MDNN: Minnesota Cannabis Study, New Asthma Phenotype, and Diabetes Guideline Debate

Hi, I’m Kevin Kunzmann, I’m Jenna Payesko, and this is MD Magazine News Network - it’s clinical news for connected physicians.

A recent survey of medical cannabis users in Minnesota found that 4 in 10 patients suffering from pain felt the drug had given them significant reduction in symptoms. The data, based on the self-evaluations by 2174 patients enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program during the last 5 months of 2016, was comprised of a pain, enjoyment, and general activity assessment. Results showed that 42% of patients had pain reductions of 30% or more, and nearly 25% maintained a pain reduction threshold of that stature for the duration of the study. Just less than 3% of the patients reported severe adverse effects.

Researchers from a Japan-based pharmaceutical university are investigating the interaction between neuroendocrine activity and psychological stress-induced exacerbation of allergic asthma, which occur in cascade of pathological events that suggest a previously unknown neuropsychiatry phenotype in asthma. Because asthma is a heterogeneous disorder, researchers have previously based patient-specific therapies on their pathological and clinical features. This finding indicates that elements such as psychological stress may also be affecting asthma exacerbation.

We’ve got drama in diabetes. Following the American College of Physician’s announced change to blood sugar control guidelines for patients with type 2 diabetes last week, a joint statement from the Endocrine Society, American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators called out the ACP’s new A1C goal level of 7 to 8% in patients with diabetes. A representative from the Endocrine Society told MD Magazine that the guideline changes were equivalent to “lumping together most diabetes patients” in a nature that discredits blood sugar control goals for patients.

And now, for our weekly segment FDA Roundup, let’s go to Matt Hoffman, filling in for Kevin Kunzmann, who is filling in for Matt Hoffman, who is filling in for Kevin Kunzmann. Matt, what’s going on?

So much, Jenna. This week, the FDA approved ADDMEDICA’s hydroxyurea tablets for the treatment of sickle cell anemia in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. The tablets, which were granted priority review and orphan drug designations from the FDA, will hopefully treated most of the approximate 100,000 Americans currently affected by the disease.

The FDA also approved Medtronic’s fifth device of 2017 — the Guardian Connect continuous glucose monitoring system. The system is indicated for patients with diabetes aged 14 to 75 years old, and will serve as the first smart standalone system of its kind capable of keeping patients with diabetes ahead of high and low glucose events with alerts.

Finally, the FDA sparked the market competition for hyperparathyroidism with the addition of 2 new generic versions of cinacalcet hydrochloride tablets. The Sensipar generics are indicated for the treatment of a thyroid issue experienced by certain patients on dialysis, and will be available in 3 base doses. They are also the ninth and tenth generics approved by the FDA in this early year.

From a few feet away, I’m Matt Hoffman with FDA Roundup. Back to you guys.

For these stories and more, visit us at mdmag.com. I’m Kevin Kunzmann, and I’m Jenna Payesko. Thank for you watching MDNN.