WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

FDA Clears Northwestern University's IND Application for Calidi's Novel Glioma Treatment CLD-101

4 months ago

• The FDA has cleared Northwestern University's IND application for Calidi Biotherapeutics' CLD-101, a stem cell-based platform delivering oncolytic viruses for treating high-grade glioma, with Phase 1b/2 trials starting late 2024. • Previous Phase 1 trials demonstrated promising results with median progression-free survival of 9.05 months and overall survival of 18.4 months, showing no dose-limiting toxicity. • The treatment addresses a critical unmet need in high-grade glioma patients, who currently face a challenging five-year survival rate of only 5-10% with conventional therapies.

Intensive Blood Pressure Control Shows Long-Term Cognitive Benefits in Landmark SPRINT Trial

4 months ago

• Intensive blood pressure management for 3.3 years significantly reduces the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in adults with hypertension. • The SPRINT trial's follow-up study reveals that cognitive benefits persist for up to seven years, even after the intensive treatment is discontinued. • Maintaining a systolic blood pressure target of 120 mmHg shows a 13% reduction in mild cognitive impairment compared to the standard target of 140 mmHg. • Findings emphasize intensive blood pressure control as a crucial strategy for preventing cognitive decline and promoting healthy aging.

Newer Epilepsy Medications During Pregnancy Show No Impact on Children's Neurodevelopment at Age 6

6 months ago

• A recent study indicates that newer anti-seizure medications, like lamotrigine and levetiracetam, pose no significant risk to children's language development when taken during pregnancy. • The research followed 387 children up to age 6, assessing their verbal abilities and finding no difference between those exposed to the drugs in utero and those who were not. • Findings suggest that controlling seizures with newer medications during pregnancy is a safe approach, contrasting with older medications like valproate, which have known risks. • The study also highlights the potential benefits of folate supplementation during early pregnancy for improved cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children.

GLP-1 and SGLT2 Inhibitors Show Promise in Preventing Secondary Cardiovascular Events in Stroke Survivors

6 months ago

• A new study suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors may significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and death in stroke survivors. • SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a 67% lower risk of second strokes, offering a potential preventative measure for recurrent events. • The research highlights the potential of these diabetes and weight loss drugs in preventing further cardiovascular events in individuals who have experienced ischemic stroke. • Findings indicate a substantial reduction in death rates among stroke survivors taking these medications, from 54% to 11.8%.

Aurion Biotech's Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Glare and Improving Vision in Corneal Edema

7 months ago

• Aurion Biotech's endothelial cell therapy demonstrates significant improvements in both best-corrected visual acuity and brightness acuity testing for corneal edema. • The cell therapy shows potential as a treatment for glare, a common and bothersome symptom in patients with Fuchs dystrophy and corneal edema. • Clinical trial data from El Salvador indicates that the treatment's benefits extend to patients with severe disease and other ocular complications. • A U.S. clinical trial is underway to evaluate the therapy's effectiveness in patients with less severe disease, potentially expanding its applicability.

Iota Biosciences' Implantable Bladder Device Receives FDA IDE Approval for Clinical Trial

7 months ago

• Iota Biosciences, an Astellas subsidiary, received FDA IDE approval for its implantable device to treat underactive bladder (UAB). • The early feasibility study will assess the device's safety and ability to stimulate bladder contractions for emptying in UAB patients. • The trial will begin with three participants and expand to ten after successful safety outcomes in the initial phase. • The device offers a potential alternative to catheterization, addressing a significant unmet need for UAB patients.

VISIBLE Study Shows Guselkumab Effective for Psoriasis in Skin of Color Patients

7 months ago

• The VISIBLE study demonstrated that guselkumab (Tremfya) is highly effective in treating moderate to severe plaque and scalp psoriasis in patients with skin of color. • At 48 weeks, over 70% of participants achieved clear or minimal disease, with more than half experiencing complete skin clearance, highlighting the drug's efficacy. • The study's success was attributed to inclusive trial design, addressing barriers like language and transportation, and engaging providers who serve diverse communities. • Researchers are compiling an extensive photographic library to improve the recognition and understanding of psoriasis across various skin tones and track post-inflammatory pigmentation.

UCSF Radiologists Advance Breast Cancer Care Through AI and Personalized Risk Assessment

8 months ago

• Dr. Maggie Chung at UCSF is developing AI tools for personalized breast cancer risk assessment and contrast-enhanced breast MRI simulation, aiming to improve accessibility and patient comfort. • Dr. Rita Freimanis, a breast imaging specialist, is studying 2D and 3D digital mammography through the TMIST trial to optimize breast cancer screening technologies. • Both radiologists emphasize the importance of mentorship and curiosity in advancing women's roles in medicine and improving patient-centered care in breast imaging.