pharmacology

A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso found that use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and other GLP-1s is associated with a lower risk of developing alcohol, opioid, nicotine and cocaine use disorders.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new sunscreen ingredient to be permitted for over-the-counter consumer use in the U.S. since 1999.

Scientists have found a promising way for astronauts to produce their own medicine when resupply from Earth is no longer possible.

Preliminary study finds that testosterone levels increase or stabilize in people taking GLP-1 medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced primarily in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite, food cravings, and eating behavior. Scientists have developed modified, longer-lasting versions called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) that can be used as medications - and potentially treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Findings from both rodent and human studies will be …

Nature Communications, Published online: 21 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74481-3 Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation drives liver fibrosis. Here, the authors show that apoptosis-resistant E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (AREL1) is upregulated in HSCs of patients with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and promotes fibrosis via the ILK–PI3K–AKT pathway. Targeting AREL1 with vitamin …

Preliminary study finds that testosterone levels increase or stabilize in people taking GLP-1 medications.

Medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists have become some of the most talked-about drugs in recent years. They were first developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Later, doctors discovered that these medicines could also help people lose weight by reducing appetite and making them feel full for longer. As […] The post Popular Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drugs Ma…

Compounds responsible for the aroma of cannabis and many other plants may offer a surprising new way to relieve chronic pain. Researchers found that several cannabis-derived terpenes significantly reduced pain in mouse models of fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain, with one terpene, geraniol, showing especially strong effects. Unlike THC, these compounds are not associated with psychoactive effec…

For millions of people living with type 2 diabetes, controlling blood sugar can be a daily challenge. The disease happens when the body no longer responds properly to insulin or cannot make enough of it. As a result, glucose, a type of sugar that the body uses for energy, builds up in the bloodstream. Over […] The post New Diabetes Pill Could Control Blood Sugar and Reduce Weight Better appeared …

High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in the world. It affects millions of people and often develops without causing obvious symptoms. Because of this, high blood pressure is sometimes called a silent condition. If it is not properly treated, it can damage blood vessels and organs over many years and […] The post Common Blood Pressure Drug May Carry Higher Risks Than Expec…

A new study has identified a more precise and effective way to prevent cancer from spreading to the brain. The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, details the development of novel drug candidates that target a key enzyme implicated in the spread of lung, breast, skin and other cancers to […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the drug discovery process, dramatically speeding up the identification of potential drug targets, the optimization of drug candidates, and the movement of compounds from the laboratory to the clinic. With the use of AI technologies, notably deep learning and machine learning methodologies, researchers have been able to analyze large datasets, find hid…

Laboratory research reveals that a specialized psychedelic compound drops the motivation to consume cocaine in animal models. The findings suggest that targeting specific serotonin receptors devalues the drug, offering a biological blueprint for future addiction treatments.