Drug Research and Technology update :

Here are some updates on drug research and technology from my reading-

Rifaximin meets two late-stage study goals in treating irritable bowel syndrome-

Reports state that a new version of an irritable bowel syndrome drug, called Xifaxan (rifaximin), met its goals in two late stage studies. The trials showed rifaximin was significantly more effective than a placebo at treating non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome and also was better at reducing bloating. The drug is approved as a treatment for traveler's diarrhea.

Research indicates metformin with doxorubicin may kill breast cancer stem cells-

According to a study published in the Journal of Cancer Research, the diabetes drug metformin, when combined with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, may shrink breast-cancer tumors and keep them from coming back more effectively than chemotherapy alone. Researchers reported that the combination treatment killed cancer stem cells in addition to regular cancer cells.

The study details that, researchers treated mice with breast cancer with metformin and doxorubicin simultaneously. The mice showed reductions in tumor size in four types of breast cancer, as well as longer remission times. Notably, mice treated with the combination remained cancer-free for four months, unlike mice treated with either drug alone. The researchers also noted that metformin and standard chemotherapy may make each other work better, so metformin could be used with lower doses of chemotherapy.

Study suggests drugs that lower breast cancer risk may increase risk for other cancers, clots-

According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, women who take drugs like raloxifene or tamoxifen can reduce their risk of developing invasive breast cancer by up to half, but they may be at greater risk for potentially serious blood clots. For the study, researchers assessed the risks and benefits of the drugs when used by healthy women who have never had breast cancer but are considered at greater risk for the disease.

Also, they examined numerous published studies, including randomized clinical trials and a head-to-head assessment of tamoxifen, raloxifene and tibolone. The study showed that all three reduced the risk for invasive breast cancer by 30 to 68 percent, but each carried its own level of side effects. In fact, tamoxifen and raloxifene boosted blood clots by 60 percent to 90 percent. Tamoxifen was also more likely than a placebo to lead to endometrial cancer and more likely to cause cataracts than was raloxifene.

Disclaimer : The above information has been cited from literature in public domain. This is for research purpose/ dissemination of knowledge only and should not be construed as medical advise.