Tech Innovation to Improve Resiliency and Agility Will Be Critical Post-COVID-19, Says Lux Research

Five key trends are shaping the future of tech innovation across all industries

BOSTON, MA, August 20, 2020 – COVID-19 has drastically changed the landscape for businesses across all industries, forcing immediate changes – but ones that will have long-term consequences. In the latest report by Lux Research, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech Innovation,” Lux outlines five key trends that will define how the world beyond the pandemic will be different.

The five trends that are shaping the post-COVID-19 future are infection prevention, remote commerce, improving resiliency, greater agility, and macroeconomic impacts. Each of these trends can have a positive or negative influence on an emerging technology. By considering the effects of these trends on technology, we can see how industries are being transformed.

“The methodology focuses on three primary parts: identifying the major trends shaping the future after the pandemic, assessing the impact on technology, and prioritizing the actions that need to be taken based on trends and tech impacts,” explains Michael Holman, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Lux Research and co-author of the report. “While things are changing too rapidly to have 100% certainty, this methodology helps executives take a systematic approach to rebalancing their portfolio.”

Lux predicts that increased agility and resilience will drive long-term positive change for materials innovation. “Materials informatics will also see a medium-term positive impact thanks to increased efficiency and agility in R&D. We expect a positive effect on plastic waste recycling and synthetic biology, as more people are gravitating to single-use plastics to stay safe, and synbio can allow more agile and flexible production,” says Holman.

The energy industry will see a number of key changes. Lux predicts that increased resilience and agility will drive further investments in clean energy, spurring on the energy transition. Bio-based and synthetic fuels, however, will be hard-hit by macroeconomic funding constraints and low oil prices. With increased energy use out of the home thanks in part to remote working conditions, home energy management is predicted to have a positive medium-term impact, led by remote commerce and improved resiliency.

“Digital transformation will rapidly accelerate adoption of emerging technologies like telemedicine, thanks to a dramatic increase in remote commerce and the need for infection prevention,” notes Kevin See, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Lux Research and co-author of the report. “Wearables will also see a positive near-term lift as they aid in infection prevention and reopening efforts. There will be an upward trend in robotics due to the need for infection prevention and improving resiliency. COVID-19 will push major manufacturing and logistics operations to assess the potential of robotics moving forward.”

The agrifood and health ecosystems will see positive growth in omics, which are a powerful suite of technologies for fighting COVID-19. In food, ingredient informatics and plant-based proteins will benefit, as they allow for increased resilience and agility in the food value chain.

The future of the mobility industry is more varied. Autonomous vehicles will experience a long-term positive impact due to social distancing preferences but near-term are delayed due to disruption of development and pilots. Shared mobility is a mixed bag, as ride-hailing is severely negatively affected in the near term, while micromobility solutions provide an alternative that better suits social distancing measures. The long-term consequences for electric vehicles will be minimal, as adoption will continue to be driven by regulations that for now have not drastically changed.

By using this framework, innovation leaders can identify the trajectory of technologies they are either invested in or considering investing in, and the implications for their industry. Some technology outlooks will see persistent effects from COVID-19, while others will experience a more dynamic shock that changes over time. Understanding the effects of the underlying trends on that trajectory will aid in making better decisions with more confidence.

For more information, download the report executive summary.

About Lux Research 
 
Lux Research is a leading provider of tech-enabled research and advisory services, helping clients drive growth through technology innovation. A pioneer in the research industry, Lux uniquely combines technical expertise and business insights with a proprietary intelligence platform, using advanced analytics and data science to surface true leading indicators. With quality data derived from primary research, fact-based analysis, and opinions that challenge traditional thinking, Lux empowers clients to make more informed decisions today to ensure future success.   

For more information, visit www.luxresearchinc.com, read our blog, connect on LinkedIn, or follow @LuxResearch.  

Tetra Bio-Pharma Engages Dalton Pharma for 

GMP Manufacturing of ARDS-003 

Significant advancement achieved with ARDS-003 sterile injectable 

nano-emulsion finished drug product.

A new anti-inflammatory drug candidate.

Ottawa, August 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Company”) (TSX:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development, is pleased to announce that it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), HU-308, and of the intravenous, sterile, finished drug product ARDS-003 to Dalton Pharma Services (Dalton).  

HU-308 is a synthetic small molecule new chemical entity which specifically targets the human CB2 receptors and has the potential to be a new anti-inflammatory drug.  Dalton has developed and improved the synthesis process for HU-308. In preparation for moving the clinical program forward, additional activities are underway which include manufacturing drug batches of HU-308 and ARDS-003.  This allowed Tetra to carry out the nonclinical safety program and studies required to generate the data needed for a clinical trial application in both Canada and the USA.  The development of a GMP batch manufacturing process is ongoing along with a first scale-up to fulfill Tetra’s clinical requirements.  To-date, the drug specifications and analytical quality control methods for the release of both the API and injectable formulation are completed and in the final validation stage. The placebo and active injectable formulations have been developed using FDA approved excipients for intravenous emulsions which will avoid additional toxicology testing to qualify the non-medicinal ingredients.  The first injectable product batches were shown to have adequate particle size for sterile filtering and filter compatibility.  Sterile filtering is the optimal method for obtaining a sterile injectable drug.

"Dalton is pleased to be working with Tetra on this important new drug to potentially treat cytokine release syndromes.  Dalton will play an important role in the development of this innovative drug and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with Tetra," said Peter Pekos, CEO, Dalton Pharma Services.

Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and CRO commented, "We are very pleased to be working with Dalton on this high priority project to bring ARDS-003 into clinical trials.  This partnership was ideal for Tetra as Dalton recognized the urgency and proposed a plan that aligns with our corporate objective to bring this investigational drug into clinical trials as soon as possible.  More importantly, this plan ensured that all aspects of the regulatory requirements and GMP compliance were respected.  As a pharmaceutical company, the progress achieved at this point, and within such an accelerated timeframe is significant in that we can now attest that ARDS-003 conforms to the standard quality and compatibility requirements of other injectable prescription drugs for human use". 

About Dalton: 

Dalton Chemical Laboratories Inc. o/a Dalton Pharma Services is a Health Canada approved and FDA registered cGMP contract service provider of integrated chemistry, drug development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Dalton brings over 30 years of experience to their client's projects and emphasizes quality, speed and flexibility.

Dalton can accelerate a drug development program by integrating drug discovery, formulation and process development, custom synthesis, cGMP sterile fill/finish of liquids and powders, cGMP API manufacturing and/or dosage form manufacturing and Accelerated Stability Testing, all at a single location that helps Dalton to be adaptable, flexible and cost-effective.

For Dalton's full range of in-house services including cGMP sterile fill/finish services please visitwww.dalton.com.

CMO 2016, 2017 and 2018 Leadership Awards in the categories of Quality, Reliability, Capabilities, Expertise, Compatibility and Development from Life Science Leader reflects Dalton's ongoing commitment to their clients, peers and the business community. In 2017 Dalton was re-certified as "A Great Place to Work."

About Tetra Bio-Pharma

Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed and approved, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies. 

For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com

Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma

Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product  or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.

How to Avoid Inflammation After Workouts

Inflammation is nothing new for those who hit the gym regularly. When you work out your muscles, they get surrounded by blood as they try and heal. This inflammation can be painful, but fortunately there are ways to reduce the swelling and pain. Here are just a few ways to reduce or avoid inflammation after a hearty workout.

Ice It Down

When it comes to reducing swelling in the body, ice is the key. Having a cold temperature on the area helps to restrict the blood flow to your muscles. The trick is ensuring that you don’t spend too much time in the cold. It’s only recommended to do a maximum of 20 minutes with ice on a specific body part. After this time frame, your body will start to go into protective mode thinking that it’s getting frostbite. This will have an adverse effect that actually causes the body to purposefully cause inflammation in order to heat up. To avoid this, simply stick to 20 minutes maximum for any icing session.

Use A CBD Product

With the wide emergence of CBD in the United States market, more and more studies have been conducted on its overall health benefits. While many are still in the debating phase, one thing has been shown to be proven true about this substance. It works great for reducing inflammation in the body. You can get CBD into your bloodstream in multiple ways such as hemp CBD lotion, pills, edible gummies, and tinctures.

Get A Massage

When you find yourself in the hours after a tough workout, you want to do everything possible to reduce the amount of inflammation that your body undergoes. Getting a massage is one great way to alleviate muscle tension and allow blood to freely move throughout your body. You’ll want to pick the right type of massage to encourage healing and not induce inflammation. A Swedish massage is more preferred over other techniques like a deep-tissue massage.

Use Anti-Inflammatories

Anti-inflammatory medications can be utilized to reduce the amount of swelling that happens in your body and joints. These include over the counter medications like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. While these aren’t recommended for daily use, they can be extremely helpful when you’ve undergone a very rough workout.

Working out is a great way to keep your energy flowing and your body in shape. However, inflammation can put a real damper on your workout regimen. That is unless you utilize the tips outlined above to avoid post-workout inflammation so you can get back into the gym more often.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

Pancreatic cancer - Promising Treatment for Deadly Cancer Blocked by Canadian Regulators

TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - While innovations in health care are spurring extraordinary advances in the treatment of malignant tumours, progress has been limited when it comes to the world's toughest cancer. Pancreatic Cancer Canada is fighting to raise survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients through targeted investments in research, increased awareness and patient support, community activation and advocacy initiatives. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths for Canadians in 2020. It has an exceptionally low five-year survival rate of just 8%. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer means a 92% likelihood of death – a fact that has not changed significantly in over 40 years. Pancreatic cancer outcomes are worsening amid rising survival rates for most other cancers. Statistics show that 50% of those who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will die 4 months after diagnosis.

While new first-line treatments are becoming available to patients, disease progression after initial therapy is common, leaving patients with no options for further treatment, making it nearly impossible to halt the progression of this terrible cancer.  

Significant therapeutic progress

In the modern era of cancer research, pancreatic cancer has proven to be among the most unyielding of adversaries. While advancements have been made in expanding our understanding of this cancer, the 5-year survival rate has not changed materially in the past 40 years, and nearly all diagnosed patients ultimately succumb to the diseasei

Today, with positive results of a large Phase 3 clinical trial NAPOLI-1 with ONIVYDE (irinotecan liposome), some hope is possible.  An innovative pancreatic cancer treatment, it has been shown to extend patients' overall survival by 45% while maintaining the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients.

Onivyde is already funded in a number of countries and is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN) international guidelines. Onivyde has also recently received a fast-track designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line combination treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. 

An innovative treatment unavailable in Canada

In 2017, Health Canada granted regulatory approval of PrONIVYDE® (irinotecan liposome for injection) for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with standard chemotherapy medications, in adult patients who have disease progression following first-line treatment.

It is now more than three years later and this drug is still not available in Canada despite receiving positive recommendations from the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) and the Quebec Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS).

Given the slow progress against this disease, one must ask the question, 'Why are our regulatory authorities waiting to fund the only new drug approved recently by Health Canada that has shown promise in pancreatic cancer?'

Pancreatic Cancer Canada (PCC), believes it is time for Canada to catch up to other countries in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and adds its voice to those of patients and doctors across the country who have already articulated their support for the funding of PrONIVYDE® directly with pCODR and INESSS, and continue to demand that this medication be reimbursed as soon as possible. We have a clear expectation that the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) fulfill its mandate to negotiate drugs approved by Health Canada and to rapidly establish public funding across Canada. 

Quotes

"Pancreatic Cancer Canada is very concerned by the delay in making approved medications for pancreatic cancer available to Canadians – delays that are costing patients their lives. We urgently request that provincial representatives on the negotiating committee amend their processes to prioritize the survival of pancreatic cancer patients over administrative needs. This system of delays and blocked access threatens to discourage critical research efforts, as well as significant investments by pharmaceutical companies who bring viable treatment options to our patients."
Michelle Capobianco, Chief Executive Officer, Pancreatic Cancer Canada

"Canada needs to catch up with other industrialized countries and provide options for patients progressing from their first-line treatment. Introducing new treatment options in Québec would provide the oncology community with new tools to help patients continue in their fight against this devastating disease." 
Petr Kavan MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist, Segal Cancer Center Jewish General Hospital

"PrONIVYDE® offers patients a chance at better outcomes, through demonstrated efficacy in treating metastatic pancreatic cancer. There is a treatment within our reach to prolong the survival of patients without compromising their quality of life, and it's important that we make it accessible and without any further delay." 
Rebecca Prince, MBBS, FRACP, MSc, Medical Oncologist, University Health Network

"My husband did not live long enough to see a treatment developed that could save him.  Pancreatic cancer patients today do not have the luxury of time. That is why we are asking for an end to the senseless delays in bringing promising drug treatments to the market.  It is unbearable to know that there is an approved drug at our fingertips that could extend the lives of our loved ones – and yet, we can't access it. This is not how we will improve, and ultimately end, this deadly cancer."
Joanne Furino, family caregiver

About Pancreatic Cancer Canada (PCC) 

Pancreatic Cancer Canada is fighting to raise survival rates for the world's toughest cancer investing in targeted research, increased awareness and patient support, community activation and advocacy. We have taken on one of the world's deadliest cancers - a disease with virtually no progress in survival in the past 40 years and a 92% mortality rate. We are aggressively fighting it with investments in research aimed at greater understanding of this cancer and better treatment options. At the same time, we are working to educate physicians about faster diagnosis and with patients/families to support them as they face the realities of this cancer in their lives.

Alithya to Implement Oracle Cloud for Nemours Children's Health System

ALPHARETTA, GA, Aug. 19, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Alithya Group inc. (NASDAQ: ALYA) (TSX: ALYA) ("Alithya"), a leader in strategy and digital transformation employing more than 2,100 highly-qualified professionals and offering enterprise solutions throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, has been selected by Nemours Children's Health System to support the implementation of Oracle Cloud for its finance and accounting, supply chain, human resource management, payroll, and reporting needs.

"We believe the combination of Oracle's world-class technology and Alithya's industry expertise will enable us to improve financial margins, optimize our health system for growth, and eliminate redundancy in systems and processes," stated Bernie Rice, Chief Information Officer and Enterprise Vice President at Nemours.

More than ever, the healthcare industry faces challenges and pressures unlike any other sector of the economy. As an Oracle Platinum Partner with a dedicated healthcare practice, Alithya supports Oracle solutions that provide the transparency and agility that healthcare organizations need to meet these new challenges head on.

"Alithya is proud to partner with Nemours for this project," said Russell Smith, President, Alithya USA. "Our multi-phased approach will effectively meet Nemours' business needs and demands by providing a core Human Capital Management (HCM) and Recruiting solution, a core Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and Enterprise Performance Management (EPM)."

About Nemours Children's Health System
Nemours is an internationally recognized children's health system that owns and operates the two free-standing children's hospitals: the Nemours/Alfred I. du Pont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., and Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Fla., along with outpatient facilities in five states, delivering pediatric primary, specialty and urgent care. Nemours also powers the world's most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, KidsHealth.org, and offers on-demand, online video patient visits through Nemours CareConnect.

About Alithya
Alithya Group inc. is a leader in strategy and digital transformation in North America. Founded in 1992, the Company can count on more than 2,100 professionals in Canada, the US and Europe. Alithya's integrated offering is based on four pillars of expertise: strategy services, application services, enterprise solutions and data and analytics. Alithya deploys solutions, services, and skillsets to craft tools tailored to its clients' unique business needs in the Financial Services, Manufacturing, Energy, Telecommunications, Transportation and Logistics, Professional Services, Healthcare, and Government sectors. Corporate responsibility is at the heart of Alithya's management approach, and as such, the company is an advocate for good governance, workforce diversity and development, environment-friendly practices and social involvement in communities. To learn more, go to alithya.com

SOURCE Alithya

Sunnybrook to lead suicide prevention research during COVID-19 pandemic with immediate investment from TELUS' CEO

TORONTO, ON, Aug. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Critical research led by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre into suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic is receiving an immediate $100,000 donation from TELUS President and CEO Darren Entwistle and the Entwistle Family Foundation. This timely support will enable researchers to identify factors that may influence suicide rates during the initial stages of the pandemic in order to help inform urgent prevention strategies that could help save lives.

Led by Dr. Mark Sinyor, suicide prevention expert and Sunnybrook psychiatrist, researchers will combine data from Toronto's three regional trauma centres: Sunnybrook, St. Michael's Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Data will include self-harm cases and suicide attempts over the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information will be analyzed to determine what drives risk for suicide during this pandemic and help guide prevention efforts, such as targeted outreach, mental health services, social assistance, and public messaging. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for the sudden onset of a number of known stressors, including increased social isolation, economic insecurity and concerns about the virus itself. Dr. Sinyor and his team are working to more fully understand these and other triggers so that experts can intervene more effectively.

"Pandemics, such as COVID-19, can have a negative effect on mental health, which we know can influence suicide rates. At the same time, in crises like these, people can often come together, and this connection can help reduce suicide risk. The key point is that the effects of the pandemic are not the same for everyone," says Dr. Sinyor. "We are seeing signs that it is increasing the risk of suicide for some individuals. We have to work to understand this better to help inform hospital systems and mental health care providers of ways to adapt and provide further support, because suicide is preventable."

The research project is planned to continue through one year of the pandemic so that longer term trends and data can shape ongoing public policy related to COVID-19 and future public health emergencies.  

"Suicide rates have been stable or even decreasing slightly in Canada over the past two decades, but they are still too high – every death is a tragedy – and we are certainly worried that the pandemic is creating the conditions that can push these rates in the wrong direction," says Dr. Sinyor. "This research will assist in implementing the most effective measures to help save lives across Canada and beyond."

Support from Darren Entwistle and the Entwistle Family Foundation will help Sunnybrook share this much-needed information with hospitals across Toronto and Canada, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and international groups including the World Health Organization and International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Earlier this year, Mr. Entwistle committed the equivalent of three months' salary to critical COVID-19 research across Canada. Through this act of generosity, donations were made to BC Women's Hospital to support mental health programs, McGill University Health Centre Foundation to enable ICU patients to connect with loved ones, and Sunnybrook Foundation to urgently address suicide prevention needs.

This generous contribution from Mr. Entwistle and his family builds on a legacy of giving by TELUS, with more than $150 million dedicated to support Canadians through the pandemic and $1.3 billion in value, time and financial support to Canadian charities and grassroots organizations since 2000.

If you need help in an emergency please call 911 or visit your local emergency department. If you're feeling like you're in crisis or need somebody to talk to, please know that help is also available through community resources:

SOURCE Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Teva Canada announces product availability of AJOVY™

AJOVY™ is the first and only anti-CGRP treatment with both quarterly and monthly dosing for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults

  • AJOVY™ is supported by the AJOVY™ Teva Support Solutions® (AJOVY TSS) Patient Support Program, whose services include reimbursement navigation, bridging/copay coverage, and injection training.
  • AJOVY™ has been studied in patients with chronic or episodic migraine and was shown to significantly reduce patients' mean monthly migraine days—with some patients achieving a 50% reduction or more.1–3

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Teva Canada, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., today announced product availability of AJOVY™ (fremanezumab) 225 mg solution for subcutaneous injection for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. AJOVY™ is the first and only anti-CGRP drug approved in Canada, the European Union, and the United States that offers quarterly or monthly dosing regimens for the preventive treatment of migraine. The quarterly dose of 675 mg is given as three 225 mg subcutaneous injections once every three months; the monthly dose of 225 mg is given as one subcutaneous injection once each month. AJOVY™ is currently available in a latex-free prefilled syringe.1–3

"Canadian patients and prescribers have been waiting for a product like AJOVY™ that offers flexible dosing options convenient for their busy lifestyles," says Christine Poulin, General Manager of Teva Canada. "With the product now in distribution across Canada, Teva Canada is also introducing a comprehensive patient support program to educate patients and provide financial support to meet the various needs of Canadians who suffer with the condition."

Migraine is a disabling chronic neurological disease that causes head pain so severe that sufferers often cannot function during an attack. Migraine reduces quality of life and disrupts migraineurs' ability to perform daily activities.4,5 It is among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide and the seventh cause of years of life lost to disability.6–8 In Canada, migraine is most common in women and most common between the ages of 30 and 49.9

Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, president of the Canadian Headache Society and founder of the websites Migraine Quebec and Migraine Canada, says the availability of AJOVY™ is good news for all migraine patients and treaters. "The unique dosing options that AJOVY™ offers will provide added flexibility and stability for many patients to manage their symptoms with less disruption to their lives and routines. This is a welcome next step in migraine management."

AJOVY™ was evaluated in two pivotal Phase III clinical trials that enrolled patients with disabling migraine and studied fremanezumab as a prophylactic treatment. In these trials, efficacy assessments included the change from baseline in the number of average monthly migraine or headache days and the proportion of patients achieving at least a 50% reduction in affected days. The safety profile was also assessed in these trials.1–3

About the AJOVY Teva Support Solutions® (AJOVY TSS) Patient Support Program

AJOVY™ patients and prescribers are supported by the AJOVY™ Teva Support Solutions® Patient Support Program, which was developed in collaboration with Canadian migraine experts and offers services such as injection training, insurance/coverage investigation, and paperwork assistance.

About AJOVY

AJOVY™ (fremanezumab) is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. AJOVY™ is available as a 225 mg/1.5 mL single-dose injection in a prefilled syringe with two dosing options: 225 mg monthly, administered as one subcutaneous injection; or 675 mg every three months (quarterly), administered as three subcutaneous injections. AJOVY™ is intended for patient self-administration after the patient or their caretaker has been trained to administer the product.

Helping improve the lives of Canadians

At Teva, we are committed to providing innovative and quality medicines to the nearly 200 million people we serve around the world every day. From our role as a global leader in generic and brand name medicines to the innovative solutions we create for our healthcare partners, we offer a unique perspective on health—here in Canada and around the world.

About Teva Canada 

Teva Canada, headquartered in Toronto, has provided affordable healthcare solutions to Canadians for over 50 years, building their trust one prescription at a time with now more than 217,00010 prescriptions filled each day with our products. Originally Novopharm Limited, Teva Canada specializes in the development, production, and marketing of high-quality generic prescription pharmaceuticals and, through our branded division, focuses on a diverse line of innovative products in a variety of therapeutic areas. Teva Canada employs more than 900 professionals, had sales of nearly $1.3 billion10 in 2019, and markets more than 385 products in 1,000 SKUs10 in Canada. We are a proud subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Learn more at www.tevacanada.com.

About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) has been developing and producing medicines to improve people's lives for more than a century. We are a global leader in generic and specialty medicines with a portfolio consisting of over 3,500 products in nearly every therapeutic area. Around 200 million people around the world take a Teva medicine every day and are served by one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry. Along with our established presence in generics, we have significant innovative research and operations supporting our growing portfolio of specialty and biopharmaceutical products. Learn more at www.tevapharm.com.

___________________________________________
CGRP: calcitonin gene-related peptide; SKU: Stock Keeping Unit
1.AJOVY™ Product Monograph. Teva Canada Limited, Montréal, Quebec. April 9, 2020.
2.Dodick DW et al. Effect of fremanezumab compared with placebo for prevention of episodic migraine. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1999–2008. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.4853.
3.Silberstein SD et al. Fremanezumab for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(22):2113–2122. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1709038.
4.Buse DC, Rupnow MF, Lipton RB. Assessing and managing all aspects of migraine: migraine attacks, migraine-related functional impairment, common comorbidities, and quality of life. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84:422–435. doi: 10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60561-2.
5.Lipton RB, Liberman JN, Kolodner KB, et al. Migraine headache disability and health-related quality-of-life: a population-based case-control study from England. Cephalalgia. 2003;23:441–450. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2003.00546.x.
6.Steiner TJ, Stovner LJ, Birbeck GL. Migraine: the seventh disabler. J Headache Pain. 2013;14:1. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-1.
7.Global Burden of Disease Study Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. 2015;386:743–800. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60692-4.
8.Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Global burden of disease visualization tools. Available from: http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/. Accessed January 2016.
9.Ramage-Morin PL, Gilmour H. Prevalence of migraine in the Canadian household population. Health Rep. 2014;25(6):10–16.
10.Source: IQVIA CDH & Compuscript MAT. April 2020.

SOURCE Teva Canada

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada Announces That Treatment For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Has Been Added to British Columbia Pharmacare Formulary

TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada, Inc. (MTP-CA), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA), announced today that RADICAVA® (edaravone), an infusion treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is now listed on the British Columbia (BC) PharmaCare Formulary (special authorization). 

"ALS is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative and fatal disease, and the listing of this therapy is an encouraging step for the ALS community," said Atsushi Fujimoto, President, MTP-CA. "We are very grateful to the Government of B.C. for providing access to eligible patients under its provincial PharmaCare Formulary."

In addition to the BC PharmaCare Formulary (special authorization), RADICAVA also is listed on the following:

  • Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) formulary (special authorization) 
  • Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary (Exceptional Access Program) 
  • Alberta Drug Benefit List (special authorization) 
  • New Brunswick Drug Plan (NBDP) formulary (special authorization) 
  • Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary (special authorization) 
  • Saskatchewan Formulary (special authorization) 
  • Nova Scotia Drug Formulary (special authorization)

MTP-CA continues to have discussions with other provinces, territories and federal agencies regarding the listing of RADICAVA under additional publicly funded drug programs.

About RADICAVA® (edaravone) 
RADICAVA (edaravone) is indicated to slow the loss of function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRSR).Edaravone was discovered and developed for ALS by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) through an iterative clinical development platform over a 13-year period. In 2015, edaravone was approved for use as a treatment for ALS in Japan and South Korea. RADICAVA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May of 2017. Marketing authorization was granted in Canada in October 2018 and Switzerland in January 2019.

About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada, Inc.
Based in Toronto, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada, Inc. (MTP-CA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) with a goal to provide therapies for some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases, including ALS. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-ca.com.

About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc.
Based in Jersey City, N.J., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's (MTPC) 100 percent owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. MTPA is dedicated to delivering innovative products that address the unmet medical needs of patients in North America. It was established by MTPC to commercialize approved pharmaceutical products in North America. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-america.com.


1RADICAVA® (edaravone) Canada Product Monograph. October 2019. https://www.mt-pharma-ca.com/our-product/

SOURCE Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada, Inc.

4 Tips for Improving a Man's Overall Health

As a man starts to age, he needs to take better care of his mind and body. Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Here are four tips for improving a man’s overall health.

Effectively Manage Stress

Research shows that stress can promote a number of serious ailments, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Depression is also more likely to occur. One of the best ways to help cope with stress is to get plenty of rest. Most men need at least seven hours of quality sleep a night. Upon awakening the next morning, you’ll feel energized and rejuvenated. It’s also a good idea to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. When going through tough times, drinking alcohol only masks the underlying issue. Each day, set aside 30 minutes to meditate in a quiet place.

Eat Better

While you’re in high school, you can get away with eating pizza and fries every day. However, a poor diet is bound to catch up with you at some point. For starters, you need to start making healthy choices when grocery shopping. Avoid purchasing processed foods at all costs. Studies have proven that processed foods tend to be loaded with excess salt and sugar. Your best bet is to fill your shopping cart with as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Although it’s safe to eat lean red meat, keep your consumption to around three servings a week.

Boost Your Testosterone

It’s not uncommon for a man’s testosterone levels to drop after turning 30 years of age. This hormone has a direct impact on sex drive and muscle growth. To help boost testosterone, develop a habit of working out a minimum of three days a week. Simple activities, like jogging and jumping rope, are sure to get your heart pumping. Exercising outdoors will also enable you to soak up extra sunlight, which triggers your body to produce more vitamin D. If your testosterone levels are still lower than normal, consider talking to a testosterone replacement therapy physician.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is essential for good health. Make it a priority to drink enough water throughout the day. If your urine looks yellow, this is a tell-tale sign that your body has become dehydrated. Sipping on smoothies will also help you to remain properly hydrated.

Now is the time to take control of your health. The first step is to get rid of your bad habits. After a while, your mind and body will start to feel stronger.

Corona-phobia, Facts, Fiction and Feelings

By Surgeon Charles Page, MD

Six months into the pandemic, there is hardly a sole on earth who isn’t in Coronavirus overload. What’s more, we don’t know what to believe! This is my attempt to intelligently discuss corona-phobias, facts, fiction, and feelings.

Q&A:

  1. Doctor, can you give us the big picture of where we are in the Pandemic? Answer: We are now at 5.4 million cases in the United States. The total number of deaths is reaching 170,000.  The Infection Fatality Rate, or IFR, is extremely low. Less than one half of one percent. THAT’S GOOD NEWS. When we compare this number projected six months ago of four to six percent, clearly things are not as bad as we predicted. 

Comparing these numbers to other diseases such as 650,000 deaths per year from Heart Disease, and 500 deaths per year from cancer, it gives us another perspective. Hospitals are busy but not overwhelmed with COVID cases. At present, there does not seem to be any lack of resources. To my knowledge no one is having to take the old and sick off ventilators to make way for younger COVID patients. We’re busy, but not overwhelmed by lack of resources. 

  1. Can you give us your opinion on reinfection, vaccines, and new tests? 

Answer: A new study on sailors showed no evidence of reinfection after previously contacting COVID. We are in phase 3 studies on the vaccines. Hopefully we’ll have a vaccine before the end of the year. SalivaDirect is a new $10 test, funded by the NBA and invented at Yale. It is easier, safer and quicker. 

  1. Can you tell us about what we are learning about treading COVID?
    Answer: We’re learning how to utilize our resources. Remdesivir, an antiviral, costs about 3000/dose and is being used in ICU’s only. Plasma, taken from COVID survivors, is being transfused for the really sick. Initially, most COVID patients were intubated early. Now we are learning to wait and try other measures--first.
  1. We are still hearing two opposing COVID narratives among the scientific community. Isn’t Science supposed to be objective?  
    Answer: Science is not as objective as we think. Everyone, including doctors and scientists, filters data through their worldview. We live in a culture of arbitrary absolutes, where those in power try to impose their relativistic assumption on the masses. 

On one hand, the CDC rejects the new Henry Ford studies on Hydroxychloroquine, claiming they are not good (prospective, randomized) studies. On the other hand, they advocate—and impose--the wearing of masks. There are no definitive studies which show masks diminish the spread of COVID—especially in the community.

  1. Doesn’t the kind of mask you wear make a difference?

Answer: Yes. A recent study out of Duke University used lasers to evaluate the spread of respiratory droplets using different kinds of masks—N95, regular surgical masks, cloth masks and looser fabrics. The thinner masks fragmented the droplets into smaller ones, helping them to stay aerosolized in the air longer. THAT’S BAD. Once again, the studies show that masks sequester the respiratory droplets when people talk or cough. 

  1. Doctor, if things aren’t as bad what’s portrayed in the media, then, why the corona-phobia?
    Answer: If we’ve learned anything, we’ve learned that COVID 19 is unpredictable. I think this goes beyond a political battle. What’s more, it’s become a legal issue. Hospital administrators, School boards, and business owners are placed in a no-win situation. Everyone knows its not as bad as we anticipated. The ‘game’ now revolves around mitigating risk. Ponder this: Leaders are trying to cover the bases of if and when they will encounter a lawsuit. 

Charles Page is a Texas-based surgeon and author of several faith-based books. One of which is A Spoonful of Courage for the Sick and Suffering.  

Dr. Page has been called the best guy to see on the worst day of your life. A surgeon from Texas, his latest book is "A Spoonful of Courage for the Sick and Suffering."