Adult Congenital Heart Association Announces Funding of Organization’s Inaugural Research Grants

The six projects focus on important topics surrounding adult congenital heart disease.

MEDIA, Pa., May 1, 2019 – The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) has funded six research grants to advance the science of congenital heart disease (CHD) in adults. With the advent of this new ACHA program, the organization aims to improve the lives of CHD patients and future generations in partnership with medical professionals. 

“If it were not for medical research and innovation, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) would not exist as a field,” says Jamil Aboulhosn, MD, FACC, FSCAI, ACHA Medical Advisory Board Chair, noting that in the textbooks of the early 20^th century, there was barely a mention of CHD. “There are so many questions that are still unasked and unanswered in this field and it is imperative that we do our part to move things forward, and that can only happen through research and innovation.”

ACHA is the only nonprofit in the country dedicated solely to the unique needs of the 1.4 million adults born with heart defects, the most common birth defect in the United States, diagnosed in one in 100 births. These adults are living longer today with one of the many varying types of congenital heart defects that range among simple, moderate, and complex—which was not a reality 20 years ago.

“ACHA funding research grants is a watershed moment for our organization,” says ACHA President & CEO Mark Roeder. “A key goal of our Vision 2025 plan for the future was moving into direct research funding. We are thrilled that with the help of our Medical Advisory Board, we were able to move forward in this direction and to announce our six research grants. We look forward to momentum building in ACHA’s research program and awarding an increasing number of grants in the years ahead.”

The following two-year ACHD provider grants, jointly funded by ACHA and the Meil Family Foundation, were funded at $32,500 per year:

• Patient Centered Research Models to Diagnose and Treat Anxiety Disorders in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Pilot Pragmatic Clinical Trial, Matthew Lewis, MD, MPH, Schneeweiss Congenital Heart Program, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
• Peer Coaching Adaptive Self-Management Interventions for Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (CHASM IN ACHD), Richard A. Krasuski, MD, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, Duke University, Durham, N.C.
• Improving Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Tetralogy of Fallot, Valeria E. Duarte, M.D., Boston Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Boston Children’s Hospital

In addition, jointly funded by ACHA and Project Heart, the following three fellows received one-year grants of $10,000 each:

• Strategies for the Successful Adaption of the PRISM (Promoting Resilience in Stress Management) Intervention to Promote Resilience for Patients with Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Jill M. Steiner, MD, MS, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle 
• Cognitive Impairments in Adult CHD Patients, Carla P. Rodriguez-Monserrate, MD, Boston Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Boston Children’s Hospital
• Serial C-Reactive Protein Measurements to Predict Clinical Events in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, Nael Aldweib, MD, Boston Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Boston Children’s Hospital

These first projects will start July 1, 2019, and ACHA is eager to report on progress and outcomes, as well as continue to fund grants annually after this inaugural round.

“The ACHA research program will provide reliable funding for ACHD investigator and trainee initiated studies,” says Arwa Saidi, MB, BCh, MEd, ACHA Medical Advisory Board Vice Chair. “These studies can produce the early data needed to design future large multi-center studies and subsequently guide and improve ACHD patient care.” 

About the Adult Congenital Heart Association 

The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and extending the lives of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). ACHA serves and supports the more than 1.4 million adults with CHD, their families and the medical community—working with them to address the unmet needs of the long-term survivors of congenital heart defects through education, outreach, advocacy, and promotion of ACHD research. For more information about ACHA, contact (888) 921-ACHA or visit www.achaheart.org. 

HelloMD chosen as first telehealth provider for Medical Cannabis by Shoppers website

TORONTO, May 1, 2019 /CNW/ - HelloMD will now provide patients in Canada with convenient access to practitioner-led advice about medical cannabis through a new relationship with Shoppers Drug Mart's online medical cannabis platform.

Since its launch in 2015, HelloMD's turnkey telehealth platform has facilitated more than 100,000 virtual consults between medical cannabis patients and licensed practitioners. HelloMD is currently active in Canada and the United States.

The Medical Cannabis by Shoppers website now features a dedicated portal operated by HelloMD. Patients can access live video consultations with licensed healthcare practitioners through the dedicated portal seven days a week, from the comfort of their home. 

Following a consultation with a healthcare practitioner, patients that receive a medical document authorizing their registration as a medical cannabis patient may return to the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers website to register and begin choosing from its wide selection of approved products, or direct HelloMD to send their medical document to an alternative licensed producer.

"We are honoured that Shoppers Drug Mart has trusted us to provide discreet, expert guidance to their patients seeking online advice about medical cannabis," said Larry Lisser, senior vice-president of business development at HelloMD. "We are excited to be part of this innovation, and to help Canadian patients get more convenient access to information and treatment."

About HelloMD

HelloMD is the leading digital health care platform for medical cannabis, and has facilitated more than 100,000 virtual consults between cannabis patients and licensed practitioners. The company's white-label solutions enable third parties to quickly deploy a turnkey telehealth solution, complete with the technology, practitioners and support personnel required to improve patient onboarding processes.

SOURCE HelloMD

Ontario Nurses' Association Celebrates Historic Pay Equity Win

A 13-year pursuit for fairness and equity for nursing home Registered Nurses 

TORONTO, May 1, 2019 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is celebrating a significant win following a 13-year-long battle to maintain pay equity rights for registered nurses (RNs) working in female-dominated professions.

A decision released late yesterday by Ontario's Divisional Court held that nurses working in private nursing homes without access to male comparators in their workplaces will now have the right to maintain pay equity with continuing reference to a male comparator.

"This case is a historic win for women's equality rights," says ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. "The Court's ruling that the Pay Equity Act must be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the values upheld by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will ensure that RNs working in private nursing homes will have their pay equity rights maintained. 

The proxy sections of the Pay Equity Act provide a way for women in female-dominated, public-sector organizations to achieve pay equity where there are no male comparators in their workplace. Under the proxy method, public-sector organizations with no male job classes are able to access the job value and pay equity target pay rates from another public-sector organization that has already achieved pay equity in order to complete its own pay equity plan. Under the Act,the proxy employer for nursing homes is the municipal homes for the aged.

McKenna notes that in 1995, ONA and a central group of nursing homes entered into a pay equity plan that provided pay equity adjustments across the nursing home pay scale of varying amounts. By 2005, the pay for RNs worwking in the municipal homes for the aged had increased, creating a wage gap between RNs working in nursing homes and those working in municipal homes for the aged.

ONA, working with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), had asked the Divisional Court to quash an earlier Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal decision and declare that the Pay Equity Act, properly interpreted, requires that pay equity maintenance in the proxy sector requires ongoing reference to male work. 

The Divisional Court has ordered the Tribunal to specify the procedures that should be used to ensure that claimants in the proxy sector have access to a male comparator, and to prevent further delays in the pay equity relief that they have sought for many years.

McKenna says that this has been a "marathon, 13-year pursuit of fairness and equity."

ONA is the union representing more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry. 

Visit us at: www.ona.org; Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; www.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

A Record Breaking $1.5 million Raised Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal 2019

Québec's Anne-Marie Comeau and Ontario's Tristan Woodfine take top placing in Montréal

MONTRÉAL, April 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Taking advantage of dry, brisk conditions, Québec's Anne-Marie Comeau (1:14:06)  in the women's class, and Ontario's Tristan Woodfine (1:05:27) in the men's category, had strong victories on Sunday at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montréal, for the 17^th edition of the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal. 

At press time, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge had raised over $1.5 million – a record for Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal – in support of 80 charities in Québec and the number is expected to continue to grow as fundraising remains open for 30 days after the event. 

"At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for over 185 years," says Geneviève Brouillard, Regional Senior Vice President, Québec and Eastern Ontario, at Scotiabank. "Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge we aim to inspire individuals to fundraise in support of their favourite charities. We are thrilled that over 1.5million has been raised for charity this year. It's great to see that the Scotiabank Charity Challenge continues to be an important part of the weekend events, year after year. We know that the funds raised will have a huge impact in the communities where we live, work, and run."

A two-day event, the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal featured fun times for all, with various distances to choose from, including, 1k Kids Run, 5k, 10k and 21k. Over 7,000 participants crossed the start lines for yet another sold out event this year! 

"We are quite excited with the combined effort from the runners and charities associated with the event, it resulted with another record-breaking weekend in terms of funds raised for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge," says Francois Lecot, Race Director, Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal. "Our event has become a weekend long celebration offering a distance for everyone with a 21k, 10k, 5k & Kids Run. Over 7000 runners showed up at one of our start lines, mixing up challenge, fun and performance. We are also proud of the turnout and performances from Canadian runners Anne-Marie Comeau and Tristan Woodfine." 

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners in these races to support local causes that make a significant impact on Canadian communities. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all transaction and credit card fees. Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montréal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.  

Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their infinite potential, and many organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on our local youth. Young people are our future leaders and it's crucial to provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal Results :

Half marathon, Men

1. Tristan Woodfine, Cobden, 1:05:27 
2. Réjean Chiasson, Toronto, 1:07:59 
3. Pierre-Lou Billerot, Montréal, 1:08:10
   

Half marathon, Women

1. Anne-Marie Comeau, St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, 1:14:06 
2. Rachel Hannah, Guelph, 1:15:14 
3. Sasha Gollish, Toronto, 1:17:43
   
   

10k, Men

1. Nicholas Grudev, South Burlington, 32:23 
2. Arnaud Francioni, Montréal, 33:06 
3. Maurice Bélanger, Montréal, 35:55
   
   

10k, Women

1. Arianne Raby, Montréal, 36:53 
2. Annie Laperle, Candiac, 37:32 
3. Céline Best, Shannon, 39:28

5k, Men

1. Phil Parrot-Migas, London, 15:36 
2. Graydon Snider, Montréal, 16:28 
3. Dimitri Nivole, Montréal, 16:40

5k, Women

1. Céline Marks, Montréal, 18:18 
2. Joelle White, Montréal, 18:52 
3. Laurence Gauthier, Montréal, 19:14
   
   

The Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal race weekend is a world-class sporting event that brings together runners from across the country, and beyond, on both recreational and elite levels. The event takes place in one of Montréal's most beautiful locations; Parc-Jean Drapeau.

For a complete list of 2019 charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal's website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit the results page. 

Twitter and Instagram Hashtag: #Scotia21kMTL, #InfinitePotential and #CourseScotia

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

About Canada Running Series
Canada Running Series is the nation's premier running circuit with eight events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver, one in Edmonton and one in Montréal. It annually attracts some 60,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly local charities.

The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is "building community through the sport of running". 

Join us : http://www.canadarunningseries.com   Instagram –  Twitter –  Facebook - @RunCRS 

SOURCE Scotiabank

“Prejuvenation” 6 Things Millennials Can Do to Maintain Their Youth

www.drmanishshah.com

Many people in their 20’s are stressed out about high post college student loan debt requiring side hustles to pay it off. They’re noticing tired eyes and premature wrinkles as they turn to filters to optimize their social media photos. There is pressure to keep up with celebrities their age not to mention the countless millennial “social media influencers” who are setting the new standard for beauty and youth. Bottomline, millennials are stressed, and they don’t want to look it. Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver, Colorado Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery urges the under 30 crowd not to overdo it with expensive treatments and procedures that can actually make them look older and put them further into debt.

Here is Dr. Shah’s of 6 things millennials can do to maintain their youth.

1. Use sunblock every day.

“The best way to make sure your face is protected from the sun is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF of no less than 30,” explains Dr. Shah. He also suggests applying creams to your neck and chest to postpone wrinkling and sagging in these areas. “The sun protection done daily in your 20’s will pay off greatly in your 40’s,” he says.

2. Get your Vitamin C.

“Vitamin C is a huge collagen booster and it also reduces pores and brightens skin, and these are the exact things women in their late 30’s and 40’s complain about most,” he reveals. Foods such as cantaloupe, mango, pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, and berries are all packed with this antioxidant which, when eaten regularly does wonders to sustain a youthful glow.

3. Ditch the fast food and eat more fish.

Those late night post partying fries and pizza are to be expected and at 25 are difficult to avoid. Perhaps your metabolism can handle it, for now. Offset these weekend indulgences by eating fish during the week. “Fish oil has fatty acids can erase early wrinkles you may notice. It prevents inflammation which can only make wrinkles more noticeable and deeper over time. Many millennials who are picky eaters and avoid seafood can get Omega-3’s via supplements but getting it directly from eating fish is best,” Dr. Shah suggests.

4. Quit smoking.

Nothing will age you quicker than smoking. “It is possible for a 25-year-old to look 8-5 years younger, within just 3 months after quitting smoking. This number increases after age 30. Women over age 40 who don’t smoke typically look up to a decade younger than their counterparts who still smoke,” says Dr. Shah. There are a gazillion reasons to quit smoking. Linking it to vanity is a pretty powerful motivator.

5. Decrease your sugar intake.

You really want to start getting mindful about your sugar intake in your 20’s for many different reasons. “Sugars and carbohydrates are a beauty killer because they are pro-inflammatory. Pasta, ketchup, candy, ice cream, and fruit juices are often dietary staples for those under 30. Any inflammation in the body will show up on the face in the form of adult acne, sagging and wrinkling not to mention sallow skin tone,” warns Dr. Shah.

6. Maintain your glow with facials and peels.

While many millennials are starting off with “Baby Botox” which can postpone wrinkling, Botox isn’t cheap. It also can be a “gateway” treatment which leads to lip injections and fillers that often have a reverse effect making younger women appear older, cautions Dr. Shah. “Lasers and peels have come very far, offer an excellent solution for sun damage, skin texture, pores, acne scarring and cell turnover to stimulate collagen growth.

Dr. Shah concludes that millennials who get into a good solid habit of taking care of themselves both inside and out, will create a lifestyle of longevity. “Millennials raised by mothers who may have had breast implants, Botox and lip injections may feel that getting things “done” is normal. This is exactly why I am always very honest when advising patients under 25 on procedures they’re considering.”

About Dr. Manish Shah

Plastic Surgeon Colorado | Dr. Manish Shah, M.D. | Denver https://drmanishshah.com/ 

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. After completing his formal plastic surgery training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, he moved to New York City and was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!

Good Dee’s Introduce Two Baking Mixes for the Low Carb Foodie

Discover the secret to making low carb, gluten-free, bakery-level treats without needing a culinary degree.

Good Dee’s introduce new Cracker Biscuit Mix alongside the relaunch of their mouth watering Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix to the low carb market. 

The brand has made a name for itself by using real ingredients in innovative ways to indulge the sweet cravings of those adhering to an alternative diet like Keto, low carb, or low sugar. 

“It doesn’t matter what diet you’re on. The minute you start depriving yourself of the foods you crave is when it starts to fall apart,” explained Good Dee’s founder Deana Karim. “That’s why we’ve developed mixes for every occasion from cookies and brownies to pancakes, cakes, and biscuits!”

The new Cracker Biscuit Mix uses almond flour and soluble corn fiber to create a flaky crumb exterior and buttery soft interior that pairs just as well with breakfast gravy as it does soup. It has only 3 carbs per serving and can be whipped up in minutes by simply adding butter and eggs.

Good Dee’s Mixes Highlights:
    • Only 3g net carbs per serving
    • Diabetic-Friendly
    • Naturally Gluten-Free & Wheat-Free
    • Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free, and Nut-Free options available
    • Easy, inexpensive, and convenient to bake 
    • More affordable than store bought gluten-free treats 

Good Dee’s second new launch is a rerelease of their fan favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. Karim has been customizing the recipe so it now rings in at only 1 gram net carbs and even lower calories than before for a guilt-free indulgence.

To learn more about Good Dee’s mixes, visit www.gooddees.com or purchase through the website, Amazon, or in brick and mortar stores in the USA and Canada.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Brooke Daily at brooke@veteranpr.com.

About
Deana Karim launched Good Dee’s in 2015, offering mouth-watering baking mixes that indulge one’s desire for sweets without the sugar. Her pioneering use of up-and-coming ingredients and dedication to low carb formulations makes Good Dee’s a great choice for anyone practicing a keto, low carb, gluten-free, or alternative lifestyle.Follow @GoodDeesMix on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Press resources available at: Good Dee's Press Kit

Cannabis cultivator Autumn Brands welcomes new partner

Hanna Brand adds balance to male dominated industry

SANTA BARBARA, CA – (April 29th, 2019). Cannabis cultivator Autumn Brands is excited to welcome Hanna Brand to the company’s Owner/Sales position, recently announced Autumn Shelton, CFO of the 50 percent woman-owned, family-run, and pesticide-free cannabis farm along Santa Barbara County’s sunny coastline. Hanna is responsible for increasing revenue and maintaining the farm’s pure growing practices that began in Holland more than 100 years ago. 

She serves as the face of Autumn Days, a hybrid of a customer appreciation and education event that is typically held at a dispensary, where she shares her vast knowledge on the specifics of cannabis and general agriculture. On the farm, Hanna oversees the team responsible for harvesting and packaging, and she manages the branding and the post-harvest bulk of privately held and entirely self-funded Autumn Brands.

Hanna is a sixth-generation farmer and a recent graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Horticultural Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, giving her a rare combination of old-world craftsmanship and tech savviness coupled with a millennial’s approach to holistic wellness.

“Cannabis was a weed growing wild. Now it’s so hybridized and developed into a designer product … I have the passion for the plant and the science. I’m in for the long haul,” said Hanna, whose roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and fearlessness are additional assets in the male dominated field. “My priority is putting out a quality product at a fair price and evolving with the industry.” 

Born and raised in Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County, Hanna is a member of the local Sunset Rotary Club and counts wakeboarding, skiing, soccer, and beach volleyball among her favorite off-duty activities. Hanna also possesses an unusual skill in the United States – speaking Dutch.

About Autumn Brands

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

Medicago Awarded "Best New Vaccine Technology/Platform" at the World Vaccine Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Medicago, a Canadian biotech company and global leader in the development and production of plant-derived vaccines, announced today that its proprietary plant-based production platform, Proficia® was named "Best New Vaccine Technology/platform" at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C., attended by 1,500 participants including key opinion leaders from the vaccine industry. The Vaccine Industry Excellence (ViE) Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of vaccine practitioners and stakeholders across the global vaccine industry.

"It is very gratifying to see that our technology is again being recognized as innovative in our industry", said Bruce Clark, President & Chief Executive Officer of Medicago. "Winning this award as the best new technology in the eyes of leading experts in the vaccine industry is an important validation of the value of our plant-based technology to vaccine and antibody development." 

Developed in Quebec City, Medicago's technology has the potential to rapidly respond to surging threats by producing vaccines or therapeutic antibodies in the face of an outbreak such as pandemic influenza. Our data has shown that the Proficia® platform can: 

• Rapidly deliver a pandemic vaccine candidate in 5 to 6 weeks 
• Accurately match the selected strain as a result of its recombinant technology 
• Easily scale vaccine production as one plant or 10,000 plants require the same growth conditions

Medicago's platform versatility has been demonstrated for the production of vaccines and antibodies. In 2012, in the context of DARPA's Blue Angel program, the company successfully proved its platform capacity to produce 10 million doses of a candidate H1N1 pandemic vaccine in one month at its manufacturing plant in North Carolina. Medicago's influenza development program includes a pandemic, a seasonal and a universal flu vaccine. In addition to flu vaccines, in 2015, Medicago successfully completed a contract with the U.S. government (BARDA) to produce anti-Ebola antibodies.

On top of this newly received award, Medicago's platform Proficia® was awarded the "Game-changing Technology Award in 2014, by BIOTECanada". This prize recognized an organization that had made a significant contribution to the biotech industry in Canada through the innovative plant-based vaccine production platform. 

In 2018, Medicago broke ground on the new $245 million manufacturing complex in Quebec City that will include the company's headquarters, research and development as well as production facilities. The company plans to produce annually 40 to 50 million doses of quadrivalent vaccines against seasonal influenza. In 2019, Medicago will achieve a key milestone by completing Phase III clinical studies in adults and elderly subjects.

About World Vaccine Congress
The World Vaccine Congress remains the industry's definitive vaccine industry event for major vaccine players. Officially the longest-running and largest vaccine industry event in North America, the World Vaccine Congress delivers a forum where the ever-changing dynamics of the vaccine industry are discussed and acted upon by the industry's most senior figures.

About Medicago
Medicago is a Canadian clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with more than 450 employees in Canada and the United States. Medicago's mission is to improve global health outcomes by leveraging innovative plant-based technologies for rapid responses to emerging global health challenges.  

Pour plus de détails : www.medicago.com  

SOURCE Medicago

Spectrum Cannabis and the Arthritis Society Team Up to Launch Arthritis Talks, A National Symposium Series for Patients

SMITHS FALLS, ON and TORONTO, April 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Spectrum Cannabis, the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Arthritis Society to raise awareness and educate people about living with arthritis, including the potential of medical cannabis as a treatment for arthritis symptoms and the importance of seeking guidance from health care practitioners. The Arthritis Society is a leading charitable funder of arthritis research whose vision is to live in a world where people are free from the devastating effects of arthritis. 

The partnership will engage Canadians across the country in a series of symposiums titled "Arthritis Talks," presented by the Arthritis Society and Spectrum Cannabis. The series consists of a comprehensive program of in-person and digitally-accessible education events across Canada featuring leading speakers on topics that are of high interest and relevance to people living with arthritis.

Spectrum Cannabis and the Arthritis Society are also committed to creating a range of evidence-based resources that will enable people with arthritis to make informed decisions regarding medical cannabis. These resources which will be developed over the coming months and available on Arthritis.ca, range from infographics to educational videos and an online guide that will feature content backed by the latest evidence available to guide patients through the process of making decisions about medical cannabis. 

Today, one in five people across Canada live with arthritis; that's about six million Canadians and the prevalence of arthritis is on the rise. It's estimated that as many as one in four Canadians will have arthritis by 2040, a projected 50% increase. 

"Many people today have significant unmet medical needs, particularly with conditions such as arthritis where standard therapies have produced sub-par results," commented Dr. Mark Ware, Chief Medical Officer, Canopy Growth. "Our partnership with the Arthritis Society aligns with our commitment to set the industry standard for awareness and education surrounding medical cannabis and its various therapeutic benefits including its potential as a treatment for those living with arthritis."

"For people with arthritis, symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue can seriously erode your quality of life," says Arthritis Society Chief Science Officer, Dr. Siân Bevan. "While medical cannabis may offer the possibility of some relief, these patients and their physicians need credible, evidence-based guidance with which to make informed treatment decisions. The Arthritis Society continues to lead the way in calling for and funding innovative research and education initiatives to address this urgent need, and we are pleased to partner with Spectrum Cannabis to empower Canadians living with arthritis to make the treatment decisions that are right for them."

Arthritis Talks: Nourish & Flourish, the first event of this exciting series takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in both Calgary and Winnipeg. Experts in nutrition, physical activity and medical cannabis will bring current research and information about arthritis to in-person attendees and online participants through a live, interactive webcast. Event information and registration instructions can be found on the Arthritis Society website.

Spectrum Cannabis: Medical Cannabis. Simplified.

About the Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society is a national health charity, fueled by donors and volunteers, with a vision to live in a world where people are free from the devastating effects that arthritis has on lives. Begun in 1948 with one very clear goal – to alleviate the suffering of people crippled by arthritis – that same volunteer-led passion carries on today in communities across Canada. Through the trust and support of our donors and sponsors, the Arthritis Society is Canada's largest charitable source of investments in cutting-edge arthritis research, proactive advocacy and innovative solutions that will deliver better health outcomes for people affected by arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information and to make a donation, visit arthritis.ca.

About Spectrum Cannabis
Spectrum Cannabis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth, is dedicated to simplifying medical cannabis for patients and healthcare practitioners worldwide. Founded in Canada, Spectrum Cannabis operates in Australia, South America, Africa and across Europe. Spectrum Cannabis products are available in a wide range of potencies and formats designed to simplify the dialogue around strength and dosage by applying a colour-coded Spectrum to categorize medical cannabis according to THC and CBD levels. Its product lineup includes whole flower cannabis, oils and new innovations such as Softgels. Through product simplification, easy dosing formats, and ongoing education of healthcare professionals, Spectrum Cannabis is committed to improving the lives of medical cannabis patients around the globe.

About Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. Canopy Growth offers medically approved vaporizers through the Company's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. The Company has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.

The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations ("Canopy Health"), has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Canopy Growth works with the Beckley Foundation and has launched Beckley Canopy Therapeutics to research and develop clinically validated cannabis-based medicines, with a strong focus on intellectual property protection. Canopy Growth acquired assets of leading hemp research company, ebbu, Inc. ("ebbu"). Intellectual Property ("IP") and R&D advancements achieved by ebbu's team apply directly to Canopy Growth's hemp and THC-rich cannabis genetic breeding program and its cannabis-infused beverage capabilities. Through partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company is providing resources and investment to new market entrants and building a portfolio of stable investments in the sector.

From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House seeds, Battelle, the world's largest nonprofit research and development organization, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 4.3 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. The Company operates Tweed retail stores in Newfoundland and Manitoba and has entered into supply agreements with every Canadian province and territory. For more information visitwww.canopygrowth.com

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to creation of digital educational assets and tools. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including educational resources and events, and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 27, 2018 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation