Author: trainitright

GeneNews Announces Q3 2018 Results and Provides Progress Update

 

Q3 Revenue up 81% year over year

  • Leveraged the financings from the Unit Private Placement and the Lind Convertible Security to significantly accelerate promotional activities
  • Expanded outreach to enrolled and active practices to accelerate growth. New practices awaiting full on-boarding increasing steadily.
  • Conducted early cancer testing for colorectal, lung, prostate and breast cancers in two High Risk Employee groups; preparing for testing of further groups now.
  • Approximately 1600 tests processed during the quarter.
  • Direct to Consumer testing continues to be built-out, with new initiatives tied to launch of new website and soon a dedicated consumer site.
  • Implementation continues within several large healthcare systems with support of LifeX.
  • Rebranding of company into single entity behind proven Sentinel Principle technology and advancement of Aristotle: early detection of ten cancers from a single blood sample - a $2 billion opportunity.
  • Subsequent to the Quarter: Test volume in October up 30% over previous months.

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN) ("GeneNews" or the "Company") today announced operational and financial results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and provided a progress update on its business.

"Billing revenue is up markedly (+81%) from a year ago when we began the process of switching billing companies, and very significantly from last quarter (654%) as the new process gains traction," commented James R Howard-Tripp, GeneNews' Chairman and CEO. "Q3 tests started aggressively, with test volume up 40% during July, but the full quarter was impacted by the hurricanes that affected the South and South East of the U.S., our larger customer states. Test volume in October is again showing growth, with testing of High-Risk employees contributing."

Howard-Tripp further commented, "GeneNews and LifeX this morning announced a partnership which has two specific near-term objectives:  the first is to expand the adoption and use of GeneNews' 'liquid biopsy', for the early diagnosis of cancer into large, multi-entity healthcare systems; the second objective is to fully develop and market GeneNews' Aristotle platform, specifically, the first-in-class early detection of ten cancers from a single sample of blood. It is GeneNews' and LifeX's intent to have a transformational effect on early cancer screening and diagnosis."

Q3 2018 Financial Results

All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated and results are reported in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, we reported a consolidated net loss of $0.7 million, or $0.01 loss per common share, as compared with a consolidated net loss of $0.6 million, or $0.01 loss per common share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017.  The $0.07 million increased loss results from the $0.07 million impact of the revaluation of warrants, $0.02 change in fair value of conversion liability, the $0.01 increase in finance costs, the $0.1 million increase in cost of goods sold, offset by the $0.04 million increase in revenue and $0.1 million reduction in general and administrative costs.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, we reported a consolidated net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.03 loss per common share, as compared with a consolidated net loss of $2.6 million, or $0.04 loss per common share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. The $1.3 million increased loss results from the $0.7 million impact of the revaluation of warrants, $0.6 million change in fair value of conversion liability, the $0.6 million increase in finance costs and the $0.2 million decline in test revenue, offset by $0.6 million lower general and administrative expenses and $0.2 million lower cost of goods sold.

During the third quarter of 2018, we leveraged the significant financing initiatives in Q2, 2018 to support our Four Primary Growth Area initiatives including: small independent practices, high-risk populations/employers, telemedicine and large healthcare systems. JTS continues to assist with the new billing process at IDL which has improved our cash collections on a quarter-over-quarter basis. Revenue from tests was $98 thousand this quarter compared to $54 thousand in Q3 2017 and the $13 thousand in Q2, 2018.  Invoicing for tests run but not billed during our transition to the new billing process continues to be submitted to payers and followed up with patients, and we expect collections on these amounts to continue to be collected over the next few quarters.

The Company's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis are available on www.sedar.com.

About GeneNews

GeneNews, an innovator in the liquid biopsy space, is committed to becoming a leader in advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, serving as a strong commercialization outlet for early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases. Our mission is to identify, assess and make commercially available a comprehensive menu of diagnostics that provide physicians and patients with personalized clinical intelligence and actionable information to improve health out-comes through the early diagnosis of disease. Our Richmond, Virginia-based Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory clinical reference lab specializes in traditional and advanced clinical evidence-based blood testing that helps find, understand, and address cancer risk in patient populations. Currently, IDL offers risk assessment blood tests for four prevalent cancer types - colon, lung, prostate and breast. GeneNews' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GEN'.   More information on GeneNews and IDL can be found at www.GeneNews.com and www.myinnovativelab.com, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE GeneNews Limited

Body and Mind Inc. Strengthens Management Team With Veteran Cannabis Industry Appointment

 

VANCOUVER, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (US OTC: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Trip Hoffman to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Body and Mind Inc. as the Company continues expansion and assesses additional accretive opportunities.

"Trip brings significant operational, financial, agricultural and cannabis experience which will be invaluable as we grow Body and Mind to the next level," stated Robert Hasman, Director at Body and Mind. "Trip's experience running Colorado cultivation facilities and dispensary operations will immediately benefit our operations as we expand the premium Body and Mind brand."

Mr. Hoffman is currently the co-owner of a Colorado licensed marijuana cultivation facility and was previously the CEO of a Colorado licensed cultivation and dispensary company. As an operations-efficiency specialist in the cannabis space, Mr. Hoffman has significantly improved the bottom lines of several cannabis businesses through reducing expenses, increasing production and improving product quality to the highest standards. Mr. Hoffman has also worked as a consultant in the cannabis industry for numerous years, focusing on work-flow, facility optimization, and new business development.

Prior to the cannabis space, Mr Hoffman spent more than 20 years in the Financial Technology & Services industry in roles ranging from CEO, Risk Manager, to Market Maker. Mr. Hoffman has also been involved as a co-founder in more than a half-dozen startups throughout his career. He holds a PhD in physics from Purdue University and studied at Cornell University and Northwestern University during his education.

"I am very pleased to be joining the Body and Mind team as the business enters a phase of significant expansion," stated Mr. Hoffman. "Along with the incredibly-talented team of experienced leaders, I am excited to bring my cannabis industry experience to further add value to the expansion of the Body and Mind operations and brand."

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Body and Mind

BaM is a publicly traded company investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation and production and retail. Our wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licences and holds cultivation and production licenses in Nevada and partial ownership of a production and dispensary license in Ohio. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, topicals, extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM marijuana strains have won numerous awards including the Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup.

BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada and Ohio and is constantly reviewing accretive expansion opportunities.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

SOURCE Body and Mind Inc.

Premier Health Group to Expand Scope of Practice by Launching a Cannabis Clinic for Patients

 

VANCOUVER, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Premier Health Group (CSE: PHGI) (OTCQB: PHGRF) (Frankfurt: 6PH) (the "Company" or "Premier Health"), a Company focused on developing innovative approaches that combine human skill based expertise with emerging technologies for the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce that as a part of its expansion plans, Premier Health will enter the Cannabis clinic space by a series of acquisitions, partnerships and/or launching a new Canada-based chain in the first half of 2019.

"The role of Cannabis in treating medical conditions is continuously expanding. Our doctors have had success treating their patients with various ailments from chronic pain to cancer related symptoms. Unfortunately, there is a gap between the patient's need for medical marijuana, and the family doctor's comfort and knowledge to prescribe it. We are looking to fill that gap with various forms of clinics and services to help our patients and healthcare workers," said Dr. Essam Hamza, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Health.

"Cannabis clinics fit in perfectly with our existing Telemedicine services and comprehensive app plans. The patient will not only be able to see their family doctor with our app, but also connect with their Cannabis clinic healthcare worker, the education nurse and eventually even the pharmacy or LP that is providing the prescription. This team based and encompassing approach will provide the best and most convenient care for our patients."

The Canadian medical cannabis clinic market is estimated to be worth approximately $2.35 billion by 2025.

The Company expects to provide additional updates on acquisitions in Q4-18 and Q1-19.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
"Dr. Essam Hamza, MD"
Chief Executive Officer

About Premier Health

Premier Health is a Canadian company that is strategically poised to take advantage of business opportunities in the global health care industry. We are developing innovative health care approaches that combine human skill based expertise with emerging technologies, and will set the gold standard for services in locations of interest worldwide. Premier Health's subsidiary, HealthVue is focused on developing proprietary technology to deliver quality healthcare through the combination of connected primary care clinics with telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI). We currently have an ecosystem of over 100,000 active patients and have plans to rapidly increase that number both domestically and internationally. The HealthVue team has a strong track record of successfully creating value in healthcare and technology enterprises. The Management team has deep clinical, financial and operational expertise and a passion for improving healthcare for all patients.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on Premier Health's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the implementation of its shareholder communications initiative and the timing thereof. Although Premier Health believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Premier Health undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Premier Health Group Inc.

Montreal Heart Institute creates first-of-its-kind diabetes prevention clinic in Canada

 

Major donation of $450,000 from Sun Life Financial

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - In celebration of World Diabetes Day, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial. The only one of its kind in Canada, this multidisciplinary program will launch in December at the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Center, the largest center for cardiovascular disease prevention in the country. This initiative is made possible by a major donation of $450,000 from Sun Life Financial.

Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute, will be the clinic supervisor. He will lead a multidisciplinary team consisting of a nurse, kinesiologist, nutritionist and medical staff including cardiologists, internists and general practitioners.

The program will meet a growing demand for preventive services for patients with diabetes and prediabetes, chronic conditions currently affecting 1 in 3 Canadians. Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication and leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes1. Fortunately, many studies show that type 2 diabetics who make lifestyle changes, including a high-quality diet, regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no tobacco use and moderate alcohol consumption, reduce their risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.

"Creation of the Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial highlights the need to prioritize this disease, which is affecting a growing number of Quebecers," says Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Board Chair of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. "This new diabetes prevention clinic will have a significant impact in the community, and is an excellent example of our Foundation's key focus on prevention and cardiovascular health."

"This project aligns perfectly with the Institute's focus on prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease," says Josée Noiseux, President and CEO of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. "It is more timely than ever today, on World Diabetes Day, to raise awareness among the public and stress the importance of healthier lifestyles in the prevention of type 2 diabetes."

"Since 2012, Sun Life has committed more than $25 million in the fight against diabetes in Canada and around the globe. We believe that awareness and prevention is key to helping people live a healthy lifestyle. Our $450,000 donation to the Montreal Heart Institute will provide resources to help reduce the number of people that develop type 2 diabetes, a disease that can have very serious complications," says Sun Life Canada President Jacques Goulet.

"It's possible to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, or reduce its negative impacts, through lifestyle changes," states Dr. Martin Juneau, the Montreal Heart Institute's Director of Prevention. "Lifestyle is better than medication for treating diabetes, and doesn't involve the side effects frequently associated with medication. The clinic will deliver the best tools to patients, so they can minimize complications related to their disease."

A tailored program to meet growing demand
The clinic will be open to patients of the Montreal Heart Institute and EPIC Center with blood sugar levels near or above 7 mmol/L, as well as to the EPIC Center's 3,000 primary prevention and 1,600 secondary prevention members. Current estimates suggest that 20 to 50% of patients hospitalized at the Montreal Heart Institute are diabetic.

Diabetes is the 5th-leading cause of premature death in the world. Hyperglycemia from the onset of diabetes has multiple adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and dyslipidemia. These issues, together with the damage hyperglycemia causes to small blood vessels, mean type 2 diabetes increases the incidence of coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times2.

Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. In Quebec our sponsorship and donation initiatives also focus on home economics and financial education.

We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.

About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954 by Dr. Paul David, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training and prevention. The Montreal Heart Institute is one of the three best cardiology centres in the world. It has the first Prevention Branch in Canada, a cardiovascular genetics centre, and Canada's first simulation-based education program focused on cardiology. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Montreal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 225 CMDP doctors and more than 80 researchers. We practise more than 2,300 surgeries each year.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Founded in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and administer funds to support the Institute's priority and innovative projects and fight cardiovascular diseases, the world's number one cause of mortality. Its philanthropic events and the contributions of its donors have enabled this leading cardiovascular health care organization to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Since its creation, the Foundation has raised nearly $260 million in donations. Its 27,350 donors helped make important discoveries and support specialists, professionals and researchers of the Institute to provide care at the cutting edge of technology to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the EPIC Center
The MHI's EPIC Center is the largest centre for cardiovascular disease prevention in Canada, with more than 5500 registered members. The Center has a bit more than 80 employees and is part of the Prevention Branch of the Montreal Heart Institute. The centre is for healthy people who wish to keep it that way (primary prevention) as well as for patients who had a cardiac accident (readaptation and secondary prevention). The staff includes physicians, cardiologists, internists, emergency physicians, a physiologist, visiting professors, nurses, nutritionists, kinesiologists and rescuers.

 

 

Source :
Marine Kaysen
Communications and Marketing Director
Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

panCELLa's Exclusive FailSafe™ Improves Cell Therapy Safety

 

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - panCELLa is proud to announce the publication of "Linking a cell division and a suicide gene to define and improve cell therapy safety"  in the November 21st  2018 issue of Nature.

Cell therapies hold enormous promise of new treatment and cures for many currently devastating degenerative diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, blindness, heart and lung diseases.  "Even our own cells are intrinsically dangerous", said Dr. Andras Nagy, the principal investigator of the paper, Senior Scientist at Sinai Health System's Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, President and Chief Scientific Officer of panCELLa. "They can change into cancerous cells, lead to severe disease and cause death. Cells that are manufactured and expanded outside the body and used for cell therapies can be even riskier because they constantly mutate and may not be eliminated by the immune system. We took up the challenge of maximizing the safety level of therapeutic cells to a higher level than our own cells by building a molecular kill-switch placed among the genes of the cells, which enables the efficient elimination of dangerously dividing cells that may cause cancer."

Dr Nagy added "We are certain that our ability to estimate the risk will further accelerate cell therapies as a promising way to treat, or even cure, devastating diseases. We recognized the importance and impact of the translational aspect of our research and established panCELLa Inc. to help pave the road from the bench to the bedside".

"This paper validates Dr. Nagy's research in cell therapy at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and is the cornerstone of our mission at panCELLa," said Mark Krembil, Chair of panCELLa's Board. "We are confident that research will continue to show panCELLa offers unparalleled safety for therapeutic cell products, ultimately advancing cell therapies to the clinic."

"Dr. Nagy's research in this Nature publication outlines panCELLa's first steps in transforming current approaches to cell and gene therapy for many diseases and will have a great impact on patient care" stated Dr. Armand Keating, a founding director and Chief Medical Officer of panCELLa.

"This is an affirmation of over seven years of research and a milestone for our Company, the cell therapy market and, most importantly, for patients," Mr. Krembil went on to note.  panCELLa's FailSafeTM Cells mitigate the risk of therapeutic cells going awry.  This is the only quantifiable "safety switch" currently available for cell therapies thereby allowing regulators to determine the risk of a given cell therapy, doctors and clinicians to quantify the level of risk and patients to make an informed decision.

About panCELLa

Incorporated in August 2015, panCELLa (www.pancella.com) was founded by Dr. Andras Nagy and Dr. Armand Keating based on Dr. Nagy's ground-breaking work in the area of stem cell research.  Through panCELLa, Drs. Keating and Nagy are seeking to create an effective cell therapy derived from stem cells, which are modified to provide a high level of safety before and after the cells are introduced to the patient. panCELLa seeks to create universal "off the shelf" FailSafeTM Cells and to assist the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors to achieve such with their own cell lines.  Targeted medical applications include deadly, debilitating, or aggressive diseases requiring immediate treatment where there is no time to cultivate a customized stem cell treatment from the patient (i.e. cancer, cardiac infarct, stroke and spinal cord injury).

SOURCE panCELLa Inc.

ACCESS 2022: A Movement to Inspire a New Day in Health Care

 

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) today announced the launch of ACCESS 2022, a movement to promote a future where all Canadians have access to their health information through the availability and use of digital health tools and services, which will empower patients and improve health outcomes.

Beginning today, all health system stakeholders — including clinicians, allied health care professionals, government bodies, technology and industry partners, patients and caregivers — are invited and encouraged to commit to the vision and join the ACCESS 2022 movement.

"As Canadians, we're proud of our health care system. For 50 years it has stood for equality and compassion. But Canada is no longer a world leader in health care. We're in the innovation age, but our health care has not kept up, and for all our sakes, we need to change," said Michael Green, President and CEO, Infoway, a federally funded, not-for-profit organization that drives access to health care through digital health solutions.

"ACCESS 2022 will bring together the collective expertise of an agile technology sector, the knowledge base of health system experts, and the insights and experiences of patients and caregivers, to ultimately meet and exceed the demands of Canadians in the 21st century. Starting today, we are asking all Canadians to join us in this movement," Green said.

In today's digital age, Canadians are shopping, banking and booking travel online because it's convenient and efficient. Overwhelmingly, they want a digital system that is easier to navigate and more patient-centric with better service and access to their health information. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Infoway found that only 22 per cent of Canadians have access to their health information online, and 73 per cent of those who don't, want it.

Green announced the launch of ACCESS 2022 at Infoway's annual Partnership Conference. Held during Digital Health Week, the conference brings together system stakeholders and partners to celebrate the successes and address challenges in transforming health service delivery.

"It all starts by making a pledge and working together. For this vision and effort to be successful, we need engagement and activation across the entire health sector," Green said.

To learn more and join the movement, visit www.Access2022.ca.

About Canada Health Infoway:
Canada Health Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government.

Media Inquiries:
Axelle Techer
Senior Account Manager
Tel: (438) 390-3803

SOURCE Canada Health Infoway

Montreal Heart Institute creates first-of-its-kind diabetes prevention clinic in Canada

 

Major donation of $450,000 from Sun Life Financial

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - In celebration of World Diabetes Day, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial. The only one of its kind in Canada, this multidisciplinary program will launch in December at the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Center, the largest center for cardiovascular disease prevention in the country. This initiative is made possible by a major donation of $450,000 from Sun Life Financial.

Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute, will be the clinic supervisor. He will lead a multidisciplinary team consisting of a nurse, kinesiologist, nutritionist and medical staff including cardiologists, internists and general practitioners.

The program will meet a growing demand for preventive services for patients with diabetes and prediabetes, chronic conditions currently affecting 1 in 3 Canadians. Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication and leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes1. Fortunately, many studies show that type 2 diabetics who make lifestyle changes, including a high-quality diet, regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no tobacco use and moderate alcohol consumption, reduce their risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.

"Creation of the Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial highlights the need to prioritize this disease, which is affecting a growing number of Quebecers," says Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Board Chair of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. "This new diabetes prevention clinic will have a significant impact in the community, and is an excellent example of our Foundation's key focus on prevention and cardiovascular health."

"This project aligns perfectly with the Institute's focus on prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease," says Josée Noiseux, President and CEO of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. "It is more timely than ever today, on World Diabetes Day, to raise awareness among the public and stress the importance of healthier lifestyles in the prevention of type 2 diabetes."

"Since 2012, Sun Life has committed more than $25 million in the fight against diabetes in Canada and around the globe. We believe that awareness and prevention is key to helping people live a healthy lifestyle. Our $450,000 donation to the Montreal Heart Institute will provide resources to help reduce the number of people that develop type 2 diabetes, a disease that can have very serious complications," says Sun Life Canada President Jacques Goulet.

"It's possible to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, or reduce its negative impacts, through lifestyle changes," states Dr. Martin Juneau, the Montreal Heart Institute's Director of Prevention. "Lifestyle is better than medication for treating diabetes, and doesn't involve the side effects frequently associated with medication. The clinic will deliver the best tools to patients, so they can minimize complications related to their disease."

A tailored program to meet growing demand
The clinic will be open to patients of the Montreal Heart Institute and EPIC Center with blood sugar levels near or above 7 mmol/L, as well as to the EPIC Center's 3,000 primary prevention and 1,600 secondary prevention members. Current estimates suggest that 20 to 50% of patients hospitalized at the Montreal Heart Institute are diabetic.

Diabetes is the 5th-leading cause of premature death in the world. Hyperglycemia from the onset of diabetes has multiple adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and dyslipidemia. These issues, together with the damage hyperglycemia causes to small blood vessels, mean type 2 diabetes increases the incidence of coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times2.

Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. In Quebec our sponsorship and donation initiatives also focus on home economics and financial education.

We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.

About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954 by Dr. Paul David, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training and prevention. The Montreal Heart Institute is one of the three best cardiology centres in the world. It has the first Prevention Branch in Canada, a cardiovascular genetics centre, and Canada's first simulation-based education program focused on cardiology. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Montreal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 225 CMDP doctors and more than 80 researchers. We practise more than 2,300 surgeries each year.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Founded in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and administer funds to support the Institute's priority and innovative projects and fight cardiovascular diseases, the world's number one cause of mortality. Its philanthropic events and the contributions of its donors have enabled this leading cardiovascular health care organization to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Since its creation, the Foundation has raised nearly $260 million in donations. Its 27,350 donors helped make important discoveries and support specialists, professionals and researchers of the Institute to provide care at the cutting edge of technology to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the EPIC Center
The MHI's EPIC Center is the largest centre for cardiovascular disease prevention in Canada, with more than 5500 registered members. The Center has a bit more than 80 employees and is part of the Prevention Branch of the Montreal Heart Institute. The centre is for healthy people who wish to keep it that way (primary prevention) as well as for patients who had a cardiac accident (readaptation and secondary prevention). The staff includes physicians, cardiologists, internists, emergency physicians, a physiologist, visiting professors, nurses, nutritionists, kinesiologists and rescuers.

 

 

Source :
Marine Kaysen
Communications and Marketing Director
Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Good Oral Health is Key to Prevent and Control Diabetes

 

SUNSTAR and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) launch the 'Perio & Diabetes' Campaign on World Diabetes Day'

  • There is a bi-directional relationship between oral health and diabetes: people with periodontal disease have a 20-30% higher risk of developing diabetes
  • Both diseases are highly prevalent: over 415 million people have diabetes and 750 million people have periodontal disease worldwide
  • SUNSTAR, a holistic healthcare company, has been supporting research into the two-way relationship between oral health and diabetes for over 30 years

ETOY, Switzerland, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - There is a bi-directional relationship between oral health and diabetes: people with periodontal disease have a 20-30% higher risk of developing diabetes, and those who have diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to develop gum disease. The good news is that good oral health in people with diabetes can help reduce blood sugar levels. This is just one of the powerful links revealed by the 'Perio & Diabetes Campaign' that SUNSTAR and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) are launching today on World Diabetes Day.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/781181/SUNSTAR_EFP.jpg )

Approximately 80% of people over 30 years old have some form of gum disease (gingivitis in its mild form, and periodontitis in its severe form). This corresponds to 750 million people worldwide with gum problems. The situation is no more positive if we examine data for diabetes: 415 million people worldwide suffer from the disease and an estimated 212 million people are living with undiagnosed diabetes.

In addition, these two diseases are strongly linked. If you suffer from both conditions at the same time, there is an increased risk of developing complications from diabetes earlier, since gum problems are inflammatory diseases that increase general inflammation in the body. In turn, this increases insulin resistance and leads to poorer blood sugar control. As a result, both disorders worsen and are harder to control.

How can gum disease be prevented?  

According to experts, the first signs of gum disease include red or swollen gums, bleeding or blood after brushing, longer-looking teeth, and increased spaces between teeth. Whether or not some of these signs are spotted, basic oral care recommendations are to visit the dentist twice a year, brush twice a day, and pay extra attention to interdental brushing. As SUNSTAR experts explain, interdental hygiene cleans 85% of the mouth, while toothbrushes only clean 60%.

As Dr Marzia Massignani, Sr Manager Scientific Affairs and Corporate Comms at SUNSTAR, states: "Early diagnosis of both diabetes and periodontal disease is essential if we want to improve prevention and treatment. It is therefore vital to raise awareness about this existing relationship and provide useful tools to patients, professionals and people at risk."

As a result, SUNSTAR is also supporting pioneering research in the field that aims to detect undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes conditions in the dental office. The primary objective is to establish a protocol that helps oral care professionals to identify signs of diabetes in their patients with gum problems. Another goal is to help improve coordination with physicians in order to detect and treat this global issue earlier. This project is led by the Complutense University in Madrid and supported by the Spanish Society of Periodoncy and Osseointegration (SEPA).

Over 30 years supporting research into the relationship between oral health and diabetes

The holistic healthcare company is not new to the field of oral health and diabetes. SUNSTAR has been promoting and supporting research for over 30 years now due to the personal story that links diabetes to the Kaneda family (the founders of the company). SUNSTAR's founder, Kunio Kaneda, passed away due to a complication of diabetes in his fifties. In 1986, the company held the SUNSTAR Portside Symposium, where Hiro Kaneda, Kunio's son, raised the question of a possible link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. He suffers from both diseases and felt they were somehow connected. This was the first step towards the recognition of the relationship between oral health and general health.

Ever since, the company, through the Sunstar Foundation, has been contributing to research and raising awareness about the two-way relationship between oral health and general health, particularly about periodontal disease and diabetes. Under #ThePerioLink project, SUNSTAR is also giving visibility to the many impacts of poor oral health, spanning cancer to sports performance.

ABOUT SUNSTAR

SUNSTAR is a Japanese company founded in 1932 in Osaka. With an eye to the future, SUNSTAR's vision is to pioneer a new era of innovation, champion new invigorating partnerships, and speak to the heart of a new generation of global consumers. As a result of years of innovation, SUNSTAR now operates in four growing sectors with the objective of building a better and healthier tomorrow: oral care, health and beauty, healthy living environment & safety support and high technology. The company has 4000+ employees worldwide and is present now in more than 90 countries. SUNSTAR's headquarters are located in Etoy (Switzerland).

Based on our corporate motto "Always strive to help people everywhere achieve better health and enhance their quality-of-life", the SUNSTAR Group will continue to be attentive and responsive to the varied needs and expectations of our global consumers. http://www.sunstar.com/company/philosophy.

SOURCE Sunstar

New Online Program Helping Healthcare Professionals Respond to Opioid Crisis

 

OTTAWA, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Healthcare providers have a new online program to help them respond to the growing opioid crisis in Canada.

In virtually every jurisdiction across the country, opioid-related overdoses and deaths have reached crisis levels. Through a new, case-based e-learning program from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, healthcare providers can learn from experts in pain management about the best ways to deal with these increasingly complex cases.

The online program is one of three new self-assessment programs being offered as part of an innovative pilot collaboration between the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the mdBriefCase Group. These self-assessment programs are available at no additional charge for Fellows of the Royal College and MOC MAINPORT ePortfolio users. The two other self-assessment programs available are on the topics of CanMEDS and research ethics.

Other healthcare professionals in Canada and abroad will be able to access the programs at a cost of $65 CAD. All programs are available online as of today. Click here to register.

Developed by leading specialists and peer-reviewed by experts in the field, these accredited programs offer unique learning opportunities in English and French, combined with the flexibility and convenience of online delivery.

"Opioid therapy is one of the most controversial and challenging issues facing healthcare professionals today," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, Royal College CEO.  "Through this course, our Fellows will get the latest information on screening practices, identifying patients at risk of harm, ongoing monitoring, and knowing how to discontinue or taper opioids at the appropriate time."

The program was developed based on a needs assessment of medical and surgical specialists who identified a number of recurring, complex issues that they face when managing or prescribing opioids for patients with acute or chronic pain.

"It's a very practical program built around three clinical scenarios that will challenge participants and foster learning through expert feedback," added Jason Flowerday, CEO of mdBriefCase Group. "This program will be of tangible benefit to any specialist or surgeon prescribing opioids. And, as a member of mdBriefCase, participants will also have free access to our comprehensive library of online accredited courses in more than 20 therapeutic areas."

About the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is the home of specialty medicine in Canada, setting the standards for postgraduate medical education, supporting the continuing professional development of 50,000+ Fellows and affiliates, and supporting health system innovations nationwide. To find out more, please visit royalcollege.ca.

About mdBriefCase Group
The mdBriefCase Group specializes in accredited, online continuing professional development (CPD) programs, custom tailored for specific international markets and available on a convenient online platform. All content is developed by leading specialists and peer-reviewed by experts at respected institutions, which keeps more than 200,000 global healthcare professionals at the forefront of the latest evidence and protocols worldwide. mdBriefCasegroup.com

SOURCE mdBriefCase Group Inc.

Zucara Therapeutics – Helping people with diabetes sleep safely and soundly

 

  • Typically occurring overnight, hypoglycemia puts approximately 8.3M people globally at fatal risk during their sleep.
  • Current therapies offer hypoglycemic treatment only once an episode occurs.
  • Zucara is working on the first treatment to prevent hypoglycemia which can kill patients in their sleep.

November 14, 2018 - Vancouver, Canada:  On World Diabetes Day, Zucara Therapeutics is raising awareness about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can cause serious complications and even death for people with diabetes. Currently, no therapy to prevent hypoglycemia exists, leaving patients to rely on rescue therapies, such as glucose or glucagon, typically used after the patient is already suffering from a potential fatal hypoglycemic episode. Preventing hypoglycemia will dramatically change Type 1 diabetes disease management, improving both patient health and quality of life.

Zucara is developing the first once-daily therapeutic to prevent hypoglycemia in people with Type 1 diabetes and other types of insulin-dependent diabetes. Zucara’s lead drug candidate “ZT-01” is moving towards Phase 1 clinical trials in late 2019 after demonstrating efficacy and safety validated in multiple preclinical models of hypoglycemia. The company is now defining the clinical trial plan for Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies.

Michael Midmer, Chief Executive Officer for Zucara Therapeutics explained, “Hypoglycemic episodes are an important concern for people with diabetes, in the most severe cases, they are life threatening, and are a particular source of fear and anxiety for patients. Our technology is aimed at creating the first treatment to prevent clinically significant low blood sugar. We are extremely happy with the results achieved so far to advance our lead drug “ZT-01” and are excited to start Phase 1 clinical trials in 2019. We are currently raising funding to conduct our first clinical studies, and appreciate the support we have received to date from leading institutions and diabetes organizations.” 

Zucara has raised US$7M in funding to date from various organizations including its founding institutions: CDRD and MaRS Innovation; leading diabetes organizations: The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and JDRF International; and other funders including the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), and Accel-Rx Health Sciences Accelerator.  The funding has helped Zucara complete a robust preclinical program enabling its lead drug “ZT-01” to be further advanced towards clinical trials.

About Zucara Therapeutics Inc.
Zucara Therapeutics is developing the first drug therapy to prevent hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. The Company’s first-in-class therapeutic, ZT-01, is aimed at inhibiting a hormone in the pancreas called somatostatin, which does not function properly in Type 1 diabetes. Preventing hypoglycemia will dramatically change diabetes disease management, improving both patient health and quality of life. www.zucara.ca