HIGHLIGHTS FROM CMPA INFORMATION SESSION: Medico-legal realities emerging from the pandemic—Opportunities and challenges of virtual care
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) held its first hybrid information session today on the Medico-legal realities emerging from the pandemic—Opportunities and challenges of virtual care. The session was held as part of the CMPA's 2022 Annual Meeting and Conference. Physician members in attendance, both in-person in Vancouver, B.C. and online, heard from a highly distinguished panel, who provided their views and shared their considerable experience on this timely and relevant topic.
Moderated by Dr. Kendall Ho, Professor and Lead—Digital Emergency Medicine Unit, UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, the panel of experts discussed the barriers and enablers to integrating virtual care more prominently into our healthcare system.
Physician members in attendance learned to recognize the opportunities and medico-legal challenges that have emerged from the widespread adoption of virtual care, and reflected on factors that contribute to using virtual care safely.
Dr. Ho began the information session by outlining his personal perspective on the key challenges and opportunities to the safe provision of virtual care. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ho suggested that: "In the new normal of healthcare, physicians will need to take part in a timely and relevant professional dialogue to discern the best approaches to integrate virtual and in-person care, now and for the future."
In its examination of the future of virtual care, the CMPA recommends that existing processes for managing follow-up care, making investigation requests, and using documentation processes designed for in-person care, be modified to also accommodate virtual clinical encounters. The Association advises, however, that virtual care should only be offered when appropriate to the circumstances and when it will meet the patient's needs.
In deciding whether to provide virtual care to their patients, physicians should be guided by what is in the patient's best interest. While this may include convenience, more importantly it should be based on the safety of the medical care to be provided.
"As physicians continue to integrate virtual care into their practices in new ways and more than ever before, the CMPA is committed to playing an active role in continuing to promote the safe, and effective delivery of virtual care," said CMPA CEO Dr. Lisa Calder. "As the CMPA modernizes its offerings, we remain committed to providing timely medico-legal advice and assistance to our members who face medico-legal problems, including as they learn to effectively leverage the benefits of virtual care and mitigate its risks."
As the provision of virtual care continues to evolve as a safe modality in the future of healthcare delivery, the Association is committed to working with members and stakeholders collaboratively to do its part in supporting a system that fosters sustainable approaches to the delivery of effective and safe virtual care for Canadians.
In addition to emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach, the CMPA strongly also recommends that education on the provision of safe virtual care be incorporated into medical school curriculums in undergraduate, graduate and continuing professional development programs.
As Canada's largest provider of continuing professional education, the CMPA is well positioned to contribute to safe medical care learning and the delivery of safe virtual care. Using peer-reviewed research results, obtained from the analysis of its extensive collection of medico-legal data, the CMPA develops modern learning programs and resources that enhance the safety of medical care and reduce medico-legal risk in areas such as virtual care.
While it is not the CMPA's role to set standards, the CMPA is ready to foster collaboration and encourage national specialty societies, Colleges and other healthcare organizations to develop clear specialty-specific clinical practice guidelines and professional standards that are consistent across the country to support the safe integration of virtual care with in-person care.
The Association will continue to raise important issues such as technological infrastructure and patient privacy and security issues to ensure they are addressed in the development of future standards of practice for virtual care.
For further information, or to request an interview: media@cmpa.org
About the CMPA
The CMPA is a not-for-profit association that delivers efficient, high quality physician-to-physician advice and assistance in medico-legal matters, including the provision of appropriate compensation, on behalf of our members, to patients injured by negligent medical care (fault in Québec). Our evidence-based products and services enhance the safety of medical care, reducing unnecessary patient harm and healthcare costs.
As Canada's largest physician organization and with the support of our over 105,000 physician members, the CMPA collaborates, advocates, and effects positive change on important healthcare and medico-legal issues. The Association is governed by an elected Council of physicians.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Protective Association
For further information:
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CMPA ANNOUNCES KEY 2021 RESULTS AND REDUCED 2023 MEMBER FEES AT ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) held its 2022 Annual Meeting and Conference today. The hybrid event was held both onsite in Vancouver, B.C. and online.
During the business meeting, CMPA President Dr. Michael Cohen, and CEO Dr. Lisa Calder highlighted how the CMPA supported and advised its over 105,000 physician members, compensated patients, and improved patient safety in 2021.
The Association provided a summary of its operational achievements and presented its financial results for the 2021 fiscal year, illustrating strong financial stewardship and commitment to compensating patients, on behalf of CMPA members, who have been proven harmed by negligent medical care.
"With the impacts of COVID-19 and the current human resources crisis in healthcare, physicians continue to face significant challenges," said Dr. Calder. "We are here to support our members with medico-legal assistance and compassionate advice," continued Dr. Calder. "As the healthcare environment continues to change, we will continue to look for new ways to be there for physicians, helping them provide safe medical care to Canadian patients."
Along with its role of supporting and advising Canadian physicians, the CMPA's goal is also to prevent harm and improve the safety of medical care through evidence-based learning. In instances where there is proven harm to patients due to negligent care, the CMPA provides appropriate compensation on behalf of its physician members.
"In 2021, the CMPA paid $276 million in compensation to patients harmed by negligent medical care (fault in Québec), an increase of $70 million over the previous year, helping to support their short- and long-term care needs," said Dr. Cohen. "In fact, the CMPA paid a total of $1.2 billion in patient compensation over the last 5 years on behalf of its members."
Incoming CMPA President Dr. Jean-Hugues Brossard also addressed the meeting and discussed some of the goals he wished to achieve during his presidency. "The challenge we face during this rapid time of change is to have a good understanding of the present issues facing members, to effectively forecast what's coming in the future, and to be able to appropriately adapt and evolve," said Dr. Brossard. "I firmly believe that CMPA is positioned to meet this challenge".
Other notable 2021 results announced at the annual meeting include:
Advice and support: The CMPA's 45+ physician advisors responded to over 24,000 advice calls and provided essential medico-legal support.
Online resources: The CMPA COVID-19 Hub, a valuable online resource for physician members, was accessed by 77% of our 105,000 members.
Engagement and advocacy: In 2021, the CMPA's new Strategic Engagement and Advocacy department delivered 59 submissions to regulatory authorities and engaged with governments and stakeholders, providing insights on multiple topics, including COVID-19, MAID, and virtual care.
Peer-reviewed research: In 2021, CMPA research manuscripts were published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery, PRS—Global Open, and the CMAJ Open. The CMPA also fulfilled 56 research project and data requests for members, sharing our data-driven insights to help physicians and stakeholder organizations.
Reduction in 2023 Membership Fees
The Association also announced its 2023 aggregate membership fees, reporting a reduction across all four CMPA fee regions.
These fee reductions reflect the CMPA's commitment to the equitable allocation of medico-legal protection costs. Each region is independent and there is no subsidization between regions (see the 2023 CMPA Fee Backgrounder for additional information on member fees).
The 2023 aggregate fees per member (which is an average, not the fee that an individual member pays) by CMPA fee region can be found below. When determining member fees, the aggregate fee for the region is calculated and used as the foundation to determine regional fees based on each member's type of work. The 2023 membership fee schedule, which provides individual member fees by region and type of work, is available on the CMPA website.
British Columbia and Alberta The aggregate fee per member in BC and Alberta in 2023 is $1,701, down 56% from 2022 or a reduction of $60.3 million across the fee region.
Ontario The aggregate fee per member in Ontario in 2023 is $3,198, down 45% from 2022 or a reduction of $107.8 millionacross the entire fee region.
Québec The aggregate fee per member in Québec in 2022 is $227, down 56% from 2022 or a reduction of $5.9 millionacross the fee region.
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Atlantic Provinces and the Territories The aggregate fee per member in this fee region has been set at $345 per member, down 90% from 2022, or a reduction of $41.6 million across the entire fee region.
For further information or to secure an interview, please contact: media@cmpa.org
About the CMPA
The CMPA, a not-for-profit organization, delivers efficient, high quality physician-to-physician advice and assistance in medico-legal matters, including the provision of appropriate compensation, on behalf of our members, to patients injured by negligent medical care (fault in Québec). Our evidence-based products and services enhance the safety of medical care, reducing unnecessary patient harm and healthcare costs.
As Canada's largest physician organization and with the support of our over 105,000 physician members, the CMPA collaborates, advocates, and effects positive change on important healthcare and medico-legal issues. The Association is governed by an elected Council of physicians.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Protective Association
For further information:
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The ‘Miracle’ of the Imperial Valley: Early Treatment Protocol Saved Thousands
“How many more people would be alive today had the medical establishment followed the example of Dr. Tyson and Dr. Fareed instead of heeding arrogant bureaucrats who recommended no treatment for COVID-19 until it was often too late?”— Senator Ron Johnson, Wisconsin
Santa Ana, CA, August 11, 2022 — As the seemingly never-ending stream of COVID variants make headlines, Drs. George Fareed and Brian Tyson of the Imperial Valley in California continue to advocate for early treatment protocols.
“Our mission is to help people understand the critical importance of early COVID-19 treatment because there may be harsh surges,” the doctors say on their website (http://www.overcomingcoviddarkness.com/). “We also hope that vaccination programs recognize that COVID-19 variants will continue to arise in those who have been vaccinated as long vaccines fail to completely block the infection.”
Drs. Fareed and Tyson saw hundreds of COVID patients every day in their open-air test-and-treat center. At a time when hospitals and other medical facilities were turning away patients who weren’t “sick enough,” Drs. Fareed and Tyson turned away no one, saved thousands of lives — and were threatened with suspension of their medical licenses.
“Our results are nothing short of a miracle,” the doctors write in the introduction to their new book, Overcoming the COVID Darkness. “Despite the amazing success we achieved with more than 7,000 patients, all of the major medical organizations — from the WHO, to the NIH, to the CDC — did not welcome our information.”
In Overcoming the COVID Darkness, the doctors share their candid, deeply compelling story, and attempt to provide readers with clarity about COVID and alleviate fears.
“People need to know — and be reassured — that we will survive this pandemic, just like pandemics of the past. There is treatment available. This treatment works when used early, and it is highly effective,” the doctors say.
Overcoming the COVID Darkness is their story, complete with testimonials from patients and other doctors, research studies, news clippings, and most of all, the reasons why this successful treatment (which includes pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients) was held back from the public.
In a recent interview, Dr. Tyson posits, “Had we done test-and-treat centers all across the United States, we could have saved 80 percent of the population that died from COVID-19.”
About the Authors
Dr. George Fareed graduated from Harvard Medical School with Honors and completed a medical internship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. He has worked at NIAID, at Harvard Medical School and at UCLA School of Medicine.
He was a founder and director of scientific planning of a biotech company, Ingene (International Genetic Engineering, Inc.). Since 1991, Dr. Fareed has worked clinically in primary medical care in the Imperial Valley of California. He has been on the frontline for early COVID-19 treatment, and has practiced the whole spectrum of COVID-19 care, treating outpatients as well as inpatients as a hospitalist. He testified on November 19, 2020, in the Senate Hearing on early COVID-19 treatment.
Dr. Brian Tyson is a board-certified family practitioner who worked as an emergency physician at Arrowhead Regional Medical center for 13 years and as a hospitalist physician for 14 years before opening his own urgent care in 2018.
Dr. Tyson was the Program Medical Director for Cogent Healthcare and Beaver Medical Group. His experience with COVID-19 has been exceptional, with over 30,000 patients evaluated, and zero deaths with early treatment.
His urgent care serves a high-risk population that includes two nursing homes, and his success was due to his aggressive early management. Due to his proven methodology, Dr. Tyson is considered a frontline COVID-19 treatment expert and has been featured on multiple media sites.
Ontario Panel of Family Lawyers Finds Clients Prefer Flexibility in Divorce Proceedings Survey conducted by veteran lawyers shows virtual hearings can be a good solution
TORONTO, Ontario—A panel of veteran family lawyers in Ontario led by Russell Alexander say that according to a survey conducted clients prefer to have the option of virtual hearings, in contrast to a recent decision by Ontario Family Courts that in-person hearings are the presumptive standard.
“Virtual hearings can be a great option because they are dramatically easier for clients and allow more access to attorneys, helping keep costs down and improve legal access in rural areas,” said Alexander, founder of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers which has offices throughout Ontario. “Clients want the option of either virtual hearings or going in-person if their attorney thinks it might help.”
The ad hoc committee of lawyers opposes new requirements that holding in-person hearings in court be the default option for family law matters such as divorces, arguing that videoconferencing proved an effective and less expensive alternative for many clients during the height of the pandemic.
Many judges switched to holding routine hearings online since the pandemic started which reduced waiting time, increased access to legal help in rural areas and made divorce less stressful for clients. They became so popular that the “Zoom divorce” was written about as a trend by top media outlets, but Ontario’s top judges recently restricted them.
In last week’s one-hour discussion of the policy, Alexander; Brian Galbraith, owner, and founder of Galbraith Family Law; Lisa Gelman, founder of Gelman & Associates; and Nafisa Nazarali, senior managing associate lawyer at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers said that virtual hearings can make family law more accessible.
“Virtual hearings have been a game-changer for how Ontario residents get divorced and settle other difficult family law issues,” added Alexander. “It would be a shame if court officials turned their backs on this important innovation now.”
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Toronto, Concord, Markham, Whitby, Oshawa, Lindsay and Peterborough, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://www.russellalexander.com
Preparing for supply chain disruptions in the healthcare sector
Medline Canada shares insights on healthcare supplies inventory planning
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 11, 2022 /CNW/ - In March 2020, when COVID-19 was beginning to shut down Canadian society, shelves in stores across the country quickly went empty. Businesses found themselves struggling to keep up with demand.
Since then, supply chain shortages have impacted multiple sectors, including healthcare. Labour disruptions and shortages, transportation problems, a lack of raw materials and rising inflation have all intertwined to create this problem. It's led to healthcare settings like hospitals "getting creative" with their supplies. [1]
According to Roger Bourbonnais, Senior Vice President of Acute Care and Skin Health at Medline Canada, Corporation, while getting creative is one way to weather problems in the supply chain, setting up a smart system is most effective in tackling the issue. Bourbonnais offers these planning considerations to help healthcare providers better prepare for supply chain impacts:
Take control of how you buy Supply costs are one of the most significant expenses for healthcare facilities. Consolidating to a single vendor is a proven way to lower costs. During this process, you could also consider product standardization to optimize quality-price value and improve practice consistency with a customized formulary focused on clinical outcomes over brand name.
Ensure you have good data When you have a better handle on your data, you can better understand what's happening in your supply chain. Fifty-six percent of CEOs say they are concerned about the integrity of the data they use for decision-making. [2] Collecting data and keeping it organized is vital. Equally as important is maintaining your datasets. This includes data cleansing, going through and ensuring everything is up to date and accurate.
Leverage your data A lot of work goes into negotiating supply contracts and savings. Don't let this hard work go to waste. Ensuring clinical staff order from those formularies and that you're getting the contracted price is crucial. Additionally, building out software infrastructure so there's real-time visibility into spend is another critical step to ensure you're optimally using your data.
Automating your processes Over and understocking, supply hoarding, expired products and labour-intensive manual restocking processes quickly drive-up operating expenses. By leveraging automated systems for inventory management, you have an opportunity to improve costs and simplify workflow. This could mean tracking and managing inventory to all care points within your system using a comprehensive technology-powered platform.
Tackling supply chain issues in healthcare can't be a solo effort – leverage your supply partners to help you optimize foundational supply chain logistics, deliver operational excellence and strategically prepare for whatever supply chain impact happens next – whenever it happens.
Medline Canada, Corporation Medline is a leading global manufacturer and provider of high-quality medical products and services to the healthcare industry. Our expertise in healthcare solutions throughout the continuum of care, coupled with the scale and agility of our supply chain, allows us to partner with our customers to enhance patient care, improve clinical outcomes, drive effective cost management and provide fast access to quality products.
By applying our CARES values every day, in all that we do, Medline Canada is deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of our customers, employees, partners and communities. With more than 550 employees, including 125 dedicated sales and clinical professionals, and eight distribution centres located across Canada, we are a trusted partner in delivering the healthcare needs of Canadians from coast-to-coast – Together Improving Care™. For more information, visit: www.medline.ca
Good Morning TIR Fam! I hope that your week is off to a great start! Mine is!
I am so sorry that I have been so MIA! Trying to get my mojo back for getting content out. Truth be told I have been in a funk! We all have those times. I am not superhuman dispite what some people thing! The difference for me is that I always stay committed to my goals even when I am not feeling motivated. That's called discipline. And although some days I haven't felt like doing cardio or training I still get up and put my best foot forward.
As you know I have also been in an extended off seasons. But it has been for a purpose. To build up my metabolism, do. some body recomposes and just find myself again. This was necessary. And the stage will always be there. But also truth be told off season is boring and I felt like I didnt have that much to share. So I didnt share as much about fitness, training or nutrition as I usually do. However I am going to make more of an effort to start sharing again! So thanks for sticking with me during these times!
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The ancient healing properties of crystals are a relatively untapped phenomena of the natural world. The Earth is composed of thousands of minerals with specific and potent abilities to heal, balance and fortify our existence. Their vibrational patterning receives, transmits and amplifies energy and can be found in countless areas of modern and innovative technology from cars to clocks to communications equipment. These rich treasures of the natural world can foster harmonious energy to our homes, workplaces, and personal health and wellbeing.
Placing crystals in your home, specifically, in places where you sleep, work, and relax, offers a safe and natural way to promote positive energy flow while removing negative energies brought about by stress, sadness, or sickness.
Follow the guide below to unlock crystal alchemy’s most potent cures:
1. Frequency
Crystals absorb movement and pressure from the environment and transform it into a type of energy that carries a certain frequency. This frequency depends on an individual crystal’s constitution. However, each crystal produces a unique frequency that has been found to provide individuals with feelings of relief, joy, and gratitude. Although considered a pseudoscience by the scientific community, studies such as the one conducted by the brothers Pierre and Jack Curie in 1880, found that applying pressure, such as achieved by holding a crystal, could produce an electric current. This same electric current has been found by many to be a source of comfort and energy in times of need.
2. Mentality
With the existence of so many competing theories regarding the efficacy of crystal alchemy, one consensus appears on both sides of the argument: The power of the mind is immutable. While the electrical current produced by holding a crystal is seen by many as insufficient to achieve emotional change within an individual, the belief that the energy is achieving change has shown positive results. Many argue that using a crystal as a focal point for one’s intentions can produce a change in the body’s chemistry, bringing its frequency to par with the frequencies associated with gratitude and happiness.
3. How to Use
Crystals can be used in a variety of ways to augment your mentality. Some ways include placing a crystal like moonstone or selenite beneath your pillow to induce fitful sleep, you can hang a pyrite crystal around your neck to provide energy to you throughout the day, or you can hold a crystal such as rose quartz when meditating to create feelings of love and contentment. Below is an example I do on a regular basis:
Choose your crystal: What feeling are you looking for? Relief? Love? Gratitude? Each crystal has a unique frequency geared towards producing a strong emotion. Take a look at the crystals offered on my site: …
Cleanse your crystal: To achieve the best results, you have to remove the previous energies in the crystal before use. These energies are often residual, appearing after each meditation. To cleanse it, run it under cold water for 10 minutes, or charge with an hour of midday sun after rinsing in cool water.
4. Set your intention
Choose a focus that you will channel into your crystal. It can be something like “I release all that no longer serves me” or “I receive the strength and courage to live to my potential”.
Begin Meditating: Now it's time to begin the process of centering yourself. First, relax your breathing, taking in slow deep breaths. Second, as you begin to relax, imagine drawing in the energy produced by your chosen crystal. Visualize it flowing throughout your body, filling each cell with boundless energy. Lastly, as you begin to feel cocooned in the crystal’s energy, imagine your intention becoming reality with the help of the crystal's energy. Once you have achieved this balance, you may slowly open your eyes, making sure to breathe slowly and deeply to retain your peaceful state. After giving yourself some time to reflect on what you experienced, allow yourself to feel grateful for this expansion of new energy and intention. It is the first step on the wondrous journey of cultivating inner harmony.
W
Lynparza receives Health Canada approval as adjuvant treatment for patients with germline BRCA-mutated HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer
First and only approved medicine targeting germline BRCA mutations in high-risk early breast cancer
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 11, 2022 /CNW/ - Health Canada has granted a Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) for Lynparza® (olaparib) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative high-risk early breast cancer who have been treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.1 Patients must have confirmation of a germline BRCA mutation before Lynparza treatment is initiated.1
This approval was granted under Health Canada's accelerated review pathway and based on results from the OlympiA Phase III trial,1 presented during the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The OlympiA trial demonstrated a reduction in the risk of invasive breast cancer recurrences, second cancers or death by 42 per cent versus placebo (based on a hazard ratio [HR] of 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.82; p<0.0001).1
"Although most HER2-negative early breast cancers now have excellent outcomes, the risk of disease recurrence for persons with high-risk breast cancers and BRCA mutations remains unacceptably high, with a significant potential to advance to advanced disease, where a cure is no longer an option," said Dr. Karen Gelmon, Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer. "Today's approval of olaparib is an important step forward, offering these patients a much-needed option that can improve survival for persons with high-risk early breast cancer. It also stresses the importance of BRCA testing as soon as possible after diagnosis to identify eligible patients."
In Canada, it is estimated that 94 per cent of all breast cancers are detected at an early stage.2 Despite advances in the treatment of early breast cancer, up to 30 per cent of patients with high-risk clinical and/or pathologic features recur within the first few years.3 The risk is particularly high for patients with germline BRCA mutations, who are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age than those without these mutations.2
"This approval is fantastic news for the many women with high-risk early breast cancer who live with the ongoing fear of recurrence and what that means for their future," said Cathy Ammendolea, Chair of the Board, Canadian Breast Cancer Network. "New treatment options can provide hope for patients and their families, and we look forward to Canadian women having access to this treatment."
"Hereditary breast cancer is often diagnosed at a younger age and Rethink has supported and advocated for young people with breast cancer for more than 20 years. Facing their mortality at a young age, they want what all cancer patients want – care that will lead to the best possible outcome, including reducing their future cancer risk," said MJ DeCoteau, Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer. "They want to survive, and eventually thrive, and now patients with a BRCA-mutated breast cancer will have a treatment that is shown to help them do just that."
About the OlympiA Phase III Trial
OlympiA is a Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial testing the efficacy and safety of Lynparza as adjuvant treatment in patients with gBRCAm HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer, who have completed definitive local treatment and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.1 The primary endpoint was invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), and key secondary outcome measures include distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS).1
In the key secondary endpoint, results showed an improvement of distant disease-free survival (DDFS) in the intention to treat (ITT) population, where Lynparza reduced the risk of distant disease recurrence or death by 43 per cent (based on a HR of 0.57 (99.5% CI:0.39-0.83; P < 0.001).1 Interim overall survival (8% maturity, DCO 27 March 2020) did not meet statistical significance.1
The safety and tolerability profile of Lynparza in this trial was in line with that observed in prior clinical trials.1
About the BRCA Gene
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce proteins responsible for repairing damaged DNA and play an important role maintaining the genetic stability of cells.4
When either of these genes is mutated or altered such that its protein product either is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly, and cells become unstable. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer and confer sensitivity to PARP inhibitors including Lynparza.5
About Lynparza (olaparib)
Lynparza was the first oral (PARP) inhibitor approved in Canada. Lynparza exploits tumour DNA damage response (DDR) in cells/tumours harbouring a deficiency in homologous recombination repair (HRR), such as mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2, to selectively kill cancer cells.1 Lynparza is the only PARP inhibitor currently approved in multiple tumour types in Canada including breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers.
Lynparza has been issued conditional marketing authorization for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer who have been treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy pending the results of studies to verify its clinical benefit. Patients should be advised of this conditional marketing authorization.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM), and Respiratory & Immunology. The company employs more than 1,200 people across Canada, including 700 employees at our head office and clinical research hub in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.astrazeneca.ca.
REFERENCES
1 Lynparza Product Monograph, July 27, 2022.
2 S, Masoud H, Weir HK, et al. Cancer in Canada: Stage at diagnosis. (1209-1367 (Electronic).
3 Colleoni M, et al. Annual Hazard Rates of Recurrence for Breast Cancer During 24 Years of Follow-Up: Results From the International Breast Cancer Study Group Trials I to V. J Clin Oncol. 2016 Mar 20; 34(9):927-935.
5 Roy R, et al. BRCA1 and BRCA2: Different Roles in a Common Pathway of Genome Protection. Nat Rev Cancer. 2016;12(1):68-78.
SOURCE AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Focused on Filling Need for Hypertension Treatment Solution
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetworkNewsAudio – Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) announces the availability of a broadcast titled, “The Power of Science to Stop a Killer.”
In its 2021 industry report, ReportLinker estimated the global anti-hypertensive drugs market at $24.17 billion in 2020 on its way to reach $27.81 billion in 2025. All told, hypertension costs the country on average $131 billion annually, and even more sobering, in 2020 alone, more than 670,000 deaths in the United States had hypertension as a primary or contributing cause.
A recognized global innovator in drug-delivery platforms, Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) is determined to fill the need for a safe, effective, tolerable treatment for hypertension and have a meaningful impact on comorbidity-related costs and deaths. Its patented flagship product, DehydraTECH(TM), improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) enter the bloodstream by promoting healthier oral ingestion methods and increasing the effectiveness of fat-soluble active molecules. DehydraTECH promotes fast-acting, less expensive, and more effective oral drug delivery and has been thoroughly evaluated through in vivo, in vitro and human clinical testing.
About Lexaria Bioscience Corp.
Lexaria’s patented drug delivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM), improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) enter the bloodstream by promoting more effective oral delivery. Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bioabsorption with cannabinoids and nicotine by up to five to ten times, reduce time of onset from one to two hours to minutes, and mask unwanted tastes; the innovative tech is also being evaluated for orally administered anti-viral drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDs”), PDE5 inhibitors and more. DehydraTECH has also evidenced an ability to deliver some drugs more effectively across the blood brain barrier. Lexaria operates a licensed in-house research laboratory and holds a robust intellectual property portfolio with 25 patents granted and more than 50 patents pending worldwide.
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New Data Suggests a Gap in Access to Care for Ontarians Living with a Chronic Illness
TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2022 /CNW/ - Incidents of chronic disease have been steadily increasing in Canada for many years, most recently compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which created a substantial backlog. It is estimated that there are 2.6 million Ontarians living with unmanaged chronic conditions that had difficulty obtaining care. However, new data also suggests pharmacists are in a unique position to help effectively manage diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension in patients.
As part of a recent pilot at 53 Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ontario and British Columbia, pharmacists have administered over 15,000 point of care tests on more than 6,900 patients to date, including those with risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and those determined to be at high risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. The pilot found that almost 60 per cent of patients needed an intervention to better manage their chronic disease. For example, based on the point of care test results, the pharmacist may have adjusted the dose of an existing medication or may have contacted the patient's primary care provider to request a new prescription. On average, 31 percent received a new chronic medication, 28 percent required a change in their current medication, and 235 patients were newly identified as diabetic. Research has also shown that pharmacist-led care management resulted in lower total cost of care and fewer hospitalizations. These results demonstrate the important role that a pharmacist plays as a key member of the patient's health care team.
"This pilot highlights the significant gap in access to treatment for those living with a chronic illness in Ontario," said Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Pharmacists Association. "However, this pilot project also demonstrates that pharmacists can play a role in helping to close this critical healthcare gap by offering accessible, high-quality care."
Pharmacy professionals played a critical role in ensuring access to care for Ontarians through COVID-19. As we turn our attention to the growing waitlists for care following the pandemic, there is further opportunity to leverage Ontario's pharmacy professionals to improve timely access to care and increase health system capacity. Through medication reviews, access to point of care testing, and soon to come minor ailment services, pharmacists can better support Ontarians by providing timely access to care and support for the management of both acute and chronic diseases.
ABOUT OPA
The Ontario Pharmacists Association is committed to evolving the pharmacy profession and advocating for excellence in practice and patient care. With more than 10,000 members, OPA is Canada's largest advocacy organization, professional development and drug information provider for pharmacy professionals across Ontario. By leveraging the unique expertise of pharmacy professionals, enabling them to practice to their fullest potential, and making them more accessible to patients, OPA is working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system. The pharmacy sector plays a strong role in Ontario with an economic impact of more than $6.3 billion across 4,600 pharmacies, employing 60,000 Ontarians. For more information on OPA, visit https://www.opatoday.com.
