Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have given new superpowers to a lifesaving antibiotic called vancomycin, an advance that could eliminate the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections for years to come. The researchers, led by Dale Boger, co-chair of TSRI’s…
Faster Drug & Medical Device Approvals Under 21st Century Cures Act Raises Patient Safety Concerns
President Obama signed a bill that will provide US$6 billion in federal funding for basic medical research on Dec. 13. Called the 21st Century Cures Act, it also introduces changes to how the Food and Drug Administration approves drugs and medical devices, creating…
Study Determines Efficacy of 2 Drugs to Treat a Form of Leukemia
Researchers have determined that two Phase 1 drugs (CX-4945 and JQ1) can work together to efficiently kill T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells while having minimal impact on normal blood cells, representing a significant advancement in T-Cell Leukemia Treatment. Although both drugs…
Researchers: It’s Time to Consider Propranolol as Anti-Cancer Drug
Propranolol, a beta-blocker commonly prescribed to treat irregular heart rates and other conditions, has significant anti-cancer properties, say researchers in a new clinical study published in ecancermedicalscience. The Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO) project, an international collaboration between the Anticancer Fund, Belgium,…
Drug Combination Shows Promise As Powerful Breast Cancer Treatment
The uncontrolled growth of cancer cells arises from their ability to hijack the cell’s normal growth program and checkpoints. Usually, after therapy, a second cancer-signaling pathway will open after the primary one shuts down — creating an ingenious escape route for…
Vivolux Cancer Drug Receives FDA Clearance for Clinical Study
Vivolux, a pharmaceutical company specialized in cancer treatment, announced that the FDA has granted clearance to proceed with VLX1570 Clinical Trial phase 1/2 for treatment against relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Researchers at Vivolux have discovered a novel cancer drug target…
FDA: Little Evidence to Support Testosterone Drugs
The Food and Drug Administration says there is little evidence that testosterone-boosting drugs taken by millions of American men are beneficial, though the agency is also unconvinced by studies suggesting the hormone carries serious testosterone therapy risks. The agency posted its…
Breath Reveals Hidden Image in Anti-Counterfeit Labels
An outline of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic face appeared on the clear, plastic film when a researcher fogs it with her breath. Terry Shyu, a doctoral student in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan, was demonstrating a new high-tech label for…
Cure to Lung Cancer May Depend on Your DNA
The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute announced its participation in a unique National Cancer Institute clinical collaboration to treat lung cancer based on a person’s genetic makeup. The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is the first to offer this clinical trial, referred to…
Potential Flu Drugs Target Immune Response
The seriousness of disease often results from the strength of the immune response, rather than with the virus, itself. Turning down that response, rather than attacking the virus, might be a better way to reduce that severity, said Juliet Morrison of…