FDA grants accelerated approval for ADUHELM™ as the first and only Alzheimer’s disease treatment to address a defining pathology of the disease
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the brain is a defining pathology of Alzheimer’s disease
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FDA grants accelerated approval for ADUHELM™ as the first and only Alzheimer’s disease treatment to address a defining pathology of the disease
Biogen and Eisai launch multiple initiatives to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease access ADUHELM™
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Programs now available to support patients and families with their treatment journey
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Biogen and Eisai launch multiple initiatives to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease access ADUHELM™
Reata Pharmaceuticals Announces Participation in The Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
PLANO, Texas, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RETA) (“Reata,” the “Company,” or “we”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that management will participate in a virtual Fireside chat and hold 1x1 meetings at the Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
Design Therapeutics Expands Board of Directors with Key Appointments
By Dr. Matthew Watson
CARLSBAD, Calif., June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Design Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSGN), a biotechnology company developing treatments for degenerative genetic disorders, today announced the appointments of industry veterans, Heather Behanna, Ph.D., principal of SR One, and Deepa Prasad, managing director of WestRiver Group, to its board of directors effective June 15, 2021.
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Design Therapeutics Expands Board of Directors with Key Appointments
Design Therapeutics to Participate in Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
CARLSBAD, Calif., June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Design Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSGN), a biotechnology company developing treatments for degenerative genetic disorders, today reported that João Siffert, M.D., president and chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat during the Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 1:20 p.m. ET.
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Design Therapeutics to Participate in Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
Centessa Pharmaceuticals to Present at the Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and LONDON, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) announced today that Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, will participate in an analyst-led fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Centessa Pharmaceuticals to Present at the Goldman Sachs 42nd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
Arvinas Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Space Within Downtown Crossing Development in New Haven
By Dr. Matthew Watson
NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company creating a new class of drugs based on targeted protein degradation, today joined state and local officials, fellow tenants, and community partners, in a groundbreaking ceremony for 101 College Street, a new 525,000-square-foot-building to be constructed as part of New Haven’s Downtown Crossing revitalization project. Arvinas will lease three of the 10 floors at 101 College and this space will serve as the Company’s headquarters beginning in 2024.
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Arvinas Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Space Within Downtown Crossing Development in New Haven
Zymergen to Present at Goldman Sachs Annual Global Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biofacturing leader Zymergen today announced the company will be participating in the upcoming Goldman Sachs Annual Global Healthcare Virtual Conference.
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Zymergen to Present at Goldman Sachs Annual Global Healthcare Conference
HOOKIPA Phase 1 HB-200 data show unprecedented T cell response, favorable tolerability, and preliminary efficacy as monotherapy for advanced HPV16+…
By Dr. Matthew Watson
NEW YORK and VIENNA, Austria, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOK, ‘HOOKIPA’), a company developing a new class of immunotherapeutics based on its proprietary arenavirus platform, today reported positive Phase 1 data from its ongoing Phase 1/2 study (NCT04180215) of HB-200 for the treatment of advanced Human Papillomavirus 16-positive (HPV16+) cancers. Data presented as an oral presentation (abstract #2502) at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting showed outstanding T cell responses, preliminary efficacy as a monotherapy in heavily pretreated patients who progressed on standard of care, including checkpoint inhibitors, and favorable tolerability. The company also announced translational data suggesting a relationship between T cell response and potential clinical efficacy. The company will host an investor event today at 6:30pm EDT.
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HOOKIPA Phase 1 HB-200 data show unprecedented T cell response, favorable tolerability, and preliminary efficacy as monotherapy for advanced HPV16+...
Avicanna Provides Bi-Weekly Update On Status Of Management Cease Trade Order
By Dr. Matthew Watson
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/
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Avicanna Provides Bi-Weekly Update On Status Of Management Cease Trade Order
Orion and the Blood Service launch collaboration to develop new CAR T-cell cancer therapy
By Dr. Matthew Watson
ORION CORPORATION PRESS RELEASE 8 JUNE 2021 AT 8.00 a.m. EEST
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Orion and the Blood Service launch collaboration to develop new CAR T-cell cancer therapy
Roche obtains CE mark for the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal allowing for rapid self testing of COVID-19 at home
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Basel, 08 June 2021 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced it has received CE mark for its SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal for at-home testing. The test will be available in countries accepting the CE mark through pharmacies and other locations, in packs of five tests. An early version of the test has already been available as a home-test in a number of European markets under local special approval pathways since February 2021. With the CE Mark, the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal for rapid self testing of COVID-19 test has received official approval following the traditional registration pathway and can now also be used in markets that have not established regulatory exemption pathways. By following simple instructions, individuals can perform the test at home using a nasal swab without special training or the supervision of a healthcare worker. The test provides results in as little as 15 minutes and can help people to conveniently check if they are likely to be infectious from the comfort of their home. In the case of children under 18 years of age, the test must be performed by an adult or under close adult supervision.As societies begin to reopen and in line with local health regulations, the convenient test allows individuals planning to attend an event or gathering to use the test as a tool to confirm that they are not likely to be carriers of a substantial amount of the virus thus helping them make informed decisions and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Complementary to the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal, Roche is offering NAVIFY® Pass. This digital solution allows individuals and healthcare professionals to remotely store, display, and share their COVID-19 test results and vaccine status through a personalised QR code. Having easy digital access to test results and vaccination status could potentially be used by both individuals and companies to facilitate access to locations with COVID-19 entry protocols, such as restaurants or entertainment venues, as well as to validate safety to travel.“As the world prepares to reopen, high-quality, home-based testing will play an important role in the battle against the pandemic,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO, Roche Diagnostics. “Regular self-testing at home can reduce pressure on healthcare systems. It can quickly identify people with the highest potential to be infectious so they can take immediate action to seek medical advice, manage their infection and protect others.”This test is part of a partnership with SD Biosensor Inc., with whom Roche has also launched a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test in July 2020 and two SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests for professional use in September 2020 and February 2021. These tests will continue to play an important role in fighting this pandemic and remain available for healthcare professional testing.In addition to diagnostic testing, preventive measures remain key to protecting yourself and others against SARS-CoV-2. It is recommended to continue wearing masks, socially distance and practice good hygiene, especially if you have symptoms or known contact with others who have tested positive for the virus. Roche continues to expand its comprehensive COVID-19 portfolio to support healthcare systems in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection.About the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal for at-home patient self-testingThe SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Self Test Nasal is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay (lateral flow assay) for the detection of the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal samples. Each test contains a unique QR code to enable individuals to share their test results and vaccine status using NAVIFY Pass, Roche’s digital solution. For more information on NAVIFY Pass, visit www.navifypass.comThe clinical performance of the test was measured by head to head comparison with Roche’s highly sensitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test using nasopharyngeal swab samples as a comparator, the gold standard sampling and detection method for SARS-CoV-2 detection.1,2 Combined study results showed that the relative sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal was 91.1%.** The overall relative specificity was 99.6 %,3 which represents the ability of the test to correctly identify patients without the virus. In one comparative independent self testing study where patients followed written and illustrated instructions to sample, test and read-out the results themselves, the majority of study participants considered the procedures easy to perform.4 About antigen testingAn antigen test detects proteins which are structural or functional components of a pathogen and are very specific to that pathogen.5 In this case, the test would provide a qualitative “yes/no” answer on the presence of the antigen in the patient sample and can be offered as a rapid strip test that is performed at the point of care. If the target antigen (nucleocapsid protein) is present in sufficient concentrations in the sample, it will bind to specific antibodies and generate a visually detectable signal on the test strip, typically with results ready in 15 minutes. A rapid antigen test can reliably detect individuals with a high viral load allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify those patients at the greatest risk of spreading the infection.6About Roche’s response to the COVID-19 pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve globally with varying developments from country to country and we are partnering with healthcare providers, laboratories, authorities and organisations to help make sure that patients receive the tests, treatment and care they need. This new test is an additional step in Roche’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already included:
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Roche obtains CE mark for the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal allowing for rapid self testing of COVID-19 at home
OXURION Completes Patient Enrollment for Part A of Phase 2 Study Evaluating THR-149 for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of DME in the roughly 40% of the patient population responding suboptimally to anti-VEGF therapy
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OXURION Completes Patient Enrollment for Part A of Phase 2 Study Evaluating THR-149 for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Polyphor Hosting Key Opinion Leader Roundtable on Covid-19: The Need for Novel Therapies for Severe Infections and the Potential Role of…
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Webinar Roundtable Being Held Thursday, June 10th @ 8amET/2pmCET Webinar Roundtable Being Held Thursday, June 10th @ 8amET/2pmCET
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Polyphor Hosting Key Opinion Leader Roundtable on Covid-19: The Need for Novel Therapies for Severe Infections and the Potential Role of...
Novo Nordisk partners with Heartseed on heart failure cell therapy – PMLiVE
By daniellenierenberg
Danish pharma company Novo Nordisk has announced a new collaboration and licence agreement with Japans Heartseed to develop the companys investigational cell therapy HS-001 for heart failure.
HS-001, Heartseeds lead asset, is an investigational cell therapy using purified cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The therapy is currently being developed as a treatment for heart failure.
Heartseed is already planning to launch a phase 1/2 study of HS-001 in Japan in the second half of 2021, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the therapy for the treatment of heart failure caused by ischaemic heart disease.
Under the terms of their agreement, Novo Nordisk will gain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise HS-001 globally, excluding Japan where Heartseed will retain the rights to solely develop the therapy.
However, Novo Nordisk has the rights to co-commercialise HS-001 with Heartseed in Japan, with equal profit and cost sharing.
In return, Heartseed is eligible to receive up to a total $598m, with $55m earmarked in upfront and near-term milestone payments.
The Japanese biotech company is also eligible to receive tiered high single-digit to low double-digit royalties of annual net sales on the product outside Japan.
"We are delighted to have a company with the expertise and resources of Novo Nordisk as our partner for development and commercialisation of HS-001, and are also honoured that Novo Nordisk has recognised the innovativeness and high potential of our technology," said Keiichi Fukuda, chief executive officer of Heartseed.
"We believe that the partnership with Novo Nordisk is very valuable as we seek to disseminate our Japan-origin innovation globally as early as possible, he added.
Through this important collaboration with Heartseed, we aim to pioneer novel treatment solutions for people with cardiovascular disease, said Marcus Schindler, chief scientific officer, EVP research and early development at Novo Nordisk.
We [will] gain access to an innovative clinical asset, underlying technology and deep expertise within the field of iPSC biology and cardiac cell transplantation, which can be combined with our knowledge and capabilities in stem cell biology and manufacturing, he added.
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Novo Nordisk partners with Heartseed on heart failure cell therapy - PMLiVE
Accumulating Evidence Suggests E-Cigarettes Are Likely As Harmful To The Brain As Regular Smoking – Forbes
By daniellenierenberg
Comparing the effects of e-cigarettes and regular smoking on the brain.
An ever accumulating volume of scientific and preclinical data shows new evidence of ways that e-cigarettes are dangerous. Understandably, most of the focus has been on the effects on the lungs, cardiovascular disease, and addiction. But recently, a growing body of scientific studies are starting to show the serious potential negative effects e-cigarette use may have on the brain.
Electronic-cigerettes (e-cigarettes), and more broadly electric vaporizers, have a history that goes back almost 100 years. The modern commercial version of the e-cigarette is usually attributed to the Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, although numerous patents and related technologies developed by others were prevalent throughout the 1980s and 90s.
The immediate urgency in attempting to understand the health effects of e-cigarettes stems from their increasing rate of use, most concerning among young people. The challenge though is that they are simply too new, and not enough time has passed to understand and really appreciate their potential long term clinical effects due to sustained or chronic use.
Among high school students, the use of tobacco products had been on the decline until 1998, attributed to aggressive anti-smoking campaigns through the 90s. But this changed that year, with an increase in tobacco use due exclusively to the use of e-cigarettes. By 2014 e-cigarettes overtook all other tobacco products among this population. Even more concerning is the rate at which their use is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) e-cigarette use among high schoolers increased 77.8% in 2018 over 2017, with similar trends observed internationally.
And while it is possible to find e-cigarette pods and inserts that do not have nicotine, the vast majority do. Whats worse, the trend has been to increase the concentration of nicotine delivered by these products. In the case of the popular Juul brand, the average concentration of nicotine considerably exceeds the concentration in regular cigarettes.
To be fair, one potential positive use of these devices might be in helping long time smokers reduce the use of regular cigarettes. The CDC has stated that that while e-cigarettes are not safe for people that dont use tobacco, they are dohave potential to benefit adult smokers. By triturating the chemical composition and rate of nicotine delivery, it may offer a new tool to assist these individuals. Getting a long time smoker to reduce their dependency on combustible cigarettes is a meaningful thing.
And a National Academies report concluded, ecigarettes are not without risk, but compared to combustible tobacco cigarettes they contain fewer toxicants and are likely to be far less harmful than combustible tobacco cigarettes. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that nicotine is what addicts and keeps people using tobacco products, but it is not what makes tobacco use so deadly. Yet, at the same time, even within the FDA and CDC, they state that they continue to investigate the distressing incidents of severe respiratory illness associated with use of vaping products. However, this does not necessarily imply that nicotine is responsible, but rather, that other additives and the delivery technologies themselves may be contributing to such clinical effects.
When it comes to the brain, the potential dangerous effects e-cigarettes may have on the brain and their long term consequences stem from the well established effects nicotine in general has on the brain and brain development, the degree and concentration of nicotine e-cigarettes are capable of delivering, and the chemistry associated with how these devices deliver it. The microvascuature of the brain - the collection of specialized blood vessels that feed the brain and spinal cord and regulate their chemical environment - as well as the cells that make up the brain itself (neurons and other cells), are all vulnerable to damage.
The microvascuature of the brain and spinal cord consists of a vast collection of capillaries that provide brain cells with oxygen and nutrients. It also shuttles away cellular waste products. The brains microvascuature is unique compared to the rest of the body. The endothelial cells that make up these tiny blood vessels form a regulated barrier between the blood on one side (the lumen side of the blood vessels) and the chemical environment the brain and spinal cord float in on the other side. This barrier is called the blood brain barrier.
The normal compliment of molecules and immune cells capable of moving between the blood and the cellular spaces in the other tissues of the body cannot freely do so with the brain and spinal cord - which collectively form the central nervous system. The unique chemical environment of the central nervous system formed by the blood brain barrier is the cerebral spinal fluid.
There is a strong correlation between long term smoking, cognitive decline in the later decades of life, and disruption of the blood brain barrier and microvasculature of the brain. In fact, cognitive decline and microvascular dysfunction are essentially universal consequences of long term smoking for everyone. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms involved are still not completely clear though, warranting continued research. But a recently published paper suggests how the negative physiological effects nicotine has on brain cells when delivered via e-cigarettes mirrors the effects observed with combustible cigarettes.
The endothelial cells that make up the microvasculature are particularly vulnerable. This means that the normal regulatory mechanisms responsible for maintaining the unique chemical environment of the cerebral spinal fluid via the blood brain barrier may slowly break down, contributing to cognitive decline.
And in at least one mouse model study, the authors suggest that e-cigarettes may also have short term disruptive effects on cognitive and memory functions. So there may be more immediate and acute concerns with e-cigarette use, in particular in younger populations where the brain is still developing.
In another study, scientists found that e-cigarettes produce a stress response in neural stem cells, which are populations of cells that eventually become neurons and other important cell types in the brain. Again, potential effects on the still developing brain of adolescents is of immediate concern.
On a positive note, a clinically significant exception to the above effects is the use of nicotine to potentially treat Parkinsons disease. Nicotine and chemically related drugs have been shown to be effective in protecting the parts of the brain that are affected and degenerate in Parkinsons, as well as in treating the symptoms of the disease. Its use has also been indicated in reducing the significant side effects of other Parkinsons drugs.
At the moment there are more questions than answers when it comes to understanding the physiological and cellular effects e-cigarettes - and in particular high concentration nicotine delivery via these devices - has on the brain. The inclusion of additional additives may further exacerbate microvasculature and cellular damage to the brain. These risks should of course be balanced against e-cigarettes ability to help people quit combustible tobacco products, which for that population is judged to be significantly more dangerous than e-cigarettes. The long term epidemiological and public health consequences of e-cigarettes - both good and bad - will not be fully appreciated for years to come. But the data at the moment seems to suggest potential significant pathophysiological effects on brain function.
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Accumulating Evidence Suggests E-Cigarettes Are Likely As Harmful To The Brain As Regular Smoking - Forbes
How STEM Can Be More Inclusive of Scientists with Disabilities – The Scientist
By daniellenierenberg
Justin Yerbury | University of Wollongong
According to a 2019 National Science Foundation report, only 10 percent of employed scientists and engineers self-identify as having at least one disability, despite that fact that almost 20 percent of all undergraduates self-report the same, with disabled undergraduates enrolling in STEM programs at roughly the same rate as those without. These statistics are likely an underestimate of the true number of scientists living with disabilities, as a culture of stigmatization and ableismdiscrimination that favors people with typical physical and mental abilitiesin academia makes the choice over whether to disclose a disability a difficult one, according to a commentary published May 18 in Trends in Neuroscience.
Justin Yerbury, a molecular biologist at the University of Wollongong in Australia who coauthored the report with his wife, Wollongong psychology researcher Rachael Yerbury, studies motor neuron diseases, including a rare form that he himself was diagnosed with in 2016. Yerbury has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as Lou Gehrigs disease, which causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to break down, leading to a loss of muscle control. In the piece, the Yerburys write that disabled scientists may feel misunderstood, undervalued, defined by their disability, or worsedismissed as not being able to contribute or compete in academia, leading them to keep their differences a secret, or in some cases, to avoid STEM entirely.
Justin Yerbury answered questions by email about what prompted him to write the piece and how academia can be more inclusive of scientists with disabilities.
Justin Yerbury:I had just been through the process of assisting the National Health and Medical Research Council (Australias primary medical research funding body) with an update to their Relative to Opportunity policy to be more inclusive of people with a permanent disability and I wondered why this lack of disability access hadnt been pointed out before. While this rattled around in my brain for a while I saw something on Twitter that made me wonder if people with a disability were not actually revealing their disability in grant applications, job applications and promotion applications. I posed the question to the disabled in academia community on Twitter and the responses inspired me to explore this further.
JY: While we cant say for certain why people with a disability are under represented in academia, we do know that a proportion of people do not disclose their disability resulting in an underestimation of academics with a disability. In addition, the ablest culture in academia that judge academic success by a high standard of outputs excludes those that dont fit the mold must also contribute to the relative under representation of disability in academia.
JY: There are other groups that are also underrepresented that would also benefit from a more inclusive academic community. I think that if opinions were to change tomorrow we would still need time for opportunities to arise and for people with a disability to find their place. With years or decades of ableism I dont think that there is an immediate fix but what it would do is hopefully set the standard for current students so that they dont have to fight for access.
If anything positive has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has shown us that the way things have been done in the past can change and that different ways of doing things are not only possible but are more inclusive. That can only be a good thing.
JY: The University of Wollongong has provided accessible tech for me in terms of computers and software that helps me communicate and continue to work. In addition, access to my office has been improved with automatic sliding doors and parking under my building. In addition, the University has provided administrative support to help with certain aspects of academia.
JY: The medical model explanation of disability implies that there is something wrong with people that have a disability and that they are not a complete person. That is, people with a disability have deficits. The deficit approach presumes that a disability is a disadvantage and a liability, meaning that we can never be viewed as an equal to our peers.
Rather than seeing differences as a liability we must see diversity and the lived experience it brings as an asset.
JY: Put simply, equality means that everyone is given the same opportunities. While equity is the ability to recognise that each individual has a distinct set of circumstances which is then utilized to reasonably adjust opportunities to achieve an equal outcome.
What this looks like in STEM is policies that apply to everyone, for example funding criteria, that in some instances disadvantage those with a disability. For example, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia didnt provide an opportunity for me to explain my permanent disability in my grant application meaning my outputs were directly compared to able bodied researchers without taking my disability into account.
JY:If anything positive has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has shown us that the way things have been done in the past can change and that different ways of doing things are not only possible but are more inclusive. That can only be a good thing.
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How STEM Can Be More Inclusive of Scientists with Disabilities - The Scientist
Lymph nodes: Purpose, location, and disease warning signs – Medical News Today
By daniellenierenberg
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in the immune system. They filter lymphatic fluid, which helps rid the body of germs and remove waste products.
The body contains hundreds of lymph nodes. They form clusters around the body and are particularly prominent in areas such as the neck, armpit and groin and behind the ears.
The bodys cells and tissues dispose of waste products in lymphatic fluid, which lymph nodes then filter. During this process, they catch bacteria and viruses that could harm the rest of the body.
Lymph nodes are an essential part of the bodys immune system. Due to their function, they come into contact with toxins, which can cause them to swell. Although swollen lymph nodes are common, they may occasionally indicate lymph node cancer, or lymphoma.
Keep on reading to learn more about lymph nodes and their function within the immune system.
Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is a complex network of nodes and vessels.
In certain areas of the body, such as the neck, armpit, and groin, lymph nodes sit close to the skin. This means a person may feel them swell when an infection develops.
Lymph nodes are also present in the stomach and between the lungs. However, there are no lymph nodes in the brain or spinal cord.
The name of a lymph node depends on its location in the body.
Lymph nodes form clusters throughout the body. Their main function is to filter out potentially harmful substances.
All tissues and cells in the body excrete lymphatic fluid, or lymph, in order to eliminate waste products. The lymph then travels through vessels in the lymphatic system and passes through lymph nodes for filtering.
Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cells that help destroy pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When lymph nodes detect a pathogen in the lymph, they produce more lymphocytes, which causes them to swell.
Upon encountering bacteria or damaged cells, lymph nodes destroy them and turn them into a waste product.
When the lymph reenters the bloodstream, waste products travel to the kidneys and liver. The body then excretes waste products in the urine and feces.
Learn more about how the lymphatic system works here.
Swollen lymph nodes do not always indicate cancer. Below, we list some of many conditions that can cause lymph node swelling.
Lymphadenitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lymph infect lymph nodes. When this happens, lymph nodes swell and are painful to the touch.
If multiple clusters of nodes become infected, a person may feel pain and swelling in both their neck and groin.
The most common type of lymphadenitis is localized lymphadenitis. This means the condition only affects a few nodes. If the infection occurs in several node clusters, a doctor will likely diagnose generalized lymphadenitis.
The condition usually results from an infection elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms of lymphadenitis include:
Lymphadenitis treatments include:
The type of treatment necessary will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the disease and a persons underlying conditions and allergies. A doctor will help a person choose the most suitable treatment based on these factors.
Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the neck here.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may be due to a viral or bacterial throat infection, such as strep throat.
Viral throat infections, such as colds, can present with swollen lymph nodes, a runny nose, and pinkeye.
These infections usually resolve on their own. However, a person can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain they may experience when swallowing.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that develops in the throat and tonsils due to group A streptococcus. People may contract strep throat if they come into contact with droplets containing the strep bacteria.
A person with strep throat may experience swollen lymph nodes on the neck, a sore throat, a fever, and red spots on the roof of the mouth.
Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics.
Impetigo is an infection that develops due to group A streptococcus and may cause lymph nodes in the armpits and groin to swell.
A person can contract impetigo when the bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin. This can happen through sharing a towel, razor, or yoga mat.
Symptoms of impetigo include:
If a person has impetigo, they should seek medical attention to address their symptoms and prevent the condition from spreading to others.
Treatment will usually involve antibiotics.
Ringworm, or jock itch, is a fungal infection that can affect many areas of the body. If the fungus develops in the groin, a person may experience lymph node swelling in that area.
Typically, ringworm starts as a fungal lesion. The fungus often transmits when people share towels or razors.
Ringworm thrives in moist environments, and therefore a person should take care to dry thoroughly after a wash and try not to stay in damp clothes.
Common ringworm symptoms include:
A doctor will prescribe an antifungal treatment to address ringworm.
The best way to prevent ringworm is to wear breathable fabrics, avoid sharing towels and razors, and dry thoroughly after bathing.
Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the groin here.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when cancer cells spread from one cluster of lymph nodes to another. By contrast, in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, there is no order in how cancer cells spread throughout the lymphatic system.
Typical symptoms of lymphoma include:
These are also common symptoms of viral infections, which can make lymphoma hard to diagnose. However, in people with lymphoma, symptoms tend to persist for longer periods of time.
It is of note that these symptoms do not clearly indicate cancer. If a person experiences any of these, they should contact a doctor to identify the cause of their symptoms.
Treatment options for lymphoma include:
A person should contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing persistent swelling of lymph nodes.
Swelling usually indicates an infection, and therefore a person should not immediately worry about lymphoma.
After reaching a diagnosis, a doctor will recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system. They filter lymph, which contains pathogens and damaged cells, and send the dead cells to the kidneys and liver.
Lymph node swelling usually results from an infection. In rare cases, however, it may be due to lymphoma.
If a person is concerned about swelling and other symptoms they have, they should contact a doctor.
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Lymph nodes: Purpose, location, and disease warning signs - Medical News Today
Global Cell Therapy Markets, Technologies, and Competitive Landscape Report 2020-2030: Applications, Cardiovascular Disorders, Cancer, Neurological…
By daniellenierenberg
DUBLIN, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" report from Jain PharmaBiotech has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods, which have already started to play an important role in the practice of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old fashioned bone marrow transplants. The role of cells in drug discovery is also described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice.
The cell-based markets was analyzed for 2020, and projected to 2030. The markets are analyzed according to therapeutic categories, technologies and geographical areas. The largest expansion will be in diseases of the central nervous system, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Skin and soft tissue repair, as well as diabetes mellitus, will be other major markets.
The number of companies involved in cell therapy has increased remarkably during the past few years. More than 500 companies have been identified to be involved in cell therapy and 316 of these are profiled in part II of the report along with tabulation of 306 alliances. Of these companies, 171 are involved in stem cells.
Profiles of 73 academic institutions in the US involved in cell therapy are also included in part II along with their commercial collaborations. The text is supplemented with 67 Tables and 26 Figures. The bibliography contains 1,200 selected references, which are cited in the text.
Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be genetically modified prior to transplantation.
Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture, encapsulation, and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. Methods of delivery of cell therapy range from injections to surgical implantation using special devices.
Cell therapy has applications in a large number of disorders. The most important are diseases of the nervous system and cancer which are the topics for separate chapters. Other applications include cardiac disorders (myocardial infarction and heart failure), diabetes mellitus, diseases of bones and joints, genetic disorders, and wounds of the skin and soft tissues.
Regulatory and ethical issues involving cell therapy are important and are discussed. The current political debate on the use of stem cells from embryonic sources (hESCs) is also presented. Safety is an essential consideration of any new therapy and regulations for cell therapy are those for biological preparations.
Key Topics Covered:
Part One: Technologies, Ethics & Regulations
Executive Summary
1. Introduction to Cell Therapy
2. Cell Therapy Technologies
3. Stem Cells
4. Clinical Applications of Cell Therapy
5. Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disorders
6. Cell Therapy for Cancer
7. Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders
8. Ethical, Legal and Political Aspects of Cell therapy
9. Safety and Regulatory Aspects of Cell Therapy
Part II: Markets, Companies & Academic Institutions
10. Markets and Future Prospects for Cell Therapy
11. Companies Involved in Cell Therapy
12. Academic Institutions
13. References
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/oletip
Media Contact:
Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [emailprotected]
For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SOURCE Research and Markets
http://www.researchandmarkets.com
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Global Cell Therapy Markets, Technologies, and Competitive Landscape Report 2020-2030: Applications, Cardiovascular Disorders, Cancer, Neurological...
Global Cardiovascular Drug Delivery Markets Report 2021: Cell and Gene Therapies, Including Antisense and RNA Interference are Described in Detail -…
By daniellenierenberg
DUBLIN, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cardiovascular Drug Delivery - Technologies, Markets & Companies" report from Jain PharmaBiotech has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The cardiovascular drug delivery markets are estimated for the years 2018 to 2028 on the basis of epidemiology and total markets for cardiovascular therapeutics.
The estimates take into consideration the anticipated advances and availability of various technologies, particularly drug delivery devices in the future. Markets for drug-eluting stents are calculated separately. The role of drug delivery in developing cardiovascular markets is defined and unmet needs in cardiovascular drug delivery technologies are identified.
Drug delivery to the cardiovascular system is approached at three levels: (1) routes of drug delivery; (2) formulations; and finally (3) applications to various diseases.
Formulations for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system range from controlled release preparations to delivery of proteins and peptides. Cell and gene therapies, including antisense and RNA interference, are described in full chapters as they are the most innovative methods of delivery of therapeutics. Various methods of improving the systemic administration of drugs for cardiovascular disorders are described including the use of nanotechnology.
Cell-selective targeted drug delivery has emerged as one of the most significant areas of biomedical engineering research, to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of a drug by strictly localizing its pharmacological activity to a pathophysiologically relevant tissue system. These concepts have been applied to targeted drug delivery to the cardiovascular system. Devices for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system are also described.
The role of drug delivery in various cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial ischemia, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia is discussed. Cardioprotection is also discussed. Some of the preparations and technologies are also applicable to peripheral arterial diseases. Controlled release systems are based on chronopharmacology, which deals with the effects of circadian biological rhythms on drug actions. A full chapter is devoted to drug-eluting stents as treatment for restenosis following stenting of coronary arteries.Fifteen companies are involved in drug-eluting stents.
New cell-based therapeutic strategies are being developed in response to the shortcomings of available treatments for heart disease. Potential repair by cell grafting or mobilizing endogenous cells holds particular attraction in heart disease, where the meager capacity for cardiomyocyte proliferation likely contributes to the irreversibility of heart failure.
Cell therapy approaches include attempts to reinitiate cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult, conversion of fibroblasts to contractile myocytes, conversion of bone marrow stem cells into cardiomyocytes, and transplantation of myocytes or other cells into injured myocardium.
Advances in the molecular pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases have brought gene therapy within the realm of possibility as a novel approach to the treatment of these diseases. It is hoped that gene therapy will be less expensive and affordable because the techniques involved are simpler than those involved in cardiac bypass surgery, heart transplantation and stent implantation.
Gene therapy would be a more physiologic approach to deliver vasoprotective molecules to the site of vascular lesions. Gene therapy is not only a sophisticated method of drug delivery; it may at times need drug delivery devices such as catheters for transfer of genes to various parts of the cardiovascular system.
Selected 83 companies that either develop technologies for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system or products using these technologies are profiled and 80 collaborations between companies are tabulated. The bibliography includes 200 selected references from recent literature on this topic.
Key Markets
Key Topics Covered:
Executive Summary
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
2. Methods for Drug Delivery to the Cardiovascular System
3. Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disorders
4. Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular Disorders
5. Drug-Eluting Stents
6. Markets for Cardiovascular Drug Delivery
7. Companies involved in Cardiovascular Drug Delivery
8. References
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qqxmpd
Media Contact:
Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [emailprotected]
For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SOURCE Research and Markets
http://www.researchandmarkets.com
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Global Cardiovascular Drug Delivery Markets Report 2021: Cell and Gene Therapies, Including Antisense and RNA Interference are Described in Detail -...