WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DOCTOR IS SICK?

HER AUTOIMMUNE ILLNESS JOURNEY, INVESTIGATING THE ROOT CAUSES OF DISEASE, AND HOW TO HEAL THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

The storm began as an innocent flutter beneath Dr. Cynthia Li’s breastbone. A new mother and a young doctor, she shrugged it off. Soon, insomnia, irritability, and rapid weight loss followed. She sought out a top-notch specialist who diagnosed her with postpartum thyroiditis, and took her medicines as prescribed. In a year’s time, her lab tests were normal. Though her symptoms persisted, she assumed she was cured. Her life continued as it always had: a world traveler, a wife to an active husband, a devoted doctor to the underserved.

Then during a pivotal family trip to Beijing, her life would change forever. While eating a twenty-mushroom special during lunch at a dumpling house, an intense pressure shot up her spine and gripped her head. Her heart rhythm snapped and thundered across her chest, and an extreme dizziness overtook her body. She felt like she was drowning into herself. Dr. Li lost consciousness and woke in an emergency room, to a body that wasn’t her own. She was overcome with constant vertigo, flu-like malaise, and a fatigue so deep she worried she couldn’t catch her next breath. As it turned out, this was the dramatic onset of chronic fatigue syndrome and dysautonomia (a mis-wiring of the autonomic nervous system that regulates everything from blood pressure to digestion to body temperature). Yet, test after test was normal.

“As an internist, I’d been trained that there is a distinct line between health and disease,” says Dr. Li. “This could be a lab result or a set of criteria. But being on the other side of the bedside, I saw how nothing was black-and-white. It was gray, gray, and more shades of gray. After seeking specialist after specialist and having all my tests fall ‘within the reference range,’ I felt betrayed by the objective numbers and methods I had once sworn by.”

Dr. Li found herself housebound for years following. Finding no real answers, she saw her illness strip her of her identity and voice, and strain her marriage down to the last threads. She vowed to get through this, for her two daughters, husband, and her life. Dr. Li asked herself one primary question to begin this new, transparent journey: How to get off the couch? 

Thus, Dr. Li launched her solo odyssey from her living room. She began digging into the root causes of chronic disease, asking, “What makes someone sick?,” “How do we reconcile uncertainty in medicine?,” and “What’s the difference between treating and healing?” She would rise off the couch, return to a fuller life, and practice medicine in a broader paradigm—drawing on cutting-edge science, ancient healing arts, and the power of intuition—what she had learned on her own journey.

In addition to her revelatory memoir, she compiles a how-to section to guide others on their path to wellness in her book, Brave New Medicine: A Doctor’s Unconventional Path to Healing Her Autoimmune Illness. 

Dr. Li is available for interviews to discuss the art and science of medicine, including such topics as:

• What a brave new medicine looks like
• Signs you might have an autoimmune disease, including thyroid, chronic fatigue, celiac disease, dysautonomia, insomnia
• How having an autoimmune condition changed her way of relating to patients
• 15 steps to healing: including detoxifying your house, healing your gut, resetting your inner clock, and finding your real story
• Cutting-edge science: Epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and the microbiome
• Addressing the root causes of illness—mind, body and spirit
• Toughness vs. resilience as they relate to health and illness
• Reframing the notion of “difficult patients” who can’t easily be diagnosed
• The distinction between treating and healing
• Factors contributing to doctor burnout (beyond mounting administrative duties, assembly-line medicine, insurance schemes)
• The role of intuition in the gray areas of clinical medicine
• Ancestral food and health
• Spirituality and existential stress as a root cause of disease
• Intimacy and sexuality in chronic illness
• Qigong and why mind-body-spirit practices are an essential part of deeper healing
• Narrative medicine: how writing heals
• The controversy over the gluten-free diet (fad vs. science)
• How childhood trauma can impact health later in life
• Illness and identity: not to be confused!
• Managing chronic illness and motherhood, particularly the postpartum period
• Marriage and relationships with a chronic illness
• When to consider using supplements versus medicines

CYNTHIA LI, MD graduated from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and has practiced internal medicine in settings as diverse as Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, St. Anthony Medical Clinic for the homeless, and Doctors Without Borders in rural China. Her own health challenges led her to functional medicine, a paradigm that addresses the root causes of chronic conditions. She currently serves on the faculty of the Healer's Art Program at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, and has a private practice. She lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband and their two daughters.

Statistics Canada to examine the health of Toronto residentsSome residents in Toronto will soon take part in an important surveyOttawa, July 23, 2019 — Approximately 500 households will be randomly selected to participate in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), a national survey conducted by Statistics Canada. In Toronto, the survey will begin on July 30th, 2019. Two-phase surveyThe first phase involves an in-home interview with the selected individuals. They will be asked questions about, among other things, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, medical history, and level of physical activity. In the second phase, participants go to a mobile examination center, temporarily located in the parking lot Ontario Science Centre (OSC) in North York, to undergo a number of tests. Mobile examination centerAt the mobile examination center, health professionals employed by Statistics Canada will take participants’ physical health measures, including height, weight, neck and waist circumference. The specialists will also do tests to measure blood pressure, fitness level, vision and musculoskeletal health.  Finally, biospecimens will be collected to assess participants’ cardiovascular health, nutritional status, and exposure to environmental contaminants. The participation of selected individuals is importantData from the CHMS help provide an accurate portrait of the health of Canadians. Various health care stakeholders, including professionals, researchers and public health planners, use this data to adapt programs and services to the population’s needs. Moreover, well-known national organizations such as the Canadian Public Health Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation have shown their support for the survey. Our priority: Confidentiality and securityThe CHMS is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all the information provided by participants remains confidential. The health specialists hired by Statistics Canada are fully qualified and certified. About the CHMSStatistics Canada has been conducting the CHMS, in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, across the country since 2007. For each cycle, 16 sites are randomly selected to participate in the survey. The participants from Toronto will take part in Cycle 6 of the CHMS. 

CounsellingMatch Launches Innovative Online Service to Increase Fit Between Mental Health Professionals and their Clients at the Onset of the Therapeutic Relationship

VANCOUVER, July 23, 2019 /CNW/ - CounsellingMatch Marketing Inc., a firm dedicated to optimizing the way people seek out mental health professionals, is now operating its web-based directory and search service across the province of British Columbia. Counsellingmatch.com is the first website of its kind in Canada to utilize a research-based personality profile matching system to allow people to personalize their search for mental health professionals by likelihood of compatibility.

"There are many headwinds facing people who are trying to seek out mental health help today, and we hope our service will make an impact in reducing the trepidation that comes with reaching out to a stranger for help" said Yarko Petriw, Director of Marketing for CounsellingMatch. "Seeking out a mental health professional is a bold and important step in the pursuit of wellness, so it shouldn't feel like a blind date. Our website allows people to search for counsellors, psychologists and therapists based on how well they match on key elements of personality. We hope this increases client and counsellor confidence in their ability to work together right from the very start".

With over 200 counsellors registered on the site to-date, Counsellingmatch is making connections for people seeking mental health help across the province. In addition to its unique personality-based matching system, CounsellingMatch allows people to filter their search by a variety of important differentiators including geography, cost and treatment issues. 

About Counsellingmatch Marketing Inc.

CounsellingMatch is a Vancouver, BC based company that provides an online service where mental health professionals can be matched with potential clients using an innovative personality-based matching algorithm.

The service is free to those seeking help, and offers a limited-time free trial for mental health professionals.

SOURCE Counsellingmatch Marketing

Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. Turns to Province Brands of Canada Launch Cannabis Beer

Countdown to Phase Two of Canadian Cannabis Legalization

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NUNAVUT -- July 22, 2019 -- Province Brands of Canada, developers of the world’s first and only beers brewed from the cannabis plant — today announced an agreement allowing Lake of the Woods Brewing Company to use its technologies to craft cannabis beer under the Lake of the Woods label. 

“As Ontario’s northern-most brewer, we trace our craft beer heritage back more than 120 years with a commitment to quality, natural ingredients, and blazing new trails,” said Taras Manzie, President and CEO of Lake of the Woods.  “Our new relationship with Province Brands of Canada positions Lake of the Woods once again to bring quality, natural ingredients and innovation to our treasured clients as the next phase of cannabis legalization in Canada approaches.”

Recreational cannabis use became legal in Canada in October 2018 for dried and fresh cannabis, oil, plants and seeds. It is expected that the Canadian government will legalize drinks, food, and other edibles containing cannabis by October of this year. 

Today’s announced agreement allows Lake of the Woods to license Province Brands of Canada’s patent-pending technology to mash and ferment cannabis -- instead of more traditional barley -- and brew beers in Province Brand’s 123,000 square foot facility in Grimsby, Ontario (currently under construction). This process will start once the manufacture and sale of such products are legalized in Canada. 

Under the agreement, Lake of the Woods and Province Brands will collaborate to launch non-alcoholic beer brewed from cannabis, which will intoxicate using marijuana instead of alcohol. The beer will be available wherever cannabis can be legally sold in Canada under the Cannabis Act, once such sales are legal. 

Over the past two and a half years, Province Brands of Canada has developed a patent-pending process for brewing a premium beer from the cannabis plant. The first steps in the brewing process, milling and “mashing” (i.e. saccharifying or extracting fermentable sugars from the cannabis plant), requires specialized equipment and technology, which would not be found in a more traditional brewery. 

Lake of the Woods will work closely with Province Brands’ master brewer Rob Kevwitch to develop non-alcoholic cannabis-brewed craft beers. Because the beer is brewed from cannabis, rather than barley, it will be naturally gluten-free and low in calories and sugar. The beers brewed will be consistent with Lake of the Woods traditions, which focuses on commitment to quality, natural ingredients, and customer satisfaction.  

“I love it when a plan comes together,” said Dooma Wendschuh, CEO and Co-Founder of Province Brands. “When we started this company in 2016 people thought we were crazy.  They would tell us cannabis beverages would never become legal in Canada.  Here we are on the eve of legalization of cannabis beverages and we’re light years ahead of the competition.  We’ve perfected our process, moved into an incredible facility, and assembled a true “A-Team” of the best and brightest researchers and brewers in the industry.  It’s because of these almost three years of hard work that we’ve been able to earn the trust of a major player like Lake of the Woods.  We’re incredibly grateful for their interest and thrilled to be beginning this adventure with them.”

This is the 9^th such licensing agreement recently announced by Province Brands of Canada.

About Lake of the Woods Brewing Company 

Ontario’s northernmost brewer, Kenora-based Lake of Woods Brewing Company is an independent, family-owned and -operated purveyor of fine lagers, ales and stouts. The company began its story in 1898 and in 2010 was re-imagined by new owners Taras Manzie, Audrey Manzie, Rob Dokuchie, Frank Leroux, and Gene Manzie while maintaining a focus on natural ingredients in its fresh, local, handcrafted beer. 

Lake of the Woods employs 80 full-time staff, many more in the busy summer months, and is expanding with a new brewery Minnesota, USA, another on the way in Winnipeg, MB, and a large production expansion in Kenora.

About Province Brands of Canada 

Province Brands of Canada is a research and development / IP generation company developing a suite of innovative technologies with applications across the cannabis and adult beverage industries. The first technology we are bringing to market is a revolutionary technique for crafting the world's first beers brewed from cannabis in place of grains or barley. We are mining the untapped potential of the cannabis plant to create less harmful alternatives to alcohol. We will be developing these beers in our own 123,000 sq ft facility in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada.

For more information, please visit: www.provincebrands.com Twitter & Instagram: @provincebrands | Facebook: /provincebrands 

ProMIS Neurosciences Highlights Data for PMN310 at AAIC 2019

Alzheimer's Association International Conference includes oral session on PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease and poster presentation on ALS 

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, July 18, 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, presented data today for its lead clinical candidate, PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease, at the annual Alzheimer's Association International Conference^® (AAIC) in Los Angeles. In an oral presentation, Chief Development Officer Dr. Johanne Kaplan highlighted the therapeutic potential of PMN310 against the toxic oligomer form of amyloid beta (AßO), a root cause of Alzheimer's disease. The presentation is now available at www.promisneurosciences.com. Additionally, Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Neil Cashman presented data pertaining to the company's preclinical development program selectively targeting toxic forms of TDP43 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

In today's oral session, Dr. Johanne Kaplan demonstrated PMN310's ability to: 

• Inhibit both the spread and toxicity of AßOs in vitro; 
• Prevent AßO-induced loss of memory formation in vivo; 
• Reduce both synaptic loss and inflammation in vivo; and, 
• Compare favorably with other Aß-directed antibodies, showing a lack of adverse event-associated binding to Aß deposits in AD brains, and greater selective binding to AßO-enriched AD brain fractions that contain Aß neurotoxic species.

On Wednesday, July 17, Dr. Neil Cashman delivered data from ProMIS' preclinical program for ALS. Dr. Cashman's poster presentation demonstrated the role of toxic, misfolded TDP43 as a root cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD. 

Commenting on this year's conference, Dr. Kaplan shared: "This year's gathering was arguably one of the most significant as the research community pivots from a year of discouragement and failure toward hope. New, incredibly promising therapy development efforts are underway to target the correct, toxic form of amyloid beta, advance new biomarkers that can better identify promising therapy candidates early and mature understanding of new, emerging targets such as tau and sources of neuroinflammation. With nearly three decades of hard lessons under our belt, it is wonderful to be a part of the new, shared momentum and excitement around the path ahead."

AAIC^® is the largest, most influential international meeting focused on advancing dementia science. The 2019 conference ended today in Los Angeles, California. For information on data presented, please visit www.alz.org/aaic. 

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.

To learn more, visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and listen to the podcast, Saving Minds, at iTunes or Spotify.

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.

For further information:

For media inquiries, please contact: Shanti Skiffington, shanti.skiffington@gmail.com, Tel. 617 921-0808; For Investor Relations please contact: Alpine Equity Advisors, Nicholas Rigopulos, President, nick@alpineequityadv.com, Tel. 617 901-0785

Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power forge new partnership to collaborate on life-saving medical Isotopes

TIVERTON, ON, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and Bruce Power have entered into a collaboration agreement to jointly market new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together on creating new economic opportunities within the SON territory by establishing new isotope infrastructure. 

The agreement will leverage a project announced by Bruce Power last week to produce Lutetium-177 used to treat prostate cancer with production starting in 2022 following regulatory and other approvals. By working together on the Lutetium project, Bruce Power and SON will engage on marketing and collaboration, while working with government to leverage this opportunity and create sustainable economic benefits. 

"This is a historic partnership between Bruce Power and the SON that will see us join forces in the fight against cancer worldwide as we work to develop new isotopes, starting with Lutetium-177," said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO. "By working together we can find innovative ways to market and promote this global leadership opportunity for both Ontario and Canada while creating economic benefits for SON."

Bruce Power and SON have been exploring this opportunity to work together for several months and this agreement followed extensive dialogue and community engagement sessions at both Saugeen First Nation and the Nawash Unceded First Nation in June and July.

"Many of our community members have been impacted by cancer in some way, and I believe that working with Bruce Power on the next generation of life-saving isotopes in the SON Territory is an opportunity for us to have a positive impact on the people and families touched by cancer," said Greg Nadjiwon, Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. "This is a historic partnership not only for us here in our Territory as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, but it is bigger than us as we work to develop a project that will be important for Canada and the world." 

The partnership will seek to build on an announcement last week where Bruce Power teamed-up with Kinetrics and Framatome Canada Ltd. to develop an Isotope Production System deployable on all Bruce Power units that can also support the future production of other isotopes in addition to Lutetium-177. This will leverage the multi-unit Bruce Power site to provide a stable, redundant supply for many decades to come.

"This partnership will allow us to jointly market this project and engage governments to align this Project with their priorities and goals. We will be playing a leadership role in the fight against cancer and at the same time building economic opportunities within the SON Territory and for our SON Communities and Community members," said Lester Anoquot, Chief of Saugeen First Nation.

This will leverage the multi-unit Bruce Power site to provide a stable supply for many decades to come which is welcome news to the 1-7 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"An average of 11 Canadian men die from prostate cancer every day. We're working with our partners to change that statistic, developing innovative radioisotope treatments," says Peter Coleridge, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Canada. "Radioisotopes play a crucial role from diagnosis to treating advanced forms of the disease for which there is no cure. That's why we're excited about new treatments in the pipeline that are giving men and their families hope for the future. Together, we can save and improve more lives."

Bruce Power is a founding member of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), whose members are working together to ensure Canada remains a world leader in the production of life-saving radioisotopes by raising awareness and supporting long-term policies at the domestic and international level. 

"This partnership between Bruce Power and SON will send a strong message across Canada and the world that we are committed to doing our part in the fight against cancer by ensuring our country remains at the forefront of isotope innovation and supply," said James Scongack, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council. "A partnership of this nature will create a needed export and supply opportunity for Lutetium-177 and can align well with many public policy priorities at both the provincial and federal level."

Kim Rudd, MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South and a strong advocate for the nuclear industry in Canada offered praise for the announcement. 

"Our government has been committed to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on reconciliation and recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation. This partnership between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power to collaborate on Isotope production will not only help to expand Canada's leadership role in the global community by supporting new and innovative patient treatments, but also demonstrates a real commitment to working hand in hand with our indigenous partners to ensure shared prosperity, for themselves, their families and their communities."

Bill Walker, Associate Energy Minister and MPP for Bruce-Grey-Huron, who attended the announcement, congratulated all involved for the innovative new partnership.

"Our government supports private sector action to create economic growth in Indigenous communities. This historic announcement between Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to collaborate on Lu-177 production, a life-saving isotope for prostate cancer, will create opportunities for indigenous peoples in Bruce County and generate high-tech export sales to help Ontario businesses grow."

A joint Bruce Power and SON website has been launched to share more information on the partnership and on the project which can be found at fightingcancertogether.ca. 

About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Bruce Power

Chief Medical Officer Responds Article: 
‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons(PAACS), is available for comment and an interview to respond to the recent CNN ‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’ which highlights the importance of finding solutions to bringing safe and affordable surgical and anesthesia care to the 5 billion people in the world who are without access. The article points out that that “robust untapped source of the potential surgical workforce: women.”

Thelander is available to speak to PAACS’ 23-year history of training male and female African physicians to become surgeons in their home countries, as well as the success PAACS has had with its female surgeon graduates.

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries ​is ​the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history that has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries is the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty-one countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase and continue to implement strategies to achieve that goal. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir is available for comment at your convenience.

Contact: Tamara@Tamaraedwards.co

About PAACS

The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa. We are a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become surgeons who are willing to remain in Africa to meet this need. PAACS also disciples these residents to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with their patients. The surgical and spiritual training of these residents is offered at several well-established mission hospitals in Africa, under the direction of experienced, board-certified missionary surgeons.

Avicanna Commences Trading on the TSX Under the Symbol "AVCN"

/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, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna") a company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce that its common shares commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the symbol "AVCN" at market open today, July 18, 2019. 

In connection with its first day of trading, Avicanna participated in market open ceremonies at the TSX. An archive of the ceremony will be made available at http://www.tsx.com/news/market-opens.

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

SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health adds Experienced Fertility Executive to the Board of Directors

TORONTO, July 16, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc. ("Anova") is pleased to welcome William ("Bill") Hughson as Chair of the Anova Board of Directors.

Following Anova's recent partnership with Persistence Capital Partners ("PCP"), a private equity fund focused exclusively on investing in high-growth opportunities in Canadian healthcare, Anova is poised to execute on a number of strategic initiatives focused on increasing access for its clients through expansion and growth. These initiatives include opening new clinics, pursuing investment and partnership opportunities, creating a collaborative and 'cutting edge' environment for physicians and other healthcare practitioners, and investing in the best global technologies and techniques to help Canadians grow their families.

Founded by Dr. Marjorie Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Anova boasts a state-of-the-art embryology laboratory and a clinic inspired by Dr. Dixon's desire to combine the best global technologies and techniques to elevate the patient experience, improve patient outcomes and humanize treatment in fertility care.

"At Anova we strive to elevate the patient experience by creating a supportive and caring environment," added Dr. Dixon. "As Anova expands operations we will benefit from Bill's deep experience supporting our science, patient care, and business strategy as we scale our organization, and I look forward to working closely with Bill as we implement the shared vison."

Adrianna Czornyj, Partner at PCP, said, "Bill has extensive experience leading growth strategies in the healthcare industry and has extensive knowledge and expertise in both the Canadian and US fertility space. Adding Bill to the Board as an independent director is part of accelerating Anova's strategic growth plans." 

"Anova is a leading provider of reproductive health services in Canada and abroad, using best-in-class techniques from around the world. Today, I am proud to join the Board of Directors and look forward to being a part of this amazing organization; helping Anova to achieve its objectives, but more importantly contributing to the growth of families with Anova's patient-centric fertility care," said Bill.

Mr. Hughson has extensive executive and healthcare experience, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Sky Vision ("BSV").  BSV is dedicated to providing world-class support to leading providers of eye care services. Prior to BSV, Bill served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of IntegraMed Fertility, the largest network of fertility practices in North America.

About Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc.

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc. opened in 2016 as a full-service fertility and IVF clinic. Anova is Canada's first next-generation embryology laboratory, and is the leader in innovation, education, and communication for high quality patient centric fertility and reproductive care. The team at Anova strives to set the international standard for successful reproductive health and fertility centres, committed to making the right to family accessible to everyone. Anova is known for their culture of support, effective processes and their holistic approach to patient care. For more information about Anova, please visit www.anovafertility.com.

About Persistence Capital Partners

Persistence Capital Partners is Canada's leading private equity fund exclusively focused on high-growth opportunities in the healthcare field. With deep healthcare industry expertise, PCP aims to create significant long-term capital appreciation for its investors by identifying and developing attractive investment opportunities in the Canadian healthcare market. PCP has offices in Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. For more information about Persistence Capital Partners, please visit www.persistencecapital.com.

SOURCE Persistence Capital Partners