University of Zurich

Omega-3 Supplementation Shows Promise in Slowing Biological Aging, Clinical Trial Reveals

4 months ago

• A large-scale clinical trial involving 777 Swiss adults demonstrates that daily intake of 1 gram omega-3 can slow biological aging by up to four months, as measured by epigenetic clocks. • The study, published in Nature Aging, reveals that combining omega-3 with vitamin D supplementation and regular exercise produces the strongest effects on aging prevention and cancer risk reduction. • Researchers observed that participants with lower baseline omega-3 levels showed more significant epigenetic changes, suggesting targeted intervention potential for biological aging management.

Phase 1/2 KEYMAKER-U02 Trial: Pembrolizumab Shows Manageable Safety Profile in Stage IIIB-D Melanoma

4 months ago

• Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab, alone or combined with vibostolimab or gebasaxturev, demonstrated a manageable safety profile in stage IIIB-D melanoma patients, with 95% experiencing at least one adverse event. • The trial achieved pathological complete response rates of 38% for pembrolizumab/vibostolimab, 28% for pembrolizumab/gebasaxturev, and 40% for pembrolizumab monotherapy, showing promising efficacy across treatment arms. • Most common treatment-related adverse events included pruritus, fatigue, and vitiligo, with grade 3-4 adverse events occurring in 8-28% of patients across different treatment arms.

Patient-Researcher's Journey Leads to Breakthrough Treatment for Rare Light Sensitivity Disorder

7 months ago

• Dr. Jasmin Barman-Aksözen's personal experience with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) led her to contribute to the development and approval of Scenesse, the first treatment for this rare genetic disorder. • Clinical trials demonstrated Scenesse allows EPP patients to spend up to 20 additional minutes in sunlight daily without pain, with some achieving three hours of sun exposure while using the treatment. • The drug's approval marked a historic milestone as the first treatment approved through EMA's patient experience pilot program, though limitations remain and new therapeutic candidates are under development.

7th Annual OCT DACH Conference to Address Clinical Trial Innovation, Investment, and Diversity Challenges

7 months ago

• The 7th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials DACH 2024 conference will convene in Zurich this October, featuring key discussions on European ICH GCP V3 regulations and emerging technologies in clinical trials. • Industry leaders from Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, and other major companies will address critical challenges in clinical trial conduct, including AI integration and regional trial revitalization strategies. • The conference will highlight WHO's new guidance on clinical trial diversity and inclusion, with special focus on improving representation of underserved populations in medical research.

Alzheimer's Drug Lecanemab Faces Scrutiny as Swissmedic Weighs Approval

8 months ago

• Swissmedic is expected to decide by the end of 2024 whether to approve lecanemab, the first new Alzheimer’s drug in two decades. • Lecanemab, already approved in the US, Japan, China, and South Korea, targets amyloid plaques and has shown to slow cognitive decline by 27% in trials. • The European Medicines Agency rejected lecanemab due to concerns about brain swelling and bleeding, while the UK's NICE cited high costs relative to benefits. • Experts emphasize the importance of early treatment and continued investment in Alzheimer's research despite the modest benefits and potential risks of current drugs.