Author: trainitright

ProMIS Neurosciences Issues Year-to Date Update, Highlighting 2018 Accomplishments

 

Development of therapeutic antibodies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ALS are top priorities for drug development and potential partnering

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Nov. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN); (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today issued a narrated year-to-date overview and outlook on priorities for advancing its antibody programs targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The presentation is available on the company website at https://bit.ly/2Ts1pk2

In this presentation, Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS President and CEO, discusses progress to date and priorities for future development.

Based on results of prior clinical trials targeting amyloid beta in AD and years of scientific research, there is a growing body of evidence that the optimum profile for a successful disease modifying therapy should be to selectively target the toxic, low molecular weight oligomers of amyloid beta.

Results of preclinical studies announced earlier this year clearly showed that PMN310, our lead therapeutic antibody for AD, selectively targets human toxic oligomers from AD patients.

"In our planned first clinical trial we look forward to evaluating this 'best in class' product profile with an innovative clinical trial design using emerging biomarkers that may indicate early signs of efficacy. Our goal is to generate initial clinical results by end of 2020", stated Dr. Goldstein.

Over the course of the year, ProMIS has made considerable progress in expanding its portfolio of opportunities across multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Using its unique discovery platform, ProMIS is developing and validating therapeutic antibodies for Parkinson's disease, targeting toxic oligomers of alpha-synuclein. Therapeutic antibodies are also under development for ALS, selectively targeting toxic aggregates of Tar-DNA binding protein (TDP43).  ProMIS also recently announced discovery of novel therapeutic targets on tau protein implicated in the development of AD and other dementias.

"Based on interactions with potential pharmaceutical partners, we believe our proprietary discovery platform and the resulting expanded portfolio offer real partnering opportunities.  Antibody therapeutics targeting toxic forms of tau, TDP43 and, especially alpha-synuclein, are high on the list of partnering objectives for many companies in the field. We are actively pursuing partnering discussions for our developing portfolio as we continue to generate data in support of these programs", stated Dr. Goldstein.

Both the narrated overview and related transcript can be accessed directly on the ProMIS Neurosciences website, or at https://bit.ly/2Ts1pk2

About ProMIS Neurosciences

ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform -ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates - to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision medicine approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD.  ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

For further information about ProMIS Neurosciences, please consult the Company's website at:  www.promisneurosciences.com

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The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

The Toxic Parents Survival Guide: Recognizing, Understanding, And Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships

Bryn Collins, MA, LP - Author of Emotional Unavailability

For the people who have endured nightmares or wastelands when it comes to their parental relationships, this book will explore tools allowing you to break the chains that hold you stuck in the mess you didn't create but have had to live with.

Eagan, MN, November 19, 2018 — It's your first relationship, and in many ways the most important one. The relationship we have with our parents should be a nurturing and loving bond, yet for many people it is a source of frustration, puzzlement, confusion, anger, attraction, and rejection interspersed with joy. They last with us our entire lives, even after they no longer live. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide: Recognizing, Understanding, and Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships (HCI-ISBN-9780757321047 - $15.95) is for those who need some different ways to deal with our parent's dysfunctions so that they don't suffer and don't pass along emotional unavailability to the next generation.

Psychologist Bryn Collins explores complicated relationships with emotionally unavailable parents. Whether they were unavailable because of addiction, mental illness, being overly controlling or an iceberg, this imminently practical book willhelp validate your frustration and emotional struggles, help you set clear boundaries, and teach you how to un-mesh yourself and move forward to a place of strength and peace without guilt. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide uses case studies, quizzes, and jargon-free concepts, and Collins profiles the most common types of toxic parents and offers the tactics and tools needed to change and break free of these painful associations.

People who are emotionally unavailable are unwilling or unable to invest emotions in a relationship. This takes many forms. At its core, emotional unavailability is the inability of one person to connect with another in an emotional, appropriate way. Instead, the relationship is unstable, unmanageable, mysterious, and often unfulfilling. Like any skill, emotions have a language.

The Toxic Parents Survival Guide helps those in need to discover:

• How Emotional Location can enable you to stay in the Positive Solver space and bring your toxic parent there to actually solve problems.

• Specific actions to change the family dynamic.

• True stories from others that will validate your struggle and help you find peace.

• How to set clear boundaries and keep them in the face of challenges.

• The keys to a balanced relationship with toxic parents.

• How to distance or remove yourself from a relationship if necessary.

About the Author:

Bryn Collins, MA, LP, is a psychologist and author of Emotional Unavailability. In addition to her writing, she has a busy counseling practice in Eagan, Minnesota, where she sees adolescent and adult clients who are dealing with relationship issues. She is also an entertaining speaker on the issue of relationships. Bryn has been married to Rod Collins for almost thirty years.

Available wherever books are sold or to order from the publisher,
contact: (800) 441- 5569 or www.hcibooks.com
The Toxic Parents Survival Guide Recognizing, Understanding, and Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships
$15.95 – October 2018
ISBN-9780757321047

###

Author Interview:

1. Why should a quirky parent be a problem for an adult child? You don't live with them and can just ignore the quirks. Quirks can be ignored until they get in the way of the relationship in one way or another. These parents are also the grandparents of your children and the parents of your siblings. Unless you are completely estranged from them, you will have ongoing interactions which will be tainted by the exaggerated quirks.

2. In the book you say some people don't recognize their own or other's emotions. Why is this important? Emotions are an essential part of relationships. People who are disconnected from their own or other's emotions are likely to have difficult or unconnected relationships that can be harmful or even destructive.

3. What is Emotional Location? Emotional Location is a way of looking at interpersonal relationships. Unfortunately, four of the five locations are dysfunctional. The objective of emotional location is to help everyone meet in the Solver location where problems are identified and solutions are sought.

4. At what point does a relationship with a parent become toxic? If a person's relationship with a parent causes physical or emotional harm, it is toxic. Parents who use drugs or alcohol, who are physically or sexually abusive, who are verbally demeaning or ignore even the most basic boundaries are toxic.

5. Should you always terminate a relationship with a toxic parent? Terminating or at least limiting a relationship with a toxic parent is certainly an option but not always realistic. Try to make contact as limited as possible and terminate if you can.

Merck Canada reaffirms its commitment to CQDM with a $3.5M contribution to sustain innovation in life sciences

 

MONTREAL, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - CQDM is delighted to announce that Merck Canada, a founding member of the consortium, is renewing its commitment with a $3.5M contribution to support the development of disruptive technologies in biopharmaceutical research in Quebec and Canada. The research and development projects funded as part of this initiative will be selected through the CQDM Quantum Leap and SynergiQc biopharmaceutical funding programs.

Aligned with the province's Life Sciences Strategy unveiled in May 2017, the two organizations are strengthening their ongoing commitment to health care innovation and research in Quebec through this partnership. With this renewed investment, Merck Canada's overall contribution to CQDM will now total $9.5M.

"As a founding member of the CQDM, Merck Canada is proud to have contributed to Quebec's dynamic life sciences ecosystem by partnering with CQDM throughout the last 10 years," said Anna Van Acker, President and Managing Director of Merck Canada Inc. "We believe that a vibrant economy starts with innovation, and today's investment is yet another example of the modern R&D model we are pursuing in Canada."

"Stepping up investment in innovative technology is a top priority for the government. Merck's contribution to biopharmaceutical research in Québec and its strong commitment to CQDM attests to the vitality of this industry, which generates a wealth of economic benefits. We firmly intend to continue supporting growth in this sector in order to promote the development of better treatments and ensure Québec remains a world leader," explained the Honourable Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region.

"What a nice way to celebrate our 10th anniversary," said Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM. "Merck Canada's engagement into CQDM has been key to our success. In addition to its very significant financial contribution over the last 10 years, Merck has provided extremely valuable expertise through the contribution of 32 mentors who have worked closely with the CQDM funded investigators. We are looking forward to pursue our long-lasting collaboration with Merck Canada for the benefit of all industry stakeholders."

Since 2008, CQDM and its partners have supported the development of 64 outstanding innovative technologies through investments totaling $68M. These R&D projects, carried out by 1,200 scientists from 69 different research institutions (38 public and 31 private) across Canada, have generated numerous economic benefits for all stakeholders in the life science ecosystem. Projects have resulted in the development of 500 new products, services and research tools, including 130 therapeutic products or drugs currently under development. Technologies derived from CQDM-supported projects have contributed to the launch of six start-up companies, the expansion of more than 40 SMEs and the establishment of a foreign company in Quebec. In addition, the ripple effect of CQDM funding has led to R&D investments from other sources in the order of $194M.

About Merck in Canada
For over a century, Merck has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Merck is a leading global biopharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, including biosimilars, and animal health products. In Canada, Merck is a leader in a broad range of areas such as oncology, infectious diseases, diabetes, and vaccines, and markets more than 250 pharmaceutical and animal health products. Based in Montréal, Québec, Merck employs approximately 783 people across Canada. Merck is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $35.2 million in 2016 and more than $1 billion since 2000. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit http://www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.

About CQDM
CQDM is a biopharma-based research consortium created in 2008 with the mission to fund the development of innovative technologies to accelerate the drug discovery and development. Its business model is based on a collaborative approach bringing together world-leading pharmaceutical organizations, Canadian biotech companies as well as the Canadian and Quebec governments who share the costs of the research. CQDM uses this leverage to reduce the risks inherent to early-stage biopharmaceutical research. In doing so, CQDM bridges the funding gap needed to drive innovation across the academic and private sectors, especially where early-stage research is concerned. Over the last 10 years, CQDM has benefited from the contribution of 13 industrial members: that includes Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca as founding members as well as Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly Canada, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis Pharma Canada, Roche, Sanofi Canada, Servier, Takeda and now Amgen. CQDM also received contributions from Quebec's Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) and from the Government of Canada under the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence Program (BL-NCE). Since 2008, CQDM has supported the development of 64 outstanding innovative technologies totaling $68 M in funding. These R&D projects carried out by 1,200 scientists from 69 different research institutions (38 public and 31 private) across Canada, have generated numerous economic benefits for all the stakeholders of the life science ecosystem. For more information: http://www.cqdm.org/en.

 

SOURCE Merck

Nano-Care: Invisible Self-disinfection: "Wipe-on Glass" Enables Permanent Hygiene and Protection From Infection Through Creation of Antimicrobial Surfaces

 

SAARWELLINGEN, Germany, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - The spin-off from the Leibniz-Institute for New Materials (INM) in Saarbrücken, Nano-Care Deutschland AG launches the third generation of ultra-thin coatings: "wipe-on glass" provides any kind of hard surface with a self-disinfecting performance for a period of several months, to several years.

Simply by wiping onto the surface, this robust and effective barrier against hospital germs MRSA), odour-causing bacteria, mold, fungi and yeast provides protection against the most substantial problem the 21st century faces: pathogen microorganisms.

- Cross reference: Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) and https://www.presseportal.de/en/bilder -

Nano-Care's self-disinfecting, "wipe-on glass" transforms any kind of substrate into an interception point for pathogen microorganisms with anti-microbial effect: After curing, the surface is slightly rough on the microscopic scale, thus destroying the cell wall of the colonizing microorganism - without leaving any visible or touchable (haptic) traces.

Key point: Wipe application needs no training and is easily achieved by the consumer. "Besides medical application which requires intensive examination we focus on use in everyday life," states Oliver Sonntag, CEO of Nano-Care AG. Everything touched by hand in daily life, constitutes a potential source of infection. "We expect a broad take-up of application on items such as smartphones, touchscreens, keyboards, the computer mouse, steering wheels, door pulls, toilet lids, in wet rooms, on fitness products, shoes or hand rails."

Additionally, critical areas such as public toilets, motorway service areas, gambling machines, fitness studios, saunas and swimming pools are vital areas of application for the product.

"Following the development of invisible non-stick coatings such as 9H ceramic coatings and self-cleaning or superhydrophobic coatings, self-disinfecting coatings constitute the logical and consequential next step, heralding a new era of invisible coatings," says Sonntag.

Company facts: Following the spin-off from the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) in 2000, Nano-Care Deutschland AG developed transparent surface coatings (known as nano or ceramic coatings) as an alternative to PTFE and fluorocarbons. Whilst early years focused on supplying own-brand Private Label customers (virtual manufacturers), internationalization of the brand is proceeding with distribution partners in more than 70 countries. The strategy of reactive innovation pursued from 2016 to 2018 has enabled Nano-Care to become a system supplier to large-scale companies in the textile, automobile and mechanical engineering industries.

http://www.liquidguard.de
http://www.nano-care.com
http://www.9H-ceramic.com

SOURCE Nano-Care Deutschland AG

November 20th is Bereavement Day in Canada

 

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - November 20, 2018, will mark the second annual National Bereavement Day in Canada. On this day, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) invites all Canadians to reflect on the importance of relationships past and present, to think about those who have passed away from our lives, and to help advocate for support at the provincial and national levels for grieving Canadians.

"Grief and Bereavement is a part of life," and CHPCA is challenging Canadians to share their stories and to talk about grief and bereavement and with their friends, families, and co-workers.

"An estimated 279,936 Canadian will die in 2018, and for every one person who has died there are, on average, 5 or more loved ones who live on," says Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of CHPCA. "We all experience and handle grief and bereavement differently, and this reality has created the need to clarify what resources are available to Canadians dealing with the ends of one's life. This includes ensuring information and resources on hospice palliative care and advance care planning are accessible to all Canadians; that resources are provided to those who need them in a timely fashion and in the setting of their choice, and that resources meet their care needs. It's time to talk about grief and bereavement in Canada".

Why is this important?

As a society, we are so focused on prolonging life and curing illness that very little thought is given to what happens to us during our journey at the ends of one's life and to those we leave behind. Improving the process also means allowing caregivers and family members who have lost a loved one the time to grieve, to remember, and to heal.

Toward this effort, the CHPCA is the leading national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. CHPCA believes that it is essential for Canadians to understand that grief and bereavement support is for those who are grieving before, during, and after the course of a loved one's journey. CHPCA encourages Canadians to start early with advance care planning; that is, reflecting on and discussing their wishes with the people closest to them. Moreover, caregivers, families, and friends need more help to prepare to say goodbye and to live well while grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Grief and bereavement support is an essential element of all care at the ends of one's life. On this second annual Bereavement Day in Canada, CHPCA encourages Canadians to engage all levels of government and all sectors of Canadian society in a national dialogue, to identify and address the necessary resources for those living with grief and bereavement.

It's time to talk about grief and bereavement being a part of life in the lives of all Canadians.

 

SOURCE Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

YOUR NO EXCUSE GUIDE TO STAYING FIT WHILE FLYING AND TONED WHEN TRAVELING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

www.vshred.com

Many fitness enthusiasts find it difficult to follow their normal exercise plan while traveling to see family or friends for the winter holidays.  Unfamiliar environments, tightly-packed family living conditions, or lack of exercise equipment may hamper even a fitness fanatic’s best intentions for staying fit while traveling this holiday season. Alex Vitale is a V Shred Lead Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness and a graduate of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute. When planning your December holiday trip, he offers the following tips for putting together an exercise program that travels with you.

“If you've worked hard to establish a good fitness routine, traveling for the holidays doesn't have to mean your healthy habits will be derailed, says Alex. He adds, “You can keep your momentum and endorphins flowing and maintain your fitness level when traveling.”

 

HOW CAN THIS BE DONE?

 

Stay Hydrated. “Drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Airport food, sitting on a plane, jet lag - all contribute to bloat. The best way to fight it is to stay hydrated,” says Alex Vital of V Shred.

Lift from your knees, not your back. Be aware of your posture as you carry your bags.  Use good body mechanics when you lift your suitcases up to the check-in counter.

Eat three meals a day- Even though you've left behind your daily routine, try to eat three meals a day, maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you're going to eat a high-fat meal, eat a smaller portion, or order an appetizer instead of a main course. Split desserts with a friend.

Rest. If your schedule is shot and you're not sleeping enough at night, take cat naps whenever you get the chance.  Stretch in the morning and evening, especially if you've been sitting all day. If you will be drinking alcohol, drink a lot of water between events.

Pack snacks: bananas and apples, yogurt, protein bars. You can make meal replacement shakes in your hotel room. You don't need a blender, just a container with a tight-fitting lid, large enough to shake the contents.

 

Find out if your gym reciprocates its membership with a gym where you'll be traveling, log onto the International Physical Fitness Association's Web site, http://www.ipfa.us/, or ask at your home health club before you leave town. Alex Vital says that “Three to five days off from a strength routine can give your muscles a rest. But you wouldn't want to go a week or more without serious exercise and a short respite for your biceps doesn't mean you should ever let your cardio workout go.”

Become a member of an online fitness platform

Vshred.com guides users to the very best program for their
body type and fitness goals while giving them some amazing tips they can use
that day in a video and then offers them a program that's perfect for them if
they don't want to do it themselves.

 

Take the V Shred Quiz Here.

 

Pack a jump rope for a go-anywhere aerobic session. Invest in "travel weights" -inflatable weights that can be filled with water or sand when training, folded and stored while on the road.

Plan active recreation during vacations -check out the local golf course, riding stable, and so on.

When sightseeing, forget the tour bus and walk. You'll not only see more, but you'll be sneaking in some extra activity.

 

Bring portable fitness.

For more fitness options, place in your luggage a Resist-A-Tube or any of the home exercise tubing, a stability ball, jump rope or exercise video. ''If you like classes, make your own class in your room,'' offers Alex Vital

 

If you work with a personal trainer, ask him or her to design an exercise plan before you leave town. When you're sitting on a plane or in a hotel room, take deep breaths occasionally, tighten your stomach muscles, then relax. Travelers need to periodically flex and stretch the hamstrings and hip flexors, the muscle at the upper part of the leg that connects into the pelvis.

For women who spend the day in high heels, a walk around the room toe-up, heel-down will stretch the calf muscles. Or, do toe raises by putting the heels on the floor and stepping up onto a telephone book. “Men often complain of being cramped when traveling,” states Vital. “They need to stretch their lower back and legs.” He recommends the cat stretch. Get up on your hands and knees, arch your back for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat.

Alex Vital points out that the more comfortable you are with operating fitness machinery at your home gym, the easier it will be to set up unfamiliar equipment when you're on the road.

FIT FLYING

Air travel may be fast and convenient, but for many of us, it can be uncomfortable and restrictive due to cramped cabins and sardine-like seating. The following tips can help you make the most of your next airplane trip by helping you stay flexible and fit while you fly.

 

-           DEEP BREATHING is an instant-relaxer and can be done anywhere at any time. Try taking 4-5 deep, cleansing breaths several times during your flight.

-           RELAX YOUR SHOULDERS by bending forward slightly, hands on knees and "rolling" your shoulders in a circular motion 5 or 6 times. Repeat the "roll" in the opposite direction, then finish up by "shrugging" your shoulders up and down 5 times.

-           RELAX YOUR BACK by reaching overhead, holding elbows, and bending side to side. Repeat 5 times in each direction.

-           STRETCH YOUR LEGS by alternately lifting your knees toward your chest and bringing your body toward your knee to the count of eight.

-           RELEASE YOUR FEET by "drawing" the alphabet with one foot then the other.

 

About Alex Vital:

He is a V Shred Lead Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness and a graduate of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute, a global leader in applied exercise science education. Alex’s mission as a personal trainer is to, not only help people to get in shape, but also to take more control over their lives and up-level to the best version of themselves possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enstilar® is now covered by the New Brunswick Drug Plan for Adults with Psoriasis Vulgaris

 

THORNHILL, ON, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - LEO Pharma Canada has announced that as of November 8th, 2018, Enstilar® has been added as a Regular Benefit through the New Brunswick Drug Plan.

Enstilar® (calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate) is a spray foam for once-daily topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder. It can occur as single lesions at predisposed sites (e.g., knees, elbows) or as a generalized disease across wider areas of the body, causing pain, disfigurement and disability.1,2  Although it is typically seen in adults, it can develop at any age with equal distribution between men and women.1

"Enstilar® foam is an effective topical treatment. The great news is that Enstilar® foam is covered by the New Brunswick Drug Plan, open to every New Brunswick patient in need of a treatment." said Dr. Irina Turchin, a board-certified dermatologist in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Psoriasis vulgaris affects approximately 1 million Canadians which equates to about 3% of the entire Canadian population.1,3

"This new format to apply a topical treatment should help with adherence for patients. We are looking forward to seeing Enstilar® available to all patients across Canada," said Kathryn Andrews-Clay, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients.

Enstilar® already received Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) approval on June 1st 2017, Saskatchewan (SK) on January 1st 2018, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) on October 15th 2018 and Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) on October 31st 2018.

Kristian Fick, President of LEO Pharma Canada, says, "Today marks a special day for those living with psoriasis in New Brunswick. At LEO Pharma our mission is to help people achieve healthy skin. We commend the New Brunswick Drug Plan for adding Enstilar® to the Formulary, and bringing us one step closer to achieving this mission. LEO is looking forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with psoriasis have access to Enstilar®."

About Enstilar®

Enstilar® is an aerosol spray foam containing calcipotriol monohydrate 50 mcg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g. It is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults for up to 4 weeks. On average, 120 g (2 cans x 60 g) of Enstilar® is used for the once-daily treatment of psoriasis for up to 4 weeks.4-7  Enstilar® has been available to Canadian patients since November 2016 and currently, it is estimated that 50,000 Canadian patients have been prescribed Enstilar®.

About LEO Pharma A/S

LEO Pharma helps people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 130 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, the healthcare company headquartered in Denmark has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions. In 2017 LEO Pharma employed around 5,200 people worldwide. Helping patients for more than 30 years in Canada, LEO Pharma Canada is a division of LEO Pharma A/S. To learn more about LEO Pharma's products and commitment to dermatology care in Canada, visit: www.leo-pharma.ca.

References:

1 Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Retrieved October 18, 2018
2 National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: GuidancePsoriasis: Assessment and Management of Psoriasis. London: Royal College of
Physicians (UK); 2012
3 Statistics Canada. Population. Available at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/12-581-x/2018000/pop-eng.htm. Retrieved October 23, 2018
4 Enstilar® Product Monograph. Leo Pharma Inc. September 8, 2016
5 Koo J, et al. Superior efficacy of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam versus ointment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris—A randomized phase II study. Journal
of Dermatological Treatment. 2016;27(2):120-127
6 Leonardi C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris—a Randomized Phase III Study (PSO-FAST).
J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(12):1468-1477
7 Lebwohl M, et al. Fixed Combination Aerosol Foam Calcipotriene 0.005% (Cal) Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% (BD) is More Efficacious than Cal or BD Aerosol Foam Alone
for Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Three-arm, Phase 2 Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):34-41

 

SOURCE LEO Pharma Canada

BlueWind Medical Appoints New Executive Chairman

 

Daniel Lemaitre brings more than three decades of medical device experience

HERZLIYA, Israel, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - BlueWind Medical, developer of a miniature, wireless neurostimulation platform for the treatment of multiple clinical indications, is pleased to announce that Daniel T. Lemaitre will assume the role of Executive Chairman.

"Dan is a savvy and seasoned medical device executive. His operational and financial acumen make him the ideal person to lead BlueWind's efforts to garner market clearance and to commercialize BlueWind's neuromodulation therapy platform. Dan will be an outstanding addition to the company's executive team," said Efi Cohen Arazi, BlueWind board member and the CEO of Rainbow Medical, an operational investment company that founded BlueWind in 2010.

Lemaitre's C-suite experience includes CEO roles at CoreValve and Direct Flow Medical. He has also served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Medtronic, and held the role of Chairman of Bioventus after it was spun-out of Smith & Nephew in a private equity transaction. He currently serves as Chairman of Endologix (ELGX) and is on the board of Globus Medical (GMED).

Dan earned his financial stripes during his 28 years as a top-ranked medical device Wall Street analyst with Cowen & Company and later with Merrill Lynch.

"I am thrilled to be working alongside CEO, Guri Oron, and the rest of the highly engaged and competent BlueWind team," Lemaitre said. "BlueWind's less invasive technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of myriad afflictions, with patient-friendly products that offer clinical efficacy and superior economics. We are initially targeting Over Active Bladder (OAB) a market with large unmet patient needs. A pivotal study to garner FDA approval will commence in 2019."

About BlueWind Medical

BlueWind Medical was founded in 2010 by Rainbow Medical. The company is developing a platform technology of miniature, wireless, neurostimulators that can be injected or implanted in a minimally invasive procedure to treat multiple indications. By putting patients' needs first, BlueWind Medical's team of experienced and dedicated engineers and researchers are creating a versatile and effective platform that will transform neuromodulation as we know it.

About Rainbow Medical

Rainbow Medical (www.rainbowmd.com ) is a unique private operational investment company that seeds and grows start-up companies developing breakthrough medical devices, addressing significant unmet market needs in a diverse range of medical fields.

SOURCE BlueWind Medical

Ontario's health care system under increased strain

 

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Many parts of Ontario's health care system are under increased strain, according to Measuring Up 2018, Health Quality Ontario's 12th yearly report on the performance of the province's health system.

"One of the things we're seeing is hospital overcrowding and how it's both a symptom and a source of cascading pressures throughout the system," says Anna Greenberg, interim president and CEO of Health Quality Ontario.

The report's key findings emphasize the backlog in different parts of the health system, underscoring the hospital overcrowding issue. Some examples include:

  • Emergency department visits are on the rise, especially among patients with serious conditions. Plus, patients are spending more time in the emergency department before being admitted to hospital.
  • Hospital emergency departments are also facing an increased challenge dealing with the opioid crisis.
  • The number of hospital beds occupied by patients waiting to receive care elsewhere continues to increase and is equivalent to more than 10 large, 400-bed hospitals filled to capacity every day.
  • Patients are waiting longer to access long-term care, assisted living and home care, from hospital and from the community too.

Despite these challenges, the report also shows bright spots scattered throughout the health system:

  • People in Ontario are living longer and less likely to die before the age of 75.
  • More people are having cancer-related or general surgeries within the recommended wait times.
  • Rates of hospital-acquired C. difficile, a potentially life-threatening infection, continue to improve.
  • Fewer children and youths are having their first care for a mental health condition occur in the emergency department.
  • More Ontarians are receiving palliative care in their homes in their last days of life.

"The improvements we have seen in areas like wait times for cancer-related or general surgeries are a testament to focused and sustained efforts based on meaningful data by those on the frontlines," says Ms. Greenberg. "With the same system-wide focus that is informed by data, and ingenuity on the frontlines and at regional levels, tackling a complex problem like hospital overcrowding is also possible."

"In order to better meet patient needs, it is essential to understand the conditions and pressures in emergency rooms today, and the profound difficulty our health care system has always faced in creating better ways to care for people, especially in their home and in long-term care," says Anthony Dale, president and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association. "Accurately measuring and understanding these challenges and their root causes creates the foundation for creating the long-term solutions needed to end hallway health care in Ontario."

Quick facts
Findings in areas that need further improvement

  • Visits to Ontario's emergency departments increased by 11.3% over the last six years to 5.9 million in 2017/18, from 5.3 million in 2011/12. Visits by high-acuity patients – those who have more serious conditions – also rose by 26% to 4.1 million from 3.3 million.
  • The average time spent in emergency by patients admitted to the hospital from emergency increased to 16 hours in 2017/18, from 15.3 hours in 2016/17.
  • Visits to the emergency department for opioid poisoning more than tripled to 54.6 per 100,000 population in 2017, from 15.2 per 100,000 in 2003.
  • In 2016/17, an average of 4,233 Ontario hospital beds were occupied every day by patients waiting to receive care somewhere else – such as in a long-term care home or rehabilitation facility. That was the equivalent of more than 10 large, 400-bed hospitals filled to capacity each day.
  • The median amount of time people waited from hospital to move into a long-term care home was 31.4% longer in 2016/17 (92 days) than in 2015/16 (70 days). The median wait time for people waiting to move into a long-term care home from the community also increased by 12.9%, to 149 days in 2016/17, compared to 132 days in 2015/16.
  • In 2017, fewer patients (32.3%) reported being able to see a specialist less than 30 days after being referred to one, compared to 37.8% in 2016.
  • Fewer patients had their surgery within target times in 2017/18 for common surgeries like knee (73.7%) and hip replacements (78.0%).
  • More than a quarter (26.1%) of home care clients who received care for more than two months had a primary family or friend caregiver who experienced continued distress, anger or depression in the first half of 2017/18, up from 23.6% the previous year.

Findings in areas that are doing well or improving

  • Ontarians are less likely to die before the age of 75. They are losing fewer years of life to premature death, decreasing to 4,188 years per 100,000 people in 2015, compared to 4,897 in 2005. Ontario has one of the lowest rates of potential years of life lost among Canadian provinces.
  • The percentage of patients who had cancer surgery within target times for their assigned priority level increased to 87.3% in 2017/18, up from 70.9% in 2008/09. Among patients who had general surgery in 2017/18, wait time targets were also met for 95% of patients, an increase from 90.6% in 2008/09.
  • The rate of hospital-acquired C. difficile infections has decreased steadily in Ontario in recent years to 0.22 cases per 1,000 inpatient days in 2017/18, compared to 0.35 in 2011/12.
  • Fewer children and youths up to 24 years of age received their first care for a mental health condition in the emergency department. The rate decreased to about 4 in 10 in 2016, which was an improvement from 10 years earlier when the rate was about 5 in 10.
  • More than a quarter (25.5%) of people who lived in the community during their last 30 days of life received a palliative-specific home care service in 2016/17, compared to 22.6% in 2011/12.

Measuring Up 2018 also features stories from health care professionals, patients and caregivers to provide a human viewpoint on the performance data.

To read the full Measuring Up 2018 report, visit: https://www.hqontario.ca/Measuring-Up

About Measuring Up
Measuring Up 2018 is Health Quality Ontario's 12th yearly report to Ontarians on health system performance. The data are grounded in a focused set of indicators selected by Health Quality Ontario, in partnership with health experts and system partners. This year's report highlights findings from 47 indicators.

About Health Quality Ontario
Health Quality Ontario is the provincial lead on the quality of health care. We help nurses, doctors and other health care professionals working hard on the frontlines be more effective in what they do – by providing objective advice and data, and by supporting them and government in improving health care for the people of Ontario. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.

SOURCE Health Quality Ontario

Clean Eating: How to Maximize Your Fitness and Workout Benefits

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, bulk up or maintain your current weight, it can be an understandably challenging journey. When most people don’t see their results within a specific time frame, it’s easy to become discouraged and throw in the towel. However, it’s always important to remember that the body you’re looking for is found in the kitchen. While fitness plays a role in the journey, your diet is what will make the major impact. In order to see a transformation in your ability to maximize your fitness and workout benefits, consider these four tips for clean eating.

Drink Lots of Water

Water is essential to a fitness journey. When you’re working out, your body loses water in the form of sweat. It also needs water to remain hydrated. Hydration is essential for the person who needs the energy to get through a workout. When a person drinks enough water on a daily basis, they increase their chances of staying fuller for a longer period of time. Do your best to consume the correct amount of ounces based on your body’s needs.

Incorporate Lots of Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Instead of steaming broccoli or roasting the asparagus, look for a lot of raw options first. When you consume fruits and vegetables in their natural state, your body is able to receive all of the vitamins and nutrients in the purest form. Enjoy a bowl of berries with your morning bowl of cereal. Eat a side salad a part of your lunch. Enjoy cucumbers, carrots and celery as a snack with hummus. If you love sushi, try avocado sushi with bits of cucumber, carrots and sprouts for dinner. Get creative with the way you consume raw foods.

Track Your Fitness

When a person is longing to lose weight, it’s always best to look at the number of calories first. If you need to stay within a certain number of calories, use a calorie counter to help you get a better idea of how much you consume on a daily basis. There are companies that do nutritional profilingand can give you a better understanding of the proper consumption of calories you’ll need to achieve your goals.

Drink a Meal Replacement Smoothie

Most people love a delicious drink. A meal replacement smoothie is awesome because it’s filling, delicious and nutritionally-rich. Along with your choice of liquid (water and almond milk are great choices), add vegetables, fruits, and seeds. You can even enjoy a smoothie on the go.

The key is consistency. It’s never easy to get started on this type of journey. However, if you take it one day at a time, you’ll be able to see results in the long run. Plus, you don’t want quick results. When you lose weight quickly, you’ll tend to gain it back quickly. If you’re committed to the long haul, you’ll be able to maintain the goals you’re working hard to achieve.