If you are on Medicaid and/or Medicare: On May 14, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced its portion of a budget reconciliation bill to meet spending targets aimed at funding President Trump’s domestic priorities that includes significant changes to the Medicaid program. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill would decrease the federal deficit by more than the $880 billion over 10 years that was called for by the budget resolution passed by Congress in April. CBO preliminary estimates show that the Medicaid provisions would reduce the deficit by $625 billion over ten years and increase the number of people without health insurance by at least 7.6 million by 2034. Read the summary prepared by KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) leading up to the meetings on May 13.
PAINOsteoarthritis Linked to Other Pain-Related and Psychological Conditions Including Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Depression: People with osteoarthritis are more likely to be diagnosed with other pain-related comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), gout, and irritable bowel syndrome and psychological comorbidities such as depression, according to observational data presented at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2025 Annual Meeting. The study also found that all these five conditions were themselves associated with an increased risk for incident osteoarthritis, and in the case of fibromyalgia, there may be a causal association.
Treating Fibromyalgia With Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation May Improve Pain, Function:When a patient with fibromyalgia is not responding to standard treatments, adding a noninvasive brain therapy might help them feel better.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex might help reduce pain and improve functioning in fibromyalgia, according to new research published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia. The study was the first international randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial testing rTMS, which uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, as an add-on therapy for fibromyalgia.
Novel Shoe Intervention May Cut Low Back Pain, Delay Knee Arthroplasty in Osteoarthritis: A shoe-based biomechanical intervention worn for a short time each day may achieve greater improvements in low back pain and greater reductions in the risk for total knee replacement surgery than standard physical therapy, according to two studies presented at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2025 Annual Meeting. Bartels presented data from two studies of the US Food and Drug Administration–cleared shoe-based intervention, which “alters the foot’s pressure points to reduce loads, minimize symptoms, and promote neuromuscular control training using adjustable, convex pods under the sole,” according to the researchers.
Encouraging Results Seen in Metformin Trial for Knee OA Among Patients With Overweight or Obesity:The diabetes drug metformin may reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients with overweight or obese, independent of weight loss, according to results from a randomized placebo-controlled study presented at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2025 Annual Meeting. The double-blind trial, which was simultaneously published on April 24, 2025, in JAMA, involved 107 patients with symptomatic radiologic knee OA and a body mass index > 25, who were randomly assigned to receive either 2000 mg/d metformin or a placebo for 6 months. This treatment was associated with a mean change in the visual analog scale for pain of −31.3 mm in the treatment group compared with −18.9 mm in the placebo group at 6 months, which represented a significant adjusted between-group difference of −11.4 mm (P = .01).
Anticonvulsant Rapidly Reduces Pain in Acute Trigeminal Neuralgia: Intravenous (IV) administration of the anticonvulsant fosphenytoin is effective as a fast-acting treatment for acute trigeminal neuralgia (TN) exacerbation, new research suggested. TN is a severe, disabling facial pain disorder that has often been described as feeling like “an electric shock.” In a small phase 3 trial of patients with acute TN, the group randomly assigned to receive IV fosphenytoin had a significantly greater reduction in pain scores 2 hours after administration than the placebo group, meeting the primary endpoint. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 Annual Meeting.
New chronic pain therapy retrains the brain to process emotions: A new study shows that targeting emotional processing is key to treating and managing chronic pain. The study is based on a randomised controlled trial. “By changing how we manage emotions, it is possible to change the experience of pain itself,” Prof. Gustin says. “This is not just a temporary relief but a potential long-term improvement in quality of life for those affected by chronic pain.” Prof. Gustin and Dr Norman-Nott developed Pain and Emotion Therapy — a novel and emerging eHealth intervention. The therapy aims to retrain the brain to more easily process emotions by improving an individual’s ability to deescalate negative emotions and enhance positive ones. Researchers published their results in JAMA Network Open.
Award-winning HSS study uses AI to identify risk factors linked to more severe pain after knee replacement: A study using artificial intelligence to classify patient pain archetypes and identify risk for severe pain after knee replacement found that risk factors included younger age, greater physical/mental impairment, higher BMI, and preoperative opioid or gabapentinoid use. Classification and stratification of patient pain archetypes following total knee arthroplasty: a machine learning approach
Negative expectations have stronger and longer-lasting effects on pain than positive ones: A new study finds that nocebo effects, where people expect a negative outcome from treatment, are more powerful and persistent than placebo effects, with implications for patient-practitioner communication. eLife
Largest osteoarthritis genetic study uncovers pathways to new therapies and repurposed drugs: The research, which analyzed data from nearly 2 million people in diverse populations worldwide, was recently published in Nature. It represents an extensive genetic exploration of osteoarthritis, a condition affecting over 600 million people globally. The study uncovered 962 genetic variants associated with the disease and spotlighted 69 key genes whose protein products are already targeted by 473 approved drugs — many of which could be redirected to manage osteoarthritis more effectively. This discovery leads to a fast-track to personalized medicine and innovative clinical trials.
A repurposed anti-inflammatory drug may help treat alcohol use disorder and related pain: Scripps Research scientists find that apremilast, an FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug, reduced both drinking and pain sensitivity in preclinical models of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The results, published in JCI Insight on April 22, 2025, suggest that the drug apremilast—a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor, or a compound that blocks an enzyme involved in inflammation—could be repurposed as a dual-acting therapy for AUD, particularly in individuals who have pain during and after alcohol use.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINEMedicinal Mushrooms Show Promise For Treating Brain Disorders: A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Food Sciencehighlights how mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps may offer innovative therapeutic pathways for conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and stroke. These findings arrive as CNS disorders continue to rise globally, creating an urgent need for safer, more effective treatment options.
Psychedelics Show Promise In Rewiring Immune Response To Fear: Scientists at Harvard Medical School have uncovered an unexpected connection between psychedelic drugs and the immune system that could transform our understanding of how these substances alleviate fear and anxiety. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature, demonstrates that psychedelics like psilocybin not only affect brain cells directly but also interrupt inflammatory processes linked to chronic stress.
Rapid 4-Day Panic Disorder Treatment Shows Impressive Long-Term Results: A concentrated four-day therapy approach for panic disorder not only delivers immediate relief but continues to improve patients’ wellbeing long after treatment ends, according to promising research published in BMC Psychiatry. The innovative Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) represents a significant advancement in treating a condition that affects millions worldwide. Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy that might span weeks or months of weekly sessions, the B4DT condenses treatment into four consecutive days of intensive therapy. Small groups of three to six patients work with an equal number of therapists, receiving personalized treatment within a supportive group setting. The treatment focuses on exposure therapy, where patients practice confronting situations and bodily sensations they typically avoid.
FDA ACTION• Cleared for marketing the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market.
• Approved three new color additive petitions that will expand the palette of available colors from natural sources for manufacturers to safely use in food.
PREVENTION
ExerciseFart Walking May Promote Digestive Health, Lower Diabetes Risk.A new viral TikTok trend known as “fart walking” involves going for a stroll after eating to help release gas. Proponents say a fart walk helps promote digestive health, while regular fart walking could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by preventing blood sugar spikes.
While the benefits of this health hack lack scientific evidence, research supports the benefits of movement, particularly after a meal. Healthline
Exercise may lessen cancer treatment side effects, including brain fog, fatigue: The researchers found that, according to recent studies, exercise can mitigate some side effects of cancer treatments. Additionally, they learned that pre-operative exercise can reduce post-operative complications. Overall, research indicates that exercise can improve health outcomes. The new review appears in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Walking the dog, taking the stairs could help protect your heart: A new study recently published in the journal CirculationTrusted Source, found that as little as 3 minutes of moderate nonstructured exercise activity — known as incidental physical activity — could help lower a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and death.
Exercise enhances stem cell transplant function in Parkinson’s disease: Exercise may be a non-invasive and easily implemented strategy to enhance treatment outcomes in PD patients in combination with stem cell-derived transplants, warranting further testing in upcoming clinical trials. Stem Cell Reports
Cold water plunges may not speed women’s post-exercise recovery, per new study: In a randomized clinical trial with 30 female participants, neither cold- nor hot-water immersion improved recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Vanessa Wellauer and colleagues at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS One on May 7, 2025.
Exercise helps improve how our brain ages: The study, which has been published in the British medical journal The Lancet, shows that the brain definitely benefits from physical activity. Even small amounts of high intensity exercise have an effect on the brain. This should be communicated more clearly – it may be what motivates people to get started. Endurance training and good fitness can reduce the risk of dementia and promote healthy brain aging. Neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise and the importance of fitness for healthy brain ageing.
Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs are safe, effective for people with COPD: Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation is a safe, effective alternative to traditional pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who also require supplemental oxygen, according to a new report. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Factors influencing the severity of menstrual-related symptoms vary by exercise habits: Researchers conducted a web-based questionnaire survey assessing and comparing symptoms severity, personal characteristics, and lifestyle factors in two groups: 99 young women without regular exercise habits and 125 female soccer players who exercise regularly. The results revealed distinct factors influencing symptoms severity depending on exercise habits. Among young women without exercise habits, the number of menstruation days and perceived stress were key contributors. Conversely, among those with regular exercise habits, body mass index, bedtime, caffeine intake, and breakfast consumption were significantly associated with symptom severity. These findings suggest that the factors contributing to menstrual-related symptoms differ depending on exercise habits, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to symptom management. BMC Women's Health
Greater Sedentary Time Associated With Higher Risk for Alzheimer Disease: Study showed that reducing sitting time could be a promising strategy for preventing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive decline," study coauthor Angela Jefferson, Ph.D., also from the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, said in a press release. "This research highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly among aging adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. It is critical to our brain health to take breaks from sitting throughout the day and move around to increase our active time.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Exercise the key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter: Now, new research from the University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge and others, published in Advanced Science has revealed that regular, moderate-intensity exercise helps maintain crucial vitamin D levels during the darker months -- even without weight loss or supplements. Advanced Science
SleepFrequent Nightmares Linked to Faster Aging, Premature Death: Frequent distressing dreams are linked to faster biologic aging and an increased risk for premature death, independent of traditional risk factors, new research suggested. Distressing dreams include bad dreams without awakening and/or nightmares with awakening. An analysis of data from more than four large studies in the United States and the United Kingdom found that experiencing distressing dreams at least once a week was significantly associated with aging at both the cellular level and throughout the body, as well as a threefold increased risk for death before age 70. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 Annual Meeting.
Excessive Sleepiness a ‘Serious Health Concern’: A new position statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlights sleepiness as a key symptom of sleep-wake disorders and a range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders and calls for clinicians to prioritize evaluation and management of sleepiness in their patients. The statement was published online on April 14 in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Sleep-Wake Changes Flag Dementia Risk in Women: Increasing 24-hour sleepiness in women in their 80s was associated with a doubling in risk for dementia compared with their peers with stable sleep patterns, a new study showed. This study appeared in Neurology.
Optimal Sleep Duration Varies Significantly Across Cultures: A comprehensive new study from the University of British Columbia has discovered that optimal sleep duration varies substantially between different countries and cultures, suggesting that sleep recommendations should be tailored to cultural contexts rather than applied universally. The findings, published Tuesday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reveal that sleeping according to your culture’s norms—not an arbitrary global standard—may be the key to better health outcomes. This landmark research analyzed sleep patterns and health data from nearly 5,000 people across 20 countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, making it one of the most diverse sleep studies ever conducted. Remarkably, the researchers found that despite significant variations in average sleep duration between countries, people from cultures with shorter typical sleep times showed no evidence of worse health outcomes compared to those from longer-sleeping nations.
DietNuts, Seeds and Healthy Diet May Help Lower Risk of Diverticulitis: New research has confirmed that nuts and seeds, previously thought to trigger diverticulitis symptoms, could be back on the menu for people at risk for the gastrointestinal condition. The findings confirmed that four key dietary patterns, including the DASH diet, help reduce the risk of diverticulitis onset. The results, published on May 6 in Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that females who followed these eating patterns had a reduced risk of diverticulitis.
Regular Chicken Consumption Linked to Higher Death Risk From GI Cancers: Consuming more than 300 grams of poultry per week may lead to an increase in all-cause deaths and cancers, according to a new study. The United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2020–2025, recommendsTrusted Source up to 26 ounces of protein foods, including lean meats, poultry, and eggs, per week, without specific limits on each. The new research, however, suggests that consuming more than 300 grams (10.5 ounces) of poultry per week may be associated with a 27% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to consuming 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per week or less. The findings contradict existing research and are being approached with caution by experts. Poultry is widely considered a healthier protein source and a cornerstone of healthy eating plans like the Mediterranean diet. Factors that could affect mortality rates and cancer incidence were not considered in the study, prompting calls for further investigation. Nutrients.
Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to More Than 124,000 Preventable Deaths in U.S.: A global study published on April 28 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that for each 10% increase in the contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to total energy intake, the risk of mortality from all causes rises by 2.7%. In the United States alone, that’s more than 124,000 preventable deaths each year.
Common sugar substitute may affect brain and blood vessel health: Recent studies suggest a connection between higher levels of erythritol — a popular sweetener — in the blood and an increased risk of vascular health issues, such as blood clotting, heart disease, and stroke. New cellular research adds supporting evidence that the amount of erythritol in just 1 serving of a beverage could harm brain and blood vessel health. Experts advise limiting or avoiding erythritol and opting for what seem to be safer noncaloric sweeteners, such as stevia and monk fruit extract. 2025 American Physiology Summit (APS2025
Mediterranean diet may help lower breast cancer risk, especially postmenopause: The Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, and low in red meat and processed foods, is associated with several health benefits.
These include a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and some mental health conditions. Now, a study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may significantly reduce a person’s risk of breast cancer. The study found that women who followed a Mediterranean diet, particularly those who were postmenopausal, had a 13% reduced risk of breast cancer. Health Science ReportsTrusted Source.
Eating more potassium, not less salt may be key to regulating blood pressure: A new study has found that increasing the ratio of potassium to sodium consumption in the diet may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than just reducing salt intake alone. American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology
Slow Down, Chew More: Do Eating Behaviors Affect Obesity? Emerging evidence suggests that how you eat, as well as what you eat, can have an impact on obesity. Recent research showed that the number of chews and bites and meal duration can affect feelings of hunger and satiety and, by extension, how much food is consumed. In a recent small study of women and men who ate a test meal of pizza, researchers in Japan assessed associations between meal duration and various factors including the number of bites and chews. They found that increasing the number of bites and chews and slowing the eating tempo with the use of a metronome, resulted in increased meal duration and the likelihood of consuming less food.
3-Month Intermittent Fasting Program Led to Significant Weight Loss: A 3-month time-restricted eating (TRE) protocol resulted in up to one year of sustained weight loss in people with overweight or obesity. Adhering to an 8-hour window of eating led to greater weight loss than eating throughout the day, whether early or late. Researchers say that TRE may lead to lasting behavioral and physiological changes that may aid long-term cardiometabolic health. 32nd European Congress on Obesity
Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier aging: Higher intakes of black tea, berries, citrus fruits and apples could help to promote healthy ageing, new research has found. Foods rich in flavonoids could help to lower the risk of key components of unhealthy ageing, including frailty, impaired physical function and poor mental health. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
New study finds that tea and chocolate may help lower blood pressure: The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies, and found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols- found in cocoa, tea, apples and grapes- can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure.
Dietary carbohydrate intake, carbohydrate quality, and healthy aging in women: In this cohort study of women, intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with positive health status in older adulthood, suggesting that dietary carbohydrate quality may be an important determinant of healthy aging. JAMA
Ultra-Processed Foods May Speed Up Early Signs Of Parkinson’s: A major long-term study published May 7 in Neurology shows that heavy consumers of ultra-processed foods are over twice as likely to develop multiple early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease compared to those who largely avoid these foods. This concerning link highlights how our daily food choices might affect our neurological health decades before more obvious symptoms appear.
Weekend Workout, Regular Exercise Are Equals at Lowering GI Disease Risk: Although regular exercise three or more times a week (30 minutes per day) is often viewed as preferable, both “weekend warrior” and regular exercise patterns reduce digestive disease almost equally. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025
Vitamins/SupplementsVitamin supplements and cancer: New study warns against unsupervised nutritional interventions: A new study offers a critical assessment of vitamin supplementation and popular dietary trends in the context of cancer prevention and treatment. Published in Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, the reviewcautions against the widespread belief, promoted by mass media and the wellness industry, that over-the-counter vitamins and fad diets can independently extend life expectancy or improve cancer outcomes.
OtherHousehold Plastics Raise Cardiovascular Disease Risk: 4 Ways to Limit Exposure: A new study says plastics found in common household products can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in people ages 55 to 64. Previous research has indicated that phthalates used in plastic products are linked to higher risks of reproductive health issues, obesity, and cancer. Experts say you can reduce your exposure to microplastics by avoiding processed foods and not using plastic utensils or bowls. eBioMedicineTrusted Source
Shingles vaccine can lower heart disease risk by 23%, new study finds: Adults ages 50 and over can be vaccinated against shingles. Past studies show that in addition to providing protection against shingles, the vaccine may also provide other health benefits, including a potentially lower risk for dementiaTrusted Source, as well as heart conditions such as heart attack and strokeTrusted Source. A new study found that people who receive the shingles vaccine have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, with this protective benefit lasting for up to eight years after vaccination. European Heart Journal.
Simple urine test may help detect prostate cancer in early stages: This new research, published in the journal Cancer Research, suggests that early-stage prostate cancer can be detected using a simple urine test. Researchers have identified a new set of urine-based biomarkers that can accurately detect both the presence and severity of prostate cancer. The study combines artificial intelligence with detailed genetic analysis and could potentially offer an alternative to current PSA testing.
Can lifestyle changes prevent most sudden cardiac arrests? A new study, which appears in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, investigates this condition by examining the risk factors associated with sudden cardiac death. In total, they identified 56 nonmedical risk factors. They also calculated that 40–63% of sudden cardiac arrests could be prevented if these factors were reduced. To date, the most well-established risk factors for cardiac arrest are a pre-existing cardiovascular issue, as well as: respiratory arrest — for instance, when someone drowns or chokes; diabetes-this can cause sudden changes in electrolyte levels, which affect the heart
certain medications, including antibiotics and diuretics; physical trauma — such as from a sudden injury, especially in the region of the heart.
Hypertension meds, lifestyle changes may cut dementia risk: A new study says that receiving treatment to reduce high blood pressure — including medications and health coaching on healthy lifestyle changes — helps lower a person’s risk for both all-cause dementia and cognitive impairment. Nature MedicineTrusted Source
US CDC Advisers Discuss Narrowing Use Of COVID-19 Booster Shots: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's outside panel of vaccine experts on Tuesday discussed narrowing recommendations on the use of COVID-19 booster shots for the upcoming immunization campaign in its first meeting under the new Trump administration. The panel raised the idea of recommending the updated vaccine only for vulnerable populations at risk of severe COVID-19 for the 2025-2026 season. While most panel members were not opposed, they voiced concerns around the difficulties of implementing the approach.
A Kiss Gluten Transfer? Patients with celiac disease can be more relaxed, knowing that the risk of gluten cross-contact through kissing a partner who has consumed gluten can be brought down to safe levels if food is followed by a small glass of water,” the lead author said in a press communication. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025.
Using Smartphones on the Toilet Increases Hemorrhoid Risk: Smartphone users spent significantly more time on the toilet and had a 46% increased risk for hemorrhoids than nonusers, according to results of a recent survey. Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) 2025.
TREATMENT
Wegovy Reduced Inflammation, Scarring in People with Serious Liver Disease: Wegovy (semaglutide) could offer a new option to treat severe liver disease based on new clinical trial evidence. The GLP-1 drug resolved liver inflammation in nearly two-thirds of participants, twice the rate seen with placebo. Semaglutide had a favorable safety profile, with serious adverse events occurring at the same rate as placebo. The trial, funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy (semaglutide), found the drug improved liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and sometimes both in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The New England Journal of Medicine.
Immunotherapy Drug Eliminated Need for Surgery, Chemo in Early Stage Cancers: A new clinical trial shows the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab could eliminate the need for surgery and chemotherapy in certain cancers. People with the dMMR gene mutation, which most often presents in colorectal cancer, are the best candidates for this novel treatment. New findings from a clinical trial highlight the potential for neoadjuvant immunotherapy to eliminate the need for surgery in patients with a particular type of cancer, helping them maintain a higher quality of life. The study, published on April 27 in The New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that 80% of participants did not need surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after undergoing six months of immunotherapy alone.
Ozempic May Cause Cosmetic Side Effects Like Sagging Skin, Wrinkly Feet: “Ozempic feet” and “Ozempic mouth” are the latest reported cosmetic side effects from GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. Experts say wrinkles and sagging skin can result from rapid weight loss due to loss of fat and muscle mass in certain areas of the body. You can minimize some of these effects by increasing protein in your diet and incorporating resistance training into your exercise routine. Healthline
Repurposed Antidepressant Effective for Cataplexy in Narcolepsy: The investigational drug AXS-12 (reboxetine, Axsome Therapeutics) is safe and effective for the treatment of cataplexy (emotionally induced muscle weakness) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy, a new study suggested. Reboxetine was available previously in the United States as an antidepressant, but its preliminary approval was withdrawn in 2001 due to concerns over its efficacy in treating depressive symptoms. The current investigators repurposed the drug because of its noradrenergic- and dopaminergic-modulating traits. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 Annual Meeting.
Finasteride Linked to Suicidal Ideation: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed that suicidal ideation is a potential side effect of finasteride and urged healthcare professionals to advise patients to stop treatment and seek medical advice if they experience depressed mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Digital Innovation Coming Soon to Incontinence Care: Electronic devices now in development could make it easier to control urination and enable more people to use this treatment. One-year data from a pilot study of the most advanced electronic device, UroMems’ UroActive, were presented on April 26 at American Urological Association (AUA) 2025 Annual Meeting. Researchers also presented results of a long-term outcomes trial of Boston Scientific’s manual hydraulic artificial urinary sphincter (AUC), the AMS 800, the gold standard for treatment of male stress urinary incontinence. The findings showed the evolution of incontinence treatment and the benefits and potential risks of new and existing technologies.
Balloon Treatment Leads to Durable Gains in BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) A postmarketing study showed that the Optilume BPH system improved the flow of urine while leaving sexual function unchanged in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), researchers reported at the American Urological Association 2025 Annual Meeting. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023, the Optilume BPH devices uses balloons to dilate the anterior commissure of the prostate, which connects the two lobes of the gland, and the roof of the prostatic urethra. A slow-release coating of paclitaxel on one of the balloons shrinks the prostatic tissue and prevents it from closing around the opening to enhance the enhanced flow of urine.
Popular Diabetes Drugs Linked to Fall Risk in T2D: In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly increase the risk for falls, and combined use with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) further heightened this risk, emphasizing the need for careful management and support for patients receiving these therapies. published online in Scientific Reports.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices May Lead to False Dietary Changes, Study Finds: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices may overestimate blood glucose levels in healthy adults, potentially leading to unnecessary dietary changes and confusion among users, according to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Berberine Ursodeoxycholate Reduces A1c in Type 2 Diabetes: Berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801) showed potential as a treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with significant reductions in A1c and fasting plasma glucose levels. The treatment was well tolerated, with mild to moderate adverse effects observed. HTD1801 treatment led to reductions in non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as liver enzyme levels. published online in JAMA Network Open.
Chlorthalidone Increases Kidney Stone Recurrence: The prominent headline from the highly anticipated Diuretic Comparison Project (DCP), published in late 2022, was that the antihypertensive drugs chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide showed no significant differences in major adverse cardiovascular events and noncancer death. Further analyses have also shown no differences in kidney outcomes. However, a new secondary analysis of the trial suggests one potential caveat — kidney stones, and more specifically, their recurrence. In the analysis, presented at the National Kidney Foundation’s Spring Clinical Meeting 2025, there were no significant differences in the development of kidney stones between the two groups; however, among those with a history of kidney stones, patients treated with chlorthalidone had a significantly higher risk of recurring stones.
Early Atorvastatin Therapy Shows Sustained Cardiovascular Benefits Over Two Decades in Patients With Hypertension: Early introduction of atorvastatin vs placebo in patients with hypertensiondemonstrated significant benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease events, such as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD) events, over a 20-year follow-up period. online on March 26, 2025, in Heart.
Novel Agent Shows Promise in Early Parkinson’s Disease: Tavapadon, a novel and highly selective partial agonist of dopamine D1 and D5 receptors, significantly improved motor function without increasing impulse control disorders in patients with early Parkinson’s disease (PD), results of two separate phase 3 studies showed. The findings reflect outcomes from both fixed daily doses of 5 mg or 15 mg and flexible dosing regimens. An earlier phase 3 trial (TEMPO-3) also showed tavapadon to be a promising adjunct to levodopa in patients with PD experiencing motor fluctuations. American Academy of Neurology 2025 annual meeting.
Novel Drug Slows Disability Progression in Nonrelapsing Secondary Progressive MS: Tolebrutinib, a novel Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that targets neuroinflammation, slowed disability progression by 31% in patients with nonrelapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nrSPMS), results of a multi-center phase 3 study showed. “Although tolebrutinib was associated with increased risks of respiratory complications and elevated liver enzymes, it also demonstrated several functional benefits, including a slowed decline in walking ability and a significant reduction in the annualized rate of new, or enlarging, T2 lesions.” This study is believed to be the first to demonstrate a significant slowing of disability progression in patients with nrSPMS, a condition for which there are currently no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved treatments. American Academy of Neurology 2025 annual meeting and published simultaneously in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Low-dose rapamycin improves muscle mass and well-being in aging adults: Low-dose, intermittent rapamycin administration over 48 weeks is relatively safe in healthy, normative-aging adults, and was associated with significant improvements in lean tissue mass and pain in women. Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4,
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment provide long-term relief for radiation-induced injuries: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment provides long-term relief for patients suffering from late radiation-induced injuries after treatment of cancer in the lower abdominal area. Five years after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the positive effects remain.
Gabapentin Shows Unexpected Survival Boost In Brain Cancer Patients: According to a new study published in Nature Communications, patients who received gabapentin after surgical tumor removal lived significantly longer than those who didn’t receive the drug, with a survival advantage of 4-6 months—comparable to the benefit seen with the most recently FDA-approved treatment for this devastating disease. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 glioblastoma patients treated at major academic medical centers
Skip The $4,000 Hearing Aids? New Trial Finds Cheaper Options Work Just As Well: A new clinical trial comparing hearing aid delivery methods reveals that while over-the-counter options provide positive outcomes, traditional audiologist-fitted devices yield significantly better results for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The comprehensive study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, also found that expensive high-end hearing aids provide no measurable advantage over more affordable basic models—a finding that challenges industry pricing structures and could reshape how millions approach hearing healthcare.
Weekly Rapamycin Boosts Muscle Mass And Cuts Pain In Aging Women: A year-long clinical trial reveals that low-dose rapamycin – a drug typically used for transplant patients – may significantly improve muscle mass and reduce pain in healthy aging adults, particularly women. These findings suggest potential for a promising approach to combat age-related physical decline and enhance quality of life. The study, published in the journal Aging on April 4, represents the longest clinical trial to date examining rapamycin’s potential as a “longevity drug” in healthy adults. While rapamycin has shown remarkable life-extending properties in everything from yeast to mice, its effects in humans have remained largely theoretical until now.
New Drug Combos Could Cut Heart Failure Mortality by 60%: Optimized treatment can reduce the mortality risk for chronic heart failure (HF) by as much as 60%. The role of appropriate drug combinations and rapid diagnosis was discussed at the 91st Annual German Society of Cardiovascular Medicine Annual Conference. “It is important to start drug treatment for HF immediately after diagnosis, in parallel with investigating the underlying causes, as the benefits of treatment appear very quickly.”
OTHER
Medicaid Cuts Most Likely to Impact These 5 Groups: Republican leaders are looking at budget proposals that could drastically reduce Medicaid funding. Experts say the cuts could have a significant impact on low-income households that rely on the federally funded program. Medicaid cuts could also affect reproductive health services as well as programs for older adults, children, and people with mental health disorders. Healthline
Cancer-Related Deaths Declining in U.S., But Diagnoses in Women Are Rising: The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of CancerTrusted Source shows that cancer-related deaths decreased by about 1.7% for men, 1.3% for women, and 1.5% for children each year from 2018 to 2022. Cancer death rates also decreased across different racial and ethnic populations, according to the report, published on April 21 in the journal CancerTrusted Source. The report also shows a drop in cancer diagnoses among males from 2001 through 2013 before stabilizing through 2021. Among women, however, there were yearly increases in cancer diagnoses from 2003 to 2021. Cancers associated with obesity are also on the rise. These include female breast, uterus, colorectal, pancreas, kidney, and liver cancers.
Celiac Disease Linked to Persistent Risk for Liver Conditions: Patients with celiac disease have a twofold higher risk for developing any chronic liver disease than the general population, with the risk remaining elevated beyond 25 years after diagnosis. published onlinein The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
Heart disease deaths worldwide linked to chemical widely used in plastics: Daily exposure to certain chemicals used to make plastic household items could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone, a new analysis of population surveys shows. While the chemicals, called phthalates, are in widespread use globally, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific bore a much larger share of the death toll than others -- about three-fourths of the total. eBioMedicine
What to Expect after Trump Signs Order Demanding Lower Prices from Drug Companies: PBS
Thousands Died After Losing Medicare Drug Help. Here’s What Went Wrong: Low-income older adults who lost access to the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) experienced mortality increases between 4 and 22 percent, according to a University of Pennsylvania study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Meanwhile, a separate Mass General Brigham study found that nearly 3 million Medicare beneficiaries lost their Part D insurer between 2024 and 2025 – a dramatic surge compared to previous years.
Study Finds Wildlife Trade Likely Transported COVID-19 Virus To Humans: A new study published in Cell on May 7, 2025, suggests that the virus behind COVID-19 traveled too quickly from its origin to have been carried naturally by bats. Instead, researchers conclude that the wildlife trade likely transported SARS-CoV-2 to Wuhan, mirroring the path taken by the virus responsible for the 2002 SARS outbreak.
