UNITED STATES OF CARE HOSTS WEBINAR WITH KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION AND LEADING EXPERTS TO DISCUSS VACCINE CONFIDENCE, EQUITY AND INCREASING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
(Washington, DC) – United States of Care hosted a webinar yesterday to discuss recent research on vaccine confidence and effective ways to communicate to the public about the vaccine, its distribution, and the need to get vaccinated. Presentations highlighted the “wait and see” populations unique concerns and motivations.
“During this critical phase of vaccine education and distribution, it’s especially important to help concerned people make their choice. Getting all the facts and weighing the information is truly what smart health decision-making looks like. We’re eager to help people along that path — and congratulate them when they make their choice,” said Natalie Davis, co-Founder, Managing Director, Public Engagement for United States of Care.
On the call, participants discussed recent data released by the Kaiser Family Foundation that examined adults who are considered “wait and see” for the vaccine, as well as how likely communities of color are to receive a vaccination.
Dr. Mollyann Brodie, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Executive Director of KFF’s Public Opinion and Survey Research Program said, “The three in ten adults who put themselves in the ‘wait and see’ group have real concerns and questions about the vaccine. If trusted messengers such as health care providers are the ones answering their real information needs, that many more people are likely to conclude that getting vaccinated is the right choice for themselves and their families.”
The webinar also featured Dr. Rhonda Medows, President of Population Health Management at Providence, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, and CEO of Ayin Health Solutions. Also, Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Grapevine Health, an Infectious disease physician, CDC-trained medical epidemiologist, and health activist. Medows and Fitzpatrick discussed the attitudes of communities of color toward the vaccine.
“Although, I may be a physician, I admit that even I started in the ‘hell no’ vaccine box and had to think long and hard about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Ultimately what led me to take the shots and advocate for others to do the same was that I was able to learn all the facts behind the vaccines’ development and saw firsthand the devastating toll that the pandemic has taken on Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Native communities,” said Dr. Rhonda Medows. “In my family alone, we’ve lost ten people to COVID-19, sadly that’s not at all unusual in communities of color.”
Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick added, “To continue moving people along the vaccine acceptance continuum, trusted, credible information about the vaccine must be delivered by credible messengers in places where Black Americans are consuming health information. Rather than perpetuating narratives about vaccine hesitancy, we should be focusing our energy and resources into ensuring the Black community has answers to lingering questions about the vaccine.”
All participants stressed that people’s concerns about the vaccine are real and they deserve empathetic, straightforward answers as they consider whether the vaccine is right for them. Understanding and addressing these concerns now, early in the national vaccination process, is key for overall equitable vaccine uptake and protecting the most vulnerable. United States of Care assembled studies and research findings in a newly released memo.
"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Inclusion is key, both with respect to messages and their sources. In order to ensure the best vaccination rates, we need to make an effort to understand what makes people concerned in the first place,” concluded Dr. Matt Motta, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University.
Organizations, experts address increased physical inactivity during pandemic
Change for Good Health seeks to make it easier for Canadians to access exercise for their health
Toronto, ON, February 18, 2021 -- A group of Canadian businesses, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, researchers and healthcare experts are working together to examine how the pandemic is contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and consider ways to make physical activity available to more people in Canada, especially marginalized communities and vulnerable populations.
Championed by David ‘Patch’ Patchell-Evans, a physical fitness pioneer in Canada and the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness and Fit4Less, the Change for Good Health project is intended to address the health impacts of inactivity, as well as longstanding inequities when it comes to accessing physical activity. Patch is working with Toronto-based social good consultants impakt, to convene a group of experts to co-create potential solutions to the heightened risks of inactivity exposed by the pandemic, leveraging existing research and programs.
“I believe that fitness should be a right for everyone living in Canada, but to make that a reality, we have to give everyone the opportunity to be physically active, particularly those who face significant barriers in the first place. It should just be part of living here, like going to school or seeing a doctor,” said Patchell-Evans. “We know most people aren’t active enough, and the pandemic has really brought this health issue to the forefront. It will take a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to help more people get moving for their mental and physical health. We need diverse perspectives and expertise to find the best way forward.”
Before the pandemic, only about one in five Canadians (of any age) were getting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Remote work, home-schooling, shelter in place measures and the closure of fitness, recreation and sport facilities and programs are contributing to more sedentary behaviour.
On top of that, anxiety and depression have risen dramatically. Canadians are reporting their highest levels of anxiety (23%) and depression (15%) – above the levels at the peak of COVID’s first wave.
There is mounting evidence that the lack of access to physical activity and recreation opportunities has put more people than ever at risk of lowered immunity, heart disease, obesity, substance abuse and increased stress and loneliness. Those risks can be even greater for people in vulnerable communities who may also be experiencing lower income, precarious home or work situations, marginalization or other conditions that threaten access to good health outcomes.
Change for Good Health will gather a diverse group of stakeholders from healthcare, academia, sport and recreation, and non-governmental organizations to take part in a series of roundtable discussions focusing on ways to collaborate and innovate to create more opportunities to be active, especially for people who need it most.
Other organizations taking part in Change for Good Health include Abilities Centre, Bootcamps for Change, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health, Canadian Tire Jump Start Charities, Canadian Women & Sport, canfitpro, Diabetes Canada, Exercise is Medicine Canada, Global Wellness Institute, GoodLife Fitness, GoodLife Kids Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Jays Care Foundation, MLSE LaunchPad, Right To Play, Unsinkable and YMCA of Greater Toronto.
Academic and medical experts participating in the round tables include Dr. Gordon Asmundson (psychology, University of Regina), Dr. Paul Oh (cardiology, University Health Network), Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed (kinesiology, University of Calgary) and Dr. Iris Lesser, (kinesiology, University of Fraser Valley), Dr. Bruce Kidd (kinesiology, University of Toronto), among others.
Participants will share their expertise and ideas at three Change for Good Health online roundtable discussions this month.
Fitness as a right, health equity. Making the case for opportunities to be physically active as a basic right and necessity, during and after the pandemic.
The impact of physical inactivity on mental, emotional, and social health.
Addressing the health and wellness of children and families through physical activity.
Participant insights and ideas will inform a discussion document and recommendations, as well as a preliminary roadmap for the future to bring opportunities for physical activity to more people in Canada.
Click here to find out more about Change for Good Health.
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Nursing applications up by 32 per cent at BradfordIncrease mirrors national rise
18 February 2021 The University of Bradford has seen a 32 per cent increase in the number of applications for its nursing courses from 2020 to 2021. This compares to an increase of 20 per cent between 2019 and 2020.The increase mirrors a national rise of around 32 per cent as reported by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).Danielle Woods, lecturer in adult nursing in the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford, who is also a registered nurse, said the increase in applications at Bradford was partly influenced by the covid pandemic but was also due to innovations in teaching implemented by the University of Bradford.She said: “All our prospective nursing students undergo an interview as part of our rigorous admissions process, and we are seeing evidence that people are being motivated to pursue a career in nursing by the impact of the covid pandemic to immediate and longer term health outcomes. However, we were seeing an increase in applications even before the pandemic, thanks to our close working partnerships with local healthcare trusts and innovative teaching methods."Major incident trainingShe went on: “These methods have been particularly tested during the pandemic. One example of where we have used technology to innovate during this time is in creating an online simulated major incident, which tests student nurses with realistic medical scenarios and puts them under constant pressure, having to work out problems as they occur.”She added: “Bradford serves one of the most diverse communities in the UK, so we are particularly proud to see a large number of applications from people of a South Asian origin, in addition to an increase in applications from males, which we want to encourage. Additionally, many of our staff are still clinically active and the links we maintain with healthcare trusts remain strong.”Career optionsThe University runs three BSc Nursing programmes, including an Adult Nursing programme specifically for Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust on the Dewsbury and District Hospital site, as well as a variety of postgraduate courses.In addition, the government has outlined new funding for nursing, midwifery and other allied health professions courses. From September 2020, UK/EU students at English universities can receive up to £8,000 (with a minimum of £5,000 a year) in funding.Dr Pam Bagley, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies, said: “It is great to see the level of interest from people wanting to study nursing. It is a fantastic profession that offers an incredibly diverse range of employment settings and opens the door to a host of career directions.“The University is working closely with our partners in health and social care to create more opportunities for people to study nursing and allied health careers.“Nursing is a profession that appeals to students progressing straight from school and those who are seeking to change careers. It is a profession that is enhanced by diversity across gender, race and culture, something our university is committed to.” Picture 1) Student nurses training at the University of Bradford. Picture credit: University of Bradford.
Fresenius Kabi Canada Launches IDACIO® (adalimumab injection) a Biosimilar to HUMIRA® (adalimumab) for the Treatment of Multiple Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Biosimilars offer patients access to affordable, meaningful medicines
TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Fresenius Kabi Canada, a health care company that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition, announced today it has introduced IDACIO®, an adalimumab biosimilar, in Canada. The drug is available immediately for all indications of the reference medicine in the areas of rheumatology, gastroenterology and dermatology. IDACIO received marketing authorization from Health Canada on October 30, 2020 and is the first biosimilar product introduced in North America by Fresenius Kabi.
"Our philosophy is 'caring for life' and this authorization is the latest example of Fresenius Kabi providing meaningful and affordable medications to Canadian patients," said Matthew Rotenberg, CEO, Fresenius Kabi Canada. "As a partner to the Canadian health care system, we are known for our high-quality standards and manufacturing capabilities and now for biosimilars we have invested in comprehensive programs that will make the use of our product seamless for patients and assist physicians in delivering optimal care."
KabiCare, Fresenius Kabi Canada's patient support program, provides patients with information, tools, and support to help them during their treatment. KabiCare is a program tailored to patients and health care providers, offering reimbursement navigation, financial assistance, as well as customized services to complement individual clinic processes.
The Health Canada authorization of IDACIO was based on the evidence submitted to Health Canada including analytical, preclinical, and clinical data in healthy volunteers and patients.i Indications have been granted on the basis of similarity between the biosimilarand the reference biologic drug and IDACIO has demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity to the reference product in the clinical development program.ii,iii,iv
"It is really important to have biosimilars in Canada as they offer equal value to patients at less cost," said Dr. Janet Pope, MD MPH, Professor of Medicine, Rheumatologist, Western University. "Biosimilars approved by Health Canada have successfully gone through a rigorous review for their safety and benefit. They should help in the sustainability of our health care."
About IDACIO
IDACIO was developed by Fresenius Kabi. Health Canada authorized IDACIO for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, adult and adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa, adult and paediatric Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, adult non-infectious uveitis and pediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis.i
About Fresenius Kabi Canada
Bringing over 100 years of global experience and over 30 years in Canada, Fresenius Kabi Canada is a long-term partner to Canadian health care. It is committed to upholding the same quality standards in developing and producing biosimilars as originator biologics, while supporting the unique needs of Canadian patients, practitioners and the health care system.
Fresenius Kabi has grown to be a leading supplier of IV generic drugs in Canada. Its product portfolio also includes IV compounding pharmacies, infusion therapies and parenteral nutrition products as well as the devices for administering these products.
Fresenius Kabi believes health care should never be "one size fits all." That's why the company is taking a thoughtful approach to addressing the unique needs of Canadian patients, practitioners and the health care system as a whole. As a partner to the system, Fresenius Kabi works closely with health care professionals, payers and patients, to develop value-added services that improve patient care.
Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. The company's products and services are used to help care for critically and chronically ill patients. Fresenius Kabi's product portfolio comprises a comprehensive range of I.V. generic drugs, infusion therapies and clinical nutrition products as well as the devices for administering these products. In the field of biosimilars, Fresenius Kabi focuses on autoimmune diseases and oncology. In 2019, Fresenius Kabi launched its first biosimilar product. Within transfusion medicine and cell therapies, Fresenius Kabi offers products for collection of blood components and extracorporeal therapies.
With its corporate philosophy of "caring for life", the company is committed to putting essential medicines and technologies in the hands of people who help patients and finding the best answers to the challenges they face.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius Kabi does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
i
IDACIO® Product Monograph. October, 2020
ii
Hyland E, et al. Comparison of the pharmacokinetcis, safety and immunogenicity of MSB11022, a biosimilars of adalimumab, with Humira®in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016;82(4):983–932
iii
Hercogova J et al. A randomized, double-blind trial comparing the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of MSB11022, a proposed biosimilar of adalimumab, versus adalimumab originator in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(3):AB21
iv
Hercogova J et al. AURIEL-PsO: a randomized, double-blind phase III equivalence trial to demonstrate the clinical similarity of the proposed biosimilar MSB11022 to reference adalimumab in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis. Br J Dermatol. 2020; 182: 316-326
SOURCE Fresenius Kabi
National Survey Says 98% of Responding Brain Injury Rehabilitation Providers
Plan Continued Use of Telehealth Services Post-Pandemic
Telehealth Usage More Than Doubled During the Pandemic;
Centre for Neuro Skills Reports 93% of Patients and Families Recommend Telehealth
Bakersfield, CA (February 18, 2021) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, telehealth service sessions have more than doubled after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent Brain Injury Association of Americanational survey of more than 400 providers of brain injury rehabilitation services regarding telehealth services found that:
81% of respondents reported reliable collection of objective clinical data through telehealth sessions.
76% reported patient progress using the telehealth platform was equal to, or in some cases superior to, progress in the clinic.
98% of respondents plan to continue use of telehealth in the future, assuming it is reimbursable by insurance plans.
Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a premier provider of treatment for traumatic and acquired brain injury, recently surpassed providing more than 100,000 hours of rehabilitation therapy via telehealth sessions during the pandemic. According to CNS’ internal survey data, telehealth has been well-received and effective for both patients and staff:
93% of patients and families recommend telehealth.
87% of clinical staff recommend telehealth.
71% of patients said they benefited from therapy conveyed by technology.
“Centre for Neuro Skills expanded our innovative telehealth services to complement our in-person rehabilitation therapy programs during the pandemic,” said David Harrington, president and COO of CNS. “For 40 years, Centre for Neuro Skills has emphasized patient safety in tandem with patient progress. The success of telehealth supports this ongoing need to protect patients during treatment, as they relearn skills and embrace independence.”
The full spectrum of CNS’ therapeutic treatments are offered through telehealth, including: counseling, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, education therapy, case management, family communication, business partner communication and physician or specialist consultation. With the onset of COVID-19, CNS deftly pivoted to telehealth and discovered a host of benefits, including observation of the patient’s home environment. This aided in developing an individualized reintegration strategy post-injury.
About Centre for Neuro Skills
Centre for Neuro Skills is an experienced and respected world leader in providing intensive rehabilitation and medical programs for those recovering from all types of brain injury. CNS covers a full spectrum of advanced care from residential and assisted living to outpatient/day treatment. Founded by Dr. Mark Ashley in 1980, CNS has seven locations in California and Texas. For more information about Center for Neuro Skills, visit: https://www.neuroskills.com/, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. For a video overview of CNS, visit: https://youtu.be/Jwqve9gWtEw
Takeda continues collaboration run to bolster global immuno-oncology footprint, says GlobalData
The need to develop novel innovative cancer drugs at affordable prices is forcing large pharmaceutical firms to collaborate with biotech companies and academic institutions. Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals too is focusing on strategic collaborations to bolster its global immuno-oncology (IO) footprint, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
In January 2021, Takeda entered a broad strategic collaboration with KSQ Therapeutics to research, develop and commercialize novel immune-oncology therapies for cancer. The deal includes an exclusive, worldwide license to develop two T-cell targets previously identified and validated using KSQ’s CRISPRomics technology, with the potential to introduce two additional T-cell targets, and natural killer (NK) cell targets to the collaboration.
According to GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center, Takeda has completed 22 IO strategic drug development collaborations between 2016 and 2020.
Ms. Sasmitha Sahu, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The latest collaboration further builds on the multiple research collaborations consistently entered by Takeda since the past five years to advance the company’s novel IO portfolio. These deals are noteworthy given that IO tops the 10 most important themes driving the future performance of pharma R&D over the next two to four years.”
Oncology is one of the top four core therapeutic areas for Takeda. The company reported year-to-date oncology sales of US$3.03bn* (JPY318.5bn) until December 2020 in its FY2020 (April 2020-March 2021) Q3 results, which was over 10% of its overall sales. Leading brands such as Velcade (bortezomib), leuprorelin, Ninlaro (ixazomib), Iclusig (ponatinib), Adcetris (brentuximab), and Alunbrig (brigatinib) were instrumental behind the growth.
Ms. Sahu adds: “Takeda's marketed oncology portfolio contains only targeted therapies. The company is yet to harness the potential of standalone biologics-based IO therapies regardless of numerous IO deals.”
According to Takeda’s FY2020 Q3 results, TAK-007, an allogenic CAR-NK cell therapy for CD19+ hematological malignancies, is expected to be approved by 2024. Furthermore, five oncology cell therapy programs are expected to be in clinical development by the end of FY2021.
Takeda also announced that its newly opened manufacturing facility in the US will initially focus on oncology, specifically to develop next-generation cell therapies.
Ms. Sahu concludes: “Takeda has been very actively forging IO collaborations to build a well differentiated oncology pipeline and expand beyond targeted therapies. Moreover, Takeda’s dedicated manufacturing capabilities will further help in its global plans within the IO market.”
This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
HADLIMA® (adalimumab injection) Now Available for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Adult Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Plaque Psoriasis, Adult and Pediatric Uveitis
HADLIMA® is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar) to the reference biologic drug HUMIRA®. A biosimilar is authorized based on its similarity to a reference biologic drug that was already authorized for sale.1
Approximately six million Canadians live with arthritis2 and 270,000 live with inflammatory bowel disease.3
An estimated 3.8% of Canadians live with hidradenitis suppurativa4, one million live with psoriasis5, and every year around 2% of the population is newly diagnosed with uveitis.6
KIRKLAND, QC, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Merck Canada Inc., an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announces today that HADLIMA® is available and approved for the following indications:
Reducing the signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response and clinical remission, inhibiting the progression of structural damage and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
In combination with methotrexate (MTX), reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients, 2 years of age and older, who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Reducing the signs and symptoms of active arthritis and inhibiting the progression of structural damage and improving the physical function in adult psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.
Reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.
Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy, including corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.
Treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and/or azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or who are intolerant to such therapies.
Treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adult and adolescent patients (12 to 17 years of age weighing ≥ 30 kg), who have not responded to conventional therapy (including systemic antibiotics).
Treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Treatment of non-infectious uveitis (intermediate, posterior and panuveitis) in adult patients with inadequate response to corticosteroids or as corticosteroid sparing treatment in corticosteroid-dependent patients.
Treatment of chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in pediatric patients from 2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, or in whom conventional therapy is inappropriate.7
HADLIMA® is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), which is made by the body's immune system. People with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, HS or psoriasis have too much of TNF-alpha in their bodies.8 The presence of extra TNF-alpha in the body can attack normal healthy body tissues and cause inflammation, particularly in the bone, cartilage, joints, digestive tract and skin tissues. By binding to TNF-alpha, HADLIMA® decreases the inflammation process of these diseases.9
Approximately six million (one in five) Canadians are living with arthritis, making it Canada's most prevalent chronic health condition.10 While there are many different subtypes of arthritis, inflammatory arthritis includes a group of conditions that impact the body's immune system. The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are RA, AS and PsA.11
An estimated 270,000 Canadians live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of disorders caused by inflammation in the intestines.12 The main forms of IBD are CD and UC.13 By 2030, the number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000 or approximately 1% of the population.14
It is estimated that over one million Canadians are currently living with HS, a chronic skin condition that causes lumps to appear in the folds of the skin.15 Psoriasis, also a chronic skin condition, affects approximately one million Canadians, and Ps affects approximately 90% of this patient population.16
Uveitis, an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the eye, causes about 20% of legal blindness. Every year, approximately 2% of the Canadian population is newly diagnosed with uveitis.17
"HADLIMA® further expands Merck's portfolio of biosimilar treatments to address inflammatory and dermatological immune diseases," says AnnA Van Acker, President, Merck Canada. "We are very proud to bring more solutions and therapeutic choices to help improve the lives of Canadians with these chronic conditions."
About HADLIMA®
HADLIMA® is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar) and authorized based on its similarity to HUMIRA®. A biosimilar is a biologic drug that is highly similar to a biologic drug already authorized for sale.18 Biosimilars are assessed and approved by Health Canada against the same rigorous standards used to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety as in any other biologic drug.19 Biosimilars provide patients more treatment options to help manage their disease and symptoms.
Clinical efficacy and safety studies have been conducted in patients with RA to demonstrate clinical comparability between HADLIMA® and HUMIRA®. The extrapolation of these data to support uses of HADLIMA® in IBD is based on the demonstrated comparability, in terms of product quality, non-clinical, human pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics. Randomized clinical trials have not been conducted to compare HADLIMA® to HUMIRA® in patients with JIA, PsA, AS, adult CD, UC, HS, Ps, and adult uveitis.22
The types, frequency and severity of adverse events were comparable between HADLIMA® and HUMIRA® in the RA clinical trial. The most common expected adverse reactions with HADLIMA® are injection site reactions and cough and cold symptoms. It should not be administered to patients with severe infections such as sepsis and tuberculosis. HADLIMA®contains a Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare, serious lymphoma that is often fatal, which has been identified in patients treated with adalimumab injection. The Boxed Warning also notes allergic reactions, other cancers, lupus-like symptoms, nervous system diseases, serious infections and blood problems.
The Merck Harmony Patient Program provides free confidential patient-assistance services to patients who have been prescribed HADLIMA® (adalimumab injection). To learn more visit MerckHarmony.ca.
About Merck
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola and emerging animal diseases — as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.
In Canada, Merck markets a broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $89 million in 2019 and more than $1.3 billion since 2000. Based in Kirkland, Québec, Merck employs approximately 650 people across the country. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
CANADIAN BRAND EVIVE NUTRITION REVOLUTIONIZES THE FOOD INDUSTRY WITH BLENDER-FREE SMOOTHIE CUBES AND 2 IN 1 LUNCHES
After winning over Canada’s Dragon’s Den investors, Evive expands product sales across Canada and the US
Nutritious, time-saving and satisfyingly delicious, Evive’s blender-free smoothies – starring whole fruits and veggies, superfoods and plant-based protein – are proving it’s possible to eat healthy without sacrificing time, budget or flavour.
A rising star among nutrition brands worldwide, Evive was founded in Sherbrooke, Quebec, by Dominic Dubé and Claudia Poulin, who saw a gap in the market for delicious, wholesome meals that don’t require time-consuming prep or cooking. Dominic stepped away from his Engineering degree and Claudia paused her Master’s program, and together the health-savvy couple crafted their debut product prototype in their parents’ garage. In 2019, the pair appeared on Dragon’s Den t o resounding success, receiving an investment offer that exceeded their initial ask. Today, their commitment to healthy food and impactful entrepreneurship continues to flourish as Evive, the product of their passions, swiftly expands across North America.
Evive has earned a place in the hearts of busy moms, students, entrepreneurs, gym-goers and anyone else seeking a high-quality, easily consumable meal in a hurry. The brand’s superfood-packed, certified organic and vegan smoothies are purposefully designed to promote physical and psychological health, with each combination tested and approved by nutritionists. Requiring just 30 seconds to make – simply pop the cubes in a bottle, add water, juice or plant-based milk and shake – the smoothies are also budget-conscious, priced between $3,65 and $4.25 per portion. Fourteen functional flavours are currently available, each boasting ingredients targeted for brain support, glowing skin, detoxification and boosting energy, among other coveted benefits.
In addition to its cult-status smoothies, Evive offers a variety of healthy bowl and soup cubes that can be heated in mere minutes and added to their newly released lunch sides that includes pasta, rice or quinoa for decadent yet vitamin-packed sustenance. Whether Bam Chili boasting a cornucopia of black beans, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, lime, corn and carrots enhanced with a sizzling blend of spices, to Mac Squash, whose flavourful mix of butternut squash, cashew, onion, nutritional yeast and miso offers an ultra-healthy substitute to the typical mac-and-cheese, Evive is granting consumers an attractive alternative to cooking that enhances access to antioxidant-rich ingredients.
“I’m very excited to introduce Evive to Canadian and US consumers, particularly as we approach the holiday season and need no-hassle and nutritious meals to fuel us through hectic days,” said Claudia Poulin, co-founder of Evive Nutrition. “The brand has come such a long way, and we are delighted by the support and love we’ve received from consumers and partners over the years. We designed Evive to inject flavour and fun into healthy eating, and we’re happy that people are enjoying our smoothie cubes as much as we do!”
Evive’s commitment to health and wellbeing extends to a passion for sustainability. In 2019, the company introduced its “Plant a Tree” initiative with Compensation CO2 Quebec, where the purchase of a box of 24 or 36 smoothies helps create and expand the Evive forest. Evive aims to plant more than 5,000 trees by the end of 2020, with an overarching goal of obtaining carbon-neutral certification in 2023. All products are packaged in recyclable containers made from salvaged water bottles, and shipment boxes are lined with compostable hemp for an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene coolers.
The first Canadian brand to successfully ship frozen foods, Evive sells its palate-pleasing products on their website through a subscription program. Online shoppers are able to customize their orders based on product preference, delivery frequency, product count and benefit of free shipping directly to their door. Products are also available at 2,000 stores across Canada, and 100 in the US. For more information, visit evivenutrition.ca.
About Evive Nutrition
Evive is a pioneering nutrition brand whose antioxidant-packed, time-saving and satisfyingly delicious blenderless smoothies have raised the standard for budget-friendly, ready-to-go meals. Starring whole fruits and veggies, superfoods and plant-based protein, the brand’s smoothies and meal cubes are purposefully designed to promote physical and psychological health, with each combination tested and approved by nutritionists. Evive’s commitment to health extends to the health of the planet, with its “Plant a Tree” initiative supporting an overarching goal to obtain carbon-neutral certification by 2023. The brand has expanded quickly across Canada and the US, thanks in part to a successful appearance on Dragon’s Den that resulted in offers from all five investors and a final agreement exceeding the initial ask. evivenutrition.ca.
Drake’s Organic Spirits® Expands National Distribution
for ready-to-drink cocktails with innovative new Boxtails™
Minneapolis, MN (February 17, 2021)-Drake’s Organic Spirits, founder of the better-for-you and better-for-the-planet spirits category, announced today that its new ready-to-drink (RTD) all-organic Boxtails are being offered by more major liquor retailers across the country.
Drake’s Organic Boxtails are now available at 25 WB Liquors & Wine locations across Texas, all 22 Lee’s Discount Liquors locations in Nevada, 20 Rouses Markets in Louisiana and seven WinCo locations in Arizona. Boxtails can also be found in Cub Wine & Spirits locations in Minnesota and Crown Wine & Spirits and Mega Wine & Spirits in Florida.
Boxtails are pre-mixed organic craft cocktails featuring Drake’s ultra-premium organic certified vodka and rum. Offered in Watermelon Tini, Mango Punch, Mojito and Black Cherry Limeade, Drake’s Organic Boxtails provide a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious organic cocktails with less waste than canned seltzers. Boxtails are Certified USDA Organic Gluten Free®, Non-GMO, vegan and kosher. Each box contains 1.75 liters of pre-mixed organic cocktails with 12% alcohol similar to a standard mixed cocktail.
“Top liquor retailers across the country are adding Boxtails to their shelves because their customers want the convenience and great taste that Boxtails offer,” said Drake’s Founder/CEO Mark Anderson. “Boxtails are easy to pour, easy to store and made with only the best sustainably farmed organic ingredients. Like all Drake’s Organic Spirits products, Boxtails contain no unnecessary chemicals, pesticides or artificial colors.”
Drake’s Organic Spirits can be found in 33 states as well as Japan, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. A complete list of locations offering Drake’s Organic Spirits products can be found at https://www.drakesorganicspirits.com/find-us.
In addition to award-winning organic vodka, white rum and spiced rum, Drake’s product line includes Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult treats and organic Bloody Mary and Mojito mixes. Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirits line in the world certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher.
About Drake’s Organic Spirits Launched in 2017, Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirits line in the world certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium, 12x distilled spirits and mixes at a better price than the leading premium brands.
Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the most recent Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit.
Health Food Innovator Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. – First To Introduce Miso-Cup® Instant Soup & Gluten-Free Baked Brown Rice Snaps® To American Consumers –Marks 40th Anniversary Milestone
CARPINTERIA, CA., MARCH 8, 2018 - The first Whole Foods Market wouldn’t open in Austin, Texas, for another two years. The first Sprouts wouldn’t make its debut in Arizona for another 24 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”
The year was 1978 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But a young man named Joel Dee with a vision of what the industry could one day become saw the future. And it was delicious.
As a young man, Joel worked alongside his two brothers and their father, Edward, in the family’s iconic New Jersey-based business, Smarties Candy Company. But, as fate would have it, Joel’s interests extended well beyond the confection industry.
“I was responsible for export sales at the candy company and found it difficult to maintain a healthy, satisfying diet while on-the-road,” Joel recalls today. “Health food stores sold wholesome foods that required a kitchen and a long cooking time, both in short supply to a `road warrior’ such as myself. Conventional supermarkets sold convenience foods that were laced with preservatives and artificial ingredients, which I was determined to avoid. To make things even tougher, I had recently become vegetarian, so my restaurant menu options were often limited to salad and potatoes... not exactly a balanced diet.”
Adds Joel, “I was a traveling salesman who needed portable, nourishing, easy to prepare vegetarian food without artificial ingredients, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in 1976 America. I wondered: Could I be the only person who wants this? I hadn’t planned to start a new business, but I felt somewhat obliged to. If I wouldn’t take on the job of creating wholesome, vegetarian convenience foods, it occurred to me that no one else would either.”
With that motivation in mind, Joel began a two year effort to develop Miso-Cup® instant soup mix and, with its launch in 1978, Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. was born.
A History of “Firsts”
As it turned out, introducing instant Miso-Cup soup would be only the first of numerous company innovations that would continue for the next forty years. In 1979, for example, Edward & Sons introduced Baked Brown Rice Snaps® whole grain, gluten free crackers, decades before American shoppers would demand gluten free groceries on a massive scale. Numerous “first-to-market” vegan organic products followed, including canned coconut milk, hearts of palm, pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, panko, ice cream cones and many more.
According to Joel, “We tend to do `firsts’ because that’s what we’re passionate about. We are driven to provide new options to our health-aware consumers, while creating markets for our ethical organic farmers and packers around the globe. We’re proud of our activities that protect native forests and support conversion from conventional to organic farming, which nourishes the environment while enhancing the well-being of everyone along the supply chain from farm to table.”
Indeed, Joel and his team have successfully developed so many different products over these past 40 years that they’ve chosen to create subsidiary brands to market and distinguish them all, including the flagship Edward & Sons® brand as well as Native Forest®, Let’s Do Organic®, Let’s Do Gluten-Free®, More Than Fair®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics®, Premier Japan® and The Wizard's®.
Regardless of the brand name on the package, however, all products under the Edward & Sons umbrella are defined by the company’s longstanding commitment to excellent vegetarian food and to its enduring motto: Convenience Without Compromise.®
As Joel sums up, “We remain a vegetarian company that’s mission-driven to offer consumers delicious and nourishing convenience foods free of artificial ingredients. That’s how we’ve run the business for the past 40 years and it’s how I envision Edward & Sons to be run for the next 40 years - and beyond.”
