AbbVie Launches ORILISSA™ (elagolix) 200 mg BID Dose for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Pain Associated with Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects up to one in 10 women of reproductive age in Canada.1
7 out of 10 women being managed for endometriosis have unresolved pain throughout the month.2
MONTREAL, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company, in cooperation with Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX), announced that ORILISSA™ (elagolix) 200 mg twice daily is now available. ORILISSA is the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr) antagonist, for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.3
"Endometriosis is a misunderstood and often mismanaged disease. It has been estimated that on average, it takes 9-10 years for a woman to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. This is often because patients themselves and physicians normalize the pain these patients are experiencing. This can have a huge impact on their quality of life, relationships and work productivity. Even diagnosed women who suffer from it tend to normalize their pain and downplay the effects it has on all aspects of their lives," says Dr. Jamie Kroft MD, MSc, FRCSC, Assistant Professor, Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery, Core Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "The women I see in my practice always have a lot of questions, especially around appropriate medical management. I take the time to explain their options so they can make an informed decision. Therefore, the more options that are available, for example ones that are hormone-free and can be customized to my patients' needs, the better I can treat them. Women should not suffer in silence, especially not when there are new treatment advances."
ORILISSA (elagolix) is a novel, orally administered, highly potent, short-acting, selective, non-peptide small molecule GnRHr antagonist that blocks endogenous GnRH signaling by binding competitively to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. Administration of ORILISSA results in dose-dependent suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) levels, leading to decreased blood levels of the ovarian sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone. LH and FSH suppression begins within hours of administration and is readily reversible upon discontinuation of ORILISSA.3
"At the Endometriosis Network Canada, we encourage our members to become informed and empowered. Having an accurate diagnosis and getting treatment from an endometriosis expert are important steps in attaining relief from their symptoms. Although endometriosis is currently incurable, there are effective treatments available and in partnership with their healthcare professionals, patients can work on a treatment plan that works for them. Ultimately, we know what people living with this debilitating disease want is to live fulfilling and pain-free lives, where they are able to pursue any endeavour, both professionally and personally," explains Philippa Bridge-Cook, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Endometriosis Network Canada.
Endometriosis causes chronic pelvic pain and is sometimes associated with infertility. It affects up to one in 10 women of reproductive age in Canada.1Furthermore, 7 out of 10 women being managed for endometriosis have unresolved pain throughout the month. 2
The approval of ORILISSA is supported by data from two replicate studies in the largest endometriosis Phase 3 study program conducted to date, which evaluated nearly 1,700 women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain. Clinical trial data demonstrated ORILISSA significantly reduced the three most common types of endometriosis pain: dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain and dyspareunia. A higher proportion of women treated with ORILISSA 150 mg once daily and 200 mg twice daily were responders for daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain compared to placebo in a dose- dependent manner at month three. Women were defined as responders if they experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain with no increase in analgesic use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or opioid) for endometriosis-associated pain.3
Both ORILISSA treatment groups showed statistically significant greater mean decreases from baseline compared to placebo in daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain at month six. Women in the Phase 3 studies also provided a daily self-assessment of their endometriosis pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and women taking ORILISSA 150 mg once daily and 200 mg twice daily reported a statistically (p <0.001) significant reduction from baseline in NRS scores compared to placebo at month three. Clinical trial data also demonstrated women taking ORILISSA 200 mg twice daily showed statistically significant greater reduction in pain during sexual intercourse from baseline to month three compared to placebo. The most frequent (≥10%) adverse reactions reported in clinical trials with ORILISSA (elagolix) were hot flush, headache and nausea.3
The recommended duration of use for ORILISSA is up to 12months for the 150 mg once daily dose and up to six months for the 200 mg twice daily dose, as it causes a dose-dependent decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). BMD loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible after stopping treatment.3
"We are proud to launch the ORILISSA 200 mg strength. With this dose, we are able to offer physicians the unique ability to individualize the care of their patients. Women with endometriosis now have a hormone-free choice that is customizable based on their unique needs," says Stéphane Lassignardie, General Manager of AbbVie Canada. "AbbVie is committed to women living with endometriosis as we strive to fill the unmet medical need by providing a safe and efficacious treatment."
About AbbVie Care Canadian women prescribed ORILISSA will have the opportunity to be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature support program. The program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout their treatment. For more information, please visit www.abbviecare.ca.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
About Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Neurocrine Biosciences, a San Diego based biopharmaceutical company, is focused on developing treatments for neurological and endocrine related disorders. The company discovered, developed and markets INGREZZA® (valbenazine), the first FDA approved product indicated for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. Discovered and developed through Phase II clinical trials by Neurocrine, ORILISSA™ (elagolix), the first FDA-approved oral medication for the management of endometriosis with associated moderate to severe pain in over a decade, is marketed by AbbVie as part of a collaboration to develop and commercialize elagolix for women's health. Neurocrine's clinical development programs include opicapone as an adjunctive therapy to levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors in Parkinson's disease patients, elagolix for uterine fibroids with AbbVie, valbenazine for the treatment of Tourette syndrome, and NBI-74788 for the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). For more information and the latest updates from Neurocrine, please visit www.neurocrine.com.
De Graaff AA, D'Hooghe TM, Dunselman GAJ, Dirksen CD, Hummelshoj L, WERF EndoCost Consortium, Simoens S. The significant effect of endometriosis on physical, mental and social wellbeing: results from an international cross-sectional survey. Hum Reprod. 2013;28(10):2677-2685.
Natural Partners Fullscript announces $25M Series B Funding led by Kayne Partners
Leading Health Technology Company specializing in practitioner in-office and patient direct dispensing software to leverage funds to set a new standard of care for nutraceutical prescribing
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Natural Partners Fullscript, the leading nutraceutical prescribing platform for healthcare practitioners that utilize an integrative approach to patient care, today announced a $25M Series B financing led by Kayne Partners, the growth equity group of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., focused on enterprise software and tech-enabled business services companies.
With the funding, Natural Partners Fullscript will focus on scaling its online technology platform, Fullscript™. Fullscript enables healthcare practitioners in the US and Canada to dispense professional-grade nutritional supplements to their patients through an e-prescribing platform. Patients fulfill their prescription online and practitioner-recommended products are shipped direct, minimizing the need to manage a large physical inventory.
In recent months, Fullscript has begun to expand its reach by integrating with a growing number of Electronic Health Record partners - a strategy the company believes will help make nutraceuticals a more broadly utilized intervention within the conventional medical standard of care. By expanding their growing list of integration partnerships the company will build a robust database of nutritional supplement research linked to ingredients and conditions, including drug-nutrient depletion and interaction tooling that will inform practitioners how to safely and effectively use nutraceuticals.
"We are thrilled that Kayne has chosen to partner with us. Their support enables us to accelerate our technology and talent investments, helping us achieve our vision of putting wellness at the center of healthcare." said Fran Towey, CEO of Natural Partners Fullscript. "As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, our focus is on delivering product and services designed to help practitioners provide better care, and support a patients' personalized path to wellness. With innovations in point-of-care reference materials and evidence-based decision support tools, we believe we can change the way health is prescribed."
"Natural Partners Fullscript provides tremendous value for the professional-grade supplementation ecosystem, demonstrated by the rapid adoption of its platform by practitioners and leading professional-grade supplement brands," stated Leon Chen of Kayne Partners. "We are excited that our partnership empowers Natural Partners Fullscript to more aggressively pursue the growth happening within the integrative medicine industry by providing healthcare practitioners with a platform to achieve better health outcomes for patients."
The company looks forward to leveraging its deep knowledge of the healthcare practitioner market and significant experience in customer experience, supply chain, and supplier relations to bring its technology and content platform to more practitioners and patients across North America.
About Natural Partners Fullscript:
In June 2018 Natural Partners and Fullscript merged and began work towards their dream of creating a single platform for practitioners seeking extensive supplement access, research, education, and tools for prescribing and adherence to improve patient outcomes. Natural Partners Inc., a 24-year-old specialty wholesale distributor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that has been providing healthcare practitioners with easy access to a wide range of carefully vetted professional-grade supplements since 1995. Fullscript, an eight-year-old tech startup based in Ottawa, Ontario, revolutionized the supplement industry by building an online dispensing solution that eliminates the need for practitioners to rely solely on physical inventory.
Kayne Partners, the dedicated growth private equity group of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., is a leading provider of capital and connections to privately held, high growth, enterprise software and tech-enabled service businesses in North America. The Kayne Partners team has invested approximately $500 million in platform investments and add-on acquisitions together across four funds. Kayne Partners seeks to partner with driven entrepreneurs and provide capital to high growth companies at a transformative point in their life cycle in the following industries: security & compliance, supply chain & logistics, financials, business process automation, healthcare, and media & telecom.
TORONTO, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - PM360, the premier information resource for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, and medical device sectors, has named Parth Khanna, Kapil Kalra, and Kumar Erramilli as one of the 2019 PM360 ELITE 100 in the Entrepreneurs category. Now in its fifth year, the PM360 ELITE (Exceptional • Leaders • Innovators • Transformers • Entrepreneurs) represent the most influential people in the healthcare industry today.
Parth Khanna, Kapil Kalra, and Kumar Erramilli, the founders of ACTO, are helping to improve treatment access by disrupting how drugs and devices are commercialized globally. The founders first met at the University of Waterloo, and started their journey by working on an industry agnostic corporate training app. However, after speaking with over 900 life sciences companies and analyzing thousands of sales rep behaviors, the founding team recognized that life sciences did not only had a training problem; it had a commercialization problem. They went on to launch the ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences: the only one-stop-shop sales, marketing, and training platform designed to help life sciences companies effectively communicate their clinical evidence story, increase sales, and gather powerful field intelligence.
"After recent regulatory changes and a shift towards value-based care, the life sciences industry has permanently moved in a direction where speaking to clinical value is mission-critical," said Parth Khanna, CEO of ACTO, "We are past the tipping point, and life sciences commercialization has changed forever. This represents an exciting opportunity for the industry to embrace cutting edge technology to transform their commercialization processes and effectively communicate their clinical evidence stories. On behalf of the ACTO team, I want to thank PM360 for recognizing us as among the most influential figures in life sciences and at the forefront of this new wave of innovation."
The PM360 ELITE Awards were established in 2015 to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact to the healthcare industry throughout their careers. More than 500 submissions were received, and nominees were evaluated and selected by the PM360 editorial staff based on their accomplishments; testimonials from their bosses, clients, and colleagues; and supporting evidence that reflects the impact of their efforts. A total of 100 winners were selected across 17 categories, including Creative Directors, Data Miners, Digital Crusaders, Disrupters, Entrepreneurs, Launch Experts, Leaders of the Future, Marketing Teams, Master Educators, Mentors, Patient Advocates, PR Gurus, Sales MVPs, Strategists, Talent Acquisition Leaders, Tech-know Geeks, and Transformational Leaders.
"The 100 individuals and teams we selected this year are truly worthy of being called ELITE," says Anna Stashower, CEO and Publisher of PM360. "Each of them is at the forefront of their respective fields and are leading this industry in exciting and new directions. We are beyond excited to celebrate their achievements and provide the industry the chance to get to know them a little better."
About ACTO ACTO is on a mission to improve treatment access by disrupting how drugs and devices are commercialized globally. ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences is the only one-stop-shop sales, marketing, and training platform designed to help life sciences companies effectively communicate their clinical evidence story, increase sales, and gather powerful field intelligence.
About PM360 PM360 is the premier, must-read magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, and medical device industries. Published monthly, PM360 is the only journal that focuses on delivering the full spectrum of practical information necessary for product managers and pharmaceutical marketing professionals to succeed in the complex and highly regulated healthcare environment.
The journal's targeted and insightful editorial focuses on issues that directly impact critical decision making, including: Planning and implementation of cutting edge strategies, trends, the latest technological advances, branding/marketing, advertising/promotion, patient/professional education, sales, market research, PR, and leadership. Additionally, the "360" in the title signifies the span of this critical, how-to info with personal and career insights for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
By providing the full circle of enriching content, PM360 is truly an indispensable tool for busy and productive marketing professionals to stay at the top of their game.
SOURCE ACTO Technologies, Inc.
Will Anti-Vaccinators Object to the New Cancer Vaccine?
By Joshua Mansour, M.D.
Will Anti-vaccinators also be against these new breakthrough vaccines that can improve odds for a type of cancer once thought to be a death sentence?
With the continued outbreak in measles and other illnesses that were once thought to be essentially eradicated with the concurrent use of vaccines it is interesting enough that vaccines again have made yet another improvement, this time to treat cancer. Will this be something that anti-vaccine individuals would turn down if now their life now depended on it?
Pancreatic cancer is many times not diagnosed until it has metastasized (spread throughout the body from its initial origin) and by then is many times uncurbable. Initial symptoms are many times vague, therefore mistake it for a simple illness. That is until this cancer spreads beyond the pancreas, this organ that is located deep in the abdomen.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Jaffee an international leader in immune-based therapy and Co-Director of the Cancer Immunology Program and the Gastrointestinal Cancers Program at Johns Hopkins and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center has focused recently on the development of vaccines that overcome immune tolerance to cancers. She has focused on testing a pancreatic cancer vaccine in patients who are eligible for complete surgical resection but are at high risk for disease recurrence. The initial studies have demonstrated the safety of the vaccine and identified a dose that allows for activation of the immune system. Thus far it has been associated with improved disease-free survival.
In addition to the vaccines mentioned above oncolytic virotherapy has been an emerging treatment, with major institutions investing research and time into finetuning this therapy. There has been a wide array of viruses that have been used, including measles, polio, herpes, and the adenovirus.
Duke University has used an oncolytic virus to treat Glioblastoma Multiforme. In this manner, a live genetically modified polio virus is imparted in the brain tumor via a catheter. The adapted virus, without the part that causes the viral disease, can then penetrate the cancer cells and surmount an immune response to attack the cancer cells. The rate of overall survival of patient’s treated with this at 24 months was 21 percent compared to 4 percent in the general population group.
Another instance where a different virus is being used is with Talimogene Laherparepvec (also known as TVEC), which is used to treat melanoma and is currently FDA approved. It is a herpes virus that is genetically engineered to help shrink the tumor and then activate the immune system to continue to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Similar to the others, the herpes virus also has the ability to invade the cancer cells. However, this treatment differs from the others previously mentioned, as this oncolytic virus is genetically engineered to include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to help draw immune cells to the tumor. This can further enhance the response of our immune system to fight these once unrecognizable cells.
The measles vaccine, used to prevent measles, contains a weakened but live version of the measles virus and causes your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus without causing you to contract the illness. In this manner, if you are exposed to measles, these developed antibodies will work to protect you from the disease.
In a different manner, Mayo clinic has used a large dose of measles virus for treatment of multiple myeloma after patients failed multiple lines of conventional therapy. The dose used for this vaccine contains about 100 billion units, enough to inoculate approximately 10 million people. While some of the previously mentioned treatments will inject an oncolytic viral therapy locally, in this particular case the engineered measles virus was injected intravenously in order to help treat metastatic disease instead of localized disease.
Above, there are several methods described in which vaccines and viruses are being used to treat cancer. Some of these are in the investigational phases and others are FDA approved. These treatments have been described as immune therapy, viral oncolytic treatment, or “cancer vaccines”, even when referring to the same mechanism. A person who favors one type of “name” versus the other may choose the one that they find suitable to their personal beliefs. Whichever you choose though, there is no denying that these vaccines can be used to help fight 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. Recently he has managed to have over 10 recent abstracts and over 10 recent manuscripts published in esteemed journals and given countless presentations at conferences and other institutions. He has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals, and lead multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published.
Enstilar® is now covered under the Nova Scotia Formulary for Adults with Psoriasis Vulgaris
THORNHILL, ON, May 16, 2019 /CNW/ - LEO Pharma Canada has announced that as of May 1st, 2019, Enstilar® has been added as an exception status benefit through the Nova Scotia Formulary.*
Enstilar® (calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate) is a spray foam for once-daily topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder. It can occur as single lesions at predisposed sites (e.g., knees, elbows) or as a generalized disease across wider areas of the body, causing pain, disfigurement and disability.1,2 Although it is typically seen in adults, it can develop at any age with equal distribution between men and women.1
"I think it's great news for patients that Enstilar will be added to the NS formulary. This will allow for more patients in Nova Scotia to have access to this topical option for psoriasis in a novel vehicle. The paraffin base is preferred by most of my patients who have used it." said Dr.Kerri S. Purdy, a board-certified dermatologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Psoriasis vulgaris affects approximately 90% of the 1 million Canadians who have psoriasis, which equates to about 3% of the entire Canadian population.1,3
"This new format to apply a topical treatment should help with adherence for patients. We are looking forward to seeing Enstilar® available to all patients across Canada," said Kathryn Andrews-Clay, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients.
Enstilar® already received Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) approval on June 1st 2017, Saskatchewan (SK) on January 1st 2018, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) on October 15th 2018, Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) on October 31st 2018 and Newfoundland and Labrador Interchangeable Drug Products Formulary (NIDPF) on February 6th, 2019.
Kristian Fick, President of LEO Pharma Canada, says, "Today marks a special day for those living with psoriasis in Nova Scotia. At LEO Pharma our mission is to help people achieve healthy skin. We commend Nova Scotia for adding Enstilar® to the Formulary, and bringing us one step closer to achieving this mission. LEO is looking forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with psoriasis have access to Enstilar®."
* Criteria: For the treatment of body and scalp psoriasis after failure of a topical steroid and a vitamin D analogue as single agents.
About Enstilar®
Enstilar® is an aerosol spray foam containing calcipotriol monohydrate 50 mcg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g. It is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults for up to 4 weeks. On average, 120 g (2 cans x 60 g) of Enstilar® is used for the once-daily treatment of psoriasis for up to 4 weeks.4-7 Enstilar® has been available to Canadian patients since November 2016 and currently, it is estimated that 50,000 Canadian patients have been prescribed Enstilar®.
About LEO Pharma A/S
LEO Pharma helps people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 130 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, the healthcare company headquartered in Denmark has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions. In 2017 LEO Pharma employed around 5,200 people worldwide. Helping patients for more than 30 years in Canada, LEO Pharma Canada is a division of LEO Pharma A/S. To learn more about LEO Pharma's products and commitment to dermatology care in Canada, visit: www.leo-pharma.ca.
National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Guidance. Psoriasis: Assessment and Management of Psoriasis. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2012.
Enstilar® Product Monograph. Leo Pharma Inc. September 8, 2016.
5.
Koo J, et al. Superior efficacy of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam versus ointment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris—A randomized phase II study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2016;27(2):120-127.
6.
Leonardi C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris—a Randomized Phase III Study (PSO-FAST). J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(12):1468-1477.
7.
Lebwohl M, et al. Fixed Combination Aerosol Foam Calcipotriene 0.005% (Cal) Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% (BD) is More Efficacious than Cal or BD Aerosol Foam Alone for Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Three-arm, Phase 2 Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):34-41.
SOURCE LEO Pharma Canada
HOW TO AVOID ILLNESS AND OTHER MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES WHILE TRAVELING THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. According to AAA, more than 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend by car, plane, or train. Nothing ruins a long-awaited vacation faster than getting sick or being in medical distress. We turned to Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC internist and gastroenterologist for some tips on how to avoid health consequences will traveling.
Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. For travelers, this can happen on long haul trips where you are not moving. Dr. Sonpal recommends if you are flying or on a train, to move around the cabin to get the blood flowing in your legs. If you are driving, take a break at a rest stop and walk around. Compression socks are also another option to prevent DVT.
Don’t Get Nauseous
People can experience motion sickness on virtually any mode of transportation. To combat this, Dr. Sonpal suggests Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals, Dramamine®'s first non-drowsy formulation. It contains the clinically tested ginger dosage required for preventing and treating motion sickness. Other sources of ginger, including candies, gums, or ginger ale, may not contain a full clinical dose. For someone who is already experiencing nausea while traveling, it is a good idea to keep Emetrol on hand which is an over the counter nausea medication that does not cause drowsiness.
Avoid Bloating on a Plane
If you get gassy on a plane, you’re not alone! Dr. Sonpal explains that, “As the pressure around you decreases, the gas in your belly isn’t constrained as much and it expands. This can make you feel bloated or become distended.” It is essential to avoid foods that cause gas or have salt. Skip the tomato juice in flight and stick with non-carbonated water. Avoid alcohol, cruciferous vegetables, dairy and high sodium snacks such as salted peanuts or pretzels. Foods that are protein packed, magnesium-rich and high in Vitamin C are good options.
Sanitize Your Surfaces
Planes and trains are a breeding ground for illness. The former are awful due to re-circulated air. Most travelers would be appalled if they really knew how germy their tray tables are! Dr. Sonpal suggests sanitizing wipes for your tray table, seat belt clip and hand rests of your seats on planes and trains. When you exit a restroom on a plane or train and touch the door handles, be sure to use hand sanitizer even if you already washed your hands.
Get Your Shots Before Traveling Abroad!
Before you even book your trip, make sure you’re up to date on your shots. If you’re traveling to an area where you’re at risk for picking up an illness like malaria, you might be prescribed preventative medication. Dr. Sonpal suggests that, “People should use the CDC website for recommended vaccines for travel abroad or see a travel clinic. The health risks posed to Americans vary based on the country they are traveling to.”
Don’t Touch the Ice!
When traveling to a different country, most people are very cautious about only drinking bottled water. Many folks forget that ice is simply frozen water and put it into their soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Contrary to what one might think, freezing water does not kill bacteria. The only way to be sure it is safe is if you boiled the water and then froze it.
Avoid Jet Lag
Even a relatively short time change from EST to PST (3 hours) can cause jet lag. With some international travel from the United States, the time difference can be as much as twelve hours. If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Go to bed one hour later for several nights if you're flying west. If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them at your destination. Dr. Sonpal suggests that you set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are.
Essential Medicine/Supplies to Travel With
Dr. Sonpal stresses never to check your medication with your baggage, always keep it in your carry on. Have a fresh re-fill on prescription medication with extra doses in case you get stuck at your destination. In addition, here are some essential over the counter meds/supplies to travel with:
Benadryl- For allergic reactions such as insect or bee bites.
Pepto Bismol- For diarrhea
Laxative such as Dulcolax
Anti-biotic ointment such as Neosporin
Common cold/sinus remedies such as Mucinex or Claritin
Pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin
Anti- Nausea medication such as Emetrol
Motion Sickness medication such as Dramamine. If you are the driver, be sure to take the non-drowsy version.
Electrolyte tablets for dehydration
Hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching from rashes, bites, poison ivy etc.
Aloe to soothe sunburned skin
Band-Aids
Digital Thermometer
Nasal Spray to prevent clogged ears while flying
Tweezers
Eye Drops
Epi-Pen if you are prone to severe allergic reactions
How to Find a Reliable Physician if you are Traveling Abroad
The US embassy in your destination country (http://www.usembassy.gov/) can help you locate medical services and will notify your family and friends in the event of an emergency. When selecting a doctor, make sure that he or she can speak your language. The following resources provide lists of doctors and clinics that can care of travelers:
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org; membership required, but it is free)
The International Society of Travel Medicine (www.istm.org)
Travel Health Online (www.tripprep.com; gets information from various sources so quality is not guaranteed)
Amgen Sets Official Guinness World Record™ for Most Osteoporosis Screenings in 24 Hours
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada, together with Amgen affiliates in nine other countries around the world, achieved a Guinness World Records title for the most osteoporosis screenings in 24 hours. More than 7,000 participants around the world were screened as part of the company's osteoporosis awareness campaign, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to fracture.
An official adjudicator from Guinness World Records was on site at the Amgen-sponsored screening event to verify the number of screenings conducted.
Amgen Canada joined forces with local partner, YOUAREUNLTD to help raise awareness among the general public about osteoporosis.
"While it is exciting to have achieved an official Guinness World Records title, it is even more rewarding to know we helped raised awareness of osteoporosis," says Dr. Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego, Executive Medical Director, Amgen Canada. "The more we are aware of this disease that affects 2 million Canadians, the better equipped we are to take charge of our bone health."
Quick Facts
2 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis; the condition can strike at any age. i
At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.ii
80 per cent of all fractures in people 50+ are caused by osteoporosis. iii
Approximately 30,000 hip fractures occur in Canada each year, and over one quarter of these occur in men. iv Osteoporosis causes 70-90% of these 30,000 hip fractures annually.v
About Amgen
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be the world's largest independent biotechnology company, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual Guinness World Records books have sold over 141 million copies in over 40 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 4 million copies to date.
Guinness World Records' worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than 3.7 million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 328 million views per year. The GWR website receives over 20.5 million visitors annually, and we have over 15 million fans on Facebook.
The Guinness World Records commercial sales division provides customized consultancy services for some of the world's top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events.
About YOUAREUNLTD
YouAreUNLTD is purpose-driven publishing brand aimed at creating a movement to inspire all people to believe in the positivity of aging. We are changing the conversation around aging through the creation and distribution of content that bust myths, informs and educates our audience on the amazing products, services and solutions that empower powerful aging.
National Endowment for the Humanities Supports New Hastings Center Project on Disability, Technology, and Flourishing
A series of public events in New York will bring together writers, scholars, and artists to explore how technologies can be used to promote or thwart human flourishing.
People with disabilities are experts at navigating a world that is not built for them – often by turning to technologies such as voice recognition devices and cochlear implants. But which technologies, and under what circumstances, truly enhance a person’s ability to live the most meaningful, flourishing life? And, which technologies, and in what cases, have the opposite effect? A new Hastings Center project, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, will explore how technologies can be used to promote or thwart flourishing through conversations with people with disabilities. The Art of Flourishing: Conversations on Disability and Technology will convene a series of six public events in New York City during 2019 to 2021, featuring a range of writers, scholars, artists, and thought leaders with disabilities to engage in conversation about how they use and why they refuse technology in their work and lives. Each conversation will focus on an art form, such as a dance or documentary, that explores how technology promotes or thwarts their flourishing and feeling at home in the world. Erik Parens, a senior research scholar at The Hastings Center, is the director of the project. The codirector is Joel Michael Reynolds, an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Rice Family Fellow in Bioethics and the Humanities at The Hastings Center. The chief project advisor is Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, a professor of English and bioethics at Emory University and a Hastings Center Fellow.“In the past, many bioethicists have worried that emerging technologies could have the effect of narrowing the range of what is considered acceptable, or ‘normal,’ for humans, and thus pose a special threat to people with disabilities,” says Parens. “But emerging technologies also make it possible for some people with disabilities to flourish in ways they could not before. In this project we will consider how emerging technologies can pose a threat and an opportunity for all of us—those who currently have disabilities and those who, through aging if nothing else, will later in life.”“From how we move and communicate to how we love and care, modern technology profoundly shapes nearly every facet of human life,” says Reynolds. “While proponents of technological advancement are typically confident in its benefits, expert users are typically far more ambivalent. How, whether, and which types of technology help us live not just life, but a good life is a pressing and vital question both for every individual and for our society at large. This discussion series is unique in looking to expert users with disabilities to better understand the complex, thorny relationship between diverse human bodies and minds, technologies, and a life well lived. It will also serve to further bring the rich, decades-long body of work developed by disability studies scholars and disability activists into a public light. By creating a permanent set of online resources built around each event, these discussions will also be able to live on in community centers, public libraries, religious communities, corporate boardrooms, and educational settings throughout the U.S. and beyond.”
Medavie Blue Cross personalizes care for plan members
Pharmacogenetic testing pilot to help individuals narrow in on right medications
TORONTO, May 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Medavie Blue Cross is giving plan members and their treating physicians a new tool in their continued effort to prescribe the right medication at the right dose for optimal health outcomes. The company has launched a pharmacogenetic testing pilot to help plan members determine the best medications specifically for them, leveraging GeneYouIn's Pillcheck™ system.
The test itself is easy and completely confidential. Samples are collected using a simple cheek swab and these samples are destroyed once the report is complete to ensure privacy.
"Our overall goal with this pilot is to help our plan members with an active disability claim find the medication that is right for them," explained Marc Avaria, Vice President, Product and Disability Management, Medavie Blue Cross. "We understand how disappointing and frustrating it can be when a medication doesn't work as intended. By bringing the Pillcheck system into our suite of offerings, we're giving our disability claimants access to a new form of personalized care that aims to get them on the path to wellbeing as soon as possible."
The Pillcheck system uses pharmacogenetics – a field of study that combines pharmacology and genomics – to analyze a patient's DNA and determine how their body processes medications.
"Physicians and other health care professionals are increasingly using pharmacogenetics and systems like Pillcheck to ensure they're providing the safest medication treatment that best meets their patients' needs," said Veronika Litinski, CEO, GeneYouIn Inc. "It's based around the simple understanding that we are all individuals and not everyone responds to medications the same way. Health care practitioners tell us that Pillcheck makes discussions around medication more patient-centered and improves adherence to treatment. To date, more than half of Pillcheck users have had their prescriptions modified based on their individual test results."1
Test results can be used by a disability claimant's treating physician to help select medications that match their pharmacogenetic profile and/or to determine if another medication option needs to be considered. The test results are completely confidential and are not shared with the insurer. They are forwarded directly to the claimant.
"Pharmacogenetic testing is the latest way Medavie Blue Cross is leveraging new innovations and technologies to support our disability claimants," said Avaria. "Ultimately, we want to ensure our plan members and their treating physicians have access to these tools to help with an effective return to health."
The pharmacogenetics testing pilot will be offered on a voluntary basis with an initial focus on mental health and pain management claims.
About Medavie Blue Cross Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits, and administers various federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians.
We are one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures and recognized as an Imagine Canada Caring Company. As a not-for-profit organization, we are proud to commit an annual social dividend to the Medavie Health Foundation to support programs and initiatives aimed at addressing some of our country's most pressing physical and mental health care challenges.
About GeneYouIn and the Pillcheck ServiceGeneYouIn brings precision medicine to public and private health plans globally. It has commercialized PillcheckTM, a genomics-guided personalized medication management service that predicts how medications work for individuals, limiting their potential side effects, and helping them to feel better, faster. Pillcheck's proprietary platform connects healthcare providers and consumers while reducing exposure to unnecessary costs for payers. The service follows best practices around genetic non-discrimination legislation and health data privacy laws. Visit www.pillcheck.ca to learn more about Pillcheck.
Source: The innovative Canadian Pharmacogenomic Screening Initiative in Community Pharmacy (ICANPIC) study.
SOURCE Medavie Blue Cross
Drake’s Organic Spirits Is New Official Vodka and Rum and Organic Spiked Ice Sponsor of the AVP Tour
Distiller nets new partnership with America’s top pro volleyball tour
Minneapolis, Minnesota ( May 15, 2019 ) –Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today that it is the new official vodka, rum and frozen adult pop sponsor of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the biggest and longest-running professional beach volleyball tour in the United States. Drake’s Organic vodka and rum along with the new Organic Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult treats will be available at all AVP Tour events during the 2019 season. AVP will place Drake’s products in hospitality areas and provide significant promotional support, hospitality and other assets during each event
“Drake’s Organic Spirits is committed to providing great tasting and cleaner drinking options without toxins and chemicals. We’re also committed to fun,” said Mina Zamani, Drake’s vice-president of sales in California. “This partnership with America’s top pro volleyball tour allows us to combine both by introducing Drake’s all-organic products to active, fun-loving fans of beach volleyball.”
Drake’s made its AVP debut at the season-opening tournament at Huntington Beach, CA (May 3-5). The company will also participate at tour stops in Austin, TX (May 17-19), New York (June 7-9), Seattle, WA (June 21-23), Hermosa Beach, CA (July 26-28) Manhattan Beach, CA (Aug 16-18) Chicago (Aug 30-Sep 1) and Hawaii (Sep 20-22).
Drake’s is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Kosher. Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the recent Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit.
Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice is an ice pop that is 15 % ABV, less than 80 calories, offered in four flavors and is also certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Gluten Free and Kosher. Drake’s Spiked Ice is rolling out nationally this summer.
Proceeds from the sale of Drake’s Organic Spirits and Drake’s Organic Mixes help support Long Lake Animal Rescue, an animal rescue foundation that takes in animals in need of a second chance at life.
About Drake’s Organic Spirits Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium organic spirits. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum offer a no grain, no gluten, no gmo, ultra-premium, 12 times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands. Drake’s Organic Mixers and Organic Spiked Ice compliment their health and wellness offering for adult beverages.
Established in 1983 and currently headquartered in Southern California, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) is the world’s premier beach volleyball organization. The AVP today is comprised of five divisions: AVP Academy, AVPNext, the AVP Pro Tour, AVP America and their non-profit 501(c)3 organization, AVPFirst. With a 36-year rich history in creating, staging, and marketing some of the most innovative and engaging sporting events in North America, the AVP has successfully developed an annual circuit that is not just a sporting event, but a lifestyle as well. The AVP has been the home of some of the most respected athletes in professional sports, including: gold medalists Karch Kiraly, Kent Steffes, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Todd Rogers, Dain Blanton and Phil Dalhausser. For more information, please visit www.AVP.com.
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