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 […]
FDA Certifies Vyloy as a Novel Approach Against Gastric Cancer: a CLDN18.2-Targeted Therapy
On October 18, 2024, FDA approved Vyloy (zolbetuximab-clzb) as the first and only claudin-18.2-targeted antibody to treat gastric cancer. The drug has been approved to be used in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum containing chemotherapy for patients suffering from locally advanced unresectable or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction […]
FDA Approves Zolbetuximab-clzb for Advanced Gastric and GEJ Adenocarcinoma
IntroductionThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a breakthrough treatment, zolbetuximab-clzb (Vyloy, Astellas Pharma US, Inc.), for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Targeting a specific biomarker—claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)—this therapy, combined with chemotherapy, offers a promising new option for patients with […]
FDA Approval of Inavolisib Combination Therapy for PIK3CA-Mutated, HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
IntroductionThe FDA has recently approved a new combination therapy, marking a significant advance in the treatment of endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, advanced breast cancer. This combination involves inavolisib (Itovebi), palbociclib, and fulvestrant, offering new hope to patients with recurrent disease after adjuvant endocrine therapy. Current Regulatory StatusInavolisib, […]
Blood glucose as a predictor of cardiovascular events
A European observational study has determined that 2h post-load glucose (2-hPG) is a better marker than HbA1c in predicting cardiovascular events for coronary artery disease patients. This study was conducted in various European countries and was published in the Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology in Sept 2024. Coronary artery disease is a condition where fat, cholesterol and other materials […]
VYALEV approved by FDA for Advanced stage Parkinson’s Disease patients
AbbVie’s subcutaneous 24-hour continuous infusion drug, VYALEV is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce motor fluctuations in advanced stage Parkinson’s Disease patients. This is the first and only subcutaneous continuous infusion therapy that involves wearing a portable kit throughout the day allowing personalized dosing based on patient’s need. Also […]
Q for Q Fever
Q fever is a rare infectious disease transmitted through the inhalation or ingestion of the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. Cattle, sheep, and goats frequently serve as bacterial hosts for this microorganism. C. burnetii is mostly transmitted through inhalation of contaminated air or ingestion of contaminated food and beverages. Agricultural laborers, particularly those engaged with livestock, individuals […]
P for Progeria: Part II
Progeria or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging. Caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, it leads to the accumulation of the toxic protein Progerin, resulting in severe cardiovascular issues and a life expectancy averaging 14.5 years. Progerin disrupts nuclear structure and function, causing various cellular abnormalities. […]
P for Progeria- Part I
Progeria or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare and fatal genetic disorder characterized by premature aging that begins in childhood. The condition is typically not inherited but arises from a sporadic autosomal dominant mutation, with a low chance of occurrence (1 in 4 to 8 million), increasing to 2-3% if a family has already […]
Nivolumab Approved for Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy in Resectable NSCLC: A New Horizon for Lung Cancer Treatment
Introduction In a significant milestone for lung cancer treatment, the FDA has approved nivolumab, in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, as a neoadjuvant therapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Following surgery, nivolumab is administered as a single-agent adjuvant treatment. This approval is specifically for adults with tumors ≥4 cm and/or node-positive NSCLC without EGFR […]