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that a higher ratio of plant-based protein to animal-based protein in the diet may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The study, which looked at nearly 203,000 participants over 30 years, found that a ratio…
Groundbreaking studies on leukemia treatments and the effects of GLP-1 inhibitors on VTE risk will be presented at the ASH 2024 Annual Meeting. Research shows that adding blinatumomab to chemotherapy boosts disease-free survival in pediatric B-ALL patients, while eltrombopag is effective in treating severe pediatric ITP. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists may reduce the risk of VTE…
A new study suggests that depression may actually trigger severe menstrual cramps, with sleep deprivation worsening their severity. Dysmenorrhea, or severe period pain, affects 15% of women and can be either primary or secondary. Research found a strong link between depression and primary dysmenorrhea in both European and East Asian populations, with sleep disturbances exacerbating…
Drug development is a lengthy and costly process, taking an average of 14 years and $1-2 billion dollars to bring a new drug to market. The process involves discovering biological targets and molecules, pre-clinical testing in animals, and clinical trials on humans. Clinical trials have three phases testing safety and efficacy. Challenges include lack of…
West Cancer Center and Research Institute is using hologram technology to provide a more engaging telemedicine experience for patients. A 3-D projection of an oncologist is beamed into a room where the patient is sitting, creating a lifelike interaction. The company behind this technology, Proto Hologram, aims to enhance communication between health care professionals and…
The Biden administration is pushing for Medicare to cover obesity drugs, but also proposing changes to private Medicare plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are suggesting technical and policy changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for 2026. More than half of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, but issues…
Lung cancer screening using low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) can detect coronary artery calcium, a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), in patients without cardiac symptoms. A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 83% of patients screened for lung cancer also had coronary artery calcium, with high levels in 30% of…
A recent study published in Nature Microbiology investigated how gut transit time and pH affect variations in the human gut microbiome’s composition and metabolism. The study included 63 healthy participants and found significant variability in gut environment stability, with factors like stool moisture and pH influencing microbial composition and metabolic activity. Factors such as transit…
A study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different initial treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), comparing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, swallowed topical corticosteroids (tCS), elimination diets, and the biologic dupilumab. Results showed that elimination diets were the most cost-effective option from a payer perspective, while PPI therapy was more cost-effective from a societal standpoint. Dupilumab would…
The healthcare industry is facing rising global medical costs, projected to increase by 10.4% in 2025 according to the WTW Global Medical Trends Survey. This trend has been ongoing, with consecutive double-digit increases over the past few years. Insurers are struggling to keep up with rising costs due to factors such as new medical technologies,…
The top story in November discussed the impacts of CMS cuts on patient access, with an interview with an expert on the subject. FDA news also made headlines during the month. The CMS finalized cuts to the 2025 physician fee schedule, prompting concerns from the American Academy of Dermatology. The FDA approved Emrosi for rosacea…