The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be replacing Humira with the biosimilar Hadlima on its national formulary, as announced by Organon. Hadlima is a TNF inhibitor indicated for the treatment of various conditions and became the fourth FDA-approved biosimilar to Humira in 2019. The drug is available in a pre-filled syringe or an autoinjector,…
Ring Therapeutics, a gene therapy startup launched by Flagship Pioneering, has laid off 19 employees, just under 20% of its staff. Sonata Therapeutics, another Flagship startup, has also let go of a third of its staff. Private biotechs are facing funding scarcity, forcing startups to make tough choices on staffing and priorities. Ring Therapeutics is…
Last week marked the 70th anniversary of the UK government recognizing that smoking causes lung cancer. Cases of lung cancer had increased significantly since the end of World War I, and epidemiological work by Richard Doll and Austin Bradford Hill solidified the link between smoking and the disease. The response to this risk was muted,…
Dr. Sarosh Irani, a neurologist and researcher at Mayo Clinic, explains the importance of early treatment for encephalitis, a disease involving inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis can be caused by infections or immune system issues, with two primary types: infectious and autoimmune. Symptoms can develop quickly and include headache, fever, and more severe manifestations such…
An international study has identified new genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma. It uses multiancestry biobanks and millions of samples from around the world. The findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, detail ancestry and sex-specific genetic loci associated with POAG. It identified 17 new genetic loci associated with glaucoma, five of which were specific…
A recent study published in Cardiology has suggested that exercise benefits women more than men; conclusions are based on findings involving 400,000 survey respondents. Women who exercise regularly reduced their risk of early death by 24%, while men had only a 15% risk reduction. The benefits extended to protection from heart problems and strokes, further…
The FDA has approved iloprost injection for treating severe frostbite in adults to reduce the risk of amputation. A randomized trial showed that iloprost alone had a 0% risk of amputation based on bone scans, compared to 60% with buflomedil on day 7. The most common adverse events with iloprost are headache, flushing, heart palpitations,…
A study of nearly 100 million vaccinated individuals across eight countries found a slight increase in the risk of certain adverse health effects linked to COVID-19 vaccination. These effects include myocarditis, pericarditis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. AstraZeneca’s vaccine was linked to a higher risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome and blood clots, while the Moderna vaccine was associated…
Scientific research suggests a link between body temperature and depression. Cookies are used on the site for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, and by continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. To learn more, users can refer to the Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings. Source link
Intellectual property in the health tech and medtech industries is a complex issue, particularly when it comes to collecting and using data from connected medical devices in artificial intelligence algorithms. Data ownership and privacy concerns are key legal questions, with HIPAA playing a significant role. The value of data derived from medical devices for AI…
AT&T has partnered with Maven Clinic to offer its employees access to virtual fertility and family-building support services. This includes guidance on egg freezing, adoption, IVF, and more. Maven Clinic also offers services for pregnancy, postpartum care, parenting, and pediatric support, as well as a program for menopause-related care. The expanded partnership gives AT&T employees…
Anthony Stumbo’s mother was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 1997, sparking an initiative in Kentucky to increase lung cancer screenings and early detection. The effort has been successful, with Kentucky screening residents at a rate of 10.6%, more than twice the national average. The Kentucky LEADS Collaborative works to decrease the stigma around lung…
Patients with diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists were less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety compared to those not on these medications. The GLP-1 receptor agonists included semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and liraglutide. Patients without diabetes prescribed semaglutide also had a lower risk for anxiety and depression. Although the findings suggest…
A study published in Nature Medicine found that an excess of Vitamin B3, or Niacin, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that a metabolite of excess niacin, N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4PY), is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The study identified a previously unknown pathway that causes adverse cardiovascular events due to…
Academic and doctor representative groups are concerned about sudden changes to the allocation of academic foundation jobs for 2025. The UK Foundation Programme Office announced that recruitment into specialized foundation programs in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will be incorporated into the main allocation process. This system, already in place in Wales, allows doctors to…
Inuit people living in northern Quebec’s Nunavik region are dying earlier from lung cancer than Montreal residents being treated at the same cancer center in Montreal, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. All Nunavik residents are treated at McGill University Health Center (MUHC) in Montreal due to limited resources…
A study found that patients who achieved remission from Cushing’s disease after pituitary surgery were more likely to develop new-onset autoimmune disease within 3 years. This was compared to those with surgically treated nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. Researchers found a cumulative incidence of 10.4 percent of new autoimmune diseases in the Cushing’s disease group. They suggest…
“Detox” products that claim to clean your lungs have no scientific evidence behind them, since lungs are capable of cleaning and repairing themselves in some cases. To prevent further lung damage, avoid secondhand smoke, vaping, pollutants, and viruses through vaccinations and air quality monitoring. A diet rich in antioxidants, cardiovascular exercise, and regular handwashing are…
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), typically used for treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer, was applied to locally advanced rectal tumors in a study. Known as transcatheter rectal arterial chemoembolization (TRACE), the treatment was administered to 111 patients with stage II or III rectal tumors. The results showed a pathological complete response in 20.7% of patients…
Xolair, a medication originally developed to treat asthma, has now been approved to prevent severe allergic reactions to food. This medication is designed to target and block the body’s immune response to specific food allergens, reducing the risk of anaphylaxis. This approval provides hope for individuals with serious food allergies, such as peanuts and tree…
A study found that Asian breast cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy may experience skin changes and hair loss. The study emphasized the need for personalized treatment and support for these patients to manage these side effects. The findings suggest that Asian patients with breast cancer may have different experiences with chemotherapy compared to other populations,…
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are a transformative force in healthcare, allowing for seamless integration between the human brain and external devices. They have evolved from providing basic communication for individuals with disabilities to more sophisticated applications, including assistive technology, patient monitoring, and treatment of neurological disorders. The future of BCIs in healthcare is promising, with potential…
The HSE in Ireland will offer permanent employment contracts to all nursing, midwifery, and health and social care (HSCP) graduates. This includes over 1,000 final year HSCP students and 1,600 nurses and midwives. The initiative aims to address shortages of frontline staff and is part of the HSE’s 2024 National Service Plan, which includes a…
mPulse, a conversational AI and digital engagement platform, reported a 94% growth in Q4 2023 and a 106% year-over-year growth. The company attributes this growth to acquisitions of HealthTrio and Decision Point Healthcare Solutions, as well as organic growth. mPulse partners with 19 of the top 20 health plans in the U.S. and over 300…
More than half a million Anthem Blue Cross enrollees were at risk of losing access to the University of California’s health care due to a contract dispute. UC Health accused Anthem of not negotiating in good faith, while Anthem claimed UC Health was demanding too much. The conflict was part of a trend where patients…
Alain Cribier, a pioneer of interventional cardiology, passed away at the age of 79. He performed the first tanscatheter aortic valve replacement that ushered in a new era of treatment for people with severe aortic stenosis. Throughout his career, he made numerous contributions to the field of cardiology and mentored up-and-coming interventional cardiologists. His passing…
The National Institutes of Health has launched a precision medicine initiative called “All of Us” to gather data from 1 million participants. The data aims to address the lack of diversity in genomic datasets by including individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. This initiative has gathered new genetic information from millions of DNA variants and is…
The head of UK’s infection control specialists wants more clarity from the drug regulator on recent advice to only use fluoroquinolone antibiotics when absolutely necessary. Doctors are confused and fearful of legal repercussions if patients experience side effects. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) released an update in January stating that fluoroquinolones should…
A team of international scientists developed an innovative treatment for chronic wounds involving ionized gas called plasma. The scientists increased plasma activation of hydrogel dressings using a unique mix of various chemical oxidants that decontaminate and assist in healing chronic wounds. These plasma-activated hydrogels are capable of killing common bacteria and may help trigger the…
A study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated cognitive symptoms in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition compared to those who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study found a high prevalence of cognitive symptoms in those with long COVID, which was associated with functional impairments and lower likelihood of full-time employment. There was also a greater…
Just after surgery for diverticular disease, Greg Saggio ignored his doctor’s advice and rushed back to work, only to experience pain, discomfort, and diarrhea as a result. It’s important to follow the doctor’s dos and don’ts, move around as soon as you’re cleared, and not skimp on pain medication. Eating and drinking regularly is essential…
Loneliness is a silent epidemic that affects people of all ages, not just older adults. The toll on health is severe, with links to cardiovascular risks, mental health struggles, and even increased risk of developing dementia. The World Health Organization has launched a Commission on Social Connection to address this issue. Loneliness has been linked…
Researchers have found that starting your day with a high-protein breakfast can help improve concentration and feelings of fullness throughout the day. Protein in the diet is important for growth and repair, and a high-protein breakfast may help reduce overall daily calorie intake. A study found that a dairy-based, high-protein, low-carbohydrate breakfast can increase satiety…
The Parliamentary Committee suggested several measures to make medical education more affordable, including increasing government investment in medical colleges and institutions, providing scholarships and financial aid to aspiring medical students, and regulating tuition fees to prevent excessive and arbitrary increases. The Committee also recommended the establishment of a centralized entrance examination for medical courses to…
Astellas Pharma has entered into a collaboration with Kelonia Therapeutics to create in vivo CAR T-therapies through genetic cargo delivery. This technology enables the modification of immune cells, targeting cancer cells and improving the ability to destroy tumors. The collaboration will develop up to two in vivo CAR T-therapy programs, with undisclosed targets. Kelonia will…
The National Self-Harm Registry Ireland’s annual report found that in 2021, women had a 45% higher rate of self-harm hospital presentations than men, the largest gender gap in 20 years. The rates remained consistent through the pandemic, with the highest rates among young people. The peak rate for women was in the 15-19 years age…
A recent study in South Korea found that older adults, especially those who are frail, have different purposes and satisfaction levels in using healthcare apps and wearable health devices. Researchers surveyed 505 respondents, 30% of whom were considered frail, and found that healthy seniors were more likely to use healthcare apps for self-care and managing…
Millions of Medi-Cal beneficiaries in California can now save money and assets without losing their coverage due to an eligibility change. This change has opened the door for new enrollees and eliminates the requirement to prove the value of financial accounts and personal property. The income threshold must still be met, but now almost two…
At a recent symposium, William Rigby, MD, discussed the unprecedented efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in lupus patients, reporting almost complete disappearance of symptoms. However, long-term impacts remain to be seen, as B-cell responses eventually returned. Rigby presented findings from a study that showed that CAR-T cell therapy was more effective than other…
After 40 years in development, the first TIL therapy received accelerated approval from the FDA for advanced melanoma. The therapy, called Amtagvi or lifileucel, is the first cell therapy approved for a solid tumor. During a phase 2 clinical trial, 31% of patients responded to the therapy, with 42% of those patients continuing to respond…
serve populations with fewer patients from deprived areas, while those with smaller private income tend to serve more deprived populations. This suggests that wealthier areas may have better access to private healthcare, while poorer areas rely more on NHS services. The study also highlights the potential impact of private patient income on NHS funding and…
Smoking causes lasting effects on the immune system even after quitting, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 1,000 healthy people in France and found that smoking alters adaptive and innate immunity. Although adaptive immunity remains affected for years, even decades, innate immunity rebounds immediately after people…
A recent study published in the CDC journal investigated the prevalence of long COVID among adults in the United States. Researchers found that 6.4% of adults experienced long COVID, with rates varying from 1.9% in the Virgin Islands to 10.6% in West Virginia. The study utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System…
Keeping a healthy weight as you age is important, though it can be more difficult. The basic rules for weight loss still apply: burn more calories than you consume, eat nutritious foods, and avoid empty calories. If you’re over 60 and want to lose weight, there are extra steps to take. Strength training helps maintain…
A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ 2024 annual meeting suggests that watchful waiting for shoulder adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is medically appropriate and can lead to substantial cost savings compared to physical therapy. Researchers found that patients who received no active treatment for the condition showed similar reductions in symptoms over…
Recent research suggests that probiotics, typically known for their benefits to gut health, may also play a key role in promoting digestive and cognitive well-being. The connection between the gut and brain relies on the communication between the enteric and central nervous systems, with the vagus nerve as the primary communicator. The gut, referred to…
Exoscope technology is a highly advanced tool that has shown excellent outcomes in spinal neurosurgery cases. It offers precise visualization and maneuverability, leading to better surgical results. The technology uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. To learn more about the…
Biopharma companies often use outdated data tools like Microsoft Excel, leading to fragmented and manual data processing. With the explosion of data in the industry, companies are looking to adopt more sophisticated digital technologies, such as the “digital twin,” to streamline data collection and analysis. A “digital data backbone” is being seen as essential to…
A new network in Ireland, called EQUIPS, has been established to advance and improve the understanding of quality and patient safety research. The HSE and Health Research Board have jointly funded the network with €1.25 million over five years. Led by Prof Samuel Cromie and Dr Orla Healy, the network will bring together stakeholders, researchers,…
Children receiving chemotherapy for cancer may experience negative eating behaviors, such as changes in taste, emotional overeating or undereating, food selectivity, and slow eating. The study, conducted on children aged 8 to 18 being treated for cancer, found that most of them had normal body mass index (BMI) scores, but some were at risk for…