UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The 2024 NIDA International Forum, held in Montreal, featured over 200 attendees from 73 countries, focusing on addiction research, treatment, and policy. Key sessions included updates on NIDA's strategic priorities, discussions on drug policy reforms, medical cannabis education, opioid stigma in pharmacies, and real-world interventions. The event also highlighted international research collaborations and the importance of addressing substance use in humanitarian settings.

A blood test developed by researchers at UC Davis Health and other institutions may predict the risk of severe respiratory conditions, potentially leading to earlier intervention and prevention of serious lung disease. The test, based on a risk score derived from 32 proteins and 30 years of lung health data, identifies adults likely to develop severe respiratory issues, with higher scores indicating increased risk of hospital care, COPD, and respiratory death. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests early detection could improve lung function and quality of life.

A retrospective analysis of U.S. tinnitus patients treated with Lenire, an FDA-approved neuromodulation device, shows 91.5% experienced a meaningful reduction in tinnitus after 12 weeks, aligning with clinical trial results. Lenire is now available in specialized clinics and for U.S. Veterans.

A Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium study on plinabulin combined with nivolumab and ipilimumab for recurrent small cell lung cancer was published in Lung Cancer Journal. The study, BTCRC-LUN17-127, found the combination tolerable at 30 mg/m², though median progression-free survival was 1.6 months, below the target of 3.5 months. Some patients showed prolonged response.

The FDA has granted priority review to SpringWorks Therapeutics' NDA for mirdametinib, an investigational MEK inhibitor for treating NF1-PN. The European Medicines Agency also validated the MAA for the same indication. Data from the ReNeu trial showed significant reductions in PN volume and improvements in pain and quality of life. SpringWorks anticipates potential launch in early 2025.