UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Pathogens Show Vulnerability in New Study

6 months ago

• Researchers identified biological pathways in drug-resistant _Mycobacterium tuberculosis_ that are highly sensitive to inhibition, revealing a potential Achilles heel. • A genetic platform was developed to pinpoint these vulnerabilities, enabling the identification of drugs that can rapidly kill drug-resistant strains. • The technology can be applied to other drug-resistant pathogens, offering new strategies to combat infections and prevent their occurrence. • This novel approach addresses the urgent need for new treatments, as drug-resistant infections pose a significant public health threat, surpassing COVID-19 in morbidity in 2024.

Oral Ketamine Tablet Shows Promise for Treatment-Resistant Depression

8 months ago

• A clinical trial has demonstrated that a slow-release oral ketamine tablet significantly improves depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. • The highest dose of ketamine (180mg) showed a marked improvement compared to placebo, with minimal side effects reported by participants. • The oral tablet offers a potentially cheaper and more convenient alternative to intravenous or nasal spray ketamine administration, reducing the need for weekly clinic visits. • Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to determine the ideal dosing regime due to potential individual differences in absorption and metabolism.