In a close vote, an advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided not to recommend the approval of an experimental drug for the deadly neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The panel’s decision had been closely watched, with patient advocacy groups lobbying hard for fast-track approval. However, on Wednesday the panel ruled…  read on >  read on >

Avocado toast has become the favored breakfast of the healthy and fit, and now new research suggests their choice may protect their hearts. People who ate half an avocado twice a week had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of heart disease, compared with people who never or rarely…  read on >  read on >

It takes a lot of will to successfully lose weight, but a new research review suggests that “motivational” conversations with a health provider may make little difference. The review looked at studies that tested the effects of motivational interviewing, where a health care provider asks questions to encourage patients to talk about what they’d like…  read on >  read on >

Despite months of intense lobbying by patient advocates, federal health officials on Monday posted a largely negative review of an experimental drug for the devastating illness known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In an analysis of Amylyx Pharmaceuticals’ drug, known for now only as AMX3005, regulators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the…  read on >  read on >

If you believe an occasional tipple is good for your heart, a new study may make you reconsider the notion. Some previous research has suggested that light drinking may benefit the heart, but this large study concluded that any amount of drinking is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, and that any supposed…  read on >  read on >

Advocacy groups are pressing U.S. federal regulators to fast-track approval of an experimental drug treatment for the deadly neurological disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with a decision expected this week. The push to approve the drug, so far just called AMX0035, is based on partial data from clinical trials and follows the U.S. Food and…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized several tobacco-flavored vaping products made by the company Logic on Thursday, and added that it would soon announce whether other big-name brands can continue to sell their products in this country. The agency said it has acted on approximately 99% of the nearly 6.7 million e-cigarette products submitted…  read on >  read on >

“Sugar-free” might sound healthy, but a new study hints that people who consume a lot of artificial sweeteners may face a slightly higher cancer risk. Experts stressed that the findings do not prove sugar substitutes are the culprit. But they said it is wise for people to limit not only added sugars, but also the…  read on >  read on >