Story of ‘Simple’ Man Sparks Real Conversations About Society’s Limits on People with Special Needs
Forest, VA, April 19, 2021― It’s a struggle that parents of children with special needs face every day and well into that child’s adulthood: how much decision-making latitude is safe?
NOKI is an empowering story from Douglas Farrago, MD, about a young man with autism who wants to become a professional boxer. Life’s circumstances have dictated the reason for him choosing this path. The lawless world of boxing has its reasons for embracing Noki and his abilities. And they are not good ones. So, the debate wages on: Should Noki be allowed to make the life-altering decision to enter the ring and put his life on the line?
Meanwhile, what few know is that Noki is actually a savant and can imitate and transform himself into any legendary boxer he wants — a plot twist that allows NOKI to pay homage to some of the greatest boxers of all time.
Dr. Farrago draws upon his experiences as an All-American collegiate boxer, a sports medicine trainer for professional boxers in Houston and his decades-long career in medicine during which he worked with autism patients to lend authenticity to his characters and narrative.
“Noki becomes somewhat of a hero to those with special needs in this story, which I think is pretty cool,” he said. “I felt it would be nice if a story showed that those with autism don’t need to be anything but themselves, and maybe it is the rest of us who need to change.”
Ultimately, NOKI is a heartwarming story that will spark real conversations about the limits that society places on people with special needs. Knowingly or not.
Author Douglas Farrago, MD, is board certified in the specialty of Family Practice. Recently retired, he had a large following of autistic and special needs patients in his career. Dr. Farrago is the inventor of the Knee Saver, which is currently in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Knee Saver and its knock-offs are worn by many major league baseball catchers. He also invented the CryoHelmet, used by athletes for head injuries as well as migraine sufferers.
Dr. Farrago received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia in 1987, his Master of Education degree in Exercise Science from the University of Houston in 1990 and his Medical Degree from the University of Texas at Houston in 1994. His residency training occurred way up north at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Dr. Farrago still blogs every day on his website Authenticmedicine.com and lectures worldwide about the present crisis in our healthcare system and the effect it has on the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Farrago has written six books to date, his latest one being NOKI.
20 Tenets to Help Women Lead Purposeful, Successful Lives Revealed in The Woman Code
Morning Joe Host & Author of Know Your Value, Mika Brzezinski, Pens Foreword
Washington, D.C., April 19, 2021 — The pandemic forced everyone to pivot and re-prioritize, and for many women, that meant putting themselves last. Now, more than ever, women need to know their value, recognize their worth and fill their own cups first.
“Women are the soul of what keeps the world going. We keep our families, our companies, our communities and our nations intact,” explains Sophia A. Nelson, acclaimed journalist and author of The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life (April 2021, Health Communications).
Named one of the most inspirational books by Woman’s Day in 2015-2017, this transformative book is updated with new insights about the profound economic and societal shifts that have changed our world since the pandemic. Nelson guides women through living out a powerful life Code that will lead them to purposeful, meaningful and authentically successful lives.
Every woman lives by a Code, whether she realizes it or not. It informs how she treats herself and others and how far she is willing to go in order to find success. Nelson calls on women to examine whether the Code they’re living by is truly helping them create the lives they desire. A senior columnist for USA Today and a frequent commentator on CNN, Nelson reveals 20 powerful Codes including:
Know Your Value
Be Resilient
Choose Your Thoughts and Words Wisely
Lift Other Women as You Climb
Practice Love, Laughter, Loyalty
With life quotes from philosophers and poets, mystics and her maternal grandmother, plus her experience as a Black woman rising through the ranks of a male-dominated news industry, The Woman Code is an essential tool of transformation for women to enjoy in reading groups, retreats and Bible study groups. It will help women honor themselves while navigating the demands of work, home, family and friendship no matter what their age or stage in life.
About the Author
Sophia A. Nelson is an award-winning American author and journalist who appears regularly on CNN’s Inside Politics and Newsroom as a legal and political analyst. She is an adjunct professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.
Nelson covered former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House from 2010–2012. The author appears frequently on CNN and has been a contributor to MSNBC, NBC, Fox News, the BBC, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer and the Today show. She writes for The Huffington Post Healthy Living and The Daily Beast. She has also contributed to USA Today, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is the author of The Woman Code, Black Woman Redefined, and E Pluribus ONE.
Memoir Details Author’s Journey with Mental Illness and Disability
Long Island, NY, April 19, 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.
Health Canada Authorizes EVRYSDI® (risdiplam) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in adults and children
SMA is a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling and walking i ii
EVRYSDI® (risdiplam) is the first at-home administered treatment for SMA.iii
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) today announced that Health Canada has granted EVRYSDIⓇ (risdiplam) market authorization for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in patients two months of age or older.iii
EVRYSDI works by helping the body make more of a protein called, "SMN protein." EVRYSDI increases and sustains the amount of SMN protein in the body, which helps to treat SMA. It is the first medicine for SMA that can be taken at home and is administered once daily by mouth or feeding tube.iii
"The Health Canada approval of EVRYSDI is a welcome addition in our ability to treat SMA. It is an efficacious treatment that significantly increases survival motor neuron (SMN) protein in SMA patients," said Dr. Hugh McMillan, Pediatric Neurologist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. "We now have an additional and convenient treatment option with EVRYSDI, as it's the first at-home and oral option for patients."
The Health Canada market authorization was based on data from two pivotal clinical trials designed to represent a spectrum of people living with SMA: FIREFISH in symptomatic infants aged two to seven months and SUNFISH in children and adults aged two to 25 years.iii
SMA is a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling and walking.iii It affects approximately one in 6,000 babies born, and about one in 40 people are genetic carriers.iv SMA is caused by a mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which leads to a deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. This protein is found throughout the body and is essential to the function of nerves that control muscles and movement. Without it, nerve cells cannot function correctly, leading to muscle weakness over time. Depending on the type of SMA, an individual's physical strength and their ability to walk, eat or breathe can be significantly diminished or lost.v
"Cure SMA enthusiastically welcomes the arrival of EVRYSDI to the Canadian market. Despite the treatments for SMA currently available, a number of Canadians remain without treatment and a large percentage do not have access to existing ones due to their age, state of health or due to the complexity of administering treatment in a hospital setting," said Amy Loignon, Co-President, Cure SMA Quebec. "This situation is especially exacerbated by COVID-19 and the burden caused by it. We are pleased to see this first oral treatment for SMA, giving these patients hope that their condition may stabilize and even improve."
About the Health Canada Approval
The Health Canada market authorization of EVRYSDI is based on data from two pivotal clinical trials designed to represent a spectrum of people living with SMA: FIREFISH in symptomatic infants aged two to seven months; and SUNFISH in children and adults aged two to 25 years.iii
FIREFISH is an open-label, two-part study investigating the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of EVRYSDI in symptomatic Type 1 SMA patients (all patients had genetically confirmed disease with two copies of the SMN2 gene).iii
Part 1 of FIREFISH was designed as the dose-finding part of the study. The confirmatory Part 2 of the FIREFISH study assessed the efficacy of EVRYSDI at the therapeutic dose selected based on the results from Part 1.iii
Patients from Part 1 did not take part in Part 2. In Parts 1 and 2, the key efficacy endpoint was the ability to sit without support for at least five seconds, as measured by Item 22 of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – Third Edition (BSID-III) gross motor scale, after 12 months treatment with EVRYSDI.iii
SUNFISH is a two-part, multicenter trial to investigate the efficacy, safety, PK and PD of EVRYSDI in SMA Type 2 or Type 3 patients between two to 25 years of age.
Part 1 was the exploratory dose-finding portion.iii
Part 2 was the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled confirmatory portion. Patients from Part 1 did not take part in Part 2. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline score at month 12 on the Motor Function Measure-32 (MFM32).iii
In clinical trials, EVRYSDI improved motor function in pediatric and adult patients with various levels of disease severity, including Types 1, 2, and 3 SMA.iii
Analysis of the data indicates 29.3 per cent of participants with infantile-onset SMA were able to sit without support for at least five seconds as measured by Item 22 of the BSID-III gross motor scale (29.3%; 90% CI:17.8%, 43.1%; p<0.0001); a key motor milestone not normally seen in the natural course of the disease. Additionally, 85.4 per cent of participants met the criteria of event-free survival without permanent ventilation (secondary endpoint) in each case after 12 months of treatment (85.4%; 90% CI:73.4%, 92.2%; p<0.0001).iii
Analysis of the data indicates patients with later-onset SMA met the efficacy criteria of significant improvement in motor function assessed by the Motor Function Measure-32 (MFM32) (1.55 point mean difference; p<0.0156) at 12 months of treatment with EVRYSDI, compared to placebo (1.36 points [95% CI: 0.61, 2.11]; -0.19 points [95% CI: -1.22, 0.84], respectively).iii
About EVRYSDIⓇ (risdiplam)
EVRYSDI is a pre-mRNA splicing modifier of survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) designed to treat SMA, which is caused by mutations in chromosome 5q that lead to SMN protein deficiency. EVRYSDI works by helping the body make more of a protein called, "SMN protein". EVRYSDI increases and sustains the amount of SMN protein in the body, which helps to treat SMA. EVRYSDI is a strawberry-flavoured liquid taken once daily by mouth or feeding tube.iii
About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
SMA is a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling and walking.iiiIt affects approximately one in 6,000 babies born, and about one in 40 people are genetic carriers.ivSMA is caused by a mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which leads to a deficiency of SMN protein. This protein is found throughout the body and is essential to the function of nerves that control muscles and movement. Without it, nerve cells cannot function correctly, leading to muscle weakness over time. Depending on the type of SMA, an individual's physical strength and their ability to walk, eat or breathe can be significantly diminished or lost.v
About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof, combined with a focus on innovation, have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare – a strategy that aims to provide patients with timely access to their best possible healthcare solution.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1931, Roche Canada is committed to searching for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases while making a sustainable contribution to society. The company employs more than 1,500 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario and Diagnostics, as well as Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec.
Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders.
Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. For more information, please visit www.rochecanada.com.
v Anderton RS, Mastaglia FL. Advances and challenges in developing a therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(8):895-908. doi: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1059757. PMID: 26200127
SOURCE Roche Canada
We all love sipping on a good cup of tea! Earl gray. Peppermint. Green tea. Black tea. Chamomile. Matcha… whatever your favorite may be, the combinations and possibilities are endless! And while we may enjoy tea for its diverse flavors and healthier energy kick, there are actually a number of health benefits that come with drinking tea regularly.
In honor of National Tea Day approaching (April 21st), Jaya Jaya Myra, former immunologist turnedmind-body wellness expert and bestselling author, wanted to highlight the wonderful mental and physical health benefits of drinking tea every day.
“Tea is one of my daily routines because it helps build synergy with everything else. This simple act has tremendous benefits for physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Tea can boost the immune system, help fight viruses, and even decrease stress and anxiety, which we all need right now.” says Jaya Jaya Myra.
Here are Jaya Jaya Myra’s top 5 mind-body benefits of drinking tea:
Benefit #1: Fights Viruses and Boosts Immunity Black and green tea are known to have antiviral properties that can help your immune system combat viruses like the common cold and maybe even Covid-19. Anything extra we can do to support the immune system right now is a win-win.
Benefit #2: Powerful Antioxidants Fight DNA Damage and Reduce Signs of Aging Want to maintain that youthful radiant glow and stay healthy at the same time? A cup of tea, particularly green tea or matcha, a day may be just the thing. Tea, and green tea in particular is loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight DNA damage and oxidative stress on the body, keeping you looking and feeling young. Those antioxidants can also help prevent heart disease and even cancer.
Benefit #3: Reduces Stress and Anxiety Black and green tea contain L-theanine, a compound that helps fight stress and anxiety naturally. It can also promote a sense of calmness, while helping you focus on whatever task is at hand, making tea a great morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Theanine can minimize the jitteriness of caffeine, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, go for a tea that has less, like green or oolong.
Benefits #4: Drinkable Medicinal Spices People have been making “tea” with herbs and spices for centuries. While these are technically tisanes if tea leaves are not used, we’re not keeping track because the potent health and wellness benefits are profound. A common Ayurvedic staple is cumin coriander fennel tea, which contains a host of health benefits including stimulating digestion, which is the root of all health according to Ayurveda. Lavender and chamomile teas can help promote sleep and relaxation. You can make tea to have practically any health or wellness benefit you want!
Benefit #5:A Great Social or Self-Care Routine Whether used as a daily self-care routine or a way to spend time with friends and family, tea has you covered. It’s one of those things that can be enjoyed just as much alone as in a social setting.
New questionnaire to guide pregnant individuals to be physically active during pregnancy
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology develops Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy to help pregnant individuals overcome barriers that may prevent them from being physically active
OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Regular physical activity is a key part of a healthy pregnancy, according to the SOGC/CSEP 2019 Canadian Guideline on Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy. The new Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy released by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is designed to identify the small number of individuals who should seek medical advice as a first step to becoming or continuing to be physically active during the months that they are pregnant, and to help the majority of healthy pregnant individuals overcome any concerns they might have with getting or staying active.
"This new evidence-informed Questionnaire is designed to be self-administered and provides clear advice to individuals who are pregnant to confirm whether it is safe for them to begin or continue to exercise during this special time in their life," says CSEP's panel Chair, Margie Davenport, PhD, from the University of Alberta's Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health. "Physical activity is safe for most who are pregnant, but there are some cases where the individual should consult with their health care provider first and this questionnaire guides them on when this is necessary."
The short Questionnaire helps individuals decide whether they should speak to a Health Care provider before they begin or continue to be physical active. The checklist asks yes and no questions about pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., Type 1 diabetes), pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., placenta previa), as well as other reasons that the pregnant individual may be concerned about being physically active during pregnancy. Positive responses to any of the questions indicate that a conversation with their health care provider would be beneficial. Questions about their level of physical activity prior to, and during pregnancy, and their desired level of physical activity are included to help start a conversation with a qualified exercise professional about becoming or staying active.
Developed in concert with the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy, the companion Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Prenatal Physical Activity helps health care providers have a meaningful conversation about the benefits of physical activity with their pregnant patients and discuss whether any modifications to their activity plan are required. Taken together, these new tools will help pregnant individuals who wish to become active to get the right guidance and reduce uncertainty.
"CSEP has a long history of developing internationally-recognized guidelines and pre-screening forms for physical activity as part of our work to bring science to practice. We were proud to bring together a group of clinicians and exercise professional stakeholders to develop this important tool for individuals who are pregnant." says CSEP Board Chair, Adam Upshaw, PhD, Niagara College. "This Questionnaire is the only one of its kind in the world. It is clear, easy to use, and reduces the barriers to begin or continue to be active during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals, qualified exercise professionals and health care providers across Canada are encouraged to download and use the Questionnaire."
The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy was developed by a panel of experts from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Society for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Women's Health Division, and leading academics in the area of exercise and pregnancy from Canada and the US. Both the Questionnaire and Health Care Provider Consultation Form are available on the CSEP website: csep.ca/getactivequestionnaire-pregnancy in English and in French scpe.ca/menezunevieplusactive-grossesse
SOURCE Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Government of Canada Awards Apotex Inc. a Significant Contract to Supply a Safety Net of Additional Dexamethasone in Canada
Part of the Critical Drug Reserve in COVID-19 Response
TORONTO, April 15, 2021 /CNW/ - As Canadians remain impacted by the spread of COVID-19, Apotex, Canada's largest pharmaceutical company has been awarded a contract with the Government of Canada to supply the Critical Drug Reserve of Dexamethasone tablets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.
According to the World Health Organization, "It was tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the United Kingdom's national clinical trial RECOVERY and was found to have benefits for critically ill patients. According to preliminary findings shared with WHO (and now available as a preprint), for patients on ventilators, the treatment was shown to reduce mortality by about one third, and for patients requiring only oxygen, mortality was cut by about one fifth."
After being informed of the outcome of the competitive process, Apotex significantly ramped up production to manufacture the supply, which represents five times the total current market demand for dexamethasone. The scale up will continue throughout 2021 and will ensure Canadians currently being treated with the drug for approved indications have continued access.
"At Apotex, we are proud to produce more than 95% of our portfolio for Canadians in Canada," said Raymond Shelley, SVP, Commercial Operations-Canada & Caribbean. "This pandemic has further shown the benefits of domestic manufacturing as our fully integrated facilities allow us to easily adjust our manufacturing and distribution in order to meet urgent government and patient needs."
About Apotex Inc. Apotex Inc. is a proudly Canadian, global pharmaceutical company that produces high-quality, affordable medicines for patients around the world. Apotex employs almost 8,000 people worldwide in manufacturing, R&D, and commercial operations. Apotex Inc. exports to more than 100 countries and territories and operates in more than 45 countries, with a significant presence in Canada, the US, Mexico, and India. Through vertical integration, Apotex is comprised of multiple divisions and affiliates including Apotex Inc., focused on generics; Apobiologix, a division of Apotex Inc. focused on biosimilar development; Aveva, an affiliate of Apotex Inc. fully integrated global developer and manufacturer of complete transdermal solutions; Apotex Consumer Products, a division of Apotex Inc. focused on brand name products; and Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (GAPI), a division of Apotex Inc. focused on the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for Apotex and third parties. For more information visit: www.apotex.com.
SOURCE Apotex Inc.
For further information:
All media enquiries: Jordan Berman, Vice-President, Global Corporate Affairs, PH: 416-401-7487, Mobile: 647-272-2287
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalMed, an international provider of virtual health solutions, is proud to introduce the market release of its TotalExam® Lite camera, available in both general exam and otoscope variants. The new offering leverages GlobalMed's extensive digital imaging expertise and deep knowledge of the telehealth industry to provide superior full motion video and intelligent image capture in an affordable design.
Offered as a kit, the TotalExam Lite solution includes two high resolution digital cameras, a general exam and otoscope, both utilizing the same artifact-free imaging technology and optimized illumination. With a focus on providing a complete solution for clinicians and practitioners, the TotalExam camera kit includes all necessary accessories including both 4.0 and 3.2 mm speculas for a patient population ranging from children to adult, as well as two dermatology hoods for stabilizing images utilizing GlobalMed's patented dual-polarizing technology to eliminate glare.
"We're excited to offer healthcare providers a superior imaging suite without the high price tag," said Joel E. Barthelemy, GlobalMed founder and CEO. "We continue to develop state-of-the-art solutions that enable advanced virtual care delivery. The TotalExam Lite was designed with clinicians in mind using our demonstrated knowledge of digital imaging and device manufacturing.
The TotalExam Lite general exam camera and otoscope are optimized for use with GlobalMed's eNcounter® Virtual Health Platform and its USB plug-and-play capability. Use cases for the technology span the breadth of exam types including dermatology, ENT, wound care and optical.
Learn more about the TotalExam Lite camera, the latest medical camera in GlobalMed's family of high-performance medical imagers.
About GlobalMed®
GlobalMed powers the world's largest, most advanced virtual health platform that supports a patient at any point in the continuum of care. Providers are enabled with integrative software and data-capturing tools to deliver a complete and accurate patient encounter for evidence-based treatment and improved patient outcomes. Providers looking to manage capacity, reduce costs, and deliver responsible medicine, will get all they need from one platform.
With over 40 million consults delivered in nearly 60 countries and specializing in both federal and commercial spaces, GlobalMed's virtual health platform deploys in its highly secure Azure environment and is used worldwide from the VA, DoD, and White House Medical Unit to rural hospitals and villages in Africa. Founded in 2002 by a Marine Corps Reserve Veteran still serving as CEO, GlobalMed is proud to be a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB). Learn more at www.globalmed.com.
B.C. Manufacturer Reaches Milestone by Fulfilling Federal Government Contract to Supply 46 Million Masks
Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. reflects on its first year of operation and commits to the long-term growth of the emerging medical mask manufacturing industry in Canada.
KELOWNA, BC, April 14, 2021 /CNW/ - One Kelowna manufacturing company, Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd.("Breathe"), is celebrating a significant milestone less than one year into its whirlwind emergence. Breathe just completed the last shipment of a contract for 46 million masks with the Public Health Agency of Canada ("PHAC") to distribution centres across the country.
Breathe's CEO Robert Balazs could not be prouder of his team as he reflects on the achievement: "At this time last year we didn't even have a facility, and had only just secured the federal contract to produce ASTM Level 1 masks that allowed us to set the wheels in motion. We received the keys to an empty warehouse shell in May 2020. Our first round of equipment arrived in June, and production was fully up and running by August. Since then, our team has been working around the clock—we run 24 hours per day, 7 days per week—to provide safe, high-quality masks to front line workers across all sectors. It's a tremendous accomplishment."
Growing rapidly, and currently employing more than 175 people out of its Kelowna production facility, Breathe is located near major transportation and distribution routes (including the Kelowna International Airport). While the main effort has been focused on completing its commitment to the federal government, the company has also serviced contracts ranging from a few thousand units per month up to the millions of units required monthly in the PHAC contract. Now Breathe is working with its national and international distributors to supply to additional markets and industries, including provincial and regional health agencies, dental offices, industrial sites, food processors, educational institutions, and health and beauty care facilities that will require ongoing access to safe, high-quality, "made in Canada" PPE long after the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes.
"COVID-19 has taught all of us that Canada needs to establish its own high-quality PPE supply chain. This is after we experienced Canada's vulnerability, marked by panic buying, lack of inventory, shipping delays, and quality-related recalls at the start of the pandemic last spring," said Balazs. "Not only that, Breathe is creating high-quality jobs in our communities. Many of our production staff came from industries such as hotels and casinos that were severely impacted by the events of 2020, particularly here in the Okanagan where tourism and hospitality are such a vital part of the local economy. We know we are making a difference right here at home in British Columbia."
Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. is also a founding member of a new industry association committed to fuelling the long-term growth of this emerging industry. The Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM www.cammm.ca) is working to build relationships and be a strong voice around mask manufacturing issues between federal/provincial governments, industry partners and the public.
Balazs commented on the next year of business: "Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the team at Breathe is continuing to push forward with product innovation. In response to customer demand and feedback, MRI-compatible masks, masks with anti-fogging technology, and 95PFE respirators are all in various stages of development, regulatory approval and production. The company is developing good jobs that are close to home and focused on an important mission: helping to keep Canadians safe."
About Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. Breathe Medical Manufacturing designs, manufactures and distributes disposable surgical/procedure masks and N95 particulate respirators. Breathe services multiple global markets, including medical, health and beauty, industrial, and food and beverage processing plants. Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, the company produces ASTM medical levels 1, 2 and 3 and N95 respirator masks for the Canadian and US markets. For more information, visit www.breathemedicalmanufacturing.com.
SOURCE Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd.
Alimentiv Health Trust Launches AcelaBio (US) Inc. - A Commercial State-of-the-art Research Laboratory Delivering Histopathology And Precision Medicine Services For Global Clinical Trials
LONDON, ON, April 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Alimentiv Health Trust, the parent company of Alimentiv, Inc. (formerly Robarts Clinical Trials), a specialized global gastrointestinal (GI) contract research organization (CRO), and McDougall Scientific Ltd., a niche CRO, announced today the launch of AcelaBio, a commercial state-of-the-art research laboratory delivering histopathology and precision medicine services for global clinical trials.
AcelaBio's primary focus is to accelerate biomarker discovery and development by providing end-to-end specialty histopathology & precision medicine services for global clinical trials. This state-of-the-art laboratory has strong synergies with Alimentiv (CRO) that will enhance the ability to deliver clinical research to pharmaceutical and biotech industry partners.
"Delivering healthcare innovation through investment in research and development and new commercial entities is central to the purpose of the Trust," said Jeff Smith, CEO Alimentiv and Trustee, Alimentiv Health Trust. "We are excited to launch AcelaBio which demonstrates this commitment."
AcelaBio brings together people, technology, and science to deliver accurate and consistent high-quality data and digital pathology.
"We are committed to improving patient health by delivering innovative histopathology and precision medicine services to develop new disease activity and biomarker assessments that enable efficient drug development and diagnoses," said Dr. Niels Vande Casteele, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California San Diego, and President of AcelaBio.
The AcelaBio laboratory is based in San Diego, California, United States, and is currently pursuing accreditation with the College of American Pathologists. AcelaBio will begin providing commercial laboratory research services, in the summer of 2021, to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, to enhance the understanding of disease mechanisms and support the development of safe and effective therapies for patients.
About the Alimentiv Health Trust Alimentiv (CRO) is a global research organization providing clinical trials, central image management, and precision medicine services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Headquartered in London Ontario, Alimentiv employs approximately 400 people across its operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Its unique model combines the efforts of leading, internationally recognized academic researchers with operational experts to offer integrated solutions to its customers. Founded in 1986 at the Robarts Research Institute, the clinical trials division was initially led by Dr. Henry Barnett. In 1997, Dr. Brian Feagan, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Western University assumed leadership and built upon the foundation of academic excellence by focusing the organization on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research. Over the past 20 years, Alimentiv has become recognized as an expert in clinical trial design, central image management solutions, outcome measure development, and precision medicine for drug development in IBD. Today, Alimentiv provides services in over 60 countries worldwide, collaborates with leading academic research institutions across the globe, and partners with many of the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations to bring new and improved treatment options to patients.
SOURCE Alimentiv Health Trust
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