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Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.

Researchers are evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adding subcutaneous lunsekimig compared with placebo as treatment for adults aged 18 to 80 with high-risk asthma who currently do not qualify for biologic therapies. This Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focuses on participants with mild-to-moderate asthma diagnosed for over a year, who have had at least one asthma exacerbation in the previous year. The goal is to better understand lunsekimig's effects in this specific asthma population. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous injections of lunsekimig or placebo over approximately 52 weeks. Alongside this, they may continue using other asthma medications such as various inhaled treatments including fluticasone/salmeterol, budesonide/formoterol, budesonide/albuterol, or short-acting beta agonists. The study includes up to 18 visits throughout the treatment period, with some participants possibly continuing into a long-term safety (LTS) study lasting up to 60 weeks total. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments to monitor asthma control, lung function, and the rate of asthma exacerbations. The primary measurement is the annualized rate of asthma exacerbation events from baseline up to 52 weeks. Safety and tolerability will also be closely observed. The total study duration for most participants will be around 64 weeks if they do not enter the LTS study. Researchers will gather data through clinical visits, lung function tests, and ongoing safety monitoring to evaluate the treatment's impact and participant health throughout the trial.

Researchers are evaluating VE303, a live biotherapeutic product made of eight nonpathogenic bacterial strains, to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial aims to assess the safety and CDI recurrence rate at 8 weeks in participants receiving a 14-day course of VE303 or a matching placebo. The study includes two stages: one focusing on participants with recurrent CDI and the other on those with primary CDI at high risk of recurrence. Participants will receive either VE303 or placebo capsules that look identical and contain no active drug. The treatment lasts for 14 days, starting on the last planned day of standard antibiotic therapy for the qualifying CDI episode or within 2 days after completing antibiotics. Participants must have completed and responded to standard antibiotic treatment before receiving study medication. The study evaluates the effect of VE303 versus placebo on preventing CDI recurrence after antibiotic therapy. During the study, participants will be monitored through clinical evaluations to track CDI recurrence by Week 8, including stool samples tested for CDI. Safety and clinical response will be assessed throughout the study period. Participants are followed to ensure stability after the qualifying CDI episode and to monitor any complications or adverse events. The total participation duration includes treatment and follow-up through Week 8 to measure CDI recurrence rates and safety.