TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is deeply concerned about the long lineups at COVID-19 Assessment Centres in many regions of the province.
As more people return indoors, including children returning to school, testing needs will increase. There is a risk that growing demand will overwhelm Ontario's capacity to test, process, trace and isolate COVID-19 effectively in our communities. The second wave is coming, and we need to ensure an efficient patient-centred approach.
The OMA is calling on the government to urgently:
Revise criteria to focus testing on priority populations.
Continue to expand testing capacity.
Continue to expand the appropriate use of mobile teams to reduce the barriers to testing in high incidence neighbourhoods.
Work with partners to expedite approval and implementation of point-of-care testing, which will lead to faster test results.
"With kids back in school, the current COVID-19 case count, and the flu season coming, more and more testing capacity will be needed. It is also necessary to prioritize testing for certain populations. No one should have to, but truly ill people cannot be expected to stand in line for hours.", said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "The last thing we want, is for a COVID-19 positive person to leave a lineup without getting tested."
The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remains:
Wearing a mask.
Keeping a physical distance.
Frequent handwashing.
Maintaining a limited social circle.
"This situation is evolving on a daily basis and we must be innovative and nimble to manage it effectively", said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "The OMA will continue to provide our best advice and expertise to the public and government decision makers."
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
Musicians Honor Their Parents’ Memory with a CD of Beautiful Music to Inspire Future Generations
Austin, TX, Sept. 17, 2020 ̶ Bob and Jim Freeman have both enjoyed wonderful careers in music. Several years ago, they conceived the idea of a CD and commissioned three new pieces of music in memory of their parents, Henry and Florence Knope Freeman, both of whom graduated the Eastman School of Music in Rochester in 1930.
The brothers studied piano and theory at Cambridge’s Longy School while graduating from Milton Academy, studying performance during the summers at Tanglewood, Blue Hill, and Marlboro. They went on to Harvard, where each graduated with honors, followed by travelling fellowships for study in Europe.
Bob took his PhD in music history at Princeton and taught there for five years before moving to MIT, where he made tenure just before moving for twenty-four years to the directorship of the Eastman School ̶ his parents’ alma mater ̶ followed by two years as president of the New England Conservatory, and six as dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.
Jim went straight from Harvard to Swarthmore College, where he taught and conducted for thirty-seven years, served as departmental chair for sixteen years, and as Daniel Underhill Professor of Music. In 1988 he founded Philadelphia’s new music group Orchestra 2001, directing it until 2015 when he resigned to take on a new ensemble, Chamber Orchestra FIRST EDITIONS. In 1991 he was a Fulbright lecturer and conductor at the Moscow Conservatory, and has returned to Moscow many times since then to give concerts of new American music. Both brothers have made lots of recordings, and have published their share of well-reviewed books and articles.
They came up with the idea of recording a CD, accompanied by a booklet, as a tribute to their parents, Henry and Florence, who were also both musicians and who were also children of musicians; in fact, their father Henry was not allowed to study music until his senior year in high school. Afterwards he performed in the Rochester Philharmonic and Civic orchestras and in the orchestra of WHAM in Rochester. In World War II, he was thrilled to be able to play a private audition for Serge Koussevitzky, where he advanced over twenty-two seasons from last bass to principal, while performing for many years as principal of the Boston Pops.
Their mother, Florence, had a private solo program of her own in Rochester, and later in Boston she had an active freelance career in chamber music while teaching violin and chamber music at Milton Academy. In 1967, they moved to Colorado, where they performed together in the Denver Symphony for five seasons. Retiring at last to their beloved home in the Berkshires, they spent almost every afternoon playing the outer voices of string quartets, with Henry playing the cello parts on the double bass an octave higher so as to reproduce the sounds a cello would have performed.
Two of the composers featured on this CD have won the Pulitzer Prize. Kevin Puts is currently at work on an opera for the Metropolitan Opera. Andrea Clearfield, who took her DMA at Temple, is the founder of the Philadelphia Salon Concert Series, featuring contemporary, classical, jazz, world, and electronic music, together with multimedia and spoken word arts. The late Gunther Schuller was one of the 20th Century’s music stars as composer, conductor, author and administrator. He was a great admirer of their father’s bass playing, and a good friend.
The brothers anticipate the CD being available for sale in the next few weeks, and will be ready to go live around the world January 29, 2021.
Bob and Jim, in issuing their CD Three Tributes for Mom and Dad, hope that it will inspire others to undertake similar projects. Neither of them is aware of any similar event in the history of music where two brothers from a family of professional musicians ̶ spanning at least two generations before them ̶ have commissioned significant works as a tribute to their parents and for future generations to enjoy.
Join as Westerlay Orchids Celebrates its Final 1,000 Orchid Donation in the “100,000 Orchids Challenge,” in Partnership with Santa Barbara based Dream Foundation
This Wednesday, the Westerlay team completes their mission to uplift and inspire with a generous donation to the elderly residents of Garden Court and The Gardens on Hope
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (17th September, 2020): Media are invited to join Westerlay Orchids at 2:45pm on Wednesday, September 16th at The Gardens on Hope as they donate the final blooms in their “100,000 Orchids Challenge,” in partnership with Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program that have already delivered more than 15,000 of the 100,000. Carpinteria-based Westerlay Orchids is known for producing some of the Pacific Coast’s finest blooms according to sustainable practices and a distinctly innovative approach. This Wednesday, join the Westerlay team in celebrating the successful completion of their latest creative endeavor: bringing hope and encouragement to thousands of first-responders and at-risk community members along the West Coast during the COVID-19 crisis. The very same week that the Gardens on Hope reaches its own milestone of 100% occupancy.
At the start of the COVID-19 safety measures, with businesses forced to close, the elderly quarantined in isolation, and first-responders thrust to the forefront of the crisis, the Westerlay team jumped into action. Dedicated to an ambitious “100,000 Orchids Challenge,” the company issued a public invitation to join in a mission to show gratitude and appreciation for those most affected by the pandemic. Countless community members, organizations, and businesses across California, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona answered the call. This week - just five months after the project began - Westerlay partners with Santa Barbara based Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, in delivering the last remaining 1,000 orchid plants to 10 local retirement communities in Santa Barbara County, these include Gardens on Hope, Garden Court, GranVida, Heritage House, Maravilla, Serenity House, Sarah House, Villa SB, and The Towbes Foundation’s Shepherd Place and Rancho Francisco.
Recognized as the only national dream-granting organization in the US, Dream Foundation fulfills end-of-life Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort, and closure to terminally-ill adults and their families. For more than eight years, the foundation’s Flower Empower program has connected local Santa Barbara growers with Garden Court, providing fresh blooms for them to arrange for delivery to VNA’s Serenity House. This initiative helps to bring fulfillment and meaning to the lives of Garden Court residents.
Through their “100,000 Orchids Challenge,” Westerlay made it possible for each of Garden Court’s 97 low-income residents to enjoy the special gift of a beautiful living orchid during summer holidays such as Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, and more - a simple “thank you” that proved deeply touching to the building’s inhabitants, many of whom do not have family nearby for support. In addition, Westerlay contributed an orchid to each resident at the newly-built Gardens on Hope, many of whom were moving into their first apartment after years of homelessness. Now, the low-income Independent Living senior community joins in celebrating the culmination of Westerlay’s “100,000 Orchids Challenge” the very same week that the establishment reaches its own milestone of 100% occupancy.
Learn more about the initiative at BoxOfOrchids.com, and discover Westerlay Orchids’ premium selection of captivating blooms at WesterlayOrchids.com. Follow @WesterlayOrchids on Instagram for company updates, new releases, and more. For an interview with Westerlay owner Toine Overgaag, contact Leigh-Anne Anderson of Anderson PR at LeighAnne@Anderson-PR.com.
# # #
About Westerlay Orchids:
Based in beautiful Carpinteria, California, Westerlay Orchids is proud to serve as Southern California’s largest commercial orchid grower. The company annually distributes over 3 million orchids directly to customers and to local and national supermarket chains, as well as florists and designers. Westerlay Orchids is a pioneer in environmental and sustainability practices and regularly contributes to local schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community causes. Visit www.WesterlayOrchids.com to learn more about the second-generation, family-run company.
About Dream Foundation:
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfils final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. The organization has given life to more than 32,000 final Dreams over the last twenty-six years. To support our mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.
Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program is a Santa Barbara-based, volunteer-driven program that delivers floral bouquets, fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates and cards to people in hospices, cancer centers and their homes. Since its inception in 1994, the program has served thousands of community members by providing more than 100,000 bouquets. To learn more or support the program visit DreamFoundation.org/flower-empower/
The Train It Right Life - Dating In Fitness. This can either be really good or really bad. It can get messy, it can be complicated or you can find the cringe worthy soul mate that we are all looking for. Today I talk about it all! Hit back and relax! Grab your pumpkin spice and dive into my thoughts on dating in fitness! Enjoy guys!
Top Benefits of Fitness Training With Professionals
Working out is important and has many benefits. However, you may not be able to get the results that you want if you work out by yourself. That is why it is a good idea to train with a professional. There are several reasons that you will need to work out with a professional.
Education
Fitness trainers are knowledgeable and educated. They know how you can get the most out of your workout. They can also help you avoid injuries. Additionally, they can use their education and training to put together the right fitness routine for your specific body type and goals. While you can google generic workouts online, you won’t be able to get the personalized experience without working with a real living expert in the field.
Motivation
Exercising can be a hassle at times. You need someone who can motivate you. Your professional fitness trainer will encourage you and give you the motivation that you need in order to stay on the right track. Again, this can be personalized to your personality. Some people benefit more from tough love, while others need someone to give them permission to take a break day. Having someone on hand who can assess your needs quickly and give the support you need will help you keep on schedule.
Personalized Plan
There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to fitness training. For some, a fitness program they found online with no feedback can be just fine, while others have health concerns that need adjusting for. Without a professional, you won’t know which parts of an exercise routine are necessary, which are harmful for your personal conditions, and which are meant for people in a completely different fitness category than you.
Variety
Boredom is one of the reasons that many people do not stick to a workout routine. Your fitness trainer will develop a routine for you that has a variety of exercises. The routine will include cardio, weights and body weight exercises. The changes will keep the exercise routine fun and exciting, as opposed to following the same tired routine you found on a flier. Instead of changing exercise plans every few weeks, stick with the same professional who can help shake up your routine for you.
Challenging
One of the reasons that people do not get the results that they want is because they are not challenged enough. Many people also tend to get bored while they are working out because they are not challenged enough. Your trainer will make sure that you are challenged enough while you are working out. They will challenge you by pushing you past your comfort zone. They will challenge you to do more than you ever could imagine. It can be rewarding to push yourself past your comfort zone.
If you want to get more out of your training regimen, then it is a good idea for you to hire a professional trainer. They will give you the motivation that you need. They will also educate you and develop a personalized plan that has a variety of exercises. Furthermore, they will challenge you and push yourself past your comfort zone.
Patient Advocate Offers New Hope for Those with Autoimmune Disorders
Chicago, IL, September 16, 2020 — People shouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and paying for their medications, when effective, less expensive alternatives may be available.
Ever since her husband’s death from a brain tumor in 2005, Julia Schopick has dedicated her life to patient advocacy and to sharing information about potentially lifesaving alternative and off-label medical treatments. She broke new ground with her first book, Honest Medicine, in which she offered valuable insights supported by patient testimonials regarding the use of four underutilized lifesaving treatments: Silverlon, for non-healing wounds; intravenous alpha lipoic acid, for liver disease; the Ketogenic Diet, for epilepsy; and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), for autoimmune diseases.
Julia’s passion for patient advocacy continues in her follow-up book, The Power of Honest Medicine (with Don Schwartz), which focuses solely on LDN—a safe, inexpensive, often dramatically effective alternative to the costly, often-toxic treatments that doctors routinely prescribe for autoimmune and other diseases.
“There is lots of evidence that LDN is a groundbreaking treatment for autoimmune diseases, helping many patients with these conditions to achieve remission,” Julia writes. “In some cases, it can slow or stop the progression of their diseases. In many cases, patients experience a life-changing relief of symptoms.”
In spite of its documented benefits, the use of LDN to treat autoimmune conditions remains largely unknown among the medical community and the public. Julia is committed to changing that.
The Power of Honest Medicine contains contributions from 18 people from around the world (the U.S., the U.K. and Europe), all of whom are eager to spread the word about how LDN helped alleviate their symptoms of serious conditions—such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia—when the higher priced, often-toxic medications they had been taking didn’t work. Also, with many of these conditions, the drugs doctors prescribe can cost thousands of dollars a month, compared with LDN, which costs around a dollar a day.
Additionally, The Power of Honest Medicine contains a section dedicated to helping readers understand LDN and why it has the potential to positively impact those suffering from autoimmune disorders. Plus, the book includes a chapter with strategies for helping readers convince their doctors to prescribe LDN—information Julia has been asked for again and again by her readers and by those who have heard her speak.
Julia’s husband survived 12 years beyond any doctor’s prognosis, and she attributes this to the innovative treatments she uncovered for him. It’s been her passion since then to prevent others from suffering unnecessarily and having to juggle the side effects of toxic medications with the debilitating symptoms of their health conditions.
“I believe that LDN would be the standard of care for autoimmune diseasesif Big
Pharma didn’t rule doctors’ prescribing decisions,” she adds.
Julia Schopick is the bestselling author of Honest Medicine and her follow-up book, The Power of Honest Medicine. She is a seasoned radio talk show guest who has appearedon over 200 shows and is often invited back. Julia’s goal is to empower patients to make the best health choicesfor themselves and their loved ones by teaching them about little-known but promisingtreatments their doctors may not know about. Julia’s articles have been featured in numerous publications, including American Medical News (AMA), Alternative & Complementary Therapies, the British Medical Journal and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Searchlight Pharma expands its Women's Health Portfolio and initiates Addyi® commercial activities
Searchlight Pharma is pleased to confirm the commercial availability in Canada of Addyi® (flibanserin) for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).
Addyi® (flibanserin) is the first and only treatment for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women.
Searchlight Pharma acquired the Canadian rights to Addyi® (flibanserin) via its recently executed licensing transaction with Sprout Pharmaceuticals.
Addyi® (flibanserin) becomes the newest product in Searchlight's industry-leading portfolio focused on women's health, and further builds out the company's commitment to improving female sexual health, alongside its Mona Lisa® IUD portfolio and its combined oral contraceptive (COC) candidate Nextstellis®, which is under review at Health Canada.
MONTREAL, Sept. 16, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Searchlight Pharma is pleased to announce the initiation of commercial activities and the product availability of Addyi® (flibanserin) in Canada for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Addyi is the first and only oral treatment for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women, sometimes referred to as low libido, and associated distress. Following just weeks after its recently executed long term licensing agreement with Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Searchlight Pharma will now integrate Addyi into its industry-leading women's health and female sexual health portfolio deploying its national salesforce to promote this novel brand.
It is estimated that HSDD affects approximately 10% of adult women, with symptoms that include lack or loss of motivation to participate in sexual activity, lack or loss of sexual desire, or the lack or loss of ability to maintain desire or interest through sexual activity for at least 6 months, with accompanying distress1. "HSDD and the multi-factorial issues that impact women's sexual health are well-established. HSDD's impact is both real and significant, and therefore deserves to be acknowledged, addressed and discussed by women and their healthcare provider," said Dr. Vivien Brown MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and VP North America, Medical Women's International Association. "The availability of Addyi empowers women to take control of the discussion about HSDD and their overall sexual health, to consider an evidence-based option that is finally available for HSDD, and to make a decision as to what is the appropriate approach to improve each woman's sexual health and quality of life."
"We are excited to further grow our women's health portfolio with this first-in-class medication for the treatment of HSDD in Canada," said Mark Nawacki, President and CEO of Searchlight Pharma. "Since our inception, we have focused our commercial energies on women's health, and have built one of the leading Canadian commercial platforms addressing a broad spectrum of conditions impacting Canadian women. Addyi represents the newest addition to our deep and synergistic therapeutic portfolio that includes market-leading brands such as Mona Lisa® IUDs for contraception, Estragyn™ Vaginal Cream for the treatment of VVA, Divigel® for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, and our combined oral contraceptive candidate Nextstellis®, which is based on the unique, native estrogen Estetrol (E4) and which is currently undergoing regulatory review at Health Canada."
"Today, with Addyi, Canadian women have access to the first ever treatment for their most common sexual dysfunction after decades of men having access to a myriad of options for their own," said Cindy Eckert, CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals. "Considering the magnitude of premenopausal women affected by Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, we see significant commercial potential for this breakthrough pill approved by Health Canada. We couldn't think of a better partner than Searchlight considering their impressive track record and steadfast commitment to women's health."
About Addyi®
Addyi is the first and only Health Canada and FDA-approved treatment for acquired, generalized hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) for premenopausal women. Addyi is a nonhormonal pill for HSDD that has successfully demonstrated that it adds more satisfying sexual events, adds more desire for sex and reduces distress from the loss of sexual desire in clinical trials. More information about Addyi can be found at www.addyi.ca.
About Searchlight Pharma
Searchlight Pharma Inc., headquartered in Montreal, aspires to become a leading Canadian-based specialty healthcare company through best-in class execution of the search, acquisition, commercialization, and focused development of innovative and unique specialty healthcare products that improve life-long human health and wellness. With a core focus on women's health, urogynecology and urology, our team is committed to improving people's lives by bringing the right products to market. Follow us, learn more about what we do, and get to know our product portfolio at http://searchlightpharma.com/.
About Sprout Pharmaceuticals
Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is passionate about women's sexual health. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the company is focused solely on the delivery of a treatment option for women with HSDD. For more information call 1-844-PINK-PILL (1-844-746-5745).
1 Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Expert Consensus Panel Review, Mayo Clin Proc., January 2017:92(1):114-128
SOURCE Searchlight Pharma Inc.
Study Documents Benefits of SAFE Unit
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA) documents the benefits of an innovative pilot project underway at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. The study evaluates the performance of SAFE – Sub-Acute Care for Frail Elderly – a 20-bed unit established in partnership with The Ottawa Hospital in 2018.
SAFE provides a new level of care to frail seniors recovering from surgery or short-term illnesses. Eligible patients are transferred from local acute-care hospitals to the SAFE unit, where they can access the medical and restorative care needed to recover and return home. In addition, SAFE patients undergo cognitive screening and an overall frailty assessment to identify any other issues, such as undiagnosed dementia. The study compared two groups of older adults admitted to acute-care hospitals in Ottawa: the 153 patients who transferred to SAFE during its first year of operation and a control group of approximately 1,700 similar patients who remained in hospital. A significant difference between the two groups is that the SAFE patients had more complex disease profiles – more of them suffered from ailments such as coronary heart disease or cancer, for instance. Despite this difference, though, SAFE patients spent less time in hospital, were more likely to return home, and were less likely to require home care or be transferred to long-term care. They were also no more likely to visit a hospital emergency room during the first month after discharge.
"Ultimately, everyone wants patients to get well enough to return home as soon as possible, and that's exactly what SAFE helps to achieve," says Dr. Benoît Robert, Perley Rideau's Medical Director. "It's clearly good for patients and for the healthcare system."
The study was led by the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care, in partnership with Bruyère Research Institute and ICES (formerly known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences).
Quotes "The study demonstrates that transitional care focussed on rehabilitation and restoration improves outcomes and quality of life, and reduces costs to the healthcare system. With the number of Canadians aged 85 and older expected to triple over the next few decades, we need better models of care. The evaluation of the SAFE unit offers valuable lessons to inform the development of future models of care." Dr. Amy Hsu, Ph. D. Program Evaluation Specialist, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre
Quick facts
Read the Journal Article: A Case-Control Study of the Sub-Acute Care for Frail Elderly (SAFE) Unit on Hospital Readmission, Emergency Department Visits and Continuity of Post-Discharge Care: https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(20)30631-9/fulltext
The Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care (CoE), established at the Perley Rideau in 2019, conducts applied research, and identifies, develops and shares best practices in the care of older adults living with frailty. The CoE has begun a follow-up project to further evaluate particular aspects of SAFE, such as cost savings and reduced requirements for follow-up care.
Established in 2002, The Bruyère Research Institute is a partnership between Bruyère, a multi-site academic healthcare organization, and the University of Ottawa. The Institute supports research that contributes to a better, more responsive healthcare system that delivers the best care to patients, residents and families.
ICES is an independent, non-profit research institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge about a broad range of healthcare issues. ICES research on the performance of healthcare systems and the evolving care needs of Ontarians often informs the policies and priorities of governments, hospitals, planners and practitioners.
At The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), excellent care is inspired by research and driven by compassion. Affiliated with the University of Ottawa, TOH attracts some of the most influential scientific minds from around the world. A focus on learning and research leads to new techniques and discoveries that are adopted globally to improve patient care.
SOURCE The Perley And Rideau Veteran's Health Centre
Report: Politics, Not Science, Drives Double Standard on Cannabis, Nicotine Policies
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 – As the House votes on a bill this month to end the federal prohibition on cannabis – once unthinkable – a new Competitive Enterprise Institute report looks at how a different low-risk, recreational substance – vapor nicotine – is politically demonized.
“Legalizing recreational cannabis is now a cause célèbre, yet a prohibition on nicotine vapor products—electronic cigarettes— has become fashionable, often among the same people who actively fight to legalize cannabis,” said Michelle Minton, CEI senior fellow and author the report, The Double Standards of Cannabis and Nicotine.
In terms of public opinion, people seem to have concluded the costs of cannabis prohibition outweigh potential risks of legalization. Sixty-six percent of Americans support legalizing cannabis, according to a 2019 Gallup poll. Yet 52 percent favor banning all but tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, and nearly half (49 percent) favor a total ban on nicotine vaping products, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll from the same year.
In terms of health risk, as with recreational cannabis, clinical evidence indicates nicotine vaping risks are minimal. Moreover, there is ample evidence that smokers use e-cigarettes to kick their far more deadly habit - smoking - that contributes to 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
With all the evidence piling up in favor of e-cigarettes as a tobacco alternative, why the disparity in public opinion and politics? “Anti-tobacco activists have waged a relentless messaging campaign against e-cigarettes,” Minton explained. “They have consistently worked to suppress any investigation into the possibility that nicotine is not all that bad, blame nicotine products for harms caused by other substances, and shut down any challenge to their narrative.”
Since government health policies and restrictions directly impact people’s lives, freedom, and well-being, the report urges policymakers to take an evidence-driven approach to setting those policies.
Precision Biomonitoring Progresses to Semi-Finals in XPRIZE's Rapid COVID-19 Testing Competition
Canadian Company moves forward in competition after submitting its COVID-19 Digital Antigen Saliva Test to XPRIZE's Global Competition Searching for Innovative Testing Solutions
GUELPH, ON, Sept. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Precision Biomonitoring, founded in Guelph, Ontario, is delighted to be moving forward as one of 200 semi-finalists in the XPRIZE global rapid testing competition. XPRIZE is a prestigious nonprofit foundation that designs and executes competitions that inspire innovators and entrepreneurs to share their tools and technologies in the areas of space, oceans, health, energy, learning, environment, transportation, safety and robotics. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, XPRIZE put out a call to innovators worldwide to help find faster and easier to use COVID-19 testing solutions, which will support the safe reopening of schools, institutions and businesses. The program received over 900 submissions as part of this global competition and selected teams are now required to check their solutions against a blind proficiency panel to ensure the test is effective with results against pre-established criteria.
Precision Biomonitoring's submission is a COVID-19 digital antigen rapid saliva test for use in the home and at point-of-need. With very high sensitivity, the novel rapid testing solution uses a unique multi-spectral micro sensor to detect trace amounts of antigen in saliva by digitally capturing fluorescent signals in the UV spectrum. Using fluorescence significantly increases diagnostic sensitivity in comparison to conventional particles. Compatible with smart devices via Bluetooth, results are shared digitally through an app in less than 15 minutes.
"We are honoured to be a Canadian company recognized on the global stage in this semi-final round of XPRIZE, selected from over 900 applications," says Dr. Mario Thomas, CEO, Precision Biomonitoring. "Precision Biomonitoring is already an industry leader in environmental DNA tools that have been used reliably for years as best in class to detect waterborne organisms and animal pathogens. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we quickly pivoted to offer tests to analyze samples from Canadians who may have the COVID-19 virus."
Currently undergoing the final stages of development and testing, Precision Biomonitoring's digital rapid saliva test is non-invasive, disposable, cost-efficient and self-administered and operated. Similar to Precision Biomonitoring's SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCKTM Test Strips technology which is currently under review by Health Canada, the rapid saliva test is ultra-portable, enabling Precision Biomonitoring to continue its focus on delivering innovative tools and resources to all Canadians, including those in rural and remote communities who need it most.
As a next step, for the final round, the top 20 best teams will have the opportunity to gain clinical validation from two world-class laboratories based in the United States, helping to accelerate the FDA approval process. Five top teams will each be awarded $1 million from XPRIZE and will be selected to trial their solutions on real individuals at sites around the USA. A playbook will be developed and used to aid testing sites around the world in the effort to end the pandemic.
About Precision Biomonitoring Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Precision Biomonitoring provides TripleLock™ onsite eDNA surveillance platform solutions that give customers earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. Customers are any organizations that need onsite surveillance and rapid identification of any organism in any environment. The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the genomics industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet. Learn more about Precision Biomonitoring at: https://precisionbiomonitoring.com/about-us
SOURCE Precision Biomonitoring
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!
