Categories
Healthcare Technology

Stryker launches PROstep™ MICA® SOLO Guide to simplify minimally invasive bunion procedures

Company to feature new all-in-one guide at 2022 ACFAS and during March 2 live event

 

MAHWAH, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, will debut the new PROstep™ MICA® SOLO Guide at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ACFAS) 2022 meeting and will host a live event on March 2 at 7 p.m. EST. The all-in-one procedure guide is used during PROstep MICA minimally invasive bunion procedures and is designed for use by a solo surgeon, potentially eliminating the need for additional surgical assistance during the operation.

Traditionally, surgeons conducting MIS bunion procedures use a “freehand” technique, requiring both of the surgeon’s hands to perform different tasks simultaneously, with a sizeable learning curve. The PROstep MICA SOLO is an all-in-one guide that acts as a third hand for the surgeon, providing automatic targeting of the screw, stabilization of the head fragment and a controlled, adjustable shift. The intuitive guide streamlines the procedure, allowing for reproducibility while minimizing the need for a surgical assistant.

 

In addition to the unique surgeon advantages, the PROstep MICA offers patients the following benefits when compared to traditional open bunion surgery:

  • Faster return to function2,3
  • Less pain1
  • Smaller scars1,2
  • Overall increased patient satisfaction1
  • Less need for opioids post-op4

 

“I am delighted that we now have a precision tool for this technique right where the surgeon needs it,” said David Redfern, FRCS, foot and ankle surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London Hospital. “The PROstep MICA SOLO Guide is like having an expert assistant at hand to make the necessary surgical steps in this procedure much easier.”

 

“At Stryker, we’re constantly working with our customers to understand their challenges and develop solutions to address unmet needs,” said Michael Rankin, Vice President of Marketing and Medical Education of Stryker’s Foot & Ankle business. “The PROstep MICA SOLO Guide reflects Stryker’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation, and we see it playing an integral role in the future of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.”

 

The PROstep MICA SOLO Guide will be showcased at an industry sponsored “Stryker Experience” event on Feb. 24 at ACFAS and will be featured at Stryker’s exhibit booth (614). On March 2, a live surgeon panel discussion and cadaveric presentation of the new all-in-one procedure guide will be hosted virtually by the creator of the MICA procedure, David Redfern FRCS (Tr&Orth). Those interested in signing up can visit the event registration site.

 

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. More information is available at www.stryker.com.

 

Follow Stryker Foot & Ankle on LinkedIn.

 

A surgeon must always rely on his or her own professional clinical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. Stryker does not dispense medical advice and recommends that surgeons be trained in the use of any particular product before using it in surgery.

 

The information presented is intended to demonstrate the breadth of Stryker’s product offerings. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label and/or instructions for use before using any of Stryker’s products. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory and/or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact your sales representative if you have questions about the availability of products in your area.

 

Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Blueprint, Perform, Stryker, Tornier. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

 

Content ID: AP-015815_A

Copyright © 2022 Stryker

References:

  1. Lam P, Lee M, Xing J, Di Nallo M. Percutaneous Surgery for Mild to Moderate Hallux Valgus. Foot Ankle Clin N Am 2016; 21: 459-477.
  2. Lee M, Walsh J, Smith MM, Ling J, Wines A, Lam P. Hallux Valgus Correction Comparing Percutaneous Chevron/Akin (PECA) and Open Scarf/Akin Osteotomies. Foot Ankle Intl 2017; 38(8): 838-846.3
  3. Maffulli N, Longo UG, Oliva F, Denaro V, Coppola C. Bosch Osteotomy and Scarf Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus
  4. Jimmy J. Chan, MD; Javier Z. Guzman, MD; Andrea Nordio, MD; Jesse C. Chan; Carl M. Cirino, MD; Ettore Vulcano, MD. Opioid Consumption and Time to Return to Work After Percutaneous Osteotomy in Foot Surgery. Orthopedics. May 7, 2020.

Contacts

Andrea Sampson, Sampson Public Relations Group

asampson@sampsonprgroup.com
562.304.0301

Categories
Business Healthcare Lifestyle

Legal cannabis industry is the most prolific job creator in America – Supporting more than 428,000 jobs

Leafly’s sixth annual Cannabis Jobs Report shows America’s cannabis industry sold nearly $25 billion in products and created more than 100,000 new jobs in 2021 – enough people to fill the Rose Bowl.

 

SEATTLE — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Leafly (LFLY), one of the leading online cannabis discovery marketplaces and resources for cannabis consumers, today released its sixth annual cannabis industry jobs report. This year’s report found there are now 428,059 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. Leafly’s research also shows that America’s 11 operating adult-use markets and 27 medical states combined sold just under $25 billion worth of cannabis products – more than $6 billion more from the previous year. Looking ahead, the report forecasts that the total employment potential in a mature US legal cannabis market will be approximately 1.5 to 1.75 million workers, almost 4 times as many workers as in this year’s report.


This year’s report, created in partnership with Whitney Economics, shows that despite the ongoing economic and employment challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, cannabis continues to be the most powerful job creator in America – with no other industry coming close. 2021 was the fifth year in a row the cannabis industry saw an annual job growth rate higher than 27% – with a 33% increase in cannabis jobs in just a single year. To put that in perspective, employment in business and financial occupations is only projected to grow 8% through the decade. With states like New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut expected to open their first adult-use cannabis stores within the next 18 months, America’s cannabis job creation boom is expected to continue through at least 2025.

 

There has never been a better time to land a job in the legal cannabis industry. The Leafly Jobs Report found that nationwide cannabis sales increased 33% in 2021, and the investment capital that fled the cannabis space in early 2020 has largely returned, giving companies the money needed to increase payroll. One problem: not enough applicants. As with other industries, cannabis companies are struggling to find new employees in this era of the Great Resignation. And they’ll need them soon. With stores in New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Connecticut opening soon, the demand for workers—experienced or not—is only expected to get hotter.

 

Key findings from the 2022 Leafly Cannabis Jobs Report include:

  • 2021 marked the first year that cannabis job creation hit six figures. After adding 32,700 jobs in 2019 and 77,300 jobs in 2020, the industry added 107,059 new jobs in 2021.
  • The United States now has three times as many cannabis workers as dentists.
  • There are more people employed in the cannabis industry than there are hair stylists, barbers, and cosmetologists—combined.
  • In 2022, three out of four Americans live in a state where cannabis is medically legal.
  • The total cannabis sales figure found in this year’s report—$25 billion—represents only about 25% of the total potential US cannabis market.
  • By 2025, America’s total annual legal cannabis revenue is forecast to be closer to $45 billion, which is still less than half the total potential market.
  • Last year, America’s legal cannabis industry created more than 280 new jobs every day. In 2021, someone was hired for a cannabis-supported job every 2 minutes of the work day.

 

“Since 2014, when the nation’s first adult-use cannabis stores opened, the industry has created hundreds of thousands of new American jobs – and there are still plenty more yet to be created. We know the potential cannabis has as both an economic driver and force for good, and it’s heartening to see employment numbers continue to reflect this strong growth,” said Leafly CEO Yoko Miyashita. “Leafly is proud to step up and fill the gap created by a lack of federal reporting, and to advocate for federal legalization that’s equitable and accessible to all communities. During this midterm election year, it’s essential our elected officials recognize the reality that cannabis is a leading, homegrown American industry, and help us achieve our goal of an inclusive and profitable cannabis industry for all.”

 

The 2022 Leafly Cannabis Jobs Report includes detailed state-level data for nine states at various stages of legalization, and can be accessed here.

 

Methodology

The 2022 Leafly Jobs Report calculates the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) American jobs supported by legal cannabis. Working in partnership with Whitney Economics, Leafly undertakes this annual project to provide data missing from state and national labor studies, which refuse to count cannabis jobs due to federal prohibition. Each of the 38 states with some form of legal cannabis maintains its own unique set of regulations, which can profoundly affect the opportunity for cannabis sales and employment. Thus, each state requires a custom job-support calculation.

 

The Leafly/Whitney Economics team drills down into each state’s specific regulatory environment, investment climate, cannabis license data, and past performance to shape each state’s employment calculation. Macro events—like 2020’s Covid pandemic, investment scarcity, and hiring pessimism—are factored in, as are other data points like a state’s number of active cannabis worker cards. Added to that information are spot-check interviews with cannabis business owners and managers, as well as financial statements published by publicly traded cannabis companies.

 

About Leafly

Cannabis discovery marketplace Leafly aims to help more than 100 million visitors discover cannabis this year. Our powerful ecommerce tools help shoppers make informed purchase decisions and empower cannabis businesses to attract and retain loyal customers through advertising and technology services. Learn more at Leafly.com or download the Leafly mobile app through Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

 

About Whitney Economics

Whitney Economics is a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting, data, and economic research. The firm regularly consults with private companies as well as local, state, and national government agencies, applying economic principles to create actionable policies and strategies.

Contacts

Josh deBerge, pr@leafly.com

Categories
Healthcare International & World

Italian patients receive Samsara Vision’s SING IMT™, a new technology for age-related macular degeneration

Miniature, Implantable Telescope Is Proven to Restore Vision and Improve Quality of Life

 

FAR HILLS, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #AMDSamsara Vision, a company focused on bringing vision and freedom back to late-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients through advanced visual prosthetic devices, today announced the first three successful clinical cases in Italy using its SING IMT™ (Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope) for people living with late-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The SING IMT™ was successfully implanted in patients in early February by Professor Stanislao Rizzo, director of the Ophthalmology Unit of the Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Polyclinic Foundation and Ordinary of Ophthalmology Clinic at the Catholic University campus in Rome.

Nearly invisible inside the eye, the SING IMT™ is a Galilean telescope implant designed to improve visual acuity and quality of life for patients with late-stage AMD. Comprised of ultra-precise micro-optics, the SING IMT is implanted during typical, out-patient cataract surgery. After recovering from surgery, the patients work closely with a low vision specialist and occupational therapists to learn how to use their new vision, often practicing with exercises designed with their specific vision goals in mind. Images seen in “straight-ahead” vision are magnified 2.7x and projected onto healthy, undamaged areas of the macula in the back of the eye, reducing the impact of the AMD “blind spot” in central vision and allowing patients to see images that may have been unrecognizable before.

 

It is incredibly exciting to introduce the SING IMT™ as a treatment option to patients in Italy whose vision has been severely compromised by late-stage AMD. Macular degeneration not only robs people of their vision, but of their independence as they have to rely on others to read to them or describe what is right in front of them. It can be isolating,” explained Professor Rizzo. “It’s a privilege to offer my patients high quality care and access to the most advanced treatment options. I’m hopeful that these first three patients are just the first of many who will experience improved vision and then reconnect to the people and activities that they enjoy.”

 

Advanced Technology Restores Vision for Older Adults

The leading cause of blindness in older adults, late-stage AMD is a disease which can result in a loss of central or “straight-ahead” vision, creating a blind spot that is uncorrectable by glasses, drugs, injections or cataract surgery. Other currently available treatments for late-stage AMD, such as intraocular injections, may slow or delay the progression of the disease but do not have a direct effect in regaining vision that SING IMT™ offers to eligible candidates. This blind spot makes it difficult or impossible for patients to recognize faces, read, and perform the tasks of everyday living such as watching TV, preparing meals, and performing self-care. A study published in British Journal of Ophthalmology determined that approximately 67 million people in the European Union are affected by AMD and this number is expected to grow by 15 percent until 2050.

 

We’re gratified that Professor Stanislao Rizzo reports encouraging results from the first three Italian clinical cases using the SING IMT™ and appreciate his enthusiasm for bringing the latest ophthalmic innovations to patients in Italy,” said Dr. Maura Arsiero, Director, Global Market Development, Samsara Vision. “We are also currently working with other key opinion leaders across Europe to bring our novel and life-changing technology to their patients and meet the demands of these older adults who are eager to see more and see better, thereby enhancing their quality of life.”

 

Because AMD is a progressive disease, over time, patients have adapted with the loss of vision in the central field of vision. Before receiving the SING IMT™, patients must understand the possible and realistic outcomes post-op and commit to working with their ophthalmological team to use visual techniques and exercises to maximize the effectiveness of SING IMT™. Patients must also meet age, vision, cornea health, and other requirements noted in the Patient Information Booklet to determine if they are a candidate for the SING IMT™.

 

The telescopic implant is not a cure for late-stage AMD. It will not return your vision to the level a patient had before AMD, nor will it completely make up for vision loss. The most common risks of the SING IMT™ surgery include inflammatory deposits or precipitates on the device and increased intraocular pressure. Significant adverse events include corneal edema, vision-impairing corneal edema, corneal transplant, and decrease in visual acuity. There is a risk that having the telescope implantation surgery could worsen your vision rather than improve it. Individual results may vary.

 

The SING IMT™ is approved for late-stage AMD patients who are 55 years of age or older in CE Referenced Countries and is not currently FDA approved in the United States. To learn more about SING IMT™, visit http://singimt.samsaravision.com

 

About Samsara Vision

Samsara Vision is a privately held specialty medical device company headquartered in the United States and engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of proprietary implantable ophthalmic devices and technologies that are intended to significantly improve vision and quality of life for individuals with untreatable retinal disorders. We believe that rejuvenating eyesight revives the spirit, allowing people to reconnect to the things in life that they love to see and do. Our approach includes working collaboratively with health care providers, researchers, payers, and advocates to ensure that people living with deteriorating vision have access to our novel technologies and support paths thereby better ensuring a future where they can see anew. Learn more at https://www.samsaravision.com

 

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements pursuant to U.S. Federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include those about the belief that the company’s name change better reflects Samsara’s patient centricity and focus and the belief that rejuvenating eyesight revives the spirit, allowing people to reconnect to the things in life that they love to see and do. These forward-looking statements and their implications are based on the current expectations of the management of Samsara only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: claims by other companies and persons regarding ownership over intellectual property; changes in technology and market requirements; Samsara may encounter delays or obstacles in launching and/or successfully completing its clinical trials; Samsara’s products may not be approved by regulatory agencies, Samsara’s technology may not be validated as it progresses further and its methods may not be accepted by the scientific community; Samsara may be unable to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of its products; unforeseen scientific difficulties may develop with Samsara’s process; Samsara’s products may wind up being more expensive than it anticipates; results in the laboratory may not translate to equally good results in real clinical settings; results of preclinical studies may not correlate with the results of human clinical trials; Samsara’s patents may not be sufficient; Samsara’s products may harm recipients; changes in legislation may adversely impact Samsara; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of Samsara to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Samsara undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Amina Piiciotti, Media Ambience

a.piciotti@media-ambience.com
Tel + 39 02 85458311

Categories
Healthcare Science

ENHERTU® significantly improved both progression-free and overall survival in DESTINY-Breast04 trial in patients with HER2 low metastatic breast cancer

  • First HER2 low metastatic breast cancer phase 3 results for Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s ENHERTU offer potential to redefine how the disease is classified and treated
  • Plans for global regulatory submissions are underway

 

TOKYO & MUNICH & BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Positive topline results from the pivotal DESTINY-Breast04 phase 3 trial showed ENHERTU® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with HER2 low unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer regardless of hormone receptor (HR) status versus physician’s choice of chemotherapy, which is the current standard of care. ENHERTU is a HER2 directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN).


All patients in the trial received a HER2 test and the results were centrally confirmed. HER2 low status was defined as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 1+ or IHC2+ with a negative in-situ hybridization (ISH) score.

 

HER2 expression is currently defined as either positive or negative.1 HER2 positive cancers are defined as IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+ and HER2 negative cancers are defined as IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-.1 Up to 55% of all patients with breast cancer have tumors with a HER2 IHC score of 1+ or a HER2 IHC score of 2+ in combination with a negative ISH test, an expression level not currently eligible for HER2 targeted therapy.2,3 Low HER2 expression occurs in both hormone receptor (HR) positive and HR negative disease.4

 

HER2 testing is well-established to determine an appropriate treatment strategy in metastatic breast cancer. Targeting the lower range of HER2 expression may offer another approach to delay disease progression and extend survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer.5 Currently, chemotherapy remains the only treatment option both for patients with HR positive tumors following progression on endocrine (hormone) therapy and for those who are HR negative.6

 

DESTINY-Breast04 met its primary endpoint where ENHERTU demonstrated superior PFS in previously-treated patients with HR positive, HER2 low metastatic breast cancer compared to the standard of care chemotherapy. The trial met the key secondary endpoint of PFS in patients with HER2 low metastatic breast cancer regardless of HR status (HR positive or HR negative). The trial also met other key secondary endpoints of OS in patients with HR positive disease and patients regardless of HR status at interim analysis.

 

The safety profile of ENHERTU was consistent with previous clinical trials with no new safety concerns identified. Overall interstitial lung disease (ILD) rates were consistent with that observed in late-line HER2 positive breast cancer trials of ENHERTU with a lower rate of grade 5 ILD observed, as determined by an independent adjudication committee.

 

“ENHERTU continues to redefine the treatment of HER2 targetable cancers. DESTINY-Breast04 is the first ever phase 3 trial of a HER2 directed therapy in patients with HER2 low metastatic breast cancer to show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit in progression-free and overall survival compared to standard treatment,” said Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. “We look forward to sharing the detailed findings of DESTINY-Breast04 with the medical community and initiating discussions with regulatory agencies globally with the goal of potentially bringing ENHERTU to patients with metastatic breast cancer previously considered to be HER2 negative.”

 

“Today’s historic news from DESTINY-Breast04 could reshape how breast cancer is classified and treated,” said Susan Galbraith, MBBChir, PhD, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca. “A HER2 directed therapy has never before shown a benefit in patients with HER2 low metastatic breast cancer. These results for ENHERTU are a huge step forward and could potentially expand our ability to target the full spectrum of HER2 expression, validating the need to change the way we categorize and treat breast cancer.”

 

The data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and shared with global health authorities.

 

About DESTINY-Breast04

DESTINY-Breast04 is a global, randomized, open-label, pivotal phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) versus physician’s choice of chemotherapy (capecitabine, eribulin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel) in patients with HR positive (n=480) or HR negative (n=60), HER2 low unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with one or two prior lines of chemotherapy. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either ENHERTU or chemotherapy.

 

The primary endpoint of DESTINY-Breast04 is PFS in patients with HR positive disease based on blinded independent central review (BICR). Key secondary endpoints include PFS based on BICR in all randomized patients (regardless of HR status), OS in patients with HR positive disease and OS in all randomized patients (regardless of HR status). Other secondary endpoints include PFS based on investigator assessment, objective response rate based on BICR and on investigator assessment, duration of response based on BICR and safety.

 

DESTINY-Breast04 enrolled approximately 540 patients at multiple sites in Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

 

About Breast Cancer and HER2 Expression

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.7 More than two million cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2020 resulting in nearly 685,000 deaths globally.7

 

HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of many types of tumors including breast, gastric, lung and colorectal cancers, and is one of many biomarkers expressed in breast cancer tumors.1 HER2 expression is currently defined as either positive or negative, and is determined by an IHC test which measures the amount of HER2 protein in a cancer cell, and/or an ISH test, which counts the copies of the HER2 gene in cancer cells. 1,8 HER2 positive cancers are defined as IHC 3+, IHC 2+/ISH+ and HER2 negative cancers are currently defined as IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-.1 Up to 55% of all patients with breast cancer have tumors with a HER2 IHC score of 1+, or a HER2 IHC score of 2+ in combination with a negative ISH test, an expression level not currently eligible for HER2 targeted therapy.2,3 Low HER 2 expression occurs in both hormone receptor (HR) positive and HR negative disease.4

 

HER2 testing is well-established to determine an appropriate treatment strategy in metastatic breast cancer. Targeting the lower range of HER2 expression may offer another approach to delay disease progression and extend survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer.5 Currently, chemotherapy remains the only treatment option both for patients with HR positive tumors following progression on endocrine (hormone) therapy and for those who are HR negative.6

 

About ENHERTU

ENHERTU® (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in the U.S. only) is a HER2 directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, ENHERTU is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, an exatecan derivative, via a stable tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.

 

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 40 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial.

 

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is approved in several countries for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial.

 

ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. For more information, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

 

About the ENHERTU Clinical Development Program

A comprehensive global development program is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2 targetable cancers including breast, gastric, lung and colorectal cancers. Trials in combination with other anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, are also underway.

 

Regulatory applications for ENHERTU are currently under review in Europe, Japan, US and several other countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial. ENHERTU also is currently under review in Europe for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who have received a prior anti-HER2 based regimen based on the DESTINY-Gastric01 and DESTINY-Gastric02 trials.

 

About the Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca Collaboration

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (referred to as Daiichi Sankyo) and AstraZeneca entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights for each ADC. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan.

 

U.S. Important Safety Information for ENHERTU

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

  • Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

    This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

  • Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen.
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
  • Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21.0).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 62% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decrease in neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 23 days (range: 6 to 547). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less. Reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions

Metastatic Breast Cancer

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (79%), white blood cell count decreased (70%), hemoglobin decreased (70%), neutrophil count decreased (62%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (41%), alanine aminotransferase increased (38%), platelet count decreased (37%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), diarrhea (29%), hypokalemia (26%), and cough (20%).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY‑Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg once every three weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) in the ENHERTU group and 2.8 months (range: 0.5 to 13.1) in the irinotecan/paclitaxel group.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were hemoglobin decreased (75%), white blood cell count decreased (74%), neutrophil count decreased (72%), lymphocyte count decreased (70%), platelet count decreased (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), anemia (58%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (58%), fatigue (55%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (54%), alanine aminotransferase increased (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), blood bilirubin increased (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

Use in Specific Populations

  • Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
  • Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
  • Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
  • Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%).

Contacts

Global:
Victoria Amari

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

vamari@dsi.com
+1 908 900 3010 (mobile)

US:
Don Murphy

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

domurphy@dsi.com
+1 917 817 2649 (mobile)

Japan:
Masashi Kawase

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

kawase.masashi.a2@daiichisankyo.co.jp
+81 3 6225 1126 (office)

Investor Relations Contact:
DaiichiSankyoIR@daiichisankyo.co.jp

EU:
Lydia Worms

Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH

lydia.worms@daiichi-sankyo.eu
+49 (89) 7808751 (office)

+49 176 11780861 (mobile)

Read full story here

Categories
Business Environment Healthcare

Merck to hold event to discuss long-term environmental, social & governance priorities

KENILWORTH, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $MRK #MRK–Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, provided additional details today of the company’s virtual Investor Event in which its senior management team will discuss Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) priorities. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. EST, will discuss the company’s long-term ESG strategies. These strategies focus on the company’s four ESG priority areas: Access to Health, Employees, Environmental Sustainability and Ethics & Value.

Investors, analysts, members of the media and the general public are invited to listen to the webcast of the presentation at Merck & Co., Inc. ESG Event – Merck.com. There will be a Q&A panel session with the senior management team following the prepared remarks. To submit a question in advance of the webcast, please send to investor_relations@merck.com.

 

About Merck

For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

 

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

 

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Contacts

Media:

Johanna Herrmann

(617) 216-6029

Investors:

Peter Dannenbaum

(908) 740-1037

Steven Graziano

(908) 740-6582

Categories
Healthcare Local News

Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, NJ, OB/GYN Maria Sophocles, M.D. says, ‘Put vaginal health first this V-Day’

PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Maria Sophocles, MD, Gynecologist, and Medical Director of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, NJ, encourages women to embrace self-love on Valentine’s Day by prioritizing their vaginal health, whether it be scheduling a visit to the gynecologist, exploring period relief solutions, preparing for safe sex, or proactively maintaining vaginal flora.

“Don’t neglect vaginal health as it is the prelude not only to sexual intimacy but everyday comfort. Women have the power to maintain their vaginal health just as all other parts of the body. Putting vaginal self-care first can be empowering and rewarding,” says Dr. Sophocles. “And, most times, all it takes is a quick trip to the drugstore, but you’ve got to know what to look for.”

 

Top tips for maintaining vaginal health and wellness include:

  • Schedule a visit with your gynecologist: If you find that you haven’t seen your healthcare provider in a while, schedule a check-up and book regular annual gyn appointments. Ask any questions or concerns you might have, even though you think they may be embarrassing. Feel awkward asking about sex or discharge, odor, itch, or dryness? Don’t worry—your gyno’s heard it all!
  • Let her breathe: Lingerie is a popular item to shop for around Valentine’s Day, but not all underwear is created equally. Tight nylon underwear or spandex can cause friction, trap moisture and irritate the vagina. Instead, look for cute, breathable cotton underwear that makes for a healthy vagina.
  • Consider pH: Taking a bath is an easy and relaxing way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day. However, fancy fragranced bubble baths and salts often do more harm than good as they can upset vaginal pH. Instead, try a few drops of natural essential oils, as they are more agreeable with the vagina’s pH balance. If your bath products end up irritating the vagina, get your pH back to its healthy range with RepHresh Gel which rebalances pH and eliminates itch, odor and discomfort. Also, consider incorporating a vaginal probiotic, into your daily routine to proactively maintain vaginal flora in the normal range—especially if you’re taking an antibiotic or suffer from chronic yeast and bacterial issues.
  • Indulge in some chocolate: If you’re on your period this Valentine’s Day, don’t be afraid to indulge in some dark chocolate, which satisfies period cravings and helps alleviate period pain. In fact, studies suggest that eating between 40–120 grams of dark chocolate per day, which is a source of magnesium (a.k.a. a muscle relaxer), may help reduce pain. Of course, if you are not on your period, you can still reap the health benefits of chocolate. The sweet treat is also known to be an aphrodisiac, as it contains chemicals that are linked to arousal.
  • Lube up: Whether practicing self-pleasure or having sex with a partner, don’t settle for vaginal dryness, which can be experienced by women of all ages and can be especially severe during breastfeeding, when on the pill, if you are postmenopausal, and more. Menopausal women can use a vaginal moisturizer such as Replens Long-Lasting to keep the vagina hydrated and healthy. Remember to always use a high-quality silicone lubricant like the Replens Silky Smooth just before penetration to decrease abrasion, help increase comfort and enhance intimacy for hours. Avoid silicone lubricants when using silicone toys and instead, try a water-based lubricant. For couples trying to conceive, use Pre-Seed fertility lubricant, which supports sperm quality and motility. And, if itch, abrasion, odor or soreness is an issue on the vulva (the exterior skin surrounding the vagina), RepHresh Vaginal Anti-Itch Cooling Relief Spray is a fast-acting topical formula with hydrocortisone and soothing aloe and chamomile to cool and alleviate discomfort immediately.
  • Protect your ‘V’ from STDs: Despite lockdown restrictions during the pandemic, STI rates are at an all-time high and continue to climb. So, protecting yourself from STIs has never been more important. The most popular STDs among women include gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Thankfully, these infections are easily preventable with condoms. To practice safe, pleasurable sex, try the new ULTRA FIT collection by Trojan Brand Condoms to find the best shape and fit for you and your partner.

 

“Valentine’s Day is a great time to check in with your vagina. No matter how you’re planning to celebrate, have fun, show yourself some love, and put your vagina first on this romance-filled holiday,” adds Dr. Sophocles.

Contacts

Riley DeWolf

riley@gcomworks.com

Categories
Healthcare Science

Eagle Pharmaceuticals on track to support submission of new drug application in second quarter 2022 for Landiolol, a beta-1 adrenergic blocker

— Anticipate Landiolol to become market leader in this drug class —

 

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) (“Eagle” or the “Company”) today announced that AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Member of the AOP Health Group, (“AOP Health”), with whom it entered into a licensing agreement in August 2021, has engaged with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to obtain alignment on the content and format of the pre-clinical and clinical data required to support a new drug application (“NDA”) seeking approval of Landiolol, a novel therapeutic, for the short-term reduction of ventricular rate in patients with supraventricular tachycardia, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

In August 2021, Eagle entered into a licensing agreement with AOP Health, a privately owned Austrian company devoted to the treatment of rare and special diseases, for the commercial rights to Landiolol in the United States.

 

“We are pleased to be advancing Landiolol along the regulatory pathway. Landiolol is an important hospital emergency use product, with the potential to become a market leader in this drug class, and would complement our critical care portfolio. Landiolol has never been marketed in the United States, has robust patent protection, and we anticipate five years of new chemical entity exclusivity upon approval. Based on the FDA’s responses to AOP Health’s communications, we remain on track to support the NDA next quarter,” stated Scott Tarriff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle.

 

Landiolol is a short-acting, ultra-high selective beta-1 adrenoceptor blocker developed by AOP Health that has a selective effect on heart rate over cardiac contractility. Landiolol is available in two forms (20 mg/2ml concentrate, 300 mg powder) and is designed for use in emergency, cardiac critical care, operating room, and intensive care settings. It is registered in several European countries for the treatment of non-compensatory sinus tachycardia and tachycardic supraventricular arrhythmias. The drug uses a proprietary dosing algorithm to facilitate the administration.

 

Landiolol is already commercially available in Japan (Onoact®) and several European markets as RAPIBLOC®.

 

About Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Eagle is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with research and development, clinical, manufacturing and commercial expertise. Eagle is committed to developing innovative medicines that result in meaningful improvements in patients’ lives. Eagle’s commercialized products include RYANODEX®, BENDEKA®, BELRAPZO®, and its oncology and CNS/metabolic critical care pipeline includes product candidates with the potential to address underserved therapeutic areas across multiple disease states. Additional information is available on Eagle’s website at www.eagleus.com.

 

About AOP Health

The brand AOP Health incorporates several companies: The international Healthcare Group is the European pioneer for integrated therapies for rare diseases and in critical care. Over the past 25 years, the company has become an established provider of integrated therapy solutions from its headquarters in Vienna, its subsidiaries and representative offices throughout Europe and the Middle East, as well as through partners worldwide. This development has been made possible by a continually high level of investment in research and development on the one hand and a highly consistent and pragmatic orientation towards the needs of all our stakeholders on the other – especially the patients and their families as well as also the doctors and care professionals treating them. More information at www.aop-health.com

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities law. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as “anticipated,” “forward,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “remain,” “potential,” “prepare,” “expected,” “believe,” “plan,” “near future,” “belief,” “guidance,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, the timing of and AOP Orphan’s ability to obtain any regulatory approval of Landiolol; the anticipated benefits of Landiolol and its potential acceptance by clinicians; the timing, progress and results of additional trials of Landiolol and the ability of such trial results to support regulatory filings and approvals; anticipated actions by the FDA; the Company’s ability to support the commercial launch of Landiolol in the United States, if approved; the expected duration of new chemical entity exclusivity; the potential market opportunity for Landiolol; and the ability of the Company’s product candidates, including Landiolol, to deliver value to stockholders. All of such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions or other adverse effects on clinical trials and delays in regulatory review or further disruption or delay of any pending or future litigation; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of the Company’s product candidates and successful compliance with FDA, European Medicines Agency and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; whether the Company can successfully market and commercialize its product candidates; the success of the Company’s relationships with its partners; the outcome of litigation involving any of its products or that may have an impact on any of its products; general economic conditions, including the potential adverse effects of public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on economic activity; the strength and enforceability of the Company’s intellectual property rights or the rights of third parties; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 5, 2021, as updated by the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2021, August 9, 2021 and November 9, 2021, respectively, and its other subsequent filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Contacts

Investor Relations for Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:
Lisa M. Wilson

In-Site Communications, Inc.

T: 212-452-2793

E: lwilson@insitecony.com

Categories
Business Healthcare

Carbon Health launches large COVID-19 testing sites in South San Francisco, California, Montgomery Township and Plainsboro Township, New Jersey

Supports public health ecosystem by offering thousands of critical COVID-19 tests per day

SAN FRANCISCO — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Carbon Health, a leading omnichannel healthcare provider, announced three new large COVID-19 testing sites, in South San Francisco, California, and in Montgomery Township, New Jersey, and Plainsboro Township, New Jersey. These community-based sites offer thousands of COVID-19 tests in areas experiencing a surge of COVID-19 positivity rates due to the Omicron variant, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Throughout the pandemic, Carbon Health has been on the forefront of patient care, partnering with cities across the country on public testing initiatives, including administering more than 2.1 million COVID-19 tests and nearly 1.5 million vaccines. Throughout December 2021 and January 2022, Carbon Health performed nearly 4,000 tests per day and offered vital COVID-19 care nationwide at 100 clinics and via virtual appointments. For patients who test positive, Carbon Health offers its proprietary COVID Positive Care program that gives access to comprehensive urgent and virtual care evaluation, cutting-edge clinical protocols, symptom trackers, device monitoring, and therapeutic modalities including symptom management and monoclonal antibody therapy.

 

Carbon Health works closely with public partners, such as Montgomery Township and Plainsboro Township, New Jersey, and the City of South San Francisco, California, to understand their unique needs to create a rapid and community-oriented pandemic response. During the recent COVID-19 Omicron surge, New Jersey communities found it difficult to obtain at-home rapid tests, turning to overflowing urgent care clinics and emergency rooms or receiving delayed PCR test results.

 

Due to the incredible demand for COVID-19 testing post-holidays, we were looking for a reliable partner to host COVID-19 testing clinics and Carbon Health more than delivered,” said Devangi Patel, Health Officer, Montgomery Township Health Department. “Carbon Health was able to — on short notice — mobilize their resources and scale up their capacity to run clinics in a matter of days. They took the time to understand our agency and our needs and helped us provide a much needed resource to our community right in town.”

 

We are at a critical point in the fight against the pandemic, where the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading and is highly transmissible,” said Dr. Chirag Patel, Regional Clinical Director at Carbon Health. “Our nine clinics across central New Jersey are currently seeing 30% of COVID-19 tests coming back positive, up from 8% at the beginning of December. Every test helps our community make better-informed decisions to get kids back to school, keep businesses open, and end the surge.”

 

Carbon Health is uniquely positioned for success in this effort thanks to our expertise and experience in a variety of areas including quickly mobilizing healthcare teams to launch massive testing sites, partnering with local municipal governments, and our ability to nimbly reduce and increase capacity, based on local needs,” said Nita Sommers, Chief Growth Officer at Carbon Health.

 

Testing Site Information:

Montgomery Township, NJ – Open Now

  • Location: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc (Testing is administered in the lobby of the North Building)
  • Address: 199 Grandview Rd, Skillman, NJ 08558
  • Timing: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM ET
  • Type of test: PCR
  • Turn around time: 24-48 hours
  • Sign-up for appointment here or available walk ups

Plainsboro Township, NJ – Open Now

  • Location: Princeton Alliance Church
  • Address: 20 Schalks Crossing Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536
  • Timing: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM ET
  • Type of test: PCR
  • Turn around time: 24-48 hours
  • Sign-up for appointment here or available walk ups

South San Francisco, CA – Open Now

  • Address: 616 Linden Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
  • Timing: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 12 PM PT, expanded hours beginning January 24
  • Type of test: PCR
  • Turn around time: 24-48 hours
  • Sign-up for appointment here or available walk ups

 

About Carbon Health

Carbon Health is a leading national healthcare provider with a mission to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone. Carbon Health offers primary and urgent care to nearly two-thirds of the U.S. Leveraging its unique technology platform, Carbon Health provides its patients with omnichannel care, designed to meet patients where they are by delivering care across a variety of access points, including in-person clinics, virtual care and remote patient monitoring (RPM). Carbon Health also focuses on value-based care and other value-add services to employers, health plans, health systems and other ecosystem partners.

 

Founded in 2015, Carbon Health is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by Atreides, Blackstone Horizon, Dragoneer Investment Group, Brookfield Technology Partners (BTP), Fifth Wall, Lux Capital, Silver Lake Waterman, DCVC, and Builders VC. To access Carbon Health, download the app (iTunes or Google Play) or visit carbonhealth.com.

Contacts

Lindsey Whitehouse, (413) 427-0103

lwhitehouse@carbonhealth.com
www.carbonhealth.com

Categories
Healthcare Science

Tevogen Bio™ to study potential use of its T cell technology in Epstein-Barr Virus and multiple sclerosis

METUCHEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #EBVTevogen Bio, a clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in cell and gene therapies in oncology and viral infections, today announced its intention to study its proprietary off-the-shelf T cell technology to develop therapeutic solutions for multiple sclerosis (MS) by developing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, for which there is currently no definitive cure.

“Recent studies on multiple sclerosis have suggested a probable link between latent infection with EBV and later onset of the inflammation that degrades the myelin sheath and causes multiple sclerosis,” said Neal Flomenberg, M.D., Chairman of Tevogen’s Scientific Advisory Board. “We look to apply our significant expertise in off-the-shelf allogeneic SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to explore EBV specific CTL therapy as a possible means of addressing the unmet needs of MS patients,” Flomenberg added.

 

“Anyone that knows someone who has been impacted by this debilitating disease understands the importance of advancing science to develop pathways to alleviate the suffering from MS,” said Tevogen CEO Ryan Saadi, M.D., M.P.H. “I’m hopeful that our disruptive T cell technology will eventually offer accessible immunotherapies to millions suffering from viral infections, cancers and other diseases with high unmet need.”

 

About Tevogen’s Investigational T Cell Therapy for COVID-19

Tevogen’s investigational T cell therapy for COVID-19, TVGN-489, is currently undergoing proof of concept clinical trial at Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia. Trial details are available at Clinical Trials – Tevogen.

 

TVGN-489 is a highly purified, SARS-CoV-2-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte product, which detects targets spread across the entire viral genome. These targeted CTLs are expected to recognize and kill off virally infected cells, allowing the body to replace them with healthy, uninfected cells. TVGN-489 demonstrated strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets in preclinical studies.

 

About Tevogen Bio

Tevogen Bio is driven by a team of distinguished scientists and highly experienced biopharmaceutical leaders who have successfully developed and commercialized multiple franchises. Tevogen’s leadership believes that accessible personalized immunotherapies are the next frontier of medicine, and that disruptive business models are required to sustain medical innovation in the post-pandemic world.

 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Tevogen Bio™ Inc.’s (the “Company”) development and patient access of its innovations in infectious diseases and oncology. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of factors which involve known and unknown risks, delays, uncertainties and other factors not under the company’s control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. In any forward-looking statement in which the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectations or beliefs are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement or expectation or belief will be achieved. These factors include results of current or pending clinical trials, risks associated with intellectual property protection, financial projections, sales, pricing and actions by the FDA/EMA. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or any of the information in this release, or provide additional information, and expressly disclaims any and all liability and make no representations or warranties in connection herewith or with respect to any omissions herefrom.

Contacts

Media:

Katelyn Joyce

Corporate Communications Lead

Katelyn.joyce@tevogen.com

Categories
Business Healthcare

First ‘Medical Travel Month’ January 2022: Medical Travel & Digital Health News sponsors inclusion in Society for Healthcare Marketing & Development, American Hospital Association’s Calendar of Health Observances & Recognition Days

MAHWAH, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Medical Travel & Digital Health News (MTDHN), the leading bi-monthly online newsletter covering the business of medical travel and digital solutions worldwide, today announces its sponsorship of the first “Medical Travel Month” for January 2022, to be included in the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development, American Hospital Association’s “ 2022 Calendar of Health Observances & Recognition Days.”

“Medical Travel Month raises awareness for quality medical care options beyond what is available locally,” says Laura Carabello, executive editor and publisher, MTDHN. “Traveling for care, both domestically and internationally, allows Americans to access high-quality, affordable medical care for many treatments and procedures. By raising awareness for medical tourism, we can demonstrate to employers and individuals the value of accessing care from Centers of Excellence or other settings throughout the country.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have lost insurance coverage as a result of unemployment, encountered higher medical expenses and faced high out-of-pocket expenses under high-deductible plans. These factors fueled an upsurge in domestic and international medical travel as employers have struggled to provide high quality care at lower cost.

Heather Ridenoure, senior director of Product, Contigo Health, which leads partnerships between large national employers and hospital systems, says, “We’ve learned a lot from the coronavirus and saw a decrease in the number of medical travelers during the height of the pandemic. That has changed drastically in the last six months with a significant increase, and we are looking at items, such as virtual evaluations and assessments, with providers prior to traveling. Virtual therapy services are also on the rise to meet the needs of individuals when they return home. We are working hard to make appropriate medical and surgical care accessible for everyone.”

According to Dr. Maan Fares, chairman, Global Patient Services, Cleveland Clinic, “During the beginning of the pandemic, there had been an enormous impact on the ability of patients to travel for healthcare for various reasons. A remarkable exception was the pediatric population which continued to travel despite all difficulties. After the severe decline of patient travel at the height of the pandemic, we have seen a significant demand for international patients seeking care in the United States.”

Patients started to seek care at various stages of the pandemic, with an overall steady increase overtime.

Fares adds, “As a global healthcare organization, we are lucky to have been able to provide healthcare for our patients closer to where they live because of our global footprint of locations, including Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Ohio, Florida and Nevada. This has helped during the pandemic. Also, our distance/digital health teams have been able to connect with our patients to provide care and advice within the comfort of their homes during this time.”

Fare notes that as the vaccine became more available across different markets, they saw a steady increase in patients, concluding, “We are optimistic that with increasing global levels of vaccination, patients will be able to travel for their healthcare needs and won’t have to delay receiving care.”

Hospitals and medical travel facilities are invited to submit a 500-word descriptor with photos to be featured in MTDHN at no charge editor@medicaltraveltoday.com.

About Medical Travel & Digital Health News

MTDHN, a leading international B2B online newsletter, reaches self-insured employers, benefits consultants, TPAs, brokers, stop loss companies and other intermediaries. www.medicaltraveltoday.com

Contacts

Media:
Dylan Matukaitis

CPR Communications

dmatukaitis@cpronline.com
201.641.1911 x 49