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Retail pharmacies excluded from Medicare Part D networks at higher risk of closure

Retail pharmacies excluded from Medicare Part D networks maintained by drug benefits middlemen were much more likely to close over the past decade, according to new research from USC published in Health Affairs.

6 May 2025

Diabetes drug shows promise for treating prostate cancer

An international team of scientists led by the Medical University of Vienna has identified similarities in the mechanisms of diabetes and cancer: as the researchers show, the protein PPARγ, which is central to the regulation of metabolic processes, can also influence the growth of prostate cancer cells.

6 May 2025

New rifamycin drugs fight antibiotic-resistant lung infections more effectively

Researchers have developed next-generation rifamycin analogs that effectively kill both replicating and nonreplicating Mycobacterium abscessus while minimizing drug-drug interactions. Lead candidates UMN-120 and UMN-121 showed superior efficacy to current treatments in mouse models and retained potency against M. tuberculosis.

5 May 2025

Scientists use AI to build mutation-proof antibodies for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers used AI models to design antibodies that neutralize over 1,300 SARS-CoV-2 strains, including Delta and Omicron. The models demonstrated faster, cheaper, and more adaptable therapeutic development compared to traditional methods.

5 May 2025

Semaglutide clears liver inflammation and cuts fibrosis in MASH patients, trial shows

A phase 3 trial shows that once-weekly semaglutide significantly improves liver histology in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The interim results also reveal meaningful weight loss and improved cardiometabolic markers, with a favorable safety profile.

4 May 2025

New three-part antivenom cocktail protects against the world’s deadliest snakes

Scientists developed a groundbreaking antivenom cocktail using antibodies from a hyperimmune human donor and a small-molecule inhibitor that protected mice from deadly bites of 19 diverse snakes. This approach could lead to a universal antivenom for the world’s most dangerous snakes, overcoming the limitations of current species-specific treatments.

2 May 2025

New antiviral compounds show broad protection against COVID-19 variants

Novel Mpro inhibitors exhibit broad activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

30 Apr 2025

Immunotherapy replaces surgery for early-stage dMMR cancers in landmark study

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade with dostarlimab achieved high rates of organ preservation in patients with early-stage mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) solid tumors across multiple types. Most patients avoided surgery with durable disease control, reshaping potential cancer treatment pathways.

28 Apr 2025

Medicare changes set to lower out-of-pocket costs for cancer medications

Even for patients covered by Medicare, annual out-of-pocket costs for lifesaving cancer treatments taken in pill form have often exceeded $10,000-until recently.

28 Apr 2025

New Medicare changes ease cost burden for cancer drugs

Even for patients covered by Medicare, annual out-of-pocket costs for lifesaving cancer treatments taken in pill form have often exceeded $10,000-until recently.

25 Apr 2025

New era of medicine emerges through structural control of nanotherapeutics

Historically, the vast majority of pharmaceutical drugs have been meticulously designed down to the atomic level.

25 Apr 2025

Network pharmacology analysis reveals HXTL mechanism in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis

Huo Xue Tong Luo Capsule (HXTL) has been clinically used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head, osteoporosis, and other bone and joint diseases with promising effects.

24 Apr 2025

Antibiotic use by humans is polluting rivers across the globe, study shows

A global modeling study found that 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics from human use alone enter rivers annually, threatening aquatic ecosystems and accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Over 6 million kilometers of river length exceed safety thresholds, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited wastewater treatment.

24 Apr 2025

What’s behind Gen Z’s skepticism about Ozempic and Wegovy

A U.S. study of over 500 youth aged 14–24 found high awareness but widespread hesitation about using semaglutide for weight loss. Concerns focused on safety, social stigma, and a preference for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

24 Apr 2025

Shingles vaccine eligibility lowers dementia risk in older adults

A large quasi-experimental study in Australia found that adults eligible for free shingles vaccination based on their date of birth were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a 7.4-year period. The findings reinforce previous results from Wales and suggest a potential preventive role for HZ vaccination.

24 Apr 2025

Body image concerns drive interest in GLP-1 weight loss drugs, study finds

A new study from Rutgers University links higher body dissatisfaction, BMI, and maladaptive weight loss behaviors with interest in GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Conversely, body appreciation appears to protect against this interest, especially in the face of potential side effects.

23 Apr 2025

Disruption of sterol biosynthesis by prescription drugs: A hidden threat to brain development

A powerful editorial published today in Brain Medicine raises alarm about a previously overlooked threat to brain development and public health: the disruption of sterol biosynthesis by common prescription medications.

22 Apr 2025

A simple nudge leads to more statin prescriptions and better health

With a simple click, doctors can potentially save lives and reduce heart attack and stroke risks for thousands of patients by helping them have their statins on hand.

22 Apr 2025

Diabetes drugs GLP-1RA and SGLT2i lower dementia risk in older adults, study finds

A large population-based study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), two classes of glucose-lowering drugs used in type 2 diabetes, were associated with a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These findings suggest potential neuroprotective benefits and highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for ADRD prevention.

21 Apr 2025

N-acetylcysteine protects against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity

Oxidative stress could be a key process in acyclovir (ACV)-induced nephrotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a water-soluble antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity.

18 Apr 2025