MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'drug research'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:37:59 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044879&cid=t_120491_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2wBLXqKGsKE%2F Discussion on the future of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy; United BioSource acquires Cognitive Drug Research; innovative partnership between Navigenics and Posit Science; new research on brain impact of Tetris; how a drop in visual skills may precede Alzheimer’s Disease;  excellent report by the National Academies for the US Army available for free now. Brain Teaser Who will you believe, me or your own eyes? discover the 3 Winners of the 2009 Best Visual Illusion of the Year Contest. Neuroscientists Susana Martinez-Conde and Stephen Macknik, who help organize the contest, will give a fun demo on Magic and the Brain at SharpBrains Summit, to discuss the limits of human perception and cognition. Enjoy the final month of 2009! (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044879 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:30:59 +0100 3044879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318536&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fasthma-treatment-not-always-helped-by-ppis-like-nexium%2F This study demonstrates that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control,” said Robert A. Wise, M.D., a coauthor of the paper and a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Based on these results, we also believe that doctors do not need to test for GER in asthma patients unless the patient is reporting symptoms of acid reflux.” If you have asthma and are taking a PPI like Nexium, talk to your doctor about whether it’s necessary. (Source: Dr. Z's Medical Report) Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318536 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:40:19 +0100 2318536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325195&cid=t_120491_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fdrug-ads-comparative-research-adding-value-or-wasting-cash.html As patients, we all know that millions (billions?) of dollars get thrown around in the Pharma and healthcare industries that may not ever touch us directly.  Are all those dollars spent on marketing and research really providing the value they propose?  Two related posts/discussions by industry insiders caught my eye lately:   The Downside (and Upside) of [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325195 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:00:36 +0100 2325195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2129415&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ffibromyalgia-treatment-update-savella-milnacipran-approved-tricyclic-antidepressants-validated%2F Two major pieces of news for people afflicted by fibromyalgia have appeared in the past few weeks; namely, the FDA approval of Savella (milnacipran), the third drug to receive federal backing for fibromyalgia, and the publication of a major meta-analysis in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which confirmed that antidepressant medications (including Savella) can improve pain, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and quality of life. Of note, however, is that the JAMA report also concluded that older medications, called tricyclic antidepressants, are most effective for treating fibromyalgia, even though they are not FDA approved for such use. It is often the case that older and now generic medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline, ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2129415 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:37:14 +0100 2129415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006555&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Funderstanding-biologics-how-they-differ-from-drugs-and-why-they-cost-more%2F Many of our readers either already have or will in the future encounter the possibility of being treated with a biologic medication. This is because biologics have revolutionized the treatment of such chronic illnesses as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, and are widely used in treating a variety of cancers. To name just a few, these products include Enbrel, Humira, Remicade (infliximab), Avonex (inteferon beta-1a), Betaseron (interferon beta-1b), Tysabri, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Herceptin (trastuzumab), Rituxan (rituximab), Neupogen (filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) and Leukine (sargramostim). So just what are biologics, how do they differ from more traditional drugs, and why are they so expensive?Although some b... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006555 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:06:00 +0100 2006555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1892347&cid=t_120491_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F427061680%2F Just saw a very interesting press release regarding computer-based neurocognitive assessments - a critical part of the brain fitness puzzle. How long will it take before consumers can have access to a reliable and credible annual "mental check-up"/ cognitive baseline? HeadMinder Cognitive Stability Index: Computerized Neurocognitive ... (Press release) - "The HeadMinder web-based Cognitive Stability Index (CSI) has proven more useful for blast-concussion detection than the ANAM computerized test battery the DoD currently employs. The CSI provides an immediate solution to clear the backlog of 400,000 IED-exposed service members in less than two years." - "The CSI is a 30-minute, Internet-based, computerized test that provides automated, objective measures of attenti... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1892347 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:39:12 +0100 1892347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1242440&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Frituxan-for-multiple-sclerosis-positive-clinical-trial-results%2F Rituxan (rituximab) is a biologic medication that is already approved by the FDA for the treatment of both non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is now being studied as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis, and results of an early-stage clinical trial, recently published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, show that it may have great potential in treating this chronic illness. This is not the first time that a cancer drug (Rituxan was originally approved for NHL, a type of blood cell cancer) has later been studied in MS. Novantrone (mitoxantrone) is one such cancer drug, originally approved for the treatment of certain leukemias and then later for advanced prostate cancer, which also was eventually approved by the FDA for the treatment of ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1242440 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:08:17 +0100 1242440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1192889&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F01%2F31%2Feat-a-banana-today%2F GOOD NEWS, GUYS!!!! We can throw away all of our crappy pharma drugs. I just got this great news in my email……. A professor at CCNY  for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.   He said the expression “going bananas” is from theeffects  of bananas on the brain.  Read on: Bananas contain three natural sugars -  sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.   Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. (No more hunting for those nasty street drug amphetimines). No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes. But  energy isn’t the only way a banana can hel... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1192889 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:48:05 +0100 1192889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156807&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F01%2F16%2Fwelcome-aboard-the-clue-wagon%2F It seemed to me that even the title that caught my eye tonight was toned down, (much like the negative study results): “Suffering from an Overly Sunny View of Antidepressants?” “F-no, I’m sure not.” I thought. I’ll leave it to the experts and cooler heads to analyze and write about this. “studies on antidepressants showing negative results are published less frequently than studies that show positive results — and the underrepresentation may be generating a false sense of how effective these drugs are.” At first I just wanted to post two words. “No shit.” Bad science. Bad information. Bad Medicine. Useless medication. Bad Evil people. Read it. Decide for yourself who: Sat on the information, who profited, who suffered, who... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156807 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:48:23 +0100 1156807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1065879&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F12%2F02%2Fwhos-up-for-toad-licking%2F       Toad licking   Refers to the alleged practice of licking  Bufo toads to ingest the  psychoactive compounds they exude from glands located on their exterior. These toads include the  Cane Toad, Bufo marinus and the  Colorado River Toad.These toads, and many others in the Bufo family, exude the toxic chemical bufoterine, (also called bufotenin) which is, as stated in the node of the same name, not psychoactive in  reasonable doses.. It is psychoactive in ” unreasonable doses….WTF? You can lick a toad in reasonable does? Sign me up immediately and hand me the frog gigging supplies. Much cheaper and probably more effective that these damn psych meds. And, face it, toads are not yet monopolized by pharma companies nor contribute to psych doctor’s country c... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1065879 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:21:32 +0100 1065879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1030323&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fbreast-cancer-and-grapefruit-not-always-a-good-combination%2F In this study, some 40,000 postmenopausal women were followed over several years and it was found that those who ate grapefruit had a 30 percent higher chance of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t eat grapefruit. The study did not include women who were premenopausal or those who were breast cancer survivors. It is only one study and it is what’s called an observational study, which has many limitations. Further research is needed to answer the question of whether all postmenopausal women should avoid grapefruit. But now let’s get back to those women who already have estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. If you have breast cancer that is dependent on estrogen for its growth, you may be taking a drug to limit the activity of estrogen in your body, like tamoxifen (Nolva... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1030323 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:53:40 +0100 1030323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015093&cid=t_120491_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fblood-pressure-drug-might-help-alzheimers-great-news-for-mice%2F Maybe you saw the headlines that the high blood pressure drug Diovan [valsartan] might have some kind of impact on Alzheimer’s disease. But depending on what article you read, you’d get a very different report. If you read the article in U.S. News & World Report, you’d have gotten a fair and balanced picture of the research on which the headlines were based. But if you read the article at Fox News, you’d have gotten a highly misleading account. First of all, the research being reported was conducted in mice a pretty important bit of information that tells you that it has no immediate relevance to humans and that any potential benefit for mankind would be years away. The U.S. News article mentions the word mice in its title (in the sub-heading) and in the first sentence of the a... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015093 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:09:04 +0100 1015093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838117&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F09%2F03%2Frolling-with-theories%2F By AC- by proxy AC was so ticked off by an article she read, she forwarded it to me to rant about…..so here it goes: “Current medicines help, but often fall short.” ‘They “certainly reduce symptoms but don’t do a good enough job,” said Dr. Husseini Manji of the National Institute of Mental Health. “Many patients are helped, but they’re not well.” Tell it, Captain Obvious! “A lot of things sound like a good idea when you’re manic,” she said, “and they’re really not.” Disclaimer: **None of the BPChicks were interviewed for this article.** ************************************************************************************************************* They seem to sugar coat this article by throwing ... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838117 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:44:09 +0100 838117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780419&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F08%2F04%2Fokshow-your-faces-fakers%2F                                                I’m talking about the new studies on placebo affects. According to one study done by UCLA, 30-60 percent of depressed people show improvements with placebo treatment. After eight weeks of blind testing, when the subjects were told either that they had been given a placebo or medication, the research team noted a dramatic change.The individuals taking a placebo lost all of the improvement they had made and had a recurrence of their symptoms, Leuchter said. “We believe it is reasonable to suppose that belief in treatment is an important component of the placebo response. The expectation of getting better contributed greatly to improvement.” Oh reeeeeaaaallly? Does this mean that wh... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780419 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:51:30 +0100 780419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=638366&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F05%2F25%2Fconvention-of-the-clueless%2F I don’t know why I try. I guess every once in awhile, I have a fantasy that there are some out of the box thinkers that will come up with something new. First: find a cause…then find a cure; or at least a real treatment. So I thought I’d take a look at what was coming out of the American Psychiatric Association’s 2007 Annual Meeting. Newsflash! Tranquilizing a manic person improves their mania rating score. Are these people actually paid to think? First off….this “study” qualified you as acutely manic with a YMRS of 20. When I used to do the mania self assessments and my scores would fall below 25…I knew it was time to access my depression score….depression has a way of sneaking up on me sometimes…one day, I’m just bored and... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=638366 Fri, 25 May 2007 07:25:56 +0100 638366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=638367&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F05%2F24%2Fi-dont-wanna-go%2F Pdoc appt. today. Actually, it’s with the green-behind-the-ears PA. She’s a sweet kid. I think she’s in over her head. The pdoc has practically turned over most of his patients to her. He’s busy high-profiling elsewhere. I’ve said this before but will repeat it. He looks like an Indian Mo…..of 3 Stooges. He has put that girl in a serious situation. She is fresh out of PA school and has been thrown into a den of hungry, psycho lions. I’m not saying that I’m smarter than her. I am saying that I have a lot more experience with mental disorders and have seen just about everything. There is a large amount of patients there who could be trouble for her. Patients who have been misdiagnosed. Especially teenagers who think that it’s “COOL&... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=638367 Thu, 24 May 2007 14:21:50 +0100 638367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=629399&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F05%2F22%2Flift-thee-up-wtf%2F I was singing along with Amy Lee from Evanescence today… when a girlfriend of my daughters said… what does it mean? I said… she’s depressed… she’s asking god to “Lift Thee Up, dont’ want to lock me up inside….” , etc… etc…, she said… oh… cause the NAME of the song is “Lithium”, I thought it was some girl’s name or something like that…. “… I said, “No… are you sure it’s called, “Lithium? L-I-T-H-I-U-M”? “Yeah”, she said… “why? What does it mean? and I told her that lithium was an approved bipolar disorder medication… approved to effectively (snarf snarf), treat bipolar disorder…. one of the few that had bee... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=629399 Tue, 22 May 2007 22:11:40 +0100 629399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=629400&cid=t_120491_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F05%2F20%2Fxenu-is-not-my-homeboy-but%2F It’s bad when reports start to make Tom Cruise look like less of a human side-show than he actually is. I just cannot get off this kiddie drugging crap. It’s everywhere! Originally I was all fired up because of what is happening to trusting, willing, adults who do not really need some of the medications they seem to think they do; but this kid thing is...nuts. (I’m not talking about needed medications) It’s one thing for an adult to see him or herself on a commercial, go to a doc and beg for the magic pill to fix a problem. I saw it on TV…”Hey, that’s me!” (over generalization of “sometimes, bad shit just happens…and it makes your life temporarily surreal”) The doc gave me the script, he must have seen it work for others li... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=629400 Sun, 20 May 2007 20:42:25 +0100 629400