Healthcare highlights 2022
It’s been an exciting year for medical breakthroughs, with new technologies, research and medical trials paving the way for a healthier future. Today we celebrate our industry by reflecting on some of our top healthcare highlights from 2022.
New drug developed to treat Alzheimer’s
The New England Journal of Medicine has just announced an exciting development in the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmaceutical companies, Biogen and Eisai, have joined forces to create a drug that appears to slow the development of symptoms by almost a quarter. Although medical trials are still ongoing, the progress we’re seeing is very promising…
AI tool to help detect pancreatic cancer
Cedars-Sinai researchers this year developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that is 86% accurate in predicting which participants would develop pancreatic cancer based on their CT scan images. The technology works by comparing pre-diagnostic CT images of people with pancreatic cancer with CT images of people who didn’t develop the cancer. It is hoped that, with the help of more data, the AI device will be able to help with early diagnosis so patients can have better chances of survival.
Trial program for early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
In November, 20,000 children aged three to 13 were asked to take part in the Early Surveillance for Autoimmune Diabetes (Elsa) trial. The aim of the study is to reduce the number of children being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease at a life-threatening stage known as diabetic ketosis (DKA). During the trial, blood tests will be conducted to test for signs that the immune system is planning an attack on insulin-producing cells. Those identified as being at risk will be offered specialist support to help them prepare for a life with diabetes.
Vaccines are getting better
Since the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has been under the spotlight as an exciting development in modern vaccinology. Not only are these types of vaccines safe for immunocompromised individuals, but they are also more cost-effective and easy to develop. Following the success of the Covid-19 vaccines, professionals in the biotech world are already researching how mRNA therapies could also be used to treat diseases including Lyme disease, ebola, influenza and HIV. Watch this space!
Clearly it’s a very exciting time to be working in the medical space, so get in touch with our expert consultants today if you’re interested in embarking on a new career within healthcare.