This week we highlight a new app that assists patients with Parkinson’s disease and a European trade organization that seeks help to address inflation concerns. In addition, a new contact lens designed to combat eye fatigue from digital devices receives regulatory approval and researchers identify a molecule that leads to weight loss in mice. Finally, engineers at Stanford design a tiny robot capable of delivering drugs to targeted locations inside the body.
New app assists Parkinson’s patients with data tracking
Rune Labs, a San Francisco-based medtech company has developed iPhone and Apple Watch apps that assist patients with Parkinson’s disease with tracking and reporting symptoms and other key metrics. Monitoring such information is vital to ensure proper dosage and timing of medication. The technology was granted 510(k) clearance by the Food and Drug Administration last week.
European pharma trade organization asks EU to address inflation
A European trade organization that represents manufacturers of generic drugs has asked the European Union to address inflation that is beginning to have a major impact on the industry. The group is calling for changes or temporary reprieves from stringent price regulations. Other measures they have suggested include classifying drug companies as essential such that they receive immediate access to various supplies and changes to regulations surrounding procedure of pharmaceuticals.
New contacts developed to address eye strain from digital devices
Johnson & Johnson has developed and received FDA approval for its new daily contact lenses design specifically to address eye fatigue. The new contact lenses are expected to be available this fall. Earlier this year, the company also received FDA approval for contact lenses designed to provide relief from itchy eyes due to allergies.
Researchers identify molecule that suppresses appetite
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine and collaborating institutes published findings from a study that confirmed the molecule known as Lac-Phe suppressed appetite and reduced obesity in certain mice. The researchers looked at the benefits of exercise at a molecular level with the hopes of capturing its benefit for those who cannot exercise. Further research is needed in humans but the study confirmed over a 10-day period that mice given Lac-Phe had less overall food intake, lost weight and had improved glucose tolerance.
Stanford engineers develop tiny drug-delivery robot
A mechanical engineering team at Stanford designed and built a mini robot powered by magnetic fields. By shifting the magnetic strength and orientation the robot can overcome various obstacles throughout the body. This allows the robot to carry medicine and release only when it reaches the desired location. The team is currently refining and improving the design and capabilities of the device but hopes it can one day be used for targeted drug therapy treatments.
