DUPIXENT® (dupilumab injection) pre-filled pen now available in Canada, providing convenient self-administration option for people with type 2 inflammatory diseases

• DUPIXENT^® is approved by Health Canada for use in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and severe asthma.¹
• The pre-filled pen offers an additional administration option for all DUPIXENT^® indications in patients aged 12 years and older.² 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada announced today that a new 300 mg single-dose (single-use) pre-filled pen for DUPIXENT^® (dupilumab injection) is now available in Canada. The pre-filled pen is approved for all DUPIXENT^® indications in patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), severe asthma and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), for at-home administration.³

"The daily management of chronic diseases caused by type 2 inflammation – such as severe asthma, severe rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and atopic dermatitis – can be difficult and overwhelming for many patients," says Dr. Susan Waserman, Allergist/ Clinical Immunologist and Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. "Providing an option like the pre-filled pen for DUPIXENT^® may offer patients a more convenient experience that may help ease the daily burden of treating their condition."

The DUPIXENT^® pre-filled pen was designed to offer a more convenient and easy-to-use option for self-administration. The device contains 300 mg of DUPIXENT^® for subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) and offers patients visual and audio cues to help guide the administration process.⁴ Through its automated injection process, once the pre-filled pen is held and pressed against the skin, the patient will hear a click sound when the injection starts and the window on the pre-filled pen will turn yellow. The pre-filled pen also features a hidden needle design, to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks.⁵

"The devastating impact of living with a chronic disease touches all aspects of a person's life. It's therefore critical that our commitment to supporting patients extends to easing the burden of disease management," says Marissa Poole, Country Lead, Sanofi Canada and General Manager, Sanofi Genzyme Canada. "Patient needs drive innovation at Sanofi, and insights from patients helped inform the development of the pre-filled pen for DUPIXENT^®. This enabled us to address their needs and help simplify the treatment experience."

Although the device can be administered at-home, administration requires training by a healthcare professional. Patients should not inject themselves or someone else unless they have received training. In adolescents 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT^® be administered by, or under supervision of, an adult.⁶

Patients interested in more information about the pre-filled pen can visit Dupixent.ca to learn more.

About DUPIXENT^®

DUPIXENT^® is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) proteins and is not an immunosuppressant. Data from DUPIXENT^® clinical trials have shown that IL-4 and IL-13 are key drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in AD, severe asthma and CRSwNP.⁷

Since its initial approval in 2017, DUPIXENT^® remains the only biologic medicine approved by Health Canada for the treatment of patients six years and older with moderate-to-severe AD whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.⁸ DUPIXENT^® is also approved in Canada for the treatment of adult patients with severe CRSwNP and for the treatment of severe asthma in patients 12 years and older.⁹

DUPIXENT^® is jointly developed by Sanofi and Regeneron under a global collaboration agreement.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.

With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

Sanofi entities in Canada employ approximately 2,000 people. In 2018, we invested more than $127 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

Follow us on Twitter @SanofiCanada and on YouTube.

References

SOURCE Sanofi Canada

Premier Tech Life Sciences — Keeping on Extending the Reach of Science

RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP, QC, June 17, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Premier Tech is pleased to announce the launch of its fifth business group — Premier Tech Life Sciences. This latest addition perfectly complements the company's four existing businesses: Systems and Automation, Growers and Consumers, Water and Environment, and Digital.

This new business group allows Premier Tech to add to the scope of its industries through innovative nutrition products aiming to improve the health and well-being of humans and animals. To deliver on this objective, Premier Tech will tap into its plant-based and microbial assets and will rely on its expertise in research and production in terms of biotechnologies and bioprocesses.

Leveraging the Potential of Biotechnology
Premier Tech has been investing in biotechnology since 1983. Over the years, these investments have allowed the company to build an impressive portfolio of natural active ingredients and an in-depth knowledge to formulate products meeting the needs of the various market segments it targets. 

"The launch of Premier Tech Life Sciences is the next logical step in our almost century-old journey to support our long-term vision, which focuses on helping to feed, protect and improve our world to make it a better place. We are always seeking new ways to deliver value to the marketplace and to meet this goal, we rely on the significant synergy created by our knowledge base, capabilities and resources," explains Jean Bélanger, president and chief executive officer of Premier Tech.

About Premier Tech 
Making a difference, this is what we are all about at Premier Tech. One team driven by a shared passion to deliver solutions that will better the lives of people, businesses, and communities. At Premier Tech, People and Technologies connect in lasting, transformative ways, giving life to products and services that help feed, protect, and improve our world. We are committed to creating sustainable solutions that help bring beautiful gardens to life, increase crop yields, improve the efficiency of manufacturing facilities, treat and recycle water, and much more as we keep innovating.

For nearly a century, Premier Tech has been growing internationally, driven by the collective power of its 4 700 team members in 28 countries. Backed by a quarter-century-long track record of solid growth, Premier Tech today records sales of one billion dollars.

People and Technologies making a difference
For more information about Premier Tech, visit www.premiertech.com and follow twitter.com/_PremierTech

SOURCE Premier Tech ltée

Horizon Health Network partners with MOBIA to leverage SurgeCon software and drive Emergency Department Transformation

Software to improve patient wait times and support surge management

HALIFAX, NS, June 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Leading full-suite Canadian systems integrator, MOBIA, announced today that its SurgeCon software has been selected by Horizon Health Network (Horizon) to help address emergency department (ED) flow challenges, improve patient wait times, and manage patient surges. The software will be rolled out across seven sites in New Brunswick. The project has been made possible through Health Canada and Innovation Solutions Canada who identified SurgeCon as a powerful tool to improve EDs through their COVID-19 Innovation fund. 

SurgeCon will enable Horizon to automate workflows and proactively implement measures in the ED to improve patient outcomes and better support frontline staff. Through real-time surge protocol algorithms, SurgeCon, will instantly notify clinicians and healthcare administrators with specific actions to take based on situational changes -- helping to move patients through the ED, shortening length of overall stay, minimizing surges and ensuring that the appropriate resources are deployed. The software aims to increase transparency and collaboration across departments in the hospital. 

Proven to effectively reduce wait times and improve patient flow in the ED, SurgeCon was conceptualized by an emergency department physician and a nurse at Carbonear General Hospital. The software is designed, developed, and operated by MOBIA. 

The development of SurgeCon's software is supported by our collaborative research partners from Eastern Health and Memorial University of Newfoundland who are conducting a clinical trial which is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government, and the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation. The Newfoundland and Labrador Center for Health Information (NLCHI) and IWK Health Center are also supporting this initiative.

SurgeCon's proven track record and quick start-up time helped to solidify Horizon's decision. "We are committed to providing the best possible patient experience and driving positive patient outcomes," said Jennifer Sheils, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Horizon Health Network. "SurgeCon will enable us to transform the way we manage flow and capacity in our emergency departments by improving patient flow, decreasing wait times and empowering staff to act before a surge occurs. Early Indications show the system is easy to implement and very user-friendly."

"We are thrilled Horizon Health will be using SurgeCon to support their care efforts," said Nevin Pick, Director of Digital Transformation, MOBIA. "Technology has the power to aid clinicians and administrators in their work and SurgeCon is an exceptionally powerful tool, providing real-time data to make real-time decisions. Emergency room staff give every shift 110% and are exceptionally busy. It is an honour to be able to help reduce some of their workload by streamlining and automating portions of their workflow and surfacing the information they need to make informed care decisions."

ABOUT MOBIA
MOBIA, the leading full-suite Canadian systems integrator and one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, helps businesses foster connection and realize their full potential through digital transformation. Focused around five key-areas -- Broadband and Wireless Services, Hybrid Infrastructure Solutions, Managed Services, Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation Services – MOBIA partners with clients to operationalize new technologies and processes, driving business agility and efficiency – and truly transforming the way they work. To learn more, visit MOBIA.io.

ABOUT HORIZON
Horizon Health Network (Horizon) is the largest regional health authority in New Brunswick and the second-largest health authority in Atlantic Canada with expertise in diverse areas of health and community services. Focused on delivering quality and safe care to our patients, clients and their families, Horizon operates 12 hospitals and more than 100 medical facilities, clinics and offices throughout New Brunswick. Horizon provides services ranging from acute and specialized care to community-based health services. At the foundation of this health system is a robust network of community-based primary care services offered in a variety of settings in communities throughout the province. Our primary care system is comprised of a number of facilities and services, including community health centres, clinics, public health services, community hospitals, as well as addictions and mental health services. With a collaborative, team approach to offering services in English and French, Horizon delivers sustainable, safe and quality health care services to residents of New Brunswick, as well as northern Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Horizon was named one of Canada's 'Top 40 Research Hospitals for 2020 by Research Infosource Inc., a leading Canadian research and consulting firm.

SOURCE MOBIA Technology Innovations Inc.

The Chopped Leaf wants to fuel your dreams

While you train to represent Canada

Oakville, ON, June 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chopped Leaf today announced that they want to help fuel Canadian athletes that are chasing their dreams to represent our country. If you are training to represent Canada, the brand wants to hear from you.

As a Canadian brand committed to providing quality, fresh and wholesome food The Chopped Leaf is on the hunt for athletes to partner with and become ambassadors during their training. Fueling the body is key while preparing for and competing in your sport, and while your energy is focused on training, The Chopped Leaf wants to take care of the food.

The Chopped Leaf recognizes the importance of proper nutrition, and values the fact that each ingredient and its nutritional breakdown plays a key role within how the body functions optimally.  A generally balanced diet features a mixture of protein to build lean muscle and balance blood sugar, carbohydrates to provide fuel and energy, and healthy fats such as omega-3s to reduce inflammation and help recovery.

The Chopped Leaf is an ideal fit as their menu is fully customizable and the brand is transparent about their ingredients. Offering a variety of complex carbohydrates, animal and plant-based protein options, fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and exclusive signature dressings; there is something for everyone. Regardless of what your body demands based on the calories you burn and the sport you compete in; the brand aligns with the goal of eating for performance.

Neville Wright, Canadian bobsledder and 3x Olympian says “The Chopped Leaf has been a staple in my diet for years. Nutrition has always been important to me as it plays a key role in how I perform and how I feel”. “Having meals on-the-go that never compromise quality is something a lot of athletes value, including myself.” 

If you are training, plan to train or know someone who will be training to represent Canada, The Chopped Leaf wants to eliminate some of the stress when it comes to food prep and eating on-the-go.

Visit https://www.choppedleaf.ca/ambassador-program/ to learn more and apply now.

About The Chopped Leaf

Proudly Canadian, The Chopped Leaf has over 100 locations open and committed to open within Canada and the USA. We are a lifestyle brand that offers delicious, chef designed meals, served fresh and quick for a better-for-you experience. Find The Chopped Leaf on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit us at choppedleaf.ca. The Chopped Leaf is owned and managed by Innovative Food Brands.

How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

As the summer approaches, it is important that you take care of your skin even as you have loads of fun. You may have anticipated the summer activities and already have a plan on how to spend your summer. However, it is crucial that you consider your skin health. Prolonged exposure to the sun may lead to several skin problems such as skin cancer. There are millions of skin cancer diagnoses in the country every year.

You may be conflicted on how to best protect your skin this summer. This article highlights some of the ingenious ways you can incorporate into your skin routine to help your skin stay safe and healthy.

Apply Sunscreen

As you engage in any outdoor activities during the summer, it is important that you apply sunscreen to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This will protect you from sunburns and various forms of skin cancer that may be fatal. Since the sunscreen protects your skin from sunburns, it will help keep your complexion even. Also, ensure you do your research on the best sunscreen to apply on your skin and check for the expiration date as well. Therefore, add sunscreen as part of your summer itinerary.

See a Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a skin expert and will definitely provide you with the best advice on how to protect your skin in the summer. Make an appointment with your dermatologist and carry a notebook to jot down the best way to help your skin stay healthy. Go for the products that will be suggested by the dermatology experts. Also, a dermatologist will do a skin evaluation and determine whether your skin is healthy and, if not, give you the best treatment to help tone out your skin in preparation for the summer fun.

Eat Plant-Based Food

From plants, we get vital nutrients and vitamins that help in promoting skin health. Also, plant-based foods provide the body with nutrients that have antioxidant properties, which is advantageous for overall skin health. Therefore, ensure you watch what you eat throughout the summer.

Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to a healthy diet, practice proper lifestyle choices that will help you have smooth and healthy skin. Take regular baths and moisturize your skin. Moisturizers help protect your skin from harm by the sun’s UV rays and treat dry skin as well. Also, avoid smoking which may destroy essential proteins that help maintain the strength of your skin.

All the above points will help you maintain healthy skin during the summer. Ensure that you maintain regular checkups with your dermatologist to help you keep track of your skin health.

4 Indoor Exercises You Can Try When It's Too Hot to Go Outside

While you love getting outdoors to exercise, you know all too well about just how hot it can be during the summer. As a result, it is sometimes not practical to go out for a long run, bike ride, or other activities. However, this doesn't mean you just have to stay inside and do nothing. Instead, you can try a variety of great indoor exercises that will not only keep you motivated, but also let you try something new now and then. If you're tired of sweating under a hot sun, try these four exercises on that next summer day.

Swimming

One of the best all-around ways to stay fit, you can decide to go swimming on a hot day rather than toil under the hot sun. An effective and low-impact exercise, you can visit an area recreation or fitness center, swim plenty of laps, and know you got a great workout.

Stationary Cycling

While hopping on your bicycle and riding through your neighborhood, a local park, or elsewhere is always a fun and relaxing way to stay fit, there are some days when the hot weather just doesn't make this possible. In these situations, try an alternative by doing indoor cycling. In recent years, stationary bikes have come a long way. Using state-of-the-art technology, you can climb on a bike and choose various destinations in which to ride, giving you the feel of an outdoor ride without having to endure the heat.

Walking

If you want to take it a bit easier with your exercise during hot weather, take a walk indoors. To do so, you can do like many people and spend your time walking inside a large, air-conditioned mall, recreation center, gym, or elsewhere. To make your walk even more fun, you can bring along some family members or friends to make the time pass by even a bit quicker.

Jumping Rope

Last but not least, you can get in a great cardio workout by jumping rope inside your home. If you think jumping rope is just for kids, think again. Used by boxers and other elite athletes, this form of exercise will give your entire body a workout, can be done almost anywhere, and can be finished within 15-20 minutes.

The next time you wake up and find its 100 degrees outside, don't postpone your workout. Instead, try any of these four. Once you do, you'll be feeling the burn without getting sunburned.

Understanding the Importance of Stretching Your Muscles Everyday

Is there anything better than a good stretch upon waking? But why does stretching feel so satisfying, and more importantly, why does our body naturally contort to relieve tension? If you've ever wondered why stretching feels natural or the health benefits of developing a stretching routine, here are some ideas to consider.

Future-Proofing Your Body and Mind

In the same way we insure our cars before heading out onto the highway, stretching is the physical equivalent of protecting your body for future mishaps. Stretching your muscles increases the mobility of your joints, improves your posture and helps your cardiovascular system drive blood and nutrients throughout your system. It helps in the gym, too. Stretching can increase the range of motion for practitioners who utilize weightlifting and resistance training in their fitness routine. Moreover, it allows individuals who suffer from sore shoulders, creaky joints, chronic knee pain, and poor hip mobility to perform at a higher capacity, inside and outside of the gym.

The Elephant in the Room

For millions of people across the globe, debilitating lower back pain is a regular part of their life. But with a proper stretching routine, it doesn't have to be. Developing a personal stretching routine or seeking guidance from an assisted stretch therapist is the best way to restore mobility in the lower back and reduce aches and pains. Furthermore, regular stretching strengthens the areas in the lower back, such as the extensor and flexor muscles, that are responsible for back-related issues. For most patients, their discomfort decreases with each passing day after developing their stretching routine.

Stretching is also great for your mind. Individuals who take their stretching routine seriously have begun utilizing breath techniques that calm their minds and reduce anxiety. While they stretch and strengthen their body and joints, they shift their concentration to the delicate sensation of air entering and leaving their body. While this technique may seem simplistic, it's a brilliant way to reduce tension throughout the body and mind.

When in Doubt, Stretch It Out!

It's easy to see why stretching daily is beneficial for your health and well-being, but should you consider a routine that incorporates the practice? Stretching your muscles is an efficient way to improve blood flow, reduce anxiety, and get your day started on the right foot. If you're the type of person who wants to feel their best, developing a stretching routine is a "no-brainer."

Understanding the Importance of Stretching Your Muscles Everyday

Is there anything better than a good stretch upon waking? But why does stretching feel so satisfying, and more importantly, why does our body naturally contort to relieve tension? If you've ever wondered why stretching feels natural or the health benefits of developing a stretching routine, here are some ideas to consider.

Future-Proofing Your Body and Mind

In the same way we insure our cars before heading out onto the highway, stretching is the physical equivalent of protecting your body for future mishaps. Stretching your muscles increases the mobility of your joints, improves your posture and helps your cardiovascular system drive blood and nutrients throughout your system. It helps in the gym, too. Stretching can increase the range of motion for practitioners who utilize weightlifting and resistance training in their fitness routine. Moreover, it allows individuals who suffer from sore shoulders, creaky joints, chronic knee pain, and poor hip mobility to perform at a higher capacity, inside and outside of the gym.

The Elephant in the Room

For millions of people across the globe, debilitating lower back pain is a regular part of their life. But with a proper stretching routine, it doesn't have to be. Developing a personal stretching routine or seeking guidance from an assisted stretch therapist is the best way to restore mobility in the lower back and reduce aches and pains. Furthermore, regular stretching strengthens the areas in the lower back, such as the extensor and flexor muscles, that are responsible for back-related issues. For most patients, their discomfort decreases with each passing day after developing their stretching routine.

Stretching is also great for your mind. Individuals who take their stretching routine seriously have begun utilizing breath techniques that calm their minds and reduce anxiety. While they stretch and strengthen their body and joints, they shift their concentration to the delicate sensation of air entering and leaving their body. While this technique may seem simplistic, it's a brilliant way to reduce tension throughout the body and mind.

When in Doubt, Stretch It Out!

It's easy to see why stretching daily is beneficial for your health and well-being, but should you consider a routine that incorporates the practice? Stretching your muscles is an efficient way to improve blood flow, reduce anxiety, and get your day started on the right foot. If you're the type of person who wants to feel their best, developing a stretching routine is a "no-brainer."

Extensive Study in Canada to Assess COVID-19 Vaccine Immune Responses and Effectiveness among People Living With HIV

MONTREAL, June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- People living with HIV are less likely to mount an adequate immune response, which may put them at higher risk for both serious COVID-19 illness and reduced response to COVID-19 vaccination. The Government of Canada, through its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) and Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG), is investing approximately $1.75 million in a study that will assess the immune responses, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination for this vulnerable population that has been understudied with respect to COVID-19. The study is further supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) and Stop the Spread Ottawa, bringing the total funding to more than $2.6 million.

Conducted by the CTN and a large team of co-investigators and collaborators from across Canada, the study, called COVAXHIV, is the most extensive study in Canada to date to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in a diverse population of people living with HIV.

“There have been very limited data from clinical trials for this at-risk community,” says Dr. Aslam Anis, Principal Investigator, National Director of the CTN and Director of the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. “The results of this study will provide critical and timely evidence to inform immunization guidelines and public health strategies for all of the approximately 67,000 Canadians living with HIV.”

A small number of people living with HIV who are in stable health and without other medical conditions have been included in previous clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines, but the information is not generalizable to specific key vulnerable populations that have not been studied yet.

“Our COVAXHIV study focuses on older patients, those who have suppressed levels of white blood cells that fight infection (CD4 T-cells), and people with multiple medical conditions,” explains CTN Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Cecilia Costiniuk, Associate Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC).

Dr. Costiniuk and Co-Investigator Dr. Curtis Cooper, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Division of Infectious Diseases and Scientist with The Ottawa Hospital, will recruit 400 people living with HIV from clinics in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver to determine COVID-19 immune responses. The first part of the study will evaluate how well antibodies react to fight off SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, up to a year after vaccination. That data will be compared with the immune reactions from a control group of 100 people who do not have HIV.

The second part of the study will look at vaccine effectiveness in people living with HIV compared to people who do not have HIV through a population-based analysis of provincial public health records in Ontario and British Columbia. This part will be led by CTN Investigators Dr. Ann Burchell, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Research Director at St. Michael’s Hospital’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Hasina Samji, Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University and Senior Scientist at the BC Centre for Disease Control and is supported in part by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network.

“We will follow more than 35,000 people living with HIV in both provinces to note COVID-19 vaccine uptake and rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization, which will allow us to study vaccine effectiveness in this population,” explains Dr. Burchell. “We will also be looking at social determinants of health such as sex, age, geography and socioeconomic status to see what effects they have, if any, on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.”

“We know that most existing vaccines require higher or additional doses to provide optimal protection for people living with HIV,” says Dr. Catherine Hankins, member of the VSRG and a renowned HIV expert. “It is crucial to determine if this is also true with COVID-19 vaccines, especially for those within this population who are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or for developing severe COVID-19 disease. With a vaccine rollout as massive as the current one underway, it is crucial to study the efficacy and safety of the vaccines in diverse priority populations such as people living with HIV. That is what the VSRG aims to do.”

“COVID-19 has had significant health and social impacts on all people in Canada, but the negative impacts have been greater for vulnerable populations, including those living with and affected by HIV,” says Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. "This study will help inform Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, supporting the development of more effective immunization and public health strategies for vulnerable and diverse Canadians living with HIV.”

Participants who have already received their first vaccine dose or have already had COVID-19 are eligible for the study. To participate or for more information about the immunogenicity study, please visit: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctn-328-covid-19-vaccine-in-hiv/.

About the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN)

The CTN is a Canada-wide partnership of researchers, people living with HIV and their caregivers, governments, health advocates, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Together we have pioneered three decades of practice-changing clinical studies (including vaccine trials) in preventing, treating and managing HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). The CTN is represented by community and advocacy groups that voice the priorities of Canadians living with HIV. The CTN National Centre is housed within the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, which shares a joint affiliation with the Providence Health Care Research Institute and the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine.

About the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group

The Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG) supports the monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. It is a consortium of Canadian organizations —the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Research Immunization Network (CIRN), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF)— working collaboratively to pool expertise on vaccine surveillance. The VSRG reports to PHAC and is supported by the CITF Secretariat. It is co-chaired by the leaders of NACI and CIRN. Among its responsibilities, the VSRG, through the CITF Executive Committee, makes recommendations to PHAC on funding research teams that can address important aspects of the immune response, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines with public health relevance and with attention to all priority groups. For more information visit: https://www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca/vaccine-surveillance-reference-group-vsrg/

About the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force

The Government of Canada established the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force in late April 2020. The Task Force is overseen by a Leadership Group of volunteers that includes leading Canadian scientists and experts from universities and healthcare facilities across Canada who are focused on understanding the nature of immunity arising from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To that end, the CITF is supporting numerous studies to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada (in the general population as well as in specific communities and priority populations), understand the nature of immunity following infection, develop improved antibody testing methods, and help monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as they are rolled out across Canada. The Task Force and its Secretariat work closely with a range of partners, including governments, public health agencies, institutions, health organizations, research teams, other task forces, and engages communities and stakeholders. Most recently, the Task Force has been asked to support vaccine surveillance, effectiveness and safety as part of its overall objective to generate data and ideas that inform interventions aimed at slowing—and ultimately stopping—the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada. For more information visit: https://www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca

LifeLabs completes over 2 million COVID-19 molecular tests

Toronto, Ontario, June 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeLabs is pleased to announce its latest milestone in COVID-19 molecular diagnostic testing, completing over 2 million tests for Canadians and their health care providers.

 “I commend our teams for all the work they’ve done to reach this milestone,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “They have demonstrated incredible care, teamwork, and drive in managing everything that goes into our testing: from our frontline staff attentively serving our customers, to our couriers efficiently transporting specimens, to our lab staff diligently analyzing each sample that comes in and ensuring they are accurately reported, and many other supporting members like our customer care members who assist our customers throughout the testing journey. Thank you everyone for all that you do.”

Many Canadians have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and we are well on our way to moving forward with second doses. However, as variants continue to be a concern among Public Health, demand for COVID-19 testing across  remains a key focus; and this will continue to be crucial as Canada slowly begins to reopen its economy.

“Looking at how far we’ve come since last year, I’m so proud of our teams,” said Haleh Bahrami, VP of Lab Operations. “It is because of our team members’ incredible agility and adaptability that we continue to build upon our existing processes to improve quality and efficiencies in our lab testing every day, so that we can continue to serve Canadians in every facet of testing in response to the pandemic.”

LifeLabs continues to build its support for COVID-19 testing in various capacities with initiatives such as:

• Expanding its FlyClear™ Pre-Departure Testing in British Columbia. As shared in a media releaseearlier this spring, LifeLabs launched an additional FlyClear™ testing location on Russ Baker Way near the Vancouver International Airport. This expansion provides travellers with easy access to pre-departure COVID-19 PCR/NAAT testing. 
• Partnering with Fionet Rapid Response Group to implement COVID-19 rapid diagnostic testing services. The Fionet Platform will be integrated with LifeLabs’ laboratory information system to support public health reporting and quality management oversight in providing rapid diagnostics testing for the detection of COVID-19 in community-based settings across Canada. This can include airports, community testing hubs, and installations for small, medium, and large businesses.

For more information about LifeLabs’ response to COVID-19 and testing, visit lifelabs.com

About LifeLabs

 LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and health care practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support 20 million patient visits annually and conduct over 100 million laboratory tests through leading edge technologies and our 6,000 talented and dedicated employees. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab, and the country’s largest online patient portal, with more than 5 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs is 100% Canadian owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment manager of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Learn more at lifelabs.com.