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Hong Kong Baptist University-led research identifies Salvia miltiorrhiza extract as potential preventive agent for gastric cancer induced by bile reflux

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 25 October 2022 - Research led by the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified cryptotanshinone, a compound extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The researchers unveiled the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastritis and gastric cancer. They explained that refluxed bile acids (BAs) lead to the proliferation of pro-inflammation bacteria that promote gastric carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, has identified cryptotanshinone with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The research findings have been published in the international scientific journal Advanced Science. Role of bile reflux in gastric cancer unclear Bile, secreted by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder and is released to the duodenum to help digest fat. When the pylorus connecting the stomach and the duodenum is damaged or fails to work properly, bile in the duodenum can enter the stomach, causing gastritis. People with stomach surgery complications, peptic ulcers or gallbladder removal surgery have higher risks of bile reflux. However, the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, conducted a study on how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis, and looked for new prevention and therapeutic approaches. Professor Jia said: “We unveiled for the first time the underlying mechanism by which bile reflux promoted the development of gastric carcinogenesis. It offers important clinical insights on the development of novel prevention and therapeutic approaches for the disease. Based on the newly discovered mechanism, we identified cryptotanshinone as a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux.” Bile reflux alters gastric environment The research team analysed the gastric juice samples of 50 patients with bile reflux gastritis (BRG group), 50 patients with gastric cancer (GC group) and 45 subjects in the control group using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. It was found that the amounts of BAs, the major component of bile, in the gastric juice samples of BRG and GC groups are significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, the acidities of gastric juice samples of the BRG group (pH value about 3.5) and the GC group (pH value about 4) are drastically lower than in the control group (pH value about 2). The phenomenon is explained by the fact that BAs are weak acids compared with strong gastric acid, and their influx into the stomach changed the gastric environment by upsetting the normal acid-base balance of the gastric juice. Further investigation found that a specific type of BA, called taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), showed a strong positive correlation with pH value of gastric juice samples of the BRG and GC groups. Previous studies showed that bile reflux is closely related to chronic gastric inflammation and gastric carcinogenesis. The researchers thus examined the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pro-inflammation cytokine, in the gastric juice of the 145 subjects above, and found that the BRG and GC groups have LPS concentrations significantly higher than those of the control group. Change in microbiota associates with gastric carcinogenesis As LPS is produced and found in the outer membrane of certain kinds of bacteria, the researchers applied gene sequencing and other techniques and confirmed that LPS-producing bacteria are significantly more abundant in the gastric juice of BRG and CG groups compared to the control group. Among these LPS-producing bacteria, a species called P. melaninogenica had the highest relative abundance. From these experimental results, it is suggested that bile reflux induces significant changes in the gastric environment, alters the gastric microbiota, and results in the development of gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis. The hypothesis was tested with a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments in mice, which confirmed that application of TDCA and LPS promotes gastric epithelial cell proliferation, and induces gastric inflammation. Cellular and molecular analysis revealed that P. melaninogenica promoted gastric inflammation in mice by activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway, a chain of interactions between proteins in a cell involved in processes such as immunity, cell division, cell death, and tumour formation. Cryptotanshinone as potential pharmaceutic agent After unveiling the mechanism of bile reflux-induced gastric cancer, the researchers turned to explore a corresponding preventive and therapeutic approach. They focused on cryptotanshinone, a bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is a Chinese herbal medicine that facilitates blood circulation with an anti-inflammatory effect. Cryptotanshinone is also known as an inhibitor of the STAT3 signaling pathway in cells. The researchers tested the effects of cryptotanshinone with a bile reflux mouse model developed through surgery. In a group of eight mice without application of cryptotanshinone, three mice developed gastric lesions 50 weeks after surgery. However, in another group of six mice injected with cryptotanshinone, no obvious gastric lesions were observed. The results suggested that cryptotanshinone has abolished the effects of TDCA and LPS in activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway. “Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that cryptotanshinone is a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux. It provides an alternative strategy for the development of medication which targets on the newly discovered mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis,” said Professor Jia. Contact Details HKBU Communication and Public Relations Office Christina Wu hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

October 25, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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A Growing Body of Research Supports the Positive Impact of Massage Therapy For Mental Health

American Massage Therapy Association

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is sharing recent research supporting the benefits of massage therapy for stress, anxiety and depression. In a time when the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) ranks anxiety as the country’s most common mental illness – and depression as the leading cause of disability for people ages 15 to 44 1, people with mental health issues are turning to a range of wellness strategies, including massage therapy which has a positive impact on the body and mind. During AMTA’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®, explore the latest studies on massage therapy for mental health. Studies on Massage for Stress and Anxiety A recent study by German researchers indicated that short-term interventions such as massage therapy can robustly reduce stress on a psychological and physiological level by boosting the body’s principal engine for relaxation – the parasympathetic nervous system. In the study, researchers measured how massage can affect heart rate variability. When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, during rest and relaxation, the heart rate variability is high. The researchers found that just 10 minutes of massage created “significant increases” in heart rate variability. 2 Another 2021 Mayo Clinic study showed positive results on the benefits of massage therapy for anxiety in preoperative surgical patients. After receiving a 15-minute non-therapeutic hand massage, patients experienced lower anxiety levels and increased satisfaction. 3 New Research on Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain and Depression Research also indicates that massage can improve mood and reduce depression in those living with chronic pain. In fact, a scientific journal “Brain Sciences” recently covered a 2020 trial on women with chronic back pain whose depressive symptoms and negative body image were significantly reduced after receiving slow, superficial strokes along the back, neck and dorsal limbs. 4 In addition, a recent Australian pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of partner-delivered relaxation massage, and whether massage can reduce symptoms of prenatal anxiety, stress and depression. The results showed that massage therapy was linked to a large reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms and a moderate reduction of stress. Pregnant women who received massage therapy reported a positive benefit from massage of 78 mm (range 29 – 100) on a 100 mm visual analog scale. 5 Massage For Youth Struggling with Mental Health Issues Mental health issues are on the rise for children in the U.S. Many recent studies point to the benefits of using massage in addressing a range of psychological issues in youth, such as attention disorders, aggression, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In a 2019 study on eating disorders and depression, researchers found that excessively low-dopamine levels were increased following one month of daily 20-minute massages. 6 Another 2019 study compared the effectiveness of soft tissue manipulation and a relaxation technique (Jacobson’s progressive relaxation) in reducing anxiety levels in young adults. The researchers found that the level of perceived anxiety decreased “significantly” in the group receiving soft tissue manipulation. 7 “Research on the efficacy of massage therapy for mental health continues to show great promise,” says Michaele Colizza, AMTA National President. “In fact, more and more consumers are turning to massage therapy as part of an integrative approach to care for improving mental health and well-being.” It’s an Important Moment in Time for Massage for Mental Health Over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked effect on the country’s mental health. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 42% of people surveyed reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. Researchers are concerned that the increase in mental health issues could linger long after the pandemic has subsided, and many integrative health experts believe that massage therapy can be an important part of the solution in helping alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. 8 About The American Massage Therapy Association The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service ™. Research Citations 1. Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA 2. University of Konstanz. “Ten minutes of massage or rest will help your body fight stress.” ScienceDaily. September 2020. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200918104305.htm. 3. Zghihong, Bauer, Aaberg, Pool, Van Rooy, Schroeder, Finney. “Benefits of hand massage on anxiety in preoperative outpatient: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-tests.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919894/ 4. Effect of Psycho-Regulatory Massage Therapy on Pain and Depression in Women with Chronic and/ or Somatoform Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed (nih.gov) 5. Hall HL, Munk NK, Carr BH, Fogarty SR, Cant RB, Holton SR, Weller CL, Lauche RM. Maternal mental health and partner-delivered massage: A pilot study. Women Birth. 2021 May;34(3):e237-47. 6. Tiffany Field. " Pediatric massage therapy research: A narrative review." Children (Basel) 2019 Jun; 6(6): 78. 7. Wilczynska, Lysak-Radomska, Podczarska-Glowacka, Jolanta Zajt, Dornowski, Skonieczny " Evaluation of the effectiveness of relaxation in lowering the level of anxiety in young adults." Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2019;32(6):817-824. 8. Vahration, Blumberg, Terlizzi, Schiller. “Symptoms of Anxiety or Depressive Disorder and Use of Mental Health Care Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic” – United States, August 2020-February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:490-494. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7013e2.htm?s_cid=mm7013e2_w Contact Details American Massage Therapy Association Kristin Taylor +1 847-905-1425 communications@amtamassage.org Company Website https://www.amtamassage.org/

October 24, 2022 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NASDAQ: AGRX Agile Therapeutics Anticipates Increased Growth In Q3 of 2022

Agile Therapeutics, Inc.

Contact Details Matt Riley - Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications mriley@agiletherapeutics.com Company Website https://agiletherapeutics.com/

October 21, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Consumers Are Demanding More From Cannabis Companies — Here’s What Some Are Looking For

LiveWire Ergogenics, Inc.

The cannabis industry has undergone drastic changes in recent years, and as marijuana becomes more mainstream, consumers are demanding more from cannabis companies. No longer are the days when consumers will settle for a plastic zip lock bag of questionable quality and purity underground weed — they want choices that reflect their lifestyle and values. Many consumers report that they want a high-quality lifestyle brand and one of the things they are looking for is an organic, hand-cut, pesticide-free, and easy-to-consume cannabis product. Companies that embody these values will be better positioned to become the go-to products for more consumers. Why Do Consumers Want Lifestyle Brands? A growing percentage of consumers care more about the quality and sustainability of the brands they engage with. In a recent survey by Stifel and Morning Consult, more than half of the survey’s respondents shared they had bought from a new brand specifically for its transparent, environmentally responsive, and sustainable practice. When it comes to the cannabis industry, there is a preference for hand-trimmed and hand-grown cannabis. Colloquially known as craft cannabis, companies willing to prioritize hand-trimmed cannabis grown without pesticides and machines will have an easier task of creating high-end products that consumers flock to. Cannabis companies would be wise to look to the lifestyle brand journey of other consumer packaged goods (CPG). Researchers see lots of comparisons between the growth of lifestyle brands in high-end coffee companies and the cannabis industry. Similarly to how high-end coffee consumers are more loyal to brands that boost sustainable heritage, product origins, ethical sourcing, and roasts, a growing number of cannabis consumers are following suit. California is in the process of implementing a product origin program similar to the California wine industry for cannabis. Companies that can leverage a consumer-centric approach to the cannabis industry might find success in the coming years as luxury cannabis becomes more available and accessible to the public. What Companies Are Doing It Right? LiveWire Ergogenics Inc. (OTCMKTS: LVVV) (“LiveWire”) is a company that focuses on acquiring and managing special-purpose real estate properties that qualify for the discovery and development of high-end organic cannabis products. Because of this focus on selecting compliant real estate, LiveWire can hone in on projects that allow for high-end cultivation and set the Company apart from the competition, especially from mass producers of low-quality products. In order to operate economically, LiveWire has developed its Estrella Ranch as the central hub for all LiveWire and subsidiary operations. The Estrella Ranch’s location is ideal for cultivating a high-end organic-style product in a micro-climate that can allow for all-year-round production. Its tractor-less operation is focused on producing high-quality, hand-crafted outdoor products. Additionally, the property’s ultimate goal is to be the world’s first Estate Grown Weedery, an ultimate cannabis destination. This goal aligns well with the Company’s health and wellness lifestyle value. Consumers want an experience from their lifestyle brand of choice, and LiveWire seems to be an example of a company positioning itself well to deliver. The Company focuses on acquiring, managing, and licensing well-qualified cannabis real estate locations to establish fully compliant and permitted facilities to produce cannabis-based products and establish relationships for the statewide distribution of these products in California. This includes developing and licensing high-quality organic cannabinoid-based products and services and creating the high-quality "Estrella Grown Weedery™" brand via its subsidiary/affiliate companies Estrella Ranch Partners, Estrella River Farms, Makana Ola, and CaliCruz Farms. LiveWire Ergogenics does not produce, sell, or distribute products that violate the United States Controlled Substances Act. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Tristan Cavato ir@livewireergogenics.com

October 19, 2022 09:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time

LMCC Returns October 20 & 21 To Hudson Yards: Presenting The World’s Top Cannabis & CBD Beauty, Wellness, Food & Beverage Brands

LMCC Ventures LLC

New York, NY, October 18, 2022 — Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference (LMCC) today announced the complete program for its Fall 2022 Edition, which returns on October 20 & 21 in Hudson Yards, New York City. Launched in 2018 as a first-of-its-kind B2B trade event, LMCC has grown into the go-to resource and venue for product discovery and extensive category education, connecting visionary CBD and Cannabis brands across the beauty/wellness, food/beverage, and technology/lifestyle accessory categories to mainstream retailer buyers, luxe dispensaries, media, and investors. As an indication of the excitement around the emerging New York legal Cannabis market and the official brand showcase mix at LMCC, 100+ A-tier retail outlets – LMCC’s highest rate to date – have registered to attend the show including KITH, Standard Dose, Curaleaf, Bloomingdale’s, Rise Cannabis, Etain, The Vitamin Shoppe, Shen Beauty, and many others. LMCC’s inaugural infused Food & Beverage Hall will also debut, which will feature the finest food/culinary, beverage, consumables, and confectionery brands in the space — especially timely as alcohol sales in the U.S. continue to decline. This Harrods-esque, immersive (and delectable) experience will spotlight leading brands such Cann, Kiva Confections, oHHo, Cycling Frog, Cloud 11, Black Dahlia, L8, Sass, Chef For Higher, and many more. More than 700 business attendees from around the world will explore the LMCC Official Brand Showcase — a pre-vetted, store-ready exhibition — paired with a full schedule of keynote talks, brand presentations, and business networking. For the most up-to-date information on partners, exhibiting brands and speakers, visit lmccshow.com. LMCC FALL 2022 OFFICIAL BRAND SHOWCASE DIRECTORY Astraèa & Co. Black Dahlia CANDOR CANN Chef for Higher Cloud 11 Cycling Frog Daily Habit Drew Martin errbshop Franny’s Farmacy Function Botanicals The Healing Rose Hudson Cannabis Innocan Pharma K’dara Kiva L8 LEUNE LumiBloom MĀSK Skincare oHHo Plantwise REUNION Sackville & Co. SASS StellaVia Stone Road UB Super / Meticulous Skincare WALALA LMCC SPEAKER SCHEDULE NOW LIVE See 50 leading executives on stage from Ulta Beauty, Adweek, New York State Cannabis Control Board, Merida Capital Holdings, Adweek, Different Leaf, NYC Mayor’s Office, Food & Wine, Standard Dose, Women’s Health, and Bon Appétit and many others: View LMCC Fall 2022 Speaker Schedule Here ### Attendee Tickets: Two-day, all-access passes to LMCC 2022 are $695. Purchase passes HERE. Retail Buyer Registration: Admission is complimentary only for qualified retail buyers and their teams. Stores, dispensaries, and e-tailers only can register HERE. Sponsors: LMCC is proud to partner with Merida Capital Holdings Brand Applications: Now Accepting Submission for LMCC May 2023 Brands Can Now Reserve Space for LMCC 2023 Here About LMCC: Founded in 2018, LMCC Ventures LLC is the parent company of the annual Luxury Meets Cannabis* Conference (LMCC) in New York City. LMCC is the premier B2B event connecting A-tier retailers, media, investors, leading dispensaries and CPG executives to premium CBD, hemp and Cannabis brands — with a keen focus on beauty, wellness, food & beverage. Past participants include retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, and Bloomingdale’s; media including The New York Times, Glossy, Travel & Leisure, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Robb Report; and speakers from Mitch Baruchowitz (Merida Capital Holdings) and Cindy Capobianco (Lord Jones) to Bobbi Brown and Frederic Fekkai. For more information on LMCC, visit lmccshow.com. Find LMCC socially on LinkedIn and Instagram. Guidelines & Legal: no smoking or vaping on any kind permitted inside the venue. Local laws strictly apply. Contact Details Katie Shapiro +1 303-882-5596 katie@katieshapiromedia.com Company Website https://www.lmccshow.com/

October 19, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Chill Brands kicks off "new era" with website relaunch

Chill Brands Group PLC

Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 19, 2022 06:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Jupiter Wellness’s Potential New OTC Drug Could Put Some More Joy Back Into Breast Cancer Survivors’ Lives

Jupiter Wellness, Inc.

Learn More about Jupiter Wellness Inc. by gaining access to the latest research report Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally as of 2021, according to the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Although breast cancer is one of the more talked-about cancers, there are many disturbing facts related to this deadly disease that make it more alarming than other cancers. Stats Show Breast Cancer Continues To Wreak Havoc On Women’s Lives Here are some of the latest stats: About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes. As of January 2022, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S., including women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. Breast cancer affects men, too, and about 2,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2022 with a man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer being about 1 in 833. About 43,250 women in the U.S. are expected to die of breast cancer in 2022. Death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007 but have continued to drop in women over 50 because of screening and early detection and care. About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur because of genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and lifestyle — less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it. Several pharmaceutical companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY), Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK), Medivation Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN), and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) have reported developing breakthrough drugs to treat breast cancer over the years. And considerable progress has been made in reducing cancer rates and improving cancer survival through improved diagnostic and treatment modalities, according to reports. Yet the adverse effects of cancer treatment continue to cause concern and unhappiness for breast cancer survivors. Following breast cancer treatment or surgery, some women experience a number of side effects, including a change in body weight, tightness of the skin, changes in sensation, phantom breast sensations (in surgery patients), and loss of sexual desire (libido). The sexual health of women and female libido have always been awkward topics of conversation that are seldom discussed openly. Women don’t want to talk about it and it seems little attention has been paid to developing drugs catering to female sexual wellness. And, by extension, their male partners. A Side Effect That Could Regenerate Libido? Spark Joy? But one Florida-based BioPharma company has licensed a breakthrough product with a novel mechanism of action for women’s sexual wellness. As per a recent press release, “The exclusive license includes issued patents and technology, including formulations. In clinical studies, one topical formulation improved nipple sensitivity and alleviated associated sexual problems. Concomitantly, the formulation was also shown to increase female sexual lubrication and improve overall orgasmic response.” Jupiter Wellness Inc. (NASDAQ: JUPW) reports that its proposed drug, JW-500, when topically applied to the nipple-areola area of the breast, contracts the smooth muscle, thus erecting the nipple and increasing its sensitivity. The company reports that clinical trials of JW-500 have shown efficacy and safety in improving female nipple sensitivity. Further testing is being conducted to quantify and qualify enhanced sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm response in healthy women and women suffering from nipple naturopathy following breast cancer treatment. "This treatment has the potential to address a wide range of clinical indications, including nipple neuropathies following breast augmentation in breast cancer survivors”, said Jupiter Wellness CEO Brian John."We are excited to complete the research and development of this product and to bring this novel approach to the market. I believe this product may not only be an excellent treatment for people with breast cancer but potentially as a women's sexual health product as well." The company plans to file for a pre-IND meeting with the US FDA within the next 12 months and intends to seek Orphan Drug Designation for JW-500. Considering the size of the market for breast cancer survivors and the possibility of addressing libido loss in post-menopausal women, Jupiter Wellness may be a company to keep an eye out for news on their clinical progress. To learn more about JW-500 and Jupiter Wellness, visit its webpage. We support health and wellness through the research and development of over-the-counter (OTC) products and intellectual property. Our product pipeline addresses a range of conditions, including hair loss, eczema, burns, and sexual wellness. Revenue is generated through the sales of OTC and consumer products, contract research agreements, and licensing royalties. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TraDigital IR- Camille Baptiste camille@tradigitalir.com Company Website https://jupiterwellness.com/

October 18, 2022 09:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Precision Medicine Could Get Even More Precise With Allarity Therapeutics’ “Next-Generation” Diagnostics Platform

Allarity Therapeutics, Inc.

Once brought into its pipeline, Allarity uses its DRP® platform to develop companion diagnostics alongside each drug to improve the treatments in a personalized medicine approach. Earlier this year, the company refocused its pipeline strategy toward combination therapies in an effort to improve treatment outcomes while also creating more funding and partnership opportunities. Allarity Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ALLR) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on oncology treatments. After decades of research, the company has created what it describes as a powerful next-generation companion diagnostics platform, called Drug Response Predictor (DRP®), and is now developing a portfolio of promising cancer treatments. Companion Diagnostics Are Helping Doctors Deliver The Right Cancer Treatment To The Right Patient At The Right Time Companion diagnostic tests help doctors quickly and accurately identify which treatments a particular person is most likely to respond to so that they can develop a personalized treatment plan that has the highest odds of being successful for that cancer patient. Earlier versions of these tests would look at a single gene or a small handful of genes known to be predictors of treatment response. This can provide a limited view of the patient’s potential response. Take, for example, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressed in some colorectal cancers. A test identifying this biomarker might identify the patient as a candidate for anti-EGFR therapy. However, tumors with EGFR alongside KRAS or NRAS mutations are often resistant to anti-EGFR therapy. But if the test isn’t looking at that biomarker of resistance, it could misidentify them as a candidate for the therapy when they really aren’t. To account for those limitations, the next generation of diagnostic tests is broadening the scope. Foundation Medicine Inc.’s FoundationFocus CDx, for example, was the first companion diagnostic assay approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It analyzes 324 genes to predict responsiveness to treatments for five types of cancer. Similarly, Myriad Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN) launched its new Precise Tumor test earlier this year that analyzes over 500 tumor-related genes. However, these are still constrained by the limits of the biomarkers science has identified so far. That means biomarkers of resistance or responsiveness that researchers don’t know about yet could impact the accuracy of the results. Allarity’s Proprietary Drug Response Predictor Platform Reported To Deliver Even More Precision Allarity’s Drug Response Predictor (DRP®) platform is a unique bioanalytical platform that can create drug-specific predictive diagnostics for a wide range of cancer treatments. Unlike other companion diagnostics on the market, Allarity’s DRP® looks at the entire 25,000-plus genes expressed in a cancer cell — not just the ones science has already identified as biomarkers of responsiveness. Over the past two decades, the company has developed this platform through dozens of clinical trials and the analysis of thousands of human tumor biopsy samples to create the robust platform. The result is a platform that can bridge the gap between how cancer cells respond to a given drug in vitro versus how actual patient tumors respond. It can then create drug-specific biomarker signatures, a set of 50 to 400 genes that predict how a patient’s cancer is likely to respond to a specific treatment. A DRP® companion diagnostic delivers its results in the form of a score on a color-coded spectrum where green means the patient is a high match, likely to respond to a drug, and red means the patient is unlikely to respond because they have too many genes predicting resistance to that treatment. In other words, the DRP® not only identifies likely candidates for a drug but also rules out unlikely responders so doctors can more effectively narrow in on the best treatment options for each patient. This precision has yielded promising results in clinical trials. Across the dozens of clinical trials done to develop this platform, DRP® has shown it offers twofold to fivefold improvements in overall response rate or time to progression compared to patients not selected with the DRP® companion diagnostic. The DRP® platform has been extensively published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is patented. This genome-wide scope covering all 25,000-plus cancer genes gives Allarity the ability to develop a companion diagnostic for every drug it brings into its pipeline as well as partner with other companies to develop tests for the drugs in their pipelines. A Low-Risk Pipeline Of Promising Oncology Drug Candidates? The Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical has minimized the risks associated with drug development by only having acquired drug candidates from other companies, including big pharma, that have already demonstrated safety and efficacy in early trials. Most of Allarity’s pipeline programs are former big pharma assets that have progressed past Phase 1 studies or later Phase 2/3 studies. Stenoparib, for example, is being evaluated as a treatment for ovarian cancer. Allarity licensed it from Eisai Co. Ltd. (OTCMKTS: ESALY). It now planning to evaluate stenoparib in combination with dovitinib, a drug candidate with multiple indications that Allarity licensed from Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS). Allarity Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLR) develops drugs for personalized treatment of cancer guided by its proprietary and highly validated companion diagnostic technology, the DRPÂ® platform. The Company has a mature portfolio of five drug candidates: stenoparib, a PARP inhibitor in Phase 2 development for ovarian cancer; dovitinib, a post-Phase 3 pan-tyrosine kinase inhibitor; IXEMPRAÂ® (Ixabepilone), a microtubule inhibitor approved in the U.S. for the treatment of second-line metastatic breast cancer and in Phase 2 development in Europe for the same indication; and 2X-111, a liposomal formulation of doxorubicin in Phase 2 development for metastatic breast cancer and/or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is the subject of discussions for a restructured out-license to Smerud Medical Research International AS. LiPlaCisÂ®, a liposomal formulation of cisplatin and its accompanying DRPÂ® is being developed via a partnership with Chosa ApS, an affiliate of Smerud Medical Research International, for late-stage metastatic breast cancer. The Company is headquartered in the United States and maintains an R&D facility in Hoersholm, Denmark. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Thomas Pedersen tsp@carrotize.com Company Website https://allarity.com/

October 18, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Halloween Thrills Can Be Good for Your Mental Health & Reduce Stress of Daily Living

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

During a time when many of us are anxious about daily living, the thrill of a Halloween fright might alleviate some stress, according to Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy. D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “There’s a psychological release from knowing that we can overcome our fear and enjoy the feeling of being exposed to crisis or threat in a safe environment,” she said. “This could be exactly the kind of release we need from our daily stresses—even if it’s just for a few moments.” “When you visit a haunted house or watch a horror movie, there’s a rush of adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine,” Dr. Nealon added. “This rush is translated by our brain into feelings of euphoria, satisfaction and empowerment when the fear subsides. We get a sense of relief and well-being.” Thrill seekers who test their own limits can also reinforce bonds with others when this experience is shared, according to Dr. Nealon. But there is a downside to Halloween that Dr. Nealon warns about. “When we mock the disadvantaged, the mentally ill, those with special needs, or anyone with a perceived difference, we contribute to stigma and discrimination which makes it even tougher for people living with adversity. This Halloween, and always, be mindful that there are those around you who are struggling—they need your support, your kindness, and not your taunts.” “Today, we have enough real fear and anxiety in our daily lives. Halloween frights can be an appropriate way to release some of the pent-up tension in our bodies so that we can better tackle the actual challenges we face,” she said. “At the same time, it’s a time to reflect on how we, as a society, need to focus on how to better serve those most in need of our support and kindness, understanding that this is an important step to community wellness for all of us,” Dr. Nealon said. Contact Details The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Vivien Hao, Public Relations Manager +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

October 17, 2022 01:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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