News & Updates

Targeting PV source with ropeginterferon alfa-2b revolutionizes treatment

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by overproduction of red blood cells, which poses a significant risk of thrombohaemorrhagic complications and impaired survival. Traditionally, treatment approaches have focused on managing the symptoms and reducing haematocrit levels, but these do not address the underlying cause of the disease.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (BESREMi, PharmaEssentia), an innovative monopegylated long-acting interferon, offers a novel approach by directly targeting and depleting JAK2-mutated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow, which is the source of the disease. This article focuses on the role of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in transforming the treatment landscape for PV, its mechanisms, clinical benefits, and potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

Cataracts confer increased risk of vascular dementia

People with cataracts may be at elevated risk of vascular dementia and reduced total brain volumes by way of vascular and non-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mechanisms, according to a study.

Long-acting CAB+RPV injections feasible in teens with HIV

Virally suppressed adolescents living with HIV-1 who switched from daily oral to long-acting (LA) injectable cabotegravir (CAB) plus rilpivirine (RPV) every 8 weeks show an acceptable safety profile, with pharmacokinetics similar to adults, according to the week-48 results of the IMPAACT 2017 study.

Female AYA cancer survivors: Are they at risk for adverse obstetric outcomes?

Female adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of certain types of cancer appear to be at risk of birth rate deficits and obstetric complications, suggests a retrospective study from the UK.

Statin overuse in acute cerebral ischaemia linked to thousands of AEs per year

More than one-fifth of patients with acute cerebral ischaemia (ACI) appear to be receiving statins unnecessarily, which has the potential to cause higher than 5,600 adverse events (AEs) each year, including diabetes, myopathy, and eye disease, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Original New Drug Application Approvals by US FDA (16-31 July 2024)

New drug applications approved by US FDA as of 16-31 July 2024 which includes New Molecular Entities (NMEs) and new biologics. It does not include Tentative Approvals. Supplemental approvals may have occurred since the original approval date.

Less risk, same benefit with relugolix combination vs monotherapy for endometriosis-related pain

In the treatment of women with endometriosis-associated pain, relugolix combination has a risk-benefit profile that is more favourable than that of monotherapy, due to the latter contributing to increased vasomotor symptoms and substantial bone mineral density (BMD) loss, as shown in a study.