Simple Techniques to Fight Off Stress During the Holidays Do you find yourself being short tempered throughout the month of December? There is nothing abnormal about it. Often times, men and women find themselves under great strain during the holidays. Maybe they are concerned over their jobs, getting their loved ones the right gifts, or merely putting up with their in-laws over the holiday. That doesn’t even include the crowded shopping malls and packed parking lots. There is no question that Christmas time can be overwhelmingly stressful. At least there are 4 simple strategies, from using a pure CBD tincture to watching what you drink, that can provide phenomenal assistance in reducing holiday stress.
1 - Take Advantage of CBD Products While colorful CBD gummies are always fun, the most effective trick to keeping your cool during the holidays may be to rely on an amazing CBD oil tincture for sale. After all, cannabidiol is a natural compound that has gained popularity for helping people improve their moods by stimulating the serotonin in their brain cells. With the best CBD tincture to combat stress, a user can experience a peace of mind in no time. That means it will be easy to stay calm and cool with the rowdy kids and annoying house guests during Christmas dinner won’t be a problem this year.
2 - Be Honest
We all know somebody who is throwing a Christmas party this year. It makes no difference if you are talking to your employer, neighbor, or even your best buddy from childhood, always be truthful. If you truly don’t want to go to your office’s holiday dinner or neighbor’s Christmas Eve party, politely pass on the invitation. A person will get over a denied invitation. So it’s really not worth getting caught in a lie or showing up to a fiesta in a grumpy mood. In other words, say what you mean and mean what you say when it comes to Christmas get-togethers.
3 - Remember to Catch Your Breath
Whenever you find yourself under physical or mental pressure, it is crucial that you pay attention to your breathing. If it is shallow, you should try to fix it right away. A smart trick is to take your time inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly. Try to feel both actions in every part of your body, from your tippy toes to the end of your nose and the top of your head. Not only is this tension fighting technique nice and easy, it can be performed just about anywhere and in any situation. Whether you are in line at a department store or stuck in holiday traffic on the highway, deep belly breathing can help you stay calm and cool in just about any aggravating situation.
4 - Create an Ideal Environment
With so many hours spent at work, boring holiday parties and getting ahold of unappreciated presents, you must dedicate some time to yourself. Maybe plan a few hours that you can treat yourself to a nice spa or a massage. Of course, you can always spend your “me time” resting in your bed, if not your favorite chair. Dim the lights and play The Dark Side of the Moon, or whatever music chills you out. Turn off your phone and unplug from cyberspace for a little while. Complete relaxation is just around the corner.
5 Techniques To Help You Relax
The Best Tricks to Unwind, Like a CBD Tincture Iwoke up in a marvelous mood this morning. But when I tried entering the highway to get to work, I got stuck in a traffic jam. Then I got stressed out when some guy honked at me for trying to merge into the left lane. I got to work no more than 10 minutes late, but I still got a dirty look from my boss. To make matters worse, the office lost the internet for the entire morning. It’s not even lunchtime, and I feel completely overwhelmed. Thankfully, I am familiar with 5 highly effective tricks, like a pure CBD tincture and avoiding social media, to ease myself of physical and mental pressure.
1 - CBD Tincture Perhaps the best way to stay calm and cool in tense moments is to take advantage of a high potency CBD tincture for sale. Just like CBD gummies, the powerful tinctures are wonderful at helping people manage stress. At the same time, a user never has to worry about a euphoric “high” from hemp derived CBD, unlike the THC in marijuana. The top CBD oil tinctures on the market are also fast acting and last for several hours at a time.
2 - Ease Your Muscles While not much out there compares with the effectiveness of powerful CBD products, you can try progressive muscle relaxation to put your system at ease. For example, stretch out the muscles in your toes for 5 or 10 seconds at a time. Then relax them and breathe easy for 30 seconds. You can repeat the exercise three times before working your way through other muscle groups. Yoga is fantastic method of loosening up your muscles, as well as your mind.
3 - Get Creative Another nifty tip to fight off pressure in a hectic situation is to be imaginative. Just think, how would William Shakespeare or John Lennon handle the same circumstances. While you may not want to write a sonnet or stage a weeklong bed-in, there are always artistic outlets to help keep your mind focused and get things off your chest. Have you ever tried painting the sky or knitting a sweater for your spouse? Find a way to develop something positive from the circumstances.
4 - Don’t Be Lazy Whether you are at work or home, acting sluggish can have negative circumstances. A prime example is taking a bath. In theory, the warm water is supposed to be soothing, along with some candlelight and classical music in the background. But in reality, the water gets cold too quickly. You may be hanging out with germs that lead to staph infections. Cell phones often fall underwater, and filth-muck builds up on the tile. Trying to take a bath can become more of a strain than a relief.
5
Finally, it is wise to avoid social media and news outlets, especially during controversial events. Unfortunate occurrences, like a friend’s recent divorce or the death of a loved one can easily bring down one’s spirits. You may also get reminded of broken relationships and other lousy stuff that happened to you in the past. There is no reason to look at a high school bully’s family photo or read his political rants. As long as you remain positive, relaxation can be a walk in the park.
Major Change to America’s Retirement System Offers Flexibility and Options for Small Businesses
Bipartisan SECURE Act Approved by Both the House and Senate, Soon to Become Law; Biggest Change to America’s Retirement System in Over 10 YearsDALLAS, TX – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a spending bill, expected to be signed into law by President Trump, which includes the SECURE Act, also known as the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019.” Keith Hall, President and CEO the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, applauded both the House and Senate for acting on the bipartisan measure representing the biggest change to America’s retirement system in over a decade.“With retirement security continuing to be a looming crisis for American families, including family owned small businesses, the bipartisan measure approved by Congress and headed to President Trump for signature into law will streamline and expand retirement savings opportunities for all Americans,” said Hall. “Small businesses often carry debt and stretched bottom lines to keep their operations afloat, but this major change to our retirement system offers them options to save more for their retirement at every income level and employment structure.” The Trump Administration’s 2018 executive order opened multiple employer plans (MEPs) to small businesses and “expand(ed) access to workplace retirement savings plans for American workers.” The executive order would no longer require small businesses to have formal business ties and instead would allow small, independent employers to join together through MEPs to offer workers access to 401k retirement savings plans. Click here to read NASE’s statement on the 2018 executive order.“There are now many options and vehicles available to Americans who operate in various employment structures and income levels allowing them to save. With a changing workforce, the key to retirement savings is offering different options, more flexibility and innovative plans for millions of Americans – including the small business community. We continue to support ways to make it easier to save by removing barriers, reducing operating costs and requirements while incentivizing opportunities to invest in financial retirement,” concluded Hall.Click here to view the Details on the SECURE Act’s Changes to America’s Retirement System
Matthew Anderson appointed President and CEO of Ontario Health
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, the Board of Directors of Ontario Health announced that Matthew Anderson is joining the new provincial health care agency as its President and CEO effective February 1, 2020.
Anderson has extensive team-building, system change and health care experience, including immersion in hospital and community networks, is highly focused on the needs and experiences of patients and caregivers, and brings a wide range of experiences to draw on to lead the transformation of Ontario's health system.
Since 2016 he has been serving as the President and CEO of Lakeridge Health, a health system and hospital network that serves Durham Region, Ontario. He has been working in health care since 1992 and rose quickly to leadership positions, becoming Chief Information Officer of University Health Network (UHN) in 1998, a Vice President at UHN in 2000, and was named one of Canada's Top 40 under 40 by the Globe and Mail in 2004. In 2008, Matthew was named CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network and in 2010, became CEO of William Osler Health System.
"Matthew joining Ontario Health as its President and CEO is a significant step towards building a modern government agency that, once fully established, will be responsible for creating a patient-centred, connected health care system that delivers high-quality services to Ontarians where and when they need them with the respect and dignity they deserve," says Bill Hatanaka, Chairman of the Board of Ontario Health.
Much work has been done in preparation for today's announcement which included a rigorous, national search and extensive consultations with many stakeholders across all health sectors to assist in identifying the right candidates for this role.
"We are delighted to have Matthew join our team and are eager to work with him," adds Hatanaka.
Currently, Ontario Health comprises highly-skilled staff from 19 health care agencies from across Ontario, who are bringing their combined knowledge, strengths and experiences into one integrated organization, collectively applying the best of what they do – through one strategy and one set of priorities - to actively support those on the frontlines and to benefit all Ontarians.
"I am extremely pleased that Matthew has agreed to bring his years of leadership experience in improving health care to his new role as President and CEO of Ontario Health," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "As a trusted, innovative and dynamic leader, he will play a key role in helping to transform our public health care system around people's needs to drive real improvements that patients will experience first-hand and that help end hallway health care."
Under Anderson's leadership, the team at Ontario Health will:
Support and help achieve the government's goal of ending hallway health care
Improve the quality of Ontario's health care by measuring it, creating evidence-based standards for what quality care looks like, and holding health care providers and organizations accountable for making improvements
Meet the health care needs of local communities through digital health and virtual care platforms, quality improvement initiatives as well as workforce planning and support
Apply key learnings from Ontario's world-class cancer system to address other areas of need – such as mental health and addictions and other chronic conditions
Leverage digital systems in order to drive efforts to modernize the current health care system
Pace change and achieve transformation while protecting front-line care
And engage with professional stakeholders, patients, families, other caregivers, Indigenous, Francophone and other communities and partners to ensure Ontario Health's insights are rich, its relationships are strong, and the opportunities forged together are beneficial to all Ontarians
"I am looking very forward to joining Ontario Health and supporting the creation of a modernized and more integrated patient-centred health care system," says Matthew Anderson. "The potential for our collective strength in partnership with health sector stakeholders, patients and their caregivers is enormous."
Ontario Health, once fully established, will be the provincial agency responsible for ensuring Ontarians receive high-quality health care services where and when they need them. www.ontariohealth.ca
SOURCE Ontario Health
Seasonal influenza vaccine market across China, India and Japan set to reach US$1bn by 2028, says GlobalData
The size of the seasonal influenza vaccine market across the three major Asia-Pacific (APAC) growth markets (3GM*) will grow at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4% from US$914m in 2018 to US$1.05bn in 2028, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The company’s latest report, ‘Seasonal Influenza: Forecast in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2028’, reveals that the launch and increasing use of quadrivalent influenza vaccines in China and India, respectively, as well as the launch of plant-based vaccines in Japan will potentially provide stronger protection against seasonal influenza infections and drive growth over the next ten years.
Philipp Rosenbaum, PhD, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, explains: “The launch of the first inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccines in China from Sinovac Biotech, Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products; new quadrivalent vaccines from Biken and Denka Seiken in Japan; and the launch of quadrivalent live-attenuated vaccines from the Serum Institute in India and AstraZeneca/Daiichi Sankyo in Japan will drive the growth across the 3GM.
“Additionally, the launch of the first non-egg-based vaccine in Japan, Medicago’s virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine MDG-2271 quadrivalent, will initiate the transition away from egg-based vaccine in the APAC market and will drive the growth in the 3GM during the forecast period.”
Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData stated that higher vaccination rates are a major unmet need in the 3GM seasonal influenza market. Influenza immunization is not part of the national immunization programs in China and India, so vaccines have to be paid out of pocket, leading to vaccination rates of only 1.8% in China and 2.2% in India.
Rosenbaum concludes: “The launch of next-generation plant-based influenza vaccines in Japan will address the urgent unmet need of influenza vaccine efficacy while concurrently providing a platform to address environmental needs such as vaccine hesitancy. Universal influenza vaccines that will potentially provide multi-strain and multi-season protection are in development in the US and EU, but are not projected to launch until 2028 in the 3GM. Clinical trials necessary to prove long-term influenza virus protection will have to cover multiple influenza seasons.”
3GM*: China, India and Japan.
Ever wondered what balance of exercise, sleep, food and work delivers the best outcomes for your physical and mental health? A team of scientists led by researchers in South Australia is embarking on a four-year study to find out.
The international team will use 200,000 data sources from Fitbits, activity monitors and time-use surveys linked with health data to create a prototype.
University of South Australia lead researcher Dr Dot Dumuid said first-class prototype would provide personalised advice on how best to use a 24-hour period for specific health outcomes.
She said Israeli mathematicians, University of Adelaide computer scientists as well as global behavioural epidemiologists and public health specialists would develop an analytical method to work out the ideal length of time needed on activities in order to achieve particular outcomes.
The software will form the basis of an online tool allowing people to improve time management while achieving the optimal health for their lifestyle.
“Every day everybody is given 24 hours. How people allocate that time to activities impacts their health,” Dr Dumuid said.
“We already know that things like screen time, exercise, sleep and work-life balance influence health, but now we are thinking about these things as linked parts that together make up a complete day. So, rather than talking about activities in isolation, we talk about ‘healthy days’ or ‘the optimal mix of activities’.”
The project was this month awarded a $951,708 grant from Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council to collate data, create and test optimisation methods and develop a prototype.
“We already have access to many such data sets and we are reaching out to studies across the world to gain access to their data also,” Dr Dumuid said.
“But because people measure time in lots of different ways and there are different brands and different parameters that people have used in their studies, we will have to do some calibration across the different studies to make sure they can be put together.
“In industry optimisation, this kind of data happens all the time. For example, people optimise the mix of fertilizer to get the best crop yields but then there are also other factors like the lowest cost.”
Dr Dumuid said the usability of the prototype would be tested in a ...
Brains Bioceutical Corp. is pleased to announce the completion of its US$30m Capital Raise
VANCOUVER, Dec. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Brains Bioceutical Corp. ("Brains") is pleased to announce the completion of its US$30m Capital Raise, including US$19m raised exclusively by Canaccord Genuity, and strategic partnership with a leading European Medical Cannabis Group. Brains' founders and senior management participated with equity in the raise.
This sophisticated, sizeable and strategic transaction solidifies one of the largest partnerships operating in the Medical Cannabis sector in Europe.
Brains is a global leader in EUGMP- certified production of plant-based cannabidiol (CBD) as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use. Brains has already signed supply agreements with leading global pharmaceutical and health and wellness companies and commenced shipment to several countries around the world.
Brains is one of the few phyto-cannabinoid CBD API manufacturers in Europe with EudraGMDP certification currently in commercial production. Brains' CBD API (its primary offering to the market) is MHRA licensed for both human and veterinary use and contains 99.7% CBD and zero Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Part of the capital raised will be used to expand Brains' existing UK CBD API production growing its current annual capacity from 864,000g to 6,912,000g per annum, a near seven-fold increase.
Brains' CBD API is currently in use in a Phase III clinical trial for refractory epilepsy in adults conducted by a leading global pharmaceutical corporation. Brains expects a positive outcome from this advanced clinical study and will be ramping up CBD API production to meet anticipated demand. Brains' API has successfully been produced and shipped as a "Specials" medicine, approved by the MHRA, within the U.K. The Brains team of skilled scientists and researchers are finalizing plans to create additional APIs for dominant cannabinoids including THC, CBG, CBN, CBC and more.
Q1 2020 will see Brains launch its branded nutraceutical CBD range of products in top tier health and wellness retail and pharmacy chains in the UK. All Brains' products, own-brand and white-label, will bear the 'Brains Inside®️' trademark to provide the quality assurance stamp of EudraGMDP CBD API.
Brains is also well positioned to navigate the strict Novel Foods requirements in the UK from the Food Standards Association (FSA) and in Europe by the European Commission's (EFSA) for CBD products.
Brains phyto-cannabinoid pure CBD API has successfully been tested by the INRS Laboratory, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) facility. These screening reports have confirmed that Brains' CBD API is free of THC, pesticides and other banned substances listed by WADA. Brains is first of its kind in the industry to get such a confirmation from a WADA- accredited laboratory for the purity of its CBD and the absence of prohibitory substances. WADA has removed CBD from its banned substance list.
The Brains partnership with a leading European Medical Cannabis Group creates a vertically integrated Medical Cannabis operation and has (via its subsidiaries) inter alia received in-principle approval from a European jurisdiction to obtain a license (to permit for the cultivation, extraction, processing, manufacture, storage, transport, import and export of medicinal cannabis and cannabis-derived products) and to establish a high-quality cannabinoid processing facility.
About Brains Bioceutical Corp:
Brains Bioceutical Corp is a leader in GMP – certified production of naturally sourced active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Brains Bioceutical is one of the only cannabinoid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers in production today and is involved in academic and clinical trials across the globe.
Brains Bioceutical Corp. Senior Management Team is made up of a rare hybrid of pharmaceutical and consumer goods executives-having held C-suite and other senior positions with companies such as GW Pharma, Merck, Seattle Seahawks, Golden State Warriors, Danone, Earthbound Farms, International Herbs, Cascadia Specialties and The Royal British Navy. This experience allows Brains to execute at a hyper-efficient level in the pharma and wellness categories.
Brains' wholly owned subsidiary in the UK, BSPG Laboratories is one of only nine companies that has the commercial capability and EudraGMDP certification to produce natural CBD API. Brains is currently manufacturing a line of phytocannabinoid THC-free CBD API products. These products will be available across the UK early 2020.
MHRA Registered API: Inspected and Registered with the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency). API Certificate Number: UK API 48727
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: All statements, other than statements of historical fact, in this news release are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Brains Bioceutical Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements should they change.
SOURCE Brains Bioceutical
"Alexa, ask Sun Life what my physiotherapist coverage is"
The latest move in the company's digital transformation journey, Sun Life Clients can now tap into the Sun Life skill for Amazon Alexa to learn about benefits coverage details
TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Sun Life is doing more to help Clients easily access information about their benefits coverage for massage therapist, chiropractor, physiotherapist and psychologist services – all through Alexa-enabled devices. As Sun Life continues to drive innovation and deliver on its commitment to Clients, the company today announced the release of expanded voice technology capabilities with a new skill for Amazon Alexa.
"We know that our Clients want to access their health and benefits information through the channels that are the most convenient for them," said Alice Thomas, Chief Digital Technology Officer, Sun Life. "Our digital journey has been all about listening to our Clients, understanding their evolving needs and adopting new technologies to improve their experience."
Harnessing the voice technology of Alexa, Sun Life Clients can now access details such as remaining balances, deductibles, coverage limits and the percentage covered for each provider type. Clients can also easily check the status of a recently submitted medical or dental claim.
"Through these interactive tools, we're working to help empower our Clients to live healthier lives," said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life. "When our Clients access the power of our provider network, we're making it easy for them to make informed decisions when managing their health and wellness needs."
Sun Life has been at the forefront of the industry in introducing digital and mobile technology. The company's industry first, digital coach 'Ella', and its top rated mobile app are examples of how the company is transforming its business by digitizing current operations, creating innovative new models to delight Clients, demystify a complex business and support the important work of advisors.
"Digital assistants make it easier for consumers to get the information they need, when they need it," said Evan Young, Senior Manager, Alexa Skills. "This new skill from Sun Life is just another value add for Clients and showcases Sun Life's commitment to digital transformation."
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2019, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,063 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging business will help Fujifilm to compete with global players, says GlobalData
Following the news that Japan’s Fujifilm Holdings Corp has agreed to acquire Hitachi Ltd.’s diagnostic imaging business for approximately JPY179bn (US$1.64bn);
Rohit Anand, Practice Head of Medical Devices at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
“Fujifilm, whose global revenues have declined from US$23.7bn in 2014 to US$21.9bn in 2019, is looking to counter slowdown in its traditional business operations and scale up its market share through synergies in diagnostic imaging market. On the other hand, Hitachi is looking to restructure its business and has been selling its non-core assets while buying overseas companies to expand digital businesses.
“The current deal follows a series of recent acquisitions by Fujifilm, which has already acquired Irvine Scientific Sales and IS Japan from JXTG Nippon in 2018 and Yokogawa Medical Solutions in 2019. Earlier this year, Fujifilm agreed to acquire German endoscopic instrument manufacturer medwork GmbH.
“Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging business will significantly strengthen Fujifilm’s product line with the inclusion of CT and MRI diagnostics imaging, medical IT, in-vitro diagnostics and endoscopy. Fujifilm will be able to expand its business in the global market through cross-selling, utilizing the extensive sales channels of both companies. The deal will further strengthen Fujifilm’s position in the diagnostic imaging market and will help the company to compete with three leading players GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers and Philips Healthcare.”
4 Natural Methods That Help Cyclists Deal with Cramps
During a strenuous ride, you might begin to feel a twinge in your muscles, and that slight discomfort will most likely turn into serious muscle cramps if you aren’t careful. While some over-the-counter products can help with muscle cramps, you should consider trying a few natural methods for dealing with cramps as well.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to delay or prevent cramps, and you need to be sure that you are drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts. For longer rides, you might need to carry two or three bottles with you or stick to loops so that you are close to water at all times. Your body will also lose quite a bit of water while you are sleeping, and that is why many experts suggest drinking a full glass of water as soon as you wake up.
Consume Electrolytes
Drinking water is a great start, but you need to make sure that your body has enough electrolytes as well. Those minerals regulate how much water gets into your cells, and you won’t be able to stay hydrated if you don’t have any electrolytes in your system. Luckily, there are many different electrolyte products to choose from, and that includes beverages, gels, bars, and lozenges.
Boost Your Intake of Carbohydrates
Carbs are a vital macronutrient that your body turns into energy, but many people steer clear of carbohydrates if they are trying to lose weight. While cutting back on your carbs will help you on your weight loss journey, you need that macronutrient if you are engaging in hard rides. When you don’t consume enough carbs, the glycogen in your muscles will disappear, and that is going to increase your risk of cramps. Some of the healthiest carbs for cyclists include sweet potatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice.
Use CBD Products
For immediate relief, you might want to consider using some type of CBD oil. CBD can be taken as a capsule, gel, or spray. Those products have exploded in popularity in recent years, and many high-level athletes are now using CBD to treat a variety of aches and pains. In addition to potentially relieving muscle cramps, CBD could also minimize inflammation, reduce anxiety, and improve your focus.
If you continue to struggle with severe muscle cramps whenever you go out for a ride, then you need to speak with your doctor or a physical therapist. Chronic cramps are sometimes caused by other serious medical issues that require comprehensive treatments.
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
AbbVie reaches an agreement with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for the Combination VENCLEXTA® With Rituximab as a Treatment for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Following the signing of an agreement between AbbVie and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA)i, Quebec is the first province to reimburse the combination treatment.
VENCLEXTA® + rituximab is a regimen that includes a targeted oral agent that should be continued for two years after initial five weeks ramp-up phase.
MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2019 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, today announced that an agreement has been reached with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for VENCLEXTA® in combination with rituximab, a treatment for patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
"VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab is an effective treatment option. VENCLEXTA plus rituximab also have the benefit of a finite treatment approach, meaning patients can stop their therapy after two years of treatment and continue to benefit," said Dr. Sarit Assouline MD, MSc, FRCPC, Senior Investigator, Lady Davis Institute, Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, McGill University. "It's great news that patients in Quebec will now have access to this treatment."
On the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec's Liste des médicaments, VENCLEXTA is listed in combination with rituximab, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who have received at least one prior therapy.ii For full criteria, consult the list of medications in effect.
"The pCPA agreement for VENCLEXTA plus rituximab is positive news for Canadians living with CLL," says Elizabeth Lye, Director of Research & Programs, Lymphoma Canada. "Receiving a diagnosis of CLL or any cancer is always shocking and overwhelming, therefore knowing that there are effective treatments available provides reassurance to people facing this uncertain journey."
CLL, which is typically a slow-progressing cancer of the bone marrow and bloodiii, is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. In Canada, CLL accounts for approximately 1,745 newly diagnosed cases of leukemia each year and is responsible for more than 600 deaths a year.iv
"We are thrilled with the positive outcome of our discussions with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and that Quebec is the first province to list VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab. We are looking forward to making this treatment available to all Canadians across the country," says Stéphane Lassignardie, Vice-President and General Manager, Abbvie Canada. "With a strong commitment to developing innovative therapies for patients and contributing to longer-term healthcare sustainability, AbbVie is committed to providing solutions that bring significant clinical and economic value to patients, healthcare practitioners and our healthcare system."
VENCLEXTA continues to be investigated in CLL and other hematological diseases. VENCLEXTA is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.
About the MURANO Study A total of 389 patients with relapse / refractory (R/R) CLL who had received at least one prior therapy were enrolled in the international, multicenter, open-label, randomized (1:1) MURANO study (NCT02005471). The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab (194 patients) compared with bendamustine in combination with rituximab (195 patients). The median age of patients in the trial was 65 years (range 22-85).v The MURANO study is unique in its design with the intention for patients to stop therapy after 24 months.
About AbbVie Care Canadians prescribed VENCLEXTA can be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature care program. The program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment. For more information, please visit www.abbviecare.ca.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
