As Pfizer awaits FDA Emergency Use, top St. Jude pediatric virologist says kids are “key component” in herd immunity
Director of St. Jude Global Infectious Disease Dr. Caniza addresses why it will be important for parents to vaccinate children against COVID
MEMPHIS, TENN. – As the Pfizer vaccine awaits emergency authorization as soon as early next week from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in young adolescents ages 12 to 15, Miguela Caniza, MD MPH, Director of the St. Jude Global Infectious Diseases Program atSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a leader in tracking COVID-19 in pediatric populations spoke out today on the important role children will play in helping to achieve herd immunity against the virus.
“In order to achieve the two-thirds threshold necessary for herd immunity, childhood vaccinations are a key component,” said Dr. Caniza. “Even if we immunize all adults in the United States against COVID-19, we still only get to 74% of the population protected. As vaccine hesitancy and the spread of variants become a growing crisis, being able to vaccinate children safely and effectively against COVID-19 will be a critically important step in helping us to control the virus.”
When the coronavirus first emerged, Dr. Caniza urged her colleagues of infectious disease leaders from 24 countries who were gathering at St. Jude to set aside their agendas and immediately focus on the virus. Those discussions led to the establishment of a registry tracking COVID-19 in childhood cancer patients around the world. She and her colleagues were recently featured in the Commercial Appealfor their initial and continuing efforts to track the emergency of the novel coronavirus in children.
“Children and teenagers are highly mobile populations attending schools, sports, extracurricular activities and intersecting more often with various age groups including caretakers and older family members,” Dr. Caniza continued. “Because of the high percent of children and teenagers being asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, most likely they will be effectively spreading during a very contagious period, and even more so, if they don’t follow the standard precautions (distancing, using masks and practicing hand hygiene).
To speak with Dr. Caniza or other St. Jude virologists, please contact Marvin Stockwell at marvin.stockwell@stjude.org or 901-734-8766
Dr. Caniza outlines three essential reasons why it is critical to achieve the ability to immunize children, even if most of the poor outcomes and deaths from COVID-19 have been seen in older adults:
1. Children and teenagers can also become infected and some of them with serious disease. We are still learning about this infection and their consequences including those long term called the post-COVID conditions including long-COVID, multiorgan effects of COVID, and the effect of COVID treatment or hospitalization.
2. Children and teenagers are highly mobiles attending schools, sports, and intersecting more often with various age groups including with their caretakers and older family members.
3. Because of the high percent of children and teenagers being asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, most likely they will be effectively spreading during a very contagious period, and even more so, if they don’t follow the standard precautions (distancing, using masks and practicing hand hygiene).
# # # St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. St. Jude is ranked the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To learn more, visit stjude.org or follow St. Jude on social media at @stjuderesearch.
Sex-trafficking Victim Rescued by Faith
Milwaukee, WI, May 4, 2021 — Things are finally looking up for Maria Sanchez. Her new love is promising her a future of grandeur — the glamorous life of her dreams. Just as she allows herself to fully embrace her newfound joy, reality shatters her perfect picture, leaving her with one question: How will I make it out of this?
Inspired by actual events, In the Case When God’s Promise of Safety Seems to Fail, by Migdalia Smith, introduces readers to the life of Maria Sanchez, a mother of two, who finally manages to free herself from one toxic relationship only to fall into another. Because of her past, it is hard for Maria to differentiate between the good and the worst.
Maria will take readers on a roller coaster journey through life, as she experiences the drama, depression and deception at the hands of others, while rediscovering herself. To overcome her personal insecurities and her lifelong commitment to settling for less, Maria must let go of her past, forgive those who caused her pain and submit to her faith to allow the healing process to begin. Will God fail her?
“I want sex-trafficking victims all around the world to know that God is real, and He is the ultimate rescuer,” said Smith. “I am determined to prevent sex-trafficking through awareness from experience.”
Author Migdalia Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised with three other siblings in a single-parent home. Her mother eventually relocated the family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After tumultuous times, Migdalia was introduced to the salvation of Jesus Christ. Migdalia is openly Christian and professes the name of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she ministers the grace and love afforded by Him to all that she connects with. Migdalia has been married to the love of her life, Zachary Smith, for 14 years. They have two sons. She enjoys servicing women, men and children through her business, Kater2kidz Salon Spa and Boutique.
For more information about the author, please visit
www.authormigdaliasmith.com, or follow her on Twitter (@authormigdalia), Facebook (@authormigdaliasmith) or Instagram (@authormigdaliasmith).
In the Case When God’s Promise of Safety Seems to Fail
OTTAWA, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We may be spending more time in our homes these days, but with warmer temperatures and portable energy like low-emission propane, the comforts of home can be extended to outdoor spaces – anytime, anywhere.
Everyone is familiar with propane grills and how they can turn any night into a cookout with ease, but this mighty and versatile energy source can also turn a backyard into an oasis. Fire pits and heaters powered by propane can make the evenings comfortable and warm, extending time outdoors. While it may not be 30 degrees yet, pool time can be enjoyed much earlier with a propane-powered pool heater. With the portability of propane, lighting can also be placed anywhere in an outdoor space.
“Propane truly is a versatile energy source, providing low-emission home comfort,” said Nathalie St-Pierre, President and CEO of the Canadian Propane Association. “During this time when we are still required to stay home, creating a space outdoors that is inviting, warm and safe is a great way to refresh a yard and transform it into a sanctuary.”
Not only is propane an excellent choice for the outdoors, but many Canadians are also selecting this efficient energy source for all their home energy needs – everything from high-efficiency furnaces, attractive fireplaces, fridges, air conditioners and instant hot water systems to dryers.
Homeowners are choosing propane because it makes sense. Converting from heating oil to propane can save up to 45 per cent in electricity costs and lower insurance rates due to eliminated risk of contamination from oil leaks. It’s also much better for the environment, reducing GHG emissions by 38 per cent annually. No investment in infrastructure is required as propane companies invest in their own storage and distribution assets.
“With the current restrictions and the significant time Canadians are spending in their residences, many have upgraded or are considering upgrading the inside of their homes and their outdoor spaces,” said St-Pierre. “When reliability, cost, performance, and efficiency are considered, propane heating outperforms nearly every other type of home heating system available. Switching to propane is a good return on investment but also saves money while enjoying an updated space.”
CPA members have undertaken a number of precautions and extra measures in their operations to ensure the safety of customers and employees while providing propane as an essential service. These include enhanced cleaning protocols, the use of personal protective equipment, recommended physical distancing if an in-home inspection is required, and where possible, electronic contact capabilities in all customer relations.
About the Canadian Propane Association: With over 400 members, the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) is the national association for a growing, multi-billion-dollar industry that impacts the livelihood of tens of thousands of Canadians. Our mission is to promote a safe and thriving propane industry that plays a vital role in Canada’s energy sector. To achieve this, we champion propane and the propane industry in Canada and facilitate best practices, safety, and a favourable business environment through advocacy, training, and emergency response.
Tap into Trauma’s Emotional Energy and Use it to Power a Fulfilling Future
Los Angeles, CA, May 4, 2021 — Trauma doesn’t have to lead to a lifetime of weakness or hardship. In fact, trauma can lead to greater resilience and higher levels of achievement than we thought possible.
Dr. Randall Bell, widely considered the world’s top authority in the field of post-traumatic thriving, shares a process for not only surviving trauma but also thriving in the aftermath in his latest book, Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience.
“It can’t happen to me” is one of life’s greatest lies, he notes. But if or when it does happen, it’s possible to harness the emotional energy generated by the traumatic event — whether it was losing a loved one, surviving a natural disaster or being a victim of violence — and use it to heal and grow in entirely new directions.
“How do you take that energy from the trauma and tap into it to do something really remarkable that you wouldn’t have done otherwise?” asks Dr. Bell.
In Post-Traumatic Thriving, he shares stories of real people (many of them, like Leo Fender, are familiar) who have done exactly that, including:
• A deaf man with a glass eye invented the electric guitar and became a household name, remarkably wealthy and most importantly, happy.
• A convicted murderer took responsibility for the damage he caused, graduated with honors from college, became a minister and turned around the hearts of the most hardened criminals.
• A girl born with cerebral palsy landed the world’s first starring role on national television and spoke at the White House three times.
• A woman hid in a basement for years and lost her entire family in the Holocaust. She eventually found true love and paints stunning artwork.
• The sister of a murder victim helped millions of women in toxic domestic relationships.
• A woman’s car crash resulted in an addiction to prescription drugs, a divorce, a loss of her children and a cot in a homeless shelter. She has rebuilt it all back and more.
• A man set to go to the Olympics had his hopes dashed by Jimmy Carter and went on to build a worldwide business empire.
Dr. Bell juxtaposes outcomes of scientific studies with these stories to reveal common denominators among “thrivers.” He divides his insights into three sections: The Dive Stage, The Survive Stage and The Thrive Stage, and outlines a step-by-step process toward authentic healing.
As a socio-economist, Dr. Randall Bell has consulted on more disasters on earth than anyone in history. His clients include the Federal Government, State Governments, International Tribunals, major corporations and homeowners. Dr. Bell believes that “the problem is not the problem — the problem is how we react to the problem.”
Often called the “Master of Disaster,” Dr. Bell is squarely focused on authentic recovery and resilience. His research has been profiled on major television shows and featured in numerous magazines and the international media. More information can be found at www.posttraumaticthriving.com.
Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience
4 Ways to Give Yourself More Energy on a Daily Basis
Low energy is most easily recognized by the feeling of fatigue. But there are lots of other signs of low energy, including moodiness, headache, and slow reflexes and responses. Low energy also impairs your decision-making skills and thinking. So it makes sense that if you have low energy levels, you'd want to give them a boost. Here are four ways to give yourself more energy on a daily basis.
Eat the right foods
When you're feeling tired and lacking energy, it's tempting to turn to sugar and caffeine to boost energy quickly. But these both only work for a short while and then you crash and feel even more tired than before.
Instead, try eating foods with a low glycemic index. This means their sugars are absorbed slowly, giving you longer lasting energy without the crash. Whole grains, proteins, low-carb foods, and healthy fats are all good options here.
Drink plenty of water
Simply being dehydrated can cause your energy levels to drop. So it makes sense that drinking water is a simple and effective way to boost your energy quickly. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Don't worry about drinking a certain number of glasses or ounces; just drink until your urine looks like lemonade and you'll know you're hydrated.
Take Supplements
There are lots of supplements that can help boost your energy levels. Kratom capsules, B12, and ginseng are just a few. Supplements are typically taken daily and if you stop taking them, you stop receiving the benefits. Of course, when taking a supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor first to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed or that may be aggravated by the supplement.
Get plenty of sleep at the right time
Getting plenty of sleep seems like an obvious tip to give yourself more energy. But many people don't realize they sabotage themselves by sleeping at the wrong times. Avoid taking naps and try to get up and go to bed at the same times every day. This helps your body recognize when to sleep and when to be awake. It also ensures you get adequate sleep.
Giving yourself more energy doesn't have to be hard. And when you boost your energy, you also increase your productivity and boost your mood. Whether you're getting big projects done at work or handling small projects at home on the weekend, the benefits of more energy make your whole life better.
AMGEVITA®, a Biosimilar to HUMIRA®* (adalimumab), is Now Available in Canada for the Treatment of Multiple Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada today announced that AMGEVITA® (adalimumab, reference biologic drug: Humira®), is now available in Canada for the treatment of 11 chronic inflammatory conditions.
Treatment with AMGEVITA® should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult and pediatric (13 to 17 years of age weighing ≥ 40 kg) Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, adult and adolescent (12 to 17 years of age weighing ≥ 30 kg) hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis or adult and pediatric uveitis and who are familiar with the AMGEVITA® efficacy and safety profile.i
"We are pleased that AMGEVITA® is now available in Canada, offering patients and physicians a treatment option and flexibility of choice in therapies they may not otherwise have," says Suna Avcil, executive medical director, Amgen Canada. "AMGEVITA is an important milestone for Amgen's biosimilar portfolio, expanding the number of treatment options available for Canadians living with chronic inflammatory diseases."
AMGEVITA® is available as a prefilled syringe and a prefilled pen (SureClick® autoinjector) with a broad range of pack sizes to support dosing according to the approved dosage recommendations in each indication. Additionally, AMGEVITA® is provided in a citrate-free formulation.
"In my practice, I recognize the positive impact that access to additional therapeutic options can have on my patients and their quality of life," said Dr. Kim Papp, Dermatologist, President and Director of Research at Probity Medical Research Inc. "The availability of AMGEVITA® offers specialists another important tool with which we can care for our patients living with chronic inflammatory disease."
Biosimilars like AMGEVITA® are highly similar to, though often less expensive than, the original biologic therapies. In this way biosimilars, help increase the therapeutic options available to physicians and their patients and can help reduce the burden on Canada's healthcare system.
AMGEVITA® is also now reimbursed on the public drug plans in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland for all available indications of the reference product.
About AMGEVITA®
AMGEVITA is a biosimilar to Humira® (adalimumab), a fully human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a cytokine which mediates the inflammatory response. The amino acid sequence of AMGEVITA® is identical to that of the reference product.
About the AMGEVITA® Clinical Dataii
AMGEVITA® was approved based on a robust data package supporting biosimilarity to the reference product, Humira® brand adalimumab, based on analytical, nonclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data, including results from two confirmatory clinical studies conducted in moderate-to-severe psoriasis (PsO) and moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
The comparative clinical studies each met their primary endpoint showing no clinically meaningful differences from Humira®brand adalimumab. Safety and immunogenicity of AMGEVITA® were also comparable to Humira® brand adalimumab, and the data included a double-blind randomized switch from Humira® brand adalimumab to AMGEVITA®. AMGEVITA® was also evaluated in a long-term study in moderate-to-severe RA patients, which found that efficacy was maintained with no new safety findings.
About Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Following a physical injury, or in certain conditions, inflammation is a normal, healthy response; however, inflammatory disorders that result in the immune system attacking the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, which can result in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues.iii In this case, the inflammation refers to a biological response to stimuli interpreted by the body to have a potentially harmful effect.iv
Millions of Canadians suffer from various chronic inflammatory diseases,v often considered "invisible" since it does not show telltale physical signs the way acute inflammation does.vi Chronic inflammatory diseases are a burden to humans because of life-long debilitating illness, increased mortality and high costs for therapy and care.vii
The only way to detect chronic inflammation is to have an evaluation by a doctor including a physical exam and blood tests.viii
About Amgen CanadaAs a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ont.'s vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.
Amgen Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those Amgen projects. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for Amgen to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and Amgen expects similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints Amgen has selected. Amgen develops product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as Amgen may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, Amgen or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products, including its devices, after they are on the market.
Amgen's results may be affected by its ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing its products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of Amgen's products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, Amgen's research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. Amgen's business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, Amgen's business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. While Amgen routinely obtains patents for its products and technology, the protection offered by its patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, or Amgen may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. Amgen performs a substantial amount of its commercial manufacturing activities at a few key manufacturing facilities, including in Puerto Rico, and also depends on third parties for a portion of its manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of its current products and product candidate development. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, Amgen competes with other companies with respect to many of its marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for Amgen's products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of Amgen's distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with Amgen. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of Amgen's products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on its business and results of operations. Amgen's efforts to acquire other companies or products and to integrate the operations of companies Amgen has acquired may not be successful. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Amgen's systems and Amgen's data. Amgen's stock price may be volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Amgen's business performance could affect or limit the ability of the Amgen Board of Directors to declare a dividend or its ability to pay a dividend or repurchase its common stock. Amgen may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to it, or at all.
*Humira (adalimumab) is a registered trademark of AbbVieBiotechnology Inc.
References
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i
AMGEVITA PRODUCT MONOGRAPH, Patient Medication Information, November 4, 2020.
ii
AMGEVITA PRODUCT MONOGRAPH, Patient Medication Information, November 4, 2020.
Nearly 2,000 young people in the Quebec City area receive support through the Mental Health Investment Fund
QUEBEC CITY, May 4, 2021 /CNW/ - To mark Mental Health Week, Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Quebec City, and Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada, are pleased to announce that nearly 2,000 young people in the Quebec City area received outreach, education and support this past year through the work of four organizations supported by the Mental Health Investment Fund.
The $100,000 investment, announced in February 2020 and managed by the Fondation Jeunes en Tête, supports agencies with mental health missions that complement the foundation's activities:
Treatment: improving health care access for teens in the provincial capital region;
Raising awareness: delivering mental health awareness programs to junior high school students;
Screening: detecting early warning signs in the region's students.
Growing need Nearly one in two young people have experienced anxiety or depression since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a January 2021 survey by the Université de Sherbrooke.
"The situation is critical for students right now. We need to focus our efforts on helping young people overcome isolation and support their mental health. This funding plays a vital role by providing youth with direct support and tools to help them cope with the impact of the pandemic," said Mayor Labeaume.
This investment aligns with Sun Life's commitment to build mentally healthy and resilient communities. "Before the pandemic hit, Quebec and Canada were already in the midst of a mental health crisis. The pandemic has only made the crisis worse, especially for our youth. Fortunately, we can rely on the Fondation Jeunes en Tête and its partner agencies who, through their dedication and hard work, are supporting young people with mental health prevention and awareness programs and improving access to mental health care," said Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada.
Selected agencies and their impact
Accès Psy: Promotes access to mental health services for low-income youth to prevent mental health issues from becoming severe or chronic. Impact: Provides twenty free sessions to fifteen at-risk youth struggling with a mental health issue.
Boscoville: Develops and promotes prevention and intervention best practices. Its Blues school program focuses on preventing depression in youth aged 12 to 18 and helping those with early signs get treatment. Impact: After having to find new ways to deliver services because of the pandemic, the agency's program will launch in September 2021 in seven high schools in the Quebec City area, reaching 450 students.
Fondation Jeunes en Tête: Its mission is to prevent psychological distress in young people aged 11 to 18 in Quebec by giving them strategies to reduce anxiety and depression. Impact: It ran a virtual "Mental Health Basics" workshop free of charge in nine Quebec City high schools, reaching 1,455 students, and will add a tenth school by the end of May.
Océan: Supports social and functional independence for people with a mental illness. Impact: Nearly 400 teens from Joseph-François-Perrault high school received support this year through Océan's Prismeprogram, which helps high school students develop social skills, transform their school environment, receive psychological support, and be screened and referred to appropriate resources.
"Through the work of these youth outreach partners, we can support more young people and have an impact where the needs are greatest," said Catherine Burrows, Fondation Jeunes en Tête's Associate Executive Director. "Given the current situation, it's important to join forces and combine our expertise to give adolescents the help and tools they need to build good mental health."
About Fondation Jeunes en Tête Created from the merger between the Mental Illness Foundation and the Fondation Québec Jeunes, the Fondation Jeunes en Tête's mission is to prevent psychological distress in youth aged 11 to 18 in Quebec. It provides online tools to students, parents and educators and delivers awareness workshops in schools. The Fondation's core activities are raising awareness of mental health issues, destigmatizing mental illness and giving future generations the tools they need to cope with life's challenges.
In partnership with the Bal du maire de Québec, the Fondation also supports community organizations that provide complementary mental health services. To find out more about the Fondation, visit fondationjeunesentete.org/.
Sun Life in the community At Sun Life, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment, and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives; and mental health, supporting programs and organizations with a focus on building resilience and coping skills.
We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering close to 12,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Learn more about Sun Life in the community.
Mental Health Investment Fund Video To watch the video created by the Fondation Jeunes en Tête about the Mental Health Investment Fund, visit youtu.be/O562-JyJA9Y (in French only)
Join Thousands of Canadians Moving Forward to Support the MS Community
MS Society of Canada launches MS Walk, a community-driven event empowering 90,000 Canadians living with MS
TORONTO, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The MS Society of Canada will host its annual MS Walk throughout the month of May – MS Awareness Month — to raise awareness for an important cause in a safe way that will respect public health guidelines.
MS Walk is a nationwide community-driven event to build awareness and raise much needed funds that will help bring us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS). While the MS Society will not be hosting in-person events due to the pandemic, participants are encouraged to take part in the MS Walk in their own communities — however they choose to do so. Whether by walking in their own backyard, around the block or on a hiking trail, the MS Walk gets individuals across the country moving forward — together.
“When you know that you are part of a community, where tens of thousands of people walk with you, it fills you with hope,” says Becky Money, an Innisfail, AB resident who lives with MS. “The powerful message here is that we are stronger together. We are not alone, and we are all MS warriors — whether you are fighting for yourself or someone you love.”
This year, MS Walk is offering teams a creative way to participate with the Team MS Party Pack, which contains event decorations such as balloons and streamers to help participants bring their MS Walk to life. The community will also come together at 12pm ET on May 30, World MS Day, for a live-stream rally with the community.
The MS Society provides information, support and advocacy to people affected by MS, and funds research to find the cause and cure for the disease. Money raised through MS Walk supports the MS Society’s work to advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, understand and halt disease progression, and prevent MS.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect vision, memory and mobility. Approximately one in every 400 Canadians live with MS, and 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. It is the most common neurological disease among young adults, with 60 per cent of adults with MS between 20 and 49 years old.
“The MS Walk is a meaningful way for communities across the country to come together to show support, spread awareness and raise funds,” says Becky Mitts, Senior Director, Community Fundraising, MS Society of Canada. “No person living with multiple sclerosis should ever have to walk alone.”
For more information about MS Walk, visit mswalks.ca. We ask that participants closely monitor information on COVID-19 as released by the Public Health Agency of Canada and their local public health authorities.
About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49 and the unpredictable effects of the disease will last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides information, support and advocacy to people affected by MS, and funds research to find the cause and cure for the disease, bringing us closer to a world free of MS. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 for more information, to get involved, or to support Canadians affected by MS by making a donation.
Join the conversation and connect with the MS community online. Find the MS Society on Twitter, Instagram or like our page on Facebook.
Mountain Valley MD Proceeding With Pre-Clinical Cancer Trials, Files Related Cancer Patent
Ivectosol™ being tested to target certain cancers to pursue novel human intratumoral injection and intravenous infusion
TORONTO, May 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Mountain Valley MD Holdings Inc. (the "Company" or "MVMD") (CSE: MVMD) (FRA: 20MP) (OTCQB: MVMDF) is pleased to announce that the Company has filed a novel cancer adjuvant patent and is proceeding with pre-clinical trials with third-party cancer Contract Research Organizations (CROs) in triple-negative breast cancer, metastatic melanoma, and lung carcinoma.
Summary
MVMD files cancer patent for direct intratumoral injection, intravenously, infusions or instillations as adjuvants for broad chemotherapeutic to immunotherapeutic cancer regimens.
The Company is proceeding with three separate pre-clinical trials with specialized third-party cancer CROs: (1) triple-negative breast cancer; (2) metastatic melanoma; and (3) Lewis Lung Carcinoma as a proxy for non-small cell lung carcinoma.
The Company believes the research will have near-immediate application to direct human trials based on safety and efficacy of ivermectin.
"The extensive research supporting the drug ivermectin as effective in the inhibition of proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenic activity in a variety of cancers, and as an initiator of immunogenic cell death, is overwhelming," stated Mike Farber, Director of Life Sciences at Mountain Valley MD. "Imagine what is possible when you have the world's only human injectable form of ivermectin that can be directly injected into a tumor or provided through more bio-available forms such as intravenously. We believe this will be groundbreaking research with near-immediate application to be able to proceed directly to human trials based on the safety and efficacy of ivermectin."
Leading up to the implementation of pre-clinical trial cancer research, MVMD has been extensively researching the drug ivermectin, including its impact on cancer, and has included numerous abstracts at the end of this media release. All of the research articles cited involve either existing oral ivermectin in a murine model or the in-vitro testing of ivermectin utilizing organic solvents for solubilization that would be prohibited in a human intravenous or intratumoral administration.
As cited by Pharmacological Research in January 2021*, Ivermectin has powerful antitumor effects in a variety of cancer cells and promotes programmed cancer cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. The research also identifies how ivermectin has been shown to inhibit tumor stem cells and reverse multidrug resistance.
MVMD filed its cancer adjuvant patent, Novel Injectable, Infusable, Instillable Ivermectin Adjuvant for Cancer Therapies for its solubilized ivermectin (Ivectosol™). The patent-pending adjuvant utilizes the Company's advances in macrocyclic lactone solubility to consider Ivectosol™ as a viable adjuvant for numerous cancer therapies. MVMD's solubility technology applied to the ivermectin drug is the only form in the world that uses strictly excipients that are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it a leading candidate for human injection or intravenous infusion.
The pre-clinical trials that are being conducted are designed to prove the utility of Ivectosol™ to synergize and improve various cancer regimens currently in use and as a potent enhancer of current immunotherapies and chemotherapies for difficult to treat cancers.
Study One: Triple-negative breast cancer
Study will test the effectiveness of Ivectosol™ combined with checkpoint inhibitor that would be equivalent to either OPDIVO or Keytruda for disease progression and complete response rate
Arms in the study will look at single checkpoint inhibitor, oral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor and intratumoral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor
Estimated initial readouts/analysis – 2nd week of June, 2021
Complete readout with flow cytometry and statistical evaluation estimated mid-July, 2021 with possible abstract submission in August, 2021
Study Two: Metastatic melanoma
Study will test the effectiveness of Ivectosol™ intratumoral combined with checkpoint inhibitor for disease progression and complete response rate
Arms in the study will look at single checkpoint inhibitor, oral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor and intratumoral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor
Estimated initial readouts by end of June, 2021
Complete readout with flow cytometry and statistical evaluations estimated end of July, 2021 with possible abstract submission in August, 2021
Study Three: Lewis lung carcinoma as a proxy for non-small cell lung carcinoma
Study will test the effectiveness of Ivectosol™ intratumorally combined with checkpoint inhibitor for disease progression and complete response rate
Arms in the study will look at single checkpoint inhibitor, oral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor, intratumoral IVM + checkpoint inhibitor, navalbine + intratumoral IVM
Estimated initial readouts by end of June, 2021
Complete readouts with flow cytometry and statistical evaluation estimated by end of July, 2021 with possible abstract submission in August, 2021
All three studies will assess tumor growth and metastases through bioluminescence imaging, a non-invasive optical imaging modality designed to visualize and quantify bioluminescent signal in tissues. The Company is also actively pursuing a pre-clinical trial for bladder cancer and is currently assessing the best option to proceed through the evaluation of CRO proposals.
"Ivermectin is a Nobel prize winning global blockbuster drug with unprecedented potential. Overcoming its number one limitation of solubility using FDA approved excipients has opened up significant applications across multiple human and animal health lanes for Mountain Valley MD and our partners," stated Dennis Hancock, President and CEO of Mountain Valley MD. "Driving innovation in cancer research to support positive outcomes for increased survival rates, productivity, and improved quality of life for the global population is directly aligned with our mission of more life, less death. We couldn't be more honoured to drive forward this important work."
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020**. The World Cancer Day foundation estimates the total annual economic cost of cancer at approximately US$1.16 trillion***.
NOTE: All of the articles cited below involve either oral ivermectin in a murine model or the in-vitro testing of ivermectin utilizing organic solvents for solubilization that would be prohibited in a human intravenous or intertumoral administration.
Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug derived from an anti-parasitic drug. Authors: Mingyang Tang, Xiaodong Hu, Yi Wang, Xin Yao, Wei Zhang, Chenying Yu, Fuying Cheng, Jiangyan Li, Qiang Fang Pharmacological Research, Issue 163: 105207, Jan 2021 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7505114/
Ivermectin as an inhibitor of cancer stem-like cells. Authors: Guadalupe Dominguez–Gomez, Alma Chavez–Blanco, Jose Luis Medina–Franco, Fernanda Saldivar–Gonzalez, Ytzel Flores–Torrontegui, Mandy Juarez, José Díaz–Chávez, Aurora Gonzalez–Fierro, Alfonso Dueñas–González Molecular Medicine Reports. February 2018 Link: https://www.spandidos-publications.com/mmr/17/2/3397
Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 inOesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Authors: Liang Chen, Shuning Bi, Qiuren Wei, Zhijun Zhao, Chaojie Wang, Songqiang Xie Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, March 2020 Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcmm.15195
Ivermectin converts cold tumors hot and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for treatment of breast cancer Authors: Dobrin Draganov, Zhen Han, Aamir Rana, Nitasha Bennett, Darrell J. Irvine, Peter P. Lee. NPJ Breast Cancer, Volume 7, Article number: 22 (2021) Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41523-021-00229-5
The Multitargeted drug Ivermectin: from an antiparasitic agent to a repositioned cancer drug. Authors: Mandy Juarez, Alejandro Schcolnik-Cabrera, Alfonso Duenas-Gonzalez AM J Cancer Research: 2018 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5835698/
Continuous high-dose ivermectin appears to be safe in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and could inform clinical repurposing for COVID-19 infection. Authors: Claudio Galvao de Castro Jr., Lauro Jose Gregianin, Jan A. Burger Leukemia & Lymphoma: 2020, Volume 16, Issue 10 Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10428194.2020.1786559
Repurposing anthelmintic agents to eradicate resistant leukemia. Authors: Caterina Mezzatesta, Liridon Abduli, Anna Guinot, Cornelia Eckert, Denis Schewe, Marketa Zaliova, Luciana Vinti, Blerim Marovca, Yi-Chien Tsai, Silvia Jenni, Julia Aguade-Gorgorio, Arend von Stackelberg, Martin Schrappe, Franco Locatelli, Martin Stanulla, Gunnar Cario, Jean-Pierre Bourquin, Beat C. Bornhaus Blood Cancer Journal: 2020 Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41408-020-0339-9.pdf
The Company is not making any claims that Ivectosol™ is an effective treatment for any form of cancer, or any other medical condition, at this time.
ABOUT MOUNTAIN VALLEY MD HOLDINGS INC Mountain Valley MD is building a world-class biotech and life sciences company organization centred around the implementation of its patented Quicksome™ oral drug formulation and delivery technologies and its Quicksol™ solubilization technology for macrocyclic lactones, to innovate industry leading products that are sought out globally.
MVMD's proposition for delivering Quicksome™ formulations that have rapid onset, high bioavailability, low variability and precision dosing is core to the Company's success across key health and wellness categories. Consistent with its vision towards "Helping People Live Their Best Life", MVMD applies its Quicksome™ and Quicksol™ technologies to its ground-breaking work for advanced delivery of vaccines and pharmaceutical drugs as well as the development of products for pain management, weight loss, energy, focus, sleep, anxiety, and more.
The Company's patented Quicksome™ desiccation technology utilizes advanced liposomes and other stabilizing molecules to encapsulate and formulate active ingredients into highly efficient product formats that are consumed orally. The result is a new generation of product formulations that are capable of delivering vaccines, drugs and nutraceuticals into the body faster, with greater impact, efficiency and accuracy.
The Company's patented Quicksol™ solubilization technology covers all highly solubilized macrocyclic lactones (including the drugs Ivermectin and Selamectin). MVMD's solubility technology applied to the Ivermectin drug is the only form in the world that only uses excipients that are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it a leading candidate for human injection and sublingual applications as well as significantly broader husbandry and companion animal treatments based on its low viscosity.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.
The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.
The Company is making forward-looking statements, including but not limited to its planned pre-clinical trials with third-party cancer CROs in triple-negative breast cancer, metastatic melanoma, and lung carcinoma.
The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.
SOURCE Mountain Valley MD Holdings Inc.
Spring into Summer with NewKetotallyDelicious Recipes fromFolios Cheese Wraps®
Edison, NJ: May 2021 – As the days grow longer and flowers start to bloom, spring is sprung, and we are celebrating the returning warmth of the sun with some deliciously creative Folios Cheese Wraps® recipes. If you follow a keto or low-carb diet, you know just how hard it is to stay on track, especially during the spring into summer season, while also eating fun foods that you truly love to eat. Can’t eat sugar, carbs, or your favorite foods, such as wraps, chips, and pizza anymore? Folios Cheese Wraps® is your new best friend and can be wrapped, stuffed, rolled, melted, crisped, and baked into some Ketotally and ahhhhh-mazing, drool-worthy, creative recipes for spring, Mother's Day, or any day!
Folios Cheese Wraps® are keto-approved, lightly baked sheets of cheese that can be used for so much more than your typical wrap. Yes, you read that right, a wrap made of 100 percent all-natural cheese that are lactose and gluten-free, made without wheat, starch, fillers, or added sugar and are only 1g of carbs! They are the first and only keto-approved cheese wrap on the market and #1 cheese wrap nationwide, becoming a staple in the kitchens of the keto, allergy-friendly, and low-carb diet communities and for anyone looking to shake things up for a deliciously creative, convenient, and cheesy twist to enjoy cheese in any recipe, every day.
Folios Cheese Wraps® are available in three exciting flavors: Jarlsberg®, Parmesan, and Cheddar. Since true keto products must be low-carb and high in protein and fat, with 13g of protein and only 1g of carbs, Folios® has you covered and is a wonderful alternative to wraps, tortillas, and many other high-carb foods. Folios® can be crisped to make a savory taco shell, cheese bowl, pizza, or chips, melted into a mouthwatering burrito, enchilada, or omelet, rolled into a low-carb wrap, folded into a keto lasagna, or eaten straight out of the package as a low-carb, high-protein delicious cheese snack.
We love seeing all the creative ways or Community uses Folios, so we want to know: #HowDoYouFolios?
Looking for some delicious, low-carb recipes for spring and Mother’s Day holidays and recipe inspiration? Check out recipes both created by us and our amazing community here.
Makes 1 Bowl 1 Parmesan Folios cheese wrap® 1 sliced strawberry Small handful of blueberries Small handful of pomegranates Sugar-free whipped cream Dash of cinnamon Dash of monk fruit
DIRECTIONS
Set your oven to 375 degrees
Season your Folios parmesan wrap with cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener.
Cook wrap for 6 minutes for a softer churro bowl and 8 minutes for a harder churro bowl.
Take out of oven and let the wrap cool and harden over a bowl to take its shape for a few minutes.
Once hardened, fill your parmesan Folios churro bowl with sugar-free whipped cream, strawberries, pomegranates, and blueberries and top with more cinnamon.
Enjoy!
FOLIOS CHEESE WRAPS AVOCADO “TOAST”
We heard a rumor; cheese is the new bread. Sorry, bread, but our cheesy, Folios avocado “toast” is all the buzz.
1 Folios cheese wraps® 1 avocado 6 slices of bacon ¼ cut tomato Dash of salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS
Make Folios “toast” by crisping 1 Folios Wrap for 1 -1.5 minutes in a microwave or until golden and crispy.
Once cooled, cut into quarters to make 4 pieces of cheese toast.
Slice 1 whole avocado and spread throughout the 4 pieces of Folios toast.
Top with tomato, bacon, and seasoning.
Valerie Liu, Marketing Manager at Norseland, says, “The first ever 100 percent cheese wrap— Folios Cheese Wraps® continues to be a huge hit with consumers looking for healthy wrap alternatives.” She adds, “We are so inspired by our ever-growing community and all of the creative ways they are using Folios in their kitchens, from pot stickers to crepes to keto sushi.”
Folios Cheese Wraps® are available online and in stores across the U.S. They can be found in a 10-count pack at Costco for $8.99 and all other retailers nationwide in a 4-count pack with prices ranging from $4.99 to $5.99.
Folios Cheese Wraps® make delicious, keto-approved recipes without the fear of eating too many macros. To learn more about Folios Cheese Wraps® ™ and get recipe inspiration, visit the website at www.cheesefolios.com or become a part of the Folios community on Instagram (@FoliosCheeseWraps) and Facebook (@FoliosCheeseWraps). Share your favorite Folios™ recipes on social media and use #HowDoYouFolios #FoliosCheeseWraps for a chance to be featured on our website recipe page and social media channels. We love our Folios community!
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