The FDA has rejected approval of the cancer drug zolbetuximab due to manufacturing issues. The drug, developed by Astellas, was intended for treating a specific type of gastric cancer. The FDA’s decision was related to unresolved deficiencies in the manufacturing process at a third-party facility. The company is working to resolve the issues and clarified…
To stay healthy as temperatures drop and flu season lingers, focus on maintaining a nutritious diet. Nutrition expert Bonnie Taub-Dix recommends incorporating immunity-boosting foods rich in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean protein, including garlic, ginger, colorful fruits and veggies, seafood, and yogurt. Warm soups and herbal teas with immune-supporting properties like elderberry, echinacea,…
Bipolar disorder is associated with a higher risk of premature death compared to smoking. Researchers have found that individuals with bipolar disorder have a reduced life expectancy by an average of 9-20 years, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study highlights the urgent need for better management and treatment of bipolar disorder to…
Healthcare startups in health tech, diagnostics, medtech, and biotech are invited to apply for the MedCity News startup pitch contest at the INVEST conference in Chicago on May 21-22. The contest has four tracks focusing on oncology, cardiology, women’s health, and addressing burnout and operational efficiency. Six finalists will be chosen for each track to…
In 2023, there was an 11 per cent reduction in patients waiting longer than 10/12 weeks for a hospital procedure, but the overall waiting lists fell by just three per cent, which is below the ten per cent target set by the Government. Department of Health figures revealed a 32 per cent reduction in patients…
A meta-analysis supports the use of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The analysis showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with oral SERDs over standard endocrine therapy in patients who had previously received at least 1 line of endocrine therapy. Oral SERDs significantly…
Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai and Oita University have developed an AI model that uses data from wearable devices to predict Alzheimer’s disease. The study collected data from 122 individuals aged 65 and older, including physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and lifestyle information. Participants also underwent annual amyloid PET examinations to detect the accumulation of amyloid-beta…
Some radiology clinics in the U.S. are offering AI analysis of mammograms for an extra $40, which isn’t covered by insurance. The analysis uses AI to detect abnormalities that human radiologists might miss and has the potential to improve the detection of suspicious breast masses and lead to earlier diagnoses of breast cancer. While studies…
The phase 2 clinical trial of Verrica’s peptide-based immunotherapy for basal cell carcinoma has enrolled and dosed its final patient. VP-315, an oncolytic peptide, is injected directly into tumors to induce immunogenic cell death. The trial includes 80 patients with biopsy-proven BCC. Verrica’s VP-315 program aims to provide an alternative to surgery for BCC treatment,…
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider the legality of Idaho’s abortion law, reinstating its highly restrictive ban in the meantime. This is expected to lead to similar measures in other states, with politicians in Idaho and Texas already asking courts to allow them to jail doctors for providing emergency abortions. The American Civil…
