23 research outputs found
Pharmacology and therapeutic implications of current drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global epidemic that poses a major challenge to health-care systems. Improving metabolic control to approach normal glycaemia (where practical) greatly benefits long-term prognoses and justifies early, effective, sustained and safety-conscious intervention. Improvements in the understanding of the complex pathogenesis of T2DM have underpinned the development of glucose-lowering therapies with complementary mechanisms of action, which have expanded treatment options and facilitated individualized management strategies. Over the past decade, several new classes of glucose-lowering agents have been licensed, including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These agents can be used individually or in combination with well-established treatments such as biguanides, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones. Although novel agents have potential advantages including low risk of hypoglycaemia and help with weight control, long-term safety has yet to be established. In this Review, we assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety profiles, including cardiovascular safety, of currently available therapies for management of hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM within the context of disease pathogenesis and natural history. In addition, we briefly describe treatment algorithms for patients with T2DM and lessons from present therapies to inform the development of future therapies
Oestrogen-free oral contraception with a 4 mg drospirenone-only pill: new data and a review of the literature
Purpose: The contraceptive pill is an effective and safe method of preventing pregnancy. The progestins used for contraception either are components of a combined hormonal contraceptive (tablets, patches or vaginal rings) or are used alone in progestin-only formulations. Progestin-only contraceptives are available as daily oral preparations, subcutaneous or intramuscular injectables (every 1–3 months), subdermal implants (every 3–5 years) and intrauterine systems (every 3–5 years). Long-acting progestins are highly effective in typical use and have a very low risk profile and few contraindications. Material and Methods: A new progestin-only, oestrogen-free contraceptive, drospirenone, in a dosage of 4 mg/day in a 24/4 regimen, has received regulatory approval in the USA and the EU. The molecule has antigonadotropic, antimineralocorticoid, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties. Results: The regimen was chosen to improve the bleeding profile; maintain plasma oestradiol levels at those of the early follicular phase, to avoid hypoestrogenism; and preserve efficacy even with a missed pill, as drospirenone has a half-life of 30–34 h. Conclusions: Clinical studies have shown good efficacy, very low cardiovascular side effects and a favourable bleeding pattern, as well as maintenance of ovulation inhibition after scheduled 24 h delays in pill intake
Investigations of noctilucent cloud particles /
Reprinted from Tellus, Volume 16, Number 1. p. 84-117.Research supported by the Space Physics Laboratory, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Office of Aerospace Research, United States Air Force, L.G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Massachusetts.Space Physics Laboratory Project 7667.Other authors listed on title page: R.K. Soberman, G. Witt, S.A. Chrest, J.J. Manning, L. Rey, T.G. Ryan, R.A. Skrivanek, N. Wilhelm, E.F. Fullam, N. Lange, S. Modin, I. Linscott.AD-467 097 (from http://www.ntis.gov)."February 1965."Includes bibliographical references.Mode of access: Internet