Medical research is a field that has always been important and has always attracted investors, government bodies, and researchers. But as the world continues to look ahead at even better drugs and therapeutics to treat illnesses, for many, the thought of the next pandemic or major health emergency is on their minds. This is where medical research comes into the picture, looking at solutions not just for today but for the future.
Are you curious about the latest developments in medical research in the US? Here’s a look at some of the latest news.
mRNA Vaccinology Taking a Front Seat
There are plenty of medical research developments happening right now, but next-generation mRNA vaccinology has to be one of the top ? if not the most talked about platforms. This can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as mRNA vaccines became mainstream. They weren’t new technology but never before had they gotten that kind of exposure and use. For many in the medical research fields, it was an exciting step forward for the technology and the door has only just been opened.
Next-generation mRNA vaccinology is meant to explore its capabilities further and apply it in broad applications. There is focus right now on mRNA vaccines for the Zika virus and cancer. Helping to push this research along is the fact it’s relatively cost-effective, which is helpful in terms of meeting funding goals.
Gene Editing Technology Is Offering New Developments
For those involved in preclinical research and clinical gene therapy, it is incredibly important to have precise genome editing. In a nutshell, gene editing means researchers can change the DNA in an organism, so you can understand just how exciting and promising that can be.
Much of the research being done in this field right now focuses on cardiovascular diseases, viral infections, and metabolic disorders to name a few. This Cas-CLOVER gene-editing technology shows just how far things have come, and is helping researchers explore all kinds of potential solutions.
Women’s Health Issues are Getting Attention
Many women would argue that health issues affecting them have largely gone under-researched and under-acknowledged, which makes many excited to see the progress taking place. There is currently research being done on non-hormonal alternatives for menopause and postpartum depression treatment.
Statistics from the National Library of Medicine show that approximately one in seven women may develop PPD (postpartum depression). It can vary in severity and duration, and many currently go undiagnosed. When it comes to menopause, for many women, hormone therapy is a safe and recommended treatment option – but it isn’t right for everyone. And considering the negative symptoms of menopause and how impactful they can be, women are searching for help.
Many Other Developments in the Pipeline
This is just a small look at the many developments taking place in medical research in the US right now. It’s an exciting time to be a researcher, scientist, or working in the medical industry as a whole, as these developments offer glimmers of promise and hope.