Posts by: Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

February 4, 2021February 4, 2021

Treatment With Ciprofloxacin Antibiotics Found to Reduce Exacerbations

News

Treatment with the inhaled antibiotic ciprofloxacin can reduce the frequency of exacerbations, or sudden disease flare-ups, in people with bronchiectasis, a new analysis indicates. The findings were published in the Internal ... Read more

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) Linked to Disease Severity in Study

News

People with bronchiectasis have lower-than-normal numbers of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in their blood, a study suggests. The results indicate a link between low EPC activity and greater disease severity. ... Read more

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

Phase 3 ASPEN Trial Testing Brensocatib Now Recruiting; First Patient Dosed

News

The first participant has been dosed in ASPEN, a Phase 3 trial — now recruiting patients — that is evaluating the investigational medication brensocatib in people with non-cystic fibrosis (CF) ... Read more

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020

Being Underweight Linked to Poorer Lung Function in Bronchiectasis Patients in US Study

News

Being underweight is linked to poorer lung function in people with bronchiectasis, but not to increased risk of hospitalization or death, a new U.S. study indicates. The study, “Nutrition and ... Read more

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

NORD Hosting ‘RareLaunch’ Workshops to Help Start Rare Disease Non-profits

News, syndicated

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations ... Read more

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020

Telehealth ‘Helpful’ Alternative to In-person Care, Rare Disease Patients Say

News, syndicated

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series ... Read more

September 28, 2020September 28, 2020

Mild, Severe Bronchiectasis Linked to Different Airway Bacteria, Study Finds

News

People with severe bronchiectasis have different bacteria living in their airways than do patients with mild cases of the lung disease, a new study indicates. The findings also suggest a ... Read more

August 28, 2020August 28, 2020

Protein May Help Monitor Inflammation During, After Bronchiectasis Exacerbations

News

Levels of the inflammatory molecule interleukin-17a (IL-17a) are increased during and after severe exacerbations of bronchiectasis, indicating that it might be an effective marker of systemic inflammation in these patients, a ... Read more

August 21, 2020August 21, 2020

Dry Powder Inhaled Antibiotics Safe, Effective for Bronchiectasis, Study Suggests

News

Inhaled antibiotics in dry powder formulations are safe and effective in people with bronchiectasis, a study suggests. The study, “Inhaled Dry Powder Antibiotics in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: Efficacy and ... Read more

August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

Vest Therapy Lowers Risk of Hospitalization in Non-CF Bronchiectasis, Study Says

News

One year of vest therapy with high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) can reduce the risk of hospitalization and the use of antibiotics, while improving self-reported respiratory health in people ... Read more