Archive for January, 2020

NewsIf Ms Evans and Mrs A's case wins, a clinical decision to prescribe puberty blockers will soon become a legal one

Friday, 10th January 2020, 4:38 pm

Susan Evans, a former nurse who worked with transgender people, intends to file a legal case with 'Mrs A', the mother of a 15-year-old teenager with autism who wants to take puberty blockers. The duo want to establish a minimum of age of 18 for puberty-blocking treatment.

Ms Evans, a former healthcare worker who has now had her proposal supported by the likes of Transgender Trend, an organisation that sends out information packs to schools saying it's better if teachers don't affirm a child's gender identity, said the treatment should only be offered to those aged 18 and above.

But specialists have stated that raising the age of consent for gender diverse children would pose medical, ethical, and legal complications - some of which could be life-threatening for transgender people.

How do puberty blockers work?

The treatment, given through injection or implant, is given to children and young adults before the onset of puberty so they can consider whether they'd like to permanently transition through cross-sex hormones, before they develop adult characteristics that can only be altered through surgery.

"The puberty blockers put the pause button on puberty," Dr Caroline Salas-Humara, adolescent paediatrician at Hassenfeld Childrens Hospital at NYU Langone, told i.

"The treatment pauses irreversible changes in their body, such as breast growth, voice deepening, body hair, or an Adam's apple developing, which a young person would need surgery later to change if they transitioned. This way, the blockers can stop irreversible changes while being a fully reversible intervention, and it helps the young person feel like theyre not experiencing the wrong puberty.

"If they started and stopped the treatment, whether they've realised they don't want to transition or they decide they want to take cross-sex hormones, puberty would recommence."

How are puberty blockers prescribed?

A GP will refer a person suffering from gender dysphoria to a gender identity clinic, with seven specialist practices operating in the UK.

But for children under 18, there is just one funded clinic in England and Wales, the Gender Identity Development Service, known as GIDS.

At the clinic, specialists will decide whether puberty blockers are right for their patient. But Ms Evans believes that the treatment is offered with little clinical guidance.

The nurse, who left her job at gender identity clinic The Tavistock Centre in 2004, said: "The alarm bells began ringing for me when a colleague at the weekly team clinical meeting said that they had seen a young person four times and they were now recommending them for a referral to the endocrinology department to commence hormone therapy."

While her words triggered an internal enquiry, Dr Peter Dunne of University of Bristol Law School, an expert on the law surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation,said that the UK generally has a "conservative approach" to puberty blockers.

"In the UK, it's more common for patients to access puberty blockers once their puberty has already started," he told i.

"If you look globally, transgender and gender diverse people who want to change their gender are offered puberty blockers at the very onset of gender dysphoria. When you administer the treatment early, it saves a child going through a process that can be quite harmful," he explains.

The teenager, who was fourteen at the time, says the delay had more of an impact on his mental health than the medication itself.

"I was thankful, because the process was starting, but I was frustrated at times," he said.

"And it's not an easy ride, because you're assessed by the clinic, and challenged on your ideas of who you are. But I know those waiting times are important, and I know blockers can be great for the people who dont know what they want."

Age of consent for blockers?

According to the argument put forward by Ms Evans and Mrs A's lawyer, the concern doesn't regard the grievances she brought forward in 2004, but the age in which children can take the blockers.

We are essentially seeking to say that the provision at the Tavistock for young people up to the age of 18 is illegal because there isnt valid consent, said Paul Conrathe, a solicitor with Sinclairslaw, which is representing Evans and the mother.

The allegation is in dispute of a landmark legal case over the age of informed consent for children receiving medical treatment without the permission or knowledge of their parents, known as the Gillick competency test.

The test is based on the case of Roman Catholic mother Victoria Gillick, who challenged the right for children and teenagers under the of 16 to be offered the contraceptive pill in 1984.

She was unsuccessful, with the House of Lords ruling that the medication could be offered to under 16s if the child achieves sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully understand what is proposed."

But Mrs A believes that her teenager, who is 15 and autistic, might not understand the decision, writing on a Crowdfunder page for the legal case that she worried that no one (let alone my daughter) understands the risks and therefore cannot ensure informed consent is obtained".

Dominic Wilson, consultant neonatologist and professor of ethics, at the University of Oxford, told i the decision to supply blockers is all down to a patient's understanding.

"The key ethical principle for decisions about medical treatment for a child or young person who cannot consent is whether the treatment is in their best interests, do the benefits outweigh the risks? It is important for the young person (if they are able) to be involved in the decision, but their consent is not crucial. The consent of the child's parents is important.

"If a young person is mature enough to be able to make a decision by themselves, the ethical question is slightly different. Then the focus is on whether the young person understands the risks and benefits of the treatment, and believes that overall it would be best to proceed. They may receive the treatment if they consent to it, even if their parents do not support the treatment."

It is that competency test that clinicians like Dr Salas-Humara use to determine whether their patients are viable and ready for the treatment.

"There is an evaluation process, its based on maturity, and the capacity to send for these hormones," said the specialist.

But the medical professional recognises that patients over the age of 18 would tend to be offered cross-sex hormones rather than the blockers, as puberty is very likely to have already taken place.

"In my own clinical experience, oftentimes, I see smart people who are 9, 10, 11 who understand the risks and benefits. Puberty starts earlier than 18," she added.

What are the pitfalls?

Because of these effects, anti-trans campaigners and beyond have referred to puberty blockers as "experimental treatment," with the treatment in need of further study.

While experts are in agreement that treatments for trans people require significantly more research, Dr Salas-Humara has said the treatment has been successfully used on children who haven't experienced any dysphoria symptoms.

"First of all, it's important to know that medical bodies across the world follow specific guidelines on administering treatment such as puberty blockers. What people don't necessarily realise is that this treatment has been safely used on patients for more than 30 years," said Dr Salas-Humara.

"The treatment was first used to treat people with central precocious puberty, to stop children experiencing hormonal changes who had started puberty too early. Because of this, we have been aware of the safety and efficacy of the treatment for children and young adults for a lot longer than people realise."

Trans children 'falling by the wayside'

If Ms Evans and Mrs A's case wins, a clinical decision to prescribe puberty blockers will soon become a legal one - one Dr Dunne believes will result in treatment for transgender children "falling by the wayside."

"In England were married to the welfare of the child through the Children Act. All childrens law is about doing whats best for the welfare for the child. If you have a young person with a clinical determination, that this is a young person who would benefit, then putting in place for obstacles for that child accessing those seems in contradiction with that ruling," said the Law lecturer.

"Prohibiting access to puberty blockers would not be in the best interest of the child, and if an age cap was put on the treatment, it would be"a blanket ban that doesn't take into account these individual considerations. If this became a judicial process, the real fear would be those that can afford it go to court, with other cases falling by the wayside."

But for trans kids that are currently struggling with gender dysphoria, Dr Salas-Humara insists it is crucial that their concerns are taken seriously.

"Theres data to suggest that those 62 per cent of transgender people have experienced mental health problems when they were refused gender affirming care, and 44.8 per cent have attempted suicide. If a young person comes to me, and they are who they are, and theyre suffering with mental health issues, because of societal implications, it would feel wrong to not use our medicine to help them," the paediatrician said.

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The medical, ethical, and legal complications surrounding the puberty blockers case - inews

The Muse S biofeedback and score-keeping rankles traditional mindfulness teachers, but its data-driven approach could be a game changer for high-level entrepreneurs and executives.

Heres an inspiring story for the first week of the new year, when even the steeliest of resolutions confront the nagging drag of entrenched habits: The most sophisticated new device to promote mindfulness comes from the restless mind of a once-failed meditator.

I was a psychotherapist and would teach my patients to meditate, but I, myself, was never able to crack the code. I always had a million ideas, had an entrepreneurial mind, and the thought of silencing it was quite uncomfortable to me, says Ariel Garten, cofounder of Muse, the app-based device used by more than 100,000 people since its debut in 2014. I was just never able to stick with it.

Ariel Garten. Photo courtesy of Muse

This week, Gartens company launched its most advanced version: the Muse S, which has a soft headband embedded with sophisticated electroencephalogram (EEG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors to monitor brain activity, heart rate and breathing. Users get real time feedback, in the form of nature sounds like falling rain, that prompt them when they become distracted. The app documents brain and heart rate, keeping a log that users can review after each session. (The device retails for $350; an additional $95 buys a yearly subscription to more than 300 guided meditations.)

For many meditators, particularly for those new to the practice, the biofeedback and the accompanying documentation provide reassurance, Garten says.

Most people have a misconception that your mind is supposed to go blank, but if you try to meditate with that belief, youre setting yourself up for failure. Your mind never goes blank, she says. Muse shows you what youre supposed to be doing: Youre putting your attention on your breath, youre notified when your mind wanders, you return to your breath. Just knowing what the process is, is tremendous for people.

The company has a lofty pedigree: Garten studied neuroscience at the University of Toronto, researched Parkinsons disease and hippocampal neurogenesis in labs at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, has guest lectured at MITs Neurotechnology program and worked in the Mann Lab, a pioneer in wearable technology, with Muses cofounder Chris Aimone.

In the early 2000s, Garten and Aimone were working with brain-computer interface technology, creating experimental concerts during which the audience controlled music with their minds. Participantsslipped an EEG on the back of their head, and as they relaxed, the change in brainwave activity altered the quality and volume of the rooms audio output.

We spent a long time thinking that our work was going to be about controlling technology with your mind and later realized that the most powerful part of this was showing what was going on in your own mind, Garten says. We were giving you insights and feedback on your own mental activity. The best way to apply this was to help more people meditate.

Since its launch, Muse has been used for breast cancer patients at the Mayo Clinic, as well as at other prestigious institutions like Harvard and NASA. A 2018 paper on a four-week study at the Catholic University of Milan documented neuroplastic changes to Muse users brains and reduction of their stress levels.

Garten cites studies by Harvard professor Sara Lazar that demonstrate long-term meditators have improved thickness in their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher order processing, cognition and metacognition, as well as more connections between the left and right sections of the brain. Aging, too, is helped by regular meditation, which decreases the presence of cortisol, a stress hormone that can shrink the hippocampus.

Successful meditation, Garten says, promotes higher functioning by helping regulate the competing messages in our brain.

Our amygdala, the part of our brain responsible for our fight or flight response, gets freaked out at all sorts of things that may or may not be relevant. Theres this dance between the amygdala, which is the child, and the prefrontal cortex, which is the parent, she explains. Through meditation process, youre strengthening your prefrontal cortexs ability to actually rise above, see whats going on in the situation, and then make a better choice about it.

That ability, and the promotion of emotional intelligence, is resonating with corporations like Shopify, as well as major media and banking companies that have also enlisted Muse for workshops and meditation challenges.

Garten says her corporate clients gain increased productivity, focus, job satisfaction and decreased stress levels and employee conflict. In the workplace context, metacognition is key, she says. Its the difference between being driven by habits and frustration, and being a more disciplined, wiser individual.

Among Muses fans: executive coach Alex Charfen and Trend Micro president Wael Mohammed, a Muse user who became an investor.

Its a tool that high value performers use across the board. Youre a high-level entrepreneur because you like data, feedback and the ability to make good decisions. This charts your progress and makes it actionable, which is very appealing, Garten says.

Muses success reflects a broader, and recent, cultural shift: Garten, Aimone and their third cofounder, Trevor Coleman, initially marketed the technology in Muse as a cognitive trainer, decorated with logos of brains with muscles, Garten recalls. In 2012, when the trio tried to get funding, investors balked.

Muse S. Photo courtesy of Muse

Theyd say: You have this incredible technology that can read brains. Whats your killer app? Wed say, Meditation, and theyd look at us like, Are you guys kidding? Garten recalls. Today, most educated people understand that you need to eat well, exercise and relieve stress through meditation. Its part of the canon of things that we do, but thats an incredibly recent market trend.

Still, for some meditation teachers, an app based on rewards and control undermines the central premise of mindfulness.

Theres a lot of gaming involved and its very Western, external and goal-oriented. We are so addicted to and dependent on devices that, for me, its almost ironic to use a device on our heads to get out of our heads, says Cathy Trentalancia, founder of MindScience and a meditation teacher who works with companies like American Express, Sony, Moinian, Simpson Thatcher, Shiseido, Carnegie Hall, and at MNDFL studios in New York.

Muse definitely seems fun, but meditation isnt necessarily about having fun. Its about learning to create space and learning how to be comfortable with whatever is there. When you yourself notice your mind is wandering, thats mindfulness. An external entity shouldnt do that for you, she says.

While Trentalancia is skeptical about Muses device, she does recommend guided meditation apps like Dan Harris Ten Percent Happier; Insight Timer and Journey LIVE. I think Muse can offer something very interesting in the EEG experience. Its fascinating, but its not the same journey, she says.

Garten agrees that experienced meditators may ultimately eschew Muse and says that while she still uses Muse as a base tool, she has expanded her practice to multiple other forms of meditation. Still, for beginners, and for those wanting to honor New Years resolutions to pursue a more mindful life, Muses empirical, data-driven approach may create useful habits.

Muse was the thing that really taught me to meditate, it was the thing that finally gave me that aha moment of, Oh, this is what meditation is, she says. It taught me the discipline of coming back to my breath, and the comfort of being able to let go of stray thoughts.

An indispensable guide to finance, investing and entrepreneurship.

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The New Device Promising to Help YouFinallyMeditate - Worth

With Kristien Boelaert, MD, PhD, and Reshmi Srinath, MD

After successful treatment for her overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the patient (who we will call June), not only gained all excess the weight she had lost while her thyroid gland was in overdrive, but the weight continued to creep up.

This is common complaint repeated by many people who visit the discussion board on EndocrineWeb. Understandably, June was so distraught with the undesirable weight gain, so she stopped taking the medication meant to normalize her thyroid levels.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism may lead to excess weight gain if not addressed early. Photo: RapidEye @ iStock

"This woman had developed thyroid storm," says Kristien Boelaert, MD, PhD, associate professor of endocrinology at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and senior author of a new study focusing on weight gain after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition in which body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure often rise to dangerous levels.

These symptoms arose in June, landing her in the intensive care unit, Dr. Boelaert says, and required urgent medical attention. Just like this patient, many people are tempted to stop taking their antithyroid therapy with of the hope of lessening the weight gain, she says, and for those who do, the result is even worse medical complications.

In recognizing this common scenario, Dr. Boelaert and her colleagues were compelled to study the issueexactly how much weight people typicaly gain while being treated for hyperthyroidismand report their findings in the journal Thyroid.1

Dr. Boelaerts team found that many people do indeed gain weight, with some developing obesity. The data gathered from this study puts concrete numbers to this adverse effect of hyperthyroid treatment. Simple awareness of how common excess weight gain may be can be a big relief for patients, Dr. Boelaert tells EndocrineWeb; knowing that weight gain can occur means patients can take proactive steps to anticipate the problem and lessen the result.

While healthcare providers are aware that weight gain may arise after treatment, they often do not mention this outcome to patients, Dr. Boelaert says.

The usual progression, Dr. Boelaert says, is this: patients notice they are losing weight without trying and go to the doctor, at which time they learn they have an overactive thyroid. They undergo treated with antithyroid drugs or with medication plus radioactive iodine treatment (RAI).

Following treatment for hyperthyroidism, patients will observe a steady weight gain despite not changes in their eating or exercise. First, the weight will approach their normal level but then many continue experience further weight gain, reaching overweight or even obesity. As such, Dr. Boelaert set out to evaluate out just how severe the weight gain issue is in patients treated for hyperthyroidism, and what might explain this problematic result.

The researchers turned to the Thyroid Clinic Database at the University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust to gather data on all adult patients with hyperthyroidism treated either with antithyroid drugs, radioiodine (131-I), or both. Information was collected for patients treated between 2000 and 2014 with three years of followup.1 None of the patients had a thyroidectomysurgical removeal of the thyroidwhich is another treatment option.

In all, there were 1,373 patients, ages 18 to 90 years, who were evaluated, and their weight was tracked over time. During treatment, the men, in general, gain about 17.6 pounds while the women gained a little over 12 pounds. The researchers compared the patients' weight gain with that of a matched comparison population of nearly 11,000 people who did not have an overactive thyroid.1

At the start of drug treatment, those who were diagnosed as having an overactive thyroid weighed less, on average than the comparison population, Dr. Boelaert says, which was expected. However, after treatment, the patients with hyperthyroidism were more likely than the comparison group to reach a level of obesity. In effect, men were 1.7 times more likely and women, 1.3 times more likely, to gain enough weight to be considered in the obese range.1

When compared with drugs alone, treatment that included RAI was linked with an additional gain of about 1.3 pounds. (This is included in the overall gain found, as that figure looked at all patients, with all three treatment plans, and averaged the gain).1

"Experiencing steady weight gain is the most prevalent during the first six months," after treatment, Dr. Boelaert tells EndocrineWeb, and then it may taper off somewhat. But some level of weight gain was experienced by most pateints for more than 24 months.1

From the point at which the patients sought care to the end of their treatment followup, an increased in weight of 5% or more was measured in 65% of patients with hyperthyroidism, and more than one iin three (38%) experienced a weight gain of 10% or more over their usual body weight.1

Men gained more than women and those with overactive thyroid due to Graves' disease were more likely to gain more weight than those who had toxic nodular hyperthyroidism or those whose cause of overactive thyroid was not known.1

Dr. Boelaert still cant say for sure why individuals who are treated with antithyroid drugs to reverse their hyperthyroidism show a tendency to gain back the lost weight plus more. "It appears something in the disease process or perhaps from the treatment makes them end up heavier." Clearly, more research is needed for us to understand the specific mechanisms behind the shift upward in body weight as a result of non-surgical treatment for overactive thyroid, she says.

Also, we know that appetite signals get disturbed when the thyroid goes out of whack, she says. When patients come in for treatment, ''lots of patients say, 'I am losing weight although I feel like am eating like a horse.'" After the antithyroid treatment begins, at least some people may continue to eat the same larger amounts that they have grown accustomed to, and this may contribute to the weight gain, she says.

Do appetite signals return to normal once treatment begin? "We don't know, but we hope to study this," Dr. Boelaert says.

She worries about the adverse effects that are associated with overweight. "People with an overactive thyroid already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease," she explains. "If they then become overweight or obese, that is a further 'hit.''' So recognizing your increased risk for heart disease, and concerns about weight gain should be discussed with your doctor, and incorporated into your treatment plan.

Address Weight Gain from Antithyroid Drug Therapy

The new research is providing some valuable new information, says Reshmi Srinath, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Weight and Metabolism Management Program ,and assistant professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City; she reviewed the findings but was not involved in the research.

"It puts some numbers on a phenomenon that we have observed but haven't been able to quantify," she says of the average weight gains found among the men and women in the study.

My patients with overactive thyroid, Dr. Srinath says, are often delighted at the initial weight loss but she cautions about the chance that this trend will reverse. Knowing that weight gain is likely once the drug treatment begins to normalize the thyroid function, and that weight gain may ''overshoot" resulting in unwanted excess body weight is a key point of care to be addressed.

When she sees patients, she makes it a point to warn them of the possibility of weight gain and urges them to make necessary adjustments to their diet and especially to get regular physical activity as the best way to counter the potential for weight to creep up.

It's also very important, she says, to be closely monitored while you are under treatment. Particularly in the first 18 months, patients should be in contact with your health care team every three months, for services such as lab testing, to keep an eye on the thyroid function, which requires monitoring thyroid function levels. "We want to avoid extreme fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels, whichif out of rangecould accellerate the tendency to experience weight gain," Dr. Srinath says.

Awareness of the tendency for weight gain is the first crucial step for every patient with hyperthyroidism, Dr. Boelaert says. She says doctors should be more forthcoming about the probability of weight gain but that patients should be prepared to discuss it and insist it become part of your care plan.

"I tell patients, 'When I make you better, I expect that you will gain weight. The evidence is that probably you will gain more than you lost." So know this, and advocate for clear guidance on what you can change to slow any inevitable weight gain and to prevent exceeding your usual, healthy weight.

Dr. Boelaert found slightly more higher net weight gain in her patients who had radioactive iodine therapy than drugs alone, but she doesnt think this side effect should not steer people away from having RAI treatment since the cure is much higher with this treatment, she says.

She notices that the patients who do adopt a healthier lifestyle, if they werent already following a heart healthy diet and getting daily physical activity, when she first met them, can curtail the otherwise likely excess weight gain.

"Having an overactive thyroid is not a benign disease," she tells her patients. Treatment is crucial and so is keeping an eye on your weight as the treatment process progresses.

Neither Dr. Boelaert nor Dr. Srinath have any disclosures.

Last updated on 01/09/2020

5 Foods that May Help Ease Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

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Weight Gain After Hyperthyroid Treatment is Common: What to Know - EndocrineWeb

Whether its age, physical stress, medical conditions or genetics and hormonal disturbances, the reasons behind female infertility, not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying, are diverse and wide ranging. If youre one of the many women who have been having difficulties and hopes to have a giggly baby in your arms in 2020, its important to be well-informed. The good news is the vast majority of couples who have struggled to conceive at some point are now parents thanks to advanced treatments.

Certain elements may impact a womans ability to get pregnant in a natural way. Lifestyle choices as well as the decision to delay pregnancy, among others, can contribute to a womans capability to conceive later on in life, Dr Upma Shanker, IVF Specialist at the IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic in Muscat, said. Some serious medical conditions may lead to infertility problems as well. Whatever the case might be, women - most of the time, only find out about their condition after actively trying to have a baby for a year but failing to conceive. Such a situation is understandably devastating to any couple, the team member at the clinic with a success rate of over 70 percent, the highest in the Middle East, added.

According to IVI, the parent company of IVI Middle East Fertility Clinics, which offers extensive male and female infertility treatments, one in every seven couples has difficulties in getting pregnant. When it comes to female infertility, the most common medical causes are endometriosis, obstructions in the fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other ovulation problems such as anovulation. Quite a few young women are also affected by some of these health issues.

About 35 percent of females facing infertility have been diagnosed with endometriosis, or the presence of tissue that lines the uterus outside its normal location in the womb. And approximately 25 percent have had difficulty conceiving due to some abnormalities in their fallopian tubes.

PCOS is a medical condition that causes irregular menstrual cycles or no menstruation at all. Around 20 per cent of women have polycystic ovaries and are having difficulty conceiving because they do not ovulate.

With anovulation, menstruation stops completely. Stress, significant weight gain or loss, polycystic ovaries, or even excessive production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for producing breast milk, can result in anovulation, while menopause is the inevitable and natural reason for this condition.

IVI Fertility also cited other risk factors that contribute to fertility problems. These include myomas also known as fibroids, sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, cancer, other chronic diseases and in certain cases, some medications such as anti-depressants.

Fortunately, advances in reproductive medicine have led to the development of treatments specifically addressing a range of female infertility causes. These modern approaches, including the advanced In-vitro fertilization treatments, have been helping more and more women achieve their dream of having a baby, Upma added.

Did you know? While around 40 percent of infertility causes are female related, 40 percent are connected to men and the remaining 20 percent is a combination of issues.

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These Are the Female Infertility Causes Hopeful Mums-To-Be Should Know About - About Her

If you've ever spent anafternoonon the couch with the TV and a bag of salted chips, orgone to bed with a belly full ofTeochew porridge and its accoutrements of salted eggs, fish,vegetables and cured meats, youre probably familiar with the feeling.

You wake up the next morning feelingpuffed up and heavier than usual. Yourring feels like it's strangling your finger. Instead of ankles, you now have cankles. And when you presson theswollen areas for a few seconds, you get weird temporary dimples. In other words, you could very well stand in for the Michelin Man.

Thats water retention or edema in action.

WATER RETENTION CAUSE #1: SALT

The most common cause for edemais eating too much sodium-loaded food. This upsets your body's sodium-to-water balance,which it needs to function. As a result, your body produces an anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) that nudges thekidneys to hold on to water if the water content in our blood is lower than usual, saidAssociate Professor Chionh Chang Yin, the chief of Changi General Hospitals Department Of Renal Medicine.

Once you have drunk adequate fluids and the water content in the blood is restored, your body stops secreting ADH, he said. In that sense, it doesn't really help for you to drink less water to minimise edema.

But edema isnt just about your bodyholding on to insufficient fluids. It also has something to do with how fluids are diverted and pooled incertain parts of the body, which leads us to the next point below.

WATER RETENTION CAUSE #2: GRAVITY

If youve been standing a lotand have swollen ankles or legs, thats gravity's effect on your body'sfluids.It reflects a shift of water between physical compartments within the body, and in this case, it is related to gravity, said Dr Chionh.

The increased volume of bloodin your legs and feet raisesthe pressure inside the blood vessels.The excess fluid in the blood vessels then leaks out into the tissue in the legs, causing them to swell. This may explain theswelling in the lower legs some runners experience after running.

And its not just water. Edema may be a result of more blood flowing down to the legs than the blood flowing up from it, said Dr Ian Phoon, who heads the Cardiovascular Diseases Workgroup at SingHealth Polyclinics.

WATER RETENTION CAUSE #3: HORMONES (FOR WOMEN)

For women, edema could sometimes be part of the dreadedpremenstrual syndrome or PMS.Some women may observe a gain of 1kg to 2kg, which is gradually lost once menstruation begins. Such rapid changein weight is likely due to the change of the water retention status, said Dr Phoon.

But he added that you cant always blame edema for the bloated feeling as it could also "be a feeling of gas in the stomach or a feeling of indigestion.

About 5 litres of water is in the blood vessels, while the rest are in the cells, organs, and tissues of the body.

Your body doesn't produce more fluids when you have edema; instead, itstoresand channelsfluids. But pregnancy is a time when yourbody actually produces fluids about 50 per centmore bloodand body fluids,according to the American Pregnancy Association.

Theextra fluid is needed to soften the body andenableit to expand as the baby develops. "Extra fluid also helpsprepare the pelvic joints and tissues to open for delivery. The extra fluids account for approximately 25 per centof the weightwomen gain during pregnancy," noted its website.

WATER RETENTION CAUSE #4: CERTAIN MEDICINES

Certain medicines can cause edema as a side effect. The Mayo Clinic website lists, among others: High blood pressure medicines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids, oestrogens and certain diabetes medicines known as thiazolidinediones.

HOW TO SOLVE EDEMA?

It should be as easy as holding back on those chips and going to the toilet more, right? Unfortunately, the science isnt likethat. For starters, your body is made of a lot of water.

About 60 per cent of your body consists of water, said Dr Phoon. About 5 litres of wateris in the blood vessels, while the rest are in the cells, organs, and tissues of the body.

And while this percentage can be lower in those who are obese and slightly lower in women than in men, he said, it doesnt change much no matter how much water you drink or dont.

But relieving edema is actually quite simple: By elevating one's legs (and reversing the effects of gravity), or wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing, said Dr Phoon. Moving the muscles of the affected limbs also helps to pump the excess fluids away.

BUT TAKE NOTE OF MORE SERIOUS WATER RETENTION ISSUES

However, persistent or severe edema warrants a consultation with a doctor, said Dr Phoon, as there are many possible causes, including serious underlying medical conditions such as heart failure or kidney damage.

Meanwhile, Dr Chionh advised that if a swelling in the leg or body is accompanied by other symptoms such asmarkedly frothy urine, breathlessness or reduced tolerance of physical activity, it may suggest edema related to an underlying medical condition.

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What are the causes of water retention and how do you solve it - CNA

Stem Cell Therapy Market: Snapshot

Of late, there has been an increasing awareness regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells for management of diseases which is boosting the growth of the stem cell therapy market. The development of advanced genome based cell analysis techniques, identification of new stem cell lines, increasing investments in research and development as well as infrastructure development for the processing and banking of stem cell are encouraging the growth of the global stem cell therapy market.

To know Untapped Opportunities in the MarketCLICK HERE NOW

One of the key factors boosting the growth of this market is the limitations of traditional organ transplantation such as the risk of infection, rejection, and immunosuppression risk. Another drawback of conventional organ transplantation is that doctors have to depend on organ donors completely. All these issues can be eliminated, by the application of stem cell therapy. Another factor which is helping the growth in this market is the growing pipeline and development of drugs for emerging applications. Increased research studies aiming to widen the scope of stem cell will also fuel the growth of the market. Scientists are constantly engaged in trying to find out novel methods for creating human stem cells in response to the growing demand for stem cell production to be used for disease management.

It is estimated that the dermatology application will contribute significantly the growth of the global stem cell therapy market. This is because stem cell therapy can help decrease the after effects of general treatments for burns such as infections, scars, and adhesion. The increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes and growing cases of trauma surgery will fuel the adoption of stem cell therapy in the dermatology segment.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Overview

Also called regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy encourages the reparative response of damaged, diseased, or dysfunctional tissue via the use of stem cells and their derivatives. Replacing the practice of organ transplantations, stem cell therapies have eliminated the dependence on availability of donors. Bone marrow transplant is perhaps the most commonly employed stem cell therapy.

Osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy, heart failure, multiple sclerosis and even hearing loss could be treated using stem cell therapies. Doctors have successfully performed stem cell transplants that significantly aid patients fight cancers such as leukemia and other blood-related diseases.

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Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Key Trends

The key factors influencing the growth of the global stem cell therapy market are increasing funds in the development of new stem lines, the advent of advanced genomic procedures used in stem cell analysis, and greater emphasis on human embryonic stem cells. As the traditional organ transplantations are associated with limitations such as infection, rejection, and immunosuppression along with high reliance on organ donors, the demand for stem cell therapy is likely to soar. The growing deployment of stem cells in the treatment of wounds and damaged skin, scarring, and grafts is another prominent catalyst of the market.

On the contrary, inadequate infrastructural facilities coupled with ethical issues related to embryonic stem cells might impede the growth of the market. However, the ongoing research for the manipulation of stem cells from cord blood cells, bone marrow, and skin for the treatment of ailments including cardiovascular and diabetes will open up new doors for the advancement of the market.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Market Potential

A number of new studies, research projects, and development of novel therapies have come forth in the global market for stem cell therapy. Several of these treatments are in the pipeline, while many others have received approvals by regulatory bodies.

In March 2017, Belgian biotech company TiGenix announced that its cardiac stem cell therapy, AlloCSC-01 has successfully reached its phase I/II with positive results. Subsequently, it has been approved by the U.S. FDA. If this therapy is well- received by the market, nearly 1.9 million AMI patients could be treated through this stem cell therapy.

Another significant development is the granting of a patent to Israel-based Kadimastem Ltd. for its novel stem-cell based technology to be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other similar conditions of the nervous system. The companys technology used for producing supporting cells in the central nervous system, taken from human stem cells such as myelin-producing cells is also covered in the patent.

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Regional Outlook

The global market for stem cell therapy can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America emerged as the leading regional market, triggered by the rising incidence of chronic health conditions and government support. Europe also displays significant growth potential, as the benefits of this therapy are increasingly acknowledged.

Asia Pacific is slated for maximum growth, thanks to the massive patient pool, bulk of investments in stem cell therapy projects, and the increasing recognition of growth opportunities in countries such as China, Japan, and India by the leading market players.

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Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Competitive Analysis

Several firms are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships, apart from product development with a view to attain a strong foothold in the global market for stem cell therapy.

Some of the major companies operating in the global market for stem cell therapy are RTI Surgical, Inc., MEDIPOST Co., Ltd., Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., NuVasive, Inc., Pharmicell Co., Ltd., Anterogen Co., Ltd., JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., and Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l.

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This post was originally published on Food and Beverage Herald

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Stem Cell Therapy Market Detailed Analysis and Forecast 2017-2025 - Food & Beverage Herald

As humans continue to pump more and more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, concerns about global warming and climate change continue to grow. But what if that CO2 could be turned into a source of energy? One startup in Kyoto has developed cutting-edge nano-materials that could trap atmospheric CO2 and harness it as a power source. Its one way that Japans ancient capital is harnessing its large scientific and biomedical potential to address environmental and social problems.

Panning for invisible gold

Porous coordination polymers can be a form of carbon-capture technology, says discoverer Susumu Kitagawa, second from left, with (left to right) Atomis CTO Masakazu Higuchi, CEO Daisuke Asari, R&D officer Kenji Sumida, and COO Dai Kataoka.

Atomis is a new materials company that was spun off from Kyoto University Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS). Founded in 2015 following government-supported research, its business is based on studies led by Susumu Kitagawa, a professor and the director of iCeMS.

Its core technology is the production of materials comprising extremely small void spaces that can trap gases, including CO2. A breakthrough discovery in 1997 by Kitagawa, who has been considered a contender for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, these porous coordination polymers (PCPs, aka metal-organic frameworks) have enormous potential as tools to precisely control gases.

Humans have used the principle behind PCPs for thousands of years. They work the same way that a hunk of charcoal traps ambient odor molecules in its large surface area, but PCPs are many times more powerful. To the naked eye, PCPs look like powders, pellets or granules of various colors, shapes and sizes. But if you were to zoom in, you would see that PCPs are sponge-like materials with pores the size of a nanometer, or one billionth of a meter. They can be designed as scaffoldlike 3D structures from metals and organic ligands, and can be used for storage, separation and conversion of molecules.

These materials are unique in that we can design the shapes and chemical properties of the pores to suit specific applications, and some of the materials have flexible structures, which can potentially provide them with even more advanced features, says Daisuke Asari, president and CEO of Atomis. The company is basically the only business in Japan working with these materials in an industrial context. Collaborating with Kitagawa is a big advantage over foreign rivals, adds Kenji Sumida, executive officer for R&D.

One challenge related to these nanomaterials is that its difficult and costly to produce more than a few kilograms per day. Massively scaling production so that PCPs can be used to fight climate change is one reason that Atomis was founded, says Atomis founder and CTO Masakazu Higuchi, one of Kitagawas collaborators. The firm is developing solid-state techniques and making capital investments to increase PCP production capacity. Meanwhile, Atomis has developed products that harness the groundbreaking potential of PCPs, including Cubitan, a compact and lightweight gas cylinder for industrial and consumer use packed with smart features, such as the ability to notify users when the amount of reserve gas becomes low.

When viewed without special equipment, PCPs look like powders, pellets or granules of various colors, shapes and sizes, but they are sponge-like materials with countless pores the size of a nanometer.

Kitagawa has his sights on the bigger picture. He believes PCPs can be used as a form of carbon-capture technology, allowing the synthesis of methanol, an energy source. Thats why he calls CO2 invisible gold.

In ancient China, Taoist mystics were said to live in the mountains and survive simply on mist, which consists of water, oxygen and CO2, says Kitagawa. They were taking something valueless and using it for energy. Similarly, PCPs can control gases that humans cannot use and turn them into something beneficial, for instance absorbing CO2 in the air and turning into methanol and other hydrocarbon materials.

Building a regenerative medicine Silicon Valley

Atomis is one of many science startups in Kyoto that have benefitted from collaborative research between industry and government. Its part of a growing startup industry in Japan, where total funding for new companies reached a record high of 388 billion yen in 2018, up from 64.5 billion yen in 2012, according to Japan Venture Research. One driver for this expansion is science and technology discoveries.

While it may be known for its traditional culture, Kyoto has a strong pedigree in scientific research. It is home to 38 universities and about 150,000 students, which form a large pool of institutional knowledge, experience and talent. Many recent Nobel laureates either graduated from or taught at Kyoto University, including professors Tasuku Honjo and Shinya Yamanaka, who won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2018 and 2012, respectively. Working on discoveries by Yamanaka, Megakaryon has become a world leader in creating artificial blood platelets made from synthetic stem cells.Theres also a large group of high-tech companies that have carved out niches for themselves internationally.

Kyoto is a unique city in that it has an independent spirit that is similar to the U.S. West Coast, says Eiichi Yamaguchi, a professor at Kyoto University who has founded four companies.

Kyoto companies like Murata Manufacturing, Horiba, Shimadzu, and Kyocera have a global market and theyre competing with China, says Eiichi Yamaguchi, a professor at Kyoto University who has founded four companies. Thats the difference with companies in Tokyo, which are more domestically oriented.

Yamaguchi has authored several books on innovation, and says there is a growing awareness of the importance of collaborative research and entrepreneurship in Kyoto. He cites a recently formed cooperative group of seven university chairpersons and presidents from leading materials and biosciences companies that meets to discuss issues such as fostering new technologies, for instance building high-speed hydrogen fueling systems.

Kyoto is a unique city in that it has an independent spirit that is similar to the U.S. West Coast, says Yamaguchi. Kyoto is only a fraction of the size of Tokyo, but if you take a stand here, people will pay attention.

Another group that is promoting local high-tech business is Innovation Hub Kyoto. Its an open innovation facility based in the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine aimed at commercializing research from the university. Steps away from Kyotos historic Kamo River, its geared to researchers, investors, startups, and established companies working in the field of medical innovation including device development and drug discovery. This is where Japanese researchers are trying to build a Silicon Valley of regenerative medicine.

Tenants at Innovation Hub Kyoto can use this wet lab for research.

Part of the Kyoto University Medical Science and Business Liaison Organization, the hub was established about 15 years ago and opened a new building in 2017 with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The structure has a variety of labs, including ones meeting biosafety level P2 and for animal experiments.

Its tough for startups in Japan to access to animal laboratories like the one we have, says hub leader Yutaka Teranishi, a professor in the Graduate School of Medicine who estimates that some 50% of university researchers want to work with industry, up from 10% a few years ago. Were focused on university startups because its very difficult for them to develop drugs from just an alliance between companies and universities.

About 28 companies are tenants at Innovation Hub Kyoto. They include major brands such as Shimadzu and Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim as well as younger businesses. One is AFI, founded in 2013 and focused on fluid, electric filtering and sorting (FES) technology that can be used for applications ranging from food safety inspections to rapid diagnosis of disease to regenerative medicine.

Tomoko Bylund heads the Japan office of CELLINK, a Swedish bioprinting and bioink company that is a tenant at Innovation Hub Kyoto.

Another tenant is CELLINK, a Swedish bioprinting and bioink company headed in the Japan by Tomoko Bylund. Using its products, researchers can print body parts with human cells for drug and cosmetics testing. In 2019, the first 3D print of a human cornea in the U.S. was accomplished with the companys BIO X Bioprinter.

iHeart Japan is also a tenant. It was established in 2013 as a regenerative medicine business and is aiming to address a major shortage in the Japanese medical system: only about 40 out of 200,000 people on national waiting lists can receive donor hearts every year. The company is developing innovative medical products such as multi-layered cardiac cell sheets derived from synthetic stem cells. The Hub basis its success in fostering companies on its diversity and the business environment in Kyoto.

We have people from different backgrounds here who are exchanging cultures and experimental results, and this diversity is powering innovation here, says Teranishi. There are many traditional industries in Kyoto, and though people say its a conservative city, these companies have survived because theyre open to new technologies and have taken the time to choose which ones can help them. Thats how this city and its businesses have lasted for more than 1,000 years.

Diversity is powering innovation here, says Yutaka Teranishi, center, head of Innovation Hub Kyoto, with Kyoto University professor Hirokazu Yamamoto, left, and Graduate School of Medicine lecturer Taro Yamaguchi, right.

To learn more about Atomis, click here.

To learn more about Innovation Hub Kyoto, click here.

Link:
How Kyoto Is Rebuilding Itself As A Nanotech And Regenerative Medicine Powerhouse - Forbes

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) January 09, 2020

DOXYVA is a validated circulatory and nerve stimulant. The system was used by Prof. Puruhito for CO transdermal delivery, which has been shown to produce higher oxygen unloading by hemoglobin, thereby increasing oxygen-rich blood flow in the local microcirculatory system. This improved dermal microcirculation leads, in turn, to enhanced wound healing.

The American Diabetes Association standards of care for DFUs refer to microvascular complications and their treatment via improvements in microcirculation; therefore, Prof. Puruhitos team set out to test CO transdermal delivery via DOXYVA in their patients. They have been gathering data since 2015, which led to the following results.

During the course of a 5-day treatment, O saturation increased in patients treated with transdermal CO in comparison to controls (15 patients/group) over the whole measurement range (up to 120 minutes post application). Moreover, a consistent heart rate decrease was found in patients undergoing transdermal CO treatment. Furthermore, the perfusion index (PI) showed an upwards tendency in the treatment group, whereas it remained stable for untreated controls. See figure 1.

Figure 1: Changes observed after a 5-day transdermal CO treatment with DOXYVA. H1-H5: pre-treatment, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after; blue trace: control, orange trace: treatment. (A) Changes in O saturation (B) Decrease in heart rate due to treatment (C) Masimo measurements of PI.

In light of these results, Prof. Puruhitos team performed extra measurements of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcPCO), O saturation, and PI in the 15 patients treated with DOXYVA for transdermal CO delivery. This data show that the oxygen saturation reached almost 100% in some patients, whereas the TcPCO remained relatively stable throughout the treatment time (120 minutes). For more detailed information, see figure 2.

Figure 2: Transcutaneous CO pressure (TcPCO), O saturation, and PI assessment in the 15 patients subjected to transdermal CO. (A) SENTEC TcPCO measurements for all patients at various time points after DOXYVA application (pre-treatment, 5, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after) (B) O saturation (C) PI.

Finally, Prof. Puruhitos team demonstrated the positive effects of transdermal CO delivery via DOXYVA on the healing of DFUs (fig. 3), proving the clinical potential of this intervention to improve the quality of life of people suffering from this common complication of diabetes.

In conclusion, the use of a DOXYVA device for transdermal CO delivery improves the outcomes of DFUs by enhancing dermal microcirculation and increasing perfusion rates and tissue oxygenation, therefore assisting in the healing process of the ulcers typical of diabetes neuropathy.

About DOXYVADOXYVA (deoxyhemoglobin vasodilator) is a novel, clinically validated blood flow and nerve stimulant for people suffering from neuropathy. In various clinical trials, DOXYVA has validated leading independent research results and demonstrated above-average results in improving a host of physiological functions.

Subjects suffering from high blood sugar have reported neuropathy pain relief minutes after DOXYVA was administered and long-term blood sugar level improvements after just a few weeks.

Rapid and gentle skin delivery (over-the-skin) with the DOXYVA lightweight, handheld device has prompted improvements in blood microcirculation or PI by 33%* on average in all participants. Lasting results have been measured at 5-60 minutes and up to 4 hours after a single 5-minute DOXYVA delivery on the skin surface without reduction in PI levels.

About Prof. PuruhitoIto Puruhito, MD is professor in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital as well as a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia). From 2001 to 2016, he was the rector of the aforementioned university. Prof. Puruhito finished his medicine studies at Universitas Airlangga in 1967, and in 1972 he received a doctorate degree, graduating cum laude from Frederich-Alexander University (Erlangen-Nrnberg, Germany). In his native country, he developed the Department of Thoracic-Cardiovascular Surgery at his former university, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. In 1978, he co-founded the Indonesian Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery. Prof. Puruhito has authored numerous indexed research articles in Scopus, ISI-Thompson or PUBMED, and scientific presentations and written several books in Indonesian, English, and German. He acted as reviewer for peer-reviewed journals such as Medical Tribune, Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asian Annals of Surgery, Medicinus, and many more Indonesian medical-surgical journals. Currently, apart from lecturing, Prof. Puruhito actively researches stem cells, cardiovascular medicine, and surgery at the Institute of Tropical Disease as well as some work in microcirculation. Further, he acts as coordinator of research affairs at the Department of TCV-Surgery at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya. Since 2014, he has been the chairman of the Council of Research in the Ministry of Research Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia.

About Circularity Healthcare, LLCCircularity Healthcare, LLC, located in Los Angeles, CA, is a private biotech and medtech products and services company that designs, makes, markets, sells, distributes, and licenses its patented and patent-pending technologies, such as its flagship non-invasive deoxyhemoglobin vasodilator product line, DOXYVA. One of the main mechanisms underlying DOXYVAs science received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2019. Circularity enters into exclusive agreements with manufacturers to launch products in large and small clinics and hospitals to help enhance their profits and credit profiles with a wide variety of advanced products and services. In addition, Circularity Healthcare assists in the financing of equipment, working capital, and patient financing at industry-leading terms and speed.

For more information, please visit http://www.circularityhealthcare.com or http://doxyva.com; doctors (Rx only) visit http://wound.doxyva.com and send your general inquiries via the Contact Us page. For specific inquiries, contact Circularity Customer Care at info(at)doxyva(dot)com, info(at)circularityhealthcare(dot)com, or by phone (toll free) at 1-855-5DOXYVA or 1-626-240-0956.

References:

1.Rogers, L. C., Muller-Delp, J. M. & Mudde, T. A. Transdermal delivery of carbon dioxide boosts microcirculation in subjects with and without diabetes, Information summary for healthcare professionals. Circularity Healthcare, LLC2.Puruhito, I. et al. DOXYVA Medical Device, a Potentially Cost-Efficient and Safe Adjuvant Therapy for Diabetic Ulcers: A Pilot Study. J Vasc Surg (2019).3.Puruhito, I., Soebroto, H., Sembiring, Y. & Nur Rahmi, C. Observation of O2 Saturation after transdermal CO2 delivery using Doxyva apparatus.4.Jayarasti, K. & Puruhito, I. Preliminary study of measurement of TcPCO2 using SENTEC device.5.Nur Rahmi, C. Pengaruh Pemberian Transdermal CO2 terhadap Output Perawatan Luka Kaki Diabetik Wagner I dan II. (2018).6.D`OXYVA Relief from neuropathic pain. D`OXYVA https://doxyva.com/complete-fast-advanced-painless-relief-from-neuropathic-pain/.

Forward-Looking InformationThis press release may contain forward-looking information. This includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts and statements as to managements expectations with respect to, among other things, the quality of the products of Circularity Healthcare, LLC, its resources, progress in development, demand, and market outlook for non-invasive transdermal delivery medical devices. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is given and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those initially projected. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the launch of a new medical device, innovation and market acceptance uncertainties, fluctuating components and other advanced material prices, new federal or state governmental regulations, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and other factors. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and Circularity Healthcare, LLC assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Circularity Healthcare, LLC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of this press release and shall have no liability for any representations (expressed or implied) for any statement made herein, or for any omission from this press release.

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D'OXYVA improves dermal microcirculation and promotes wound healing in the diabetic foot - PR Web

Jean Chen Smith, Correspondent for Memphis Commercial Appeal Published 6:00 a.m. CT Jan. 10, 2020

During the first part of winter, the holidays can be all-consuming from shopping to stressing to spending time with friends and family.But there's so much more to the season than that.

Here are nine tips and trends to keep things fresh this winter:

With shorter days and busy schedules, it becomes more difficult to eat delicious and nutritious meals. Heres where Fresh n Lean comes in. This healthy and convenient service was conceptualized by founder Laureen Asseo while preparing meals for friends and family during a time when her father was facing serious health concerns. The meal delivery service provides specialized categories such as Keto, Paleo and Vegan using the highest quality organic ingredients without preservatives or added sugar.The cost is as low as $11 a meal, and menu choices include dishes such as Coconut Chicken Curry with Mixed Vegetables and Chile Lime Salmon with Broccoli.The dishes are never frozen and can be heated up in less than 3 minutes.

Details: freshnlean.com

Bring the outdoors inside with the AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim.(Photo: AeroGarden)

With the AeroGarden Harvest Elite ($125), you can grow an indoor garden of gourmet herbs, heirloom salad greens, red heirloom cherry tomatoes or cascading petunias. Easy to use and sleek with a premium brushed stainless-steel finish, the AeroGarden requires minimal care and can be set on vacation mode, all the while dressing up the kitchen countertop.

Details: aerogarden.com/harvest-elite-slim.html

... Or maybe it never left. When more is required of you than the Casual Friday outfit, men will find the Treffort Contemporary Fit Signature Oxford Shirt ($165) is a wardrobe essential for any office.The mens shirts are made with premium 100% Egyptian and Turkish cotton, using organic colorants that boast unique patterns to create soft comfort with minimal creasing. The company strives for eco-friendly production without sacrificing quality.

Details: treffortshirts.com

The SOUVENIR Toulouse Top is inspired by world travel.(Photo: SOUVENIR)

The silk Moroccan-inspired Toulouse Top ($300) bySOUVENIR is a beautiful novelty printed silk top that is super versatile.It can be worn with a structured woven jacket for a business lunch, free flowing out to dinner or as a pullover on vacation.Based in Los Angeles, the brand is inspired by travel and world culture, with a focus on bright colors and fun prints.

Details: escapetosouvenir.com

Just because its cold outside and you need to bundle up doesnt mean you cant look good.For men, Obermeyers Down Snowshirt ($159) is the perfect remedy with itscasual, lightweight fabric and engineered quilting. Featuring certified 550 Fill Power Duck Down, snap placket, cuffs, chest and hand warmer pockets, it can be worn as a layering piece or as a casual top.

Details: obermeyer.com

Orvis men's flannel provides casual warmth.(Photo: Orvis)

Orvis Mens Flat Creek Tech Flannel ($98) is comfortable and made from recycled oyster shells and PET polyester (think plastic bottles) to create an eco-blend that is then brushed to a soft hand.

Details: http://www.orvis.com

Available for both men and women, Gobi Heats outerwear such as the Victoria Heated Puffer Coat and Sahara Mens Heated Jacket are wind- and water-resistant, keeping you warm and dry throughout the season.Stylish and comfortable, the jackets have an easy one-touch LED controller with three heat settings: low, medium and high.

Details: gobiheat.com

Frances Austen cashmere Is the ultimate staple for your winter wardrobe.(Photo: Frances Austen)

Cashmere is one of the most precious and sought-after fibers because of its soft, silken feel.Frances Austenmakes the same heirloom-quality luxury cashmere that your grandmother owned, but at a more reasonable price point. The company partners with Scotland-basedJohnstons of Elgin, sweater manufacturer to big European fashion houses, and only releases two collections a year.The companys best-seller, Raw Edge Crew Neck(prices vary), is spun in Italy and perfectly matches with a pair of dress pants or jeans. It's also available in a colorblock version.

Details: francesausten.com

Lascanas Quilt Panel Moto Jacket ($89) is not only stylish and reasonably priced, it looks like the real deal while it is faux leather. With chic rose gold zippers and a flattering fit, this is a great item for any size and shape.

Details: http://www.lascana.com

Cat lovers will rejoice at how easy it is to feed fresh, human-grade food to their furry friend with Smalls, which ships directly to your door. The company makes freeze-dried raw kibble and treats that are specifically tailored to fit your cats nutritional needs. You simply add warm water, mix and serve.Smalls believes in giving back and works with shelters and animal nonprofits across the United States to provide quality food to cats in need.With their Shelter Program, shelters can order Smalls in bulk at cost-pricing.

Details: smallsforsmalls.com

The new CannaCell line from Andalou Naturals is super-powered by antioxidants from hemp stem cells, which help to defend against free radicals and counteract premature aging due to oxidative damage, pollutionand UV sun exposure. Hemp stem cells and hemp seed oil provide the skin with nourishing proteins, nutrients and minerals so that the products penetrate the skin for optimal results.

Details: andalou.com

Check out Revos 1985 sunglasses collection, which pays homage to the '80s with sixclassic unisex frame styles that not only look great but are also functional. Heralded as the leader in polarized lens technology, the brand was created using technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites.

Details: http://www.revo.com

Read or Share this story: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/life/2020/01/10/winter-trends-revo-andalou-naturals-orvis-aerogarden-fresh-n-lean/2833818001/

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From stylish clothes to indoor gardening, 9 tips and trends to try this winter - Commercial Appeal

Cheap, re-purposed cancer drugs, negative carbon-emissions technology, calculating how fast the universe is expandingand huge leaps forward in quantum computing.

Will one of these be the biggest scientific breakthrough of 2020?

We asked a handful of New Zealand's top scientists what "Eureka!" moments might be on the cards next year but even with their formidable combined brain power and expertise, some found it hard to answer and hinted it was difficult to sheet home specific advances to any one year.

And, as one scientist says, 2020's most ground-breaking discovery may come as a total surprise, made accidentally by a student in a lab late one night.

READ MORE:*Scientists are baffled: What's up with the universe?*Medicine already in use may help cancer treatments*Roger Hanson: How you figure out the age of the universe*Doing my part not only to be carbon neutral but carbon negative

123rf

2020's most ground-breaking discovery may come as a total surprise, made accidentally by a student in a lab late one night.

Wellington's Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is carrying out cutting-edge research into ways of treating cancer without radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery.

The institute's founder and executive director, Dr Swee Tan, believes significant steps will be made in 2020 towards "re-purposing" existing drugs for cancer treatment.

Tan, a plastic surgeon and medical researcher who has received international recognition for dealing with life-threatening and disfiguring conditions, saiddrugs licensed and marketed for a particular treatment often had other benefits.

"They can be re-purposed for another condition, for the treatment of cancer. This is usually with drugs that have been around for some time they are off-patent, so they become generic, which means they cost next to nothing.

"Another advantage is their safety profile is well understood."

Wellington's Gillies McIndoe Research Institute's founder and executive director, Dr Swee Tan, believes significant steps will be made in 2020 towards "re-purposing" existing drugs for cancer treatment.

Globally, 18 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in nearly 10 million deaths.

"In New Zealand alone, new cancer cases are about 25,000 a year, and on top of that there are 11,000 non-melanoma skin cancers.

"The incidence of cancer is predicted to increase by 50 per cent by 2035, which is just around the corner. We are completely unprepared for that."

The increased incidence of cancer largely bowel, breast, prostate and lung cancers, and melanoma is mostly because people are living longer and due to lifestyle and diet, Tan says.

"Part of the problem now is the expense of treatment. In New Zealand, we spend $1 billion a year to treat cancer, and that is just the fiscal cost, that doesn't count emotional or personal.

"The cost is escalating because of the novel cancer drugsand, at some point, we are not going to be able to afford treatment for cancer.

"This creates disparity in access to treatment because some of these drugs are not funded and, if you have the means, you can buy it, but I don't think that is a good way to run a society. I think a society should allow people to access healthcare, regardless of personal circumstance."

Royal Society Te Aprangi/VIMEO

New Zealand is as vulnerable as all countries to the global growth in antimicrobial resistance that is making some diseases untreatable. Dr Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist from the University of Auckland, a Royal Society Te Aprangi Councillor and an expert adviser on the report on antimicrobial resistance produced by Royal Society Te Aprangi explains why it is such a big issue for us.

The institute has been undertaking a clinical trial based on drug re-purposing to control cancer stem cells, the proposed origin of cancer.

"It consists of a combination of low-cost, off-patent, oral medications to control cancer stem cells. We believe this would be more effective than using a single drug.

"For the cost of the drug itself, it costs about $4000 a year a patient, compared with the average cancer treatment, which is about $50,000 per patient.

"You have to prove it is effective first. The big issue with drug re-purposing is 'big pharma' is not interested because there is no money in it. The only way that we can realise the potential is for philanthropy and government to support initiatives like this."

Propranolol, a beta-blocker, had been added to the treatment for melanoma and angiosarcoma.

During 2020, GMRI would also be working on treatments for disfiguring keloid scars.

"They can cause quite significant issues with quality of life. They affect about 2 per cent of the general population, but in dark-skinned races, especially from the African continent, incidence can be up to 16 per cent.

"Treatment is really quite unsatisfactory, hence the reason why we are researching a solution. If you do surgery to remove it, almost every single one returns. Sometimes surgery is followed by radiotherapy to prevent recurrence. Topical chemotherapy is also used.

"What we have found is stem cells as the underlying problem. We are doing further work, which may allow us to develop a simpler, more effective, low-cost treatment taken by mouth, or by applying to the keloid lesion directly."

University of Auckland molecular biologist Dr Hilary Sheppard, a specialist in developmental and stem-cell biology, thinks there will be more emphasis next year on the gene-editing of adult cells.

University of Auckland microbiologist,associate professor Siouxsie Wiles, a specialist in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, says there are "desperately" needed breakthroughs in her field next year and beyond, including:

- Rapid "bedside" diagnostic tests that are cheap and can tell the medical practitioner if the patient has a bacterial or viral infection "a bonus if it can tell, if bacterial, what antibiotics would kill the bacterium responsible".

- Effective vaccines for tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, Staphylococcus aureus, Group A and B Streptococci, giardia "I could go on and on".

- Drugs that can kill carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae "a very scary group of organisms that are becoming untreatable".

"The other breakthroughs we need aren't scientific, they are political," she says.

"[We need] a global agreement on tackling antimicrobial resistance, which would include incentives to bring the pharmaceutical industry back in to antimicrobial development.

"Failing that, nationalisation of pharmaceutical companies so that development of drugs isn't a for-profit initiative."

Phil Doyle/Stuff

University of Auckland microbiologist, associate professor Siouxsie Wiles, says a global agreement on tackling antimicrobial resistance is desperately needed.

University of Auckland molecular biologist Dr Hilary Sheppard, a specialist in developmental and stem-cell biology, thinks there will be more emphasis next year on the gene-editing of adult cells.

"We have seen some major breakthroughs this year, such as the versatile tool which allows for gene-editing with increased precision over existing tools so the technique is becoming more reliable and safer. Hopefully, next year, we will see these newer techniques being tested in clinically relevant cells.

"As part of that, I hope we will see a community-wide discussion about the ethics of gene-editing with a particular focus on adult cells. Personally, I do not think we should be editing germline cells or embryos at least not for the next five years, while the ethical issues are debated.

"Part of gene-editing is knowing what DNA sequence needs to be edited, so I think I hope this could be the year where personalised medicine and individual genotyping takes off.

"Our research focuses on patients with a fragile skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa (EB). We are pushing to get patients with EB genotyped so that we can perform gene-editing on their skin cells we can't do anything useful without this information.

"Currently, we are paying for the genotyping out of our research budgets. Of course, genotyping raises its own ethical and societal issues, so I hope we will see more discussion about this."

In 2020, results should start rolling in from clinical trials using edited T-cells against melanoma and edited bone-marrow cells to treat patients with sickle-cell anaemia, Sheppard says.

"These are very exciting times. I'm sure we'll see more clinical trials targeting previously untargeted disorders soon perhaps for conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis."

RNZ

In this podcast, The Detail's Sharon Brettkelly talks to Auckland University physics professor Shaun Hendy about his no-flying mission for the whole of last year.

While Tan, Sheppard and Wiles are looking for discoveries on the tiniest of scales, other scientists are grappling with the biggest question in the universe.

Theoretical cosmologist and University of Auckland professor of physics Richard Easther is among those hoping for a resolution of what has become known as "Hubble tension" a growing disagreement in calculations of how fast the universe is expanding, which has repercussions on its likely age.

The Hubble Constant the number that tells us how fast the universe was expanding has always been hard to measure, he says.

"There was a period of time when a whole different bunch of approaches to measuring it had converged on a single value, which is fascinating. But just over the last couple of years, it seems like there are now two different sets of numbers you get and they've pulled apart a little bit.

"You know, there's this joke that science isn't so much about people saying 'Eureka!' but about someone looking at something and going, 'well, you know, that's funny'.

"This is increasingly resembling one of those moments.

"The numbers are clustering around two values one that would put it in the early to mid-70s [kilometres per second per megaparsec], and one that would put it in the mid- to late 60s, and the uncertainty in the measurements is such that they don't really overlap with each other.

"As the individual measurements get more accurate, the sharpness of the disagreement is growing."

University of Auckland physicist, professor Shaun Hendy, is expecting leaps ahead in clean energy in 2020.

Does it matter? Of course, Easther says.

"There are different physical assumptions that go into the different measurementsandso, if there is a real discrepancy, it would tell us there's something about the expansion of the universe that we don't understand.

"It's hinting at that. The implication seems to be that the story is one step more complicated than current models of the expanding universe might recognise.

"One thought is, that in one set of numbers, there's something that got missed and kind of got away. The other possibility is, there's something kind of physical, that isn't included in our current thinking of the expanding universe.

"The idea that there is something interesting going on is something that cosmologists over the course of the last year have grown substantially more willing to entertain."

Chris Skelton/STUFF

Nicola Gaston is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland and Co-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

At the University of Otago, associate professor Mikkel Andersen, a physicist in the university's Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, has been making astounding international discoveries and controlling the movement of individual atoms in a world-first laboratory experiment.

Such control opens up possibilities for a "second quantum technology revolution" and quantum supremacy, something Andersen says will creep closer in 2020.

The first quantum revolution was made possible by the discovery of quantum mechanics in the 1920s, leading to the development of transistors and lasers, the building blocks of all computers.

In the second, he says quantum computers of fewer than 100 atoms will ultimately be able to out-compete "the world's combined conventional computing power".

"Reaching quantum supremacy means that a quantum computer will be able to do calculations that cannot be done on the world's conventional computers. I do not know if it will happen next year, but it will happen eventually.

"In recent years, Google, IBM, Microsoft and a lot of others have invested enormously in development of quantum computers. Quantum supremacy is likely still some years away, but it is one of those things that would clear all the headlines if it happened in 2020."

University of Auckland physicist,professor Shaun Hendy, agrees.

"Google declared quantum supremacy last month they demonstrated that a quantum computer could beat a conventional computer, albeit at a very niche task.

"We'll see more of this next year, as quantum computers start to stretch their legs just don't expect to see one on your phone any time soon."

Ross Giblin

Victoria University of Wellington's professor James Renwick hopes to see breakthroughs in climate change science which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hendy is also expecting leaps ahead in clean energy in 2020.

"We will continue to see the cost of solar and battery technologies fall, to the extent that they will start to disrupt other energy systems. We have seen this already in Australia, where it has become a defining political issue.

"It will play out differently in New Zealand, because our grid is already more than 80 per cent renewable, while many of our industrial energy systems are not. Expect to see some of our big industrial corporates Fonterra, NZ Steel etc moving to greener industrial processes."

Victoria University of Wellington's Professor James Renwick, head of the school of geography, environment and earth sciences, hopes to see breakthroughs in climate change science which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He points to work being done at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson into the benefits of using the seaweed Asparagopsis armata as cattle feed. Chemicals in the red seaweed reduce microbes in the stomachs of cattle that make them burp when eating grass.

Renwick is also excited about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help with severe weather prediction.

"Weather forecasters are totally inundated with information these days, volumes of radar data and satellite data coming through every 10 minutes. So, AI can help in making sense of all that, and what is the most important in determining where, for example, a severe storm will happen."

University of Otago associate professor Mikkel Andersen believes a "second quantum technology revolution" and quantum supremacy will creep closer in 2020.

Auckland University of Technology senior lecturer Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh also foresees huge steps forward in AI and its applications next year and beyond.

"In the medical sector, AI is being used to speed up symptom recognition and diagnosis. Early warning signs can be easily detected, allowing fast reaction.

"Environment and climate monitoring using AI can assist with weather-cycle predictions, frost warnings, and harvest alerts. Automated irrigation is possible using moisture and temperature sensors."

There are also uses in New Zealand's burgeoning space industry, in traffic management and in the "smart home" of the future, she says.

"New Zealand is a leader and frontrunner in the development of AI and related fields. The next 10 years of technology development are set to be exciting."

David White

Auckland University of Technology senior lecturer Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh foresees huge steps forward in AI and its applications next year.

University of Auckland physicist, associate professor Nicola Gaston, co-director of the Victoria University of Wellington-hosted MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, told Stuff scientific discovery did not happen "one year at a time".

"Discoveries that impact on our lives next year will be built on work that has been going on for decades. The biggest discoveries of next year will be the ones that impact on our lives in a decade or two.

"But there is no competition between this fundamental scientific work of discovery and the development of technologies. The two go in tandemand, perhaps in 2020, we can try to appreciate that."

That may be finding a way of moving to negative emissions technologies, or changing the chemistry of materials so they are recyclable and avoid environmental pollution.

"The most important breakthrough of 2020 will be one that none of us sees.

"It'll be a dedicated student or post-doc in a lab somewhere, or up late at night on a computer, who solves the last remaining piece of one of the puzzles that underpin so much of what we hope technology can do for us in the future."

Read this article:
What will be the biggest scientific breakthrough of 2020? - Stuff.co.nz

Reproductive health: What is Hypogonadism? Know the symptoms, causes, and prevention of the condition  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Reproductive and sexual health may not be topics of drawing-room conversations, but that does not deem them unimportant. Reproductive health and sexual health are closely knit and need more attention than people give the concerns, since people suffering from problems may find it difficult to speak up, visit a doctor, and talk about their symptoms.

When it comes to sexual health, there is no 'one size fits all' solution, which makes it even more important to raise awareness. Various factors that include personal, gynaecological, and physical factors can affect sexual health and cause different types of disorders or problems. One such sexual health issue is that of hypogonadism, that many men and women may experience, but few are aware of.

Hypogonadism is a condition defined as the diminished functional activity of the gonads the testes in men, and the ovaries in women. This may result in diminished production of sex or reproductive hormones, and may adversely affect sexual and reproductive health. It is a pretty common condition, and sees about more than a million cases every year, in India alone.

The symptoms of the condition vary for both the genders, while some may be common for both. Fatigue, hot flashes, difficulty in concentrating, infertility, loss of body hair are some of the common symptoms. Other symptoms include -

For women

For men

The causes behind the condition can be various. Ranging from genetic disorder to autoimmune disorders, infections, diseases, radiation exposure, etc. can also cause the condition. Since the causes are difficult to identify, it is always advisable to visit the doctor if you see any symptoms of the condition.

Lifestyle factors that can cause the condition include obesity, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and the use of steroids or opioids.

There are no specific ways to prevent the condition. However, a recent study has shown that losing weight can help in treating testosterone levels in men. A healthy lifestyle and diet, regular physical activity or exercise, and a healthy diet play an important role in keeping the risk of diseases at bay and preventing conditions like hypogonadism. For better sexual health, refraining from smoking, binge drinking, and use of drugs is also recommended.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

Read the rest here:
Reproductive health: What is hypogonadism? Know the symptoms, causes, and prevention of the condition - Times Now

Aytu Bioscience Inc (NASDAQ:AYTU) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 735,800 shares, an increase of 75.1% from the December 15th total of 420,100 shares. Approximately 4.5% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 125,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.9 days.

AYTU stock opened at $0.80 on Friday. Aytu Bioscience has a twelve month low of $0.65 and a twelve month high of $2.61. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.86 and its 200-day moving average is $1.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.48 million, a PE ratio of -0.23 and a beta of 4.61.

Aytu Bioscience (NASDAQ:AYTU) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.32) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the Zacks consensus estimate of ($0.30) by ($0.02). Aytu Bioscience had a negative net margin of 390.43% and a negative return on equity of 252.42%. The company had revenue of $1.44 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.45 million. On average, research analysts expect that Aytu Bioscience will post -1.3 EPS for the current year.

In other news, CEO Joshua R. Disbrow purchased 55,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $0.83 per share, for a total transaction of $45,650.00. Also, major shareholder Armistice Capital Master Fund purchased 78,788 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 20th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $0.90 per share, for a total transaction of $70,909.20. 5.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in shares of Aytu Bioscience in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Aytu Bioscience during the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Aytu Bioscience during the second quarter valued at approximately $75,000. Finally, Searle & CO. increased its position in shares of Aytu Bioscience by 24.1% during the third quarter. Searle & CO. now owns 249,848 shares of the companys stock valued at $302,000 after acquiring an additional 48,601 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 27.76% of the companys stock.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Investment Research lowered Aytu Bioscience from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH raised their target price on Aytu Bioscience from $4.00 to $4.75 in a report on Wednesday, September 18th. Northland Securities assumed coverage on Aytu Bioscience in a report on Friday, November 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $5.00 target price on the stock. Finally, ValuEngine lowered Aytu Bioscience from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 24th.

About Aytu Bioscience

Aytu BioScience, Inc, a specialty healthcare company, focuses on developing and commercializing novel products in the field of hypogonadism (low testosterone), insomnia, and male infertility in the United States and internationally. The company markets Natesto, a nasal gel for the treatment of hypogonadism (low testosterone) in men; and ZolpiMist, an oral spray for the treatment of insomnia.

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Short Interest in Aytu Bioscience Inc (NASDAQ:AYTU) Increases By 75.1% - Riverton Roll

Every year, BioSpace analyzes the biotech industry, looking for the hot new biotech startups to watch. We then produce the NextGen Bio Class of, twenty companies ranked based on several categories, including Finance, Collaborations, Pipeline, and Innovation. The companies were typically launched no more than 18 months before the list was created.

We thought it would be insightful to look back at our previous lists to see where some of those companies are today. Heres a look at the top three companies from the Top 20 Life Science Startups to Watch in 2018.

#1. BlueRock Therapeutics. Founded in 2016, BlueRock was #1 on our list of companies to watch in 2018. With facilities in Ontario, Canada; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and New York, New York, BlueRock launched in December 2016 with a $225 million Series A financing led by Bayer AG and Versant Ventures. The company focuses on cell therapies to regenerate heart muscle in patients who have had a heart attack or chronic heart failure, as well as therapies for patients with Parkinsons disease.

In October 2017, BlueRock and Seattle-based Universal Cells entered into a collaboration and license deal to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines that can be used in the manufacture of allogeneic cellular therapies. Shortly afterwards, the company established its corporate headquarters in Cambridge, and in April 2018, established a research-and-development hub in New York City, as well as formalizing a sponsored research collaboration with the Center for Stem Cell Biology at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center. The collaboration focuses on translating Ketterings expertise in creating multiple types of authentic neural cells from stem cells to address diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. BlueRock also received $1 million from the State of New York and Empire State Development under its economic development initiatives program.

In April 2019, BlueRock partnered with Editas Medicine (which was on BioSpaces NextGen Bio Class of 2015 list) to combine their genome editing and cell therapy technologies to focus on novel engineered cell medicines. Part of the deal was to collaborate on creating novel, allogeneic pluripotent cell lines using a combination of Editas CRISPR genome editing technology and BlueRocks iPSC platform.

And finally, in August 2019, Bayer AG acquired BlueRock for the remaining stake in the company for about $240 million in cash and an additional $360 million in pre-defined development milestones.

#2. Prelude Fertility. Prelude Fertility is a bit of an outlier from the typical BioSpace NextGen company, because it isnt quite a biopharma company. It is a life sciences company whose business model is aimed at in vitro fertilization and egg freezing. It was founded with a $200 million investment by entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky. The investment was in the largest in vitro fertilization clinic in the Southeast, Reproductive Biology Associates of Atlanta, and its affiliate, My Egg Bank, the largest frozen donor egg bank in the U.S.

Since then it has expanded in various parts of the country, including adding San Francisco-based Pacific Fertility Center (PFC) to its network in September 25, 2017; partnering with Houston Fertility Institute and acquiring Vivere Health; partnering with the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago; and in October 2018, partnered with NYU Langone Health.

In March 2019, Prelude merged with Inception Fertility to establish the Prelude Network as the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in the U.S. Inception is acting as the parent company, with the Prelude Network, both having board representatives from the previous organizations.

#3. Relay Therapeutics. Ranking #3 on our list for 2018, Relay Therapeutics launched in September 2016 with a $57 million Series A financing led by Third Rock Ventures with participation form D.E. Shaw Research. On December 14, 2017, it closed on a Series B round worth $63 million, led by BVF Partners, with new investors GV (formerly Google Ventures), Casdin Capital, EcoR1 Capital and Section 32.

The company focuses on the relationship between protein motion and function. It merges computational power with structural biology, biophysics, chemistry and biology. In December 2018, the company completed a $400 million Series C financing. It was led by the SoftBank Vision fund and included additional new investors, Foresite Capital, Perceptive Advisors and Tavistock Group. Existing investors also participated.

The company announced at the time it planned to use the funds to accelerate the implementation of its long-term strategy, expanding its discovery efforts, advancing existing programs into the clinic and improving its platform.

Read more:
Where Are They Now? Top 3 Biotech Startups From NextGen Bio Class of 2018 - BioSpace

In the years since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, each day seems to bring about a new and unexpected symptom. But putting the pieces together and discovering that my hypothyroidism was negatively affecting my sex life felt like a gut-punch, even more so than finding out about the gastrointestinal problems or night sweats. This aspect of my life that had come to feel so wholly and totally mine was just another thing to add to the list of things stolen by this illness.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the throat. It controls the speed at which every cell of the body operates a process known as metabolism. When the thyroid is off, it isnt able to properly produce T3, T4, and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which are the hormones that communicate to the body how each bodily process should go. This can affect literally everything from digestion to brain function to fertility.

Before having a thyroidectomy, I didnt even know what the thyroid was. I was completely unprepared for how it would affect my life, but even more how it would affect my sexual health as doctors arent always so keen on talking about these things with patients. When I was being prepared for life post-thyroid, not once did any of my doctors mention how it would affect my menstrual or sexual health. And, as it turns out, thyroid disease has totally changed my sex life.

Hormonal disordersincluding an under-active thyroidare responsible for about one third of all sexual problems people experience, says Dr. Vedrana Hgqvist Tabor, PHD, CEO of Boost Thyroid. Low T4 (one of two thyroid produced hormones) or high TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) are to blame.

The imbalance of these hormones can cause hyperprolactinemia, or elevated levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is made by the pituitary gland and affects the level of estrogen and testosterone in people. When T4 and TSH are out of whack, it can also cause the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels to change, which can throw off the estrogen, testosterone and progesterone balance. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause changes in blood vessels and nerve sensitivity, resulting in reduced sex drive, breast pain, painful vaginal penetration, and vaginal dryness.

Sexual disorders are typically experienced more by people who have fatigue, muscle pain, and/or feel depressed, says Dr. Hgqvist Tabor. These are all common side-effects of a thyroid condition, so tracking can help patients understand when these symptoms worsen and improve.

Thyroid disease can cause a variety of symptoms that affect a persons sex life from low sex drive, difficulty getting aroused, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, inability or difficult reaching orgasm, delayed ejaculation and pain during or after vaginal intercourse.

Awareness depends on three factors: the patient, the physician, and the country, says Dr. Hgqvist Tabor. It depends whether the patient will share any sexual problems with their physician, whether the physician is aware of the thyroid and sex connection and their countrys guidelines for physicians.

Sexual health is a major part of a persons health, and why these sexual side-effects have been continuously ignored or glossed over by my doctors when hypothyroidism affects approximately 10 million Americans (and as many as 10 percent of women experience some thyroid hormone deficiency) still sort of baffles me. If I had known what to look for, I may have been clued-in earlier when I first had a dip in my hormone levels or when my birth control was interacting weirdly with my thyroid meds. Being sexually well is part of being totally well and ignoring that doesnt do anything but hurt patients.

View original post here:
The Common Health Condition That Could Be Killing Your Sex Life - SheKnows

Lee When Ray Garnett moved to the Berkshires five years ago, finding a primary care physician was at the top of his to-do list. I was looking for a specific model of care, he explained in a recent phone interview. Garnett, who identifies as a transgender individual, was looking for hormone replacement therapy via informed consent, which, in many places in the country, trans people can access at Planned Parenthood. There is no Planned Parenthood in Great Barrington, where Garnett lives and works, and the closest equivalent Tapestry Health did not provide this service. So he went to Springfield to have his medical needs met.

Ray Garnett, founder of Berkshire County Trans Group. Photo: Ashley Shade

Good LGBTQ care is really just good care, is how Dr. Jeremy Stoepker sees it. In creating an open, nonjudgmental, collaborative environment where the standards of care are met no matter who you are, what your background is, or what your disease process or screening requirements may be. Its just good care, he said in a recent phone interview. Stoepkers arrival to the Berkshires, just six months ago as a provider, is changing the landscape of accessible health care for individuals who identify as LGBTQ, despite the fact that ones sexual orientation and gender identity should be moot points when it comes to accessing health care.

From the very beginning, I had role models and inspiration for how it can be done well seeping into my little brain, said Stoepker, who was 7 years old when his father was diagnosed with HIV.I dont remember the journey so much as I remember the players, he added, and they were amazing. Stopeker remembers his fathers doctors as loving and caring, supportive and nonjudgmental. And really up-to-date, he added in a nod to his fathers participation in the first clinical trial for the first HIV medication and survival for 20 years following his diagnosis. This remains Stoepkers inspiration in his day-to-day work: caring for his patients while honoring his fathers legacy.

Stoepker is realistic about the examples of bad care that abound in any discipline of medicine, particularly primary care. As to how this manifests in the LGBTQ community? People just arent up to speed with the type of screening that is recommended, he said.Take the triple swab (or triple-site) testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia in men who have sex with men. A lot of providers do not even know what that is or what that means, said Stoepker, who explained that, potentially, one should be tested in the rectum, urethra and the back of the throat. Not getting the standard of care to which a patient is entitled is how this looks in its most benign form; in more upsetting instances, it is doctors saying they do not feel comfortable treating patients or openly shaming patients and being accusatory. Which, unfortunately, happens to lots of patients, including those in the LGBTQ community, Stoepker.

Alex Reczkowski of Pittsfield. Photo: Hannah Van Sickle

Alex Reczkowski of Pittsfield experienced this with his former primary care physician. It started with a routine conversation at his annual physical, one sparked by a startling statistic Reczkowski had heard: that 50 percent of men of color who have sex with men are estimated to be diagnosed with HIV before they die. This number made him pause. As a single, gay man, he decided to look into PrEP pre-exposure prophylaxis, a one-a-day pill to prevent HIV infection. Reczkowski was looking for peace of mind, even if the medication was not necessary, and wanted to explore his options. His doctor assured him this was not necessary. After a second appointment, for the express purpose of getting a PrEP prescription, Reczkowski was denied.The conversation turned to shaming and the need to include a specialist on infectious disease, which didnt feel great. Needless to say, the appointment deteriorated. If you cant meet my needs, I think we are done here, is how Reczkowski left it.

Reczkowski ultimately made his way to Community Health Programs, where he connected with Dr. Stoepker, who relocated from New York City in June to join the primary care team at CHPs Lee Family Practice. In addition to a prescription for PrEP, Reckowski got the most up-to-date information about the HPV vaccine, previously available only for those under 27 years of age. Stoepker knew that the FDA had just approved the vaccine for anyone under the age of 45, and he listened to me, he didnt lecture me and wasnt interested in giving advice for someone else he was really interested in me, which, Reczkowski feels, really speaks to the vision of CHP: It values an inclusive culture that champions patient-centered care. I feel like that is exactly what I experienced, he said. Exceptional, compassionate health care.

The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law says about 4.5 percent of U.S. adults 11 million people identify as LGBT; about 1.4 million people identify as transgender. Massachusetts law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV status. But as Garnett puts it, there is friendly, and there is competent. If [a doctor] is not putting out that they are [trans] friendly, Im not even going to call or show up, he explained. And Stoepker understands this. Not getting up-to-date care is [a persistent problem] in all arenas: If it only affects 10 percent of the population, there are going to be some doctors who are up to speed and some doctors who arent, he said. He calls this one of the big problems with medicine. Once you have that end of residency, the training requirements are incredibly flexible; what you do to educate yourself as a physician is highly variable, he said. While LGBTQ-specific training and separate clinics specifically dedicated to providing quality care to those who identify as LGBTQ are being incorporated into medical schools and residencies, there is an underlying truth: Its going to be a generation of physicians before its truly a frame shift, Stoepker said.

From Reczkowskis perspective, it boils down to education. Cultural competency training [is necessary] so we can understand how other people perceive the world and how we can best interact [and] live together; this is what the medical institutions need to be doing as well, he said. In fact it is imperative at the doctors office. In a separate incident with a different provider, Reczkowski ran into trouble with regard to a prostate exam, one of which could be done in the office, rendering it immediate and not very expensive, while the other had expensive lab costs associated with it. Reczkowskis doctor was so uncomfortable, he would not do the prostate exam. It is [the doctors] job to make me feel comfortable about something that can be awkward; now you are making me feel more awkward because you feel uncomfortable and dont have the cultural competency to understand [my position]?

This is part of the ongoing conversation Garnett is facilitating as founder of the Berkshire County Trans Group. I think any time a person makes an effort to say, I am friendly, I am willing to learn, that is great. Health care is a hot topic at monthly meetings across the county,where informal lists of recommendations abound. Dr. Stoepker currently tops this list as one of the only openly LGBTQ-supportive providers in the area. Its the first thing you do when you move to a new area: Who is your doctor? Who is your dentist? Garnett said. Its difficult to see a new provider when you dont really know [what you are walking into], Garnett added, even when the issue for which you might need support is not trans- or LGBT-related. Garnett addressed the topic of labels, often seen as divisive. The value of labels comes when they are self-chosen, he explained. We choose them so we are not alone; having labels helps us find each other; it helps us to hear about someone elses experience, and it helps us to put our own experiences in context with other people.

This is not a local problem. Stoepker recalls his practice in New York City (he moved to the Berkshires 18 months ago but spent a year communing to the city). Every day I was seeing a new patient who said, This is New York City and it boggles my mind, but I was not getting affirming, supportive care at my PCPs office. So I Googled around and found you, which is why he has worked to create a safe zone in his office by providing informed, compassionate medical care to LGBTQ patients not individuals living with HIV or AIDS, who are under the care of specialists, rather individuals seeking good primary care. Its what keeps him motivated in his work: The privilege of doing what I do is amazing, and Im excited about it every day; the ability to honor my dads memory, and the tradition of amazing doctors he had that I was inspired by. But mostly its just because, when you do something the right way and people appreciate it, it feels really good.

Excerpt from:
CHP's Dr. Stoepker helping to change the landscape of accessible health care for LGBTQ infividuals | - theberkshireedge.com

NEW YORK (PRWEB) January 10, 2020

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, and physicians from the Hilda and J. Lester Gabrilove Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease and the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System are emphasizing the importance of being aware of symptoms that may be related to thyroid disease.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and under the voice box. It produces hormones that help the body control the rate of metabolism, and regulate the production and consumption of energy. When thyroid function is accelerated, the condition is called hyperthyroidism; when slowed, it is called hypothyroidism. Imbalances in thyroid function may be a result of environmental, autoimmune, or genetic factors. Additionally, thyroid issues may lead to cancer.

Thyroid disease affects roughly 200 million people worldwide, and thyroid cancer is on the rise, with roughly 52,000 new cases diagnosed in 2019, according to the American Cancer Society. Three out of four thyroid cancer diagnoses are made in women. Data from the American Thyroid Association shows that more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime, and the cause of these problems is largely unknown. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and up to 60 percent of them dont know they have it, so they go undiagnosed and untreated. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid issues, and one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder. People with a family history of thyroid disease and/or thyroid cancer, and exposure to high doses of radiation, are also at increased risk, said Terry Davies, MD, Co-Director of the Mount Sinai Thyroid Center at Union Square and Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

How to Perform a Thyroid Neck Self-Exam:

Symptoms and Facts about Thyroid Disease

Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy Pregnant women should be aware of changes to their thyroid gland, which can be affected by different levels of pregnancy hormones. The thyroid hormone greatly contributes to the development of a healthy baby, and it is important that expectant mothers be properly diagnosed with and treated for thyroid disease. Otherwise, they could be at higher risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery, and their children may have developmental delays. For that reason, thyroid function is routinely checked in pregnant women.

When it comes to thyroid cancer, a large number of women develop this during their reproductive age. Since thyroid cancer tends to be mediated by hormones in the body, it tends to grow faster when patients are pregnant. There is no special cancer screening recommendation for pregnant women.

Mount Sinai Is a Leader in Noninvasive Thyroid Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules Mount Sinai West is one of only two hospitals in New York State offering a minimally invasive procedure to treat non-cancerous thyroid nodules that are symptomatic and would have otherwise required invasive surgery for removal. The procedure is called radio-frequency ablation (RFA). It offers eligible patients a much quicker recovery, less pain and risk of infection, and no scarring. With RFA, surgeons use guided ultrasound to deliver radio-frequency current to heat up and shrink the thyroid nodule. RFA can be done on patients with large non-cancerous nodules that cause swallowing, voice, breathing, and neck discomfort.

Patients who undergo RFA can return to normal activity the day after the procedure and can exercise within several days. Additionally, they are extremely unlikely to require permanent thyroid hormone medication. Patients who have standard thyroid nodule surgery typically cant resume normal activity for at least a month and 20 to 30 percent of these patients require thyroid medication.

Radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules has been performed in Korea for over a decade and throughout Europe and their outcomes are excellent. The published data shows impressive nodule shrinkage rates of more than 80 percent with RFA that is maintained over years of follow-up, explained Catherine Sinclair, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Director of Head and Neck Surgery at Mount Sinai West. Thyroid nodules are very common and, although many people will never require any intervention for their nodules, there is a significant minority who will seek treatment due to symptoms. I expect RFA to be a terrific new option for these patients.

Ethanol Ablation for Thyroid NodulesAnother noninvasive procedure, performed at Mount Sinai-Union Square, ethanol ablation is when an alcohol solution is injected into thyroid nodules, killing cells and causing the masses to slowly shrink. The procedure leaves only a small scar and is performed in office with local anesthesia.

The candidates for RFA and ethanol ablation are very similar, says Maria Brito, MD, Co-Director of the Mount Sinai Thyroid Center at Union Square. Dr. Brito and Michael Via, MD, both Associate Professors of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, are two of only a handful of physicians in the New York metropolitan region to perform ethanol ablation.

The procedures will not necessarily eliminate the nodule completely, and patients will still need to have ultrasound follow-ups to monitor the nodule, Dr. Brito says. But in appropriate cases, they are a terrific option. They make it very easy for the patient.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,480 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 14 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics in the 2019-2020 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 12th nationally for Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai St. Lukes and Mount Sinai West are ranked 23rd nationally for Nephrology and 25th for Diabetes/Endocrinology, and Mount Sinai South Nassau is ranked 35th nationally for Urology. Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, Mount Sinai West, and Mount Sinai South Nassau are ranked regionally.

For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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January Is Thyroid Awareness Month: Mount Sinai Doctors Offer Unique Procedures for Thyroid Nodules and Stress Importance of Early Detection - PR Web

Theres a feeling that sweeps over many people this time of year, and it might be summed up best with a twist on a famed quote from the cult movie classic Office Space.

Looks like somebodys got a case of the Januarys.

January is the time of year when the combination of less daylight, colder weather, less activity, and a letdown from the holiday vibe can lead to feelings of isolation, sadness, and in extreme situations, depression.

Why does it happen?

Experts point to a combination of things.

Its almost a perfect storm of seasonal happenings, according to Marna W. Brickman, LGSW, a psychotherapist with Spectrum Behavioral Health in Annapolis, Maryland.

There are the shorter days, the colder weather that means people are isolating themselves more, the less physical activity that can come with this time of year, and seasonal affective disorder, she told Healthline.

A combination of some or all of these factors, Brickman said, can lead to that January blues vibe and even depression.

Leigh Leader of Michigan knows the January feeling.

The mother of two in her early 30s battles a case of the Januarys each year.

You know what it feels like when you look out your window sometimes and just see that dull, snow, cold, gray world? Thats what it feels like, she told Healthline. Some days I wake up and just want to stay under the covers and not move. But I have two small daughters, so I have to.

Phyllis Perkins, a mother of teens also from Michigan, fights the feeling as well.

Before I realized I could take action, all I wanted to do this time of year was get the kids from school, cook dinner, and then go to bed, she told Healthline.

For a while, Perkins thought she was physically ill. But after a panel of tests by her physician showed no physical issue, she said they began to put the pieces together and find a way to help her improve her January mood.

So whats a person like Leader or Perkins to do?

There are steps you can take now, and proactively in years to come, to better your frame of mind and mood in the winter months.

Brickman points to elevated fatigue, oversleeping, isolating yourself, and a sense of helplessness as symptoms people should be aware of.

She says they should take note if they experience any or all of them.

What could be causing those symptoms and what pushes it over to depression?

There is an underlying neurological basis for major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, in which people have difficulty regulating the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which is responsible for balancing mood, Dr. Ash Nadkarni, associate psychiatrist and director of wellness at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, told Healthline.

Nadkarni explained that people may also have difficulty with overproduction of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland that responds to darkness by causing sleepiness.

In the winter, melatonin production increases, causing sleepiness and lethargy, she said. Both decreased serotonin and increased melatonin impact circadian rhythms, or the bodys internal 24-hour clock, which responds to light-dark changes that occur daily and throughout each of the seasons, she said.

In people with depressive disorders, she said, the circadian signal that indicates a seasonal change in day length has been found to be timed differently, challenging the bodys ability to adjust.

In other words, our bodies crave warmth, sun, and light.

There are steps you can take now if youre feeling blue, said Brickman.

Find natural daylight. Find the sun if you can, she said.

Brickman also suggests investing in a light box, in particular one that treats mood disorders and not skin disorders.

One added suggestion: change your diet.

Even healthy eaters can shift to a looser dietary pattern in the holidays and in cold, dark January eating that way can magnify sad feelings.

High-fat, sugary diets are tough on the mind, Brickman said. People dont think enough about food and how it impacts all of this.

She also suggests looking at using eating and food in a positive way by making plans and meeting up with friends for meals.

Eat socially, she said. Everything is better with company.

Perkins uses light therapy. Her physician suggested replacing her kitchen lights with bright 75 watt bulbs and shes found that helped.

She also has another suggestion: pick up or reclaim a hobby. For her, crafting does wonderings.

Its sounds so silly but something simple like this really can help, Perkins said. For me, crafting keeps my mind occupied and makes me feel useful, inspired and busy.

Its also important to report your symptoms to your physician or therapist and take any medical action they may deem necessary.

Seeking treatment is important, said Nadkarni. Antidepressants, light therapy, vitamin D to replete any deficiency, and psychotherapy have all been found to be evidenced-based options for treatment.

Brickman agrees.

Talk therapy is a great treatment for this, she said. Antidepressants, if needed, can also be a fix for 90 days or until the days extend and weather changes.

Leaders physician does something Brickman suggests ups her dosage of vitamin D for this time of year.

Its funny, she said. I never really believed something like that would make a difference until I tried it. It really helps.

Signs that you may sink into a case of January seasonal affective disorder or actual depression may begin to show months before, Nadkarni said.

When major depressive disorder has a seasonal pattern, it most often tends to be associated with an increase in symptoms in October or November, when light patterns first begin to shift, she said.

What to do?

Nadkarni says pay attention to the signs and be aware of them possibly showing up in your life.

When you see one or more, proactively battle those feelings with these suggestions.

How is one to be motivated to do that?

Both Perkins and Leader say people should simply try to avoid the painful sadness theyve fought in the past.

Leader has one more tip: just do it.

I have two small children, so I really have no choice but to try to stay ahead of this and focus on not having it drag me down, she said. Having two little kids to get out of bed and take care of every day is motivation to be mentally healthy for that.

For people without children, she urges them to find a place and a way you are needed.

That makes it all so much more important, and that makes it get your focus, she said.

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How to Keep a Sunny Outlook During the Dreary Days of January - Healthline

In the months after the gene therapy infusion at Boston Childrens, her symptoms disappeared. But doctors had given her blood transfusions while she regrew her own red blood cells, so it was not clear if the absence of symptoms was because of the gene therapy or the transfusions.

As she recovered, Helen returned to her passion: dancing. One day, she came back from her school dance group and told her mother, My legs hurt. It feels funny. Ms. Cintron smiled. Thats soreness, she explained. Helen laughed. She had only known pain from sickle cell.

Helen was scheduled for her six-month checkup on Dec. 16. By then, all the transfused cells were gone, leaving only blood made by stem cells in her own marrow. The doctors would finally tell her whether the therapy was working.

The day before, she and her parents visited the New England Aquarium in Boston. She was able to stay outside on a cold, blustery day, watching one seal bully the others, barking and fighting. When Helen mentioned that her hands were cold, Ms. Cintrons stomach clenched in fear. But it was just a normal thing to feel on a winter day.

The next morning, Dr. Esrick delivered the news. Helens total hemoglobin level was so high it was nearly normal a level she had never before achieved even with blood transfusions. She had no signs of sickle cell disease.

Now you are like me, her father told her. I jump in the pool, I run. Now you can do it, too!

Her family, accustomed to constant vigilance, is only now getting used to normal life.

On Dec. 23, Helen and her mother flew to the familys new home in Arizona.

Helen recently described her transformed outlook on Facebook.

Excerpt from:
At 16, Shes a Pioneer in the Fight to Cure Sickle Cell Disease - The New York Times

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Gene Therapy Market Outlook and Projections, 2019-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Incidences of cancer are increasing, and the local governing bodies are taking required initiatives to handle the problem, by development of new healing and preventive gene therapeutics.

According to the World Bank, more than 2,300 clinical trials on gene therapy were carried out in 2017. This led to attainment of higher information about the potential applications and working of gene therapies. Besides, gene therapy is becoming a significant sector in bioscience industry research and can be produced on a commercial-scale, which is projected to further expand its application range. Yescarta - axicabtagene ciloleucel are the most recently approved gene therapeutics available in the global market that treats large B-cell lymphoma.

The global gene therapy market is estimated to grow on the back of rising healthcare expenditure with increasing demand for efficient disease treating practices coupled with growing technological developments and discoveries. The World Bank reported a rise in the global current health expenditure (% GDP) from 9.453% in 2011 to 10.023% in 2016.

Increasing incidences of chronic oncogenic diseases such as cancer with an estimated new cases of 18.1 million in 2018 as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is anticipated to display a rapid growth in application of gene therapy technologies in the upcoming years. Additionally, increasing application of gene therapy products for the treatment of various cardiovascular and blood disorders is also expected to back the rampant growth in the upcoming years.

Moreover, government initiatives to eliminate chronic diseases is anticipated to aid the growth in upcoming years. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an initiative to eliminate hepatitis completely by 2023. Furthermore, experiments concerning gene therapy technologies in order to explore the benefits for various medical applications is another factor expected to propel the market growth.

Rising geriatric population across the globe holds immense opportunities for gene therapy products in the upcoming years. According to the World Bank, the population aged 65 and above, increased from 7.64% in 2010 to 8.93% of the global population in 2018. Moreover, change in climatic conditions and increase in sedentary lifestyles has led to drastic demographic changes in developed and developing countries, resulting in growing number of disease cases associated with aging. This aspect is attributed to contribute considerably to the market growth and thereby is expected to increase the adoption of gene therapy products across the globe.

The patient pool suffering from diabetes is expanding with growing aging population. The International Diabetes Federation reported that approximately 425 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes in 2017, which is estimated to increase by 2045 to 629 million. Application of gene therapy in patients suffering with diabetes, wherein replacement of a single gene is expected to restore the function of beta cells, which secrete insulin and regulate the blood glucose level of the body is also envisaged to boost the market significantly, during the forthcoming decade.

Key Topics Covered

Introduction

Market Ecosystem

Global Gene Therapy Market Outlook

Industry Analysis

Market Dynamics

Company Profiles of Top 5 Players

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ptfbs8

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Global Gene Therapy Market Outlook and Projections, 2019-2027, Featuring Profiles of the Top 5 Players: Novartis, Amgen, Orchard Therapeutics, Kite...

--44 week median follow up for patients (n=6)----Zero anti-VEGF rescue injections required following intravitreal ADVM-022; First patient has reached 52-weeks post treatment----Vision remains stable and anatomical improvements maintained--

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADVM), a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting unmet medical needs in ocular and rare diseases, today announced clinical data for the first cohort of patients (n=6) in the OPTIC phase 1 clinical trial of ADVM-022, the companys intravitreal injection gene therapy, in treatment-experienced patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The data are being presented today by Charles C. Wykoff M.D., Ph.D., director of research, Retina Consultants of Houston, at the Atlantic Coast Retina Club Macula 20/20 Annual Meeting inNew York, NY.

A copy of the presentation is available on the Adverum corporate website under Events and Presentations in the Investors section, available here.

In October 2019, Adverum presented data from the first cohort in OPTIC at a median 34-week time point (28-44 week range). Today, additional data for the first cohort are being presented, including efficacy and safety data, with a median follow up of 44 weeks at a range of 40-52 weeks, and included:

As of December 1, 2019, ADVM-022 continues to be well-tolerated in the first cohort with no drug-related or procedure-related serious adverse events (SAEs), no drug-related systemic adverse events and no adverse events meeting the criteria for dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Low-grade inflammation was reported in all six patients and was generally mild to moderate and responsive to steroid eye drops. One ocular SAE, a retinal detachment, that was not related to ADVM-022 or the administration procedure was reported.

OPTIC Phase 1 Clinical Trial Data from Cohort 1 (n=6)

1 Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as measured by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) (i.e., sight charts) 2 Central retinal thickness (CRT), also referred to as central subfield thickness (CST) assessed using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and measured by an independent Central Reading Center3 BCVA and CST values for patient with retinal detachment (unrelated to study treatment) used last observations prior to detachment 4 This event was deemed unrelated to ADVM-022 or any study procedure

These longer-term follow-up data demonstrate that patients in this first cohort of OPTIC are achieving sustained benefits from ADVM-022, a one-time intravitreal therapy, and have not required any anti-VEGF rescue injections through a median of 44 weeks while demonstrating impressive anatomic improvements, said Charles C. Wykoff M.D., Ph.D., director of research, Retina Consultants of Houston and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Texas. With a median follow-up period of 44 weeks, ADVM022 continues to control wet AMD disease activity in all 6 patients and the low-grade intraocular inflammation appears manageable with steroid eyedrops. Based on the data to date, ADVM-022 has the potential to be a meaningful and potentially transformative treatment for patients with wet AMD.

Aaron Osborne, MBBS, chief medical officer of Adverum, added, These new clinical data are promising as they continue to support the safety, efficacy, and durable clinical profile of ADVM-022 and this therapys potential to change the treatment paradigm for patients with wet AMD. Anti-VEGF injections, the current standard of care, carry a significant treatment burden and real-world outcomes data suggest that vision outcomes are suboptimal due to undertreatment. In the first cohort of OPTIC, we continue to see stable vision and anatomical improvements being maintained out to a median of 44 weeks after a single ADVM-022 injection in these difficult-to-treat patients who previously required frequent anti-VEGF injections. We look forward to presenting longer-term data from the first cohort and 24-week data from the second cohort of OPTIC on February 8 at the Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration 2020 symposium.

About the OPTIC Phase 1 Trial of ADVM-022 in Wet AMDThe multi-center, open-label, Phase 1, dose-escalation trial is designed to assess the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal (IVT) administration of ADVM-022 in patients with wet AMD who are responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. In the first cohort, patients (n=6) received ADVM-022 at a dose of 6 x 10^11 vg/eye and in the second cohort, patients (n=6) received ADVM-022 at a dose of 2 x 10^11 vg/eye. In the third cohort (n=9), patients also are receiving a dose of 2 x 10^11 vg/eye and in the fourth cohort (n=9), patients will receive a dose of 6x10^11 vg/eye. Patients in the third and fourth cohorts will receive prophylactic steroid eye drops instead of oral steroids which were used in the first and second cohorts. The primary endpoint of the trial is the safety and tolerability of ADVM-022 after a single IVT administration. Secondary endpoints include changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), measurement of central retinal thickness (CRT), as well as mean number of anti-VEGF rescue injections and percentage of patients needing anti-VEGF rescue injections. Each patient enrolled will be followed for a total of two years.

Eight leading retinal centers acrossthe United States(U.S.) are participating in the OPTIC Phase 1 trial for ADVM-022. For more information on the OPTIC Phase 1 clinical trial of ADVM-022 in wet AMD, please visithttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03748784.

About ADVM-022 Gene TherapyADVM-022 utilizes a propriety vector capsid, AAV.7m8, carrying an aflibercept coding sequence under the control of a proprietary expression cassette. ADVM-022 is administered as a one-time intravitreal injection, designed to deliver long-term efficacy and reduce the burden of frequent anti-VEGF injections, optimize patient compliance and improve vision outcomes for wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy patients.

In recognition of the need for new treatment options for wet AMD, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Fast Track designation for ADVM-022 for the treatment of this disease.

Adverum is currently evaluating ADVM-022 in the OPTIC Study, a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients 50 years and older with wet AMD. Additionally, Adverum plans to submit an Investigational New Drug Application for ADVM-022 for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first half of 2020.

About Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease affecting the macula, the region of the retina at the back of the eye responsible for central vision. In patients with wet AMD, an aggressive form of AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath and into the retina. These abnormal blood vessels leak fluid and blood into and beneath the retina, causing vision loss.

Wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in patients over 60 years of age, with a prevalence of approximately 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. and 3 million worldwide. The incidence of new cases of wet AMD in the U.S. is approximately 150,000 to 200,000 annually, and this number is expected to grow significantly as the countrys population ages.

The current standard-of-care therapy for wet AMD is anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. These are effective but typically require eye injections every 4-12 weeks in order to maintain vision. Compliance with this regimen can be difficult for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems, leading to undertreatment and resulting in loss of vision.

About Adverum BiotechnologiesAdverum Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: ADVM) is a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting unmet medical needs for serious ocular and rare diseases. Adverum is evaluating its novel gene therapy candidate, ADVM-022, as a one-time, intravitreal injection for the treatment of its lead indication, wet age-related macular degeneration. For more information, please visit http://www.adverum.com

Forward-looking StatementsStatements contained in this press release regarding events or results that may occur in the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding: Adverums plans to report additional clinical data for ADVM-022 from the OPTIC trial and to advance ADVM-022, including Adverums plans to submit an Investigational New Drug Application for ADVM-022 for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first half of 2020, and the potential benefits of ADVM-022, all of which are based on certain assumptions made by Adverum on current conditions, expected future developments and other factors Adverum believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Adverum may not achieve any of these in a timely manner, or at all, or otherwise carry out the intentions or meet the expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include risks inherent to, without limitation: Adverums novel technology, which makes it difficult to predict the time and cost of product candidate development and obtaining regulatory approval; the results of early clinical trials not always being predictive of future results; the potential for future complications or side effects in connection with use of ADVM-022; obtaining regulatory approval for gene therapy product candidates; enrolling patients in clinical trials; reliance on third parties for conducting the OPTIC trial and vector production; and ability to fund operations through completion of the OPTIC trial and thereafter. Risks and uncertainties facing Adverum are described more fully in Adverums Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 7, 2019 under the heading Risk Factors. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Adverum undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Investor and Media Inquiries:

Investors:Myesha LacyAdverum Biotechnologies, Inc.mlacy@adverum.com1-650-304-3892

Media:Cherilyn Cecchini, M.D.LifeSci Communicationsccecchini@lifescicomms.com1-646-876-5196

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Adverum Biotechnologies Reports Additional Clinical Data from First Cohort of OPTIC Phase 1 Trial of ADVM-022 Intravitreal Gene Therapy for Wet AMD at...

DetailsCategory: DNA RNA and CellsPublished on Sunday, 12 January 2020 11:35Hits: 130

Indapta Developing First-in-class, Proprietary Cancer Therapy Based on a Specific, Potent Variety of Natural Killer Immune Cells for Use in Combination with Multiple Monoclonal Antibodies

Lonza to Provide Process Development, Clinical Manufacturing and Regulatory Support for IND Submission

Indapta Emerges from Stealth Mode, Unveils Founding Management Team and Scientific Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO,CA, USA & BASEL, Switzerland I January 10, 2020 I Indapta Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing a proprietary, first-in-class, off-the-shelf, non-engineered, allogeneic G-NK (FcR-deficient Natural Killer) cell therapy to treat multiple cancers, and Lonza today announced a strategic partnership. Indapta also announced its founding leadership team and scientific advisors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lonza will manufacture Indaptas off-the-shelf, allogeneic G-NK cell therapy under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) for use in clinical studies. Indapta will leverage Lonzas process development capabilities and expertise to ensure a robust, reproducible and scalable cGMP process. Process development and manufacturing will take place in Lonza's state-of-the-art cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility in Houston.

We believe our first-in-class, off-the-shelf, allogeneic G-NK cell therapy will drive the next critical phase in the evolution of cancer therapies following CAR T-cell therapies, said Guy DiPierro, founder and chief executive officer of Indapta Therapeutics. Current autologous CAR T-cell therapies have proven efficacy in various hematologic cancers but have been beset with serious clinical and manufacturing challenges. By providing an off-the-shelf solution with our G-NK cell therapy, we can eliminate the need for a patient-specific therapy. Additionally, because our investigational cell therapies are not engineered, they are likely to be more effective, less costly and have a simpler regulatory pathway.

Lonza, with its demonstrated expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, is the ideal strategic partner to help us advance our clinical program and scale the production of our G-NK cell therapy, said Ronald Martell, co-founder and executive chairman of Indapta Therapeutics. We are currently completing Investigational New Drug-enabling studies and plan to submit an IND application in late 2020 and initiate a first-in-human Phase 1/2 study in early 2021.

Indaptas world-class team of NK cell scientists and clinicians and cell therapy experts has created an innovative off-the-shelf immuno-oncology therapy based on a subset of cancer-killing NK cells that could make a truly meaningful impact in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, said Scott Waldman, chief strategy officer at Lonza.

Alberto Santagostino, senior vice president, head of Cell & Gene Technologies at Lonza, added, with our long-standing experience in cell therapy manufacturing, we are committed to providing Indapta with the expertise, resources and services it needs for cGMP manufacturing to advance its promising program into the clinic and beyond.

About Indaptas G-NK Cell Therapy

Indapta Therapeutics is developing off-the-shelf, allogeneic FcRI-deficient NK cells, known as G-NK cells.i,ii,iii These proprietary cells are a specific and potent subset of NK cells with specialized anti-tumor activity when used in combination with a monoclonal antibody. G-NK cells are NK cells that have undergone an epigenetic change after coming into contact with cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected cells. As a result, they lack the FcRI signaling adapter and, instead, use a different adapter protein, which predisposes them to a far more activated state of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in the presence of a monoclonal antibody. When the monoclonal antibody binds to the tumor target and to the Fc receptor on G-NK cells, it initiates the release of dramatically more immune-stimulating cytokines and cell-killing enzymes than conventional NK cells, causing the direct killing of tumor cells and driving tumor cell death. G-NK cells have been demonstrated to be safe; in vivo studies demonstrate they do not cause graft-vs-host disease or cytokine release syndrome, which can occur with CAR-T cell therapies.

Preclinical research, conducted under NIH grants by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), demonstrated the safety and efficacy of G-NK cells administered in combination with a therapeutic monoclonal antibody. Clinical models of multiple myeloma and lymphoma demonstrated improved survival, a statistically significant decrease in tumor growth, and a statistically significant increase in the activity of the monoclonal antibody without causing graft-vs-host disease. When administered in combination with a monoclonal antibody, G-NK cells have been shown to be highly persistent (lasting four to nine months), to have the ability to preferentially bind to a therapeutic monoclonal antibody in the presence of a tumor cell, and to demonstrate superior ADCC function compared with conventional NK cells. Under a second Indapta NIH grant, researchers at Stanford University will be conducting in vivo studies in additional tumor models.

Indaptas off-the-shelf G-NK cell therapy is differentiated from an autologous therapy in that it is not necessary to collect cells from each individual patient and produce a unique therapy for every patient. Rather, it is derived from cells from healthy volunteers, which are highly functional and persistent. Indaptas process for producing G-NK cell therapy for use as an immunotherapy involves taking blood from CMV-seropositive donors, identifying and sorting G-NK cells from these samples, and expanding G-NKs cells using the companys proprietary, patented expansion method, which preferentially expands and activates GNK cells. Indapta has also developed a proprietary method for freezing and storing the G-NK cells in a GMP master cell bank for use as off-the-shelf allogeneic outpatient immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Developing off-the-shelf G-NK cells may sidestep some of the clinical and financial challenges presented by other, more customized and engineered immuno-oncology approaches, which involve time-consuming and costly manufacturing processes and often can only be delivered in specialized centers. The manufacturing COGS for Indaptas program will be relatively inexpensive compared to CAR-T or engineered NK cell therapies. Additionally, the regulatory approval process for Indaptas program may be more straightforward than that for autologous CAR-T cell therapy or engineered NK cells because it does not involve complicated cell engineering.

Not only are G-NK cells widely available from multiple sources, they have the potential to be used in combination with multiple monoclonal antibodies to treat numerous types of cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma, ovarian, colorectal, renal, liver, breast and lung).

Indaptas Founding Management Team

Indaptas Scientific Advisors

About Indapta Therapeutics

Indapta Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing a proprietary, first-in-class, off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapy to treat multiple types of difficult-to-treat hematologic cancers and solid tumors. Headquartered in San Francisco, Indapta was founded in 2017 by Guy DiPierro along with Ronald Martell and scientists at the University of California, Davis, and Stanford University. The company has developed allogeneic FcRI-deficient natural killer (NK) cells, known as G-NK cells, and is working to bring this off-the-shelf cell therapy to patients to address the limitations of currently available autologous T-cell therapies.

About Lonza

Lonza is an integrated solutions provider that creates value along the Healthcare Continuum. Through our Pharma Biotech & Nutrition segment and our Specialty Ingredients segment businesses, we harness science and technology to serve markets along this continuum. We focus on creating a healthy environment, promoting a healthier lifestyle and preventing illness through consumers' preventive healthcare, as well as improving patient healthcare by supporting our customers to deliver innovative medicines that help treat or even cure severe diseases. Patients and consumers benefit from our ability to transfer our pharma know-how to the healthcare, hygiene and fast-moving consumer goods environment and to the preservation and protection of the world where we live.

Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today is a well-respected global company with more than 100 sites and offices and approximately 15,500 full-time employees worldwide at the end of 2018. The company generated sales of CHF 5.5 billion in 2018 with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 1.5 billion. Further information can be found at http://www.lonza.com.

Additional Information and Disclaimer

Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-STs continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual.

Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this news release.

i Hwang I, Zhang T, Scott JM, et al. Identification of human NK cells that are deficient for signaling adaptor FcR and specialized for antibody-dependent immune functions. Int Immunol. 2012;24(12);793-802.

ii Lee J, Zhang T, Lanier LL, Kim S. Epigenetic modification and antibody-dependent expansion of memory-like NK cells in human cytomegalovirus-infected individuals. Immunity. 2015;42:431-442.

iii Zhang T, Scott JM, Hwang I, Kim S. Antibody-dependent memory-like NK cells distinguished by FcR deficiency, Immunol. 2013;190(4):1402-1406.

SOURCE: Indapta Therapeutics

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Indapta Therapeutics and Lonza Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance a Next-generation, Off-the-shelf, Allogeneic Immuno-oncology Therapy | DNA...

Cellular engineering promises new treatments for cancer and other maladies. But most manufacturing processes propel the cost of these so-called living drugs into the stratosphere, far beyond reach of most people who need them.

A technology patented at the University of California, Riverside, and recently licensed to startup Basilard BioTech could bring these prices back down to earth.

The technology, developed by Masa Rao, an associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Marlon and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering, minimizes damage to the cell in the manufacturing process. This enables both high gene delivery efficiency and cellular viability, a feat that most other approaches cannot match.

Basilard spun out of Raos laboratory earlier this year. The company has obtained an exclusive license to commercialize the technology, which they have branded SoloPore. Basilard is seeking to develop it as a disruptive new platform for engineering ex vivo cell and gene therapies for cancer specifically, as well as genetic disorders and degenerative diseases more broadly.

Basilards SoloPore technology is a differentiated solution that provides greater scalability, safety, efficiency, and versatility than prevailing gene delivery methods, said Basilard CEO Brynley Lee. This will allow us to reduce manufacturing cost, and therefore, bring these revolutionary therapies to more of those in need.

Basilard is raising seed capital and working to build a commercial prototype. The young company is the first biotech instrumentation company to emerge from UC Riversides EPIC entrepreneurship incubator, which guides innovators through the commercialization and entrepreneurial process and helps connect them with investors.

Within the span of less than a year, weve gone from a purely academic effort to the formation of a startup thats on the cusp securing its first venture capital funding, Rao said. UC Riversides Office of Technology Partnerships has been instrumental in this rapid ascent.

Weve worked hard for the past three years to accelerate technology translation and commercialization with entrepreneurial programs that have mentored more than 220 entrepreneurs and 120 startups in the Inland Empire since October 2016, said Rosibel Ochoa, associate vice chancellor for technology partnerships. Basilards quick rise is a sign that we are building a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the growth of startups in our region.

Read more:
Putting gene therapy in reach - University of California

Empirical report on Global Gene Therapy Market states the technological advancements, production rate, technological advancements, and marketing channels from 2014-2024. The rapid expansion in key Gene Therapy sectors and market segmentation based on key players, types, applications are explained in detail. Initially, the report states the definitions, classifications, revenue, growth rate, and production from 2014-2024 is analysed. The Gene Therapy Market concentration ratio, manufacturing base distribution, and key industry trends are explained. The production market share, revenue share, mergers & acquisitions, and expansion plans are stated.

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The following key Gene Therapy Market insights and pointers are covered in this report:

Product Analysis and Development Aspects: Complete product portfolio, upcoming trends, and technologies are covered. New product launch events, development activities, import-export details are stated.

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Market Segmentation and Regional Diversification: An exhaustive Gene Therapy Industry picture, segmentation based on product types, applications, prime players and regions are analysed. The top regions analysed in this report are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.

Competitive View: The Gene Therapy Market competition is structured based on top companys revenue share, business strategies, and manufacturing capabilities is stated. The distribution channels, pricing policies, investment plans, and supply-demand scenario is stated.

Gene Therapy Market Segmentation By Type, Applications & Regions

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The Gene Therapy Industry potential, key trends, market statistics, trading, competition, and value chain analysis is explained. The SWOT analysis will provide information on strengths, drivers, opportunities and market risks. The new product developments, emerging Gene Therapy Market sectors, technological advancements, and threats are analysed. The growth strategies and business plans implemented by top industry players are evaluated in detail.

Following Queries Will Be Addressed In This Report:

The report serves as a complete guide in providing complete Gene Therapy manufacturing processes, cost structures, raw materials, investment feasibility, and investment return analysis. The SWOT analysis, market growth, production, profit, and supply-demand statistics are offered.

The current business and progressions, future methodologies, market entrants are explained. The consumers, distributors, manufacturers, traders, and dealers in Gene Therapy Market are covered. A comprehensive research methodology, market size estimation, market breakdown, and data triangulation is covered.

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Gene Therapy Market Structure, Major Players, Share, Industry Size and Product Types and Forecast till 2024 - BulletintheNews

British researchers have just developed a revolutionary gene therapy for people with hemophilia A. According to their initial tests, it has been successfully tested on 13 men suffering from this genetic disorder.

Blood Bag

Hemophilia, which affects about 20000 people in the US and 700,000 worldwide, is a rare disease that prevents blood from clotting, which carries a risk of bleeding. Carried in the X chromosome and mainly affecting men, it can be particularly painful and can even cause death if the bleeding is not treated in time.

Read Also: Doctors Investigate CRISPR Gene-Editing for Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

Caused by the lack or absence of factor VIII, a clotting factor generally present in our plasma that allows the blood to clot, hemophilia A is the most common form: 80% of patients suffering from this genetic disease are affected with the A variant. Because their blood cannot clot properly, patients are exposed to the risk of excessive bleeding at the slightest cut or injury, but also to the risk of spontaneous internal bleeding. Therefore, they are given at least three intravenous injections per week to control and prevent bleeding.

But new research in gene therapy may allow patients to eliminate these regular injections, which affect their quality of life. In a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from Queen Mary University in London, United Kingdom, announced that a single treatment resulted in 13 patients having normal or near-normal levels of blood clotting protein, factor VIII, even after one year.

Although this preliminary work had already been published in 2017, this time the authors announced that, three years after receiving treatment, all patients in the study still benefited from a substantial reduction in bleeding rates. The 13 patients No longer needed regular infusions of factor VIII to prevent bleeding.

Read Also: University of Connecticut Reverses Prader-Willi Syndrome in Lab by Restoring Silent Genes

Our 2017 paper showed that gene therapy could significantly boost factor VIII levels in men with hemophilia A. Our new data are critical in helping the scientific and medical communities understand this pioneering technology, explained Pasi. This latest study confirms both safety and the long-term beneficial impact of the treatment. A long-term treatment that effectively ends the life-long regime of regular injections can transform care and massively improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people born with this challenging genetic condition.

Herpes Could Finally Be Cured With CRISPR According to Study

First CRISPR Trials on Humans Are Now Being Implemented in the US

Gene Therapy To Prevent And Treat Chlamydia

Scientists Are Now Using Viruses to Treat Cancers And, Other Diseases

CRISPR Prevents Liver Disease In Mice Before Birth

Controversial Startup Offers Young Blood to Fight Aging

UC Berkeley Researchers Restore Vision in Mice Through Gene Insertion

Tampering with genes permanently altered brain function in twins

Genetics Have Less Effect on Longevity, Calico Study Shows

Breakthrough Study Reveals That 38 Genes Are Involved In Hearing Loss In Mice

Atherosclerosis Facts: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments and Prevention

Continued here:
Hemophilia Cure: New Gene Therapy Offers Hope to Patients - Gilmore Health News

The global CNS Gene Therapy Market reached ~US$ xx Mn in 2019 and is anticipated grow at a CAGR of xx% over the forecast period 2018 2028. The business intelligence study of the CNS Gene Therapy Market covers the estimation size of the market both in terms of value (Mn/Bn USD) and volume (x units).

In a bid to recognize the growth prospects in the CNS Gene Therapy Market, the market study has been geographically fragmented into important regions that are progressing faster than the overall market.

Each market player encompassed in the CNS Gene Therapy Market study is assessed according to its market share, production footprint, current launches, agreements, ongoing R&D projects, and business tactics. In addition, the CNS Gene Therapy Market study scrutinizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis.

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CNS Gene Therapy Market To Boost Demand And Forecast In Upcoming Year 2018 2028 - Citi Blog News