Orforglipron -An oral GLP-1R agonist to treat type 2 diabetes
In a recent press release, Eli Lilly announced the key findings of its phase 3 trial of orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist in type 2 diabetes patients. The other GLP-1 analogues in the market to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity are administered by subcutaneous injection once a week. Comparatively, orforglipron is taken orally […]
Y For Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a serious, mosquito-borne viral disease caused by a flavivirus, primarily affecting regions in tropical and subtropical Africa and South America. Although it is rare in countries like the United States, where the disease is not endemic, yellow fever remains a significant public health concern in parts of the world where the virus […]
Gut microbiota and its metabolites can predict anti-tumor immunotherapy efficacy
In a recent article published in the Cell Metabolism journal, scientists found that a combination of 12 gut microbes and 3 metabolites can predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in various cancers with 88% sensitivity. Need for the study: Immunotherapy against cancer has revolutionized cancer treatment and has now become the standard of care. There […]
X for X-Linked Protoporphyria
X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ALAS2 gene on the X chromosome. This gene encodes a protein called erythroid-specific 5-aminolevulinate synthase 2. Mutations in the ALAS2 lead to an overproduction of this enzyme, resulting in elevated levels of protoporphyrin IX. The excess protoporphyrin accumulates in the blood, liver, […]
W for Wilson Disease
Wilson disease is a rare, hereditary genetic ailment that impairs the body’s capacity to metabolize copper, resulting in its toxic buildup in essential organs such as the liver, brain, and eyes. Wilson disease results from mutations in the ATP7B gene, which facilitates the transport of excess copper from the liver to the bile for excretion […]
V for Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the VHL gene, a critical tumor suppressor gene. The VHL gene regulates the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) complex, which controls the production of growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mutations in VHL disrupt this regulation, leading to increased growth […]
How Diet Coke causes atherosclerotic plaque – mechanism unlocked!!
It is known that high consumption of artificial sweeteners like aspartame can increase the risk of cardiovascular events but how it actually contributes to the disease is not clear. In the present study published in Cell Metabolism, the authors demonstrated its molecular mechanism in mice. They showed that an aspartame-rich diet in mice increased blood […]
U for Uveal Melanoma
Uveal melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma, is rare cancer that affects the uvea, the central layer of the eye. The uvea consists of the iris (the colored part of the eye), the ciliary body (which produces fluid for the eye), and the choroid (a layer of blood vessels under the retina). This disorder most […]
SYMBRAVO, A Fast-Acting, Dual-Action Drug to Relieve Migraine
Axsome Therapeutics’ SYMBRAVO was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It combines a fast-acting serotonin receptor agonist, rizatriptan with meloxicam, a potent COX-2 preferential, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Using Molecular Solubility Enhanced Inclusion Complex (MoSEIC) rapid-absorption technology to speed up meloxicam absorption four times faster, SYMBRAVO offers quick relief for acute […]
Brentuximab Vedotin Combination Approved for Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma
The FDA has approved a new treatment regimen for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), a challenging hematologic malignancy with limited therapeutic options after multiple lines of systemic therapy. The approved combination includes brentuximab vedotin, lenalidomide, and a rituximab product, providing a new option for patients ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) […]
Over-exercise leads to liver fibrosis
Exercise is good for health, it prevents obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. However, excess of anything is bad, this holds true for exercise too. In a recent article published in the Cell Metabolism journal, a group of scientists found that over-exercise led to liver fibrosis and they delineated its detailed molecular mechanism using transgenic […]
T For Tay Sach’s Disease
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited rare autosomal recessive lysosomal disease caused by mutations in the Hexosaminidase A(Hex-A) gene, causing deficiency of Hex-A enzyme. This shortage leads an accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in the nervous system. TSD can be categorized into three types: Infantile, Juvenile, or Late Onset. Infantile and Juvenile forms cannot be treated […]
Anaphylaxis Alert: New Safety Concerns Emerge for Glatiramer Acetate
Glatiramer acetate, a drug approved in 1996, for the treatment of Multiple sclerosis, is currently facing increased scrutiny from the FDA due to serious concerns. What is Multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks […]
Diet improving gut microbiome provides cardiometabolic benefits
Industrialization has increased the consumption of processed food and reduced fiber-rich food. These lifestyle changes have altered the gut microbiome by reducing fiber digesting and immune response regulating microbes. Thereby, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases, cancer, etc. The gut microbiome is highly personalized and has high inter-individual […]
Semaglutide: A Breakthrough in Obesity Treatment
Introduction Obesity continues to challenge global health systems, necessitating innovative and effective therapies. Novo Nordisk’s latest development in the STEP UP clinical program highlights the potential of semaglutide 7.2 mg as a transformative solution for weight management. With significant weight loss results and a well-tolerated safety profile, this once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist demonstrates promise for […]
Shivering can make you healthy
A group of scientists from the Netherlands have published some studies in the past 10 years about the effect of cold on metabolic health. Their first study published in 2015 showed that exposure to cold (14-15oC) for 10 days up to 6h/day in type 2 diabetic patients (n=8) can improve insulin sensitivity by increasing brown […]
Based on Phase 3 trial data, the FDA approved Alhemo for the treatment of hemophilia-related bleeding
On December 20, 2024, FDA approved Alhemo (concizumab-mtci) injection to reduce the hemophilia related bleeding frequency in patients of 12 years and older. This is a first of its kind subcutaneous injection treatment for patients suffering from hemophilia A with factor 8 inhibitors or hemophilia B with factor 11 inhibitors Who is the treatment target? […]
Semaglutide Enhances Glycemic Control with Automated Insulin Delivery in Type 1 Diabetes
Introduction Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires precise glucose control to minimize complications and improve quality of life. Automated insulin delivery (AID), which integrates continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with algorithm-driven insulin dosing, is the current pinnacle of insulin therapy. However, achieving optimal glycemic control remains a challenge for many patients. A recent study published in […]
Expanding Global Access to Mpox Vaccines: A Strategic Partnership Between Bavarian Nordic and Serum Institute of India
Introduction In a major step toward global health equity, Bavarian Nordic has announced a strategic license and manufacturing agreement with the Serum Institute of India (SII) for its MVA-BN® mpox vaccine. This partnership promises to bolster global vaccine production and ensure equitable access to vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly during outbreaks. Drug and Technology Details MVA-BN® […]
Intermittent fasting can cause hair loss, amid all the health gains
Many benefits are known for intermittent fasting, as it can help lose weight while improving metabolic health by using the body’s fat for energy. However, not all organs or cells respond to fasting similarly. A recent report in the Cell has shown that intermittent fasting can reduce hair growth in humans and mice. This is […]
Scientists explained why you gain weight quickly after stopping dieting
I bet all of you have observed that you gain weight quickly after a weight loss when you stop dieting or exercising. A group of scientists from Switzerland have recently found molecular evidence of this phenomenon. In a recent research article published in Nature, they found similar epigenetic signatures on fat cells (adipocytes) during obesity […]
Avoiding sugars in the first 1000 days of life can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in your 60s – A World War II sugar rationing study
A recent study published in the Science journal showed that limiting sugar up to 1000 days from conception can reduce the risk and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension later in life, in their 60s. Study cohort This study was based on a UK cohort of 60,183 participants born between October […]
S for Sickle Cell Disease: Part II
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that causes the production of abnormally shaped red blood cells, which are rigid, sickle-shaped, and can block blood flow. This leads to severe pain (sickle cell crises), organ damage (including liver, heart, and spleen), and a reduced life expectancy. Treatments like blood transfusions, pain management, and bone […]
S for Sickle Cell Disease: Part I
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of rare genetic blood disorders characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S (HbS), which causes red blood cells to adopt a rigid, crescent or sickle shape. SCD manifests in different forms, and encompasses several related but distinct disorders, all of which are caused by […]
A snapshot of worldwide diabetes prevalence over 30 years: 1990-2022
A recent study published in the Lancet determined the prevalence and treatment of diabetesamong 141 million participants worldwide, from 175 countries. Image 1: Prevalence and treatment coverage changes from 1990 to 2022. In 2022, the prevalence was lowest (2-5%) in western Europe and east Africa. Highest (≥ 25%) in Polynesia and Micronesia, some Caribbean, Middle […]
FDA Approves Obecabtagene Autoleucel for Advanced B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Introduction The FDA’s recent approval of obecabtagene autoleucel (Aucatzyl) marks a significant milestone in immunotherapy, offering hope for adults battling relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Developed by Autolus Inc., this CD19-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell therapy targets a critical unmet need in hematologic oncology. Current Regulatory Status Obecabtagene autoleucel received FDA […]
A non-invasive biomarker panel for MASH
Image source: Adobe stock MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is a liver disease, where >5% fat accumulates in the liver along with inflammation and sometimes fibrosis. It is a severe form of MASLD (metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease) which is caused by just fat deposition in the liver. It is common and affects 25-30% of […]
Amneal Pharmaceuticals’ launches CREXONT, a combination of immediate andextended-release carbidopa and levodopa, for Parkinson’s Disease
Amneal Pharmaceuticals continues its commitment to the Parkinson’s Disease (PD) community by recently launching CREXONT, a novel oral formulation of carbidopa and levodopa (CD/LD) comprising both immediate-release (IR) granules for rapid onset of action and extended-release (ER) pellets for long-lasting efficacy of the drug. In PD, the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, […]
R for Retinoblastoma – Part II
Retinoblastoma is a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer that primarily affects young children. Treatment approaches depend on whether the cancer is confined to the eye (intraocular) or has spread beyond it (extraocular), as well as the stage and recurrence of the disease. Alongside traditional therapies, new treatment options are being explored to address […]
R For Retinoblastoma- Part I
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects young children, typically diagnosed before the age of five. It originates in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, where nerve cells undergo changes leading to tumor formation. While most cases occur in children, it can also appear in adults. Researchers estimate […]
