Latest news with #antiinflammatory


Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Beauty heroes: Dr Barbara Sturm
There are few names as well known in the beauty world as Dr Barbara Sturm. The German doctor has spent her career redefining the skincare world with her products, concentrating on formulas that target common skin concerns with her pioneering anti-inflammatory techniques. Sturm began her career as an orthopaedics specialist, studying at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf where she learnt about treatments to alleviate the inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. Together with her team she focused on finding ways to use the body's own proteins and healing factors to lower inflammation markers and tackle joint pain. This research led Sturm to consider how some of the techniques she'd been studying might be beneficial in the aesthetics world. She also concluded that inflammation was the biggest enemy of an anti-ageing routine. By 2014 Sturm had launched a full skincare line and in the years that followed she opened spas in London, New York, Miami and LA, which feature the brand's 300 products, all of which are available over the counter and formulated in such a way that each customer can find the right combination for their skin's needs. Sturm's line has a focus on 'molecular repair', which means that the products are designed to work on a cellular level to heal and repair the skin. The one she is possibly the most passionate about is her Hyaluronic Serum formulation. 'It is basically the 'white T-shirt' of your skincare routine. This is because it's the product you use every morning and every night, like your basics,' Sturm explained. 'We make [our Hyaluronic Serum] with the highest possible integrity, quality and efficacy.' Watch how Sturm and her team make her hero Hyaluronic Serum at their laboratory. Direction: Mona TehraniDOP: Camille GuillemainEdit: Laurène VanackerProduction: Sarah Barnes


Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Doctors sound alarm over anti-inflammatory drugs taken by millions that leave you open to deadly viral infections
Drugs were designed to banish discomfort and disease. But a new study has revealed that a class of common anti-inflammatory drugs may actually make people sicker. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) discovered that a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors can make the body vulnerable to viral infections. The medications work by blocking immune system proteins in the body that often lead to inflammation and pain. They are used to treat of a variety medical conditions suffered by millions globally, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, alopecia, and certain bone cancers. They are relatively new drugs, and the first JAK inhibitor, sold under the brand name Jakafi for cancer treatment, was only just approved by the FDA in 2011. However, there is now evidence suggesting these drugs - which are typically taken as pills - could help the flu, Covid-19 and other viruses infiltrate the body's immune system, potentially leading to severe infection. The scientists say this is because the drugs 'suppress an important immune signaling pathway that helps protect healthy cells from viral attacks.' The scientists found drugs in the class, such as baricitinib, which is sold under the brand name Olumiant for the treatment of alopecia - slow down the genes that respond to viruses. 'These genes play a crucial role in the body's response to viral infections,' said Aleksandr Ianevski, an NTNU researcher and co-author of the new paper. By stopping or slowing down this pathway, JAK inhibitors remove the body's 'antiviral shield'. This allows viruses to more easily gain a foothold in the body and spread. The researchers used advanced techniques in a lab to look at how JAK inhibitors impact organs and how viruses attack the body once they have been exposed. They examined cells from the lungs, eyes and brain, as well as laboratory-created mini-organs. Off the back of their findings Erlend Ravlo, a PhD research fellow at NTNU, said: 'Although JAK inhibitors are effective in the treatment of inflammation, this shows that they can pose a hidden risk for patients who have latent or active viral infections.' The findings suggest healthcare professionals should be cautious when prescribing JAK inhibitors, especially during viral outbreaks. Common side effects of the medications include headaches, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, acne, and elevated cholesterol. Meanwhile, rarer but more serious side effects include severe infections like pneumonia or shingles, damage to the stomach or intestines, and changes in blood cell counts. While the immunosuppressive effects of the drugs could be harmful, the researchers point out that it could be useful in controlled environments, such as in the development of vaccines or screening of antiviral drugs. 'We recommend further studies to better understand how the drugs can be used optimally, especially during virus outbreaks or pandemics,' says Ianevski. The researchers hope to increase awareness among doctors and researchers about the effects of these drugs to prevent patients from developing new illnesses. This is especially important for vulnerable patients, such as the elderly or individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. The findings were published in the medical journal, NAR Molecular Medicine.


Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katie Holmes cuts a trendy figure in a semi-sheer monochrome blouse as she attends Dr. Barbara Sturm's NYC pop-up launch amid ex Tom Cruise's new romance with Ana de Armas
cut a trendy figure as she arrived at Dr. Barbara Sturm's pop-up shop and launch party in Soho, New York, on Thursday. The American actress, 46, looked stunning in a semi-sheer black-and-white blouse by Brandon Maxwell as she posed confidently for the cameras. She paired the chic blouse with navy belted cargo trousers as she stormed the arrivals at the Anti-Inflammatory Haus: The Hydration Edition launch party. Katie, whose ex Tom Cruise has recently found love again with Anna de Armas, added height to her frame with pointed black heels. She completed her look with a dainty chain necklace and diamond hoop earrings, smiling warmly for the cameras. Her brunette tresses were styled in a sleek bun, and she wore a radiant make-up palette as she joined Dr. Barbara for several snaps outside the venue. Nicky Hilton, 41, also turned heads as she made a show-stopping entrance at the pop-up shop. The socialite looked effortlessly chic in a blue floral dress featuring a fitted bustier, a blue scarf, and a flowing skirt. She added inches to her frame with pointed light green heels and toted her essentials in a matching Hermès Kelly. Meanwhile, model Martha Hunt, 36, put on a leggy display in a silver asymmetric mini dress with lace trim by Nensi Dojaka, which she teamed with black stiletto heels. The event, running from May 16 to 18, offers an immersive experience in longevity through molecular science, anti-inflammatory skincare and lifestyle. Attendees join world-renowned anti-inflammatory pioneer Dr. Barbara, along with leading industry experts and special guests, for a unique takeover exploring skincare science, hydration, nutrition, movement and mindfulness. Katie's ex-husband, Tom Cruise, 62, has started romancing Ballerina actress Ana de Armas, 37, in recent weeks. Katie was famously married to Top Gun star Tom from 2006 until 2012. Her brunette tresses were styled in a sleek bun, and she wore a radiant makeup palette as she joined Dr. Barbara for several snaps outside the venue Tom and Ana were recently seen together in London and she has been seen taking rides in his private helicopter. Earlier this month, Tom and Ana were spotted flying into London together before her 37th birthday, and before that, they spent Valentine's Day together. In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Tom looked giddy as he piloted a helicopter into the UK capital with the brunette actress by his side. Daily Mail has learned that another one of his A-list exes has approved of the unlikely romance. Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, who dated the actor from 2001 to 2004, is 'happy' that her ex-boyfriend has found new love. Tom and Ana have been friends ever since they co-starred in the 2019 movie WASP Network. 'Ana has said that Penelope is happy for her, she approves,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'They know each other from the movie, and also they have friends in common in Madrid from when Ana lived there for a while.' 'Tom makes Ana feel safe and that is very important to her,' the insider added. 'She was flipped out by the fans and stalkers when living in Venice Beach [Los Angeles], so she moved to a remote part of Vermont.'