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New analgesic shows promise as opioid alternative

Opioids like morphine are widely used in medical practice due to their powerful pain-relieving effects. However, they carry the risk of serious adverse effects such as respiratory depression and drug dependence.

4 Aug 2025

HIV trial points to semaglutide as a new anti-aging contender

Once-weekly semaglutide significantly slowed epigenetic aging in adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy, as measured by multiple DNA methylation clocks in a randomized controlled trial. These exploratory findings suggest GLP-1 receptor agonists could impact biological aging but require further validation in broader populations.

4 Aug 2025

New drug combo outperforms Tamiflu in fighting deadliest flu strains

A surprising new drug combo—including a compound found in chocolate—has outperformed Tamiflu in fighting the flu, according to a study published in PNAS.

4 Aug 2025

Metformin’s blood sugar control starts in the brain, not just the liver, study finds

Low, clinically relevant doses of metformin lower blood glucose by inhibiting the Rap1 protein in specific neurons of the hypothalamus, revealing a brain-first mechanism. This action is essential for metformin’s effect at therapeutic doses and highlights new directions for diabetes treatment.

3 Aug 2025

Deadly opioid contaminants uncovered in Adelaide street drug supply

A synthetic opioid 1000 times more potent than morphine is infiltrating the street drug trade in Adelaide, Australia, sparking fears of a wave of overdoses that could be lethal.

1 Aug 2025

AI uncovers new lipid-lowering effects in existing FDA-approved drugs

In a breakthrough for cardiovascular medicine, researchers have harnessed artificial intelligence to discover unexpected lipid-lowering effects in existing FDA-approved drugs.

31 Jul 2025

Warfarin use not linked to higher brain bleed risk after falls in older adults

There are about 70 million baby boomers in the United States, many now over age 65. As people age, rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases rise, leading to more use of blood thinners such as warfarin.

29 Jul 2025

Cardiologists urged to prioritize potent statins in managing LDL cholesterol

There is broad consensus that the overall body of evidence shows lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol provides both statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease.

28 Jul 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

Commonly used type 2 diabetes medication linked to higher rate of heart-related conditions

New research from investigators at Mass General Brigham suggests that a commonly used type 2 diabetes medication is linked to a higher rate of heart-related conditions compared to medications that hit other targets.

24 Jul 2025

Different anti-PD-L1 antibodies show varied results in tumor growth inhibition

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a powerful form of immunotherapy, have revolutionized cancer treatment by unleashing the body's own immune system to fight tumors.

24 Jul 2025

Ibogaine treatment shows major breakthrough for veterans with brain injuries

Now, Stanford Medicine researchers have discovered that the plant-based psychoactive drug ibogaine, when combined with magnesium to protect the heart, safely and effectively reduces PTSD, anxiety and depression and improves functioning in veterans with TBI.

24 Jul 2025

Ketamine's antidepressant effects involve the brain's opioid system

Ketamine is a highly effective, fast-acting antidepressant that works even for patients who have not responded to other medications.

24 Jul 2025

AGS releases new guide for safer medication alternatives in older adults

Today the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) announced the release of the Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria (DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19500), an updated clinical resource designed to help healthcare professionals identify safer, more appropriate treatment options for older adults.

24 Jul 2025

What happens to your weight after quitting GLP-1 anti-obesity drugs?

Stopping anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight regain, starting as early as eight weeks and stabilizing by six months. Despite this rebound, most patients maintain some weight loss compared to baseline a year after discontinuation.

23 Jul 2025

Indian pharma group relies on high-tech solutions from L.B. Bohle

Investing in L.B. Bohle's innovative technologies, the Indian pharmaceutical company optimizes processes and strengthens its competitive edge in the market.

From L.B. Bohle Maschinen und Verfahren GmbH 23 Jul 2025

Can one drug do it all? Reviewing the expanding clinical universe of GLP-1 agonists

Landmark trials have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for diabetes and weight loss, also provide significant benefits for cardiovascular, kidney, liver, joint, and sleep-related diseases. These effects extend beyond weight loss, suggesting anti-inflammatory mechanisms with broad potential for managing chronic diseases.

22 Jul 2025

Mapping metformin’s kidney effects through spatial multi-omics

Metformin is a widely used first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes, and studies increasingly point to its protective effects on the kidney.

22 Jul 2025

Dual cancer drugs restore memory and rewire brain cells in Alzheimer’s mouse models

Researchers identified a combination of two existing cancer drugs, letrozole and irinotecan, that reversed Alzheimer’s disease-related changes in brain cell networks and improved memory in mouse models. The study supports a multi-cell-type, network-correcting strategy as a promising path for future Alzheimer’s treatments.

22 Jul 2025

Weight regain observed in patients after ending obesity drug treatment

Patients prescribed drugs to help them lose weight may experience a rebound in weight gain after halting their prescription, finds a meta-analysis published in BMC Medicine.

22 Jul 2025