News &amp; Updates

An elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) appears to cause lung function decline and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a study.

MMP-9 tied to faster lung function decline, COPD development

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection ups paediatric long COVID risk

12 Dec 2025 by

Findings from the retrospective RECOVER-EHR* study show an increased risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID, in children and adolescents after a SARS-CoV-2 reinfection.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection ups paediatric long COVID risk

12 Dec 2025

Doxycycline shows potential schizophrenia-lowering benefit

Psychiatric patients exposed to doxycycline appear to have a reduced risk of schizophrenia, according to a study.

Doxycycline shows potential schizophrenia-lowering benefit

Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine champions preventive care at 2025 Annual Convention

By Ronald Allan M. Ponteres, MD, MBAH

Clark, Pampanga, December 2–4, 2025 — The Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM) convened its ninth annual convention at Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga, gathering more than 350 delegates from across the country. Under the theme “Optimizing Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine in Health Care Delivery,” the three-day event underscored the growing importance of lifestyle medicine in addressing the Philippines’ escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine champions preventive care at 2025 Annual Convention

Sleep apnoea may pose increased Parkinson’s disease risk

People with obstructive sleep apnoea seem predisposed to later development of Parkinson’s disease, but this risk can be mitigated by early treatment with continuous positive airway pressure, as reported in a study.

Sleep apnoea may pose increased Parkinson’s disease risk

Continuous use of TNFi on the rise in pregnant women

A trend toward increased continuous use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors has been observed throughout gestation, which suggests growing confidence in the safety and effectiveness of this medication during pregnancy, reveals a study.

Continuous use of TNFi on the rise in pregnant women

CVD tops disease burden, death cause worldwide

The leading cause of disease burden and death across the globe is still cardiovascular disease (CVD), with low, low-middle, and middle sociodemographic index (SDI) regions carrying the heaviest burden, according to a study.

CVD tops disease burden, death cause worldwide

11 Dec 2025

Transition model eases move from paediatric to adult care for cSLE patients

A recent study has demonstrated the effectiveness of a structured paediatric-adult dyad transition care model in encouraging prompt initial attendance and ensuring continuity of care for patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) during the critical transition from paediatric to adult healthcare.

Transition model eases move from paediatric to adult care for cSLE patients

ICONIC-LEAD affirms oral icotrokinra benefits in plaque psoriasis

In the phase III ICONIC-LEAD trial, selective blockade of the interleukin(IL)-23 receptor with the targeted oral peptide icotrokinra is associated with higher rates of skin clearance and symptom relief in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

ICONIC-LEAD affirms oral icotrokinra benefits in plaque psoriasis

11 Dec 2025

Persistent binge drinking tied to advanced fibrosis, death in MetALD

In patients with metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), persistent binge drinking history is a risk factor for advanced fibrosis and mortality, according to a study.

Persistent binge drinking tied to advanced fibrosis, death in MetALD