Ampicillin-Sulbactam Versus Third-Generation Cephalosporins in Aspiration Pneumonia: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 549,000 patients hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia in Japan between 2010 and 2022, using the national inpatient DPC database. Patients treated with ampicillin–sulbactam experienced significantly lower in-hospital mortality—14.6% versus 16.4%—and a reduced incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection—2.0% versus 2.8%—compared to those receiving third-generation cephalosporins (primarily ceftriaxone and cefotaxime). Full Access: Respiratory Medicine
FDA Greenlights Tonmya for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) has been approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia in adults—the first new treatment option for the condition in over 15 years. In two Phase III clinical trials (RELIEF and RESILIENT), Tonmya significantly reduced daily pain scores and was generally well tolerated. The novel sublingual formulation is designed for bedtime use, enabling rapid absorption by bypassing first-pass metabolism. Common side effects included oral numbness, abnormal taste, somnolence, and fatigue. Full Access: Rheumatology Advisor
Lyme Disease Biobank: 10 Years of 3 Month Follow-Up Visits from 2014 to 2023
A 10-year prospective study of early Lyme disease patients revealed that the standard two-tiered serologic test (STTT) often fails to detect early infection, and IgG seroconversion after antibiotic treatment is rare. Approximately 21% of participants continued to experience symptoms—such as joint pain, fatigue, and muscle aches—three months after receiving antibiotics, yet only 35% of those with ongoing symptoms sought further care. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to follow up proactively after treatment and consider re-treatment when symptoms persist, to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of Lyme disease. Full access: Frontier
Safety And Immunogenicity of Investigational Tuberculosis Vaccine M72/AS01E–4 in People Living with HIV in South Africa: An Observer-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled, Phase 2 Trial
The phase 2 trial in South Africa evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the investigational tuberculosis vaccine M72/AS01E in people living with HIV. Results showed that the vaccine was well tolerated and had a favorable safety profile, with no significant safety concerns identified. Importantly, it induced a robust and sustained immune response in this population, suggesting that M72/AS01E could be a promising tool for TB prevention among people with HIV, a group at particularly high risk for developing active disease. Full Access: Lancet