Merck’s Keytruda already has the immuno-oncology lead in non-small cell lung cancer, and it’s making sure it stays that way. On Monday, it rolled out new monotherapy data that could significantly expand its patient pool. In a closely watched trial, the…
Molecular Scissors” May Cut Off Diseases Like HIV
One way to fight diseases including HIV infection and autoimmune disorders could involve changing how a naturally occurring enzyme called SAMHD1, an immune response regulator, works to influence the immune system, new research suggests. The study, led by researchers from The…
The top 15 drug patent expirations of 2018
Each year, dozens of branded pharmaceutical products lose their patent protection in a process that routinely paves the way for cheap generics. This year is no different, and the drugs opening up to copycat competitors represent some serious sales heft. And…
Gene That Causes Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism, IDed
A study led by researchers at McMaster University has pinpointed a gene that is responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Researchers found alterations of the gene thousand and one amino-acid kinases 2, known as TAOK2, plays a direct role in these…
Merck’s Keytruda shows up its rivals with NICE backing in bladder cancer
Merck just accomplished a feat its rivals haven’t so far. Friday, England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the company’s Keytruda to treat certain bladder cancer patients, making it the first immuno-oncology med to win the cost watchdog’s favor for that use….
Researchers Adapt HIV Test in Developing Rapid Diagnostic Test for Zika Virus
Researchers at New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry), in collaboration with Rheonix, Inc. (Ithaca, NY), are developing a novel test for the Zika virus that uses saliva to identify diagnostic markers of the virus in a fraction of the…
Regeneron vision drug Eylea sees upward tick in unexplained side-effect cases
Regeneron’s eye drug Eylea has been a hit on the market for years. But now, the number of patients experiencing a rare side effect is climbing, and doctors don’t know why. Post-injection, some patients experience a sharp decline in sight and…
Adaptive Genetic Mutations Detected with Innovative Software
Researchers from Brown University have developed a new method for sifting through genomic data in search of genetic variants that have helped populations adapt to their environments. The technique, dubbed SWIF(r), could be helpful in piecing together the evolutionary history of…
Body’s Own Stem Cells Could Serve as Cancer Vaccine
Induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, are a keystone of regenerative medicine. Outside the body, they can be coaxed to become many different types of cells and tissues that can help repair damage due to trauma or disease. Now, a…
New Lung Probe Technology Speeds Infection Detection
A medical imaging technology under development has enabled doctors to see bacteria deep inside patients’ lungs for the first time. Early tests indicate the bedside technology may be able to detect harmful bacteria in patients’ lungs in less than 60 seconds….