UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The Transdermal Drug Delivery Pipeline Report, 2024 Update, offers comprehensive insights into pipeline products, development stages, clinical trials, and key companies shaping the transdermal drug delivery market.

Qing Shao, Ph.D., at the University of Kentucky, received over $1.3 million from NIH's NLM to develop large protein language models using AI for biomedical applications. These models aim to predict protein behavior, aiding in disease understanding and treatment discovery, particularly for cancer and Alzheimer's. The project addresses current model limitations by integrating protein 3D structures and sequences to enhance predictions.

A new neuroimaging marker, peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), related to cerebral small vessel disease, may identify dementia risk in clinical trials. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, found PSMD efficiently processes brain images in multi-site dementia studies and is associated with lower general cognition. PSMD's non-invasive, automated, fast, and reliable nature makes it ideal for clinical trial use.

Bonnie Hutton, with a known aortic aneurysm and a bowel blockage, was referred to UK HealthCare for specialized treatment. She became the first patient in Kentucky to receive the GORE TAMBE device, a minimally invasive solution for aortic aneurysms. Post-surgery, Hutton had her hernia and bowel obstruction repaired, paving the way for her recovery and return to her favorite activities, including fishing.

Becker's 2024 list highlights hospitals & health systems excelling in oncology, recognized for advanced clinical trials & research. Notable institutions include AdventHealth, Allina Health, Arkansas Children's, Atlantic Health System, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Boston Medical Center, Brown University Health, Children's Health, Children's Hospital Colorado, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's Nebraska, ChristianaCare, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Connecticut Children’s, Covenant Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dartmouth Health, DeTar Hospital Cancer Center, Duke Health, El Paso Children's Hospital, Emory Healthcare, Endeavor Health, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center/UW Medicine, Geisinger, Hackensack Meridian Health, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Inova, Jefferson Health, Johns Hopkins, Jupiter Medical Center, Keck Medicine of USC, Laredo Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Health Network, MUSC Health, MaineHealth, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mayo Clinic, MedStar, MemorialCare, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System, Nebraska Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, Northwestern Medicine, Novant Health, OSF HealthCare, OU Health, Ochsner Health, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Orlando Health, Penn Medicine, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, Providence South Division Cancer Institute, Queen's Health System, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, Renown Health, Rochester Regional Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sanford Health, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Scripps Health, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Stanford Medicine, Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Sutter Health, Swedish Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami, Tampa General Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, UC Davis Health, UCLA Health, UCSF Health, UK HealthCare, UNM Health System, UVA Health, UW Health, UMass Memorial Health, University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Colorado Cancer Center-UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, University Hospitals, University of Iowa Health Care, University of Kansas Health System, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Vermont Health Network, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Virtua Health, WVU Cancer Institute, WellSpan Health, Yale New Haven Health.

The era of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer disease has arrived with FDA approval of 3 medications for mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer disease. Aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab target beta-amyloid to slow cognitive decline, with earlier treatment being more effective. These treatments, though promising, come with risks like amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and require careful monitoring and coordination among healthcare providers.

The 2024 NCODA International Fall Summit in Orlando featured keynote speaker Chaunte Lowe, clinical science breakthroughs, and sessions on novel treatments and best practices. Highlights included Joyce O’Shaughnessy’s talk on breast cancer treatment advances, Stephanie White’s insights on oncology pharmacy, Liz Vogel’s safety guidelines for hazardous drug compounding, Nathan Vanderford’s discussion on rural healthcare challenges, and a panel on precision medicine in lung cancer. Doug Long also addressed oncology market trends.

The University of Kentucky, a land-grant institution, focuses on student leadership, education, research, service, and healthcare to benefit Kentuckians. With 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million R&D enterprise, and a world-class medical center, UK fosters innovation and inclusivity, as evidenced by Forbes' ranking and INSIGHT into Diversity's recognition.

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved the Advancing Kentucky Together Network, aiming to address health, education, and workforce needs. UK HealthCare will invest in new resources, focusing on clinical partnerships initially. Pikeville Medical Center will support the network. The initiative aligns with UK HealthCare's commitment to patient care, workforce education, and community outreach, enhancing overall health outcomes in Kentucky.

Vincent DiMartino, a 75-year-old musician diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, participated in a clinical trial at Moffitt Cancer Center, achieving a complete response. Now, he balances his time between Florida and Kentucky, continuing to teach and play music, and remains active in his community.