The University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (CM) is the medical school of the University of the Philippines Manila, the oldest constituent university of the University of the Philippines System. Its establishment in 1905 antedates the foundation of the UP System and makes it one of the oldest medical schools in the country. The Philippine General Hospital, the national university hospital, serves as its teaching hospital.During World War II it is said[by whom?] that the College of Medicine was the only unit of the University of the Philippines System that continued its operations. Thus the Dean of the college then concurrently served as the President of the system.
In Southeast Asia (SEA), healthcare resources, infrastructure, and access to therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain limited compared to other parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Many SEA countries continue to face delays in diagnosis, fragmented care pathways, and limited representation in international research. Beyond health system challenges, ALS in SEA may also differ biologically. Emerging studies suggest that genetic variants and clinical phenotypes in Asian populations are not fully mirrored in Western cohorts. In this report, the authors summarize their country-specific background and status of care in ALS as well as their consensus on future strategies and actions. Key short- and long-term strategies are proposed, highlighting the critical need for regional collaboration and patient engagement to advance ALS care and research in the region.
Background Premature termination of cardiovascular trials undermines evidence generation and wastes resources. Objectives The objective of the study was to evaluate trends, predictors, and recruitment adequacy among prematurely terminated cardiovascular trials. Methods We analyzed adult cardiovascular trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (2000-2025). Trial characteristics, early termination, and reported reasons were extracted. Computed low recruitment was defined as actual enrollment <80% of target. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of termination. Results Among 19,191 trials, 2,202 (11.5%) were prematurely terminated. Low recruitment was the most common reported reason (946/2,202, 42.9%), yet 625/1,571 (39.9%) underenrolled trials did not report recruitment failure. Termination peaked in 2020 (155/1,033, 15.0%). Termination risk was the highest in early-phase trials (phases 1/2 or 2; 371/2,325, 16.0%) and lowest for behavioral/lifestyle interventions (146/2,998, 4.9%) and female-only trials (23/475, 4.8%). In multivariable analysis, small sample size (1-100 participants; OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.98-3.80) and later-phase trials (phase 2/3 or 3; OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.41-1.97) were associated with higher odds of termination, whereas behavioral/lifestyle interventions (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.32-0.49), crossover designs (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.42-0.65), and non-U.S. government funding (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.31-0.78) were protective. Conclusions More than 1 in 10 cardiovascular trials terminate early, most often due to poor recruitment, which is frequently under-reported. Improved feasibility assessment and transparent reporting are needed. (Trends and Predictors of Premature Termination of Cardiovascular Trials: A Systematic Review; CRD420251155096)
Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver condition. Incretin therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and emerging dual agonists, have shown promise in improving steatohepatitis. Objective This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of incretin therapies compared with standard therapies in patients with MASLD. Methods Systematic search of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) from database inception to August 2025 was done. Eligible RCTs enrolled adults with MASLD or biopsy-confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), comparing incretin therapies with placebo, oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs), or insulin. Outcomes were changes in liver enzymes, liver fat, and fibrosis resolution. Results Twenty-four RCTs (n=2,158) were included. Compared with placebo, incretin therapies reduced ALT (SMD -0.46; 95% CI -0.67 to -0.25), AST (SMD -0.41; 95% CI -0.66 to -0.17), and liver fat (SMD -0.55; 95% CI -1.38 to 0.27). When compared to insulin, ALT (SMD -1.02; 95% CI -1.98 to -0.05), AST (SMD -0.62; 95% CI -1.21 to -0.04), and liver fat (SMD -0.62; 95% CI -0.92 to -0.32) were significantly reduced. Incretin therapies improved non-invasive fibrosis markers. Steatohepatitis resolution was greater vs placebo but not insulin. Hepatic and steatohepatitis outcomes appeared greater among patients with diabetes. Conclusion Incretin therapies improve liver enzymes, reduce liver fat, and promote steatohepatitis resolution in MASLD with an acceptable safety profile. Benefits may be greater in patients with coexisting diabetes. Effects on histologic fibrosis remain inconclusive, underscoring the need for larger and longer trials.
