QEII Foundation to announce transformational gift for cancer care innovation
HALIFAX, NS, Sept. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - On Thursday, September 22, the QEII Foundation will announce its largest donation ever received to-date – a multimillion-dollar transformational gift that will impact cancer care in Atlantic Canada for generations to come.
One local family's incredible generosity will have a lasting effect on the way that cancer care is delivered at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, from supporting the development of groundbreaking cancer-fighting technologies, to fast-tracking upcoming innovation and discovery opportunities.
The family, with deep healthcare roots, are inspired to honour their late parents' legacy and have their multimillion-dollar gift help improve top-of-mind areas in cancer care – like improving patient outcomes, reducing wait times, attracting and retaining top medical professionals, and delivering the best patient care experience possible.
Together, with the QEII Foundation, the family is thrilled to help transform cancer care for Atlantic Canadians – through integrated, advanced, and compassionate care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
Announcement Details
WHAT
Members of the media are invited to attend a formal, milestone announcement revealing the identity of the donor family and their transformational gift in support of cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
WHEN
Thursday, September 22, 2022 11 a.m. to noon.
WHERE
The Discovery Centre 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3S8
*Call Tanya MacLean (902 489 5664) upon arrival to set-up and for on-site interviews with donor family, QEII Foundation representatives and cancer care leadership.
SOURCE QEII FOUNDATION
Musk’s SpaceX could ignite private securities revolution
Petition for $10million private investment in Elon
Musk’s SpaceX could ignite private securities revolution
One of the world’s pioneering private companies, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been petitioned to accept nearly $10 million in private investors, as more individuals join the US crowdfunding revolution.
If SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp) did agree to a public equity crowdfunding raise or opened its shares to a secondary market for private securities, it would be a significant milestone for equity crowdfunding since it was enabled by the JOBS Act of 2012.
Caption: Petition for $10million private investment in Elon Musk’s SpaceX could ignite private securities revolution
And if companies like SpaceX opened their doors to public investment, there is greater potential for securities sold to retail as well as accredited investors to be traded on secondary market Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs).
A handful of these ATSs were recently granted operational permission by financial regulators to trade private securities and digital assets.
Equity crowdfunding is rocketing, raising $113.52 billion last year according to Pitchbook data, a year-on-year increase of 1,021%, while Forbes reported that the private securities market hit a record $7 trillion last year and is set to soar to $30 trillion by 2030.
The enormous potential is highlighted by the fact that the USA has 27 million private companies, yet only 1% are currently traded on an ATS.
Chris Lustrino, Founder and CEO of crowdfunding investor site Kingscrowd wrote to his 475,000 subscribers this week and highlighted the petition to Elon Musk’s space company:
“Perhaps one of the most exciting start-ups in existence right now is SpaceX. I know that I would love the opportunity to invest in SpaceX - but that opportunity has never happened.
“That's why the folks at Spaced Ventures (a public investment platform for the space industry) have opened a petition asking SpaceX to raise capital online. The petition went live on Wednesday. And investors have already indicated more than $8 million (now $10 million) in potential interest for it.
“There's no guarantee that SpaceX will respond. But with that strong a response (via the petition), I think that if SpaceX ever did raise capital online, the raise would sell out in a matter of hours.”
Spaced Ventures’ website says of the organization: “We are passionate about entrepreneurship, finance, and all things space, and are deeply committed to the Spaced Ventures mission of making the industry accessible to companies and investors of all sizes.”
The commercial growth potential from the Spaced Ventures petition opening a door is not lost on Rialto Markets, an equity crowdfunding broker-dealer and operator of a secondary market ATS for private securities, whose award-winning visionary CEO and Co-Founder Shari Noonan told me:
“If exciting privately held tech companies in frontier markets, such as SpaceX, were to accept retail and accredited investors in their growth stages this would signal a massive and symbolic change in investment for private securities.
“Where previously accredited or institutional investors had greater access to private companies, we could now see everyday people finding their way into that investment space and simultaneously expanding their investment portfolio and growth opportunities. while potentially delivering greater liquidity for this market.”
Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money Delivers Hard-Hitting History Lesson
Dallas, TX, September 20, 2022 — Allen B. Clark returned from the Vietnam War a double-leg amputee. It took 15 months of rehabilitation, 20 surgeries, eight years of psychotherapy and his faith in God to help him heal.
Through the years, Clark became involved in politics and was eventually appointed as an assistant secretary at the National Department of Veterans Affairs. It was through that appointment where Clark met and mentored hundreds of veterans and listened to their stories. The blood lost — the lives lost — haunted him, and he began to study the history of wars intensely. The undertaking consumed him, and he didn’t stop until he uncovered what he calls “the story behind the story” of why the United States gets involved in wars.
“In Latin, it’s cui bono? — who profits?” Clark said.
In his revealing new book, Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money: Wars and the Ruling Elites, Clark shares the results of his extensive and concentrated research. His findings, drawn from sources published as far back as 150 years ago, point to individuals and institutions throughout history who have fostered and fomented horrendous wars, including arms merchants; religious entities and their leaders; politicians; international bankers; media titans; and lawyers.
With a special focus on the American Revolution, Civil War, Spanish-American War and the “Banana, Banker and Oil” wars in the Americas, Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money aims to reveal the political, financial, business, religious, social and propaganda truths behind the initiation of wars.
“These truths illustrate that we young patriots, who have gone off to fight in wars, are merely pawns in a much larger chess game of life — a game where the captains and kings and knights and bishops are the ones who often profit immeasurably in terms of financial gain or increases in power,” Clark wrote in his book. “Meanwhile, we perish or suffer immense physical and emotional wounds from which many of us never heal.”
About the Author
The Honorable Allen B. Clark is a 1963 West Point graduate and PTSD survivor who lost both legs below the knees in 1967 following an enemy mortar barrage while serving in Vietnam. He is a recipient of a Silver Star, America’s third-highest decoration for Gallantry in Action, a Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
He has served as a special assistant to the governor of Texas and as the Assistant Secretary for Veterans Liaison and Program Coordination, and Director of the National Cemetery System in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1993, he was recognized by the Military Chaplains Association with its National Citizenship Award. He is a frequent motivational speaker. In early 2018, Allen received the Patriot Award from the Greater Dallas Military Foundation, and later that year, he received the Sons of the Flag Legacy Award.
For more insights into his book, visit the reviews at
Lawyers Behaving Badly Face Consequences of Their Corruption in Wise-Cracking Satire
Philadelphia/New York, September 20, 2022 ― Naïve young attorney Ryan Coleman jumps feet first into the hedonist world of wealth and power at the core of class-action law and finds himself in way over his head in Filthy Rich Lawyers, Book One:The Education of Ryan Coleman.
From author and attorney Brian Felgoise, who has been practicing class-action law for more than 25 years, and co-author David Tabatsky, Filthy Rich Lawyers is a satirical legal thriller filled with scenarios loosely based on real-world interactions that Felgoise had with lawyers, judges and plaintiffs.
“I laughed out loud at the salty wise cracks on most every page,” said Matt Flynn, author ofMilwaukee Jihad. “But underneath the lightning paced humor is a serious message about corruption in class action litigation. Filthy Rich Lawyers is a hilarious satire about a very real problem.”
The story begins in a Texas courtroom, where Ryan Coleman, a young, ambitious lawyer from Philadelphia, is chasing his share of a class-action lawsuit involving a multi-national defense contractor. After getting reprimanded by the judge for speaking out of turn, Coleman meets Robert Smalley, a brilliant attorney and borderline criminal who boasts that, “I have the greatest practice of law in the world because I have no clients.”
Included in the cast of colorful characters is Eugenia “Gene” Cauley, a female shark in the male-dominated legal world whose life spirals tragically out of control, and Randy Hollis, an insanely successful lawyer turned multi-billionaire, who is pursuing his ultimate American dream: buying a professional football team. Coleman becomes Hollis’ “errand boy,” but as Hollis is investigated by journalists, law associations and government agents, Coleman must decide if he wants to remain in this sordid circle.
Federal prosecutor Patrick Coyle wants to take Hollis down because of an old grudge. He aligns with Dick Dickey, former Secretary of Defense and CEO of a military contractor, to ruin Hollis and Coleman. When an escort mysteriously dies in Hollis’ penthouse, Coleman becomes an unwitting accomplice and must choose between protecting his boss and saving his marriage, or telling the truth and risk going to prison.
Filthy Rich Lawyers reveals the surprising ways in which our system of class-action law enables (mostly) men to get ridiculously wealthy and behave like sophomoric frat boys.
“How they use their money and power will shock, amuse and entertain readers,” Felgoise said. “As media billionaire Mortimer Zuckerman once said, referring to some lawyer’s self-indulgence and unbridled hubris, ‘Practicing law is the exact opposite of sex. Even when it’s good, it’s bad.’”
About the Authors
Brian M. Felgoise, Esq.,is a graduate of Temple University Law School and has been practicing class-action law for more than 25 years, including cases where billions of dollars have been recovered for class members who lost a significant amount of money.
David Tabatsky has authored, co-authored and edited many novels, including The Boy Behind the Door, Friends Like These, The Marijuana Project, The Battle of Zig Zag Pass and Drunk Log. His memoir, American Misfit, was published in 2017. Tabatsky was consulting editor for Marlo Thomas and her New York Times bestseller, The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2. To learn more, please visit: www.tabatsky.com.
Filthy Rich Lawyers, Book One:The Education of Ryan Coleman
Publisher: Speaking Volumes Inc.
Release Date: October 2022
ISBN: 978-1645407829 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1645407812 (eBook)
LUNG HEALTH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, JESSICA BUCKLEY
TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - In a move designed to build on its long-standing history of impact and success, the Board of Directors of the Lung Health Foundation announces the appointment of Jessica Buckley, former Senior Vice President of Woodbine Entertainment, as the organization's new President & Chief Executive Officer.
She succeeds George Habib, who held the title of CEO for 15 years. Under Habib's successful leadership, the Lung Health Foundation established itself as an innovative and patient-centric organization that brought much-needed attention to the issue of lung disease, elevating its importance to policy-makers and the public alike. Constantly evolving the organization to better serve its patient community, he most recently led the transition of the Lung Health Foundation into a national organization amidst the challenges and uncertainty of the pandemic.
Assuming the role of CEO, Ms. Buckley brings with her over two decades of progressive entrepreneurial experience in the sports and entertainment industry, most recently as Senior Vice President of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine Entertainment Group. With notable success in leading organizational transformation and growth, engaging stakeholders, and building government relationships at all levels, Buckley is well-positioned to step into the leadership role at the Lung Health Foundation.
"With an exciting new strategic plan in place, the Lung Health Foundation promises to make big, bold changes in our approach to closing the gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease in Canada," says Dan Markovich, Chair, Lung Health Foundation. "We are thrilled that Ms. Buckley will be guiding us in our work, given her demonstrated ability as a leader throughout her 20+ year entrepreneurial career. She has proven herself to be able to respond nimbly to constantly evolving markets and environments which is exactly what our organization needs as we move swiftly and urgently in our mission to help Canadians breathe better."
Each year in Canada, hundreds will needlessly lose their lives to asthma; tens of thousands with COPD will end up in hospital; more than 20,000 people will die from lung cancer; thousands will fail to get the vaccines they need to prevent hospitalization and even death; and thousands of young Canadians will continue to smoke and vape, putting their health severely at risk. The Lung Health Foundation aims to change that.
"This is an important time for the Lung Health Foundation as we make strides in becoming better and more impactful – in becoming the industry leader," promises Buckley. "I'm incredibly excited and honoured to be leading the Lung Health Foundation team. The mission of this organization -- improving the lung health of all Canadians -- is critically important to each and every one of us, and it's absolutely what attracted me to this opportunity. I'm looking forward to getting to know this amazing team and using my experience to help expand our reach to all patients and their families across the country."
About the Lung Health Foundation
The Lung Health Foundation is national organization dedicated to ending gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease in Canada. We invest in the future by driving ground-breaking research, and we give patients and their families the programs and support they need today. Lung health starts now!
SOURCE Lung Health Foundation
Walmart Canada Launches Canada's e-Prescribing Service
TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) and Walmart Canada are pleased to announce Infoway's PrescribeIT® electronic prescribing service is now available in 14 Walmart Canada pharmacies in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, with plans to expand to more stores by year-end.
PrescribeIT® allows prescribers to send prescriptions and renewals electronically to a patient's pharmacy of choice, resulting in more efficient patient care, enhanced safety and improved communication between clinicians.
"Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest retailers and pharmacy chains and we are thrilled to partner with them," said Jamie Bruce, Executive Vice President, Infoway. "PrescribeIT® will make it easier and more convenient for thousands of Walmart pharmacy patients to get their prescriptions filled, and it will improve the workflow of Walmart pharmacists and their communication with prescribers. We look forward to working with Walmart Canada as we continue to expand PrescribeIT®across the country."
"We are very excited about the new partnership with Infoway to offer PrescribeIT® in our stores," said Alex Hurd, Vice President, Health Services, Walmart Canada. "PrescribeIT® supports our mission of enhancing access to health services for Canadians by offering a frictionless health experience."
"PrescribeIT® has been a great addition to our pharmacy system, enabling the digitization of prescription-related services and making a positive impact on how we work," said Chris Lee, Vaughan, ON, Pharmacist Manager. "Having prescriptions directly sent to us has reduced the work needed to process prescriptions. Electronic communications with prescribers are effortless and reduces paperwork. More importantly, our patients do not have to worry about bringing physical prescriptions to fill, and can receive their prescriptions even quicker from our pharmacies."
PrescribeIT® is now live in more than 550 communities in six provinces (Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba), and Infoway is working with other provinces and territories to develop roll-out plans. More than 10,000 prescribers and 6,000 pharmacy sites are enrolled in the service. See the interactive locator map.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada was recently recognized as a LinkedIn Top Company of 2022 and was also named one of Canada's most popular brands (based on Google searches). Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $500 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada's social media pages -– Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Canada Health Infoway
At Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) we believe a more connected and collaborative system is a healthier system, and we work with governments, health care organizations, clinicians and patients to make health care more digital. We're working to ensure that everyone is able to access their personal health information, book appointments, get prescriptions, view lab test results and access other health services, online. We're working with our partners to transform the health system because we know that digital in health can be as transformative as digital has been in other aspects of our lives. We're an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Visit us online at www.infoway-inforoute.ca.
About PrescribeIT®
Canada Health Infoway is working with Health Canada, the provinces and territories, and industry stakeholders to develop, operate and maintain the national e-prescribing service known as PrescribeIT®. PrescribeIT® will serve all Canadians, pharmacies and prescribers and provide safer and more effective medication management by enabling prescribers to transmit a prescription electronically between a prescriber's electronic medical record (EMR) and the pharmacy management system (PMS) of a patient's pharmacy of choice. PrescribeIT® will protect Canadians' personal health information from being sold or used for commercial activities. Visit www.PrescribeIT.ca.
Faith and First Responders: How Believing in a Higher Power Can Promote Healing
Antioch, CA, September 20, 2022 — If he were given a chance to travel back in time, make different choices and avoid a prison sentence, Norm Wielsch says he would decline the offer. In 2013, the former undercover narcotic agent was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after he pled guilty to corruption charges, and it was there, behind prison walls, where he finally found healing through faith.
“If you don’t believe in a higher power, there’s no rhyme or reason to life,” Wielsch said in a recent interview. “Life is just a series of incidents that happen. But if you truly believe that there is a higher power, and there’s a reason for things that happen, I believe that you can adjust to it, and cope with it a little bit better.”
As a police officer for 25 years, Wielsch witnessed his share of trauma and would later fall into a downward spiral following his own diagnosis of PTSD. He served 8 years of his 14-year sentence and emerged from federal prison determined to help others — particularly first responders — heal from trauma.
Wielsch’s new book, Christ Centered Healing of Trauma: Healing a Broken Heart (and companion small group study guide), teaches foundational principles and tools for resolving issues related to traumatic life events.
Readers will learn how trauma affects the heart, body and soul; how to manage emotions; how to identify the root cause of emotional pain; and how to begin the healing process.
Through a bible study portion, readers will learn God's plan for salvation and healing. Included are numerous sample prayers to guide readers through the healing process.
Wielsch’s Christ-Centered healing method was originally designed to minister to first responders and combat veterans but is also appropriate for counselors, pastors, chaplains and anyone whose lives are impacted by trauma.
“This book is not only for the victims of trauma, but for their husbands, wives, daughters, sons and parents who suffer right along with them,” Wielsch said. “They are wounded people as well. Hurt people, hurt people. Since our families are the closest to us, we tend to hurt them more than we intend.”
About the Author
Norm Wielsch was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years — 16 of those as an undercover narcotic agent. In 1998, he was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease, and after more than 30 surgeries, he became addicted to opioids. Wielsch was diagnosed with PTSD, and then his daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness and given a poor prognosis. In a downward spiral, Wielsch made a series of bad decisions that landed him in federal prison.
While incarcerated, he obtained a master’s degree in Theology and Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, and a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Degree. He currently works at a men's residential treatment facility as a registered alcohol and drug counselor and pastoral care provider. He is a working credentialed chaplain who hopes to one day launch a first responder ministry.
Wielsch also has a master’s degree in Law Enforcement Management and is an expert in law enforcement tactics, criminal investigations, pursuit driving, high risk search warrant service, PTSD and the police culture.
New e-learning platform launches to help Canada's 400,000+ nurses build their skills
TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - With the lingering effects of COVID-19 continuing to cause significant burnout and disrupting clinical learning, a new e-learning platform, created by award-winning health-care practitioners, is now launching with the support of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to help nurses build their skills.
NursingSKL.com, created by a group of Canadian physicians and nurses, launches today to help nurses improve their clinical skills in seven clinical specialties. And with nearly 66% of nurses suffering from burnout and nearly 1 in 3 contemplating leaving the profession, services to help with professional development could not have come at a better time.
"During the pandemic, the usual practicums and clerkships that nursing students and nurses rely on to learn shut down. So I started working with nurses in my own clinics to teach them between patients. They really enjoyed it. Their confidence improved and the quality and efficiency of their work was noticeably better. When thinking about the project, we envisioned a collaboration whereby physicians and nurses worked together as a cohesive group to improve patient related outcomes to ensure the highest quality of care for patients," said Dr. Sanjay Sharma, NursingSKL's editor-in-chief and a professor of ophthalmology at Queen's University.
Today, NursingSKL.com launches its e-platform in seven different specialty areas, including mental health, oncology, and women's health. Currently, the e-platform is offered in English only. With NursingSKL.com, nurses will also be able to learn important clinical skills from leading practitioners, earn continuing professional development (CPD) certificates and participate in fun games to connect to colleagues around the country.
"We know that the pandemic has been unrelenting for nurses, and that the disruption of nursing education will have long-lasting impacts on the profession. That is why we are so excited to support the launch of NursingSKL, as it is fully aligned with CNA's mission of strengthening nursing leadership and promoting nursing excellence. This innovative e-learning platform will help to support nurses with the training and education they need to be successful in their jobs," said Tim Guest, chief executive officer of CNA. "At a time where much of the profession is experiencing symptoms of burnout, it is important that we do everything we can to retain and recruit nurses."
Watch a short video to learn more about NursingSKL
About NursingSKL
NursingSKL is a novel e-learning platform that helps nurses build their clinical skills and earn CPD certificates through highly engaging animations, gamification and clinical tips delivered by leading health-care practitioners.
About the Canadian Nurses Association
CNA is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing. Our mission is to advance the nursing profession to improve health outcomes in Canada's publicly funded, not-for-profit health system. CNA is the only national association that speaks for all types of nurses across all 13 provinces and territories. We represent nurses that are unionized and non-unionized, retired nurses, nursing students, and all categories of nurses (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed and registered practical nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses).
Unlike other at-home reformers, the RX is commercial grade and digitally connected, meaning users can expect an even more elevated experience than what they might find at a gym or boutique studio – all from the comfort of their own home.
Reform RX tracks user movement down to the millisecond and then uses a processor to communicate resistance selection, so you can track real time data on power output for the best results, while also receiving key biometric feedback, including movement, calories burned and heart rate.
Reform RX offers members exclusive access to an ever growing library of more than 100 customized live and on-demand classes from expert instructors including celebrity trainers Alyssa Sparks, Lucas Lombardo and Kourtney McCullough, who has personally trained A-list stars including Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and more.
As a disruptor in the connected fitness space, Reform RX has generated buzz among Pilates enthusiasts and fitness industry professionals alike for its premium connected capabilities, futuristic design and commercial grade specifications, including:
21.5-inch, sweat-resistant, casting-enabled ultra HD touch screen
Platform enhanced for safety, style and comfort
Custom speakers offering a surround sound experience for optimal clarity
RX legs and feet that provide a minimal footprint to ensure freedom of movement with absolute stability
Shoulder pads, ergonomically designed for comfort and easy removal
Foot pedal, which allows for seamless transition of the foot bar
Leg exerciser multifunctional resistance pedal for more versatility than traditional reformers
Button-controlled resistance - spring resistance ranging from 22 lbs. to 143 lbs.
Bespoke mat grips to comfortably keep you safe from slipping
With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Reform RX CEO and Co-Founder Yvette McGaffin has tried every piece of Pilates apparatus out there – sparking her inspiration to create this sleek, aesthetically pleasing smart reformer – and can speak not only to all aspects of Pilates from its history to its evolution as a fitness and wellness trend for TikTokers and celebrities alike.
McGaffin can also speak to what makes Pilates perfect for people of all ages and capabilities with its wide range of benefits including increasing core strength, improving balance, aiding in rehabilitation from injury and providing an amazing positive effect on mental wellbeing.
Reformer Pilates instructor Kourtney McCullough, one of the founding trainers, pictured on Reform RX, the commercial grade, digitally connected Pilates reformer. (Courtesy)
Reform RX is perfect for features, roundups or stories about the hottest new connected fitness products. In-person demos are now available by appointment only at Reform RX Newport Beach. Reform RX retails at $4,995 and is now available at reformrx.com.
Novartis and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) conclude negotiations for Luxturna®, a gene therapy for previously untreatable inherited vision loss(1)
Luxturna®(voretigene neparvovec) is a one-time gene therapy that provides healthy copies of the RPE65 gene for retinal cells that are lacking the normally functioning gene1
DORVAL, QC, Sept. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) have successfully concluded negotiations for Luxturna® (voretigene neparvovec), a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations.
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a major cause of early onset blindness2. RPE65-mediated IRDs are rare, serious, and progressive conditions that ultimately lead to severe visual impairment and blindness. Prior to the approval of Luxturna®, there were no available pharmacological treatment options for this form of inherited blindness2.
"We are thrilled to have positively completed these negotiations for Luxturna®, one of two pioneering targeted gene therapies Novartis has introduced in Canada for patients and families devastated by rare, debilitating or life-threatening genetic diseases. For all Canadians who urgently need treatment with this innovative therapy, this is an important step to achieve access," said Andrea Marazzi, Country President, Novartis Canada. "We will continue to work collaboratively with provincial and territorial jurisdictions so that patients whose vision is impaired as a result of a mutation in both copies of the RPE65gene can have access to Luxturna® through public drug plans as quickly as possible."
"This type of inherited eye disease affects children and young adults and creates a significant impact on the entire family," said Doug Earle, President & CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada.
"For the majority, it can lead to complete blindness as cells in the retina, the light sensitive tissue of the eye, gradually stop working, work less effectively, or die2. Having access to a treatment that can help restore sight, can be life-altering for a child or young adult and their family. We encourage the provinces to recognize the hope Luxturna® represents and prioritize access as there are no approved alternative treatments available for these Canadians."
About RPE65 mutation-associated inherited retinal dystrophy Mutations in both copies of the RPE65 gene affect approximately 1 in 200,000 people and can lead to blindness3,4. Early in the disease patients can suffer from night blindness (nyctalopia), loss of light sensitivity, loss of peripheral vision, loss of sharpness or clarity of vision, impaired dark adaptation and repetitive uncontrolled movements of the eye (nystagmus)4. Patients with mutations in both copies of the RPE65 gene may be diagnosed, for instance, with subtypes of either retinitis pigmentosa or Leber congenital amaurosis5.
About Novartis in Gene Therapy and Rare Disease Novartis is at the forefront of cell and gene therapies designed to halt diseases in their tracks or reverse their progress rather than simply manage symptoms. The company is collaborating on the cell and gene therapy frontier to bring this major leap in personalized medicine to patients with a variety of diseases, including genetic disorders and certain deadly cancers. Cell and gene therapies are grounded in careful research that builds on decades of scientific progress. Following key approvals of cell and gene therapies by health authorities, new treatments are being tested in clinical trials around the world.
About Novartis in Canada Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. Over the last 5 years, our average annual research and development investment in Canada was $47 million. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. The company prides itself on its commitment to diversity and to nurturing an inclusive and inspiring environment. Novartis is recognized as a Great Place to Work®, ranked among the Top 50 Best Workplaces™ in the country and is proudly named on the 2021 Best Workplaces™ for Women in Canada and Best Workplace™ for Mental Wellness lists. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
Luxturna is a registered trademark of Spark Therapeutics Inc., used under license by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
References
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Luxturna® (voretigene neparvovec) Product Monograph. April 20, 2022
Patel U BM, de Léséleuc L, et al. Voretigene Neparvovec: An Emerging Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Inherited Blindness. CADTH Issues in Emerging Health Technologies Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2016. 2018 (169)
Novartis. Data on file. 2018.
Astuti GD et al. Comprehensive genotyping reveals RPE65 as the most frequently mutated gene in Leber congenital amaurosis in Denmark. European Journal of Human Genetics 2016; 24: 1071–79.
Morimura H et al. Mutations in the RPE65 gene in patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa or Leber congenital amaurosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. 1998; 95: 3088–93.
SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
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