The Government has disclosed that investments amounting to Rs 25813 crore have been made under the pharmaceuticals Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme as of September 2023. This information was released by the Government. This indicates a significant level of investment in the pharmaceutical sector through the PLI scheme. The scheme aims to incentivize and promote…
Hospitals and health systems are facing financial strain, leading to increased M&A activity. During the third quarter of 2023, 40% of health system M&A deals were driven by financial distress. Notable M&A deals this year include Kaiser Permanente’s acquisition of Geisinger Health, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and UnityPoint Health’s failed merger, Henry Ford Health’s plans to…
Novartis reported a 12% increase in sales in the third quarter of 2023, leading to an upgrade in its full-year guidance for core operating income. The company has completed its transition to a “pure-play” innovative medicines business, with Sandoz spun off as a separate entity. Novartis also achieved innovation milestones, including positive phase 3 results…
The content summarizes various health and science stories that made an impact in 2023. It covers topics such as the rise of weight loss drugs, approval of CRISPR-based therapy, abortion access restrictions, and more. It also highlights specific stories that gained attention, including a doctor caring for Boston’s homeless, the dangers of lead exposure from…
Almost 89,000 appointments and procedures were postponed in England due to a three-day strike by junior doctors in December, bringing the total number of rescheduled appointments to over 1.21 million since the strikes began in March. The doctors are planning a six-day strike in January, the longest in NHS history, due to a dispute over…
A study published in eClinicalMedicine found that for patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin does not reduce urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), but it does reduce some cardiovascular events. The multicenter, randomized trial enrolled patients at 18 medical facilities in Japan and found that dapagliflozin did not significantly decrease the UACR. However, patients…
The Endocrine Society applauds Governor Mike Dewine’s veto of an Ohio law that would have banned gender-affirming care for minors. The bill contradicts mainstream medical practice and scientific evidence and would have taken medical decision-making out of the hands of families and physicians. Major medical organizations support the importance of gender-affirming care. This type of…
For many women, sexual desire fluctuates due to changes in relationships, stress, and physical changes. However, approximately 10% of women experience a low sex drive that causes distress, known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The FDA has approved two prescription drugs for HSDD: Flibanserin (daily pill) and Bremelanotide (self-administered shot). These drugs work by…
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that daily consumption of nitrate-rich beetroot juice significantly improved blood pressure, vascular function, and exercise capacity in adults with COPD over 12 weeks. The study involved 81 adults with COPD who were randomly assigned to receive either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or a placebo drink. The nitrate-rich…
A new study has found that smoking can have a negative impact on brain volume. The study suggests that smoking is associated with a decrease in brain volume, which can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. This finding adds to the growing evidence of the harmful effects of smoking…
LGBTQ+ Americans are experiencing illness due to a lack of inclusive health information and discrimination within the traditional healthcare system. A survey found that 27% of LGBTQ+ respondents got sick due to a lack of health information, compared to 18% of non-LGBTQ+ Americans. Distrust of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies is prevalent, with many LGBTQ+…
In July 2023, Google switched to Google Analytics 4 for analyzing web traffic. Proper setup of Google Analytics 4 is necessary for effectively comparing changes in web traffic. Ophthalmologists must ensure correct implementation to accurately track their website’s online performance. Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, overview the steps for tracking a…
The U.S. drug crisis is at an all-time high with around 110,000 deaths from drug overdoses in the year 2023. Fentanyl remains the main culprit, and there is an increase in the use of other drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine alongside opioids. Addiction medicine and drug policy have not seen significant changes despite strong rhetoric…
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of British Columbia in Canada have found an association between race or ethnicity and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). Studies have shown that Asian women in high income countries such as Australia, Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States have higher rates of OASI, 1.5 to…
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that older adults exposed to a low thyrotropin (TSH) level from either endogenous or exogenous thyrotoxicosis are associated with a higher risk for incident cognitive disorder. The study involved 65,931 patients over the age of 65, and the exposure variable was low TSH level due to…
A study from UNIST led by Professors Kang and Park has made a breakthrough in cancer treatment by developing “NK cell-engaging nanodrones” capable of targeting and eliminating cancer cells. They used AaLS protein cage nanoparticles to create these nanodrones and successfully demonstrated how they activate NK cells to eliminate cancer cells. The study, published in…
The size of a woman’s vagina and its impact on sexual pleasure have been debated, with limited research on the topic. Vaginas are highly elastic and can change in size to accommodate different activities such as childbirth and sexual arousal. Women may experience discomfort during sex due to factors such as muscular weakness or injury,…
A study found that 2% of patients taking dupilumab for atopic dermatitis (AD) are likely to experience conjunctivitis, with occurrences happening most frequently within the first 16 weeks of therapy. Developed for AD treatment, dupilumab inhibits signaling of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, found in inflammatory diseases like AD, asthma, and others. In a study of…
Researchers have developed an ingestible capsule that vibrates in the stomach to create a sense of fullness and reduce food intake by about 40%. The capsule was tested on animals and found to stimulate the release of hormones that signal satiety. When vibrating, hormone levels closely mimicked patterns seen after eating. The current version of…
The health bulletin for 30th December 2023 discusses the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. Users are asked to agree to the use of cookies by continuing to use the site. Further information about the use of cookies can be found in the Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings. Source link
CAR T-therapy is a promising treatment for advanced blood cancer, but the logistics of manufacturing and transporting the therapy to patients can be challenging. Galapagos aims to address this issue by developing a technology that allows for manufacturing of the therapy at the hospital where the patient is receiving care, significantly shortening the treatment timeline….
Federal agencies such as the FDA and HHS are working on safety programs to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Digital health executives provided recommendations for regulators, emphasizing the need to incorporate existing regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, and to label AI-generated content. They also emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries…
The article discusses the results of the phase 3 PERSEUS trial presented at ASH 2023. The trial showed that daratumumab combined with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is more effective than the latter three drugs alone in treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Chakra Chaulagain, MD, director of the myeloma and amyloidosis program at Cleveland Clinic…
Millions of people, including children, suffer from life-threatening food allergies in the U.S. The most common treatment is an injectable epinephrine needle, but many people do not have access to or feel comfortable using it. There are alternatives, such as sublingual and intranasal epinephrine, but they are not widely available. Lawmakers and regulators need to…
The content discusses the importance of addressing overlapping systems of discrimination, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted societal inequities, particularly in relation to people living in deprived areas and ethnic minorities. The early research focused on single categories of social identity, which concealed heterogeneity and failed to account for…
A randomized clinical trial found that prone positioning does not decrease the time to successful weaning in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) undergoing venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). The trial involved 14 intensive care units and included patients with severe ARDS who were randomly assigned to prone or supine positioning. Ninety-four percent…
Eleven states and Washington, D.C. provide full health insurance coverage to low-income immigrants, regardless of legal status. Enrollment in these programs could nearly double by 2025 as more states initiate or expand coverage. The increase in coverage comes amid growing hostility toward migrants. Some conservatives believe states will regret expanding coverage due to the cost….
Nighttime heartburn affects four out of five people with regular heartburn and acid reflux. Over-the-counter and prescription medication can treat symptoms, but preventing heartburn is key. Tips to prevent nighttime heartburn include sleeping on your left side, losing weight, elevating your upper body while sleeping, wearing loose-fitting clothes, avoiding trigger foods, and not eating big…
Although clinical trials show that AI can increase adenoma detection rates (ADR) during colonoscopy, real-world results vary. Some studies show improvement, while others don’t. AI use in the US and Europe has increased the proportion of patients needing intensive surveillance, leading to increased patient burden and healthcare costs. However, AI has shown potential in maintaining…
A new study found that owning a pet could slow cognitive decline in older adults living alone. Cognitive decline impairs a person’s ability to learn, remember, and make judgments, and can lead to conditions such as dementia. Living alone has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, with a population-attributable fraction of 8.9%….
A study suggests that high preoperative blood sugar levels may increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers found that patients with elevated blood sugar levels had a higher incidence of infection compared to those with normal levels. This highlights the importance of managing blood sugar levels in patients…
The healthcare industry is facing challenges and opportunities, including the rise of artificial intelligence, increasing cost pressures, and M&A activity. West Monroe identified three trends to watch for in the industry: data strategy, advanced analytics, and AI. AI has the potential to improve workflows and simplify administrative tasks in healthcare. However, foundational investments in data…
The perception of marijuana has changed due to legalization in the US and Canada, with more people believing that smoking or being exposed to marijuana smoke is safer than tobacco. A study surveyed over 5,000 US adults, finding that the percentage of those who believe marijuana smoke is safer increased from 35% in 2017 to…
The U.S. Court of Appeals has temporarily paused the International Trade Commission’s ban on sales of Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. following an appeal by Apple. The suspension allows Apple to resume selling its smartwatches with the disputed blood oxygen feature. The ban was initially imposed to protect medtech…
A study presented at the European Headache Federation found that treatment with 100 mg of ubrogepant in the prodromal phase of a migraine attack prevented the development of headaches within 24 hours post-dose. The study examined the safety and efficacy of ubrogepant in 480 individuals and found that 45.5% of ubrogepant-treated prodrome events achieved a…
First Opinion published top six most-read essays of the year on various topics including the X-waiver for buprenorphine prescribing, long Covid and its brain science, and the new estimate of autism. The most-read article advocated for spreading the word about the bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act of 2023, which removed the X-waiver for prescribing…
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) supports the use of digital pathology as a substitute for light microscopy in reviewing cancer screening histopathology slides. Digital pathology allows pathologists to view glass slides on a computer screen instead of through a microscope. The UK NSC believes that digital pathology can improve accuracy and efficiency in…
Researchers studied the effects of GFH009, a potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor, on the treatment of hematologic malignancies. GFH009 demonstrated antiproliferative activity in cell lines derived from human hematological malignancies, inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis. In preclinical models, GFH009 significantly prolonged the survival of rodents with the condition. The study found that GFH009 rapidly…
Three researchers from Johns Hopkins wrote an article in JAMA Surgery urging the medical community to dismiss the belief that many transgender and gender diverse individuals regret gender affirming surgery (GAS). They reported findings from a retrospective look at evidence-based studies and found that less than 1% of TGD people who receive GAS report regret,…
The article discusses the author’s personal journey with differentiated thyroid cancer. They share their experience of diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional impact of living with cancer. The author discusses the challenges they faced, such as side effects of treatment and managing anxiety. They also emphasize the importance of finding a supportive medical team and seeking…
A study using claims data from commercially insured and Medicare Advantage enrollees found that postoperative anticoagulation early after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with a bioprosthetic valve was associated with improved survival and a lower risk for thromboembolic events. The study included 10,589 patients who underwent SAVR and found that warfarin use early postoperatively was…
Staying hydrated can help ease discomforts after festive meals. Warm water can improve digestion and gut microbiota. Herbal or spiced tea can reduce bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Prune juice has laxative benefits and can improve stool frequency and consistency. Kombucha can reduce high blood sugar and has antibacterial properties. Green juices and smoothies are…
The US FDA has rejected Amgen’s lung cancer drug Lumakras for full approval. The decision was based on concerns about the drug’s effectiveness and safety. This decision means that the drug can only be used under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, which allows for earlier access to promising drugs but requires additional studies to confirm…
Medicaid spending on prescription drugs has increased despite lower utilization of prescription medications, according to a KFF report based on data from 2016 to 2022. This is attributed to the continuous enrollment provision during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to historic highs in Medicaid enrollment. However, despite the growth in enrollment, prescription drug utilization was…
Omecamtiv mecarbil is an effective and safe treatment for both men and women with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and sex-specific factors do not impact its benefits or risks. A study compared omecamtiv mecarbil with a placebo in patients with HFrEF and found that the rates of the primary endpoint of first HF…
Samsung Health app has launched a new Medications tracking feature to help users manage their medications, with alerts for taking and refilling medicines. Indian researchers have developed an AI tool to identify carpal tunnel syndrome in ultrasound videos, and the tool can automatically measure the cross-sectional area of the median nerve. Chinese University of Hong…
Donald Brown, a 55-year-old man with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, was struggling to keep up with the requirements of a special diversion program aimed at keeping people with mental illness out of jail. If he failed to complete the program, he faced possible incarceration. Critics worry that mental health courts can be expensive, resource-intensive,…
Dr. Steven P. Furr, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, reflects on his 39-year experience as a family physician in Jackson, Alabama. He highlights the importance of the patient-physician relationship in primary care and the new add-on code G2211 for Medicare patient visits, emphasizing the uniqueness of primary care physicians’ involvement in their…
STAT will host a biotech event on Jan. 8 and a virtual JPM conference recap on Jan. 12. STAT+ subscribers attending the event will have access to a co-working space in San Francisco with free coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi. The event aims to help participants get the most out of the JPM conference. Participants are…
A study found that the long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, reduced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated hospital admissions in infants by 83%. The study included over 8000 infants who were randomly assigned to receive nirsevimab or standard care. The results showed that only 0.3% of infants in the nirsevimab group were admitted to…