Boston University

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Partners with Qure.ai to Advance AI-Powered Lung Cancer Detection in India

13 days ago

• Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Qure.ai have launched Project BreatheEZ to establish AI-led Incidental Pulmonary Nodule Detection clinics across India, with the first clinic opening in Tamil Nadu. • The initiative will deploy AI technology across 10 hub medical centers and 20 supporting spoke sites to enhance early detection of lung cancer, particularly in underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities. • With cancer burden in India projected to rise from 26.7 million DALYs in 2021 to 29.8 million by 2025, this partnership aims to transform lung cancer care through AI-powered screening of X-rays and CT scans.

Major NIH Study Targets Opioid Deaths Across 67 Communities in Groundbreaking Trial

4 months ago

The HEALing Communities Study, led by Boston University researchers, launches an ambitious cluster randomized trial targeting opioid overdose reduction across 67 communities affecting 10 million people. Dr. Jeffrey Samet will present the study's approach to addressing the opioid crisis through community-based interventions.

Study Reveals Misleading Marketing Practices in Online Sales of Compounded GLP-1 Medications

4 months ago

• A Yale University study of 79 websites selling compounded GLP-1 medications found that nearly 14% failed to disclose their compounded nature, with half omitting important risk information. • Almost half of the websites (43%) acknowledged their products weren't FDA approved, while 36.7% misleadingly implied or stated FDA approval, raising significant consumer safety concerns. • The median first-month costs were $231 for compounded semaglutide, $330 for tirzepatide, and $248 for liraglutide, with most sites requiring some form of clinician oversight.

FDA Approves Journavx, a Novel Non-Opioid Painkiller, Offering New Hope for Acute Pain Management

5 months ago

• The FDA has approved Journavx (suzetrigine), a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic, for treating moderate to severe acute pain in adults, offering a safer alternative to opioids. • Journavx works by selectively blocking pain signals in the peripheral nervous system, reducing pain without the addictive potential and severe side effects associated with opioids. • Clinical trials demonstrated Journavx's effectiveness in reducing pain after surgeries, with a safety profile comparable to placebo, though it didn't outperform opioid-acetaminophen combinations. • Priced at $15.50 per pill, Journavx faces challenges in accessibility due to its higher cost compared to generic opioids, but it represents a significant step in combating the opioid crisis.

Calluna Pharma Appoints Mark Gaffney as CEO, Advances CAL101 Program

7 months ago

• Calluna Pharma has appointed Mark Gaffney as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company's strategic initiatives and advance its pipeline. • Gaffney's appointment coincides with Calluna's lead candidate, CAL101, nearing completion of its Phase 1 program for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. • Mark Altmeyer has also been appointed as the Independent Chair of the Board, bringing extensive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. • Calluna Pharma is focused on developing first-in-class antibodies targeting the root causes of inflammation and fibrosis.

Rice University's Bioelectronic Implant Targets Diabetes and Obesity with $34.9 Million Grant

8 months ago

• Rice University received a $34.9 million grant to develop ROGUE, a bioelectronic implant for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment, designed to improve patient adherence. • ROGUE will house cells that produce therapies in response to the patient’s needs, offering a cost-effective alternative to frequent injections of biologics like GLP-1 RAs. • The implantable device will use closed-loop bioelectronics to monitor and adjust drug production, requiring only weekly recharging via a wearable device. • Clinical trials are planned to begin in the fifth year of the six-year project, aiming for rapid and cost-effective deployment via a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

Flashing Lights and Gamma Waves: A Novel Approach to Stalling Alzheimer's

8 months ago

• Researchers are exploring the use of flashing lights and rhythmic sounds to stimulate gamma waves in the brain, potentially combating Alzheimer's disease. • Early clinical trial data shows encouraging evidence of neuroprotection and cognitive benefits with 40-hertz sensory stimulation, without serious side effects. • A large, randomized trial involving over 600 participants is underway to further validate the efficacy of this unconventional therapy. • Concerns exist regarding unregulated 'wellness' devices that market similar technology, potentially outpacing scientific validation and harming consumers.

FDA Approves Cobenfy, a Novel Schizophrenia Treatment Targeting Cholinergic Receptors

8 months ago

• The FDA has approved Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride) as the first new class of drug for schizophrenia in over 30 years, offering a novel approach to treatment. • Cobenfy targets muscarinic receptors, unlike traditional antipsychotics that focus on dopamine, potentially reducing side effects like weight gain and movement disorders. • Clinical trials demonstrated Cobenfy significantly reduced schizophrenia symptoms compared to placebo, marking a transformative moment in managing this challenging condition. • Expected to launch in late October, Cobenfy offers a new option for adults with schizophrenia, with ongoing studies exploring its potential in Alzheimer's psychosis and other conditions.

Moderna's mRNA-1769 Vaccine Shows Superior Protection Against Mpox in Preclinical Study

9 months ago

• Moderna's mRNA-1769 vaccine demonstrated superior efficacy in preventing severe mpox disease compared to the Jynneos vaccine in a monkey model. • The mRNA vaccine led to reduced viral replication in blood and throat, along with decreased lesion formation, suggesting potential for reduced transmission. • mRNA-1769 targets four mpox virus antigens, leveraging mRNA technology for rapid development and adaptability to emerging viral strains. • A Phase I/II clinical trial (NCT05995275) is underway in the UK, with data expected in mid-2025 to inform Phase III trial design.