News & Updates

Allergy history, previous exposure predict oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions

A history of allergy, previous oxaliplatin exposure, and chemotherapy regimens are associated with a higher risk of oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions in patients with colorectal cancer, reveals a study.

Gene behind novel neurodevelopmental syndrome identified in breakthrough discovery

A clinical research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and an international team of genetic researchers have discovered that a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome is caused by mutations in the DDX39B gene.

Salt substitution reduces stroke recurrence and death

Use of reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt substitutes vs regular salt is safe and significantly reduces risks of stroke recurrence and death, without increasing the risk of hyperkalaemia, a prespecified secondary analysis of the Salt Substitute and Stroke study (SSaSS) has shown.  

GOLD 2025 Guideline: What’s new + Dupilumab’s role in reducing COPD exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and the 10^th in Singapore, highlighting its significant health burden. [https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/principal-causes-of-death] Preventing exacerbations is critical, as only 50 percent of patients survive beyond 3.6 years after a COPD-related hospitalization. [Thorax 2012;67:957-963]

This article explores key updates from the GOLD 2025 guidelines, focusing on cardiovascular risk and emerging therapies. Notably, dupilumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing exacerbation frequency, offering new hope for patients with COPD and type 2 inflammation.

MIMS Doctor also interviewed Dr Ong Kian Chung, a Respiratory Physician at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, President of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association, Singapore, and a member of the GOLD Assembly, to gain expert insights on these advancements. 

Original New Drug Application Approvals by US FDA (1-15 February 2025)

New drug applications approved by US FDA as of 1-15 February 2025 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.

Tetracycline trumps macrolide in MRMP pneumonia

Tetracycline demonstrates superior clinical efficacy to that of macrolide in children with macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) pneumonia, a study has shown.

Sustained PFS benefit in breast cancer with palbociclib + exemestane with ovarian function suppression

Treatment with palbociclib plus exemestane with ovarian function suppression does not appear to produce improvements in overall survival (OS), although it yields sustained increases in progression-free survival (PFS) as compared with capecitabine in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, according to updated data from the phase II Young-PEARL study.