Lung Disease News and Research

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S. pneumoniae serotypes differ between primary and post-viral disease

Certain capsular serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae are particularly likely to cause disease in people who have recently experienced a respiratory viral infection, study findings indicate.

14 Apr 2014

Genkyotex’s GKT137831 reverses lung fibrosis in new model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Genkyotex, the leading developer of selective NOX enzyme inhibitors, announced today the publication of data showing that GKT137831, a first in class NOX1 and 4 inhibitor, was able to reverse lung fibrosis associated with aging in a new model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

10 Apr 2014

SLU researcher receives $608,376 grant to design better clinical treatments for multiple sclerosis

Saint Louis University researcher Daniel Hawiger, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded $608,376 from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to gain a better understanding of how the autoimmune process that causes multiple sclerosis (MS) may be stopped or slowed down.

9 Apr 2014

SLU researcher receives NIH grant to study on type of opioids that lead to depression

After finding a link between chronic use of prescription-based painkillers and increase in risk of depression, Saint Louis University researcher Jeffrey Scherrer, Ph.D., has received a $391,706 NIH grant to further investigate the pattern in a wider patient base, and study the type of opioids that lead to depression.

8 Apr 2014

Researchers examine risks and benefits of E-cigarettes

Some believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking tobacco since e-cig vapor doesn't contain the chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

3 Apr 2014

Research: Underweight puts people at highest risk of dying, just as obesity does

Being underweight puts people at highest risk of dying, just as obesity does, new research has found. The connection between being underweight and the higher risk of dying is true for both adults and fetuses.

29 Mar 2014

Novartis’ investigational compound achieves overall response rate of 58% in patients with ALK+ NSCLC

Novartis today announced that The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published clinical trial results showing the investigational compound LDK378 (ceritinib) achieved an overall response rate (ORR, including complete response [CR] and partial response [PR]) of 58% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of seven months in adults with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received 400 mg or higher of LDK378 per day.

28 Mar 2014

SLU researchers receive $1.4M grant to study alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in adults

Researchers at Saint Louis University will study alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in adults, an inherited disease that can cause liver damage, to answer various questions that could lead to effective methods of treatment.

27 Mar 2014

Insmed reports results from ARIKAYCE phase 2 trial for treatment resistant NTM lung infections

Insmed Incorporated today reported results from the Company's phase 2 clinical trial of ARIKAYCETM, or liposomal amikacin for inhalation, for the treatment of patients with treatment resistant nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections.

26 Mar 2014

SLU researchers awarded NIH grants to search for a drug to cure hepatitis B

Two grants from the National Institutes of Health will allow Saint Louis University researchers to build on breakthroughs in understanding the hepatitis B virus and begin the search for a drug to cure - not just halt - the illness.

26 Mar 2014

Common cholesterol-lowering drugs provide relief to patients suffering from chronic lung disease

Common cholesterol-lowering drugs could provide relief to patients suffering from a chronic lung disease, a study has shown.

25 Mar 2014

Tobacco smoking increases risk of recurrent TB, shows study

Research published today provides critical new insight on the harmful links between smoking tobacco and developing tuberculosis (TB).

24 Mar 2014

Tuberculosis control needs a complete and patient-centric solution

Whether it is mobile phone service or vacation travel, good businesses know that success depends on providing a complete and customer-centric solution. Should patients with tuberculosis not be offered a complete solution that is patient-centered? After all, millions are affected and a large market at the base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) remains unserved.

24 Mar 2014

Australians it's time to consider a flu vaccination

Although it is still early in the season, NPS MedicineWise is joining other health experts in recommending that people at risk of complications of the flu (influenza) get vaccinated against the illness.

13 Mar 2014

Chronic smokers have altered emotional reactions when exposed to negative, positive images of tobacco

What if the use of a product influenced your perception of it, making you even more susceptible to its positive aspects and altering your understanding of its drawbacks? This is precisely what happens with cigarettes in chronic smokers, according to a recent study by the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal and University of Montreal.

11 Mar 2014

3D scaffolds bring hope for lung regeneration

In end-stage lung disease, transplantation is sometimes the only viable therapeutic option, but organ availability is limited and rejection presents an additional challenge.

10 Mar 2014

Higher levels of exposure to traffic-related air pollution linked to changes in right ventricle of the heart

Exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollution is associated with changes in the right ventricle of the heart that may contribute to the known connection between air pollution exposure and heart disease, according to a new study.

7 Mar 2014

Treating cystic fibrosis: an interview with Simon Bedson, Senior Vice President and International General Manager at Vertex

Cystic fibrosis is a rare, life-shortening genetic disease for which there is no cure. It affects more than 75,000 people worldwide. In CF, thick, sticky mucus blocks the passages in many organs, leading to a variety of symptoms. In particular, mucus builds up and clogs airways in the lungs making it easier for bacteria to grow.

5 Mar 2014

Medical student receives award for finding out drugs to treat peripheral vascular disease

Working at a Saint Louis University laboratory, second-year medical student Weston Gordon performed several studies investigating two novel drug therapies that may be useful in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

4 Mar 2014

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction—a "cytokine storm"—that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus.

3 Mar 2014