UF Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety

A new publication by CoDES faculty Dr. Tianze Jiao analyzes Medicare data to study how often patients with type 2 diabetes who use levothyroxine receive TSH testing after starting either a GLP-1 receptor agonist or an SGLT-2 inhibitor. The team examined more than 5,300 (latest updated) matched patients and found that TSH testing decreased in both groups during the year after treatment initiation, with about 17% (latest updated) patients receiving no test at all. Patterns of testing, including frequency and timing, were similar between the two medication groups, despite concerns that GLP-1–related weight loss could affect levothyroxine dosing and frequency of TSH testing. These findings highlight opportunities to improve monitoring practices for patients managing both thyroid disease and diabetes. https://lnkd.in/ei8uSz_E

A new publication from CoDES faculty and trainees Dr. Amie Goodin, Dr. Tianze Jiao, and Julia Yang, in collaboration with faculty in College of Medicine, evaluates user feedback from the MOMitor™ smartphone app, a digital health tool designed to help postpartum women track mental and physical health symptoms in real time, such as mood, incision healing, hypertension, and diabetes, and the app alerts clinic staff when follow-up may be needed. During the beta phase, 535 women used the app for six weeks postpartum and were invited to complete an exit survey. Among respondents, many reported using features like symptom assessments, mood tracking, and nurse communication. Participants valued the app’s convenience, real-time monitoring, and ability to support communication with clinicians. Overall, the study suggests that EMA-based smartphone apps like MOMitor™ can support postpartum health monitoring, though engagement varies across users. https://lnkd.in/e28-_DKQ 

CoDES faculty Dr. Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi was recently featured on CTV News to discuss her research on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study highlights the health risks of RSV for young children, finding that infants under 6 months old are most affected by the virus. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dKcBBdBc 

A new publication from CoDES faculty Dr. Stephan Schmidt examined whether using tramadol alongside certain antidepressants that inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme increases the risk of seizures in older nursing home residents. Using Medicare data from 2010–2021, researchers analyzed over 70,000 residents aged 65 and older who were taking both medications.   They found that residents using tramadol with CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressants had a higher rate of seizures compared to those taking CYP2D6-neutral antidepressants. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should carefully consider medication combinations in older adults to help reduce seizure risk.   https://lnkd.in/eyXRBcGw 

CoDES faculty Dr. Astha Singhal was recently funded a $2.2 million NIH R01 grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) to study how Medicaid coverage and dental utilization impact oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) outcomes. The study aims to understand whether access to preventive dental care and regular dental visits leads to earlier detection and better survival rates, while also helping to reduce health disparities. By linking clinical and Medicaid data, this work seeks to guide policy improvements that expand preventive dental services and improve cancer outcomes for vulnerable communities. https://lnkd.in/ehVFtrP6

A new publication by CoDES faculty Dr. Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi examined respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations and healthcare use among children in Canada between 2017 and 2023. Using national administrative and surveillance data, researchers identified 29,277 RSV-related hospitalizations, with infants younger than 6 months accounting for nearly 45% of cases. RSV incidence in this age group rose sharply, from 1,250 per 100,000 in 2017–2018 to 2,393 per 100,000 in 2022–2023. The average annual healthcare cost associated with RSV was $66.3 million CAD, nearly half of which was attributed to infants under 6 months. These findings highlight the significant health and economic impact of RSV in early infancy and the need for targeted prevention strategies in this population. https://lnkd.in/eN_RBVJV 

A new publication from CoDES faculty Dr. Larisa Cavallari highlights key challenges and lessons learned from implementing pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing in clinical practice. The study highlights barriers such as limited test reimbursement, knowledge gaps among patients and providers, and difficulties integrating PGx data into electronic health records. Drawing from early institutional experience, the authors describe practical strategies to address these issues. They note that broader adoption of PGx testing will require supportive policies, better EHR infrastructure, and sustainable reimbursement models. https://lnkd.in/euX8WCKq

CoDES faculty Dr. Steven Smith was recently funded $705,383 by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to analyze the effectiveness of ongoing natural experiments in telehealth.   This study uses a mixed-methods analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth and home blood pressure monitoring in managing uncontrolled blood pressure, particularly amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to assess utilization patterns, estimate causal effects on blood pressure control, and identify clinics with successful practices, with a focus on addressing disparities, particularly among non-Hispanic Black patients. Findings will be shared with stakeholders to promote effective and equitable healthcare practices.

A new publication by CoDES faculty Dr. Young-Rock Hong, supported by the Department of Health, State of Florida, examines trends in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) among Florida residents aged 25–49 from 2002 to 2021.   The study analyzed more than 16,000 cases and found that EOCRC incidence in Florida has significantly increased over the past two decades, especially for colon cancer, with a trend towards more advanced-stage diagnoses.    Findings revealed that non-Hispanic White individuals showed the strongest generational increases in risk, while Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. Uninsured and Medicaid-covered patients also faced higher odds of advanced disease at diagnosis.   These results highlight important trends and disparities that may inform future cancer prevention and early detection efforts in Florida.   https://lnkd.in/evUAYbcn 

A new publication from CoDES faculty Dr. Haesuk Park highlights key gaps in the oral PrEP care continuum in the U.S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies (71,162 PrEP-eligible individuals) found a steady decline in engagement across the continuum:   66% had increased HIV risk awareness 55% had enhanced PrEP awareness 49% had facilitated PrEP access 42% were linked to PrEP care 40% were prescribed PrEP 34% initiated PrEP use   Lower initiation rates were observed in emergency department settings and among individuals with STIs compared to men who have sex with men. These findings underscore the need for more effective strategies to strengthen engagement at each step of the PrEP care continuum.   https://lnkd.in/eqYdmH6p