An outside advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s review of the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm is now speaking out, arguing that the approval was based on dodgy science and involved questionable collaboration between regulators and the drug’s maker. “I’m not surprised at the controversy because I think it’s a horrible decision. I think… read on > read on >
Unlocking a clue to why Black women might be more susceptible to COVID-19, a new study shows that low levels of vitamin D may increase their risk of infection. That doesn’t mean that people should rely on vitamin D supplements to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, because vaccines are the only proven protection against the… read on > read on >
Two long used types of blood pressure drugs are equally effective, but the less popular one seems to have fewer side effects, according to a large “real-world” study. The two classes of medication are both recommended as “first-line” treatments for high blood pressure: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ACE inhibitors have… read on > read on >
Weight-loss surgery can be a double-edged sword for obese women who want to shed pounds before becoming pregnant: New research shows it lowers the risk of some complications, but it may increase the risk of others. Investigators followed more than 20,000 women in California who became pregnant between 2007 and 2018. Of those, 9.3% had… read on > read on >
Children with autism differ socially and developmentally from their typically developing peers. Now, researchers say there are also differences in their array of healthy gut bacteria or “microbiome.” The findings may lead to earlier treatment for kids with an autism spectrum disorder, suggested the authors of a new small study. The gut microbiome can vary… read on > read on >
Give kids just a little more time if you want them to eat better. New research suggests that longer school lunch breaks could boost their intake of fruits and veggies. “It makes sense that you might eat the part of the meal you look forward to first, and if there’s enough time left you might… read on > read on >
Accidental exposure to fentanyl pain patches is putting children’s lives at risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain reliever; so powerful that fentanyl patches are typically only prescribed to patients who require round-the-clock, long-term pain relief, such as cancer patients. They’re generally replaced every three days. Kids can… read on > read on >
The controversial new Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm is creating something of a civil war in medicine, as health networks, hospitals, insurers and individual doctors weigh impending discussions with patients about whether they should take the medication. Many doctors believe the U.S. Food and Drug Administration “moved the goalposts” to approve Aduhelm (aducanumab) in early June, and… read on > read on >
A drug that eases hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease may be able to do the same for those with dementia, a new clinical trial finds. The medication, called Nuplazid (pimavanserin), is already approved in the United States for treating hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s. The new study, published July 22 in the New… read on > read on >
As he urged Americans who are still hesitant to get vaccinated, President Joe Biden told an Ohio town hall on Wednesday night that he expected the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would soon give final approval to COVID-19 vaccines. At the moment, all three vaccines being used in this country have only emergency use approval.… read on > read on >
