R&D

The first year of the Long COVID project: What has been achieved?

Since the 1st of June 2022, the Long COVID Consortium, led by HUS Helsinki University Hospital, is working to elucidate the predisposing factors and mechanisms for the development of Long COVID Syndrome (LCS). This is essential to be able to develop and improve the care of patients suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection.

Scientists discover small RNA that regulates bacterial infection

People with weakened immune systems are at constant risk of infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common environmental bacterium, can colonize different body parts, such as the lungs, leading to persistent, chronic infections that can last a lifetime - a common occurrence in people with cystic fibrosis.

But the bacteria can sometimes change their behavior and enter the bloodstream, causing chronic localized infections to become acute and potentially fatal.

New drug delays progression of glioma, a deadly brain cancer

In an international study co-led by UCLA, scientists have shown that a new targeted therapy drug can extend the amount of time people with a subtype of glioma are on treatment without their cancer worsening. The finding suggests a possible new treatment option for people with the slow-growing but deadly brain tumor.

The team found the drug vorasidenib more than doubled progression-free survival in people with recurrent grade 2 glioma with IDH1 and IDH2 mutations.

Researchers use ‘natural’ system to identify proteins most useful for developing an effective HIV vaccine

Since it was identified in 1984 as the cause of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected more than 80 million people and been responsible for some 40 million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, the WHO reports more than 38 million people globally live with the retrovirus, and each year, another 1 million new cases are diagnosed.

Researchers identify 10 pesticides toxic to neurons involved in Parkinson's

Researchers at UCLA Health and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides that significantly damaged neurons implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease, providing new clues about environmental toxins' role in the disease.

While environmental factors such as pesticide exposure have long been linked to Parkinson's, it has been harder to pinpoint which pesticides may raise risk for the neurodegenerative disorder.

New research sheds light on the causes of fatigue after COVID 19

Experts from Newcastle University found the nervous system of people with post-COVID fatigue was underactive in three key areas. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long COVID.

The breakthrough could lead to better treatment and tests to identify the condition and the team are already progressing the work having just started a trial.

Reduced cancer mortality with daily vitamin D intake

Vitamin D intake could reduce cancer mortality in the population by twelve percent - provided the vitamin is taken daily. This was the result of an evaluation of 14 studies of the highest quality conducted at the German Cancer Research Center with a total of almost 105,000 participants.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread worldwide and is particularly common among cancer patients.

Research & Development

The first year of the Long COVID project: What has been achieved?

Scientists discover small RNA that regulates bacterial infection

New drug delays progression of glioma, a deadly brain cancer

Researchers use ‘natural’ system to identify proteins most useful for developing an effective HIV vaccine

Researchers identify 10 pesticides toxic to neurons involved in Parkinson's

New research sheds light on the causes of fatigue after COVID 19

Reduced cancer mortality with daily vitamin D intake

More Pharma News ...