New Data from CB2 Insights Shows Majority of Patients Seeking Cannabis for Mood-Related Conditions
Leading Global Cannabis Data Company Publishes Real World Evidence Report on Trends in Medical Cannabis and Depression, Anxiety and PTSD
TORONTO, ON – January 15, 2019 –CB2 Insights (“CB2” or the “Company”) a leading global provider of predictive analytics tools, data-driven software and comprehensive services across the medical cannabis value chain, has released, “Real-World Evidence Shows Patients Seeking Cannabis For Mood Disorders,” its first report in a comprehensive series outlining trends and insights found within the medical cannabis industry. The report, which was conducted over a 4-week period, focuses on the propensity of mood-related conditions in medical cannabis patients and provides comparative analysis with other qualifying primary conditions and condition categories such as sleep, pain, appetite and others.
According to the study, CB2 Insights found mood-related conditions accounted for the majority (34.77 percent) of patients seeking cannabis as a medicine (conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder), followed by pain-related. However, while more than half of US states (33 plus Washington, DC) have medical cannabis frameworks in effect, only 24 states list any mood-related disorder as a qualifying condition and in all of those cases only PTSD is listed.
“As the US continues to progress with new states creating frameworks for medical cannabis usage, the industry is primed for Real-World Evidence (RWE) on the benefits on medical cannabis, which is credible data that the marketplace lacks. As of today, the discrepancy between legislative constraints and patient needs is huge,” said Prad Sekar, CEO of CB2 Insights. “RWE vital to ensure that patients, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders are able to access appropriate intelligence to better integrate this new therapy into traditional treatment plans.”
Key highlights of the report include:
· Followed by mood-related conditions, pain-related conditions were a close second (33.05%) which includes conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, back problems and spinal cord injuries.
· According to the study, 15.33% sought cannabinoid therapy for sleep-related disorders. While most states have approved chronic and intractable pain as a qualifying condition for cannabis usage, the vast majority list PTSD as the only qualifying mood-related condition and two states do not allow for mood-related conditions to qualify at all.
· 7 states plus Washington, DC allow for a certified healthcare practitioner to provide a medical document for patients they deem cannabis as a treatment to be appropriate for any condition; thus allowing those with broader mood-related conditions to qualify.
CB2 Insights focuses on bridging the evidence-based data gap within the medical cannabis industry through predictive analytics tools obtained from the Company’s software and service offerings. The Company’s sub-brands have reached more than 300,000 cannabis patient interactions worldwide.
Patients were studied over a 4-week period across 4 states and out of 16 evaluation and education centers run by CB2 Insights’ subsidiary, Canna Care Docs.
Within the report, CB2 Insights assessed nearly 500 patients across multiple states within the CB2’s medical cannabis evaluation and education centers, Canna Care Docs. Patients who visit Canna Care Docs seeking comprehensive evaluation and education services are seen by both certified clinicians and educators to assess primary and secondary conditions, symptoms, previous treatments, current medication and many other data points that are used for confidential treatment planning for the patient.
SHOULD YOU DITCH THE GYM AND WORK OUT AT HOME INSTEAD?
Fitness Pro with the Pros and Cons of at Home Workouts
When it comes to exercise, some people prefer going for a run, others enjoy a spin class, others may prefer a gym while others opt for a workout mat in their living room. To break down the pros and cons of at home workouts, we spoke with Vince Sant, Fitness Expert, Certified Trainer and Co-Founder of V Shred an online fitness portal based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Vince, the key is to create a workout regimen that is sustainable. “You really want to create something that is fun, fast and effective. When considering an at home workout it’s important to get honest and determine if it’s a match for your exercise style and mindset.”
That said, let’s get into it.
Working out from home is convenient!
Roll out of bed, and you can be working out within a few minutes. Sounds easy enough. If that were the case obesity wouldn’t be an issue. Everyone would be in excellent shape. “The truth is some people need to go somewhere to get serious about exercise. Sometimes when things are too convenient, we lose motivation,” explains Vince. This makes sense when we consider why shared office spaces are so popular. Some people need to be outside of the home to be productive. “People who can work out from home are usually great at time management, aren’t distracted, are fully committed and are disciplined,” says Vince. Convenience is clearly both a pro and a con depending on the person.
No more expensive gym fees!
There’s nothing worse than paying for a gym membership that goes unused. Many can relate. Working out from home eliminates these monthly gym payments. This is definitely a pro for many people. “Thanks to mobile technology more and more people are turning to fitness apps and online portals for ‘virtual training.’ When I was creating the many workouts for men and women along with the menu options and recipes, I asked myself what can V Shred offer that would be better than a gym for way less money.” It seems like more and more people are embracing virtual training that also has a nice community feel where people can share their progress in social media groups.
No distractions!
Many people find the gym to be more about socializing than fitness. Many women have to wear earbuds and make it clear through body language that they aren’t interested in being hit on. “The gym is definitely a place where some people see it as a great place to find prospective dates. If you’re into fitness, then the best place to meet someone who is also into fitness would be at the gym. However, I totally empathize with people who want to do their work out without any distraction or awkward interactions,” Vince shares.
Privacy!
Want to bend, grunt and look your absolute worst without any care? Then working out at home is for you. “The majority of guys don’t care about this sort of thing. However, looking cute at the gym is a priority to many women. Aside of their wanting to look good, they also don’t want to be self- conscious as they are on all fours doing leg kicks, on an abductor machine, or grunting while doing that last sumo squat. People who are a bit more private about working out prefer to do it at home.
Kid friendly!
The at-home fitness trend is a favorite to moms who work from home and want to get fit while watching their little ones. “Many moms complain that they could never go to a gym with a baby or toddler. Some gyms offer kiddie care but it’s not the same as putting down a mat with your child right there. It also raises kids with exercise a part of their day right from the start, which is very important,” says Vince.
No machines!
Many people avoid the gym because they feel intimidated by the machines and weights. Some people who train at home choose to add basic equipment such as resistance bands, exercise balls, weight balls, kettlebells, jump rope, and weights. Vince assures people that they can get amazing results with no equipment at all. In fact, one of the things he wanted to offer people through his V Shred workouts were a plethora of equipment-free workout options that use the body as resistance.
“If machines aren’t your thing, then at home high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can work wonders. The key is mixing up different moves and challenging yourself. Getting creative with moves and music can keep things efficient, effective and fun,” says Vince.
For those who prefer zoning out on a treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical, these machines can be bought and added to a home gym if space allows.
Regardless of whether you choose to keep the gym membership or create an at-home routine sticking with it is key. “Either way you really need accountability, especially in the beginning or when you are working towards a specific goal. This was why I decided to offer virtual trainers in the V Shred platform. Mindset is everything when it comes to fitness. It’s important to have a real expert to support you along the way,” Vince says.
About Vince Sant:
Fitness Expert & Co-Founder V Shred
Vince Sant, 25, is the Co-Founder of V Shred, the fastest growing online fitness and nutrition portal in the world. As an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, Former Model Turned Fitness Expert, Instagram Fitness Guru & YouTube Sensation, Vince’s mission is to offer the masses a sustainable and transformative lifestyle-based training program designed to put the fun back into fitness and nutrition.
In 2015, Vince co-founded V Shred along with Nick Daniel, Roger Crandall, Kevin Pearn, who sought out to create a healthy fitness movement specifically designed to deliver profound changes in your body with the minimal amount of workout time.
Vince is responsible for creating some of the world's most popular fitness and nutrition programs such as Fat Loss Extreme and Toned in 90 Days for women and men and Ripped in 90 Days for men.
V Shred is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit http://www.vshred.com
Cryopreservation company, Acorn Biolabs closes $3.3M seed funding and ramps towards consumer launch
The world's first non-invasive home-cell collection service will allow consumers to easily collect live cells for future therapeutic uses.
TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Acorn Biolabs, a biotechnology company focused on delivering an easy, affordable, non-invasive and trusted cell preservation service, today announced it has closed $3.3 million in seed funding from Real Ventures, Globalive Technology, Pool Global Partners and Epic Capital Management and other unnamed partners. Acorn's at-home collection kit will allow consumers to safely and effortlessly collect their own cells by plucking their hair follicles in the comfort of their homes and have them reliably transported for safe preservation and future use.
As people age, their cells deteriorate and experience irreversible damage. As a result, there is a dramatic decline in success rates of using older cells for medical therapies. "In our later years, when we need our cells for regenerative therapies, our cells are the least viable," said Dr. Drew Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO at Acorn Biolabs. "Rapid advancements in the therapeutic use of cells, including the ability to grow human tissue sections, cartilage, artificial skin and stem cells, are already being delivered. Entire heart, liver and kidneys are really just around the corner. The urgency around collecting, preserving and banking youthful cells for future use is real and freezing the clock on your cells will ensure you can leverage them later when you need them."
"Consumers have already begun to widely embrace the idea that you can collect your cells and use them to understand your ancestry and obtain basic health reports," said JS Cournoyer, Co-Founder and Partner, Real Ventures and Co-Founder, Element AI. "With advancements in cell therapies that leverage live cells, consumer understanding of the much larger value that their cells could have will also increase. And, as medical use of cells advances at a breakthrough pace beyond simple ancestry and health reporting, Acorn's service will become inextricably tied to how people think about their future personal healthcare."
Saliva-based mail-in kits leverage less than 1% of the full genome of any human cell – making their use limited to only a small subset of what could really revolutionize healthcare. Acorn's live cell collection solution delivers the opportunity for full 100% genome banking, giving consumers potential access to many more medical insights and therapies that leverage their own cells.
"Until now, any live cell collection solutions have been highly expensive, invasive and often painful, as well as being geographically limited to specialized clinics," said Anthony Lacavera, Founder and Chairman at Globalive. "Acorn is an industry-leading example of how technology can bring real innovation to enable future healthcare solutions that will have meaningful impact on people's wellbeing and longevity, while at the same time - make it easy, affordable and frictionless for everyone."
With this new round of funding, Acorn adds key resources to its team to ramp towards market availability. Jacquie Chapman, an experienced industry veteran joins Acorn as Chief Operating Officer bringing a wealth of experience across business transformation, globalization as well as business strategy from top tier management consulting, marketing and health companies including The Boston Consulting Group, LoyaltyOne and Precision Nutrition; and Sonya Verheyden joins Acorn as Chief Marketing Officer bringing an extensive background across consumer and enterprise technology, telecommunications and mobile through global marketing roles including Rogers Communications, BlackBerry, and Motorola.
The company is currently planning for commercial availability of the consumer home collection and cryopreservation service in Q2 2019. Sign-up for updates at www.acorn.me.
About Acorn Biolabs, Inc. Founded in 2017 by Steven ten Holder, Patrick Pumputis and Dr. Drew Taylor and born out of years of research, Acorn is a biotechnology company based at JLABS in the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Canada - the heart of innovation in medical and bio technology. Acorn is bringing to market the world's first home-based, affordable and non-invasive consumer live cell collection kit and cryopreservation service. Acorn helps you collect and preserve your cells today, so you can leverage them in the future when you need them. Acorn enables consumers to save their cells so they can leverage the promise that cell therapies will deliver in the future to dramatically improve their healthspan. Visit acorn.me
About Real Ventures Real is Canada's most active early stage VC and a driving force behind emerging tech ecosystems. Established in 2007, they have invested in over 200 companies across five funds, with $330M under management. The firm invests throughout the life-cycle of early-stage companies and provides stage-appropriate capital and support for the founders it backs. Real believes that VCs should play a role in accelerating the creation of world-class tech ecosystems by providing support beyond the companies for whom it writes cheques. It's this collaborative mindset that inspires Real to launch initiatives that lay, or build upon, the foundations of rapidly growing tech hubs in Canada, and wherever else the firm may go. realventures.com
About Globalive Technology Globalive Technology is a next generation software company and venture partner that is developing and investing in innovative solutions to disrupt traditional industries using primarily AI, IoT and blockchain technology. The company forms partnerships with leading high growth companies to co-develop artificial intelligence and blockchain technology stacks. It is controlled by Globalive Capital Inc. which has founded and co-founded 12 businesses over the past 20 years with 6 successful exits ranging from $10M to $1.3B USD. It has also made over 100 venture investments and has over 45 technology companies in its portfolio. For more information, visit www.globalivetech.com.
About Pool Global Partners Pool Global Partners is a new emerging manager connecting global growth capital with early stage deep technology. An outcome-focused fund, Pool leverages a broad network of Silicon Valley and Toronto based operators with proven track records in seed-to-scale commercialisation to power the next generation of high growth start-ups.
About Epic Capital Management Epic Capital is one of the most prolific venture capital investors in the Canadian health technology space. Over the last four years, we have invested in 27 companies from coast to coast and helped catalyze over $200 million of investment. Specifically, the firm focuses on companies ready to scale in areas including but not limited to digital health, healthcare IT, artificial intelligence, medical devices, diagnostics and novel healthcare-related service providers. We believe strongly that, when properly resourced, Canadian entrepreneurs can compete and win in health technology on the world stage.
CANADIAN COALITION FOR GENETIC FAIRNESS STATEMENT ON THE QUEBEC COURT OF APPEAL DECISION REGARDING THE GENETIC NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT
(KITCHENER, ON) January 16, 2019 – The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF) was disappointed with the Quebec Court of Appeal view that the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNA) does not constitute a valid exercise of Parliament’s criminal law power. On May 4, 2017, the GNA became law making it a criminal offence for a service provider or anyone entering into a contract with a person to require that person to take or disclose the results of a genetic test or collect use or disclose a person’s genetic test results without written consent.
“People living in Canada should be able to benefit from genetic testing to inform health and life decisions rather than live in fear that their DNA will be used against them by employers, insurers, schools and more,” says Bev Heim-Myers, Chair for the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness. “The Quebec opinion is a step backwards at a time when we should be increasing the protection of our genetic information at federal, provincial and territorial levels. Genetic discrimination is an important issue in Canada and a barrier to science, medicine and the health and well being of people living in Canada. The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act addresses this problem and protects the genetic test information for the benefit of all Canadians. It is important to note that the Quebec Court of Appeal just provided an advisory opinion on the specific questions referred to them, however, this opinion does put the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act at risk. The CCGF is exploring all options as we move forward with our lawyers.”
This historic law, which passed 3rd reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 222 to 60 in May 2017, enabled all people living in Canada the opportunity to make informed life decisions regarding health and reproduction, without fear of genetic discrimination. This legislation also enabled Canada to remain as a leader in genomic research and has already helped to alleviate the fears of Canadians, encouraging participation in genomics research and clinical trials. All Canadians deserve the right to proactively manage their own health and advance medicine without the fear of genetic discrimination. The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act alleviated that fear and removed barriers, by protecting genetic test information.
– 30 –
The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CCGF/CCEG) is a coalition of organizations dedicated to preventing genetic discrimination for all Canadians. The Coalition is deeply concerned about discrimination against individuals based on their genetic make-up. We are united to educate Canadians about genetic discrimination and to influence governments both federal and provincial, and other relevant organizations to create change. CCGF/CCEG currently represents 18 hereditary genetic diseases in Canada.
Members of CCGF/CCEG are:
ALS Society of Canada Alzheimer Society of Canada
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CORD
The Foundation Fighting Blindness Huntington Society of Canada
Kidney Foundation of Canada Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Osteoporosis Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada Parkinson Society of Canada
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics
Canadian PKU & Allied Disorders Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance Individual Members
The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act prohibits any person from requiring an individual to undergo a genetic test or disclose the results of a genetic test as a condition of providing goods or services to, entering into or continuing a contract or agreement with, or offering specific conditions in a contract or agreement with, the individual. Exceptions are provided for health care practitioners and researchers. The enactment provides individuals with other protections related to genetic testing and test results.
The act amends the Canada Labour Code to protect employees from being required to undergo or to disclose the results of a genetic test, and provides employees with other protections related to genetic testing and test results. It also amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the ground of genetic charac
Urban Libraries Take a Leading Stance to Advance Equitable Data Governance and Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The Urban Libraries Council launches initiative to expand the role of North American public libraries in promoting democratic digital citizenship and educating communities about artificial intelligence.
WASHINGTON — Artificial intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary force in the modern world. The transformative power of this new technology has already been seen, and is expanding at a rapid rate, across nearly all areas of 21st-century public life – including education, employment and civic engagement. While AI promises to enhance our communities in remarkable ways, it also poses significant threats to the prosperity, privacy and security of individuals who do not understand these new technologies and their data rights.
The Urban Libraries Council has launched a new initiative to empower North American public libraries to stand at the forefront of the movement for an equitable and inclusive future for the storage, privacy and application of data as AI technology becomes more ubiquitous. This initiative began with a working group meeting held January 9-10 that convened library leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to discuss opportunities for libraries to collaborate in order to get ahead of the potential risks presented by AI and to maximize the technology’s potential for public good.
The working group session included top-level leaders from:
Anythink Libraries (Colo.)
Baltimore County Public Library (Md.)
Boston Public Library (Mass.)
Broward County Libraries (Fla.)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Pa.)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (N.C.)
Chicago Public Library (Ill.)
DC Public Library (D.C.)
King County Library System (Wash.)
Los Angeles Public Library (Calif.)
Milwaukee Public Library (Wis.)
Roanoke County Public Library (Va.)
Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Ohio)
Toronto Public Library (Ontario)
Participants in the working group meeting were also joined by Paul Kihn, Washington D.C.’s Acting Deputy Mayor for Education. Kihn offered a perspective on how public libraries can serve as valuable partners in advancing informed digital citizenship in cities and counties, and how they can serve as models for equitable public data policy and processes to their local government partners.
Following this initial meeting, ULC and its members will work together to develop AI definitions, terminology and frameworks to best position libraries as trusted public institutions for equitable access to AI information and education. ULC will also develop new tools, educational programming and research to share best practices and insights generated from this initiative with library field leaders.
“As our digital footprints become increasingly intertwined with the pursuits of our dreams, we face enormous challenges to social equity brought on by careless or biased handling of public data,” said ULC President and CEO Susan Benton. “As beacons of trust, innovation and information, public libraries are perfectly positioned to lead this work and to establish blueprints for how AI can augment our futures without sacrificing our core democratic values.”
About the Urban Libraries Council
The Urban Libraries Council, founded in 1971, is the voice for public libraries and the force that inspires them to evolve. ULC creates the tools, techniques and ideas to make ongoing improvements and upgrades in services and technology. ULC also speaks loudly and clearly about the value public libraries bring to communities, and secures funding for research that results in the development of new programs and services. And by serving as a forum for library leadership, ULC produces innovative ideas and best practices that ensure community impact.
How Health Coaching & Support from Novus Health Is Preventing Disability in the Workplace
TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Novus Health, a leader in health navigation, provides organizations the tools to help individuals and their loved ones live healthier lives. The innovative programs from Novus Health tackle some of the most pressing health challenges that people face so that they are empowered to improve their health and well-being.
Disability is a key concern for many employers. Whether temporary or permanent, disability can become quite costly—not only for employers, but also for affected individuals and the family members who rely on them. Being able to work has many positive effects on a person: it creates a social network, a feeling of accomplishment and purpose, and generally keeps people active and engaged in their lives.
Novus Health understands the critical importance of early intervention in preventing disability. That is why they created a Health Coaching & Support program (Stay Healthy at Work™) to address health concerns and common conditions before they lead to extended absences and disability claims.
The result? A healthier population, with higher productivity and lower costs for organizations. With this program, organizations can provide their employees, members, and customers the tools to take charge of their everyday health goals, commit to meaningful and sustainable changes that work for them, and live healthier and more productive lives—both at home and in the workplace.
Here's How the Health Coaching & Support Program Helps
The Health Coaching & Support program is an end-to-end solution that helps individuals tackle potential health challenges before they lead to disability. An integral part of our health navigation solution, the program can work alongside other health management programs and support services - but aims to keep individuals on top of their health concerns and enact positive change before access to other programs is even required.
To get started with the program, individuals can follow a simple step-by-step process. First, those with access to the Novus Health Navigation Platform can fill out an online self-assessment questionnaire, which will generate a personalized report about their health risks. Eligible individuals then have the opportunity to:
Receive one-on-one health coaching support via phone or email
Develop health improvement strategies and personalized action plans
Better understand their health issues and evaluate their treatment options
Depending on their needs, they also have access to a multidisciplinary team of experts to assist in achieving their health goals, such as psychologists, dieticians, and social workers.
Through the program's positive reinforcement and ongoing coaching support, Novus Health has helped a diverse range of individuals to tackle their health challenges and regain their livelihood. From managing chronic pain, to creating new pathways for handling stress and anxiety, to reducing alcohol consumption, the Health Coaching & Support program puts the power for positive change in one's own hands.
With Novus Health's suite of products, organizations can lead the way to a healthier and more productive population.
About Novus HealthNovus Health is a leader in health navigation. We deliver personalized support, reputable information, and health-related services in one single destination, using technology to help individuals make informed health decisions. In doing so, we create value for our partners while improving their members' and customers' health and well-being.
SOURCE Novus Health
Beleave Receives Health Canada Authorization to Sell Cannabis Oils
TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Beleave Inc. (CSE: BE) (OTCQX: BLEVF) ("Beleave" or the "Company") is excited to announce its wholly-owned subsidiary Beleave Kannabis Corp. has been authorized by Health Canada to sell cannabis oil products effective January 11, 2019. After reviewing the application and supporting documentation, Health Canada granted an amended licence with modified conditions allowing for the sale of cannabis oil under the Cannabis Regulations.
"This license is pivotal to us meeting our goals in 2019, while driving product innovation and augmenting our research and development initiatives," said Roger Ferreira, Ph.D., Beleave's Chief Science Officer. "Oils will continue to make up a larger part of the cannabis market, especially as we ramp up for the regulatory changes coming in 2019. Receiving our sales authorization allows us to provide a wider array of products while providing Beleave with higher margins than dried flower."
ABOUT BELEAVE INC.
Beleave is a vertically-integrated Canadian cannabis company headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, that cultivates high-quality cannabis flower, oil and extracts.
Fully-licenced to cultivate and sell medical and recreational cannabis, Beleave is leading the way through research partnerships with universities to bridge the gap between science and tradition and to develop pharma-grade extracts and derivatives. Beleave has developed new product lines, including cannabis-infused powder and sugar products for 2019 as the recreational market is expected to allow for food and beverage-based cannabis products.
Beleave has also developed a network of medical cannabis clinics in Ontario and Quebec under the Medi-Green banner. Through its majority ownership of Procannmed S.A.S., Beleave is fully licensed to cultivate, produce, extract and distribute medical cannabis in Colombia to capitalize on exports and the expanding Latin American market. In a strategic initiative to penetrate the European medical market, the Company has partnered with Canymed GmbH to supply the German market with medical cannabis.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "plan", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur are intended to identify forward-looking information. These statements are only predictions. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. This information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.
SOURCE Beleave Inc.
CFHI expanding access to innovative palliative approach that will improve end-of-life care
OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) today announced that it is working with seven organizations across five provinces and one territory to spread Embedding Palliative Approaches to Care (EPAC). EPAC is a proven innovation that helps staff in long term care identify residents who could benefit from a palliative approach to care, have conversations with them and their families about what they want, and develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
Palliative care improves the quality of life for people with life threatening conditions and their families, helping to manage their pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues, make informed decisions about aggressive treatments, and helping them to die in their place of choice.
Teams announced: CFHI will provide funding to support the following organizations to spread the approach to 22 homes in this initial expansion.
Yukon Health and Social Services
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research (ICCER), Alberta
Parkwood Seniors Community, Waterloo, Ontario
Haliburton Highlands Health Services, Haliburton, Ontario
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec, Quebec
New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes
Western Health, Newfoundland and Labrador
Using a train-the-trainer approach, this model will then be spread throughout regions where participating organizations have regional responsibilities.
EPAC was developed by a team at Vancouver Coastal Health in British Columbia and implemented in 48 long term care homes. From April 2014-March 2018 the program resulted in a 56 percent decrease in emergency department transfers, and a 45 percent reduction in number of days residents spent in acute care in the last 3 months of their life. In 2017, CFHI identified it as an innovation ready for scale as part of its Call for Innovations in Palliative and End-of-Life care.
The EPAC approach supports healthcare teams in long term care to:
identify those residents who would benefit from a palliative approach to care,
discuss goals for care with the resident / substitute decision maker, and
develop and implement a comprehensive care plan that is unique to the needs and wishes of each resident.
Offering a common, consistent approach to supporting residents who are near the end-of-life creates opportunities – and provides permission – for death and dying to be openly discussed, normalized and supported.
The EPAC collaboration will run until November 2019. This program is part of ongoing efforts at CFHI to work with partners across Canada to improve care and ensure it responds to the needs of patients and families.
Quick facts
86 percent of Canadians believe palliative care should be provided at home as much as possible.
Of Canadians who have a preference, 75 percent would prefer to die in their home. For residents in long term care, this is their home.
Few Canadians (15 percent) have early access to palliative home care.
62 percent of Canadians who received palliative care did so in an acute care hospital and mostly in their last month of life.
Quotes "Being able to discuss goals of care and have those wishes respected is important to Canadians who face life-threatening illness," said Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO of CFHI. "That's why we're excited to partner with long term care teams in five provinces and Yukon to spread a proven approach for ensuring that care plans reflect the unique needs of each resident."
"Earlier conversations about end-of-life are crucial to ensure people's wishes are known and respected. Typically these conversations are held during a healthcare crisis when emotions run high. These conversations often focus on goals of treatment rather than wishes, values, hopes and fears. Very often we wait for a healthcare condition to indicate that death is near," said Jane Webley, Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Program Leader for End of Life Care and the program's innovator. "However, by this stage, many people have lost the ability to communicate their wishes and family members are faced with a huge burden to decide what they should do. Earlier conversations about things that matter provide permission for collaborative planning and saying goodbye in a meaningful way, creating lasting memories. I call this the 'Gift of Time' that we, as healthcare providers, can offer residents and the people that are important to them."
"Palliative care is a crucial part of our health care system, providing much-needed support to individuals with life-threatening illnesses and to their families at one of the most difficult times of their lives," said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. "I am pleased to see the expansion of successful projects like this, as they align with priorities identified in the recently released Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. Together we can help more Canadians with life-limiting illnesses who wish to remain independent and receive the care they need at home or in their community."
About the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement works shoulder-to-shoulder with partners to identify proven innovations and accelerate their spread across Canada to improve patient care, the health of Canadians and value-for-money. CFHI is a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. Visit cfhi-fcass.ca for more information.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
SOURCE Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement
Valeo Pharma and Zambon announce the approval of Onstryv® (safinamide) for Canada
Valeo Pharma and Zambon previously announced a partnership which grants Valeo Pharma exclusive Canadian rights to commercialize safinamide (known as Onstryv® in Canada and Xadago® in the rest of the world.)
New treatment option for estimated 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's Disease
Safinamide has been launched in 13 European countries, Switzerland and the U.S.A, and has recently been approved in Australia.
MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Zambon S.p.A., an international pharmaceutical company strongly committed to the central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic area, and Valeo Pharma Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to commercializing innovative prescription products in Canada, today announce the approval of Onstryv® (safinamide) for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease in Canada.
Under the terms of the agreement with Zambon, Valeo Pharma is responsible for all regulatory, quality, sales and marketing, and distribution activities in Canada.
"There is a growing need for new treatments to manage Parkinson's Disease and Onstryv® provides an important option for patients that require better control of their symptoms. We look forward to launching the first new oral treatment for Parkinson's Disease in over a decade to Canadian patients in need of a new therapeutic choice" said Steve Saviuk, Chief Executive Officer of Valeo.
Valeo Pharma expects the Canadian launch of safinamide to occur during the first half of 2019.
Roberto Tascione, CEO of Zambon said "The approval of safinamide in Canada is a step forward for patients who need new treatment options for Parkinson's Disease. Our mission is to make this medication available to as many PD patients worldwide as possible."
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disease involving the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. While tremors are the best known symptom, Parkinson's Disease also causes slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, and speech and writing difficulties. An estimated 100,000 Canadians are affected, and the number of patients is expected to grow significantly over the next thirty years as the population continues to age.
About safinamide Safinamide (known as Onstryv® in Canada and Xadago® in the rest of the world) is a new chemical entity with a mode of action including selective and reversible MAO-B-inhibition. Clinical trials have established its efficacy in controlling motor symptoms and motor complications in the short term, and data suggest this effect is maintained over 2 years. Results from 24 month double-blind controlled studies suggest that safinamide shows effects on motor fluctuations (ON/OFF time) without increasing the risk of developing troublesome dyskinesia. Safinamide is a once-daily dose and has no diet restrictions due to its high MAO-B/MAO-A selectivity. Zambon acquired rights from Newron Pharmaceuticals (www.newron.com) to develop and commercialize Xadago® globally, excluding Japan and other key Asian territories where Meiji Seika has the rights to develop and commercialize safinamide. The rights to develop and commercialize Xadago® in the USA have been granted to US WorldMeds, by Zambon.
References: Two-year, randomized, controlled study of safinamide as add-on to levodopa in mid to late Parkinson's Disease. Borgohain, Rupam; Szasz, Jozsef; Stanzione, Paolo; Meshram, Chandrashekhar; Bhatt, Mohit H et al. (2014) Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society vol. 29 (10) p. 1273-80. Anand R: Safinamide is associated with clinically important improvement in motor symptoms in fluctuating PD patients as add-on to levodopa (SETTLE). 17th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Sydney, Australia, June 16-20, 2013.
About Valeo Pharma Valeo Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the commercialization of innovative prescription products in Canada. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, woman's health, and oncology and supportive care, Valeo Pharma has a growing portfolio of innovative products and a platform to properly manage these products through all stages of commercialization. Headquartered in Kirkland, Quebec, Valeo Pharma has all capabilities internally to register and market health care solutions for Canadian patients. For more information, please visit www.valeopharma.com
About Zambon Zambon is a multinational pharmaceutical and fine-chemical company that focuses on innovation and development with the aim to improve the quality of people's health and patients' lives. Based on a valuable heritage but strongly focused on the future, its goal is to improve people's health through the development of innovative and quality medicines. Zambon products are commercialized in 86 countries. The company has 20 subsidiaries in three different Continents – Europe, America and Asia – and owns manufacturing units in Italy, Switzerland, France, China and Brazil. The company today has a strong focus on the treatment of rare diseases and specialties, such as Parkinson's disease and Cystic Fibrosis, and it's well-established in 3 therapeutic areas: respiratory, pain and women's care. Zambon was established in 1906 in Italy and today counts around 2,700 employees all over the world. For details on Zambon please visit www.zambon.com
SOURCE Valeo Pharma inc.
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