Antidiabetic agent could smother pancreatic cancer stem cells Metformin, commonly used for diabetes, was found to shut down metabolism in pancreatic cancer stem cells, which can spread cancer around the body.…
Antioxidant shows promise in preventing hearing loss caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics Researchers are calling for a clinical trial to determine the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine in reducing the risk of deafness in patients taking aminoglycoside antibiotics for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.…
New edition of BNF brings ‘fundamental change’ Major changes have been made to the structure and appearance of the British National Formulary, the medicines and prescribing reference book used by NHS healthcare professionals.…
Pfizer loses Lyrica patent infringement case Pfizer has lost its patent infringement case against generic drug manufacturers Actavis and Mylan over the use of pregabalin, marketed as Lyrica.…
Proton pump inhibitors linked with low risk of lupus, says UK regulator Proton pump inhibitors have been linked with rare cases of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, according to a drug update issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.…
Transplant antifungal drug voriconazole associated with increased skin cancer risk Antifungal drug voriconazole increases the risk of developing skin cancer by 73% in lung transplant patients given the drug to prevent infection with Aspergillus, according to research published in the American Journal of Transplantation.…
Pfizer’s Lyrica GP reimbursement plan under scrutiny by industry self-regulator Pfizer’s plan to reimburse GPs for extra work they undertake to protect the second medical use patent of the company’s drug Lyrica (pregablin) is under consideration by the UK pharmaceutical industry’s self-regulator. …
FDA approves drug for genetic condition that affects 20 patients worldwide The US Food and Drug Administration has approved uridine triacetate (Xuriden) for the treatment of orotic aciduria – a rare genetic hereditary metabolic disorder that affects just 20 patients worldwide. …
FDA approves rolapitant to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea The US Food and Drug Administration has approved rolapitant as part of a combination of drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy.…
Sacubitril/valsartan combination fast-tracked to heart failure patients A drug to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction is being fast-tracked to patients under the UK’s Early Access to Medicines Scheme.…