StemCell Therapy

Working in the medical field for over 30 years helped me navigate health care appointments for my rheumatoid arthritis. I'm not afraid to ask if I need a test, and if I think that something needs to be looked at, I'm not shy: I ask. The patient has a right to do that, and I have a very good relationship with my health care team.

After years of trying different medications that I couldnt tolerate for long periods or that didn't work for me, including methotrexate and NSAIDs, I started taking a biologic in 2001, 10 years after my diagnosis. Im still on it. For me, its been a life changer. I think its the reason Im still able to work full-time, which in turn keeps me going.

What also helped was finding a community who understood what I was going through. In 1991, the only way I could see how people handled living with rheumatoid arthritis was by watching VHS tapes from the library. I didnt know anyone else with arthritis when I was diagnosed, or anyone else on my treatment. I wanted to talk to somebody else and see how it was going for them, and share my great experience with people.

For years, it felt like no one understood. If I tried to talk to someone about the pain and the obstacles I was facing, people accused me of being negative. I needed to find people who were uplifting.

In 2002, I discovered CreakyJoints, a community for people with arthritis. Meeting other people online in the chat room and later on the Facebook page was really helpful, and I started reading the monthly newsletter. Although Im naturally a shy person, I wanted to get more involved. I edited the poetry section of the newsletter for three years, helped put together a book in 2017, and became one of the first members of the patients council. We meet monthly and work on pamphlets to help raise awareness, especially about the mental health side of living with arthritis. I really want people to know that if you're having a hard time coping, it's okay to find somebody to talk to. You don't have to go this alone. There are people out there just like you. And when you reach out for help, youre not only helping yourself, youre helping others as well.

As hard as rheumatoid arthritis can be, Ive always had hope. In 2020, I started noticing that I was feeling better. Things like getting dressed, which could be absolute agony, were easier. I started seeing a new rheumatologist in February, and after a check-up in August, I found out I was already in remission. I thought, I'm in remission? I was shockedit was awesome!

Being in remission from rheumatoid arthritis is almost like being given a gift. I was briefly in remission 10 years ago, and even though it only lasted a couple of months, I always said it could happen again: I never gave up hope. Im hoping it will last longer this time.

Im very aware that I still live with rheumatoid arthritis. It hasn't suddenly gone away, it's just that things are quiet right now. I still experience fatigue and I still live with pain. I have joint deformity from before I started taking the treatment Im on, and that will never be fixed. But I havent had very bad days since remission. I still have to be vigilant and keep taking my medication, and keep doing all the things Ive been doing to stay healthy. Exercise is very important; I walk half a mile to and from work most weekdays, even in the winter! I also know when to rest, especially since Im more vulnerable to infections on the medication.

Attitude is so important too. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, not every day is going to be great. But I find that if you can bring humor, even when you're in pain, it can at least get your mind off it for a little while. And dont ever give up hope. I trust scientists, and just look at the drugs that are out there now, and the ones that are still being developed. Ive lived with the disease for a long time, and I want people to know that Im proof that remission can happenand its great.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Related:

View post:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission: This Is What It Really Feels Like - Self

Background and objectives: To investigate the serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without active infection compared with healthy controls and to understand the relationship of PCT with RA disease activity, and treatment received by patients.

Materials and Methods: Patients aged 20 years and above with clinician-confirmed diagnosis of RA and healthy volunteers were included during regular outpatient visits, and those with active infection symptoms and signs were excluded. RA disease activity was measured using the Disease Activity Score-28 for Rheumatoid Arthritis with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Medications received by the patients were also recorded.

Results: A total of 623 patients with RA and 87 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. The mean PCT were significantly higher in patients with RA (6.90 11.81 10-3ng/mL) compared with healthy controls (1.70 6.12 10-3ng/mL) (p< 0.001) and the difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and sex. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis showed that a lower rank-transformed PCT serum level was significantly correlated with the use of biologics (p= 0.017) and a high DAS28-ESR score (p = 0.028) in patients with RA.

Conclusion: Patients with RA have a significantly higher serum PCT levels compared with healthy controls. The use of biologics and an active RA disease activity were associated with a lower level of PCT in patients with RA. Further investigation is required to determine the optimal cutoff value of PCT among patients with RA and its association with disease activity and biologic usage.

Keywords:disease activity; disease activity index; infection; procalcitonin; rheumatoid arthritis.

See the rest here:
Modestly Elevated Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Free of Active Infection - DocWire News

Introduction:Enthesitis is a core outcome domain assessed in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) clinical trials. Limited evidence describes the impact of enthesitis on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and physician satisfaction with current treatment options. The objective of this analysis is to characterize the impact of enthesitis on PROs and physician satisfaction with currently available treatment in clinical practice settings.

Methods:Cross-sectional survey of rheumatologists, dermatologists, and their consulting patients with PsA in Australia, Canada, European Union (EU5), and the USA conducted in 2018. Physicians assessed current presence and severity of enthesitis, overall disease severity, other symptoms experienced, and their satisfaction with the current treatment. PsA participant self-reported data included current pain level, EQ5D, Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID12), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Index (WPAI-SHP). Bivariate descriptive analyses were conducted to describe features and outcomes in participants with and without enthesitis.

Results:Rheumatologists (454) and dermatologists (238) provided information for 3157 participants with PsA. Mean participant age was 49.2 years, and 45.9% were female. Enthesitis was present currently in 6.5% (205) of participants with PsA. Those with enthesitis had worse overall disease severity compared to those without enthesitis (12.2% vs 2.2% severe) and had more extraarticular manifestations, including nail psoriasis, dactylitis, and sacroiliitis. Enthesitis was associated with more pain, worse quality of life (QoL), increased disability, and a negative impact on work. Participants with enthesitis had higher NSAIDs and opioid pain medication use but similar biologic use. Physicians were significantly less satisfied with current PsA treatment in participants with enthesitis versus without enthesitis.

Conclusions:Participants with psoriatic arthritis with enthesitis experienced significantly higher disease burden than those without enthesitis but were not more likely to receive advanced therapies. Physicians were significantly more dissatisfied with treatment in patients with enthesitis than in those without it.

Keywords:PROs; Patient-reported outcome; Psoriatic arthritis; Real-world evidence; Satisfaction.

Follow this link:
Impact of Enthesitis on Psoriatic Arthritis Patient-Reported Outcomes and Physician Satisfaction with Treatment: Data from a Multinational Patient and...

Objective:To assess MR features following MPFL reconstruction and determine their influence on post-operative pain, progressive arthritis, or graft failure.

Materials and methods:Retrospective study on 38 patients with MPFL reconstruction and a post-operative MRI between January 2010 and June 2019. Two radiologists assessed MPFL graft signal, graft thickness, femoral screw, femoral tunnel widening, and patellofemoral cartilage damage. The third performed patellofemoral instability measurements. All three assessed femoral tunnel position with final result determined by majority consensus. Imaging findings were evaluated in the setting of post-operative pain, patellofemoral arthritis, and MPFL graft failure including need for MPFL revision. Statistics included chi-square, Fishers exact test, t test, and kappa.

Results:Mean graft thickness was 6.0 1.8 mm; 24% of the grafts were diffusely hypointense. Mean femoral tunnel widening was 2.5 1.8 mm; 34% of the femoral screws were broken or extruded. Fifty-two percent of the patients had no interval cartilage change. Non-anatomic femoral tunnels were found in 66% of patients, including in all 9 patients requiring revision MPFL reconstruction (p = 0.013). Revised MPFL grafts had more abnormal femoral screws compared to those that did not (67% vs. 24%) (p = 0.019). Other MR features did not significantly influence the evaluated outcomes.

Conclusion:The need for revision MPFL reconstruction occurs more frequently when there is a non-anatomic femoral tunnel and broken or extruded femoral screws. The appearance of the MPFL graft itself is not an influencing factor for post-operative pain, progression of patellofemoral arthritis, or graft failure.

Keywords:Graft failure; MPFL reconstruction; MRI; Medial patellofemoral ligament; Post-operative knee.

See original here:
MRI following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: assessment of imaging features found with post-operative pain, arthritis, and graft...

Arthritis means sore joints and often lots of painkillers to keep the aches at bay. But there could be alternatives to popping prescription pills every day, according to experts.

Exercise, weight loss and supplements, such as vitamin D and rosehip, could help manage the often agonising symptoms of joint health, it is claimed. Dr Alastair Dickson, a GP with an interest in arthritis, said joint problems are common.

They can be caused by lots of things and can be short-term pain or more long term, he said. Acute pain is often caused by knocks, sprains and other injuries. Typically, this pain will get better over a number of days or weeks.

Persistent joint pain often results from more chronic processes related to trauma and wear and tear, such as osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, Dr Dickson explains, is the response of your body trying to heal your joints and can have a significant impact on the lives of sufferers. The condition is most common in the over 40s, and in people who have suffered more trauma in their joints. It can affect any joint, but the most common are hips, knees, ankles, hands, fingers and neck.

Joint pain is different for each patient, Dr Dickson said.

Commonly osteoarthritis in the large joints (such as your knees and hips) affects your mobility whilst osteoarthritis of your shoulders, hands and fingers can affect your ability to lift and open and close things making everyday tasks such as dressing difficult.

Neck osteoarthritis can make movement such as looking up awkward and painful, he said.

In Scotland it is estimated that 16.6% of people aged over 45 years suffer with knee osteoarthritis and 10.1% have hip osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially pain, tend to develop slowly and build-up in severity over time, typically years, Dr Dickson explained. If you have pain from osteoarthritis the symptoms are individual to you. Treating everyone in the same way doesnt work.

When it comes to treatment, non-weight bearing exercise and weight loss are considered crucial. And painkillers are often prescribed but Dr Dickson says alternatives, such as physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and evidence-based supplements, can help reduce this long-term reliance on pain relief. Over recent years, evidence has been accumulating that overuse of painkillers is problematic and doesnt necessarily cure the pain, he said.

Paracetamol is often insufficient for the pain on its own. To complicate matters further drugs that work for one person dont necessarily work for someone else. There is currently a very large change in practice being suggested with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) draft guidance advising most painkillers for chronic pain should not be used long term as they are ineffective.

The answer, Dr Dickson says, could be to look at the causes of pain and consider supplements where there is good evidence that they are safe and clinically effective. Unfortunately many supplements, such as glucosamine or chondroitin products, rubefacient creams (deep heat creams) are currently not considered to be either clinically or cost-effective following reviews by the NHS.

However, increasing vitamin D has been shown to reduce muscular pain and evidence suggests rosehip may be effective in relieving some symptoms. Dr Dickson, who advises a company who supports GOPO, a rosehip-containing medication, explained: A summary analysis of three clinical trials found that rosehip-containing medications are clinically effective in reducing pain. Studies have found that some rosehip compounds appear to have anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits to cartilage but there have been no clinical trials to confirm this in patients.

Some patients use rosehip as an alternative to paracetamol. Its not available on the NHS but can be bought over the counter from a chemist. NICE is currently reviewing its osteoarthritis guidance and there should be updated guidance next year. Hopefully NICE will include rosehip compounds in its updated analysis.

He added: I use painkillers but over recent years the evidence has changed for why and how we should be using them: I now increasingly advise that they are to help you to start to mobilise by reducing not curing your pain.

We use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time.

This doesnt mean never taking them but rather educating the patient so they become the expert and, armed with the information, they can become more in charge of how best to manage their pain and when to use painkillers.

Many over-the-counter supplements are thought to be helpful for arthritis sufferers. Here are some you could try:

Glucosamine

Helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Natural glucosamine levels drop as people age.

Chondroitin sulfate

Often used with glucosamine as an osteoarthritis treatment, researchers found that chondroitin appeared to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and decrease the need for painkillers.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Found in fish oil, Omega 3 fatty acids encourage the body to produce chemicals that help control inflammation. May help ease stiffness for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Curcumin

Active ingredient of turmeric, it has anti-inflammatory properties and provides relief for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Green tea

Packed with polyphenols, antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction.

Vitamin D

Important for keeping bones strong and preventing injuries from falls. Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain.

Ginger

May be beneficial in managing the inflammation and pain of arthritis, due to anti-inflammatory effects.

Rosehip

Contains polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are believed to ease joint inflammation and prevent damage.

Read more:
Health: The alternative ways to ease joint pain and arthritis - The Sunday Post

Objective:To assess satisfaction with the effectiveness and tolerability of treatments in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:Patients from the RABBIT register, starting a biological (b) or targeted synthetic (ts) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), or a conventional synthetic (cs)DMARD treatment after 1 csDMARD failure, were included. Treatment satisfaction was measured after 1 year of treatment in four categories and binarised for analysis. Logistic regression models were performed to calculate ORs for factors associated with treatment satisfaction.

Results:Data of 10 646 patients (74% women, mean 58 years) were analysed. At baseline, 55% of the patients were satisfied with the efficacy and 68% with the tolerability of their previously given treatments. After 1 year, 85% of the patients were satisfied with treatment effectiveness and 90% with tolerability. Baseline satisfaction (OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.58 to 3.44), seropositivity (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.57), reduction of DAS28 (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.46) and pain (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.31), and the improvement of physical capacity (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.29) were positively associated with treatment satisfaction at follow-up while glucocorticoids (GCs) >5 mg/day, depression, fibromyalgia, obesity, prior bDMARDs and therapy changes were negatively associated. The impact of GC on satisfaction was dose-dependent, becoming strongest for GC >15 mg (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.34). A 5 mg/day reduction within 12 months was positively associated with satisfaction regarding efficacy (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.27) and tolerability (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.21).

Conclusion:Most patients were satisfied with their treatments effectiveness and tolerability after 1 year of treatment. Tapering GCs was positively associated with the improvement of patients satisfaction.

Keywords:Arthritis; Biological Therapy; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Rheumatoid.

More here:
Factors associated with treatment satisfaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from the biological register RABBIT - DocWire News

SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). Credit: Janssen Biotech, Inc. The 4ml single-use vial of SIMPONI ARIA contains 50mg of golimumab. Credit: A2-33. SIMPONI ARIA acts as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocker.

SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) is a fully human anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha monoclonal antibody.

It is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adult patients, as well as active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) and active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients aged two years and older.

SIMPONI ARIA is available in a single-use vial as a colourless to a light-yellow solution in 50mg / 4ml (12.5mg / ml) dosage strength for intravenous administration.

Discovered and developed by Janssen Biotech, golimumab was initially approved as a subcutaneous injection under the trade name Simponi by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of RA, PsA and AS in adult patients in 2009.

SIMPONI was approved in Europe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA, active and progressive PsA, severe, active AS, active ulcerative colitis, severe active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and pJIA.

In July 2013, the intravenous form of golimumab obtained FDA approval under the trade name Simponi Aria for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active RA in combination with methotrexate (MTX).

The company submitted two supplemental biologics license applications (sBLAs) for Simponi Aria to the FDA for the treatment of PsA and AS in adult patients in December 2016. The applications were approved in October 2017.

The FDA also received two sBLAs for Simponi Aria for the treatment of active pJIA and PsA in paediatric patients in April 2020. The drug was approved for the indications in September 2020.

SIMPONI ARIA is marketed in 24 countries for one or more of the aforementioned indications.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is an arthritis-like inflammatory condition in children characterised by joint swelling, stiffness and pain, persistent for at least six weeks.

The polyarticular form of JIA is most common and is characterised by inflammation in more than four joints, closely resembling adult RA.

PsA is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by both joint inflammation and skin lesions associated with psoriasis. PsA in paediatric patients is one of the rarest forms of JIA, observed in 2% to 11% of JIA patients.

Other characteristics of psoriatic arthritis include finger and nail defects or complications with the eye.

Golimumab is an anti-TNF biologic agent that binds to soluble and transmembrane bioactive forms of human TNF-alpha, a cytokine protein whose overproduction in the body leads to several chronic inflammatory diseases.

Inhibition of the interaction of TNF-alpha to its receptors inhibits its biological activity.

FDA approval of SIMPONI ARIA for pJIA is based on results from the open-label, multi-centre, phase three clinical trial, GO-VIVA.

SIMPONI ARIA is available in a single-use vial as a colourless to a light-yellow solution in 50mg / 4ml (12.5mg / ml) dosage strength for intravenous administration.

The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of SIMPONI ARIA in 127 patients with pJIA aged two years to 17 years, following MTX treatment for at least two months.

The efficacy of the drug was consistent with responses in adult patients with RA through 52 weeks.

SIMPONI ARIAs pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure was consistent with the two pivotal phase three clinical trials in adult patients with moderate-to-severe active RA and active PsA.

The safety profile established for SIMPONI ARIA in paediatric patients was also consistent with the results in adult RA and PsA patients.

Common side-effects of SIMPONI ARIA reported in patients during the clinical trial are viral infections, upper respiratory tract infection, increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, decreased neutrophil count, rash, bronchitis and high blood pressure.

Continue reading here:
SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) for the Treatment of pJIA - Clinical Trials Arena

An arthritis diet should focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables.

Image Credit: SDI Productions/E+/GettyImages

There's no magic bullet when it comes to treating arthritis, unfortunately. But if you have the condition, you might find some symptom relief by changing what you eat.

Here's the breakdown on how diet and arthritis are linked, and the best and worst foods to eat for joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

The Inflammation Connection

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but each is marked by chronic inflammation in the joints that can cause swelling and pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Acute or short-term inflammation is actually a healthy response that helps protect the body. A fever, which helps you fight off infection, is an example of acute inflammation. This type of inflammation goes away when the threat to the body is gone, according to a December 2019 paper published in Nature Medicine.

Chronic or long-term inflammation is that same response, but all the time. You don't go walking around with a fever 24/7, but inflammation is present in your body to a lesser extent. This chronic inflammation is linked to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, according to the Nature Medicine paper.

"Diet can absolutely impact arthritis be either exasperating inflammatory symptoms or by quieting inflammation."

Inflammation occurs for different reasons across the various types of arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the most common type, inflammation is caused by wear and tear on the joints, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease, so inflammation occurs because the body mistakenly attacks the joints, per the CDC.

Tamping down that inflammatory response can help manage the pain and other uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis, and that's where your diet comes in: Certain foods can increase or decrease inflammation in the body.

"At the root of the pathology of arthritis is chronic and unchecked inflammation," says Liz Wyosnick, RDN, dietitian and owner of Equilibriyum in Seattle, Washington. "Diet can absolutely impact arthritis be either exasperating inflammatory symptoms or by quieting [inflammation]."

Foods to Limit or Avoid With Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the following foods can trigger or worsen inflammation:

This really means "added sugar," which is sugar added to food during processing (think: sweetened beverages like soda and snack foods). You should limit your added sugar to 6 teaspoons per day for women and children, and no more than 9 teaspoons per day for men, according to the American Heart Association.(For reference, 6 teaspoons is about 25 grams and 9 teaspoons is about 38 grams; a 12-ounce can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar.)

Limiting the amount of saturated fat in your diet means eating less red meat, whole-fat dairy, butter and cheese.

Decreasing saturated fats in the diet and replacing them with monounsaturated fats (like nuts, avocado and vegetable oils) may help reduce the progression of knee osteoarthritis, according to March 2017 research published in Arthritis Care and Research.

These are manmade fats that the Food and Drug Administration banned as an ingredient in foods in 2015. However, they're still found in very small amounts in processed baked good and shelf-stable foods that have "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredients list. Here are six foods to avoid.

Omega 6s aren't bad per se, but the issue is when the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is off. The goal is to lower the ratio, which means less omega-6 fatty acids and more omega-3s to help reduce the pain associated with arthritis inflammation, according to a February 2018 article published in the Clinical Journal of Pain.

Try to steer clear of processed meats and opt instead for seafood and leaner cuts of grass-fed meat.

Aim to eat a 3- to 6-ounce serving of fatty fish two to four times a week, per the Arthritis Foundation, and opt for fish that are relatively low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel and black cod.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley, while casein is a protein found in dairy foods. If you have a sensitivity to either of these, this could trigger an inflammatory response.

The link isn't entirely clear, but some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have found relief by sticking with a gluten-free vegan diet, according to February 2018 research published in Open Rheumatology Journal.

"The underlying theory is that when you go on a plant-based diet, you cut back on animal products (dairy and meat), and hence, exclude most of the foods that promote inflammation, which helps control your RA symptoms," Febin Melepura, MD, medical director at the Sports & Pain Institute of New York, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "In contrast, diets high in animal products and low in fiber might aggravate your arthritis or cause more flare-ups."

What to Eat When You Have Arthritis

Fatty fish like salmon are rich in inflammation-fighting omega-3s.

Image Credit: kajakiki/E+/GettyImages

A diet focused on easing arthritis symptoms typically includes foods that can help decrease inflammation, not promote it. But "there's no one-size-fits-all approach," Dr. Melepura says. "What works for one may not work for another."

With that in mind, here are some loose guidelines to follow, but be sure to adjust where you need to based on your individual symptoms.

It's no secret that fruits and vegetables are recommended for good health, but their role in helping relieve arthritis pain lies in special compounds called phytochemicals, which are responsible for fighting inflammation.

"I would particularly recommend including fruits such as pomegranates, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries," Dr. Melepura says, "as they are a rich source of polyphenols including anthocyanins, quercetin and various types of phenolic acids. All these compounds are widely known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects."

Herbs and spices are also a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

"Parsley, basil, cilantro, gingerroot, cinnamon and turmeric are some of the most nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory foods available, so I guide people to incorporate these at most meals," Wyosnick says.

These special fats are found mainly in fish, but you can also find them in walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds. Dr. Melepura calls these "joint-friendly fats" and says "studies show that consumption of omega-3 fats lowers the levels of two inflammatory proteins, which are C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6." It should be noted, though, that this has been shown in people with fairly serious diseases, so the research may not translate for those with minor arthritis.

Olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet, which is filled with fruits and vegetables, fish, legumes and nuts. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and researchers believe it's one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet is good for reducing inflammation.

Extra-virgin olive oil specifically has been shown to improve gut health and also cut back on inflammation in the body, according to August 2019 research published in Nutrients.

To help tame arthritis inflammation, fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, fatty fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil. Cut back on sugar and saturated fats, and avoid trans fats completely.

Navigating Your Arthritis With Diet

If your specific type of arthritis has you confused about which type of foods you should eat, don't let that worry you. "An anti-inflammatory eating pattern can be perfectly safe for any type of arthritis," Wyosnick assures.

If you have food allergies or want to confirm an allergy or intolerance that may be aggravating your arthritis pain, speak with your doctor.

In addition, a registered dietitian can help you evaluate your current diet, remove troublesome foods from your diet and add in foods that may help provide some relief.

Read the original here:
The Best and Worst Foods to Eat When You Have Arthritis - LIVESTRONG.COM

A GLADSTONE man caught drug driving said he drank speed to help with his arthritis.

Mark Leslie Gordon, 55, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Monday to drug driving.

He was intercepted on the Dawson Highway, West Gladstone, on July 25 where he returned a positive drug test.

Further tests showed the presence of MDMA and methamphetamine.

Gordon was caught once again on September 6 on Campbell St.

He told police he drank speed to help with his arthritis.

Further tests showed the presence of THC and meth in his system.

During a search, police located a white crystal substance which weighed less than 1g, which Gordon said was speed.

Defence lawyer Cassandra Ditchfield said her client had been on a waiting list for five years to see a surgeon to treat his rheumatoid arthritis which caused him pain.

She said a friend had suggested he try using the drug to treat the pain as he was not willing to use prescription pain killers due to a family history of liver failure.

She asked the court to consider Gordon had no offending for 11 years.

Gordon was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for four months.

Convictions were recorded.

Read more drug driver stories:

Mechanic loses licence for half a year

Gladstone man stopped drug driving on way home from library

Recreational user had drugs left over from party

Follow this link:
Man drank speed to help with arthritis - Observer

Arthritis affects over 350 million people in the world.

It is also a leading cause of disability and can affect mobility and interrupt peoples ability to perform simple daily tasks.

World Arthritis Day was on October 12, which aimed to raise awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Although strides have been made to find suitable treatments, many continue to suffer from debilitating pain.

Owner and founder of The Harvest Table, Catherine Clark, said there are natural remedies which can help manage symptoms associated with arthritis.

There is no cure for arthritis, but if you support your body with the right foods and supplements, you can alleviate some of the pain so that it doesnt become a hindrance in your daily life, said Clark.

Clark added that arthritis can affect ones energy levels, cause pain, and is a direct result of a loss of collagen in the bones.

The key is to find solutions that will help you feel less fatigued, while also managing pain and replenishing the collagen lost, she said.

ALSO READ:

Breast Cancer Awareness: Women urged to regularly self-examine

Clark offers three natural remedies to manage arthritis pain:

Anti-inflammatory foodsArthritis fatigue is real, and according to the Arthritis Foundation, unchecked inflammation and pain largely contribute to your energy levels, along with certain medications that can cause drowsiness.Boosting your energy starts with nourishing your body with the right foods, especially those with high anti-inflammatory properties that help your bodies repair process. This will not only alleviate pain but will reduce the inflammation in your body. To effectively manage your arthritis, reduce the amounts of processed foods and saturated fats as these will only further contribute to your symptoms. Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green vegetables and berries. Also include fish and nuts, which both contain high anti-inflammatory properties.

Slow and gentle movementMovement is a critical part of recovery when addressing the symptoms of arthritis as it retains the suppleness of your joints. Various low impact movements can specifically tackle flexibility, strength and generally support your joints to prevent injury. Prolonged lack of movement can lead to chronic stiffness that results into joint immobility which will impact your ability to complete daily activities. Yoga is an effective solution as it reduces joint pain and also eases stress, tension and promotes better quality sleep.

Collagen-rich supplementsCollagen consists of protein building blocks, otherwise known as amino acids, which aid in cushioning our joints. When you have arthritis, this cushioning diminishes which then affects your cartilage and leads to your bones rubbing against each other without protection. Supplements like Bone Broth and Collagen granules help replenish the collagen content in your body. Bone Broth is a natural anti-inflammatory, so when you have it as part of your diet, you benefit in more ways than one. Collagen granules can help reduce both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis joint pain, improve flexibility, and helps form new bones. Although all the collagen you ingest does not go straight to your bones, increasing your intake makes them readily available for your body tissues.

Natural remedies are meant to support your body so that you can better manage pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. The idea is to implement small and manageable changes that contribute to you feeling better and having the energy and ability to get through the day without pain getting in the way, Clark concludes.

Also follow us on:

See more here:
Photo of Try these three natural remedies to manage arthritis pain - Kempton Express

16 October 2020

Scientists from the University of Sheffield and University of Manchester have been awarded 265,000 from the British Heart Foundation, to investigate the links between vascular dementia and heart disease, and test whether a drug currently used to treat arthritis could also be used as a treatment for vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia is common, accounting for 15 percent of all cases of dementia. Caused by an impaired blood flow to the brain, symptoms of vascular dementia include confusion, slow-thinking, and changes in mood and behaviour.

Heart disease is a known risk factor for vascular dementia, and preliminary research by the Sheffield scientists has shown that blood flow in the brain is substantially affected by heart disease. The new study will continue this research to examine in more detail how heart disease and vascular dementia interact together, potentially making the disease burden worse.

The project will also investigate an anti-inflammatory treatment to reduce neuroinflammation in the brain and test whether this slows down, or reduces the severity of, vascular dementia.

Led by Professor Sheila Francis, from the University of Sheffields Department of Infection, Immunity, and Cardiovascular Disease, the project brings together the disciplines of cardiovascular biology and pathology, neurovascular function and neuropathology.

Dr Jason Berwick and Dr Clare Howarth from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield also make up members of the research team who worked in collaboration with a team from the University of Manchester led by Professor Stuart Allan and Dr Emmanuel Pinteaux.

Professor Sheila Francis, from the University of Sheffield, said: We noticed quite a few years ago that laboratory mice with severe atherosclerosis (a type of heart disease) exhibited significant behaviour changes. On closer examination, their neurovascular function was altered, leading to the death of brain neurons and increased brain inflammation caused by a protein called interleukin-1.

The study will compare this new model with the commonly used laboratory models of vascular dementia to investigate whether an anti-inflammatory drug against interleukin-1 already used successfully to treat arthritis and in clinical trials for use in stroke patients, could also improve neurovascular function in both cases.

Professor Stuart Allan from the University of Manchester, commented: We are delighted to be involved with this project. We have worked on the role of the protein interleukin-1 in stroke for many years. Our research has led to several clinical trials of an anti-interleukin-1 therapy in stroke, and the possibility that this same treatment might work in vascular dementia is really exciting.

It is hoped the study will lead to anti-interleukin-1 therapies becoming a useful treatment for vascular dementia.

The work forms part of the research of two of the flagship institutes at the University of Sheffield:

Subreena Simrick, Senior Research Adviser at the BHF, said: There is no cure for vascular dementia. Currently, all that doctors can do is prescribe drugs which can slow down its progression.

By funding this research, we hope to take a step towards changing that and bring hope to people affected by this cruel disease.

Unfortunately, our ability to fund important research like this is threatened by the impact of coronavirus on our fundraising. Now, more than ever, we need the support of the public so we can continue to support projects that could transform the lives of those with heart and circulatory diseases.

The University of Sheffield

With almost 29,000 of the brightest students from over 140 countries, learning alongside over 1,200 of the best academics from across the globe, the University of Sheffield is one of the worlds leading universities.

A member of the UKs prestigious Russell Group of leading research-led institutions, Sheffield offers world-class teaching and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

Unified by the power of discovery and understanding, staff and students at the university are committed to finding new ways to transform the world we live in.

Sheffield is the only university to feature in The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For 2018 and for the last eight years has been ranked in the top five UK universities for Student Satisfaction by Times Higher Education.

Sheffield has six Nobel Prize winners among former staff and students and its alumni go on to hold positions of great responsibility and influence all over the world, making significant contributions in their chosen fields.

Global research partners and clients include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and Airbus, as well as many UK and overseas government agencies and charitable foundations.

Read the original:
Arthritis drug to be investigated as possible treatment for vascular dementia - Latest - News - The - University of Sheffield News

The latest report on the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market is an all-inclusive assessment of the business sphere and highlights the vital parameters of the industry including current trends, industry size, market share, present renumeration, periodic deliverables, and profit estimates over the forecast timeline.

New Market Research Report on Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics Market size | Industry Segment by Applications (Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC), by Type (Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals), By Regional Outlook - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Opportunity, Latest Trends, and Forecast to 2025.

The report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market performance during the study period. Insights pertaining to drivers that affect the market dynamics, as well as the growth pattern over the predicted timeframe are documented in the report. It further elaborates the challenges of the market and define the growth prospects in the forthcoming years.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.express-journal.com/request-sample/224984

Unveiling the geographical landscape of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics Market bifurcation: USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia.

Summary of the regional landscape examined in the report:

An exhaustive review of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market with respect to product type and application scope:

Product scope:

Product types:

Key highlights of the report:

Applications scope:

Application segmentation:

Vital data entailed in the report:

Other takeaways from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market report:

Elucidating details regarding the competitive terrain of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics market:

Major players of the industry:

Key parameters included in the report:

Highlights of the Report:

Request Customization on This Report @ https://www.express-journal.com/request-for-customization/224984

Read more here:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics Market: Development Factors and Investment Analysis by Leading Manufacturers - Express Journal

HOLMDEL, N.J., Oct. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Annual Companion Diagnostics Forum will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27-28, 2020. Register at http://companiondiagnosticsforum.com.

"The online Companion Diagnostics Forum is focused on the need for Companion Diagnostics to grow and keep pace with novel developments in Pharma," said Event Chair Oscar Puig from Eli Lilly, adding, "We are providing access to key people in this important field that are working every angle to ensure patients get the personalized medicine they require."

Keynote speaker Steve Anderson, CSO from Covance, explained that"Companion diagnostics are a critical component for delivering on the promise of precision medicine. This conference brings together industry leaders to discuss and review innovations and emerging applications in companion diagnostics."

Some of the therapeutic areas that will be covered are Oncology, ALS and trauma-related disorders. Education, regulations and adoption in clinical applications will be discussed at this year's forum. Speakers will addresshow these various areas are combining to bring better healthcare to patients.

Ronnye Schreiber, CEO, PlanetConnect and event organizer, said, "We are pleased that we can offer this custom virtual environment to ensure that the Forum could move forward even though we cannot meet in-person."

See a complete agenda and register online at http://www.companiondiagnosticsforum.com.

About PlanetConnect The Companion Diagnostics Forum is produced by PlanetConnect, a certified woman-owned conference producer and event production company with more than 25 years experience running scientific symposia for pharmaceutical, research, IT and manufacturing organizations. With decades of experience providing cost-effective, creative solutions, PlanetConnect enables companies to focus on making meaningful connectionsnot just meetings.

Contacts:Event Chair: Oscar Puig, Translational Medicine, Oncology Late Stage Development, Eli Lilly [emailprotected] Event Manager: Ronnye Schreiber, CEO, PlanetConnect, [emailprotected]

SOURCE PlanetConnect

http://www.planetconnect.com

See the rest here:
The 5th Annual Companion Diagnostics Forum on Oct 27-28 gathers scientists, clinicians, regulators and industry professionals for two days of...

Data from a 5-year open-label treatment period on the safety profile of erenumab (Aimovig) showed the treatment helped patients with episodic migraine (EM) achieve a sustained reduction in the number of monthly migraine days (MMD) and the number of days in which therapies were needed for acute migraines.

The set of data we have now obtained is very, very important from the clinical point of view,said Messoud Ashina, MD, PhD, professor of neurology in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at theUniversity of Copenhagen and lead investigator of the study.

Erenumab, which wasapprovedby the FDA in 2018, is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor administered via self-injection once a month. The treatment blocks the CGRP receptor, which is believed to play a crucial role in migraine. Erenumab can be injected as a 70- or 140-mg dose in adults with migraine. Results from the phase 2 study were initially published during the Migraine Trust Virtual Symposium.

In an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), Ashina reviewed the findings and discussed potential next steps for the treatment.

The sustained efficacy of erenumab is integral, as many migraineurs experience a wearing off of treatment effects after 3 or 4 months on a single preventive therapy, Ashina explained. Furthermore, the study found that erenumabs safety profile was nearly identical to that observed during the double-blind period, and no additional adverse reactions were reported. The most common adverse events included nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections.

Although roughly 70% of the 216 patients enrolled in open-label phase of the study reported long-term efficacy, researchers do not yet know what accounts for the heterogeneity in terms of response. So far, we havent found any predictors for efficacy, and we need more research and more new studies to explain why this group of patients does not respond to monoclonal antibodies, Ashina said.

Currently, the Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab in Pediatric Subjects with Episodic Migraine (OASIS EM) trial is underway. When it comes to the treatments effects in pediatric populations, Ashina expects to see similar long-term results. This is one of the areas with a huge unmet need for new treatments, he said. Medications currently available for children can have side effects and adverse events, making some specialists hesitant to prescribe preventive treatments to younger populations.

Based on the safety and tolerability that we see in an adult population [with erenumab], we would expect to also see positive results in children, as this population also has a high frequency of episodic migraine, Ashina said. But lets see, because we havent seen data yet.

OASIS EM is estimated to be completed in August 2025.

In addition to studies on erenumabs efficacy in children, Ashina noted that future studies ought to be conducted on predicting the treatments efficacy in patients. If predictive markers of efficacy are found, this will also pave the way for personalized medicine in the future.

The second issue is with erenumab and also other monoclonal antibodies is about safety and tolerability in patients with different comorbidities, Ashina explained. As most clinical trials do not include patients with serious comorbidities, real-world data will be essential to understand the effects of erenumab on these patients.

Registry studies can also be used to track any effects that monoclonal antibody treatments may have on pregnant women. Erenumab is currently contraindicated during pregnancy, but you can imagine that when you have a drug with a long half-life, and if you get pregnant, it might theoretically affect the baby, Ashina said.

Excerpt from:
Dr Messoud Ashina Talks Through the 5-Year Safety and Efficacy Data on Erenumab - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Research Antibodies and Reagents Marketby Product (Antibodies (Type, Form, Source, Research Area), Reagents), Technology (Western blotting, Flow Cytometry), Application (Proteomics, Drug Development), End User - COVID-19 Impact - Global Forecast to 2025",published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market size is projected to reach USD 14.1 billion by 2025 from USD 10.1 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period.

The growth is due to evolution of market owing to factors such as growth in proteomics and genomics research, rising demand for high-quality antibodies for research reproducibility, and increasing R&D activity and expenditure in the life sciences industry. Fueled by the growing demand for personalized medicine and structure-based drug design, the global market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Research Antibodies and Reagents Market"

220 Tables 45 Figures 278 Pages

Download PDF Brochure:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=94212793

The COVID-19 outbreak has boosted research activity due to efforts to understand the dynamics of the infection. We estimate that the major share of research antibody and reagent manufacturing, along with personalized medicine, will grow at a stable pace in the next five years. Due to the increase in research activity, both the availability of funding for research and the demand & manufacturing of reagents and antibodies are expected to grow. As companies after pandemic have scaled up their operations for testing and tracking the infection of COVID-19. This has given a chance for growth in profits for companies operating in the NGS and PCR markets. The growth in revenue is 57%, as COVID-19 testing has increased with the use of the latest technology of genetic and molecular testing. The shift in demand for research for COVID-19, neurobiology, and oncology has created a huge scope for testing solutions, such as western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA, and drugs for researchers and laboratories.

The antibodies segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on product, the research antibodies market is segmented into reagents and antibodies. The antibodies segment is expected to grow at highest CAGR in forecast period. This is due to the research-use antibodies offer high specificity and selectivity and are used ubiquitously in biochemical and medical research for protein-target identification, regulatory characterization, and discovery.

The primary antibodies segment is accounts for the largest share of the research reagents market

Based type, the research reagents market is segmented into primary antibodies and secondary antibodies. The primary antibodies segment held the largest share of the global research antibodies market in 2019. This segment is witnessing a strong growth due to the use of these antibodies in numerous types of assay formats. Their accuracy in biomarker detection and their high specificity and sensitivity are also driving their adoption

The media & sera reagent is expected to account for the largest share of the market, by type, in 2019

Based type, the research antibodies and reagents market is segmented into media &sera, stains & dyes, fixatives, buffers, solvents, enzymes, probes and other reagents. The media & sera reagent segment held the largest share of the global research antibodies market in 2019. The large share of this segment is primarily attributed to the use of these components in all types of assays, cell cultures, and techniques.

The western blotting segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market, by technology, in 2019

Based on technology, the research antibodies market is segmented into western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Immunoprecipitation, and other technologies. Western blotting segment is expected to grow at highest CAGR in forecast periods (2020-2025). This is due to the high adoption of this technique in proteomic and genomic research. The results achieved are easy to interpret, unique, and unambiguous, making it suited for evaluating levels of protein expression in cells, monitoring fractions during protein purification, and comparing the expression of a target protein from various tissues.

The pharmaceutical & biotechnology segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on end user, the research reagents market is segmented into the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, academic & research institutions and Contract Research Organizations. The growth of this segment is due to antibodies provide a gold standard for the detection of a biomolecule or a pathway and are even capable of detecting specific changes in potential drug targets. Additionally, highly specific reagents are used to measure pharmacokinetic parameters in the preclinical and clinical development of biological drugs. The increasing demand for personalized medicine and government initiatives in this sector are the key market drivers for this segment.

Get 10% Customization on this Research Report:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=94212793

The APAC market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The Asia Pacific research reagents market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2020 to 2025.The growth of this market is primarily due to growing proteomics and genomics research and increasing research funding, investments by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and growing awareness of personalized therapeutics in the region. Also, high-growth countries, such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and Singapore are the major contributors to the Asia Pacific research antibodies and reagents market. This region is expected to grow at the highest pace during the forecast period primarily due to growing proteomics and genomics research and increasing research funding, increasing investments by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and growing awareness about personalized therapeutics.

The prominent market players are Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), Merck Group (Germany), Abcam plc (UK), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Bio-Rad Laboratories (US), Cell Signaling Technology (US), F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Switzerland), Danaher Corporation (US), Agilent Technologies (US), PerkinElmer (US), Lonza (Switzerland), GenScript (China), and BioLegend (US).

Browse Adjacent Markets: Biotechnology Market ResearchReports & Consulting

Get Special Pricing on Bundle Reports:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/RequestBundleReport.asp?id=94212793

Browse Related Reports:

Flow Cytometry Market by Technology (Cell-based, Bead-based), Product (Analyzer, Sorter, Reagents, Consumables, Software), End user (Academia, Research Labs, Hospitals, Clinical Laboratories, Pharma-Biotech Cos), Application - Global Forecasts to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/flow-cytometry-market-65374584.html

Custom Antibody Market by Service (Antibody Production, Characterization, Immunization, Fragmentation), Type (Monoclonal, Polyclonal, Recombinant), Source (Mouse, Rabbit), Research Area (Oncology, Immunology), and End Users - Global Forecast to 2023

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/custom-antibody-market-164328301.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets' flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish MehraMarketsandMarkets INC.630 Dundee RoadSuite 430Northbrook, IL 60062USA: +1-888-600-6441Email: [emailprotected]Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/research-antibodies-reagents-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/research-antibodies-reagents.asp

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets

Read more from the original source:
Research Antibodies and Reagents Market worth $14.1 Billion by 2025 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets - PRNewswire

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Registration is now open for the World Cord Blood Day 2020 virtual conference (register free on Eventbrite) featuring world renown cord blood transplant doctors and cellular therapy researchers. To be held on November 17th, the virtual conference will provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals, expectant parents, and students to learn about life-saving cord blood stem cells via a mix of livestream and on-demand sessions. The public is also invited to participate in a wide variety of free educational events being held around the globe by WCBD Official Participants (see listings on http://www.WorldCordBloodDay.org).

Attendees of the virtual conference will learn how cord blood has been used in more than 40,000 stem cell transplants since 1988 to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and lymphoma. Ground-breaking research will also be presented by scientists who are discovering cord blood's full potential in CAR-NK immunotherapy, the emerging field of regenerative medicine to potentially treat autism, cerebral palsy, Covid-19 related MIS-C and more. Keynote presentations will be made by Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg (Duke Department of Pediatrics, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development), Dr. Katy Rezvani (MD Anderson Cancer Center), Dr. Jonathan Gutman (University of Colorado), Dr. Leland Metheny (Case Western Reserve University), and Monroe Burgess (Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics). Dr. Moshe Israeli (Rabin Medical Center) will lead the opening session on HLA matching and cord blood.

In addition, a panel of industry experts will discuss how cord blood has come to the forefront during the Covid-19 pandemic. Increasingly, stem cells transplant doctors are using cord blood units collected well before the pandemic and now available for immediate use. Attendees will also hear from Dr. David Hall and Vanessa Yenson, who both beat cancer thanks to cord blood transplants.

To view the full agenda, please visit: https://www.worldcordbloodday.org/online-medical-conference-agenda-wcbd-2020.html

Organized and hosted by Save the Cord Foundation (501c3 non-profit), this year's event is officially sponsored by Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics. "We're proud to be a sponsor of World Cord Blood Day for the fourth year in a row. This year is sure to be very informative and exciting, providing the latest information from some of the industry's top doctors and researchers. We're humbled to play a role in the research and development of cord blood derivative therapies by providing logistics supply chain solutions to cord blood, biotech and pharmaceutical companies worldwide," said David Murphy, Executive VP of Quick's Life Science Division.

Inspiring Partners this year include the Cord Blood Association (CBA), Be the Match (NMDP), World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA-Netcord), AABB Center for Cellular Therapy and Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

Visit http://www.WorldCordBloodDay.org to learn how you can participate and/or host an event. Join us on social media using the hashtags: #WCBD20 and #WorldCordBloodDay.

About Save the Cord Foundation

Save the Cord Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit) was established to advance cord blood education. The Foundation provides non-commercial information to parents, health professionals and the public regarding methods for saving cord blood, as well as current applications using cord blood and the latest research. Learn more at http://www.SaveTheCordFoundation.org.

About Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics

Quick is the trusted logistics leader serving the Healthcare and Life Science community for almost 40 years. Quick safely transports human organs and tissue for transplant or research, blood, blood products, cord blood, bone marrow, medical devices, and personalized medicine, 24/7/365. Quick's specially trained experts work with hospitals, laboratories, blood banks and medical processing canters, and utilize the safest routes to ensure integrity, temperature control and chain of custody throughout the transportation process. Learn more at http://www.quickhealthcare.aero.

Media Contact:Charis Ober[emailprotected]520-419-0269

SOURCE Save the Cord Foundation

http://www.SaveTheCordFoundation.org

The rest is here:
World Cord Blood Day 2020 Speakers to Present Revolutionary CAR-NK Cell Therapy, Potential Treatments for Covid-19 Related MIS-C and Advantages of...

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence over the last decade have the potential to revolutionize how drugs are developed. These are the top 10 companies in Europe that are working to make AI drug discovery a reality.

Drug development is a slow and increasingly expensive process. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to make the drug development process quicker, cheaper and more efficient. This technology can make scanning vast libraries of chemical compounds that might be able to treat a certain disease easier, can speed up the analysis of biomedical information from the literature, and can help companies recruit the most suitable patients for clinical trials. AI can also streamline the design of better drugs and incorporate new data, such as genomic analysis, to help personalized medicine become a reality.

There are now an increasing number of companies that are using AI to improve drug discovery and development in a variety of different ways. We enlisted the help of experts in the industry to select the top European companies in this area. As ever, these are in no particular order.

Location: Oxford, UKFounded: 2012

Exscientia was one of the first companies to apply AI technology to drug discovery. Its focus is to quickly identify and optimize drug candidates that are more likely to succeed in clinical trials than those selected by conventional means.

The companys first AI-designed drug candidate, to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, began human testing in a phase I trial earlier this year. It took Exscientia 12 months to bring the candidate to clinical trials rather than the average time of around five years. More recently, the company announced it was working with US partners to apply its technology to searching for drug candidates to treat Covid-19.

The Oxford-based company has deals with Bayer, BMS, Sanofi, GSK, and Celgene to co-develop new drugs for a variety of diseases and conditions. Exscientia also closed an impressive 54M Series C round at the end of April, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Location: Cambridge, UKFounded: 2014

Healx uses AI to analyze extensive medical research data with the goal of repurposing and finding new combinations of existing drugs to treat rare diseases such as fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome and muscular dystrophy.

The company raised a 50.8M Series B round in October 2019. Shortly after, Healx announced it was committing 17M to run its Rare Treatment Accelerator program, allowing patient groups a chance to work with the company to find new treatments for rare diseases.

The companys most advanced program, a drug repurposed for fragile X syndrome, took less than two years to reach clinical trials instead of the normal five-to-seven years this process usually takes. Like many others, Healx is using its technology to search for treatments for Covid-19.

Location: London, UKFounded: 2013

BenevolentAI has developed an AI platform that can identify new drug target candidates for any therapeutic area. The company has its own pharmaceutical team to investigate potential leads and develop their own products. The company began life as Stratified Medicine before changing its name in 2016.

BenevolentAI is working in a variety of disease areas including Alzheimers and ALS. While the company is working on its own drug candidates, it also has various partnerships including with the big pharma companies AstraZeneca and Novartis. BenevolentAI recently hit the news when it discovered a potential treatment for Covid-19, the existing rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib, which has shown to improve and speed up the recovery of hospitalized patients with Covid-19.

The company technically reached unicorn status in 2018 when it achieved a valuation of 1.7B after a big fundraising. However, the companys valuation suffered significantly when Neil Woodford, who had been a major investor, was forced to wind up his fund in 2019, though the valuation has since improved again.

Location: Eschborn, GermanyFounded: 2011

Unlike other companies in the field, Innoplexus doesnt develop its own pharmaceuticals, Instead, the firm gives pharma companies, biotechs, contract research organizations and life sciences professionals access to its data platform to help them design better drugs and improve decision making throughout the drug development process.

The company uses AI and blockchain to search published papers, online data from presentations, symposiums and conferences, clinical trial data, and publicly available hospital data as well as unpublished datasets.

Last spring, Innoplexus closed a Series C round worth an undisclosed amount in the double-digit millions. In March, The company released an analysis of hundreds of clinical studies that suggested a treatment for Covid-19 consisting of hydroxychloroquine combined with a variety of other drugs, including Gileads antiviral remdesivir.

Location: Copenhagen, DenmarkFounded: 2008

Evaxion has a focus on infectious diseases and oncology. The company has developed two AI platforms that can be used to create immunotherapies by selecting the antigens that are most likely to produce strong immune responses against infections or cancer.

One of the platforms is used for the development of personalized cancer immunotherapies. In April 2019, the company dosed its first patient with its lead candidate, a therapeutic vaccine targeting solid tumors. The other platform can identify vaccine antigens that trigger protective responses against pathogenic bacteria in less than a day.

At the end of last year the company raised 16M. As with most of the other companies in this space, Evaxion has launched its own Covid-19 effort an AI platform designed to enable a faster response to emerging viral pandemics by identifying potential vaccines and taking them to clinical trials within just 13 weeks.

Location: Frankfurt am Main, GermanyFounded: 2016

Genome Biologics has a focus on RNA interference therapies for cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. The company uses an AI platform to assist in identifying suitable drug targets and also allows 2D and 3D investigation of RNAi disease targets in a variety of animal models.

Genome Biologics was developed with support from the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Labs Incubator in Beerse, Belgium, where the company has an office. The company is still young, but has raised 2.5M in grant and seed funding to further develop its technology. Its lead candidate treatment is expected to start phase I/II testing in heart failure patients next year.

Genome Biologics recently joined Blue Knight, a collaboration of companies created by Johnson & Johnson Innovation and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the US, that aims to anticipate potential global health threats and infectious diseases.

Location: Lyon, FranceFounded: 2010

Novadiscovery uses data from preclinical and clinical studies to model a drugs effect on patients and predict whether it will be successful or not at treating a specific disease. The company has worked on a wide range of indications including liver disease, respiratory disease, hepatitis, immuno-oncology, and cardiovascular disease.

Compared to other similar companies, Novadiscovery is able to work with small and large data sets alike. The AI platform is also designed to be transparent and allow users to check if the tool is working correctly.

The company raised 5M in Series A funding earlier this year to develop its technology further and offer it to clients as a cloud-based service where users pay for access.

Location: Dublin, IrelandFounded: 2014

Nuritas uses its AI platform to search and analyze large libraries to find potential drug candidates or nutritional additives. In particular, the company focuses on identifying and developing peptide drugs.

Although it has a strong focus on developing nutritional supplements, Nuritas is also using its platform to develop potential drug candidates. The company is currently investigating a fibrosis target that is implicated in a number of diseases including liver, renal and cardiac disease.

Nuritas has raised 53.9M since it was founded in 2014 and has collaborations with big players such as Nestle, Johnson & Johnson and BASF. The company has also joined the Covid-19 effort and is searching for antiviral peptides that could block the virus causing Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, from infecting cells or locally reduce lung inflammation without the need for complete immunosuppression.

Location: Budapest, HungaryFounded: 2015

Turbine has a focus on cancer. The company has built a dynamic computational model of human cell biology that uses AI to predict how cancer cells respond to drugs and finds new targets, biomarkers and therapies. By running thousands of simulated experiments, this technology can dramatically speed up drug development.

Turbine is currently focusing on DNA damage repair targets, found in 30% of cancers, particularly in patients resistant to other therapies. The company secured 3M in seed funding at the end of last year and has partnered with German big pharma Bayer to develop new applications for its existing cancer drugs. It also has its own preclinical-stage drug development programs in development.

Location: Tel Aviv, IsraelFounded: 2016

Tel Aviv-based CytoReason is definitely worth a mention on this list. The company has one of the largest libraries of human molecular data in the world. It uses this information to create computational cell models of the human immune system to advance drug development.

For example, an analysis of melanoma biopsies using the companys AI platform identified that patients who responded to the drug nivolumab had higher numbers of adipocyte cells than those who did not. The company has also discovered several potential new targets for this cancer that had not previously been investigated.

CytoReason has not revealed its funding to date, but has high-value partnerships with several big pharma companies including Pfizer, GSK and Roche focusing on drug development in immunology.

Visit link:
Top 10 Companies Combining AI and Drug Discovery in... - Labiotech.eu

PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a new avenue for revenue generation for pharmaceutical companies. Adverse effects, such as recurrence of cancer and organ failure, associated with conventional chemotherapies and rising demand for technologically advanced healthcare solutions are boosting the demand for immunotherapies. Moreover, introduction of newer drug classes, such as target receptors for multiple myeloma and checkpoint inhibitors, is poised to make way for advanced therapeutics in the market.Monoclonal antibodies are the most widely used immunotherapeutic drugs globally. Development of monoclonal antibodies as effective immunotherapeutic options areresulting in discovery of new therapeutic options for cancer treatment. A recent industry reportfrom MarketsAndMarkets projected that the global immunotherapy drugs market is projected to reach USD 274.6 billion by 2025 from USD 163.0 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 11.0 % during the forecast period. The growth of this market is majorly attributed to the rising prevalence of target diseases, increasing demand for monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars, increasing adoption of immunotherapy drugs over conventional treatments, and a favorable approval scenario. However, timeline issues, side-effects, and manufacturing complexities and a high attrition rate in the product development cycle are expected to challenge market growth. Active biotech and pharma companies in the markets this week include Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: ATNM), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN), Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), Northwest Biotherapeutics(OTCQB: NWBO), Merck (NYSE: MRK).

The report said that: "Based on type, the immunotherapy drugs market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, interferons & interleukins, and other immunotherapies. The monoclonal antibodies segment accounted for the largest share of the global immunotherapy drugs market in 2019. This large share can be attributed to their high specificity and fewer side-effects, increasing focus on personalized medicines, initiatives by industry players, and the rising target disease incidence and patient pool On the basis of therapeutic area, this market is segmented into cancer, autoimmune & inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and other therapeutic areas. Cancer accounted for the largest share of the global immunotherapy drugs market, by therapeutic area, in 2019. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the growing prevalence of cancer, rising research activity in this area, and reimbursement coverage for immunotherapies for oncology."

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: ATNM) BREAKING NEWS: Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Awarded Grant by National Institutes of Health to Study Novel Iomab-ACT Targeted Conditioning with a CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy - Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Actinium" or the "Company") today announced that the National Institutes of Health has awarded Actinium a Small Business Technology Transfer grant to support a clinical collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK") to study Iomab-ACT, Actinium's CD45-targeting Antibody Radio-Conjugate, for targeted conditioning to achieve lymphodepletion prior to administration of a CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy developed at MSK. The CD19 CAR-T has been previously studied by MSK in a Phase 2 trial with chemotherapy conditioning in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). MSK will lead this first of its kind study to utilize targeted radiopharmaceutical ARC-based lymphodepletion to replace chemotherapy-based conditioning prior to CAR T-cell therapy. The study will assess the feasibility of using Iomab-ACT targeted lymphodepletion prior to MSK's 19-28z CAR-T and assess safety and efficacy outcomes relative to results with MSK's CAR-T 19-28z in patients who had received chemotherapy-based lymphodepletion prior to CAR-T administration.

Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine with MSK's 19-28z CD19 CAR-T in 53 patients with R/R B-ALL reported complete remissions in 83% (44/53) of patients. Median event-free survival (EFS) was 6.1 months and median overall survival (OS) was 12.9 months at a median follow up period of 29 months (range 1 65 months) for all patients. Patients with low disease burden, defined as less than 5% blasts in the bone marrow, had markedly enhanced outcomes with increased median EFS of 10.6 months and median OS of 20.1 months. There was a 26% (14/53) rate of Grade 3 of greater cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with 1 patient death as a result, and 42% of patients experienced Grade 3-4 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). In addition to improved duration of response and survival, patients with low disease burden prior to receiving CAR T-cell therapy had lower rates of CRS and neurotoxicity.

"We are excited to be collaborating with MSK on this trial as they are aleader in the field of cellular therapies. We selected MSK's 19-28z CAR T-cell therapy for this NIH grant funded collaboration because ithas produced high response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory B-ALL who have previously undergone several lines of standard therapy. However, toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, as well as durability of response, remain a challenge as is the case with many other CAR T-cell therapies" commented Dr. Mark Berger, Actinium's Chief Medical Officer. "Iomab-ACT enables the delivery of targeted radiation that selectively and specifically targets immune cells, including those implicated in the CAR-T-associated toxicities of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. We are hopeful that this study will demonstrate improvements in safety and outcomes with MSK's CAR 19-28z as a result of Iomab-ACT targeted lymphodepletion and that this will allow clinicians to make important improvements in patients' ability to receive CAR T-cell therapies."

CAR-T is a type of cellular therapy in which a patient's own (autologous) T-cells are genetically engineered outside of the body to target the patient's cancer cells and which are then reinfused back into the patient to seek out and kill cancer cells. Currently there are 2 approved CD19 targeted CAR-T therapies, which both require chemotherapy-based conditioning to deplete the patient's lymphocytes, known as lymphodepletion, and many other CAR-T constructs in development that also use chemotherapy conditioning for lymphodepletion.

Iomab-ACT targets cells that express CD45, an antigen found on immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages as well as leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells and delivers the radioisotope warhead iodine-131 to achieve cell depletion. Iomab-ACT is intended to deplete CD45+ immune cells such as macrophages that are implicated in CAR-T related toxicities and may also have an anti-tumor effect on chemo-refractory cancers. Iomab-ACT is a low dose extension of Actinium's lead program, Iomab-B, which is being studied in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for targeted conditioning prior to a bone marrow transplant. Preclinical data supporting Iomab-ACT's application in targeted lymphodepletion prior to ACT such as CAR-T was recently published in the journal Oncotarget (https://www.oncotarget.com/archive/v11/i39/). In addition, clinical data with trace doses of Iomab-B has shown transient, reversible lymphodepletion in patients and drug clearance pharmacokinetics that fit within the vein to vein time of CAR-T manufacturing and administration.

Sandesh Seth, Actinium's Chairman and CEO, said, "This clinical trial collaboration with MSK is a strong step forward for Actinium and our targeted conditioning program. The 19-28z CAR-T has already produced promising data and we look forward to working with MSK to explore Iomab-ACT's potential to reduce toxicities and improve patient outcomes. As we advance towards the SIERRA interim analysis in the fourth quarter, we are focused on the continued expansion of our ARC-based targeted conditioning program for bone marrow transplant and cell and gene therapies with the goal of providing targeted conditioning regimens that are less toxic and more effective than current chemotherapy-based conditioning. With these therapies being administered in a select number of concentrated centers, we see a large and growing market opportunity where our ARC-based targeted conditioning can improve outcomes and increase access to these important curative treatment options." Read this full release and more news for ATNM at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-atnm/

Other recent developments in the biotech industry include:

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) AstraZeneca's TAGRISSO(osimertinib) recently announced it has received acceptance for its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) and has also been granted Priority Review in the US for the adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage (IB, II and IIIA) epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete tumor resection with curative intent.

While up to 30% of all patients with NSCLC may be diagnosed early enough to have potentially curative surgery, disease recurrence is still common in early-stage disease and nearly half of patients diagnosed in Stage IB, and over three quarters of patients diagnosed in Stage IIIA, experience recurrence within five years.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) recently announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval ofOpdivo(nivolumab) for the treatment of adults with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based combination chemotherapy. The European Commission (EC), which is authorized to approve medicines for the European Union (EU), will now review the CHMP recommendation.

"This positive CHMP opinion underscores the potential ofOpdivoin the EU treatment landscape for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, with the ATTRACTION-3 trial showing clinically meaningful survival coupled with a favorable safety profile," said Ian M. Waxman, M.D., development lead, gastrointestinal cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. "We look forward to the EC's final decision, which could mark the first time an immunotherapy is approved for any upper gastrointestinal cancer in the EU. We remain committed to continuing to explore the potential benefits ofOpdivoin earlier settings of esophageal cancer."

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, recently announced findings from two additional Phase 3 studies evaluating the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of V114, the company's investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. In the PNEU-PATH (V114-016) study, healthy adults 50 years of age or older received V114 or PCV13 followed by PNEUMOVAX23 one year later. Immune responses following vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 (month 13) were comparable in both vaccination groups for the 15 serotypes in V114. Results also showed that at 30 days post vaccination with either V114 or PCV13 (day 30), immune responses were comparable for both groups across the 13 serotypes shared by the conjugate vaccines and higher in the V114 group for serotypes 22F and 33F, the two serotypes not included in PCV13. In PNEU-DAY (V114-017), a Phase 3 study in immunocompetent adults 18 to 49 years of age with underlying medical conditions associated with increased risk for pneumococcal disease, V114 generated immune responses generally comparable to PCV13 for the 13 shared serotypes and higher immune responses for serotypes 22F and 33F at 30 days post-vaccination. Results from both studies are based on opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) responses a measure of vaccine-induced functional antibodies. V114 was generally well tolerated in both studies, with a safety profile consistent with that observed for V114 in previously reported studies.

Northwest Biotherapeutics(OTCQB: NWBO), a biotechnology company developing DCVaxpersonalized immune therapies for solid tumor cancers, recently announced that the database for the Phase III trial of DCVax-L for Gliobastoma has been locked. With the database now locked, the independent service firms managing the Clinical Trial are arranging for the independent statisticians to have access to the unblinded raw data from the Trial. Neither the Company nor any party other than the independent statisticians will have access to any unblinded data at this stage.

The statisticians will proceed as quickly as possible with analyses of the raw data and prepare summaries of the Trial results for review by the Company, the Principal Investigator, the Steering Committee of the Trial, the Scientific Advisory Board, and a panel of independent brain cancer experts, who will analyze the data with the statisticians in preparation for public announcement and scientific publication.

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:

Media Contact email:[emailprotected] -+1(561)325-8757

SOURCE Financialnewsmedia.com

View original post here:
Promising New Cancer Treatments Advancing Through The Pipeline In Over $200 Billion Dollar Drug Market - PRNewswire

Not even a week after Nvidia announced that it would be providing hardware for the first four of the eight planned EuroHPC systems, HPE and AMD are announcing another major EuroHPC design win. Finnish supercomputing center CSC revealed today that its forthcoming LUMI system commissioned under the auspices of EuroHPC will be built by HPE using AMD processor technology. With a target Linpack performance of 375 petaflops, LUMI is the second of three planned pre-exascale machines under EuroHPC to have its hardware detailed. The system also breaks new ground in energy efficiency.

The system

LUMI is based on the HPE Cray EX supercomputer architecture, and will harness next-generation AMD Epyc CPUs and AMD Instinct GPUs. Storage will include 7 PB of accelerated flash-based storage (LUMI-F, utilizing a Cray ClusterStor E1000 storage system); an 80 PB Lustre file system (LUMI-P); and 30 PB of encrypted object storage (LUMI-O). LUMIs primary GPU-driven partition (LUMI-G) will be supplemented by a data analytics partition with 32 TB of memory and additional GPUs (LUMI-D), as well as a CPU partition featuring around 200,000 AMD Epyc CPU cores. LUMI will use HPE Slingshot networking.

LUMIs main partition is expected to deliver over 550 peak petaflops of computing power, just above (current Top500 leader) Fugakus 513.8 peak petaflops. Committed Linpack performance, meanwhile, is 375 petaflops (shy of Fugakus 415.5). This makes LUMI the most powerful of the five planned EuroHPC systems that have been detailed so far: Italys Leonardo system is expected to deliver over 200 peak petaflops; Luxembourgs Meluxina, over 18; the Czech Republics EURO IT4I, 15.2; and Slovenias Vega, 6.8.

Energy efficiency & siting

LUMI will support research from ten countries, comprising a new LUMI consortium: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland. The consortium says that LUMI will enable more precise climate models; advanced AI applications in areas like self-driving vehicle development; large-scale social science analytics; personalized medicine research; and much more. Up to 20 percent of LUMIs capacity will be reserved for European industry and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The system will be installed in a new datacenter at CSCs campus in Kajaani, Finland, where CSC says the system will take up roughly the size of a tennis court. The datacenter is expected to be ready by Q4 2020; the first phase of LUMI, by Q2 2021; and the second phase of LUMI, by Q4 2021. LUMI will use 100 percent renewable energy (thanks to local hydropower) and its waste heat will be used to supply approximately 20 percent of the yearly district heating needs of its host town, resulting in a stated net negative carbon footprint of 13,500 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.

HPE says that LUMI will use approximately 8.5 megawatts, which translates into an extremely efficient 44.1 gigaflops per watt. For context, this is nearly double the efficiency of thecurrent Green500 leader, MN-3, which delivers 21.1 gigaflops per watt. Extrapolating LUMIs numbers out, an exascale system would require just around 22.7 megawatts well within the 40-megawatt limit targeted by the planned U.S. exascale systems (a goal that requires a minimum efficiency of 25 gigaflops per watt), and close to the ambitious 20-megawatt exascale goal set by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) in the early 2010s. With HPE supplying those three exascale systems as well, this may be the first real preview of those systems computational efficiency.

Once operational in mid-2021, the LUMI supercomputer will be one of the most competitive and green supercomputers in the world, said Anders Jensen, executive director of EuroHPC. Such [a] leadership-class system will support European researchers, industry and [the] public sector in better understanding and responding to complex challenges and transforming them into innovation opportunities in sectors like health, weather forecasting or urban and rural planning.

LUMIs total cost of ownership through 2026 is expected to be approximately 200 million ($237.1 million), of which 140 million ($165 million) will go toward the supercomputer itself. This cost will be split between the European Commission (100 million), Finland (50 million) and the remaining nine countries in the LUMI consortium (50 million).

The EuroHPC roadmap

LUMI is the second EuroHPC system so far that is being built by HPE (with the other being EURO IT4I). Leonardo, Meluxina and Vega, meanwhile, are all being built by French IT firm Atos. As a U.S. company, HPE appears to have successfully wooed EuroHPC with promises to bring some of its operations across the pond: HPE will be manufacturing liquid-cooled Cray EX supercomputers and Apollo systems in its Kutn Hora factory in the Czech Republic (where EURO IT4I will be based), and the company has also committed to establishing a Center of Excellence in Europe that will provide R&D services and expertise in support of exascale readiness.

Three of the eight planned EuroHPC systems are yet to be detailed: the four-petaflops PetaSC system, hosted by Sofia Tech Park in Bulgaria; the ten-petaflops Deucalion system, hosted by the Minho Advanced Computing Center in Portugal; and the 200-petaflops MareNostrum 5 system, hosted by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in Spain. By process of elimination, MareNostrum 5 will be the last of the three pre-exascale systems to be fully announced. For the third machine, the tendering process is in its very final phase now, Jensen said, so there will be announcements on that in the coming weeks.

LUMI is the latest in a series of wins for HPEs Cray EX systems, which will serve as the basis for the three planned U.S. exascale systems (Aurora, El Capitan and Frontier) and Australias most powerful supercomputer (just announced this week). Conspicuously absent, however, are mentions of the European Processor Initiative (EPI) and its planned first-generation Rhea CPUs, ostensibly slated for 2021. Jensen maintains that the EPI continues to factor into the future of EuroHPC.

The ambition is that when we get to the exascale systems which is what we will be discussing in the coming years that EPI will deliver a processor that we can base at least one of the upcoming exascale systems on, he said.

Header image: concept art of the LUMI supercomputer. Image courtesy of CSC.

Read this article:
HPE, AMD and EuroHPC Partner for Massive LUMI Supercomputer - HPCwire

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLBS) (Caladrius or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of cellular therapies designed to reverse, not manage, disease, announced today that its Chief Medical Officer, Douglas W. Losordo, M.D., FACC, FAHA, will participate in 8th annual Chief Medical Officer Summit 360, being held virtually on October 26-27, 2020.

Breakout Session Details: Title: Tracking Personalized Medications in Gene and Cell TherapyDate/Time: October 26, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

For more information on the 8th annual CMO Summit 360, or to register, please click here.

About Caladrius Biosciences

Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of cellular therapies designed to reverse, not manage, disease. We are developing first- in-class cell therapy products based on the notion that our body contains finely tuned mechanisms for self-repair. Our technology leverages and enables these mechanisms in the form of specific cells, using formulations and modes of delivery unique to each medical indication.

The Companys current product candidates include CLBS119, a CD34+ cell therapy product candidate for the repair of lung damage in patients with COVID-19 who are experiencing respiratory failure, for which the Company recently initiated a clinical trial as well as three developmental treatments for ischemic diseases based on its CD34+ cell therapy platform: HONEDRA (formerly CLBS12), recipient of SAKIGAKE designation and eligible for early conditional approval in Japan for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) based on the results of an ongoing clinical trial; CLBS16, the subject of a recently completed positive Phase 2a clinical trial in the U.S. and slated to begin a comprehensive Phase 2b trial in the U.S. during 4Q20 for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD); and CLBS14, a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designated therapy for which the Company has finalized with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) a protocol for a Phase 3 confirmatory trial in subjects with no-option refractory disabling angina (NORDA). For more information on the company, please visit http://www.caladrius.com.

Contact:

Investors:Caladrius Biosciences, Inc.John MendittoVice President, Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsPhone:+1-908-842-0084Email:jmenditto@caladrius.com

Media:W2O GroupChristiana PascalePhone: +1-212-257-6722Email:cpascale@w2ogroup.com

Go here to read the rest:
Caladrius Biosciences to Participate in the 8th Annual Chief Medical Officer Summit 360 - GlobeNewswire