Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the bile ducts in the liver, leading to inflammation and, eventually, advanced liver disease. The introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 1997 significantly altered the management landscape for PBC, offering patients a tangible option for mitigating the progression of their disease. Nevertheless, despite the promising
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Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. Patients often seek various treatments to manage their symptoms and achieve remission, yet many endure persistent symptoms despite trying standard therapies. The approval of newer biological agents, including mirikizumab (Omvoh), has sparked hope
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell proliferation, resulting in red, flaky patches that can be both painful and itchy. Emerging research is beginning to link dietary habits, particularly the consumption of ultraprocessed foods, to the exacerbation of psoriasis symptoms. A recent study conducted within the NutriNet-Santé cohort sheds light on
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently introduced a groundbreaking proposal aimed at reforming the complicated landscape of Medicare Advantage plans, specifically focusing on prior authorization protocols and coverage criteria. This initiative, backed by the Biden-Harris administration, is a crucial evolution in ensuring that seniors have unobstructed access to necessary healthcare. Through
Meningiomas, benign tumors that arise from the meninges, the membrane that envelops the brain and spinal cord, represent a significant portion of central nervous system neoplasms. Their vascular nature and relatively predictable locations within the cranial cavity make them prime candidates for preoperative embolization—a technique aimed at reducing tumor blood supply prior to surgical resection.
The landscape of medical regulation is increasingly complex, as highlighted during an FDA advisory committee meeting where discussions centered around the fate of andexanet alfa, better known as Andexxa. Donald Kohn, MD, from UCLA, encapsulated the tension within regulatory frameworks by stating, “It’s a real regulatory dilemma here.” The challenges faced in approving such drugs
As President-elect Donald Trump announces his nominees for key health positions, the implications of these selections ripple through both political and public health landscapes. The nominations of former Rep. Dave Weldon as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as the next Surgeon General reflect an administration
The recent announcement of Dr. Marty Makary as the nominee for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under President-elect Donald Trump has stirred significant conversation regarding the future direction of the agency. With a background in surgical oncology, health policy, and health communication, Makary brings a unique perspective that could potentially reshape the regulatory landscape
A recent survey conducted by the CDC has unveiled that chronic pain affects nearly one in four adults in the U.S., indicating a serious public health issue that can no longer be overlooked. With a staggering 24.3% of adults reporting experiences of chronic pain lasting three months or longer, as highlighted by Jacqueline Lucas and
On a recent Tuesday, an FDA advisory committee made significant strides in addressing patient care regarding the antipsychotic medication clozapine, used predominantly for treating schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. The committee voted overwhelmingly, with only one dissenting voice out of fifteen, to eliminate the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) tailored to manage the risks of