Finding joy through fitness

It can be tough to see the bright side right now. After months of chaos and uncertainty, one way to replenish your energy is to find happiness in the little things in life – a joke, time spent in nature, leisure activities and just taking time to savour the moment (a meal, music, a walk).

Mental health experts suggest these ways to find joy in life and re-program your mood.

Find some humour. Collect jokes or sayings that make you laugh. Listen to our watch a stand-up comic. Laugh at yourself. It's hard to be stressed and angry when you’re laughing. Smiling releases dopamine and serotonin that can make us feel happier.

Do something fun. Whether it's playing with kids or playing golf, doing something fun promotes overall well-being. Leisure activities can help fight stress, build confidence and distract us from difficulties.

Get in the zone. There are certain activities that totally absorb us and make us feel fulfilled. Think about activities where you focus entirely and stop being distracted by the usual stressors. For some people it might be cycling, yoga, drawing or journaling.

Indulge yourself. Take time to treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub, a therapeutic massage or even some meditation or a nature break.

Let it out. When you're feeling good, throw your whole self into it. Go ahead, jump up and down, clap your hands. Research shows that if you act out a certain emotion, you can fire up that feeling.

Since exercise triggers the brain to release endorphins that improve your mood and help fight anxiety and depression, here are some joyful exercise options to blow off steam and fight the pandemic doldrums.

Social DisDance: Group fitness instructor Michelle Ryder (@micheryder) has always loved to dance, so when COVID closed down her group fitness dance classes, she found new ways to get her groove on and work up a sweat outdoors. Ryder got a speaker and pulled together some great tunes and organized a weekly Saturday event from June-October in downtown Halifax. Now she’s leading Social DisDance classes on GoodLife Instagram TV to get Canadians off the couch and grooving with high energy tunes, strobe lights and lots of swagger.

Chair Choreography: Kim Lavender (@coachklav), VP of group experience with GoodLife Fitness choregraphed her own chair dances and stretches for those working from home. Along with other workout videos, Lavender has been posting short video clips with chair moves and motivating music, designed to give people incentives to sit less and move more throughout the day.

Kick your cares away: Channeling your inner Jackie Chan is a great way to release stress and feel empowered. Fitness instructor Inno Delarmente (@innod3) has been leading Canadians in kickboxing cardio sessions since the early weeks of the pandemic. The goal is to work up a sweat while you vent your frustrations with martial arts moves.

Learn to breathe properly: Another group fitness instructor Carole Reber (@carolereber) has been posting mindful meditation, breathing and yoga sessions designed for people feeling the stress of the pandemic. Her goal is to give people a break during the day when they can take time for themselves and be grateful for the positive things in their lives, as well as ease the effects of tension in their muscles.

All of these fitness professionals are available to talk more about and demonstrate some moves from their workouts to show how movement can clear your mind, add more fun and spark joy in your daily life.

How to Prevent Foot Problems When Getting into Running

Despite helping you keep fit, running has a strain on your feet than any other part of the body. Therefore, you need to take good care of your feet before getting into a run. No matter how your gaming outfit is or how fast you are, sore feet will prevent you from having a good run.

Here are the tips to keep your feet healthy before getting into a run.

Your Shoe Matters

Consult a specialist before purchasing a new pair of shoes. The specialists will analyze your gait to determine the right size for you and the kind of support your feet needs. Employees in a specialty running store are likely to have vast experience since they deal with sports shoes every day.

Additionally, the shoe size has a considerable impact on your feet. According to experts, there should be a space between your longest toe and the cover of your shoe. If you feel your shoe when you wiggle your toes, then the shoe is narrow and too short for you.

Stretch

The golden run to prevent sore feet is to start small and increase your distance gradually. Make sure you stretch several times a day to enhance your propulsion. Choose exercises that focus on your feet's small, deep muscles that are responsible for running motion. For desirable results, lift your big toes with your legs planted firmly on the ground. Besides helping runners, a podiatrist will have it that these drills are effective for people who regularly wear high heels. Wearing heels causes painful inflammation in the arch, which can result in plantar fasciitis.

Choose Socks Wisely

Socks have a significant effect on your feet. Make sure you buy sock size that fits your footwell. Don't use your pair of socks for a prolonged time because they shrink with time and lose their elasticity. When socks wear thin, your feet are set up for blisters. In addition, avoid purchasing pure cotton socks because they tend to hold moisture for long, a common cause of fungus.

Consider Summer

As a runner, the last thing you can ever think of is the type of shoes you wear when not running. But podiatrists say that the kind of shoes you wear when not running will determine whether you will keep running. Flip flops and sandals do not give your feet the necessary support they need. However, there are several approved open shoes specifically designed for athletes.

The most basic way to prepare for a run is by carrying out stretching and strengthening exercises. However, all of the above steps will help you prevent injuries while running. 

Hertime Daily Provides PMS Relief!

It’s inevitable: every month premenstrual symptoms can wreak havoc on the way women feel. But is there a natural solution?

Meet Hertime Daily by Mixhers! Specifically created to provide month long hormone balance, reduce bloating, ease cramps, lighten flow and increase energy, Hertime Daily has been carefully and lovingly crafted by women and for women to give your body the nutrients it needs to support your monthly hormonal changes.

After the birth of her twins, founder Jess Toolson’s period symptoms worsened and she was in search of a natural solution. Teaming up with a holistic health care practitioner, Hertime was created using natural, earth-grown remedies that can regulate hormones, reduce inflammation in the uterus, and stifle our monthly strife. Hertime Daily features:

- Balances hormones with nutritional therapy

- Relieves PMS symptoms

- No more cramps, bloating, moodiness, hormonal acne, aches and heavy bleeding.

- Suitable for women of all ages and stages of their cycle.

- All natural ingredients

- Mix with 8-12oz of hot or cold water

- 3 flavors to choose from: Strawberry Lemonade, Juicy Peach and Raspberry Refresher

- Pre-portioned, travel-friendly daily packs so you can grab and go! 

With Hertime Daily, no need to track your monthly cycle! Mix one convenient stick of Hertime Daily once a day with 8-12oz hot or cold water and get hormonal support all month long! 

$52.95 for 30 servings or subscribe and save!

Learn more on: https://mixhers.com

Doctors to Ontarians – Please take COVID rise seriously, stay home and physically distance

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors say we all need to resume the good hygiene practices and physical distancing we embraced last spring to stop the record numbers of people getting sick with COVID-19.

Doctors are worried about projections there could be 6,500 cases a day in the weeks before Christmas. Flattening the curve is a shared responsibility and we all need to take this pandemic seriously.

"We know that everyone is weary of being cooped up in their homes and missing friends and family, especially as the holiday season approaches," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "As Premier Ford has said, to defeat this pandemic, we need to all work together – patients, doctors on the front line and the government. This pandemic will pass. The decisions we make and the actions we take will determine who will be alive and what our society will look like then. Together we can create a better future and frankly we must."

Take your doctor's expert advice and do these five things to reduce the spread of COVID:

• Wash your hands regularly. 
• Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors with guaranteed two metres distance from others. 
• Stay away from crowded places. 
• Celebrate or gather only with members of your household. Don't invite others into your home. 
• Prepare for contact tracing if you get COVID. Download the COVID-19 app and/or keep track of where you go and when.

Ontario's doctors are also calling on the government to fix the new framework for when regions can tighten and loosen pandemic restrictions. The framework allows too many businesses to remain open even when many people in their communities have the virus. We strongly recommend regions in the "restrict" and "control" categories should close bars and indoor dining altogether. 

Hotspots, particularly Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region, should stop all non-essential services including all public events to gain control of the spread while strengthening public health measures. The government need to ensure testing, contract tracing and isolation.

"We appreciate that the government is trying to balance managing the pandemic and the economy, both of which impact everyone's health and livelihoods," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "The OMA shares Premier Ford's objectives. All Ontarians are in this together."

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

HELL OR HIGH POMEGRANATE
FIRESIDE CHAT -- WINTER SPICED ALE
Ring in the Holiday Season with 21st Amendment Brewery's New Winter Beers Brewed with Real Pomegranates (Hell or High) and Special Spice Blend with TCHO Cocoa Nibs (Fireside Chat)
***
#1 of the 10 Best Christmas Beers 2020: Fireside Chat-Men's Health

San Francisco, Calif. -- Friday, November 13, 2020 -- 21st Amendment Brewery rings in the 2020 holiday season with two seasonal stunners ready to entice tastebuds with the sweet, mouth-puckering tartness of Hell or High Pomegranate (4.9% ABV, 12 oz. cans in 6-Packs, Draft) and special 10th Anniversary release of the annual winter spiced ale, Fireside Chat (7.9% ABV, 12 oz. cans in 6-Packs, Draft). The beloved Hell or High Watermelon Wheat summer seasonal now has a wintertime companion for chilly nights and holiday-themed dinners with the launch of Hell or High Pomegranate. Fireside Chat cozies up close to the burning embers with aromas of chocolate malt, spices, and cocoa nibs filling the air. 
The holidays will certainly be different in 2020. Families and friends will be brought together for joyous celebrations -- though many will use the digital world to connect. What's remained consistent over the past two decades is the 21st Amendment Brewery's dedication to brewing innovative limited-edition holiday beers for people to enjoy and be a part of unforgettable memories. 
For detailed beer descriptions and suggested food pairings for Hell or High Pomegranate and Fireside Chat, please read below:
Hell or High PomegranateAn iconic woman symbolizing values of freedom and inclusivity, the Statute of Liberty now graces in all her glory the Hell or High line's packaging and cans year-round for all three offerings: Watermelon, Mango, and Pomegranate. Brewed with real pomegranates, Hell or High Pomegranate reflects the joy of the holidays with its burgundy-red color and luscious sweet/tart flavors. Hell or High Pomegranate fits snuggly into winter with notes reminiscent of cranberries and the light biscuity characters of a true handcrafted American wheat beer. At only 4.9% ABV, beer lovers can comfortably drink more than one. 
Holiday Food Pairing Suggestions with Hell or High Pomegranate:Grilled Apple Brined Pork Chops; Roast Turkey with Cranberry Gravy; Roasted Winter Root Cellar Vegetables with a Honey Glaze; Pan Broiled Miso-Glazed Salmon; and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Fireside Chat -- Winter Spiced AleChristmas comes a little early every year with the much-anticipated November 2020 release of Fireside Chat. A flagship beer recipe of 21st Amendment's San Francisco brewpub that's evolved into an annual limited-edition winter warmer favorite, Fireside Chat is the perfect sipper at the Thanksgiving dinner table or while nestled up fireside with loved ones. Lush and flavorful cocoa nibs from TCHO Chocolate (San Francisco, Calif.) add a deep layer of texture to the beautiful malt character of eight different malts. The English-style strong ale is well-balanced by Shaun O'Sullivan's (Co-Founder and Brewmaster, 21st Amendment Brewery)selection of spices. It's no wonder Fireside Chat took home a Silver Medal from Great American Beer Festival, and Men's Health magazine ranks it #1 of the "10 Best Christmas Beers 2020" (LINK).
O'Sullivan notes, "Fireside Chat has a great amber color, a toffee foam head, soft spice profile and rich chocolate flavor on the finish that most beer drinkers will enjoy. Also, the packaging features FDR having a fireside conversation with a holiday Elf. It doesn't get much better than that."
Holiday Food Pairing Suggestions with Fireside Chat:Hearty Beef Stew; Oven Roasted Turkey; Creamy Risotto; Apple Crumb Pie; Pumpkin Cheesecake; and Tiramisu. 
Hell or High Pomegranate and Fireside Chat are available now in all 30 states where 21st Amendment distributes. For more information and to find some using our beer finder, please visit www.21st-Amendment.com.

Almost half of working Canadians say they need mental health support

Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index™ for October continues to trend well below the pre-pandemic benchmark with a decline in work productivity 

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, revealing a consistent negative mental health score among Canadians at the seven-month mark of the pandemic. The findings show the impact of this extended period of strain and the presidential election in the United States are major contributing factors. 

The Mental Health Index™ score is -11.4, representing a decline from September (-10.2). This decline puts working Canadians back to near the lowest point in April 2020, when the mental health score was -11.7. The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring financial risk (2.5), psychological health (-2.5), isolation (-11.5), work productivity (-12.6), depression (-12.9), optimism (-13.0) and anxiety (-13.4). 

Given the prolonged period of increased strain, nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents reported needing some form of mental health support. The most commonly reported source of mental health support is from family members (24 per cent), followed by support from friends or co-workers (20 per cent) and support from a mental health professional (eight per cent). Additionally, nine per cent of individuals reported needing support, but have not sought it. This group has, by far, the lowest mental health score (-33.9). 

Both work productivity and savings have declined after a brief period of improvement 
The score of -12.6 for work productivity is a decline that reverses modest gains over the summer, and brings us below where we were in June 2020 (-12.1). Another negative trend is evident in financial risk. For the second consecutive month, financial risk showed further decline after several months of improvement. 

"COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the mental health of Canadians, and we are now approaching a point in the year when feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety will likely get worse," said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. "The restrictions imposed to combat the second wave of the pandemic and the approaching cold weather are keeping Canadians indoors for longer periods of time. Organizations need to make a conscious effort to check back in with employees and review their mental health strategies, or risk detrimental and long-term impacts on business performance."

The research found that the majority (41 per cent) of respondents indicated that they are putting in more effort at work when compared to before the pandemic. These individuals also reported a lower mental health score (-12.0) than those who reported no change in work effort and those who put in less (-11.9 and -9.3, respectively). The increased effort is linked to the emotional strain that makes it harder for people to be as productive as they would have been otherwise.

"New workplace dynamics are influenced by what people are experiencing personally, now more than ever. The pandemic has had a significant impact on employees' home, family and personal dynamics and work is impacted as well. Canadians have had to adapt to substantial changes in their routine and concerns about job and economic security, while at the same time finding news ways to keep a healthy work-life balance," said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation. "At a minimum, each individual psychologically needs several things each day: a sense of accomplishment, social contact, fun, laughter and physical movement. Employers have a tremendous opportunity to encourage and support these healthy practices, which are part of building the resilience needed now and ongoing."

Divisive U.S. presidential election taking a toll on Canadians' mental health
The impact of the 2020 presidential election has extended north of the border in recent months, with Canadians feeling an impact on their mental health. Almost four in ten (38 per cent) felt that the U.S. election had a negative impact on their mental health, with this group also reporting the lowest mental health score (-16.7) across respondents. In contrast, only nine per cent of employees felt the election had a positive impact on their mental health. The mental health score for this group was significantly higher (-8.3) than the first group. 

Prolonged uncertainty and information overload continue to contribute to Canadians' mental strain, which is taken to a new extreme when factoring in political tension. Canadians understand that the presidential election will have a far-reaching economic and social impact on neighbouring countries, creating an added layer of stress for a population that has seen its collective mental health negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 health pandemic.

About the Mental Health Index™
The monthly survey by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from September 28 to October 19, 2020, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canada report can be found at https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/93109/mental-health-index-report-canada-october-2020.pdf.

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com. 

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

CCRM and McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) Partner to Build and Operate Biomanufacturing Campus

• CCRM AND MIP ANNOUNCE THEY HAVE EXECUTED A LETTER OF INTENT TO PARTNER IN THE  DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF A BIOMANUFACTURING CAMPUS AT MCMASTER INNOVATION PARK
• CCRM TO LEVERAGE MIP-MCMASTER UNIVERSITY ECOSYSTEM, SOUTHERN ONTARIO LIFE SCIENCES INNOVATION CORRIDOR
• MIP TO LEVERAGE CCRM AS A NEXUS OF MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY AND COMMERCIALIZATION WITHIN THE GLOBAL REGENERATIVE MEDICINE ECOSYSTEM, INCLUDING CELL & GENE THERAPIES 

HAMILTON, ON and TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies, and McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), Canada's Premier Innovation Park, announce they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to partner in the development of a biomanufacturing campus at MIP focused on regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies. The LOI advances a months-long relationship between CCRM and MIP, and formalizes their intent to co-develop a business case around the construction and operation of what is envisioned to be Canada's largest and most advanced Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). The envisioned facility will enable CCRM to scale its operations and provide critical space, services and support to cell and gene therapy focused ventures from across Canada and the world. 

The agreement, which is focused on an initial CDMO facility to produce cells and viral vectors for Phase III clinical trials and commercial-scale manufacturing, represents the first phase of a long-term initiative to develop a biomanufacturing campus at the innovation park, and thus form the western anchor of the emerging life science corridor spanning from Hamilton to Toronto. The short-term priority is to develop a costed facility design and an investment thesis that the parties will use to secure industry, regulatory and government support, along with the funding necessary for its construction and operation. 

"Our partnership with MIP is about more than building a facility," explained Dr. Michael May, President and CEO, CCRM. "This is about building domestic manufacturing capacity within the region for the next generation of medical advances. Our expectation is that the biomanufacturing campus within MIP, and the CDMO, will result in jobs, economic stimulus for the region and, most importantly, life-saving products for patients. For Canada, our opportunity to be amongst the global leaders in cell and gene therapy is of strategic significance." CCRM will retain its current Toronto offices, research facilities and manufacturing facilities in the MaRS Centre. 

Ty Shattuck, CEO of McMaster Innovation Park, commented, "The introduction of CCRM to MIP's innovation ecosystem is in the context of MIP's 2.8 million sq. ft. Life Sciences 'MegaHub', announced earlier this year. CCRM will be an anchor within the MIP, and because they will retain their research facilities within MaRS, it will act as an ongoing and active connection between two of the most advanced life science ecosystems within Canada." He added, "Today, entrepreneurs, leading global companies and investors in the life sciences increasingly see the Toronto-GTA-Hamilton area as a global-calibre life sciences corridor. This region has established itself as a prolific global leader in life sciences innovation. MIP plays an important and growing part in that success, working with exciting organizations like CCRM." 

About CCRM
CCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It receives funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, strategic investors and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients, with specialized teams, funding, and infrastructure. CCRM is the commercialization partner of the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the University of Toronto's Medicine by Design. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at ccrm.ca.

About MIP

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) is Canada's premier research park based in the heart of southwestern Ontario and home to over one hundred companies in the Life Science, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing and high-tech sectors. MIP's proven ability to support and grow mid-market / SME enterprises results in faster, more economically impactful, and lower risk investments for government and private investors alike. 

SOURCE CCRM

Medicago and GSK announce start of Phase 2/3 clinical trials of adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate will contain GSK's pandemic adjuvant

Phase 3 part of clinical trial to enroll over 30,000 volunteers worldwide

QUEBEC CITY and LONDON, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, and GSK are pleased to announce the start of Phase 2/3 clinical trials of its plant-derived vaccine candidate for COVID-19 to evaluate its efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Based on the positive Phase 1 results and the approval of Canadian regulatory authorities, Medicago has decided to launch the Phase 2/3 clinical trial with GSK's pandemic adjuvant.

"Our Phase 1 results of the adjuvanted vaccine candidate were very encouraging and fully support further clinical evaluation," said Nathalie Landry, Executive Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at Medicago.

Thomas Breuer, Chief Medical Officer GSK Vaccines said, "This is the first of several GSK COVID-19 vaccine candidate collaborations to start Phase 2/3 clinical testing and an important step forward in our contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. We are delighted with the very promising Phase 1 results of Medicago's COVID-19 vaccine candidate in combination with GSK's pandemic adjuvant. Proven dose-sparing and a high immune response due to GSK's adjuvant make us confident of delivering an efficacious vaccine with an acceptable safety profile in collaboration with Medicago."

The Coronavirus-Like Particle COVID-19 vaccine candidate (CoVLP) is composed of recombinant spike (S) glycoprotein expressed as virus-like particles (VLPs).

The study is a multi-portion design to confirm that the chosen formulation and dosing regimen of CoVLP (two doses of 3.75 µg CoVLP combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant given 21 days apart) has an acceptable immunogenicity and safety profile in healthy adults 18-64 years of age and in elderly subjects aged 65 and over.

The Phase 2 trial part is a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the adjuvanted recombinant COVID-19 plant-derived vaccine candidate in subjects aged 18 and above. It will be conducted in multiple sites in Canada and, upon FDA allowance, in the United States and on a population composed of healthy adults (18-64y) and elderly adults (over 65y). Each age group will have over 300 subjects randomized 5:1 to receive the adjuvanted CoVLP vaccine candidate: placebo and with 2:1 stratification in older adults (65-74 and ≥75). All subjects will be followed for a period of 12 months after the last vaccination for the assessment of safety and durability of the immune responses to the vaccine candidate.

The Phase 3 part of the study should start before the end of 2020 and is an event-driven, randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled design that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CoVLP formulation, compared to placebo, in over 30,000 subjects in North America, Latin America and/or Europe and within the same population, or – alternatively – amongst a broader one pending approval by regulatory authorities.

About Medicago

Medicago is a biopharmaceutical company and pioneer in plant-derived therapeutics. Founded in 1999 with the belief that innovative approaches and rigorous research would bring new solutions in healthcare.

Our mission is to improve global health outcomes by leveraging innovative plant-based technologies for rapid responses to emerging global healthcare challenges. Medicago is committed to advancing therapeutics against life-threatening diseases worldwide. Our team includes over 450 scientific experts and employees in Canada and the United States and academic affiliations in Europe and South Africa.

Medicago has previously demonstrated its capability to be a first responder in a flu pandemic. In 2009, the company produced a research-grade vaccine candidate against H1N1 in just 19 days. In 2012, Medicago manufactured 10 million doses of a monovalent influenza vaccine candidate within one month for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2015, Medicago also demonstrated in principle that it could rapidly produce an anti-Ebola monoclonal antibody cocktail for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information: www.medicago.com

To learn more about our plant-based technology: Video  /  Website

About GSK and its commitment to tackling COVID-19

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

GSK is collaborating with companies and research groups across the world working on promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates through the use of our innovative vaccine adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protecting more people. GSK does not expect to profit from COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic phase, and will invest any short-term profit in coronavirus related research and long-term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK internal investments or with external partners.

SOURCE Medicago

Canadian tech company EAIGLE gives free COVID-19 assessment technology for government, health-care and non-profit sectors

In light of the ongoing pandemic, EAIGLE hopes to help organizations screen individuals for coronavirus 

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - From Nov. 11 until the end of 2020, EAIGLE, a local Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) company specializing in COVID-19 solution technology, is providing all government, health-care, senior care providers and non-profit organizations with a digitized coronavirus assessment system at no cost. 

"We've received so much support from multiple levels of government in Canada - we really thought this would be a good way to give back," said Amir Hoss, the CEO of EAIGLE. "We want to be an active player in helping Canadians mitigate the spread of the virus, recover from the difficulties it caused and build back even better."

A recent installment in their COVID-19 technological solutions, EAIGLE's COVID-19 assessment technology, following provincial screening guidelines, enables organizations to automate the screening process by digitally screening employees and visitors. EAIGLE offers flexible, accessible and no-contact questionnaires using online methods such as QR codes and website links to organizations looking for a seamless coronavirus declaration process. Beyond helping facilities implement COVID-19 screening procedures, EAIGLE stores all information securely for organization, reference and contact tracing purposes. 

"Our system helps organizations save time and labour costs that normally would be dedicated towards having someone manually screen every individual entering a facility," said EAIGLE CTO Mahdi Marsousi. "There's no room for the mismanagement of information, or the worry of misplacing someone's screening results. Everything stays safe and secure."

EAIGLE pivoted from crowd monitoring tech into the COVID-19 solutions space during the onset of the pandemic, once realizing their AI and computer vision technology could be used to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Now offering crowd thermal screening, mask detection, live social distance measurements, people counting and space optimization technology, EAIGLE helps dozens of organizations around the country arm their facilities for a new pandemic-aware world. 

"We perform over one million thermal scans a month," said Hoss. "Our technology has stopped COVID-19 cases from spreading further into workplaces and facilities. We know our technology makes a difference and we want people to know that we're here to help."

If your organization operates in government, long-term care, retirement services and nursing homes, non-profit or health-care sectors, contact the EAIGLE team at contact@eaigle.com or visit www.eaigle.com/covid-screening-questionnaire-solution/ to learn more about your free digital COVID-19 questionnaire system.

SOURCE EAIGLE