This is the launch of the Climate Signals’ monthly news highlights, where we take a look at recent extreme weather events and share how the events are related to climate change. We are sharing resources, digital content, backgrounders, science experts, and human impact stories that are often forgotten about once an event has seemingly passed. We are excited to bring you fresh and interesting content as it relates to weather and climate.
Without further ado, below are several important climate change stories we’ve seen this fall:
Fun fact: Do you know how climate change affects this important air current? Climate scientists Michael Mann and Noah Diffenbaugh talk about the drivers of the weird and extreme fall weather we've seen and how climate change and weird jet stream behavior are connected. Check out the video here.
WILDFIRES
Delayed rains out West mean the wildfire season is still active in California. In late October, the Kincade fire turned Sonoma County into a hellscape. The fire, fueled by intense winds, dry conditions and extreme heat, burned 77,758 acres before evacuees were allowed to return home at 65% containment.
There are three primary drivers connecting wind speeds to climate change in California: First, the slowing of the jet stream, related to a decrease in the temperature difference between the equator and the pole. This driver is primarily active during the winter season when the jet is the strongest, leading to a decrease in winds during the winter season.
Second, an increase in the temperature difference between ocean and land surfaces driven by the different heat capacities of these systems. This is strongest in the summer, which leads to significant increases in wind speeds throughout the summer and into early fall.
The third driver is hotter temps in the Central Valley and desert regions that make temperature vary within the state. This appears to be responsible for a pressure change in the south central valley, leading to a decrease in Santa Ana wind intensity and frequency.
Although the Kincade fire is now under control, increasingly unusual dry fall conditions persist and delayed rainfall is allowing for fire season to continue. Climate Signals teamed up with researchers at UC Santa Barbara to explain how you can tell if a fire is related to climate change. This is the first in a fact sheet series of climate connections and attribution studies. Head to the Climate Signals website to check it out.
You can also watch this cool explainer video on wildfires and climate change.
TROPICAL CYCLONES Hurricane season is winding down, and 2019 continued the recent trend in catastrophic, landfalling storms. This year, the Bahamas experienced the worst when the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian came to a virtual standstill in the northwestern part of the country.
In the US and its territories, seven Category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones have made landfall since 2017: Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Michael, Typhoon Yutu, Typhoon Hagibis, and Typhoon Bualoi.
In the Pacific – On October 7, Category 5 Super Typhoon Hagibis passed through the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) over the uninhabited island of Anatahan. Hagibis proceeded to make landfall southwest of Tokyo as a Category 2 storm, wreaking havoc and creating apocalyptic scenes. The storm is the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in Japan on record. Consistent with climate signals in the western North Pacific, Hagibis rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 tropical cyclone in less than 24 hours. Just two weeks after Hagibis hit the CNMI, Typhoon Bualoi crossed the Islands as a Category 4 storm. The CNMI have endured a siege of tropical cyclones making landfall at Category 4 or stronger intensity during the past several years, including Typhoons Bualoi, Hagibis, Yutu, and Soudelor, the last of which occurred during the intense 2015 season linked directly to climate change.
Typhoon Yutu occurred just last year and devastated the islands as one of the strongest storms in 2018. The storm was also underwhelmingly covered as very few media outlets covered the superstorm. The Northern Mariana Islands are home to 55,000 Americans.
In the Atlantic – As we approach the end of Atlantic hurricane season, the tally for 2019 tropical systems has grown to 17 named storms, 6 hurricanes, 3 intense hurricanes, and an ACE index of 124.1 (as of November 14). ACE, or accumulated cyclone energy, is used to express the activity and destructive potential of individual tropical cyclones and entire tropical cyclone seasons.
According to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, the 1981 – 2010 averages for these quantities by October 30 were 11.1 named storms, 5.8 hurricanes, 2.5 intense hurricanes, and an ACE index of 97.7. Only six other seasons have had 17+ named storms by October 30: 1933, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
STORIES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
While covering extreme weather events are important, there are still people enduring, surviving, and recovering from what’s now the new normal for many.
Health remains one of the largest human impacts of wildfires. Wildfire smoke puts people with heart or lung diseases, such as heart failure, angina, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma at risk for further complications or worse. The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments has a large network of regional health professionals who study and provide care for communities that experience health complications at larger rates due to the environment they live in.
California continues to use free labor from prisoners to fight wildfires. Roughly 30% of firefighters are currently incarcerated with little opportunity to become firefighters after release. The state is also now blaming firefighter shortages on ongoing prison reform efforts by local advocacy groups. Prison reform has been a hot topic amongst Hollywood. John Legend recently tweeted about employing formerly incarcerated people are firefighters and other celebs like Kim Kardashian, Meek Mill, and Jay Z have all invested in different aspects of prison reform. The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program is leading efforts to help released inmates find work using their training and firefighting experience.
Haitian migrants left homeless from Hurricane Dorian continue to face deportation from the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. Similar to other countries, legal work permits are expensive, leaving an already vulnerable population with little legal protection on the islands. Devastating extreme weather events are a major cause for climate migration in the Western hemisphere. The US has traditionally relaxed its immigration policy to provide refuge for victims of the climate crisis, but there has been a few hiccups with that process as well. At least 300 refugees are living in limbo in the US and that number is expected to grow. Columbia’s Sabin Center develops legal techniques to fight against climate change, including working on legal protections around climate migration.
Climate Signals is a science tool that identifies and illustrates what climate change looks like on the ground, in your region, state, or neighborhood and specifies the long-term climate trends and physical processes at work.
BC's Proposed Regulations Will Limit Choices for Adults Using Vaping as a Harm Reduction Tool to Quit Smoking
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Rights4Vapers.com, the country's leading vaping consumer rights organization, is discouraged and dismayed by the B.C. government's proposed vaping regulations.
"As the voice of Canadian adult vapers, we have to ask why would B.C. choose to limit the choice of vaping products available to adults who want an alternative to cigarettes?" said Dr. Chris Lalonde, academic advisor to Rights4Vapers.com.
"We understand the goal of reducing youth vaping, but this is not the way to do it. Flavours, nicotine levels and price, are important factors in a smoker's decision to choose a vaping product. Surely the government understands that the real public health crisis is smoking, not vaping."
The BC Government should understand that there are already nicotine caps in place to protect vapers. Health Canada has assessed the issue of nicotine content and determined that 60 mg/ml is an appropriate level to protect consumers. Also, Health Canada has already conducted a consultation on nicotine content labelling.
"This is a prime example of governments not working together. We need one coherent and consistent approach, not a patchwork quilt of regulations," said Dr. Lalonde. "Adult smokers and vapers who use these products to stay off cigarettes will be hurt by these proposed regulations. Adult smokers who choose to vape should be encouraged and applauded, not marginalized."
Rather than penalizing adults who are making a healthier choice by vaping, governments should address the real cause of youth vaping: access. Young people are getting the product from friends and family, or black market dealers are selling them vapes. The regulations announced today would only fuel the already booming black market in e-cigarettes.
"Vapers will not stand idly by and watch government after government take away the best alternative to smoking they have," said Dr. Lalonde. "We would welcome a seat at the table to present the science and the facts about vaping. We hope governments will listen."
About Rights4Vapers.com Rights4Vapers.com is an organization of vaping advocates dedicated to the advancement of Canadian-based research on vaping. Dr. Chris Lalonde is an academic advisor.
PYURE® ORGANIC SUGAR-FREE COOKIE AND BROWNIE MIXES
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Cookie and Brownie cravings?In the mood for an indulgent snack?
Pyure Organic Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix and Pyure Organic Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. They’re keto friendly with only 5 net carbs per serving, high in fiber and gluten free. For soft and chewy cookies ready in 8 minutes just add one egg and butter. To make fudgy brownies, add one egg, oil and water and bake for 25 minutes. The mixes are sweetened with Pyure Organic Stevia, are free from white flour and all ingredients are USDA Organic Certified and non-GMO Project Verified. Pyure Bakeable mixes taste great warm out of the oven or as batter right off the spoon. Top with nuts or peanut butter, with a scoop of ice cream or dunk in milk for an after-school snack. Pyure Bakeables make the perfect dessert for a delicious indulgence, and they taste like you’ve spent time baking in the kitchen.
Catch Better Shut-Eye with Nature’s Nightcap: 3 Facts About Cannabis as Sleep Aid
Family-run premium Cannabis farming operation Autumn Brands’ shares secrets to unlocking powerful plant benefits for better sleep
LOS ANGELES, California – (November 14th, 2019): Suffer from poor sleep? More than 70 million Americans struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders (while 58% simply are not getting enough sleep), and premium cultivator Autumn Brands is here to help. The 50% woman-owned company with a refreshingly sustainable approach is on a mission to bring the holistic health benefits of potent, pesticide-free cannabis to customers nationwide. A sixth-generation family farming operation known for uniquely hands-on, artisanal methods, Autumn Brands is committed to helping customers understand how to safely enjoy the healing benefits of cannabis - including better sleep.
According to Dr. Matt Roman, MD, president of Nature’s Way Medicine in Philadelphia, cannabis can powerfully assist the body in returning to a natural sleep cycle. Here, Autumn Brands shares a few important facts to know before using cannabis as a sleep aid:
A Look at the Letters - CBD (cannabidiol) is the plant extract believed to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is thought to be the natural sedative ingredient in cannabis that may help relieve pain and induce sleep.
Concentrate on Categories - Indica and Sativa are currently the two main categories of cannabis strains. In general, Indica is associated with deep relaxation - thanks to a higher concentration of terpenes with sedative properties - while Sativa strains are thought to be more energizing.
Backed By Science - Research suggests that cannabis may serve as a holistic sleep aid. While scientists are still working to understand side effects of heavy, long-term use, the plant has been shown to help some users fall asleep up to 30 minutes faster, relax breathing (which may be helpful for sleep apnea and other similar conditions), and reduce REM sleep (believed to be useful for reducing nightmares and PTSD-related symptoms).
Head Grower Johnny Brand and the Autumn Brands team test each new cannabis strain rigorously for six months or more to ensure the highest quality product with potent health benefits. Every sun-grown bud is hang-dried, hand-trimmed, and lab-tested to verify THC and CBD levels. Committed to an organic, no-spray growth process, Autumn Brands works hard to bring sustainably sourced, farm-to-consumer cannabis to a waiting health and wellness market. Visit www.AutumnBrands.com to learn more and discover their full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for the latest product releases and updates.
About Autumn Brands:
Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visit www.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.
Introducing the New PEAR Sports Health & Fitness Software Platform for Enterprises and Consumers
Delivers Smart Digital Coaching Solutions with Training IntelligenceTM to Create and Manage Personalized Workout, Therapy and Wellness Programs
Newport Beach, CA - November 13, 2019 - PEAR Sports, a SaaS and digital mobile solutions company that creates proprietary digital coaching and wellness solutions, today announced it has launched its new enterprise software platform. The PEAR Health & Fitness Platform elevates the user experience with dynamic, interactive audio and video workouts and personalized coaching and wellness offerings. It also now provides partners with a scalable, comprehensive solution that engages end-users with authentic, custom fitness and wellness programming, meaningful analytics and intuitive software tools to manage it all.
PEAR’s new Workout Builder is at the core of this latest offering. With Workout Builder, enterprises can build and deliver customized digital fitness, therapy and wellness programs for individuals and groups. This has the power to extend the reach and capabilities of gyms, therapy clinics and other operators in the health and wellness space. The User Experience features Pear’s patented Training IntelligenceTM, adaptive technology that modifies workouts in real time based on user performance and biometrics. With the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform, users get personalized training plans to help improve their health, and companies get comprehensive enterprise tools that are designed to scale with their business, including Content Creation & Delivery, Utilization Dashboards, Verified Data & Insights, and Hardware Integration for wearables and gym equipment.
According to Bob Allison, PEAR Founder, “PEAR’s technology has been proven over the past seven years with major partners including Life Fitness, the global leader in fitness equipment, Bose, and Samsung Health. We can now offer PEAR’s dynamic, remote coaching expertise in an enterprise wellness solution that powers commercial gyms like Fitness SF, government applications like the USAF, and therapy labs like Myodetox.” Bob continued, “We are eager to serve more vertical markets where we are confident this new platform will increase customer lifetime value for our partners’ digital health and wellness applications.”
Mike Vanacora, Director of Global Strategy at Life Fitness, said, “PEAR's patented technology offers real-time, adaptive personal coaching, and it's been validated by fitness and health consumers over the past five years with over 1.6 million downloads. Life Fitness is excited about our partnership with PEAR Sports to provide rich digital coaching solutions that are compelling for both the enterprise and our consumers alike. Together, our products inspire healthier lives.”
PEAR enables enterprises to build and deliver state-of-the-art fitness and wellness programming. Companies can choose from PEAR’s extensive library of expert-guided sessions, or use their own custom-crafted content. The PEAR Health & Fitness Platform is designed to activate people with interactive, authentic content that captures meaningful results and performance metrics. The new PEAR platform is built for both consumer and enterprise success. To learn more about the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform and to schedule a demo, visit www.pearsports.com.
About PEAR Sports
PEAR Sports is perfecting the personalized delivery of digital health, wellness and fitness programs. Our platform and solutions deliver smarter customized coaching that creates great experiences for users and enterprises. For more information, visit www.pearsports.com.
4 Types of Supportive Clothing to Wear as a New Athlete
In sports, an injury can happen at any time. It’s inevitable. Although you can’t prevent pain or injury entirely, there are a few accessories that you can wear to decrease the likelihood of it happening. This list is compiled of the 4 best pieces of supportive gear that can be worn in almost every sport.
Mouthguard
One of the most important pieces of protective gear is the mouthguard. This is also something that every athlete should have before performing. Losing a tooth is a tragedy that nobody ever wants to experience. Therefore, wearing a mouthguard will provide you with the protection that you need. According toDental Works, the small device is designed to fit over your teeth and absorb the contact that it takes.
Jock or Jill: Athletic Supporter
Another vital piece of equipment that should be used by every athlete goes by many different names. You may recall it by a few different titles such as a jockstrap, jill, cup, or athletic supporter. This supportive undergarment has a high level of preventative care. If you’re an athlete of any kind, then you’re fully aware of how sensitive the genital area can be. However, with the athletic supporter, the pelvic area will remain protected throughout your physical activity.
Ankle Compression Sleeve/Strap
An ankle roll is probably one of the most common injuries that athletes face. Although the injury usually isn’t too serious, it still doesn’t feel pleasant. But with an ankle compressionsleeve or strap, you are far more unlikely to experience an ankle roll or sprain. Alongside the protective attributes that the ankle compression sleeves offer, they’re sleek and can slide into your shoes with ease.
Protective Girdle
Girdles are a multi-padded pair of leggings that's designed to protect the thighs, hips, and bottom. However, there are certain types of girdles that allow you to insert your own pads rather than provide you with them. Nevertheless, both types are proven to provide you with an immense amount of protection. And what’s special about this protective piece of equipment is that you’re allowed to wear it while playing a handful of different sports.Now things can happen and these accessories aren’t 100% effective, but if you’re an athlete, it’d be wise to invest in at least one of these protective accessories
New Results: Innovative program is improving lives of seniors with dementia in Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island
ST JOHN'S, Nov. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Health PEI announced the results of a successful collaboration to appropriately reduce the use of antipsychotic medication among people with dementia who are living in long term care organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.
More than half of participating residents in Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island prescribed antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis had these medications safely reduced or discontinued. This improves their care experiences and lives while also reducing the risk of negative health outcomes.
The Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) is a person-centred approach1 to care that engages people living with dementia, their families and staff to understand the causes of behaviours and underlying issues (such as pain), and respond to an individual's unmet needs based on their personal history. The approach involves reviewing the appropriateness of antipsychotic medication and creating individualized care plans with alternative activities that are meaningful and enjoyable, like exercise, pet or music therapy. This also provides an opportunity to create supportive environments that help the person to feel calm, safe, and comfortable.
The final results of the collaboration include:
In Newfoundland and Labrador, 52 percent of residents2 who were prescribed antipsychotic medication, but did not have a psychosis diagnosis, had their medication reduced or discontinued (30 percent discontinued, and 22 percent reduced dose)
In Prince Edward Island, 53 percent of residents² who were prescribed antipsychotic medication but did not have a psychosis diagnosis had their medication reduced or discontinued (25 percent discontinued, and 28 percent reduced dose)
No change in physical or verbal aggressive behaviours among these residents.
The results were announced at a workshop in St John's with the participating teams from the two provinces. The teams now have the opportunity to join the Momentum Challenge – an invitation-only CFHI program that assists teams to expand the reach of an innovation and sustain its impact.
The collaboration to expand person-centred dementia care and the appropriate use of antipsychotics began in January 2018 involving all 39 publicly-funded long term care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador, all nine publicly-funded homes in Prince Edward Island, and five from the Seniors Quality Leap Initiative – a North American network of long term care organizations focused on improving clinical care and safety for seniors.
There are more than 419,000 Canadians aged 65 and older diagnosed with dementia; and more than 78,000 new cases diagnosed every year among this age group.3 Antipsychotic medications are often used to help manage behaviours related to dementia in long-term care, for example agitation and aggression. However, there is a lack of evidence to support their effectiveness for people who do not have a diagnosis of psychosis and a risk of significant side effects such as confusion, dizziness and stroke or even death.
Through province-wide expansion in Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island, CFHI has supported more than 300 teams to provide more person-centred dementia care and reduce potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use.
CFHI and partners have developed resources and tools to support people and organizations to better understand the use of antipsychotic medications, have conversations about their appropriate use, and support long term improvements in person-centred approaches to care. These free resources are available on the CFHI website and include resources from the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, Choosing Wisely Canada and Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
"We are very pleased with the progress to date, and would like to thank the families and staff of all our long term care homes throughout the province for their commitment to the appropriate use of antipsychotics collaborative. Their commitment, and the support from CFHI, has resulted in improvements in care and quality of life for people living in long term care. While this project has concluded, our commitment to improving outcomes in this area will continue," said the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
"We are very proud of how the long term care homes have fully embraced this approach to care and we congratulate them on their commitment and leadership," said Andrew MacDougall, Director of Long-Term Care, Health PEI. "We will be working with private long term care homes to expand the reach of the AUA approach."
David Clothier's wife, Madonna, is a resident at Bay St George in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the AUA approach, Donna has had her antipsychotic medication successfully reduced. "Madonna was like someone living in a fog and after her medication was reduced, she came out of that fog" said Mr. Clothier. "Donna started putting out her hand for me to take, we now walk almost every day. She is more receptive to other people and interacts with staff and other residents."
"We're delighted to celebrate the leadership of Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island in improving care for people living with dementia," said Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO of CFHI. "Their efforts will help to accelerate national declines in potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use. In 2013-14, about one in three long term care residents who did not have a psychosis diagnosis were prescribed an antipsychotic. By 2017-18, that number had dropped to one in five."
About the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement works shoulder-to-shoulder with partners to accelerate the identification, spread and scale of proven healthcare innovations. Together, we're delivering lasting improvement in patient experience, work life of healthcare providers, value for money and the health of everyone in Canada. CFHI is a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. Visit cfhi-fcass.ca for more information.
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1 In this context, person-centred approach refers to a way of thinking and improving care where the people using healthcare services are equal partners in planning, developing and monitoring care and ensures it meets their needs
2 Of those still participating in the program at the end of Phase 1 and Phase 2
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
SOURCE Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement
For further information:
or to arrange media interviews, please contact: Graeme Wilkes, Senior Director, Communications and Government Relations, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Mobile: 613-698-7538 | Graeme.Wilkes@cfhi-fcass.ca
Canadian icons come together: Canopy Growth and Drake launch new cannabis wellness company
TORONTO and LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth" or the "Company") (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) and Aubrey Drake Graham ("Drake") are pleased to announce that they have entered into agreements to launch the More Life Growth CompanyTM, a fully licensed producer of cannabis based in Drake's hometown of Toronto, Canada.
"When we first began talks with Drake we were extremely inspired by and aligned with his vision to bring best-in-class cannabis products to the world," said Mark Zekulin, CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation. "Drake's perspective as a culture leader and entrepreneur combined with Canopy Growth's breadth of cannabis knowledge will allow our new company to bring an unmatched cannabis experience to global markets."
Drake's eclectic career includes experience across a wide variety of industries including music, television, film, fashion, sports, brand development, content curation and social and digital media strategy. Having launched numerous successful brands over the past decade, he is uniquely positioned to bring his innovative eye to the recreational cannabis industry.
"The opportunity to partner with a world-class company like Canopy Growth on a global scale is really exciting," shared More Life Growth Company founder, Drake. "The idea of being able to build something special in an industry that is ever growing has been inspiring. More Life and More Blessing."
Proudly based in Drake's hometown of Toronto, More LifeTM is centred around wellness, discovery and overall personal growth with the hope of facilitating connections and shared experiences across the globe.
"All in all, we couldn't be more excited to partner with Drake to bring his vision for the More Life Growth Company to global cannabis markets," concluded Mr. Zekulin. "We anticipate a long, successful, and mutually beneficial working relationship."
The Company and Drake will share further details on the More LifeTM team and vision in the weeks to come.
Transaction Details
In connection with the launch of the More Life brand, a previously wholly-owned subsidiary (the "More Life Growth Company") of Canopy Growth, has issued shares to certain entities that are controlled by Drake ("Drake"). Following the issuance of the shares, Drake holds a 60% ownership interest in the More Life Growth Company, with Canopy Growth retaining a 40% ownership.
The More Life Growth Company is the beneficial owner of an entity licensed by Health Canada for the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis at its production facility in Scarborough, Ontario (the "More Life Facility"). Canopy Growth will continue to provide all of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the More Life Facility and will retain all of the rights to distribute the product that is cultivated at the More Life Facility.
As consideration for the issuance of the shares of the More Life Growth Company, Drake has granted More Life Growth Company the right to exclusively exploit certain intellectual property and brands in association with the growth, manufacture, production, marketing and sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products, accessories, merchandise and paraphernalia in Canada and internationally. The maintenance of the non-Canada rights after 18 months is contingent upon certain performance criteria of the More Life Growth Company being met. The More Life Growth Company has sublicensed such rights in Canada to Canopy Growth in exchange for payments to be made by the Company on the sale of More LifeTM products, providing Canopy Growth with the exclusive rights to distribute More LifeTM products in Canada. In addition, Canopy Growth has the option to extend the terms and conditions of the sublicense into all international jurisdictions.
Canopy Growth and Drake have entered into a shareholders agreement, investor rights agreements, and various other ancillary agreements to govern the operations of the More Life Growth Company. In connection with these arrangements, Canopy Growth has the right to nominate two directors to the board of the More Life Growth Company as well as a pre-emptive right to maintain its ownership interest in the More Life Growth Company.
Advisors
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP acted as legal counsel to Canopy Growth and Reed Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Drake in connection with the transaction.
Here's to Future (More Life) Growth.
About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.
Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.
Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.
From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 10.5 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include, among others, statements with respect to the ability of the Company and the More Life Growth Company to bring cannabis products to global markets; and the products that the More Life Growth Company will be offering the adult use market in Canada. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the Company's ability to bring cannabis products to global markets; the timing and availability of the Company's products in the adult-use market in Canada; the timing and completion of a go-public transaction for the More Life Growth Company; risks related to the production, processing and sale of cannabis; and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 25, 2019 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.
Harmony® Test: The first non-invasive prenatal test approved by Health Canada
Canadian women now have access to an approved non-invasive prenatal test
LAVAL, QC, Nov. 7, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Pregnant women can rely on the HARMONY test, the first non‑invasive prenatal test approved by Health Canada.
As early as the 10th week of pregnancy, the HARMONY test can analyze fetal cell-free DNA in a sample of the mother's blood and determine the probability of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and other common fetal aneuploidies.
The HARMONY test is the only test of its kind to be recognized by Health Canada as meeting its requirements of safety, effectiveness and quality. The HARMONY test is also CE-marked in Europe.
"With this first Health Canada license* granted for a non-invasive prenatal test, Roche is setting a new standard. Pregnant women and health care professionals can now rely on the only test having met the Medical Devices Bureau of Health Canada's rigorous requirements. This is an important recognition about the HARMONY test's consistent technical and clinical performance,'' says Tonino Antonetti, Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs & Quality Management, at Roche Diagnostics, Division of Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, in Canada.
Recognized and proven
With over 59 peer-reviewed publications, Harmony is the most proven non-invasive prenatal test. In clinical studies, it has been shown that Harmony can detect > 99% of trisomy 21 cases, 97.4% of trisomy 18 cases and 93.8% of trisomy 13 cases, with a false positive rate of less than 0.1%.i This non-invasive prenatal test is available in more than 100 countries worldwide to pregnant women of ages 18 years and older.
Screening programs across Canada
In the clinical practice guideline published in September 2017, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) recommend that ''all pregnant women in Canada, regardless of age, should be offered, through an informed counselling process, the option of a prenatal screening test for the most common fetal aneuploidies''. ii
Non-invasive prenatal screening tests are currently reimbursed under certain conditions in Ontario (since 2015), British Columbia (since 2016) and Yukon (since 2017). In April 2018, the Quebec Government announced that it would, in the year to come, move forward with public funding for such a test in high-risk pregnancies.
About the Harmony Non-Invasive Prenatal Test
The Harmony non-invasive prenatal test is validated for pregnant women of 18 years and older with more than 1.4 million tests performed worldwide. Over 218,000 samples have been included in 59 peer-reviewed publications regarding the Harmony test iii, including the landmark NEXT study iv published in The New England Journal of Medicine. These studies show that the Harmony test was statistically superior to the existing first-trimester screening practice for the detection of trisomy 21.
The Harmony non-invasive prenatal test is based on cell-free DNA and is considered a prenatal screening test, not a diagnostic test. Harmony does not screen for potential chromosomal or genetic conditions other than those expressly identified in this document. All women should discuss their results with their healthcare provider who can recommend confirmatory, diagnostic testing where appropriate.
About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the eleventh consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).
The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2018 employed about 94,000 people worldwide. In 2018, Roche invested CHF 11 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 56.8 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com.
® HARMONY is a trademark of Roche. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) based on fetal cell-free DNA analysis is not a diagnostic test. No irrevocable obstetrical decision should be made on a positive result generated from a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) based on fetal cell-free DNA analysis, without confirmation by other invasive diagnostic testing.
* Health Canada Class III license.
i Stokowski et al. Prenat Diagn. 2015 Oct; DOI: 10.1002/pd.4686.
ii Audibert F et al. J J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2017 Sep;39(9):805-817. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.01.032.
iii List of 59 peer-reviewed publications regarding the Harmony test and reference IV below :
1. Ashoor G et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2012;31(4):237-43.
2. Ashoor G et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206(4):322.e1-5.
3. Nicolaides KH et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;207(5):374 e1-6.
4. Norton ME et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;207(2):137.e1--8.
5. Sparks et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206(4):319e1-9.
6. Sparks et al. Prenat Diagn. 2012;32(1):3-9.
7. Ashoor G et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2013;41(1):21-25.
8. Ashoor et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2013;41(1):26-32.
9. Brar et al. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2013;26(2)-143-45.
10. Fairbrother et al. Prenat Diagn. 2013: March 1-5.
11. Gil MM et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2013;42(1):34-40.
12. Verweij et al. Prenat Diagn. 2013;33(10):996-1001.
13. Wang et al. Prenat Diagn. 2013;33(7):662-6.
14. Song et al J Matern Fet Neonatal Med 2013 Aug 26(12)
15. Gil MM et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2014;35(3):204-211.
16. Feenstra et al. Prenat Diagn. 2014;34(2):195-8.
17. Juneau et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2014;36(4):282-6.
18. Hooks et al. Prenat Diagn. 2014;34(5):496-499.
19. Nicolaides KH et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2014;35(1):1-6.
20. Struble et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2013;35(3):199-203.
21. Willems et al. Facts View Vis Obgyn. 2014;6(1):7-12.
22. Wallerstein et al. J Pregnancy 2014.
23. Bevilacqua et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;45(1):61-66.
24. Comas et al. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2015;28(10):1196-1201.
25. Gil MM et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;45(1):67-73.
26. Hernández-Gómez et al. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2015;83(5):277-288.
27. Norton ME et al. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(17):1589-1597.
28. Quezada et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;45(1):101-105.
29. Quezada et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;45(1):36-41.
30. Stokowski et al. Prenat Diagn. 2015;35(12):1243-1246.
31. Chen et al. Prenat Diagn. 2016;36(13):1217-1224.
32. Gil MM et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;47(1):45-52.
33. Gil MM et al. J Matern Neontal Med. 2016:November 1-7.
34. Kagan et al. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2016;294(2):219-224.
35. McLennan et al. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016;56(1):22-28.
36. Revello et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;47(6):698-704.
37. Sarno et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;47(6):705-711.
38. Bevilacqua et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2017 Aug 23.
39. Bjerregaard et al. Dan Med J. 2017 Apr;64(4).pii: A5359.
40. Chan et al. BJOG An Int J Obstet Gynaecol 2017
41. Jones et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2018 51:274-277.*
42. Kagan et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sep 19.
43. Kornman et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2017 Sep 6.
44. Langlois et al. Prenat Diagn. 2017 37(12)1238-1244
45. Miltoft et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Jun 22.
46. Richardson et al. Prenat Diagn. 2017 Dec 37(13) 1298-1304
47. Schmid et al. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2017 Nov 8.
48. Scott et al. J Matern Neonatal Med. June 8 2017:1-8.
49. Rolnik et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jan 10.
50. Schmid et al Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51: 813–817
51. Lee et a Hum Reprod. 2018 Feb 15.
52. Bevilacqua et al Fetal Diagn Ther. 2018 Jun 13:1-10
53. Kagan et al Fetal Diagn Ther 2018
54. Chen et al J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 Jun 20:1-4
55. Rolnick et al Obstetrics & Gyn 2018;. 132:2,
56. Kostenko et al Fetal Diagn Ther. 2018 Aug 21:1-11
57. Bevilacqua et al Exp Rev Molec Diagn 2018; 18:7 591–599
58. Galeva et al Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018
59. Kagan et al Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Dec 5.
*Analytical & clinical validations, clinical utility studies. Cost analysis and registry publications are excluded from the samples-studied calculations
iv Norton M, et al. N Engl J Med. 2015 Apr 23;372(17):1589-97
SOURCE Roche Diagnostics
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