UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Ketamine Shows Promise in Restoring Motor Control in Parkinson's Patients with Dyskinesia

4 months ago

• Researchers have discovered that levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients involves a functional disconnection of the motor cortex from movement control. • A study on rats showed that ketamine can reduce dyskinesia by normalizing brain activity and partially restoring the motor cortex's ability to regulate movement. • Clinical trials are underway at the University of Arizona testing low-dose ketamine infusions for dyskinesia, with preliminary results showing promising outcomes. • The findings suggest that ketamine may offer a novel therapeutic approach by targeting the underlying neural mechanisms of dyskinesia rather than just managing symptoms.

Cancer Drug Shows Promise in Blocking Parkinson's Disease Spread in Preclinical Study

4 months ago

• Researchers identified Aplp1, a cell surface protein, as a key player in the spread of alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease. • An FDA-approved cancer drug targeting Lag3, which interacts with Aplp1, effectively blocked the spread of alpha-synuclein clumps in mouse models. • The anti-Lag3 antibody demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Lag3 depletion, preventing further spread of alpha-synuclein seeds. • These findings suggest that targeting the Aplp1-Lag3 interaction could significantly slow the progression of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Triplet Chemotherapy Fails to Improve Survival in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer

4 months ago

• A Phase III clinical trial revealed that a three-drug chemotherapy regimen did not improve overall survival for patients with advanced, inoperable biliary tract cancers. • The study, involving 441 participants, compared a triplet regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and albumin-bound paclitaxel to a standard two-drug regimen. • Researchers found no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups, and the triplet regimen may increase treatment toxicity. • Ongoing analyses aim to identify specific subsets of biliary cancer patients who might still benefit from the three-drug approach.

FDA Approves Supernus' ONAPGO for Motor Fluctuations in Advanced Parkinson's Disease

6 months ago

• The FDA has approved ONAPGO (apomorphine hydrochloride) as the first subcutaneous apomorphine infusion device for treating motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson's disease. • ONAPGO, a wearable device, provides continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, offering more consistent control of OFF time for Parkinson's patients. • Clinical trials demonstrated that ONAPGO significantly reduced daily OFF time by 2.6 hours compared to placebo, with improvements seen as early as week 1. • Supernus plans to launch ONAPGO in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2025, supported by a dedicated nurse education program and access support.

Magnetic Pulses Show Promise in Treating Chronic Insomnia

7 months ago

• Researchers are developing a handheld device that uses magnetic pulses to treat chronic insomnia by targeting the default mode network (DMN). • A $3 million grant from the Department of Defense is funding a study at the University of Arizona focusing on military personnel affected by sleeplessness. • Preliminary studies show improved sleep after a single session of continuous theta burst stimulation, a non-invasive method. • The device offers a potential drug-free treatment option, providing a tangible solution for individuals struggling with persistent sleeplessness.

Green Light Shows Promise in Relieving Chronic Pain Conditions

8 months ago

• Studies indicate that green light exposure can significantly reduce pain in patients with migraines and fibromyalgia, offering a non-pharmacological approach. • Research suggests green light's analgesic effects are mediated through the visual system, activating enkephalinergic neurons in the brain. • Clinical trials have demonstrated that green light therapy can decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of headache attacks without reported side effects. • Scientists are exploring optimal parameters, such as dosage and wavelengths, to enhance green light therapy's effectiveness for various pain conditions.

Ivy Brain Tumor Center Launches Clinical Trial for Brain Cancer Treatment

9 months ago

• The Ivy Brain Tumor Center in Phoenix is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate a new drug for treating brain cancer patients. • The trial marks a significant step in exploring innovative therapies for extending the lives of individuals diagnosed with brain tumors. • The first patient in the clinical trial is from Arizona, highlighting the center's commitment to local healthcare advancements.

Therapeutic Trials for Long COVID-19: A Call to Action

2 years ago

The article discusses the ongoing challenges and research efforts in understanding and treating Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). It highlights the need for therapeutic trials to address the persistent symptoms affecting a significant number of individuals post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The National Institutes of Health's RECOVER initiative is mentioned as a key effort in this area, focusing on understanding the biological mechanisms behind Long COVID and exploring potential treatments.

RaeSedo Inc. Receives $3.4M STTR Grant to Advance Novel Asthma Therapies

3 years ago

• RaeSedo Inc. has been awarded a $3.4 million STTR grant to further develop new asthma therapies based on Surfactant Protein-A (SP-A) derived peptidomimetics. • The funding will support preclinical evaluation of the compound in animal models, potentially leading to human clinical trials for a new class of asthma therapeutics. • RaeSedo's approach targets the unmet need for therapies that can reduce lung inflammation and improve outcomes for asthma patients who do not fully respond to current treatments. • The company's research focuses on molecules that mimic SP-A, a lung protein with anti-inflammatory properties often reduced in asthma patients.