SINGAPORE GENERAL HOSPITAL

Novel Gene-Editing Therapy Shows Promise for Rare Fatal Heart Disease ATTR-CM

8 days ago

• Singapore researchers are leading Asia's first clinical trial of Nexiguran Ziclumeran (nex-z), a groundbreaking gene-editing therapy targeting transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a rare and potentially fatal heart disease. • The MAGNITUDE study, led by Assistant Professor Lin Weiqin from the National University Heart Centre, Singapore, uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter DNA and reduce production of disease-causing proteins in patients with ATTR-CM. • Early phase clinical trials have shown "consistent, rapid, and durable reductions" in abnormal proteins with minimal side effects, offering new hope to approximately 150 diagnosed patients in Singapore and potentially many more undiagnosed cases.

FDA Grants Broad Approval for GSK's Ojjaara in Myelofibrosis with Anemia

3 months ago

• GSK's JAK inhibitor Ojjaara (momelotinib) receives FDA approval for both newly diagnosed and previously treated myelofibrosis patients with anemia, surpassing expected second-line only indication. • The drug demonstrated significant benefits in the MOMENTUM trial, with 31% of patients achieving transfusion independence at week 24 compared to 20% in the control group. • Ojjaara addresses multiple disease manifestations including anemia, constitutional symptoms, and splenomegaly, offering a new treatment option where current therapies often worsen anemia.

Bixeps Machine Shows Promise in Improving Muscle Strength and Bone Density in Clinical Studies

6 months ago

• A clinical study in Hong Kong validates the efficacy of Singapore's Bixeps machine in enhancing muscle strength among patients. • Beyond muscle strengthening, patients using the Bixeps machine have demonstrated increased bone density due to myokines generated by mitochondria stimulation. • Clinical trials are underway to assess Bixeps' potential in reducing inflammation and slowing cancer progression in breast cancer and leukemia patients. • QuantumTX has applied for regulatory approval for its next-generation Bixeps machine, which allows for adjustable signal strength tailored to patient frailty.

Vivance's Wearable Dialysis Device, Viva Kompact, Shows Promise in Pre-Pivotal Trial

7 months ago

• Vivance has successfully completed a pre-pivotal trial of its Viva Kompact wearable peritoneal dialysis (PD) device at Singapore General Hospital. • The trial demonstrated that patients could independently use the device at home for at least one week without any device-related serious adverse events. • The results of the trial will be presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week in San Diego from October 23-27, 2024. • Viva Kompact previously received FDA breakthrough device designation in 2019, highlighting its potential to improve kidney care.

Singapore Team Uncovers Mechanisms of Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis, Advances Novel Therapy

8 months ago

• Researchers in Singapore have identified key molecular mechanisms driving gastric cancer's spread to the peritoneum, the most common site of metastasis. • The study pinpointed genetic alterations and characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitate peritoneal metastasis. • A Phase I clinical trial (PIANO) combining PIPAC with immunotherapy showed promising results, with good tolerability and reduced tumor burden. • These findings pave the way for personalized treatment strategies and combination therapies targeting the TME to combat gastric cancer peritoneal metastases.

Ponatinib Dose-Ranging Study Shows Efficacy in Chronic-Phase CML Patients

4 years ago

A phase 2 trial evaluating ponatinib in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients resistant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) demonstrated significant efficacy across three starting doses. The study highlighted a novel, response-based dose-reduction strategy, with the 45 mg starting dose showing optimal benefit/risk outcomes when reduced to 15 mg upon achieving a response.

Study Finds Internal Cooling Offers Better Survival Outcomes for Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients

7 years ago

A randomized controlled trial comparing internal and external cooling methods for post-cardiac arrest patients found that internal cooling provides tighter temperature control and potentially better survival-to-hospital discharge outcomes, with fewer cardiac arrhythmia complications compared to normothermia.