Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.

CIDRAP:
Experts Lay Out Antibiotic Stewardship Lessons From COVID-19 

A panel of experts with the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) published a statement last week on ways to improve antibiotic use and stewardship during infectious disease pandemics and outbreaks. The statement, published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, addresses widespread inappropriate antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The height of unnecessary antibiotic use took place in the early stages of the pandemic, when hospitals were flooded with severely ill patients, diagnostic tests were unavailable or took several days to return results, no treatments were available, and healthcare providers wanted to do something to help. (Dall, 9/19)

CIDRAP:
WHO: Refugees, Migrants Face Barriers To Antibiotic Access 

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that, while data on antibiotic use and access among the world’s migrants and refugees are scarce, multiple factors may be keeping these vulnerable populations from obtaining and using antibiotics appropriately. (Dall, 9/20)

Also —

USA Today:
New Uses For Old Drugs? Every Cure Offers Hope For People With Rare Diseases

“No one is responsible for ensuring that drugs are fully utilized for all diseases they can help,” said Every Cure co-founder Dr. David Fajgenbaum. “We’re taking on that responsibility.” Every Cure aims to raise $55 million to coordinate drug data, identify generics that might offer hope for patients with a rare disease and bring the most promising drugs through clinical trials. (Weintraub, 9/18)

Stat:
Patients For Affordable Drugs Taps New Leader 

One of Washington’s most prominent drug pricing patient groups is tapping an advocate who has fought for access to medicines for nearly two decades as its new leader. (Cohrs, 9/19)

Stat:
Intellia’s CRISPR Treatment Corrects DNA Of 6 Patients With Rare Disease

Intellia Therapeutics said Friday the first six patients to receive its CRISPR-based treatment for a genetic swelling disorder have safely had small, corrective changes made to dysfunctional DNA inside their liver cells. (Molteni, 9/16)

CIDRAP:
Using Tamiflu In Hospitalized Children Tied To Shorter Stay For Flu

A study across 36 US pediatric tertiary hospitals finds that early use of the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in hospitalized children was associated with a shorter hospital stay, lower odds of 7-day readmission, and lower rates of severe outcomes. The study was published yesterday in JAMA Pediatrics. (9/20)

ScienceDaily:
Gel Treats Gum Disease By Fighting Inflammation

A topical gel that blocks the receptor for a metabolic byproduct called succinate treats gum disease by suppressing inflammation and changing the makeup of bacteria in the mouth, according to a new study. (New York University, 9/20)

New England Journal of Medicine:
Polypill Strategy In Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention 

A polypill that includes key medications associated with improved outcomes (aspirin, angiotensin-converting–enzyme [ACE] inhibitor, and statin) has been proposed as a simple approach to the secondary prevention of cardiovascular death and complications after myocardial infarction. (Castellano, M.D., Ph.D., 9/15)

This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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By Ashwajit Singh

As India celebrates 75 years of independence and the beginnings of Amrutkaal, its healthcare system, enriched by a 5000-year legacy has much to offer to the world.

From eradicating diseases to pioneering healthcare initiatives, the country has witnessed big advancements in healthcare. Known today as pharmacy of the world, India has earned a global respect in the sector by becoming the largest producer of generic medicines and vaccine supplier by volume and having launched Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, the world’s largest public health scheme that aims to cover the bottom 50% of people in the country.

Now at the threshold of its centenary, expectations to see a healthier, resilient India, are high. Let’s find out how …

Infrastructure expansion
As per 2022 Economic Survey, India’s public expenditure on healthcare stood at 2.1% of GDP in 2021-22 lower than the baseline target of 5%, against OECD average of 8%+. While some health experts have highlighted the need to increase public health spending to support healthcare transformation, others have emphasised on the need to have alternative financing models to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all.

The recent success of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in India’s healthcare space, especially with COVID-19, presents an opportunity to provide both affordable and accessible healthcare to all. With an ever-widening SDG Financing Gap (from $2.5 trillion in 2020 to $4.2 trillion in 2021), PPPs can play a key role in further advancing the health infrastructure of the country for a more resilient and robust care delivery. It is here that role of forums such as NATHEALTH which engages private healthcare providers becomes critical in pushing private sector investments for creating a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

USAID-funded blended finance facility, SAMRIDH, serves as a leading example in India. It combines public, private and philanthropic resources to provide market-driven health solutions providing access to quality healthcare in tier-2 and 3 cities. It has so far mobilised a pool of $300 million plus for its agenda of sustainable, resilient and innovative healthcare in India.

The growth of PPP models is also expected to narrow down doctor-patient ratio by providing healthcare staff and building their skills for quality health services. The private sector can be engaged for continuing education programmes for healthcare workers. India can capitalise on its demographic advantage to create a robust health infrastructure that can drive the 21st century economy. By merely training 5 million doctors, nurses and technicians, the sector can earn $100 billion a year.

Arogya Bharat
India envisions to achieve UN SDG target 3.8 of Universal Health Coverage to make its population disease-free, systems resilient and citizens empowered to overcome current and future health challenges. And, has been working towards it since independence. This is most overarchingly reflected in the doubling of life expectancy from 32 years in 1947 to 70.9 years in 2022. Its large-scale programmes, including Pulse Polio Immunisation, National Leprosy Eradication Programme, National Rural Health Mission, Mission Indradhanush, etc. along with the hygiene commitments under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, have gained a place among prominent global health success stories. These have also been significant in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates across the country.

Economic Survey 2020-’21 by Ministry of Finance highlighted that the share of out-of-pocket expenditure in total health expenditure in India will decline from 65% to 30% if there is an increase in government spending on health from 1% to 2.5-3% of GDP. With this in mind, a range of health insurances are now subsumed under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY (AB-PMJAY).

The active thrust of AB-PMJAY towards continuum-of-care model, shifting the locus of healthcare towards primary and preventive care, is revolutionary. This model recognises the many abilities of primary health practitioners, like family doctors, in nipping the disease at its very onset. It also lays emphasis on precaution rather than cure, as well as protocols of global standards, in helping India emerge better prepared for new disease patterns of the future. A holistic, personalised touch to healthcare that includes neglected areas like geriatric health, mental health, etc., will help disease-prevention and treatment sooner than 2047.

Digital Health
Current fast-paced technological developments are also facilitating healthcare progress. An extension of AB-PMJAY, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is also geared to lay the foundations of a digitally-equipped health infrastructure for a future-ready India.

The rapid upsurge in the use and convenience of digital data management and information systems makes integration of Big Data and healthcare inevitable in the near future. With R&D, this is expected to not only make diagnosis and treatment efficient but also the overarching health patterns in India easy to trace and forecast. An indication is the recent boom in connected and wearable health devices, like bluetooth-enabled watches, implants, etc., which will help individuals monitor their personal health needs and build predictive and preventive models in the future.

This far-seeing vision, however, needs to be supported through grassroots penetration of digital technology with emphasis on equitable access. Fortunately, with rural access to the internet picking pace, India’s digital divide is expected to reduce significantly by 2047.

Globalising India’s healthcare
India is rapidly becoming the ‘go to’ destination for medical tourism globally with conversations around big-ticket health projects – ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’ already underway.

The pandemic disrupted the traditional global supply chain. However, this also provided opportunities for countries like India to drive new integrations within the global economy. The global acclaim received by CoWIN validated India’s digital capabilities in healthcare. Initiatives like Vaccine Maitri not only helped India on the geopolitical front, but also opened new opportunities for the sector to gain access to resources, collaboration and knowledge at the very peak of the pandemic.

With its high growth potential in data analytics, device and equipment manufacturing, drug trials, etc., going forward the country can forge mutually increased partnerships with developed world and share expertise on current and predicted health challenges to become the global hub of health services.

Healthcare innovation
Increased FDI relaxations by government across healthcare projects can introduce pathbreaking healthcare innovations. The private startup ecosystem is already leading the way domestically on the use of the latest technology through the use of AI, IoT, robotics and data analytics to aid existing solutions in healthcare, increasing access and reducing costs. With 3500+ startups in India in 2021, public and private investments in tech-enabled solutions which facilitate remote diagnosis and consultation, wellness, early detection is already gaining ground. The health-tech market in India is expected to grow at an annual rate of 39% over FY20-FY23, touching $50 bn by 2033.

Public and private institutions can further collaborate to set up accelerators and incubators to further an innovative discourse around healthcare in the country. Increased focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Invest in India’ can also enhance existing pharma and manufacturing gains.

With a near 1.7 billion people; raised in life expectancy and drop in proportion of young people by 2050, the shift in demographic and lifestyle patterns will necessitate preventive healthcare to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. India is already working towards it.

And, as it commits to the goal of becoming developed by 2047, far-seeing policies along with the willingness and ability to spend on health sector will be critical to defining the quality of our future to meet the aspirations of Vision@2047.

Ashwajit Singh, Founder & Managing Director, IPE Global

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person / organisation directly or indirectly.)

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Originally Appeared Here

TUESDAY, Sept. 20, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The risk of transmission of monkeypox is low in health care settings, according to research published in the Sept. 16 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Kristen E. Marshall, Ph.D., from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Denver, and colleagues examined health care personnel (HCP) exposures and personal protective equipment (PPE) use in health care settings during care for patients who subsequently received a diagnosis of Orthopoxvirus infection or monkeypox.

The researchers found that 313 HCP interacted with patients with subsequently diagnosed monkeypox infection while wearing various combinations of PPE during May 1 to July 31, 2022; 23 percent wore all recommended PPE during their exposures (gown, gloves, eye protection, and an N95 or higher-level respirator). Overall, 28 percent of exposed HCP were considered to have had high- or intermediate-risk exposures and were eligible for postexposure prophylaxis with the JYNNEOS vaccine; the vaccine was administered to 48 percent of these individuals (12 percent of all HCP). PPE use varied by facility type; adherence to recommended PPE use was highest in sexually transmitted infection clinics and community health centers, and lowest in primary and urgent care settings. During the 21 days after exposure, none of the HCP developed monkeypox infection.

“These results underscore the importance of public health outreach to better understand the circumstances of HCP exposures so that prevention, infection prevention education, and training of HCP can be improved, especially in primary care and urgent care settings,” the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text

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Originally Appeared Here

After the symptoms of COVID-19 disappear, older Americans may be at risk of an even more daunting challenge – Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study found that people over age 65 were 80% more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease within a year of having COVID-19. The most affected in the pool of 6.2 million people studied, were women age 85 and older. The study was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

This is just the beginning of what we will learn about the lingering impact of the virus, and it may be premature to worry, according to Ulysses Wu, MD, medical director of infectious disease at Hartford HealthCare.

“I think it is too early to make a direct association between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s, but there certainly may be a causal association,” he explained.

> Schedule an appointment with a provider today

Alzheimer’s connection

Researchers did not determine whether the virus actually triggers Alzheimer’s or accelerates its presence in older individuals.

“We know that there are neurocognitive effects of COVID-19, both short-term and long-term, so whether or not it is COVID-19 causing the dementia or accelerating an already developing dementia remains to be seen,” Dr. Wu agreed.

Another possibility is that a COVID-19 diagnosis may result in more intense evaluation by healthcare providers. That could lead to more diagnoses of Alzheimer’s, explained Wu.

Of the patients studied, none had an Alzheimer’s diagnosis before being studied. They all received medical treatment between February 2020 and May 2021. About 5.8 million did not have COVID-19, while the remaining 400,000 did.

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Originally Appeared Here

London: Haleon on Tuesday said it had notified GSK and Pfizer that it had rejected their requests for indemnification in relation to U.S.-based litigation over the heartburn drug, Zantac.

More than 2,000 legal cases related to Zantac have been filed in the United States over allegations that the compound contains probable carcinogens.

Zantac, originally marketed by a forerunner of GSK, has been sold by several companies at different times, including Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi as well as a plethora of generic drugmakers.

Haleon, spun out as an independent company in July, comprises consumer health assets once owned by GSK and Pfizer.

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Jefferson County, Colo. — Whether it’s eating broccoli, going to the dentist or getting a physical, we all know there are things we must do to take care of ourselves and the systems in our body. When we don’t take care of our bodies, they don’t work the way they are supposed to. Our homes and buildings are no different.

Sept. 19-23, 2022 is SepticSmart Week, an annual event focused on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems (also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems). This SepticSmart week, JCPH wants to make sure all the onsite wastewater treatment system owners in the county have a full set of tools in their toolbox to be good septic owners.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) defines a septic system as an underground wastewater treatment structure, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from all household plumbing, such as that from bathrooms, kitchen drains and laundry. A well-maintained onsite wastewater treatment system, just like every other system in your home, requires upkeep and monitoring.

To make sure your septic system is in tip-top shape, start by counting to three: 

1. Avoid putting anything other than water and human waste into your system. Items like cooking oils or grease, food wastes, harsh cleaners- such as bleach, non-degradable products, medications and other household chemicals should not be disposed of in your septic system. 
2. Discard non-degradable products, like floss, disposable wipes or cat litter, into the trash can instead of flushing them. Other products, like potato peels, coffee grounds and eggshells don’t decompose quickly, so they should also be thrown out or composted rather than put into the disposal.
3. Have your septic system checked routinely. Having the tank cleaned and pumped by a licensed septic system maintenance company, is recommended at least every two to four years, or when necessary. At least once a year, clean any filters, check your pump or dosing siphon and any other equipment that may need servicing.

“Water is a precious resource in Colorado and Jeffco. As we deal with effects of climate change and drought, it has become even more crucial we all play our role in protecting the water supply we have. By ensuring proper care and maintenance of our onsite wastewater treatment systems, we can protect our health and water quality,” said Mitch Brown, Environmental Health Supervisor. “Together we can protect our groundwater supply and drinking water not only for today, but also for tomorrow and the future generations.” 

In Jefferson County, there are an estimated 35,000 septic systems in use. Many residents in mountain communities or those with properties in more secluded areas of the county may rely on septic systems for waste disposal. The liquid waste or sewage discharged from these systems often is part of the water that recharges groundwater resources, which provide water to drinking water wells. In 2021, Jefferson County issued 116 permits for new systems, approximately 100 permits for repairs and 56 permits for expansions. In addition, we issued over 1,000 use permits for transfer of titles. 

For more information on onsite wastewater treatment systems in Jefferson County, including information on care, maintenance and permitting, visit JCPH On-Site Waste Water Treatment Systems. To learn more about SepticSmart week, visit EPA SepticSmart week [external link].

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health [external link]. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH [external link], Instagram @JeffcoPH [external link] and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth [external link].­­­

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Suicide prevention is a complex and difficult problem for health care systems to address. If a patient is admitted to a hospital or behavioral health clinic, they can be well taken care of in the moment, but studies show that the early days and weeks after their discharge is the most dangerous time for those with suicidal ideation.

Sanford Health launched a pilot program, called Caring Contacts, which is designed to help patients after they leave the building. The idea is surprisingly simple: send a handwritten letter to each patient to let them know they matter.

Idea behind Caring Contacts

“We know that suicide is highly correlated with a sense of loneliness and isolation,” said Jeff Leichter, Ph.D., lead administrator for behavioral health integration at Sanford Health. “It’s sometimes called a ‘death of despair’ because people at their worst moments often feel like no one cares.”

“When we reach out in a human-to-human way, not a form letter, not an email, that’s something that people recognize as being generated by a caring person. It matters.”

Dr. Leichter explained that the idea for Caring Contacts stretches back almost 50 years, when the first caring letters were sent out to Vietnam veterans who had been treated for suicidal thoughts or had made attempts on their own lives. The letters don’t ask for anything, not a phone call or a request for any follow-up. They are simply sent with a message of care and thoughtfulness.

“The messages are encouraging and supportive, and when you think about receiving mail, that’s something we don’t really get anymore,” said Larissa Marsh, an integrated health therapist and licensed clinical social worker at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota. “The goal and the theory is that simply by receiving the cards, people will feel more socially connected and in turn have less suicidality.”

Marsh handwrites the letters for the program in Fargo. She has followed up with 19 patients as part of the pilot, sending letters to high-risk patients who have agreed to take part. The first card is sent two to three days after they leave Sanford. Additional letters are sent at regular intervals for one full year. So far the results have been incredibly encouraging.

“We’re using a social connectedness scale, and people’s scores are going up, up, up,” said Marsh. “And a lot of the feedback has been positive.”

She then went through a few of the patient responses, which read:

• “This is wonderful. I love them.”
• “The cards really do brighten my day.”
• “When I go to the mailbox and see the cards, things get better.”
• “I’ve saved them all, and go back and read them.”
• “I feel a lot better than I did six months ago.”

Arlene’s story

Arlene Wilken works with Marsh and Dr. Leichter to craft the messages that are sent to the patients in Fargo. But unlike her colleagues in the pilot program, she has a background that is not a clinical one. She has a personal connection with suicide.

Her husband, Mark Wilken, suffered from severe bouts of depression. Twenty years ago he stopped working after his employer closed its doors. He was 44, and Arlene said for Mark, “the time just dragged on.”

“He lost a lot of self-respect and self-esteem. He lost where he was going. He lost interest in his hobbies. He just kept spiraling down and down,” she said.

She encouraged her husband to seek counseling, but said that “wasn’t something he was ready, willing or comfortable doing.”

In 2014, at the age of 56, Mark took his own life.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him,” said Arlene. “He was in such a deep hole that he didn’t know how to climb out. He didn’t know how to help himself.”

Arlene has now thrown herself into suicide prevention, helping people she doesn’t know and often has never met. For the Caring Contacts program, she is adamant that each letter have the right message.

“It can’t be flippant. It can’t be lighthearted. It needs to come from the heart without seeming insincere and gushy. It’s a bold statement to say, ‘You’re worth it. We care. We’re here for you,’” she said.

And it’s the feedback that she receives that lets her know the program is making a difference.

“People locked into themselves don’t usually come forward and say positive things,” said Arlene. “But when you hear people saying, ‘This makes a difference, I appreciate your card,’ I believe it certainly does. It gives me pride.”

Positive results

For the people working on this project in its early stages, there is universal agreement: Their time is well spent, the cost and effort involved is minimal, and the benefits to the patients are clear.

“This isn’t a treatment all by itself, but it’s a very simple way to supplement that care they’re receiving,” said Dr. Leichter. “We’re looking at the comments we’ve gotten from patients who’ve been involved, and some of them are quite moving.”

“It personalizes care. To me it feels like an extension of it. You have an appointment and it can feel very sterile,” said Marsh. “I don’t want to oversimplify it, but this shows that you’re more than just a patient. Your life matters, even when you walk out the door. We care while you’re here and we care when you’re not here.”

For Arlene Wilken, the final word comes as easily as writing a letter. It’s what she would say to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. And what she still wants to say to her husband Mark all these years later:

“You are every bit worth who you are. You’re needed and you’re valued, whether or not you see it. There are so many people that love you and want you around and you have so much to offer,” said Arlene. “Hold on one more day. And if that day isn’t better, the next day after that will be. Life is worth living.”

Whether you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts yourself, or love someone who is, get help now by contacting any of the following:

Visit sanfordhealth.org to find resources, risk factors, warning signs and steps you can take to help a loved one.

Learn more

…

Posted In
Behavioral Health, Fargo

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Originally Appeared Here

Illinois [US], September 19 (ANI): Researchers involved in a new multi-site international phase III study led by Northwestern Medicine found that a new drug was highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema. This is the first study to treat moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and children 6 months to 5 years of age with a biologic drug (monoclonal antibody) instead of immune-suppressing medications.

More than half the children experienced at least a 75 per cent reduction in eczema symptoms, highly significant reductions in itching, and improved sleep after a 16-week course of dupilumab, a drug that targets a crucial immunological system in allergens.

Also Read | Monkeypox Mutation: A.2 Lineage of Monkeypox Is Mutating, Slow and Sharp Alert, Says ICMR Study.

This is the first massive, random, placebo-controlled trial of a monoclonal antibody for any skin condition, including eczema, in kids as young as six months. The study, which covered 31 locations across Europe and North America, will be released in The Lancet on September 15.

According to the lead study author Dr Amy Paller, chair of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, “preschoolers who are constantly scratching, awake multiple times a night with their parents, irritable and markedly limited in their ability to do what other children their age can do improved to the extent that they sleep through the night, change their personalities, and have a normal life — as babies and children should.”

Also Read | Hay Fever Associated With Asthma in Children, Says Study.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, red, dry skin, and frequent weeping. It can have a significant impact on the life of both the patient and their family.

More than one-fifth of all children under the age of six are thought to have eczema and 85 to 90 per cent of those who have the condition as a whole experience its commencement in the first five years of life.

The crippling itch of the kids causes sleep disruption, poor neurocognitive growth, and, on average, a full night of lost sleep every week.

Infants and young children who suffer greatly from this disease will live far better lives if they can take this medication, according to Paller. “There is a lot more to atopic dermatitis or eczema than just scratchy skin. It is a fatal condition. Severe eczema has a quality of life that rivals many illnesses that are potentially fatal, not just for the child who has it but also for the parents.”

This study led to the availability of this drug for infants and preschoolers as young as 6 months. According to Paller, it has “an amazing safety profile” and doesn’t even need any laboratory tests before the prescription is started.

The remaining one-third or more of young children with eczema have the moderate-to-severe illness and require more active therapy, even if half to two-thirds of them have mild symptoms that can be managed with steroid ointment and moisturisers.

“Up to now, all we have had to treat more severe eczema is immune-suppressing medications, such as oral steroids, which we try to avoid in children because they are associated with so many side effects and thus are not a preferred treatment for a chronic skin disease,” Paller said. “The potential long-term impact on the development of the immune system in young children is also of concern with these immunosuppressants.”

The first “biologic” treatment to treat eczema in a targeted manner or a focused attack on only what researchers have discovered is causing the disease’s skin symptoms, has recently been accessible and is called dupilumab. This medication was determined to be efficient and secure in tests involving adults, adolescents, and other school-aged children.

However, Paller noted that children under 5 were not assessed for safety and could not receive this drug.

The child receives a monthly shot of the drug from a parent or medical professional.

“The effect for most of these younger children is dramatic and at least as good as we’ve seen with the risky immunosuppressant medications,” Paller said.

Potential added benefit by treating associated allergies

Although it has been proven to be helpful in treating asthma, gastrointestinal allergy symptoms, and other allergy-related issues, this medicine is not currently licenced for use in newborns and young children.

In fact, more than 80% of children in this experiment had already developed at least one allergic disease, such as asthma or a food allergy, by the time the dupilumab was started. 66% of children in this trial had eczema during the first six months of life.

“By treating more aggressively to calm the immune system activation in these young children with early, severe eczema, we may also reduce the risk of their developing a range of allergic problems, changing their life beyond improving eczema,” Paller said. “These associated allergic issues most often begin after eczema starts.”

Every four weeks for 16 weeks, children were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo injection or the weight-based dose of dupilumab. The only kids who could enrol were those whose topical treatments weren’t working well on them, and even then, their severity level had to be high.

Paller added that as a consequence of the study, researchers and medical professionals can begin to comprehend the connections between eczema and a number of allergy problems and can think about whether to use this medicine for additional conditions that affect these very young children. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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Originally Appeared Here

Following is a summary of current health news briefs.

Brazil approves Pfizer vaccine for children as young as six months

Brazilian national health regulator Anvisa has approved the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech for children aged between six months and four years, the government body said in a statement Friday night. The move broadens the availability of the vaccine, which is sold under the brand name Comirnaty for adults and is already available in Brazil for older age groups.

Taiwan eyeing earlier end to COVID quarantine for arrivals

Taiwan is eyeing an earlier end to its mandatory quarantine for all arrivals and has been making relevant preparations, Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Friday, as the government continues to ease controls put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. Taiwan has kept its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia have relaxed or lifted them completely, though in June it cut the number of days spent in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously.

U.S. FDA approves bluebird bio’s gene therapy for a rare neurological disorder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bluebird bio’s gene therapy for the treatment of a rare neurological disorder, the company said late on Friday. “SKYSONA is the first FDA approved therapy shown to slow the progression of neurologic dysfunction in boys” with early, active Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD), the company said in a statement, saying CALD is a “devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disease.”

Mainland China reports first imported monkeypox case

The Chinese city of Chongqing reported one case of the monkeypox virus infection on Friday in an individual who arrived from abroad, marking mainland China’s first known monkeypox infection amid the recent global outbreak of the virus. The transmission risk is low as the individual was put in quarantine upon arrival in Chongqing, the municipal health commission said in a statement. All close contacts have been isolated and are under medical observation.

WHO ‘strongly advises against’ use of two COVID treatments

Two COVID-19 antibody therapies are no longer recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), on the basis that Omicron and the variant’s latest offshoots have likely rendered them obsolete. The two therapies – which are designed to work by binding to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to neutralize the virus’ ability to infect cells – were some of the first medicines developed early in the pandemic.

France’s health body warns of the resurgence of COVID virus in the country

France’s national health body warned on Friday of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country and urged people to continue to get vaccinated to protect themselves against the virus. The Sante Publique France (SPF) body said that during the week of Sept 5-Sept 11, there had been 186 confirmed COVID cases for every 100,000 people in France – a figure up 12% versus the previous week – representing an average of around 18,000 new cases per day.

Teva Pharm expects to start paying U.S. opioid settlement in 2023

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries expects to finalize an opioid settlement in the United States by year-end and start paying in 2023, its chief executive said on Sunday, while also questioning the company’s very low share price. After years of negotiations, Israel-based Teva in July proposed a $4.35 billion nationwide settlement – mostly cash and partly medicines that will amount to $300 million to $400 million over 13 years – to resolve its opioid lawsuits.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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Originally Appeared Here

Oats offer a lot of excellent cholesterol-lowering effects and include more nutritional fibre than many other grains. Generally, oatmeal is made by boiling oats with either water or milk. In oatmeal, fruit and sugar are the most widely used topping. People have developed creative ways to incorporate oats into one’s diet in response to the growing demand to make them more appealing in dishes other than their typical porridge version. As a result, oat-based dishes including idlis, dosas, uttapams, cookies, cakes, pies, and smoothies are becoming more and more popular over time.

Nutritional Value of Oats:

A bowl of oatmeal provides a significant portion of the body’s daily needs for protein, vital fatty acids, fibre, and vitamin E. Oats are a wonderful source of whole grains and contain the heart-protective carbohydrate beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol levels and the chance of developing certain diseases.

7 Health benefits of eating oats every day:

1. Immunity Booster

Soluble fibre and beta-glucan are both found in oats. Our immune system’s soldiers, white blood cells (WBCs), have unique receptors for absorbing beta-glucan. WBCs are stimulated by beta-glucan and are better able to fend off infections. 

2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Oats contain a lot of beta-glucan, a powerful soluble fibre that, when frequently consumed, lowers the glycemic index. Oats’ high fibre content enhances insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels after meals. Beta-glucan fibre may improve gut health and lessen pronounced increases in blood sugar and insulin levels after meals.

3. Improves Heart Health

Oats are abundant in fibre and antioxidants. By eliminating free radicals, these antioxidants can enhance heart health. Since they absorb and aid in lowering cholesterol, oats function as blotting paper.

4. Good for our Digestive System

Our digestive system benefits from eating oats. They include a lot of soluble fibre, which prolongs the time food stays in the intestines. As it passes through the gut, this fibre cleanses it. Oatmeal fibre also helps maintain digestive regularity and prevents constipation, which is another advantage of fibre. It helps excreta gain weight and contain more water.

5. Reduces Hypertension & Stress

The risk of hypertension is decreased by eating oats (high blood pressure). This nutritious cereal’s soluble fibre helps to clear the arteries and veins and has been proven to be quite beneficial for people who already have high blood pressure. Oats, when consumed regularly, also lessen the need for blood pressure drugs. Oats are also comforting food. They lower the body’s levels of stress chemicals while raising serotonin, the hormone that fosters feelings of well-being and happiness.

6. Good for the Skin

Zinc, which is crucial for preventing acne, is abundant in oats. Oats are a crucial component of acne treatments because they absorb extra skin oil. As beta-glucans serve to moisturise the skin, they also aid in the treatment of dry and itchy skin. Oats also work as an efficient anti-tanning agent and help lighten the skin tone.

7. Improves the Quality of Sleep

Consuming oats aid in melatonin generation, which is necessary for sleep. Serotonin, which helps you feel calm and decreases stress, is also released by them. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in oats that has sedative qualities.

 

Also Read: 7 Home Remedies for Managing High Blood Pressure

To take advantage of all the advantages of oats, pick a bowl of oats over any other breakfast option. Have it in the form of sweet or savoury oatmeal and add toppings of your choosing to keep your taste buds buzzing.

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general information and does not substitute for an expert’s advice. Zee News does not confirm this.)

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