Call for a National Covid-19 Resilience Programme to keep older people healthy and resilient
NEWS RELEASE
UNDER EMBARGO – 00:01 MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER
ISSUED BY THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
Public health agencies across the UK should launch a National Covid-19 Resilience Programme to support older people through the pandemic and to keep them healthy and resilient over the winter – that’s the recommendation from a leading group of scientists and clinicians working in the fields of physiology, nutrition and physiotherapy.
The recommendation will be made in a new report by The Physiological Society and Centre for Ageing Better to be launched this Monday at a meeting of Parliamentary and Scientific Committee (1). The Expert Panel for the project brought together 20 leading scientists and clinicians. (2)
New polling carried out by YouGov for the project found that almost 1 in 3 older people did less physical activity during the first lockdown in March. Of those, 43% said that this was because they no longer had a reason, or had less reason, to get out of the house and be active; 32% were worried about catching Covid-19; and 29% reported lacking motivation to exercise. (3)
Physical activity is an important factor in staying healthy and resilient. Home confinement in older people will be associated with muscle loss, body fat gain and the development of insulin resistance, which are driving factors in the development of weakness and Type 2 diabetes. These changes happen within days if inactivity is marked. This could have dramatic functional consequences for older people, perhaps tilting the balance from being just able to do something, such as rise from a chair, to not.
Increased risks of Covid-19 hospitalisation, disease severity and death are associated with a high body mass index and frailty in older people. Therefore, it is essential to support older people in staying fit and healthy during lockdown to improve their resilience to Covid-19.
A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme would bring together a package of measures to support older people through the lockdown and beyond, keeping them healthy and resilient over the winter. The Government should repeat the approach taken at the start of the first national lockdown in March to identify and proactively contact those at highest risk to offer support and advice (4).
A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme should include:
A tailored exercise programme, focused on older people with key Covid-19 risk factors (obesity, type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sarcopenia). This can draw on existing programmes such as “Make Movement Your Mission”; (www.facebook.com/groups/MakeMovementYourMission);
Clear guidance about the importance of a healthy balanced diet containing sufficient levels of protein and appropriate energy content;
Enhance mental health through the creation of virtual communities to counter social isolation;
Enlist help of relatives and volunteers to support behaviour change among older people.
This programme should be supported by a digital platform and by national broadcasters such as through regular televised activity classes on the BBC.
Professor Paul Greenhaff, University of Nottingham, UK and Expert Panel Co-Chair said:
“With England now in its second lockdown it is likely that people across the country will be less physically active. Physical activity is an important factor in staying healthy and resilient and will help protect against risks from Covid-19.
“Lockdowns, while important to reduce transmission of Covid-19, can have a detrimental effect on both the physical and mental health of older people. These changes happen rapidly: within 3 days of not using muscles, people can experience significant decreases in muscle mass and quality which might be the difference of an older people being able to get out of a chair by themselves or not.
“We are calling on public health agencies to urgently address this by launching a National Covid-19 Resilience Programme to support older people through the pandemic. Older people need clear, tailored guidance, about how to keep healthy and resilient, that covers physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
“Older people are facing this lockdown as the days are getting shorter and colder and therefore we must all re-double efforts to keep older people healthy.”
Dr Alison Giles, Centre for Ageing Better, and Expert Panel Co-Chair said:
“As this report highlights, coronavirus lockdowns can be particularly challenging for older people as they can exacerbate a variety of health issues, such as cardiorespiratory deconditioning and weight gain, as well as increased loneliness and social isolation.
“As the country enters a second national lockdown it’s important to acknowledge that blanket advice based on age can lead people to feel that they don’t have control over managing their own health and risk around COVID-19.
“A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme would give older people more control and offer guidance on how to take care of themselves as the pandemic continues. We must provide people with tools that will allow them to make their own informed decisions on their health, wellbeing and resilience.”
ENDS
NOTES
(1) The Physiological Society brings together over 4,500 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports.
Centre for Ageing Better: The UK’s population is undergoing a massive age shift. In less than 20 years, one in four people will be over 65. The fact that many of us are living longer is a great achievement. But unless radical action is taken by government, business and others in society, millions of us risk missing out on enjoying those extra years. At the Centre for Ageing Better we want everyone to enjoy later life. We create change in policy and practice informed by evidence and work with partners across England to improve employment, housing, health and communities. We are a charitable foundation, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, and part of the Government’s What Works Network. Visit us at ageing-better.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @Ageing_Better.
Please see the website for more information about the report and the Expert Panel.
The report is going to be launched at Parliamentary and Scientific Committee taking place at 17:30 GMT on Monday 9 November.
(3) All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2226 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 16th October 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 50+).
(4) A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme should comprise the following elements:
Encourage appropriate exercise:
A tailored exercise programme should be made available nationally, focusing on older people with key Covid-19 risk factors (obesity, type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sarcopenia). This should offer indoor physical activity recommendations designed for people with different levels of fitness. It will need to be designed in conjunction with exercise scientists and older people themselves and need to generate benefits within a short space of time. This could draw on the “Make Movement Your Mission” model (www.facebook.com/groups/MakeMovementYourMission) or similar schemes, with public health authorities across the UK (Public Health England, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland) rolling a programme like this out nationally.
A broader intervention to support increased activity levels with guidelines detailed enough to cover “when”, “how” and “how frequently” to exercise, which should be provided using multiple channels. As well as a digital platform, the national broadcasters should promote the benefits of physical activity by running regular televised activity classes. These should be developed in conjunction with exercise scientists in order to ensure that the approach is suitable for older people with different underlying levels of fitness and frailty.
Support optimised nutrition:
Clear guidance about the importance of a healthy balanced diet containing sufficient levels of protein, with an appropriate energy content. This advice should be linked explicitly to maintaining health and the body’s resilience against Covid-19, so that older people understand the direct link between lifestyle choices and health and resilience.
Enhance mental health and wellbeing:
Using communities (both virtual and physical) to counter loneliness and isolation in order to improve mental health. Virtual communities, such as the community that has formed around Make Movement Your Mission, can also be of benefit to mental health – existing organisations and charities could be supported to explore widening the participation of older people in virtual communities using social media and video conferencing.
Explore viability of allowing older people to form “super bubbles” to enable them to interact in slightly larger groups (e.g. four people across two households), provided social interactions are restricted beyond the super bubble.
Embed behaviour change:
None of this will work unless we can successfully re-build older adults’ confidence and support them to stay active and keep well. Therefore, we will need to be able to enlist the help of relatives, care workers and other professionals to reinforce messages around resilience in their day-to-day interactions with older people in their families or for whom they care. There may also be a role for NHS Volunteer Responders to play in supporting this behaviour change, perhaps through telephone befriending or other schemes, provided appropriate safety checks have been carried out.
Repeat the approaches taken at the start of the first national lockdown in March to identify and proactively contact those at highest risk to offer support and advice, using social prescribing link workers and the NHS responders.
4 Truths About Older People and the Pandemic
New York, NY, Nov. 6, 2020 — Life spans are getting longer, and the pandemic is greatly affecting older people (and their younger counterparts). Erica Baird and Karen E. Wagner are two successful lawyers, now retired, who cofounded Lustre.net, an online community aimed at redefining retirement for modern career women by confronting outdated stereotypes as they step into their next two to three decades. Together, Baird and Wagner reveal 4 Truths About Older People and the Pandemic:
1. Older people are people, too. According to theWorld Health Organization, ageism affects at least 600 million people worldwide. Ageism, the last acceptable ‘ism,’ serves only to legitimize stereotypes of older people and leads to views, such as those articulated during the pandemic, that maybe the pandemic is not so bad if it only affects older people (which of course it does not). It is time to ditch those false assumptions. Older people are living longer and better than ever. Every lucky person will, in fact, one day be older. Long before that day, everyone needs to understand that older people are people, too.
2.Boomers have skills that help them handle the pandemic.Boomers have solved many problems in their time—especially women, who have to solve problems at home, at work and everywhere else. They also know that crises can bring about positive change—they lived through the dawn of modern feminism, the birth of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War protests and the AIDS crisis. So while they hate the pandemic, they know how to deal with the daily dramas, and they know it will bring some useful changes when it is over.
3.Younger and older people have better lives if they live in the same communities.Older people are in the prime of their lives, and have experience and perspective to offer younger people. Younger people, in turn, have energy and exuberance that can benefit older people. Diversity of perspectives is always a good thing. Isolating older people, by housing them in retirement communities and excluding them from the workforce, is a waste for both generations. Never before have so many generations lived at the same time. Keeping them together profits everyone.
4.Older people should participate in tech design. Thanks to the pandemic, right now is Zoom time, and everyone is connecting virtually. Older people know this is not the way anyone wants to live, but they also know how to make it work for the moment. In their careers, when technology flowered, they learned well its value and how to use it. Zoom is just an extension of what they already know. As Forbesreported, older people do sometimes get frustrated with technology—and who doesn’t—but older people are seldom asked for input on the design of anything. Maybe if someone over 16 who isn’t a gamer were asked for her opinion, everyone’s frustration would disappear.
Lustre.net is an online forum founded by Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, two New York City retired attorneys. Together, Baird and Wagner are on a mission to redefine retirement for modern career women by confronting outdated concepts, defying stereotypes and raising our collective voices to ensure that retirement for all of us is shaped by women, for women. Baird and Wagner want women to “tap into our experiences and passions, forge new identities and find new purpose—and pass on what we know to the next generation.”
Don’t Let COVID Prevent You from Protecting Your Eye Health
New York, NY, November 6, 2020 — Make a resolution to get your eyes checked before the new year arrives, advises Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. While it’s easy to get swept up in the approaching holiday season, it’s still important to stay on top of regular doctor visits, including visits with your eye doctor.
People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth over the phone or video consultation until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that the pandemic has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people.
“Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater. In 42 states, plus Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, white deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in 37 states.”
Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue:
1. Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide.
2. Implement universal health care.
3. Increase wealth and education which produces better health.
4. Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition.
5. Eliminate racism to reduce stress.
6. Identify white supremacist organizations as terrorist groups.
7. Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions.
8. Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools.
9. Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health.
10. The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call 212-663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com.
Ontario's doctors welcome budget measures as a step in addressing "pandemic deficit" and say there is more to do
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors working on the front lines of one of the most significant global health crises welcomed the help offered in today's budget as an important step in addressing the growing "pandemic deficit," and said much work remains to catch up on months of delayed patient care.
"Ontario's doctors do not want any patient to suffer as a result of delayed care," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "That is why we called for today's provincial budget to address the backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures that make up the growing pandemic deficit. While there is more to do, the backlog investment is a start."
Ontario's 32,500 doctors are on the front lines of the pandemic, caring for patients around-the-clock while working to contain the virus. They need to know the premier and his government will provide the resources patients require.
The OMA estimates patients received 12.3 million fewer health-care services between March and September 2020 compared with last year, a decrease of 18 per cent or almost one delayed service for every Ontarian. That includes not just surgeries but also checkups and screenings that catch cancers and other significant illnesses in their early, more treatable, stages and immunizations that protect children now and later in life.
"Ontario's doctors will continue to be there, but doctors and patients are going to need help in the next budget to cover the cost of the pandemic deficit," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "The pandemic deficit isn't going away even after a vaccine is available. Delayed surgeries, other procedures and closed medical offices are going to need urgent help from Premier Ford and his government."
Ontario's doctors believe a healthy front-line is key to keeping Ontarians healthy and a healthy economic recovery.
A critical aspect of this recovery will be the expansion of virtual care. The OMA has long advocated for increased access to virtual care, especially for those living in rural areas and northern Ontario. This pandemic has taken the need to the next level.
"Ontario doctors are also pleased that the government has committed to expanding Ontario's broadband network," O'Dette said. "The next logical step is to make virtual care permanent – including care provided by telephone – which will both benefit patients and help reduce the pandemic backlog."
New money in the budget for long-term care homes and money to help keep seniors at home will improve quality of life for older Ontarians, help them stay in their homes longer and provide faster access to care homes when the time comes.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Eligible patients living with rare debilitating genetic disorder are one step closer to having access to first-of-its-kind treatment option
Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to announce it has completed the Letter of Intent with the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) to treat people living with hereditary angioedema (HAE)
HAE is a rare genetic disorder that can result in unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, recurring attacks of debilitating and painful swelling in various parts of the body1,2,3
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that it has completed its negotiations with the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) with a Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) for routine prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older).4
This is an important step to ensure equitable and timely access to TAKHZYRO® for eligible patients across Canada. The signed LOI allows Takeda Canada to work with participating jurisdictions to implement public funding of TAKHZYRO® for eligible HAE patients.
"HAE is a rare, genetic disease that can result in recurring attacks of swelling in various parts of the body, which can be debilitating, painful, and in some cases, life threatening," said Stephen D Betschel, HBSc, MD, FRCPC, and Chair of The Canadian Hereditary Angioedema Network (CHAEN). "TAKHZYRO® has the potential to transform care for patients and as a physician who treats this chronic condition, I hope to see rapid access for patients who can benefit from this important treatment option."
Following a priority review, Health Canada authorized TAKHZYRO®for routine prevention of attacks of HAE in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older) in September 2018. In addition, Health Canada issued the Notice of Compliance (NOC) for the new presentation (300 mg/ 2 mL Prefilled Syringe) in September 2020. In November 2019, TAKHZYRO®received a positive recommendation from CADTH's Canadian Drug Expert Committee for the routine prevention of HAE attacks.
"Patients constantly live in fear of their next attack. They avoid social situations, even just going out in public, and this has a significant impact on their quality of life," said Jacquie Badiou, President, Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Canada. "The HAE community is thrilled with this positive step forward, because having access to a treatment option that can prevent attacks would be life-changing."
As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Canada, Takeda Canada is committed to delivering better health for Canadians through leading innovations in medicine.
"At Takeda, we always strive to do more for patients, and we are pleased to reach this important milestone for TAKHZYRO®," said Gamze Yüceland, General Manager, Takeda Canada Inc. "With the Letter of Intent in place, this lays the path forward for funding discussions with each of the participating jurisdictions, and we look forward to working with our partners to bring this important therapy to Canadians living with HAE as soon as possible."
About TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) TAKHZYRO® is a fully human monoclonal antibody indicated for routine prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older).4
TAKHZYRO® is not intended for acute treatment of HAE attacks. Patients and caregivers should continue to be prepared to treat attacks with acute HAE treatments when necessary.4
It is not known if TAKHZYRO® is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.4 Consult the current TAKHZYRO® Canadian product monograph for contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse reactions, interactions, dosing, and conditions of clinical use.4
TAKHZYRO® is approved in the U.S. (August 2018), E.U. (November 2018), Australia (January 2019) and Switzerland (June 2019) and additional regulatory submissions are ongoing worldwide. TAKHZYRO® is marketed in Canada under Shire Pharma Canada ULC, which was acquired by Takeda in January 2019.
About Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) HAE is a rare, genetic disorder estimated to affect about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people worldwide.2,5 The condition results in recurring attacks of edema (swelling) in various parts of the body that can be debilitating and painful.1,2,3,5 Laryngeal attacks that obstruct the airways are potentially life-threatening due to the risk of asphyxiation.1,2,3 Aside from the burden of the disease itself, patients can suffer anxiety, fatigue and depression between attacks.6
About Takeda Canada Inc. Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, headquartered in Japan. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology (GI), Rare Diseases and Neuroscience. We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions.
Banerji A. The burden of illness in patients with hereditary angioedema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013;111(5):329-336.
2
Cicardi M, Bork K, Caballero T, et al, on behalf of HAWK (Hereditary Angioedema International Working Group). Evidence-based recommendations for the therapeutic management of angioedema owing to hereditary C1 inhibitor deficiency: consensus report of an International Working Group. Allergy. 2012;67(2):147-157.
3
Zuraw BL. Hereditary angioedema. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(10):1027-1036.
4
TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC); July 24, 2020
5
Longhurst HJ, Bork K. Hereditary angioedema: causes, manifestations, and treatment. Br J Hosp Med. 2006;67(12):654-657.
6
Fouche AS, Saunders EFH, Craig T. Depression and anxiety in patients with hereditary angioedema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014;112(4):371–375.
SOURCE Takeda Canada
Doctors want budget to address growing 'pandemic deficit'
TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are calling for Thursday's provincial budget to address the backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures that are contributing to the growing "pandemic deficit."
Doctors are on the front lines every day, experiencing the effect of the pandemic on Ontarians, both in the care patients need urgently and the delayed care that will have a future cost.
The Ontario Medical Association estimates patients received 12.3 million fewer health-care services between March and September 2020 compared with last year, a decrease of 18 per cent. That includes not just surgeries, but checkups and screenings that catch cancers and other significant illnesses in their early, more treatable, stages as well as immunizations that protect children now and later in life.
"Ontario's doctors are there every day doing everything humanly possible to reduce the pandemic deficit, working with the government to return both our patients and the front line to full health," said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill.
"This pandemic deficit isn't going away even after a vaccine is available. Speed is of the essence. Every day of delayed care means more patient suffering and more potential harm. We trust Premier Ford and his government will step up to ensure every Ontarian gets the care they need."
The pandemic deficit for some of the most common surgical procedures, such as cataract surgeries, hip and knee replacements and coronary artery bypass grafts, grew from March through August, frustrating both doctors and patients who felt they were already waiting too long.
OMA figures show that it was not until September when Ontario's doctors, many of whom were already working more than 50 hours a week, were finally able to start performing more surgical procedures per month than they did before the pandemic.
While things are improving, they are not improving fast enough. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal this week reported there was a backlog of 148,364 surgeries in Ontario created between March and June that would take 84 weeks to eliminate. A report prepared for the Canadian Medical Association estimated that bringing wait times back to pre-pandemic levels over the next year would require a 20-per-cent increase in funding.
In a pre-budget submission to government, the OMA made several recommendations to address the backlog in health services, including significantly increased funding to expand operating room hours and the number of hospital beds, as well as using independent health facilities where surgeries and other procedures could be performed safely. This would also alleviate pressures on hospitals that are at capacity, allowing doctors to perform more procedures there.
"The overall health of all Ontarians will also impact how quickly our economy can recover," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "Longer wait times for all specialties means too many patients will not receive the care they need and miss more work, putting an added burden on them and their families. We look forward to the government's support, and working with government, in doing the right thing for Ontario's patients."
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Health Canada Approves Precision Biomonitoring's Canadian-Made Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Testing Device
The TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips deliver COVID-19 results within 60 minutes The First and Only Approved Canadian-Made Solution to Support Canada's Response to the Pandemic
GUELPH, ON, Nov. 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Precision Biomonitoring announced today it has received Health Canada approval for its ready-to-use thermostable SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips for use across Canada. The TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips are a rapid, point-of-need diagnostic RT-PCR test able to provide accurate results for 9 samples in just 60 minutes. This cost-effective, Canadian-manufactured test will help support the government and industry as Canada focuses on safely re-opening the economy amidst a second wave of the virus. Precision Biomonitoring announced in June that it received approval and funding from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) to support manufacturing of its ready-to-use thermostable test.
"We are proud to be adding another Health Canada approval to the list of testing devices offered by Precision Biomonitoring. We have been working closely with various industries across Canada to help bring their workforce back safely, and are thrilled to be expanding that capability," says Dr. Mario Thomas, CEO, Precision Biomonitoring. "This approval also means we can strengthen our ongoing support for federal and provincial governments, as well as Canadian industries."
The SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips are designed for accurate RT-PCR point-of-need diagnostics and are stable at room temperature. The lyophilized products combine the highest accuracy performance of RT-PCR with convenience of use and stability, which are crucial for remote parts of the country where adequate access to precise testing may be limited.
"We are excited by today's news as this approval is a huge step forward for Canadians as we continue our battle with COVID-19," says Eric Hoskins, former Minister of Health and Long-Term Care of Ontario and Precision Biomonitoring Board Member. "The healthcare community has come together in incredible ways to help Canadians manage their way through this global pandemic. The thermostable TRIPLELOCK™ test that is now available will be crucial in workplaces across the country, schools, and rural and remote areas, where answers are needed fast."
Precision Biomonitoring also recently received CE Mark approval in Europe for its TRIPLELOCK™ SARS-CoV-2 test in 96-Well Plate format. Made available for immediate use in labs across Europe, the CE mark will help to address the rising demand for testing in various countries, including hotspot regions.
About Precision Biomonitoring Rapid SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips Precision Biomonitoring's easy-to-use Test Strips are a mobile solution for the healthcare community in Ontario and across Canada. The portable TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips can be transported without refrigeration and are ideal for on the spot tests, especially when results are needed immediately in workplaces and more rural and remote regions. The SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips detect the RNA of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, COVID-19. The COVID-19 RNA targets are multiplexed together with an RNA positive control. Early identification and diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial to ensure a rapid response, thus mitigating the possible additional negative consequences of the virus.
About Precision Biomonitoring Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Precision Biomonitoring provides TRIPLELOCK™ onsite eDNA surveillance platform solutions that give customers earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. Customers are any organizations that need onsite surveillance and rapid identification of any organism in any environment. The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the genomics industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet.
SOURCE Precision Biomonitoring
4 Tips to Improve Your Range of Motion While Recovering From a Sports Injury
A significant factor in how you feel during your recovery period from an injury is your range of motion. When you have a closer to normal range of motion, you'll start to feel as if you can move like you used to. If your current range of motion needs some improvement, here are four things to try.
Static Stretching
Before you just discount this as stretching and move on, the keyword here is 'static'. Static stretching is when you hold a particular stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. This holds the muscular tissue in an elongated form. As a goal, try to work up to holding the stretch for up to five full minutes. Static stretching should be performed at the end of your workout for the best results.
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching is considered a more active form of stretching where you're moving your body through its available range of motion. As you move in and out of your range of motion, you'll find that you'll be able to stretch a little bit further each time. This type of stretching is performed before a physical therapy session for best results.
Myofascial Release
One of the most popularly used methods for enhancing range of motion is myofascial release. This can be performed manually by a physical therapist or done by self-assisted manipulation. If attempting myofascial release on your own, you may find it useful to utilize tools like a foam roller or a lacrosse ball. This type of release allows the fascia, which surrounds and runs through your muscles, to become more relaxed. When this happens, the muscle is able to move through its range of motion much better.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
PNF is becoming another popular method for enhancing range of motion after sporting injuries. This is a form of stretching that works in stages. You'll start by stretching the intended muscle to your ROM limit, where you feel a stretching sensation. Hold the stretch for between 10 and 30 seconds. Then, stretch the muscle even further. Hold for the same time period. Then, stretch even further. It would help if you worked in sets of three to four when performing PNF.
Improving your range of motion can greatly facilitate your recovery. The above are four very effective ways to enhance your range of motion. The best part is that all of these methods can be performed at home as part of your recovery regiment.
Amgen Canada Launches My HeartPath™ - An App for Every Heart Attack Recovery Journey
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada Inc. (Amgen Canada) has partnered with patients and healthcare professionals to launch the global pilot of My HeartPathTM in Canada. My HeartPathTM is a heart health app which supports and empowers patients during their heart attack recovery.
My HeartPathTM is the first of its kind in Canada for heart attack survivors and provides practical advice, educational resources and support for patients who have suffered devastating heart attacks.
Working with patients and healthcare providers allowed Amgen Canada to understand the depth of patient needs during their heart attack recovery and the problems that My HeartPathTM needed to solve. These insights became central to the app's development, with patient experience and feedback driving functionality and capability of the app.
Dr. Beth Abramson, Director of the Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada was a central part of the design team. Abramsom said enabling the providers of care to give insight into how the patients go through their recovery process was invaluable.
"I'm truly hopeful My HeartPathTM will improve care as we integrate modern technology into the healing and secondary prevention path for our patients, addressing factors like wellness, risk factor modification to improve care," says Abramson.
My HeartPathTM addresses common patient pain points during heart attack recovery by providing solutions in key moments which matter. These pain points, such as intangible goals and a lack of meaningful information, are solved by the functionality built into the app.
Patricia van den Ende, a heart attack survivor who was also involved in the development of the app, says that life after a heart attack can be complicated. "It's a long journey and there's a lot of things that you need to do try to prevent a second heart attack. My HeartPathTM helps to make it easy for survivors and provides information and motivation that you need, when you need it."
My HeartPathTM provides an overview of not only short-term goals but also the bigger picture – what patients are working toward in 3 months, 6 months or a year. It also includes a number of features, allowing patients to maximize visits with their doctors – this includes reminders, medication prompts and an LDL tracker. Lastly, it enables clear goal setting to encourage healthy habits in the short and long term.
"My HeartPathTM is designed for patients by patients, Healthcare Providers and Amgen Canada. At Amgen Canada our mission is to serve patients, and we're proud to bring the global pilot of My HeartPathTM to Canadians, supporting them and empowering them during their recovery journey" says Dr. Suna Avcil, Executive Medical Director at Amgen Canada.
"This heart health app will offer patients who have suffered a heart attack more support during their recovery journey. It will benefit thousands of patients who have ASCVD or other forms of cardiovascular disease, empowering them to take control of their own recovery after a heart attack," says Dr. Beth Abramsom, Preventative Cardiologist.
About Amgen Canada As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, ON'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 healthcare, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgencanadagm.
SOURCE Amgen Canada
Novartis' MONALEESA-7 KISQALI® (ribociclib) study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in overall survival in pre- and perimenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer
KISQALI® is the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to show statistically significant improvement in overall survival (key secondary endpoint) in advanced breast cancer in pre- and perimenopausal women.1
At the time of the final overall survival analysis, median overall survival was not reached in the KISQALI® arm and was 40.9 months in the placebo arm. The median duration of follow-up was 34.6 months.1
Advanced breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women 20-59 years old.2,3
DORVAL, QC, Nov. 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce that statistically significant overall survival (OS) results for KISQALI® (ribociclib) in combination therapy have now been approved within the KISQALI® Product Monograph. The pivotal Phase III MONALEESA-7 trial evaluated KISQALI® with endocrine therapy (goserelin plus either an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen) as initial treatment compared to placebo plus endocrine therapy, in pre- and perimenopausal women with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer.1
At the time of the second (final) prespecified OS analysis, the study met its key secondary endpoint of OS, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in OS, and was consistent for the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) population and across exploratory subgroups.1
"This data with improved overall survival is very compelling for the medical community when making decisions about the optimal treatment for pre- and perimenopausal patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer," said Dr. Karen Gelmon, Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer.
"Overall survival is considered a very important outcome in oncology clinical trials," said Dr. Nathaniel Bouganim, Medical Oncologist, McGill University Health Centre. "To achieve overall survival benefit in metastatic disease represents a promising advancement for patients, and the medical community looks forward to future data updates on ribociclib."
For women living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain.4 It may happen before or after treatment, or it may develop from reoccurring breast cancer.5 Although there have been advancements in early detection and treatment, there is still no cure for metastatic breast cancer.6
"When young women are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, many don't know what that means and have difficulty processing that the cancer is terminal. Once the news sinks in, they focus on living as well as they can for as long as they can," said MJ DeCoteau, Founder and Executive Director, Rethink Breast Cancer. "The new ribociclib data showing overall survival benefit in the most common type of breast cancer in young women is an exciting and significant step towards meeting the most urgent unmet need for these women."
KISQALI® is indicated in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as initial endocrine-based therapy. In pre/perimenopausal women, the endocrine therapy should be combined with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. KISQALI® is also indicated in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as initial endocrine-based therapy or following disease progression on endocrine therapy.1
"At Novartis, we are at the forefront of driving scientific advancements and are proud of our heritage in breast cancer. Our dedication to breast cancer is reflective of our continued development of multiple compounds within our current pipeline," said Daniel Hébert, Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Novartis leads the industry in the discovery of new therapies and combinations, especially in HR-positive breast cancer, the most common form of the disease. "We are pleased to make yet another strong medical data announcement around KISQALI® and its potential for overall survival benefit."
KISQALI® is reimbursed in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan under the respective provincial drug programs. Novartis continues to work towards securing coverage across the country.
About KISQALI®(ribociclib) KISQALI® is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, a class of drugs that help slow the progression of cancer by inhibiting two proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These proteins, when over-activated, can enable cancer cells to grow and divide too quickly. Targeting CDK4/6 may play a role in ensuring that cancer cells do not continue to replicate uncontrollably. KISQALI® was developed by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.
About Novartis in Advanced Breast Cancer Novartis tackles breast cancer with advanced science, collaboration and a passion for transforming patient care. We've taken a bold approach to our research by including patient populations often neglected in clinical trials, identifying new pathways or mutations that may play a role in disease progression and developing therapies that not only maintain, but also improve, quality of life for patients. Our priority over the past 30 years and today is to deliver treatments proven to improve and extend lives for those diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2019, the company invested $51.8 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
Benz CC. Impact of aging on the biology of breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2008;66:65-74.
World Health Organization. Top cancer per country, estimated age-standardized mortality rates (world) in 2018, females, all ages. 2018. Available at: http://gco.iarc.fr/today/home. Accessed on October 28, 2020.
