HLS Therapeutics Granted Priority Review Status from Health Canada for Vascepa®
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally1
HLS New Drug Submission (NDS) for Vascepa is supported by data from the REDUCE-IT™ trial, an international, multi-center cardiovascular outcomes study that showed a 25% placebo-controlled risk reduction in the first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
HLS NDS filing to occur in April 2019
Priority review status can reduce review time by more than four-and-a-half months
TORONTO, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - HLS Therapeutics Inc. ("HLS" or the "Company") (TSX:HLS), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on central nervous system and cardiovascular markets, announces that Health Canada has granted priority review status for its New Drug Submission ("NDS") for Vascepa®, which seeks to reduce the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events in statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides and other risk factors.
Priority review status may be granted to regulatory filings in Canada for new treatments that potentially address serious, life-threatening conditions for which no drug is currently marketed in Canada, and for which there is substantial evidence of clinical effectiveness of that new treatment. Under priority review the performance target for the screening and review of the original submission is 215 calendar days versus 355 days for a standard review. Therefore, receipt of priority review status could expedite the launch of Vascepa in the Canadian market, if the product is ultimately approved by Health Canada.
In the fall of 2018, results of the REDUCE-IT™ study were presented and published showing that Vascepa achieved the primary endpoint of the study demonstrating a statistically significant 25% placebo-controlled risk reduction in the first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events ("MACE"). REDUCE-IT results also revealed statistically significant relative risk reductions in each component of the MACE composite, consisting of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization and hospitalization for unstable angina.
"Cardiovascular disease is the world's number one cause of mortality and many patients with well-managed LDL-cholesterol still remain at high risk for adverse cardiovascular events," said Greg Gubitz, CEO of HLS. "No therapy is currently approved to treat such residual cardiovascular risk in the population studied in the REDUCE-IT trial. We look forward to working with Health Canada to bring this innovative therapy to Canadians who may be at-risk of a major cardiac event."
HLS's filing is supported by data from REDUCE-IT2, an 8,179-patient cardiovascular outcomes study that was completed in 2018. REDUCE-IT was the first multinational cardiovascular outcomes study that evaluated the effect of pure and stable EPA therapy as an add-on to statins in patients with high cardiovascular risk who, despite stable statin therapy, had elevated triglyceride levels (at least 135 mg/dL). A large portion of the male and female patients enrolled in this outcomes study were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. REDUCE-IT studied Vascepa at four grams/day as compared to placebo.
More information on the REDUCE-IT study results can be found at www.amarincorp.com.
ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Worldwide, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the #1 cause of mortality of men and women.
Multiple primary and secondary prevention trials have shown a significant reduction of 25% to 35% in the risk of cardiovascular events with statin therapy, leaving significant persistent residual risk despite the achievement of target LDL-C levels.3
Beyond the cardiovascular risk associated with LDL-C, genetic, epidemiologic, clinical and real-world data suggest that patients with elevated triglycerides (TG) (fats in the blood), and TG-rich lipoproteins, are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. 4, 5, 6, 7
ABOUT VASCEPA (ICOSAPENT ETHYL) CAPSULES Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is derived from fish through a stringent and complex FDA-regulated manufacturing process designed to effectively eliminate impurities and isolate and protect the single molecule active ingredient from degradation. Amarin has been issued multiple patents internationally based on the unique clinical profile of Vascepa, including the drug's ability to lower triglyceride levels in relevant patient populations without raising LDL-cholesterol levels. HLS has in-licensed the exclusive rights to Vascepa for the Canadian market. VASCEPA IS NOT APPROVED IN CANADA.
ABOUT HLS THERAPEUTICS INC. Formed in 2015, HLS is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition and commercialization of late stage development, commercial stage promoted and established branded pharmaceutical products in the North American markets. HLS's focus is on products targeting the central nervous system and cardiovascular therapeutic areas. HLS's management team is composed of seasoned pharmaceutical executives with a strong track record of success in these therapeutic areas and at managing products in each of these lifecycle stages.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION This release includes forward-looking statements regarding HLS and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of HLS's management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements with respect to HLS's pursuit of additional product and pipeline opportunities in certain therapeutic markets, statements regarding growth opportunities and expectations regarding financial performance. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting HLS, including risks relating to the specialty pharmaceutical industry, risks related to the regulatory approval process, economic factors and many other factors beyond the control of HLS. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause HLS's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. A discussion of the material risks and assumptions associated with this release can be found in the Company's Annual Information Form dated October 26, 2018, which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and HLS undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
REFERENCES 1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death 2 Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, Brinton EA, Jacobson TA, Ketchum SB, Doyle RT, Juliano RA, Jiao L, Granowitz C, Tardif JC, Ballantyne CM. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med 2019;380:11-22. 3 Ganda OP, Bhatt DL, Mason RP, et al. Unmet need for adjunctive dyslipidemia therapy in hypertriglyceridemia management. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(3):330-343. 4 Budoff M. Triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the causal pathway of cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 2016;118:138-145. 5 Toth PP, Granowitz C, Hull M, et al. High triglycerides are associated with increased cardiovascular events, medical costs, and resource use: A real-world administrative claims analysis of statin-treated patients with high residual cardiovascular risk. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(15):e008740. 6 Nordestgaard BG. Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - New insights from epidemiology, genetics, and biology. Circ Res. 2016;118:547-563. 7 Nordestgaard BG, Varbo A. Triglycerides and cardiovascular disease. Lancet. 2014;384:626–635.
Are Headlines of Medical Breakthroughs Overstating Actual Science and Research?
By Joshua Mansour, M.D.
Patients should have as much access to information as possible. The more they know, the more informed decision about their health and life that can be made. However, faulty headlines about new therapies are infiltrating news outlets left and right recently. Many times, this information can be misleading, and it is difficult for patients, their friends, and family members to decipher.
Lately, there has been a surge in the release of novel cancer diagnostics and therapy leading to an outburst of news coverage. Understandably, people want to find better ways to detect and treat cancer. However, it is of utmost importance to go back to the data and review exactly what it is that is being written.
In just recent weeks very bold statements have been made and are floating around news outlets such as people claiming to have the “cure for cancer within a year” or research finding a new “detection for Alzheimer’s.” One of these is more likely, while the other makes for a catchy headline. If proven wrong, there is not a single person that wouldn’t hope that it is more than a catchy headline. This leads to the question, are many of these early press releases targeting the general population with bold claims without having enough evidence to be supported by the scientific community?
Integrative medicine physician Dr. Eddie Fatakhov explains that “patients sometimes come into the office asking for a treatment that is not approved and has not been properly studied. Although we would like to do whatever we can to help the first part of the Hippocratic Oath for physicians is to ‘do no harm’. Not to mention some of the headlines have no evidence supporting them or are released prior to having enough data, which can complicate things.”
The first amendment guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting restriction of the press and individual’s speech. This is from the United States Constitution and is our right. It is a blessing to live in a country that provides and respects this right. However, is this same right that is provided to Americans also a cause of misleading information and facts? Absolutely.
Information cannot and should not be censored, but it should be looked at closely before jumping to conclusions or assuming it to be true. In medicine, patients’ lives are at stake. So while headlines may be catchy, a patient turning down therapy because they are waiting on something that they read about on the internet, that is not close to approval, or want to use a special herb because that has never been medically tested can be dangerous.
Many individuals that are writing these articles and interpreting the data to be released to the general public do not hold a medical degree or have not been trained to interpret the scientific data. Patients will then come into doctors’ offices not asking questions or having an open dialogue about how they should be treated, but instead proclaiming that this is what they want because it is the “next best thing” that is just released. It is the responsibility of a physician to be knowledgeable and up to date on different treatments and diagnostic tests. However, it makes it difficult when physicians may not be up to date on this material that has no evidence and support. False proclamations of grandeur, if you will.
Well what are the benefits? Headlines may attract readers, and when properly reviewed may lead to further research and discussion. It can lead to open dialogue with the patient’s healthcare providers that may not have been initially explored. It can give hope. But this same hope the community yearns for may sometimes be premature and/or misleading.
So, at the end what can be done? These headlines and false information need to be combated with science and evidence. Individuals need to be vocal in supporting verified information and fighting against these deceptive claims. We need to continue to work towards improving these tests, treatments, and our care. When a breakthrough does occur, it will be meaningful and something to not only talk about but implement to help patients.
About Joshua Mansour, MD:
Dr. Joshua Mansour is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist working and in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy in Stanford, California. Recently he has managed to have over 10 recent abstracts and over 10 recent manuscripts published in esteemed journals and given countless presentations at conferences and other institutions. He has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals, and lead multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published.
Pharmascience Inc. launches (Pr)pms-PROGESTERONE 200 mg capsule indicated as an adjunct to postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy
MONTREAL, March, 29, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Pharmascience Inc. is proud to launch Prpms-PROGESTERONE 200 mg (progestin), the only 200 mg progestin capsule available in Canada for women with an intact uterus as an adjunct to postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy to significantly reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. 1
Menopause is a process that takes place over several years and usually begins in the early 50s. Studies show that estrogens, commonly prescribed in menopause, maintain the woman's bone structure and prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis as well as help relieve the symptoms associated with their condition. Progesterone can be added to estrogen replacement therapy to avoid stimulation of the inner lining of the uterus and its cancer. 2
"We are very proud to launch this innovative format. Having Prpms-PROGESTERONE 200 mg capsules will greatly enhance patient convenience. We are committed to women's health and look forward to further innovation and increased presence in this very important segment." said Al Moghaddam, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing at Pharmascience Canada.
Each coated Prpms-PROGESTERONE capsule contains 200 mg of micronized progesterone in addition to several non-medicinal ingredients including sunflower oil. 1
About Pharmascience Inc.
Founded in 1983, Pharmascience Inc. is the largest pharmaceutical employer in Quebec with 1,500 employees proudly headquartered in Montreal. Pharmascience Inc. is a full-service privately owned pharmaceutical company with strong roots in Canada and a growing global reach with product distribution in over 60 countries. Ranked 56th among Canada's top 100 Research & Development (R&D) investors with over $43 million invested in 2018, Pharmascience Inc. is the 4th largest manufacturer of over-the-counter generic drugs in the country.
Pharmascience Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of prescription generic, over-the-counter, and behind-the-counter products as well as FDA approved Canadian-made injectables. The company commercializes nearly 300 product families in 20 different dosage forms for over 2,000 products. In Canada alone, more than 45 million prescriptions a year are filled with Pharmascience products.
In 2018, the prestigious Forbes magazine ranked Pharmascience Inc. among its list of top 300 employers. Pharmascience Inc. has strong long-standing philanthropic ties with its communities, both locally and internationally. For more than 20 years, Pharmascience has been working through Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) as a partner of choice to increase access to medicine. Pharmascience's total donations of essential medicine is close to $70 million.
References: 1. Prpms-PROGESTERONE product monograph. Pharmascience Inc. August 20, 2018. 2. Association des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Québec http://www.gynecoquebec.com/. Consulted: March 27, 2019.
Ontario Long Term Care Association echoes its plan to tackle hallway medicine following a landmark letter writing campaign
TORONTO, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - With the release of the new provincial government's first budget quickly approaching, the Ontario Long Term Care Association wrapped up its advocacy campaign calling for investments in seniors' care. Following a landmark Better Seniors Care campaign — resulting in Ontarians writing more than 80,000 letters to their local MPPs — the Association is committed to assisting with the province's goal of ending hallway medicine.
"We look forward to welcoming the provincial budget and continuing to collaborate with the government to find solutions to Ontario's most pressing health care challenges," said Dan Kaniuk, Chair of the Board for the Ontario Long Term Care Association. "Tens of thousands of Ontarians voiced their support for the Association's plan to help end hallway medicine by hiring more staff, building new long-term care beds and reducing paperwork."
In October 2018, the Association revealed its recommendations to help the province in providing better care environments while also relieving pressure on hospitals and promoting cost savings. Some of the outlined recommendations include:
Hire more staff for long-term care: Change the requirement for 24/7 registered nurse coverage to 24/7 registered staff coverage when appropriate, and ensure homes can utilize more flexible approaches to staffing.
Build and modernize long-term care homes: Focus on adding the government's promised 15,000 new beds to existing homes, making them more economical to redevelop in the future.
Focus on care, not on unnecessary government paperwork: Conduct a legislative review of the Long-Term Care Homes Act to limit the unintended administrative burden care staff face on a daily basis.
Ontario's MPPs received a record-breaking 80,560 letters from individuals across the province calling for better seniors' care. The letters were signed by long-term care residents, family members, dedicated staff and concerned Ontarians seeking improvements to the province's long-term care system.
About the Ontario Long Term Care Association The Ontario Long Term Care Association is the largest association of long-term care providers in Ontario and the only association that represents the full mix of long-term care operators — private, not-for-profit, charitable, and municipal. The Association represents nearly 70% of Ontario's 630 long-term care homes, located in communities across the province. Our members provide care and accommodation services to more than 70,000 residents annually.
SOURCE Ontario Long Term Care Association
CADTH Celebrates Health Technology Assessment Leaders
OTTAWA, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - CADTH is pleased to celebrate outstanding and ongoing achievements in the field of health technology assessment (HTA) by announcing the recipients of the 2019 CADTH Recognition Awards.
In addition to honouring two individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of HTA in Canada, 10 Anniversary Medals are being awarded this year to mark CADTH's 30th anniversary. CADTH Anniversary Medals are awarded every five years to individuals contributing to the health care system in Canada.
Dr. Deborah Marshall is a professor in the Departments of Community Health Sciences and Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), University of Calgary. She has been a driver behind the advancement of economic methods that consider not only the health technology, but also care pathways, context and constrained resources. At the opening plenary session in front of more than 800 people attending CADTH's annual Symposium, Dr. Marshall will accept the Dr. Jill M. Sanders Award of Excellence in Health Technology Assessment, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to HTA, evidence-based drug reviews, or optimal technology management in Canada.
"I feel honoured and flattered. This recognition has made me reflect on my career and the opening of the Canadian office for HTA back in 1990 and how far the field has come in terms of incorporating a diversity of methods and perspectives. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of this field." said Marshall in typically humble fashion.
Dr. Marshall is a leader when it comes to incorporating diverse voices into health policy. She is one of the founding co-investigators of the Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) program at the University of Calgary in partnership with Alberta Health Services, and played a major role in the development of several international Good Research Practice guidance reports on innovative simulation modelling methods into practice to improve the quality and sustainability of health systems and measuring patient preferences. She is a member of the O'Brien Institute for Public Health and the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health at the CSM.
"We owe a great debt to Dr. Deborah Marshall as a pioneer of incorporating patient perspectives into economic modelling," said Dr. Brian O'Rourke, President and CEO of CADTH. "She helped set the stage for a new generation of health economist-researchers, like Dr. Lauren Cipriano, the winner of this year's Dr. Maurice McGregor Award."
The Dr. Maurice McGregor Award, which will also be presented at this year's CADTH Symposium, recognizes rising stars who are emerging as HTA leaders.
Dr. Cipriano is a leader when it comes to applying statistics, economics, operations research, and systems analysis to health policy problems. Her work on screening and treatment policies for hepatitis C, as well as on atrial fibrillation diagnosis and stroke prevention, has been hugely influential. Her recent meta-analysis on stroke risk in individuals with atrial fibrillation was cited by the European Society of Cardiology oral anticoagulant therapy guidelines, and she collaborated on an economic evaluation for CADTH to inform Canadian atrial fibrillation monitoring guidelines.
"I am honoured to receive this award," said Dr. Cipriano, Assistant Professor at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. "Having spent a significant portion of my career working directly in the HTA field, I accept this award with great pride and wish to acknowledge the important work done by others, like Dr. Marshall, to get us where we are today."
In addition to the Dr. Jill M. Sanders Award of Excellence in Health Technology Assessment and the Dr. Maurice McGregor Award, 10 Anniversary Medals are being awarded at the 2019 Symposium. Introduced in 2014 to commemorate CADTH's 25th anniversary, the CADTH Anniversary Medal is awarded to individuals whose hard work and dedication have helped develop, support, and expand the use of HTA as a vital component of an effective health care system.
The 30th Anniversary Medal winners are:
Dr. Stirling Bryan, a highly regarded health economist whose work supports health policy decisions; Dr. Bryan currently acts as Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, and Director at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Dr. Tammy Clifford, a key member of the CADTH Executive Team and CADTH's Chief Scientist for 10 years, who is currently the Vice-President of Research Programs at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and is an internationally recognized contributor to the growth and vitality of HTA globally
Dr. Edgar Hunt, who acted as Chair of the CADTH Board of Directors, where he led the transition of the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment to CADTH, oversaw significant growth of the organization, and played a key role in launching CADTH's Liaison Officer program
Dr. Arminée Kazanjian, founding director of the British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment, who now acts as Professor at the School of Population and Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia
Dr. Pascale Lehoux, an early leader in HTA capacity building, who developed and managed the International Master's Program in Health Technology Assessment and Management; Dr. Lehoux is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Health Administration at the University of Montreal
Elaine MacPhail, who was instrumental in developing the procedures for the CADTH Common Drug Review and CADTH's optimal use programs; MacPhail spearheaded patient engagement at CADTH and is now retired
Dr. Janet Martin, a leading expert in hospital-based HTA, who is currently Director of the Centre for Medical Evidence, Decision Integrity & Clinical Impact (MEDICI), and Associate Professor in the Departments of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine and Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University
Dr. Ingrid Sketris, a leader in knowledge translation in Atlantic Canada and trainer of the next generation of HTA producers; Dr. Sketris is currently Professor and Associate Director of Research in the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University
Dr. Terrence Sullivan, Chair of the CADTH Board of Directors from 2011 to 2018 and former CEO of Cancer Care Ontario; Dr. Sullivan is a staunch advocate for evidence-informed decision-making in health care and currently chairs the quality/safety committee at the Hospital for Sick Children, the governance committee for Exactis Innovation, and the audit/finance committee for Vector A.I.
Dr. George Wells, an internationally recognized expert in network meta-analysis and a key contributor to HTA methodology; Dr. Wells is currently Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
"Health technology assessment is recognized as an essential part of a vital health system, supporting better health, better patient experience, and better value," said Dr. O'Rourke. "Much of the credit for that belongs to the individuals we are honouring with these awards — all of whom have helped Canada become an internationally recognized leader in HTA. I am proud to congratulate them and thank them for their contributions."
For more about the awards, including further details about the Anniversary Medal winners and past winners, please visit CADTH's Recognition Awards page.
Visit the 2019 CADTH Symposium website to learn more about the event and view the conference program. Follow CADTH on Twitter (@CADTH_ACMTS) and join the Symposium conversation using the hashtag #CADTHSymp.
About CADTH CADTH is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for providing Canada's health care decision-makers with objective evidence to help make informed decisions about the optimal use of drugs and medical devices in our health care system. CADTH receives funding from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the exception of Quebec.
SOURCE Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College becomes a signatory to the International Clinical and Professional Chiropractic Education Position Statement
TORONTO, March 27, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) Board of Governors today announced that CMCC has become a signatory to the International Clinical and Professional Chiropractic Education Position Statement, joining 12 institutions around the world.
The statement, originally formulated as a collaborative effort among several European chiropractic institutions and one in South Africa was formally released at the 2015 scientific meeting of the World Federation of Chiropractic in Athens, and updated in 2017. The statement was developed as a way to provide a cohesive view of how, in the interest of the welfare of the patient, chiropractic education should be of the highest quality and founded on the principles of evidence-based care, with curricula that is responsive to changing patient, societal and community needs and expectations within a modern health care system.
Dr. Rahim Karim, Chair of the CMCC Board of Governors noted, "The Board of Governors has dedicated considerable thought and deliberation to this issue over the past several years, and the final decision to move forward into joining this collaborative effort was unanimously approved at our October 2018 meeting. We feel it is time to make our educational position clear regarding the alignment of our curriculum, research efforts and model of care with our continued emphasis upon evidence-based and patient-centred care."
Reflecting on this important milestone in the history of CMCC, President Dr. David Wickes commented, "CMCC is committed to continually evolve its programs and realize our vision to create leaders in spinal health. We have undertaken extraordinary efforts over the past few years to emphasize the rapid translation of research into our curriculum and patient care practices, and to forge partnerships with other innovative institutions. Declaring our support for the Position Statement will better enable us to attract the best students and faculty, and to strengthen and build trust with the public, partners and communities we serve."
About CMCC
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is recognised for creating leaders in spinal health. With graduates practicing in 37 countries and faculty who are leaders in their fields, CMCC delivers world class chiropractic education, research, and patient care. The campus features modern teaching and laboratory space, including new simulation and biomechanics laboratories, and is extended across Toronto through its network of community based interprofessional clinics that serve diverse patient populations. CMCC offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. This degree program is offered under the written consent of Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period from 24/3/11 to 24/3/21. For more information, visit www.cmcc.ca or follow us on Twitter and Facebook and LinkedIn.
Supporting Canadians through their gender affirmation journey
Sun Life launches new extended health coverage to help people transitioning
TORONTO, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life") is proud to offer gender affirmation coverage through Extended Health Care plans. Everyone experiences gender in their own unique way, for some this may mean being born a male but identifying as a female – or vice versa. Sun Life's extended coverage will help people transitioning embody their authentic selves.
"We know there can be a significant impact on an individual's mental, emotional and physical well-being when they do not feel connected to their gender," said Marie-Chantal Côté, Vice-President, Market Development, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Gender affirmation procedures and hormone therapies can help a person feel empowered to align their body with their gender expression."
While everyone's experience with gender affirmation is different, Sun Life's offering will provide financial support to plan members by reimbursing expenses covered by their workplace plan. Employers can offer core or enhanced coverage which includes:
Core Coverage: coverage for basic surgical procedures not covered under the individual's provincial or territorial health care plan. For example, the reduction of the Adam's apple and/or voice surgery.
Enhanced Coverage: additional coverage for surgical procedures to align feminine or masculine features to the transitioned gender. Such as, facial bone reduction and/or cheek augmentation.
In conjunction with the person's provincial or territorial health care plan, Sun Life's core coverage will reimburse some procedures not covered by their place of residence. While most medicare plans cover the basic surgical procedures for transitioning, many do not cover surgeries that feminize or masculinize an individual's features.
"When it comes to health and wellness, we understand that no two needs are the same, which is why we continue to evolve and diversify our health benefit plans, helping to meet the needs of all Canadians," said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Having additional support through gender affirmation can make a meaningful difference and help plan members live happier and healthier lives."
Gender affirmation coverage will be available to employers who wish to add it to their existing group Extended Health Care plans, beginning April 2019.
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.
About Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2018, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $951 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Aurora Cannabis and CanniMed Therapeutics Introduce Product Identification Numbers (PINs) to Medical Cannabis Products
TSX: ACB | NYSE: ACB
Helps Canadian Medical Cannabis Patients Receive Reimbursement Under Drug Benefit Plans
EDMONTON, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. ("Aurora" or the "Company") (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) (Frankfurt: 21P; WKN: A1C4WM) announced today that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary CanniMed Therapeutics, have added product information numbers (PINs) to 78 medical cannabis products to better facilitate and track insurance coverage for their Canadian patients. The products that received PINs include dried flower, capsules, soft gels, topicals and oils.
PINs help employers and insurance companies classify and incorporate health care products into benefit coverage plans. Patients submitting claims to their third-party insurer can now identify specific products and thereby speed up the adjudication and medical coverage process. MedReleaf, another wholly-owned subsidiary of Aurora, introduced PINs to 57 medical cannabis products in 2018.
"This is great news for insurance companies, employers and most importantly our patients," said Aurora CEO Terry Booth. "Introducing PINs for medical cannabis products will make the claims process more seamless, enabling insurance companies to add these products to their formularies while providing patients and employers with a simplified process to complete claims. It's another step toward enhancing patient access, something Aurora cares deeply about."
About Aurora
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with funded capacity in excess of 500,000 kg per annum and sales and operations in 24 countries across five continents, Aurora is one of the world's largest and leading cannabis companies. Aurora is vertically integrated and horizontally diversified across every key segment of the value chain, from facility engineering and design to cannabis breeding and genetics research, cannabis and hemp production, derivatives, high value-add product development, home cultivation, wholesale and retail distribution.
Highly differentiated from its peers, Aurora has established a uniquely advanced, consistent and efficient production strategy, based on purpose-built facilities that integrate leading-edge technologies across all processes, defined by extensive automation and customization, resulting in the massive scale production of high-quality product at low cost. Intended to be replicable and scalable globally, our production facilities are designed to produce cannabis of significant scale, with high quality, industry-leading yields, and low per gram production costs. Each of Aurora's facilities is built to meet EU GMP standards, and its first production facility, the recently acquired MedReleaf Markham facility, and its wholly owned European medical cannabis distributor Aurora Deutschland have achieved this level of certification.
In addition to the Company's rapid organic growth and strong execution on strategic M&A, which to date includes 16 wholly owned subsidiary companies – MedReleaf, CanvasRX, Peloton Pharmaceutical, Aurora Deutschland, H2 Biopharma, Urban Cultivator, BC Northern Lights, Larssen Greenhouses, CanniMed Therapeutics, Anandia Labs, HotHouse Consulting, MED Colombia, Agropro, Borela, ICC Labs and Whistler – Aurora is distinguished by its reputation as a partner and employer of choice in the global cannabis sector, having invested in and established strategic partnerships with a range of leading innovators, including: Radient Technologies Inc. (TSXV: RTI), Hempco Food and Fiber Inc. (TSXV: HEMP), Cann Group Ltd. (ASX: CAN), Micron Waste Technologies Inc. (CSE: MWM), Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO), Capcium Inc. (private), Evio Beauty Group (private), Wagner Dimas (private), CTT Pharmaceuticals (OTCC: CTTH), Alcanna Inc. (TSX: CLIQ) and High Tide Inc. (CSE:HITI).
Aurora's Common Shares trade on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol "ACB", and are a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
For more information about Aurora, please visit our investor website, investor.auroramj.com
Neither the TSX, NYSE nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX and NYSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Terry Booth, CEO Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Forward looking statements
This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the potential offering of any securities by the Company; uncertainty with respect to the completion of any future offering; the ability to obtain applicable regulatory approval for any contemplated offerings; the ability of the Company to negotiate and complete future funding transactions, as well as the risks identified under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly 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 expressly required by applicable law.
SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.
CIBC introduces all-encompassing banking offer for physicians
New Full Service Physician Package provides tailored wealth management, business and personal banking services, and advice
TORONTO, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) announced today a comprehensive banking offer for physicians spanning business and personal banking designed to help them achieve their goals from residency to retirement.
Starting today, physicians joining or already banking with CIBC across Canada will have access to customized product offers and solutions that meet their unique needs, supported by a team of experts who offer an all-encompassing approach to business, personal banking and investment advice.
"We know life as a physician can be busy and challenging – from managing complex patient care and overseeing business needs to looking after personal finances and planning for the future," says Andrew Turnbull, Senior Vice-President, Business Banking, CIBC. "That's why we're introducing an offer for physicians that provides peace of mind with a one-stop solution that meets their banking needs through every step of their career."
Access to tailored advice from a team of experts in business, personal banking and investment needs
Exclusive, market-leading rates on business and personal lending
Funding for up to 100% of practice start-up and expansion costs
Preferred pricing on personal investments (for physicians and spouses)
Specialized Business Operating Account for physicians with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
Premium personal chequing accounts and credit cards (with fee waiver options)
New offer for medical and dental students
Tomorrow's doctors and dentists need tailored financial advice from the moment they are accepted to school.
"CIBC has created a banking bundle for medical and dental students that recognizes their need for flexibility, value, and experts who understand the journey to become a practicing professional," Mr. Turnbull says.
Enrollment in CIBC Imperial Service, with access to one-on-one financial planning and advice from advisors specialized in medical and dental student needs
Exclusive CIBC Prime -0.25% rates on market-leading borrowing up to $350,000
Waived fees on premium chequing accounts with unlimited transactions during school
"A physician's financial journey begins when they start their education," adds Mr. Turnbull. "It's important to have integrated banking services from medical school all the way through to retirement so that their financial well-being is set up for today and tomorrow."
About CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.
SOURCE CIBC
Local leaders join forces with LLSC in a unique fundraising campaign to help support 3-year-old boy with leukemia
MONTREAL, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is proud to kick off its first-ever Man & Woman of the Year campaign. This unique fundraising opportunity taps into the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to help fund groundbreaking research and advance blood cancer cures.
In its inaugural year in Canada, candidates from Montreal, Quebec will form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honour of 3-year-old Adamo, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in September of 2018. The individual who raises the most funds during the ten-week campaign will be recognized as the national Man & Woman of the Year.
"We are thrilled to have local leaders participate in this year's competition," says Alicia Talarico, President of the LLSC. "The candidates have all been touched by cancer in some way and they embody the idea that when a community comes together, anything is possible. Every voice, every action and every dollar is needed to help change the future for people affected by a blood cancer."
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 Man & Woman of the Year campaign will be used for:
Research to advance targeted therapies that are saving lives;
Blood cancer services, information, and support for patients;
Public education for healthcare professionals and the blood cancer community
"We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of our community," said Grace and Pino Bocchino, Adamo's parents. "To be surrounded by this much love and kindness makes us feel like we're not alone in this. This is an extraordinary initiative and will go a long way in supporting kids like Adamo."
There are many ways to support Man & Woman of the Year candidates, including by making a donation throughout the ten-week campaign. Visit the Man & Woman of the Year website at www.mwoy.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.
SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
For further information:
Sofia Guay, Regional Director, Quebec Region, 514-875-1000, Sofia.guay@lls.org
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