Category: Pharmaceuticals
Ivermectin under scrutiny as possible COVID-19 treatment
The Principle Trial organised by scientists at the University of Oxford, UK, is currently administering Ivermectin to COVID-19 patients to see if the drug prevents severe disease. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug commonly used as veterinary medication – it has […]
Drug-laced collagen “dances” to reduce scarring
A relatively new drug has been shown to influence unusual behaviour in scar tissue formation, according to biomedical researchers at Virginia Tech’s College (VTC). Collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts – which make scar tissue less pliable – were observed to “dance” […]
Moderna plans to develop a single vaccine against multiple respiratory viruses
On the back of the stunning success of mRNA vaccines over the past year – slowly but surely against the global COVID-19 pandemic – biotechnology company Moderna, Inc. (Moderna) has announced human trials testing an mRNA influenza vaccine. Known as […]
Successful, long-term results reported for experimental asthma vaccine
A unique asthma vaccine has been developed that is able to generate antibodies against the inflammatory molecules known to cause severe asthma. Researchers from French-based Inserm, Institut Pasteur and Neovacs, who tested the vaccine in animal models, report a high […]
Experimental new vaccine blocks COVID-19 and other coronavirus variants
A pan-coronavirus vaccine developed by members of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), from the Duke University School of Nursing, NC, has proven effective in protecting monkeys and mice from a variety of coronavirus infections such as SARS-CoV-2, the original […]
Drug found to increase mouth salivation
Chronic mouth dryness caused by inflammation of the salivary glands is a condition that can negatively affect a person’s general health, the health of their teeth and gums, and their ability to taste, chew and swallow food. It can be […]
Repurposed dietary supplement tackles schizophrenia in mice
Scientists at the University of Tokyo, Japan, have chanced upon a dietary supplement that appears to treat mice with a genetic mutation that causes schizophrenia. The drug known as betaine – originally intended to treat those with an inherited metabolic […]
Experimental oral pills auto-release insulin as needed
People with diabetes can manage their condition with daily subcutaneous injections, but they can be difficult to administer and unpleasant. Researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi) have developed novel insulin capsules that can survive the trip […]
Johnson & Johnson’s new single-shot COVID-19 vaccine approved in the US
The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine – developed by pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) – has been approved for emergency use authorisation (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unlike the first two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines approved for use, […]
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine now stable at warmer temperatures
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccine developed by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech late last year was advised to be kept at ultra-cold temperatures to prevent degradation – the ultra-cold storage requirement has inevitably been a difficult and expensive problem to overcome […]