Importance of breastfeeding in preventing diabetes reaffirmed in rat study
UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 01.00 GMT 12 DECEMBER 2019
Not for publication or broadcast before this time
New research published today in The Journal of Physiology shows that breastfeeding is crucial in preventing diabetes.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for infants until six months of age, as this helps reduce child morbidity and mortality. In contrast, early weaning is associated with both the development of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Researchers at Rio de Janeiro State University, led by Patricia Lisboa, showed that weaning rat pups early increased insulin secretion in adolescent male pups and in both genders as adults.
By adolescence in male pups, the scientists mean an age in pups that is considered equivalent to adolescence in humans. In rats, adolescence is defined as ranging from age 35 to 55 days.
This increased insulin secretion is indicative of developing insulin resistance, which means a reduced responsiveness to insulin. To try to compensate for this reduced responsiveness of the body, it secretes more insulin. This is one sign of diabetes, a disease characterised by high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are normally regulated by insulin, so high blood sugar levels mean the body creates more insulin to try to regulate this.
The result of increased insulin secretion indicates that adolescent pups might be more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, as will all the offspring in adulthood.
Patricia Lisboa, one of the authors on the study said:
“There are many causes of Type 2 diabetes, but not breastfeeding for long enough, is one we can guard against. Understanding the increased susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes as a result of early weaning will help us develop the best public health guidance. “
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Full paper title: EARLY WEANING INDUCES SHORT- AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON PANCREATIC ISLETS IN WISTAR RATS OF BOTH SEXES https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP278833 (link will only work after the embargo date. Before then, please email the press office for a copy of the paper)
The Journal of Physiology publishes advances in physiology which increase our understanding of how our bodies function in health and disease. http://jp.physoc.org
The Physiological Society brings together over 4,000 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports. www.physoc.org
$2.6M to fight cancer using innovative technologies and artificial intelligence
MONTREAL, Dec. 11, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - The Oncopole, the MEDTEQ Consortium, the TransMedTech Institute and the Cancer Research Society, as part of the joint Onco-Tech Competition, are proud to announce a $2.6M investment to support innovative projects in oncology and in medical technologies.
Created by leading financiers wanting to combine academic research and industry expertise, the Onco-Tech Competition is an opportunity for Quebec investigators to accelerate the development, validation and marketing of new medical technologies in oncology, for the benefit of patients.
"The Onco-Tech Competition is a great example of the opportunities for collaboration between the research and industry sectors. This investment enables the Oncopole to reaffirm its commitment to promote Quebec innovations in medical technologies for the benefit of patients, and points to major breakthroughs in oncology" points out Renaldo Battista, Executive Director of the Oncopole.
"Industry-academic competitions such as Onco-Tech are great proof of the spirit of collaboration that prevails in R&D in Quebec. We are delighted to engage with our longstanding partners, and thus accelerate the technological innovations in oncology" said Diane Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer of MEDTEQ.
Five projects receiving substantial support
Selected for their ability to meet a clinical need by integrating innovative technologies, in collaboration with industry partners such as Imagia, Siemens, Elekta, Photo Etc or ORS, five projects will receive major funding support.
Better classification of mammographic abnormalities using artificial intelligence artificielle [Team led by Julie Lemieux and Louise Provencher (CHU de Québec – Université Laval)]
By using Imagia's EVIDENS platform, the objective of the research project is to more specifically classify mammographic abnormalities as "malignant" or "benign". This would result in decreasing the number of supplementary investigations (other breast imaging or biopsy) for abnormal mammography images. The project also provides hope for major advances in breast cancer screening: it seeks to obtain an objective measurement of breast density using artificial intelligence.
Towards a better quantitative and multiplexed lung cancer diagnosis using metallic nanoparticles [Team led by Michel Meunier and Dominique Trudel (Polytechnique Montréal, CHUM)]
The project focuses on the innovative use of multiple metallic nanoparticles of various colours targeting cell surface proteins to ensure a more quantitative diagnosis and multiplexed selection of the imune treatment for lung cancer patients.
Predicting the clinical response to immunotherapy for lung cancer patients, using artificial intelligence [Team led by Drs. Philippe Joubert and Bertrand Routy (Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, CHUM Research Centre]
By putting artificial intelligence to good use, the project aims to develop an algorithm integrating the clinical, radiological and molecular characteristics of the tumor for patients suffering from advanced lung cancer, in order to predict their response potential to treatment aimed at reactivating the immune system in order to destroy tumor cells (immunotherapy).
Better detection of hepatocellular carcinomas to improve the effectiveness of liver cancer treatments using novel algorithms [Team led by Guy Cloutier and Dr. An Tang, CHUM Research Centre, Université de Montréal]
The team focuses on studying the mechanical and structural properties of the liver using novel algorithms applied to experimental ultrasound images in order to increase the detection of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and thus improve monitoring, the effectiveness of the treatments and patient survival.
A predictive plateform of radiation treatments using breakthroughs in artificial intelligence [Team led by Samuel Kadoury and Dr. David Roberge (Polytechnique Montréal, CHUM)]
The project's objective is to develop a prediction platform based on deep learning for digital planning and radiation treatments – adaptable, depending on the case in question -, using medical images, for cancer patients.
This major funding will enable the projects selected to benefit from targeted and complementary expertise to accelerate the development of new medical technologies, providing hope in the fight against cancer.
"The TransMedTech Institute is proud to have contributed to Oncopole's initiative and to have assisted four of the five Onco-Tech Competition winners. Together, we explored the investigators' initial innovative ideas in order to understand the needs from various angles and standpoints during the co-development of medical technologies in oncology. Founded in 2017, TransMedTech is already setting itself apart in the R&D community through its expertise in rallying stakeholders to an approach known as Living Lab, which enhances project quality" points out Prof. Carl-Éric Aubin, Chief Executive and Scientific Officer of TransMedTech.
"The Cancer Research Society is pleased to help propel these promising projects in order to develop technology and take giant steps to #OutsmartCancer. It's the mandate that we have been given by hundreds of thousands of donors who, across the country, count on research to fight this disease that affects 1 in 2 Canadians", said Manon Pepin, the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer.
About the Oncopole
Oncopole is a Quebec hub for research, development and investment to accelerate the fight against cancer. Created in February of 2017, it is the product of a unique co-creation process led by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS) and made possible by an initial $15M investment from Merck Canada. Oncopole's mission is to act as a catalyst leveraging actions made by the key players in Quebec's oncology and innovation research ecosystem. As a result, it aims to position the province as a leader in the field. Its priorities of action, namely research, entrepreneurship, commercialization and integration of innovation, as well as clinical relevance, are orchestrated in order to foster the mobilization of stakeholders, the discovery of innovative approaches to fight cancer and, ultimately, a positive impact for the benefit of patients.
About MEDTEQ
MEDTEQ is the pan-Canadian Consortium for Industrial Research and Innovation in Medical Technology. Its mission is to accelerate the development of innovative technological solutions to improve patients' health and quality of life. MEDTEQ supports their validation and integration in the healthcare system and their impact, both locally and globally, by bringing together the complementary skills of industrial and academic partners, and with those of healthcare providers. MEDTEQ relies on the financial support of the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada (delivered through the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR)), the private sector and complementary partners to foster research-industry relations.
About the TransMedTech Institute
TransMedTech Institute aims to support the development of innovative medical technologies, train the next generation of professionals and make innovation in life sciences and engineering a source of wealth for society. Based on a Living Lab approach, TransMedTech provides an integrated environment that supports interdisciplinary collaborative processes and co-creation of new medical technologies and interventions to catalyze their development and adoption by users.
With a total of $95 million in grants from the Fonds d'excellence en recherche Apogée Canada, the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation du Québec and several other partners, TransMedTech Institute is led by 5 founding institutions (Polytechnique Montréal, University of Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine, CHUM and Jewish General Hospital of Montreal), includes over 50 partner institutions and has first-rate infrastructure to support the development and validation of medical technologies.
About the Cancer Research Society
Founded in 1945, the Cancer Research Society is the first Canadian organization entirely dedicated to funding research on all types of cancer. Over the course of its history, the Society has supported thousands of our country's best scientific minds who have helped make important strides in the way we prevent, detect, and treat cancer. Since 2000, thanks to the generosity of donors across the country, the Society distributed over $172 million in research grants. CancerResearchSociety.ca
SOURCE Oncopole
How to Recover from an Exercise Related Injury so You Can Get Back to Work
It is important to remain physically fit, but you can incur an injury while working out. This can make it difficult to go back to work. However, there are ways to recover faster from an exercise-related injury. Use these tips during your recovery so that you can get back to work faster.
Rest for a Few Days
You can rest for a few days to help you recover from an injury. This means that you should reduce your physical activities, but you can likely continue with your daily activities. It is important to sleep as much as possible during this time, or you can recline on a couch while resting your injured arm or leg on a pillow. If your back or shoulder is injured, then sitting in a recliner may feel better than resting in a bed. After a few days, you can begin to move around more to avoid developing stiff muscles and inflexible joints.
Application of Ice Packs
Applying an ice pack is one of the first things that you should do while recovering from your injury. You can use ready-made ice packs that are kept in the freezer, or alternatively, you can make an ice pack with ice cubes and a plastic bag. Make sure to apply the ice to the injured area for only 20 minutes every few hours. This will reduce the inflammation in the joints along with reducing any swelling in the tissues. Avoid leaving the ice packs on your injured body part too long because it can damage your sensitive skin.
Get Help from Experts after an Injury
At an injury rehab clinic, you can get help from experts who can create a customized treatment plan. This type of personalized care might include physical therapy with special exercises, chiropractic care or pain management with medications. You can also receive a special brace to support an injured knee, back or other body part. It is possible to undergo professional treatment one or more times to help you recover quickly.
Have a Positive Mental Attitude
In addition to taking care of yourself physically, you can improve your well-being with a good mental attitude. Listen to your favorite music, relax and think positive thoughts to encourage faster healing of your body. You might want to learn how to meditate during the recovery process to reduce your negative thinking.
Last, you might find relief from your pain by using heat treatments rather than using ice. This can involve hot showers or using an electric heating pad.
5 Training Tips to Protect Against Strained Muscles
When it comes to injuries, muscle strain is among some of the most unpredictable, yet most common. Whether you’re exercising, working, or simply going about your daily routine, one wrong move could result in sudden pain.
Muscle strain is mostly prevalent in those who exercise and train a lot. Despite the randomness of muscles strain causes, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent muscle strain.
Warm Up First
One of the most common causes of muscle strain is working out without warming up first. Warm ups don’t have to be anything tricky. In fact, they should be something simple. They can be anything, like a walk around the block or mild stretching.
Some people actually think that the more rigorous the exercise, the less likely they’ll develop muscle strain. This is not true as your muscles will become inflamed after an intense workout. Inflammation opens the door for many potential problems with not only your muscles, but your joints and ligaments as well.
Build Muscle Tone
Another common reason for muscle strain is muscles that aren’t quite strong enough for the task at hand. Similar to inflammation, weak muscles are also at risk of developing muscle strain such. One wrong move and it will be very painful to lift your arm for a few days.
A surefire way to prevent muscle strain is to build muscle. Keep in mind that muscle growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, commitment, and effort to have effect. Remember to take things slow as you do so.
Improve Endurance
Everyone has a limit of how much they can endure, but with enough time and dedication, your endurance will gradually improve. Overexerting yourself is something you should always avoid as it can cause other problems aside from muscle strain. As with building muscle, it’s crucial you take things slow and pace yourself.
Consider Your Exercise Method
Not everyone can perform all types of exercise, so be sure to exercise within your limits. Going beyond you’re able to do can be risky, so never push yourself. If you have trouble deciding what type of exercise is right for you, consult your doctor.
Choose the Right Exercise Gear
Having the right gear can also help prevent muscle strain. While the gear you need will depend on your activity, using the correct recommend equipment will prevent more injuries that just muscle strain. To prevent muscle strain specifically, consider using compression gear over whichever muscles are at risk for strain. Runners many want compression pants, and those working their arms may want an upper arm sleeve.Muscle strain can become very uncomfortable and painful. However, by taking the right precautions, you’ll be able to train without having to worry about
Pharmacare with no new medicines
Meeting with pricing officials shows that government's true goal is to slash prices so low that no new medicines will come to Canada
OTTAWA, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - The changes to how the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB) calculates maximum prices allowed for such treatments in Canada, approved in the last days of the previous majority Liberal government, are "even worse than feared," stated patient representatives after a four-hour meeting with PMPRB officials in Ottawa on December 10.
"We can only conclude that this strategy is tied to the publicly funded pharmacare proposals, also supported by the previous government," said Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders. "It will be a drug plan that includes no new drugs and perhaps eliminates some existing ones."
Science is delivering on new medicines that really do cure cancer, restore sight to the blind, prevent bleeds, and stop the progression of crippling diseases. And while every country is considering how to pay for these breakthroughs in treatment, only Canada is introducing draconian measures designed to drop list prices by more than 20% and, more importantly, actual prices by 40% to 90%.
If every developed country took the same approach as Canada, research and development of new medicines would literally grind to a halt as investors directed their funds elsewhere. However, because Canada represents only 2% of the global drug market and we are the only country imposing such drastic price cuts, the net result will be that companies will simply choose not to bring the new medicines to Canada.
While the federal government dismisses these concerns as "fear mongering", in fact, preliminary survey results released by Life Sciences Ontario (https://bit.ly/2Ptx6YY) lends substance to these fears, with some pharmaceutical companies already stopping plans to launch new medicines in Canada and one company indicating it may be forced to withdraw a first-line therapy because the new pricing formula will place the Canadian price far below those of other developed countries.
Among those who will lose out are Canadians with rare disorders, many who are waiting for their first-ever treatment. Toronto lawyer Chris MacLeod, who is living with cystic fibrosis, is hoping the next therapy will come to Canada. "If this pricing scheme had been in place five years ago when the first drug for CF was available, I would probably not be alive today. Now we are hearing that the company making the next therapy is reconsidering whether it will launch in Canada. Even a delay of two years may be too long. For patients like me, having access as soon as possible to a new medicine is a matter of life or death."
Other groups are also supporting this demand. "Canadians with gastrointestinal diseases and disorders have relied on new medications to help improve their quality of life greatly, and even save lives, over the past 15 years, but we know there are many newer and better treatments on the horizon," said Gail Attara, President and CEO of the Gastrointestinal Society (www.badgut.org). "We can't afford to have Canadians miss out on access to new therapies that could vastly improve their quality of life, but this will certainly happen unless these harsh pricing regulations are changed."
Wong-Rieger recalls that "both Gail and I were members of the Steering Committee that sat in closed-door sessions over a period of nine months, supposedly providing advice to the PMPRB on the proposed regulations but it was clear that they were not open to other options that would manage prices AND support introduction of new medicines. We were so frustrated that we each wrote letters to the Prime Minister, calling for his intervention but the government was seemingly willing to sacrifice new therapies for Canadian patients in order to support a publicly funded drug plan. The consultation was a total sham."
About the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders. CORD works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada. For more information on CORD, visit: www.raredisorders.ca
SOURCE Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - The following is a statement by Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) on the signing of a revised Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) today by the three countries:
"Earlier today the Trump Administration and House Democrats announced they have reached an agreement on CUSMA, including several improvements to the pharmaceutical intellectual property aspects of the agreement.
The CGPA expects that such improvements are included in the revised CUSMA signed today by Canada, the United States and Mexico. Such improvements would represent an important win for the Canadian health-care system and patients' access to affordable prescription medicines in Canada and throughout North America.
Canada's Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that the concessions made by Canada in the CUSMA signed in 2018 would have cost Canadians as much as $169 million more per year for prescription medicines in the first year alone after they came into effect. The CGPA expects that this potential impact will be eliminated with the changes.
The removal of the requirement for 10 years of market exclusivity for biologic drugs, which could have delayed the future introduction of new biosimilar biologic medicines in Canada, is of particular importance to Canadian patients, public drug plans and employers that sponsor drug benefit plans for their employees.
The 2018 CUSMA concessions also could have delayed the future introduction of new biosimilar biologic medicines to Canada. Biologic drugs account for more than 30 per cent of Canada's prescription drug costs, but are used to fill less than two per cent of all Canadian prescriptions. Biosimilars are an important solution to this cost challenge. They are approved by Health Canada, and provide safe, effective and therapeutically-equivalent treatments to their reference biologic drugs.
The generic and biosimilar medicines industries are strong supporters of trade and the elimination of barriers to trade. Moving forward trade negotiations must prioritize measures to provide access to affordable medicines for patients and to foster a competitive business environment for the generic and biosimilar medicines industries.
The CGPA will be undertaking a careful review of the revised CUSMA to ensure that the anticipated changes are fully reflected in the final text of the revised treaty."
About the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) represents Canada's generic pharmaceutical industry. The industry plays an important role in controlling health-care costs in Canada. Generic drugs are dispensed to fill nearly 73 percent of all prescriptions but account for account for less than 20 percent of the $30-billion Canadians spend annually on prescription medicines.
SOURCE Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
How Preventative Physical Therapy Makes You a Smarter Athlete
Physical therapy isn’t just good for treating existing injuries. Athletes can often use this treatment as a preventative tool to gain an advantage on the competitive field. Here are four ways that preventative physical therapy can make you a smarter athlete.
Injury Prevention
If you’re worried about getting injured while in the game or during training, physical therapy can help prepare your body better for the physical demands of your sport. A qualified physical therapist can put together a personalized plan that can be incorporated into your athletic regimen and will give you a better chance of staying injury-free. This plan may include certain stretches and other manual techniques that the therapist will use to help safeguard muscles, joints and other areas of the body that are prone to injury while engaging in sports.
Diagnosing Muscle Imbalances and Other Abnormalities
A trained physical therapist will be able to look for certain bodily abnormalities that could affect your athletic performance. Any muscle imbalances and other biomechanical flaws that you don’t know that you have can possibly be diagnosed so that you can take corrective measures to make these challenges less difficult for you to manage. By knowing about these shortcomings, you will have a better understanding of what your body can and cannot do and can obtain additional knowledge that will help you perform your best.
Recovery Knowledge
Physical therapy is often an effective tool for helping an athlete’s body recover after a strenuous workout. By actively assisting you in moving your muscles, joints and connective tissues, the physical therapist will help you recover more effectively. Recovering faster and safer with the use of physical therapyis a smart way to stay in the game longer, and you can also be ready sooner for your next practice or tournament by using physical therapy as a recovery tool.
Improved Movements
If you want to train your body to move better to increase your athletic performance, physical therapy can be highly useful. The ways that your physical therapist moves certain parts of your body can help you develop the proper movements and stances that are needed to perform at a high level while decreasing your risk for injury.You can make yourself a smarter, better-prepared athlete by simply incorporating preventative physical therapy into your plan. The benefits that you’ll enjoy and the knowledge that you’ll attain can help you in many areas of your athletic performance.
Stanford Inn and Resort Offers Personalized Family Workshops to Help Overcome Picky Eating
At this plant-based Mendocino resort children and parents cook together, learn nutrition as a team, and participate in family art and creativity workshops to build long-term healthy living habits MENDOCINO, CA _ The Stanford Inn and Resort, is offering families a chance to grab an apron and get cooking – down to the littlest family members – all in the name of healthy habits.“It’s always the right time to adopt healthy living habits,” said Sid Garza-Hillman, the Wellness ProgramsDirector and Certified Nutritionist. Garza-Hillman is also the author of Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and a Thriving Family. “This vacation package is a unique opportunity for parents, with their children, to slow down, come together, play together, and learn together.” Joan Stanford, Registered Art Therapist and creative play facilitator who leads the creative portion of the program adds, “This is about creating and expanding a healthy lifestyle. Kids really respond to a mutual exploration with their parents. Sid, his wife, and three young kids are living this way and my husband and I raised our two kids, fostering a sense of adventure, curiosity and meeting challenges with creativity. It is a great way to be!” Raising and nurturing a healthy family is challenging. Garza-Hillman, who advocates a predominately whole food, plant-based diet, feels parents are often overwhelmed with what challenges might be involved as well children who are picky eaters and are resistant to new dishes. However, during this fun, exciting, and accessible vacation package, parents and children will receive common sense, science-based information, plus real-life, practical tools that will empower them to establish long-term healthy living habits, resulting in a vibrant and happy home. The skills and techniques they bring home will be manageable and sustainable. The Vibrant Families vacation package is available as an add-on to a three-night minimum stay any time of year! The classes/sessions are taught at the resort over the course of the three days with plenty of down-time to play and explore the breathtaking Mendocino coast, wander the resort’s vast property and educational farm, or head out on one of the resort’s redwood outrigger canoes with the entire family! The Vibrant Families vacation package includes:· Family Cooking Class· Family Art & Creativity Class· Healthy Living Class/Nutrition Class· Establishing Healthy Family Habits Class· Copy of Sid Garza-Hillman’s book - Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and aThriving Family· Copy of The Art of Play: Ignite Your Imagination to Unlock Insight, Healing, and Joy by Joan Stanford· Three Dinners· An “Art Corner” during all classes for infants (and/or siblings who'd like a break) that is within view of parents with art supplies and games This add-on package costs $585/couple + tax (call for single parent pricing) and $150/child (age 4 – 17);Free /child (age 0 – 3). Taxes, gratuities and lodging are additional; a minimum 3-night stay is required.This package is subject to availability; please contact the Stanford Inn and Resort to verify your dates before making your reservation. About Stanford Inn and ResortNestled atop a meadow that overlooks Mendocino Bay, The Stanford Inn and Resort is a luxurious and sustainable destination providing recreation opportunities from nature tours to yoga, and canoeing and kayaking to massage. AAA Four Diamond rated, family owned and operated, the Resort is unique and a great base for exploring the Mendocino Coast while guests may never leave the property, which offers an indoor saltwater pool, full bar, magnificent gardens, award-winning restaurant, and extensive wellness experiences. In addition to being home to a one of a kind Wellness Center with Chinese medicine, nutrition and cooking classes, Massage in the Forest, creative play shops, and various exercise and meditation options, the Inn features a USDA Organic certified farm which provides produce for the Resort’s Ravens Restaurant. The award-winning restaurant serves organic plant-based cuisine that is conscientiously prepared with respect for the land. Family-friendly and pet-friendly, the Stanford Inn Resort offers an array of life-enhancing experiences. All rooms bask in the glow of warm pine, complete with wood-burning fireplaces and private baths. The Resort is also the site of a GROW BIOINTENSIVE® educational farm, attracting students from around the globe to learn how to sustainably grow a complete diet in the smallest amount of space possible. The Resort also hosts the Environmental Leadership Field School, an intensive hands-on and classroom experience that mobilizes future leaders from different fields to support and enhance the environment, biodiversity, and equitable relationships. Stanford Inn and Resort is located at 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, POB 487, Mendocino, CA 95460; on Facebook at facebook.com/stanford.inn.mendocino.
EMD Serono and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance Complete Negotiations for MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
This an important next step to ensure broader access to PrMAVENCLAD® for eligible Canadians living with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, today announced that it completed negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) and signed a letter of intent (LOI) for MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets). MAVENCLAD was approved by Health Canada in November 2017 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the progression of disability.i
This is an important step to ensure broader, equitable and timely access to MAVENCLAD for eligible patients across Canada. The signed LOI allows EMD Serono, Canada to work with participating jurisdictions to implement public funding of MAVENCLAD for eligible RRMS patients, which is currently reimbursed by most private drug insurance plans.
"We're excited to complete the pCPA negotiations and reach an agreement on the terms of public reimbursement for MAVENCLAD," said Gaby Murphy, President & Managing Director, EMD Serono, Canada. "We look forward to working with participating jurisdictions to achieve the timely listing of MAVENCLAD by their respective public drug plans, and ensure broader access to this treatment option for Canadians living with MS."
"Canada has one of the highest rates of MS [multiple sclerosis] in the world," said Dr. Ji-Won Oh, a Neurologist at the St. Michael's Hospital MS Clinic in Toronto. "We are fortunate to have new and innovative MS drugs approved by Health Canada for optimal MS management. Patients need access to new treatment options, and it is encouraging that MAVENCLAD is now a step closer to being available to Canadian RRMS patients who receive their benefits from public drug plans."
About MAVENCLAD MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets) is a short-course oral therapy that selectively and periodically targets lymphocytes thought to be integral to the pathological process of relapsing MS.ii In November 2017, Health Canada approved MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets) as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the progression of disability. MAVENCLAD is generally recommended in MS patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, one or more therapies for multiple sclerosis.
MAVENCLAD has been approved in 70 countries including the United States, European Union (EU), Australia and Switzerland, for various relapsing MS indications.
The clinical development program of MAVENCLAD in MS comprises more than 12,000 patient years of data with over 2,700 patients included in the clinical trial program, and up to 10 years of observation in some patients. These clinical trials include the Phase III CLARITY, CLARITY extension and ORACLE MS trials, the Phase II ONWARD trial and the PREMIERE Long-term Safety Registry.
About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are inflamed and often damaged.iii It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people have MS worldwide.iv Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world with one in 385 people living with the disease.v While symptoms vary, the most common symptoms of MS include extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes.vi The relapsing forms of MS are the most common type at the time of diagnosis.vii
About EMD Serono, Canada EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology. Today, EMD Serono, Canada has more than 100 employees across Canada with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 56,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2018, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 14.8 billion in 66 countries.
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.
Elderly people should aim to keep up step count this winter
Just two weeks of inactivity increases body fat, and harms muscles and bones
UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 01.00 GMT 12 DECEMBER 2019
Not for publication or broadcast before this time
As the temperature continues to drop this winter, it is harder to find the motivation to get off the couch and out for a walk. New research from the University of Liverpool, presented at The Physiological Society’s early career conference Future Physiology 2019 shows that after just two weeks of reduced physical activity (around 1500 steps per day), older adults lose significant amounts of muscle which coincides with substantial gains in body fat percentage, especially around the waist.
Importantly, the gains in fat within the muscle tissue reduces its quality, leading to significant losses in the muscle strength. The inactivity period also decreased bone mineral density by increasing how much of the bone is reabsorbed by the body.
Most research on physical inactivity looks at extreme forms, such as space flight, bedrest or immobilisation, which isn’t relevant to most healthy people. This study is unique in that it looked at only two weeks of a low step-count of 1500 per day in both young and older adults, which might happen to people who spend an increased amount of time within their time at home which could be due to illness, adverse weather or even just over the festive period.
Before the two-week period of inactivity, both groups (26 younger participants and 21 older) were doing the same amount of physical activity; over a four-day period used as a metric, each participant was doing over 10,000 steps per day but did not partake in vigorous exercise.
The study was looking at whether the health of older adults was more affected by the period of inactivity, which is important given we all lose muscle mass, strength and bone during ageing. These changes lead to a reduced ability to perform daily activities and can lead to chronic health conditions. This is especially relevant as we are now living for longer, while the time spent in good health has not increased to the same extent.
Although the findings showed that muscle size, muscle strength and bone mass equally reduced in the young and old groups after two weeks with both groups gaining similar amounts of fat in their muscles and around their waist, the older adults had less muscle and more fat to start with. Therefore, these changes are likely to have more of a detrimental impact within the ageing population compared with younger adults.
Furthermore, there were two critical physiological measures that substantially declined in the older group but not the young: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mitochondrial function. CRF refers to the efficiency with which oxygen is supplied to muscles during sustained physical activity, and it is influenced by cardiovascular and respiratory health. Low CRF is usually found in those with poor physical health, with these individuals being more likely to develop diseases at a younger age. Mitochondrial function, the energy production of our cells, is important for muscle and metabolic health. The results suggest that these declines in CRF and mitochondrial function could play an important role in the loss of muscle mass and strength and gains in muscle and body fat during physical inactivity.
Juliette Norman, one of the authors of the research said:
“The severe impact of short-term inactivity on our health is hugely important to communicate to people. If the gym is hard to get to, people should be encouraged to just meet 10,000 steps as even this can guard against reductions in muscle and bone health, as well as maintaining healthy levels of body fat.”
Juliette Norman is available for interviews during the Future Physiology 2019 conference, taking place 17-19 December at Liverpool John Moores University. Please email her to discuss timing.
The Physiological Society brings together over 4,000 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports. www.physoc.org
This study was funded by the Centre of Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA).
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