Optimi Health Approved to Supply Psilocybin Under Health Canada’s Special Access Program
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) (“Optimi” or the “Company”), developers of a vertically integrated mushroom brand targeting functional and novel psychedelic compounds for the health and wellness sector, is pleased to report that Health Canada has added the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. to a list of approved suppliers under the Special Access Program (SAP). With a mission to provide compassionate, frontline solutions to Canada’s growing mental health crisis, the Company plans to supply psychedelics like psilocybin to those truly in need.
Announced on January 5, 2022, the SAP allows qualified medical practitioners to request access to Schedule 3 controlled substances such as psilocybin on a case-by-case emergency basis. Prior to the new regulatory amendments, medical practitioners were prohibited from requesting access to psilocybin and MDMA for individual psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The amendments have the potential to positively affect the lives of people experiencing serious mental health conditions and end-of-life distress when other therapies have failed, are unsuitable or are unavailable in Canada.
Optimi’s CEO, Bill Ciprick, says the SAP is already having a positive impact on patients in need and will provide the Company with the right avenue to develop and supply the demand for natural psilocybin.
“Optimi is committed to bringing transformative change to those suffering from debilitating palliative and non-palliative mental health trauma,” said Ciprick. “We will leave no stone unturned in our effort to provide the safest and most efficacious natural psilocybin product in the world, because frankly we need to get this right for those depending on us for support and healing.”
“Between the science, research, and good manufacturing practices, the SAP is an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn, grow and expand our knowledge capacity and improve treatment outcomes for many people in the years to come,” added Ciprick.
With the Company’s Dealer’s License approved by Health Canada earlier this month, Optimi has received requests for supply agreements from potential partners interested in the Company’s new EU-GMP compliant 10,000 sq. ft. facility located in Princeton, British Columbia. Once fully commercialized, the production facility will position Optimi as a global frontrunner in the cultivation, extraction, and vertical integration of high-grade all-natural psilocybin.
“Establishing Optimi’s presence in the psychedelic market begins with trust, which we believe we have earned through our in-house expert research and world-class advisory team, and by setting the gold standard in GMP compliance,” added JJ Wilson, Optimi’s Chairman of the Board.
Optimi plans to host a grand opening of its new facility this May and is committed to building awareness and education about the benefits of the SAP to physicians qualified to recommend the program to patients.
Bill Ciprick Chief Executive Officer Optimi Health Corp.
ABOUT OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) Optimi is developing a sophisticated mushroom brand that focuses on the health and wellness markets. With a vertically integrated approach, Optimi intends to cultivate, extract, process and distribute high quality functional and psychedelic mushroom products at its two facilities comprising a total of 20,000 square feet nearing completion in Princeton, British Columbia. To fully investigate the science of mushrooms, the Company has received a research exemption under Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) for the use of Psilocybin and Psilocin for scientific purposes via its wholly owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. Optimi has also been granted a dealer’s license under Canada’s Narcotic Control Regulations governing possession, distribution, sale, laboratory analysis of and research and development of Psilocybin and Psilocin formulations. Optimi is committed to expert cultivation and quality production subject to and in accordance with the terms of all applicable laws and governing regulations to ensure safe, superior Canadian fungi production. Find out more at: https://optimihealth.ca/.
FORWARD‐LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward‐looking statements") that relate to Optimi’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "expects," "will continue," "is anticipated," "anticipates," "believes," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "projection," "strategy," "objective," and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward‐looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward‐looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward‐looking statements pertaining to activities proposed to be conducted under the Company’s dealer’s license and associated business related to Psilocybin and Psilocin and Optimi’s plans, focus and objectives.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward‐looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID‐19 pandemic and other factors set forth under “Forward‐Looking Statements" and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual information Form dated January 12, 2022, and other continuous disclosure filings available under Optimi’s profile at www.sedar.com. Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward‐looking statement. Any forward‐looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Green Shield Canada providing $250,000 donation for University of Toronto’s Discovery Pharmacy
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enhancing our commitment to the pharmacy community, Green Shield Canada (GSC) is excited to announce a $250,000 donation for the University of Toronto’s Discovery Pharmacy.
Based at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, the Discovery Pharmacy is poised to be a digital innovation and research hub for the pharmacy profession, while giving students hands-on experience as professional pharmacists. Its alignment with GSC’s deep pharmacy background was a key factor in the donation.
“Founded by pharmacists over 60 years ago, GSC has a long history rooted in pharmacy and providing affordable access to medications,” explains Mark Rolnick, EVP, Pharmacy Innovation and Patient Experience. “We continue to advocate for the important role that pharmacists play within our health care system, and this will become even more important in an increasingly digital health-oriented environment.”
As the only benefits carrier with a comprehensive suite of reimbursed pharmacy services, including health coaching, deprescribing and smoking cessation counselling, GSC is already playing an active role.
“We are excited to be setting off on this Discovery Pharmacy journey and look forward to seeing its impact on adoption of clinical services and in driving better health outcomes,” Rolnick adds.
As the Discovery Pharmacy gathers momentum, GSC’s initial support is another step towards creating an innovative centre tailor-made for a new era of digitally-based pharmaceutical care.
“We are so pleased to have GSC give their initial support to the Discovery Pharmacy as a Founding Donor,” says Lisa Dolovich, Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. “This early support is crucial to helping us move forward as Discovery Pharmacy grows in scope and impact. We’ve seen the important role pharmacists play in the delivery of front-line health care. We will continue to lead in this area as we reimagine the practice of our profession and develop new ways to deliver the best possible care.”
NEW REPORT REVEALS OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE CANCER DIAGNOSIS - THE MOST INEFFICIENT AREA OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA
New Canadian report includes findings & recommendations to improve cancer diagnosis amid coming echo pandemic in cancer
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - All.Can Canada has just launched a new report to improve cancer diagnosis for people in Canada by focusing on what matters most to patients. The report, titled 'Optimizing Diagnosis in Canadian Cancer Care', reveals findings from a comprehensive research project and six actionable recommendations to improve cancer diagnosis.
The research included a literature review, interviews with patients and caregivers, and a survey of healthcare providers across Canada. The patients and caregivers interviewed represent an inclusive range of different types of cancer, gender, socioeconomic status, jurisdiction, and geography.
"If you don't get a swift diagnosis and enter into cancer care in a timely fashion, treatment can't start. We need to listen to what cancer patients say would improve their experience of diagnosis," says Kathy Barnard, who is a stage IV melanoma survivor, Founder of Save Your Skin Foundation, and a member of All.Can Canada's steering committee. "People are cycling around trying to get their symptoms investigated for months, sometimes years. This was already happening before COVID-19 and now things are worse. Ignoring the findings of this report would be a missed opportunity to do the right thing by people who desperately need cancer care and make changes that would make a real difference."
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. Due to missed diagnoses during the pandemic, we are now facing an echo pandemic in cancer. Before the pandemic, it was already estimated that 2 in 5 Canadians (40%) would get cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 (25%) would die from their disease.1 With COVID-19, things have just become worse. Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec reported a 20-23% drop in cancer diagnoses from June – September 2020. It is predicted that cancer care disruptions during the pandemic could lead to 21,247 more cancer deaths in Canada over the next decade. The represents 355,173 years of lost life expected due to pandemic-related diagnostic and treatment delays.2
All.Can Canada's report reveals the labyrinth most people experience when trying to diagnose a suspicion of cancer. From the moment a person tries to interact with a healthcare provider over a suspicion of cancer to the point they receive their diagnosis, seven outcomes were identified as critical to a quality diagnosis experience:
1) Swiftness of the diagnosis process; 2) Validation of concerns by primary care providers; 3) Excellent patient-provider communication; 4) Effective provider-provider communication; 5) Better information; 6) Integrated psychosocial support; and 7) Coordinated and managed care.
Achieving an improved future state of cancer diagnosis doesn't mean starting from scratch. Through the research, numerous opportunities and existing practices were discovered that, if adapted and scaled for jurisdictional and regional needs, are an excellent place to begin the realization of an optimized future state of cancer diagnosis in which the seven key outcomes are achieved for everyone in Canada.
2Malagad, et al. "Predicted long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related care delays on cancer incidence and mortality in Canada," McGill University, 2021.
About All.Can Canada
All.Can Canada is a patient-led, multi-stakeholder, national initiative committed to ensuring swift, accurate, and appropriately delivered diagnosis of cancer in Canada. The report, 'Optimizing Diagnosis in Canadian Cancer Care,' was overseen by an interim steering committee of patients, patient groups, healthcare professionals, researchers, health policy experts and industry.
Trillium Health Partners Receives Historic $105 Million Donation from The Peter Gilgan Foundation
The largest donation to a hospital in Canadian history will help build the largest and most advanced hospital in Canada and redefine the future of health care
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - Trillium Health Partners (THP) and Trillium Health Partners Foundation (THPF) are honoured to announce an historic $105 million donation from renowned philanthropist Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation. As the largest donation to a hospital in Canadian history, it will support THP in building the largest and most advanced hospital in Canada, to be named "The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital." It will also help expand and redevelop Queensway Health Centre, which will be named "The Gilgan Family Queensway Health Centre."
"We want to thank Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation for this historic donation that will transform health care for everyone living in the West GTA and help set a new standard of care for our country," said Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO, THP Foundation. "Peter Gilgan is the most generous benefactor to health care in Canadian history, and we could not be prouder that he and his family have chosen Trillium Health Partners as the recipient of this extraordinary donation. Peter's unparalleled generosity embodies the power of philanthropy to help transform health care and will inspire others to step up so THP can realize its bold vision of a new kind of health care for a healthier community."
As the province announced on December 1, 2021, the new Mississauga Hospital will replace the existing 62-year-old facility, and a new patient tower at Queensway Health Centre will be home to needed complex care and rehabilitation services at THP. These projects represent the largest capital build in Canada's history and will add more than 600 beds across the organization, for a total of almost 2,000 beds, to accommodate the incredible growth in this community, making THP the largest hospital in Canada. These projects will also help to relieve capacity pressure at Credit Valley Hospital, and improve the patient experience across all three sites.
"We serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse populations in Canada and have been challenged with an unprecedented demand for care. Adding to this pressure, during the pandemic, our community has been the hardest hit. THP's unwavering commitment is to solve these challenges through innovation and high performance," said Karli Farrow, President and CEO, THP. "On behalf of our community and THP's dedicated team of staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners who work hard to provide exceptional care each and every day, we are so grateful to Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation for playing such an instrumental role in supporting our vision and helping to build new infrastructure that creates a more complete, efficient and equitable health system."
THP is the largest community-based academic hospital network in Canada, with 1.7 million patient visits per year across three main sites: Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre. THP cares for a population of 2.2 million people in the West GTA, with the most inpatients and most births per year in Ontario, and some of the largest volumes for emergency care and surgery. THP's scale and volume foster clinical excellence and the critical mass needed to offer complex and highly specialized treatments. THP has 14 regional programs, which boast top provincial performers such as neurosurgery, stroke and cardiac health, with care provided by top talent attracted by the hospital's commitment to innovation. THP provides teaching to over 1,250 new health care professionals, including physicians, and has a leading research and innovation center, The Institute for Better Health, focused on population health.
Advance work is already underway at the Mississauga Hospital site, with construction on the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital expected to start in 2025. The Queensway Health Tower construction is expected to start in 2024.
"As the community has grown and diversified, so have the demands on the hospital. The additional struggles presented by the pandemic have underscored the critical need for modern health care facilities, and challenged our health care workers like never before," said Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO, Mattamy Asset Management and founder of Mattamy Homes. "THP will combine bold new infrastructure with a proactive approach to community health – it's the complete solution we urgently need. And because I started my business in this region many years ago, this gift is a way of giving back to the community and to recognize our amazing health care workers for their commitment. I'm thrilled to be able to support THP in its much-needed mission to transform health care."
About Trillium Health Partners Foundation Trillium Health Partners Foundation is dedicated to raising the critical funds needed to address the highest priority needs of Trillium Health Partners, the largest community-based hospital network in Canada. For more information, please visit trilliumgiving.ca.
About Trillium Health Partners Trillium Health Partners is the largest community-based hospital network in Canada. Comprised of Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre, Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities. Trillium Health Partners is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and home of the Institute for Better Health. For more information, visit thp.ca. For more information about Trillium HealthWorks, THP's redevelopment projects, please visit https://trilliumhealthworks.ca.
About The Peter Gilgan Foundation The Peter Gilgan Foundation is a private family foundation created by philanthropist and business leader Peter Gilgan. The Foundation aims to improve the lives of children and families by empowering charities that help the world transition to a more healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Based in Toronto, Canada, the Foundation supports work in the Greater Toronto Area, across Canada, and in developing countries. Donations totaling more than $375 million have been directed to a variety of causes, including health and wellness, recreation and active lifestyles, educational institutions, international development and environmental protection. The Peter Gilgan Foundation's current focus is on children, youth, and families, as well as environmental protection and international development. For more information, please visit: www.petergilganfoundation.org.
Beekeeper’s Naturals Is Continuing to Disrupt The Health Industry With The Extension Of Their Propolis Powered Throat Soothing Lozenges
Two New Flavors are the Latest Additions to The Propolis Powered Collection New York, NY - February 14, 2022 - A leader in revolutionizing the wellness industry with propolis based, clean and effective products, Beekeeper's Naturals is adding two new flavors to their bestselling B. Soothed Lozenge family, Peppermint Eucalyptus and Ginger Lemon,which will be available for purchase on February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.comB.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus is like a breath of fresh air, combining the most powerful throat soothing ingredients, honey and propolis, with peppermint and eucalyptus to help ease congestion and a stuffy nose. B.Soothed Ginger Lemon, also powered by honey and propolis,is zesty and refreshing, providing antioxidants and vitamin C to support overall immune health and aid in relief from an upset tummy. Each B.Soothed Lozenge, also originally available in bestselling Elderberry and Honey, are uniquely clean and non-toxic, containing zero sugar, gluten, or artificial flavors. These tiny but mighty all-natural germ-fighting lozenges, also including ingredients like zinc and vitamin D, are the ultimate immune-boosting superfood you need in your medicine cabinet and bag for travel. “Our mission has always been to provide cleaner alternatives to traditional remedies, and this was no exception. Traditional cough drops can be laden with sugars that mask symptoms, however, at Beekeeper’s Naturals we’re delivering natural, effective and chemical-free health experiences that empower consumers to stay well without sacrificing their long-term health.” – Carly Stein, Founder Beekeeper’s Naturals is committed to reinventing the medicine cabinet by creating clean, effective products powered by propolis and backed by science. B.Soothed Lozenges not only naturally and effectively calm scratchy throats, but they provide a boost of Immune support with every drop. The B.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus and B.Soothed Ginger Lemon retails for $9.99 and will be available February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.com. About Beekeeper’s Naturals:Founded by Carly Stein in 2017, Beekeeper's Naturals is an innovative company on a mission to reinvent the medicine cabinet. Using unique remedies from the beehive (like royal jelly and propolis), the beekeeper-led team is committed to providing the cleanest, most powerful solutions to modern health issues—like brain fog, chronic stress, poor sleep, and scratchy throats. Unlike competitors, they apply scientific rigor to their product development and commit to third-party pesticide testing to ensure they’re creating natural remedies that actually deliver. They’re also a brand on a mission. By working exclusively with sustainable small-scale apiaries, partnering with leading bee research institutions, and prioritizing pesticide-free hive health above all else, Beekeeper’s Naturals works tirelessly to raise awareness and create a better environment for our world’s most important pollinators—the bees. For more information, please contact: beekeepers@michelemariepr.com
The B.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus and B.Soothed Ginger Lemon retails for $9.99 and will be available February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.com, Amazon and Whole Foods.
Postmenopausal Canadian women experiencing vaginal dryness and painful intercourse have a new oral once-daily prescription treatment, Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) from Duchesnay
Now available across Canada, the first oral once-daily treatment launched by the company’s new ownership and executive team: an oral once-daily option to manage two of the most bothersome postmenopausal symptoms
BLAINVILLE, Quebec, Feb. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duchesnay Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in women's health and part of the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group based in Blainville, Quebec, is proud to announce the first treatment launched by its new ownership and management team to help postmenopausal women across Canada who are suffering from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Osphena® (ospemifene tablets), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) now available across Canada, has been approved by Health Canada as a once-daily prescription treatment for this indication.
Osphena® has been shown in phase II and III clinical studies to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and/or vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women, which are symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), a component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
“In our culture, the issue of painful sex is often ignored but it is a sad reality for many women, particularly in menopause,” said Dr. Michelle Jacobson, an obstetrician, gynecologist and menopause specialist at Women’s College and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. “Having a once-daily treatment option to help these women and their partners is exciting news for them and their physicians. The more we can individualize therapy, the better we can impact quality of life and functioning.”
“In line with Duchesnay’s long-lasting commitment to women’s health, we strive to further consolidate treatment options for physicians, and are pleased to bring this important new therapy to Canadian women who are experiencing these debilitating symptoms due to VVA,” said Dany Hallé, Vice-President, Commercial Affairs, Duchesnay Inc. “Osphena® has been available from Duchesnay USA for several years where it has been both commercially successful and well received.”
First product launch from new ownership team Osphena® is the first new treatment originating from Duchesnay since a change of ownership of the company last year. “As we deploy the first part of the company’s strategic plan, we are hoping to bring two other innovative treatments to Canadian patients in the coming months. This paves the way of Duchesnay’s bright future while changing paradigms around women’s health, all made possible with the support of our partners at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Bank of Montreal (BMO) whom I wish to thank,” said Éric Gervais, President.
Common menopausal symptoms Dyspareunia and vaginal dryness are among the most common and bothersome symptoms of VVA due to menopause, which impacts approximately half of postmenopausal women. Before menopause, estrogen helps maintain the thickness, elasticity and lubrication of vaginal tissues. However, as women age, estrogen levels drop, causing changes in these tissues, which can lead to dryness, itching, burning and painful intercourse.1
According to a U.S. survey of 1,858 postmenopausal women, approximately half of participants rated the severity of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (painful intercourse), the two most common bothersome moderate-to-severe symptoms of VVA.2 Both conditions are components of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), caused by significant changes to vaginal tissues secondary to local estrogen deficiency.3,4
Osphena® is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that is believed to work in a similar way as estrogen in the vagina. It does this by increasing the thickness of the vaginal walls and restoring appropriate levels of acidity in the vagina.3
Duchesnay Inc. acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Osphena® from Shionogi Inc. in 2017, after it had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2013. Osphena® is included in the guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)5, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS)6 and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC).7
About Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) is approved by Health Canada for use in postmenopausal women for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), a component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It is taken orally, once daily with food.3
Osphena® is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: known hypersensitivity to ospemifene, any of the tablet or container components; undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia; active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or a history of these conditions; active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and myocardial infarction) or a history of these conditions; severe hepatic impairment; pregnant or may become pregnant.3
Taking Osphena can increase the risk of developing a thromboembolic stoke (artery is blocked by blood clot), a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in your brain from a torn blood vessel) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the deep veins of the leg or arm). There is a potential increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens.3
The Health Canada approval of Osphena® was based on the results of four multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled clinical studies which showed statistically significant improvement in women treated with Osphena® versus placebo.3
About the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group The Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, with its affiliated companies, is headquartered in Blainville, Quebec. The group consists of five pharmaceutical companies to meet the needs of patients in Canada, the U.S., and abroad. The companies are Duchesnay and Duchesnay USA, both dedicated to women's health; Médunik Canada and Medunik USA, which provide treatments for rare diseases; and Analog Pharma, an American generic drugs company, specializing in authorized generics and orphan drugs. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Duchesnay can export its innovative treatments to more than 50 countries.
Duchesnay and Medunik, through their proprietary research and development, and through partnerships, offer innovative treatments for a variety of medical conditions in women's health, urology, oncology as well as for rare diseases. The group of companies recognizes the dedication and professionalism of its employees and promotes a positive culture and flexible work environment. It is deeply committed to environmental responsibility and giving back to the community through the support of various charitable organizations. For more information, please visit duchesnay.com, medunik.com and analogpharma.com.
Kingsberg SA et al. The women’s EMPOWER survey: Identifying women’s perceptions on vulvar and vaginal atrophy and its treatment. J Sex Med 2017;14:413-24.
Duchesnay Inc., Osphena® Product Monograph, July 2021.
The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society 2020;27(9):976-992
Shifren JL et al, The North American Menopause Society Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women, Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, Vol. 21 No. 10, 2014, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause / Symptomatic Vulvovaginal Atrophy, Recommendations for Clinical Care, #4, p. 8, http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2014/nams-recomm-for-clinical-care.pdf
PATHWAY HEALTH PROVIDES UPDATE ON MILESTONES AT ITS SILVER PAIN CENTRE
TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2022 /CNW/ - Pathway Health Corp. (TSXV: PHC) (Frankfurt: KL1) (formerly Colson Capital Corp.) ("Pathway" or the "Company"), an integrated healthcare company that provides products and services to patients suffering from chronic pain and related conditions, is pleased to provide an update on its flagship Toronto clinic, the Silver Pain Centre. Silver is the largest private interventional pain clinic in Canada. With more than 14,000 patient visits per year, this 20,000 square foot Level 2, Out-of-Hospital Premise (OHP) is located in North Toronto where it provides patient-centred, interdisciplinary pain management services to thousands of chronic pain patients each year. Staffed by 13 trained pain specialists and other healthcare providers, Silver provides a comprehensive suite of interdisciplinary, evidence-based solutions.
"We're pleased to report that we added two more physicians to our team of pain specialists at Silver in 2022 that we expect will translate into more patient visits and an increase in provincial billings," said Ken Yoon, CEO at Pathway Health. "Furthermore, Silver has successfully completed its OHP Inspection Program in compliance with the rigorous standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Successfully passing this inspection allows us to continue our interventional patient care at Silver for five more years until the next clinic audit. We have also added a second fluoroscopy suite at Silver that will allow our pain specialists to treat more patients using real-time diagnostic imaging, allowing for more precise treatments."
Health Canada estimates the total number of individuals living with chronic pain will increase by 17.5% from 2019 to 2030 due to population growth and aging1. Preliminary projections indicate as many as 8.3 million Canadians may live with chronic pain by 2025 and as many as 9.0 million by 20301. By 2030, the estimated direct costs will rise to approximately $23 billion and indirect costs to $31.5 billion1. "The increase in prevalence of chronic pain in Canada, combined with Pathway Health's growing reputation as a provider of superior patient care, has allowed us to achieve year-over-year growth of 10% in patient visits across all our clinic divisions, including at Silver, and we expect to see a continuation of this trend as we expand our clinical presence across Canada," said Yoon.
About Pathway Health Pathway Health is an integrated healthcare company that provides products and services to patients suffering from chronic pain and related conditions. The Company owns and operates nine community-based clinics across four provinces where its team of health professionals work together to help patients through a variety of evidence-based approaches and products, including medical cannabis. Pathway Health's patient care programs utilize an interdisciplinary approach that is guided by trained pain specialists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Pathway is also the leading provider of medical cannabis services in Canada and has established itself as the leading partner with national and regional pharmacy companies for the delivery of medical cannabis services to their customers. The Company is working with several pharmacy companies on the development of Cannabis Health Products (CHPs) for OTC product distribution through retail pharmacy locations across the country following anticipated changes to the Cannabis Act.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive applicable approvals; and the results of operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Pathway disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press Release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Towards Excellence in Return to Work/Disability Management Professionalization
PORT ALBERNI, BC, Feb. 14, 2022 /CNW/ - On August 13, 2021, the Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, the Hon. Carla Qualtrough, announced the "Towards Excellence in Return to Work/Disability Management Professionalization" initiative to NIDMAR, with funding provided under the Government of Canada's Sectoral Initiatives Program.
Federal support for improved Return to Work (RTW) and Disability Management (DM) knowledge, programs and practices.
We are now able to provide details on this initiative which is designed to support improved Return to Work (RTW) and Disability Management (DM) knowledge, programs and practices, and promote Disability Management professionalization across Canada (with the exception of BC which developed its own similar initiative), and mirrors major efforts currently underway across the UK, Belgium, Malaysia and other jurisdictions.
People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by much higher poverty and unemployment rates than almost all other sectors in our society. As over 80% of mental and physical health impairments occur during someone's working life, effective accommodation efforts made by workplaces can play a pivotal role in workers maintaining, what are often good quality jobs, rather than entering the disability social security system (whether public or private) and all the associated obstacles of trying to successfully re-enter the workforce at a later stage.
Building a Culture of Accommodation and Inclusion through early intervention and a workplace commitment towards creative and collaborative solutions in the accommodation process are key to maintaining equitable and gainful attachment to the workforce.
National and international evidence clearly indicates rapidly declining long-term employment prospects for those with mental or physical health challenges that being one year on social security leads to a less than 1% chance of sustained future employment, a fact which is also supported through research.
Workplace knowledge, skills and education in a range of RTW/DM program, policy and accommodation practices are critical first steps in maintaining equitable employment for the disabled worker, while fostering a workplace culture of inclusion where the hiring of persons with disabilities from outside the organization no longer has the level of disability stigma which we still see all too often across the country and around the world.
This initiative recognizes that employers and workers jointly have a key role to play in achieving much improved socio-economic outcomes, which are reflected in successful efforts across Canada and comprehensive strategies in other jurisdictions. The various elements of this unique initiative include:
Support for DM/RTW Continuing Education (delivered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences – www.pcu-whs.ca)
Scholarship opportunities in the Bachelor of Disability Management (delivered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences – www.pcu-whs.ca)
Support to obtain Professional DM Designations
Support for workplaces to have an Assessment completed of their DM program
In addition to funding support from the Government of Canada, this initiative was formally endorsed and actively supported by the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council of Canada, CPHR Nova Scotia, as well as many other organizations across Canada which offered active encouragement and program design input.
Detailed information regarding these opportunities can be found at: www.nidmar.ca
SOURCE National Institute of Disability Management and Research
Ontario Brain Institute Releases New Dataset to Accelerate Research on Depression
Standardized, cleaned, and curated data from a CAN-BIND study examining Major Depressive Disorder are now available for the global research community on Brain-CODE
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2022 /CNW/ - During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health have increased, while calls for collaboration and open science across the research community have grown louder. Enter the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND), one of the Ontario Brain Institute's six Integrated Discovery Programs, from which a detailed and multi-modal dataset has just been made accessible to the global research community.
"As Ontario, along with the rest of the world, has contended with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important to support research and innovation in the province's health care sector, including advancements in mental health," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "Throughout the pandemic, the Ontario Brain Institute has played a valuable role in connecting clinicians, researchers, industry and patients with an open science approach, tearing down health care silos, and building new partnerships to help rethink the way we deliver better care to Ontarians."
CAN-BIND's foundational study features a deeply phenotyped cohort of 211 people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 112 healthy individuals across six Canadian clinical sites. Data have been standardized, cleaned, and curated to allow maximum utility for analysis across disease and across platform, and are now available on Brain-CODE, the neuroinformatics platform of the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). This is the fourth clinical data release on Brain-CODE since the platform was launched early 2021. The first three sets focused on neurodegenerative conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and concussion.
Tom Mikkelsen, OBI's President & Scientific Director, says that data sharing has the potential to help improve the health of the one in three Canadians living with a brain disorder.
"We believe that Brain-CODE is the much-needed tool to accelerate brain health research and innovation, bringing benefits to both patients and the economy. In terms of mental health, this means that by collecting, standardizing, and releasing this depression dataset, through CAN-BIND, we are discovering ways to identify the right treatment for the right person in order to help individuals with depression get well quickly and stay well."
During the CAN-BIND foundational study, participants with MDD received escitalopram, an antidepressant, for eight weeks. After eight weeks, if depressive symptoms did not improve, participants then received escitalopram in combination with aripiprazole, an augmentation treatment often used to treat MDD, for a further eight weeks. Throughout the study, participants were assessed with 29 clinical instruments and questionnaires, structural and functional MRI, resting state and task-based EEG, and genomic and molecular measures. The aim of the study is to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response in people with depression. This data release contains baseline data for all participants.
According to Dr. Sidney Kennedy, lead investigator for CAN-BIND: "The detailed and multi-modal nature of the dataset provides unique opportunities to identify integrated biomarkers that predict individual treatment response."
Brain-CODE, OBI's neuroinformatics platform, is a strong example of how the international research community can share data on a global scale, leading to improved care.
"As the tool that allows researchers to ask questions that span disorders, disciplines, and sectors, in the open science landscape, Brain-CODE has the potential to tell a story unheard of before," explains Dr. Mikkelsen. "Data sharing is truly the missing link to breaking down barriers in research."
The Ontario Brain Institute is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation, benefiting both patients and the economy. Our collaborative 'team science' approach promotes brain research, commercialization, and care by connecting researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders. Funding provided, in part by, the Government of Ontario.
The Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND) is a national program of research and learning carried out in partnership with OBI. The community includes persons with lived experience, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, government agencies, industry partners, and mental health advocates who are working together to achieve mental wellness for all Canadians.
Brain-CODE is OBI's state-of-the-art neuroinformatics platform where data streams from OBI's six research programs is assimilated, stored, and analyzed. OBI's Brain-CODE is a "shared brain" for researchers in Ontario and beyond.
CFPDP Celebrates Diversity Leadership on Canadian Corporate Boards and Paralympic Medal Winners Receive Award, Funding at 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) launched its “A Seat at the Table” initiative in 2019, the organization was unable to find a single person who identified as being disabled on a corporate board. That has since changed.
At the 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala, being held virtually from Toronto on Feb. 12, 2022, CFPDP will celebrate two Canadian companies that each have a highly qualified person with a disability on their Boards of Directors: American Express Canada and OpenText.
Both American Express Canada and OpenText will receive CFPDP’s 2022 Corporate Award, which recognizes exemplary contributions of Canadian companies and organizations in support of people with physical disabilities. Lisa Kalhans, President and CEO of American Express Canada, and Mark Barrenechea, Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OpenText, will join the gala broadcast to accept the awards.
Following an extensive search process that identified a diverse group of highly skilled candidates, Gaurav Upadhya, a top executive at Foresters Financial living with a disability, was appointed to the American Express Canada Board in July 2021.
“To reaffirm our commitment, remain transparent, and hold ourselves accountable in creating a deeper sense of belonging and community across our organization, it was important that we started at the top with our Board of Directors,” said Annette Kingsley, Vice President, Colleague Experience at American Express Canada. “A diverse Board brings diverse perspectives and leads to transformation, growth, and helps us better serve our customers, colleagues, and the communities we live in.”
Major-General (Ret.) David Fraser was appointed to the OpenText Board in 2018 but until recently hid his disability – significant hearing loss that resulted from his service as an infantry officer during the Yugoslavian civil war. Today, feeling valued and accepted in the diverse, supportive environment at OpenText, he is talking about his disability for the first time to help end the stigma that others with invisible disabilities may feel. OpenText is a wonderful example of all that is possible when you build a culture that recognizes and values people of all abilities.
Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chair of the “A Seat at the Table” Selection Committee, will provide a further update about how CFPDP’s efforts are helping corporate Canada to diversify their Boards and recruit candidates from the significant pool of talent in our disability community.
Additionally, Canada’s 16 medal-winning athletes from the Tokyo Paralympic Games are being honoured during the 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala. They will receive the 2022 King Clancy Award, presented annually to celebrate outstanding personal achievement and important contributions in support of Canadians who live with disability. In partnership with Scotiabank, CFPDP is also providing these outstanding athletes with podium cheques to fill a decades old void when it comes to rewards and financial support for our country’s best performing amateur athletes. Rob Snoek, a three-time Paralympian, world champion medalist, Canadian record holder, renowned broadcaster and Director of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, will join us to present this award.
Tim Rose is the recipient of the 2022 Honorable David C. Onley Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions as a changemaker, advocate and positive role model. In his current role as Senior Consultant, Accessibility within CIBC’s Client Experience Team in Toronto, Rose is advancing inclusion, accessibility and diversity initiatives, both within the company and in the communities it serves.
The 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala is presented by Scotiabank along with Platinum sponsor Deloitte. The honorary gala co-chairs are Stephen Liptrap, President and CEO of LifeWorks, and Raj Viswanathan, Group Head and Chief Financial Officer at Scotiabank. Our gala chair for 2022 is Tony Wight. Award-winning journalist Suhana Meharchand, a national anchor with CBC News Network, is back once again as the gala’s emcee, a role she has volunteered in for more than two decades.
The evening's entertainment will be provided by award-winning musician Martin Deschamps, a popular Quebec rock singer who has performed across Canada, in France, at the Kennedy Center in Washington and at the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games.
“We are delighted, as always, to honour the organizations and people who are making a real difference in supporting people with disabilities,” said Honourable Vim Kochhar, Chair of CFPDP. “As well, we are incredibly thankful for the backing of our loyal patrons, donors, sponsors and attendees who continue to support our efforts year after year. Together, we are helping to make Canada the best country in the world for people with disabilities, raising awareness, furthering opportunities and creating more inclusive communities.”
The 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala will broadcast via YouTube on Sat., Feb. 12th at 7 p.m.virtualgala.cfpdp.com.
About the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons:
Founded in 1984, the goal of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) is to consistently seek to put the emphasis on a person’s abilities — rather than disabilities — and to recognize and celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. Since then, CFPDP has initiated dozens of important projects and events, raising over $35 million. Learn more at https://www.cfpdp.com/.
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