Tag Archives: drugs

GLP-1 Drugs Set to Revolutionize Healthcare in 2025

Posted on by
Reply

Ozempic, which contains the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, was originally thought to be solely a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

alamy stock photo

Once regarded as exclusive weight-loss solutions for the affluent, medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic are set to expand their impact in 2025. Now approved in the United States for kidney and cardiovascular diseases, Ozempic’s role extends far beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. This year has witnessed a significant surge in evidence indicating that these medications could revolutionize nearly every facet of medicine.

Emerging findings suggest that the drug, which simulates the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), offers benefits beyond managing diabetes and obesity. A study in 2024 indicated its potential in decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, alleviating depression and anxiety, and even slowing cognitive decline.

Initially, it was believed that these effects stemmed from weight loss, given the strong correlation between obesity and various health issues. However, by early 2025, it became evident that additional benefits were at play. Subsequent studies demonstrated that individuals experienced health improvements regardless of their weight loss outcomes.

Researchers are uncovering the mechanisms through which GLP-1 medications operate across various pathways, including those related to inflammation. These drugs seem to influence metabolism and neural circuits that regulate motivation, reward, and mood, potentially elucidating their unexpected advantages against alcoholism and depression.

Until recently, much of the evidence relied on animal studies and observational data. However, 2025 has seen a surge in large-scale randomized trials assessing the broader impacts of these medications.

In January, findings revealed that diabetic patients taking GLP-1 medications in conjunction with standard treatments faced a reduced risk of 42 diseases, including dementia and muscle pain, compared to those receiving only standard care. Nevertheless, it wasn’t all positive, as an increased risk for 19 conditions, such as kidney stones, was also noted, though overall advantages eclipsed the downsides.

Last year’s noteworthy findings predominantly involved cognitive health. The suggested connection between GLP-1 medications and diminished addictive behaviors gained credence from the first randomized clinical trial to investigate this hypothesis directly.

In a nine-week study involving 48 individuals with alcohol use disorder, those administered Ozempic and Wegovy’s semaglutide exhibited reduced alcohol consumption and craving frequencies compared to the placebo group. “We are thrilled about the advancements we are witnessing,” states Tony Goldstone from Imperial College London. “Few medications exist for treating addiction, and [GLP-1 drugs] are recognized as sufficiently safe due to prior approvals for other ailments.”

Moreover, additional cognitive benefits have come to light this year. In April, a meta-analysis encompassing 26 clinical trials with over 160,000 participants found that GLP-1 drugs significantly diminished the risk for all dementia types. This followed another trial conducted by Paul Edison, also from Imperial College London. The research discovered that a year of treatment with the GLP-1 drug liraglutide, found in Saxenda and Nevolat, resulted in a 50% reduction in brain shrinkage and an 18% slower cognitive decline when compared to a placebo.

Edison theorizes that Alzheimer’s isn’t caused by a singular factor but is the outcome of multiple pathological processes. He posits that GLP-1 drugs influence several of these processes, potentially safeguarding neurons through kinase pathways critical for cellular stress responses, while enhancing insulin sensitivity and mitigating inflammation.

The favorable news continued to unfold. In late April, the GLP-1 drug became the first pharmaceutical treatment to demonstrate distinct benefits for individuals with severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by fat accumulation that can lead to inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis, and cancer.

Aging concerns are also under scrutiny. A small trial evaluating individuals with HIV-related aging complications found that participants receiving Ozempic injections for 32 weeks exhibited an average biological age reduction of 3.1 years by the end of the study, while no changes were noted in the placebo group.

Varun Dwaraka, from TruDiagnostic in Lexington, Kentucky, which participated in the study, emphasizes that these effects aren’t merely a result of weight loss. “While weight loss is part of biological aging, initial evidence and our understanding of GLP-1 biology imply that there exists an independent layer of metabolic enhancement leading to improvements in biological age,” he indicates.

The momentum shows no signs of waning. By year’s end, studies emerged linking GLP-1 medications to alleviating symptoms of age-related cataracts, psoriasis, and even enhanced stem cell regeneration supporting vital immunity.

This versatile class of drugs is expected to unveil more discoveries in 2026, as researchers delve into how a single treatment can influence such a wide array of conditions and delineate its limitations. As Goldstone aptly noted, despite the pressing need for expansive long-term trials, “we’re heading in the right direction.”

topic:

  • Medical drugs /
  • 2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

mRNA Drugs: A Shield Against Nearly All Viral Infections

Posted on by
Reply

Illustration of a protein complex binding to DNA in the production of vital signaling molecules known as interferons.

Martin McCarthy/Getty Images

Weekly inhaler puffs, similar to those used for asthma, might safeguard you against viral infections that could make winters challenging.

This promising idea stems from encouraging animal studies involving mRNA therapies aimed at activating our natural viral defenses. “We can consider this a universal antiviral agent,” states Dusan Bogunovic from Columbia University in New York.

To fully realize this potential, the development of mRNA technology used in vaccines will be essential, but recent funding cuts in the US for mRNA vaccine initiatives pose a significant concern. “I would be surprised if this doesn’t impact such progress,” Bogunovic mentioned.

Beyond recognizing and neutralizing viruses with antibodies, our bodies have multiple inherent defenses. For instance, upon detecting a viral invasion, cells emit a critical signaling molecule called interferons. This activates around 1000 genes, resulting in the production of various antiviral proteins, each playing distinct protective roles. Some obstruct viral entry into cells and hinder the release of other viral particles.

While not all antiviral proteins are effective against every virus, their strategic combination can yield significant results. “Our innate immune system is remarkably robust,” Bogunovic observes.

Bogunovic points out that the rapid replication of respiratory viruses presents a challenge. However, if the body can proactively prepare these defenses, it could reduce viral replication and ensure that infections remain less severe, even before the immune system fully kicks in.

There were hopes of using interferon as a broad-spectrum antiviral, but the potential for severe side effects warranted caution. Thus, Bogunovic and his team are focusing instead on creating an antiviral agent composed of a select group of 1000 proteins induced by interferons.

They chose 10 specific proteins and introduced them into cells via mRNAs that encode these proteins. The mRNA delivery system allows for temporary protein production within targeted cells, which is critical as preformed proteins are often too large to enter cells in adequate amounts.

Experiments where human cells were infected with a range of viruses, including influenza and Zika, demonstrated that this mRNA cocktail effectively enhanced viral protection. This could provide the necessary head start in the body.

The team subsequently administered these mRNAs to the lungs of Golden Hamsters. The mRNA combination afforded strong protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, drastically reducing viral loads in comparison to untreated counterparts. “I thought, ‘This could actually be a universal antiviral,’” Bogunovic says.

Present antiviral medications are typically limited to specific viruses; hence, broad-spectrum treatments are immensely valuable. The breakthrough of antibiotics such as penicillin, which can eliminate a wide array of bacteria, has transformed medical practice.

Moreover, some combinations of proteins activated by interferons may work particularly well against specific viruses, Bogunovic mentions. This same methodology could also help in formulating specialized antiviral agents.

Effectively delivering mRNA to a significant number of vulnerable cells remains crucial. Further advancements are required, as targeting specific cell types with mRNA continues to be challenging.

“This scenario is certainly intriguing and could lead to significant developments, but we are still a distance from implementing practical and adaptable solutions,” states Aris Katzourakis from Oxford University. “This research emphasizes the vast potential of mRNA technology extending beyond vaccines. The current trend of mRNA vaccine funding in the US will likely and regrettably hinder progress in both domains.”

While antibiotic resistance remains a pressing issue, Bogunovic believes it is unlikely that viruses will develop resistance to this type of antiviral approach, given its combination of various interferon-triggered proteins that target multiple phases of the virus’s lifecycle. This combined strategy has already yielded successes in HIV treatments.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Immunotherapy Drugs: A Hopeful Alternative to Invasive Surgeries and Strenuous Treatments for Cancer Patients

Posted on by
Reply

When individuals develop solid tumors in the stomach, esophagus, or rectum, oncologists have established treatment strategies. Yet, these treatments can significantly affect quality of life, leading to outcomes such as stomach and bladder removal, permanent colostomy bags, radiation exposure, infertility from chemotherapy, and lasting bodily harm.

In response, a research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center utilized drugs from GSK to explore a novel approach.

They initiated the study with 103 participants, who represent a small fraction (2-3%) of cancer patients with tumors ideally suited for immunotherapy—drugs designed to bypass obstacles that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.

Notably, clinical trials do not generally expect immunotherapy to replace standard treatments. Researchers, led by Dr. Lewis A. Diaz Jr. and Andrea Cerseck, opted to administer dostarlimab, an immunotherapeutic agent.

The outcomes were unexpected and offered hope for a select group of patients faced with these cancers.

In 49 patients with rectal cancer, tumors vanished and did not return after five years. Among 54 patients with other cancers—including esophageal, liver, endometrial, urinary tract, and prostate cancers—35 experienced total tumor disappearance.

Out of the 103 patients, only five experienced a recurrence of cancer. Three were given three doses of immunotherapy, while one was discontinued after the tumor reappeared in the lymph nodes. Currently, the four patients show no signs of disease, while the fifth received further immunotherapy to reduce the tumor size.

On Sunday, investigators presented their findings at the American Cancer Research Association’s Annual Meeting, with a paper featured in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Bert Vogelstein, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, termed the results “groundbreaking.”

The drug development’s early stages were conducted in his lab, where he expressed surprise at the advancements.

“The concept of treating large tumors from various organs without surgery seemed like science fiction 20 or 30 years ago,” he noted. However, he emphasized that these discoveries stemmed from decades of foundational research.

The reason immunotherapy succeeded for these significant tumors lies in their gene incompatible repair mutations, which obstruct the correction of DNA damage. This leads to tumors accumulating abnormal proteins that signal the immune system for destruction. Nevertheless, the tumors deploy a shield to fend off immune attacks, which immunotherapy can stimulate, enabling the immune system to target the tumors effectively.

For patients like those in this study, Dr. Michael Oberman, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, suggests the results point towards immunotherapy as an option free of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

However, obstacles remain. The drug is priced around $11,000 per dose, requiring patients to undergo nine infusions over six months. To qualify for insurance coverage, it needs inclusion in clinical guidelines established by professional organizations.

The drug is approved for treating uterine cancer with mismatch repair mutations and is also listed in clinical guidelines for rectal cancer, based on previous small-scale studies. Yet, Dr. Diaz indicated that other cancer patients may face challenges in taking the medication. Nonetheless, Memorial Sloan Kettering continues to recruit participants for clinical trials, meaning those with eligible tumors can access the drug at no cost.

For some individuals, immunotherapy is life-transforming. Side effects can occur, with the study noting fatigue, rashes, and itching as the most common. Rare side effects included pulmonary infections and encephalitis.

Maureen Sidris, a 71-year-old from Amenia, New York, discovered she had cancer after struggling to eat a burger.

“It wouldn’t go down,” she recounted, realizing there was some blockage. Ultimately, it was identified as a tumor at the junction of her stomach and esophagus.

In 2019, she visited Sloan Kettering, where her surgeon advised that surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation were mandatory and that surgery would be complex.

However, due to her tumor’s mismatch repair mutation, she was able to join a clinical trial. Her first injection occurred on October 14 of that year, and by January, her tumor had disappeared. While Sidris experienced one side effect from the treatment requiring medication to support her kidney function, she considers it worthwhile to avoid the challenging treatments initially suggested.

“It was indeed a journey,” she remarked. However, she reasoned that she had everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying immunotherapy.

“If it didn’t succeed, I still had surgery as a backup,” she concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump may consider imposing tariffs on foreign-made prescription drugs next

Posted on by
Reply

There is a higher likelihood of newer and more expensive medicines being produced in the US or Europe, with Ireland emerging as a hub due to its tax benefits.

Many major pharmaceutical products, such as Merck’s keytruda, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, and Johnson & Johnson’s Stellara, are at least partially manufactured in Ireland.

President Trump acknowledged Ireland’s significance in the pharmaceutical industry during a meeting with Prime Minister Michael Martin in March.

US drug production peaked in 2006, coinciding with the loss of patent protection for several top-selling American drugs and the rise of generic manufacturers in India and China. The phasing out of incentives for manufacturing in Puerto Rico led to the shift of production overseas, particularly to countries like Ireland offering tax benefits.

In 2021, most major generic drugs, antibiotics, and antivirals in the US rely on active ingredients produced outside the country, posing a potential risk to domestic drug supply.

President Trump expressed concern about the US’s reliance on foreign sources for essential medicines like antibiotics.

One example is the production of amoxicillin, a common antibiotic, which is predominantly located in China, India, and Europe, highlighting the vulnerability of US drug supply chains.

While drugs are typically exempt from tariffs under global trade agreements, recent tariffs imposed by Trump on Chinese imports have impacted drug manufacturers importing active ingredients from China to the US.

The additional costs of tariffs could potentially lead to drug shortages, particularly for generic drugs with slim profit margins, prompting manufacturers to consider exiting the market.

Tariffs on active ingredients from China may exacerbate existing drug shortages, especially for generic injectables that are more challenging and less profitable to produce compared to new drugs.

Concerns have been raised about the impact of tariffs on drug supply chains, particularly for essential medications like lidocaine, where most active ingredients are sourced from India.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Counterfeit drugs alleviate PMS symptoms.

Posted on by
Reply

Placebo pills can have real effects through the power of suggestions

72 images / Aramie

Women with premenstrual syndrome appear to benefit from the placebo effect, even if they know they are taking Siamese medication. This suggests that we can provide cheap and simple treatments.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and abdominal cramps generally affects people with periods of time. Previous research has shown this Placebo pills can reduce symptoms It was unclear whether these benefits remained when people intentionally taking fake medications in women who think they might be taking real medications.

Antje Frey Nascimento The University of Basel in Switzerland and her colleagues recruited 150 women in Switzerland, ages 18-45. In a study that acquired symptoms of 27 PMS on a scale of 0 to 5, participants rated at least one symptom A 4 or 5 at the start of the study. Participants also reported that at least one symptom interfered with society, work, or school life and scored this confusion.

The researchers then randomly assigned a third of participants, taking two placebo pills daily in two menstrual cycles, and informing these people that they are taking Placbos. Another third of participants also took placebo pills, but received additional explanations on how placebo can alleviate symptoms through the power of suggestions and belief.

The remaining third of participants were not given a placebo, but all groups were able to take regular medication. All participants completed a daily survey of PMS symptoms and how much these lives interfered.

By analyzing survey data from participants’ last menstrual cycle, the team found that on average, those who took placebo without explanation, the intensity of PMS symptoms decreased by 50%. These symptoms were half that destroyed their lives.

Those who took the placebo in their explanation reported a 79% reduction in the intensity of symptoms and an 83% reduction in life disruption. “It’s a really big effect you’ll notice in your life.” Stephen Schmidt He was not involved in research at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

When people take placebo pills, they may unconsciously and consciously expect relief from the placebo effect. This appears to produce real improvements by causing the body’s natural release of painkillers, such as endorphins, Schmidt says.

“We live in a pill society where you have all the knowledge about how you get all the benefits of science in your body when you take them, so people expect to feel better,” he says. Emphasizing these potential benefits for people seems to increase their effectiveness, he says.

Despite not taking pills, the control group showed a 33% reduction in symptoms intensities, with 46% less destructive than before. “If you sign up for a study and complete these daily diaries, you can pay more notices when you feel better or when your symptoms improve, so you can see benefits without taking pills,” Schmidt says.

One limitation of this study, he adds, is the greater advantage of placebo effects, as those enrolled in the trial may be more open to alternative treatments than the wider population.

Large studies need to determine whether these placebo benefits last for a long period of time and whether they apply to older adults groups and to a wider range of people in other countries, Schmidt says. If the results endure scrutiny, he says, placebo can ultimately provide an inexpensive and easy way to treat serious health burdens.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Parasites administer drugs to the brain

Posted on by
Reply

Could scientists use parasites in your brain to treat diseases? The concept of utilizing parasites as a medical tool may sound unconventional, but it offers hope for conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that if parasites can transport drugs directly to the brain, it could aid in treating these ailments.

An international team of scientists is doing just that. They are utilizing single-cell parasites called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes the infection toxoplasmosis. These parasites naturally travel from the human intestine to the central nervous system and provide proteins to host cells. In their experiment, bioengineers manipulated the internal system of T. gondii cells to produce and release proteins outside the cell, creating a secretion system.

The team explained that delivering medications to the brain is challenging due to the blood-brain barriers that safeguard the brain from harmful substances. T. gondii has evolved the ability to overcome these barriers, which could be beneficial in this process. Initially, they tested whether T. gondii can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice and then in human brain cells, specifically neurons, before moving on to testing on intact mouse brains to potentially apply the findings to humans.

Their drug delivery system mediated by T. gondii consists of proteins created from at least two regions of different genes that are combined and translated into a single unit, known as a protein fusion. They incorporated a therapeutic drug with a T. gondii protein called takihorin to transport medicine to the brain.

Initially, scientists faced challenges in determining the appropriate dilution factor for the drug compound. They had to find a balance between allowing the proteins to pass through the blood-brain barrier while ensuring they were still therapeutically effective. Through trial and error, they found the correct dilution factor and successfully administered the treatment to the targeted brain area.

The next step involved delivering therapeutic proteins to brain cells through T. gondii. Researchers used lab-grown mouse brain cells and specific proteins that regulate the movement of molecules across the cell membrane, known as vesicle transport protein. They demonstrated that the engineered T. gondii successfully transported healing proteins to the brain cells of lab-grown mice.

The researchers then tested the treatment process on human brain cells cultivated outside of the body. They confirmed that the therapeutic proteins delivered by T. gondii could bind to the DNA of human brain cells. This binding altered gene expression in the laboratory-grown brain cells.

Finally, engineers demonstrated the success of this therapy on whole mouse brains. By ensuring that the therapeutic proteins could pass the blood-brain barrier in live mice, they then evaluated the brains post-euthanasia. Utilizing 3D imaging, they illuminated specific neural pathways and markers in the mouse brain, confirming that the engineered proteins effectively delivered therapeutic proteins to the brain.

The researchers concluded that their findings show progress in drug delivery via engineered parasites but emphasized the need for further research to determine the potential advantages and drawbacks of this method. With the success of this study, they proposed that utilizing engineered parasites for drug delivery could offer new treatment options for brain-related diseases.


Post view: 615

Source: sciworthy.com

The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy on the Risk of 175 Diseases

Posted on by
Reply

Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists are injected

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy, called GLP-1 agonists, offer more benefits than risks when taken for their approved uses, according to a comprehensive analysis of their effects on 175 conditions. However, the same may not be true for people who are taking the drug for other purposes.

“In this new area of **GLP-1**, we wanted to really map the benefits and risks for all the conditions that we thought were relevant,” he says. Jiyad Al Ali at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

These drugs are best known for helping control type 2 diabetes and treating obesity. They mimic the hormone GLP-1 in the body, which lowers blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full for longer.

Dozens of studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may also reduce the risk of many other conditions, from heart disease to dementia to substance use disorders. These studies have involved hundreds or thousands of people and have focused on one or a few symptoms at a time, but now that millions of people are using the drug, they are much more This means that less frequent effects can be investigated, Al Ali said.

To get a more comprehensive picture, he and his colleagues examined the health records of more than 200,000 diabetic patients who took GLP-1 agonists over a four-year period in addition to standard treatment. They also looked at 1.2 million people with diabetes who received only standard treatment over the same period and assessed the risk of both groups developing 175 different health conditions.

The research team found that people who took GLP-1 agonists had a lower risk of 42 diseases. For example, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 9 percent and the risk of dementia was reduced by 8 percent. The probability that this group would suffer from suicidal ideation or substance use disorders such as alcohol or opioid addiction was also approximately decreased by 1/10. .

However, there were also downsides for people taking GLP-1 drugs. They were more likely to experience known side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as previously undescribed side effects. These include a 15% higher risk of kidney stones and more than double the risk of pancreatic inflammation or drug-induced pancreatitis. In total, 19 conditions were at increased risk, but taking GLP-1 drugs had no significant effect on risk levels for most of the conditions evaluated, including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ta.

The fact that these drugs affect such a wide range of symptoms remains surprising, but it is unclear exactly why they have this effect. “They’re reducing obesity, which is the root of all disease. If you treat obesity, the heart, kidneys, brain, and everywhere else will benefit later,” Al-Aly said. They also reduce inflammation, which commonly damages organs, and appear to target parts of the brain associated with addiction, he says.

One problem with this analysis is that the research team did not report the actual number of people affected by each condition, making the results difficult to interpret. Daniel Drucker from the University of Toronto and has worked with obesity drug companies. Reducing the risk of common conditions such as heart attacks and dementia is probably worth taking seriously, but the association with rare conditions like pancreatitis is so small that the risk is low for most people. He says it’s unlikely. Al-Aly said the research team plans to announce the specific number of cases in a future study.

Overall, this study provides reassurance that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists outweigh the risks, at least for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. “There are no red flags with this group,” he says. stefan trapp He is a professor at University College London and has worked with obesity drug companies.

However, the situation may be different for people who do not fit these criteria, such as people who are not obese and buy drugs to lose weight. “I don’t know if the benefits outweigh the risks,” Drucker said.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Suppressing Appetite to Lose Weight: The Effects of Weight Loss Drugs on Eating and Exercising Desires

Posted on by
Reply

Weight loss drugs may reduce people's desire to exercise

Me 3645 Studio/Getty Images

Semaglutide, found in medicines such as Ozempic and Wigovy, reduces the amount of movement in mice. This finding suggests that these weight loss drugs may reduce people's motivation to exercise.

Semaglutide helps treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. GLP-1 also suppresses activity in brain areas involved in reward processing and craving. This may explain why people taking semaglutide-based drugs no longer find eating as rewarding or pleasurable as they did before taking the drug. This is also probably why some studies show that semaglutide may also be helpful in treating substance use disorders.

ralph dileone Researchers at Yale University wanted to know whether semaglutide also affects other rewarding behaviors, such as exercise, which is known to improve mood and memory. So they gave seven mice semaglutide and an equal number a placebo and measured how far the mice ran on an exercise wheel each day.

On average, patients treated with semaglutide ran about half the distance as those given a placebo. This suggests that motivation for exercise may be low.

To further test this, the researchers administered semaglutide to another group of 15 mice and a placebo for 5 days to another group of similarly sized mice, and investigated their willingness to exercise on a wheel. did. But this time, the exercise wheel locked up periodically while the animal was running on it. To release the lock, the mouse had to press a lever with its nose. Each time the wheel locked, it became progressively more difficult to unlock, requiring the mouse to press the lever many more times. “Eventually they quit,” says DiLeone, who presented these findings at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago on October 7. “We call that their breakpoint. It's a proxy for how willing they are to access the wheel.”

The maximum number of lever presses in the semaglutide-treated mice was, on average, 25% lower than in the control animals. The researchers repeated the experiment in obese mice and found similar results.

Taken together, these findings suggest that semaglutide-based drugs, such as Ozempic and Wigovy, may reduce motivation to exercise, similar to reducing food and drug cravings. Masu. But DiLeone says there's still no evidence that this applies to humans. This could be because most of the data on Wegovy and Ozempic comes from people participating in weight-loss programs that include exercise, he says.

Still, these findings highlight that these drugs can interfere not only with negative behaviors but also with positive ones. ”[This] Data suggests there are still motivated behaviors that can be changed [with semaglutide] I haven't heard it yet.'' Karolina Skibicka at Penn State University.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Five performance-enhancing drugs that are on the edge of legality, giving Olympic athletes a boost to their limits

Posted on by
Reply

In 1999, the sports world experienced a significant change. On November 10, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was founded with the goal of “protecting athletes, promoting clean sport values, and upholding the spirit of sports globally.”

WADA was established in response to various high-profile drug-related incidents, such as Ben Johnson’s steroid scandal in the 1988 Olympics and the 1998 “Festina Scandal” involving drugs found in a team car at the Tour de France. It was created out of concern for athlete safety and the potential backlash from audiences towards professional sports.

The WADA Code includes an annual publication of a Prohibited List, which outlines banned substances and methods for both in-competition and out-of-competition use. A substance or method is considered prohibited if it meets two out of three criteria – it may enhance performance, poses health risks to athletes, or goes against the spirit of sport.

This framework aims to create a safer environment for athletes but also presents a grey area where certain substances or methods could be legal but potentially illegal in the future.

As a result, there is ongoing investigation into legal methods and substances commonly used by professional athletes that may face bans in the future.

1. Carbon monoxide rebreathing

With more than 100 deaths annually in the UK due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the use of carbon monoxide rebreathing in sports science may raise eyebrows. However, this method is commonly used to measure hemoglobin levels in athletes.

Through carbon monoxide rebreathing, athletes inhale the gas to measure various blood parameters, particularly hemoglobin content, which impacts oxygen delivery to muscles. This process simulates the effects of training at high altitudes, where athletes produce more red blood cells to enhance performance.

Inhaling carbon monoxide can raise the carbon monoxide level in your blood to about 5 percent. – Photo credit: Getty Images

While this method has its benefits, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can have adverse effects on an athlete’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to concerns about its use.

2. Oxygen Tent

Similar to carbon monoxide rebreathing, oxygen tents are popular among athletes to simulate high-altitude environments and enhance red blood cell counts. These tents have been used by various sports teams and athletes to improve performance through altitude training.

Former footballer Graham Cooper trains wearing a training mask connected to an altitude generator for low-oxygen training. – Photo credit: Getty

Despite its benefits, the use of oxygen tents has stirred controversy in the past due to concerns about artificially elevated blood parameters and its impact on the spirit of sports. Regulations and bans have been enforced in some regions to address these issues.

3. High-tech trisuit

Alex Yee overtakes New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in a dramatic finale of the Paris 2024 Olympic triathlon – Photo Credit: Getty

Modern trisuits, like the one worn by British triathlete Alex Yee at the Paris Olympics, incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance performance. These suits are designed to optimize aerodynamics, improve speed, and potentially provide advantages in water sports.

With innovations in fabric technology and fit, these trisuits are custom-made to maximize performance while complying with sports regulations. The use of advanced materials and design elements can influence race outcomes significantly.

4. Ketone Drinks

Ketone drinks have gained popularity among athletes for their potential to boost energy levels without the need for starvation. These drinks can help conserve glycogen reserves during intense exercise, improve endurance, and enhance recovery between workouts.

Despite their benefits, the use of ketone drinks raises concerns about their long-term effects on health and athletic performance. Organizations like the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) advocate against the use of ketones due to insufficient research and potential risks associated with their consumption.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine remains a popular dietary supplement among athletes due to its proven performance-enhancing effects. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve fat burning, speed, and endurance by stimulating neuronal activity in the brain and triggering the release of adrenaline.

While caffeine is legal and widely used, there are concerns about its safety when consumed in excessive amounts. Regulations on caffeine use have evolved over time, with bans being implemented and lifted based on scientific evidence and health considerations.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The advantages of anti-aging drugs surpass the disadvantages

Posted on by
Reply

The field of anti-aging medicine has exploded in recent years as discoveries about the basic biology of aging are translated into experimental treatments. The latest fountains of youth to bubble out of the lab come in the form of vaccines against age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. The first of these could be available by the end of the decade. Multipurpose anti-aging vaccines are also in development (see “New Anti-Aging Vaccine Shows Hope for Preventing Diseases, Including Alzheimer's”).

The benefits of such a vaccine are clear: It would be welcome to limit the impact of age-related conditions on people who live into old age and the loved ones who often end up caring for them, and it could also help address the increasingly severe social and economic costs of these diseases.

But like all anti-ageing measures, there are potential downsides. Significantly extending the lifespan of millions of people could lead to a population explosion on an already resource-strained planet. If vaccines simply delay the onset of age-related symptoms, they postpone the costs to people and society. And, as Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan said earlier this year, a long-lived society is prone to a stagnant one.

These are common fears, and the standard answer is that the goal is to extend healthspan: that is, for people to live longer, free from old-age diseases, before suddenly succumbing to death.

At least, that's the idea. The results won't be known until the treatment is deployed on a large scale, at which point it'll be too late to put the genie back in the bottle. But that's not an option anyway. If vaccines or other anti-aging treatments are effective and affordable, they'll be used.

Moreover, no one would argue that innovations like antibiotics, vaccines, and advanced diagnostics were bad ideas, even though they have ushered in an era of age-related diseases. Similarly, life-saving medical advances should not be feared because of unintended consequences; any downsides are a price worth paying if they can make life longer and less painful.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The unexpected impact of weight loss drugs on your mental wellbeing and cognitive function

Posted on by
Reply

ADDICTIVE STOCK CREATIVES/Alamy; AdoBe Stock

Kathy Schwartz had been sober for 10 years, but battling cravings was a daily struggle. “They were always in my head,” she said. But last June, the cravings subsided.

After being prescribed the weight-loss drug semaglutide, she not only lost nearly 30 kilos over 10 months, but also eliminated her desire for drinks or pills. “The cravings went away, and I didn’t realize that was a side effect,” Schwartz says. Amazingly, the depression and anxiety that had previously hit her in waves also subsided.

Schwartz isn’t the only one to have had this experience: New research is showing that semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as other diabetes and weight-loss drugs that mimic gut hormones released after eating, can have surprising benefits for brain and mental health.

Though it’s still early days, evidence suggests that these drugs could potentially be repurposed to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and even certain eating disorders, as well as neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. What’s more, these benefits appear to be mediated not simply through weight loss, but through a direct effect on the brain.

The history of drugs like Ozempic dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when researchers discovered them. A gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 has been discovered. When GLP-1 was injected into rodents in the lab, it was able to stimulate insulin secretion. Even more amazingly, these animals started to eat less and lose weight. We now know that this hormone leads to an increased feeling of fullness.

Semaglutide, etc.

Today, there are drugs that mimic…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Exercise Drugs May Eliminate the Need for Training

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever had those days when working out feels like a chore and you’d rather just watch TV instead? Well, a new “exercise drug” might soon be able to provide some of the benefits of exercise without the actual physical activity, based on recent research.

A group of scientists has developed a new compound that can replicate the energy boost typically associated with exercise. This compound could potentially be used in future supplements, aiming to mimic the effects of exercise on metabolism, growth, and muscle performance.

“There’s no replacement for exercise. Physical activity is essential on all levels,” stated Baja Elgendy, the lead researcher of the study. “But there are many situations where a substitute is necessary.”

The team has formulated a compound that mimics the physical benefits of exercise, potentially paving the way for future “exercise drugs.” The goal is to replicate the effects of exercise on metabolism, growth, and muscle performance.

These findings were presented by a team from the University of Washington School of Medicine at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Meeting. Rather than just aiding in fitness goals, the researchers believe that exercise drugs could potentially help in treating conditions like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and muscle wasting.

This advancement could be beneficial for individuals who are unable to engage in physical exercise, such as the elderly or those with muscle weakness due to medical conditions like cancer. Additionally, it might help prevent muscle loss caused by certain medications.

However, the availability of exercise drugs for humans is still in the early stages, as successful trials have only been conducted in rodent cells thus far.

The compound works by targeting estrogen-related receptors, special proteins in the body that regulate the effects of exercise on muscles. By enhancing the response of these proteins, the researchers were able to improve muscle endurance and performance in mice.

Further studies are necessary before this exercise drug can be tested in humans. The next phase of research involves evaluating the compound on other animal models.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Weight Loss Drugs Could Drastically Reduce Obesity in the Next Few Decades

Posted on by
Reply

Obesity has undergone a significant shift in how we perceive it in recent years. It was once seen as a personal lifestyle choice, but is now acknowledged as a complex disease affected by genetics, biology, psychosocial factors, and the environment. It is a prevalent condition affecting a large portion of the population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 2 billion adults are overweight or obese and this number is rising rapidly across different income countries.

Obesity poses a major health risk as it increases the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and kidney failure.

Recent advancements in understanding obesity have revealed that the regulation of energy balance and eating behavior occurs in the brain, not the stomach. Scientists have identified numerous genes that impact weight regulation and predispose individuals to obesity. Additionally, maintaining weight loss is challenging due to the body’s natural responses, which slow metabolism and increase hunger hormones.

Efforts to find effective treatments for obesity have intensified, considering the stigma and discrimination individuals with obesity often face. Traditional methods such as surgery or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have been common strategies for weight loss. However, these approaches come with risks, limitations, and costs.

Current weight loss drugs have not been very successful in achieving significant results. New gut hormone treatments known as incretins show promise in managing obesity by regulating appetite through the gut-brain axis. Drugs like semaglutide have demonstrated notable weight loss benefits and improved blood sugar levels, offering hope for effective obesity management in the future.

Despite the potential of new weight loss drugs, challenges like administration methods, cost, and long-term effectiveness need to be addressed. Developments in weight loss medications, including oral drugs like orforglyprone, are still in progress, suggesting a promising future for obesity treatment.

While weight loss pills offer a valuable tool, they should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, psychological support, and addressing socio-economic factors influencing health inequalities. The future of obesity treatment looks promising with ongoing research and advancements in medical technology.

It’s crucial to recognize that a holistic approach, which combines different strategies tailored to individual needs, is essential in effectively addressing the complexities of obesity. By destigmatizing obesity and focusing on a well-rounded treatment plan, we can make significant strides in managing this chronic disease.

Read more:

Credit: Getty Images

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Can we Truly Develop Cognitive Enhancing Drugs with Dune Science?

Posted on by
Reply

In the science fiction universe of Dune, the spice melange is commonly referred to as “spice” and is a valuable narcotic substance. It is produced from the excrement of young sandworms found only in the deserts of the planet Arrakis.

This spice has various health benefits, such as increasing lifespan. Due to its highly addictive nature, there is a high demand for it, making it a valuable commodity. The control of Spice leads to control over all other factions in the Dune universe.

This phenomenon may have historical parallels in the real world. In her 2008 book chapter on melange, science writer Dr. Carol Hart mentions how coca leaves in pre-Columbian America were similar to melange and were mostly used by the ancient Inca nobility and priestly class to maintain power through a monopoly on coca leaves.

The spice also possesses mind-altering properties, allowing the post-human species known as Guild Navigators to see across vast distances of space to navigate spaceships on long interstellar journeys. The Navigators reside in tanks where they constantly inhale orange spice gas that mutates their bodies significantly.

Even minimal exposure to the spice causes the user’s eyes to turn a deep navy blue, a characteristic seen among the Fremen of Arrakis due to constant spice exposure. This effect is akin to the persistent pupil dilation associated with recreational drug use globally.

When exposed to the spice, the user's eyes turn blue © Warner Brothers

The Bene Gesserit also use spices, which grant them the ability to see the future and enhance their mental abilities. This mirrors the rise of nootropics, or “smart pills,” used by individuals seeking a cognitive edge. While these drugs claim to improve memory, attention, creativity, and motivation, they are sometimes prescribed for conditions like ADHD and dementia.

However, there are concerns about using nootropics without a prescription. A 2020 study by Harvard Medical School revealed that these supplements may contain unapproved pharmaceutical drugs, posing serious health risks, as noted by study author Dr. Peter Cohen.

Read more about science Dune:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Weight Loss Drugs: Will Ozempic, Wegovy and Future Solutions Finally Conquer Obesity?

Posted on by
Reply

There are TikTok hashtags with millions of followers, endless columns about celebrity waistlines, and a flurry of media coverage when test results come out. It is rare for a new drug to receive so much attention. However, it is even more rare for approved drugs to cause safe and rapid weight loss with minimal effort.

A year ago, most people had never heard of semaglutide. Semaglutide is a drug developed about 10 years ago under the brand name Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes. It was later approved as a weight loss aid in the US in 2021 under the name Wegovy. With this drug, people can lose a whopping 15% of their body weight.

The impact of this new class of medicines could be unprecedented and could end the world's growing obesity epidemic. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet,” he says. Jonathan Campbell At Duke University in North Carolina, he studies how these drugs affect the body.

First, Wegovy was just the beginning. The next generation of these drugs is in development and will be cheaper, easier to use, and, importantly, even more powerful. Additionally, new evidence suggests that Wegovy and its similar products are more effective when given at a younger age, so doctors are considering their use in teenagers and young children. This increases the possibility of switching from obesity treatment to prevention. “Over the past 40 years, we have seen the obesity landscape change dramatically,” Campbell says. “Now we may be at a tipping point where that goes backwards.”

Why is obesity on the rise?

The rise in obesity has been occurring since the 1970s…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Psychedelic drugs show promise in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injury

Posted on by
Reply

Veterans saw improvement in combat-related brain injury after taking psychedelic drugs

Shutterstock / Ground Photography

The psychedelic substance ibogaine has the potential to treat chronic disorders caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). A single dose of this drug resulted in sustained improvements in physical and social function, cognition and mood in veterans with combat-related traumatic brain injury.

“This is the first time someone has actually been able to show that there is a neurorehabilitation effect with psychedelic drugs and that there are fairly deep signs of improvement,” he says. nolan williams at Stanford University in California.

He and his colleagues recruited 30 male veterans with traumatic brain injuries to attend a treatment facility in Mexico for five days. They were each given ibogaine, a hallucinogenic substance extracted from the iboga plant, which is native to Africa. Everyone met with a therapist before and after taking ibogaine to discuss preparation for the psychedelic experience. Participants can also participate in activities such as yoga, massage, and meditation on-site.

Participants took 12 milligrams of ibogaine per kilogram of body weight and received an intravenous infusion of magnesium to prevent heart problems associated with the drug. The researchers measured participants' disability before and after treatment on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. At the beginning of the study, participants' average score was 30, meaning mild to moderate disability. After 4-5 days of treatment, this score dropped below 20, and after 1 month it was around 5, indicating no disability.

At least 83 percent of participants no longer met criteria for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) one month after treatment. They also saw significant improvements in processing speed, problem solving, and working memory.

However, it is unclear whether this effect is solely due to hallucinogens. “The big problem is [that] Without a control group, it will be nearly impossible to say for sure what's going on here. ” Albert Garcia Lomu at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. He says talking to a therapist, participating in wellness activities, and even traveling may have contributed to these improvements.

But many of these variables have previously been studied as treatments for neurological diseases with little success, Williams said. He believes a series of mechanisms could explain how ibogaine can treat traumatic brain injury. For example, he says, the drug is known to increase neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to rewire.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com