Dr. Tashko’s Key Clinical Trials
MAESTRO Study: Resmetirom’s Breakthrough in NASH Treatment and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Rezdiffra (Resmetirom), an oral medication targeting the liver and selective for thyroid hormone receptor β, demonstrated promising results. At doses of 80mg and 100mg, it achieved NASH resolution in 25% and 30% of participants, respectively, compared to just 10% in the placebo group.
Published
SELECT Study: Semaglutide Reduces Cardiovascular Risk in Obesity and Prediabetes
Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy and administered at a weekly dosage of 2.4 mg, has demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in cardiovascular events by 20% among non-diabetic individuals with obesity. Most participants had a diagnosis of prediabetes and a history of either myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke at the beginning of the study.
Published
BrigHTN Study Highlights: Baxdrostat as a New Hope for Difficult-to-Control Hypertension
Inhibiting aldosterone synthase presents a promising approach to treating hypertension. However, it is key to ensure selective inhibition to avoid compromising cortisol production. Recently, researchers have identified Baxdrostat as a highly selective AS inhibitor that does not interfere with cortisol synthesis. The specificity of Baxdrostat in inhibiting aldosterone synthase over cortisol synthase is 100:1
Published
Closed-Loop Insulin Pump for Children Ages 2-6
March 2023 NEJM The PEDAP trial. The Pediatric Artificial Pancreas (PEDAP) clinical trial was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of closed-loop insulin delivery with standard care in children with type 1 diabetes ages 2-6. Closed-loop insulin delivery is a system that automatically delivers insulin based on real-time glucose measurements. Standard care consisted of either an insulin pump or multiple daily injections of insulin plus a continuous glucose monitor. The closed-loop insulin delivery system used…
Published
FDA-Approved Kerendia: Protecting Kidneys and Hearts in Type 2 Diabetes
Kerendia (Finerenone) is an oral non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist. Excessive activation of mineralocorticoid receptors can result in hypertension, fluid retention, and cardiovascular harm, all of which have been directly linked to the deterioration of kidney function.
Published
Leqvio: A Breakthrough PCSK9 Inhibitor Using Gene Silencing to Lower LDL Cholesterol
Leqvio (Inclisiran) has received FDA approval as an additional therapy to diet and maximally tolerated statin medications for adults diagnosed with either heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or severe ASCVD who require further reduction of LDL cholesterol.
Published
Categorized as Dr. Tashko’s Key Clinical Trials, Drug Information, FDA Approvals, Heart Health, Lipid Health
Bisphosphonate Infusion for Osteopenia
If zoledronate were approved for osteopenia, it could transform fracture prevention strategies for millions of women worldwide. However, questions remain about long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient adherence. Should all women with osteopenia receive treatment, or should therapy be reserved for those at the highest risk?
Published
Jardiance Lowers Blood Pressure Significantly in African American Adults
In this study, Jardiance reduced hemoglobin A1c levels by 0.8%, indicating improved blood sugar control. Additionally, participants experienced an average body weight loss of 2.7 pounds. Most notably, Jardiance lowered systolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg, a reduction comparable to that achieved with standard antihypertensive medications, making it an effective treatment for multiple conditions.
Published
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that causes chronic cortisol excess. Although its reported incidence is about 10 cases per million people each year, the true number is likely much higher when including subclinical cases. Persistent cortisol elevation affects many systems and can result in diabetes, hypertension, high triglycerides, blood clots, osteoporosis, muscle loss, and increased cardiovascular mortality.
Published
Cortisol, Glucose, and Blood Pressure Rise When Sleep Apnea Is Left Untreated
A clinical study followed 31 adults with confirmed obstructive sleep apnea who were randomly assigned to either continue or stop continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Over the study period, researchers tracked several metabolic and cardiovascular markers to assess how therapy interruption affects the body.
Published
Fat vs. Water Soluble Statins
This meta-analysis reveals that lipophilic and hydrophilic statins are similar in preventing cardiovascular outcomes. Safety profile is also alike among the two types. Although not clinically significant, the study finds that liver enzymes are more commonly elevated with fat-soluble statins (like simvastatin/zocor or atorvastatin/lipitor) then water-soluble ones (pravastatin/pravachol or rosuvastatin/crestor). Solubility characteristics should not be considered in choosing the right statin for cardiovascular prevention.
Published
Categorized as Dr. Tashko’s Key Clinical Trials, Heart Health, Insights from Dr. Tashko, Lipid Health
Bihormonal Bionic Pancreas – Uses both Insulin & Glucagon
This study represents a major advance in type 1 diabetes management and redefines what technology can achieve in real time. The newly developed bihormonal bionic pancreas exceeded expectations, performing better than conventional continuous glucose monitor (CGM)–assisted insulin pumps in maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
Published
Categorized as Diabetes Care, Dr. Tashko’s Key Clinical Trials, Insights from Dr. Tashko, Pancreas Health