BMJ Retracts PREVENT-TAHA8 Stem Cell Heart Failure Trial
The BMJ has retracted the PREVENT-TAHA8 phase 3 trial on mesenchymal stem cells for heart failure due to data integrity and enrollment concerns.
About James
James Liu is a board-certified oncologist at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa. His research focuses on cancer disparities in Pacific Islander populations and novel immunotherapy regimens. He covers cancer research and clinical trials for Hawaii Medical Journal. Previously, James was a Communications Specialist at American Medical Association. James holds a B.S. in Biology from Hawaii Pacific University.
Articles by James
Merck Acquires Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7B in 2026
Merck's $6.7B acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals targets TERN-701, a leukemia drug that could shore up its oncology pipeline amid patent pressures.
Insmed's Arikayce Succeeds in Phase 3 MAC Lung Trial
Insmed's Arikayce met primary endpoints in a phase 3 trial for treatment-naive MAC lung infection patients, improving symptoms and culture conversion rates.
Hydration for Kidney Stones: RCT Adherence Intervention
A Lancet RCT tested a structured hydration intervention for urinary stone prevention, finding modest urine output gains but no significant reduction in recurrence.
J&J's Icotyde: First Oral Psoriasis Pill FDA Approved 2026
The FDA approved icotrokinra (Icotyde) in March 2026, marking the first oral once-daily pill in its class for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Aldeyra Therapeutics FDA Review: Red Flags & Short Sellers
Aldeyra Therapeutics faces FDA scrutiny amid short-seller pressure as its regulatory decision window approaches. What clinicians need to know in 2026.
Trump Drug Prices: Public Opinion vs. Biotech Pushback
A KFF poll reveals partisan divides on Trump drug pricing confidence, while biotech firms publicly challenge the most-favored nation pricing proposal.
NHS Halts Cross-Sex Hormones for Under 18s in England
NHS England suspends gender-affirming cross-sex hormone prescriptions for under-18s, launching a 90-day consultation on permanently removing the treatment.
BioNTech Founders Depart, Senator Probes FDA Rare Disease
BioNTech co-founders plan to leave by 2026 to launch a new mRNA venture, while a U.S. senator investigates FDA's rare disease drug approval denials.
Rising Autism & ADHD Diagnoses: Awareness or True Increase?
Global ASD and ADHD diagnoses have surged over two decades. Evidence suggests this reflects correcting historic underdiagnosis, not a true prevalence increase.
Federal Autism Advisory Committee Cancels First Meeting Under New Leadership
The federal committee responsible for advising scientists, health agencies, and Congress on autism research has canceled its first scheduled public meeting since undergoing a significant membership overhaul earlier this year, according to federal health officials.
UCLA Researchers Discover Brain's Natural Defense System Against Alzheimer's Tau Buildup
Scientists at UCLA Health and UC San Francisco have identified a previously unknown cellular defense mechanism that helps protect brain cells from the toxic protein accumulation associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in the journal Cell.