PHARMACOLOGY FURTHER E-NEWSLETTER
March '24
Is Pharmacology Difficult®️
MARCH FDA APPROVED DRUGS :
Denosumab-ddbz (Jubbonti) Injection was approved on March 5 ‘24 for the treatment of Osteoporosis. Mechanism is as follows: It is a RANK Ligand (RANKL) inhibitor interchangeable biosimilar to Denosumab
Tislelizumab-jsgr (Tevimbra) Injection was approved on March 13’24 for the treatment of Esophageal Carcinoma. Mechanism is as follows: It is a humanized Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) anti programmed cell death protein 1. It is monoclonal antibody indicated for treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.
Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) was approved on Mar 14’24 for the treatment of Non alcoholic Steatohepatitis. It is a Thyroid hormonr receptoe Beta agonist used as an add on drug.
Atidarsagene autotemcel (Lenmeldy) suspension for IV Infusion was approved on March 18’24 for the treatment of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy in children. It is an autologous heamatopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy.
Aprocitentan (Tryvio) Tablets were approved on March 19’24 for the treatment of high blood pressure as a combination therapy. Mechanism is as follows: it is an Endothelin receptor antagonist.
Givinostat (Duvyzat) oral suspension was approved on March 21’24 for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is histone deacetylase inhibitor.
Sotatercept (Winrevair) injection was approved on March 26’24 for the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial hypertension. It is an activin signaling inhibitor.
Vadadustat (Vafseo) was approved on March 27’24 for the treatment of Anemia due to Chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis (for upto 3 months). Mechanism is as follows: It is a hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF PH) Inhibitor.
Danicopan (Voydeya) tablets were approved on March 29’24 for the treatment of extravascular Hemolysis associated with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria. It is a complement factor D inhibitor.
LATEST MEDICAL UPDATES:
Latest research:
Latest studies reveal that use of Metformin as Antidiabetic drug could additionally prove helpful in treating certain, breast, urologic cancers.
In the Dietary guidelines of 2024, ICMR has highlighted palm Oil as much better than other oils like Groundnut oil, cottonseed oil, etc as it has balanced fatty acid profile and enriched nutritive substances.
Current research has shown more cases of relapses in patients of Multiple Sclerosis who switched from Natalizumab to Fingolimod therapy.
Current clinical trial studies have shown improvement in Parkinson’s disease when Lixisenatide, an antidiabetic drug was repurposed for this cause.
Recently, Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) shows beneficial outcomes as far as mental health is concerned. It is of great use in helping research, training and therapy. Human expertise added can reduce inaccuracy and biases if involved.
RCT conducted to use Telemedicine based therapy to treat subjects suffering from Coronary Artery Syndrome have shown great clinical benefits.
Xenotransplantation with Pig transplants and resulting short life span of the subjects have actually not proven a successful endeavour from scientist point of view.
New Non hormonal drug manufactured by “Bayer” company named as “ELINZANETANT” has proved to improve Quality of life in Post menopausal women by suppressing hot flushes and sleep disturbances. It could be a promising alternative to HRT.
FROM MY CLASSROOM:
Here I will be sharing some insights of Pharmacology learnings from the classes I have taken this month or all that I have read in the subject.
My own reading topic comprises of Acidity/Acid Reflux/Hyperacidity/GERD and its treatment:
Acidity describes the amount of acid in the body/substance. It is measured on a scale of pH scale. On this scale, value of 7 is neutral while decreasing value towards zero (0) gives an indication of increasing acidity.
Excess of acid production in stomach leads to discomfort, indigestion, sourness in mouth, nausea, regurgitation, restlessness, burning in lower chest, pain in chest and abdomen, etc.
Excessive Stress, oily food, spices, Obesity, lack of physical activities, smoking, tobacco habit, drinking excess alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, etc are common causes of acidity.
The acid reflux occurs via food pipe and causes burning sensation in the chest.
Once in a while it is not a big problem, but regular bouts of acid may indicate some danger, so one should consult a doctor in such cases
Some helpful non pharmacological aids at home could be sought with tulsi, mint, fennel seeds, turmeric, ginger, cloves, cumin seeds, buttermilk, watermelon juice, etc.
Pharmacological treatments include:
Anatacids having calcium, magnesiuma nd aluminium salts, though their overuse can harm kidney.
H2 Receptor blockers like Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Ramitidine are common drugs used to suppress acid reflux. These show effect in 1/2 hr to 90 minutes.
Positive effect is seen in a day
Famotidine shows ADR like Headache, Cimetidine shows ADR like diarrhoea, headache, nausea, rashes and gynaecomastia,
Proton Pump Inhibitors are Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, Dexlansoprazole. These are available as tablets/capsules. These are taken orally half an hour before the meals.
These are drug of choice for Gastric Esophageal Reflux disease, Peptic Ulcer, Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, H Pylori infection, etc.
Their mechanism involves blocking of hydrogen potassium, ATPase pump (Proton pump) and suppress acid production.
Complications of acidity are cancer, stomach ulcer, pain in chest or abdomen, indigestion.
Diagnosis of acidity is by following tests: X ray of esophagus and stomach and upper GIT endoscopy to see mucus lining.
Radgin Wiz®️
From Radgin Wiz Writing desk:
Writing has come to a standstill for a while as other chores and projects become quite overwhelming
But it is not a writer’s block. How do I know? Cos my mind is always inclined and active towards writing my upcoming book- Bangalore and Bingo!!
Scenes, plots and dialogues are taking course in my mind.
Hopefully, it gonna be another bash of pleasure and joy as my YA books have always promised to be!!
SIMPLE AND SPARKLING:
Turmeric- the Golden spice!!
The active ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin
Turmeric contains compounds known as Curcuminoids- with healing and medicinal properties.
Its a great Anti-oxidant and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
The best way to consume turmeric is to have it along with black pepper which contains piperine. It enhances turmeric absorption manifolds and increases the bioavailability.
Curcumin can boost Brain derived Neurotrophic factor i.e. BDNF. This helps in reversing senile changes in brain and memory and help in diseases like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
It protects against heart disease and damage. It helps be improving endothelium function.
It can protect against cancer by: causing death of cancer cells, reduce Angiogenesis i.e. new blood vessel growth in tumours, reduces metastasis i.e. cancer spread.
It is very effective in reducing pain in Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
It should NOT be consumed too much by pregnant and Nursing ladies. It should not be used in diseases and problems of gallbladder and kidney
It helps in fighting many viral infections including flu and herpes.
It helps to relieve and alleviate Premenstrual syndrome symptoms and pain/
As far as Drug Interactions are concerned, turmeric can lower down effects of Indomethacin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.
Turmeric should not be taken along with chemotherapy agents like Camptothecin, Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide.etc
Blood thinning can be enhanced with turmeric if patient already taking Warfarin.
High amounts of curcumin can cause side effects with Immunosuppressive drugs like Tacrolimus.
It is ineffective for Stomach Ulcers.
It can be safely applied topically and safely used as enema.
Turmeric can increase side effects of Talinolol and Losartan
It acts synergistic to Antidiabetic drugs to lower down blood sugar.
Off the Cuff Talks:
Mobile Manners
Master the mobile and don’t let the mobile be your master- practice good and strict controls
Mind your tone and volume:Always speak softly
Never let phone hinder your daily chores or routines. Turn the phone silent or off while doing important other work.
Use nice, amicable language and words.
Never use harsh, wrong words or comments as phone calls can be recorded too!
Don’t talk about confronting, enraging, private and confidential topics in public
Do not make calls in library, theatre, church or restaurant table.
Text messages should not be used during a class or a meeting.
Very personal messages should not be texted
Never use phone while driving
Well, That’s all from my end in this Lovely march Issue. Hope it satisfies your quest for information and medical updates and News. Next “April” Issue is on its way….
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND SUBSCRIBE!!
IT IS A MOTIVATION TO MY EFFORTS…..:))