A recent study by Danish researchers has reported that the intake of psychotropic medications could pose serious adverse effects during pregnancy, including the possibility of birth defects in the offspring. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the open access journal BMC Research Notes. Continue Reading

The current long-term therapies used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, producing local adverse effects at the sites of injection. Hence, the development of an orally administered drug would offer greater convenience and be more acceptable to patients. Teriflunomide is one of five such orally administered disease-modifying agents (used against rheumatoid arthritis) currently under investigation. Now, a Phase II trial conducted by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine reports teriflunomide to be safe and effective when used in conjunction with glatiramer acetate for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Continue Reading

Allopurinol, the prototype xanthine oxidase inhibitor, has been indicated for the management of gout and other conditions associated with hyperuricemia for more than half a century. Recent reports have suggested the probable role of xanthine oxidase in ischemic injuries, thereby prompting researchers to consider allopurinol as a treatment option. Now, a recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, published in the latest issue of The Lancet, reports the potential use of the drug in treating chronic stable angina. Continue Reading

Non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTE-AMI) correlates with significantly increased risk of recurrent ischemic events and death, indicating poor prognosis. The results of a recent trial voices the efficacy of full-dose atorvastatin therapy (80 mg/day) in reducing ischemic recurrences following NSTE-AMI in severe, diffuse non-revascularizable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The findings of this trial are published in the latest issue of the journal, Current Medical Research and Opinion. Continue Reading

The hypoglycemic effect of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, has been proven through various well-designed clinical trials. However, since they are reported to cause fluid retention, guidelines from international medical bodies caution the use of these drugs in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure (HF). Now, data obtained from a multi-center open-label trial further corroborates the enhanced risk for HF events in type 2 diabetic patients on rosiglitazone medication. The results of the Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiac Outcomes and Regulation of Glycaemia in Diabetes (RECORD) study, published in the recent issue of the European Heart Journal, support the warnings put forth for the use of TZDs in diabetic patients on treatment with metformin or sulfonylurea mono or combined therapy. Continue Reading

Beta-blockers are one of the most widely used classes of medications prescribed for hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Now, a recent breakthrough trial by Nottingham and German researchers suggests a novel therapeutic application of beta-blockers, i.e., in reducing breast cancer metastasis, and thereby enhancing patient survival rate. The findings of the pilot study were presented at the seventh European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC7) held in Barcelona, on March 26th, 2010. Continue Reading

With neuroinflammation documented as one of the prominent pathogenic mechanisms in Parkinson disease (PD), several preclinical and in vitro studies have shown the advantages of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in modifying the disease risk. Now, a recent study reports that daily intake of ibuprofen, a commonly used over-the-counter medication for pain, could reduce the risk of developing PD by 40%. The results of the study will be presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Toronto, from April 10-17, 2010. Continue Reading

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the worst pandemic to date, continues its deadly course in contributing to the substantial increase in the number of people contracting the infection every year. As per the reports of UNAIDS, The United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS, the year 2008 had approximately 33.4 million people living with HIV. Among these, half of the cases have been reported in women, especially those of childbearing age; thereby proposing an increased risk for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the condition. Continue Reading

The aberrant expression of several microRNA (miRNA) molecules, which play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, has been associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Now, researchers at the National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Fudan University, University of Hong Kong, and Ohio State University, have identified a miRNA molecule that could help predict the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and also their response to interferon alpha adjuvant treatment, post-surgery. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading

Stelara (Ustekinumab | Centocor, Inc.) has gained the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Centocor holds the exclusive marketing rights for ustekinumab in the United States. Continue Reading