Fighting frostbite: focusing on prevention and early drug treatment are the keys to success
The Physiological Society – Press release
For immediate release – 3 September 2019
Frostbite is an injury which usually affects the extremities, such as fingers and toes, and has the potential of causing irreversible tissue loss. The treatment of freezing cold injuries to the periphery has advanced substantially in the last 10 years. Optimal outcomes are only likely to be achieved if a multi-disciplinary team uses the full range of diagnostic and treatment approaches that are now available, said Chris Imray, CASE Medicine, presenting this week at the Extreme Environmental Physiology conference of The Physiological Society.
The internet, and satellite phones, with digital images allow immediate access by patients from remote geographical locations to hospital-based specialists who can assess cold injuries and advise on early field-care.
The severity of frostbite injuries can now be assessed with a bone scan called triple-phase, allowing early prediction of likely subsequent tissue loss. Newer thrombolytic therapies (which dissolve blood clots) such as iloprost have transformed treatment options when instigated at an early time-point.
Frostbite occurs when the fluid in our cells freezes, it swells and chemicals are produced. These two processes permanently damage the tissues in our bodies. Frostbite can vary in the depth and the extent of damage it causes.
If only superficial skin is damaged and it is rewarmed soon after injury it may recover completely, this is called frost-nip. Frostbite commonly occurs on the extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, penis and nose, but it can technically occur anywhere.
It obviously requires a cold, but not necessarily freezing, environment and wind-chill can add to the potential for damage. Frostbite is more likely at altitude (less oxygen is available for the tissues to recover) and in a hypothermic or injured person. It is more likely if circulation is restricted by tight fitting clothes, boots or jewellery.
Clients with pre-existing conditions which may predispose to poor circulation (e.g. diabetes, Raynaud's sufferers etc.) are more likely to suffer from frostbite. Certain drugs that effect peripheral circulation may also predispose people (e.g. beta blockers or nicotine in cigarettes).
Addressing the importance of the issue, Chris Imray said:
“Awareness and experience is the key to prevention, and prevention is the key to treatment. The adage that “prevention is better than treatment” is especially true for frostbite, which is typically preventable but very difficult to treat.”
ProMIS Neurosciences to Present at HC Wainwright Investment Conference
Company to showcase its innovative Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS programs
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Sept. 3, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced its participation in the 21st Annual Global Investment Conference sponsored by H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC. The conference is being held September 8-10, 2019 at the New York Palace Hotel in New York.
ProMIS' Executive Chairman, Eugene Williams will provide overviews of its novel drug discovery and development programs for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Tuesday, September 10th at 10:25 am ET. The audio webcast and slides of Mr. Williams' presentation will be archived and available on ProMIS' web site and through the following link http://wsw.com/webcast/hcw5/arfxf/.
About ProMIS' Platform Technology Numerous studies show that a common root cause of neurodegenerative diseases is the toxic oligomer, a misfolded protein that derives from naturally occurring proteins in the brain. Using its novel drug discovery platform, ProMIS can uniquely and selectively target the toxic oligomer, filling a critical gap for drug developers as traditional approaches to developing antibodies are unable to isolate and target the toxic oligomer with adequate precision. This proprietary platform can identify targets to produce, test and advance antibody candidates quickly and cost-effectively. ProMIS' lead candidate antibody, PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease (AD), demonstrates a high degree of binding to toxic oligomers without binding to non-toxic forms of naturally occurring amyloid beta protein. The company's program for Parkinson's disease (PD) is based on the development of several potential antibody therapeutic candidates aimed at selectively targeting toxic oligomers of the protein α-synuclein, considered a root cause of PD. Similarly, ProMIS has identified antibody candidates selectively targeting toxic oligomers of the protein TDP43, considered a root cause of ALS.
About ProMIS Neurosciences ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines - ProMIS and Collective Coordinates - to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
Servier Canada announces Positive Results of the ENTRUST-AF PCI Study of LIXIANA® (edoxaban) in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
ENTRUST-AF PCI study achieved the primary safety endpoint of non-inferiority in bleeding for edoxaban-based dual therapy compared with VKA-based triple antithrombotic therapy (using a risk-based duration of ASA for at least one month) in AF patients following stent placement
Data presented during ESC Congress 2019 Hot Line Session and simultaneously published in The Lancet
LAVAL, QC, Sept. 3, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Servier Canada announces results from ENTRUST-AF PCI (n=1,506), the first large randomised study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily edoxaban (brand name as LIXIANA®) plus a P2Y12 inhibitor (antiplatelet agents) against a regimen of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus P2Y12 inhibitor and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients following successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study showed the edoxaban-based regimen is non-inferior compared with the VKA-based triple therapy regimen on the composite endpoint of major or clinically-relevant non-major bleeding over 12 months.1,2 The results were presented in a late-breaking presentation during the Hot Line Session today at ESC Congress 2019 in Paris, France and published in TheLancet.
It is estimated that about 20% to 40% of patients with AF also present with coronary artery disease (CAD), a sizeable proportion of whom require revascularization using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent implantation.3 VKA-based triple therapy including a P2Y12 inhibitor and ASA used to be the treatment of choice for these patients, however, triple therapy has been associated with significantly increased risk of bleeding.4ENTRUST-AF PCI was a multinational, multicenter, randomised, open-label, blinded outcome evaluation Phase 3b study that evaluated a 12-month antithrombotic regimen of edoxaban 60 mg once-daily in combination with a P2Y12 inhibitor compared to a VKA in combination with a P2Y12 inhibitor and 100 mg of ASA for a risk adapted duration for one to 12 months in patients with AF following successful stent placement for ACS or stable CAD. The primary safety outcome was the composite of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, as defined by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.1
"Since about one of five patients with AF may require PCI over time, clinicians need data about the safety of the anticoagulant therapy options for stroke prevention when such event occurs. The ENTRUST-AF PCI trial shows today that the combination of edoxaban 60 mg daily in combination with a P2Y12 inhibitor is safe compared to the VKA-based triple therapy in patients with AF post-PCI." Said Dr. Jean-Francois Tanguay, Professor of medicine, Desgroseillers-Bérard Research Chair in interventional cardiology, Université de Montréal and Director of the Interventional Cardiology Division at the Montreal Heart Institute.
The ENTRUST-AF PCI study enrolled 1,506 patients with AF following successful stent placement for ACS (51.6%) or stable CAD (48.4%). Patients were randomised to receive once-daily edoxaban (60 mg or 30 mg per dose reduction criteria) plus a P2Y12 inhibitor for 12 months or a VKA in combination with a P2Y12 inhibitor plus 100 mg of ASA. Major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, the study's primary endpoint, occurred in 128 (17.0%; annualised: 20.7%) patients in the edoxaban group and 152 (20.1%; annualised: 25.6%) patients in the VKA group (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.654-1.047), demonstrating non-inferiority of the edoxaban-based dual therapy for the 12 months post PCI (p=0.001, pre-specific non-inferiority margin=1.2). There was a trend toward less bleeding with edoxaban, though, results did not show statistical superiority (p=0.115).1 Similar rates of the main efficacy composite outcome of cardiovascular death, stroke, systemic embolic events, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and definite stent thrombosis were observed for the edoxaban-based dual therapy regimen and the VKA-based triple therapy regimen.
In the ENTRUST-AF PCI study, bleeding events were consistent across all commonly applied bleeding definitions (ISTH, TIMI, BARC). Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in four (0.58% per year) of edoxaban-treated patients and nine (1.32% per year) VKA-treated patients. Fatal bleeding occurred in one patient receiving edoxaban and seven patients receiving VKA treatment.
"Lixiana® (edoxaban) is the latest direct oral anticoagulant marketed in Canada, and it is now publicly reimbursed in almost all provinces. These results reinforce the safety profile of Lixiana® in different sub-types of patients suffering from AF, in this case, patients undergoing a successful PCI. Another recent sub- analysis of the 1-Year data of ETNA-AF, the largest and most comprehensive repository of data on the use of DOAC's in real life, confirmed the safety profile of LIXIANA in the elderly/very elderly AF patients " said Frederic Fasano, CEO of Servier Canada.
ENTRUST-AF PCI is one of more than 10 randomised, controlled trials (RCTs), registries and non-randomised clinical studies that comprise the Edoxaban Clinical Research Programme, EDOSURE. More than 100,000 patients worldwide are expected to participate in EDOSURE studies, with the goal of generating new clinical and real-world data regarding edoxaban use in AF and venous thromboembolism populations, providing physicians and patients worldwide with greater treatment confidence.
About ENTRUST-AF PCI EdoxabaN TReatment VersUS Vitamin K Antagonist in PaTients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (ENTRUST-AF- PCI) is a prospective, multinational, multicenter, randomised, open-label with blinded endpoint evaluation phase 3b study. The ENTRUST-AF PCI trial was designed to evaluate the safety and accrue exploratory information on the efficacy of an edoxaban-based antithrombotic regimen compared to a VKA-based antithrombotic regimen in patients with AF following successful PCI with stent implantation. The primary objective of the ENTRUST-AF PCI trial was to compare the incidence of major or clinically relevant non-major International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)-defined bleeding over a 12-month period of an edoxaban-based antithrombotic regimen against a VKA-based regimen. 1,506 patients were enrolled in ENTRUST-AF PCI from 186 clinical sites across Europe and Asia. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to a 12-month antithrombotic regimen of edoxaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor or to a standard therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and P2Y12 inhibitor plus ASA for one to 12 months.1
About Atrial Fibrillation
AF is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and rapidly. When this happens, blood can pool and thicken in the chambers of the heart causing an increased risk of blood clots. These blood clots can break off and travel through the blood stream to the brain (or sometimes to another part of the body), where they have the potential to cause a stroke.5
AF is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder affecting approximately 350,000 Canadians6 and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.7 Compared to those without AF, people with the arrhythmia have a 3-5 times higher risk of stroke.9 One in five of all strokes are a result of AF.8
About Edoxaban
Edoxaban is an oral, once-daily, direct factor Xa (pronounced "Ten A") inhibitor. Factor Xa is one of the key components responsible for blood clotting, so inhibiting this makes the blood thin and less prone to clotting. Edoxaban was discovered and developed by Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. On June 27, 2016, Daiichi Sankyo and Servier Canada entered into an agreement whereby Servier Canada would market the oral, once-daily anticoagulant edoxaban in Canada, upon approval by the Canadian health authority. Edoxaban is currently marketed in more than 30 countries and regions around the world.
About Servier Canada
Servier Canada is an affiliate of the independent French Servier Group governed by a Private Foundation. We, at Servier, are committed to therapeutic progress to serve patient needs. We work assiduously to provide the Canadian medical community and its patients with innovative therapeutic solutions. As such, Servier Canada is partnering with various players in the life science ecosystem including researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and innovators. In addition to these research partners, the International Center for Therapeutic Research (ICTR) located in Laval, is dedicated to preclinical and clinical development with more than 50 studies conducted throughout Canada over the last 10 years. More information is available at www.servier.ca
About EDOSURE – Edoxaban Clinical Research Programme More than 10 studies, more than 100,000 patients worldwide
Daiichi Sankyo, who discovered Edoxaban, is committed to expanding scientific knowledge about this DOAC, as demonstrated through research programmes evaluating its use in a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, patient types and clinical settings in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) designed to further build on the results of the pivotal ENGAGE-AF and Hokusai-VTE studies. More than 100,000 patients worldwide are expected to participate in the edoxaban clinical research programme, EDOSURE, which is comprised of more than 10 RCTs (randomised, controlled trials), registries and non-randomised clinical studies, including completed, ongoing and future research. Our goal is to generate new edoxaban clinical and real-world-data regarding its use in AF and VTE populations, providing physicians and patients worldwide with greater treatment assurance.
References
1.
Goette A, et al. Edoxaban-based versus vitamin-K-antagonist-based anti-thrombotic regimen following successful coronary stenting in atrial fibrillation patients. The ENTRUST-AF PCI trial. Presented at: ESC Congress 2019; September 03, 2019; Paris.
2.
Vranckx P, et al. Edoxaban-based versus vitamin K antagonist-based antithrombotic regimen after successful coronary stenting patients with atrial fibrillation (ENTRUST-AF PCI): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b trial. Lancet, in press
3.
Capodanno D, Huber K, Mehran R, et al. Management of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing PCI: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 74(1): 83-99.
Iqbal MB, et al. Recent developments in atrial fibrillation. BMJ. 2005;330(7485):238–43.
8.
Camm A, et al. Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: the Task Force for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J. 2010;31(19):2369-2429.
9.
Ball J, et al. Atrial fibrillation: Profile and burden of an evolving epidemic in the 21st century. Int J Card. 2013;167:1807-1824.
SOURCE Servier Canada Inc.
Human Flourishing in an Age of Gene Editing New book edited by Hastings Center scholars explores fundamental questions about the nature and well-being of human beings at a time when a revolutionary new biotechnology could permanently change the human species
International uproar followed the recent birth of the first babies created from embryos whose genomes had been edited with a breakthrough technology. Another scientist has announced the intention to create more gene-edited babies. The potential uses of gene-editing technologies such as Crispr-Cas9 are unprecedented in human history: they can make genetic alterations that would be passed down to future generations. The prospect of using gene editing to change ourselves, our children, and their offspring raises a host of difficult questions. Even if gene editing turns out to be safe, what other kinds of risks or harms could it pose? Human Flourishing in an Age of Gene Editing, published by Oxford University Press, leads the way to discussions surrounding deeply held personal, cultural, and societal values regarding human well-being in the context of a revolutionary new biotechnology.Editors of the book are Erik Parens, a senior research scholar at The Hastings Center, and Josephine Johnston, director of research and a research scholar. The book is one outcome of a three-year international project, supported by the John Templeton Foundation, that focused on the potential social and ethical implications of using gene editing on human germline cells (eggs, sperm, and embryos), creating changes that could be inherited. Parens and Johnston commissioned leading thinkers in philosophy, bioethics, religious studies, sociology, political science, law, and psychology to consider what gene editing might mean for human nature and human well-being. The questions explored include:What does it mean to flourish, and how might gene editing help or thwart flourishing? Could gene editing redefine what it means to be healthy, normal, or loved?How might it change relationships between parents and children? Could gene editing exacerbate the gap between the haves and the have-nots – and how can we avoid this risk?The aim for the collection, Parens and Johnston state their introduction, is to stimulate a public conversation about ethical questions raised by gene editing. “It is through this public conversation that citizens can influence laws and the distribution of funding for science and medicine; that professional leaders can shape understanding and use of gene editing and related technologies by scientists, patients, and practitioners; and that individuals can make decisions about their own lives and the lives of their families,” they write.
Avicanna (TSX: AVCN) Further Strengthens its Position as a Canadian Leader in Cannabinoid Based Research and Development with Expansion of University of Toronto Collaboration and Execution of University of Guelph Research Agreement
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/
TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") (TSX: AVCN) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products is pleased to announce that it has expanded the scope and duration of its research and collaboration agreement with Dr. Christine Allen's research group at the University of Toronto. Additionally, Dr. Allen has stepped down as Avicanna's Chief Scientific Officer, having accepted a prominent role with the University of Toronto, however, Dr. Allen will increase her involvement in Avicanna's pharmaceutical development and optimization through the expanded collaboration between Avicanna and Dr. Allen's research group. Avicanna further announces that it has entered into a research agreement with the University of Guelph. The total amount that the Company expects to spend on its research and development activities in connection with these agreements is approximately as follows: (i) $257,000 in 2019; (ii) $410,000 in 2020; (iii) $395,000 in 2021 and (iv) $198,000 in 2022.
University of Toronto
Avicanna has amended its sponsored research and collaboration agreement with the University of Toronto to extend its partnership with Dr. Christine Allen's research group to November 2022. The expanded scope of the sponsored research and collaboration agreement outlines several projects including the characterization and pre-clinical analysis of Avicanna's pipeline of phyto-therapeutic & pharmaceutical products and the development of other pharmaceutical dosage forms including sustained release formulations. Additional projects under the research and collaboration agreement include analysis of the safety, efficacy and potential synergies of cannabinoids and other therapeutic agents.
Additionally, Avicanna will collaborate with the University of Toronto to design and develop advanced nanoparticle and microparticle-based pharmaceutical formulations comprised of cannabinoid/terpene-based therapies with a specific focus on applications in cancer, osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition, Dr. Allen has accepted a role as Associate Vice-President & Vice-Provost, Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto. In connection with her appointment, Dr. Allen has stepped down as the Company's Chief Scientific Officer but will continue to lead Avicanna's pharmaceutical development efforts through the extended research & collaboration agreement.
Dr. Justin Grant, Avicanna's Executive Vice-President of Scientific Affairs added "The scientific rigor and advanced drug delivery research in Dr. Christine Allen's laboratory aligns with Avicanna's goal to develop safe, high quality and effective cannabis-based pharmaceutical products tailored for specific symptoms and indications."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Christine Allen for her leadership in the establishment of our research and development practices, which now extend globally across four active laboratories, and the completion of several product categories including derma-cosmetics, phyto-therapeutic and specific pharmaceuticals. As we proceed to the next stage, which is commercialization, we are grateful to have Dr. Allen's continued support in development of the more advanced pharmaceutical products where she is a world-renowned expert." said Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer of Avicanna.
Dr. Allen commented, "My laboratory is delighted to continue to work with Avicanna and remains committed to the evidence-based development of advanced dosage forms of cannabinoids with targeted safety and efficacy profiles."
University of Guelph
Avicanna has entered into a research agreement (the "Research Agreement") with the University of Guelph for a project to be performed by Dr. Max Jones, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Agriculture, as principal investigator. Dr. Jones has been involved in the development of Avicanna's long term genetics and breeding program over the past six (6) months. The program is focused on the stabilization of unique commercial strains, long term selective breeding programs to develop genetics with increased efficiency and also increased expression and characterization of rare cannabinoids. The project to be performed under the Research Agreement is expected to provide genetic analysis of Avicanna's cultivars to provide a genetic "fingerprint" for each cultivar and determine their relative relationships (i.e. genetic distance) to one another. Additionally, Dr. Jones' group is hopeful to produce polyploid plants for Avicanna's breeding program and establish and optimize tissue culture and micropropagation methods that can be utilized in Avicanna's cultivation sites in Colombia. All research data and research reports created under the Research Agreement will remain the sole property of Avicanna, however, Avicanna has granted a license to the University of Guelph to use such reports and data for research and academic purposes. The study is expected to be completed in two (2) phases and will continue for a period of one (1) year from the date the University of Guelph obtains a permit from Health Canada to import certain plant material from the Company's subsidiaries in Colombia. The cost of the study is expected to be approximately $59,360.
Aras Azadian, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, stated "As a leading company focused on research and development and intellectual property development in the cannabinoid industry, we believe it is imperative to have this evidence-based philosophy in all of our business units including our cultivation projects, and its genetics and seed programs. With this collaboration we aim to ensure that Avicanna is prepared for the future of this emerging industry by staying ahead of the curve through our advanced genetic development and breeding programs."
About Avicanna
Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments, cultivation and research and development.
Avicanna's two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta, Colombia are the base for Avicanna's cultivation activities. These two companies are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Avicanna's research and development business is primarily conducted out of Canada at its headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. Avicanna's scientific team develops products, and Avicanna has also engaged the services of researchers at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for the purpose of optimizing and improving upon its products.
Avicanna's research and development and cultivation activities are focused on the development of its key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and Extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates), with a goal of eventually having these products manufactured and distributed through various markets.
Stay Connected
For more information about Avicanna, visit www.avicanna.com, call 1-647-243-5283, or contact Setu Purohit, President by email info@avicanna.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include but are not limited to the intended outcomes of the studies to be conducted under the research and collaboration agreement with the University of Toronto and the expected outcomes of the studies to be conducted under the Research Agreement. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's long form final prospectus dated July 8, 2019. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company.
SOURCE Avicanna Inc.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Announces New Additions to Board of Directors
DENVER – Dr. Heather Wakelee, professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology at Stanford University, has been elected the new president-elect of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). She is joined by new board members Dr. Andrea Bezjak, Dr. Roy Herbst, Dr. Erik Thunnissen and Dr. Caicun Zhou. All candidates will work to support the IASLC’s mission to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide.
The newly-elected board members will officially assume their roles at the upcoming IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain, on September 7-10, 2019. President-elect, Dr. Wakelee, will serve a two-year term while each of the four additional board members will serve a four-year term.
“We look forward to harnessing the talent, leadership and vision of this group of leaders in lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies,” said Giorgio Scagliotti, MD, PhD, president of the IASLC. “Having them deeply involved in strategy and leadership will undoubtedly benefit our entire organization, allowing us to expand our reach, solidify our relevance and provide our members with the world-class experience that they deserve.”
Dr. Heather Wakelee is a professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology at Stanford University and is the faculty director of the Stanford Cancer Clinical Trials Office. She is a graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her post-graduate training at Stanford University. She has authored or co-authored more than 200 medical articles on lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, including thymic malignancies, and has been involved in dozens of clinical trials related to lung cancer therapy and diagnostics. Her research focuses on several lung cancer mutant subtypes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF and others. She is also involved in trials of adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis agents - in addition to collaborations with colleagues focused in biomarkers and population science research. She is passionate about mentorship and is proud of the many former trainees who are now working in faculty positions as lung cancer investigators and care providers.
Dr. Andrea Bezjak is a professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, and staff radiation oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital. Her clinical expertise is in the management of lung cancers and palliative radiotherapy. In August 2003, she assumed leadership of the Radiation Medicine Program (RMP) Lung Group and has created a multi-professional team that has embarked on a program of high precision radiotherapy in lung cancer, utilizing the cutting-edge technology now available within RMP including 4 D-CT for treatment planning, PET-CT simulator for target definition and cone beam CT for image verification. She is the local principal investigator of the RTOG phase I/II study of stereotactic RT for T1-T3NO non-small cell lung cancers in medically inoperable patients. She is also collaborating with colleagues in assessing the effect of radiotherapy on normal tissues, particularly lung.
Dr. Roy Herbst is Ensign Professor of Medicine, professor of parmacology, chief of medical oncology, director of the Thoracic Oncology Research Program, and associate director for Translational Research at Yale Cancer Center (YCC) and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. For several decades, Dr. Herbst has been a pioneer of personalized medicine and immunotherapy, identifying biomarkers and bringing novel targeted treatments and immunotherapies to patients, and serving as principal investigator for numerous clinical trials testing these agents in advanced stage lung cancers. Dr. Herbst has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, abstractsand book chapters. For his lifetime achievement in scientific contributions to thoracic cancer research, Dr. Herbst was awarded the 2016 Paul A. Bunn, Jr. Scientific Award by the IASLC at the association’s 17th World Conference on Lung Cancer in Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Erik Thunnissen is a consultant pathologist at the Department of Pathology, VUmc, Amsterdam. His main interest is in pulmonary pathology, and as a long-standing member of the IASLC and the IASLC pathology committee, he leads reproducibility studies of the World Health Organization classification for lung cancer. He has taken responsibility for pulmonary molecular external quality assessment (EQA) programs initially in the Netherlands, subsequently in the European Society of Pathology, recently for UK NEQAS ICC & ISH, an international external quality assessment and technical advice/education service for laboratories.
Dr. Caicun Zhou is director of the Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, director of Cancer Institute of Tongji University Medical School, chairman of the Oncology Department of Tongji University. He is also the head of Chinese East-West Lung Cancer Research Group in China. He studied in Japan for two years and was a visiting scientist in United States. He serves on the editorial boards of many scientific journals, including Tumor, Chinese-German Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology. He is also an associate editor of ‘Lung Cancer’ and editor-in-chief of Translational Lung Cancer Research. Professor Zhou was selected as an ‘excellent learning pioneer’ by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality in 2006 and a leading talent of Shanghai in 2015 and received grants from the National 863 project and five key research projects of the Natural Science Foundation of China. His major research interests are in customized, targeted and immune therapy of lung cancer, and he has published over 100 papers in scientific journals.
About the IASLC:
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes more than 7,500 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit www.iaslc.org for more information.
Adults with cerebral palsy about twice as likely to develop cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, RCSI study
DUBLIN, Aug. 29 2019 – Adults with cerebral palsy are about twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease compared to adults without cerebral palsy, according to a new study led by RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and Brunel University London.
The study compared 1,700 adults with cerebral palsy and 5,000 adults without cerebral palsy to identify how many developed non-infectious diseases, such as asthma or stroke. The research is published in the current edition of Neurology.
Patients with cerebral palsy were overall 75% more likely to have a non-communicable disease. After adjusting for other variables, the study found that adults with cerebral palsy were around twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, but not more likely to develop diabetes or cancer.
Adults with cerebral palsy were specifically 2.6 times more likely to develop heart failure, 5.5 times more likely to have a stroke, 2.2 times more likely to develop asthma, 1.6 times more likely to develop hypertension and 2.3 times more likely to develop ischaemic heart disease.
Globally, approximately 17 million people have cerebral palsy. Although cerebral palsy was historically considered a paediatric condition, the majority of children with cerebral palsy now survive into adulthood and many adults with cerebral palsy have a near normal life expectancy.
Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition. However, at least a quarter of young adults report that their ability to walk gets worse, which may contribute to the development of chronic health conditions.
“Until recently, we did not know much about the consequences of ageing with cerebral palsy. Our findings highlight the need for further research into the management of non-communicable diseases in this population,” said Jennifer Ryan, the study’s lead author and StAR Research Lecturer at RCSI and Senior Lecturer at Brunel University London.
“Recent clinical guidelines for adults with cerebral palsy in the UK recommended that pathways need to be developed that allow adults with cerebral palsy access to a multidisciplinary team. However, adults with cerebral palsy in Ireland lack access to co-ordinated multidisciplinary support.”
Being able to access health professionals, such as physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons and neurologists with knowledge of cerebral palsy early, may slow deterioration in the patient’s function and prevent development of secondary conditions with age.
Dr Neil O'Connell, co-author, physiotherapist and senior lecturer at Brunel University London said:
"Our results clearly emphasise the importance of reframing how cerebral palsy is traditionally viewed; to recognise that it is not simply a condition of childhood. Health services should be designed and delivered with the aim of supporting people with cerebral palsy to be healthy and active throughout their lives."
The study was funded by the Brunel University London Research Catalyst Fund, and it involved collaborators from Brunel University London, University of Michigan-Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, University of Surrey and Queen Mary University London.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) launches on-campus 'Carry It' campaign
Post-secondary students are one of the highest-risk groups in escalating opioid crisis
TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31st, 2019, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) launched the "Carry It Toolkit," an opioid overdose education campaign aimed at Canadian post-secondary students. The resources support educational institutions across Canada in preventing and responding to an opioid overdose on campus.
The opioid crisis in Canada is real and growing. Youth aged 15-24 have the second fastest-growing rates of hospitalizations from opioid harms in Canada.
According to a new study from Angus Reid commissioned on behalf of CMHA, substance use is very common on campus, with 81% of Canadians saying that they have witnessed someone take recreational drugs at post-secondary school.
Despite this, a majority (53%) of Canadians said they would not know how to respond if they encountered someone experiencing an overdose.
The toolkit provides practical tools and resources to educate students, administrators, faculty and staff on how to identify and respond to an overdose when every second matters, as well as a sample protocol for making naloxone available on campus and for how to use, train, store and get access to naloxone. In Ontario, Quebec and the Northwest Territories, naloxone kits, with both the injectable form and NARCAN Nasal Spray, can be picked up free of charge, without identification, at almost any pharmacy.
"If you care, we're asking you to carry it," says Fardous Hosseiny, interim CEO, CMHA. "A compassionate, effective response to opioid overdose is multifaceted and ready access to naloxone where young people live, work and study is essential."
Back-to-school is a major time of transitions for young people, with increased stress and academic and social pressures. It's important for students experiencing school-related stress to have supportive relationships, emotional and academic support and access to on-campus mental health resources. Many Canadians (88%) believe parents should be concerned about their kids' exposure to recreational drugs while attending post-secondary institutions, but access to the right services and support networks can help them cope with pressure in healthy ways.
"As our children head back to school, we want to ensure they're in the safest environment possible," says Mark Barnes, pharmacist at Respect Rx Pharmasave, Ottawa and member of the Ottawa Overdose Prevention & Response Task Force. "With the prevalence of incredibly powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanyl, we need to be prepared and equipped to respond efficiently. Sadly, only a few grains of these highly potent drugs can be lethal so ensuring students are carrying a naloxone kit and are prepared to respond to an overdose can make all the difference."
The CMHA Carry It Toolkit is available at www.cmha.ca/carryit and was developed by CMHA with an unrestricted grant from Adapt Pharma Canada Ltd., the makers of NARCAN® Nasal Spray, which is a temporary antidote that can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, visit www.cmha.ca
ABOUT NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) NASAL SPRAY
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray is a pure opioid antagonist indicated for emergency use to reverse known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or severe central nervous system depression.
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Emergency medical assistance (calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering naloxone.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is available upon consultation with a pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the direction for use. The full product monograph for NARCAN® Nasal Spray is available at https://www.narcannasalspray.ca/pdf/en/product_monograph.pdf.
Adapt Pharma Canada Ltd. has established dedicated distribution channels that allow first responders, public health organizations, and individuals to readily access NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Adapt Customer Support can be reached at 1-877-870-2726 or by e-mail adaptcanada@customer-support.ca.
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray is available as 4 mg/0.1 mL single-dose sprayer, carton of 2 devices.
SOURCE Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
How to Help a Grieving Friend
By Joanne Fink
At some point in our life, most of us have to learn to cope with the loss of a loved one. Companions on the grief journey—especially for the first few years after loss—make a huge difference. Sadly, most of us don’t know what to say to a friend who is grieving, or what we can do to help.
National Grief Awareness Day, this Friday, August 30th, shines a light on grief, and the ongoing need for support after losing a loved one. If you have a friend who is grieving here are six things to keep in mind:
Grief is not something you ‘get over’— it’s something you get through by learning to live ‘with’ the loss.
There’s no time limit on grief!
Grief is a normal, natural reaction to loss that can cause overwhelming and confusing emotions including disbelief, anguish, anger, sorrow, fear, guilt, relief, hopelessness and helplessness.
Grief impacts every aspect of your life: intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and creative, as well as emotional. Widows are usually impacted financially as well.
Most people who are grieving need support for far, far longer than their friends and family realize.
Grief does not follow a linear timeframe. It comes in waves, and is often triggered by a song, aroma, place or memory, even years after the loss.
Here are five things you can do to help a grieving friend.
Realize that you can’t fix this. There isn’t anything you can say or do to bring back the person who died. All you can do is accompany your friend on their grief journey.
Don’t worry about finding ‘the right words’. Simply saying “I’m so sorry for your loss” and giving a hug can bring great comfort.
Create a safe space for your friend to share what’s in their heart. Listen. Don’t judge. Invite your friend to talk about their loss and how it makes them feel, and quietly hand them tissues if they start to cry.
Talk about the person who died and don’t be afraid to say their name—it’s music to the ears of their loved one.
Remember special dates: Birthdays (both of the person who died and the person you are supporting), anniversaries and holidays are often grief triggers.Put these datesand the date of death– in your calendar so you can call, text, or send a card. It will make more of a difference than you can possibly imagine.
About Joanne Fink
Joanne Fink is an award-winning designer, calligrapher, and best-selling author with more than a million books in print. Her personal memoir, When You Lose Someone You Love, published by Companion House Press, brings comfort hope and healing to the bereaved. Joanne’s next book, My Spiritual Journey, a guided journal for spiritual seekers, will be available later this year (Quiet Fox Designs). It is currently available for pre-order. Learn more about Joanne’s books and journey at www.WhenYouLoseSomeone.comand www.zenspirations.com.
About When You Lose Someone You Love
Filled with expressive sentiments and beautifully simple illustrations from the personal grief journal of award winning artist/author Joanne Fink, this special edition of When You Lose Someone You Love offers a healing connection with all who are dealing with one of life’s most challenging times. Readers will understand that they are not alone, that there will be days when you feel overwhelmed, nights when you can’t sleep, and times when waves of sadness wash over you unexpectedly. Affirming and cathartic, this book will help bring healing without sugarcoating the challenges of losing a loved one. When You Lose Someone You Love is an incredible gift of comfort for anyone who endures the journey of losing a spouse, a family member or close friend. “Joanne Fink’s book When You Lose Someone You Love is living proof that when a widow finds inspiration and connection she is empowered to transform her loss story into a life affirming legacy story worth sharing. This creative, gift sized book will have a positive impact on anyone who has lost someone they love. We need more books like this in the world.”
―Carolyn Moor, founder of Modern Widows Club
Back to School...and Back to Bullying
One child gently grasps the hand of a crying child as they head into school together. It is a moment of caring and comforting. You may have seen the photograph that recently went viral: https://cnn.it/30K8zU0.
Could anything be more beautiful than that? It almost makes you believe that bullying is an aberration rather than a daily reality for kids, of all ages, everywhere. However, we know that bullying, and its consequences, are in the news every day.
The beginning of a school year is always a time of remembering for me. My middle school experience was a nightmare of kids who wanted to hurt me and adults who abandoned me. I will always recall how it felt. It took me decades to recover and reclaim my peace.
I hope others who experienced bullying at school can heal far more quickly than I did. To help them, I wrote "Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School." It contains the story of my experiences and how, using a four-step program, I was finally able to get beyond the bullying.
As kids go back to school, they'll be making memories. At the same time, this time of year will trigger horrifying recollections and feelings of helplessness for the adults who never got beyond the bullying they suffered. They really could use a proven program for healing. I'd like to send you an evaluation copy of my book. Might that be of interest to you? I'd also be available for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Bio: Stacey J. Miller
Stacey J. Miller is an independent book publicist, publisher, writer, editor, and social media strategist. She has worked in, and around, the book publishing industry for nearly three decades.
She is the author of Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School (BPT Press). and Feline Operation Barfitty Blues: The College Emissions Scandal which she wrote, and published, in three days. She likes cats an awful lot.
Founder of S. J. Miller Communications, Stacey is based in a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. Visit her online at www.bookpr.com.
