University of Illinois

TUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2025 -- From 1999 to 2021, methamphetamine-related mortality surged dramatically, with a significant rise in heroin and synthetic opioid coinvolvement, according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine . Tonazzina H. Sauda, M.B.B.S., from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and colleagues examined sex-specific trends in methamphetamine-related mortality and the extent to which these deaths may be driven by heroin and fentanyl coinvolvement. The analysis included data from the CDC WONDER Multiple Causes of Death database (1999 to 2021). The researchers found that over time, the methamphetamine-related mortality rate increased 58.8-fold among males (0.33 per 100,000 to 19.74 per 100,000) and 65.3-fold among females (0.12 per 100,000 to 7.96 per 100,000). The greatest increases occurred between 2019 and 2021. The proportion of deaths that coinvolved heroin and/or synthetic opioids increased from 1999 to 2021 among both sexes (males: 13.1 to 61.5 percent; females: 7.7 to 63.1 percent). "Increasing methamphetamine-related mortality among males and females has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in the proportion of heroin and/or synthetic opioid coinvolvement among both sexes," the authors write. "Robust harm reduction efforts are needed to mitigate these increases, particularly for people who co-use stimulants and opioids." Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

Dental anxiety and mistrust are among the leading reasons individuals avoid dental treatment. Approximately 36% of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental care, with 12% experiencing extreme fear. This leads to missed appointments, neglected tooth pain, and poor oral health. Fortunately, emerging dental technologies are significantly improving patient care and outcomes, helping to reduce the prevalence of anxiety and mistrust associated with dental treatments. The prevalence and impact of dental anxiety Due to its impact on overall health and quality of life, dental anxiety is categorized as a major public health concern. Each year, 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of anxiety, resulting in serious consequences for their oral health. Individuals experiencing dental anxiety are more likely to have at least one missing or decaying tooth and are at higher risk of gum disease and early tooth loss. Sponsored Post The Funding Model for Cancer Innovation is Broken — We Can Fix It Closing cancer health equity gaps require medical breakthroughs made possible by new funding approaches. By Eve McDavid - CEO of Mission-Driven Tech The fear of dental treatment affects a patient’s overall quality of life. One in three Americans aged 50-64 feel ashamed about the state of their teeth, and 38% report that dental conditions have caused them pain, difficulties with eating, or interference with their daily lives. With one in six individuals over the age of 65 missing all their teeth, it is apparent that improvements in the dental industry are urgently needed. Establishing trust and understanding patients’ fears is critical for providing relief. Doctors can reduce mistrust by walking patients through the process, discussing their concerns, and presenting potential solutions. This allows patients to visualize and participate in their dental treatment. In addition to thorough communication, advancements in dental technology have revolutionized the patient experience. Tech innovations are revolutionizing the dental industry Innovations such as intraoral digital scanners and advanced radiology tools can significantly minimize dental anxiety. For example, intraoral digital scanners eliminate the discomfort associated with traditional dental mold trays, which are often used to capture replicas of patient’s mouths for implants, braces, and orthodontic procedures. These molds can be uncomfortable, and patients with fragile or loose teeth may worry that the mold could dislodge their teeth. Intraoral digital scanners offer a convenient alternative for patients with vulnerable teeth. The non-invasive scanner is a small, handheld device that is placed in the patient’s mouth and carefully moved across their teeth and gums to create a fully digital and more accurate image of the mouth. Dentists can also utilize extraoral radiology, including cone beam CT scans, to reduce the need for excessive sensors placed in the mouth. These tools enable patients to visualize every step of their treatment, providing security and confidence. presented by Market Trends to Watch for Health Systems and Their Specialty Pharmacies The future looks bright for the integrated specialty pharmacy model – for health systems, providers, and most importantly, for patients. By Jake Gaffey, MBA, Chief Strategy Officer at Shields Health Solutions Virtual smile design technology elevates visualization by allowing patients to see an image of what their appearance could look like following treatment. The process involves taking images of a patient’s teeth and smile and manipulating the data to design an improved smile. Patients can see an accurate representation of their future results, which incorporates their tooth shape, size, color and alignment. Additionally, the integration of 3D printers significantly improves efficiency for both providers and patents, by enabling dental providers to manufacture essential treatment components in-office. This technology not only streamlines the workflow for providers, but also aids the timeliness of patient solutions.This not only showcases the dental provider’s expertise but also helps patients make informed decisions with clear expectations. These innovations contribute toward creating a safer and more comfortable environment while reducing possible triggers. Triggers can include the prolonged time patients spend with their mouth open, which may cause pain and discomfort for individuals with trismus or limited jaw mobility. Trismus can result from TMJ disorders, trauma, muscle or nerve dysfunction, or oral cancer treatments. Other triggers diminished by technology include lack of knowledge about treatment details and uncertainty around results. Enhancing patient care The integration of the latest technologies improves diagnostic quality and accelerates treatment solutions, decreasing the time patients spend in discomfort or pain due to dental issues. Modern oral scanning technology creates state-of-the-art imagery of the patient’s mouth, providing a detailed view of the condition of the teeth to better inform treatment plans. Improved reliability and consistency in diagnosing patients support dynamic, individualized treatment plans. The adoption of patient-centric technologies enriches dental treatments, making them more personalized and tailored to patient needs. Dental providers can adjust their approaches based on individual concerns, dental history, and oral health demands. Cutting-edge materials used in treatments, such as dental implants, are customized to the exact specifications of a patient’s mouth, optimizing comfort and improving patient outcomes. Workflows are now efficiently streamlined through the integration of these technologies, contributing to expedited results. Today’s patients are looking to avoid healthcare treatments that require multiple visits. In a survey conducted by Futuredontics, 30% of respondents said convenience is the top reason for selecting their dentist. While dental implants typically require 3-10 appointments, innovations in modeling synthesize dental treatments, providing access to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and dental labs under one roof. This model minimizes appointments and reduces the time patients spend in the chair, allowing them to feel more at ease with treatment decisions and boosting their confidence in overcoming their fears. For dental professionals seeking the latest technology for their patient base, be sure to understand what exactly you need and properly vet the software or hardware before implementation. It’s important to understand how this will add value to your patients and staff. As healthcare providers, we are obligated to strive for the highest quality of care, and with the integration of the right advanced technologies, we can help alleviate dental anxiety and mistrust in the industry. Picture: Nastasic, Getty Images Theresa WangDr. Theresa Wang is the chief clinical & development officer at ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. She received her doctorate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She then completed advanced training and certification in prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she concurrently earned a Masters degree in prosthodontics and completed and published clinical research on dental implants. She has extensive training with the latest dental technologies and dental materials. Dr. Wang also holds an Illinois license as a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics. By combining her knowledge of the most current dental technologies with her particular aesthetic eye, she is equipped to design smiles that have substantial effects on her patients’ lives.This post appears through the MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers. Click here to find out how.

SEATTLE--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Bonum Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that is using innovative technology for conditional activation of biologics to create highly active and less toxic medicines, today announced that Samuel C. Blackman, MD, PhD, has joined its board of directors as an independent director. Blackman, a pediatric neuro-oncologist by training, is the co-founder and head of research and development at Day One Biopharmaceuticals, which is dedicated to developing and commercializing targeted therapies for people of all ages with life-threatening diseases. Blackman led Day One’s acquisition and development of OJEMDA™, which the FDA approved earlier this year for treatment of the most common form of childhood brain tumors, low-grade glioma. “We are delighted to welcome Sam Blackman to the Bonum Therapeutics team. His judgment and his deep experience in the clinical development of novel immune-oncology agents will benefit Bonum and the patients Bonum is seeking to serve,” said John Mulligan, PhD, Bonum’s founder and CEO. “Sam has overseen the successful development of novel therapies for pediatric and adult cancers across a range of indications and mechanisms of action. His help will make our board and our team better—we are honored that he chose to work with Bonum.” “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Bonum Therapeutics board of directors as Bonum advances its programs into the clinic,” said Blackman. “The development of innovative therapeutics that have the potential to address ongoing gaps in both activity and safety for patients with a variety of life-threatening diseases has been core to my career as both a physician and drug developer. Bonum’s science, mission, team, and culture have made a significant impression on me, and I am excited to be a part of the company’s bright future.” Prior to founding Day One in 2018, Blackman held positions of increasing responsibility at large pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, and biotechnology companies such as Seattle Genetics, Juno Therapeutics, and Silverback Therapeutics. Most recently, he was head of clinical development at Mavupharma, a drug discovery company focused on leveraging the immune system to treat cancer and infectious diseases. He is also a member of the board of directors of Presage Biosciences. Sam is a graduate of the pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship program at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Boston and the pediatric residency program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He received his BA in philosophy from the University of Chicago and his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago. About Bonum Therapeutics Bonum Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company that uses a novel, antibody-based mechanism to create regulated and targeted, highly active, and less toxic medicines. Bonum’s most advanced program is in preclinical development. The company was founded in 2022 as a spinout of Good Therapeutics, following the sale of Good to Roche in September 2022 for $250 million, plus milestones. Bonum’s molecules combine a sensor component directed against a specific biological marker and a therapeutic component. When the sensor binds its target, the tethered effector becomes available to deliver potent activity only where it is needed. The technology is applicable to a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, and pain management. Bonum’s initial efforts focus on regulated immunocytokines, including conditionally active IL-2, IFN-alpha, IL-12, and TGF-beta, while it pursues additional applications in partnership with others. The company is backed by a group of leading venture investors including Rivervest Venture Partners, Roche Venture Fund, Digitalis Ventures, American Century Investments, Codon Capital, and Vivo Capital. For more information, please visit our website at www.bonumtx.com and connect with us on LinkedIn .