Memoir Details Author’s Journey with Mental Illness and Disability
Long Island, NY, April 27, 2021 – As we enter Mental Health Awareness month, one author and artist is sharing her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability and steadfast determination. Long Island native Ruth Poniarski’s first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing, is a stunning and unflinchingly-honest memoir that challenges the stigmas placed on mental illness. The book has received glowing reviews, including a Kirkus Star review.
It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety and bipolar disorder.
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate) and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts.
“This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X,’ or, ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders.
“A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”
For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
Roasted Bean Box Launches World's First Data-driven Coffee Subscription in Montreal
Coffee lovers can get the flavors of the world customized to their exact taste preferences and delivered right to their door with Roasted Bean Box’s new subscription service.
MONTREAL, April 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Roasted Bean Box, a hot new subscription coffee delivery startup, has launched and is brewing up a storm of caffeinated flavor for its members by offering organic data-driven taste personalization.
Coffee consumers who want to enjoy fresh new coffee varieties without having to hunt for exactly the tastes they most like can leverage Roasted Bean Box’s proprietary preference analysis tools. These work their magic to let each customer enjoy scheduled deliveries of asserted roasts and blends matched to what they most enjoy without the need to mix and match on their own.
A customer's journey begins online with questions about their preferred coffee quantity, roast preferences, bean preparation and whether they want their deliveries on a Wednesday or a Friday.
From there, each customer’s exploratory journey continues with the delivery of 2 single origin coffees in 170g or 340g bag choices offered each month. As they receive their coffees, customers rate each through their personalized dashboard that lets Roasted Bean Box map out the clients own coffee profile. Within 3 to 4 months, this refinement lets customers receive only single origin and personalized blend arabica beans that they’re sure to fall in love with.
Roasted Bean Box uses its data-driven analysis and ratings tools that are created from customers feedback to lead towards what they’ll enjoy most. The unique customer dashboard develops organically over time based on their own ratings of their increasingly refined coffee profile. In-house roasters use these same data points and tools to create their world-spanning selections of unique and refined flavors.
Members of the new subscription service can keep their relationship with Roasted Bean Box flexible at all times, being able to manage their deliveries directly from their online account.
The rating system itself is as simple and easy as can be, letting customers select each coffee they receive as “perfect”, “great”, “good” or “dislike”. Roasted Bean Box takes over from this to keep refining personalized recommendations for each customer.
Happy client reviews for the young company's coffee and service are already piling up on Trustpilot, with one example among many showing typical satisfaction:
“Love it so far, can't wait to see my taste profile and understand exactly what it is I like with every coffee.”
Roasted Bean Box, or RBB, also shows its commitment to the environment through its local delivery, green packaging and reusable option for its shipping box. Currently, the startup’s service area covers much of the Greater Montreal Area, including Montreal Island, Brossard, Laval and Longueuil. Members receive their locally and freshly roasted coffees - the roast date is indicated on the package - in fully compostable bags, and subscribers who return their delivery box for reuse get a $1 discount per return off their monthly subscription. On Earth Day 2021, Roasted Bean Box made an additional commitment to show its care for nature by pledging 1% of its annual sales to fund the science-based environmental projects of the David Suzuki Foundation.
Roasted Bean Box’s vision to offer a highly personalized experience while being environmentally-friendly wouldn’t have been complete without offering an affordable price to consumers, with subscriptions starting at just $16.95 for their “One person” option, or 2 x 170g bags of coffee. The e-commerce startup made this possible by roasting coffees in-house and delivering directly to consumers.
Coffee lovers in Montreal who want to sign up and explore the flavorful coffee roasts crafted just for them by Roasted Bean Box can sign up at any time through the website. No long-term commitment is needed.
AA Pharma Strengthens its Support of Canadian Clozapine Patients With Exclusive Rights to Blood Analyzer
Health Canada Approval Enables Quick and Accurate Blood Testing
TORONTO, April 27, 2021 /CNW/ - AA Pharma, a Canadian company focused on legacy pharmaceutical products, has secured the exclusive Canadian rights for the use of a blood analyzer for patients prescribed Clozapine. This medication, indicated for patients with Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia, requires regular blood monitoring. Blood Analyzer Complete Blood Count Blood Diagnostics
Sight DiagnosticsⓇ received Health Canada approval for its Sight OLOⓇ analyzer, which performs Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests, the most commonly ordered blood test because it offers insight into the status of a patient's overall health. The analyzer leverages a patented method of "digitizing" blood samples and is built with high-powered microscopes, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, providing accurate results in minutes with only two drops of blood. It is also the first CBC analyzer that is FDA 510(k) cleared for blood taken directly from either a finger prick or a venous sample.
AA Pharma is collaborating with Inter Medico, a distributor of medical devices, to place Sight OLO analyzers in labs across Canada. "There is significant underutilization in this patient population because of barriers to treatment, including the requirement for regular blood monitoring," said Geoffrey Johnson, AA Pharma's Director, Sales & Marketing. "We are pleased to help bring Sight OLO to Canadian patients which requires less blood than traditional methods and delivers lab-grade results rapidly, enabling health care providers to make quick and informed treatment decisions."
The results can be securely transferred to healthcare providers and both Electronic Health and Medical Records. Results can also be securely shared with AA Pharma's patient registry, a Health Canada requirement, to ensure ongoing monitoring of patients' health while taking clozapine. AA Pharma's AASPIRE Patient Care Network, also provides tools and resources to further support Canadian Schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.
About AA Pharma AA Pharma is a Canadian company focused on legacy pharmaceutical products. Legacy pharmaceuticals are drug products with well-established efficacy and safety profiles and years of real-world experience. AA Pharma manufacturers over 80 treatments in a range of therapeutic areas. Learn more at www.aapharma.ca
About Sight Diagnostics
Founded in 2011, Sight Diagnostics aims to transform health systems and patient outcomes through fast, accurate and convenient blood diagnostic testing. Sight's technology, developed over a decade of research, represents breakthrough innovations in diagnostic methodology. The company has a rapidly growing presence in the UK, the US and Israel. Learn more at www.SightDX.com
About Inter Medico Inter Medico specializes in providing leading edge instrumentation and reagent solutions to Canadian customers with over 40 years of experience. The company is positioned to offer products from multiple strategic partners to provide creative and effective solutions. Learn more at http://www.inter-medico.com
SOURCE AA Pharma Inc.
Alberta sites join network of certified centres to deliver CAR-T therapy, Kymriah® (tisagenlecleucel)
Expansion of treatment centre network includes two specialized centres in Alberta certified to deliver Kymriah to Canadian patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) pediatric and young adult B-cell ALL and adult r/r DLBCL
Alberta joins Quebec and Ontario to reimburse Kymriah therapy for these life-threatening cancers for patients who are in critical needii
Kymriah indication now extended for pediatric patients younger than 3 years of age for the treatment of r/r B-cell ALLi
DORVAL, QC, April 28, 2021 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that two centres in Alberta have been certified in accordance with applicable requirements, making Kymriah® (tisagenlecleucel) available to certain leukemia and lymphoma patients. Patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) pediatric and young adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and adult r/r diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will be eligible for treatment with Kymriah, the first of its kind chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. This news follows a decision by the Alberta government to reimburse Kymriah; the third Canadian province to implement funding for Kymriah, following Quebec and Ontario.
"This is the news Western Canada has been waiting for. The patients who can be treated with Kymriah are the Canadians who have run out of options and are desperate for hope. This is wonderful news for them," said Dr. Mona Shafey, hematologist-oncologist, Alberta Health Services, Calgary. "We are delighted our institution has received certification and are thrilled to be part of the CAR-T treatment network. Patients can now also be treated closer to home which is what anyone would want."
Joining the specific network of Canadian treatment centres to offer Kymriah are Alberta Children's Hospital, Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Novartis is committed to build a strong Canadian network of certified, FACT-accredited (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) sites and provide equity of care across the country.
"Novartis welcomes the centres in Alberta to the network and applauds the Alberta government for its decision to make Kymriah accessible to patients in need. We will continue to live up to our promise to make our life changing therapies available and accessible. This means remaining focused on building a national network of certified sites and collaborating with governments in other provinces to meet the needs of more Canadians," said Christian Macher, Country President & General Manager, Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "We are proud to have provided Kymriah as a treatment option to more than 100 pediatric and adult Canadians. It is so rewarding to hear the stories of hope across different age groups, and that we are reaching patients who are most in need of Kymriah."
Kymriah is a one-time treatment that uses a patient's own T cells to identify and kill cancer cells. This unique approach to fighting cancer puts the patient at the centre of the process and its delivery to patients requires collaboration among many different stakeholders.
"This truly is good news for young Canadians living in the West. If you have ever had the opportunity to drive across Canada, you know two things; our country is breathtaking and big. When you have a child with cancer, the option to be treated closer to home and your support network is an incredible gift," said Chris Collins, Chair, Ac2orn. "We were also pleased to learn that Health Canada has expanded the age for treatment with Kymriah to now include an even younger pediatric population. This is testament to the positive outcomes we are seeing with CAR-T therapy."
Due to the sophisticated and individualized nature of Kymriah, treatment sites must be qualified to perform intravenous infusion of stem cells collected from the bone marrow of a donor, also referred to as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) and have experience with cell therapies and treating leukemia and lymphoma to facilitate safe and seamless delivery of Kymriah to eligible patients.
About Kymriah® Kymriah® (tisagenlecleucel), a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunocellular therapy, is a one-time treatment approved to treat two life-threatening cancers that have limited treatment options and historically poor outcomes, addressing a critical need for new therapies for these patients.
Kymriah is approved by Health Canada for use in pediatric and young adult patients 25 years and younger of age with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are refractory, have relapsed after allogenic stem cell transplant (SCT) or are otherwise ineligible for SCT, or have experienced second or later relapse; and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, high grade B-cell lymphoma and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphomai.
Kymriah® (tisagenlecleucel) Important Safety Information The full prescribing information for Kymriah® can be found at: www.novartis.ca
Novartis Leadership in Cell and Gene Therapy Novartis is at the forefront of investigational immunocellular therapy and was the first pharmaceutical company to significantly invest in CAR-T research, work with pioneers in CAR-T and initiate global CAR-T trials. Active research programs are underway targeting other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and include efforts focused on next generation CAR-Ts that involve simplified manufacturing schemes and gene edited cells.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2020, the company invested $45 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 110,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com.
References
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Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Kymriah® Product Monograph. December 24, 2020.
Trillium Therapeutics Provides Data Update, Announces Phase 1b/2 Program Priorities Across Hematologic Malignancies and Solid Tumors, and Reports Governance Changes
TTI-622 monotherapy shows 33% objective response rate (ORR) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) lymphomas at 0.8-18 mg/kg doses, including 3 new responses (1 Complete Response (CR) + 2 Partial Responses (PRs)) since last data disclosure;
TTI-621 monotherapy shows 18-29% ORR in R/R T- and B-cell lymphomas at 0.2-2.0 mg/kg doses, including 3 new responses (1 CR + 2 PRs) in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) since last data disclosure;
TTI-622 and TTI-621 have been well tolerated at doses up to 18 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg weekly, respectively; neither drug candidate reached a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) level;
Phase 1b/2 program across seven hematologic and solid tumor indications has been initiated, with studies across nine patient settings to start over approximately the next twelve months;
Scott Myers joins the Board of Directors; Robert Kirkman and Tom Reynolds retire from the Board of Directors; Tom Reynolds to focus on SAB and senior advisor roles.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trillium Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ/TSX: TRIL), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer, today provided a data update, announced Phase 1b/2 program priorities across seven hematologic and solid tumor indications, and reported governance changes with its Board of Directors.
“We have reached a critical milestone in Trillium’s evolution,” said Jan Skvarka, Trillium’s President and CEO. “We have built a robust foundation for advancing into a Phase 1b/2 program – a foundation of two highly differentiated CD47 assets with monotherapy proof-of-concept across several lymphoma indications. Our new data further solidify our position in the CD47 field as having potentially class-leading single agent activity with both TTI-622 and 621, as well as potentially best-in-class tolerability with TTI-622. Furthermore, we are particularly excited to observe substantial anti-tumor activity in the skin of our CTCL patients, which suggests that TTI-622 and 621 have the ability to exit blood circulation and penetrate skin tumors, thus underscoring the potential of both drug candidates to treat solid tumors. Finally, new translational data suggest that natural killer cell engagement plays a key role in what we believe is TTI-621’s mechanism of action, thus further differentiating TTI-621 in the CD47 field.”
“We are now rapidly advancing into a Phase 1b/2 program, with multiple shots on goal – two drug candidates, seven target indications, multiple drug combinations – in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors,” added Ingmar Bruns, Chief Medical Officer. “Over the next twelve months, we expect to initiate studies across nine patient settings. The pipeline represents a portfolio of different risk-reward opportunities, multiple potentially accelerated regulatory paths to market, and a total addressable US patient population of over 30,000 patients in our entry settings. In parallel, we are continuing to evaluate less frequent dosing regimens than our current weekly dosing. This is supported by pharmacokinetic data, and, in the case of TTI-622, clinical experience with two CR patients who are on every three- and four-week dosing schedules.”
“On a more personal note, as we are announcing governance changes, we would like to thank Bob Kirkman for his invaluable contributions over his eight-year tenure with Trillium as a Board member, including periods when he held Chair and Executive Chair roles,” said Dr. Skvarka. “Bob has played a pivotal role in transitioning the CEO leadership in 2019, and positioning the company for our subsequent transformation program in 2020. Trillium would not be where it is today without Bob’s leadership, hands-on contributions and personal sacrifices. We will sorely miss Bob, and wish him all the best as he scales down his professional commitments.”
TTI-622 Study Update
As of the data cutoff date of April 12, 2021, a total of 42 patients have been enrolled in the ongoing open-label Phase 1 dose escalation study of TTI-622 in patients with R/R lymphoma (NCT03530683). Patients received weekly intravenous doses between 0.05 and 18 mg/kg. All dose levels were very well-tolerated and an MTD was not reached. Adverse events (AEs) were predominantly Grade 1-2; related AEs ≥Grade 3 were neutropenia (9%), thrombocytopenia (5%) and anemia (2%). Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated dose-proportional increases in drug exposure between 8 and 18 mg/kg, and support evaluating less frequent dosing. Objective responses were achieved in 9 of 27 (33%) heavily pre-treated response-evaluable patients at dose levels ≥0.8 mg/kg, and included 2 CRs and 7 PRs. Three responses (1 CR and 2 PRs) at 12 and 18 mg/kg were obtained since the last data disclosure at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2020 Annual Meeting. All responses occurred within the first eight weeks of treatment across multiple lymphoma indications. One CR patient (0.8 mg/kg dose level) has been on study for more than 22 months and was transitioned to monthly dosing. The second CR patient (18 mg/kg) achieved a response after receiving only two doses with a 4-week dosing interval and is being maintained on every three weeks (Q3W) dosing. The study is continuing, with 3 more patients at 18 mg/kg pending response assessments as of the April 12, 2021 cutoff date.
TTI-621 Study Update
We have provided a further update on the safety data and anti-tumor activity observed in the ongoing open-label Phase 1 dose escalation study of intravenous TTI-621 in patients with R/R hematologic malignancies (NCT02663518). The study consists of four parts: (a) “Parts 1-3” in hematologic malignancies, with dosing up to 0.5 mg/kg weekly, now complete; and (b) “Part 4” in CTCL, with dosing at 0.5 mg/kg weekly and higher, currently ongoing. As of the data cutoff date of April 12, 2021, TTI-621 was well-tolerated and an MTD in Part 4 was not reached. Across Parts 1-4, the most common treatment-related AEs ≥Grade 3 were thrombocytopenia (22%), which was transient and not dose-limiting, anemia (8%), neutropenia (6%), and infusion-related reactions (4%), which occurred mostly at the first dose and were effectively managed by prophylactic treatment. Monotherapy activity was observed in CTCL (19% ORR, n=62), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (18% ORR, n=22) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (29% ORR, n=7). Three responses (1 CR and 2 PRs) in CTCL patients treated at 1.4 and 2.0 mg/kg were obtained since the last data disclosure at ASH 2020. Emerging translational data from patient samples suggest that NK cell activation plays a key role in the anti-tumor activity of TTI-621, in addition to inhibition of the “don’t eat me” signal and delivery of a pro-phagocytic signal. This highly differentiated proposed mode of action, together with encouraging monotherapy activity and good tolerability, prompt continued and focused further investigation of TTI-621. The study is continuing, with 3 more patients at 2.0 mg/kg pending response assessments as of the April 12, 2021 cutoff date.
Phase 1b/2 Program
Based on the strong and differentiated foundation that Trillium has built, including potentially class-leading monotherapy activity, the Company is initiating Phase 1b/2 programs with both TTI-622 and TTI-621. These programs will initially cover seven indications (four hematological cancers, three solid tumors), and study TTI-622 and TTI-621 primarily in combination with other anti-cancer agents.
Specifically, TTI-622 will be evaluated in the following settings and combination regimens:
R/R multiple myeloma, in a combination with carfilzomib + dexamethasone;
First line p53 mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in a combination with azacitidine;
First line elderly or unfit p53 wild type AML patients, in a combination with azacitidine and venetoclax;
R/R DLBCL, in a combination with anti-PD-1, in an investigator-sponsored trial at Mayo Clinic;
Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, in a combination with chemotherapy; and
A second solid tumor combination study to be announced later this year.
These studies will be initiated with 8 mg/kg weekly dosing, or potentially less frequent dosing regimens at higher doses.
The Phase 1b/2 program for TTI-622 has now been initiated with the dosing of a first multiple myeloma patient with TTI-622 in a combination with carfilzomib + dexamethasone. Both AML cohorts are open for enrollment, and we expect the first patients to be dosed this quarter.
TTI-621 will be evaluated in the following settings and combination regimens:
Second line peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), as a TTI-621 monotherapy;
R/R DLBCL, in a combination with anti-PD-1, in an investigator-sponsored trial at Mayo Clinic; and
First line leiomyosarcoma, a subtype of soft tissue sarcoma, in a combination with doxorubicin.
Initial Phase 1b/2 studies will be initiated at two dose levels (0.2 mg/kg and up to 2.0 mg/kg weekly); different levels may be chosen based on overlapping toxicities with combination agents.
In addition, bi-weekly (Q2W) and Q3W dosing schedules will be evaluated for each molecule in the ongoing monotherapy dose escalation studies.
Governance Update
Effective April 28, 2021, Scott Myers is joining the Board of Directors. Scott is an accomplished executive who brings to the Board nearly three decades of pharmaceutical and medical device industry experience. Previously, he served as CEO of AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Rainier Therapeutics, Cascadian Therapeutics, and Aerocrine AB. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Selecta Biosciences and Harpoon Therapeutics. We are very excited that Scott has agreed to join the Board, and look forward to benefitting from his extensive executive experience and track record of building successful biotechnology companies.
Robert Kirkman elected to retire from the Board of Directors, effective April 28, 2021. Robert has served as a director since December 2013, the Chair of the Board since March 2019, and acted as the Executive Chair from April 2019 to March 2020.
As previously announced, Tom Reynolds joined our scientific advisory board (SAB) in November 2020. Due to the resulting loss of his independent status as a Board member, Tom is now (effective April 28, 2021) retiring from the Board to focus on the SAB role, as well as to serve as a senior advisor to assist with initiation of our extensive Phase 1b/2 program and a scale-up of the clinical development organization.
Upcoming Milestones and Guidance
In 2021, Trillium expects two data updates:
TTI-622 data update from the ongoing dose escalation study in R/R lymphomas at a medical conference in 4Q 2021; and
TTI-621 data update from the ongoing dose escalation study in R/R CTCL at a medical conference in 4Q 2021.
Over approximately the next twelve months, the Company plans to initiate studies in the following indications and patient settings:
TTI-622 + azacitidine combination in p53 mutant AML patients in 2Q 2021 (enrollment open);
TTI-622 + azacitidine + venetoclax combination in elderly or unfit p53 wild type AML patients in 2Q 2021 (enrollment open);
TTI-622 + chemotherapy combination in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients in 2H 2021;
TTI-622 combination study in a to-be-announced solid tumor indication in 1H 2022;
TTI-622 + anti-PD-1 and TTI-621 + anti-PD-1 in DLBCL patients in 4Q 2021 to 1H 2022 (investigator-sponsored trial);
TTI-621 monotherapy study in PTCL in 3Q 2021; and
TTI-621 + doxorubicin combination in leiomyosarcoma in 3Q 2021.
As all of the above studies are open-label trials, the Company expects a robust flow of new data updates and multiple catalysts in 2022, in addition to the above mentioned updates from the continuing dose escalation studies in the fourth quarter of 2021.
As of March 31, 2021, Trillium had $276 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, sufficient to fund operations and the above outlined clinical development priorities into 2023.
Trillium is an immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company’s two clinical programs, TTI-622 and TTI-621, target CD47, a “don’t eat me” signal that cancer cells frequently use to evade the immune system.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable United States federal securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The use of words such as "may," "will," "could", "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "endeavor," "potential," "continue" or the negative of such words or other similar expressions can be used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the therapeutic potential and monotherapy activity of our programs, our clinical development plans and our expectations with respect to the timing of clinical development milestones, including with respect to initiating Phase 1b/2 studies in hematological and solid tumor malignancies, the expected timing of the release of further data on Trillium’s TTI-622 and TTI-621 studies, and our expected cash runway. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Trillium has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations, the effectiveness and timeliness of preclinical and clinical trials; and the completeness, accuracy and usefulness of the data. While Trillium considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant scientific, business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause Trillium's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing Trillium appears in Trillium's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, each as updated by Trillium's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Trillium disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
Trillium Therapeutics Announces Dosing of First Patient in Phase 1b Study of TTI-622 in Combination With Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trillium Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ/TSX: TRIL), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer, today announced that it has dosed the first multiple myeloma patient with TTI-622 (SIRPα-IgG4 Fc), an investigational checkpoint inhibitor of the innate immune system, in combination with the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib and dexamethasone.
TTI-622 is a fusion protein that is designed to block the inhibitory activity of CD47, a molecule that is overexpressed by a wide variety of tumors. CD47 binds to SIRPα on macrophages and delivers a “don’t eat me” signal that inhibits the ability of macrophages to engulf and destroy cancer cells. Preclinical studies have shown that TTI-622 exhibits anti-myeloma activity as a monotherapy that is enhanced when combined with proteasome inhibitors.
“With the dosing of this patient we have begun an exciting new phase of development for TTI-622,” commented Dr. Ingmar Bruns, Trillium’s Chief Medical Officer. “This is the first patient to receive TTI-622 in combination with another anti-cancer agent, and we are eager to build upon the monotherapy activity that we have observed in multiple hematologic cancers. More broadly, this marks the start of a comprehensive Phase 1b/2 program that will evaluate TTI-622 with various combination agents in five indications and six patient settings.”
The combination of TTI-622 and carfilzomib plus dexamethasone is being assessed as part of the ongoing, open-label Phase 1a/1b study (NCT03530683). Approximately 30 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients who have received at least 3 prior lines of therapy which must include a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 antibody will be enrolled. The primary endpoints are safety and overall response rate.
“Despite the development of new therapeutics and combinations, there remains a significant unmet medical need for myeloma patients who relapse after earlier lines of therapy,” added Dr. Bruns. “CD47 is overexpressed in multiple myeloma and the overexpression is further increased in relapsed multiple myeloma. We therefore believe that the combination of TTI-622 and carfilzomib plus dexamethasone has strong potential to address the unmet need and have a significant impact on the myeloma treatment landscape, if approved.”
About Trillium Therapeutics
Trillium is an immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company’s two clinical programs, TTI-622 and TTI-621, target CD47, a “don’t eat me” signal that cancer cells frequently use to evade the immune system.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable United States federal securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The use of words such as "may," "will," "could", "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "endeavor," "potential," "continue" or the negative of such words or other similar expressions can be used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include express or implied statements regarding our expectation of initiating a Phase 1b/2 program for TTI-622 in five indications and six patient settings, and the potential for TTI-622 in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone to have a significant impact on the treatment of multiple myeloma. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Trillium has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations, the effectiveness and timeliness of preclinical and clinical trials; and the completeness, accuracy and usefulness of the data. While Trillium considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant scientific, business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause Trillium's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing Trillium appears in Trillium's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, each as updated by Trillium's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Trillium disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
Syqe Medical® Receives Health Canada Approval for the First-Ever Medical Cannabis Delivery Device with Predictable, Consistent Dosing
The novel Syqe® Inhaler with its precision dosing helps relieve symptoms with lower risk of adverse reactions
TORONTO, April 28, 2021 /CNW/ - Syqe Medical®, a leading global pharma-tech company, announces today that Health Canada has approved the Syqe® Inhaler, the first pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis delivery device system that provides predictable and consistent dosing through inhalation.
The Syqe® Inhaler's metered-dose delivery system allows the patient to benefit from very low doses of medical cannabis and its unique, user-friendly design is easy for both physicians and patients to understand and use.
"Syqe Medical® is proud to bring this first-in-class device, which delivers a specific dose of cannabinoids with each inhalation, helping to relieve symptoms with few, if any, adverse reactions," said Perry Davidson, founder and CEO of Syqe Medical®. "It is our hope that the Syqe® Inhaler will help alleviate physician concerns about adverse reactions and psychoactivity when prescribing medical cannabis."
According to a recent post marketing report patients using the Syqe® Inhaler, at one year and beyond, reported no adverse reactions.i
Due to its predictable, precise and consistent microgram-dosing capability, the novel drug delivery technology helps eliminate uncertainty surrounding dosage administration and allows physicians to consider and recommend appropriate dosages of medical cannabis with more consistent results.
"This proprietary technology has great potential for medical cannabis use," said Dr. Peter M. Blecher, Medical Director, CPM Centres for Pain Management. "Cannabis for medical use has been hampered by unreliable dosing methods, such as smoking, and physicians have been looking for an appropriate alternative. Finding the dose that provides a consistent result has been problematic for health care professionals. The Syqe® Inhaler, with its precision and consistent micro-dosing capability can satisfy this unmet need. It may now be possible to provide patients with relief without unwanted effects."
A placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-dose study conducted by Syqe Medical® and published in the European Journal of Pain confirmed that microgram-doses of THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) administered through the Syqe® Inhaler can be effective in relieving pain, without psychoactive effects.ii
The study shows that an optimally effective dose is 500 micrograms of THC - A typical medical cannabis patient consumes one gram of 15 per cent THC cannabis per day, which contains 150,000 micrograms of THC, 100x the amount needed for pain relief. Accordingly, the study shows that when THC is delivered with greater precision to the patient, lower doses are needed, resulting in greater overall efficacy and fewer side effects, such as potentially debilitating psychoactivity. Consequently, as the study demonstrates, the Syqe® Inhaler with its first-in-class metered dosing capabilities and pre-filled medical cannabis cartridges allows patients, for the first time, to benefit from predictable microgram-level doses of THC with unprecedented precision and low risk of unwanted side effects.
"Before being approved in Canada, the technology used in the Syqe® Inhaler went through ten years of research and development, including testing in a variety of research trials," said Michael Milloy, General Manager of Syqe Medical® in Canada. "We are proud of the extensive research that went into bringing the inhaler to Canada and the rigorous clinical evidence that supports its use."
The Syqe® Inhaler will be made available through Syqe Medical® Canada in partnership with a Canadian Licensed Producer for individuals with a valid medical authorization document.
About Syqe ® Inhaler The Syqe® Inhaler is the first pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis delivery device system. It is a single-patient, portable, hand-held device designed to precisely aerosolize multiple doses of granulated raw plants. During two-seconds of heating and aerosolization, initiated by breath-actuation, the THC-acid undergoes a process of decarboxylation to the pharmacologically active THC form. The device engages automatic thermal and flow controllers that ensure the delivery of cannabinoid aerosol to the lungs, independent of the inhalation pattern of the individual patient. Subsequently, the device requires minimal inhalation training.
About Syqe Medical® Syqe Medical® is a pharma-tech company developing technologies that enable precise delivery of a wide range of therapeutic molecules by inhalation. Utilizing its novel technology, Syqe Medical®aims to relieve the suffering of as many patients as possible in the fastest possible way. The revolutionary Syqe drug delivery technology now allows hundreds of existing and preclinical drug molecules to be considered for inhalation, radically changing their clinical profile and serving significant unmet needs. For more information visit: www.syqemedical.com.
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i Data on file
ii Almog, S., Aharon-Peretz, J., Vulfsons, S., et al. The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of a novel selective–dose cannabis inhaler in patients with chronic pain: A randomized, double–blinded, placebo–controlled trial. European Journal of Pain. 23 May 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1605
SOURCE Syqe Medical
Marigold PR Announces Agenda and Expert-Driven Lineup for Second Annual Womxn, Wellness, and Cannabis Conference
Toronto, ON, April 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning cannabis marketing and PR firm, Marigold PR, today announced the agenda for its second annual Womxn, Wellness and Cannabis Conference (WWC Conference) on May 26-27, 2021.
Hosted in celebration of the feminine cannabis and psychedelic experience, the largest free event of its kind provides a unique opportunity to network with industry trailblazers, in an inclusive, fun and educational online environment.
In association with Platinum Partner Lift & Co. Expo, North America’s largest cannabis industry conference and tradeshow, WWC Conference will feature two full days of engaging panel discussions, keynotes and live Q&As, with day one committed to cannabisand day two dedicated to psychedelics. Highlights of this year’s event include talks on:
The International Cannabis Industry: Charlotte Bowyer (Head of Consulting, Hanway Associates), Priya Mishra (Hempvati), Barinder Rasode (CEO of Grow Tech Labs), Maya Glogowski (Vice President, Cannabilog & Business Development, WomenCanCann) and Ulla Haaning Singapuri (CSO, KannaSwiss)
Compliant Marketing: Sarah Clowater (Cannabis Consultant), Alison Gordon (Founder and former CEO, 48North), Heather Schurr (Director of Operations, CFN Media Group) and Katie Pringle (Co-Founder & CEO, Marigold PR)
Evolution of the Psychedelics Industry: Barinder Rasode (Co-Founder, Havn Life), Salimeh Tabrizi (Co-Founder, Canadian Psychedelic Association) and Stacey Wallin (CSO & Co-Founder, Numinus)
Patient Insights: Ashleigh Brown (Founder, SheCann), Ashley Keenan (Journalist & Communications Specialist), Sabrina Ramkellawan (Co-founder, Knowde Group), and Dr. Jenna Valleriani (Director Patient Advocacy, Canopy Growth Corporation).
Cannabis Operations: Loretta Eldridge (Marketing Leader, EQUA Specialty Risk Partners Corporation), Kayla Mann (CFO, Habitat), Dr. Toni Rinow (CFO and Global Operating Officer, Neptune Wellness Solutions) and Theresa Robert (Vice President Finance, Mariwell),
Spearheaded by Marigold PR, with assistance from an advisory committee of industry experts, this year’s conference is sponsored by VIP Partners Flow Scientific and VIVO Cannabis. Flow Scientific supplies therapeutic naturally sourced terpenes, while VIVO Cannabis provides medical and adult-use cannabis products and services.
Katie Miller, Sales and Business Development at Flow Scientific, comments, “Flow Scientific is proud to partner with WWC Conference and promote industry inclusivity. As the wellness landscape continues to develop, participating in thoughtful discussions with passionate contributors is essential to support product innovation”.
Attendees are encouraged to register to claim their free ticket here. In addition to comprehensive free programming, WWC Conference provides participants unparalleled opportunities to forge relationships with industry influencers, through exclusive ticketed networking events.
VIVO Cannabis’ Carole Chan, Chief Commercial & People Officer, says, “We’re excited to collaborate with WWC Conference this year. Now more than ever, women coming together during the peak of a global pandemic is critical to supporting mental health and wellness. Patient, consumer and employee needs have changed dramatically over the last year, and its impact is shaping the future of the cannabis industry.”
You Can TRUST Him When Your Life is Spinning Out of Control
Houston, TX, April 27, 2021 — The disruption and difficulties of 2020 also uprooted our time with the Lord when churches closed their doors and our daily routines changed dramatically. Many people lost their jobs or lost their loved ones, despite praying diligently for different outcomes. As we adjust to a new normal, now is the perfect time to reestablish our faith and rebuild our trust in God.
Joan E. Murray’s inspirational new book, You Can TRUST Him: Anchoring Your Hope in God During Difficult Times, is filled with powerful reminders that God is always working in our favor, even when it seems that he hasn’t heard our prayers.
“We get disappointed with God because our expectations of what He should have done when we prayed is not what He actually did,” Joan said during a recent interview with Prayer on Purpose. “We have to recognize that delays are not denials. They’re simply holding patterns while God is working on the situations in our lives.”
You Can TRUST Him takes an in-depth journey into inspirational, personal and Biblical stories that reveal trust truths in the midst of hardship. Joan takes us into the lives of many people who were unsure they could survive their painful struggles: Hagar, Jeremiah, Caleb, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene and Leah, just to name a few. She shares how even when they struggled with trusting God, He showed up powerfully in their lives and provided victorious outcomes. You Can TRUST Him brings the Bible alive and aims to help us trust His Word, trust His timing and trust that He will help us navigate through the painful seasons of life.
Author Joan E. Murray is the founder and CEO of Joan Murray Ministries and Seeds of Hope Worldwide Missions. She is an international Bible teacher, pastor, speaker and missionary who loves the Word of God and desires to see people experience freedom, wholeness and victory in all areas of life. She has 25 years of experience in management, counseling and in providing help and humanitarian aid to those who are struggling in life.
She serves the veterans in Houston, provides annual back-to-school outreaches and serves as an advisor to several churches and ministries, locally, nationally and internationally. Joan has travelled the world, sharing the gospel message and serving the needs of vulnerable populations.
Joan has been featured on TBN, Daystar, TCT Network, Destiny TV and on international television networks and in various magazines and newspaper articles. She can be heard daily on BPNRadio.com and weekly on Wilkinsradio.com. You Can TRUST Him is her 16th book.
For more information, please visit www.joanmurrayministries.org, or follow the author on Facebook (Joan Murray or Joan Murray Ministries/Seeds of Hope Worldwide Missions); on
Instagram (jmmcontactus); and on Twitter (@jmmseedsofhope). You can also visit her YouTube channel, Joan Murray Ministries.
You Can TRUST Him: Anchoring Your Hope in God During Difficult Times
Calgary Based Travel Clinic expanding Private Covid Testing to all major cities in Canada
CALGARY, AB, April 27, 2021 /CNW/ - Head quartered in Calgary, Canadian Travel Clinics is one of the leading names in the travel healthcare industry of Canada. The company's successful expansion in providing Covid-19 RT-PCR testing is 100 percent patient focused and currently operates from 5 locations across Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg & Vancouver. Founded in 2016 by Usman Hashmi & Michele Fasolino, the company providestravel vaccinations and comprehensive Covid-19 RT-PCR Swab Test, Antigen test & Antibody Test solutions to travelers and businesses. Since its formation, Canadian Travel Clinics has established successful partnerships with well reputed healthcare companies including TELUS Health and now looking to capitalize on its existing and new industry relations to expand its Covid testing operations nationwide.
The company is also actively working to launch operations in Eastern Canada and expects to go LIVE in Ontario by June 01, 2021 with further expansion into other major town centres shortly afterwards.
"Canadian Travel Clinic strives to provide cost-effective services in the most expedient manner and our prices are being the lowest compared to what other people are charging for similar or even an inferior service. We are trying to make essential travel more affordable for public during these difficult times. Unfortunately, as a healthcare provider we are not able to recover GST on our purchases as most of the services we provide are exempt. We are requesting the Federal government to make the inputs for Covid testing such as, PPE, test-reagents and machinery to be exempt or Zero rated for GST purposes so that we are able to further bring the costs down for the public" CEO, Usman Hashmi
"At Canadian Travel clinics, we go above and beyond to accommodate our patients whether they are facing a family emergency and are needing to get on a flight last minute or if they are in desperate need to travel for a rushed business trip. We are proud to say that we can and will accommodate our patients in these uncertain times" says Nurse Manager Talia Toeg.
As a leading travel clinic in Canada, we understand things have changed nowadays, we try to advise as much as we can to our patients regarding the new covid-19 entry requirements depending upon their destination. We are committed to make everyone's trip possible! - Operations Manager, Liseth Casanova
SOURCE Canadian Travel Clinics
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