Colchicine May Raise Stroke Risk in Elderly Patients With Intracranial Artery Stenosis: CHANCE-3 Trial

China: A new subgroup analysis from the CHANCE-3 randomized clinical trial suggests that the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine may have varying effects on the risk of recurrent stroke depending on the presence of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) and the patient’s age. The findings, published in eClinicalMedicine, raise important considerations for personalized stroke prevention strategies, especially in older adults.

The study, led by Dr. Jiejie Li and colleagues from Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Capital Medical University, evaluated data from 7,567 patients who had experienced an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. All participants underwent intracranial artery assessment at baseline and were randomly assigned to receive colchicine or a placebo for 90 days. The primary goal was to assess the risk of recurrent stroke during this period.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • Among patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS), 10.5% of those on colchicine had a recurrent stroke compared to 8.5% in the placebo group, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.30, indicating a statistically significant increased risk.
  • In patients without sICAS, the recurrence rate was 4.2% in the colchicine group and 5.2% in the placebo group, with an adjusted HR of 0.80, suggesting no significant benefit.
  • These findings indicate that the effectiveness of colchicine may vary based on the presence or absence of intracranial artery stenosis.
  • In patients aged 65 and older with sICAS, colchicine was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted HR 1.58).
  • Serious adverse events did not differ notably between treatment groups, suggesting colchicine was generally well-tolerated.
  • Gastrointestinal side effects, particularly diarrhea, were more common in patients receiving colchicine, affecting 1.8% of them compared to 0.5%–0.8% in the placebo group, regardless of sICAS status.

The authors acknowledged certain limitations, including the exclusion of roughly 10% of participants due to unavailable imaging data and the concentration of the study within a Chinese population, which may limit generalizability. Additionally, because the analysis was a predefined subgroup study, the results should be interpreted with caution and confirmed by further research.

The authors note, “Despite these limitations, the findings highlight the importance of tailoring stroke prevention strategies. Colchicine may offer benefits to patients without intracranial stenosis, but its use in older adults with sICAS warrants careful consideration.”

They concluded, “Future international trials are needed to explore these interactions further and to inform clinical decision-making in diverse populations.”

Reference:

Li J, Jing J, Meng X, Shi FD, Gu HQ, Jin A, Jiang Y, Li H, Johnston SC, Hankey GJ, Easton JD, Xie X, Jin WN, Chang L, Shi P, Wang L, Zhuang X, Li H, Zang Y, Zhang J, Sun Z, Liu D, Li Y, Yang H, Zhao J, Yu W, Wang A, Pan Y, Lin J, Li S, Niu S, Wang Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Liu L, Zheng H, Wang Y; CHANCE-3 Investigators. Colchicine for preventing stroke in patients with and without intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: a prespecified analysis of a randomized clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2025 May 19;84:103226. Doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103226. PMID: 40496882; PMCID: PMC12149651.

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AI tool enables real-world assessment of eczema severity via smartphone photos, reveals research

A team of researchers from Keio University School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, and Teikyo University, in collaboration with Atopiyo LLC, has developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) model that can objectively assess eczema severity using smartphone images uploaded by patients. Their findings were recently published in Allergy, the official journal of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin condition that flares repeatedly and often requires long-term monitoring and treatment adjustments. In recent years, smartphone apps and social media platforms have made it easier for patients to track their symptoms, learn about their condition, and document changes over time. However, patient-reported symptoms like itch or sleep loss don’t always align with visible disease severity. This gap underscores the need for more standardized, objective evaluation tools-and highlights the growing potential of digital biomarkers to fill that role.

To address this, the research team leveraged data from Atopiyo, Japan’s largest AD platform, where over 28,000 users have shared more than 57,000 symptom photos and personal comments since 2018. The AI model developed in this study integrates three key algorithms: body part detection, eczema lesion detection, and severity scoring using the Three Item Severity (TIS) scale, which evaluates redness, swelling, and excoriation.

Using a training dataset of 880 images with self-reported itch scores, the AI model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy. In a validation study using 220 test images, the AI-based TIS (AI-TIS) showed a strong correlation with dermatologist-assessed TIS scores (R = 0.73, P < 0.001) and a meaningful correlation with objective SCORAD scores (R = 0.53, P = 0.04).

“Many patients with eczema struggle to evaluate their disease severity on their own,” said Dr. Takeya Adachi, the study’s corresponding author. “Our AI model allows for objective, real-time tracking using just a smartphone, empowering patients and potentially improving disease management.”

Interestingly, the study also found that AI-derived severity scores correlated only weakly with self-reported itch scores, highlighting the discrepancy between perceived symptoms and observable inflammation. This supports the growing need for digital biomarkers that can enhance precision in dermatological care.

The researchers aim to expand the model’s utility by incorporating broader skin types, age ranges, and integrating additional clinical features from scoring systems like SCORAD and EASI. This work paves the way for AI-driven teledermatology solutions that support both patients and clinicians in real-world settings.

Reference:

Utako Okata-Karigane, Masakazu Hirota, Chiaki Takahashi, Akihiro Miyagawa, Ryotaro Ako, Saeko Nakajima, Masaki Futamura, Satoru Yonekura, Yasushi Ogawa, Takenori Inomata, Tetsuo Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Ito, Katsunori Masaki, Sakura Sato, Norito Katoh, Hideaki Morita, Takeya Adachi, AI-Based Objective Severity Assessment of Atopic Dermatitis Using Patient Photos in a Real-World Setting: A Digital Biomarker Approach, Allergy, https://doi.org/10.1111/all.16586.

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Intrathecal resiniferatoxin may decrease cancer pain intensity and reduce opioid consumption: NEJM

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine Evidence showed that for patients with unmanageable cancer pain, single dose of intrathecal resiniferatoxin (RTX), an opioid-sparing analgesic may be effective.

Even with thorough medical care, a significant portion of patients with advanced cancer experience refractory pain. A powerful member of the capsaicin-containing medication family, resiniferatoxin selectively and permanently kills the neurons (or their axons) that convey chronic pain. In a number of animal species, intrathecal injection of RTX has shown a high degree of safety, specificity, and effectiveness in alleviating severe pain.

In this study, Andrew Mannes and colleagues assessed resiniferatoxin (RTX), a nonopioid analgesic that selectively blocks nociceptive activity sent by a subset of dorsal root ganglion neurons. RTX is a strong agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel.

This is an interim analysis of a first-in-human, open-label, Phase 1 research in which 19 patients with lower extremity and/or abdominal refractory cancer pain received a single intrathecal RTX dosage. Safety was the main result. A numerical rating scale assessing the “worst pain” during a 24-hour period was used to evaluate effectiveness during the research, which produced secondary outcomes. On this scale, 0 represents “no pain” and 10 represents “worst pain imaginable.” The amount of opioids needed to manage pain was assessed in morphine equivalents.

A total of 213 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were recorded in 19 patients treated over a period of 188 days following RTX injection, with 14 patients experiencing 37 significant AEs. Between 11 and 140 days following treatment, 9 fatalities happened on average 70 days later.

The progression of advanced cancer is associated with many of these occurrences, including death. All 19 patients experienced at least one adverse event. The dermatomes of three individuals (grades I and II) exposed to RTX lost their sensitivity to heat.

3 of the 7 patients had grade III urine retention, which lasted longer than 24 hours. 5 individuals experienced AEs (grades I and II) associated with a brief elevation in the electrocardiogram’s QT interval that went down in a day.

An unstageable decubitus ulcer was the sole grade IV adverse event. At posttreatment day 15, RTX was linked to a 38% reduction in “worst” pain intensity (pretreatment 8.4±0.4 vs. posttreatment 5.2±0.6) and a 57% reduction in opiate intake. Overall, intrathecal RTX, taken as a single dosage, acts as an opioid-free analgesic for cancer patients suffering from intractable pain. 

Source:

Mannes, A. J., Heiss, J. D., Berger, A., Alewine, C. C., Butman, J. A., Hughes, M. S., Rabbee, N., Hayes, C., Williams, T. S., Sapio, M. R., & Iadarola, M. J. (2025). Treatment of intractable cancer pain with resiniferatoxin – an interim study. NEJM Evidence, 4(6), EVIDoa2400423. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2400423

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Lipid Accumulation Product Superior Predictor of Gout and Hyperuricemia Risk, reports research

Researchers have revealed in a new study that the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) — a combination of waist circumference and fasting triglyceride levels — is a better indicator of obesity-related health risks than BMI or waist circumference alone. LAP shows high potential in predicting the risk of gout and hyperuricemia, presenting a modifiable factor for prevention. This study was conducted by Dexian X. and fellow researchers and was published in PLOS One journal.

The study employed data from 10,871 adults who underwent the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Subjects reported by themselves their gout status, and hyperuricemia was ascertained using laboratory uric acid results. Each subject had the lipid accumulation product calculated using waist circumference and fasting levels of triglycerides to estimate visceral fat accumulation.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratios (OR) for gout and hyperuricemia by LAP quartiles. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling also examined dose-response and possible non-linear effects between LAP and these outcomes. Trends across LAP quartiles were estimated using P-trend tests.

Results

  • Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 20.9% among the 10,871 adults in the study, and gout occurred in 5.57% of participants.

  • After controlling for possible confounders, patients in the top LAP quartile had 271% increased risk of hyperuricemia as compared to the bottom quartile (OR = 3.711, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.732–5.042, p < 0.001).

  • While LAP was treated as a continuous variable, a linear association with risk of hyperuricemia was noted (OR = 2.441, 95% CI 1.348–4.42, p = 0.005).

  • Both analyses indicated strong trends (p for trend < 0.001).

These findings support the position of visceral fat deposition, as reflected by LAP, as a central metabolic risk factor for gout and hyperuricemia. The high degree of correlation indicates that LAP may serve as an accessible clinical marker for the identification of high-risk individuals for developing these disorders. Since LAP is simple to compute from standard measurements, it provides an effective tool for risk screening in heterogeneous groups.

This research proved that the lipid accumulation product is a useful predictor of risk of gout and hyperuricemia. Management of the extent of visceral fat accumulation could provide a promising entry point for prevention and control of these conditions. These results indicate that LAP should be a significant marker in metabolic health evaluations targeted at lowering gout and hyperuricemia prevalence.

Reference:

Xian, D., Wang, W., Li, H., Song, G., Xu, D., Zhang, F., Wang, Z., Xu, W., Meng, H., & Peng, M. (2025). Lipid accumulation product: A novel marker for gout and hyperuricemia. PloS One, 20(5), e0324139. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324139

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Rs 21 Cr Cap, Intake Criteria Revised in DoP’s Medical Devices Skill Development Scheme

New Delhi: The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has issued a corrigendum modifying the operational guidelines of the sub-scheme “Capacity Building and Skill Development for Medical Devices” under the broader scheme “Strengthening of Medical Device Industry.”

The revisions were approved during a meeting of the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) held on April 9, 2025.

According to the corrigendum dated June 9, 2025, amendments have been made to certain provisions of Chapter IV of the sub-scheme guidelines originally issued on November 8, 2024.

One of the key changes reaffirms the provision of continued financial assistance to Central Government universities and institutes for conducting multidisciplinary postgraduate courses in medical devices. The objective remains to build infrastructure for education and research in medical devices and to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the evolving needs of the sector.

The funding provision has been revised to clarify that the DoP will now provide up to 75% of the course cost or Rs 21 crore, whichever is lower, strictly on a reimbursement basis, as and when expenditure is incurred.

Additionally, the financial support per student—Rs 25,000 per month for diploma students and Rs 10,000 per month for certificate or skill development programs—will now be reimbursed to training institutes on a quarterly basis.

Another significant update relates to the refund mechanism. Institutions that discontinue the program midway or fail to comply with DoP-approved conditions will be required to refund the grant. However, the revised clause specifies that expenditure incurred and claimed toward non-recurring expenses will not need to be refunded.

To ensure the program’s effectiveness, the government has also introduced stricter conditions related to student intake. If actual admissions fall below 30% of the approved intake in the first year or below 50% in the second or third year, the continuation of financial support may be reconsidered.

The corrigendum confirms that all other clauses of Chapter IV remain unchanged and notes that the changes have been made with the approval of the Competent Authority.

For more details, check out the full notice:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/corrigendum-dated-962025-1-290671.pdf

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Over Rs 2 Cr Semaglutide Theft at Dr Reddy’s Srikakulam Unit, Staff Among 8 Arrested

Srikakulam: In a serious breach of supply chain and internal controls, a group of eight individuals, including current and former pharmaceutical staff, have been apprehended for allegedly stealing semaglutide powder worth over Rs 2 crore from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories’ API manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh.

The incident took place at the pharma major’s SEZ facility in Pydibhimavaram, Srikakulam district. The theft reportedly occurred over multiple instances and involved the diversion of semaglutide, a high-value active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in the manufacture of anti-diabetic and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

According to police officials quoted in Times of India, the suspects include an active employee from the formulation plant, a former staffer from the warehouse team, and six others who colluded to smuggle the material and channel it into the black market.

Also Read: Delhi HC Restrains Dr Reddy’s from Selling Semaglutide Drug in India Amid Novo Nordisk Row

An official from the police investigation stated, “An employee working in the formulation block and a former staffer in the warehouse played a key role. Six others collaborated with them in executing the theft.”

The gang reportedly sold the diverted API to unauthorized buyers in major metros like Mumbai and Chennai. The culprits allegedly packed the stolen semaglutide in food delivery containers to avoid detection while transporting it out of the premises.

Initial reports suggest that multiple kilograms of the product had already been trafficked before the matter came to light. Based on internal audits and inventory checks, the pharmaceutical company lodged a formal complaint, prompting police to launch an investigation.

“They smuggled the powder in food delivery containers to avoid suspicion and sold it in cities like Mumbai and Chennai,” the police added.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has not yet released a formal public statement on the matter. However, TOI reports that industry insiders say that such internal breaches in high-value API manufacturing facilities underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and stricter material accountability protocols.

The pharmaceutical industry, particularly those involved in GLP-1 agonist API production, has taken note of the incident, as semaglutide continues to remain in high global demand and commands a premium price across regulated and semi-regulated markets.

Law enforcement authorities are continuing further investigation, and more arrests are expected in connection with the illegal diversion of pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide.

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NEET PG 2025: 3 New Exam Centres Added in JnK

Jammu & Kashmir- The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has recently released the tentative list of exam cities for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) exam for the academic year 2025. In this, three more new NEET-PG exam centres have been added in Jammu and Kashmir.

The three new NEET-PG exam centres include Baramulla, Budgam and Pulwama of J&K. These 3 new centres are now among the new centre options in addition to the already existing Samba, Jammu and Srinagar centres.

Earlier, there were only two examination centres in Jammu and Kashmir, one in Srinagar and the other in Jammu. Adding new examination centres will ease the difficulties of the candidates from Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: NEET PG 2025 Tentative list of 233 exam cities released, Here’s How to select

The move comes after aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir urged authorities to set up additional exam centres in Srinagar and Jammu for NEET PG-2025. They had said that nearly 90 per cent of the candidates were allotted centres in Jammu while only a few have got centres in Srinagar, reports Rising Kashmir.

Last year, around 2,800 candidates appeared for the NEET PG exam. Whereas, this year the number has increased to 4,000 and is expected to reach 5,000 by 2026. Despite this increase, the number of exam centres in Jammu and Kashmir remains limited.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the NBE has increased the number of exam cities, following the Supreme Court’s direction to the exam conducting body to conduct the exam in a single shift. The exam is scheduled to be held on August 3 in computer-based mode.

Now, as per the revised list of exam cities released by NBE, the NEET PG 2025 exam will be conducted in a total of 233 exam cities. Earlier, as per the NEET PG exam 2025 information bulletin, the exam was to be conducted in a total of 179 cities.

Also Read: NEET PG Supreme Court Hearing: With Double Shift Concerns Over, What will be Discussed Next?

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Exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ before birth may raise blood pressure during teen years, research suggests

Children exposed before birth to synthetic compounds called “forever chemicals” had higher blood pressure during their teenage years, according to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study was also presented at the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Conference in Boston.

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Earned sick leave alone is not enough for uninsured workers, study finds

Earned sick leave—short-term, paid time off for employees who are sick or injured or must care for sick or injured family members—has been found to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the workplace and increase employee access to preventive care.

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Algorithm streamlines vascular system design for 3D printed hearts

There are more than 100,000 people on organ transplant lists in the U.S., some of whom will wait years to receive one—and some may not survive the wait. Even with a good match, there is a chance that a person’s body will reject the organ. To shorten waiting periods and reduce the possibility of rejection, researchers in regenerative medicine are developing methods to use a patient’s own cells to fabricate personalized hearts, kidneys, livers, and other organs on demand.

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