nephrology

Researchers have modified a bacterium to colonise the gut microbiota and treat kidney stones. They genetically engineered Phocaeicola vulgatus to make it able to break down oxalate molecules, a cause of recurrent kidney stones, and consume a specific nutrient called porphyrin. In mice and in preclinical trials in healthy people, this reduces oxalate levels, the authors report in the journal Science.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) safety committee (PRAC) has recommended a change to the information on codeine-ibuprofen combination medicines to include "a warning about serious harm, including death, especially when taken for prolonged periods at higher than recommended doses". The PRAC reviewed several cases of renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicity that had been reported in association with cases of abuse and dependence on these drugs.