Margarida Maia, PhD,  science writer—

Margarida is a biochemist (University of Porto, Portugal) with a PhD in biomedical sciences (VIB and KULeuven, Belgium). Her main interest is science communication. She is also passionate about design and the dialogue between art and science.

Articles by Margarida Maia

Hydroxyurea may help ease sleep issues in children: Study

Hydroxyurea, an approved medication to reduce the frequency of pain crises associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), may ease sleep-disordered breathing in children, perhaps by reducing inflammation, according to a study conducted at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis. “Hydroxyurea therapy was associated with improved breathing…

Proof-of-concept study to test curcumin gel VAS-101 in SCD

Vascarta is launching a proof-of-concept Phase 1 clinical study to test its topical curcumin gel VAS-101 — which uses a component of turmeric — in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The experimental therapy, also known as Vascepto, is designed to be applied onto the skin. It contains curcumin,…

SCD patients face longer opioid overdose hospital stays: Study

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are hospitalized for opioid overdose have fewer serious complications than those without the condition, but face longer hospital stays, higher costs, and unique healthcare challenges that require specialized care, a study found. “A multidisciplinary approach to pain management, tailored to individual patient…

Oral AND017 granted orphan drug status for SCD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug status to Kind Pharmaceuticals’ investigational oral small molecule AND017 to treat sickle cell disease (SCD). This designation is granted to potential treatments for rare diseases, or those affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. It provides incentives like…