Publications by authors named "J Kevin Dunbar"

Orally bioavailable, synthetic nonpeptide agonists (NPAs) of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) may offer an effective, scalable pharmacotherapy to address the metabolic disease epidemic. One of the first molecules in the emerging class of GLP-1R NPAs is orforglipron, which is in clinical development for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here, we characterized the pharmacological properties of orforglipron in comparison with peptide-based GLP-1R agonists and other NPAs.

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That people with serious mental illness have poor physical health and face a significant life expectancy gap compared with the general population is well known. Despite considerable policy focus in some countries, the gap in life expectancy remains. Tackling complex and persistent health problems such as this requires a systems-based approach, recognising the complexity of interacting components and their effects on the problem and on each other and applying collaborative analysis, design and implementation by those with knowledge of and expertise in the problem and the context.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Zuranolone is a new oral treatment for postpartum depression, explored in a trial assessing its cognitive effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics when taken alone or with alprazolam or ethanol.
  • - In the study, participants showed small-to-moderate cognitive decline when taking zuranolone, with greater declines observed when it was combined with alprazolam or ethanol.
  • - Despite the cognitive effects, the study found no significant pharmacokinetic interactions between zuranolone and the other substances, though prescribers should note the heightened risk of CNS depression when used together.
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Article Synopsis
  • Zuranolone is a medication that affects GABA receptors in the brain and could influence activities that require focused thinking, like driving.
  • In a study involving 67 healthy adults, participants were given either zuranolone or a placebo, and their driving performance was measured using a simulator, focusing on how much the car swerved (standard deviation of lateral position, SDLP).
  • Results showed that zuranolone significantly impaired driving performance and cognitive abilities shortly after dosing, with effects persisting even after a week of treatment, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing the drug.
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