JUSU Companies Expand the Plant Based Movement with the Acquisition of Westbloom
VICTORIA, Jan. 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Jusu Bars Inc. ("Jusu") one of Canada's leading health, wellness and lifestyle companies, announced today of its recent acquisition of Westbloom Inc. ("Westbloom"). The acquisition of Westbloom, a Calgary based beverage company specializing in coffees, teas, and cold brew beverages, allows Jusu to offer high quality plant-based coffee at all their locations. "Our mission at Jusu is to provide our customers with high quality, organic, chemical free and environmentally friendly products" says Bruce Mullen, Jusu's Founder and CEO. "Westbloom is a perfect fit for Jusu, as their coffees, teas and cold brew products are of the highest quality. Westbloom has shown a great commitment to their innovative approach and the plant-based movement. The synergies of Jusu and Westbloom's culture and products will allow us to offer a complete product line to meet the needs of our customers". With Western Canada as its gateway, Jusu is providing customers with a way to consume chemical-free, plant based and certified organic food and beverage products. Jusu is looking to expand their business into other markets in North America, as an increase in consumer demand for organic plant-based products is on the rise.
About Jusu Inc.- Jusu is a group of companies committed to making pure, organic, plant-based products for consumption, body and personal care. We are passionate about educating our community on ways of living a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. We do this through our multiple brick-and-mortar juice bar franchise locations as well as our extensive direct-to-consumer product offerings expanding everything from skin care and body products to aromatherapy and home cleaning lines.
About Westbloom Inc. – Westbloom is a specialty coffee, tea and cold brew company based in Calgary, Alberta. Two key executives of Westbloom will transition to Jusu's executive team.
HEALTH IS WEALTH
JACK MARTYN / CO-FOUNDER WESTBLOOM: Jack is the co-founder of Westbloom and brings legal and regulatory experience to the Jusu team. Jack has over five years of experience in the legal field, practicing primarily corporate law in both Australia and Canada. Further, Jack has over 3 years of experience consulting for cannabis companies throughout Canada. Jack is a member of the Alberta Law Society and holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Bond University.
JEANNE BEKER: We are also thrilled to announce JUSU's collaboration with media marketing icon Jeanne Beker. Jeanne has extensive experience in the media, entertainment, beauty and fashion world. Her ability to connect and lead multiple generations of like-minded people will benefit all the JUSU companies and our guests.
MIEUX DIGITAL: Also joining the team is MIEUX digital company - experts in all aspects of marketing, branding, e-commerce, affiliate programs, influencer programs, and the Shopify direct to consumer (D2C) platform.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT: JUSU announces a private placement to fund expansion. The proceeds from the offering will be used to develop an entire direct-to-consumer ecosystem, consolidate and refine narratives, enhance marketing/branding, optimize distribution, explore an influencer program, and create working capital.
SOURCE JUSU Bar Inc
How to Give Yourself Extra Motivation for Meeting Your New Year Fitness Goals
Every New Year's people across the country come up with New Year's resolutions that they hope will help them improve their lives in some way. One very common New Year's resolution is to start and stick to a fitness program. While this is a commendable goal, it can be difficult to keep the motivation that is needed to continue such a plan when things start getting more challenging. In order to help you find that extra motivation that you need to keep pushing ahead and achieve your fitness goals, consider some of the following tips.
Set Realistic Goals
Make sure that the goals that you have set yourself are not too extreme as to be unrealistic. If your bar is set too high, then no degree of motivation will be enough to get you to the place you want to be. Start simple, remembering that taking small intermediate steps is the best way to create significant long-lasting change.
Write Them Down
One small thing that can have a surprisingly large impact on your ability to achieve your goals is to simply write your goals down. The act of putting pen to paper and making your goals something tangible that you can see has a powerful psychological effect that can help you reach your target. Keeping a written record of the progress that you have made towards your fitness goals can also be a great help, as it makes it easy to see how the changes you are making are having an effect in your life.
Get Support
As with most things in life, having a strong support system can be critical to success. Getting others involved in your fitness goals, even if it's only in a supporting role, can be hugely beneficial by creating a support system that can help you keep moving forward when things inevitably get tough as the days go by. Knowing that somebody else is counting on you to do well can be a great motivating factor as well, so bring friends or family along whenever possible. Plan group outings or meals that involve others so that they can hold you accountable if you try not to follow through.
Everybody forgets things from time to time, remember that slipping up does not mean that your resolution needs to be scrapped. Consider getting something that can help jog your memory to do your fitness routine. Something like an alert on your phone, a note on the fridge, or a T-shirt from DHDWearwith a message that pushes you towards working on your goals. Whatever you need to get it done, find something that works for you.
Libtayo™ (cemiplimab) Receives Positive Recommendation from the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review Expert Review Committee for the Treatment of Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer accounting for approximately 20% of all skin cancer cases in Canada.1
OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 16, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada is pleased with the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) conditional recommendation for reimbursement of LibtayoTM (cemiplimab) in patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.2 LibtayoTM (cemiplimab) is a fully-human monoclonal antibody targeting the immune checkpoint receptor PD-1 and is the first and only biologic for the treatment of advanced CSCC available in Canada.3
"Cemiplimab is a major step forward in the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Use of this agent will revolutionize treatment of this disease which previously had few therapeutic options," said Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The positive recommendation was based on the results of the phase II EMPOWER-CSCC 1 study. pERC concluded in its report that LibtayoTM(cemiplimab) aligns with patient values as there is a significant burden of illness in this population and need for more effective treatment options with tolerable side effects that are associated with less pain, scarring, and disfigurement.2
"The CSCC patient population is often overlooked, and this pCODR recommendation for LibtayoTM (cemiplimab) represents great progress and hope for the future," said Annette Cyr, Chair, Melanoma Network of Canada. "CSCC is a devastating, isolating disease and we look forward to the prospect of expedited access to this much needed treatment option for both patients and clinicians."
CSCC starts in squamous cells of the skin, which are flat cells found in the outer part of the epidermis. When CSCC is found very early and only in the epidermis, it is called CSCC in situ. It is not usually life-threatening because it is an early form of CSCC. CSCC in situ may turn into invasive CSCC. This means that the cancer can grow into nearby tissue or deeper layers of the skin.1 If lesions are untreated, they may continue to grow, causing damage to the surrounding tissue and potentially spreading to other parts of the body.4
About the Melanoma Network of Canada The Melanoma Network of Canada is a national charity that provides patient support as well as timely and accurate prevention and information resources. The Melanoma Network of Canada is the leader and voice for the melanoma and skin cancer community and assists efforts to target funding for melanoma research. Funding raised by the Melanoma Network of Canada goes directly into patient support programs, youth prevention programs as well as research. Please visit www.melanomanetwork.ca for more information.
New Journal from Elizz.com is a Game Changer in Wellness: Promoting the Perfect Path to Self-Care for a "New You" in 2020
Elizz journal helps "busy" daughters and sons of aging parents to focus on what really matters
TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Elizz.com is changing the game for busy, family caregivers in 2020. On the scoreboard: kickstarting health and wellness, savouring self-care and practicing gratitude. The It.Is.Time. Journal – the latest resource from Elizz, a division of SE Health – helps daughters and sons of aging parents prioritize, take guilt free "me time", and appreciate the feel-good moments of the day. It's simple, quick, and effective; it's a game changer.
When caring for aging parents, additional responsibilities, such as work and family create long 'to-do' lists, causing emotional, mental and physical stress. The It.Is.Time. Journal helps family caregivers to gain control and feel better.
Journaling makes people feel great and promotes health and happiness. According to the 2019 FamilyCaregiver Survey by Clever Samurai, for those who journal, almost 45 per cent said that journaling "increases motivation and/or improves their emotional well-being," while 80 per cent said it "encourages calmness and relaxes me."
"We understand that family caregivers lead busy lives, so taking care of themselves is often lost or forgotten," says Allyson Kinsley, Senior Vice President, Brand Experience at SE Health. "At Elizz.com, we have phenomenal resources, even a chatbot (elizzbot), but we really wanted to develop something tangible, that caregivers canuse and feel good about, every day. The It.Is.Time. Journal gives people this opportunity and the best part: it isn't a time burden – it fits into their 'busy' lives."
As the survey uncovers, 68 per cent of family caregivers spend up to 30 per cent of their time caregiving; and a whopping 80 per cent have given up "personal activities" for caregiving. The study also revealed that over 50 per cent say they would benefit from having more information about stress release techniques and 57 per cent indicated strong interest in a tool that would help them to track and write down why they are grateful. Studies show that when people are aware of their thoughts and feelings, and write them down, they are happier and healthier.
The It.Is.Time. Journal is a practical, every day tool that inspires family caregivers and busy people to put themselves first, so they can feel happy while providing care for others. If a caregiver is happy, the people around them are too. The It.Is.Time. Journal is a simple step in self-care and it's a game changer at every turn, especially at the start of a new year.
About SE Health SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise applying knowledge, vision and drive to impact how people live and age at home, today and into the future. With Canadian roots and 110+ years of expertise, the organization brings quality excellence and innovation to home care, seniors' lifestyle, and family caregiving. Through its team of 9,000 Leaders of Impact, SE Health delivers 21,000 care exchanges daily, totaling 50 million in the last decade alone. Visit us online at sehc.com
About Elizz Elizz is the family caregiving division of SE Health. Elizz is a lifestyle destination that inspires daughters and sons to live well while caring for their aging parents. Through thoughtful content, it provides resources to help with caregiving, inspirations to practice self-care, and connection with others going through similar journeys. Visit us online at elizz.com
New App Designed to Support Mental Health and Well-Being Launches Kickstarter Campaign
Illumu helps people through their most challenging times through engaging interaction on their smartphones.
A life-changing new app called Illumu has launched a Kickstarter campaign. The app is designed to help people to maintain their emotional health through their most challenging times. Illumu uses the power of Machine Learning to customize a response to feelings of emotional distress for each user.
Emotional health is a primary concern in today’s increasingly complex world. People are finding themselves with feelings of loneliness and helplessness when they face hardship. Illumu is part of the solution, using the one object that nearly everyone has with them at all times – their smartphones.
Illumu creates a companion that people can take with them everywhere and anywhere. It offers practical suggestions and new ways of thinking to achieve, sustain, and enhance emotional health. The app has specialized features that categorically address feelings such as loneliness, confusion, and overwhelm. Three of the top features include the selfie feature, the customized content library, and the event finder.
The selfie feature understands the user’s emotional state. Illumu evaluates the effectiveness of its recommendations, which the app calls LifeChangers, by utilizing selfies. As the user takes selfies on consecutive days, the app’s algorithm understands if the suggested LifeChangers are effective or not, leading to more targeted LifeChangers.
Illumu’s AI-powered algorithm creates a customized content library for each individual that can be applied to their specific life challenge. This content library includes short films, music, games, poems, paintings, and more.
The app will also connect its users with local events, encouraging the user to socialize within a safe environment targeted for specific life challenges. These events could include activities like group painting or pet sports that will add joy to their day.
Illumu provides engaging interaction, scientifically proven recommendation, useful content, access to creative events, and a community of professionals and fellow users.
Reviews
“Got mad love and respect for this. Not everyone has a therapist they can see regularly or at all. Some people don’t have the support system they need or deserve. The App fills this gap in an affordable way.” – Cara Beth Hawkins
“While reading any self-help book, I often asked is the book really for me. I always imagined what if a book is written just for me. Illumu App does exactly that. It’s like my personal self-help book.” – Torii Rowe
“I can’t wait. This is going to be such a game changer for those that are primarily left behind or are wanting to develop a deeper relationship. This is so exciting!” – Justin Amanda Nelson
First Biologic Treatment for Deadly Type of Skin Cancer Gets Strong Positive Recommendation to be Covered by Provincial Health Care
Save Your Skin Foundation Applauds the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review recommendation for Provincial Reimbursement of LibtayoTM, the first and only biologic for the treatment of Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Save Your Skin Foundation is pleased to announce that the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) has provided a strong positive clinical recommendation for the reimbursement of LibtayoTM (cemiplimab), the first and only biologic for the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). If this recommendation is adopted by provincial health care bodies, advanced cSCC patients will finally have free access to LibtayoTM under their provincial health care for this potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer accounting for approximately one fifth of all skin cancer cases in Canada. Over 80,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada every year. It is estimated that one in 20 people will develop squamous cell carcinoma in their lifetime.1
The five-year survival rate for metastatic cSCC is just 34.4%. When cSCC invades deeper layers of the skin or adjacent tissues, it is categorized as locally advanced. Once it spreads to other distant parts of the body, it is considered metastatic. Often times, as with all cancers of the skin, cSCC may involve surgical removal of lesions, which may lead to complications or even severe disfigurement, which has a high impact on patients.
"As skin cancer prevalence continues to grow in Canada2, patients and their loved ones need options for treatment of this potentially deadly disease," says Kathy Barnard, skin cancer survivor and founder of Save Your Skin Foundation. "Squamous cell carcinoma is not 'JUST' skin cancer – it is a wake-up call to all Canadians to be vigilant about the risks of skin cancer and the serious nature of its membership to the most common type of cancer."
"New advanced treatment options like LibtayoTM and diligent reviews by pCODR and INESSS are critical," says Dr. David Zloty, Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, UBC. "This gives patients and their loved ones hope that this disease may be treated and beaten."
About Libtayo™ Libtayo™ is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that has spread or cannot be cured by surgery or radiation. Libtayo™ is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. LibtayoTM is a fully-human monoclonal antibody targeting the immune checkpoint receptor PD-1 (programmed cell death protein-1) and is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.
About Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) The leading cause of cSCC is frequent sun exposure. People with fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes are at the highest risk. Patients who have had tissue transplants (and are on anti-rejection drugs), specifically for the kidney, liver or heart, are at a high risk of developing cSCC.
The symptoms of cSCC include:
Warts that grow and crust or bleed occasionally.
Scaly red patches, with irregular borders, which sometimes crust or bleed.
Sores that are open and bleed and crust for weeks.
An elevated growth with a central dip that occasionally bleeds.
For more information about cSCC and other types of skin cancer, visit www.saveyourskin.ca
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.
Best Couple Health and Fitness Escapes for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day approaching, rediscover romance with the best Valentine’s Day wellness breaks to suit every couple. From adventure-loving, Globetrotting and sporty couples to those looking to rediscover their zen this Valentine’s Day, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has hand-picked the best health and fitness breaks to reconnect with your partner and enjoy the activities you love doing most. Whether it’s a weekend unwinding in the tranquillity of the Yorkshire hills or a week walking the wonders of China, these healthy holidays are guaranteed to rekindle the romance for every kind of couple.
Chilled Couples: Grantley Hall, UK
With this luxurious spa destination tucked away in the hills of Yorkshire, there’s no need to travel far for a relaxing wellness break this Valentine’s Day. With plenty of workout areas and treatments in the luxurious spa, you can rejuvenate and relax together, taking care of both the body and mind. At the end of your visit, you will not only leave with a renewed connection with your partner, but also leave with a clarity of mind and overall improvement in your well-being.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 3 nights at Grantley Hall for £1,800pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Adventure-driven Couples: China Active Tour
For the ultimate adventure this Valentine’s Day, escape to the fascinating country of China together on an active tour like no other. With activities like walking the Great Wall of China, taking a boat ride along the stunning Li River and cycling past the rice paddies of Yangshuo, there is an endless amount of ways to keep active together whilst taking in the breath-taking sights China has to offer. Step off the beaten track as you trek through tiny villages and experience a side of China you never knew existed.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 14-nights for the China Active Tour for £1,831pp. Price includes arrival transfer and full board.
With a restaurant, café and tea lounge serving a variety of dishes to cater to every need all day long, Kamalaya in Thailand is a healthy foodie couple’s dream. This Valentine’s Day treat your loved one to over 70 therapies in the Spa and a detox menu they will not be able to refuse, on this gentle and renewing wellness holiday. Explore the local Thai food together by getting involved in cooking classes and Oolong tea sharing, or soak up the culture with a Monk’s cave visit and temple tour.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Kamalya from £2,620pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
If you’re the kind of couple that loves a challenge, then why not mix up your normal workout routine this Valentine’s Day with an exclusive Fusion Fitness holiday at BodyHoliday in St Lucia. From the high intensity of kettle bell, beach bootcamp and circuit training to the deep relaxation of mind and restoration treatments, meditation and yoga, choose from a range of options to diversify your workout routine. After you’ve been pushed to the limit, reward yourselves by venturing into the calm Caribbean waters with activities like scuba-diving, sailing or water-skiing.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £2,440pp. Price is all-inclusive and includes a Fusion Fitness program, accommodation, and return private transfers.
Create unforgettable memories together this Valentine’s Day by venturing to the hot springs of La Fortuna and relaxing in a volcanic mud bath on this exclusive wellness tour in Costa Rica. After a long day exploring the wonders of Costa Rica, try something a little different and unwind with a Stand-Up Paddleboard yoga class. You will take part in a local project supporting up to 200 farmers at a coffee plantation, encouraging you to connect with the people of Costa Rica, leaving you both with a renewed sense of clarity.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights in Costa Rica from £1,775pp. Price includes breakfast, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, accommodation, a wellness tour and return private transfers.
Set in the rolling green hills of Sri Lanka, Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is the perfect place for couples to enlighten the mind and energise the body. Daily meditation sessions and guided walks will instil a sense of peace and reconnect you with yourself and each other. Truly relax with a daily spa treatment and rejuvenate the body together with group yoga or dip in the thermal salt pools. The minimalistic approach of this mindful holiday will leave you both with clarity of mind, and the ability to lead a balanced lifestyle.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa from £1,825pp. Price includes full board, a de-stress program and return private transfers.
Teamwork makes the dream work on this fitness retreat. With a panoramic view of Chalong Bay, encourage each other to make healthy behavioural changes during coaching sessions such as functional training, boxing and yoga sessions, that will guide you both towards an active lifestyle. Training Paradise offers opportunities to partake in local activities, such as Thai boxing or Muay Thai, making this intimate healthy holiday the perfect place for couples to experience the Thai culture together and get fit at the same time.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights at Training Paradise from £1,625pp. Price includes full board, a fitness programme, and return private transfers.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph as a result of his passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.
Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™, Mindful Triathlon™, BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com
Health Canada Approves Astellas' XOSPATA® (gilteritinib) for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a FLT3 Mutation
XOSPATA is the first and only targeted treatment approved by Health Canada for patients with relapsed or refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a FLT3 mutation. The approval of XOSPATA marks Astellas' Canadian entry into the treatment of blood cancers.
MARKHAM, ON, Jan. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., announced that Health Canada has approved the oral once-daily therapy XOSPATA (gilteritinib) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed (disease that has returned) or refractory (resistant to treatment) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 mutation. Gilteritinib has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for AML patients with two forms of the most common mutation—FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) and FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutation.1,2
AML is a cancer of the bone marrow and the blood and progresses rapidly without treatment.3 There are limited options for patients once they have relapsed or are refractory.4
"AML is a life-threatening cancer with an overall five-year survival rate in Canada of only about 20 per cent," says Dr. Andre Schuh, Hematologist and Clinical Researcher at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. "Retreatment of relapsed AML is particularly difficult, especially in the presence of a FLT3 mutation. The approval of XOSPATA is one of the few advances in the treatment of AML over the past 40 years and provides a new option for patients with a FLT3 mutation, potentially leading to both disease remission and significantly longer survival."
AML can be diagnosed at any time, but is uncommon before the age of 45, with the average age of diagnosis being 68.5 In 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, almost 1,090 Canadians were diagnosed with AML, while 1,184 died from AML in 2017. 6 FLT3 mutations are detected in approximately 30% of patients with AML.7 However, a patient's FLT3 mutation status can change over the course of AML treatment, even after relapse. Due to the poor outcomes associated with FLT3 mutated AML, a patient's mutation status should be determined to help inform the best treatment approach.8,9,10
"Our mission at Astellas is to put the patients and their families at the centre of everything we do," said Steve Sabus, General Manager, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. "The approval of XOSPATA offers improved treatment outcomes and new hope to patients with FLT3 mutated AML. We're extremely proud to bring this targeted treatment to Canadian patients."
About Gilteritinib's Approval Health Canada's approval of gilteritinib is based on results from the Phase 3 ADMIRAL trial, which investigated gilteritinib versus salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory FLT3 mutated AML. Patients treated with gilteritinib had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than those who received salvage chemotherapy. Median OS for patients who received gilteritinib was 9.3 months, compared to 5.6 months for patients who received salvage chemotherapy (Hazard Ratio = 0.64 (95% CI 0.49, 0.83), P=0.0004). Rates of one-year survival were 37% for patients who received gilteritinib, compared to 17% for patients who received salvage chemotherapy. 1,2
About Gilteritinib Gilteritinib was discovered through a research collaboration with Kotobuki Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Astellas has exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize gilteritinib. Gilteritinib was approved in the U.S. and Japan in 2018, and Europe in 2019, for the treatment of adult patients who have relapsed or refractory FLT3 mutated AML. 11,12,13
About the ADMIRAL Trial The Phase 3 ADMIRAL trial was an open-label, multicenter, randomized study of gilteritinib versus salvage chemotherapy in adult patients with FLT3 mutation who are refractory to or have relapsed after first-line AML therapy. The co-primary endpoints of the trial were OS and CR/CRh rates; OS, the primary endpoint at the trial's final analysis, was the basis of the Health Canada's approval. The study enrolled 371 patients with relapsed or refractory AML and FLT3 mutation present in bone marrow or whole blood. Subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive gilteritinib (120 mg) or salvage chemotherapy.1,2
About Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., headquartered in Markham, ON, is a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. In Canada, Astellas has an intense commercial focus on three therapeutic areas – Oncology, Immunology and Urology. For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit astellas.com/ca.
Dr. Schuh was not compensated for any media work. He has been a paid consultant to Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
References
1 XOSPATA (gilteritinib) Product Monograph, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. December 23, 2019.
2 Perl, A et al. Gilteritinib or Chemotherapy for Relapsed or Refractory FLT3-Mutated AML. New England Journal of Medicine 2019; 381:1728-40.
7 NCBI. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Targeting FLT3 mutations in AML: review of current knowledge and evidence. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365380/. Last accessed November 2019.
8 Nazha A, et al. Activating internal tandem duplication mutations of the fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) at complete response and relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2012;97(8):1242-5.
9 Warren M, et al. Clinical impact of change of FLT3 mutation status in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Mod Pathol 2012;25(10):1405-12.
10 McCormick SR, et al. FLT3 mutations at diagnosis and relapse in acute myeloid leukemia: cytogenetic and pathologic correlations, including cuplike blast morphology. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2010;134(8):1143-51.
12 Japan Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). New Drug approvals, April 2018 - March 2019. Available at: http://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000229380.pdf#page=5. Last accessed October 2019.
AbbVie's MAVIRET® now listed on the Newfoundland and Labrador formulary
MAVIRET® is an 8-week, pan-genotypic treatment for adults and adolescent patients 12 to 18 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis and who are new to treatment.*1
MAVIRET is approved for use in patients across all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
MAVIRET is now available and reimbursed across Canada.
MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company announced today that MAVIRET® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir tablets) is now listed on the Newfoundland and Labrador Formulary. MAVIRET is a once-daily ribavirin-free treatment for adults and adolescent patients 12 to 18 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection across all major HCV genotypes (GT1-6).2 It is an 8-week, pan-genotypic treatment for patients without cirrhosis and who are new to treatment.*
"As a nurse practitioner, I see firsthand the devastating effects hepatitis C has in our communities and on those living with this disease. But we can change the narrative because we have all the right tools to eliminate this disease. We have the understanding, knowledge, resources and treatments like MAVIRET, to educate and treat everyone living with hepatitis C," says Kimberley A. Burt RN, BN, NP, Provincial Immunodeficiency Nurse Practitioner, Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland.
MAVIRET is listed on the Newfoundland and Labrador Formulary for treatment-naive or treatment-experienced adult patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 infection.3
"Our vision is to work together to create a province without hepatitis C. To achieve this goal, we have to continue to raise awareness, educate, support people living with and/or affected by hepatitis C, as well as advocate for change," explains Gerard Yetman, Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We strongly believe that the newer treatments, such as MAVIRET, will have a positive impact and help us fulfill our mandate to eliminate hepatitis C from our province."
MAVIRET's efficacy and safety were evaluated in nine phase II-III clinical trials, in over 2300 patients with genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 HCV infection and with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis).
About Hepatitis C An estimated 250,000 people in Canada are living with chronic hepatitis C but as many as 44% are not aware that they have it.4 Left undiagnosed and untreated, chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. Currently, hepatitis C is the leading indication for liver transplant in Canada.5 AbbVie supports a range of efforts to help elevate and prioritize HCV elimination because we know achieving the shared goal of elimination by 2030 will take more than medicine. It will take transparent and collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders – industry, healthcare providers, healthcare systems, patient groups and their support networks. Joint efforts and maximizing the time we have left will enable us to reach this goal.
About MAVIRET MAVIRET is approved in Canada for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults and adolescent patients 12 to 18 years of age across all major genotypes (GT1-6).6 MAVIRET is a pan-genotypic, once-daily, ribavirin-free treatment that combines glecaprevir (100 mg), an NS3/4A protease inhibitor, and pibrentasvir (40 mg), an NS5A protein inhibitor. MAVIRET is taken once daily as three oral tablets.6
MAVIRET is an 8-week, pan-genotypic treatment that makes a virologic cure** possible in patients without cirrhosis who are new to treatment.*1 These patients represent the majority of people infected with HCV. MAVIRET is also approved in patients with specific treatment challenges, including those with compensated cirrhosis, who are carriers of one of the major genotypes, and those who previously had limited treatment options, such as patients with severe CKD, post-liver and post-renal transplant recipients*** and those patients with genotype 3 HCV infection.6 MAVIRET is approved for use in patients across all stages of CKD.6
Glecaprevir was discovered during the ongoing collaboration between AbbVie and Enanta Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ENTA) to develop HCV protease inhibitors and therapeutic regimens that include protease inhibitors.
* Patients without cirrhosis and new to treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DDAs), (i.e., either treatment-naive or did not respond to previous interferon-based treatments (pegylated interferon [peg IFN] +/- ribavirin or sofosbuvir-ribavirin +/-peg IFN). ** Patients who achieve a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post treatment (SVR12) are considered cured of hepatitis C.***MAVIRET is recommended for 12 weeks in liver or kidney transplant recipients who are HCV GT1-6 treatment-naive or HCV GT-1, -2, -4, -5 or -6 PRS (IFN or peg IFN, ribavirin and/or sofosbuvir)-treatment experienced. A 16-week treatment duration should be considered in transplant patients who are HCV GT-1 NS5A inhibitor experienced (but NS3/4A inhibitor-naive) or HCV GT-3 PRS- treatment experienced.
About AbbVie Care Canadians prescribed MAVIRET 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, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-based 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.
1 Decisions Resources Group. Hepatitis C virus: disease landscape & forecast 2016. January 2017.
