Mcmaster University

McMaster researchers achieved breakthroughs in health, sustainability, AI, and climate justice in 2024, addressing challenges like antibiotic resistance, cancer, and climate change, while also advancing ethical AI use and Indigenous research.

NHS England plans a clinical trial to determine the benefits and risks of puberty blockers, amid ongoing controversy and lack of consensus on their use in gender-questioning children. The trial, set to start in 2025, aims to establish whether the drugs improve mental health and quality of life without causing significant harm, such as reduced bone density. Ethical concerns and differing scientific views complicate the trial's design and potential outcomes.

Stroke survivors have an 80% increased risk of dementia compared to non-stroke individuals, with 19% developing dementia within six years, versus 13% without stroke. The risk is highest immediately post-stroke and remains significant over time.

Theralase Technologies launches new clinical study site at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton for its bladder cancer therapy. Phase II study results show 61.9% Complete Response (CR), increasing to 68.3% with Indeterminate Response; 43.6% of CR patients maintained response for 12 months. The study reported 100% safety with no serious adverse events. Theralase operates 11 clinical sites across North America, with 4 more planned for Q4 2024/Q1 2025. The company seeks partnering opportunities for international commercialization of Ruvidar™, targeting regulatory approval in 2026.

Jasper Therapeutics announced the first patient dosed in its Phase 1b/2a ETESIAN study evaluating briquilimab for allergic asthma, aiming to demonstrate proof-of-concept and inform future trials.

Dr. Timsy Bhando, a McMaster University researcher, won the Mitacs Innovation Award for discovering a novel fungi compound, KCB-100, with potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Supported by Mitacs and Kapoose Creek Bio, Bhando's research focuses on natural drug discovery from fungi.

In patients with acute MI who underwent PCI, spironolactone did not improve primary composite outcomes but reduced risk for new or worsening HF, according to CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS-9) trial.

Spironolactone may reduce heart failure risk post-heart attack but doesn't significantly impact death or severe heart events, according to the CLEAR SYNERGY trial. High potassium levels were more common in spironolactone users, leading to more discontinuations.

Erin Sephton, a PA at Dartmouth General Hospital, received the 2024 Tom Ashman Award from CAPA for exceptional service and leadership in the PA profession. Sephton, who started as a paramedic, pursued a Master’s PA program at McMaster University and returned to Nova Scotia to join DGH in 2020, significantly impacting orthopedic care. Her role as a PA, still new in Nova Scotia, eases physician workload and improves care continuity. Sephton also teaches at Dalhousie University and was honored during CAPA’s national conference on her birthday.