Samantha DiGrande

The European Headache Federation (EHF) recently sought to create an expert- and evidence-based guideline for the treatment of migraine with monoclonal antibodies that target the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). However, in reviewing available research, the EHF found that there was not enough evidence to provide a guideline based on the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

In an effort to increase patient accrual, broaden patients’ access to cancer clinical trials, and lead to trial results that better represent treatment effects in the real world, the FDA published 4 draft guidances and 1 final guidance to promote the inclusion of pediatric patients and patients with comorbidities that can occur alongside cancer.

A recent study sought to determine the impact of flavonoids on fatigue in relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

“Medicare for Al” refers to a bill originally introduced to Congress in September 2017 by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, with 16 Democratic cosponsors that would create a single, federal, government-administered program to provide healthcare to all US residents. In February 2019, Representative Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2019, with 106 cosponsors. This bill builds upon the legislation that Sanders introduced, with a few key differences. Here are 5 things to know about the bills.

According to a recent study, people with migraines may have altered connections between the somatosensory cortex and the frontal lobe compared with people who do not experience migraines.

Earlier this week, the FDA granted priority review to a new drug application for fedratinib for the treatment of myelofibrosis. The drug had previously been awarded an orphan drug designation for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis.

The FDA is anticipated to release a finalized guidance document any day now around the regulation of fecal microbiota transplants for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The outcome will dictate how they’re priced, who oversees their use, and who can make money off the treatment.

According to recently published research, vitamins B12 and B9 can lower levels of homocysteine, improve anemia status, and boost physical health in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

In a recent study, researchers looked to analyze the association of migraine that presents with visual aura with atrial fibrillation (AF) as migraines with a visual aura are associated with a cardioembolic stroke risk.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion that an orphan drug, volanesorsen (Waylivra), receive a conditional marketing authorization. The drug would be the first medication approved for the treatment of the familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have recently found that biologic age, or a DNA-based estimate of a person’s age, is associated with future development of breast cancer.

During the hearing on drug pricing held yesterday before the US Senate Committee on Finance, 7 pharmaceutical executives gave testimony in an effort to explain rising drug costs in the United States and offer solutions to lower them.

A group of researchers systematically reviewed previously published literature about psychological treatment in primary headache and its effectiveness. The results were published in The Journal of Headache and Pain.

The only curative treatment for myelofibrosis (MF) continues to be allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Occasionally, adverse events posttransplantation can occur and usually present within the first 2 years after posttransplant. Researchers recently sought to analyze the outcome of 2-year disease-free survivors in a systematic review published in Haematologica.

More than one-third of the therapies the FDA approved in the last 2 years includes information on the label identifying patients would benefit the most or experience fewer side effects, found a recently published report from the Personalized Medicine Coalition.

Due to continued uncertainty around how aggressively to treat early multiple sclerosis (MS), a group of researchers recently analyzed long-term outcomes in a population-based cohort according to initial treatment strategy.

While diet soft drinks may seem like a healthier option, the effects of the drinks given the amount of artificial sugar and flavorings haven’t yet been fully studied. Researchers recently sought to evaluate the association between self-reported consumption of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) with stroke and its subtypes, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality in postmenopausal US women.

In a recent study, researchers looked to assess the real-world durability of reduction in annualized relapse rates (ARRs) among patients with multiple sclerosis who continuously received fingolimod (Gilenya) therapy over a longer-term period of follow up.

Immunotherapy has seen great success in the treatment of numerous cancers, from melanoma to lung, breast, colorectal, kidney, and even some brain cancers. But thus far, despite several attempts, the devastating brain disease glioblastoma has not been among the immunotherapy success stories. In fact, glioblastoma researchers have had few advances in more than a decade.

As both men and women age, metabolism tends to slow down with time. A recent study, however, found that women retain a higher metabolic rate throughout their lifespan.

A study recently published in Health Affairs found that Medicare beneficiaries without low-income subsidies will pay more than $6000 a year out-of-pocket on multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs alone.

Once identified, ovarian tumors are usually surgically removed due to the presumed risk of complications associated with the diagnosis. Researchers recently looked to evaluate the incidence of cyst complications and malignancy during the first 2 years of follow-up after the tumors were classified as benign.

February 1 is Go Red for Women Day, a campaign that aims to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke as one of the leading killers of women. Here are 5 things about women’s heart health.

A recent study sought to compare several available oral immunotherapies for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

A recent study sought to determine the relationship between occupational stress and obesity. The study authors investigated if baseline and prolonged exposure to high job demands were associated with major weight gain.

Teen nicotine use drastically increased in 2018, largely due to the popularity of e-cigarette products. The FDA has taken a number of recent steps to address the epidemic that has been said to have created a new generation of nicotine addicts. Here are 5 of the latest updates and actions in the fight against teen vaping.

A recent study sought to identify whether disability progression among patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) treated with rituximab differs from patients who have never been treated with rituximab.

AJMC®TV interviews let you catch up on what’s new and important about changes in healthcare, with insights from key decision makers—from the clinician, to the health plan leader, to the regulator. When every minute in your day matters, AJMC®TV interviews keep you informed. Access the video clips at ajmc.com/interviews.