Health Charities and Patient Groups Join Together to Protect Access to Breakthrough Medical Treatments in Canada

Patients shut out of process leading to the release of revised guidelines by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board.

TORONTO and MONTREAL, Oct. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - As exciting medical advances continue to be made around the world, there is a shared concern that people in Canada will not be able to access these scientific breakthroughs. Leading health charities and patient groups that represent 2.9 million patients across Canada are working together to raise concerns about revised guidelines expected by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) this week, that will limit access to treatments that could improve and even save lives. 

"The PMPRB announced briefings for media and industry on the revised guidelines, yet patients, who are at the heart of policy questions around access to new medications, were not considered. The fact that patients have been overlooked has been a consistent problem from the start of the PMPRB consultation process that began in 2017. Patient groups have been saying for years that this consultation process has failed the patient community, and our views have not been properly taken into account in the development of the proposed changes. The cystic fibrosis (CF) community is the first to experience how these changes will limit access to new, life-changing medicines, but all Canadians are right to be worried," said Kelly Grover, President and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

"We have seen what the CF community has experienced, and we are concerned that the vision loss community will face this situation too. We are concerned that we won't be able to access the new medications, gene and cell therapies that restore sight and avoid blindness," said Doug Earle, President and CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada. 

Canada has prided itself on universal access to healthcare. This means that when diagnosed with an illness, Canadians can receive best-in-class treatment. According to a recent survey commissioned by the group, a majority of Canadians (70 per cent) recognize that new, innovative prescription medicines developed over the past 20 years have improved the lives of Canadians.ⁱ

But that access is at risk due to the PMPRB changes scheduled to take effect in January 2021. There is a fear that doctors will only have cheaper, older and less effective drugs available to them to treat patients as new drugs will not be made available in Canada. There is a worry that there will be fewer clinical trials taking place locally when patients need new medicines to try.

These changes will result in wider inequities, prompting those that can afford it to leave the country for better treatment options. And when Canadian families are faced with a dreaded diagnosis, they will need to make heartbreaking decisions. 

The same public opinion survey showed that 7 in 10 people in Canada had not even heard of the proposed changes to how prices for new prescription medicines in Canada are reviewed and approved.ⁱⁱ Given the implications of these changes on people's health, the public should be consulted by government so that all Canadians can share their opinions on government's plans. 

To give Canadians the best health care possible, the coalition is asking that all stakeholders collaborate for a workable solution where the patient is at the center. This means the pharmaceutical industry needs to find a way to lower prices. And government needs to prioritize human lives over saving costs. Eighty-two per cent of Canadians agree with this approach.ⁱⁱⁱ

The patient organizations behind the new campaign, "Protect Our Access", include:

• ALS Society of Canada 
• Canadian Cancer Survivor Network 
• Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec 
• Colorectal Cancer Canada 
• Cystic Fibrosis Canada 
• Diabetes Québec
• Fighting Blindness Canada 
• Lung Health Foundation 
• MitoCanada 
• Ovarian Cancer Canada 
• PROCURE – The Force Against Prostate Cancer 
• Québec Breast Cancer Foundation   
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada 

These 13 health charities and patient groups are calling on government to strike the right balance of both economic sustainability and ensuring Canadians families can access breakthrough treatments, both now and in the future. 

A majority of Canadians (80 per cent) believe the government should ensure that Canadians have access to new medicines for rare diseases in Canada at the same time as citizens in other countries get access to them.^iv Let's work together to protect this right.

To learn more and have your voice heard on this important issue, visit protectouraccess.ca.

About Protect Our Access

A group of patient organizations have come together to represent the voice of the patient in policy discourse with regards to access to innovative medicines. The objective is to communicate to government and the public the importance of protecting timely and equal access to innovative medicines for patients; striking the right balance between reducing costs and ensuring Canadians continue to have access to new medicines. In addition to the non-profits investing their own resources, a portion of the campaign funding has been made possible through unrestricted grants from two innovative medicines companies.

About the Public Opinion Survey

Hill+Knowlton Strategies research group, Perspectives+, conducted a study with a total of n=996 adult residents from across Canada. The survey was conducted online between October 2-6, 2020. The sample was randomly drawn from Leger's web panel of potential survey respondents. Post-stratification weights were applied to the sample based on 2016 census population figures to ensure representation by province of Canada, age and gender. An associated margin of error for a probability-based sample of this size would be ±3%, 19 times out of 20.

SOURCE Protect Our Access

Bioclean Innovation and rep-L® Antimicrobials partner together to launch a new line of bio-based antimicrobial products with extended residual protection against COVID-19

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Bioclean Innovations Inc, a Biotech startup focused on innovative antimicrobial solutions to combat disease outbreaks has partnered with rep-L^® Antimicrobials, to launch a powerful but non-toxic bio-based antimicrobial product line. 

Our rep-L-based disinfectants are designed to create a new methodology for addressing the infection control challenges facing the education and long-term health care sectors today. The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic is one of an increasing number of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant infections society is facing.

Schools, universities, and care homes rely on a frequent cleaning and disinfection process which now requires more cleaning and disinfectant products and more labor while still leaving the risks of microbial transmission from contamination occurring on the surface in between disinfection cycles. 

Bioclean has developed a range of products, including continuously-active disinfectant, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes that can kill and protect against viruses, bacteria, and fungi for thirty (30) days and longer, eliminating the need for frequent disinfection and providing effective, long-lasting protection on high touch surfaces and hands. 

Bioclean products are made using rep-L^®, a novel plant-based technology that rapidly kills microbe cells, which also prevents antimicrobial resistance. Bioclean products are scientifically tested to continuously kill 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and the Human Corona Virus (229E) under one minute on contact and protect most surfaces for thirty (30) days and longer.

Bioclean products are particularly suitable for use in spaces around children or the elderly, eliminating the risk of microbial transmissions with potentially contaminated surfaces and reducing pressure on school and care staff. 

Mohsin Kazi, Founder of Bioclean Innovations Inc, noted that "It is an exciting partnership that brings the potential of rep-L^®-based surface infection control to a practical application for the first time. Plant-based, non-toxic, and highly effective, it's a technology that is ideal for the educational, care homes, and practically in any shared public facility. We know that it can provide effective infection control against COVID-19, of course, but also protect against a broad range of virus, bacterial and fungal transmissions."

Bioclean products are currently undergoing approvals from Health Canada and US EPA. 

You can find out more about Bioclean, its partnership with rep-L^®, and the range of surface infection control solutions at www.bclean.ca. 

SOURCE Bioclean Innovations Inc

City of Mississauga Applauds Roche Canada Jobs Investment in Life Sciences Industry

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) has announced a major jobs investment into Ontario's life sciences industry that will bring up to 500 highly skilled and specialized full-time positions to the City of Mississauga. Roche Canada's $500 million dollar investment over five years will establish a Global Pharma Technical (PT) Operations site at its Mississauga pharmaceutical headquarters. 

"At a time when Canada and the world are looking to the life sciences sector to lead in testing, treatment and post-pandemic economic recovery, I am proud that Roche Canada has decided to grow and expand their business here in Mississauga," said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. "Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Not only will this investment support jobs and attract talent, but it also reinforces Mississauga's position as a global, internationally recognized leader in life sciences. Our local economy has greatly benefitted from our thriving life sciences sector, a place where researchers can not only make medical breakthroughs but where products can be commercialized and brought to market."

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. 

"Mississauga was selected for this investment based on a strong competitive business environment, exceptional talent pool, and a government committed to fostering growth in the sector," says Ronnie Miller, President and CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, Canada. "We applaud the hard work done by the Government of Ontario and the Premier's Office to foster a business environment that can compete internationally to attract investment opportunities, and Roche's commitment to add up to 500 specialized positions is a direct result of these positive changes. Without the support of all three levels of government, the Mississauga Board of Trade, Life Sciences Ontario, and Invest in Canada, who are all active advocates for a thriving sector, this investment would not have been possible." 

Mississauga is the second largest Life Sciences Sector in Canada by employment, with more than 470 companies employing over 25,000 people. 

"Mississauga is the first Canadian municipality to have a five year Life Sciences Cluster Strategy and Action Plan that focuses on establishing Mississauga as the premier Canadian destination for the commercialization of life sciences products, technologies and services," said Bonnie Brown, Director of Economic Development. "Our commitment to growing Mississauga's Life Sciences cluster has been instrumental in helping us achieve our economic goals and attracting new investment."

Roche Canada states the investment will create new and exciting employment opportunities, in particular for recent graduates of Ontario's strong science, technology, engineering and math academic institutions who will have the opportunity to impact the development of Roche's medicines from early stages through to patient use around the world. 

For more information about Mississauga's Life Sciences Cluster, visit thefutureisunlimited.ca. 

SOURCE City of Mississauga

Evidence Partners Launches New Literature Review Automation, Data Integration and Project Dashboarding Capabilities for DistillerSR

New Capabilities Build on DistillerSR's Market Leading Artificial Intelligence and Workflow Automation for Reviews

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Evidence Partners Inc., provider of the world's first AI-enabled literature review automation software, DistillerSR, today announced new capabilities that further improve the way researchers can reduce the time, administrative friction and cost to complete their literature reviews. Combining DistillerSR's AI and workflow automation, these new capabilities provide customers with automatic email alerts from online content services, direct connections to full-text articles from e-libraries, integration with third-party software platforms, and detailed cross-project dashboarding for greater visibility into reviews on an enterprise scale. 

"Literature reviews continue to grow larger, more complex, and broader in their application, especially in highly regulated healthcare markets," said Peter O'Blenis, CEO, Evidence Partners. "Through the continued elimination of manual processes, and by leveraging AI in the literature review process, we are helping researchers to complete their important work faster, more accurately, and more cost-effectively."   

Along with OpenConnect, DistillerSR now has OvidConnect and EBSCOConnect to allow customers to automatically receive and process email alerts from these content services, making the process of maintaining and updating reviews faster and less error prone. For organizations using in-house e-libraries, DistillerSR's new Custom OpenURL capability allows researchers to link directly to their library's full-text content from within their DistillerSR reviews. This support for the central management of full- text articles can lessen the need to copy them and can reduce copyright compliance issues. 

To more seamlessly integrate the literature review process with third-party platforms, DistillerSR has created the industry's first publicly accessible API. The API allows customers to securely integrate directly with a broader technology ecosystem, including but not limited to, safety databases, external AI and predictive analytics applications, reporting systems, and data lakes, among others – the first of its kind in the literature review industry.  

Cross-project dashboards, meanwhile, enable customers to easily view and access review assignments across all projects from a central location, greatly improving oversight into reviewers' progress and visibility into underutilized talent.

DistillerSR is used by pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations, as well as universities, governments, and NGOs. The cloud-based platform brings together AI and sophisticated workflow automation to make completing systematic literature reviews faster, more accurate and more cost effective than any other method. As a result, DistillerSR enables researchers to quickly produce high quality evidence to inform critical health policies, clinical practice guidelines, and regulatory submissions.  

About Evidence Partners
For more information about Evidence Partners and DistillerSR, visit www.evidencepartners.com.

SOURCE Evidence Partners

How to Train Your Body in the Comfort of Your Own Home

You do not have to go to the gym in order to get a good workout. You can get yourself in great shape at home. There are several things that you can do in order to train your body in the comfort of your own home.

Do 150 Minutes of Cardio Activity Every Week

The American Council on Exercise recommends that you get 150 minutes of exercise per week. This is equivalent to 2.5 hours. Any type of exercise that you do that gets your heart rate up will greatly benefit you. This includes kickboxing, cycling, dancing, and walking.

Do Interval Training

Interval training is a type of exercise that mixes high-intensity cardio with low-intensity cardio. Interval training sessions are typically only 20 to 30 minutes long. However, you can burn more calories during an interval training than you do during a standard cardio session. Interval training also raises your metabolism, so you burn more calories while you are at rest. You should do interval training twice a week.

Use Strength Training Equipment

Strength training is an important part of your exercise regimen. It not only helps strengthen your muscles, but it can also help you burn fat. Additionally, it can help you build lean muscle. You should invest in  strength training equipment. It is a good idea for you to use strength training equipment at least twice a week. You should start off with a small amount of weight. You can gradually increase your weight after you have been strength training for a while.

Stretch

Stretching should be a part of everyone’s exercise routine. You should exercise before and after your workout. Stretching helps your body warm up and prepare for the workout. It also helps your body cool down after a workout. Additionally, there are numerous other benefits that you can reap from stretching. It will reduce the soreness that people often feel the day after their workout. It can also improve your posture and balance as well as increasing blood flow.

You can get yourself in great shape without going to the gym. It is a good idea for you to do 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. You should also do interval training twice a week. Strength training is another activity that you will need to add to your regimen. Furthermore, you will need to stretch before and after your workout.

WAKAMONO Launches The World's First Anti-Coronavirus Surgical Mask

These Nano Biotech Masks Have Been Proven Effective Against Covid-19 & More, With Data-Driven ResultsOctober 15, 2020 - WAKAMONO has launched an antimicrobial medical mask created to not only filter viruses and bacteria but to kill them on contact.  The world's first Nano Biotech application mask, WAKAMONO utilizes a GECIDE FABRIC layer that is covered with millions of organic nanoparticles that "trap", weaken and destroy viruses and bacteria upon contact.  This mask has been shown to be effective against 99% of the strains of SARS-CoV-2 which is the Human Coronavirus strain causing the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique mask is also capable of self-killing Coronavirus strains including strain NL63, 229E and inactivates influenza A H1N1 - the enveloped viruses and Poliovirus-I - the non-enveloped viruses. WAKAMONO Medical Mask kills 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria and has data-driven results available for further reference.  In addition to the antiviral properties, WAKAMONO surgical masks meets and exceeds the highest FDA standards of the US, which is ASTM F2100 level 3 and European CE EN 14683 Type IIR. It is also certified biosafety (according to tests for in vitro cytotoxicity) and made with organic and natural components. The masks are free from any metal nanoparticles and has been tested/certified by independent labs including FDA, Eurofins and Pacific BioLabs and more.  WAKAMONO is priced at $79.99 (box of 50), 2-4 (50 boxes) for $45 and 5 and more (50 boxes for $29. The masks are available for purchase now at https://wakamonobio.com/product/the-wakamono-mask.  Additional imagery here

About WAKAMONO NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY LEADERS UNITE TO STAND WITH SCIENCE WAKAMONO is a science-led nanobiotechnology company that focus on the discovery, development, manufacturer of nanomaterial primarily for medical devices, food, functional foods, cosmetics. At WAKAMONO, we are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to create products to guide the future of people.  Today, WAKAMONO is continuous to be at the forefront of research to prevent and protect diseases especially SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 that continues to threaten lives. By applying Nano Biotech, we aspire to be the premier research and manufacturer-intensive biotechnology company in the world. For more information visit wakamonobio.com.  

World Animal Protection highlights the threat of superbugs on World Food Day

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - The rise of superbugs from industrial farming is presenting a danger to public health worldwide says global charity World Animal Protection. This is because on industrial farms, animals are routinely given the same important antibiotics used to treat humans who are seriously ill.

Today, on World Food Day, a report released by the organization shows that superbugs are emerging on farms from antibiotic overuse and those antibiotic resistant bacteria are entering our food chain and our environment. Almost three-quarters of the world's antibiotics are used in animals, the majority on industrial farms. Antibiotics are often used to sustain low-welfare practices, such as the raising of fast-growing meat chickens and painful procedures performed on piglets, including cutting their teeth and tails. Many of these animals are housed in stressful, cramped conditions that can provide the perfect breeding ground for the spread of infection and emergence of disease.

This is risky business - when superbugs are passed from animals to people, they make us less able to fight disease. Already, 700,000 people die each year from infections that cannot be treated by antibiotics. The World Health Organization has declared that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats.

Last year, a study from the Council of Canadian Academies warned of the potential rise in the percentage of bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatments. The report said that overuse of antibiotics on farm animals raised for food contributes to this.

As of December 2018, in Canada, a veterinary prescription is required for antibiotics given to farm animals. However, administering antibiotics to farm animals for disease prevention is still commonplace, as revealed by the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System report.

One solution to help stop the superbug crisis, would be to keep farm animals in higher welfare, healthier conditions, to promote stronger immunity and better resilience. Some of these farms exist in Canada, but not enough. And with the current pandemic on everyone's mind, there is growing concern of when and how the next pandemic will come. Previous outbreaks such as Avian Flu and swine flu emerged from farm animals.

A recent public poll shows that 4 out of 5 people surveyed across 15 countries, including Canada, are concerned that the next pandemic could come from farm animals.

Overall poll results showed that: 

• 4 out of 5 would refuse to shop with retailers that don't ensure animals are treated well and antibiotics are used responsibly in the meat they sell. 
• 75% of Canadians are concerned about the possibility of a pandemic originating from farm animals. 
• 82% of Canadians believe antibiotics should only be used to treat sick animals. 

Lynn Kavanagh, Farm Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection says, "The government needs to implement stricter laws to reduce the use of antibiotics in farming. And improve on its reporting and monitoring of antibiotic usage on farm animals. Having higher welfare standards on farms would help to lessen the need to use antibiotics in the first place. The government should also be supporting farmers to make a transition to higher welfare and more sustainable farming practices."

More Canadians are becoming aware of the cruelty of industrial farming and its negative effect on our environment, too. The same poll also showed that over half of Canadians felt that the way farm animals are currently treated is unsustainable for our health and the health of our planet.

There's a growing concern of the negative impact of industrial farming from environment groups too.

Greenpeace International Senior Strategist, Monique Mikhail, says, "Industrial animal farming is tearing down our forests, polluting our water, warming the planet and harming our health. We must end industrial animal farming and its unacceptable dependence on antibiotics, drastically reduce how much meat we produce and eat, and transition to a just and ecological food system."

It's clear that things need to change. World Animal Protection is calling for the end of industrial farming, reduced production and consumption of farm animal products and for remaining farm animal production to be high welfare. This includes keeping animals out of cages, allowing them access to the outdoors, with plenty of space to move around and to be able to perform natural behaviors. 

World Animal Protection is urging governments adopt a one health approach that recognizes the link between the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment. 

About World Animal Protection

From our offices around the world, including China, Australia, Brazil, Kenya and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. Last year, we gave more than 3 billion animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. For more information visit https://www.worldanimalprotection.ca/.

SOURCE World Animal Protection

4 Essential Life Changes to Support an Increase in Exercise 

Did you know that more than 80 percent of adults and adolescents fall short of recommendations for aerobic activity? From cardiovascular health and weight maintenance to supporting mental health, exercise has numerous benefits, but it can be difficult to fit physical activity into your busy lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned couch potato or a weekend warrior, consider these four essential lifestyle changes to help you get more exercise.

Walk More

You don't have to hit the gym to get a good workout. Just walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Encourage yourself to walk more by parking farther away from the supermarket, walking to work or taking a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner. What if the weather is bad? Try getting a treadmill so you can walk while watching your favorite tv show.

Improve Your Nutrition

It's hard to get moving when you're running on empty. If your diet is devoid of nutrient dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, you won't have the energy you need to power through a workout. Are you confused about what should go on your plate? Consider seeing a nutritionist who can develop customized nutrition plans for your unique energy needs.

Stay Hydrated

Exercising makes you sweat, which means that hydration is essential when you're working out. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps, so remember to keep a bottle of water handy whether you're hitting the gym, track or your local park. It's also important to drink 15 to 20 ounces of water in the hour or two before you begin your workout.

Get More Sleep

Nearly half of American adults don't get enough sleep, and lack of shut-eye had numerous consequences including reduced athletic performance. If you're not getting at least seven hours of sleep at night, you may find yourself cutting your exercise sessions short in favor of a nap or crashing on the couch. Do you prefer to exercise early in the morning? Try sleeping in your workout clothes so you can catch a few extra z's and wake up ready to go.

Remember, getting enough exercise isn't just an individual problem. Working out is more fun together, so get your family, friends and community involved. Take the kids to the park, hit the gym with a buddy or start a neighborhood jogging group. You can also sign up for exercise classes at your local gym or community center.

Exercises You Can Do at Home to Improve Your Balance and Coordination

Proper balance and coordination are a necessity for living a happy and healthy life. Unfortunately, natural aging, injuries, and other situations can lead to balance and coordination problems. If you're having issues, here are some easy home exercises you can start adding into your workout routine today to regain your coordination and balance.

Tree Pose

If you've noticed that your balance and coordination is off just a bit, then the tree pose is a great exercise to start with. You'll want to start with your hands up in the air and join your palms together. This is the top of your tree. Then, bring one of your legs off of the ground and hold it flat against your inner thigh. Try holding the pose for 10 seconds and work your way up to a minute or more. Be sure to repeat with both legs.

High Knees

An easy exercise to learn for any person is the high knees. This simply works by starting in a standing position on your non-slip foam exercise balance pad. Then, proceed to kick one of your knees up towards your chest. Drop it back to the floor and repeat with the other leg.

Bosu Squats

Squats tend to be an easy go-to for many different people. You can use your basic knowledge of squatting to help enhance your balance when you institute the use of a BOSU. This half-dome shape creates a level of instability that really forces your body to adapt to balancing on the uneven surface. Be sure to take your time throughout the squat as your body is going to be constantly adjusting throughout the entire movement.

Single Leg Deadlift

The deadlift is a very popular exercise for its ability to work an abundance of muscles throughout the body with one movement. You can make the deadlift work to enhance your balance by performing it with one leg. Keep one leg firmly planted on the ground and raise the other leg behind you. You'll notice that your torso will lower towards the ground. Add dumbbells to each hand to increase the difficulty of this exercise.

When it comes to balance and coordination, most of us can use some improvement. Whether you're having balance problems or you're just looking for a way to make your workout even harder, the above four exercises can be the answer that you've been looking for. Remember to start with a minimal amount of reps and ensure you're doing the exercise correctly before proceeding to increase your rep range.