Oxytocin/vasopressin receptors are typical examples of so-called G protein-coupled receptors – the most successful drug target class. The oxytocin and vasopressin receptors are targeted, for example, during childbirth to encourage contractions but are also being investigated for therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and developmental disorders such as autism. Inspired by locusts MedUni Vienna researchers […]
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A new trial, led by experts from the University of Nottingham, will look at reducing the transmission of Covid-19 and its severity in care homes, thanks to funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The team are initially looking for up to 400 care homes to take part in the ground-breaking trial – […]
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The NHS could improve patients’ access to new cancer treatments by paying different prices for drugs depending on the disease they are used to treat, concludes a group of experts from across academia and industry. The consensus panel, representing 16 leading academic institutions, charities, stakeholder groups and pharmaceutical companies, also called for the Government to […]
Life in lockdown is having a significant impact on our health. Recognising the triggers for over-eating or increased alcohol intake during the pandemic; experts look at how to curb the cravings • Over-eating or ‘emotional eating’ can become a food addiction • Certain foods stimulate the brain’s secretion of opiate-like, “feel-good” chemicals such as serotonin […]
· Benefits can be seen in as little as 2 weeks · Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is non-invasive · Patients from abroad can access treatment lasting 2 weeks, avoiding lengthy stays in London · The Wellbeing Centre has successfully treated patients for depression using TMS · Drugs for depression don’t suit everyone, says Centre’s medical director […]
You may have noticed advertising on tube platforms, on buses and generally across the UK for new online pharmacist services. Just one example of hundreds of businesses that have sprung up. These websites promise web to door delivery, often within just a day, stocking hundreds of medications to choose from. This model fits in […]
Introduction: What are opioids? Opioids are medicinal compounds, deriving originally from opium. There are so-called “weaker opioids” (codeine, dihydrocodeine) and stronger opioids (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, trenadyl and buprenorphine). Opioid Use in Britain: Fortunately, the UK does not yet have the same epic opioid crisis as witnessed in the USA, but there are worrying indications that […]
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The conventional therapeutic approach to dealing with a problem like depression is to wait for the problem to set in and then give you a drug to stop you feeling depressed. GPs often have less than 15 minutes for a single appointment so they just don’t have the time to ask a patient about the […]
Patients could find that supplies of their medicines will be disrupted when the UK leaves the EU, according to the Brexit Health Alliance in a briefing paper published this week, which is calling on both sides to put patients first. The Alliance brings together the NHS, medical research, industry, patients and public health organisations to […]
‘A significant number of cancer treatments may have no benefit over existing treatments or a placebo,’ remarked a senior cancer researcher recently, ‘giving some patients false hope.’ Giving ‘false hope’ is one of the common charges laid against non-drug ways of supporting cancer patients, even though it is an oxymoron. However the opening sentence (which […]