News &amp; Updates

In patients with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity, adding simvastatin to escitalopram does not appear to produce additional antidepressive effects despite improving the cardiovascular risk profile, according to a study.

Simvastatin confers no additional antidepressant benefit when added to escitalopram

Protecting the vulnerable: The role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 management

At the Asia Vaccines and Antivirals Summit (AVAS) 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand, two expert-led sessions provided valuable perspectives on the expanding role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 management. Dr Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease specialist and Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Columbia University, New York, US, focused on protecting high-risk populations through the timely use of antiviral therapy. Complementing this, Professor Ching-Tai Huang of Chang Gung University and Memorial Hospital in Taiwan offered practical guidance on clinical management strategies, including patient risk stratification and therapeutic selection.

Protecting the vulnerable: The role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 management

A subgroup analysis of the SANOIN study links normalised haemoglobin and higher ferritin levels to fewer symptoms in women with iron deficiency anaemia

The SAngobion NOn-INterventional (SANOIN) study in the Philippines showed women with varied baseline iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) status due to menstrual flow and pregnancy experience relief of IDA symptoms when they are given Sangobion® capsule, a combination supplement of ferrous gluconate, multivitamins and minerals.

A subgroup analysis of the SANOIN study links normalised haemoglobin and higher ferritin levels to fewer symptoms in women with iron deficiency anaemia

GCSF plus prednisolone extends survival in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis

The addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) to prednisolone results in improved steroid responsiveness and prolonged survival with fewer infections and new-onset complications among patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH), a study has shown.

GCSF plus prednisolone extends survival in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis

Mulberry leaves plus water chestnut tea lowers blood glucose in borderline diabetes

Individuals with borderline diabetes may benefit from drinking mulberry leaves and water chestnut husk (MW) tea, which has been shown in a Japan study to reduce insulin secretion and prevent spikes in blood glucose levels.

Mulberry leaves plus water chestnut tea lowers blood glucose in borderline diabetes

11 Jun 2025

DASH diet during pregnancy helps prevent LGA newborns

Pregnant women with high adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet have a much lower chance of having large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns, reports a Brazil study.

DASH diet during pregnancy helps prevent LGA newborns

11 Jun 2025

Flavonoid-rich foods key to healthy ageing

High consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may support healthy ageing, suggests a study that used data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS).

Flavonoid-rich foods key to healthy ageing

Fewer migraine days with zonisamide in children

A retrospective cohort study presented at AAN 2025 has demonstrated that prophylactic zonisamide can significantly reduce headache days per month (HDPM) in paediatric patients with migraine.

Fewer migraine days with zonisamide in children

11 Jun 2025

Half of breast cancer survivors experienced substantial psychological distress during COVID-19

Half of breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong who recently received the diagnosis experienced a moderate-to-severe level of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, a cross-sectional study has shown.

Half of breast cancer survivors experienced substantial psychological distress during COVID-19

11 Jun 2025

Childhood maternal warmth shapes adolescents’ mental health through social safety

Early-life maternal warmth shapes adolescents’ mental and physical health, with perceptions of social safety mediating this effect, the Millennium cohort study has shown.

Childhood maternal warmth shapes adolescents’ mental health through social safety