Definium Therapeutics (DFTX.O), opens new tab said a single dose of its LSD-based experimental pill ​significantly reduced symptoms of major depression in patients in a late-stage ‌trial, sending its shares soaring 55% to a more than four-year high on Monday.

The experimental drug helped patients record significantly lower scores on a standard depression scale than those ​on placebo after six weeks, with an 8.1-point difference, meeting the ​trial’s main goal, the company said.

The pill, DT120, belongs to a ⁠class of drugs known as classic psychedelics, which temporarily alter perception, mood ​and thinking. It is a pharmaceutical formulation of lysergide, better known as LSD, ​and works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain.

In April, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to speed up access to psychedelic-based treatments.

Definium shares, which have gained about 174% ​so far this year, were trading up 52% at $37.23.

Needham analyst Ami Fadia ​called the results “unprecedented in the depression space,” adding the drug showed greater reductions in scores ‌at ⁠six weeks than Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ.N), opens new tab Spravato and Compass Pathways’ (CMPS.O), opens new tab COMP360 achieved at week four.

Axsome Therapeutics’ (AXSM.O), opens new tab Auvelity and Sage Therapeutics’ Zurzuvae are some of the other treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD).

“DT120 could emerge as a worthy competitor in the ​MDD / TRD space with ​a strong ⁠clinical profile,” Fadia added.

Definium said the data brings it closer to an FDA submission and it was running a second ​late-stage depression trial.

The drug was generally well-tolerated, with 99% ​of adverse ⁠events mild to moderate, occurring mainly on the day of dosing, and no serious safety issues or increase in suicidal thoughts observed.

The trial enrolled 149 participants aged ⁠18-74 ​years with MDD, the second-most common mental health ​disorder in the U.S., with more than 21 million adults experiencing a major depressive episode each ​year.

Reuters

Dr. Pooja Vaswani – Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Quite many times in our daily practice we come across women who are diagnosed to have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the incidence of which is on an increase. It affects about 10% of women. It’s the word “PCOS” that catches any woman’s attention, as more often than not she would have heard about PCOS from her friends/ mother or sisters. Immediate question that comes to the mind of the woman is “will I be able to conceive?”

Ofcourse maternal instinct is paramount and being a gynecologist women with PCOS come to me with concerns that are either cosmetic or reproductive. As gynecologist we cater to reproductive goal,however it is to be kept in mind that as a doctor our role does not end there. PCOS has long term implications too which can go far beyond the reproductive age.Many studies confirm that the insulin resistance associated with PCOS can expose women to higher risk of metabolic syndrome which could be a combination of hypertension; hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Apart from these metabolic disorders, women with PCOS are also at an increased risk of developing endometrial, ovarian and possibly also breast cancer in later life.

 There is a need for a holistic approach in dealing with PCOS keeping in mind that contrary to what the name implies, PCOS implications are not restricted just to sex organs but go way beyond, affecting many other organs in the body which can have profound effect on long term health of the women. These women should be evaluated for these conditions accordingly on a more frequent basis.

 Every responsible gynecologist should utilize every potential opportunity to evaluate and educate the patients about ways to prevent these potentially threatening long term metabolic and malignant disorders by intervening at the earliest.

 Novartis (NOVN.S), opens new tab said on Thursday an experimental drug, which it acquired ​as part of its $12 billion takeover of ‌Avidity, showed promise in an early-to-mid-stage study in patients with a type ​of genetic muscle disorder characterized ​by slowly progressive muscle weakness.

• The Swiss ⁠drugmaker said the drug, known as ​del-brax, lowered two blood markers linked ​to the disease and showed reduced signs of muscle damage in patients with facioscapulohumeral ​muscular dystrophy.
• Novartis said the drug ​shows potential to become the first disease-modifying ‌treatment ⁠for FSHD, which can cause weakness in the face, shoulders, arms and other muscles.
• The company estimates it affects ​about ​45,000 to ⁠87,000 people in the U.S. and EU.
• The drug’s safety ​profile was consistent with ​previous ⁠results, the company said.
• Novartis plans to discuss the data with health regulators ⁠around ​the world, while a ​late-stage study of the drug is currently enrolling ​patients.

 The Thomson Reuters