ProMIS Neurosciences Appoints Internationally Recognized Researcher in Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome Dr. Andre Strydom to its Scientific Advisory Board
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Aug. 27, 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, has added Dr. Andre Strydom to its scientific advisory board (SAB). Dr. Strydom is a world-recognized expert in ageing-related issues in Down syndrome and his research has advanced understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Down syndrome patients. His expertise and advocacy will help guide ProMIS development plans relating to treatment of AD in Down syndrome.
"Dr. Strydom's research has been incredibly valuable to our collective understanding of how Alzheimer's disease begins and progresses," said Eugene Williams, Executive Chairman of ProMIS Neurosciences. "We're honored to welcome him to our SAB, which we believe is a collection of some of the most accomplished researchers in neurodegenerative diseases and believe his expertise will help us include this very special patient population in our clinical studies, expediting and improving study quality."
Born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 which carries the gene for the amyloid precursor protein, Down syndrome patients show significantly increased amyloid in the brain and are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's early in their lifetime. Dr. Strydom has dedicated his research and academic career to advancing our body of knowledge in support of efforts to develop effective therapies for AD in Down syndrome. He is a professor in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, and Honorary Consultant psychiatrist, South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust. His current projects and collaborations include the LonDownS consortium, funded by the Wellcome Trust/ MRC, to study the neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease in Down syndrome. This work concerns detailed cognitive assessment of individuals with Down syndrome across their lifespan to track changes with ageing, as well as collecting DNA, blood and cellular samples for genetic and experimental studies to understand the underlying factors that may influence variation in age of onset of symptoms. His research in Down syndrome includes investigation of biomarkers of cognitive decline including those related to excess amyloid production, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. His group also conducts neuroimaging studies using high-density EEG, MRI and fNIRS. He has been an investigator on clinical trials of new drug treatment options in Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and autism.
"The combination of new biomarkers, improved disease understanding and potential medicines that are highly selective for the toxic, misfolded form of amyloid beta make this an incredibly exciting time in Alzheimer's disease therapy development," said Professor Andre Strydom. "I'm extremely pleased to join ProMIS' SAB and look forward to collaborating with this group of highly accomplished leaders as we take aim at these diseases that remain without effective therapies."
ProMIS' SAB members are highly published and cited contributors to current scientific understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, ALS, other neurodegenerative diseases and protein misfolding diseases in general. Current members include:
Neil R. Cashman, M.D is Chief Science Officer at ProMIS Neurosciences and Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Neurodegeneration and Protein Misfolding Diseases and serves as the Director of the UBC ALS Centre. Dr. Cashman is recognized as a pioneer in the field of prion-like misfolded proteins and their role in development of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular ALS and AD. Neil Cashman is co-chair of the SAB;
Sharon Cohen, M.D is a trained behavioral neurologist and former speech language pathologist. Her memory clinic and dementia clinical trials program at the Toronto Memory Programme are the largest and most active in Canada and have contributed substantially to patient care and to global clinical trial cohorts. Through her commitment to knowledge translation and her passion for clinically meaningful outcomes, Dr. Cohen provides a valuable perspective which places the patient at the center of Alzheimer's drug development programs.
Todd E. Golde, M.D, Ph.D is Director of the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of Florida where he directs a robust program of scientific discovery aimed at translating basic discoveries in neurodegenerative disease into diagnostics and treatments for patients. Dr. Golde is co-chair of the SAB;
William C. Mobley, M.D, Ph.D is Associate Dean for Neurosciences Initiatives, Distinguished Professor of Neurosciences, Florence Riford Chair for Alzheimer Disease at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and the university's Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Center for Research and Treatment. Dr. Mobley's research focuses on the neurobiology of neuronal dysfunction in developmental and age-related disorders of the nervous system.
C. Warren Olanow, M.D. is the past Henry P. and Georgette Goldschmidt Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and present Professor Emeritus in the Department of Neurology and in the Department of Neuroscience.
Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD., is a neuroscientist and geneticist with scientific expertise in Alzheimer's disease and brain health. He serves as Vice-Chair of Neurology, Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, and as a Director of the Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School.
Lary C. Walker, Ph.D is Associate Professor of Neurology and Research Professor at Emory University Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Dr. Walker's research has been directed toward understanding the mechanisms by which the Alzheimer-associated proteins amyloid beta and tau form pathogenic assemblies in vivo and how these agents spread in the brain;
Selectively targeting the toxic oligomer for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases Misfolded proteins are a known root cause of neurodegenerative diseases. When proteins misfold, they may form toxic oligomers that are deadly to neurons and spread (propagate) through the brain leading to disease. Using its novel drug discovery engine, ProMIS can uniquely and selectively target the toxic oligomer, filling a critical gap for drug developers: traditional approaches to developing antibodies are unable to isolate and target the toxic oligomer with adequate precision. The company's Alzheimer's disease program includes two antibody candidates that offer dual targeting of the toxic oligomers of tau and amyloid beta, currently one of the most promising areas of therapy development in Alzheimer's disease. ProMIS' Parkinson's disease program includes several potential antibody therapeutic candidates aimed at selectively targeting misfolded, toxic oligomers of the protein α-synuclein, considered a root cause of PD. ProMIS has also identified antibody candidates that selectively target 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.
Connectivity and the Road to Recovery:
CAMIMH announces the Faces of Mental Illness for 2019-2020
The Faces campaign, presented by Bell Let’s Talk, will tell the stories of five Canadians who are living with mental illness, and underline the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Each year, CAMIMH receives hundreds of nominations filled with inspiring stories of resilience and recovery about individuals who want to raise awareness across Canada.
“The Faces are bringing mental health to the forefront to inspire policy-makers to recognize that mental illnesses, including addictions, deserve appropriate and timely treatment, adequate funding and dedicated research similar to any major health issue,” said Fardous Hosseiny, Co-Chair of CAMIMH.
This year’s theme of connectivity will highlight the importance of connecting to nature, family, friends, hobbies, mental health providers and of connecting mental health to overall health in order to maintain mental wellness.
“By sharing their own stories so openly, these outstanding Canadians are showing what’s possible when people living with mental illness are able to get timely access to the help they need,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “My thanks to each of the Faces of Mental Illness for their courage to make a real and positive difference.”
The 2019-2020 Faces of Mental Illness:
Jillian Brown (Squamish, BC) - Jillian is an adventure photographer who lives with PTSD. She dealt with numerous traumatic experiences, but through counselling, fitness, and nature she was able to heal and now shares her story to help others. Jillian has shifted her mindset from thinking of PTSD as a stigma, to using it as empowerment. Perseverance – Trust – Strength – Determination have now become the words of Jillian’s PTSD.
Anita Manley (Ottawa, ON) - At 43 years old, Anita lost contact with all of her friends and family and found herself living in her car. Anita struggled with schizo-affective bipolar disorder for many years and was hospitalized seven times beginning in her early 20's. Since receiving the right treatment in 2011, Anita has volunteered with the Women’s Resource Centre at The Royal and co-created a writing group to support other women. She is also a patient advisor for mental health issues and speaks to many audiences to help reduce the stigma surrounding psychosis.
Donovan Taplin (Bell Island, NL)- Raised in a rural island community, Donovan struggled with depression and anxiety since they were a teenager and had limited access to mental health care. The most crucial element to Donovan's successes in recovery has been finding a sense of belonging as a queer person. In 2013, Donovan became the youngest, and one of the first openly queer people to hold municipal office in the province and lead their Town’s first recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week and Pride Month. Donovan also served on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council and is currently Vice-Chair of the committee developing Canada’s national standard for post-secondary student mental health, the first of its kind in the world.
Onika Dainty (Toronto, ON) - Onika has spent a total of one year of her life in psychiatric institutions due to psychotic episodes brought on by Bipolar Affective Disorder 1. Growing up in a household that did not discuss mental health, it took Onika years to seek out the right treatment. Today, she hosts a podcast, DaintyDysh that discusses mental health issues and aims to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Mélissa Néron (Jonquière, QC) - Since childhood, Mélissa knew she was different. Her emotions were very overwhelming and to the extreme. As she grew older she made several suicide attempts and it was not until she was in her mid-20s that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with exacerbation and ADD. She is currently studying to become a nurse and wants to show others that even with a mental illness, anything is possible.
The Faces will be featured in a national media outreach and advocacy campaign, which will include videos that will be shared with the public during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), October 6 to 12, 2019. MIAW encourages action and engages Canadians in a public conversation about mental illness.
Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
L'ACMMSM annonce les Visages des maladies mentales 2019-2020
La campagne des Visages, présentée par Bell Cause pour la cause, racontera l'histoire des cinq Canadiens qui souffrent de maladies mentales et soulignera l'importance de diagnostics et de traitements appropriés. Chaque année, l'ACMMSM reçoit des centaines de nominations remplies d'histoires inspirantes de résilience et de rétablissement d'individus qui souhaitent sensibiliser la population partout au Canada.
« Les Visages poussent la santé mentale au premier plan et vont inciter les décideurs politiques à reconnaitre que les maladies mentales, y compris les addictions, méritent des traitements adéquats et opportuns, du financement adéquat et de la recherche spécialisée au même titre que n'importe quel autre problème de santé majeur », indique Fardous Hosseiny, coprésident de l'ACMMSM.
Cette année, le thème de la connectivité soulignera l'importance de la connexion, avec la nature, la famille, les amis, les passe-temps, les fournisseurs de soins de santé et de la connexion entre la santé mentale et la santé en général afin de maintenir le bien-être mental.
« En partagent leurs histoires aussi ouvertement, ces canadiens nous montrent ce qui est possible quand des personnes qui souffrent de maladie mentale sont capable de recevoir l’aide dont ils ont besoin, a dit Mary Deacon, présidente de Bell Cause pour la cause. Merci à chaqu’un des Visages de la maladie mentale pour leur courage pour créer du changement positif. »
Les Visages des maladies mentales 2019-2020 :
Jillian Brown (Squamish, C.-B.) - Jillian est une photographe d'aventure qui souffre de SSPT. Elle a vécu de nombreuses expériences traumatiques, mais à l'aide de suivi psychologique, de conditionnement physique, et de nature, elle a pu guérir et elle partage maintenant son expérience dans le but d'aider les autres. Jillian a changé son attitude envers le SSPT de la stigmatisation vers l'émancipation. Persévérance – Confiance – Puissance – Détermination sont maintenant les termes soulevés par le SSPT de Jillian.
Anita Manley (Ottawa, Ont.) - À l'âge de 43 ans, Anita a perdu contact avec tous ses amis et sa famille et s'est retrouvée à vivre dans sa voiture. Anita a souffert de troubles schizo-affectifs bipolaires pendant de nombreuses années, et a été hospitalisée sept fois à partir du début de la vingtaine. Depuis qu'elle a reçu le traitement approprié en 2011, Anita a travaillé comme bénévole auprès du Centre de ressources
pour les femmes du Royal et a cocréé un cercle d'écriture afin de soutenir d'autres femmes. Elle est également une conseillère aux patients en matière de problèmes de santé mentale et s'adresse à de nombreux publics afin de contribuer à réduire la stigmatisation autour de la psychose.
Donovan Taplin (Bell Island, T.-N.-L.) - Élevé en communauté rurale insulaire, Donovan a lutté avec la dépression et l'anxiété depuis l'adolescence et avait un accès très limité aux soins de santé mentale. L'aspect le plus décisif du succès de Donovan vers le rétablissement a été de trouver un sentiment d'appartenance à titre de personne queer. En 2013, Donovan est devenu la plus jeune et l'une des seules personnes ouvertement queer à occuper des fonctions municipales dans la province et a affirmait sa ville à reconnaitre la Semaine de la sensibilisation aux maladies mentales et le Mois des fiertés. Donovan a également servi sur le Conseil jeunesse du Premier ministre et est actuellement coprésident du comité qui développe la norme nationale sur la santé mentale à l'intention des étudiants de niveau postsecondaire du Canada, la première de son genre au monde.
Onika Dainty (Toronto, Ont.) - Au total, Onika a passé toute une année de sa vie en institutions psychiatriques, en raison de crises psychotiques provoquées par un trouble affectif bipolaire type 1. Ayant grandi dans un foyer où la santé mentale n'était pas abordée, il aura pris des années à Onika pour trouver le traitement approprié. Aujourd'hui, elle anime un podcast, DaintyDysh, qui traite de problèmes de santé mentaux et cherche à mettre fin à la stigmatisation autour des maladies mentales.
Mélissa Néron (Jonquière, Qc) - Depuis l'enfance, Mélissa savait qu'elle était différente. Ses émotions étaient accablantes et extrêmes. En grandissant, elle a tenté de se suicider plusieurs fois et ce n'était qu'au moment de franchir la mi-vingtaine qu'elle a été diagnostiquée avec un trouble bipolaire avec exacerbation et TDA. Elle poursuit actuellement des études d'infirmière et veut démontrer aux autres que même avec une maladie mentale, tout est possible.
Les Visages seront au centre d'une campagne nationale de plaidoyer et de sensibilisation auprès des médias, qui comprendra des capsules vidéo qui seront partagées avec le public lors de la Semaine de la sensibilisation aux maladies mentales (SSMM), du 6 au 12 octobre 2019. La SSMM incite à l'action et favorise une conversation publique entre Canadiens sur les maladies mentales.
L' ACMMSM aimerait remercier ses généreux commanditaires qui ont permis à cette campagne d'exister : Bell Cause pour la cause, Commission de la santé mentale du Canada, Lundbeck Canada, Médicaments Novateurs Canada, L'Association canadienne des coopératives financières et Impact Affaires Publiques
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Fondée en 1998, l’Alliance canadienne pour la maladie mentale et la santé mentale (ACMMSM) est un regroupement d’organismes en santé mentale, comprenant des fournisseurs et organismes de soins de santé, représentant les personnes souffrant de maladie mentale, leurs familles et aidants. Le mandat de l’ACMMSM est de s’assurer que la cause de la santé mentale soit une priorité du programme national afin que les personnes aux prises avec une maladie mentale ou un problème de santé mentale et leurs familles aient l’accès approprié aux soins et au soutien.
Quest for new cancer treatment crosses milestone Therapy invented at Rice University excels in pilot clinical trials
HOUSTON -- (Aug. 26, 2019) -- A cancer therapy invented at Rice University has crossed a milestone in clinical trials, a major development in a decadeslong quest to develop a treatment that destroys tumors without the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy, invasive surgery and radiation.
Thirteen of the first 15 prostate cancer patients treated in a clinical trial of the nanoparticle-based, focal therapy showed no detectable signs of cancer a year after treatment, according to a study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The paper presents the results from 16 patients who were treated at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. It is believed to be the first published clinical study of a photothermal cancer therapy -- one that uses illuminated nanoparticles to heat and destroy tumors -- in a refereed scientific journal, said the study's authors.
In the study, 16 men ages 58 to 79 with low- to intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer agreed to participate in a trial of AuroLase Therapy, a focal ablation treatment that uses gold nanoparticles to heat and destroy tumors. Fifteen of the 16 patients underwent the two-day treatment, receiving an intravenous infusion of nanoparticles on day one and undergoing an image-guided ablation treatment on day two. All of the patients went home on the day of the treatment and returned for follow-up tests at three months, six months and one year after treatment. Of the 15 who completed treatment, only two showed detectable signs of cancer in follow-up biopsies and MRIs one year later.
"Gold-silica nanoshell infusion allows for a focused therapy that treats the cancer while sparing the rest of the prostate, thus preserving a patient's quality of life by reducing unwanted side effects, which could include erectile dysfunction and/or the leakage of urine," said study lead author and trial principal investigator Dr. Ardeshir Rastinehad, associate professor of urology and radiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
The trial, which is ongoing and has treated 44 patients at Mount Sinai and two other clinical sites in Michigan and Texas, is the culmination of a 20-year quest by Rice University engineer and nanoscientist Naomi Halas and Duke University bioengineer Jennifer West. Halas and West, co-authors of the new study, first envisioned the nanoparticle-based therapy around 2000 while working together in Rice's Brown School of Engineering.
The particles, tiny silica spheres with a thin outer layer of gold, are called nanoshells. They are about 50 times smaller than a red blood cell, and Halas invented them at Rice in 1997. By varying the thickness of the gold shell, Halas had shown she could tune nanoshells to interact with specific wavelengths of light. Around 2000, she and West invented a method of destroying cancer cells by heating nanoshells with a low-power, near-infrared laser that could pass harmlessly through healthy tissue.
The work garnered national awards and press coverage, and by the early 2000s Halas and West had co-founded a Houston-based startup, Nanospectra Biosciences, to develop the technology for clinical use.
Around that time, Halas' father, then 85, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"He had profound hearing loss and was legally blind, so I had to be the communications link between him and his urologist," Halas said. "I know a lot about what people go through with prostate cancer because of my dad."
Halas said she'll never forget when her father asked if her invention might be the answer for his prostate cancer.
"He knew about nanoshells," she said. "The story had been in Business Week, and he had posted the clipping on a wall in his office."
At the time, Nanospectra was still conducting the necessary pre-clinical work to show that nanoshells could be safely used in humans.
Two years after his radiation therapy, it became almost impossible for him to urinate.
"It was terrible," Halas recalled. "He was in and out of the hospital weekly. The doctor would catheterize him. He'd go home. Things would be fine for a few days, and then he'd have to go to the emergency room. It was unbelievable what he went through."
She vividly recalls a conversation that still motivates her.
"He said to me, 'If you could prevent just one person from having to go through the hell that I went through, it would be worth it,'" Halas said.
From the outset, West and Halas had imagined a treatment that would destroy cancer without the debilitating side effects often associated with chemotherapy, invasive surgery and radiation. And that had been borne out in their early studies in cell cultures and mice.
"The science hasn't changed," West said. "If you look back to our original PNAS paper, where we did the first animal studies, there's nothing fundamentally different in the science."
But getting clinical trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration was not easy, in part because the technology was groundbreaking.
"We were the first, really engineered nanoparticle to go into human beings," West said. "In the beginning, the FDA wasn't sure how to handle these types of materials. We had something that looked like an injectable liquid in an IV bag. Was it a drug or a device? There was a point in time where the FDA was discussing creating a whole new division just for nano."
In the end, the agency opted to regulate the treatment, which Nanospectra branded as AuroLase Therapy, as a medical device. Clinical trials focused on safety began almost 10 years ago with a study in late-stage head and neck cancer. Halas said Nanospectra learned valuable lessons at every step, but she said it was another big advance -- this one in medical imaging -- that set the stage for the success in prostate cancer.
In 2011, researchers from the National Institutes of Health published results of a new technique that combined ultrasound and MRI imaging to resolve prostate tumors with millimeter-scale precision, Halas said. Clinicians began adoption of the technique for "fusion biopsies," a procedure for targeting needle biopsies to the specific site of suspected tumors.
One of the lead researchers working to develop fusion biopsy technology was Rastinehad, who joined Mount Sinai in 2015 and was an early proponent of using the fusion imaging platform for "focal therapy," minimally invasive treatment that could target tumors without the risks of incontinence and impotency that were associated with whole-gland treatments like surgical removal of the prostate or radiation.
For Halas and West, the newly published study is another, important step in a 20-year journey that's always been personal and deeply moving.
"Tropical Storm Allison hit while we were doing our earliest animal experiments in the Texas Medical Center," West recalled. "Many of the MRI instruments in animal research facilities were destroyed, and we ended up having to run MRIs on our mice in the same facilities they were using to image patients. It was profoundly moving to see the impact that cancer was having on people, to be waiting there with them and think that what we were developing might one day, hopefully, really help them."
Halas' father died several years ago, but she said she thinks about him every day.
"There's a bigger picture here," she said. "This (study) is 16 men, but when does it get to be 16,000? Sixteen million? Because 1 in 9 men are going to have to deal with this in their lifetime. The thought that this treatment could alleviate the side effects, and the misery, that my dad experienced is truly heartwarming."
West said the results show what is possible when physicians and engineers work together to solve problems.
"This work demonstrates the power of collaboration across engineering and medicine," she said. "It shows how collaboration can enable the translation of exciting new technologies into clinical medicine to improve the lives of patients."
Halas is the Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Rice's Brown School of Engineering, director of Rice's Smalley-Curl Institute and a professor of chemistry, bioengineering, physics and astronomy, and materials science and nanoengineering. West is the Fitzpatrick Family University Professor of Engineering and associate dean for doctoral education in Duke's Pratt School of Engineering.
Additional study co-authors include Harry Anastos, Ethan Wajswol, Jared Winoker, John Sfakianos, Sai Doppalapudi, Michael Carrick, Cynthia Knauer, Bachir Taouli, Sara Lewis and Ashutosh Tewari, all of Mount Sinai; Jon Schwartz of Nanospectra Biosciences; Steven Canfield of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; and Arvin George of the University of Michigan Health System.
The clinical trial is sponsored by Nanospectra Biosciences. Halas and West, the company's co-founders, maintain a small equity stake in the company but are not involved with Nanospectra Biosciences' business or strategic decisions. Rastinehad, the national principal investigator for the multi-institutional trial of AuroLase Therapy, is also a consultant for Nanospectra Biosciences.
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VIDEOS are available at:
DESCRIPTION: When Houston television meteorologist Frank Billingsley announced he had prostate cancer in 2018, the outpouring of sympathy was overwhelming. Emails poured in, but the popular KPRC-TV broadcaster said one message stood out.
EDITORS NOTE: Billingsley is notone of the first 16 patients whose results are reported in the new PNAS study. He is a patient in the ongoing clinical trial of AuroLase Therapy and was treated at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
https://youtu.be/O0y7_I76GGs DESCRIPTION: Art Rastinehad, associated professor of urology and radiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the first clinical trial of gold nanoparticles to treat prostate cancer.
High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:
https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2019/08/0812_CANCER-nhjw12a-lg.jpg CAPTION: Naomi Halas (left) and Jennifer West at Houston's 2012 Art Car Parade. Rice's parade entry honored the engineering researchers for their invention of AuroLase Therapy, a cancer treatment that uses gold nanoparticles to destroy cancer without damaging health tissue. (Photo by Mike Williams/Rice University)
Avicanna Secures Canadian Cannabinoid Research Licence at its Headquarters in Toronto's Discovery District
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TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products is pleased to announce that it has received a research licence (the "Research Licence") from Health Canada. The Research Licence will allow Avicanna's research and development team to work with cannabinoid-based formulations and advanced pharmaceutical drug development at Avicanna's research and development headquarters located at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto.
Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer of Avicanna commented "Attaining this licence will allow Avicanna's team of scientists to directly enhance and expedite research and development and intellectual property development projects while we concurrently execute via our ongoing collaborations, including with the University of Toronto, and at our subsidiaries' laboratories in Colombia. In this way, Avicanna has further fortified its leadership position in the cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical industry and will further leverage working with top Canadian researchers, clinicians and world class institutions, many of which are located meters away from the newly licensed lab."
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 Company's intended use of the Research Licence. 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.
Want to get better grades? Lace-up your sneakers!
As students of all ages prepare to go back to school, research suggests that sneakers, not scribblers, should top the list of school supplies. Dr. Scott Leith, data scientist and research psychologist with GoodLife Fitness, explains exercise stimulates brain growth, diminishes stress, contributes to better self-control, speeds up thinking, and more – all of which can translate to better grades.
Here are some of the ways exercise impacts classroom performance:
Focuses attention. Even one workout has been shown to increase focus. Exercise improves multitasking ability, sustained focus, reaction times, and time on task in the classroom.
Reduces stress. Physical activity helps mitigate the impact of life’s various stressors. Stress and mental health are larger concerns for today’s youth, and research shows regular exercise buffers us against the potentially damaging effects of tight deadlines and overwork. Further, exercise has a powerful impact on mental health – particularly in alleviating depression and anxiety.
Improves speed and flexibility of thought. People usually think brain and brawn are separate, but they actually go together. Even single workouts can improve the brain’s processing speed, decision-making ability, and memory capacity.
Grows more neurons. Exercise supports neurogenesis, the production of new neurons in parts of the brain that govern memory and physical learning. When you hit the gym, you’re not just building bigger muscles, you’re building a bigger brain.
Increases academic performance.Studies repeatedly show that exercise has a positive effect on the grades of elementary school children, high school students, and university undergraduates. The effects are particularly strong in math.
Brain-building workoutsIt’s clear that our brains benefit from any and all exercise, but Leith suggests the most effective type of physical activity should be fun and engaging. Workouts that require you to learn new moves and replicate them and sports that require you to react quickly, like soccer or tennis are also great for mental and physical agility. Leith suggests building these kinds of exercises into your regular workouts:
Get your heart pumping. Activities like running, swimming, biking, and walking help build cardiovascular stamina, which encourages better brain function overall. Cardio is also good for reducing stress and improving focus. A brisk 20-minute walk or jog is a perfect study break to help you clear your mind and return with renewed focus. Stuck inside, just do some jumping jacks or walking lunges to refresh your mind. Play a sport. Any activity where you have to think strategically and move quickly promotes better brain function and mental agility. Sports like soccer or tennis require us to control our movements and plan our next move on the fly, which helps build neural pathways and trains us to focus.
Try low-intensity mind-body exercise. Mind-body exercises like yoga or tai chi require us to focus on specific muscles while moving through a series of positions. This kind of physical activity is great to reduce stress and practice mindfulness. These kinds of exercises prompt us to control our muscles and hold them for a sustained time – strengthening the connections and control between mind and body.
DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY?
NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST DR. SANAM HAFEEZ PROVIDES TIPS FOR PARENTS TO EASE BACK TO SCHOOL JITTERS
Did you know that anxiety issues are the most common mental health disorders in children? There are an estimated 18 million children and teens who suffer from anxiety. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 25 percent of teenagers have issues of anxiety, and the statistics don't take into account the young people who are undiagnosed or don't reach out for help. (credit sheknows.com) Because the start of a new school year can trigger or worsen anxiety in stressed-out children and teens, NYC Licensed Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez offers the following tips for parents to help ease back-to-school anxiety for their kids.
Start Early
Over the summer, most families take their cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may be tempting to keep the late-night fun going up until the end, starting your school routine a few weeks early can help ease the transition back to school. Starting two to three weeks before the advent of school, begin going to bed and getting up close to when you need to for school, and try to eat on a more regular schedule as well. This advice isn’t just for little kids -- teens and adults need quality sleep for proper functioning as well, and getting your schedule straight now will help ensure that you all start the school year off more prepared and don’t feel as much anxiety over the advent of that first day.
Give your child a preview
Talk to your child about what they’re going to be doing in the upcoming school year. If your child is starting school for the first time, see if there’s a kindergarten orientation or a way to meet their teacher before school begins. Whether they’re starting a new elementary school or going back to the same one, go explore it with your child. Review where their class will be, visit the cafeteria, the library or the art room. Take them to the playground (with a friend who’ll be going to their school, if possible) to help them get adjusted and feel comfortable at the school. Give your child a “preview” of the new faces and places they’ll be seeing. This can help to “right size” the school in your child’s mind and take the fear and mystery out of it.
Shopping together for school supplies
Shopping together for school supplies, and using the shopping trip as a time to talk about what to expect at school, can be a healthy way to keep a child talking. Parents should also try to connect their child with future classmates. “If a child knows someone who is going to be in the same classroom, that can greatly reduce their apprehension and fear of the unknown,” says Dr. Hafeez.
Facilitate friendships.
Help prepare kids for school-year socializing by arranging a couple of playdates with classmates and reminding them that they’ll be seeing their familiar school friends again soon.
Talk up the positives
Field trips, old friends, new classes, sporting events, after-school activities. There’s plenty to get fired up about! Remind your child and the enthusiasm will be contagious.
Sick of School-Literally
Nervousness over heading back to class can make kids feel sick. They may complain of stomachaches, headaches, nausea and dizziness, especially on Sunday evenings after feeling well all weekend. If you observe potential symptoms of stress as the start of school approaches, Dr. Hafeez suggests having a candid conversation with your child. “Don’t just accept ‘fine’ if you ask your child, ‘How are you?’ or, ‘How was your day?’ Ask questions that can't be answered ‘yes or no,’ like, ‘How do you feel about going back to school?’ Then, let them talk, and don't try to fix what they say.”
When anxiety about school “masks” something else
Kids of any age who don’t want to go to school, or avoid it, may be doing so because of a specific issue beyond general anxiety, worry or depression, notes Dr. Hafeez. “Children who are bullied or teased often become anxious about going to school, and if the problem is not addressed, the anxiety will continue along with a host of other problems,” she says. “Similarly, children who are avoiding school may be doing so because school is hard for them — school anxiety many times emerges just before a child is diagnosed with a learning difficulty.”
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with her via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or www.comprehendthemind.com
Rapid Dose Therapeutics Commences Clinical Research Trial with GI Research Institute and University of British Columbia
BURLINGTON, ON, Aug. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Rapid Dose Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: DOSE), ("RDT") announced today the commencement of a clinical research trial with the GI Research Institute ("GIRI") and the University of British Columbia ("UBC") under the direction of Dr. Brian L. Bressler, MD, as Principal Investigator. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of providing daily doses of QuickStrip™ Vitamin B12 oral thin film strips to Inflammatory Bowel Disease ("IBD") patients who are vitamin B12 deficient.
IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that afflicts approximately 270,000 Canadians and more than 5 million people worldwide and causes inflammation that can lead to ulceration of the intestinal tract that often results in poor absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency is generally treated with injections or orally ingested pills. Injections may be unpleasant for some patients while others may have difficulty with swallowing pills. Rapidly dissolving QuickStrip™ B12 oral thin film strips may provide an effective and convenient solution to individuals needing daily B12 supplementation.
"We are delighted to engage in this clinical study, initiated and led by Dr. Brian Bressler, and the GIRI team of researchers, as Dr. Bressler is one of Canada's foremost leaders in the area of gastroenterology and the treatment of IBD," said Dr. Rina Carlini, VP, Research & Innovation of RDT.
"We are excited to be involved in this study to learn how this new delivery of vitamin B12 can help replace this essential nutrient in patients with IBD in an efficient and convenient way," said Dr. Bressler.
RDT's proprietary QuickStrip™ technology is an oral dispersible thin film drug delivery system that rapidly delivers active medicinal agents directly to the bloodstream via transfer through the sublingual or buccal mucosa (mouth), bypassing metabolism of the active agent in the gastrointestinal tract.
GIRI, located in Vancouver, BC, is affiliated with Pacific Gastroenterology Associates and supports clinical research and helps advance education in gastrointestinal disease.
About Rapid Dose Therapeutics Rapid Dose Therapeutics Corp. is a publicly-traded Canadian life sciences company that provides innovative, proprietary drug delivery technologies designed to improve outcomes and quality of lives. RDT offers Quick, Convenient, Precise and Discreet™ choices to consumers. RDT is focused and committed to clinical research and product development in the healthcare industry, including nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cannabis sectors. Within the cannabis sector, RDT provides a turn-key Managed Strip Service Program which enables RDT's QuickStrip™ proprietary drug delivery technology to be licensed by select partners. RDT's service-based annuity contracts drive recurring revenue which enables rapid expansion into emerging markets — generating value for consumers and shareholders. Rapid Dose Therapeutics is committed to continually create innovative solutions aimed at multiple consumer segments and future market needs.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain information in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward- looking statements. Forward looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Statements containing forward-looking information, including, without limitation, in respect of the delivery of products using the QuickStrip™ product delivery method, express, as at the date of this news release, the plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs of RDT as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to them. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing costs; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments involving cannabis; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally, income tax and regulatory matters; the ability to implement its business strategies; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations and other risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that statements of forward-looking information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, will prove to be accurate as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
SOURCE Rapid Dose Therapeutics Corp.
Need that Extra Push? 4 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Start a New Workout Routine
The year is already more than half over and you might be coming to the realization that you never got around to tackling those fitness goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year. If you need that extra push to motivate yourself to get fit, here are four tips to help get you started on a new workout routine.
Find a Workout Buddy
Working out with a friend is much more fun and makes the time go by a lot faster. You can also lean on each other when you’re not feeling particularly excited about a workout or are getting a bit down on yourself. Choose a partner that has similar fitness goals as you so that you’re always on the same page and can maximize the benefits of the benefits of having a workout buddy.
Post Inspiration Everywhere
When you see something that inspires you to reach your fitness goals, grab on to it. If it’s something you see on your social media feed, share it. If you come across something in a magazine, clip it out and hang it on your refrigerator or another location that you visit often throughout the day. Visualizing your fitness goals in this way can help you manifest your dreams into reality.
Get New Workout Gear
When you look your best, you feel your best. This theory holds true when exercising as well. If you have some new workout gear you’ll be more motivated to put them on and get to the gym. Gear that fits correctly, particularly weightlifting clothes, can also improve your workout routine because it’s less likely to get tangled up in equipment when you’re exercising.
Set Smaller, More Frequent Goals
Making one huge goal of losing a large amount of weight can seem intimidating, leading you to be less motivated about working out. The more goals you achieve, the more encouraged you’ll feel to stay the course. Set smaller goals, like a five pound weight loss within a two month time frame, so that you can realistically meet that goal within the allotted time. Once you crush that goal, you can continue to set goals until you’ve finally achieved everything you desire.
Staying motivated when starting a new workout routine can seem like a daunting task at first. With the right tools and right people around you, you’ll be able to reach all of the goals you set.
IS YOUR BRAIN HARDWIRED FOR ROMANCE?
Neuroscience Expert Shares How to Biohack The Brain for a Better Relationship Dating and relationships are hard work - especially in 2019. The changing face of modern romance has led to some pretty depressing stats: A recent survey found that more than 50% of sexually active individuals are dissatisfied with their sex lives; only 30% of Internet daters are in search of true love as opposed to hookups; and a staggering 23% of women aren’t happy in their relationships! It's no wonder nearly half of all marriages today end in divorce.Before you lose all faith in modern romance and turn your back on love, there may be some hope. Though some argue technology is the leading culprit in romantic demise, new tech has also given us incredible insight into love and relationships. According to Neuroscience expert Dr. Patrick Porter, there is a fascinating link between brainwaves and romance.We can't see it, but brains hum with these waves of electrical activity. At the root of all our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is the communication between neurons within our brains. Changing our brainwaves has a dramatic effect on our physical, mental, and emotional health."Brainwave training has been found to help people de-stress and achieve emotional balance. It is proven to help people who struggle with stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, - all of which are extremely important factors when it comes to romance and relationships..."...says Dr. Porter, who recently presented research along with Arianna Huffington at the National Biohacking Conference in Los Angeles. According to research, sleep plays a major role in relationships. When we sleep poorly, the parts of our brain devoted to emotional empathy don’t function as well. Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness and it helps us to be less angry and aggressive. Not surprisingly, anxiety and stress can also negatively impact your relationship. It can lead to inappropriate suspiciousness or paranoia, overthinking, being indecisive, and an appropriate need for reassurance and support.Though there are several methods of brainwave entrainment, one of the most effective is "braintapping" which uses auditory and visual stimulation to synchronize and balance brainwaves. As the light and sound frequency changes, so does the frequency in the brain. Brainwave training stabilizes the limbic system which is involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Your body is calmed, your breathing becomes rhythmic, your hands warm, and your muscles relax. "The light and sound stimulation boost brain levels of serotonin, beta-endorphins, and norepinephrine. These are the same chemicals that are released during attraction and make us giddy, energetic, and euphoric," says Porter. Brainwave training and biohacking have made tremendous advances in improving symptoms of mental health conditions which are closely tied to relationships. Although in the past, brainwave training and biohacking have received criticism for being unregulated, biohackers argue that's exactly why it needs to be studied and have close attention by the public. Dr. Porter is sharing the fascinating link between brainwave training and its impact on romance and emotional health and he can also explain why balancing brainwaves may improve your love life.IN AN INTERVIEW OR ARTICLE, DR. PORTER CAN DISCUSS:Brainwaves and relationships: the science of love.The fascinating link between brainwave training and its impact on romance and emotional health.Why balancing brainwaves may improve your love life.Biohacking - the latest trend in health and wellness.How to biohack your brain with light, sound, and vibration.What mainstream biohacking means for the healthcare industry. ABOUT DR. PATRICK PORTER:Dr. Patrick K. Porter, Ph.D., is an award-winning author and speaker who has devoted his career to neuroscience and brainwave entrainment. As the creator of BrainTap Technology™, Porter has emerged as a leader in the digital health and wellness field. BrainTap’s digital tools and mind development apps use Creative Visualization and Relaxation, a biohacking technique that has made tremendous advances in treating mental, physical, and emotional health issues. Braintap has been praised for helping people overcome stress and insomnia, lose weight, stop smoking, manage pain, accelerate learning, and much more. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.braintap.com
STONEFIELD VILLA RESORT LAUNCHES AN EXCLUSIVE FITNESS RETREAT WITH CANADIAN CELEBRITY AND FITNESS EXPERT JANA WEBB
TORONTO, ON (August 20th, 2019) - Stonefield Villa Resort, a premier health and wellness boutique property nestled at the base of Saint Lucia's famous Pitons has partnered with fitness expert and Reebok spokesperson, Jana Webb to launch a weeklong fitness retreat from November 17 – 24th, 2019 offered exclusively through WestJet Vacations.
Webb, an original cast member of the Real Housewives of Toronto, is the founder of JOGA World, a movement system made up of yoga combined with the biomechanics of sports training. Joga was created during a personal journey of rehabilitation following a car crash that left Webb severely injured. Her unique program enhances athletic performance, improves concentration, decreases recovery time, and ultimately, transforms an athlete's game.
The Jana Webb Fitness Retreat, is an all-inclusive package with roundtrip flights on WestJet, including luxury villa accommodations at Stonefield Villa Resort. The package will feature daily personalized workouts; a 60-minute spa treatment; customized healthy meal options at the resorts award-winning farm to table restaurant - Mango Tree; airport transfers; Sulphur Springs Volcano mud bath excursion, hiking the famous Pitons and a full day catamaran experience along the islands west coast.
Saint Lucia offers travellers an elevated wellness experience; the volcanic island is home to the healing Sulphur Springs, a restorative mineral mud bath, lush rainforests and the iconic Pitons that rise majestically out of the Caribbean Sea. Webb visited Saint Lucia in November 2018 to scout properties for her first fitness retreat aboard. After reviewing the island top wellness attractions and resorts, she selected Stonefield Villa Resort to host her high-end clientele on a week-long fitness/wellness retreat.
“To find a getaway that combines the zen of the ocean and the adventures of the rainforest is rare,” remarked Jana Webb, founder of JOGA. “Stonefield Villa Resort’s exquisite farm to table service and magical views from your own private villa will be a time in your life you will never forget. Saint Lucia will inspire you! My motto in life is work hard and play harder. Join me for the first ever, all-inclusive - Jana Webb Fitness Retreat partnered with WestJet Vacations and Stonefield Villa Resort. I guarantee a week of fun, fitness, amazing food, relaxation, adventure, laughs and friendship.”
The Jana Webb Fitness Retreat is sold exclusively through WestJet Vacations, visit http://westjet.com/stonefield to book you package today or call Toll Free: 1-888-937 - 8538.
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About Stonefield Resort
Stonefield Villa Resort is one of the most desirable destinations for the discerning Caribbean traveller. This 17-villa boutique property is nestled at the base of St. Lucia's Pitons overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guests relax, luxuriate and rejuvenate in spacious secluded villas each with large private pools, outdoor garden showers, large verandas and extraordinary views of the Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea. The resorts' full-service spa, gym, and yoga studio have attracted fitness and wellness groups globally offering annual retreats for exceptional rejuvenation. Consistently rated over four stars on Trip Advisor, Stonefield Resort and Spa has become a yearly award-winning vacation escape for visitors all over the world.
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