University of Oxford

The TRIPOD+AI update provides harmonised guidance for reporting prediction model studies, superseding TRIPOD 2015, to accommodate AI and machine learning methods. The new 27-item checklist aims for complete, accurate, and transparent reporting, facilitating study appraisal and model implementation.

Oxford Drug Design's AI platform, SynthAI, validated in vivo with a 28-day mouse trial showing efficacy and dose response against MCF7 breast cancer cells. The platform's precision aims to deliver more efficacious and safer cancer treatments, accelerating development and reducing costs. The company plans to advance these treatments into clinical trials.

Triptans like eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan were more effective at relieving acute migraine pain than newer, costlier drugs, according to a network meta-analysis of nearly 90,000 patients. The analysis evaluated 137 trials and found these triptans superior in efficacy outcomes, suggesting a need to revise existing guidelines.

A study by the University of Oxford found triptans, particularly eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan, to be the most effective for acute migraine relief, with efficacy comparable to paracetamol. Triptans, underused and effective, should be considered a preferred treatment, according to lead author Andrea Cipriani.

The EASi-KIDNEY trial will assess if vicadrostat (BI 690517) improves CKD outcomes when combined with existing treatments. Running in 15-20 countries with 11,000 participants, it aims to determine if vicadrostat and empagliflozin reduce kidney disease progression, heart failure hospitalization, or cardiovascular death compared to empagliflozin alone. The trial uses Protas's Cantata platform for management and expects results by 2028/2029.

Euan Ashley, MB ChB, DPhil, a cardiovascular and genetics research specialist, has been named chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford, effective Sept. 18. Ashley founded the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease and leads the Ashley Lab, focusing on precision medicine, digital health, and AI. He has over 350 peer-reviewed publications and received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2023. Ashley aims to connect precision diagnostics with therapeutics in his new role.

John-Arne Røttingen, a physician scientist with experience in global health and leading research initiatives, has taken over as CEO of the Wellcome Trust, succeeding Jeremy Farrar. Røttingen, who led the Ebola vaccine trial and the Covid-19 WHO Solidarity trial, emphasizes the need for long-term commitment to innovation and access to medicines.

Novavax's 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine, the only protein-based option in the U.S. for individuals aged 12 and older, is now available at major pharmacy retailers nationwide. The vaccine targets the JN.1 variant and has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) helped obese children aged 6-11 lower BMI and reach healthier weight, per a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The drug, safe but with side effects like nausea, showed a 5.8% BMI drop in the liraglutide group vs. a 1.6% increase in the placebo group, though BMI rose again post-medication cessation. Experts suggest its potential for long-term health benefits despite current costs and need for further long-term studies.

A phase 1 study on Amycretin, a once-a-day weight loss tablet combining GLP-1 and amylin receptors agonists, presented at EASD showed weight reduction and mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects. Experts highlight the potential of oral medications for obesity treatment, though larger trials are needed to assess long-term effects and compare with injectable drugs.