Zai Lab Limited has initiated a phase 2 trial for its topical chronic plaque psoriasis treatment candidate, ZL-1102, which is a hydrogel formula of an IL-17 inhibitor aimed at treating milder forms of psoriasis. The trial will assess the efficacy of different doses compared to a placebo over a 16-week period in approximately 250 patients….
A woman with post-traumatic stress disorder participated in an MDMA study hoping for relief, but instead experienced intense despair when her symptoms did not improve. She even considered suicide at one point. Despite her struggles, she resisted jumping in front of a train out of fear that it would impact the success of the MDMA…
GP leaders are calling for stricter sanctions against patients who commit violence against doctors and their teams. They are also asking for more support for surgeries to address the increasing number of incidents in general practice. At a recent conference, GPs shared their experiences of violence from patients, leading to a motion to relax the…
Louisiana has passed a law designating abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances. Possession of mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription would lead to fines and jail time once the bill is signed by Gov. Jeff Landry. Critics warn that this law will hinder safe and legal use of the drugs. Abortion opponents argue that the…
The study by Tafadzwa Chaunzwa and colleagues focused on using artificial intelligence to analyze body composition in lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. They found that changes in muscle mass and fat quality during treatment were important indicators of patient outcomes. This study fills a gap in knowledge by providing a more nuanced understanding of the…
The development of medications aimed at preserving muscle mass and enhancing fat loss when used alongside GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss is a growing area of interest. Drugs like semaglutide and GIP/GLP-1 tirzepatide are showing promising weight loss results, but concern has arisen about the impact on lean body mass vs fat mass. Several…
Eli Lilly is investing $5.3 billion to expand their Lebanon, Indiana site in order to increase production of the metabolic disorder drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, both of which contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient tirzepatide. The expansion, set to be operational by late 2026, will create 200 additional jobs and bring Lilly’s total investment in the…
A report on workforce data shows that Irish-born medical interns have higher retention rates in the country’s health system compared to interns from other regions. The head of the HSE unit analyzing the medical workforce emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Irish graduates to improve retention. The report also highlighted the high number…
In 2020 and 2023, the federal government changed organ donation guidelines to allow men who have had sex with another man to donate organs and blood. However, restrictions on donated tissue, such as corneas, remain in place. Advocates and lawmakers are frustrated by the FDA’s refusal to align guidelines for tissue donation from gay and…
At the ASCRS meeting, George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS, discussed the 1-year data for the OmniVu IOL system from Atia Vision. The study included 27 eyes and showed a full range of visual acuity with positive stability results. The modular system mimics the accommodative state of the human eye and yielded promising qualitative and…
Stay informed about the latest in biotech by signing up for our newsletter. This week, concerns were raised about data gaps in MDMA-assisted therapy trials, potentially affecting FDA approval. The efficacy of Ozempic in preventing death in diabetes and chronic kidney disease patients was also highlighted. Furthermore, BIO, a drug industry lobbying group, faced challenges…
Batch cooking can be helpful for emergency situations like power cuts or government mandates to stay at home during a pandemic. The UK government recommends having an emergency kit with non-perishable food, such as tinned items, and bottled water to last at least 3 days. This preparation can help ensure you have enough supplies on…
Mosquito season is starting in the United States, bringing the risk of bug bites that can transmit parasites and viruses like malaria, dengue, West Nile, and Zika. To protect against mosquito bites, repellents with DEET, IR3535, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended. Other preventive measures include wearing long clothes, avoiding outdoor activities at…
A team of experts in MS research recommends a structured approach to studying mechanisms of exercise training for improving outcomes in multiple sclerosis. They emphasize the value of an experimental medicine framework to optimize exercise interventions in MS rehabilitation. While pharmacological treatments can prevent relapses, they do not improve functions affected by the disease. Exercise…
An advisory panel to the US FDA voted 7 to 4 that the benefits of the once-weekly basal insulin analog icodec don’t outweigh the increased risk of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes patients. The FDA meeting was specifically for this purpose, based on Novo Nordisk’s ONWARDS-6 trial results. Panelists discussed various risk mitigation strategies for…
The U.S. CDC confirmed a second human case of bird flu in a dairy farm worker in Michigan, with mild eye symptoms. The patient fully recovered. The first case was reported in Texas in March. Human-to-human transmission is still not confirmed, and the infection risk to the public is low. The CDC has tested close…
Lyra Health, a mental health company based in California, has introduced new offerings specifically tailored to teens and families. These offerings include self-guided programs, therapy, medication management, and digital content featuring immersive animation and relatable scenarios designed to resonate with teens. Patients will have access to therapists specializing in evidence-based treatments for teens, as well…
Inspections of six inpatient mental health centers revealed concerns regarding risk management, staffing, and restrictive practices. The Mental Health Commission found six critical and 29 high-risk non-compliances across various rules and regulations. Common themes of concern included failings in risk management procedures, staffing, and restrictive practices. The reports highlighted issues with seclusion, physical restraint, and…
The editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, Céline Gounder, discussed the second case of bird flu in humans in the U.S. on “CBS Morning News.” Andy Miller talked about weight loss drugs on WUGA’s “The Georgia Health Report,” and Renuka Rayasam wrote about the high cost of popular diabetes drugs. KFF Health News…
A new film titled “On the Shoulders of Giants: The History of NYU Langone Orthopedics,” sponsored by NYU Langone Orthopedics, has been selected for a private screening at the Tribeca Festival. The film showcases the history, innovation, and legacy of the orthopedic department at NYU Langone, which was ranked fourth nationally for orthopedic hospitals in…
Filling in for Ed Silverman, STAT provides uninterrupted pharma news this Friday before the Memorial Day weekend. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic showed promising results in a trial for type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, reducing cardiovascular and all-cause deaths. Eli Lilly is investing $5 billion to expand an Indiana facility for manufacturing obesity and diabetes…
A recent conference held by UK local medical committees saw GPs reject language condemning physician associates (PAs), with concerns rising about their role in general practice. The motion to condemn PAs for anything other than administrative or simple procedural duties was lost. The issue sparked debate at the conference, with speakers questioning the need to…
A breakthrough study presented at the 61st ERA Congress has identified anti-nephrin autoantibodies as a reliable biomarker for tracking kidney diseases associated with nephrotic syndrome. The study, also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, used a hybrid technique to detect these autoantibodies, revealing their correlation with disease activity. This discovery opens new avenues…
A research team at Utrecht University discovered how the antibiotic plectasin works by forming large structures that trap bacteria on the cell surface, similar to Velcro. This novel mechanism could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. The study utilized advanced biophysical techniques to uncover the detailed process by which…
Canada’s colorectal cancer screening programs meet the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s criteria but vary in service delivery and quality assurance. Some programs don’t send invitations or include stool test kits in invitations, impacting screening participation. Collaborating with the Cancer Screening in Five Continents program, researchers compared Canada’s programs with 10 high-incidence countries. While…
A study published in the BMJ found that the use of epidural during childbirth can reduce the risk of maternal complications post-delivery. The research showed a 35% relative risk reduction in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in women who received epidural, with even greater reductions seen in women with a medical indication for epidural and those…
Allegheny Health Network launched a generative AI tool named Sidekick for its 22,000 employees to assist with administrative tasks. Developed with partner Google, Sidekick was trained on AHN’s and Highmark’s data to ensure privacy and data security. The tool can help with writing letters, prior authorizations, and other administrative duties, allowing clinicians to spend more…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Consultant Paediatrician with Special Interest in Allergy & Asthma at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary for this position ranges from £94,127 to £126,907 per annum pro rata. The closing date for applications is Friday, 21st June 2024. Interested candidates can find the job…
Zipline’s urban drone delivery system, Platform 2, will be used by Mayo Clinic for its hospital-at-home program in Florida and Minnesota. The autonomous drone can carry eight pounds of cargo over 10 miles in 10 minutes. Patients in Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Care at Home program will receive medications and supplies via drone delivery. Zipline has…
In many developed countries, maternal mortality rates are low, with only 3 deaths per 100,000 live births in Australia in 2021. However, in the American South, particularly for Black women, this is not the case. In South Carolina, Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Discrimination is…
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in global life expectancy, returning it to 2012 levels in just 2 years. Noncommunicable diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for 78% of non-COVID-related deaths during the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic varied across different regions, with the Western Pacific region being less affected compared…
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that mice fed milk from cows infected with H5N1 avian flu became very ill, indicating the potential danger of raw milk containing the virus. Experts warn that although the study cannot be conducted in humans for ethical reasons, there is a probable risk…
A GP in Kent was stabbed in the arm at Barnard Health Centre in Sidcup, leading to his hospitalization. The suspect, a man in his 60s, was arrested for attempted murder. The doctor, in his 50s, is expected to recover from his non-life threatening injury. This incident is part of a series of attacks against…
Researchers confirmed the danger of consuming raw cow’s milk contaminated with the H5N1 avian flu virus. Mice fed the milk quickly became ill in experiments conducted by virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka’s team. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicating that H5N1 in untreated milk can infect animals that consume it. While…
A consortium of researchers has created detailed maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. Using postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors, the research sheds light on genetic risk factors for disorders like schizophrenia and depression. The findings, supported by the NIH, provide valuable resources for identifying…
The study on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, shows significant benefits in preventing kidney disease, cardiovascular events, and mortality in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes. High-risk patients showed a 24% lower risk of major kidney events with semaglutide. The trial stopped early due to clear efficacy, and further analyses favored semaglutide. Adverse events…
Consuming enough fiber daily can be challenging, especially for those with busy schedules. Fiber supplements are an effective way to increase fiber intake and support overall well-being. Swanson’s Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber supplement aids in promoting digestive health and supporting the immune system. Vitafusion’s Fiber Well gummies offer a fun and delicious way to incorporate…
Specialty drugs are a significant portion of drug spending and essential for many patients. Access and affordability remain challenges in the specialty pharmacy world. Walgreens is expanding its specialty pharmacy and launching cell and gene therapy services. Tracey James, who leads the retailer’s specialty pharmacy business, discusses the evolution of pharmacies and PBMs in a…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Consultant Paediatrician with a Special Interest in Epilepsy for Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary ranges from £94,127 to £126,907 per annum pro rota. The closing date for applications is Friday, 21st June 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the job description, criteria,…
Alzheimer’s Disease is a major health concern globally, leading to cognitive decline and impacting both patients and caregivers. However, some individuals appear to be resilient to the disease, showing no symptoms despite brain changes. A recent study in the Netherlands identified biochemical differences in resilient individuals, including increased antioxidant activity and energy production in brain…
California-based Allez Health, formerly known as Zense-Life, has secured $60 million in Series A+ financing led by Osang Healthcare. The company focuses on continuous glucose monitoring biosensors to analyze health data and improve patient performance. The funding will support operations, regulatory approval filings, manufacturing, and clinical trials. The leadership team consists of former Dexcom leaders,…
La FDA mantiene restricciones para la donación de tejidos por parte de hombres gays, lo que ha generado frustración entre defensores y legisladores. Se pide que las pautas sean las mismas para todos los donantes. Se destaca el caso de un joven gay cuyas córneas fueron rechazadas por su orientación sexual. A pesar de los…
A survey by VSP Vision Care found that employees are experiencing an average of 96 hours of screen time per week, with more than a third of that coming from work. Generation Z employees reported longer hours and 54% reported worsening eye health. The survey highlighted issues such as increased screen time, long work hours,…
A new federal lawsuit challenges the Biden administration’s minimum nursing home staffing rule, warning of potential closures, displacement of seniors, and delays in care. The lawsuit, filed by the American Health Care Association, argues that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services overstepped its authority in implementing the rule. The complaint describes the rule as…
The authors discuss the harmful impact of criminalizing already destitute individuals, particularly those who are homeless. They express concern about proposed legislation in the UK Parliament that would criminalize rough sleeping, begging, and other activities associated with homelessness. They argue that criminalizing homelessness only exacerbates the plight of vulnerable individuals and does not address the…
Researchers are investigating autophagy as a potential treatment for pancreatitis, a condition where damaged organelles accumulate and disrupt cellular function. Autophagy helps maintain healthy pancreatic acinar cells by removing these damaged components. Impaired autophagy has been linked to pancreatitis, leading to cell stress and potential cell death. The review also discusses the role of mitochondrial…
Researcher Irantzu Vergara from UPV/EHU studied the presence of antibiotics in vegetables and earthworms in the Basque Autonomous Community. The study highlighted the need for further research on the contamination of antibiotics in the environment. The methods developed by Vergara at UPV/EHU labs allowed for the detection of low concentrations of antimicrobials in plants and…
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting will take place in Chicago from May 31 – June 4, with over 45,000 attendees from around the world. More than 7000 abstracts were submitted, with over 5000 selected for presentation. The theme for this year is “The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort…
Research suggests that mental health issues can spread among adolescent social groups, particularly mood, anxiety, and eating disorders. A study with over 700,000 ninth-grade pupils found a link between classmates with mental disorders and an increased risk of an individual being diagnosed later in life. It was noted that this link was strongest during the…
Hims & Hers, a health and wellness platform, is addressing the GLP-1 shortage by offering compounded GLP-1 medications starting at $199 a month. These medications provide the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, with unlimited medical consultations included. The company aims to provide a comprehensive weight management solution that combines medication with healthy lifestyle…