Medical Bulletin 29/September/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

FDA approves Bosutinib for pediatric Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia patients

On September 26, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the use of bosutinib in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older who have chronic phase (CP) Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This approval covers cases that are newly diagnosed or those that are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy. Additionally, the FDA approved a new capsule dosage form, available in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.

Ginger supplements show promise in reducing autoimmune conditions

A recent study has revealed promising results for the use of ginger extract in controlling neutrophil hyperactivity in autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and lupus, as well as in promoting neutrophil health in healthy individuals. Neutrophils are white blood cells involved in the body's immune response.

Ginger, known for its potential health benefits, contains a phytochemical called 6-gingerol, which was previously found to inhibit phosphodiesterase and counteract neutrophil hyperactivity in animal models of APS and lupus.

Reference: Ramadan A. Ali et al, Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation in autoimmune mice and healthy humans, JCI Insight, 10.1172/jci.insight.172011

Air Pollution exposure of just 5 days linked to increased Stroke Risk, study finds

A recent meta-analysis published in Neurology, suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution may be associated with a higher risk of stroke. Short-term exposure was defined as occurring within five days before the stroke.

While previous research had established a connection between long-term air pollution exposure and an elevated risk of stroke, this study aimed to explore the potential link with shorter exposure periods.

Reference: American Academy of Neurology

Journal: Neurology

FDA approves Empagliflozin for reducing kidney disease progression in CKD patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for empagliflozin 10 mg tablets to reduce the risk of sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression.

This approval for isolated CKD is primarily based on the results of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.