University of Miami Tests Drug That Slows Down Alzheimer’s Disease

As chief administrative officer of the University of Miami Health System, Rafic Warwar oversees executive functions ranging from community relations to executing business strategy. In this role, Rafic Warwar has responsibility for several of the university’s health organizations, including the Miller School of Medicine. 

Neurologists at Miller recently launched a new study to test a drug that may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, which affects some 5.7 million throughout the United States. The medication, known as troriluzole, may delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and alleviate its degradation of cognitive functions.

The Food and Drug Administration approved troriluzole in 1995 to slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gerhig’s disease. It is classified as a “prodrug”: It is inactive until swallowed and digested. 

Alzheimer’s patients would have to take it only once a day without having to fast. Troriluzole produces fewer side effects than the immediately active version. The medication regulates the production of glutamate, which can cause problems in the neurons that make mental activity possible.

Researchers are now looking for participants between 50 and 85 who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. They must also have been on other Alzheimer’s medications for at least three months. UM is one of more than 30 institutions taking part in a national program, sponsored by Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company and organized through the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study at the University of California, San Diego.

Stem Cells From Injected Fat May Reduce Joint Pain

Rafic Warwar provides essential oversight as chief administrator of the University of Miami (Florida) Health System. In his position, Rafic Warwar’s responsibilities include the system’s Sports Medicine Institute, which now uses adipose (fatty) tissue to relieve joint pain.

Cartilage serves as a cushion for the bones in the joints. Doctors can inject stem cells from fat in other parts of the body into the joint, where it develops into new cartilage. The procedure takes about an hour.

The treatment is not for everyone. There must be adequate room in the joint for a safe injection. If the existing cartilage is gone and bone is touching bone, joint replacement surgery is required. 

The adipose method is best for persons with a body mass index below 35 who maintain physical therapy and have no conditions such as extensive arthritis, cancer, metabolic disease, and blood disorders. The new technique is used only after physical therapy and steroid injections have failed. For moderate cartilage deterioration, doctors also can use platelet-rich plasma injections, which may improve healing factors.

Looking toward the future, researchers hope to determine the correct protocols for individualized treatment.

Miller School Celebrates Women in Medicine Month

A healthcare administrator for close to three decades, Rafic Warwar has worked in both clinical and academic capacities at the University of Miami. Rafic Warwar now serves as chief administrative officer for UHealth, the University of Miami's Health System.

In September 2018, the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine recognized Women in Medicine Month by celebrating several women who were making strong contributions in the field of medicine. According to the institution’s dean, Henri R. Ford, it is important to appreciate the growing roles of women physicians at Miller School. Women make up 37 percent of the institution’s faculty, and six department chairs are women. In addition, women hold positions as directors of programs and centers, and more than half the school’s first year class is female.

Although that kind of composition in itself is significant, Miller School is going even further to offer additional support to women in medicine. The institution set up a new faculty compensation plan to facilitate gender salary equity, funds leadership development programs for women, and organizes fundraising initiatives to acquire more funds to support women’s development programs.