​

Addition of Golimumab to Methotrexate/Corticosteroids to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis​

Topic: ORTHOPEDIC, ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 22nd, 2025
Patients with a history of skin psoriasis had a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in the future. The current standard treatment regimen is a combination of corticosteroid, methotrexate, and biologic drug inhibiting the inflammatory pathway. Due to the higher cost of the biologic agents, it is frequently unavailable in developing countries. With funding from Janssen, a study was conducted to investigate the clinical effect of golimumab in treating psoriatic arthritis.

Explore the Usage of Simvastatin with Escitalopram to Manage Depression​

Topic: PSYCHIATRY, CARDIOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 19th, 2025
As Vietnam’s diet and lifestyle patterns have shifted, obesity rates have risen sharply. At the same time, improved diagnosis and changing social conditions have contributed to a growing prevalence of depression. These two conditions often occur together, compounding chronic health burdens and increasing mortality risk. With support from the German Ministry of Education and Research, researchers conducted a study to investigate whether simvastatin could help manage both depression and obesity.

Using Esketamine to Manage Treatment-Resistant Depression​

Topic: PSYCHIATRY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 17th, 2025
Although many treatments are approved for major depressive disorder, about 35 percent of patients fail to respond to at least two antidepressants. These individuals are classified as having treatment-resistant depression, a condition associated with greater illness burden and a markedly increased risk of suicide. To explore alternative therapies, Janssen funded a study evaluating esketamine for this difficult-to-treat population.

Managing Insomnia with Seltorexant, an Orexin-2 Receptor Antagonist

Topic: PSYCHIATRY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 15th, 2025
Insomnia is increasingly common, yet treatment options remain limited. Currently, only two major classes of medications are approved: benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem. These drugs are effective for some patients but often come with drawbacks, including daytime drowsiness, dependence, tolerance, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. To explore better alternatives, Johnson & Johnson funded a study evaluating the use of seltorexant for insomnia.

Novel mRNA Vaccine to Prevent Seasonal Influenza​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​, RESPIRATORY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 12th, 2025
There are currently two types of vaccines used to prevent influenza: the injectable inactivated influenza vaccine and the live attenuated influenza vaccine. Drawing on experience gained from developing the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, Pfizer has applied mRNA vaccine technology to create a new influenza vaccine. A study evaluating its safety and effectiveness was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Effectiveness of Beta Blockers in Preventing Cardiovascular Problems in Patients with a History of Myocardial Infarction​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 10th, 2025
Beta blockers have long been prescribed to prevent recurrent myocardial infarction, largely because of their antiarrhythmic properties. However, much of the evidence supporting this practice comes from studies conducted more than 40 years ago-before the widespread use of contemporary coronary reperfusion therapy. Their benefit in patients with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction also remains uncertain. To address this gap, a government-funded study in Norway evaluated the effectiveness of beta blockers in a modern clinical context.

Treating Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer with Sacituzumab Govitecan​

Topic: ONCOLOGY​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 8th, 2025
Patients with breast tumors that lack expression of the three major hormone receptors face poorer outcomes than others. These triple-negative breast cancers have a 5-year case-fatality rate of roughly 85%. Although blocking the PD-1 immune-evasion pathway can be effective, such immunotherapies offer little benefit when tumors do not express or downregulate PD-1. To address this challenge, a Gilead-funded study evaluated sacituzumab govitecan as a treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer.

Pain Management with Dexmedetomidine in Patients with Traumatic Rib Fractures​

Topic: ORTHOPEDIC, RESPIRATORY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 5th, 2025
Pain control in patients with traumatic rib fractures is difficult to achieve. Common options such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants often provide insufficient relief, while stronger agents like opioids carry risks of addiction and respiratory depression. To explore alternative strategies, researchers at the University of California conducted a study evaluating dexmedetomidine for pain management in this population.

Weight Management with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, Orforglipron​

Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 3rd, 2025
Overweight and obesity substantially raise the risk of numerous chronic diseases. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to improve glycemic control, support weight loss, and lower cardiovascular risk. Orforglipron, a GLP-1 agonist already used for type 2 diabetes, was evaluated in a study funded by Eli Lilly to explore its effectiveness for weight management.

Oral Interleukin-23 Inhibitor, Icotrokinra, to Manage Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis​

Topic: DERMATOLOGY, ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on December 1st, 2025
Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition driven by an overactive immune response. Treatments that target pro-inflammatory pathways-such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-17, IL-23, and TNFα-have been effective, but most require injectable administration. The need for regular clinic visits can reduce adherence, while existing oral treatments tend to be less effective. To address this gap, a Johnson & Johnson–funded study evaluated the oral agent icotrokinra for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Prevent Stroke Recurrence in Diabetic Patients with Liraglutide​

Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY, CARDIOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 28th, 2025
Individuals with diabetes face an elevated risk of ischemic stroke, and they are more likely to experience recurrent events. Prior research suggests that glycemic control alone-whether through insulin or sulfonylureas-does not fully account for this risk, indicating that additional mechanisms such as inflammation or insulin resistance may contribute to recurrence. With support from the Chinese government, researchers conducted a study to evaluate whether liraglutide could reduce the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack in patients with diabetes.

Combination of Amivantamab and Lazertinib to Treat Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer​

Topic: ONCOLOGY​​, RESPIRATORY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 26th, 2025
Chemotherapies that target the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway (EGFR-TKIs) have been central to treating non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, even the most advanced third-generation agents offer only moderate benefit, with median survival around three years and a 5-year survival rate below 20%. Resistance to current therapies continues to emerge, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. With support from Janssen, researchers conducted a study evaluating the combined use of amivantamab and lazertinib in NSCLC.

Novel Live Attenuated Vaccine to Prevent Salmonella Paratyphi Enteric Fever

Topic: PEDIATRIC, GASTROINTESTINAL
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 24th, 2025
Enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica can be largely prevented through improved water and sanitation systems. Vaccination against the typhi serotype—the agent responsible for typhoid fever—has played a major role in reducing disease burden. However, no licensed vaccine has been available for the paratyphi serotype. With support from the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council, researchers conducted a study to evaluate CVD 1902, a new vaccine designed to protect against Salmonella Paratyphi A.

Using Sotatercept to Manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY, RESPIRATORY​​​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 21st, 2025
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by the narrowing of pulmonary blood vessels, which limits blood flow to the lungs and impairs gas exchange. Current treatment options offer only partial benefit and do not fully halt disease progression, morbidity, or mortality. Supported by Merck, a recent study investigated the potential of sotatercept as a novel therapy for managing PAH.

Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin with Anticoagulant in Patients with High Risk of Thrombotic Events​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY​​​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 19th, 2025
Long-term anticoagulation therapy is commonly prescribed to prevent recurrent thrombotic events in patients with chronic coronary disease. While previous studies have shown that combining anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy increases bleeding risk, many of those trials were limited by a lack of blinding and the inclusion of predominantly low-risk patients. To address these limitations, a study funded by the French Ministry of Health and Bayer investigated whether adding aspirin to an anticoagulant regimen would provide additional benefits in patients at high risk of thrombotic events.

Investigate the Effectiveness of Carbocisteine & Hypertonic Saline for Bronchiectasis Management​

Topic: RESPIRATORY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 17th, 2025
Patients with bronchiectasis often experience excessive mucus production that interferes with normal respiratory function. Current clinical guidelines recommend the use of mucoactive medications and airway clearance agents to facilitate sputum expectoration, but these recommendations are largely based on low-quality evidence. To address this gap, the British government funded a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mucolytic therapy in bronchiectasis management.

Addition of Vitamin B to Dexketoprofen to Manage Cervical Muscle Sprain Pain​

Topic: ORTHOPEDIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 14th, 2025
Cervical muscle pain is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants; however, these therapies often provide limited relief and are associated with considerable adverse effects. To identify alternative treatment options, the pharmaceutical company, Laboratorios Silanes, funded a study investigating the potential benefit of adding a vitamin B complex supplement to dexketoprofen therapy.

Prednisone Therapy to Manage Pain & Improve Function in Patients with Acute Lumbar Radiculopathy​

Topic: ORTHOPEDIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 12th, 2025
Acute lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition that will affect around 10% of the population at least once throughout their lifetime. Spontaneous recovery can happen, but the affected person can experience significant pain and disability. More invasive treatment such as disketomy or epidural steroid injections can be utilized, but they are associated with significant challenges. With funding from the US National Institutes of Health, a study was conducted to examine the usage of oral steroids to manage lumbar radiculopathy.

Compare Cefiderocol to Standard Antimicrobial Therapy in Treating Nosocomial Bloodstream Infection with Gram-Negative Bacteria​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 10th, 2025
Hospital-acquired infections, particularly bloodstream infections, are responsible for millions of deaths each year. Mortality risk is markedly higher among patients infected with gram-negative bacteria resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. Supported jointly by the governments of Singapore and Australia, a clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cefiderocol, a novel antibiotic, for the treatment of nosocomial bacteremia.

Using 0.03% Roflumilast Foam to Treat Plaque Psoriasis Affecting the Scalp​

Topic: DERMATOLOGY, ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 7th, 2025
Treating plaque psoriasis affecting the scalp is challenging because the presence of hair can interfere with the application of topical agents in the form of ointment or cream. However, newer delivery methods such as foam might be more effective and suitable with hair care practice. With funding from Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a study was conducted to assess the usage of roflumilast foam to manage plaque psoriasis.

Treating Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Ivarmacitinib

Topic: DERMATOLOGY, ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on November 5th, 2025
The inflammation and itching characteristic of atopic dermatitis are driven primarily by the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31. Current therapies target these cytokines or their downstream signaling proteins, such as the Janus kinase (JAK) family; however, their efficacy remains limited and adverse effects are common. To address these challenges, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals funded a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivarmacitinib, a selective JAK inhibitor, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Effect of Nicotinamide Cream in Preventing Skin Cancer​

Topic: DERMATOLOGY, ONCOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on November 3rd, 2025
Previous clinical trials have suggested that nicotinamide supplementation may help prevent skin cancer; however, these studies were limited by small sample sizes. To further investigate its effectiveness, a large-scale study funded by the US government evaluated the use of topical nicotinamide in skin cancer prevention.

Blocking Cytokine Promoting B-Lymphocyte Activity with Telitacicept to Manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus​

Topic: ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 31st, 2025
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease driven by B-lymphocyte. There are many available therapies for the condition; however, their effectiveness and safety profile are not optimal. Cytokines such as B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and APRIL are important for the pathogenesis of lupus. With funding from RemeGen, a study was conducted to assess the usage of Telitacicept, an cytokine-targeting agent, in managing lupus.

Using Permethrin-Treated Cloths for Baby Wrap to Prevent Malaria

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 29th, 2025
Despite recent progress in malaria management, the disease still imposes a significant burden especially in children living in underdeveloped nations. Factors such as insecticide resistance and change in mosquito biting habit had kept transmission persistent. With funding from Doris Duke Foundation, a study was conducted to investigate the usage of permethrin-treated cloths to prevent malaria in infants.

Managing Treatment-Resistant Hypertension with Baxdrostat​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY​​​​​​
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 27th, 2025
Elevated aldosterone level is associated with uncontrolled or treatmen-resistant hypertension. Baxdrostat is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor that has extensive biological functions due to the long half-life of 30 hours. The medication can reduce aldosterone level, which reduces sodium and water retention that causes the high blood pressure. With funding from AstraZeneca, a study was conducted to investigate the usage of baxdrostat in hard-to-treat hypertension cases.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention with Clesrovimab

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​, PEDIATRIC, RESPIRATORY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 24th, 2025
Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, with the disease severity highest for infants below 6 months old. Many studies had found monoclonal antibodies such as nirsevimab and palivizumab to be an effective preventive measure for RSV infection in infants. With funding from Merck, a study was conducted to investigate the usage of clesrovimab to prevent RSV infection in young children.

Managing Hypertriglyceridemia with Olezarsen, an Oligonucleotide Targeting Apolipoprotein C-III mRNA

Topic: CARDIOLOGY​​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on October 22nd, 2025
Apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3) inhibits triglyceride clearance by interfering with lipoprotein lipase activity. Olezarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, targets and neutralizes APOC3 mRNA to enhance triglyceride metabolism. Supported by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of olezarsen in managing hypertriglyceridemia.

Compare Oral to Intravenous Rehydration for Severedly Malnourished Children in Resource Limited Settings

Topic: PEDIATRIC​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on October 20th, 2025
For children hospitalized with severe malnutrition, rehydration therapy is often indicated. Oral rehydration is traditionally preferred over intravenous administration due to concerns that malnourished children may have compromised cardiac function, which could be further stressed by fluid overload. However, this recommendation is based on limited evidence from decades-old studies. To address this knowledge gap, the Joint Global Health Trials organization funded a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous rehydration in children with severe malnutrition.

Preventing Venous Thromboembolism with Apixaban in High-Risk Individuals​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on October 17th, 2025
For patients with low risk venous thromboembolism provoked by cancer or thrombophilia, anticoagulants could be used for 3 months. However, it is currently unclear of the appropriate anticoagulant duration for low risk venous thromboembolism provoked by obesity, surgery, or immobility. With funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb & Pfizer, a study was implemented to determine the optimal schedule of apixaban to prevent transient provoked venous thromboembolism.

Using Digitoxin to Manage Heart Failure Cases with Reduced Ejection Fraction​

Topic: CARDIOLOGY​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on October 15th, 2025
Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin are frequently prescribed to manage heart failure. However, previous studies have found digoxin to have limited effectiveness in managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Due to recent advancement in other cardiovascular therapy, the German government has sponsored a study to examine the usage of digitoxin to manage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Tirofiban as an Adjunct to Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke​

Topic: NEUROLOGY, CARDIOLOGY​​​​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on October 13th, 2025
For ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis is recommended within 4.5 hours of onset. However, even with timely treatment, more than half of patients fail to regain full function. To increase treatment efficacy,  the Chinese government funded a study to evaluate whether tirofiban could improve recovery outcomes when added to standard thrombolysis.

Weight Management with Reduced-Dose Oral Semaglutide​

Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 10th, 2025
Semaglutide, initially approved as a subcutaneous injection for type 2 diabetes, is now also available in an oral formulation. Beyond glycemic control, semaglutide has been shown to promote significant weight reduction. A recent Novo Nordisk–funded study evaluated the effect of a lower oral dose of semaglutide in managing obesity.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Oral GLP-1 Agonist, Orfoglipron​

Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 8th, 2025
Activation of GLP-1 receptors is a well-established strategy for managing type 2 diabetes, with agents such as semaglutide and tirzepatide also showing benefits for weight loss and cardiovascular health. However, their use is complicated by the need for injection. Orfoglipron, a small-molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, offers a potentially simpler alternative. Supported by Eli Lilly, a study was conducted to evaluate its efficacy in type 2 diabetes.

Aspirin Use in Colorectal Cancer With PI3K Mutations​

Topic: ONCOLOGY​​, GASTROINTESTINAL
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 6th, 2025
Aspirin, a widely used analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, reduces inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Colorectal cancer tumors often overexpress COX-2, which activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and promotes tumorigenesis. Supported by the Swedish Research Council, researchers conducted a study to evaluate whether aspirin could improve outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer harboring PI3K pathway mutations.

Lumateperone as Adjunct Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder​

Topic: PSYCHIATRY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 3rd, 2025
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent condition that profoundly affects quality of life, yet standard antidepressant treatment achieves remission in only about half of patients. Efforts to enhance efficacy with adjunctive antipsychotics have been limited by poor tolerability and high rates of treatment discontinuation. To address this, Johnson & Johnson funded a study evaluating lumateperone, a novel antipsychotic, as an adjunct to traditional antidepressants in the management of major depressive disorder.

Lubiprostone and Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease​

Topic: GASTROINTESTINAL, UROLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 1st, 2025
Lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator commonly used to treat constipation, has been linked in previous large-scale observational studies to a lower risk of renal complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To investigate this potential renoprotective effect further, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development funded a study examining lubiprostone in CKD patients.