Latest news with #GnRH
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Puberty occurring at an unusually early age
Sara was only seven when her mother noticed something unusual – her daughter had started developing breasts and even had her first period. This caught the family by surprise. Isn't puberty supposed to start later? Worried, they came to see me. Sara's story is one many parents might find unfamiliar but is important to understand. When children start puberty too early – before age eight in girls and before age nine in boys – it's called precocious puberty. What happens during puberty? Puberty is a time of big changes. The brain tells the body to start producing hormones that help children grow taller, develop breasts or testicles, grow body hair, and eventually become capable of reproduction. The main hormone messenger in this process is a chemical in the brain called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It signals the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) to release two key hormones: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These in turn stimulate the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys to produce estrogen and testosterone, the hormones responsible for the visible changes of puberty. Normally, girls start puberty between eight and 13 years, while boys begin between nine and 14 years. But when this process begins too soon, children face unique physical and emotional challenges. When precocious puberty strikes, boys might feel pressured to behave in a more mature way than they're ready for. — Pixabay Signs to watch for How do you know if your child may be entering puberty early? Here are some common signs: In girls: > Breast development before the age of eight > Menstrual bleeding before the age of 10 > Rapid growth or 'growth spurts' > Pubic or underarm hair > Acne or oily skin > Body odour similar to that of a teenager. In boys: > Enlargement of the testicles or penis before age nine > Deepening of the voice > Muscle growth > Facial, underarm, or pubic hair > Acne and body odour. In both boys and girls, a noticeable increase in height over a short period may be one of the first signs parents pick up on. Sometimes these signs can be subtle at first. If you're unsure, speak to your child's doctor. Why does early puberty happen? In most girls, early puberty is due to the brain starting the hormone process too early. This is called central precocious puberty (CPP), and in many cases, there is no identifiable cause – it just happens. However, if the onset is very young before six years or in boys, it is likely to be caused by a medical issue, such as a problem in the brain, a tumour, or another hormonal disorder. Less commonly, precocious puberty can be peripheral – meaning the hormone changes start outside the brain. This could be due to problems with the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes, and is not triggered by the usual brain hormones. Other known factors that may play a role in triggering early puberty include: > Brain abnormalities or tumours, especially in very young children > Previous radiation or trauma to the brain > Congenital conditions, such as hypothalamic hamartoma > Obesity, which is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor > Family history of early puberty > Environmental exposures to hormone-disrupting chemicals. What are endocrine disruptors? Parents should be aware of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are substances that can interfere with the body's hormone systems. Some are found in plastics especially bisphenol A (BPA), cosmetics, fragrances, pesticides and even some foods e,g, plant-based estrogen known as phytoestrogen. For example, certain essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil have been linked – though not conclusively – to hormone effects in children. Creams or supplements bought over the counter or online may also contain undisclosed hormones. While the science and evidence is still evolving, it's best to reduce unnecessary exposure to products that may contain hormones or hormone-like compounds, especially in young children. How is early puberty evaluated? If your child is showing early signs of puberty, the next step is to consult a paediatric endocrinologist – a doctor who specialises in hormone issues in children. Here's what you can expect during an evaluation: > A detailed medical and family history, including growth patterns, timing of puberty in parents and any medications or exposures > A physical examination to assess the stage of puberty and growth rate > Blood tests to measure hormone levels (LH, FSH, estrogen or testosterone, and other related hormones) > Bone age X-ray of the left hand and wrist to see how much a child's bones have matured > Pelvic ultrasound in some girls to assess the uterus and ovaries, or testicular ultrasound in boys if needed > Pituitary MRI in certain cases (especially in boys or girls under six years, or those with rapid progression) to look for brain abnormalities. What problems can early puberty cause? One major concern with precocious puberty is shorter adult height. Children grow quickly at first, but their bones also mature faster. This can lead to the growth plates closing earlier than usual, limiting final height. There are also emotional and psychological challenges. Children who develop earlier than peers may feel different, embarrassed or self-conscious. Girls may struggle with body image or unwanted attention. Boys might feel pressured to behave in a more mature way than they're ready for. These feelings can affect self-esteem, social development and even school performance. Can early puberty be treated? Yes! The good news is that precocious puberty can be managed effectively. The main treatment for central precocious puberty is with GnRH analogues – medications that 'switch off' the puberty hormones by blocking the signals from the brain. These medications are usually given as intramuscular injections, typically once a month or every three to six months, depending on the preparation used. These medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, and once they are stopped (usually around the normal age of puberty), the body resumes puberty naturally. Side effects such as sterile abscess at the injection sites are reported but uncommonly. Treatment helps preserve height potential and gives children more time to grow physically and emotionally before entering adolescence. Any underlying causes or contributing factors must also be addressed. A paediatric endocrinologist considers treatment based on: > The child's age > How fast the puberty is progressing > Bone age and predicted adult height > The child's emotional readiness and how they're coping. Sara's journey Sara began treatment soon after her diagnosis. Her hormone levels were consistent with early puberty, and her bone age showed advanced maturity compared to her actual age. With three-monthly injections and regular follow-up, her puberty progression slowed, and her growth pattern stabilised. More importantly, she had the time to adjust emotionally and her confidence returned. With the support of her family, Sara started feeling like a kid again. So, if you suspect your child might be going through puberty too early, trust your instincts. Seek medical advice early – because early diagnosis can make a big difference in your child's growth, emotional health and long-term well-being. Remember: > Not all early signs mean your child has precocious puberty or needs treatment, but it's worth getting checked > Treatment is available and effective > Support from parents and clear information can help your child feel safe and understood. And finally, be mindful of the products your child is exposed to – avoid unnecessary fragrances, creams, oils or supplements that may contain hormone-like substances. With awareness, early action, and the right care, children with precocious puberty can go on to thrive – just like Sara. Dr Jeanne Wong Sze Lyn is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Korea Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
TiumBio and Daewon Pharmaceutical Successfully Complete Phase 2 Clinical Trial of 'Merigolix (TU2670/DW4902)' for Uterine Fibroids
SEONGNAM, South Korea, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TiumBio (KRX: a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for patients with rare and incurable disease, today announced that Merigolix (code name: TU2670, Daewon's code name: DW4902) has successfully met the primary endpoint of reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in a Phase 2 clinical trial for uterine fibroids. In this trial, Merigolix demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all dosage groups compared to placebo in patients with uterine fibroids. Merigolix is an investigational, once-daily, oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike traditional GnRH agonists, which require injection and often lead to an initial hormone surge, Merigolix offers a more patient-friendly oral administration without an initial hormonal flare, providing a faster onset of action and improved treatment adherence. The Phase 2 clinical trial of Merigolix in uterine fibroids was conducted by TiumBio's partner, Daewon Pharmaceutical, and enrolled a total of 71 women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Participants were randomly assigned to receive high, medium, or low doses of Merigolix, or placebo, administered orally once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period. The results showed that Merigolix led to statistically significant improvements in heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)—a validated clinical endpoint—across all dosage groups compared to the placebo. In addition to the primary endpoint, Merigolix demonstrated statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in several key secondary endpoints, including fibroid size reduction, increased hemoglobin levels (indicating improved anemia), and relief of pelvic pain. The safety and tolerability profile of Merigolix was consistent with prior clinical data, with no new safety signs. The mechanism of action of Merigolix can be used in various disorders, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ART, precocious puberty, and prostate cancer. Notably, in a separate Phase 2 clinical trial for endometriosis completed in 2024, Merigolix also showed excellent therapeutic efficacy and safety, further reinforcing its potential as a promising new treatment. "We are very excited that Merigolix has demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy not only in endometriosis but also in uterine fibroids," said Hun-Taek Kim, Ph.D., MBA, CEO of TiumBio. "successfully achieving both efficacy and safety in Phase 2 significantly increases the probability of regulatory approval and licensing opportunities. We plan to accelerate development and expand into the global uterine fibroid treatment market," he added. "Uterine fibroids are a condition that causes significant suffering for many women, and we believe Merigolix has the potential to become an important new oral treatment that addresses this unmet medical need," said Jonathan In Baek, President of Daewon Pharmaceutical. "We are pleased with the positive results in uterine fibroids and will continue our efforts to provide patients with a convenient and effective new treatment option," he continued. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus, primarily affecting women of reproductive age, particularly those in their 30s and older. The condition has a high prevalence rate of approximately 20% among women over the age of 35. The most common symptom is heavy menstrual bleeding, but it can also cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and anemia. Meanwhile, TiumBio entered into a licensing agreement with Daewon Pharmaceutical in 2019, granting Daewon the rights to develop and commercialize Merigolix in South Korea. About TiumBio Co., Ltd. TiumBio (KRX: is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for patients with rare and incurable diseases. Its mission is to expand the hope and happiness of mankind through our science. TiumBio has three leading pipeline assets: Merigolix (code name: TU2670), TU2218, and TU7710, all in various stages of clinical development. Merigolix is a once-daily, oral GnRH receptor antagonist being developed for the treatment of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and assisted reproductive technology. TU2218 is a first-in-class oral immune-oncology therapy targeting TGF-β and VEGF pathways to promote response rates in cancer patients when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. TU7710 is a novel rFVIIa designed to extend its half-life in order to provide more clinical benefits to hemophilia patients with inhibitors. With its expertise in drug development, TiumBio is committed to the discovery and development of innovative treatments to ease the burden of debilitating diseases. For further information, visit our website at and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TiumBio and Daewon Pharmaceutical Successfully Complete Phase 2 Clinical Trial of 'Merigolix (TU2670
Primary Endpoint Met: Statistically significant reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding achieved in all dosage of Merigolix groups compared to placebo Broader Therapeutic Potential: Positive Phase 2 results in both uterine fibroids and endometriosis could place Merigolix as a strong best-in-class candidate for novel drug approval and global licensing opportunities Multi-Indication Development: Clinical trials are underway for three indications enhancing the asset value-uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and assisted reproductive technology (ART), the latter in collaboration with Hansoh Pharma in China SEONGNAM, South Korea, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TiumBio (KRX: a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for patients with rare and incurable disease, today announced that Merigolix (code name: TU2670, Daewon's code name: DW4902) has successfully met the primary endpoint of reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in a Phase 2 clinical trial for uterine fibroids. In this trial, Merigolix demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all dosage groups compared to placebo in patients with uterine fibroids. Merigolix is an investigational, once-daily, oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike traditional GnRH agonists, which require injection and often lead to an initial hormone surge, Merigolix offers a more patient-friendly oral administration without an initial hormonal flare, providing a faster onset of action and improved treatment adherence. The Phase 2 clinical trial of Merigolix in uterine fibroids was conducted by TiumBio's partner, Daewon Pharmaceutical, and enrolled a total of 71 women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Participants were randomly assigned to receive high, medium, or low doses of Merigolix, or placebo, administered orally once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period. The results showed that Merigolix led to statistically significant improvements in heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)—a validated clinical endpoint—across all dosage groups compared to the placebo. In addition to the primary endpoint, Merigolix demonstrated statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in several key secondary endpoints, including fibroid size reduction, increased hemoglobin levels (indicating improved anemia), and relief of pelvic pain. The safety and tolerability profile of Merigolix was consistent with prior clinical data, with no new safety signs. The mechanism of action of Merigolix can be used in various disorders, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ART, precocious puberty, and prostate cancer. Notably, in a separate Phase 2 clinical trial for endometriosis completed in 2024, Merigolix also showed excellent therapeutic efficacy and safety, further reinforcing its potential as a promising new treatment.
Business Insider
06-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
A woman was diagnosed with colon cancer at 31. She had unexplained abdominal pain for years and cycled through multiple diets.
For years, Naiké Vorbe tried to ease her abdominal pain. A dietitian advised her to cut gluten and lactose, but nothing worked. Stomach discomfort wasn't new for her: throughout most of her adult life, she cycled from being constipated to having diarrhea. "I was constantly one or the other," Vorbe, 42, told Business Insider. When she was pregnant with her second child, she saw a gynecologist. Her bowel movements were explained away as common pregnancy symptoms. Then the pain intensified. After she gave birth to her daughter, "going to the bathroom was more excruciating for me than giving birth," Vorbe said. She kept touching her stomach, knowing that something was wrong. Lying down, she felt a lump. Shortly after, Vorbe, who lived in Haiti, booked an appointment with a GI. He immediately told her to fly to Miami from Haiti and see a specialist for colon cancer at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. At 31, two months after giving birth, Vorbe was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer. Fighting for her fertility In 2014, a few weeks after her colonoscopy revealed a malignant tumor, Vorbe underwent surgery to get part of her colon removed. Months later, the cancer spread to her liver. Vorbe had no idea what her immediate future would look like. She had a six-year-old daughter and a newborn back in Haiti, along with the rest of her family. Her then-fiancé (now husband), a film director, was traveling a lot for his first movie. She said she asked her doctor to end her chemotherapy appointments on Thursdays, so she could fly back to Haiti on Friday and stay through Monday to be with her older daughter for the next 10 days. Then, she'd repeat the process. Zooming out even more, she was concerned about how chemotherapy would affect her fertility. She wanted more kids, so she asked her doctor if she'd be able to have children after treatment. She said he told her that saving her life was the priority. "But for my life to be worth it, I need the answer to this," Vorbe told him. He connected her to a gynecologist who administered a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) every month, which temporarily suppressed ovary function and reduced the risk of chemotherapy-induced infertility. Vorbe described him as a "big angel" in her life. "Every ball I threw at him, he worked with me," she said. She did 12 rounds of chemotherapy. After her 4th, she was scheduled to have part of her liver removed. She took a break from chemo for a few weeks to recover, marrying her husband back in Haiti. When she returned, the tumor on her liver was gone. The part was still removed out of caution, but when it was dissected, no traces of cancer could be found. Vorbe wanted to quit chemotherapy earlier, now that the tumors were gone. Her doctor insisted on 12 cycles, to give her the best chance of long-term survival. Dr. Daniel Sussman, Vorbe's physician and a gastroenterologist at the University of Miami Health System, told BI that in 2014, when Vorbe was treated, 12 cycles of chemo was "probably considered what was necessary" to increase the likelihood of successful treatment. An underlying genetic risk As a child, Vorbe remembers having unexplained stomach pain. Her father would take her to the doctor to be tested for worms and parasites. When she developed the lump in her abdomen as an adult, a gynecologist initially told her to try an enema. "I was overlooked and pushed to the side because I was so young, I looked healthy," she said. Additionally, she said discussions around bowel movements are taboo in Haitian culture. "You don't really speak about gastrointestinal issues." When she was diagnosed with colon cancer, she took a recommended gene panel and learned she had Lynch syndrome, a symptomless genetic condition that raises the risk of developing colon cancer. She wondered if her grandmother, who died at 48, had it, too. "Nobody ever understood that's what happened to her," Vorbe said. Sussman, who specializes in Lynch syndrome and was involved in diagnosing Vorbe, said that because the field of genetics is so young, entire families may have unknown genetic predispositions for certain cancers. Naiké "ended up being that first person in the family to undergo that genetic evaluation," he said. Her mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer earlier Vorbe, now a mom of five, has been in remission for 10 years. As a former colon cancer patient, she gets the recommended yearly colonoscopies. She also gets an endoscopy every two years, as Lynch syndrome puts her at risk of developing other cancers. She said learning about Lynch syndrome not only helped her understand her diagnosis better. It also helped her mom, who carries the same genetic risk, to get diagnosed with uterine cancer early. Her mother had a polyp in her uterus that was left alone because it hadn't grown over the years. When she told her gynecologist that Vorbe had Lynch syndrome and was being treated for colon cancer, her doctor immediately scheduled a biopsy. Vorbe's mother was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer and had her uterus removed. Vorbe said her family is what kept her going through treatments. She remembers thinking "There's no way I can die: I have these two beautiful little girls right in front of me. I want to see them grow up." Despite being over a two-hour flight away, her family buoyed her throughout her recovery. Her godmother flew with her to her first chemo appointment. Her cousins flew to Miami to be in the house after the appointment, to cheer her up. In Haiti, her sister-in-law would care for Vorbe's baby overnight, then bring her to Vorbe in the morning. "I had so much love and light around me, it just carried me," Vorbe said.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
We all go through it, but what is adolescence really?
The Netflix mini-series Adolescence is very interesting. So many emotions go through the young kids at that age. What age would be considered adolescence? Thirteen or 14 years of age? Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence to be anyone from the ages of 10 to 19. A young person is defined as anyone from the ages of 10 to 24. Adolescence is considered a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is a particularly important period because there are many changes in the child's body and brains. Adolescents can go through many physical, social, psychological, cognitive and intellectual issues. It is also considered a time when they develop their own ethics and morals, as well as identities – some better than others. Adolescents also start to become more independent from their parents. Some adolescents and parents find this period very trying! What physical changes do adolescents go through? I barely remember those years in my own teenage years, except that I grew very tall suddenly. Adolescents go through puberty. If you are an adult now, you may remember going through it yourself. During puberty, the hypothalamus in your brain releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in pulses. GnRH then stimulates your pituitary gland, which is connected to your hypothalamus, to release the luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH act on different organs depending on whether you are male or female. In girls, LH and FSH stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen, the female sex hormone. This causes your breasts to develop, widens your hips and starts the menstruation cycle. For girls, breasts and pubic hair develop first. Two years or so later, they will begin to menstruate for the first time. In boys, LH and FSH act on the testicles to produce testosterone, the male sex hormone. This results in the development of facial hair, deepens their voices and increases their muscle mass. Their penises grow and they begin to experience ejaculation. Why did I get my growth spurt then? Your growth spurt is caused by the growth hormone, which is also produced by the pituitary gland as part of the pubertal process. Other hormones are then stimulated by the growth hormone, such as Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and adrenal hormones like androgens, which lead to the growth of pubic and underarm hair, body odour and acne. In girls, progesterone is also produced to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Once oestrogen and progesterone are produced, and menses commence, the adolescent girl can get pregnant. In puberty, you will grow rapidly in height and weight. I remember being smaller than my sister at puberty. We were both very close to each other's ages. Girls experience growth spurts at a younger age compared to boys. Girls have growth spurts between the ages of 10 to 14, while boys have it at ages 14 to 17. It is common to go to a class of girls and boys when they are 10 to 14 years old, and see the girls taller and bigger than the boys! Another issue is that some adolescents become bigger than others in the same class, and this may lead to bullying. Does the adolescent's brain develop during this time too? Yes, even the brain goes through a development spurt. Adolescents can now deal with more complex and sophisticated thoughts, including abstract possibilities involving the future, reasoning, creativity, problem-solving and decision-making. This is because the nerve cells, known as neurons, grow rapidly and connect more. But the frontal lobe in the brain develops last. The frontal lobe controls planning, impulses, judgment and prioritisation. It finishes development and maturation only in the mid- to late 20s. That is why your adolescent or teenager may not exhibit good judgment sometimes. When they are impulsive, the thought process is known as hot cognition, the opposite of cold cognition, which represents logic. Are adolescents more emotional? Sometimes. They begin to become more self-aware of their own emotions and other people's emotions, especially their classmates and social circles. Their self-esteem means a lot to them at this age, especially as they are self-conscious of their own bodies and appearances. They may also develop romantic, and even sexual, relationships; spend less time with their parents and more with their friends as they explore their independence; and/or feel more anxious or depressed than when they were children. These days, adolescents spend a lot of time on social media, which can be a negative influence. They can feel bad about themselves when comparing with their friends and social media influencers of around the same age, especially when many of these people only show what they want to show and much of it isn't even real. During this time, it would be good of parents to really be there for their adolescent, but remember not to helicopter-parent them. Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
