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Cardiovascular diseases are predominant health conditions across the world due to their rising prevalence and association with several disorders. Inclisiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy, lowers low density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C) by targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Its exact role in cardiovascular diseases is not fully understood. This review examines current usage of Inclisran for cardiovascular diseases. A detailed search of Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to identify relevant studies that investigated heart diseases using Inclisran. Data on study design, sample size, intervention details, and outcomes related to Inclisran were extracted and analyzed. As of 30 December 2024, there were 92 clinical trials on involving inclisiran found at clinicaltrials.gov. The investigation focused on studies that used inclisiran for cardiovascular diseases and found that limited clinical trials were identified with limited interventional measures. The final number of analyzed trials was 11. The follow-up duration ranged from 270 to 1,695 days with a total of 214,176 participants with a favorable safety profile and twice-yearly dosing after initial loading dose. The collective findings from these trials demonstrated effective LDL-C and PCSK9 lowering compared to baseline measurements. Most studies focused on LDL-C lowering rather than measuring cardiovascular outcomes. Although the studies showed inclisiran to lower LDL-C effectively, the evidence is still limited with regards to cardiovascular outcomes data. There is a need for real world studies addressing long-term safety, adherence and cost-effectiveness and therapeutic outcomes of combination therapy.

During the Hajj and Umrah seasons in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims tend to experience a higher frequency of various health conditions. Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and food poisoning are among the most prevalent ailments. To address these health concerns, community pharmacists (CPs) have developed standardized treatment protocols. Pharmacists' skills in medication dispensing, health consultations, and preventive care enhance pilgrims' well-being in challenging pilgrimage settings. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of CPs towards health conditions related to Hajj and Umrah in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia where the Hajj and Umrah are taking place. Between March and April 2023, an online cross-sectional study using Google form was carried out among CPs who work in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The study made use of a self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections that aimed to obtain information about the CPs' knowledge and attitudes towards health conditions related to Hajj and Umrah. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 (SPSS). A total of 496 CPs completed and returned the questionnaire, by giving a response rate of 99.2% (n = 500). Among them, 55.1% were aware of the necessary vaccines for Hajj and Umrah. Approximately 46.6% of CPs provided health-related advice to pilgrims. The most common health conditions experienced by pilgrims were diarrhea (59.5%), followed by flu and cough (58%), gastrointestinal diseases (39.4%), food poisoning (33.6%), viral fever, and heat stroke (24.4%). Regarding attitudes towards vaccination, 55.3% of CPs agreed that vaccination is safe for pilgrims aged 65 years and above, and 65.7% agreed that vaccination can help reduce medical costs during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Additionally, 61.1% of CPs recommended updating immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases for all travelers to ensure a safe Hajj and Umrah. The overall mean knowledge of CPs regarding vaccination during Hajj and Umrah was 4.739(2.49) (median = 5; Range = 0-9). However, 56.7% of CPs demonstrated good knowledge, while 43.3% reported poor knowledge regarding vaccination during Hajj and Umrah. The community pharmacists (CPs) in the Mecca region were found to have good knowledge, with more than half of them having positive attitudes about vaccination for Hajj and Umrah-related health conditions. It is crucial to enhance the knowledge and attitudes of CPs to provide better care and participate in reliable and supportive healthcare and counseling sessions for managing various health infections.

Background Developing critical thinking, research, and presentation skills is essential for healthcare professionals. Structured educational activities, such as Journal Clubs, provide valuable opportunities to enhance these competencies. These skills are particularly important in preparing for future pharmacists and providing them with up-to-date information. This study evaluates the learning outcomes, perceptions, and feedback of undergraduate pharmacy students participating in a Journal Club activity, focusing on differences between 3rd and 5th -year students. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 207 undergraduate pharmacy students from the 3rd and 5th years at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Students were paired, provided with structured guidelines, and tasked with analyzing and presenting research articles. Emphasis was placed on research related to the topics covered in the pharmacology or hospital pharmacy courses the students were taking in that semester. Data was collected via a validated survey covering general experience, learning outcomes, perceptions, and feedback. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s Exact Test, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Cronbach’s alpha, using RStudio (version 2024.9.1.394, Boston, MA, USA) with R version 4.4.2. Results A majority (89.4%) reported acquiring new knowledge, and 77.7% noted increased confidence in critically evaluating research. Fifth-year students reported higher critical thinking (58.4% vs. 42.3%, p  = 0.031) and presentation skills (72.7% vs. 50.8%, p  = 0.002). Strong correlations were observed between learning outcomes and perceptions ( R  = 0.743, p  < 0.001). Conclusion The Journal Club effectively promoted critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Differences between academic years highlight the need to adapt activities to student levels.

Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has emerged as an effective therapy for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Its dual-incretin mechanism may offer enhanced metabolic benefits compared with selective GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide. A structured narrative review of clinical trials, real-world observational studies, and contextual cardiovascular outcome analyses was conducted. Literature was sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov and relevant scientific databases to compare tirzepatide and semaglutide across weight, glycemic, cardiometabolic, and safety outcomes. Across completed head-to-head randomized trials, tirzepatide consistently achieved greater reductions in body weight, and HbA1c than semaglutide in individuals with obesity or T2DM. Semaglutide, however, has the most mature evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction, as demonstrated in the SUSTAIN-6, PIONEER-6, and SELECT trials. The SURPASS-CVOT trial established cardiovascular non-inferiority for tirzepatide compared with dulaglutide, alongside improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. Real-world studies reported heterogeneous cardiovascular outcomes. Tirzepatide demonstrates superior metabolic efficacy in direct comparative trials, whereas semaglutide currently has the strongest evidence for cardiovascular benefit. Treatment selection should be individualized based on clinical priorities and patient characteristics.

Introduction: Cardiac amyloidosis, primarily comprising transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) and light-chain amyloidosis with cardiac involvement (AL-cardiac), is an increasingly recognized contributor to the global heart failure burden. Management has shifted from supportive care to disease-modifying agents targeting specific stages of the amyloid cascade. This registry-based review qualitatively characterizes the current pharmacological clinical trial landscape through a registry-based analysis. Methods: A structured qualitative analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted for interventional trials registered between January 2015 and November 2025. Following PRISMA principles, studies were screened to include pharmacological interventions with explicit cardiac targeting while excluding neuropathy-dominant amyloidosis. Trial-level data regarding therapeutic classes, study phases, enrollment, and primary outcome domains were extracted and synthesized. Results: A total of 18 trials met the inclusion criteria (14 ATTR-CM; 4 AL-cardiac), representing a total enrollment of 4924 participants across 11 unique agents. Five therapeutic classes were identified: amyloid-clearing monoclonal antibodies (44.4% of trials), TTR silencers, TTR stabilizers, fibril-modifying agents, and cardiac phenotype-directed therapies. Monoclonal antibodies represented the largest class by both trial count and enrollment (3075 participants). Clinical events (n = 7) and safety/tolerability (n = 5) were the most frequent primary outcome domains. ATTR-CM trials dominated the landscape, accounting for 77.7% of the total study population, while parallel-group placebo-controlled designs were the most common study architecture (n = 10). Conclusions: The therapeutic landscape for cardiac amyloidosis is transitioning toward stage-specific, mechanism-based interventions. While ATTR-CM currently dominates research efforts, the expansion of silencers and monoclonal antibodies reflects an increasing capacity to intercept the amyloid cascade at distinct molecular checkpoints. However, significant heterogeneity in outcome measures and the shift toward diagnosing milder disease pose challenges for demonstrating clinical efficacy. Future priorities include standardized progression markers and addressing barriers to global access for these high-cost therapies.

New antithrombotic medications with less effect on haemostasis are needed for the long-term treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The platelet receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) is critical in atherothrombosis, mediating platelet activation at atherosclerotic plaque. The inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) has been shown to block GPVI-mediated platelet function. The aim of our study was to investigate if the Syk inhibitor fostamatinib could be repurposed as an antiplatelet drug, either alone or in combination with conventional antiplatelet therapy. The effect of the active metabolite of fostamatinib (R406) was assessed on platelet activation and function induced by atherosclerotic plaque and a range of agonists in the presence and absence of the commonly used antiplatelet agents aspirin and ticagrelor. The effects were determined ex vivo using blood from healthy volunteers and aspirin- and ticagrelor-treated patients with ACS. Fostamatinib was also assessed in murine models of thrombosis. R406 mildly inhibited platelet responses induced by atherosclerotic plaque homogenate, likely due to GPVI inhibition. The anti-GPVI effects of R406 were amplified by the commonly-used antiplatelet medications aspirin and ticagrelor; however, the effects of R406 were concentration-dependent and diminished in the presence of plasma proteins, which may explain why fostamatinib did not significantly inhibit thrombosis in murine models. For the first time, we demonstrate that the Syk inhibitor R406 provides mild inhibition of platelet responses induced by atherosclerotic plaque and that this is mildly amplified by aspirin and ticagrelor.

Background: People with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing pharmacy services, including physical inaccessibility, communication challenges, and inadequate pharmacist training. These barriers often result in poor healthcare outcomes, which lead to a decline in the provided services. Objective: To explore hospital pharmacists’ experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving pharmacy services for individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with fifteen hospital pharmacists selected through purposive sampling. Participants had to have had at least 5 years of experience and direct interaction with disabled patients. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and insights. An inductive thematic analysis approach was employed. Results: The analysis revealed five key themes: (1) physical inaccessibility of pharmacy infrastructure, (2) communication barriers, (3) training needs, (4) the role of assistive technologies, and (5) proposed service improvements. Technology was recognized as a facilitator, with tools such as Braille medication labels, automated dispensing systems, and mobile health applications identified as potential solutions. Participants also proposed structural modifications, mandatory training programs, and dedicated service pathways to address identified challenges. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach that integrates infrastructure redesign, targeted training, technological solutions, and inclusive healthcare policies. Conclusion: Improving pharmacy services for individuals with disabilities requires structural, educational, and technological interventions to enhance accessibility, communication, and service delivery. Implications for Research and Practice: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities when accessing pharmacy services and offer actionable recommendations for improvement. From a practical perspective, healthcare institutions should prioritize mandatory disability‐awareness and communication training programs for pharmacists, focusing on skills such as sign language, assistive technology use, and inclusive communication strategies. Structural modifications to pharmacy infrastructure, including lowered counters, wider aisles, and accessible shelving, are essential to ensure physical accessibility. In addition, the integration of assistive technologies, such as Braille labels, voice‐assisted mobile apps, and automated dispensing systems, can help address communication gaps and improve medication adherence. Dedicated service pathways for patients with disabilities can further enhance privacy, reduce waiting times, and ensure personalized care delivery. From a research perspective, future studies should explore the perspectives of patients with disabilities to complement pharmacists’ insights, employ mixed‐methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding, and conduct longitudinal studies to evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of training programs and technological interventions. Cross‐cultural comparative studies can also help identify universal challenges and region‐specific solutions. By addressing these implications, stakeholders—including healthcare institutions, policymakers, and educators—can collaboratively create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable pharmacy service environment for individuals with disabilities.

Childhood blindness is a significant global health concern, consistently identified in existing research as stemming from rare genetic and congenital disorders. With the technological advances of the 21 century which have positively impacted many areas of human life, healthcare included, recent advances in gene therapy and pharmacological interventions have served to spur clinical research in this area. The primary focus of the current study was to use data from ClinicalTrials.gov to carry out a preliminary exploration and and descriptive analysis of clinical trials focusing on the treatment of childhood blindness. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from ClinicalTrials.gov. The initial search for data in ClinicalTrials.gov yielded a total of 110 studies under blindness-related conditions. Upon further cross-examination of these studies based on the inclusion criteria, only five interventional trials (published between 2012 and 2023) specifically targeting childhood blindness met the inclusion criteria and were therefore included. Key trial characteristics studied conditions, intervention types, outcome measures, study phases, and enrollment sizes were extracted and analyzed descriptively. Across the five included trials, a majority of trials investigated rare genetic conditions, including Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Wolfram Syndrome, and Osteoporosis Pseudoglioma. On interventions, the most commonly used approaches for handling childhood blindness include gene therapy vectors like AAV RPE65, antisense oligonucleotides like QR-110, and repurposed pharmacological agents such as lithium and dantrolene sodium. All studies included children within their target populations, and most were early-phase (Phase 1/2) trials with small sample sizes (11-26 participants). Primary outcomes focused on safety, while secondary outcomes assessed visual function and biochemical changes. Although limited in number, current clinical trials represent a promising shift toward targeted therapies for childhood blindness. The dominance of early-phase studies highlights the need for expanded, multicenter, and later-phase trials. Future research should aim to improve trial accessibility, standardize outcome measures, and ensure ethical conduct in pediatric populations.

Frailty, a condition characterized by diminished physiological reserves, is a significant public health concern globally, particularly due to its association with adverse outcomes such as hospitalization, dependence, and mortality. Despite the importance of early detection and prevention, public awareness about frailty remains insufficient, especially in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to assess public awareness of frailty and its association with disability, focusing on the socio-demographic factors that influence awareness. A cross-sectional study design was employed with 1000 participants from urban and rural regions of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding frailty awareness, particularly around its prevention strategies. A total of 1000 respondents participated in the survey. The majority of participants were males aged 18 to 39. The results indicated significant predictors of frailty awareness, including gender, education level, income, health status, and self-rated health. Frailty preventive techniques were more likely to be known by men, those with greater education, higher income, and better health. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health campaigns to improve awareness, especially among underrepresented groups. Addressing socio-demographic factors in future interventions may reduce frailty risks and support health promotion and prevention efforts in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Substance abuse is a major public health issue, particularly among university students. Understanding students’ knowledge and attitudes toward substance abuse is important for designing educational and preventive strategies, helping early intervention efforts, supporting mental health services, and ensuring culturally suitable programming. Objective: This study aimed to assess university students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding substance abuse and to identify demographic and educational factors associated with these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 745 university students from various academic disciplines. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes related to substance abuse. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and regression tests. Results: The sample included 50.5% males and 49.5% females, with the majority aged 18–21 years (58.0%). Most participants had heard of substance abuse (91.7%) and recognized its association with chronic disease (97.3%). Knowledge scores varied significantly on the basis of academic background and prior exposure to awareness programs. Attitudes toward substance abuse were mixed, with a notable proportion of students perceiving potential benefits in certain contexts. A weak, non-significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.068, p = 0.064). Conclusion: Although students showed generally good knowledge about substance abuse, variations in understanding and attitudes were obvious across demographic and educational subgroups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted, context-specific educational interventions to address misconceptions and improve preventive awareness. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of such interventions on students’ attitudes and behaviors.