Precision NanoSystems Receives $18.2 Million from the Government of Canada to Develop an RNA Vaccine for COVID-19
PNI will use the investment to advance a cost-effective Made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccine
PNI offers expertise in self-amplifying mRNA vectors, lipid-based drug delivery systems and nanomedicine manufacturing
PNI will contribute to Canada's ability to secure an effective COVID-19 vaccine and build technologies towards enabling rapid response against future pandemics
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Precision Nanosystems, Inc. (PNI), a global leader in technologies and solutions in genetic medicine, announced today that it has received a commitment of up to $18.2 million in support from the Government of Canada under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development's (ISED) Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. PNI will use the investment to advance a best-in-class COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidate to clinical trials.
PNI provides over 250 industry and academic partners with solutions for the development of vaccines, gene therapies, and cell therapies, in the areas of infectious diseases, oncology and rare diseases. With this investment from the Government of Canada, PNI's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Andrew Geall, and his team will use their state-of-the-art technology platforms and expertise in self-amplifying mRNA vectors, lipid-based drug delivery systems and nanomedicine manufacturing to develop a cost-effective COVID-19 vaccine.
As part of Canada's efforts to combat COVID-19, the Strategic Innovation Fund is working diligently to support projects led by the private sector for COVID-19 related vaccine and therapy clinical trials to advance Canada's medical countermeasures in the fight against COVID-19. "An effective vaccine will be critical as we work to contain the COVID-19 virus and prevent future infections. Today's contribution will support PNI to advance the development of a mRNA vaccine candidate through pre-clinical studies and clinical trials to help protect Canadians," stated the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Bringing together its proprietary technology platforms, key partnerships and unparalleled expertise in nanomedicines, PNI is excited to be leading the development of a Made-in-Canada COVID vaccine. James Taylor, CEO and co-founder of PNI said "Since its inception PNI has executed on its mission to accelerate the creation of transformative medicines. It is an honour to be supported by the Canadian government in this global fight against COVID-19 and to further build capabilities for rapid response against COVID-19 and future pandemics"
About Precision NanoSystems Inc. (PNI)
PNI is a global leader in ushering in the next wave of genetic medicines in infectious diseases, cancer and rare diseases. We work with the world's leading drug developers to understand disease and create the therapeutics and vaccines that will define the future of medicine. PNI offers proprietary technology platforms and comprehensive expertise to enable researchers to translate disease biology insights into non-viral genetic medicines.
SOURCE Precision Nanosystems
Government of Canada's PMPRB price controls discourage rare disease medicines from coming to Canada
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadian rare disease patients are worse off because of new price controls announced today by the federal Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB).
"These changes run directly counter to the federal government throne speech commitment to pursue a national rare disease strategy," said Bob McLay, Chair of the Canadian Forum for Rare Disease Innovators (RAREi). "They have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable people in society."
McLay was responding to PMPRB's new pricing regime, which relies on new economic factors that disadvantage treatments designed for small patient populations, who often have life threatening illnesses. New regulated price reductions are uncertain and unsustainable for innovators, who already face myriad challenges bringing new rare disease treatments to Canada.
The new PMPRB guidelines have not lifted the cloud of uncertainty for launching new medicines in Canada for a number of reasons, including:
While the PMPRB has provisionally limited the application of complicated economic factors in the short term, this could change at any time, as the approach hinges on a court challenge of the regulations, which is under appeal.
The economic factors can still be used by PMPRB officials in investigations triggered by any complaint by anyone regarding the price of a medicine.
As well, of particular concern for rare disease therapy developers, the PMPRB will apply a more restrictive use of the economic factors.
"Developing treatments for rare disorders is already an extremely risky and costly endeavour and these price controls create a massive barrier to entry in Canada," notes McLay.
RAREi, along with a long list of stakeholders (including provincial governments and agencies, health care professionals, health researchers and patients), has consistently expressed grave concerns about the impact of these changes on access to needed medicines.
RAREi calls on the federal government to revisit its new price controls and to arrive at a long-term, certain and sustainable approach for price regulation in Canada. There is a way to achieve the government's objectives without undermining a vital and vibrant industry sector that is committed to meeting the needs of rare disease patients in Canada.
About the Canadian Forum for Rare Disease Innovators (RAREi) The Canadian Forum for Rare Disease Innovators (RAREi) is a group of the Canadian operations of global biopharmaceutical companies with a specific focus on researching, developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases. Its members are: Alexion Pharma Canada Corp., Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., Biogen Canada Inc., Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Horizon Therapeutics Canada, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada Inc., Recordati Rare Diseases Canada Inc., Sanofi Genzyme, Sobi Canada Inc., Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc.
RAREi's input on the June 2020 PMPRB Guidelines along with other public consultation submissions can be accessed on its website at www.rarei.ca
SOURCE RAREi
Strategies for the Gym When You're Focusing on Losing Weight
There's one thing gym-goers have in common: they want to get in shape. However, even with this common denominator, not everyone who goes to the gym has the same goal. Some people want to build muscle while others want to focus solely on losing weight.
If you’re focusing on losing weight, you’ve probably heard that you just need to focus on cardio. While hitting the gym for cardio sessions seems like a straightforward solution, it might not be right for everyone. If you've been trying to lose weight but the scale won't budge, here's what you need to do.
Increase Your Incline
If walking or running is your go-to-choice for cardio, increasing your incline may be all you need to jumpstart your weight loss again. As with any type of cardio, your body becomes accustomed to the duration and intensity of your workouts. Even though you think you're burning enough calories, you may not be exerting enough energy to keep the burn going.
To prevent injury, slowly increase the incline in 5-minute intervals. You can even do this on an elliptical or stationary bike. Just make sure to slowly build up your endurance so that you don’t overdo it and hurt yourself.
Shake up Your Routine
Another way to jump start weight loss is by changing up your routine. Oftentimes, people say they aren't seeing the results they want, even when working out five or more times per week.
This again can be attributed to muscle memory. Muscle memory is just what it implies. Even when you break a sweat and feel the burn, your muscles become used to the same type of exercise and you may eventually stop seeing results.
To get things back on track, change up your workouts. For example, swap out your usual 30-minute treadmill session with Zumba or HIIT. You can even slow things down and do Pilates or yoga two or three days a week. It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you do. It's about working different muscle groups as you alternate through different workouts.
Start Weight Training
If you’re trying to lose weight, you might be avoiding the weights area at the gym. Afterall, you’re trying to slim down, not bulk up. However, building muscle won’t necessarily cause you to bulk up, and it’s a great way to improve your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories during simple day-to-day activities than fat would. Also, when you do strength training or HIIT, the muscles you worked will continue to burn more calories than usual even after your workout.
This goes to show that even when you’re working on one specific fitness goal, you need to keep your whole body in mind. You may want to work with a fitness trainer when you’re starting out. Fitness training can help you build a more balanced approach to your health and weight loss. This can help you keep the unwanted weight off after you’ve reached your goals.
Circuit Training
Circuit training is another way to lose weight at the gym. In circuit training, you do a series of exercises back-to-back for a set period time. You then take a one to two minute break before beginning the circuit again. You’ll usually repeat this three or four times. The best part of circuit training is that you can do different sets of exercises every time you work out. You can design these sets to target certain muscles.
Losing weight doesn't need to be confusing or boring. The key is developing a weight-loss strategy that is balance, productive, and fun. Work with a fitness trainer on building a workout plan that will help you reach your weight loss goals.
Pan-Canadian initiative to evaluate and scale virtual innovations in youth mental health amidst COVID-19
Frayme to support and fund 8 virtual youth mental health and substance use service innovations across Canada to increase access to care
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 22, 2020 /CNW/ - It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder, however only 1 in 5 children who need mental health services receive them. Virtual mental health services and supports have the potential to rapidly expand access to care for those who need it most.
The Canadian youth mental health and substance use (YMHSU) system has moved rapidly over the past year to develop, accelerate and implement virtual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to meet the needs of youth and their families. Frayme launched theVirtual Innovations in Care (VIC) Grantprogram to support learning and understanding about the process of implementing effective virtual services. A total of 8 evidence generating and innovative virtual solutions were chosen through an open call to receive funding and partner with Frayme to support the scale up, implementation, and evaluation of these innovations.
Pockets of innovation in virtual service delivery are happening across Canada, however these initiatives are siloed or taking place in isolation. The VIC Grant Program will support the dissemination of key learnings from the development of virtual services more widely so that collective knowledge around effective virtual system development and service implementation is strengthened in the sector. The virtual innovations chosen for VIC funding include:
Atlantic Wellness - Circle of Care Program:At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlantic Wellness worked to develop and implement virtual mental health services to ensure there was very little impact to youth during this crucial time. With funding from VIC, this project will not only continue to provide virtual services, but will also capture data to identify how the change in service delivery is affecting counselling therapists, clients, and their families.
Crossroads Children's Mental Health Centre - Kids Come First:In response to COVID-19, Kids Come First partners are collaborating to deliver virtual mental health groups for children, youth and families, pooling together knowledge and resources to increase access to care. This project will allow for the informed development of virtual mental health groups by drawing upon the emerging, situated learnings of those providing and receiving services.
Foundry - Foundry Virtual Care: Foundry launched drop-in counselling services via chat, voice or video calls in April due to COVID-19, followed by online peer support and workshops. Foundry's team will focus on the experience of youth accessing Foundry's virtual services, including health outcomes, and how shifting to virtual service delivery has impacted both youth and service providers.
Saskatchewan Health Authority - Evaluation of Virtual Care in Youth Mental Health & Addiction Services: Youth Mental Health & Addiction Services provides therapy and outreach services to youth and their families. Due to the pandemic, services are currently being offered virtually. The virtual care evaluation will use surveys and interviews to allow clients to voice the benefits, challenges, and experiences of virtual care so that learnings can be shared out.
Shibogama First Nations Council - Payahtakenemowin Youth Well-Being Program: The Payahtakenemowin ("Peace of Mind") Youth Well-Being Program is a mental wellness program that is developing a virtual service framework for youth living in northern communities in the Shibogama Tribal Council Area in Treaty 9 Territory in Northwestern Ontario. This includes virtual cultural teachings from local Knowledge Keepers, live streamed traditional land-based experiences, and online safe spaces for social interaction with peers. The program also offers online therapy sessions with counsellors, including specialized services in expressive arts therapy.
Stella's Place - Bean Bag Chat (BBC): BBC is a technology that offers text-based mental health support. The platform consists of a mobile app and an operator web portal. The app is available for service users to download for free on their iOS or Android device and allows young adults living in Toronto to engage in secure 1:1 chat sessions with Peer Support workers.
The Students Commission of Canada - New Paths through COVID-19: This project will provide an in-depth look at the wide range of services provided by New Path Child and Youth Services in Simcoe County, Ontario and how it transitioned all of its services except for residential, to telephone and virtual delivery. The research will also look at several other collaborations in Prince Edward County and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Counties in Ontario, and in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Wood's Homes - An Assessment of the Implementation, Provision and Impact of Virtual Services: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual service delivery supplemented the vast majority of in-person services provided by Wood's Homes youth mental health programs. Virtual technology became the primary method of service delivery as of March 20, 2020. This project will assess and evaluate these innovations as they continue to be needed by communities.
To see a full list and summary of the 8 VIC recipients and their respective virtual innovations please click here.
COVID-19 has shifted healthcare in Canada to a place in which in-person services are no longer an option in many jurisdictions and contexts. The Government of Canada launched a new mental health and substance use support portal, Wellness Together Canada, which provides an entire suite of free resources and supports for mental health and substance use issues. The valuable insights through this initiative as well as, the community learnings through the VIC program will help the system better understand the nuances of virtual services. Frayme will work with VIC recipients during the next year to help support knowledge mobilization efforts so that these virtual services can be expanded across jurisdictions and so that more youth and families can access the right care, in the right place at the right time.
QUOTES FRAYME AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS "The youth mental health and substance use system has collectively prioritized virtual care. We are at the precipice of being able to understand how to support youth and their families through technology and if there are ways we can address geographic constraints, accessibility constraints and resource constraints," said Shauna MacEachern, Executive Director, Frayme. "As we design these services we must ensure that we are evaluating and implementing them with feedback from youth and families. Through VIC, Frayme is uniquely positioned to ensure that evaluation not only takes place, but that learnings are mobilized across the country so that effective virtual services can be scaled widely."
"We recognize the importance of mental well-being on a young person's ability to achieve success and their successes directly impact the strength of our workplaces, schools and communities," said Mark Beckles, Senior Director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC. "Through our partnerships with organizations such as Frayme,RBC Future Launch will help address the barriers often faced by young people when trying to access the mental well-being supports and services they need. Effective virtual services will help to remove or lower some of those barriers."
"The Graham Boeckh Foundation is pleased to see that Frayme has prioritized supporting research and evaluation in virtual care," said Elana Ludman, Vice President Youth Mental Health, Graham Boeckh Foundation. "With more and more services being offered in virtual contexts, we need to better understand what impact these services are having on youth and their families. We hope that these grants will further add to the evidence base, help create more integrated models of mental health and substance use care, and share lessons learned with other communities across Canada."
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS Frayme Frayme is a national knowledge mobilization organization designed to advance integrated youth mental health and addiction practices and make a significant impact on youth well-being in Canada. Currently a network of over 400+ partner organizations including youth and family members, clinicians, researchers, policy makers and service providers, Frayme works to ensure collaboration and knowledge sharing among organizations working to transform youth mental health services and systems. Frayme is funded by Health Canada, the Graham Boeckh Foundation and the Networks of Centres of Excellence. It is hosted at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR).
SOURCE Frayme
Where to Travel for Christmas and New Year Wellness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Whether you are pining for a solo retreat in the Caribbean or longing to jet off with the whole family to Europe, a dream healthy holiday for Christmas and New Year is still possible.Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists, recommends the best wellness destinations where you can still enjoy an active winter retreat despite the COVID-19 pandemic. These wellness retreats are a chance to step away from the madness of lockdown and uncover a sanctuary for health and mental well-being. Wherever you choose to go, you can get some much-needed recuperation and rejuvenation; providing you with the tools to sow the seeds for a positive, healthy New Year.
From a mindful escape in the Troodos mountains and a yuletide yoga retreat in the Caribbean, to a spa break in the snow-capped Dolomites and a state-of-the-art fitness getaway in the Yorkshire Dales, each retreat provides personalised care and expert advice to give you the ultimate wellness experience.
If you’re looking to give the gift of wellness this Christmas, you’ll first have to make sense of the ever-changing travel requirements. Discover which countries require a negative COVID-19 PCR so that you can plan your Winter wellness holiday with ease.
Harrogate and the surrounding area are currently Tier 1 COVID Alert which does not restrict travelers from elsewhere in the UK but does limit visitors to socialising in a bubble of up to 6 people.
For those looking to make a lasting resolution this year, the intensive 3-night January kickstart retreat at Grantley Hall can break any bad habits with practices on the forefront of scientific wellness. 3D body scans, electric muscular stimulation and the guidance of professional personal trainers can undo any side-effects of December hedonism, setting you up for a year of personal betterment. The Yorkshire Dales, the backdrop for a stay at Grantley Hall, take on a misty charm during the Winter months, adding a scenic natural wonder to your Kickstart programme.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 3 nights at Grantley Hall from £2,940 or £1,845 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a fitness programme and return private transfers.
Tee Off for a Green Christmas: Active at Gleneagles Hotel, United Kingdom
Travel to Scotland from elsewhere in the UK is permitted but tourists are encouraged to avoid public transport and to stick to groups of up to 6. More information on the specific regional restrictions can be found on the Scottish Health Ministry’s website.
Fill your lungs with cool northern air and clear your mind in the mountainous landscapes of Northern Scotland. Gleneagles is offering a timeless stay in the foothills of the Highlands for anyone looking to spend the winter season trouncing through wind-swept heather or pursuing a variety of different outdoor sports. Start your day the traditional way with a hearty breakfast and a 9 o’clock tee off on the world-class golf course. For an evening of luxury, savour the exquisite cuisine and ambience of Gleneagle’s 2 Michelin star restaurant, before curling up by the roaring fire with a warming winter drink. Gleneagle’s provides a new take on the wellness holiday, one that marries healthy pursuits with a dose of enduring Scottish charm.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 3 nights at Gleneagles for £1,341. Price includes breakfast, 1 x three course dinner and an active programme
Madeira is exempt from the Foreign Office’s advice against all non-essential international travel. In order to fly, you will need proof of a negative COVID PCR Test.
Galo Resort is a mecca for healthy holidays and located on Madeira, one of the few remaining European nations that does not require a quarantine on your return to the UK. Experience the idyllic coastline of the sun-soaked pearl of the Atlantic with a variety of bespoke, healthy activities: canyoning, yoga, stand up paddle boarding and much more. Escape the dreary Winter weather and gift yourself some enjoyable time to focus on self-improvement this Christmas. Galo, and Madeira by extension, is ideal for the person who has difficulty picking one specific sport, the Jack of all trades who simply can’t get enough of everything fitness.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4, 7 and 10 nights at Galo resort from £455pp or £540 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Travelers are able to visit Cyprus but proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR Test is required at most 72 hours before departure.
High in the Troodos mountains, the wellness experts of Casale Panayiotis are fusing therapies from around the world with local Cypriot healing practices to create a healthy holiday experience that revitalises the physical and emotional strength of guests. If you’re struggling to juggle the pressures of an active work and social life, this Mindful Triathlon programme will give you a chance to catch your breath, balance your mind and grow as a person. Instead of running, swimming and cycling, you’ll be meditating, walking and cleansing. Give yourself natural peace of mind this Christmas with a wellness retreat in the healing heart of Cyprus.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4, 7 and 10 nights at Casale Panayiotis from £645pp or £790 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Mainland Greece and all Greek islands, except for Mykonos, are exempt from the Foreign Office’s advise against all but essential travel. Travelers to Greece will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form but will not need proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR Test.
It’s beginning to look a lot like wellness on this energising detox retreat in the glorious winter sun. Consultation and tests on arrival ensure your holiday is tailor-made to your personal requirements, and a selection of treatments and sessions will leave you with an enhanced emotional wellbeing ready for the new year. Catering to all your nutritional needs, Euphoria Retreat delivers balanced healthy meals to compliment your fitness journey and allows you to indulge in delicious bites without the usual post-turkey food coma.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Euphoria Retreat from £3,405pp or £3,870 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Travellers have to complete a pre-travel authorisation via the Turks and Caicos Islands online portal. This requires evidence of a negative COVID-19 test and travel insurance with COVID-19 cover.
Rediscover the balance of your mind, body and (Christmas) spirit on this holistic healthy holiday on the sunny beaches of Turks & Caicos. The private-island retreat includes daily yoga and Pilates sessions, alongside educational workshops, so you can progress with your practice whilst you soak in the spectacular sunshine. With catamaran sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding on offer, you can relax your mind and throw yourself into a fun-filled festive experience that will leave you with a refreshed and motivated mindset for 2021.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights from £3,595pp or £7,010 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers.
Visitors must complete a pre-arrival registration form and must provide certified proof of a negative PCR test taken seven days or less before travel.
Treat yourself to a week of personal training, sleep-enhancing therapies and deep tissue massages on a well-earned Winter wellness break where your mental and physical well-being are the top priority. With the unspoilt rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls of St. Lucia as your backdrop and an array of gourmet cuisines and invigorating activities to keep you busy, you’ll make memories that will outlast the festive period. Forget the Christmas jumpers and opinionated in-laws and indulge in a bit of ‘me time’ on this brilliant beachside break.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £5,895pp or £6,045 for single occupancy. Price includes all-inclusive, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
When you arrive in Italy, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR Test in order to gain access to the country. Alternatively, some Italian airports have on site testing facilities for arrivals but there is no guarantee that they will be usable. A quarantine period is required on your return to the UK.
Unwind in the wonderful winter wonderland of the Dolomite mountain range on this detoxifying wellness retreat. With a state-of-the-art wellness temple surrounded by incredible alpine views, you can indulge in energising massages and draining wraps and forget about the usual Christmas Day chaos. Lefay Dolomiti’s sustainable restaurants offer organic, healthy meals with spectacular backdrops, so burning potatoes and overcooked turkey will feel like a world away and you can rediscover your balance of mind and body in the refreshing alpine air.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti from £3,145pp or £4,055 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a detox programme and return private transfers.
When you arrive in Italy, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR Test in order to gain access to the country. Alternatively, some Italian airports have on site testing facilities for arrivals but there is no guarantee that they will be usable. A quarantine period is required on your return to the UK.
Start the new year the right way and trade dull winter days with a wellbeing boosting break to the stunning coast of Southern Italy. A consultation on arrival will determine your personalised programme to allow you to reconnect with your inner self and prioritise your mental and physical health for optimum happiness. With the Vair spa offering hot stone massages, detoxification wraps and aromatherapy you’ll leave feeling like the festive season is, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £5,370pp or £7,450 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
November 17th Observes National Bereavement Day 2020 in Canada. Grief is a Shared Journey that Fosters Compassion and Honours our Loved Ones.
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 21, 2020 /CNW/ - November 17th observes the annual National Bereavement Day in Canada. Grief and bereavement support is an essential element of all care at the end of one's life. This year, the CHPCA invites Canadians on a shared journey that fosters compassion and encourages them to cope with their grief by supporting each other through living and grieving. We might be physically distant, but grief brings us together.
Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of CHPCA says, "It is important that you and those who care about you know that grief is a journey; some part of you will always love and miss the person who died. We learn to live with the loss and grief in ways that maintain and honour our bond with the person who died but don't limit our capacity for joy, pleasure and a meaningful life. At this trying time, we might be physically distant, but we are emotionally, spiritually and socially connected through our grief".
For many of us, grief impacts all aspects of our lives; physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. It may also affect our sense of meaning and purpose in life; and this reality has created the need to ensure information and resources on hospice palliative care and advance care planning are accessible to all Canadians; that resources are provided to those who need them in a timely fashion and in the setting of their choice, and that resources meet their care needs.
CHPCA provides Canadians with many helpful resources for those living with grief and bereavement. Find this year's resources at www.chpca.ca/GriefDay and share them with your friends, family and loved ones who are experiencing grief. Social media users are invited to engage with CHPCA's Facebook (CanadianHospicePalliativeCare) and Twitter (@CanadianHPCAssn) and to use the hashtags #Grief2020#GriefJourney #SharedJourney to help advocate for support and access to the necessary resources for those living with grief and bereavement.
On this Bereavement Day, the CHPCA is acknowledging the grief so many Canadians have experienced during these unprecedented times with an online concert to honour loved ones and family members who have passed during COVID-19. Canadians can add their loved one's name to be streamed live during the concert. The concert will air on November 15, 2020 at 7 pm EST with representations from every province - featuring an array of Canadian talents: John McDermott, Tara Shannon, Alan Doyle, George Canyon, Gowan, Rosie MacKenzie, Florent Vollant, Kalen Wedge, Shari Ulrich, Eileen Laverty, Ray Legere, Sheila Carabine & Amanda Walther.For more information about the Saying Goodbye concert, please visit www.chpca.ca/sayinggoodbyeconcert.
Funding for National Bereavement Day 2020 is provided by GSK, Arbor Memorial Inc, CBI Health Group, Innovative Medicines Canada, and Purdue.
The CHPCA is the national voice for Hospice Palliative Care in Canada. Advancing and advocating for quality end-of-life/hospice palliative care in Canada, its work includes public policy, public education and awareness. Established in 1991, its volunteer Board of Directors is composed of hospice palliative care workers and volunteers from Canadian provinces and territories as well as members-at-large.
SOURCE Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
LuminUltra Files Patent for the World's First Rapid, On-site COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Solution
A Research Collaboration Between LuminUltra, Dalhousie University and Halifax Water Demonstrates Wastewater Data Is a Powerful Tool in Early Detection and Tracking COVID-19 Prevalence within Communities
FREDERICTON, NB, Oct. 21, 2020 /CNW/ - LuminUltra, a Canada-based biotechnology leader and portfolio company of XPV Water Partners, recently filed a patent for the first complete, rapid, and on-site COVID-19 wastewater testing solution that will make non-invasive community health assessment far more accessible to both the public and private sector around the world.
This innovation builds upon LuminUltra's 20-plus years of leadership in the measurement of pathogens and microbes in wastewater systems, and is a direct result of a research collaboration between LuminUltra, Dalhousie University and Halifax Water. Scientists from LuminUltra and Dalhousie University collaborated to assess real-world wastewater samples provided by Halifax Water, in order to refine and improve the process needed to prepare a sample for accurate wastewater testing. Ultimately, the innovation in the RNA extraction and concentration process resulting from the team's research has eliminated the need for additional complicated equipment, greatly simplifying the process from sample collection to result while increasing accuracy and consistency of results.
"The idea of wastewater surveillance testing has been advocated by researchers around the world since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Pat Whalen, President and CEO of LuminUltra. "Until now, wastewater testing has been complicated, expensive and time consuming – meaning the potentially life-saving technique was reserved for niche subgroups under the watchful eye of researchers. We have been determined to make this surveillance tool more accessible to communities everywhere, allowing for a game-changing early warning of COVID-19 infections."
The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen can be detected in human waste of infected individuals – even in asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients. LuminUltra's wastewater testing solution utilizes the rapid and portable GeneCount® qPCR device, the same industry gold-standard technology used in clinical diagnostic testing. While other solutions around the world can take days or weeks and require specialized lab expertise to analyze a mailed-in sample, LuminUltra's solution examines multiple samples on-site within 90 minutes, without the need for specific testing expertise – making the testing process more efficient and therefore available at a lower price point than other wastewater testing solutions.
"Public health leaders around the world have validated that wastewater testing is a powerful tool in the fight against the pandemic, and global research leaders have demonstrated the benefits of testing human waste in controlled populations," said Dr. Amina Stoddart of Dalhousie University. "Wastewater testing has been shown to lead to early identification of the virus before it is known in a clinical context – the potential benefit could help Public Health leaders with additional information for decisions concerning the pandemic. We are very pleased to continue Dalhousie's long-standing research relationship with LuminUltra to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Halifax and beyond."
"Halifax Water is proud to be a partner in this important wastewater research which aligns well with our focus on public health and environmental protection. This collaboration is an extension of our history of supporting and fostering innovative research in water and wastewater," said General Manager Cathie O'Toole, of Halifax Water. "Halifax and other communities are looking for monitoring solutions to reliably gather information about population health and effectively control the spread of COVID-19."
LuminUltra's wastewater testing solution allows communities and controlled populations to analyze overall population health, rather than relying solely on single-patient clinical tests to determine if there is an infection of COVID-19 present or a surge in cases. Currently, North America does not have the capacity or resources to control the spread of COVID-19 through clinical testing alone. With 40 per cent of infected COVID-19 patients being asymptomatici, and with clinical testing kits being in high demand with concern of a pending shortage, a smarter, broader, more holistic testing approach is needed. LuminUltra is pleased to bring a reliable, trusted solution to communities all over the world.
COVID-19 Testing Solutions
While individual human carriers are tested for COVID-19 using clinical diagnostics, broader population-based testing is also essential to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 within a community or environment. LuminUltra provides complete testing solutions for each of the three protocols: clinical diagnosticsii, surface and air testing and now, wastewater testing.
The GeneCount qPCR devices include both the portable and high-capacity options. They can be used to run both the clinical and environment tests to provide a holistic and efficient approach to pandemic management.
About LuminUltra
Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a biological diagnostic testing company headquartered in Canada with operations in 6 countries. It is widely recognized globally as a leader in developing tests and reagents for environmental, industrial, and diagnostic monitoring and is a key supplier of COVID-19 clinical testing reagents to the Government of Canada. Customers in over 80 countries trust LuminUltra's technology, production reliability and history of customer service excellence to deliver their essential services in a safe-state. At the same time, LuminUltra fosters a culture of innovation and agility and is on an accelerated growth path, acquiring multiple companies in recent years and forming a partnership with the specialized private equity firm XPV Water Partners. Additional information can be found at luminultra.com.
iiGeneCount® COVID-19 RT-qPCR Assay Kit pending FDA and Health Canada approval
SOURCE LuminUltra
Rethink Breast Cancer Launches New Resource Supporting Black Women with Breast Cancer
Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project is a first-of-its-kind photo-driven resource showcasing Black women affected by breast cancer
TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Rethink Breast Cancer, a Canadian not-for-profit organization focused on empowering and advocating for those affected by breast cancer worldwide, launched a new, first-of-its-kind resource that will shine a much needed spotlight on the physical and emotional scars of breast cancer, specifically as it relates to black bodies. Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project was developed in response to the significant underrepresentation of, and lack of support for, Black women and women of colour in the breast cancer community.
"They say cancer doesn't discriminate, but it most certainly does. From insufficient healthcare treatment, poorer health outcomes to the general underrepresentation in the breast cancer community," said MJ DeCoteau, founder and executive director, Rethink. "From the start, we made a promise to rethink the status quo when it comes to breast cancer. Now, as an organization who has contributed to the unjust underrepresentation of the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, this is one step towards doing better."
Michelle Audoin, a young Black woman living in Toronto with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) felt invisible and deflated throughout her diagnosis and treatment journey, often feeling unheard by her healthcare team to being unseen among the after-surgery imagery shown to her.
"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I immediately began researching my surgical options. It became abundantly clear that images of women who looked like me were nowhere to be found. It was distressing to have to make a life-altering decision and not have any visuals to help guide me through the process," said Audoin.
In response to her experience, she approached Rethink to help change the conversation and develop a new resource that would help Black women diagnosed with breast cancer have a better, more inclusive experience.
Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project is launching today, October 21st, on Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day 2020. This important awareness day aims to promote access, education and awareness about reconstructive breast surgery, and now with the launch of this important resource we can make sure to see a greater representation of Black women.
Rethink worked with a Black production team to photograph, interview and capture these eight women's stories and experiences. The resource will also be shared with cancer care teams, so they are better equipped to support all the women they care for. This project was kindly supported by Pfizer Canada.
"At Pfizer Canada, the value of equity runs through everything we do. We believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard and cared for," said Cole C. Pinnow, President, Pfizer Canada. "That's why we are honoured to support this important initiative that includes BIPOC communities in the breast cancer conversation and gives them the resources and attention they deserve."
About Rethink Breast Cancer Rethink Breast Cancer is the young people's breast cancer movement. Our mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer by taking a breakthrough approach to education, advocacy, support, community building and fundraising initiatives.
Rethink is changing the breast cancer conversation to make real change. You aren't average and we aren't your average breast cancer charity. We're here to uplift, inspire and most importantly, rethink breast cancer to help young women live better and live longer.
An Innovation Made In Québec: Maximed, the First Aerosol Pathogen Aspirator, Will Soon Make its US Debut in 3 Colorado Hospitals
MONTRÉAL, Oct. 21, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - AQC Dust is announcing the first American deployment of the Maximed, an innovative aerosol pathogen aspirator developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating like a vacuum system, Maximed eliminates at the source the particles and aerosols exhaled by patients being treated in operating rooms, reducing the probability of contamination by 85 to 90 %. Six (6) Maximed units will start servicing hospitals part of SCL Health in Colorado next week: Lutheran Medical Center, Platte Valley Medical Center, and Samaritan Hospital. Along with a strong sanitary protocol, it will help these hospitals treat more patients right away without compromising the safety of doctors, surgeons, nurses, or hospital personnel. To face the new normalcy, Maximed should become the new standard.
Through an articulated arm, Maximed creates a suction around the exhalation area of the patient. All aerosols and microscopic droplets are vacuumed up and passed through our HEPA filter, certified 99.997% efficient on 0.3-micron particles. By removing particles from the respiratory zone and filtering the air every hour, the spread of pathogens is reduced up to 90%, protecting everyone in the operating room.
With North America in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus, Maximed is the cost-efficient way to help thousands of patients get safer access to urgent or elective surgeries across Canada. Developed with public health authorities in Québec, where Maximed is already in operation in 4 hospitals. CSA/ULC certified for hospital environments, it is suitable for all medical practices (otolaryngology, cardiology, pulmonology, anesthesiology, etc.), and efficient on all types of airborne viruses or pollutants. The use of Maximed in hospitals will make patients feel safer and healthcare workers more confident in the operating room.
Martin Brisebois, President of AQC, added: "Maximed is our way to help healthcare systems around the world be more resilient and reduce the risks to patients and healthcare workers during this pandemic, and beyond"
About AQC Dust AQC Dust is the leader in air treatment for 30 years. Based in Quebec, AQC produces a full range of dust and pollutant capture systems and helps keep the pharmaceutical industry and hospitals safer since 2004.
SOURCE AQC Dust
New Scorecard Reveals Critical Need to Make Osteoporosis a National Health Priority
Regional Differences Exist in Diagnosis, Treatment and Care of Osteoporosis Across Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Osteoporosis affects approximately 1.4 million Canadians including an estimated 1 in 4 women and more than 1 in 8 men over the age of 50.1 However, according to A Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Canada and Seven Canadian Provinces, a recent study evaluating the burden and management of osteoporosis in Canada, there are significant provincial differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of osteoporosis across the country.2
According to the study authors, interventions are needed to close the osteoporosis treatment gap and minimize care discrepancies across the country.
Twenty elements related to osteoporosis management were scored across four areas: burden of disease, policy framework, service provision, and service uptake.
While Canada performed well on several elements of osteoporosis care, including high uptake of risk assessment algorithms and minimal wait times for hip fracture surgery, there are currently no established fracture registries in the country and reporting on individuals with high fracture risk who remain untreated was limited. Furthermore, osteoporosis is not an official health priority in most provinces, access to diagnosis and treatment was inconsistent across the provinces and provincial reimbursement policies did not align with clinical guidelines.
"Osteoporosis is a serious health issue that can have significant consequences. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can significantly impact someone's mobility, independence and overall quality of life," said Dr. David Kendler, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia. "From both a health and economic perspective, we need to look at how we can consistently do better when it comes to assessing and treating Canadians living with this condition."
Making Osteoporosis a National Priority
According to the study authors, Canada and its provinces would benefit from:
The creation of formal government action plans to support osteoporosis education and awareness;
Establishing fracture registries to monitor patient care; aligning reimbursement policies with clinical practice guidelines; and
Increasing fracture liaison service programs in less populous provinces.
Doing so will help ensure that the diagnosis, treatment and care of osteoporosis becomes a national priority and that those Canadians living with the condition benefit from enhanced healthcare system support.
About the Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Canada and Seven Canadian Provinces
The framework used to develop the Canadian Scorecard was adapted from the Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Europe (SCOPE), an extensive analysis conducted for the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) in 2013.
In addition to a national-level analysis, the framework was expanded to seven Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland) in order to identify regional variations in osteoporosis care.
As progress is made, the scorecard can serve as a benchmark to measure advancements in osteoporosis management and care.
The development of the Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Canada and Seven Provinces was supported financially by Amgen Canada.
About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous, decreasing bone strength and leading to increased risk of breaking a bone.3 The most common sites of broken bones from osteoporosis are the wrist, hip, spine, and shoulder.3 Osteoporosis can strike at any age, however it mainly affects women after menopause as their ability to form new bone cannot counterbalance the rate at which bone is being removed.3,4 This bone loss leads to weakened bones over time, increasing the potential for a break.3
At least one in three women and one in five men will suffer a broken bone from osteoporosis during their lifetime.3 Broken bones from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.3 One in three people who break a hip will re-break it at one year, and over one in two will suffer another bone break within five years.3
The World Health Organization has officially declared osteoporosis a public health crisis5, while the International Osteoporosis Foundation urges governments worldwide to make osteoporosis a healthcare priority.6
About Amgen Canada
As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ontario's vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.
2 Kendler, D., Adachi, J., Brown, J., Juby, A., Kovacs, C., Duperrouzel, C., . . . Burke, N. (2020). A scorecard for osteoporosis in Canada and seven Canadian provinces. Osteoporosis International. doi:10.1007/s00198-020-05554-2
5 The World Health Organization. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Exercise interventions: defusing the world's osteoporosis time bomb. Available at: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/81/11/mingchanwa1103.pdf. Accessed September 28, 2020
