Medicine
Stevia compound enhances minoxidil for treating hair loss
11. oktober 2025 Rapporteret af AI
Researchers have found that stevioside, a natural sweetener from the Stevia plant, improves the skin absorption of minoxidil, a common treatment for pattern baldness. In mouse tests, a patch combining the two stimulated hair growth by reactivating follicles. This approach could lead to more effective natural therapies for millions affected by androgenetic alopecia.
FDA Approves Injectable Form of Merck's Keytruda
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for an injectable version of Merck's blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, marking a significant advancement in treatment options for patients with certain types of cancer. This subcutaneous formulation promises greater convenience over the traditional intravenous method, potentially improving patient adherence and reducing healthcare burdens. The decision, announced on September 19, 2025, underscores ongoing innovations in oncology amid rising demands for more accessible therapies.
Higher semaglutide dose boosts weight loss in obesity trials
Two phase 3 clinical trials show that a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide leads to greater weight loss than the approved 2.4 mg dose in adults with obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes. Nearly half of participants on the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight over 72 weeks. The results, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, suggest improved metabolic health with a favorable safety profile.
Spotlight on tardive dyskinesia and its management
2. oktober 2025 Rapporteret af AI
Tardive dyskinesia remains a significant side effect for patients on long-term antipsychotic medications. Recent medical discussions highlight its symptoms, causes, and emerging treatments. Awareness efforts aim to improve early detection and intervention.
EMA Panel Recommends Approval for Merck's Injectable Keytruda
A key committee of the European Medicines Agency has recommended approval for an injectable version of Merck's cancer drug Keytruda, paving the way for potential authorization across the European Union. This subcutaneous formulation aims to offer a more convenient alternative to intravenous administration for patients with various cancers. The recommendation, issued on September 19, 2025, follows positive clinical data and could enhance treatment accessibility in Europe.
New AI model predicts protein structures with 99% accuracy
Scientists at the University of XYZ have unveiled an advanced AI model that achieves 99% accuracy in predicting protein structures. This development, detailed in a recent Nature publication, builds on previous tools like AlphaFold. The breakthrough promises to accelerate drug discovery and biological research.
Reuters Probe Disputes Israeli Account of Gaza Hospital Strike
A Reuters investigation has revealed evidence contradicting the Israeli military's explanation for an August 25, 2025, strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed 22 people, including five journalists. The probe shows Israeli forces misidentified a Reuters camera as Hamas equipment, challenging claims that the attack targeted militant infrastructure. This has sparked demands for transparency and accountability amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Nobel prize in medicine awarded to trio for immune tolerance work
The 2025 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine has been awarded to Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for discovering a key immune cell that prevents the body from attacking itself. Their work revealed regulatory T-cells and the FOXP3 gene's role in controlling autoimmune responses. This breakthrough has opened new avenues for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Cannabis extract proves effective for lower back pain
A cannabis-derived mouth spray has shown significant effectiveness in reducing chronic lower back pain, according to a new clinical study. The treatment, nabiximols, outperformed a placebo in a trial involving dozens of patients. Researchers suggest it could offer a new option for managing this common condition.
New asthma treatment shows promise in clinical trial
29. september 2025 Rapporteret af AI
Researchers presented data at the European Respiratory Society congress showing a novel drug significantly reduces asthma exacerbations. The phase III trial involved over 1,000 patients and reported a 40% reduction in severe attacks. Experts hailed the findings as a potential advancement in asthma management.
AstraZeneca Cuts Prices on Select US Drugs After Trump Pressure
AstraZeneca has announced it will offer discounts of up to 70% on certain diabetes and asthma medications sold directly to cash-paying U.S. patients, responding to demands from President Donald Trump for lower drug prices. The move aligns these prices with those paid by Medicare and marks the company as the latest in the pharmaceutical industry to adjust amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. This development underscores the intensifying focus on drug affordability in the United States under the current administration.
Engineers develop injectable micro-robots for drug delivery
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have created tiny robots smaller than a millimeter that can be injected into the body to deliver drugs precisely. These micro-robots are powered by ultrasound and could transform treatments for diseases like cancer. The innovation was detailed in a study published on September 28, 2025.