State Innovation Model Funds First Blockchain-Enabled Data Aggregation and Reporting Collaboration in Colorado

Three leading health data organizations, CORHIO, QHN and CCMCN, partner with BurstIQ to pilot a blockchain-based health data platform to enable the statewide aggregation of clinical quality measures for the Colorado State Innovation Model.

Denver, CO (August 15, 2018) - Three of Colorado's clinical health data organizations, Colorado Regional Health Information Organization (CORHIO), Quality Health Network (QHN) and Colorado Community Managed Care Network (CCMCN), announced today that they have partnered with Denver-based BurstIQ to enable aggregation, consolidation, and sharing of clinical quality measures (CQMs) data across the state of Colorado. The project is funded by SIM, a federally funded, Governor's Office initiative, that is helping hundreds of primary care practices and four community mental health centers integrate behavioral and physical health and learn how to succeed with alternative payment models.

This partnership will be the first collaboration of its kind to leverage blockchain for HIPAA-compliant data aggregation and reporting in the state of Colorado. BurstIQ's secure blockchain-based platform will allow CORHIO, QHN and CCMCN to each maintain direct control over their respective data assets while enabling the consolidation and contextualization needed to report electronic CQMs for SIM.

"This partnership is truly the first of its kind in Colorado,"says Frank Ricotta, CEO of BurstIQ. "The ability for disparate data systems across the healthcare ecosystem to interact and share data is critical. We applaud CORHIO, QHN, CCMCN and the state of Colorado for leading the way on blockchain and we're honored to help them accomplish their vision."

SIM practices will be the first to test this eCQM solution, which was designed to help providers extract eCQMs once and report data to multiple payers.

"Health information technology is one of the foundational pillars of SIM, and it is rewarding to see this work come to fruition," says Barbara Martin, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, MPH, Director, SIM. "This solution will help reduce the administrative burden of reporting, and help providers prove their unique value to health plans, which is a core component to success with APMs."

"CORHIO is honored to be a part of such a collaborative and innovative project that will enable improved quality measures reporting for behavioral and physical health providers participating in SIM,"says Morgan Honea, CORHIO Chief Executive Officer. "Colorado is leading the way in enabling practices to participate in the transition to advanced payment models. Initiatives like this one further demonstrate our innovative spirit and commitment to the quadruple aim."

"CCMCN is excited to have the opportunity to work with CORHIO, QHN and BurstIQ to create a new and innovative approach to integrating healthcare technology for Colorado. Our work will start with the development of quality measures and it has the opportunity to become a foundational component for community collaboration, further strengthening our ability to protect Colorado's vulnerable families,"says Jason Greer, CCMCN CEO.

"This partnership will bring together health care providers, health information organizations, the State and technology to provide a more complete set of data to calculate measures," says Marc Lassaux, QHN's Chief Technical Officer. "At QHN, we believe that more complete data will better the lives of all Coloradans as it will help us identify patients in need. We are excited to be involved in this effort."

About BurstIQ™
BurstIQ™ is an industry-leading blockchain enablement company, offering enterprise-level blockchain solutions for the health and healthcare industry. The company offers a HIPAA- and GDPR- compliant platform that seamlessly leverages blockchain, advanced security, Big Data capabilities and machine intelligence to enable healthcare businesses and individuals to access, control, monetize and gain insights from their health data. The BurstIQ Ecosystem allows people and businesses to create relationships and transact through a global network of marketplaces for personalized products and services, value-added B2B services, research opportunities, and peer-to-peer networks. The BurstIQ platform and Ecosystem work together to improve the security of health data, reduce healthcare costs, enable new insights and care models, and democratize health through increased global health access, equity and personal empowerment. For more information visit, http://www.burstiq.com

About the Colorado State Innovation Model:

The Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) is a governor's office initiative that is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Colorado was the only SIM state to select the integration of behavioral and physical health with support from public and private payers as its main goal to help providers succeed with alternative payment models. The four-year initiative, which ends in July 2019, is helping hundreds of primary care practices and four community mental health centers deliver whole-person care and gain the skills they need to succeed with alternative payment models. SIM has helped create a new workforce in the state and invested in local public health agencies to address mental health stigma and improve access to care. Get data that shows SIM's successes, listen to podcasts about how integrated care improves the lives of patients and the morale of provider teams and learn more about the initiative: www.co.gov/healthinnovation

About CORHIO
CORHIO is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality through the optimal use of health information exchange (HIE). The CORHIO HIE is one of the largest and most robust HIE networks in the U.S. with more than 12,000 users and 74 hospitals currently participating. In addition to managing the HIE network, CORHIO provides advisory services that help healthcare professionals effectively use electronic health records and improve care delivery, and supplies accountable care organizations and health plans with data that enhance population health programs. For more information, visit www.corhio.org

About QHN
Quality Health Network (QHN) is a non-profit community collaborative serving western Colorado stakeholders since 2004. More than 90% of area health care providers participate in the network and financially sustain its ongoing operations. QHN services include real time electronic data collection, distributions, and reporting to facilitate the availability of information in order to optimize the health of our communities, improve the economic efficiencies of patient care, and bring value to our stakeholders. For more information, visit www.qualityhealthnetwork.org

About CCMCN
Colorado Community Managed Care Network (CCMCN) is a Colorado non-profit organization founded in 1994. CCMCN's statewide network of Community Health Center Members and joint venture partnerships provide care to approximately 50% of Colorado's Medicaid population and low income families. CCMCN's approach to population health is to innovate, discover and spread proven technology solutions across safety net communities to help improve the quality and safety of patient care and reduce health care disparities. For more information, visit www.ccmcn.com

By Choosing To Understand And Embrace Change, We Can Control It To Our Advantage

Morristown, TN, August 15, 2018 ― We are all affected constantly by change—and whether it's positive or negative change, our first response is usually fear. We fret over what this change will mean for us, and set up all sorts of scenarios in our mind of its possible outcome. But the truly successful men and women in business have a good understanding of change and use it to their advantage. If we continually avoid change, we stay in a rut and lose control of our life because we will have lost our freedom.

Ralph Masengill's latest book, Conquer Change and Win, is the result of forty years of experience as a consultant, coach, advisor and public relations strategist, observing change and showing business leaders that embracing and understanding positive change is the guaranteed way to effective quality improvement and substantial profit enhancement. Out of this experience Ralph learned that successful people share certain traits: they are willing to take a calculated risk and endorse positive change, and they have learned how change affects their emotions and how to overcome this fear.

Masengill speaks from wisdom learned over his vast career, infused by an ethics-based value system of helping others and the community. While his own life has had its share of personal challenges, tragedy and triumph—his professional career has been defined by great success. In fact, Masengill Marketing Associates has been the recipient of over 850 national and regional advertising and marketing awards. In Conquer Change and Win, this best-selling author gives readers an easy-to-follow book, peppered with humor, that includes clear charts and graphs to illustrate important points.

Masengill's quote says it all: "Quality, like the flu, is catching. The more you are around it, the more you will see the advantages and want to be a part of the quality process. In other words, quality begets quality.”

Ralph Masengill is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and his postgraduate work includes the Dr. W. Edwards Deming course on quality and quality management. He and his wife Dianne live near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, where he enjoys woodworking, oil painting, sailing and helping with his favorite charities in his spare time. They have four grown children, two dogs and a cat.

For more information on the author or his book, please visit http://masengill.com.

Conquer Change and Win
Available at all fine bookstores, the author's website, and Amazon.com and Kindle.
ISBN: 978-1515191872

###

TIP SHEET

Author Q&As available on request.

Excerpts from 5-Star Reviews on Amazon.com:

"All information is right on target for those seeking info on how to succeed in life and business. If you only want to read one book on this subject, this is certainly a great choice.”

"… A fascinating look at how the relentless change we experience in our professional and personal lives affects us physically and emotionally. His down to earth explanations of coping strategies coupled with bits of humor make change easier to manage. Masengill reminds us that fear of change is normal and the anxiety, stress and anger that we experience cannot be controlled and should not be ignored. The magic happens when you learn to control your response to these feelings… This book will teach you how… I found applications from these chapters helpful in everyday life, for who among us could not be more persuasive socially or at home?”

"While this book's subject is change and change management, it could have easily been about success or winning in life. Ralph is able to mix expertise, fact and even a little humor (some at his own expense) not only to teach, but to also tell a story to the reader … A very easy, delightful read that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in improving their own life and/or their company's well-being.”

"A must read for anyone struggling with doing what is difficult but necessary in order to be successful. Don't let the title fool you. This book is a complete user's guide for accomplishing just about anything. A great read whether you want to accelerate change in the workplace or in your personal life.

"… [Author] certainly knows what he's writing about, because he has lived it--in daily life, work, health, and business. Ralph's trademark has always been: "Knowledge through humor"--and it still is. Every day in every way, he's a winner and has certainly conquered many changes to make his life great again when times were tough. And this book reflects how others can become conquerors, changers, and winners too!”

NEW ATHLETIC WEAR BRAND, TEMPLE ATHLETIC AIMS TO BUILD A BETTER, HEALTHIER YOU BY BEING A BETTER, HEALTHIER SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

- A new, locally made sportswear brand creates a better, healthier you while also promoting a cleaner environment –

Join the conversation: Media materials.

TORONTO (August 15, 2018) - Launching Wednesday, August 22nd on Kickstarter, The Temple Athletic Co. the NEW, industry changing sportswear brand for men and women that is designed using only superior performance fabrics free of dangerous toxins.

Dangerous toxins and chemicals used in the weaving, dyeing and treatment processes of today’s leading sportswear brands have been linked to various illnesses, including contact dermatitis, hormone disruption, learning disabilities and cancer (REPORT). When an individual exercises, these toxins absorb into the body from friction and heat through sweat.

All Temple Athletic collections are made locally, using superior performance fabrics FREE of dangerous toxins. Crafted in the world’s most advanced fabric mills, using only the highest human and environmental production standards in the world.

Not only is Temple Athletic safe for those who wear it, but it also promotes a cleaner Earth, in which the apparel and footwear industry are the second largest global polluters behind oil & gas.

Our vision? It’s simple. We want to help build a better, healthier You by being a better, healthier sportswear company.

The Temple Athletic Co. invites you to join their community in telling their story, to educate and to provide the consumer with a healthy sportswear alternative.

Good for your body. Good for the planet. Locally made.

Temple Athletic products will be offered at a ‘pre-order promotional rate’ starting August 22nd on Kickstarter. Temple Athletic products will be available at regular pricing, direct to consumers from our website and through exclusive Brand Ambassadors. All customers will also receive unlimited access to a media library containing the most current information about diet, health and exercise direct from the fitness community.

CONNECT WITH US

Instagram: @thetempleathletic Facebook: Temple Athletic Company Kickstarter Campaign: The Temple Athletic Co. Website: www.templeathletic.com

Hashtag: #whatareyouwearing? #cleansweat

About The Temple Athletic Co.

We want to help build a better, healthier You by being a better, healthier sportswear company. Dangerous toxins used in the manufacturing processes of todays leading sportswear brands have been linked to various illnesses. The sportswear industry is in a group of the world’s second worst polluters behind only the oil & gas industry. It also has a very bad reputation with regards to labour laws. This isn’t right. So that inspired us to start this company & spend 3 years sourcing performance fabrics from the world’s most advanced mills, all made without dangerous toxins. Good for you. Good for the planet. Made locally.

First acne education program for Canadian high school students now available; shows positive improvements in teens after one month

VANCOUVER, Aug. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada has just launched "Skin Confident", a 1-hour, healthy skin and acne education program for Canadian high school students with proven, positive results.

Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada (CNW Group/Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada)

In a recent study ⁽¹⁾, Skin Confident was shown after one month to bring about improvements in acne-related self-perception, social and emotional well-being and acne symptoms in teens. The program is freely available for teachers, school nurses and anyone interested in presenting it to high school students via the not for profit society's website https://www.acneaction.ca/skin-confident/

"It appears there is no formal teaching about acne at high schools despite the fact that about 90% of students have it," says Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Vancouver dermatologist and spokesperson for the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. "This is particularly concerning since acne has been shown to affect self-esteem and may cause significant emotional distress," added Dr. Humphrey, co-developer of the program.

"Skin Confident gives us an opportunity to provide teens with scientific, independent information to help with this common condition and its emotional effects," she said.

Aside from acne, Skin Confident covers the biology of the skin, skin care and self-esteem as it relates to acne. The program is aimed at students in grades 10 and 11 but can be shown to any high school grade.

"We are hoping physical education teachers in particular, many of whom now have an added role to provide health education, will be among the top users of the program," Dr. Humphrey said. Educators and health personnel are encouraged to present the program.

Developed by Dr. Angela Burleigh, resident physician, and Dr. Humphrey, the fully scripted program is available in English and French.

A search for similar high school acne education programs worldwide did not turn up any results, pointing to Skin Confident as the first program of its kind in the world.

⁽¹⁾Burleigh A, Yousefi M, Humphrey S, Skin Confident: A skin health and acne educational intervention to improve Acne Quality of Life measures in adolescents, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2018), doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.06.052.

About the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada:
The society, a national, not for profit organization, offers hope and help to those with acne by providing independent, reputable and current information and raising awareness. For more, visit www.AcneAction.ca

Acne Awareness Month, September 2018 was designated by the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada / La Société canadienne de l'acné et de la rosacée to raise awareness about acne, a common skin condition affecting 5 million Canadians that can cause significant physical and emotional effects.

First acne education program for Canadian high school students now available; shows positive improvements in teens after one month (CNW Group/Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada)

La Société canadienne de l'acné la rosacée (CNW Group/Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada)

SOURCE Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada

GeneNews Announces Q2 2018 Results and Provides Progress Update

Closed on the first tranche of the Unit private placement for C$1.2 million and the Lind convertible security for C$2 million
Number of enrolled and active practices continues to grow
Implementation planning continues with several large healthcare systems, with test initiation planned for Q3/Q4.
High Risk Population and Direct to Consumer testing continues to be built out, as does new agreements with supportive diagnostic labs to cross-promote as well as expand testing to each other's client base.
Approximately 1500 tests processed during the quarter.

Subsequent to the Quarter:

July 12, 2018, we announced the appointment of David Byram as the Chief Commercial Officer for IDL where he will oversee all IDL's customer-facing activities including sales, client relations and commercial operations.
Test volume in July has grown 40% over previous months.
Billing revenue showing significant increase in Q3
Partnership with LifeX™ announced

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

"While the Second Quarter of 2018 continued the build-out for the growth that we expect this year," commented James R Howard-Tripp, GeneNews' Chairman and CEO. "Q3 has started with a bang with test volume up 40% during July, cash receipts from our billings early in Q3 showing the increases we have been expecting, and incremental testing with High Risk Populations as well as the AIM reps beginning. The appointment of David Byram and the very strong focus he is bringing to our commercial activity, as well as the very necessary injection of cash from the financings, has allowed us to markedly step up activity."

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', molecular diagnostics 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".

Q2 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 six-month period ended June 30, 2018, we reported a consolidated net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.02 loss per common share, as compared with a consolidated net loss of $2.0 million, or $0.03 loss per common share, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2017. The $1.2 million increased loss results from the $0.6 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 $0.3 million decline in test revenue, offset by $0.5 million lower general and administrative expenses and $0.3 million lower cost of goods sold.

During the second quarter of 2018, we closed on significant financing initiatives to support the roll-out into 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. Invoicing for tests run but not billed during our transition to the new billing process was submitted to payers in Q2 2018 and we expect collections on these amounts to begin to be received in the third quarter of 2018.

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

GeneNews and LifeX™ Partner to Deliver Proprietary "Liquid Biopsy" Molecular Diagnostics to Health Systems to Detect Cancer at Earliest Stages

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX: GEN), an innovator in the liquid biopsy space, today announced a partnership with Pittsburgh-based, LifeX™, a strategic engine for developing and nurturing cutting-edge, life-saving health solutions and bringing these innovations to market.

LifeX™ was founded by CEO, Dietrich Stephan, PhD, a renowned human geneticist and entrepreneur recognized for his early leadership in the field of Precision Medicine. The LifeX™ mission is to deliver new solutions to tackle prevalent and intractable global diseases.

GeneNews, which provides innovative solutions for early cancer detection, will work together with LifeX™to develop strategies for incorporating several proprietary, early cancer diagnostics into healthcare settings to improve patient compliance with cancer screening, as well as to bridge the diagnostic gaps in current screening procedures.

Early detection of cancer is known to improve outcomes. Few, if any, technologies can detect tumors at an early stage, hampering the ability to have a transformational population-wide impact driven by broad-based screening. GeneNews has several tests that have been developed and tested in many thousands of patients and proven to detect cancer at an early stage using a simple blood test, termed a "liquid biopsy."

"Most of today's research initiatives are focused on developing treatment for late-stage cancers versus finding it in the early stages, when it is most curable and survival rates are highest," says GeneNews' CEO, James R Howard-Tripp. "To really make a difference in improving and saving lives, our solutions start at the beginning of disease not at the end."

"We look forward to bringing GeneNews' solutions to the marketplace to make a tangible difference in global health by enabling cures when cancer is most treatable,"says Dr. Stephan. "Other liquid biopsy companies are focused on monitoring response to chemotherapy or detecting recurrence of tumors after initial treatment. GeneNews, one of the pioneers of the liquid biopsy, has developed the 'holy-grail' – a suite of tests that have the correct sensitivity and specificity to detect cancer early and perform correctly as a screening tool at the population level."

These tests are part of a platform, known as Aristotle™, which is based on GeneNew's proprietary mRNA Sentinel Principle technology that can generate highly discriminative multi-gene panels for many diseases. GeneNews is currently working on a panel for the simultaneous monitoring of ten cancers from a single blood sample.

Thomas Stewart, President & CEO of JTS Health Partners was instrumental in bringing this collaboration together. "In my capacity as strategic advisor to this partnership, I'm excited about the collaboration's impact and the opportunity to remain actively engaged in the growth and success of the venture. LifeX™, GeneNews and JTS Health Partners bring unique synergies that are patient oriented and client centric. The innovative capabilities of our collective organizations will advance value and quality-based reimbursement models that drive enterprise cost reduction for health systems and large employers through early cancer intervention."

About GeneNews

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.

About LifeX™

LifeX™ develops first-in-class solutions to alleviate suffering and death from horrific, prevalent and intractable diseases. The LifeX™ team partners with innovator-entrepreneurs to unlock the potential of their technologies and deliver them to patients and their physicians across the globe. LifeX™ was founded by Dr. Dietrich Stephan, with founding support from the University of Pittsburgh and the Henry L. Hillman Foundations. https://www.lifexventures.com

JTS Health Partners

Formed in 2002 as a technology professional services company, JTS has evolved to become a leading healthcare management consulting and professional services firm dedicated to meeting the needs of the nation's many top healthcare organizations in both the private and public sector. JTS's healthcare management consulting and services portfolio is focused on enterprise advisory planning, health information management, information technology, financial and revenue cycle management. The company also works on operational performance improvement initiatives for hospitals and physicians, inclusive of data analytics, and offers other professional services that include staff augmentation for the acute and physician settings. More information on JTS can be found at www.jtshealthpartners.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will", "may" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to the receipt of shareholder approval. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from those projected herein including the state of the equity capital markets, the receipt of required approvals, the future financial and operating performance of the Company and its subsidiaries, requirements for and availability of additional capital and the general business and political environment including in the healthcare sector. 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

Ensuring Patient-Safety of Cannabis Now More Important Than Ever

TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - The Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) applauds the Ontario government on its initiative to consult with Ontarians towards the creation of a new retail model for the sale and distribution of recreational cannabis. Since pharmacists are the medication experts on a patient's healthcare team, OPA welcomes this approach as an opportunity to advise the government during its period of consultation specifically on the sale and distribution of medicinal cannabis, and how patient safety and appropriate use can be assured and monitored in Ontario.

Logo for Ontario Pharmacists Association (CNW Group/Ontario Pharmacists Association)

With recreational cannabis being the sole focus of the government announcement, OPA remains concerned on the process by which medicinal cannabis is currently dispensed in Ontario and on the lack of medication safety measures that need to be in place to ensure patient safety and appropriate use. During the period of consultation, OPA will be urging the government to reconsider its current approach for the sale and distribution of medicinal cannabis and enable it to be dispensed through pharmacies, while using the existing pharmacy supply management systems, where patients are able to receive the care, advice and education they need and want. In a recent poll of approximately 600 pharmacy professionals, nearly 60% indicated that their patients are currently using cannabis for medicinal purposes, and 40% said they receive questions from patients at least once a month about cannabis. In an earlier survey of 800 adults, seven out of ten Ontarians said patients should be able to obtain cannabis for medical purposes from their pharmacist – like they do with all prescription products – so that they have increased access to the advice, guidance and information they need and want.

Pharmacists have access to a patient's full medication history, know their allergies and serve as a patient's last line of defence against harmful drug-drug interactions – licensed producers do not have this access or knowledge of a patient's medication profile.

"We're pleased to see that the government is creating opportunities for discussion about medicinal cannabis. We've been asking for this for some time. It's critical that medicinal cannabis is dispensed through pharmacies. Medicinal cannabis is the only medication that requires a prescription that is not dispensed through pharmacies, and this is a potential safety risk and a missed healthcare opportunity," says Mike Cavanagh, Chair, OPA Board of Directors.

Currently, an Ontario patient must obtain cannabis for medical purposes through a federally licensed producer via mail order pursuant to a prescription issued by a prescriber. Furthermore, with Ontario in the midst of an opioid crisis that shows no signs of abating, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that cannabis for medicinal purposes can be a suitable alternative to opioid therapy in the management of pain. This underscores the incredible importance of capturing the dispensing of all prescription drugs on the patient's medication profile in the pharmacy. The province has the legislative power to make cannabis for medicinal purposes available to patients through their pharmacist.

"This in the best interests of Ontarians' continued health and safety, and it is also what Ontarians want," says Cavanagh.

As the medication experts on a patient's healthcare team, pharmacy professionals play a critical role in managing a patient's overall health. Ontario's pharmacists are driven by their commitment to provide patient-centred care in local communities across the province, and as a result should be the primary point of contact for the controlled dispensing of medicinal cannabis in the province. OPA looks forward to working with the Ontario government and other healthcare providers on ensuring that medicinal cannabis is introduced in our province in a safe and effective manner.

About the Ontario Pharmacists Association

The Ontario Pharmacists Association is committed to evolving the pharmacy profession and advocating for excellence in practice and patient care. With more than 10,000 members, OPA is Canada's largest advocacy organization, and professional development and drug information provider for pharmacy professionals across Ontario. By leveraging the unique expertise of pharmacy professionals, enabling them to practise to their fullest potential, and making them more accessible to patients, OPA is working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system. The pharmacy sector plays a strong role in Ontario with an economic impact of more than $6.3 billion across 4,500 pharmacies, employing 60,000 Ontarians.

SOURCE Ontario Pharmacists Association

canfitpro World Fitness Expo unites thousands of new and returning enthusiasts for 25^th anniversary event

World’s largest fitness conference and trade show took place August 8-12 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre

TORONTO, ON — Over 10,000 fitness lovers gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past weekend to celebrate all things health and wellness. canfitpro World Fitness Expo gave attendees a sneak peek at the latest trends, offered informative wellness and nutrition sessions and introduced high-powered workouts led by the industry’s biggest names. Fitness superstar Jillian Michaels, World of Dance judge Derek Hough and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’s Vinny Guadagnino were just some of the celebrity talent on board to celebrate the 25^th anniversary event.

In its milestone year, canfitpro World Fitness Expo opening ceremonies paid tribute to its long list of veteran attendees, some spanning back to its inception 25 years ago. With attendance growing more and more each year, canfitpro World Fitness Expo educates and inspires people of all ages, aiming to provide exceptional learning experiences to take beyond the expo. Over the course of the weekend, both industry professionals and newcomers alike got the opportunity to learn from their peers and take home industry insights from some of the biggest names in fitness.

“We are thrilled to have celebrated this milestone year with some of the top talent in the fitness and health sphere,” said Nathalie Lacombe, vice president of canfitpro. “From jam-packed meet and greets to insightful educational seminars and intensive workouts, canfitpro World Fitness Expo is known for providing cutting-edge sessions and industry expertise. We were happy to continue that tradition and embrace the latest innovations in the industry this year.”

The event also included Expo Hall, a two-day exhibition with hundreds of vendors offering unmatchable deals on products and services that support healthy and active lifestyles. Select exhibitors hosted fitness competitions with big ticket rewards. REPerformance gave one lucky attendee $1,000 for 1,000 push-ups and The Canadian Physique Alliancehosted a competition in search of the next great bodybuilder. Highlight exhibitors also included Canadian-made functional clothing company, RYU Apparel; high protein, low sugar snacks by SimplyProtein; and world-renowned obstacle race events, Spartan Race Inc.

The largest industry conference and trade show, canfitpro World Fitness Expo is held every August in Toronto and welcomes delegates from all over the country to preview the latest trends, take part in health and wellness workshops and experience high-level fitness sessions. For more information, visit worldfitnessexpo.com or canfitpro.com/en.

Website: www.worldfitnessexpo.com
Twitter: @canfitpro
Instagram: @canfitpro
Facebook: @canfitpro
Hashtag: #canfitpro #worldfitnessexpo

About canfitpro
canfitpro is the largest provider of education in the Canadian fitness industry. Founded in 1993, canfitpro delivers accessible, quality education, certifications, events and membership services. canfitpro's over 24,000 members include some of the world's finest fitness professionals, health club operators, industry suppliers, and fitness consumers.

Health Canada Approves HEMLIBRA® for Hemophilia A Patients with Inhibitors

HEMLIBRA is the first new treatment in almost 20 years for this most severe form of hemophilia¹
and the only medicine that is self-injected once weekly

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) announced today that Health Canada has approved HEMLIBRA^® (emicizumab injection) for hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) patients with factor VIII inhibitors as routine prophylaxis to prevent bleeding or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes.² (Please see HEMLIBRA Product Monograph for full prescribing information.)

Roche Canada (CNW Group/Roche Canada)

In two of the largest clinical studies for people with hemophilia A with inhibitors (HAVEN 1 and HAVEN 2), HEMLIBRA was shown to substantially reduce bleeds in adults and children compared to prior episodic (on demand) treatment with bypassing agents.^3,4

"Preventing bleeds in patients with hemophilia A can be extremely challenging, usually requiring patients to self-infuse medications multiple times a week, or even daily," says Dr. Jayson Stoffman, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, and Medical Director of the Manitoba Bleeding Disorders Program. "The development of inhibitors adds a significant challenge, with more demanding treatments that are often less effective. Hemlibra offers these patients the chance to effectively reduce the frequency of their bleeds with a once weekly injection at home. This could significantly improve the quality of life for inhibitor patients, and particularly children and their families."

Hemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder affecting approximately 3,000 Canadian males.⁵ People with hemophilia A have significantly lower than normal levels of factor VIII (FVIII) in their blood, which lowers the ability of their blood to clot.⁶ Nearly one-in-three people with severe hemophilia A can develop inhibitors to factor VIII replacement therapies, putting them at greater risk of life-threatening bleeds or repeated bleeding episodes that can cause long-term joint damage.⁷

"Many people with severe hemophilia A face an ongoing struggle to control their bleeds, live with pain caused by joint damage and their lives revolve around treatment infusions. Until now, treatment options have been limited for those with inhibitors to factor VIII and there hasn't been a new medicine in the past 20 years," says Paul Wilton, President, Canadian Hemophilia Society. "Hemlibra is a significant innovation for people with inhibitors and we are pleased that it is now approved for Canadian patients."

About the Health Canada Approval
The Health Canada approval of HEMLIBRA is based on data from two pivotal clinical studies for people with hemophilia A with inhibitors, the phase III HAVEN 1 and HAVEN 2 studies.

HEMLIBRA prophylaxis was evaluated in a randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical study in 109 adolescent and adult males (aged 12 to 75 years old) with hemophilia A with FVIII inhibitors who had previously received either episodic (on-demand) or prophylactic treatment with bypassing agents. In the study, patients received weekly HEMLIBRA prophylaxis (Arms A and C) — 3 mg/kg once weekly for 4 weeks followed by 1.5 mg/kg once weekly thereafter — or no prophylaxis (Arm B).⁸

Below is a summary of key data from the HAVEN 1 study:⁹

The primary endpoint showed a statistically significant reduction in treated bleeds of 87% (risk rate [RR]=0.13, p<0.0001) with HEMLIBRA prophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis.
- In addition, 62.9% (95% CI: 44.9; 78.5) of patients who received HEMLIBRA prophylaxis experienced zero treated bleeds compared to 5.6% (95% CI: 0.1; 27.3) of patients who received no prophylaxis.
In a first-of-its-kind intra-patient analysis, HEMLIBRA prophylaxis resulted in a statistically significant reduction in treated bleeds of 79% (RR=0.21, p=0.0003) compared to previous treatment with BPA prophylaxis collected in the NIS prior to enrolment.
- Additionally, 70.8% (95% CI: 48.9; 87.4) of patients experienced zero treated bleeds with HEMLIBRA prophylaxis compared to 12.5% (95% CI: 2.7; 32.4) with previous treatment with BPA prophylaxis during the NIS.
Improvements in bleed rate with HEMLIBRA prophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis included:
- 80% (RR=0.20, p<0.0001) reduction in all bleeds
- 92% (RR=0.08, p<0.0001) reduction in treated spontaneous bleeds
- 89% (RR=0.11, p=0.0050) reduction in treated joint bleeds
- 95% (RR=0.05, p=0.0002) reduction in treated target joint bleeds.
HEMLIBRA prophylaxis showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the Haemophilia-specific Quality of Life (Haem-A-QoL) Total Score and Physical Health scale compared to no prophylaxis. This was measured at week 25 after the start of treatment in adults 18 years of age and older and evaluated hemophilia-related symptoms and physical function.

HAVEN 2 was a single-arm, multicenter, open-label clinical study in pediatric patients (age < 12 years old, or 12 to 17 years old weighing < 40 kg) with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Patients received HEMLIBRA prophylaxis at 3 mg/kg once weekly for the first four weeks followed by 1.5 mg/kg once weekly thereafter.

The study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of weekly HEMLIBRA prophylaxis, including the efficacy of weekly HEMLIBRA prophylaxis compared with previous episodic (on-demand) and prophylactic bypassing agent treatment in patients who had participated in the non-interventional study (NIS) BH29768 prior to enrollment (intra-patient comparison).

At the time of the interim analysis, the clinical study had enrolled 60 male patients. Thirty-eight patients aged 6 to < 12 years, 17 patients aged 2 to < 6 years, two patients aged < 2 years and three patients aged ≥ 12 years.¹⁰

Below is a summary of the interim results of HAVEN 2:⁴

After a median observation time of 38.1 weeks, the interim analysis showed that 87% (95% CI: 66.4; 97.2) of children who received HEMLIBRA prophylaxis experienced zero treated bleeds. Interim data also showed:
- 34.8% (95% CI: 16.4; 57.3) of children experienced zero bleeds overall, which includes all treated and non-treated bleeds.
- 95.7% (95% CI: 78.1; 99.9) of children experienced zero treated spontaneous bleeds.
- 95.7% (95% CI: 78.1; 99.9) of children experienced zero treated joint bleeds.
- 100% (95% CI: 85.2; 100) of children experienced zero treated target joint bleeds.
In an intra-patient analysis, 13 children who had participated in the NIS had an annualised bleeding rate (ABR) for treated bleeds of 17.2 (95% CI: 12.4; 23.8) on previous treatment with a BPA either as prophylaxis (n=12) or on-demand (n=1) compared to 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1; 0.8) on HEMLIBRA prophylaxis, corresponding to a 99% (RR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.004; 0.044) reduction in bleed rate. On HEMLIBRA prophylaxis, 11 children (84.6%) experienced zero treated bleeds.⁴

The most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from pooled clinical studies of people treated with HEMLIBRA were injection site reactions, headache, arthralgia, pyrexia, diarrhea, myalgia and thrombotic microangiopathy. The most serious adverse drug reactions reported from the clinical trials with HEMLIBRA were TMA and thrombotic events, including cavernous sinus thrombosis and superficial vein thrombosis contemporaneous with skin necrosis.¹¹

In the HAVEN 1 study, three people experienced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) events and two people experienced serious thrombotic events when on average, a cumulative amount of more than 100 U/kg/24 hours of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) (FEIBA^®) was administered for 24 hours or more while receiving HEMLIBRA prophylaxis.¹²

About Hemophilia A
Hemophilia A is an inherited, serious disorder in which a person's blood does not clot properly, leading to uncontrolled and often spontaneous bleeding. Hemophilia A affects around 3,000 Canadian males,⁵approximately 40 per cent of whom have a severe form of the disorder.¹³

People with hemophilia A either lack or do not have enough of a clotting protein called factor VIII. Depending on the severity of their disorder, people with haemophilia A can bleed frequently, especially into their joints or muscles.¹⁴ These bleeds can present a significant health concern as they often cause pain and can lead to chronic swelling, deformity, reduced mobility, and long-term joint damage.¹⁵ A serious complication of treatment is the development of inhibitors to factor VIII replacement therapies.¹⁶ Inhibitors are antibodies developed by the body's immune system that bind to and block the efficacy of replacement factor VIII,¹⁷ making it difficult, if not impossible to obtain a level of factor VIII sufficient to control bleeding.

About HEMLIBRA^® (emicizumab injection)
HEMLIBRA is an engineered humanized monoclonal modified immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibody that bridges activated factor IX and factor X to restore the natural function of missing activated factor VIII that is needed for effective blood clotting. It has no structural relationship to FVIII and, as such, does not induce or enhance the development of direct inhibitors to FVIII.^18,19

HEMLIBRA is a prophylactic (preventative) treatment that can be administered by an injection of a ready-to-use solution under the skin (subcutaneously) once weekly.²⁰

HEMLIBRA was created by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and is being co-developed by Chugai, Roche and Genentech. It is currently approved in the United States and Europe for people with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors.

About Roche in Hematology
For more than 20 years, Roche has been developing medicines that redefine treatment in hematology. Today, we are investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to people with diseases of the blood. In addition to approved medicines MabThera^®/Rituxan® (rituximab), Gazyva^®/Gazyvaro^® (obinutuzumab), and Venclexta™/Venclyxto™ (venetoclax) in collaboration with AbbVie, Roche's pipeline of investigational hematology medicines includes Tecentriq^® (atezolizumab), an anti-CD79b antibody drug conjugate (polatuzumab vedotin/RG7596) and a small molecule antagonist of MDM2 (idasanutlin/RG7388). Roche's dedication to developing novel molecules in hematology expands beyond malignancy, with the development of Hemlibra (emicizumab injection), a bispecific monoclonal antibody for the treatment of hemophilia A.

About Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.

Roche Canada was founded in 1931. The company employs over 1,000 people across the country, with its pharmaceuticals head office located in Mississauga, Ontario, and diagnostics division based in Laval, Quebec. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities, investing in charitable organizations and partnering with healthcare institutions across the country. For more information, visit www.rochecanada.com.

All trade-marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

REFERENCES

¹ American Society of Hematology. Hemophilia: From Plasma to Recombinant Factors. Available at: http://www.hematology.org/About/History/50-Years/1524.aspx. Accessed on July 24, 2018.
² HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
³ Oldenburg J, et al. Emicizumab Prophylaxis in Hemophilia A with Inhibitors. The New England Journal of Medicine, July 13, 2017.
⁴ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
⁵ Canadian Hemophilia Society. All About Carriers – A Guide for Carriers of Hemophilia A and B. Available from: www.hemophilia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AACFinal.pdf. Accessed on July 23, 2018.
⁶ Canadian Hemophilia Society. All About Carriers – A Guide for Carriers of Hemophilia A and B. Available from: www.hemophilia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AACFinal.pdf. Accessed on July 23, 2018.
⁷ European Haemophilia Consortium. Bleeding Disorders – Inhibitors. Available from: https://www.ehc.eu/bleeding-disorders/inhibitors/. Accessed on July 23, 2018.
⁸ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
⁹ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018
¹⁰ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
¹¹ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
¹² HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
¹³ Canadian Hemophilia Society. All About Carriers – A Guide for Carriers of Hemophilia A and B. Available from: www.hemophilia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AACFinal.pdf. Accessed on July 23, 2018.
¹⁴ WFH. Guidelines for the management of haemophilia. 2012. Available from: http://www1.wfh.org/publications/files/pdf-1472.pdf. Accessed on July 23, 2018.
¹⁵ Franchini M, Mannucci PM. Haemophilia A in the third millennium. Blood Rev 2013; 179-84.
¹⁶ Franchini M, Mannucci PM. Haemophilia A in the third millennium. Blood Rev 2013; 179-84.
¹⁷ Whelan SF, et al. Distinct characteristics of antibody responses against factor VIII in healthy individuals and in different cohorts of haemophilia A patients. Blood 2013; 121: 1039-48.
¹⁸ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
¹⁹ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.
²⁰ HEMLIBRA Product Monograph, August 2, 2018.

SOURCE Roche Canada

Despite the association made between sickness and wintertime, many are surprised when they fall ill during the beautiful, warm summer season. While our immune systems do tend to take down viruses with more ease in the summertime, they don’t always win the fight. Thankfully, combatting summer sickness requires a simple, straightforward approach. To protect yourself from getting sick this summer, Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is sharing his simple advice to find a natural fix.

Dr. Calapai is a New York-based Osteopathic Physician, board-certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He suggests the following tips to identify the cause of your ailment and find a natural remedy:

How clean is your air conditioner?

Air conditioning is a life-saver in the summer heat, but when’s the last time you cleaned your air conditioner? When left uncleaned for long periods of time, air conditioning systems can accumulate a wide array of bacteria that can make you sick. With these little germs being blasted right at you in the cool air, there’s no wonder you may be falling sick in the summer. In fact, studies have indicated a link between using air conditioning and needing to use health services. Not to fear, though—Just make sure to clean your air conditioner regularly and you can enjoy the coolness with much less risk to your health!

Are you getting a break from your fan or AC?

Constantly being blasted by the cool air has quite the drying effect, not only on your skin, but on your mucus membranes inside your nasal passages. When these are dried out, their ability to defend against infection is greatly weakened, and thus a cold may ensue. Even without infection, the dryness can also cause your body to overproduce mucus in order to compensate, which can mimic cold-like symptoms with congestion and discomfort.

Are you really even sick?

It’s quite easy to confuse allergies with a cold, especially for those who haven’t previously been subject to the deleterious effects of pollen and other allergens. One easy way to know if you have a virus or if it is merely allergies is by the color of your mucus (assuming you have a runny nose!). A general rule of thumb is that if it is clear and watery, you’re just having allergies, but if it’s more viscous and greenish, it is likely a virus. Another sign that you have allergies and not a cold is that your symptoms remain constant for more than a week to a week and a half, as colds tend to clear up within that time frame.

How is your sleep schedule?

While our environment plays a substantial role in our health, at the end of the day, colds and other sickness come from viruses and bacteria (usually). The human body’s most fundamental mechanism to ward off these pesky guys is with our immune systems. But how do we show our immune system some love, you may ask? Sleep! But not just any sleep. A consistent, generous number of hours is ideal. Furthermore, the sleep you get with alcohol, marijuana, and other substances in your system is not as revitalizing for your body. As many people drink more in the summer months, pay attention to this, as it may very well be the culprit behind your weakened immune system.

How clean is clean enough?

Paying attention to cleanliness is even more important in the muggy summer months. First of all, as you may be going out more (and thus touching more things!) in the summer, constantly washing your hands is one of the most reliable ways to stay illness-free. Not only should you keep yourself clean, however, you must also keep your surroundings spick and span. Picking up your clothes and straightening your pillows is not enough in the summer season; it is the smaller bits that pose a more insidious threat. With more air circulating due to AC, all of the microscopic particles have a heightened chance to enter your breathing pathways and make you sick. Not only that, but the warmth also creates an ideal environment for bacteria proliferation, so make sure to wipe down all your surfaces regularly and to stay clean!

About the doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham's Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via Twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net.