Do You Know Where Your Cannabis Comes From? This Family-Owned Farm Encourages, Empowers Customers to “Know Thy Source”

Committed to purity, sustainability, Autumn Brands’ sixth-generation Dutch farmers encourage, empower customers to “know thy source”

LOS ANGELES, California – (July 16th, 2019): As consumer awareness and concern rises over the health and environmental impacts of commercial farming, Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation family-run, farm-to-consumer agricultural business. The first to receive a California Provisional Annual Cultivation license in Santa Barbara County, Autumn Brands is a 50% woman-owned company known for its holistic focus and artisanal approach to producing powerfully potent strains of pesticide-free cannabis. Today, the same sustainable farming practices which originated with the Brand family in Holland over a century ago produce the premium, estate-grown cannabis that is reshaping the future of plant medicine. 

In an age of expansive, complicated supply chain operations, where consumers must work hard to pinpoint the source of their food or medicine, Autumn Brands encourages and empowers medicinal and recreational cannabis users to “know thy source.” A recent study reports that over 60% of American consumers actively research the source of their food. Concerns about environmental impact as well as personal health benefits are greatly affecting the way consumers think about what goes into their bodies and how it connects to the greater good. 

With the meteoric rise of commercially-farmed cannabis, government agencies are working harder than ever to keep up with explosive demand, leaving room for troubling quality control and environmental impact issues. Fortunately, companies like Autumn Brands, committed to both sustainable, quality cultivation practices and production transparency, are making it easier than ever for consumers to know and trust the source of their cannabis.

“We respect cannabis as a powerful earth medicine - one which offers untold benefits to so many people in every walk of life and lifestyle” explains Hans Brand, fifth-generation farmer and co-founder of Autumn Brands, “But with that power comes the responsibility to uphold clean cultivation practices and, above all, source transparency. It’s important for our customers to know what they’re putting in their bodies, and with our premium products, buyers can have peace of mind that they absolutely do.”

Autumn Brands brings an uncompromising work ethic, informed by generations of family farming, to the task of producing hand-selected, sun-grown buds, each hang-dried, hand-trimmed and cured to preserve maximum potency and full healing benefits. Determined to stand out in a fast-growing cannabis industry, the company aims to deliver sustainably sourced, farm-to-consumer cannabis to an eager health and wellness market. Visit www.AutumnBrands.com to learn more and discover their full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for new product releases and updates. 

About Autumn Brands:

Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visit www.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.

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Scotiabank, MD Financial Management, and the Canadian Medical Association announce $3.58 million to support family medicine

Five-year sponsorship agreement with the College of Family Physicians of Canada will support students, family medicine residents, family physicians, and recognition of excellence among family doctors in Canada 

TORONTO, July 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Scotiabank and MD Financial Management Inc. (MD), in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), are announcing a $3.58 million investment to support professional development for family doctors across the country as well as awards and scholarships for medical students and family medicine residents. Scotiabank and MD have also signed a five-year agreement with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and its Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine (FAFM) to support the next generation of family doctors. Representing nearly half of all physicians in Canada, the CFPC is an important body whose work touches the lives of all Canadians.

The $3.58 million in funding, to be distributed over five years, is the latest in a series of contributions Scotiabank is making to Canada's medical profession as part of its 10-year, $115-million affinity agreement with the CMA. The funds will include annual investments for:

• student and family medicine resident scholarships and awards, including funds dedicated to Indigenous students and residents; 
• the CFPC's Family Medicine Forum, Canada's largest gathering of family physicians for professional development, networking and celebrating the outstanding achievements of family physicians including the Family Physician of the Year awards; 
• international fellowships in family medicine to support advancing primary care globally; and 
• family medicine interest groups at medical schools across Canada to inspire students to pursue rewarding careers in family medicine.

The announcement comes just after the CFPC celebrated the anniversary of its founding in June 1954. Leveraging a combined 115 years of experience serving the best interest of physicians, MD, Scotiabank, CFPC and FAFM will work together to explore ways to develop new initiatives to support family physicians in Canada.

"For 50 years, MD has invested in physicians and the issues most important to them and their communities," said Brian Peters, President and CEO of MD Financial Management. "This new sponsorship illustrates our ongoing commitment."

"Scotiabank recognizes the crucial role of family physicians in communities across Canada and is proud to support them through this collaboration with the CFPC, working together to recognize family doctors, provide scholarships to medical students and family medicine residents, and connect the best of family medicine to the international community," said Glen Gowland, Executive Vice President, Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank.

"We are so pleased to support the CFPC through this financial contribution. Family medicine is the backbone of primary care in Canada, and we must seize every opportunity to connect the profession, celebrate its contribution to patient care, and enable professional development," stated Dr. Gigi Osler, CMA President.

"For 65 years and counting, the CFPC remains dedicated to the training, certification and lifelong learning of family doctors," said CFPC President Dr. Paul Sawchuk. "We are very grateful for the generous support from Scotiabank and MD that will help us further enhance this important work, create new opportunities to celebrate outstanding achievements, and encourage a strong future in family medicine for the people in Canada." 

About Affinity Contributions
Scotiabank, MD Financial Management (MD) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) together are firmly committed to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada. As proof of this commitment, and in collaboration with the CMA and MD, Scotiabank will invest $115 million over the next 10 years to support physicians and the communities they serve across Canada. Additional announcements for the physician community are forthcoming, recognizing that such collaborations are essential to support the profession and effect meaningful change.

About Scotiabank 
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 99,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at April 30, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews. 

About MD Financial Management Inc.
With 50 years of physician-focused experience, MD has one main goal: to help Canada's physicians achieve financial well-being. MD had $50 billion in assets under administration as of July 5, 2019 and is dedicated to serving Canada's physicians and their families. MD provides financial products and services, the MD Family of Funds and investment counselling services through the MD Group of Companies. For a detailed list of these companies, visit md.ca.

About the College of Family Physicians of Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is the professional organization that represents more than 38,000 members across the country. The College establishes the standards for and accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada's 17 medical schools. It reviews and certifies continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licensing requirements. The CFPC provides high-quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians, and the patients they serve.

About the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine
The CFPC's Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine (FAFM), formerly known as the Research and Education Foundation, was established in 1994 to provide leadership in family medicine through philanthropy. The FAFM funds programs and projects in family medicine and supports numerous research grants, scholarships, and awards that recognize the achievements of clinicians, teachers, researchers, family medicine residents, and medical students. Our funding priorities (family medicine research and family medicine education, the Patient's Medical Home, and global health care via the Besrour Centre) recognize our most important initiatives and have a meaningful impact on improving patient care in Canada and around the world. https://fafm.cfpc.ca.  

About the Canadian Medical Association
Since 1867, the Canadian Medical Association has been the national voice of Canada's medical profession. We work with physicians, residents and medical students on issues that matter to the profession and the health of Canadians. We advocate for policy and programs that drive meaningful change for physicians and their patients.

SOURCE Scotiabank

Novacap acquires interest in Spectrum Health Care

TORONTO, July 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Novacap, a leading Canadian private equity firm, today announced it is acquiring a majority interest in Spectrum Health Care, a top provider of innovative home health care services in Ontario, investing alongside Spectrum's existing management team. Spectrum offers a range of client-centred health care solutions which include home care nursing, personal and home support, physiotherapy, foot care and corporate wellness. Their motto "Always with you", is a testament to their dedication to provide clients with exceptional health services that are personalized, flexible, accountable and reliable. Novacap plans to continue to invest in the company's growth and help it expand throughout Ontario.  Novacap sees tremendous growth potential in Spectrum and will work with management to strengthen Spectrum's position as a market leader in Home Care in Ontario.  

 "The team at Spectrum Health Care has industry leading experience in healthcare and home care, helping to reduce hallway medicine and providing the highest level of care for clients in the comfort of their own home." says Marc Paiement, Senior Partner - Industries, at Novacap. "We firmly believe that the management team at Spectrum, is the best team in the industry, and that blending Spectrum's expertise and focus with that of Novacap, will enable Spectrum Health Care to drive growth, expand their service offerings and continue to be the preferred home care solution in Ontario. This partnership will allow us to explore various strategic opportunities to expand Spectrum's current capabilities and geographic reach. We are all very enthusiastic about this chance to work with this caring and dynamic company." 

Lori Lord, President and CEO, Spectrum Health Care, adds: "Spectrum Health Care is proud to be joining forces with a strategic partner of the calibre of Novacap to propel our company to the next phase of its growth. For over 40 years we have been providing home care services to Ontarians with an unsurpassed service delivery quality. We will continue this focus while finding new and innovative solutions to help keep our clients in their home, while delivering the highest standard of care." 

About Novacap
Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with $3.2 billion of assets under management. It's distinct investment approach, based on deep operational expertise and an active partnership with entrepreneurs, has helped accelerate growth and create long-term value for its numerous portfolio companies. With an experienced management team and substantial financial resources, Novacap is well positioned to continue building world-class businesses. Backed by leading global institutional investors, Novacap deals typically include leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, add-on acquisitions, IPOs, and privatizations. Over the last 37 years, Novacap has invested in more than 90 companies and completed more than 130 add-on acquisitions. The company has offices in Toronto and Brossard, Quebec. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.

About Spectrum Health Care
Spectrum Health Care is a leading provider of innovative home health care services, offering nursing, personal and home support, physiotherapy, corporate wellness, non-urgent patient transfer, senior companionship and event medical services.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Spectrum Health Care has proudly been serving the Ontario community for over 40 years and is committed to providing clients with seamless services through its Total Care model.  For more information, please visit: www.spectrumhealthcare.com

SOURCE Novacap Management Inc.

WHAT REALLY WORKS TO PULVERIZE THOSE DIMPLED THIGHS?

www.gfacemd.com

“Cottage cheese,” “funky gravy.” “hail damage” - whatever you want to call it -  cellulite is never something we want to see on our bodies. That lumpy, dimple-looking flesh on our thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and hips is dreaded by women and men alike. Cellulite is caused by fat cells pushing up against a layer of skin, tethered down by connective fibers that attach to the muscles. When there is a buildup of fat, these fibers pull down while the fat pushes up, creating the appearance of uneven, bumpy skin. Cellulite is not a weight issue and can affect individuals of all shapes, sizes and ages. 
 
While cellulite is not a serious medical condition, it can make someone feel insecure or embarrassed. However, you aren’t alone; between 80 to 90 percent of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. Some might start to notice cellulite as early as puberty.  Dr. Gretchen Frieling is a board -certified Boston Area Dermatopathologist. She cuts out the clutter to define what really works in 2019 to eradicate cellulite, be it a temporary or permanent solution. 
 


Are there at home creams that can provide temporary improvement?
 
“If you’re looking for an at-home treatment, topical creams are an effective way to diminish cellulite. However, they’re a long-term or complete “cure,” says Dr. Frieling, She adds, “The fat cells are still under there!  To maintain the results, you’ll have to apply the product every day. Use a moisturizing cream with ingredients that treat fatty tissues such as caffeine or retinol to minimize cellulite. To see results, you must apply the topical cream daily to improve cell circulation. Caffeine works as a diuretic, which can dehydrate the fat cells and change the water content, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. While creams with at least 0.3 percent retinol work by thickening the outer layer of skin. It is essential to test these products on your skin before long-term use as some have shown to have adverse effects. Most creams can be found online and at any drugstore.”
 
What are the latest technologies to decrease Cellulite?

Acoustic wave therapy

Studies show that this can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Several treatment sessions are needed to see a reduction.

During one minimally invasive laser treatment called Cellulaze™, a tiny laser fiber is inserted beneath your skin. When the laser is fired, the laser energy breaks up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite. This treatment can also thicken your skin, which is important. Skin often thins where cellulite forms. Thickening the skin can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Bottom line: Cellulaze™ may reduce the appearance of cellulite. Patients see results that last a year or longer. More research is needed to know for sure how effective this laser can be.

Subcision

Called Cellfina™, this medical procedure involves your dermatologist inserting a needle just under the skin to break up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite.

Bottom Line: Cellfina™ has been shown to reduce the skin dimpling that you see with cellulite. In a study of 232 patients, 99% of them said they were satisfied with the results. The results can last two years and possibly longer.

Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release

This also breaks up the tough bands that cause us to see cellulite. During this procedure, your practitioner will use a device that contains small blades to cut the tough bands. After the bands are cut, the tissue moves upward to fill out and eliminate the dimpled skin.

Bottom line: This may be an effective treatment for reducing cellulite. A small study shows that many patients who received this treatment had less cellulite for up to 3 years. It’s too soon to tell, but the results may last even longer.

Radiofrequency

This is a type of treatment that heats the cellulite. One FDA-approved device combines radiofrequency with a laser, suction, and massage to target cellulite.

Bottom line: Recent studies suggest some patients see a little less cellulite. This result, however, is short-lived and several treatments are needed to see this minor change.

After treatment, bruises are common. These fade with time.

 
Are there lifestyle exercise or diet changes that will reduce cellulite?
 

 
AVOID SUGAR
Dr. Frieling explains, “Your diet may be playing a significant role in the amount of cellulite you have, so it’s important always to have a well-balanced diet. One of the biggest culprits for causing cellulite are sugary sweet snacks and processed foods. Sugar is stored in our fat cells, and having too much will cause them to expand, thus creating the appearance of cellulite. The same goes for foods with high sodium intake, which cause bloating and water retention, making cellulite more noticeable. Other foods to avoid are cheese, soda, deli meat, fried food, and white bread.” 
 
EXERCISE REGULARLY
If you’re struggling to get rid of those stubborn dimples, it’s time to get up and get moving. “While it isn’t exactly the cure for cellulite,” says Dr. Frieling, she adds that “regular exercise will help in its prevention by strengthening the muscles underneath the fat in your butt, thighs, and hips. Squats and lunges, as well as a 45-minute walk, are great exercises that target the leg muscles and make the skin look more even.”
 
STOP SMOKING
Smoking reduces the amount of blood that flows to your skin, causing the skin to become thinner and saggier. While it is a difficult habit to kick, the cellulite on your legs, arms, and butt will be less visible.
 
REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
“Elimination or significantly reducing the amount of alcohol you consume may aid in decreasing the toxins that accumulate underneath our fat cells. Alcohol also has high amounts of sugar, which will only make the cellulite more noticeable,” says Dr. Frieling. 
 
STAY HYDRATED
This probably won’t be the first time you’ve been told to drink more water, but it does help! Dr. Frieling explains that “By drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, you’re helping to remove the toxins stored underneath the layer of fat which cause our skin to look lumpy. Staying hydrated also helps with the overall health of your skin, making it appear more plump and full”. 

FAKE IT!

If you have fair skin, a self-tanner may help. Dimpled areas are less noticeable on darker skin. Start with a gentle body scrub, then apply a self-tanning lotion to cellulite areas only. Next spritz your entire body with a tanning spray. Pass on a real tan. It'll damage your skin and make cellulite look worse.

About Dr. Gretchen Frieling

After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.

During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.

In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.

Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!

Proposed Settlement of Canadian AMS Women's Pelvic Mesh Litigation

TORONTO, July 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Siskinds LLP, Rochon Genova LLP, Siskinds, Desmeules sencrl and Merchant Law Group announced today a Canada-wide settlement reached in two class actions related to certain mesh devices for treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse ("POP") and Stress Urinary Incontinence ("SUI") manufactured and distributed in Canada by American Medical Systems Canada, Inc., American Medical Systems, Inc., and Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("AMS").  The class actions, which were commenced in 2012, allege various injuries associated with AMS' women's pelvic mesh devices.

The proposed settlement applies to all women resident in Canada who were implanted with one or more of these devices and provides for the payment by the defendants of $20,858,488.48, for eligible claims as well as administration costs, legal fees and payments to the provincial health insurers.  

The proposed Settlement is not an admission of liability on the part of the defendants, nor has there been any finding of liability by the Court against them.  The defendants deny the allegations made in the lawsuits.  

Class Expanded

As part of the settlement of the action, the Class Definition has been expanded to include women who were implanted with the defendants' AMS SUI Transvaginal Mesh Devices or AMS POP Transvaginal Mesh Devices on or after May 29, 2015 and Additional AMS SUI and POP Mesh Devices.  A copy of the amendment orders, the amended class definition, and the list of applicable devices are available at www.amsmeshclassactions.ca.

If you were implanted with an AMS SUI Transvaginal Mesh Device or an AMS POP Transvaginal Mesh Device prior to May 29, 2015, and did not opt out of the action prior to July 28, 2015 you may not opt out now, even if you have one of the Additional AMS SUI and POP Mesh Devices.

If you were first implanted with an AMS SUI Transvaginal Mesh Device or an AMS POP Transvaginal Mesh Device on or after May 29, 2015 or were implanted only with an Additional SUI and POP Mesh Device, however, you may "opt out". Opting out means that you will not be entitled to any compensation if the settlement is approved, but you will be able to commence your own lawsuit or continue any lawsuit you already have brought.  

If you would like to opt out, you must do so no later than September 11, 2019.  More information about how to opt out is available online at www.amsmeshclassactions.ca or by requesting it from Class Counsel. For English-language assistance, contact Class Counsel at 1-800-461-6166 x2367 or, for assistance in French, 1-800-461-6166 x2409.

Court Approval Required

The proposed settlement requires the approval of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and a hearing has been scheduled to proceed on October 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Osgoode Hall in Toronto.  At the same time, the Court will be asked to approve the Compensation Protocol, which sets out how Class Members will be compensated, and Class Counsel's fees and disbursements.

Class Members may object to the settlement, the compensation protocol and/or Class Counsel fees by email to Siskinds LLP at amsmeshclassactions@siskinds.com by no later than September 11, 2019.

Further information relating to the proposed settlement, including the long form notice, Compensation Protocol and the Settlement Agreement and related exhibits, is available at www.amsmeshclassactions.ca. 

The law firms of Siskinds LLP, Siskinds Desmeules sencrl, Rochon Genova LLP and Merchant Law Group represent the Class Members and may be contacted as follows: 

SOURCE Siskinds LLP

Using the Common Cold Virus to Treat Bladder Cancer

Exciting New Advances in Oncolytic Virotherapy

By Cancer Researcher Joshua Mansour, M.D.

A runny nose, fever, and scratchy throat can be early signs of a cold.  While it isn’t currently “cold season” which typically occurs in the fall and winter, a common viral cause of the cold, the cocksackie virus, has been recently affecting people in a different way.  Although most people dread being infected by this virus, it is now being studied as a possibility to treat bladder cancer.  

While viruses have the ability to cause devastating illnesses, they have recently in medicine been used to treat cancer, especially aggressive types.  Oncolytic virotherapy has been an emerging treatment, with major institutions investing research and time into fine tuning this therapy. There has been a wide array of viruses that have been used, including measles, polio, herpes, and the adenovirus, but most recently the cocksackie virus.

Treatments for bladder cancer typically involve a combination of aggressive therapy and surgery that can many times be debilitating to the patient.  There have been some recent advances in immunotherapy drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors (used in some other cancers as well) to treat bladder cancer.  Several drugs that are approved target PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins that normally help keep the immune system “in check” from attacking other cells in the body.  This inhibition of this allows T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells in an immune response.  They are approved after failure of platinum-based therapy which is still the base of first-line treatment or if it can’t be tolerated given the serious complications that can arise from this toxic regimen.  

However, in addition to the arsenal of therapies to help treat this type of cancer may soon be on the horizon.  In a recent study, 15 patients at the University of Surrey in England were given the cocksackie virus (CVA21) one week prior to surgery for bladder cancer through a catheter directed towards the tumor.  The virus would then enter the cancer cells and trigger a protein that leads to an immune response.  Once those cancer cells had died, the virus replicates and then infiltrates and attacks other cancer cells, leaving the healthy ones intact.  

When the tumor samples were analyzed after surgery there was evidence that the virus had targeted and killed some of the bladder cancer cells in all 15 of the patients, with no significant side effects.  In one patient all evidence of the disease had completely disappeared.  All of this was following just one week of treatment, showing promise, but even greater potential for further effectiveness with increased time.  This phase one clinical trial is just the beginning of possibly a promising treatment in early-stage non-invasive bladder cancer.  

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is a bacterium similar to Tuberculosis that is also is catheter-directed.  It is a therapy that is currently used also to encourage the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells.  However, this has been used after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in an attempt to prevent the cancer from returning following the procedure.  However, even after these current treatment regimens, there is a high recurrence rate of this bladder cancer.  

In 2019 there will be approximately 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer and it is the fourth most common cancer in men and the eight most common cause of cancer death.  Ninety percent of individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer are above the age of 55 and the average age of diagnosis of this type of cancer is 73 years old.  Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is the most common presentation of bladder cancer and very challenging to treat. The older age of onset many times can make treatment with aggressive therapy difficult for patients to tolerate.  Therefore, in addition to early and effective treatment, finding a better therapy is imperative.  

The plan moving forward is to use this cocksackie virus in combination with the aforementioned checkpoint inhibitor therapy prior to surgery in a future trial with even more patients. 

Viruses can undoubtedly be very dangerous, there is no denying that information.  With the continued viral outbreaks recently, it is refreshing to see many of these viruses now being used to treat cancer.  

About Joshua Mansour, MD…

Dr. Joshua Mansour is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist working and in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy in Stanford, California. In June 2019 he was a recipient of the ‘40 Under 40 in Cancer’ award. Abstracts, manuscripts, and commentaries by Dr. Mansour have been published in more than 100 esteemed journals and media outlets including Canada Free Press, Today’s Practitioner, Physician’s News, and KevinMD. He has given countless presentations at conferences and other institutions, and he has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals and multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published. Recently Joshua Mansour. M.D. was featured on Fox Television.

ProMIS Neurosciences' Data for Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Candidate PMN310 Published in Scientific Reports

Nature Research Journal highlights data supporting the therapeutic potential of PMN310 against the toxic oligomer form of amyloid beta, a root cause of Alzheimer's disease

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, July 9, 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, announced that supporting data for PMN310, its lead antibody candidate for Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been published in Scientific Reports, a journal of the Nature Research family. The open-access study is available on the Scientific Reports website using the following direct link: https://rdcu.be/bJeLB.

In the manuscript, "A Rationally Designed Humanized Antibody Selective for Amyloid Beta Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease," the authors show PMN310's selectivity for amyloid-beta oligomers (AßOs), the toxic form of Aß currently believed to be a root cause of AD.  The results of activity assays show that PMN310 inhibits both the spread and toxicity of AßOs in vitro, and, in mouse studies, that PMN310 prevents AßO-induced loss of memory formation and reduces both synaptic loss and inflammation.  PMN310 compared favorably to 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.

"As our understanding of Alzheimer's disease has advanced, it has become increasingly clear that disease development is not directly related to plaque burden as was the original belief when clinical studies were designed for the failed amyloid-targeting antibody drug candidates," said Dr. Neil Cashman, study author and Chief Scientific Officer for ProMIS Neurosciences.  "We now know soluble toxic Aß oligomers are the correct target for therapy.  However, selective targeting of Aß oligomers has remained elusive, largely due to the limitations of traditional antibody development methods.  Our data show once again the power of our novel drug discovery and development platform to generate selective antibodies that neutralize the toxic oligomers of misfolded proteins, in this case, amyloid beta oligomers".  Dr. James Kupiec, Chief Medical Officer of ProMIS Neurosciences, added that "Greater selectivity for toxic oligomers and the potential to safely administer high doses of PMN310 should result in enhanced safety and therapeutic potency.  ProMIS has generated a unique Alzheimer's therapy by applying the lessons of past amyloid failures to develop an agent that inhibits the pertinent, toxic form of amyloid.  With the emergence of new biomarkers to speed high-quality therapies through clinical trials, we hope to rapidly deliver long-awaited therapies to patients and their families."

Scientific Reports is an open-access journal and is part of the Nature Research family of journals, which includes Nature, the leading, international weekly journal of science, and Nature Communications.

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

The season of the weekend warrior. Fitness tips to make the most of summer activities 

After months of sitting indoors waiting for warmer weather, summer is upon us. Weekend warriors across Canada are heading outdoors to enjoy seasonal active pursuits at beaches, cottages, and campgrounds. But are we really ready?

According to Abby Johnson-Bertran, team training specialist with GoodLife Fitness, starting with some basic fitness moves can help reduce injuries, improve stamina and make all our favourite summer pastimes more enjoyable. 

Below are three unique fitness-related story ideas for summer. We can connect you with a fitness expert in your area to recommend and demonstrate some fun workout moves to prepare for camping, expand your workout into a new dimension and tone your tootsies.1) Tune-up before you tent. Camping is becoming more popular among millennials and Gen Z. More millennial (32 percent) and Gen X campers (38 percent, up from 30 percent in 2016) now identify themselves as lifelong campers – and 90 percent of teen campers say they plan to camp as adults – indicating their desire to continue their camping lifestyles.

  But all that hiking, paddling, putting up tents and building campfires take strength and stamina. A spontaneous camping weekend can leave you with a bad back, a twisted ankle and too exhausted to enjoy more summer fun. Johnson-Bertran suggests smart campers add some functional fitness moves into their regular workouts to help prepare for and make sure they’re ready for the physical challenges of camping. Exercises that stabilize your core, build strength in your legs and glutes, as well as build your cardiovascular capacity are good places to start. 2) Make a lateral (workout) move. Most workout moves and exercises have us moving forward and backward, up and down. We rarely move side-to-side or in a diagonal direction.

  According to Johnson-Bertran, we tend to focus our eyes in front of us when we exercise (think running, lifting weights), but lateral exercises can help us adapt to unexpected movements – like jumping to the side to avoid a rock while running or hiking or catching ourselves to prevent a fall when walking the dog. By adding lateral movements when we exercise, we can correct muscle imbalances, stabilize our pelvis and hips, build stability, strengthen smaller muscle groups and reduce injuries.  Some of the best exercises for lateral movements include side lunges, side shuffles, lateral bear crawls, jumping jacks and speed skaters. 3) Fitness for summer feet. During the summer months, our feet are out there, supporting us as we hike, swim, hit the tennis ball and walk on the beach. Many people don’t realize that feet are (literally) the root of our physical health - when you walk or run, the way our feet hit the ground can lead to injuries, pain and poor alignment in our ankles, knees, hips and more. In fact, the foot and ankle are the most common body parts to be injured by Canadian adults aged 20-64. 

Feet are often overlooked in the typical workout routine, but fitness experts in your area can show you five stretches and five strength exercises to provide more stability, improve flexibility and range of motion and prevent or relieve common injuries. 

If you like any or all of these story ideas, we can connect you with Abby Johnson-Bertran, or a fitness expert in your area, to talk more about these topics and suggest workout ideas for weekend warriors.

Introducing Avana®. Discovery Awaits. 

Lehi, Utah (July 9, 2019) – Discovery awaits. That’s the promise from the creators of Avana®, a new, forward-thinking hydration brand focused on the union of utility and style.

“Avana is about exploration and discovery—both at home and abroad,” says Michael Sorensen, VP of Marketing at Avana. “It's about new perspectives, new experiences, and  new thinking.”

In an already-saturated hydration market, the Avana brand faces a tall task to stand out. It’s a challenge that the product line addresses head on, says Sorensen.

“As we explored the current market offerings, we noticed a void,” he explains. “There were plenty of stylish bottles on the market, but they were pretty basic when it came to the drinking experience and feature set. There were even more bottles that took the feature-heavy, utilitarian route, yet lacked visual appeal. We seized the opportunity to create a brand that offers both: stunning aesthetics and innovative utility.”

Take a closer look at Avana brand products and you’ll find intuitive features like the patented drinking system featuring the FreeSip® spout. This unique design lets you drink however you prefer—whether sipping through the built-in straw or tipping the bottle back for a thirst-quenching swig. “It’s a feature that almost seems gimmicky—until you try it,” Sorensen explains. “Once you’ve used a bottle with the FreeSip spout, it’s tough to go back.” 

The company’s research seems to back that claim. Focus group participants were asked to use two bottles—one from Avana and one from a competitor—for two weeks. After the test period, participants were allowed to keep only one bottle. Nearly 90 percent chose Avana.

Beyond the innovative features and fashion-forward design, the company’s insulated products hold their own against the competition. The double-layer insulation in the Ashbury and Beckridge models keeps water chilled and coffee warm throughout your travels near and far. The brand’s glass bottle—Makai—features the unique ClearSip® spout,  offering a pristine drinking experience while maintaining easy cleanability. 

“Hydration has evolved from a necessity to an experience,” says Sorensen. “The bottles we drink from reflect our personal style, much like our clothing, vehicles, or phone cases. The Avana brand answers a need by offering innovative hydration solutions that simultaneously—and subtly—accent and enhance our consumers’ lives.”

A global brand with purpose, Avana is committed to giving back. Even prior to its public launch, the company began funding clean water projects in India, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. 

Through the Together We Give initiative, a portion of the proceeds from every Avana bottle sold will go toward sustainable clean-water solutions in developing countries. A unique code on each bottle’s packaging invites the buyer to visit the Avana website, where they’ll learn about and be able to follow the progress of the specific project that their purchase impacts. To learn more, visit avana.com/give. 

The Avana line debuts in summer 2019 in retail stores, and online at Avana.com. To discover more about the Avana brand and lifestyle, please visit avana.com.

About Avana

Avana® is a premium hydration brand dedicated to fusing effortless utility with on-trend style. Avana hydration products are designed to accompany everyday discoveries and faraway adventures alike. A global brand with purpose, Avana is committed to supporting clean water projects in developing countries. For additional information, visit avana.com.