UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Promising Alzheimer's Vaccine Targeting Tau Protein Advances Toward Human Trials

a month ago

• University of New Mexico researchers have developed a vaccine that generates antibodies against pathological tau protein (pT181), showing efficacy in both mice and non-human primates with strong immune responses. • The vaccine uses virus-like particles (VLPs) as a delivery platform, requiring only one primary shot and two boosters without adjuvants, demonstrating safety and durability in preclinical studies. • Researchers are now seeking funding to advance to Phase 1 human clinical trials, potentially offering a more effective approach than current amyloid beta-targeting treatments that show only modest effects on Alzheimer's progression.

Hospital-Based Addiction Consultation Significantly Improves OUD Treatment Outcomes, Study Shows

a month ago

• A clinical trial found that hospital-based addiction consultation services more than doubled the rate of medication initiation for opioid use disorder during hospitalization (57.3% vs 26.7% with usual care). • The Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START) intervention significantly improved post-discharge treatment linkage, with 72% of intervention patients accessing follow-up care compared to 48.1% in the usual care group. • Researchers suggest the model could address critical gaps in OUD treatment by leveraging hospitalization as an opportunity to overcome barriers like stigma, housing instability, and healthcare access issues.

Microplastics Exposure Linked to Higher Rates of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in Coastal Communities

2 months ago

• New research from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine reveals communities with higher microplastic pollution experience increased rates of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke in U.S. coastal regions. • Microplastic concentration emerged as a top-10 predictor of chronic disease prevalence among 154 socioeconomic and environmental factors analyzed, with correlation coefficients of 0.24 for hypertension, 0.30 for diabetes, and 0.26 for stroke. • While researchers emphasize that causality has not been established, the findings highlight the potential impact of environmental pollutants on cardiovascular health and suggest reducing plastic production and improving disposal practices.

FDA Greenlights Clinical Trials for Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplants

4 months ago

• The FDA has approved groundbreaking clinical trials for two biotech companies to transplant genetically modified pig kidneys into patients with kidney failure. • The innovative approach aims to address the critical organ shortage affecting thousands of Americans currently waiting for kidney transplants. • This development represents a significant milestone in xenotransplantation research, potentially offering new hope for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Shows Promise for Mental Health in Cancer Patients and Alcohol Use Disorder

5 months ago

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress in cancer patients, with benefits lasting up to six months. • In patients with alcohol use disorder, psilocybin therapy led to reduced impulsivity, depression, and increased openness to emotions, observed seven months post-treatment. • Studies highlight the potential of psilocybin, when administered under medical supervision and combined with psychotherapy, to induce lasting, positive personality changes. • Researchers plan to explore the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for opioid-use disorder, building on observed benefits in alcohol use disorder and cancer patients.

PSMD Neuroimaging Marker Shows Promise in Identifying Dementia Risk

6 months ago

• A new neuroimaging marker, peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), correlates with general cognition and may identify individuals at risk of dementia. • The study found that higher PSMD values were associated with lower general cognitive function, independent of age, sex, education and intracranial volume. • PSMD demonstrates excellent instrumental properties and biological validation, making it a potential biomarker for clinical trials related to vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). • Researchers suggest PSMD's non-invasive, automated, and reliable nature makes it ideal for assessing cerebral small vessel diseases in dementia studies.

Circular Genomics' MindLight Aims to Predict Antidepressant Response Using Circular RNA Biomarkers

7 months ago

• Circular Genomics launched MindLight, a test using circular RNA (circRNA) to predict patient response to SSRIs, potentially improving depression treatment selection. • Clinical trials showed 77% of patients identified as likely responders by MindLight reacted well to SSRI treatment, with results available in 3-5 days. • The company is developing next-generation versions of MindLight, including tests for adolescents and a multiclass antidepressant-response test for treatment-resistant depression. • Unlike DNA-based pharmacogenomic tests, MindLight assesses the brain's response to SSRIs, offering a complementary approach to antidepressant treatment selection.