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Do you hate getting shots? If so, youre not alone and you may be in luck. Researchers are devising new, pain-free ways to deliver drugs. One is a robotic pill. Another is a medicine patch worn on the skin. Both are still in the early stages of development. But someday, these innovations could make delivering medicines more patient-friendly.

The new robotic pill comes out of a lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. It holds a teeny, spring-loaded microneedle only about 3 millimeters (a tenth of an inch) long. Once swallowed, the pill injects medicine directly through the stomach wall.

Unlike a normal shot, this needle prick shouldnt hurt, says Giovanni Traverso. Hes a physician and biomedical engineer who specializes in the gut. He also helped develop the robo-pill at MIT. Stomachs can detectsome sensations, such as the deep ache of a stomach ulcer. Or the discomfort of feeling bloated. But those sensations are more related to stretch receptors, Traverso explains. The stomach lacks receptors to detect sharp pains, such as an injection.

Designing a pill that could reliably prick the stomach wall was a bit tricky. Once swallowed, the small but heavy device settles to the bottom of the stomach. In order to prick the stomach wall beneath it, the pill mustland injector-side-down. To make that happen, the MIT team borrowed an idea from the leopard tortoise.

Contrary to popular belief, most tortoisescanget back on their feet if flipped upside-down. Leopard tortoises are aided by steeply domed shells. If one of them is flipped on its back, the shape of that shell helps it roll right-side up. That same shape ensures the new pill always lands upright, too.

Robert Langer is a chemical engineer on the MIT team. Watch, he says, as he drops a chickpea-sized robotic pill onto a table. It bounces, then rolls upright. No matter how I drop it, he notes and he drops it again it always lands the same way.

But what makes the pills tiny needle pop out to do its job? Sugar glass, Langer explains. Hard and brittle, this material holds back a spring that is attached to the needle. In the stomach, that sugar starts to dissolve. All of a sudden, the thing breaks, Langer says. This releases the spring, which jabs the needle into the stomach wall to inject medicine. Its possible to control when that happens by adjusting the sugars thickness.

The MIT team unveiled its design in 2019 in Science.

In new experiments, these robotic pills have delivered an mRNA-based medicine to mini-pigs. The researchers described their success in the March 2 issue of Matter. It was an important test for showing that this new class of medicines could be delivered in this way. (Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine also relies on mRNA.)

The new robo-pills also have successfully delivered insulin in mini-pigs. Many people with diabetes must inject themselves several times a day with this hormone. Normally, insulin cannot be swallowed as a pill because it would break down in the stomach. The robo-pill gets around that problem by feeding insulin straight into the stomach wall.

This is a completely new way to deliver the drug, notes Bruno Sarmento. He works at the University of Porto in Portugal. Although he didnt work on the pill system, as a nanomedicine researcher hes interested in such projects. We know now that its possible for a robotic system to reach the stomach and deliver injections, he says. But he worries that the new pill may be too expensive for widespread use.

Langer isnt so sure. I actually dont know that itll be that expensive, he says. Mechanized pills already exist. Langer points to a class known as osmotic pills. These pills have holes in them to pump drugs out. People might think theyd be a lot more expensive than regular pills, but they really havent been, he says. When you start to make billions of these, the cost just goes way down.

Whats more, normal pills often waste medicine. A swallowed drug must pass through the stomach lining. Thats like going through a brick wall, Traverso says. Its very difficult without the help of a needle. And wasted drug is expensive sometimes more expensive than the device.

One example is a drug used to treat diabetes. Its called semaglutide. Its a giant seller for people with diabetes, Langer says. And when you give this medicine as a pill, he says, you lose 99 percent of the drug. It passes through the body before its absorbed. But the new robo-pill would ensure the drug makes it right through the stomach wall and into the bloodstream. In the end, that could save money.

After successful tests in animals, the robo-pill is now ready for human trials. The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which works with the MIT team, started recruiting volunteers in April.

Researchers in France are developing a technology that skips needles altogether. The teams new patch, when applied in the mouth, delivers a drug through the inside of the cheek.

Needle-less injections its kind of the holy grail, says Karolina Dziemidowicz. She did not help create the new patch. But her work in England at University College London does focus on such new biomaterials.

Sticky, medicine-loaded patches have been around for decades, Dziemidowicz notes. This new one is different. Rather than sticking it on your arm, it goes onto the slippery, mucus-coated membrane inside your mouth. Or even your eyeball! Both are areas that let medicines quickly enter your bloodstream. Gentle heat from a laser device activates the patch to release the medicine.

Sabine Szunerits is an analytical chemist and co-developer of these tiny patches. She works at the University of Lille in France. Her team tested these patches as a way to dispense insulin. Like the MIT team, they tried their system out in mini-pigs and later, in cows. The animals absorbed the drug well, and it reduced their blood sugar as intended.

In another experiment, the researchers even applied drug-free versions of the patches inside the mouths of six volunteers. What did people think of them? Its weird to think about, two male volunteers said. But nobody found the patches uncomfortable. Nor did the patches affect the volunteers ability to talk or eat.

Szunerits and her team described their findingsin ACS Applied Bio Materials on February 21.

In its lab, the French team used a laser to make the patch release its drug. For home use, Szunerits imagines creating something like a lollipop. At its end, she says, youd have a laser. Then, when youre ready to activate a patch, youd put the laser-pop in your mouth. You could trigger just one or as many patches as you need to take the prescribed dose.

This is a very elegant study, Sarmento says. But he sees a limitation. The patches cant provide very much insulin. Each one can pack about 2.9 units of the medication. But even a 40-kilogram (90-pound) child might need about 20 units of insulin per day. Sarmento suspects the new patch might be better suited for other drugs ones given at lower doses.

The patches are small, but some people might be willing wear a bunch if it means avoiding an injection. People, especially kids, dislike shots. Because of that, Traverso says, many people reliably take their insulin only about half the time. Thats why many physicians delay starting people on insulin by almost eight years, Traverso says.

He now hopes innovations like the insulin patch and robotic pill might one day get more people to willingly take the meds they need.

This is one in a series presenting news on technology and innovation, made possible with generous support from the Lemelson Foundation.

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Patches and robotic pills may one day replace injections - Science News for Students

Nutricosmetics is a novel developing branch of cosmetics aiming to optimize cosmetic products as well as food supplements for the objective of skin nourishment and reduction of skin aging. This innovative branch of cosmetics is highly desirable for many, and with the world's population predicted to grow to 1.4 billion by 2030, this industry is also expected to gain rapid traction.

Image Credit:photo_gonzo/Shutterstock.com

This novel sector of cosmetics includes both cosmetic products and food supplements that have the underlying purpose of increasing the integrity of skin and maintaining youthfulness through reducing aging.

Food supplements include micronutrients, which can be described as vitamins and minerals, macronutrients, which include peptides and fatty acids, as well as botanicals, comprising herbal extracts and fruit extracts.

These products and supplements provide nutritional support to skin, nails, and hair, encompassing inner wellbeing, including activity and mood.

Nutricosmetics have become the latest trend that has rocketed through the global population. Beauty brands are developing innovative strategies to meet the demand of targeting the root cause of ubiquitous skin and health problems to provide long-term results.

The global market for this novel industry for anti-aging has been estimated by P&S Intelligence to rise from $194 billion in 2020 to $422 billion by 2030. The nutricosmetics market has been predicted to grow significantly, with reports of a compound annual growth rate of 7.07%. Beauty supplements are also estimated to achieve approximately $7 billion at the end of 2024.

The skin is the largest organ in the body as well as the primary defense against the environment; subsequently, exposure to the outside world can cause premature skin aging.

The function of this critical organ, other than protection, includes maintaining the balance of liquids, preventing water loss as well as encouraging perspiration.

Stressors of the skin can include free radicals from pollution and ultraviolet rays, causing reactive oxygen species to be activated and induce unnecessary inflammation; this can affect DNA, lipids and proteins, and destroy the integrity of biological components within the body. It can also include the breakdown of collagen, a significant element of the extracellular matrix that functions to support cells.

Proteins such as collagen and keratin provide the skin with strength and elasticity and waterproofing. The loss of these can be detrimental to the integrity and quality of skin health, resulting in wrinkles and brittle nails or hair.

Additionally, other causes of skin problems can include sportswear, resulting in dryness and irritation due to the increase of friction between the skin and the material of tight clothing.

Showering frequently and the use of detergents can also negatively impact the integrity of the skin with an alteration of hydrolipidic film and affect elasticity.

Nanocarriers are ubiquitous within nanomedicine; however, with skin quality and health in high demand for consumers, these fields have overlapped.

The use of nanotechnology and nanoformulations as delivery systems for improving the performance of active components within cosmetics and supplements can enhance the quality of products to ensure effective results.

This diverse field can be used for a range of products, from sunscreen and barrier creams that ensure the skin barrier is strengthened against ultraviolet rays and pollutants to antiacne, anti-aging, and hair products.

Nanoemulsions can be described as colloidal dispersions with a droplet radius of 10 to 100 nm in size; these nanotechnology incorporations into the nutricosmetics industry can be useful as they are used to increase the delivery of active ingredients in the skin.

An example of this includes oil/water nanoemulsions that can hold water-soluble active components such as polyphenols and emulsifiers; these can include Opuntia ficus indica(L.) extract for use within moisturizing. However, hydroalcoholic extracts ofVellozia squamataleaves are used as anti-aging agents in products, while pomegranate seed oil can be developed to protect the skin against photodamage against the ultraviolet light.

Nanoparticles have a diameter of 10 and 1000 nm and can also be used for nutricosmetics, with a range of nanoparticles including but not limited to polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogel nanoparticles, and copolymerized peptide nanoparticles.

Using these colloidal-sized particles as delivery systems can enhance the penetrative ability through the skin barrier, enabling the release of active ingredients within cosmetic products. Additionally, the use of nanoparticles can also involve surface functionalization of active elements to further the skin's targetability and improve particular areas of concern.

Metallic nanoparticles are examples of nanoparticles used within suncream and cosmetic formulations, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide being used to create sunscreens that are more transparent. Safranal nanoparticles, which include solid and lipid nanoparticles, have been shown to increase sunscreen activity when used within a size range of 103-230 nm; this illustrates the optimization nature of nanotechnology and versatility in finding the optimum level for an application.

The administration of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E, significant for skin repair, can be challenging, with the biological activity level being low due to the low solubility in aqueous environments and instability as a result of pH and degradation by enzymes.

The use of nanotechnology delivery systems can increase the availability of these substances within food supplements or as a topical formulation. Using biodegradable polymer-based delivery systems including liposomes or lipid nanoparticles, active ingredients can achieve permeability as well as maintain stability in the body.

The future of nutricosmetics has been predicted to be monumental and fast-moving, and with the incorporation of nanotechnology as a delivery system for the holistic health of skin, this field may be revolutionary.

Skin integrity is a critical component of health. With the skin being the largest organ in the body, protecting its functionality against the continuous onslaught of carcinogens and stressors from the environment should be a significant priority for wellbeing.

Dini, I., 2022. Contribution of Nanoscience Research in Antioxidants Delivery Used in Nutricosmetic Sector.Antioxidants, 11(3), p.563. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030563

Dini, I. and Laneri, S., 2019. Nutricosmetics: A brief overview.Phytotherapy Research, 33(12), pp.3054-3063. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6494

Kaul, S., Gulati, N., Verma, D., Mukherjee, S. and Nagaich, U., 2018. Role of Nanotechnology in Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Recent Advances.Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2018, pp.1-19. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1155%2F2018%2F3420204

Merchet, S., 2022.Beauty-from-within complements overall wellness strategies. [online] Natural Products INSIDER. Available at: https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/personal-care/beauty-within-complements-overall-wellness-strategies

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

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Health care can be daunting, but choosing a provider who partners with you on your journey to better health brings peace of mind. Together, youll take a comprehensive look at all aspects of your lifestyle body, mind and spirit to prevent illness and promote healing.

Integrative medicine also known as complementary medicine is the thoughtful, evidence-based combination of modern or conventional medicine with holistic medicine. We partner with you to achieve optimal health and personal balance. We offer the best integrative health services to provide you with the outstanding experience youve come to expect. Our integrative medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants have fellowship training in integrative medicine.

Creating balance is essential for living a healthy fulfilled life. Thats why we treat more than just symptoms.

Cancer treatment can present its own physical and mental challenges. At Aurora, you have access to a range ofintegrative medicine therapiesdesigned to nurture your mind and body. Integrative therapies are made available to help manage your fatigue, stress, pain and nausea, and support your well-being. See how we can help treat your mind and body

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Integrative Medicine | Aurora Health Care

Functional medicine is a comprehensive approach to health and wellness incorporating lifestyle, diet, and specific diagnostic testing to help uncover root causes of illness. Diagnostic testing primarily focuses on hormone balance, including adrenal function, as well as digestive pathogens and food sensitivities.

Integrative medicine, like functional medicine, also incorporates lifestyle, diet, and diagnostic testing as an approach to health and wellness. In addition, integrative medicine expands on treatment and diagnostic testing to include environmental, nutritional, infectious, immune, and neurochemical evaluations for a wide array of health problems.Both approaches have similarities, but for some practitioners their desire may be to incorporate a few integrative medicine treatments into their practice such as targeted nutritional therapy or adrenal testing, and not pursue a total transformation of their practice which is often the goal of functional medicine.

Other terms often used to describe functional and integrative medicine are complementary or alternative medicine. There is a lot of crossover between these terms so for our purposes here, we will simply use Integrative Medicine to be inclusive of functional, complementary, and alternative medicine.

Neurological disorders are often chronic in nature. For example, Alzheimers disease is linked to biochemical imbalances now known to be linked to various inflammatory and oxidative stress problems. The use of convention medicine only works to slow the deterioration of this disease, but integrative medical approaches such as targeted nutrition and antioxidant therapies are often beneficial too in preventing Alzheimers cognitive deterioration.

Other brain and nervous system problems, including mental health issues, as well as autism-spectrum disorders, can be significantly helped with integrative medicine approaches such as testing for chronic infections, food sensitivities, and utilizing various nutritional therapies to deal with the underlying imbalances that are often at the root of these disorders.

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Integrative Medicine Academy

Newswise May 17, 2022 University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health and Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI) at University of California, Irvine have joined in collaboration to lead BraveNet -- the first and largest whole health, practice-based research network in the U.S. BraveNet is a nationwide consortium comprised of academic health systems conducting evidence-based research on therapies used in integrative medicine, which is now more often known as whole health. Together, these 17 research-based institutions offer whole health services to more than 100,000 patients a year.

Previously led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine, BraveNet will have shared leadership going forward. SSIHI will serve as the data coordinating center under Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, executive director of SSIHI. Jeffery Dusek, PhD, will serve as BraveNets principal investigator through his role as research director of UH Connor Whole Health (UH Connor). This new management structure will further BraveNets mission of advancing integrative medicine by providing clinical outcomes and cost benefit data that have previously not been available to the medical and scientific communities.

UH Connor is one of the largest integrative medicine clinical programs across the country and this appointment demonstrates our leadership and expertise in the field, said Dr. Dusek, who has served on BraveNets executive committee since 2017. This co-leadership opportunity provides us with resources to further research in this field. With two new entities leading the charge, this collaboration will have greater ability to document the power of integrative medicine and health, leading to better treatment for patients.

We are inheriting a program that is on course to generate important scientific evidence about integrative practices, thanks, in part, to the progress made by the Albert Einstein team during its tenure, said Dr. Malik. Combining the forces of two integrative health leaders to continue the BraveNet studies enables us to sustain and expand the academic medicine communitys involvement in further understanding the effectiveness of integrative treatments. The resulting science will help determine how the whole health approach is integrated into the health system and ultimately, give patients greater control over their personal health and well-being.

Since 2015, SSIHI has participated in the flagship BraveNet project, PRIMIER: Patients Receiving Integrative Medicine Interventions Effectiveness Registry, an integrative medicine database launched in 2013. Led by Dr. Dusek, PRIMIER is a multi-institution project designed to uniformly collect patient-reported outcomes and extracted electronic health record data into a large national registry that would help improve the health and well-being of patients. PRIMIER provides a framework that can be used for quality improvement and evidence-based research, as well as discovering best practices within integrative medicine.

Another example of collaborative research conducted under the BraveNet umbrella includes a randomized trial studying the effectiveness of using acupuncture in the emergency department (ED), which was funded by a prestigious grant to Case Western Reserve University from the National Institutes of Health. Three BraveNet members -- UH, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the University of California, San Diego -- are participating in the study, led by Dr. Dusek, who is serving as principal investigator with M. Diane McKee, MD, MS, chair and professor of family medicine & community health at UMass Chan Medical School. According to published studies, pain accounts for up to 78 percent of ED patient visits in the United States. The overall goal of this research is to determine if acupuncture can manage pain and ideally reduce the use and prescription of opioid medications in the ED.

At UH Connor we are passionate about pursuing non-pharmacologic treatments for pain in order to help mitigate the opioid epidemic impacting our communities, said Francoise Adan, MD, Chief Whole Health & Well-being Officer and the Christopher M. & Sara H. Connor Chair in Integrative Health, University Hospitals Health System and Director, UH Connor Whole Health. This study exemplifies how BraveNet is impacting our field. We have made many strides in the perception, understanding and acceptance of evidence-based integrative medicine in recent years, but we have more work to do. This new role provides UH Connor and SSIHI with a unique opportunity to collectively guide the evolution and expansion of integrative medicine across the U.S.

The first half of 2022 serves as a transition period. UH Connor and SSIHI will officially begin their leadership roles on July 1, 2022.

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About UH Connor Whole Health

UH Connor Whole Health is part of University Hospitals (UH), a comprehensive health system with annual revenues in excess of $5.0 billion, 23 hospitals (including 5 joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices located throughout 16 counties.UHs goal is to be the most trusted health care partner in Northeast Ohio and UH Connor Whole Health furthers this objective by working to strengthen relationships between patients and providers to improve outcomes. The Whole Health approach prioritizes compassionate care centered on the patients entire well-being. The health care providers goal is to equip and empower each patient to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual health in order to live a full and meaningful life. Linking the patients larger purpose and life goals to their lifestyle allows clinical services, integrative medicine, and well-being programs to be delivered in a way that increases collaboration, motivation, and adherence to self-care and clinical needs. UH Connor Whole Health services include acupuncture, art therapy, chiropractic, expressive therapy (art, dance, and music), guided imagery, integrative medicine/lifestyle medicine consultations (adult and pediatric), massage therapy, meditation, mindfulness, stress management and resilience training workshops and yoga. For more information, visitUH Hospitals.org/ConnorWholeHealth. Follow UH Connor Whole Health on LinkedIn.

About University Hospitals / Cleveland, Ohio Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 23 hospitals (including 5 joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio.The systems flagship quaternary care, academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Oxford University and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The main campus also includes the UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top childrens hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, with more than 3,000 active clinical trials and research studies underway. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including Americas Best Hospitals from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to 19 Clinical Care Delivery and Research Institutes. UH isone of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with more than 30,000 employees. Follow UH on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visitUHhospitals.org.

About UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI): SSIHI is part of UCI Health and the UCI Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences. The college, which was named in 2017 with a transformative gift from Susan and Henry Samueli that focused on interdisciplinary integrative health, is the first university-based health sciences enterprises to incorporate integrative health research, teaching and patient care across its schools and programs. Within the college, SSIHI is creating a model of clinical care that emphasizes an evidence-based, transdisciplinary approach to healing the whole person and transforms healthcare through integrative health that emphasizes clinical, research and educational excellence. SSIHI, formerly known as the UCI Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, was established in 2001 to explore the frontiers of complementary and integrative medicine. Among several SSIHI research programs that foster collaboration across UCI, the Cardiovascular Acupuncture Research Program has received continuous National Institutes of Health funding for more than 20 years. For more information on SSIHI, visit https://ssihi.uci.edu. Follow SSIHI on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About the University of California, Irvine:Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nations top 10 public universities byU.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. Its located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange Countys second largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.For more on UCI, visitwww.uci.edu.

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University Hospitals and UC Irvine Announce New Co-Leadership of BraveNet, a Practice-Based Integrative Medicine Research Network - Newswise

Aiming to educate patients on diet and nutrition, University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center opened a Food for Life Market, part of a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity and medical conditions affected by nutrition and access to healthy food in rural areas and food deserts, according to a news release.

With food provided by the Cleveland Food Bank through a partnership with Country Neighbor in Orwell and local donations, the UH Conneaut Food for Life Market is stocked with a variety of nutritious foods, including whole grains, dairy, fresh and frozen produce, canned fruits, vegetables and meats.

The Ashtabula Foundation donated $48,200 to make opening the market possible. It's the first and only medically-based nutrition program in Ashtabula County, and it's UH's fourth market across Northeast Ohio, according to the release. UH's other markets are in Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood (opened in October 2018 within the Otis Moss Jr. Health Center); the UH Portage Food for Life Market (opened in February 2021 and located in the lobby of the medical center) and UH Cleveland Medical Center's Food for Life Market (opened in August 2021 in the Bolwell Center).

The Food for Life program is a collaboration between UH's Office of Community Impact, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Sodexo Nutrition Services, the release stated. Sodexo Healthcare has worked on behalf of UH to establish the markets across the system.

"The UH Food for Life Market focuses on the direct connection between food and a person's health," said Anne Leach, registered dietitian and director of clinical and community nutrition with Sodexo Healthcare, in a provided statement. "UH has implemented a preventive food as medicine model to address food insecurity, which we know, if prolonged or repeated, can have negative health consequences."

Through work with primary care providers, patients who identify as food insecure can receive a referral to the market for a family of four and may visit for up to six months with possible extensions as needed, according to the release. A dietitian works with patients as they're shopping to provide one-on-one consultations and healthy recipes.

Open by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the UH Conneaut location is expected to serve 50 patients and their family members per month, according to the release.

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UH Connor Whole Health expands with $3 million gift from Connor family - Crain's Cleveland Business

While you may have heard the term cupping and seen celebs like Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Kevin Gates, and Michael Phelps sporting the telltale circular marks, the attention-grabbing wellness treatment is hardly a fad. Its actually been around for thousands of years across multiple cultures, schools of thought, and religions. But what exactly is it? And can it really enhance your physical well-being?

During treatment, cups are placed on various parts of the body, creating a partial vacuum with negative pressure and suction that aids in pain relief, increases circulation, decreases swelling, and helps with a variety of health conditions, including allergies, migraines, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, and more.

Mohammed Widdi, a cupping practitioner and owner of the Brooklyn-based mobile cupping company Soul Detox, says the suction causes tissue beneath the cup to be lifted and drawn up, increasing the oxygenated blood flow to the area. The enhanced blood flow draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues towards the surface.

There are two types of cupping: dry and wet. With dry cupping, theres no bloodletting, Widdi says. Cupping can also be dynamic or static. I start all sessions dry or wet with gliding cupping. This helps increase the circulation and yields a better session, especially if were doing wet cupping.

During the last few minutes of a wet session, small superficial scratches are made before suction is applied again. Its called wet cupping and not blood cupping because other bodily fluids, like lymph or pus, can come out, Widdi says. What usually comes out is a very thick jelly thats full of wastes and stagnant blood.

Christophe SimonGetty Images

Cupping has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuro immunomodulatory effect on the body, explains Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, an integrative medicine doctor and acupuncture physician. She says cupping can help with headaches, colds, congestion, coughs, stress, cramps, anxiety, athletic recovery, and facial rejuvenation. Trattner uses cupping regularly in her practice, and sometimes performs it concurrently with acupuncture by placing the cups over the acupuncture needles.

Dr. Joi Edwards, a physical therapist and licensed massage and bodywork therapist, says cupping is useful in reducing adhesions, improving flexibility, increasing range of motion, enhancing tissue mobility, and decreasing pain. She often incorporates movement into her treatment sessions and notes that cupping has been found in research studies to increase blood flow and localized internal temperatures in the body, which are beneficial in the treatment of arthritis.

Edwards believes the possibilities for cupping are broad because it can be combined with other treatments. The beautiful thing about cupping, she says, is that it can be used in conjunction with allopathic, osteopathic, homeopathic, and many other types of treatment to successfully and holistically help improve conditions in different patients.

So, why isnt cupping more mainstream in the West? In the United States, we have a different philosophy, Edwards says. A lot of people still believe in a quick fix and use of medication, and see naturopathic practitioners and cupping as gimmicky or taboo.

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Known as hijama, which means suction in Arabic, cupping is widely associated with both Middle Eastern and Eastern medicine. Different forms of cupping have been used across many cultures and religions, including all three Abrahamic religions.

Hijama actually predates Islam, says holistic wellness consultant and Aafiyah Healing founder Zuhair Girach, noting that the earliest records referencing cupping were left by ancient Egyptians and Chinese. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the first-known medical texts, mentions the use of cupping as a therapy.

Girach says the Prophet Muhammad was reminded of hijama and directed to use it by the angels during his Miraj, or night journey to Heaven. The use of the word remind is significant, according to Girach, because the knowledge was already there. It had already been passed down. He says regardless of which school of thought that introduces patients to cupping, they fundamentally believe the same thing: Stagnated blood blocks the energy flow in the body.

Widdi warns against dismissing practices heralded as ancient, preferring instead to call them timeless. This is not some archaic, dated technology, he says. It has a place in the practices of today. The vacuum and suction mechanism from cupping are what inspired the breast pump.

When applied to the face, cupping may help rejuvenate the skin by bringing circulation of blood to the face, improving the production of collagen and elastin, Trattner says, citing a 2016 study. She also believes facial cupping can help promote cellular repair and break up fascia in the face. When used consistently, facial supping can reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well help with acne.

Cups used for facial cupping may be made from glass, silicone, or ceramic, and are much smaller than the cups used on the body. Beyond beautification, Widdi says that he has seen facial cupping help those suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly known as TMJ.

Ive had lots of clients opt for facial cupping to help relieve facial pain, such as that caused by TMJ disorders, Widdi says. The negative pressure lifts the muscles up and loosens them, which can be really helpful for relaxing tense jaw muscles. This is evidence-based, because there are studies that show cupping is helpful for TMJ.

Getty Images

Is cupping safe?

In the United States, theres no regulatory body or licensure board for cupping practitioners like there is for massage therapists or other professionals, so Edwards says its important to make sure whomever youre seeing has the proper training. Cupping is safe, she cautions, when performed by a qualified and well-studied practitioner.

Widdi says that besides checking for a practitioners training, its important to ask about hygienic practices. You want to make sure whoever youre going to is utilizing the highest sanitary precautions, he emphasizes. Widdi employs plastic cups for wet cupping so they can be disposed of after the session. Some practitioners will use glass cups, which are reusable, so asking about their sanitary practices is a must.

While cupping is generally considered safe, Trattner advises that patients on blood thinners, those with bleeding issues and sensitive skin should steer clear of cupping.

Azmia Ricchuito is an Orlando, Florida-based therapist, life coach, and writer who has contributed to Allure, Teen Vogue, and Glamour. Follow her on Twitter at @azmiaakamia.

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What's the Deal With Cupping? - Shondaland.com

Fifty is the new 40 and soon that will probably change, too. After all, what is middle age anymore?

Just look to TV to realize the change. The Golden Girls were the same age as the women in And Just Like That but youd be hard-pressed to find many other similarities.

Women are doing more job, family, friends, fun, caring for aging parents. Theyre also twice as likely to use antidepressants, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Add hormonal changes that start midlife and challenges can add up.

At midlife, women face a gamut of happy as well as difficult milestones, said Nancy Wise-Vander Lee, PhD, LP, psychologist at Avera Medical Group Behavioral Health Clinic. It takes a toll on their energy, confidence and perspective on the future.

Bren Brown calls this less of a crisis and more of a slow unraveling when your mind starts telling you, All of this pretending and performing these coping mechanisms that youve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt has to go. Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts.

She continues, It seems as if we spend the first half of our lives shutting down feelings to stop the hurt and the second half trying to open everything back up to heal the hurt.

In other words, its a time when people start realizing the courage to be their true selves and run after their passions.

As we age, its important to discover what really matters to you, which often includes pouring into and loving others," said Rebecca Hanzen, health coach with Avera Medical Group Functional and Integrative Medicine.

You may be disappointed in some things:

When negative emotions linger and arent challenged, there runs a risk of a midlife crisis, when impulsive decisions might devastate finances, families and futures.

Remember, youve had good moments, smiles, laughter and victories. And heres another positive: you can create a mindset and lifestyle to help you live your life gracefully.

Aging gracefully means vitality and health. Its a mindset that keeps on giving. You, your family and those around you blossom and benefit. Perhaps in the past, change, discord and setbacks stirred those negative emotions mentioned before.

However, when you practice infusing grace into every day, especially into lifes painful moments, you realize that every difficulty is an opportunity, every broken relationship is a chance to love, every setback is a growing opportunity.

You realize youre no longer helpless or hopeless, said Hanzen. In fact, you find theres so much hope and possibility that can come to fruition in your life.

You have the power to find your joy, and sometimes it starts by looking in the mirror.

Finding your joy and your purpose begins by accepting yourself right where you are, said Wise-Vander Lee. Life has thrown many obstacles at you, and even though you managed them the best you could, it leaves scars.

Some of the most prominent mental health conditions Wise-Vander Lee sees are depression and anxiety in women who are stretched thin from the demands of life. Sorting through the pain youre carrying, especially with the help of a professional, can help you move forward in freedom.

As you heal from unfinished pain, you start to focus on creating another chapter in your life that is beautiful and rewarding, said Wise-Vander Lee.

You learn how to recalibrate yourself to discover whats important to you and how you want to cultivate those areas in life because the best of you delivers the best to those around you. You might even find a way to assist others who are going through trials you once experienced.

Managing mental health means practicing wellness that is within your power. Hanzen believes it starts from the decisions we make day to day that promote overall wellness.

A person is made up of a body, mind and spirit, said Hanzen. Because the composition of a person is so entwined, you often cant treat one part without treating or affecting another part.

Here are some self-care tips recommended by Hanzen and Wise-Vander Lee:

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Managing Mental Health During Midlife and Beyond - Avera Health

Deepak Chopras demonstrates his artificial intelligence program

Deepak Chopra, speaking recently to Fox News Digital during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, said that his latest book, "Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth," was inspired by a lyric allegedly written by Bob Marley.

The lyric, he said, notes that "some people are so poor, all they have is money."

True wealth, said Chopra, a holistic health expert and best-selling author, is hardly about dollars and cents and nothing else.

Ultimately, he said, it's about much deeper and more important issues such as "security and safety love and belonging."

DEEPAK CHOPRA: WE NEED A PANDEMIC OF JOY

Living with "abundance" is not just about one's personal or financial situation but extends to "all those with whom you interact," he said.

"Americans are used to spending money that they haven't earned, to buy things that they don't need, to impress people that they don't like," Chopra pointed out.

"That creates a lot of stress. So first of all stop doing that," he said bluntly.

"Be frugal in these times."

DAVE RAMSEY SHARES THE SECRETS OF MANAGING STRESS OVER RISING COSTS

He added, "Secondly, this is a time for opportunities, also."

Far too many Americans, suggested Chopra, are "used to spending money that they don't have, to buy things that they don't need, to impress people that they don't like." (iStock / iStock)

"Start looking at investments right now [including in] technologies that are actually changing the way we see the future of well-being."

Among the technologies he mentioned: digital therapeutics, robotic healing, robotic surgery and telemedicine.

"We are dedicated to creating NFTs that make a difference in the world."

"There are a lot of opportunities right now" in these and other areas, he suggested.

He discussed NFTs as well.

WHAT IS METAVERSE AND WHY ARE NFTS KEY TO ITS EXPLOSION?

"We have a company that has launched NFTs for social good," he said including those who can be considered "climate change refugees."

"Our company is dedicated to creating NFTs that make a difference in the world," he said.

In this photo illustration, the logo of NFT, short for Non Fungible Token, is seen on the screen of mobile phone with a stock chart on the screen of a laptop in the background. (Davide Bonaldo/Sipa USA)

He said that in these difficult times, "you have to be alert what people call good luck is just opportunity meeting preparedness Times of inflation and adversity," he added, "are actually times of opportunity."

In terms of jobs and ambition, Chopra said, "I think the old paradigm was all about competition, and it worked."

"But the new paradigm," he added, includes cooperation and a shared vision of success by all parties involved, he explained.

Chopra is founder of The Chopra Foundation, a nonprofit entity focused on research into well-being and humanitarianism, as well as Chopra Global, "a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality."

He is a pioneer in integrative medicine and "personal transformation" as well as the author of some 90 books translated into over 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.

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His next book, due out in January 2023, is called, "Living in the Light: Yoga for Self-Realization."

Kelsey Koberg and Andrew Murray, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting to this article.

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Deepak Chopra on money and fulfillment: Times of 'adversity' are meant for 'opportunity' - Fox Business

In a medical emergency knowing your blood type can be a matter of life and death, but it can also provide valuable insight into your overall health. There's been several studies that indicate people with certain blood types are at greater risk for GI related cancers and Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies tells us, "It's essential to understand that your blood type is just one risk factor for developing cancer. So even if you have a family history of cancer and your blood type puts you at higher risk, there are still things you can do to lower your risk." Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explain what to know about your blood type and the association with cancer. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Mitchell explains, "There are four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each blood type has a different combination of proteins called antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens determine which blood type a person has. A person's blood type is determined by which antigens are present on their red blood cells. Type O is the most common blood type, followed by Type A. Type B blood is less common, and Type AB blood is the least common."

Dr. Srikanth Nagalla, chief of benign hematology, Miami Cancer Institute shares, "There are sugars and then there's a protein, so carbohydrate and protein. So the protein that it's called is the H antigen, and to that, you add these different sugars. And depending upon that, you get a, that it's A,B, AB, or if you're completely lacking the sugars, then it's called the O because O doesn't have the sugars. So, what I'm trying to get at first is how do you get this classification? Okay, what is blood group B? So for that, if you imagine like the red blood cell, because for that red blood cell, you have an H antigen like the alphabet H and to that antigen, you add sugars. And finally, if you don't have any sugars added, that becomes O now the reason this is important to start off with this, because once you know this, you understand that this is present not only on the blood cells, on the red blood cells, it's present in the gastro tract, like the PT cells of the GI tract. That's your stomach pancreas. It's also present in your broncho reference in your bronco, the lungs, the pulmonary area, the bronco pulmonary area, it's in the genital urinary area."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Nagalla says, "There are a lot of retrospective studies that were done in the past, but the very well done study for us or prospective looked at, or two big cohorts called the Nurses Health Study. And then the Health Professionals follow- up study, which has roughly hundred seven patients or so not patients hundred seven people like health professionals. And then they were, they were followed and everything. What this study particularly showed was something to do with the risk of A, B or AB blood groups and pancreatic cancer. Meaning if you're not an O if you're non O blood groups, you could be a, you could be B or you could be a, then you get some increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Why is this happening?"

Dr. Mitchell adds, "According to a new study, if you have blood type A, B, or AB, you may be at increased risk for cancer. The study, which is the largest of its kind, looked at almost 140,000 people with cancer and found that those with blood type A or B were more likely to develop the disease than those with blood type O. The risk was even higher for women with blood type AB. While the exact link between blood type and cancer risk is unknown, the study's authors say that it could be due to differences in how blood type A and B cells bind to sugar molecules. This difference could make it easier for cancer-causing agents to attach to blood cells and cause mutations. The findings are preliminary and more research is needed to confirm blood type and cancer risk. However, if you have blood type A, B, or AB, it may be worth discussing your cancer risk with your doctor."

Dr. Michael Hirt, a Board Certified Nutrition from Harvard University and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is with The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana California explained, "Chronic inflammation has been linked to increased cancer risk. Blood types that are associated with increased inflammation (like A and B) have been linked to increased risk of cancers, while the 'O' blood type is associated with lower cancer risks because it is associated with less inflammation. This is the same reason that type 'O' blood had a small but statistically significant reduction in COVID-19 disease severity."

Dr. Nagalla says, "If you go into the hypothesis, right? The theories of that for example for people who have blood group A and others are more prone to get H Pylori infection. So they're more prone to those infections. What does it mean? Maybe because of that they have higher inflammation and higher inflammatory condition that is causing some of these cancers because blood, the other thing they found that is when you have these changes, when you have, um, these blood group, a people and other things, or when they, when they looked at normal cells versus the pancreatic cancer cells, normal pancreatic based, they found that the pattern of the protein, the sugars that I started saying to tell you about what makes A, B sugars, the pattern was likely different between the cancerous cells and the normal cells. Maybe these things are getting altered in the cancerous cells due to other mutations and took off of that. These cells might have an altered signaling because cells have to signal among each other and inside. And these cells might also escape immune surveillance. What is immune surveillance? Why doesn't everybody get cancer? Because the immune system is constantly looking for bad cells and killing them, or making sure that they don't grow. But when you have some of these alterations, apparently in some of these patients. It's possible that these cells are escaping the immune system and their cancer gets to grow. These are all hypotheses of why it may happen. So there's not a definite reason why certain blood types are more prone to a certain type of cancer."

Dr. Nagalla states, "We are not going to use blood groups and say, based on this, you need more screening because you have blood group A blood group, a B or blood group AB, you need to be more closely followed or screened. You are not gonna do anything different because there's no data for that. Because, and a lot of times there's a difference. This is just an association, meaning this just because you have pain, you're not getting pancreatic cancer. It so happens that a little bit more of blood group A patients are having pancreatic cancer compared to blood group O patients. It could be, this is just a marker of something else. And maybe some of the genes that are associated with the ABO gene are getting dysregulated. People with O might be reassured there's a little bit less risk, but it's not like people with A are all going to get cancer or something like that. It's just an association. The main thing we want to stress is that these are all associations. It doesn't mean much because overall the absolute number is still tiny. We don't have to do anything different just because of a blood type."

Dr. Mitchell reminds us, "Remember, cancer is a complex disease, and many factors can contribute to an individual's risk. While blood type is one important piece of the puzzle, many other controllable risk factors can significantly impact cancer risk. For example, I focus on lifestyle factors that prevent and decrease cancer risk in my clinical practice. These include diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption. While blood type may be out of our control, there are many things that we can do to lower our cancer risk. By making healthy lifestyle choices, we can all play a role in cancer prevention.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year. Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle accidents, and firearm-related incidents. Smoking is also a significant contributor to cancer death and disease. Smoking causes an estimated 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women. Smoking also causes cancer of the larynx, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix uteri, and myeloid leukemia. Smokers are also at increased risk for pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections. For example, quitting smoking reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases and can add years to your life. In addition, people who quit smoking before age 50 have half the risk of dying from smoking-related causes as those who continue to smoke. Quitting smoking at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continued smoking.

Though smoking remains the leading cause of cancer, lifestyle choices such as diet can significantly impact cancer risk. A healthy diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It's also low in processed foods, salt, and sugar. Studies have shown that following a healthy diet can lower the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, and stomach cancer. There are a few possible explanations for why a healthy diet may reduce cancer risk. First, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help to protect cells from damage. They also contain phytochemicals that can boost the immune system or prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances. In addition, a healthy diet is typically low in fat and calories, which may help reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers. Of course, no single food or group can guarantee cancer prevention. But following a healthy diet is a straightforward way to lower your risk. Combined with other lifestyle choices such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, it could make a big difference in your health.

There are many ways that exercise can help to reduce cancer risk. For one, exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which is essential since obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer. Exercise also helps to improve immune function, making the body better able to fight off cancer cells. Additionally, exercise boosts antioxidants and other protective substances in the body, which can help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which can contribute to cancer development. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer than those who are inactive. So, if you're looking for ways to reduce your cancer risk, adding some exercise to your routine is a great place to start.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce your cancer risk. Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, and being overweight increases your chances of developing the disease. How exactly does obesity contribute to cancer? One theory is that obesity increases inflammation throughout the body, leading to the development of cancer. Additionally, obese individuals tend to have higher insulin and other hormones linked to an increased risk of cancer. Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight, and it has also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve hormone levels. Furthermore, exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, making it more likely to fight off cancer cells. In other words, maintaining a healthy weight through exercise can reduce your risk of cancer in multiple ways.

In addition, some helpful blood tests can give you more information about your specific risks. For example, the genetic test for Lynch syndrome can show whether you have an increased risk for certain types of cancer. For example, if you have a strong family history of cancer, talk to your doctor about these tests and how they can help you make informed decisions about prevention and early detection." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Excerpt from:
If You Have This Blood Type, Be Worried About Cancer Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

These research programs reveal that OM has potential as a treatment for depression, anxiety and trauma.

"My colleagues and I are extremely grateful for the role of The Institute of OM Foundation in supporting this trailblazing research," said Dr. Prause, Ph.D. Prause and Dr. Siegle's study was published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy in March of 2021. "Ultimately, this research is about exploring the use of sexual stimulation to improve general health," she said.

The Foundation also provided support for a recent study conducted by Dr. Andrew Newberg, research director of the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Dr. Newberg's study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to analyze 20 couples as they engaged in OM, and found changes in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes of the brain among both male and female participants. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology on Nov. 11, 2021.

"This study suggests the possibility of an important link between sexuality and spirituality," said Dr. Newberg. "It should also be emphasized that the findings may have implications for therapeutic applications in the future, helping with various neurological and psychological problems including emotional traumas, sexual dysfunction, and even depression."

In yet another study supported by the Foundation, researchers deployed a questionnaire developed to study "mystical experience" to determine how the practice of OM might trigger a substantial transcendent sensation in both participating partners, equivalent to a moderate dose of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in certain types of mushrooms. This study, published in July of 2021 in the journal F1000 Research, employed two different surveys.

The first survey included 780 participants who were asked to complete the questionnaire with "a single powerful OM in mind." The second survey included 56 couples, who were asked to complete the survey immediately following an OM session. Respondents to both surveys reported moderate mystical experiences.

"Given that OM apparently can trigger a mystical experience of similar power to psilocybin, and that psilocybin has shown promise in the treatment of mood and substance disorders, this study raises intriguing questions about whether OM might also be effective in the treatment of these disorders," said Vivian Siegel, Ph.D., the lead author of the study, and currently a lecturer in biology at MIT.

The Institute of OM Foundation is funded by gifts from several generous donors, including Ramani Ayer, a longtime practitioner of transcendental meditation and a retired executive from one of the nation's oldest insurance companies.

"I saw great changes in people as a result of their regular practice of OM, and I was inspired to support research exploring its potential health and wellness benefits," Ayer said. "I have always believed in science, and I am proud to support this research into a promising area where there has not been a great deal of prior research."

In addition to these published studies, the foundation is continuing to support additional scientific research, including an upcoming study exploring the potential impact of OM on dopaminergic function in participants with Parkinson's disease, and a study exploring the impact of OM as a potential aide in the cessation of smoking tobacco.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Allyson Gonzalez, Institute of OM Email: [emailprotected]Phone: 1.888.604.6636

SOURCE The Institute of OM Foundation

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Institute of OM Foundation Raises More Than $2 Million to Support Partnered Stimulation Practice Research - PR Newswire

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Reviewed by Pete Nastasi, Certified Sports Nutrition Coach and Advanced Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner

Make sure to talk to a healthcare professional about your individual needs and appropriate dosages before adding a supplement to your routine.

Meal replacement shakes have come a long way in the past few years, with a greater variety of options than ever before. Thanks to advances in exercise science, wellness and the medical community, the list of promising products from start-ups and lesser-known manufacturers continues to grow, and established products keep getting better. If youve never tried meal replacement shakes before, the sheer number of options can be intimidating. So were here to help by explaining everything you need to know before choosing the best options for your lifestyle.

Meal replacement shakes consist of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are coupled with micronutrients such as essential vitamins, minerals and various plant compounds. Together, these elements make up a complete, on-the-go meal. Meal replacement shakes can be a good option for those with busy lifestyles; whether you are dealing with a demanding work schedule, shuffling kids to and from sports practice, or traveling, it can be hard to find time for a sit-down meal. Still, that doesn't mean you need to neglect your health to fuel up. If youre looking to avoid the fast-food line but still want to consume something easy and quick, consider adding a meal replacement shake to your routine.

Because meal replacement shakes supply a full meal, it's important to understand your health goals and needs, then select an option best suited to helping you achieve them. In addition, it is always advised that you work with a trained medical professional when implementing new dietary choices and supplements.

For those looking to bulk up or maintain weight during periods of heavy exercise, meal replacement shakes offer complete macro and micronutrients. Some people use meal replacement shakes as sustenance between meals or as a pre-or post-workout, to satisfy the body's need for additional energy. That being said, its important to differentiate between meal replacement shakes and protein shakes or powders as they are not the same thing.

Protein powders tend to be heavier on protein and lighter on carbs, fats, fiber and some vitamins and minerals. They are designed to aid in muscle repair and muscle gain during pre-and post-workout sessions or to act as a high-protein source for those consuming a low- or no- animal protein diet (such as vegetarians and vegans). Meal replacement shakes and powders, by contrast, supply nutrients to help you attain adequate daily values of both macros and micros.

Not all meal replacement shakes are created equal and it can be difficult to find one that checks all the boxes. Here are the best meal replacement shakes, broken down by specific categories to make it easier to find exactly which is best for you.

Transparent Labs

Transparent Labs has gone the extra mile to create a complete lineup of powders and supplements to support every aspect of your health and wellness goals from muscle building to mental clarity to joint support. As the name suggests, Transparent Labs publishes a detailed lab breakdown, called a certificate of analysis, for every product, and certificates of composition for most products on its website. The Meal Replacement powder contains 24 grams of protein from whey protein isolate and concentrate, grass-fed beef bone broth, egg white protein and pea protein. This powder contains 7 grams of fat, mostly from MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil. The 19 grams of carbohydrates are derived from natural cane sugar and quality sources like pea starch and oat bran fiber, which also provide 5 grams of natural fiber.

This balance of slow and fast-burning macros from quality sources makes Transparent Labs a great choice to keep your body moving through a busy schedule or a tough workout. If theres one drawback, its that Transparent Labs lacks a substantial array of vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources. A dose of vegetable or other plant-based powders would go a long way to make this meal replacement shake truly complete.

For those already eating a well-rounded diet full of vitamins, minerals and other plant-based compounds, Transparent Labs is a well-made meal replacement powder designed to increase muscle repair and building and provide lasting energy for an active lifestyle.

Transparent Labs Meal Replacement Powder ($59.99 for approximately 56 oz. of powder; $2 per serving)

Kaged

Kaged Clean meal replacement powder is packed full of dense nutrients from various whole food sources. But what makes this powder unique is the brands trademarked ioWhey protein isolate. According to Kaged, ioWhey technology increases the surface area of the protein molecules for up to 123% better bioavailability than traditional whey powders. This powder delivers 28 grams of bioavailable protein from both the ioWhey and organic quinoa, containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also a good source of natural antioxidants, carbohydrates, fiber and minerals.Complemented with 18 grams of slow-burning carbohydrates mostly derived from oat flour, this powder is designed to keep you fueled through a tough workout or a busy day. With the addition of MCT coconut oil powder, which provides 4.5 grams of healthy fats, Kaged is a well-rounded macronutrient powder. Kaged Clean Meal goes a step further by adding a blend of vegetable and plant powders to supply ample whole food-sourced vitamins and minerals.

This blend contains a few common veggies, like broccoli and spinach powders and a handful of less-common superfoods such as kelp and maitake mushroom powders. This shake is a bit low on fiber (only 2 grams) and does contain sucralose.

Despite these downfalls, if you're someone with a very active lifestyle that demands a higher macronutrient intake, this is an excellent choice.

Kaged Clean Meal Replacement Powder ($49.99 for 41.34oz of powder, $2.50 per serving)

Iconic Protein

Iconic's line is ready to drink and packs a substantial amount of goodness into a relatively small 11.5-ounce bottle. These drinks are free from gluten, soy, GMOs, lactose, hormones, pesticides, corn, and carrageenan. They even come in a BPA-free bottle. Iconic uses a grass-fed milk protein isolate that provides 17 total amino acids, including nine essentials, for a healthy dose of 20 grams of protein per bottle.

The brand uses natural flavors, including real cacao powder and Colombian coffee, to produce flavors that taste clean and authentic. Their products are sweetened only with monk fruit and stevia, making these a zero sugar beverage. The Cacao + Greens option includes a full daily serving of veggies from kale, broccoli and spinach powders.

Iconic Protein Drinks ($39.99 for a dozen 11.5 oz. bottles (also available in 24 and 36 packs); $2.90 to $3.30 per serving, depending on case size)

Garden of Life

Garden of Lifes ingredient list reads more like a grocery list, with the majority of the nutrients derived from whole foods. Additionally, these ingredients are sproutedthe seeds and legumes are soaked in water for 24 hours and then allowed to start growing, which removes the phytic acid, a compound found on all seeds and legumes that interferes with calcium, iron and zinc absorption. And since the ingredients are processed at low temperatures to maintain the "raw" designation, the 28 grams of proteins per serving remain intact. The brand claims that this makes them fully absorbable for maximum muscle building.

This meal replacement shake also serves up 8 grams of naturally-occurring plant fiber per serving and no added sugars for a total of 10g of carbs (2 grams net carbs). In addition to the basic macros and micros, Garden of Life has added some unique superfoods that it claims can boost overall health, such as cinnamon, which it says helps to stabilize blood sugar, and ashwagandha, which it says can help reduce the effects of stress.

In addition to the superfoods, this product also contains a raw probiotic and enzyme blend that contains two Lactobacillus strains and 13 enzymes that may aid overall digestion.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit ($39.19 for 14.4 oz. of powder or $49.59 for 32 oz. of powder, $2.50 per serving)

Field Work

Field Work Nutrition is new to the game, but it came ready to play. Co-founded by a premier endurance coach, it utilizes a substantial variety of whole foods and superfoods to make this meal replacement shake a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Two such thoughtfully added ingredients are curcumin and tart cherry, which the brand says can control and reduce inflammation in the body.

Field Work has also added a robust fruit and vegetable blend to supply micronutrients. These naturally occurring vitamins and the added natural sea salt supply a healthy dose of the minerals essential for electrolyte balance (sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium). A pre-and probiotic blend has also been added to support gut health and a digestive enzyme complex to support digestion and absorption of the nutrients in the smoothie.

To make this a complete meal replacement product, Field Work has included 20 grams of protein from grass-fed whey and milk protein concentrate as well as 5 grams of fat from coconut oil powder and 18 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from high-quality sources like sweet potato, oats, amaranth, chia and quinoa, making them slow-burning for sustained energy.

This meal replacement shake is excellent for anyone who has difficulty consuming enough plant foods regularly or anyone looking for a superfood boost from a meal replacement shake.

Field Work Nutrition Primo Smoothie ($55 for 33 oz. of powder, $3 per serving)

Orgain

Orgain is the brainchild of cancer-survivor turned-integrative-medicine-specialist, Doctor Andrew Abraham.

This shake uses USDA organic ingredients and is free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, soy, gluten, GMOs and carrageenan. Its also free from dairy and lactose, and is vegan-friendly. Instead of the grass-fed milk protein found in most of Orgains other products, the 20 grams of proteins in this powder come from organic peas, brown rice and chia seed. It also contains complex carbohydrates from a sprouted blend that includes various seeds and beans like amaranth, quinoa, garbanzo, flaxseed and pumpkin seed.

Orgain also included a greens blend and a fruit and vegetable blend, which it says ensures this meal replacement shake supplies adequate micronutrients and beneficial plant compounds. In total, these all add up to 25 grams of carbohydrates. Orgain makes a great product suitable for anyone with common food sensitivities or allergies.

Orgain Organic Meal Powder ($39.99 for 32 oz. of powder with discounts on subscription service; $2.50 per serving (or $1.87 per serving with a subscription)

Ample

Ample traded out the whey protein in its Original Meal Shake for pea protein to make this vegan-friendly meal replacement shake. And, perhaps knowing how difficult it can be for vegans to consume enough complete proteins and good fats due to dietary choices, Ample loaded this meal replacement shake with macros to support health and body functions.

For starters, there are 26 grams of fatderived mostly from coconut oil (with some from macadamia nut oil). The high fat content means you will likely feel more satiated with your liquid meal, allowing you to go a longer period of time between meals. It also means that your body is getting a healthy dose of the saturated fats essential for cellular health and hormone production that can be hard to consume in adequate amounts with a plant-based diet.

The remainder of the ingredients in this product are non-GMO and from whole-food sources. The 20 grams of protein in Ample V come mostly from organic peas. And this protein is a high-quality source of essential amino acids and one of the better choices for a vegan-safe protein, as it is a complete protein. The carbohydrates in Ample V come mostly from whole grain oat powder. This, coupled with the acacia fiber and vegetable powders, makes for a fiber-rich shake at 11 grams per serving.

Ample has also added a healthy dose of probiotics for gut health and a few vegetable powders to supply vitamins and minerals. Though, it could probably do with adding a few more plant powders to boost the overall nutritional content, but still this shake makes an excellent choice for vegans or anyone preferring plant protein.

Ample V ($4.50 to $6 per serving, depending on the package)

HLTH Code

For those who follow the high fat, low carb ketogenic diet, HLTH Code makes an excellent option.

HLTH provides 27 grams of protein from whey protein concentrate, grass-fed collagen and egg whites. The addition of collagen is particularly great because collagen is essential for maintaining the health of connective tissues (tendons and ligaments), joints and skin. An active lifestyle can stress connective tissues and joints, so a collagen boost is especially welcomed. HLTH also provides 27 grams of fat from coconut oil powder, olive oil powder, MCT powder, flaxseed, cocoa butter and grass-fed ghee far and away the most diverse and superior fat sources on our list of meal replacement shakes. HLTH has 13 grams of carbohydrates with 9 grams from soluble vegetable fibers, for only 4 grams net carbs to keep you within your daily carb limit.

HLTH also includes a significant amount of real, mineral-rich sea salt. This is valuable because people on the keto diet often have lower sodium levelstheyre generally not able to eat high-sodium packaged foods that are common in many peoples diets, and clearing ketones also causes the body to lose sodium. Despite containing none of the vegetable powders that we see in most meal replacement shakes, HLTH has still managed to create a powder thats rich in 25 vitamins and minerals due to the nutrient-dense ingredient list. This meal replacement shake is thoughtfully made and an excellent choice for those following the keto diet or anyone looking to lower carbohydrate intake and increase fat intake.

HLTH Code Complete Meal ($59.95 for a 42 oz. bag with a discount for the subscription service; $4 per serving ($3.33 per serving with subscription)

Your meal replacement shake should contain high-quality, complete protein from sources like grass-fed whey, egg whites, beans and seeds. Whey protein is one of the most popular protein sources in meal replacement shakes because it is highly absorbable and contains all nine essential amino acids. Pea protein, derived from yellow split peas, has become one of the leading sources of high-quality plant-based proteins commonly used in meal replacement shakes. Both whey and pea proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, making them complete proteins and highly effective for muscle repair and growth. The amount of protein you aim for will vary based on your overall diet and goals. A good starting point for many people is around 20-25 grams of protein per shake, which has been shown to stimulate muscle building.

You should avoid meal replacement shakes with protein from wheat. These are low-quality sources of protein that lack essential amino acids, rendering them mostly ineffective for muscle repair and growth.

Healthy fats, usually polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, are found in certain vegetable oils, nuts and seeds among others, and can provide some benefits for the body such as decreasing your risk for disease. Its wise to avoid hydrogenated oilsthey contain trans fats, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.

Carbohydrates are great for supplying the body with energy. However, if they come from simple sources like corn, that energy is likely to burn out quickly, leaving you feeling like a car without gas. Complex carbohydrates such as oat powder, sweet potato flour and various bean or seed powders are digested more slowly by the body for a more sustained energy supply. These carbohydrates also contain fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.

While it's important that your meal replacement shake tastes delicious, it's far more important that you don't compromise your health by settling for a powder loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Traditional sugar may appear on the label in different names like dextrose, fructose or corn syrup solids. Beware that all of these sugars will cause your blood sugar to spike.

It's equally important to read the label for artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose. These ingredients have been linked to cancer and other chronic diseases, supported by the Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics. Instead, look for a meal replacement shake with low sugar content (4g maximum) from healthy sources, such as maple or coconut sugar or a version that uses a natural plant-based sweetener such as monk fruit to boost the taste.

Probiotics, often in the form of cultures similar to what you see in yogurts or other fermented products, are necessary to keep your gut microbiome healthy. Prebiotics are indigestible plant fibers that act as food and nutrients for your gut microbiome. Sources in meal replacement shakes often come from inulin (usually from chicory root fiber). A healthy gut is important for overall health and good digestion. When your gut is not functioning properly, it inhibits the absorption of both macro and micronutrients, rendering your food (and your meal replacement shake) virtually ineffective.

Vitamins and minerals are used as coenzymes and cofactors for many of the metabolic reactions in the bodymeaning, your body needs them to complete the processes that transform food into energy. This is why it is important to eat a wide variety of foods to ensure you are getting these micronutrients into your body through your diet. If necessary, a meal replacement powder with some added micronutrients can help you fill in some of the gaps where you might be deficient. A good rule of thumb is to check the ingredient list for vegetables, fruit, mushroom and other plant powders if you are looking to round out your meal replacement shake.

While some people have been diagnosed with food sensitivities or allergies, many people are unaware that they have any issues. If you commonly feel bloated, have gas or have other digestive issues, you may be sensitive to common allergens. If this is the case or if you have been diagnosed, you may want to steer clear of products containing lactose, gluten, wheat or soy. Keep in mind that most whey proteins contain lactose (some may contain trace amounts of gluten if they are not 100% pure). If you have true sensitivities or allergies, read the label closely for certified claims about being allergen-free. Look to see if the product was made in a facility that processes nuts, soy, or other allergens, and check for NSF Certified Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and USDA Organic badges, depending on your sensitivities.

If you recognize most, if not all, of the ingredients, thats a good sign you have a quality product. Poorly made products contain food chemicals to improve the texture and stability of the shake. Some shakes contain synthetic vitamins as a cheap alternative to whole or real foods. Others contain fillers. These are products with little-to-no nutritional value but they act as bulk to add weight to the bottle. Thickeners are used in some meal replacement shakes to help create a more consistent texture once the liquid is added. Carrageenan is a very common thickener that, while derived from natural seaweed, has been linked to gastrointestinal damages, including "mucosal erosions and ulceration," according to Environmental Health Perspectives.

Its imperative that you have a clear vision of the health goals you are aiming to achieve, so you can select a product to help you hit the mark. Are you someone who is using a meal replacement shake to bulk up? If so, you'll want much higher macronutrients than someone trying to slim down or maintain weight.

Suppose you are using a meal replacement shake because you don't always have time or the ability to eat a meal. In that case, you'll want to choose a balance of macros and a healthy dose of micronutrients to act as a sound substitute for a meal. Know your goals and choose a powder accordingly. If you are uncertain about your goals, reach out to a health professional to learn more.

Unless you choose a ready-to-drink meal replacement shake, you'll want to invest in either a blender or a shaker bottle. Simply stirring your meal replacement powder into liquid will only leave you with a lumpy, inedible (or undrinkable) drink. Blenders are great for when you're at home and have an extra minute to mix your drink. You can always throw in some fresh greens or fruit and ice to make your meal replacement shake into a smoothie for added nutrition and flavor. But if youre on the go, a shaker bottle is an easy way to keep your drink blended and smooth.

The time you drink your meal replacement shake can vary based on what works best for your schedule. Most people replace just one meal per day with one of these shakesgenerally whatever meal is most convenient for you. However, If you are considering replacing multiple meals with a meal replacement shake then we strongly urge you to discuss it with your qualified health care provider.

You can drink a meal replacement shake between meals or before or after workouts to increase caloric and nutrient consumption (for those trying to increase muscle mass and body weight). If you just need something to fill in occasionally, you can keep a stash of meal replacement powder in your desk drawer or your gym bag and just add water when you find yourself in a bind and unable to eat a meal. Just keep in mind that the powder for these shakes could be affected by temperature and climate fluctuations such as humidity which can cause the powder to clump up.

While whole food meals are usually our best option, busy schedules dont always allow for this luxury. Whether you are trying to bulk up, lean out or just get through your busy day, you can consider a meal replacement shake to aid your health and fitness journey.

Well-made meal replacement shakes are more nutrient-dense and contain much more of the healthy ingredients your body needs than a lot of the alternative on-the-go options such as fast food or candy bars. Once you know what fuels your body and what meal replacement shake is best suited to meet your dietary needs, you can confidently choose the right product to help you reach your goals and keep you on the move.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

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The Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2022 - Sports Illustrated

Clients now view these services as essential for geriatric patients, canine athletes, and pets recovering from certain surgeries

Rehabilitation services are emerging in veterinary medicine in parallel with the specialty and formal training most recently recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

At the 2022 Fetch dvm360 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, presenter Janice L. Huntingford, DVM, DACVSMR, MS-TCVM, CVA, CVPP, CCRT, also explained that clients now view these services as essential for geriatric patients, canine athletes, and pets recovering from certain surgeries.1 Along with this, she shared key reasons that integrating rehabilitation including a range of therapeutic exercise and modalities (eg, hydrotherapy, ulstrasound, etc) would be especially advantageous for your practice.

Rehabilitation provides a unique service because the goals of treatment are functional and created specifically for patients who need to improve their movement or quality of life where other methods solely may not prove effective.

Huntingford illustrated an example in a dvm360 interview: So if you have a dog who has difficulty walking, it's already had its cruciate repaired but it's still not walking, it may be because its muscles are painful. And rehabilitation allows you to take those dogs and and create a scenario where they're able to walk again, because you're really dealing with functional things like that.

According to Huntingford, rehabilitation is ideal for geriatric canine patients because they typically have various health problems and medication cant address all of them. Additionally, these dogs often have stomachs that are sensitive to drugssuch as non-steroidal anti-inflammatorieswhen they are in pain because of arthritis. Thus, you can use rehabilitation methods as nondrug therapies for them.

A small animal practitioner may want to start doing rehabilitation because it gives them more tools in their toolbox when treating dogs that are geriatric who have pain and mobility issues, Huntingford said, in the interview.

Because many of these dogs have problems taking conventional drugs, either they're vomiting or they get diarrhea or they have kidney disease, and they just can't take it but they still need to have their pain managed, they need help with mobility. So in that case, you can do rehabilitation techniques [such as] therapeutic exercises, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, laser, acupuncture . . . so it allows you to continue to treat your patients, she added.

Furthermore, engaging in rehabilitation medicine bonds you with patients, but with clients as well. Huntingford said that pet owners are often grateful that you are treating their older patients, those recovering from surgery and all others in need of an alternate therapy. It is appreciated by them that you are helping their pets pain to be better managed.

Reference

Huntingford J. Integrating rehabilitation into a busy general practice.Presented at: Fetch dvm360 Conference; April 22-24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Benefits of integrating rehabilitation into your practice - DVM 360

By Dr. Rajesh R

The World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week is observed every year in May. This year it falls between May 8-14, when healthcare providers around the world come together to create public awareness about retinoblastoma. It is the most common and life-threatening eye cancer in children, less than five years of age. It can affect any socio-economic group without any racial or gender preference. It can affect either one or both eyes. It is a type of eye cancer that begins in the retina the sensitive lining inside the eye. It is quite rare and is usually caused by a genetic mutation that makes the cells in the eye multiply rapidly and thereby forming an abnormal growth. With improved techniques, the survival of children with Retinoblastoma has improved but low awareness is still a cause of concern. Hence early detection and treatment is vital to control the malignant growth, thereby saving the vision and childs life.

Every year, almost 1 in 10,000 live births in the world has retinoblastoma and India has been proposed to have 3 times this global average and recorded as the highest number of affected children in the world. While the survival rate for retinoblastoma is over 95% in the developed countries, it is around 40-75% in developing nations like India due to a combination of multiple factors like poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness, delay in seeking medical attention, and lack of access to healthcare resources. The care of retinoblastoma children during the pandemic was challenging as the nationwide lockdown had deprived retinoblastoma patients of optimal management. The entire impact of the pandemic on retinoblastoma management is still not known, but it is important to increase awareness of the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.

SYMPTOMS

Some early cancers may have signs and symptoms that can be noticed, but that is not always the case. At early stages, the symptoms might be very subtle due to which the child may seem fit, but delay in diagnosing retinoblastoma can lead to advanced stages at presentation which may necessitate prompt removal of the affected eye. The most common presentation of this disease is with abnormal light reflex white eye, or cats eye reflex noted usually by neighbours or relatives. This is easily identified using flashlight photography seen as a white reflex. Crossed eyes or squint, swelling, irritation and endless watering are other common symptoms. The vision is lost rapidly and the child might frequently bump into objects and get hurt. There are other eye diseases which may present with similar signs and symptoms as retinoblastoma. This has to be confirmed after evaluation by an ocular oncologist.

DIAGNOSIS &TREATMENT

When diagnosed early there is good chance of both vision and eye-ball preservation. In some cases, when diagnosed late, the eye-ball might have to be removed to prevent spread of the cancer in the whole body. Scans and other imaging tests can help your childs doctor determine whether retinoblastoma has grown to affect other structures around the eye. With advanced chemotherapy techniques and local forms of therapy, we are able to preserve vision also in many cases. Retinoblastoma requires multidisciplinary coordinated care, and it requires involvement of multiples specialties, including ophthalmology, oncology, radiology, genetics, anaesthetist and others.

PREVENTION

Since retinoblastoma is inherited mostly from the genes, there are no fixed measures of prevention. But keeping optimal care of your eyes on a regular basis may help reduce the risk. Awareness on retinoblastoma is very crucial, especially when the world is amidst a pandemic. Many patients have reported eye infections post-covid and that should not be neglected. Eye infections might look like a small issue, but if not treated can turn fatal, hence we should always indulge in regular medical check-ups, particularly for children as precaution is always better than cure.

It is important to note that there is a chance of the cancer returning even after completing the treatment for retinoblastoma. Furthermore, children who have inherited this genetic mutation have a high chance of developing cancer in other parts of their body as well, hence regular follow-ups and screening is essential.

(The author is Consultant, Vitreoretina and Ocular Oncology Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore. The article is for informational purposes only. Please consult medical experts and health professionals before starting any therapy, medication and/or remedy. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)

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Retinoblastoma among children: Early detection and treatment are vital - The Financial Express

Perceive Biotherapeutics is focused on the discovery and development of transformative gene therapies and other therapeutics for ocular diseases with high unmet need. By leveraging deep genetic understandings, Perceive Bio researchers have discovered key protective biological targets that uniquely position the Company to accelerate the development of best-in-class therapies for programs that represent over 50% of currently untreatable causes of blindness. Perceive Bio is advancing therapeutic programs in AMD, glaucoma, and additional undisclosed disease areas.

"Dr. Anne Fung is a unique force in clinical leadership," said K. Angela Macfarlane, CEO of Perceive Biotherapeutics. "She is dedicated to advancing science to help patients preserve their vision. As a practicing retinal specialist, Anne ran both investigator-sponsored and industry-sponsored multi-center trials prior to joining industry. We believe Perceive Bio's pipeline of ophthalmic drugs and technology platforms, complemented by Anne's leadership, positions us to transform care with protective therapeutics."

"We look forward to collaborating with Anne and the Perceive Bio team," said Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, Director, Retina Research, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, and member of the Perceive Bio Medical Advisory Board. "Her success in developing and launching novel, groundbreaking therapies in ophthalmology is well recognized. Genetically informed, sustained therapies are important and have the potential to have meaningful impact in our spectrum of patient care."

Dr. Fung joins Perceive Biotherapeutics following eight years of leadership at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. During her tenure, she led the US Medical Affairs Ophthalmology team to advance clinical research in AMD, diabetic eye disease and other ocular conditions with an expansion from Lucentis to lampalizumab (GA), faricimab (DME/AMD) and the Port Delivery System (AMD/DME/DR). In 2019, she was selected to become the Global Development Lead for the Port Delivery System, where she led the team through key aspects of development and through Phase 3 trials of the first long-acting neovascular AMD therapy which received FDA approval in 2021 (SUSVIMO). Over two decades, Anne has pursued a passion for research of age-related macular degeneration and ophthalmology in academic, private practice, and biotech industry settings with US and global collaborators. Her research spans RPE transplantation, cataract biology, real-time OCT imaging observations of the effects of anti-VEGF on neovascular AMD and clinical applications of Lucentis globally, resulting in multiple publications, presentations and book chapters that have helped shape the current practice of care for neovascular AMD globally.

Dr. Fung is active in medical retina clinical practice in San Francisco and serves as the Research Chair for the Ophthalmology resident research program at California Pacific Medical Center. A graduate of Wellesley College and Cornell University Medical College, Anne completed her Ophthalmology residency at Stanford University Medical Center and a fellowship in Medical Retina at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

"I have been passionate about retinal research and finding new solutions for over 20 years," said Dr. Fung. "I see the key pieces of science coming together at Perceive Bioto bring even more hope and vision to patients around the world."

About Perceive Biotherapeutics

Perceive Biotherapeutics is advancing a deep and diversified pipeline of targets and treatment modalities in multiple therapeutic verticals, with lead pipeline programs in ophthalmology. Perceive was founded on compelling research elucidating two novel protective biologies for treating retinal blindness, developed from foundational collaborations in genetic science and target validation. The Company is backed by Deerfield Management and will be raising a Series B later this year. For more information, please visit http://www.perceivebio.com

SOURCE Perceive Biotherapeutics, Inc.

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Perceive Biotherapeutics Appoints Anne E. Fung MD, as Chief Medical Officer to Drive Transformational Clinical Programs - PR Newswire

Findings from First-in-Human Study Support Continued Clinical Development of Investigational IOP-lowering Therapy; New Trials Planned as Complementary Glaucoma Treatment and in Rare Pediatric Indication

WELLESLEY, Mass., May 18, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qlaris Bio, Inc. (the "Company" or "Qlaris"), a biotechnology company targeting high unmet needs in debilitating ophthalmic diseases, today announced results from QC-201, a first-in-human, Phase 2 clinical trial of QLS-101, the Companys investigational therapy for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma. Study findings demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile for QLS-101, including no evidence of hyperemia (eye redness), as well as a positive efficacy signal, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension.

These data support the ongoing clinical development of QLS-101 and Qlaris intends to initiate several new studies designed to further assess the potential role of the compound as a first-in-class glaucoma treatment. Additional clinical trials will seek to evaluate QLS-101 as a complementary therapy to available glaucoma treatments and procedures, such as prostaglandin analogs and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and as a treatment for juvenile patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS)-related glaucoma.

QLS-101 is a novel adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel modulator administered as a topical eyedrop. Unlike currently available therapies for lowering IOP in glaucoma, QLS-101 targets distal outflow resistance and episcleral venous pressure (EVP), a key component of IOP. QLS-101 improves the outflow of aqueous humor by widening outflow channels and the episcleral vessels of the eye distal to the trabecular meshwork to lower IOP.

"These Phase 2 data are encouraging, particularly the absence of hyperemia, which is a common side effect with certain glaucoma treatments and one which can lead patients to discontinue therapy," said Thurein Htoo, MS, MBA, chief executive officer and co-founder of Qlaris Bio. "With the well-tolerated safety profile and efficacy signal demonstrated in this study, we believe QLS-101 can serve as a compelling complement to existing drugs and drainage devices to help patients for whom EVP and distal outflow resistance may be pathologic or treatment-limiting."

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"As a clinician, I often see glaucoma patients whose vision loss continues to progress even when treated with current therapeutic options that target different components of IOP than EVP," said Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO, chief medical officer and co-founder of Qlaris Bio. "QLS-101 may provide a first-in-class mechanism of action to lower IOP by focusing on resistance distal to the trabecular meshwork of the eye that is not yet fully addressed by available therapies. We look forward to initiating additional studies pursuing these new solutions."

POAG is the most common adult form of glaucoma and remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. Elevated IOP remains the only modifiable risk factor for progression of glaucoma. Despite available therapies and surgical interventions, patients with POAG may not achieve IOP-lowering goals as available options only target three components of IOP. This leaves the fourth component of IOP EVP insufficiently addressed.

"The results from the QC-201 trial are promising and certainly should prompt continued study of the potential impact of this promising investigational therapy," said Sharon F. Freedman, MD, professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center, and a principal investigator in ongoing Qlaris trials. "An EVP-targeting therapy could also address a significant unmet need for patients living with certain types of glaucoma, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome. I look forward to continued collaboration with Qlaris on this important work."

SWS is a pediatric rare disease signified by a facial port wine birthmark. Individuals living with SWS often suffer from severe, intractable glaucoma in the eye on the same side as their birthmark. In these individuals, increased IOP is driven by pathologically elevated EVP. By directly lowering EVP, QLS-101 may be uniquely well-suited to address SWS and improve therapeutic outcomes.

About QLS-101

QLS-101, Qlaris Bios lead product candidate, is a prodrug of levcromakalim, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel modulator. By lowering episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and increasing aqueous humor outflow through vessels distal to the trabecular meshwork, QLS-101 may be able to uniquely address diseases of pathologic EVP resulting in elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), such as Sturge-Weber syndrome-related glaucoma, and diseases where EVP limits maximal therapy, including primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma. QLS-101 was invented at Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota and is being developed under an exclusive worldwide license.

About Qlaris Bio, Inc.

Qlaris Bio, Inc. was founded in August 2019 with a singular focus: to develop novel, innovative therapies with first-in-class mechanisms of action to address serious and debilitating ophthalmic diseases. The companys lead platform is based on the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel modulators to affect the tone of vascular and vascular-like tissues, initially focused on ophthalmic use. Qlaris Bios investors include Canaan and New Leaf Venture Partners, both of which were co-lead investors in the companys $25 million Series A round in August 2019. Other investors include Correlation Ventures and Mayo Clinic. For more information, please visit qlaris.bio.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220518005187/en/

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Media Contact Matt Pera973-886-9150matt.pera@smithsolve.com

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Qlaris Bio Reports Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results Demonstrating Favorable Safety and Tolerability Profile and Positive Efficacy Signal for QLS-101 -...

Illustration by Brendan Totten

Helene Macedo didnt think about it much when her headache started around noon.

It was Oct. 26, 2020, and the nurse and case manager at Rhode Island Hospital was in the midst of a very busy Monday. Elective surgeries had resumed at hospitals around the state, but COVID-19 was still in full swing, and case numbers were beginning to creep toward a winter surge. Nursing homes were still seeing waves of infection, and Macedo was having trouble finding somewhere to discharge patients when they left hospital care. A nurse in the intensive care unit, operating room and recovery room for three decades before shifting to case management in 2018, she knew the importance of getting healthy patients out of the hospital quickly to free up beds for newer, sicker ones coming in.

There was a lot of pressure every day. You would come in, the rules would be changing everywhere in the state with COVID, and it was just a very stressful time, she says.

Fully masked and too busy to think about drinking water, she assumed she was dehydrated. It wasnt until she sat down for lunch around 3 p.m. that she knew something was wrong.

All of a sudden I started to eat and I was like, Oh my God, I cant taste my food. Panic set in, because especially then, that was the big thing. You lose your taste and smell, she says.

She immediately left for home to begin what she expected would be a two-week period of isolation and rest. A positive test the next day confirmed she had COVID-19. For the next few weeks, crippling headaches and fatigue like shed never before experienced kept her mostly confined to her bed. After about a month, the headaches began to subside, only to bereplaced by cardiac symptoms like chest pain and an elevated heart rate. A former marathon and triathlon runner who worked out six days a week, Macedo now found herself winded from walking to the end of her driveway. Tests revealed she had myocarditis, a swelling of the heart muscle seen in some patients with COVID-19, as well as pericardial effusion, a buildup of fluid around the heart.

As the weeks wore on, she began noticing other things. Simple tasks that were once routine now left her stumped and forgetful. Conversations were difficult to remember, and driving to her husbands workplace a short distance away from her Cranston home now proved impossible without GPS. Cooking, a favorite activity, became a minefield as she struggled to focus on simple recipes with no sense of taste to guide her.

To go from that level of functioning to literally barely making it through a day at home was just that was eye-opening, she says. It starts to play with your head a little bit.

Difficulty concentrating, chest pain and shortness of breath are all symptoms of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls post-COVID conditions, better known as long COVID. In January of 2021, Macedo began visiting Lifespans Long Covid Clinic for patients experiencing symptoms weeks or months beyond their initial infection. She took a leave of absence from work while following a regimen of physical therapy and medication to get back to her functioning self. Nine months after her initial positive test, she finally felt ready to return. She resumed her old job at Rhode Island Hospital in July 2021, starting off in four-hour shifts. Anything more, and the headaches would return, bringing with them the fatigue that forced her back to bed.

Every day that would go by that I was not able to go back to work I was getting more nervous and sad thinking, Oh my God, what if I dont return to work? she says.

Helene Macedo spent nine months away from her job at Rhode Island Hospital after contracting long COVID. Photography by Alex Gagne.

Macedos Story of anxiety, illness and a life disrupted by COVID-19 is familiar to those living through the front lines of the pandemic. Though most health care workers evaded the debilitating effects of long COVID, nearly all have faced the strain of working under the constant threat of a potentially life-altering illness, made real by the suffering of patients every day. For most, the toll has been not physical but mental as pandemic life brought years of stress and burnout beyond their breaking point, forcing front-line medical workers across the industry to adjust their lives as a result.

I feel like in medicine, its always a balance of wins and losses. You have this bucket thats about half-full all the time because if it was too full, it would bubble over, says Dr. Bradley Collins, a hospitalist at Miriam Hospital. With the pandemic, it was just constantly being at patients bedsides, holding iPads for them when they were dying so they could say their farewells to their family members, understanding that people couldnt visit because we had to try to keep the public safe. We didnt have those wins to sort of empty the bucket a little bit. I think it got to a point for some of us where that got so full, even little things would cause it to spill over.

Jacqueline Insana, a psychiatric nurse working in Rhode Island, describes the large number of patients in need of behavioral and mental health services as a second pandemic. As levels of anxiety and depression have increased nationwide, so too have the needs of providers who care for patients. Sometimes, she says, shell receive texts or phone calls from friends working in health care seeking advice regarding their own mental health where to find a therapist, or whether they should seek out professional help.

To go from that level of functioning to literally barely making it through a day at home was just that was eye-opening. It starts to play with your head a little bit. HELENE MACEDO

Nurse Karen Dreyer interacts with assistant nurse manager Emily Breguet in the neonatal intensive care unit at Women and Infants Hospital. Photography by Alex Gagne.

Probably a couple months in I saw a lot more nurses saying, Hey, Im not sleeping. Im struggling with this, Im not sure I can go to work anymore. Im crying on my way home; what are resources I can reach out to to make sure Im OK?

Dr. Nadine Himelfarb, an emergency medicine physician and president of the Rhode Island chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, has been studying burnout for more than ten years. The term is commonly attributed to Herbert Freudenberger, a New York psychologist who in the 1970s used it to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion among volunteers and workers at an addiction clinic, including himself. In 1981, Christina Maslach developed a scale for assessing burnout, establishing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment as the three factors widely used to determine burnout in individuals. In her own view, Himelfarb says burnout is often the result of a values mismatch where someones experience of a job does not align with the reason they entered that field in the first place.

Everybody goes into medicine because of some version of I want to help people, she says. And what happens is you get into medicine, and you have to practice medicine within what has become the confines of the business of medicine, which is not always patient-centered. It is certainly not a system that oftentimes is set up to allow physicians to have the impact that they want or help people in the way that they see people need to be helped.

Himelfarb experienced this in the fall of 2020 when she took a three-month sabbatical. At the time, she was working sixty hours per week between her clinical and academic responsibilities. Combined with the daily realities of working through a pandemic undressing on the front porch after every shift to protect her immunocompromised husband and four children she soon realized she needed to make a change.

It was in August of 2020, and I realized that I was feeling this way. I had been working, I dont know, a bunch of shifts in a row, and then I knew that I had a week off and I had this vacation, she recalls. That weekend, I felt like I could hardly get out of bed. I just had no energy. I didnt know what was going on.

Despite her research into the subject, Himelfarb didnt immediately recognize her symptoms as burnout. It was only when she noticed they disappeared when she was no longer thinking about work that she realized she was experiencing what shed studied for so long.

The impact of burnout on physicians has been well documented. In a 2011 study, researchers found 45.8 percent of physicians surveyed reported at least one symptom of burnout, a number that increased to 54.4 percent in 2014. A 2017 follow-up study found burnout among physicians had decreased to 2011 levels, around 43.9 percent, but physicians were still more likely than the general population to feel burned out or be dissatisfied with their work-life balance. Likewise, physicians suffer from higher rates of suicide than the general population. Researchers estimated in a 2018 study that the physician suicide rate was twenty-eight to forty per 100,000, more than twice the general population rate of 12.3 per 100,000.

Kathleen Boyd is the director of the Rhode Island Medical Societys Physician Health Program, a resource set up in 1978 to assist physicians experiencing health issues, including psychiatric and substance use disorders. In 2021, the program had its busiest year to date, with thirty-ninereferrals. Many of those were for medical professionals experiencing burnout or health issues such as increased substance use, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The spike came after an initial lull in 2020, which Boyd attributes to physicians not having the time to seek help during the early months of the pandemic.

I think one of the things that happened for front-line physicians was it was difficult to have time for self-care, she says. Everybodys flat out. Getting help is really about self-care, and you have to kind of fit that into your schedule. For many of the front-line people, there wasnt time for that.

The trend of medical professionals struggling with burnout or mental health issues is not unique to the pandemic. Among the most common reasons for burnout cited by physicians in surveys conducted both before and during the pandemic is too much time spent on bureaucratic tasks, including charting requirements and paperwork. Other factors include long hours, a lack of respect from administrators or colleagues, insufficient compensation and the expanded use of electronic health records for patient documentation.

Thats what we hear, Boyd says. I see thirty patients or fifty patients, and then I go home and have dinner and help my kids with their homework, and then I do my charting until midnight. And thats kind of whats burning people out. Its really hard to have that boundary around your work life and your home life. Its tough.

In nurses, too, the effects of burnout can be long-lasting. A 2021 survey by the American Nurses Foundation found 34 percent of nurses considered themselves not or not at all emotionally healthy, and 42 percent said theydexperienced trauma as a result of COVID-19. Twenty-one percent said they planned to leave their positions within the next six months, while another 29 percent were considering leaving.

Dreyer speaks with nurse Danielle Buzzell. Photography by Alex Gagne.

Boyd talks about how the application of business models to health care, including the introduction of productivity quotas, has changed the experience for professionals working in the industry.

Were in the business of caring for others, and if your capacity for compassion becomes crushed, its compassion fatigue. And your ability to connect with your patients is also crushed because youre only allowed ten minutes to connect with them, then whats left? I think there are an awful lot of physicians who are leaving the field. And nurses, too. Theres just a lot of people who are like, theyre done, she says.

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How the Pandemic is Taking a Toll on Rhode Island's Front-Line Health Care Workers - Rhode Island Monthly

WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Myrtelle Inc. (Myrtelle or the Company), a clinical stage gene therapy company focused on developing transformative treatments for rare genetic diseases, today announced that it has entered into a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement with Rescue Hearing Inc. (RHI) to develop a novel gene therapy for DFNB8 genetic hearing loss. The low-dose recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapy is intended to deliver a therapeutic TMPRSS3 (transmembrane protease, serine 3) gene by local administration directly to the inner ear. Mutation in the TMPRSS3 gene is the underlying cause of DFNB8 genetic hearing loss in humans. Across its gene therapy programs, Myrtelle utilizes direct administration of low-dose gene therapy to target key cell types involved in the disorder, thereby avoiding immune-related and off-target effects that can arise with high-dose gene therapy administration delivered systemically. This strategy, currently being developed for Myrtelles central nervous system (CNS) programs, can be leveraged to other therapeutic areas outside the CNS, including adjacent and related areas such as the ear where local gene therapy delivery is potentially advantageous for hearing loss disorders such as DFNB8.

We are excited to partner with RHI on this important potential gene therapy for patients with DFNB8 genetic hearing loss. The program will leverage Myrtelles core capabilities and augment our product opportunities to build on the proof-of-concept demonstrated by RHI and move toward the clinic to advance a novel therapeutic approach for patients with DFNB8 genetic hearing, said Mark Pykett, Myrtelle CEO, adding, The potential significance of this new therapeutic hearing loss strategy for patients and families is high.

Preclinical studies in the mouse model of DFNB8-mediated deafness have demonstrated that delivery of a wild type TMPRSS3 gene was able to promote hair cell and neuron survival and improve hearing function. Recently, a successful meeting was held with German health authorities and the Paul Ehrlich Institute to discuss clinical trial authorization (CTA) requirements for starting a first-in-human study. CTA-enabling nonclinical work is currently planned to start later this year to meet these requirements.

RHI is a private, preclinical stage gene therapy company focusing on diseases affecting human hearing. The DFNB8 program targets a common form of genetic hearing loss caused by a mutation in the TMPRSS3 gene. TMPRSS3 mutation is the most common form of genetic deafness in the adult cochlear implant population. DFNB8 patients experience progressive hearing loss usually starting in late teens and early 20s which can lead to complete deafness. RHIs initial preclinical research has demonstrated positive proof-of-concept data enabling entrance to the IND development phase.

We are pleased to partner with Myrtelle on this exciting program. Myrtelles team and their drug development experience are an outstanding fit for the TMPRSS3 AAV-based gene therapy program for DNFB8-related genetic hearing loss. The groundbreaking proof-of-concept data generated by our scientific team lead by Dr. Hinrich Staecker (University of Kansas Medical Center), Dr. Zheng Yi Chen (Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary), and Dr. Xue Zhong Liu (University of Miami Health System) provide a strong foundation for further development. The RHI team is proud to have brought the TMPRSS3 program to this exciting stage and look forward to advancing the program into the clinic with Myrtelle with the goal of developing a novel therapy to positively impact unmet medical needs of the genetic hearing loss community, said Jim Ayala, CEO/Founder Rescue of Hearing.

ABOUT MYRTELLEMyrtelle Inc. is a clinical stage gene therapy company focused on developing transformative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The company has a proprietary platform, intellectual property, and portfolio of programs and technologies supporting innovative gene therapy approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Myrtelle has an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pfizer for its lead gene therapy program in Canavan Disease. For more information, please visit the Companys website at: http://www.myrtellegtx.com.

RESCUE HEARING INCRescue Hearing Inc (RHI) is a private, preclinical stage gene therapy company focused on the genetic forms of hearing loss. RHIs initial product (RHI100) has produced positive proof of concept data and is entering the IND development phase. RHI100 targets a common form of genetic hearing loss caused by a mutation in the TMPRSS3 gene. TMPRSS3 mutation is the most common form of genetic deafness in the cochlear implant population. RHI has two additional gene therapy assets in development. For more information, please visit the companys website at: http://www.rescuehearing.com.

DFNB8Individuals with mutations in TMPRSS3 present with two phenotypes: DFNB10-associated hearing impairment that is pre-lingual and DFNB8-associated hearing impairment that is typically late-onset and post-lingual. TMPRSS3 mutations can be divided into mild or severe; the combination of two severe mutations causes profound pre-lingual hearing loss, whereas milder mutations lead to less severe post-lingual hearing loss.

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Myrtelle Enters into a Worldwide Exclusive License Agreement with Rescue Hearing to Develop and Commercialize Gene Therapy for the Treatment of...

The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASCGT) annual meeting continues to see companies showcasing promising therapeutics for multiple disease indications. As the conference enters its fourth day, BioSpace takes a look at a few of the presentations.

Capsida Biotherapeutics

California-based Capsida showcased its therapeutic approach that the company believes will unlock the potential to treat both rare and common diseases across all ages.

Capsida shared its early generation AAV-engineered pilot programs, as well as results from its capsid engineering platform used to select adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-based vectors for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system. In its presentation, Capsida Chief Executive Officer Peter Anastasiou said the data demonstrate improved distribution throughout the cortical, subcortical, and deep brain regions at low doses via IV administration compared to invasive AAV9 dosing methods.

The company also included an oral presentation dubbed CAP-001: Systemic AAV Gene Therapy With Next-Generation Capsids for MPS II Disease. CAP-001 is a novel engineered capsid packaging a human iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) transgene. The company noted CAP-001 was selected for further characterization as a proof of concept to treat mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter Syndrome, a lysosomal storage disorder.

When administered intravenously, results showed that CAP-001 achieved better biodistribution across the brain than AAV9 through other administered routes. It also provided a significantly more uniform distribution across all brain areas witha >50-fold improvement in subcortical and deep-brain regions, an area where ICM delivery has proven to poorly distribute.

Instill Bio

Texas-based Instil Bio showed off results of genomic and correlative analyses in a cohort of patients with metastatic melanoma treated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). In its presentation this week, Instil showed a correlation between tumor response and clonal expansion of TILs.

Additionally, the company noted in its oral abstract that there is an inverse correlation between tumor response and specific T cell populations. Instil said that expression profiling and transcriptional network analysis points to what it called master regulator genes that can be manipulated during TIL manufacturing to enhance TIL activity.

We believe that TILs represent more than a potential therapy for patients, as they are also a platform to understand fundamental T cell biology, Bronson Crouch, chief executive officer of Instil Bio said in a statement. We are applying the recent advances in analytical technologies to deeply probe the function of TILs, and expect to generate insights that could be foundational for the development of anti-cancer therapies.

Adverum Biotechnologies

California-based Adverum presented data that further supports its Phase-II development plans for ADVM-022, a therapeutic candidate for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Data presented shows results from non-human primate studies that support the companys planned 6 X 10^10 vg/eye (6E10) dose expected to be used in its next clinical trial.

Data highlights from the presentation show that the human equivalent dose of 6E10 (3 X 10^10 vg/eye dose in NHP) demonstrated potential therapeutic levels in both aqueous humor and vitreous humor, the company said. Also, Adverum said the administration of the human equivalent dose of 6E10 (3 X 10^10 vg/eye dose in NHP) was well tolerated. No adverse clinical signs were observed during the three-month study, the company added.

We are highly encouraged by the aflibercept expression levels and tolerability of the human equivalent dose of 6x10^10 vg/eye supported by our data in non-human primates, Richard Beckman, chief medical officer of Adverum Biotechnologies said in a statement. As we explore doses of 2x10^11 vg/eye and lower, we are excited by the potential of enhancing the safety profile while building on the robust response that ADVM-022 has demonstrated to date in wet AMD.

Metagenomi

Bay Area-based Metagenomi presented preclinical data on novel gene-editing systems that have shown extremely high editing efficiency in human primary immune cells and the ability to integrate at multiple, targeted sites. At ASGCT, the company made two presentations.

The first study, CRISPR-Associated Gene-Editing Systems Discovered in Metagenomic Samples Enable Efficient Genome Engineering in Multiple Primary Immune Cell Types, showcased Metagenomis CRISPR-associated gene editing systems ability to edit primary human cells with high efficiency, including T cells, natural killer cells, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. The company said they reached an editing efficiency of more than 95%.

The second presentation, Active CRISPR-Associated Transposases from Natural Environments, showed off a novel family of proprietary CRISPR-associated transposase (CAST) gene-editing systems. CASTs

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Capsida, Adverum, Instil and Metagenomi Showcase Therapies at ASGCT - BioSpace

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma Company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today announced that the highly-regarded Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology has published a qualitative study to explore the impact of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) on patients and their relatives. The study was featured in a paper published on the journals website last month titled, The Impact of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy on the Quality of Life of Patients and Their Relatives: A Qualitative Study. It is the first of its kind to explore this condition and its impact for patients and relatives in four different countries.

The study determined that the impact of LHON extends beyond vision-related activity limitations, while addressing its psychosocial impact. It concluded that helping patients and their relatives adapt and cope with vision loss is vital. An accurate and timely diagnosis for patients is also crucial to address these issues and also to allow for early intervention.

This study is the first to describe the impact of LHON on the families of affected individuals. Partners and families of affected individuals take on many responsibilities and shoulder some of the burden of LHON. The impact that LHON has on partners and families has not been reported previously and it is vital that we acknowledge the support and care that they provide, explained Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD, Moorfields Eye Hospital and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Participants reported feeling devastated by the diagnosis of LHON after a lengthy and worrisome diagnostic journey. They were also frustrated by the loss of autonomy that affected their relatives. Participants described challenges across several domains: physical capabilities, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, work and studies, finances, and recreational activities.

Additionally, the study determined that despite residing in different countries, LHON patients and their relatives described similar experiences in the four areas of focus in this study. These areas include (1) experience leading to the point of diagnosis; (2) impact of their condition on various aspects of life; (3) perceptions about treatment; and (4) expectations toward future therapies.

This study confirms what we have known all along in the eye clinic - that LHON impacts every aspect of quality of life, not just activities that rely on vision. Understanding how LHON affects individuals who develop vision loss enables doctors to intervene early and provide care that will improve the quality of life of affected individuals, commented Benson Chen, MD, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. This might include different kinds of assessments in the eye clinic that measure the emotional and psychological impact of LHON or developing the referral pathways that enable affected individuals to access psychological support and work or skills re-training, he added.

LHON is an inherited mitochondrial disease characterized by severe bilateral vision loss and chronic visual impairment. The objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the impact of LHON on the lives of patients and their relatives at the time of diagnosis and now.

The qualitative study design encompassed eight focus group interviews conducted in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, involving 17 individuals with m.11778G>A mutation and their relatives. Separate focus groups for patients and their relatives were facilitated by a moderator in French, German, or English. Neuro-ophthalmologists in the four countries who participated helped to identify additional patients who fulfilled under-represented sampling criteria. The four countries were selected because all have established networks of individuals with LHON and were places where previous LHON studies have been conducted.

Focus group interviews were conducted as part of a market research study sponsored by GenSight Biologics, and independently designed and conducted by groupH, a health care market research and analytics firm. The design and conduct of the study complied with the European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association and British Healthcare Business Intelligence Association guidelines.

We, at GenSight, have long been convinced that by providing an innovative therapeutic solution for LHON we would offer much more than an improved vision. Documenting the impact of LHON experienced by all study participants highlights the fact that we could empower patients and improve their ability to enjoy a fulfilling life, while easing the demands on their loved ones. This is precisely why we are dedicated to developing a long-lasting therapeutic solution for patients with LHON, explained Magali Taiel, Chief Medical Officer of GenSight. We are hopeful that we may one day help patients to recover not only their vision, but also their sense of autonomy and well-being, she added.

Full text versions of this article are available on the journals website: https://journals.lww.com/jneuro-ophthalmology/Abstract/9900/The_Impact_of_Leber_Hereditary_Optic_Neuropathy_on.77.aspx.

*About the paper:

The Impact of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy on the Quality of Life of Patients and Their Relatives: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Benson S. Chen, MD, Erik Holzinger, MBA, Magali Taiel, MD, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD

References: 1. Carelli V, Carbonelli M, de Coo IF, Kawasaki A, Klopstock T, Lagrze WA, La Morgia C, Newman NJ, Orssaud C, Pott JWR, Sadun AA, van Everdingen J, Vignal-Clermont C, Votruba M, Yu- Wai-Man P, Barboni P. International consensus statement on the clinical and therapeutic management of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. J Neuroophthalmol. 2017;37:371381.2. Wallace DC, Singh G, Lott MT, Hodge JA, Schurr TG, Lezza AM, Elsas LJ II, Nikoskelainen EK. Mitochondrial DNA mutation associated with Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy. Science. 1988;242:14271430.3. Newman NJ, Carelli V, Taiel M, Yu-Wai-Man P. Visual outcomes in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy patients with the m.11778G.A (MTND4) mitochondrial DNA mutation. J Neuroophthalmol. 2020;40:547557.4. Yu-Wai-Man P, Newman NJ, Carelli V, La Morgia C, Biousse V, Bandello FM, Clermont CV, Campillo LC, Leruez S, Moster ML, Cestari DM, Foroozan R, Sadun A, Karanjia R, Jurkute N, Blouin L, Taiel M, Sahel JA; Group LRS. Natural history of patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy-results from the REALITY study. Eye (Lond). 2021 Apr 28 doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/ s41433-021-01535-9 (epub ahead of print).5. Braithwaite T, Calvert M, Gray A, Pesudovs K, Denniston AK. The use of patient-reported outcome research in modern ophthalmology: impact on clinical trials and routine clinical practice. Patient Relat Outcome Meas. 2019;10:924.6. Mangione CM, Lee PP, Gutierrez PR, Spritzer K, Berry S, Hays RD. National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire field test I. Development of the 25-item National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:10501058.7. Kirkman MA, Korsten A, Leonhardt M, Dimitriadis K, De Coo IF, Klopstock T, Griffiths PG, Hudson G, Chinnery PF, Yu-Wai-Man P. Quality of life in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009;50:31123115.8. Cui S, Jiang H, Peng J, Wang J, Zhang X. Evaluation of vision- related quality of life in Chinese patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and the G11778A mutation. J Neuroophthalmol. 2019;39:5659.9. Gale J, Khoshnevis M, Frousiakis SE, Karanjia R, Poincenot L, Sadun AA, Baron DA. An international study of emotional response to bilateral vision loss using a novel graphical online assessment tool. Psychosomatics. 2017;58:3845.10. Garcia GA, Khoshnevis M, Gale J, Frousiakis SE, Hwang TJ, Poincenot L, Karanjia R, Baron D, Sadun AA. Profound vision loss impairs psychological well-being in young and middle-aged individuals. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:417427.11. Gale NK, Heath G, Cameron E, Rashid S, Redwood S. Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi- disciplinary health research. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2013;13:117.12. Steinberg EP, Tielsch JM, Schein OD, Javitt JC, Sharkey P, Cassard SD, Legro MW, Diener-West M, Bass EB, Damiano AM, Steinwachs DM, Sommer A. The VF-14. An index of functional impairment in patients with cataract. Arch Ophthalmol. 1994;112:630638.13. Cohen JS, Biesecker BB. Quality of life in rare genetic conditions: a systematic review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A. 2010;152A:11361156.14. von der Lippe C, Diesen PS, Feragen KB. Living with a rare disorder: a systematic review of the qualitative literature. Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2017;5:758773.15. James CA, Hadley DW, Holtzman NA, Winkelstein JA. How does the mode of inheritance of a genetic condition influence families? A study of guilt, blame, stigma, and understanding of inheritance and reproductive risks in families with X-linked and autosomal recessive diseases. Genet Med. 2006;8:234242.16. Turriff A, Nolen R, DAmanda C, Biesecker B, Cukras C, Sieving PA. There are hills and valleys: experiences of parenting a son with X-linked retinoschisis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020;212:98104.17. Nyumba TO, Wilson K, Derrick CJ, Mukherjee N. The use of focus group discussion methodology: insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods Ecol Evol. 2018;9:2032.

About GenSight Biologics

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics lead product candidate, LUMEVOQ (GS010; lenadogene nolparvovec), has been submitted for marketing approval in Europe for the treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease affecting primarily teens and young adults that leads to irreversible blindness. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

About Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a rare maternally inherited mitochondrial genetic disease, characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells that results in brutal and irreversible vision loss that can lead to legal blindness, and mainly affects adolescents and young adults. LHON is associated with painless, sudden loss of central vision in the 1st eye, with the 2nd eye sequentially impaired. It is a symmetric disease with poor functional visual recovery. 97% of patients have bilateral involvement at less than one year of onset of vision loss, and in 25% of cases, vision loss occurs in both eyes simultaneously. The estimated incidence of LHON is approximately 800-1,200 new patients who lose their sight every year in the United States and the European Union.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220518006010/en/

Source: GenSight Biologics S.A.

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GenSight Biologics Announces Publication of a Study of the Impact of LHON Disease on the Lives of Patients and Relatives in Journal of...