The June 14 Edition
Aussie-born, Harvard-based genetics professor David Sinclair is famous for all the right reasons – and quite a few of the wrong ones, too. Remember the craze for resveratrol in the early 2000s – the so-called elixir-of-youth compound in red wine, grapes and berries? Sinclair's research claimed resveratrol triggered a class of enzymes that retard ageing. The results so impressed pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) that it paid $US720 million for his research – only to find, after five years of follow-up, it couldn't replicate his results. Since then, Sinclair's big claims have been repeatedly questioned, as you'll find in Jane Cadzow's cover story today. – Greg Callaghan, acting editor.
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Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
A medicine shortage is heaping undue stress on schoolkids like Alon
'The school has been very supportive, and we haven't had any phone calls going 'this is ridiculous', but in terms of his marks, even just he gets a little disappointed in himself because he wants to do better and he wants to finish the math test, and he just couldn't concentrate,' she says. 'It's not because he's aiming to be annoying and waste time in class.' While many schools are understanding and work with students with ADHD, the medication shortage is creating an extra layer of stress for families with children with additional needs, according to development pediatrician Dr Suzi Riess. Riess, who treats children with behavioural issues, says the scarcity of Concerta is increasing demand for other medications and causing further shortages. She says more doctors are having to find alternatives but they must be cautious when switching medications. 'You have to be able to start low [with dosage] and go up slowly, and for families it's very stressful to navigate that,' Riess explains. 'I've had families who have finally found a good combination of medication, and it's been really hard for them because they've experienced the benefit.' For those living regionally or in outer suburbs, that can mean driving to multiple pharmacies to find the medication they need. It's also important for schools to be able to respond to changes in the behaviour of children, according to University of Melbourne associate professor of education Matthew Harrison. Harrison, who specialises in inclusive education, helps train teachers on how to work with neurodivergent kids and also has ADHD himself. 'For teachers who are trying to plan supports for young people, if someone's needs are changing based on whether they're medicated or not, it can be really stressful,' Harrison says. 'It's difficult for teachers, it's difficult for the parents, and of course, it's most difficult for the young people themselves.' He says for many neurodivergent students, medication also helps them socially – not just in the classroom. It can also allow them to be more engaged and present. Harrison says it is important that schools foster calm, predictable environments. 'It's having routines and systems in place, even things about what happens when we arrive at school, what happens when we enter the classroom,' he suggests. Loading Fostering positive relationships between teachers and their students is key, so when young people are struggling they can be open about it, he says. '[Neurodivergent] kids have to feel safe and happy first before they're learning.' Sydney-based mum and accredited ADHD coach Sharon Collon agrees, and says she has seen a surge in parents raising concerns about limited medication supply. 'We're having increase of more challenging behaviours at home and school environment,' she says. 'We are seeing increased levels of distress.' Collon says her husband and three sons all have ADHD, and finding the 'holy grail' of medication meant going through a lot of trial and error. 'Everyone is unique, and some medications can make their behaviour worse or have negative side effects, so when you finally find the one that works for your child … to then have to stop it or swap it for another because of a shortage, it causes so much stress for families.' One of her sons, whose ADHD had been well managed, had to switch from a medicine that was scarce. 'He got suspended twice in one week.' She says it was also a blow to his self-esteem: he wanted to do well and had never faced disciplinary action at school. 'And it was all because he hadn't had the right medication at that time.' Collon says teachers supporting students with neurodiversity were struggling with medication disruptions but she urged them to opt for 'connection'. 'You can't discipline ADHD out of a child, and anytime someone tries to do that all it does is cause shame,' she says. Kids may need to move more or go for 'brain breaks' where they go for a short walk. They may also need additional supports like visual cues. Many schools and teachers are already doing what they can, she explains, but it's important for them to communicate with parents about what's going on. Mum Nadine Barkay is already concerned about what happens next for Alon. 'My community chemist has run out of Ritalin ... and they don't have a due date for it,' she says. They eventually found it at another pharmacy, but the shortage is prompting the family to consider what to do next. The Department of Education was asked if it was aware of the shortages. 'Schools ensure that every student is able to attend and learn in a safe environment, regardless of a student's medical condition,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Age
12 hours ago
- The Age
A medicine shortage is heaping undue stress on schoolkids like Alon
'The school has been very supportive, and we haven't had any phone calls going 'this is ridiculous', but in terms of his marks, even just he gets a little disappointed in himself because he wants to do better and he wants to finish the math test, and he just couldn't concentrate,' she says. 'It's not because he's aiming to be annoying and waste time in class.' While many schools are understanding and work with students with ADHD, the medication shortage is creating an extra layer of stress for families with children with additional needs, according to development pediatrician Dr Suzi Riess. Riess, who treats children with behavioural issues, says the scarcity of Concerta is increasing demand for other medications and causing further shortages. She says more doctors are having to find alternatives but they must be cautious when switching medications. 'You have to be able to start low [with dosage] and go up slowly, and for families it's very stressful to navigate that,' Riess explains. 'I've had families who have finally found a good combination of medication, and it's been really hard for them because they've experienced the benefit.' For those living regionally or in outer suburbs, that can mean driving to multiple pharmacies to find the medication they need. It's also important for schools to be able to respond to changes in the behaviour of children, according to University of Melbourne associate professor of education Matthew Harrison. Harrison, who specialises in inclusive education, helps train teachers on how to work with neurodivergent kids and also has ADHD himself. 'For teachers who are trying to plan supports for young people, if someone's needs are changing based on whether they're medicated or not, it can be really stressful,' Harrison says. 'It's difficult for teachers, it's difficult for the parents, and of course, it's most difficult for the young people themselves.' He says for many neurodivergent students, medication also helps them socially – not just in the classroom. It can also allow them to be more engaged and present. Harrison says it is important that schools foster calm, predictable environments. 'It's having routines and systems in place, even things about what happens when we arrive at school, what happens when we enter the classroom,' he suggests. Loading Fostering positive relationships between teachers and their students is key, so when young people are struggling they can be open about it, he says. '[Neurodivergent] kids have to feel safe and happy first before they're learning.' Sydney-based mum and accredited ADHD coach Sharon Collon agrees, and says she has seen a surge in parents raising concerns about limited medication supply. 'We're having increase of more challenging behaviours at home and school environment,' she says. 'We are seeing increased levels of distress.' Collon says her husband and three sons all have ADHD, and finding the 'holy grail' of medication meant going through a lot of trial and error. 'Everyone is unique, and some medications can make their behaviour worse or have negative side effects, so when you finally find the one that works for your child … to then have to stop it or swap it for another because of a shortage, it causes so much stress for families.' One of her sons, whose ADHD had been well managed, had to switch from a medicine that was scarce. 'He got suspended twice in one week.' She says it was also a blow to his self-esteem: he wanted to do well and had never faced disciplinary action at school. 'And it was all because he hadn't had the right medication at that time.' Collon says teachers supporting students with neurodiversity were struggling with medication disruptions but she urged them to opt for 'connection'. 'You can't discipline ADHD out of a child, and anytime someone tries to do that all it does is cause shame,' she says. Kids may need to move more or go for 'brain breaks' where they go for a short walk. They may also need additional supports like visual cues. Many schools and teachers are already doing what they can, she explains, but it's important for them to communicate with parents about what's going on. Mum Nadine Barkay is already concerned about what happens next for Alon. 'My community chemist has run out of Ritalin ... and they don't have a due date for it,' she says. They eventually found it at another pharmacy, but the shortage is prompting the family to consider what to do next. The Department of Education was asked if it was aware of the shortages. 'Schools ensure that every student is able to attend and learn in a safe environment, regardless of a student's medical condition,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Game changer' diabetes pill a step closer after trials
Game-changing diabetes pills could hit Australian shelves within years, offering an alternative to popular injectable treatments like Ozempic that have been plagued with supply issues. That's the prediction from Australian diabetes experts, as the first phase three clinical trial data was released for a new type of medicine that lowers blood sugar. Once-a-day pill Orforglipron was shown to imitate a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, according to the study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. "It's really, really exciting," Australian Diabetes Society chief executive Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos told AAP. "The reduction in blood glucose and weight with Orforglipron is similar, if not a little bit better, than the similar clinical trials that were done for Ozempic and Mounjaro." The results of the trials, involving 500 adults with type 2 diabetes, were unveiled at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in Chicago over the weekend. Reported side effects were similar to existing medications like gastrointestinal issues, while the drug company did not flag any unexpected safety concerns. The trial focused on diabetes treatment and not specifically weight loss. Other oral diabetes medications already exist but this medication is significant as it's the first synthetic treatment to reach phase three trials, Prof Andrikopoulos said. He expected approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration would be "reasonable straightforward" once it receives an application by drug developer Eli Lilly, which also makes Mounjaro. The synthetic chemical is easier to make than other drugs involving modified peptides and doesn't need to be refrigerated, hoping it would be cheaper and easier to transport to remote areas than injectable treatments. "These are potentially disease modifying therapies, and in that respect it's a game-changer," Prof Andrikopoulos said. "In terms of managing types of diabetes and obesity, I think we are at the cusp of being able to make a significant impact on reducing obesity in Australia and around the world." Sydney-based Endocrinologist Associate Professor Ted Wu treats many patients with diabetes and said physicians had been "crying out" for oral alternatives to incretin injections. While optimistic about the findings, he cautioned it was not a "head to head" trial measuring the effectiveness of Orforglipron against injections but said it appears the results were very similar. "As it stands, this looks like it offers all the advantages of the current incretin injections, but with all the advantages of an oral once-a-day medication and hopefully with far fewer supply issues," he said. Prof Wu said looking at past performance, the TGA would probably take between 12 and 24 months to approve the new drug. Game-changing diabetes pills could hit Australian shelves within years, offering an alternative to popular injectable treatments like Ozempic that have been plagued with supply issues. That's the prediction from Australian diabetes experts, as the first phase three clinical trial data was released for a new type of medicine that lowers blood sugar. Once-a-day pill Orforglipron was shown to imitate a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, according to the study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. "It's really, really exciting," Australian Diabetes Society chief executive Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos told AAP. "The reduction in blood glucose and weight with Orforglipron is similar, if not a little bit better, than the similar clinical trials that were done for Ozempic and Mounjaro." The results of the trials, involving 500 adults with type 2 diabetes, were unveiled at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in Chicago over the weekend. Reported side effects were similar to existing medications like gastrointestinal issues, while the drug company did not flag any unexpected safety concerns. The trial focused on diabetes treatment and not specifically weight loss. Other oral diabetes medications already exist but this medication is significant as it's the first synthetic treatment to reach phase three trials, Prof Andrikopoulos said. He expected approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration would be "reasonable straightforward" once it receives an application by drug developer Eli Lilly, which also makes Mounjaro. The synthetic chemical is easier to make than other drugs involving modified peptides and doesn't need to be refrigerated, hoping it would be cheaper and easier to transport to remote areas than injectable treatments. "These are potentially disease modifying therapies, and in that respect it's a game-changer," Prof Andrikopoulos said. "In terms of managing types of diabetes and obesity, I think we are at the cusp of being able to make a significant impact on reducing obesity in Australia and around the world." Sydney-based Endocrinologist Associate Professor Ted Wu treats many patients with diabetes and said physicians had been "crying out" for oral alternatives to incretin injections. While optimistic about the findings, he cautioned it was not a "head to head" trial measuring the effectiveness of Orforglipron against injections but said it appears the results were very similar. "As it stands, this looks like it offers all the advantages of the current incretin injections, but with all the advantages of an oral once-a-day medication and hopefully with far fewer supply issues," he said. Prof Wu said looking at past performance, the TGA would probably take between 12 and 24 months to approve the new drug. Game-changing diabetes pills could hit Australian shelves within years, offering an alternative to popular injectable treatments like Ozempic that have been plagued with supply issues. That's the prediction from Australian diabetes experts, as the first phase three clinical trial data was released for a new type of medicine that lowers blood sugar. Once-a-day pill Orforglipron was shown to imitate a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, according to the study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. "It's really, really exciting," Australian Diabetes Society chief executive Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos told AAP. "The reduction in blood glucose and weight with Orforglipron is similar, if not a little bit better, than the similar clinical trials that were done for Ozempic and Mounjaro." The results of the trials, involving 500 adults with type 2 diabetes, were unveiled at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in Chicago over the weekend. Reported side effects were similar to existing medications like gastrointestinal issues, while the drug company did not flag any unexpected safety concerns. The trial focused on diabetes treatment and not specifically weight loss. Other oral diabetes medications already exist but this medication is significant as it's the first synthetic treatment to reach phase three trials, Prof Andrikopoulos said. He expected approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration would be "reasonable straightforward" once it receives an application by drug developer Eli Lilly, which also makes Mounjaro. The synthetic chemical is easier to make than other drugs involving modified peptides and doesn't need to be refrigerated, hoping it would be cheaper and easier to transport to remote areas than injectable treatments. "These are potentially disease modifying therapies, and in that respect it's a game-changer," Prof Andrikopoulos said. "In terms of managing types of diabetes and obesity, I think we are at the cusp of being able to make a significant impact on reducing obesity in Australia and around the world." Sydney-based Endocrinologist Associate Professor Ted Wu treats many patients with diabetes and said physicians had been "crying out" for oral alternatives to incretin injections. While optimistic about the findings, he cautioned it was not a "head to head" trial measuring the effectiveness of Orforglipron against injections but said it appears the results were very similar. "As it stands, this looks like it offers all the advantages of the current incretin injections, but with all the advantages of an oral once-a-day medication and hopefully with far fewer supply issues," he said. Prof Wu said looking at past performance, the TGA would probably take between 12 and 24 months to approve the new drug. Game-changing diabetes pills could hit Australian shelves within years, offering an alternative to popular injectable treatments like Ozempic that have been plagued with supply issues. That's the prediction from Australian diabetes experts, as the first phase three clinical trial data was released for a new type of medicine that lowers blood sugar. Once-a-day pill Orforglipron was shown to imitate a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, according to the study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. "It's really, really exciting," Australian Diabetes Society chief executive Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos told AAP. "The reduction in blood glucose and weight with Orforglipron is similar, if not a little bit better, than the similar clinical trials that were done for Ozempic and Mounjaro." The results of the trials, involving 500 adults with type 2 diabetes, were unveiled at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in Chicago over the weekend. Reported side effects were similar to existing medications like gastrointestinal issues, while the drug company did not flag any unexpected safety concerns. The trial focused on diabetes treatment and not specifically weight loss. Other oral diabetes medications already exist but this medication is significant as it's the first synthetic treatment to reach phase three trials, Prof Andrikopoulos said. He expected approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration would be "reasonable straightforward" once it receives an application by drug developer Eli Lilly, which also makes Mounjaro. The synthetic chemical is easier to make than other drugs involving modified peptides and doesn't need to be refrigerated, hoping it would be cheaper and easier to transport to remote areas than injectable treatments. "These are potentially disease modifying therapies, and in that respect it's a game-changer," Prof Andrikopoulos said. "In terms of managing types of diabetes and obesity, I think we are at the cusp of being able to make a significant impact on reducing obesity in Australia and around the world." Sydney-based Endocrinologist Associate Professor Ted Wu treats many patients with diabetes and said physicians had been "crying out" for oral alternatives to incretin injections. While optimistic about the findings, he cautioned it was not a "head to head" trial measuring the effectiveness of Orforglipron against injections but said it appears the results were very similar. "As it stands, this looks like it offers all the advantages of the current incretin injections, but with all the advantages of an oral once-a-day medication and hopefully with far fewer supply issues," he said. Prof Wu said looking at past performance, the TGA would probably take between 12 and 24 months to approve the new drug.
