Leukaemia drug could ‘cure’ HIV, researchers claim

Trials on four infected monkeys showed two given arsenic trioxide had no detectable levels of the virus 80 days after treatment A leukaemia drug may completely rid HIV-positive patients of the virus that slowly leads to AIDS, scientists claim. Trials on four infected monkeys showed two given arsenic trioxide had no detectable levels of the … Read more

Diabetes drug metformin alleviates anxiety in mice ‘by increasing levels of the feel-good chemical’

Diabetes drug metformin alleviates anxiety in mice ‘by increasing levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin in their brain’ People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of depression but it is unclear why Previous studies suggest the mechanisms for creating serotonin are blocked In a mouse study, scientists released the block with metformin and … Read more

‘Please don’t let us die’: Three cystic fibrosis sufferers beg the NHS to fund ‘wonder drug’

It’s been hailed as a wonder drug with the potential to extend the lives of thousands of people with cystic fibrosis.    But patients across the UK still can’t get their hands on Orkambi – despite it being a year since Theresa May promised to take action. The drug, which slows lung deterioration, received its European … Read more

Legal marijuana reduces chronic pain but increases car crashes and drug overdoses, study suggests

After marijuana is legalized in a state, fewer people seek chronic pain diagnoses and treatment, but more wind up in hospitals being treated for car crash injuries, overdoses or alcohol poisoning, according to a new study.  Marijuana is now legal in the majority of US states and many see it as a win, offering better … Read more

Men who take a drug to tackle prostate disease are a THIRD more at risk of type 2 diabetes  

Men who take medication to reduce their symptoms of prostate disease may be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, research suggests. Patients with enlarged prostates who are prescribed drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are around a third more at risk of the condition.  They reduce the production of androgens, a hormone which help to boost urinary flow, … Read more