University of Manitoba

NIH Study: Single Dose of MEDI8852 Antibody Shows Complete Protection Against H5N1 Avian Flu in Primates

3 months ago

• A groundbreaking NIH study demonstrates that a single dose of MEDI8852, a broadly neutralizing antibody developed by MedImmune/AstraZeneca, provides complete protection against H5N1 avian influenza in macaques. • The antibody targets a stable portion of the influenza virus protein, offering extended protection that could last weeks after administration, making it a promising preventive tool for potential H5N1 outbreaks. • All macaques pre-treated with MEDI8852 survived H5N1 exposure with minimal or no symptoms, while untreated control subjects developed severe or fatal illness.

Tooth-Regrowing Drug Enters Clinical Trials, Offering Hope for Natural Tooth Replacement

5 months ago

• A novel drug developed by Japanese researchers is undergoing clinical trials to regenerate teeth by targeting the USAG-1 protein. • The drug aims to stimulate the growth of a third set of teeth from dormant buds beneath the gums, offering an alternative to implants. • Initial trials focus on safety in adults, with plans to expand to children with congenital tooth agenesis, potentially available by 2030. • Experts are optimistic about the drug's potential to revolutionize dentistry, particularly for those with limited access to dental care.

Radiopharmaceutical Developed by PhD Student to Enhance Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Delivery to Brain Metastases

6 months ago

• A novel radiopharmaceutical developed by Stephanie Borlase will be used in a clinical trial to track immunotherapy delivery to brain metastases in lung cancer patients. • The trial aims to assess whether ultrasound can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, enhancing the uptake of immunotherapy drugs in brain tumors. • Borlase's radiopharmaceutical combines pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with a radioactive isotope, enabling PET imaging of drug delivery to tumors. • The research offers Borlase a unique opportunity to see her work translated into clinical application, potentially improving outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

Risk Stratification and Population Health Key to Revolutionizing CKD Care Management

7 months ago

• Advanced risk stratification models are enabling precise identification of high-risk CKD patients and connecting them with appropriate therapies, bridging the gap between diagnostics and treatment. • Population health strategies, particularly leveraging laboratory data as a safety net, are crucial for addressing CKD care disparities in marginalized communities and ensuring continuous patient monitoring. • Moving beyond the traditional EGFR-centered approach, new risk-prediction models can identify high-risk patients across all CKD stages, enabling early intervention with targeted therapies.

University of Minnesota Trial Finds Hydroxychloroquine No Better Than Placebo in Preventing COVID-19

5 years ago

A University of Minnesota trial has concluded that hydroxychloroquine is no more effective than a placebo in preventing COVID-19 after exposure, with 40% of participants experiencing non-serious side effects.