Drugs in context
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Countries around the world are currently fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus, belonging to the same genus as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Currently, there are no proven antiviral therapies for COVID-19. ⋯ Overall, current data are insufficient to judge the efficacy of remdesivir for COVID-19, and the results of additional randomized studies are eagerly anticipated. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of Ebola and coronavirus outbreaks. We then summarize preclinical and clinical studies of remdesivir for Ebola and COVID-19.
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B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most frequent hematologic malignancy. Despite the refinement of chemoimmunotherapy, a substantial number of patients experience chemorefractory disease. Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is considered the most promising and effective therapy to overcome chemorefractory B-cell NHL. ⋯ Definite unmet medical needs among patients with chemorefractory B-cell NHL still exist. CAR T-cell therapy might be a game changer that can defeat chemorefractory B-cell NHL, and further clinical development is warranted. In this review, we summarize the recent clinical developments, clinical implications, and perspectives of CAR T-cell therapy, focusing on B-cell NHL.
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The aim of this review is to present current evidence about the efficacy and safety of lesinurad in combination with xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) in the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. Gout is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis. It is caused by an elevated concentration of serum uric acid (UA) that leads to the formation of monosodium urate crystals in joints and different tissues. ⋯ In the pivotal clinical trials, the target serum UA level was achieved by significantly more patients in lesinurad 200 mg plus allopurinol group (CLEAR 1 and CLEAR 2 trials) or lesinurad 200 mg plus febuxostat group (CRYSTAL study) compared with patients who received either XOI alone. In these trials, the safety profile of lesinurad 200 mg plus a XOI was comparable to allopurinol or febuxostat alone. Lesinurad, in combination with a XOI, is an effective and safe treatment that covers unmet needs in adults with gout who have not achieved target serum UA levels with a XOI alone.
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Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa have become a real concern in hospital-acquired infections, especially in critically ill and immunocompromised patients. The major problem leading to high mortality lies in the appearance of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, a vast number of approaches to develop novel anti-infectives is currently pursued. ⋯ Clinical approaches to patients with bacteremia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin soft tissue infections are discussed. Antibiotic combinations are reviewed as well as an analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters to optimize P. aeruginosa treatment. Limitations of current therapies, the potential for alternative drugs and new therapeutic options are also discussed.