Cipher Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Revenue increased by 12% to $5.1 million

OAKVILLE, ON, May 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX:CPH) ("Cipher" or "the Company") today announced its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31^st, 2019. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are in U.S. dollars. 

Q1 2019 Financial and Corporate Highlights 
(all figures compared to the relative prior year period, unless otherwise noted)

The Company continues to execute on its corporate strategy focusing on long-term growth. Utilizing cash flows from its profitable global licensing business, Cipher is building a diversified portfolio of prescription products with near term value catalysts. For 2019, the Company is focussed on execution against three priorities: achieving key milestones across the portfolio, optimizing resource deployment to strengthen EBITDA and cash and delivering organic growth and profitability in the Canadian business.

Key highlights during and subsequent to the quarter include:

• Total revenue increased 12% to $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 up from $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. 
• Product revenue increased by 5% to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 up from $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (adjusted for foreign exchange fluctuations). 
• Net income from continuing operations increased to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 up from a loss of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. 
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 80% to $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 up from $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. 
• Generated $1.6 million in cash from operating activities while retiring $2.0 million in debt. 

Q1 2019 Financial Review
(All figures are in U.S. dollars)

Total revenue was $5.1 million for Q1 2019 compared to $4.6 million for Q1 2018.  The year-over-year increase mainly reflects higher licensing revenue from Absorica^®. 

Licensing revenue for Q1 2019 was $3.3 million compared to $2.8 million for Q1 2018. Absorica licensing revenue was $2.7 million for Q1 2019, compared to $2.1 million for Q1 2018. Licensing revenue from Lipofen^® products was consistent with the comparative period at $0.5 million. Licencing revenue from tramadol products (Conzip^® and Durela^®) was consistent with the comparative period at $0.1 million. 

Product revenue was unchanged at $1.8 million for Q1 2019 compared to Q1 2018. Adjusting for the impact of foreign exchange in Q1 2019 compared to Q1 2018, product revenue would have increased by 5% to $1.9 million. 

The increase was primarily driven by Epuris^®, which generated revenue of $1.6 million in the period compared to $1.4 million in Q1 2018. According to IQVIA, Epuris total prescriptions for the quarter grew by 29.4% compared to Q1 2018 and achieved market share of more than 37% during the quarter, compared to 31% for the same period last year. 

Total operating expenses decreased to $3.6 million for Q1 2019 compared to $5.8 million for Q1 2018.  The decrease related to a $1.8 million impairment charge on intangible assets in Q1 2018 and a $0.4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses related to transaction costs that were incurred in the comparative period. 

Income from continuing operations was $0.8 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share in Q1 2019, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $1.0 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share in Q1 2018. Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2019 increased to $1.8 million compared to $1.0 million in Q1 2018. 

The Company had $7.9 million in cash at March 31, 2019 compared with $10.4 million at the end of 2018. The Company generated $1.6 million in cash from operating activities and used approximately $2.5 million in cash during the quarter for debt payments and a milestone payment. The Company had $15.5 million in debt at March 31, 2019. 

Management Commentary

"The first quarter of 2019 was focussed on execution against key value catalysts for our business. We are pleased with the progress that we are making against our priorities for 2019. We are on track with the achievement of key milestones for our recent transactions, our lead brand within our Canadian Commercial business, Epuris is growing year to date at over 29% in total prescriptions and our EBITDA is strengthening through optimized resource deployment." 

Outlook

Cipher anticipates several key milestones in 2019 that will continue the growth of its Canadian commercial platform, including:

• Regulatory approval for plecanatide from Health Canada in Q4 2019 
• Regulatory approval for A-101 from Health Canada in Q4 2019 
• Commercial launch of XYDALBA (dalbavancin) 
• North American top line results for MOB-015 in Q4 2019 
• Advance DTR-001 through IND enabling studies 

The Company expects its licensing business to continue to provide a solid base of high-margin royalty revenue.

Financial Statements and MD&A
Cipher's Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are available on the Company's website at www.cipherpharma.com in the "Investors" section under "Financial Reports" and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

Notice of Conference Call 
Cipher will hold a conference call today, May 10, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its financial results and other corporate developments. To access the conference call by telephone, dial (416) 764-8609 or (888) 390-0605 and use conference ID 57384393. A live audio webcast will be available at  https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1993654/201373E95BBD2B7681680DAEA05EDB66 or the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://www.cipherpharma.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days.

About Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Cipher (TSX:CPH) is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a robust and diversified portfolio of commercial and early to late-stage products. Cipher acquires products that fulfill unmet medical needs, manages the required clinical development and regulatory approval process, and markets those products either directly in Canada or indirectly through partners in Canada, the U.S., and South America. Cipher is focused on a three-pronged growth strategy – including acquisitions, in-licensing, and selective investments in drug development – to assemble a broad portfolio of prescription products that serve unmet medical needs. For more information, visit www.cipherpharma.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements 
This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to our objectives, goals and strategies to achieve those objectives and goals, as well as statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions and statements relating to Cipher's acquisition of Cardiome Pharma Corp. ("Cardiome") pursuant to which Cipher acquired the Canadian business portfolio of Cardiome, including statements in respect of the anticipated strategic and/or financial benefits of the arrangement, anticipated regulatory approvals of products and the timing thereof. The words "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "forecast", "objective", "hope" and "continue" (or the negative thereof), and words and expressions of similar import, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors, many of which are beyond our control, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to enter into in-licensing, development, manufacturing and marketing and distribution agreements with other pharmaceutical companies and keep such agreements in effect; our dependency on a limited number of products; our dependency on protection from patents that will expire; integration difficulties and other risks if we acquire or in-license technologies or product candidates; reliance on third parties for the marketing of certain products; the product approval process is highly unpredictable; the timing of completion of clinical trials, regulatory submissions and regulatory approvals; reliance on third parties to manufacture our products and events outside of our control that could adversely impact the ability of our manufacturing partners to supply products to meet our demands; we may be subject to future product liability claims; unexpected product safety or efficacy concerns may arise; we generate license revenue from a limited number of distribution and supply agreements; the pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive; requirements for additional capital to fund future operations; products in Canada may be subject to pricing regulation; dependence on key managerial personnel and external collaborators; no assurance that we will receive regulatory approvals in the U.S., Canada or any other jurisdictions and current uncertainty surrounding health care regulation in the U.S.; certain of our products are subject to regulation as controlled substances; limitations on reimbursement in the healthcare industry; limited reimbursement for products by government authorities and third-party payor policies; products may not be included on list of drugs approved for use in hospitals; hospital customers may make late payments or not make any payments; various laws pertaining to health care fraud and abuse; reliance on the success of strategic investments and partnerships; the publication of negative results of clinical trials; unpredictable development goals and projected time frames; rising insurance costs; ability to enforce covenants not to compete; risks associated with the industry in which it operates; we may be unsuccessful in evaluating material risks involved in completed and future acquisitions; we may be unable to identify, acquire or integrate acquisition targets successfully; legacy risks from operations conducted in the U.S.; inability to meet covenants under our long term debt arrangement; compliance with privacy and security regulation; our policies regarding returns, allowances and chargebacks may reduce revenues; certain current and future regulations could restrict our activities; additional regulatory burden and controls over financial reporting; reliance on third parties to perform certain services; general commercial litigation, class actions, other litigation claims and regulatory actions; the difficulty for shareholders to realize in the United States upon judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon civil liability of the Company and its directors and officers who are not residents of the United States; the potential violation of intellectual property rights of third parties; our efforts to obtain, protect or enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights related to our products; changes in U.S., Canadian or foreign patent laws; litigation in the pharmaceutical industry concerning the manufacture and supply of novel and generic versions of existing drugs; inability to protect our trademarks from infringement; shareholders may be further diluted if we issue securities to raise capital; volatility of our share price; the actions of a significant shareholder; we do not currently intend to pay dividends; our operating results may fluctuate significantly; and our debt obligations will have priority over the common shares of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When reviewing our forward-looking statements, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Additional information about factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements, may be found in the "Risk Factors" section of this MD&A and the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2018, and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian securities regulators. Except as required by Canadian securities law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf; such statements speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

SOURCE Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

International Food & Beverage Companies Align with WHO Standard in Global Commitment on Industrially Produced Trans Fat

https://ifballiance.org/uploads/press/pdf/5cd16e6620f34_IFBA_Press%20Release_%20iTFA_%2007.05.2019.pdf

Twelve of the largest global food and beverage companies pledge to enhance their commitment to the World Health Organization’s goal of phasing out industrially produced trans fat from the global food supply by 2023.

Geneva, Switzerland, 7 May 2019 – After a constructive discussion hosted by WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 2 May 2019, members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) have taken a further step in progressing the commitments they first made to the WHO in 2008, with the adoption of an enhanced worldwide commitment to phase out industrially-produced trans fats (iTFAs) from their products.

At the end of 2018, IFBA members had met the target of their 2016 commitment to reduce iTFAs in their products to nutritionally insignificant levels (less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams of product) across 98.5% of their products worldwide.

Now, they have committed to align their global standard with WHO’s recommendation for a maximum iTFA threshold in food products not exceeding 2 grams of iTFA per 100 grams of fat or oil by 2023. The new IFBA commitment includes McDonald’s, which was not part of the 2016 commitment.

In support of both WHO Guidelines recommending a maximum 1% total energy intake from all trans fat and an intake of saturated fat not exceeding 10% of total energy intake, IFBA member companies will seek wherever possible to avoid that reformulation efforts to meet this iTFA commitment result in increases in saturated fat content.

“Working closely with the WHO under Dr Tedros’ leadership, the CEOs of IFBA have made a strong commitment on industrially produced trans fats. This is a demonstration of effective partnerships, leveraging the authority of WHO and the scale and commitment of the private sector for tangible public health outcomes”, said Rocco Renaldi, IFBA Secretary-General. “We hope our commitment inspires our suppliers and partners along the value chain to join us too. We will share our know-how with governments, civil society and the broader industry to ensure that the objective can be met by all food manufacturers in all countries”, he added.

The text of IFBA’s statement can be accessed here.

# # # #

About The International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA): IFBA is an alliance of twelve multinational food and non-alcoholic beverage companies - The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, Ferrero, General Mills, Grupo Bimbo, Kellogg’s, Mars, McDonald’s, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever – who share a common goal of helping people around the world achieve balanced diets and healthy lifestyles. IFBA is a non-commercial, non-profit-making organization in special consultative status with the UN’s Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC).

For more information about IFBA, please visit www.ifballiance.org

DDL Diagnostic Laboratory and ENPICOM join forces to deliver unique immune repertoire sequencing and data analysis service

A full-service offering to accelerate immunotherapy discovery and development

Rijswijk /‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, May 9, 2019 – Two Dutch companies - DDL, a state-of-the-art laboratory specializing in molecular diagnostic testing and assay development and ENPICOM, an innovative immunomics data analysis company - today announced that they have started a collaboration to jointly deliver immune repertoire sequencing and analysis service to organizations studying immune system related diseases or developing drugs influencing this system. 

Immune repertoire sequencing is a powerful way to analyze hundreds of thousands to millions of T or B cell receptors swiftly and in a cost-effective way. This new technology is rapidly gaining interest from researchers and physicians who want to unravel the adaptive immune responses in areas like basic and translational immunology, immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory and infectious diseases, vaccine research and transplantation.  From target discovery to patient stratification in clinical trials with immunotherapies, repertoire sequencing is becoming an important addition to accelerate the different drug development processes and make it more cost-effective.

“DDL is very pleased to start this partnership with ENPICOM in this new and challenging field of immunomics”, says Jan Lindeman, DDL’s Chief Executive Officer. “It further expands DDL’s portfolio of tailor-made molecular diagnostic services for our (bio)pharmaceutical customers. ENPICOM’s expertise and know-how are highly complementary to DDL’s expertise and we are confident that this partnership will offer a unique opportunity to accelerate immunotherapy discovery and development.”

Jos Lunenberg, ENPICOM’s Chief Executive Officer comments: “Last month we launched our IGX platform to manage, store, analyze, visualize and interpret immune repertoire sequencing data from T and B cell receptors. Now we are also able to support organizations lacking the specific expertise or capabilities to perform repertoire sequencing with our smart new analysis and visualization methods. In DDL we have found a highly respected business partner with an excellent track record as molecular diagnostic testing laboratory for the biopharmaceutical industry. I’m very pleased to be able to go public with this partnership today.” He continues: “There are a few other kits and services for this specific form of targeted sequencing available in the market, but none or very limited data analysis is included. Clonality analysis is just a first step to bridge the existing gap between producing raw sequencing data and obtaining important insights from the data. So, in essence, we start where others stop.” 

About DDL Diagnostic Laboratory

DDL Diagnostic Laboratory is a state-of-the-art laboratory specialized in (molecular) diagnostic testing and diagnostic assay development. DDL performs advanced assays (including next-generation sequencing) on behalf of pharmaceutical companies and clinical laboratories, primarily, within the complex framework of preclinical studies and Phase II-IV clinical trials. Currently, DDL serves multiple international pharmaceutical companies, including 10 of the global Top-20. DDL also designs, develops and validates diagnostic assays, which can be customized for specific diagnostic purposes.

Our fascination for science, solving complex problems, and making the world a healthier place, drives us. We focus on quality, knowledge and customer service. It is our mission to enable our customers to make a positive impact on human health today and for next generations.

To learn more visit www.ddl.nl and follow us on LinkedIn. 

About ENPICOM

ENPICOM is an innovative immunomics data analysis company with an outstanding team of professionals. They focus on supporting immunotherapy developers with groundbreaking products and customized solutions to improve and accelerate discovery and development of novel immunotherapies. Clinical validation projects to stratify patients and monitor treatment responses to immunotherapies under development are ongoing.

ENPICOM’s first product on the market is a world-class repertoire sequencing data analysis solution, the ImmunoGenomiX (IGX) platform. IGX is an innovative platform to manage, store, analyze, visualize and interpret immune repertoire sequencing data from T and B cell receptors. The smart new analysis and visualization methods are also offered as IGX-service. In collaboration with DDL Diagnostic Laboratory also in a full-service proposition to organizations lacking the specific expertise or capabilities to perform repertoire sequencing.

For more information, visit www.enpicom.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

OptiSolve Germ Report on Hotels reveals which surfaces have the most germs in a hotel

TORONTO, May 8, 2019 /CNW/ - We all know how dirty hotel rooms can be but where are the worst places for germs? Join the OptiSolve^® Germ Report team and host, Jason "The Germ Guy" Tetro as they unleash the powers of their Pathfinder^® technology to make the invisible visible in hotel rooms. Get ready to discover how hazardous hotel rooms might be. On May 14 the OptiSolve Germ Report on Hotels is premiering at the Canadian Sustainability Conference, booth 432 in Toronto and on the web at https://germreport.com.

This investigative report utilizes OptiSolve's ground-breaking process to image and assess high touch surfaces in hotel rooms. The results show that a star rating has nothing to do with cleanliness. 

According Brad Evans, CEO of OptiSolve, the results are more than surprising. "It is frightening when we consider that germs known to thrive in hotel rooms like the antibiotic resistance superbug Acinetobacter baumannii from the dirty dozen of pathogens can survive on a surface for up to three weeks." It's why OptiSolve has developed a proprietary process to transform the cleaning industry. "OptiSolve provides a breakthrough that facilitates precision cleaning to improve environmental health and safety in all types of facilities from hotels to hospitals to food manufacturing plants to educational facilities and offices." 

OptiSolve is a division of the family-owned Canadian company Charlotte Products Ltd. It is an environmental monitoring system that utilizes a unique optical sensor technology, called Pathfinder, to image and assess surfaces for microbial contamination (see photo). 

In February, OptiSolve was awarded a $4.5 million Genome Canada grant to further enhance the Pathfinder technology to allow for recognition and identification of specific pathogen species to make the invisible visible. As Evans points out," This grant takes us to the next level where we will be able to identify deadly pathogens such as C. difficile and Listeria on surfaces in real time."  

Visit https://germreport.com to find out more about the OptiSolve Pathfinder and how it can help reduce the risks of infection in hotels and everywhere germs can be found.

SOURCE OptiSolve, a division of Charlotte Products Ltd.

First and Only Parp Inhibitor, Lynparza® (Olaparib) Approved as a First-line Maintenance Therapy Treatment in BRCA-Mutated Advanced Ovarian Cancer

AstraZeneca and Merck's Lynparza reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 70% compared to placebo following response to platinum-based chemotherapy

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 8, 2019 /CNW/ - AstraZeneca Canada and Merck Canada today announced the Health Canada approval of Lynparza (olaparib) as a monotherapy maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced BRCA-mutated (BRCAm) high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response (complete or partial) to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients must have confirmation of BRCA mutation (identified by either germline or tumour testing) before treatment is initiated.

This is the first and only regulatory approval for a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor in Canada in the first-line maintenance setting for patients with this disease.

"Until now, women diagnosed with BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer have had limited options for first-line treatments. The approval of Lynparza is an exciting milestone as it provides a new first-line treatment option that offers the potential of sustained remission," said Dr. James Bentley, President, The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada. "This new approval reinforces the importance of BRCA testing for all patients with an ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. No woman should be left behind."  

"This is tremendous and welcome news for women diagnosed with BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer," added Elisabeth Baugh, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada. "Survival rates for this disease have remained too low for 50 years, and for roughly the last 20 years, there has been significant challenges in arriving at new treatments. Women have run out of treatment options very quickly. Today's announcement brings the hope and possibility of saving more lives through new therapies that allow earlier treatment for ovarian cancer patients."

About the SOLO-1 Trial

The Notice of Compliance was granted based on positive results from the pivotal Phase III SOLO-1 trial, in which Lynparza reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 70% in patients with BRCAm advanced ovarian cancer, who were in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy compared to placebo (HR 0.30 [95% CI 0.23-0.41], p<0.0001).ⁱ With a median of 41 months follow-up, median progression-free survival (PFS) in the Lynparza arm was not reached versus 13.8 months with placebo.ⁱⁱ The SOLO-1 trial also showed 60% of patients receiving Lynparza remained progression-free at 3 years compared to 27% of patients receiving placebo .ⁱⁱⁱ

The safety profile of Lynparza was consistent with previous clinical trials.^iv The most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (of >20% any grade) were nausea (77%), fatigue (63%), vomiting (40%), anemia (39%), diarrhea (34%), constipation (28%), dysgeusia (26%), neutropenia (23%) and headache (23%).^v

This approval is the third regulatory approval for Lynparza in the first-line maintenance setting for BRCAm advanced ovarian cancer, following FDA approval in the US in December 2018 and in Brazil earlier this year.  

About Lynparza (olaparib)

Lynparza was the first Health Canada-approved oral (PARP) inhibitor that may exploit tumor DNA damage response (DDR) pathway deficiencies to potentially kill cancer cells.^vi

AstraZeneca and Merck are conducting multiple Lynparza phase III studies across a variety of indications and tumour types.

Lynparza is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca AB, used under license by AstraZeneca Canada Inc. and Merck Canada Inc.

About Ovarian Cancer in Canada

Ovarian cancer is one of the fifth most common cancers for Canadian women.^vii An estimated 2,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and 1,800 women will die from it.^viii The majority of cases are high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer. Approximately 25 per cent of Canadian women with this type of ovarian cancer have an abnormality in their BRCA1/2 genes, which increases their risk of developing ovarian cancer.^ix

With genetic testing, women who carry the BRCA gene can determine whether increased observation and preventive action (e.g. removal of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries) are viable options. Women already diagnosed with BRCA-mutated or high-grade ovarian cancer should speak to their doctor about new treatment options available to them.

About the AstraZeneca and Merck strategic oncology collaboration

In 2017, AstraZeneca and Merck, announced a global strategic oncology collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize Lynparza, the world's first PARP inhibitor, and potential new medicine selumetinib, a MEK inhibitor, for multiple cancer types. Working together, the companies will develop Lynparza and selumetinib in combination with other potential new medicines and as monotherapies. Independently, the companies will develop Lynparza and selumetinib in combination with their respective PD-L1 and PD-1 medicines.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of primary and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on three important areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease; Oncology; and Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In Canada, we employ more than 675 employees across the country and our headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.astrazeneca.ca.

About Merck

For over a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. 

Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer's disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola.

Based in Kirkland, Québec, Merck employs approximately 765 people across Canada. Merck is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $69 million in 2018 and more than $1 billion since 2000. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Hospice Palliative Care Week 2019 - "Busting the Myths" about Hospice Palliative Care

OTTAWA, May 7, 2019 /CNW/ - In the wake of Canada's evolving Hospice Palliative Care landscape, it is paramount to bust myths that surround Hospice Palliative Care. Hospice Palliative Care week is observed from May 5^th – 11^th and aims to celebrate and share achievements in the hospice palliative care field, while also providing an opportunity to recognize areas needing improvement. 

This year, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) designed a "Busting the Myths" campaign as a response to the need to educate Canadians including caregivers, physicians, citizens and political leaders around common myths about hospice palliative care. The "Busting the Myths" campaign aims to empower Canadians through education by identifying and clarifying misperceptions about Hospice Palliative Care in Canada. 

Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of CHPCA affirms that "people still tend to think that hospice palliative care is offered only for seniors with advanced illness – which is really not the case. In reality, hospice palliative care is provided to people of all ages – from children, teens, to younger, older and senior adults". Age is not the only topic that is misled by myths. Rather, myths about accessibility, ease of access, illness criteria and cultural misperceptions of Hospice Palliative Care impacts the care that is accessed. These topics, among others, are addressed within the "Busting the Myths" campaign. 

For the "Busting the Myths" campaign, CHPCA has created a downloadable poster that debunks 10 popular myths about hospice palliative care as well as a backgrounder and resource list. To continue the conversation online, social media users are invited to test their knowledge to debunk myths by engaging with CHPCA's Facebook (CanadianHospicePalliativeCare ) and Twitter(@CanadianHPCAssn)  'Debunking Myths Poll'  throughout the week. In addition, Canadians are encouraged to use the hashtag #BustingtheMyths to share myths they've encountered. 

Working together to educate one another is a vital step in the pursuit of excellent Hospice Palliative Care in Canada. CHPCA urges Canadians to share the "Busting the Myths" poster whether it's with a friend or a provincial Minister of Parliament – it is time for us to bust myths permanently. 

Hospice Palliative Care Week is coordinated by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Funding for National Hospice Palliative Care Week is provided by GlaxoSmithKline, Purdue, Apotex and Innovative Medicines Canada. For more information and downloadable resources for National Hospice Palliative Care Week, please visit www.chpca.net/week.

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association – the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada – is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are lessened. The CHPCA operates in close partnership with provincial hospice palliative care organizations and other national organizations and continues to work to ensure "that all Canadians have access to quality hospice palliative care."

SOURCE Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

Professional snowboarder and Olympian diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma joins LLSC Light The Night to help accelerate blood cancer cures

MONTREAL, May 9, 2019 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is proud to announce that it has teamed up with Max Parrot, professional snowboarder and 2018 Olympic Games silver medalist, to help accelerate blood cancer cures. Max Parrot will walk in solidarity with the blood cancer community at our annual flagship event – Light The Night Walk in October. 

Now in its milestone 15^th year, Light The Night celebrates cancer survivors, honours those we've lost and gives hope and healing to those facing cancer. 

Each year, more than 35,000 Canadians participate in Light The Night Walk events across the country to show their support for those affected by a blood cancer. In 2018, Light The Night raised over $6.5 million which helped fund a record number of research grants. 

"We are excited to welcome Max Parrot to the LLSC community," said Alicia Talarico, President of the LLSC. "His unwavering commitment to our mission makes us that much stronger in our pursuit to cure all blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families."

Max Parrot was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2018, ten days after undergoing a biopsy. He underwent an operation and is currently receiving chemotherapy to treat the disease, which affects the white blood cells in the lymphatic system.  

"My partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is obviously deeply personal," said Max Parrot. "As I continue my treatment, I wish to raise as much money and awareness as possible for blood cancer research and programs that assist patients and their families. My goal is to inspire Canadians to support this cause until we find a cure." 

LLSC is the leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers and ensuring that patients have access to life-saving treatments. Each year, more than 22,000 Canadians are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. Through its fundraising programs, LLSC has invested more than $40 million in research to better understand the underlying causes of the disease, develop better therapies, and save more lives. The funds raised through Light The Night Walk will be used for:

• Research to advance targeted therapies that are saving lives; 
• Blood cancer services, information, and support for patients and caregivers; 
• Public education for healthcare professionals and the blood cancer community.

There are many ways to raise awareness and show support for Max Parrot and for more than 138,000 people affected by a blood cancer. Canadians can join the Max Parrot Super Team or form their own team by registering for a Light The Night Walk in their community. 

Visit the Light The Night website at www.lightthenight.ca to register and learn more.  

About Light The Night Walk

Each year, in communities across Canada, teams of families, friends, and co-workers walk into the night holding illuminated lanterns to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada at the Light The Night Walk events. Together, they bring help and hope to people affected by blood cancers and their families. The Walks are an inspirational and memorable evening event that takes place in nearly 200 communities across North America each fall. There are 12 LLSC hosted Light The Night Walk events and dozens of volunteer-hosted community and school walks across the country. Visit www.lightthenight.ca to learn more.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit www.llscanada.org  

For personalized disease, treatment or support information, patients can contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.   

About Dulcedo Management

Dulcedo Management is a progressive talent management firm specializing in fashion, digital, sports and entertainment representation. Dulcedo has encouraged out-of-the-box thinking by embracing innovative initiatives and over time, transformed into something bigger by taking on makeup extraordinaires, top-pick influencers, major sports figures and many more. To find out more visit www.dulcedo.com 

Dulcedo Management is proud of this collaboration, but above all to encourage all our athletes to find a philanthropic cause related to their values. To see Max Parrot contribute extensively to cancer research through his notoriety and commitment to his community is one of the most rewarding mandates the agency has ever been able to develop.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

wC Canada's Consumer insights survey: The experience is pertinent to Canadian consumers

• Only 20% are likely to purchase groceries online in the next 12 months 
• 46% suggest they are comfortable accessing health care products or services online 
• 31% of respondents aged 25-34 are planning to buy smart home appliances

TORONTO, May 9, 2019 /CNW/ - PwC Canada's Consumer insights survey launched today and suggests that Canadian consumers are demanding far more from their favourite retail brands, engaging more with smart tech and want digital access to health care. One thousand Canadians took part in the survey that highlights how companies need to focus more attention on creating a strong return on experience (ROX) rather than just focusing more broadly on return on investment (ROI).  

"Canadians want ease and convenience when shopping and they are using more technology to help them with decision-making. With more technology platforms aggregating data, retailers should tailor their offerings to make unique experiences for customers," says Myles Gooding, National Retail Leader, PwC Canada. "With more brands selling through the multi-channel approach, it's important for any company to offer a unique experience to its customers to create brand loyalty."

When it comes to grocery shopping, the majority of Canadians (52%) want a seamless experience and find products easily in the story. However, only a third (32%) want quick and easy payment solutions including mobile and contactless payment. Micro-trips are the new norm, rather than doing one big shop during the week. Just over a quarter (26%) said they make "micro-trips" to grocery stores or supermarkets (i.e. in-store trips less than five minutes long) two to three times per week, 23% said weekly and 10% said daily or more. The report also indicates that only 20% of Canadians are likely to purchase groceries online. 

Adoption of smart technology, including voice-enabled technology, continues to grow and evolve. Approximately half (52%) of respondents use smart technology to access information (current affairs and weather) and about one third (31%) to control other smart home devices. This rise in adoption provides many opportunities for retailers to drive personalized offerings and also change retail marketing by considering voice search (not just about a mobile friendly website anymore).

Canadians are also turning to technology to keep track of their health, in order to reduce wait times and have access to information in a timely manner. Nearly half (46%) of Canadian respondents said they're somewhat comfortable accessing health care products or services from a company with an application that collates all of their health care information in one place. 

While uptake on consumer apps in health care has been on the slower side to date, 32% of all Canadians surveyed said they use health care, wellness, fitness and medical applications on their phone, smartwatch or tablet. That number rose to 37% for those aged 25-34. In addition to exercise and diet monitoring, stress and sleep tracking apps were the most important for those aged 18–34. Fertility and period tracking were popular among the younger age group as well.

The report highlights a list of imperatives for companies to improve ROX, including understanding customers, treating data respectfully and fusing customer experience with employee experience.  All imperatives can be found here. 

Click here to access the full report.

About PwC Canada
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. More than 7,000 partners and staff in offices across the country are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax, consulting and deals services. PwC Canada is a member of the PwC network of firms with more than 250,000 people in 158 countries. Find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/ca.

© 2019 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.

PwC refers to the Canadian member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see http://www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

SOURCE PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

New York Gastroenterologist Shares 7 Ways To Beat Those Sugar Cravings

From cleansing your system to losing weight, it is the goal of many to decrease their consumption of added sugars. But what happens if we can’t stop our body from craving it?

Sugar cravings are a formidable opponent to anyone trying to stay on a nutritious path. Sugar cravings can attack in the middle of the day or night, and it takes the will power of a comic book hero to say no to such temptation. But what if we can identify and address the underlying reason why we feel such a need for sugar? New York internist and gastroenterologist, Dr. Niket Sonpal who is also a faculty member at Touro College of Medicine says,  “If more people could learn to pinpoint the reasons why they experience sugar cravings they would have better tools to avoid breaking their nutritional goals.”

Here are Dr. Sonpal’s 7 Ways to Conquer Sugar Cravings

Drink water; you might be dehydrated.

Many people mistake thirst for sugar cravings. “We know that we want something fresh and cold and we usually identify that with sugary drinks,” says Dr. Sonpal. “When our bodies have a deficiency in fluids, it can’t efficiently breakdown glycogen, and this causes the urge to consume something sugary. In reality, what you need to do first is drink water and observe how you feel,” he explains.

Try to Decrease Your Sugar Intake Gradually

Scans have shown that sugar fuels every cell in the brain.  “Our bodies view sugar as a reward. But too much of a good thing is not good at all in this case. By partaking in overconsumption of sugar you are reinforcing your body’s need for that reward, essentially becoming addicted to it,” explains Dr. Sonpal. But like many addictions, it is not a reasonable or sustainable strategy to quit cold turkey. If you feel as though you are out of control or moody without your first soft drink of the day or until you have a piece of chocolate, you need to consider slowly draining your system from that need for sugar.

Rethink social habits that drive you towards sugar

Many of us have social rituals during our day that help us destress amidst countless tasks and meetings. “If you have a standing ritual with a friend or coworker of eating a piece of cake after lunch every day or running to the coffee shop on the corner to get the most sugary caffeinated iced drink you can find, rethink those social behaviors,” says Dr. Sonpal. Try to put something else in place that is healthy but rewarding.

Evaluate your protein intake

Many famous diet plans like Paleo, Vegetarian, and Keto seek to reduce sugars in your food. Sometimes a good way to kick your sugar cravings to the curb is having some good ole’ fashion protein. “Protein reduces the speed with which your body processes sugars and in turn helps you need lower amounts to experience that reward. Eggs, black beans, broccoli, and chicken are really healthy ways to get that protein in to quench that yearn for sugar,” suggests Dr. Sonpal.

If push comes to shove, pick fruit

There will be times when your craving for sugar will be exacerbated by the stress of the day or however many days you’ve gone without consuming it. You may feel like you can have a cheat day. According to Dr. Sonpal, “Your best response to a worsening need for sugar is to eat a piece of fruit. If you get to a point where you feel frustrated, instead of eating processed sugar, eat fruit. Fruits are sweet and have natural sugar that can address your sweet tooth without throwing out your entire effort,” says the NYC gastroenterologist. With the fruit, you will get added vitamins and fiber.

Fiber is your friend

Fiber helps clean out your system, and it is processed more slowly by the body. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer effectively reducing your craving for mid-meal snacks. “Many people will be very deliberate with their decision to reduce sugar in their meals but will ultimately cave in when their body needs a snack because a lot of the snacks we have in our pantry have sugar in them. Fiber and lots of water would help you stay full for longer periods,” Says Dr. Sonpal.

Observe your consumption of starch

Starches like white rice, white bread, pasta are complex carbs that the body process as simple carbs. They end up affecting the sugar levels in your body and feeding into your need for sugar as fuel for brain activity and energy. If you have cut out processed sugars but continue to eat an abundance of starches, then your next step is to progressively reduce your consumption of those foods as well to clean your system of the need for sugars.

About the Expert: Dr. Niket Sonpal

Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center.

He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.