Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Wednesday told lawmakers that it was a “mistake” to censor the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over a tweet about the wall at the southern border — as the company faces accusations of political bias.
— FOX News
Initiative will train 250 new clinical investigators and work within communities to build capacity to serve underrepresented patient populations
PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and National Medical Fellowships today announced that they have entered into a partnership aimed at improving diversity in clinical trials. Leveraging $100 million of the previously announced commitment from Bristol Myers Squibb and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to diversity and inclusion, the partnership will develop a program to extend the reach of clinical trials into underserved patient populations in urban and rural U.S. communities. This program will train and develop 250 new clinical investigators who are racially and ethnically diverse or who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, and it will expose 250 promising, underrepresented minority medical students across the country to clinical research career pathways. Additionally, the program will assist program investigators in building capacity and standing up new clinical trials sites in communities with diverse and heavily burdened patient populations.
The need for diversity in clinical trials
“Clinical research is necessary to generate evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of new treatments,” said Robert Winn, M.D., Director, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, who is serving as chair of the national advisory committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program. “While the patient response to medical therapies may differ across racial and ethnic subgroups, clinical trials often fail to represent the demographic diversity of the populations that these products aim to serve. I am proud to serve as an advisor to this program, which will support improvements toward diverse representation in clinical research and promote health equity.”
In fact, aggregated data on the racial and ethnic participation in clinical trials published by the FDA show that in general 80% of patients taking part in clinical trials are white. Black Americans represent 13%1 of the US population but only reflect about 7%2 of participants in clinical trials.
John Damonti, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation added, “Science demonstrates that we must diversify clinical trials in order to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. We are pleased to partner with National Medical Fellowships so that this effort will benefit from their decades of experience and unmatched expertise. Together, we will tap the often overlooked but powerful resource of racially and ethnically diverse physicians or other physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, working in academic medical centers, community-based practices and Federally Qualified Health Centers. These physicians are established in their communities, and no one is in a better position to build trusting relationships with patients than they are.”
“Diversity has a role to play in the entire lifecycle of therapeutic development, from the trial design and community engagement, to therapeutic efficacy and adoption,” said Sandra Nichols, M.D., Chairperson, National Medical Fellowships Board of Directors. “National Medical Fellowships has a vision to promote equity of access to quality healthcare for all groups in American society. Advancing diversity in clinical trials is a critically important component of this effort, and our partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is consistent with our mission.”
About the program
The goal of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program is to increase diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, and ultimately enhance the development of therapeutics for all populations. The program will collaborate with communities to facilitate an approach to clinical and translational research that is community-informed, designed and conducted. It will provide the sponsorship, support and tools that emerging investigators need to conduct clinical trials that will yield the development of new treatments that are effective in all populations.
How to apply
Applications will open in January 2021. Eligible candidates will hold the degree of MD, MD/PhD, DO or DO/PhD and have an interest in clinical research in the areas of cancer (hematology and oncology), cardiovascular disease and immunologic disorders. In addition, they will reflect the NIH definition of Early Stage Investigator and the NIH definition of underrepresented populations in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise, or have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials. To learn more about eligibility and program details, please email DCTCDPinfo@nmfonline.org.
About the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation
The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is committed to improving the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and addressing unmet medical need.
National Medical Fellowships
Seeking to empower and support aspiring physicians and health professionals underrepresented in medicine to contribute to the health of our nation, National Medical Fellowships’ mission is to provide scholarships and support for underrepresented minority students in medicine and the health professions.
Founded in 1946, NMF was one of America’s first diversity organizations. Today, as we come together to celebrate our diversity with joy and new purpose, NMF remains the only national organization solely dedicated to providing scholarships to medical and health professions students in all groups underrepresented in healthcare.
NMF is supported by a national network of Alumni who serve tens of millions of patients annually. Their experience inspires us and gives voice to our mission.
philathropy-news
1 https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn125.html
2 https://www.fda.gov/media/143592/download
Contacts
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB FOUNDATION
MEDIA: media@bms.com
Illinois Racetrack to be Rebranded as FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing
Iconic Nearly Century Old Landmark to be Modernized as Driver of Regional Economy
$250,000 St. Louis Derby to Return for First Time Since 2006
COLLINSVILLE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company in the United States, announced plans to make a multi-million-dollar investment in Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, IL. Under the terms of the agreement, Fairmount Park Racetrack will be rebranded as FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. In addition, the company plans a full revitalization of the venue including the opening of a FanDuel Sportsbook retail location. This partnership is consistent with FanDuel Group’s long history in the sport of horse racing via its subsidiary TVG, an online ADW platform and sports-oriented digital cable and satellite television network. This agreement also signifies FanDuel Group’s first investment in a race track.
FanDuel Group will work with William Stiritz and Associates to revitalize the iconic 95-year-old track including significant upgrades to the facility and the establishment of a FanDuel Sportsbook retail location pending continued licensing and regulatory approvals from the Illinois Gaming Board. FanDuel Group and TVG are also excited to announce the company will fund the renewal and running of the $250,000 St. Louis Derby, the track’s signature event, which has not been conducted since 2006 due to financial constraints.
“We are delighted to partner with Fairmount Park to continue bringing high quality horse racing and soon additional entertainment experiences via our sportsbook to the region,” said Matt King, Chief Executive Officer of FanDuel Group. “Fairmount is an iconic state landmark which we plan to modernize bringing innovative technology and entertainment offerings only FanDuel can deliver.”
“Fairmount Park is excited to extend our partnership with FanDuel Group to now include their sports gaming platform,” said Melissa Helton, General Manager of Fairmount Park. “This partnership will allow the park to remain an important economic driver for the surrounding communities.”
The capital improvements, addition of a retail sportsbook and the new horse racing events are part of a modernization plan that will serve as a driver of economic growth for the region providing new jobs in the entertainment and hospitality sector. Fairmount has long been a prominent beacon of diversity hiring and FanDuel Group’s investment will fully align and accelerate the track’s proud history as a bedrock in the community.
Fairmount Park Racetrack is located in Collinsville, Illinois. It is one of three horse racing venues currently active in Illinois and the only one outside of the Chicago metro area. The track opened in 1925 and offers thoroughbred flat racing on a one-mile dirt oval. Fairmount Park has been approved to host 53 live racing days in 2021 along with daily simulcast wagering on tracks throughout the country.
FanDuel Group has a long history in the sport of horse racing through the TVG brand. Launched in 1999, TVG broadcasts 60,000 races from more than 150 tracks around the world on its two channels, TVG and TVG2. TVG has invested in a best-in-class OTT HD product and is available in HD via DirecTV and Spectrum Cable systems along with streaming services like YouTube TV, fuboTV and AT&T Now. TVG also simulcasts and shares production resources with NBC Sports, NBCSN and multiple NBC regional sports networks to provide coverage of major horse racing events during the year
FanDuel Group is no stranger to investing in the sport of horse racing. FanDuel Group is a major sponsor of marquee horse racing events including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the TVG Pacific Classic, the TVG.com Haskell Invitational and major races at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, KY. FanDuel Group has invested heavily in TVG.com and especially the TVG network’s broadcasts of live horse racing events. FanDuel Group is also a major supporter of charities that impact the horse racing community including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
The FanDuel brand has made a big impact on the sport of horse racing by introducing a younger audience to the sport with its FanDuel Racing product and daily fantasy contests for marquee events. Earlier this year in an effort to attract new fans to horse racing, FanDuel Group launched its FanDuel Racing product, an advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform designed for novice racing fans. To date, FanDuel has introduced more than 50,000 players to ADW from its sportsbook and daily fantasy platforms. FanDuel also offers daily fantasy contests for major racing events.
The FanDuel Sportsbook mobile and online sports betting experience is currently available in Illinois. In the near future, FanDuel Group’s sports betting license will be transferred from Par-A-Dice Casino to FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, pending approval from the Illinois Gaming Board. The FanDuel Sportsbook is available in a total of eleven states via retail and online experiences.
If You Or Someone You Know Has A Gambling Problem, Crisis Counseling And Referral Services Can Be Accessed By Calling 1-800-GAMBLER
About FanDuel Group
FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams, and leagues. The premier gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit wagering, and TV/media, including FanDuel, Betfair US, and TVG. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states and 8.5 million customers. The company is based in New York with offices in California, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon, and Scotland. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, the world’s largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and a constituent of the FTSE 100 index of the London Stock Exchange.
Contacts
FanDuel
Emily Bass
The storm, the second hurricane to strike Central America in less than two weeks, was expected to produce catastrophic winds and up to 30 inches of rain all week.
— NYT: Top Stories
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will speak about their long-term plans. Mr. Biden may campaign in Georgia.
— NYT: Top Stories
States and Cities tighten restrictions as U.S. caseload soars. A sweeping stay-at-home order goes into effect in Chicago today. Governors and mayors are taking measures as cases rise in 48 states.
— NYT: Top Stories
Aishah Hasnie explains the impact of Peter Kassig’s life on her own.
— FOX News
NEW YORK & MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has helped the U.S. subsidiary of Swedish pharmaceutical company Orexo launch its first digital therapeutic, vorvida®, for patients in the United States dealing with problematic alcohol use. vorvida® is a web-based digital platform that uses the INTIENT™ Patient solution suite, which is powered by Google Cloud, to enable secure patient interactions and connectivity to an ecosystem of third-party health care services.
A critical aspect to providing this population with a new treatment option was creating a digital solution that could immediately connect patients with health care services and scale to support the portfolio of Orexo’s future digital therapies, such as the ones for depression and opioid abuse.
“We are delighted to work with Accenture to make our digital therapies even more accessible to those who need them,” said Dennis Urbaniak, executive vice president, Digital Therapeutics, Orexo. “We know that many of our patients are concerned with confidentiality and privacy, and the INTIENT™ Platform provides a safe, secure platform through which individuals struggling with mental or behavioral issues can confidently get the care they need – right at their fingertips.”
Digital therapeutics are clinically validated patient treatments that provide access to novel care models and deliver health outcomes using a combination of digital inputs, artificial intelligence algorithms, and interventions to impact patients’ healthy behaviors. Orexo’s digital therapeutics are designed to learn from interactions and personalize the delivery of content to fit the unique needs of the individual. In addition to vorvida®, Orexo also offers deprexis® for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and modia™ for the treatment of opioid use disorder, which is expected to be available in the U.S. by the end of the year.
“Orexo is a great example of how INTIENT™ is supporting the future of the life science industry, driven by a focus on New Science, by providing a secure digital solution for patient data and connectivity to the market of digital health innovations and services,” said Tony Romito, managing director, Global Patient Service, Accenture.
The INTIENT Patient solution suite is part of Accenture’s INTIENT™ platform, which supports the life science industry by providing cloud-based solutions for industry needs across R&D and Commercial.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services—all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 506,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
The Life Sciences industry group helps pharmaceutical, biotech, medical technology, distributor and consumer health companies combine the latest technology with scientific breakthroughs to revolutionize how medical treatments are discovered, developed and delivered to patients around the world. To learn more, visit https://www.accenture.com/us-en/industries/life-sciences-index.
About Orexo DTx
Orexo DTx is the digital health arm of Orexo AB, a pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes improved pharmaceuticals and digital therapies. The company addresses unmet needs mainly within the growing space of substance use disorders and mental health. Orexo DTx was created in Q4 of 2019 and the product portfolio consists of three digital therapies, deprexis® for depression, vorvida® for alcohol misuse and modia™ for opioid use disorder, all in partnership with the GAIA group.
Orexo DTx’s mission is to redefine treatment of addiction by offering clinically validated digital therapeutics to ensure more successful treatment for patients and cost-effective solutions for payers. The digital products will be commercialized by Orexo DTx worldwide, with the U.S. as the principal market, where Orexo also commercializes its lead product ZUBSOLV® (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets (CIII) for treatment of opioid use disorder.
Orexo is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Mid Cap (ORX) and is available as ADRs on OTCQX (ORXOY) in the U.S. The company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, where research and development activities are performed.
For more information about Orexo please visit, www.orexo.com. You can also follow Orexo on Twitter, @orexoabpubl, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Contacts
Lara Wozniak
Accenture
+1 858 252 8208
Dustin Johnson’s final round lead is narrowing as his playing partner, Sungjae Im, applies pressure.
— NYT: Top Stories
Health care workers are posting urgent appeals on social media. About 1 in 323 Americans tested positive in the past week. Catch up on the latest.
— NYT: Top Stories
Fauci cautions ‘gradual return’ to normalcy by ‘second, third’ quarter 2021.
The number of vaccine doses available by the end of the year will be much lower than expected as at least two doses are required per treatment.
— FOX News
As restrictions return, U.S. workers see no safety net. With new virus rules, workers are worried about wages. President Trump’s virus team is blocked from working with President-elect Joe Biden’s.
— NYT: Top Stories
The Navajo Nation on Monday will reinstate a stay-at-home lockdown for the entire reservation while closing tribal offices and requiring new closures and safety measures for businesses due to rising COVID-19 cases.
— FOX News