The Texas A&M University System

PMWC 2025 to Address Key Challenges in Pharmacogenomics Implementation and Access

4 months ago

• Leading pharmacogenomics expert Dr. Sara Rogers highlights PMWC 2025's focus on addressing critical barriers to PGx adoption, including insurance coverage and clinical implementation strategies. • The conference will feature dedicated sessions exploring evidence-based approaches to make pharmacogenomics the standard of care, with emphasis on AI integration and real-world applications. • PMWC 2025 aims to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare professionals to advance equitable access to precision medicine technologies.

HMB Supplementation Shows Promise in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Dogs, Improving Activity and Protein Metabolism

4 months ago

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled study reveals that beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation significantly increased physical activity by 40% in dogs with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). • The research demonstrated HMB's ability to modify amino acid metabolism and protein production, particularly affecting glycine, glutamate, and proline pathways, without adverse effects. • The 3g daily HMB treatment showed a favorable safety profile and improved daily activity patterns, though activity levels remained below those of carrier dogs.

Molecular Jackhammers: Near-Infrared Light Therapy Eradicates Cancer Cells in Lab Studies

7 months ago

• Researchers have developed a novel cancer therapy using near-infrared light to induce molecular vibrations that rupture cancer cell membranes. • In lab tests, this method eliminated 99% of human melanoma cells, with half of melanoma-afflicted mice experiencing complete remission. • The therapy utilizes aminocyanine molecules, commonly used in medical imaging, which vibrate when exposed to near-infrared light. • This approach offers a non-invasive method to target and destroy cancer cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment.

STRIPE Initiative Advances Pharmacogenetic Testing Standards with Focus on DPYD-Guided Chemotherapy

7 months ago

• Leading experts at the STRIPE Annual Meeting addressed the need for unified guidelines across FDA, EMA, CPIC, and NCCN for DPYD genotype-guided chemotherapy dosing in cancer treatments. • The innovative MetaCensus platform was introduced as a collaborative tool for evidence sharing and consensus building in pharmacogenetic testing, promoting transparent evaluation processes. • Pharmacists are playing a crucial role in advancing pharmacogenomics through clinical consultations and research, while emphasizing the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in precision medicine implementation.

Dog Aging Project Explores Rapamycin to Extend Lifespan and Improve Healthspan

2 years ago

• The Dog Aging Project is studying over 44,000 dogs to understand aging and age-related diseases, aiming to improve both canine and human healthspan. • Researchers are investigating rapamycin, a drug known to extend lifespan in lab animals, to see if it can promote healthy aging and longevity in dogs. • Early trials of rapamycin in dogs showed improvements in heart function and increased activity levels, with no significant side effects reported by owners. • The ongoing TRIAD study, involving 580 dogs, is assessing the impact of rapamycin on lifespan, with results expected in approximately three years.