Scientists have long struggled with finding effective ways to fight back against viral infections. An international investigation led by a team from RMIT in Melbourne has uncovered a previously undiscovered biological process that suppresses the body’s natural antiviral response. This research could lead to entirely new treatment strategies for some of the world’s most widespread...
Category: <span>Pharmaceutical Updates</span>
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Fermented red clover extract stops menopausal hot flushes and symptoms
The vast majority of women in the menopause are familiar with the status of Red Clover as an herbal medicine that soothes hot flush symptoms and hormonal fluctuations. This holds true, new research shows, if the red clover is taken in a fermented form. Fermented Red Clover extract is demonstrated to decrease significantly both the...
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Over-the-counter lipoic acid may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis, study finds
Lipoic acid reduced brain shrinkage in patients with secondary progressive MS Compared to a placebo, it improved atrophy by 68% Portland researchers found In comparison, FDA-approved drug ocrelizumab showed reduction of just 18% People with SPMS don’t recover from relapses and see a worsening of disability There’s no known cure for this or any type of...
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Repurposed Asthma Drug Shows Blood Sugar Improvement among Some Diabetics
fter 12 weeks of taking an anti-asthma drug, a subset of patients with type 2 diabetes showed a clinically significant reduction in blood glucose during a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, report University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of Michigan researchers. Alan Saltiel, PhD, director of the Institute for Diabetes...
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FDA Approves First Sickle Cell Drug in 20 Years
A scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a sickle cell red blood cell found in a blood specimen of an 18 year old female patient. The FDA approved a new medicine Friday to reduce the complications associated with sickle cell disease, a rare blood disorder. The drug, Endari, is made by privately held Emmaus Medical...
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Binge-eating is a brain disorder which could be targeted with an anti-obesity pill, scientists claim
Immune cells that cause people to gorge on high-fat foods have been identified When mice were given an experimental drug to reduce the cells they ate 15% less Similar drug is in clinical trials that may help stop humans piling on the pounds Binge-eating is a brain disorder which could be targeted with an anti-obesity...
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Multiple sclerosis: Antioxidant may slow disease progression
New research offers hope for patients with multiple sclerosis, after finding that a common over-the-counter antioxidant may help to slow the condition. In a pilot study, researchers found that taking a high dose of lipoic acid every day for 2 years reduced whole brain atrophy among patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis(SPMS), compared with a placebo. Lead...
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Some heartburn drugs linked with higher risk of death
Some heartburn drugs used by millions of Americans are associated with a higher risk of death, a new study suggests, but people on the drugs should talk with their doctor first before stopping the medicines, experts say. The drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), reduce stomach acid and are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Other recent...
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Needle-Free Flu Vaccine Patch Works as Well as a Shot
A press-on patch that delivers flu vaccine painlessly worked as well as an old-fashioned flu shot with no serious side effects, researchers reported Tuesday. People who tried out the patch said it was not difficult or painful to use, and tests of their blood suggested the vaccine it delivers created about the same immune response...
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Studying immune response to aluminum salts can explain how these chemicals boost vaccine’s efficacy
Adjuvants are often included in vaccines to stimulate the immune system and so make a vaccine more effective. Now an A*STAR team, led by Alessandra Mortellaro from the Singapore Immunology Network, has explained a new immune pathway of a commonly used vaccine adjuvant, aluminum salts or ‘alum’ Components of disease-causing microorganisms contained in vaccines are...