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Prodigy Biotech Enters into a Partnership Agreement with Leading Cancer Center to Advance Products to Improve Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Prodigy Biotech

Prodigy is the first company to join the MSK Therapeutic Accelerator. The accelerator program launch was announced at the MSK Life Sciences Innovation Summit in New York City on January 26, 2024. Prodigy and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) will co-develop a product targeting Enterococcus sp. to treat microbial dysbiosis in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The product will be built on Prodigy’s polyclonal Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) technology that has shown promising preclinical data in models of alcoholic liver disease. Prodigy and MSK have entered into a sponsored research agreement through the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator program to evaluate Prodigy’s product candidate for the improvement of outcomes in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The MSK Therapeutic Accelerator project will be led by Jonathan Peled, MD, PhD, Assistant Attending Physician, MSK. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Peled and his team at MSK have significantly advanced the role of the microbiome in impacting outcomes in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Dr. Peled’s work revealed that patients undergoing allo-HCT have enterococcal domination events and these domination events lead to worse overall survival and higher graft vs. host disease (GvHD)-related mortality. Dr. Peled has previously demonstrated in preclinical models that resetting the gut microbiome has profound outcomes in mitigating disease severity. In this collaboration, Prodigy’s Enterococcus sp. neutralizing antibodies will be evaluated in preclinical models of GvHD and product candidates will be developed to move into clinical development. Furthermore, Prodigy is pleased to have Dr. Peled join and help build its allo-HCT Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). In addition to the sponsored research, MSK will provide expertise and institutional resources through the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator to aid in the development of a drug candidate for patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. MSK’s Therapeutic Accelerator Program is a partnership program between MSK and technology and pharmaceutical companies to advance novel therapeutics through all stages of drug development. The program brings together innovative healthcare companies with MSK’s community of clinical and scientific experts to establish groundbreaking collaborations that can have a tangible impact on treatment or management of cancer. Satish Chandran, CEO of Prodigy said, “ We are delighted to collaborate and partner with MSK’s Therapeutic Accelerator Program and Dr. Peled to develop product(s) for patients undergoing allo-HCT. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, it is incumbent upon all of us to find solutions that have the potential to save lives and restore normalcy to these patients. We have been very pleased with the robust preclinical proof-of-concept data of our product PROD-AH-001, (Hepatology, 2023) for alcoholic hepatitis which is currently being readied for an IND submission with the FDA.” Dr. Jonathan Peled of MSK said, "Patients who are treated with allo-HCT experience the most extreme microbiome injuries observed in any clinical setting. There is an urgent need to develop approaches that can mitigate this and prevent the expansion of potentially pathogenic bacteria. We hypothesize that attenuating the expansion of Enterococcus within the gastrointestinal tract will prevent bloodstream infections with this bacterium and potentially also ameliorate GVHD.” Dr. Chandran presented information about this important new collaboration at the MSK Life Sciences Innovation Summit in New York City on January 26, 2024. About Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Allo-HCTs have a chance to cure malignancies but are associated with high rate of complications and mortality. Allo-HCT can lead to various complications, affecting different organs due to the intense conditioning regimen and introduction of foreign immune cells. A significant concern after allo-HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), where the donor's immune cells mount an attack against the recipient and is a major cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality in this patient population. There is a clear need of therapies that are able to improve outcomes in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. About Prodigy Biotech, Inc. Prodigy Biotech is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing products using its polyclonal Immunoglobulin Y technology to selectively edit the microbiome while avoiding deleterious effects to the commensal microflora. The versatility of avian antibodies, IgY, allows for pathogen- specific neutralization capabilities not only to bacteria but also viruses, fungi, endotoxins, and even human secreted proteins such as cytokines and chemokines. A target agnostic approach and strategic collaborations with leading researchers in the microbiome field has allowed Prodigy to build a diverse pipeline ranging from modulating the gut microbiome in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) to modulating the lung microbiome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Contact Details Prodigy Biotech, Inc. Satish Chandran satish.chandran@prodigybiotech.com Company Website https://www.prodigybiotech.com/

February 06, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Doceree Secures Patent for its Groundbreaking Technology Empowering Marketers to Elevate Patient-Physician Engagement Through Real-Time Triggers on EHR Platforms

Doceree

Doceree, the leading global healthcare marketing platform building unprecedented solutions for programmatic HCP marketing using proprietary data tools, today announced the grant of a patent by US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its distinguished feature ‘Triggers’ that uses clinical data as real-time prompts for messaging to HCPs on Electronic Health Record Platforms, in a HIPAA-compliant and privacy-forward way. In the United States, physicians possess the potential to enhance healthcare delivery by leveraging relevant information; however, the challenge lies in the timely accessibility of crucial data. Despite the ongoing digital transformation in the healthcare sector, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) continue to face a notable gap in accessing up-to-date information, a resource that is currently exclusive to life sciences organizations. As the industry undergoes rapid digitization, the need for efficient information dissemination to empower healthcare providers becomes increasingly evident. Bridging this information gap, Doceree introduced Triggers- a technological solution designed to guarantee the delivery of optimal and well-informed care to patients. Doceree's groundbreaking patent, officially paves the way for the integration of Doceree Triggers into the pharmaceutical marketing landscape. This patent encompasses a sophisticated medical product processing system that employs a first graphical user interface connected to an Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform. The system is designed to display messages in real-time to medical providers, tailored to their patients' predefined conditions. These conditions are inputted into the patient's electronic health record during the interaction between the patient and the healthcare provider, encompassing crucial details such as definitions of international classifications of diseases (ICD) codes. This patent not only represents a pivotal achievement, affirming Doceree's pioneering strategy in revolutionizing the interaction between pharmaceutical marketing and healthcare professionals, but it also plays a crucial role in aiding Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms. The patent ensures real-time clinical data mapping in a HIPAA-compliant manner, contributing to the optimization of EHRs for health data interoperability. This optimization holds significant importance in supporting clinical research efforts. The seamless integration of research and clinical care within a health system has the potential to boost clinical trial participation rates, enhance health outcomes, reduce the cost of care, and foster greater patient satisfaction. " This patent not only signifies our steadfast dedication to pushing the boundaries and creating pioneering solutions for addressing the industry's most intricate challenges but also stands as a significant milestone in our journey towards establishing leadership in healthcare innovation and technology," stated Harshit Jain MD, Founder, and Global CEO of Doceree. " Beyond its legal implications, this inaugural patent reflects the resilience and forward-thinking ethos that defines our company. It serves as the bedrock for sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, embodying our commitment to continuous advancement. The issuance of this patent is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a shared dedication to our strategic objectives," he emphasized. Doceree Triggers stands out by offering pharmaceutical manufacturers a distinctive set of capabilities. It enables the strategic planning and coordination of healthcare provider and direct-to-consumer campaigns, leveraging comprehensive insights into patient and provider behaviors, including the evaluation of past and present script performance. The platform empowers users to activate media seamlessly across various channels, encompassing display, video, and connected TV, all while optimizing bids to enhance overall business outcomes. Real-time performance measurement is a key feature, providing immediate insights into each campaign's effectiveness. Moreover, Doceree Triggers facilitates the dynamic optimization of ongoing campaigns by automatically adjusting parameters, enhancing audience quality, boosting script lift, and maximizing overall media efficiency. This multifaceted approach ensures that pharmaceutical marketing efforts are not only well-informed but also agile and responsive, driving impactful results in the competitive landscape. About Doceree: Doceree is a global platform building unprecedented solutions for healthcare professional (HCP) messaging with proprietary data and advanced tools. Utilizing an extensive global network of digital endemic and point-of-care platforms, Doceree facilitates seamless and meaningful communication between life sciences brands and HCPs, ensuring delivery of highly personalized messages to HCPs at scale. To learn more, https://doceree.com/us/doceree-triggers/. Contact Details Doceree Priyanka Bhasin +91 78387 03702 priyanka.bhasin@doceree.com Doceree Tanya Singh +91 70420 89805 tanya.singh@doceree.com Company Website https://doceree.com/us/doceree-triggers/

February 06, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Elicio Therapeutics Announces Publication of Preclinical Data Demonstrating Power Of Amphiphile-Immunotherapy

Benzinga

By Jeremy Golden, Benzinga A clinical-stage biotechnology company has published promising preclinical data in Cancer Immunology Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The data produced by Elicio Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ELTX) demonstrates how Elicio’s proprietary Amphiphile (AMP) lymph node-targeting immunotherapy platform, carrying cognate peptide and adjuvant cargos, boosted T cell receptor-modified T cell (TCR-T cell) therapies while enhancing anti-tumor function and eradicating solid tumors. According to Peter DeMuth, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Elicio Therapeutics, optimization of TCR-T cell therapy could potentially have wide-ranging therapeutic benefits in many previously intractable solid tumors. During the study, AMP immunotherapy enhanced the infiltration and function of TCR-T cells in the tumor microenvironment and led to epitope spreading against diverse tumor targets. Additionally, long-term protection against tumor recurrence in AMP-treated mice was associated with antigen spreading to additional tumor-associated antigens not targeted by the treatment. “In this study, we’ve demonstrated that boosting TCR-T cell therapy directly in the lymph nodes with AMP immunotherapy resulted in durable anti-tumor T cell responses and tumor eradication,” DeMuth said. “The AMP treatment uniquely promoted potent mechanisms for immune activation in lymph nodes to invigorate both adoptive and endogenous anti-tumor T cell immunity. Simple application to a variety of cancer targets including mKRAS, HPV E7 and NY-ESO-1 could elevate existing TCR-T cell therapies to generate powerful new combinations for hard-to-treat solid tumors.” Elicio Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Three vaccine candidates are currently in Elicio Therapeutics’ pipeline: ELI-002, ELI-007 and ELI-008. Elicio’s proprietary AMP platform delivers investigational immunotherapeutics directly to the lymph nodes, sometimes referred to as the “brain center” of the immune system. In previous Elicio studies, the results found that AMP immunotherapy promoted specific trafficking and retention of payloads into lymph nodes, yielding enhanced T cell numbers, persistence and functional quality. Preliminary phase 1 data from the ongoing study of Elicio’s lead asset, ELI-002, demonstrated significant T cell responses – including both CD4+ and CD8+ – when administered as an adjuvant monotherapy in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The strength of the T cell response induced by ELI-002, an mKRAS-specific AMP vaccine, was further correlated to significant improvements in tumor biomarker response, along with reduced risk of progression and death. This indicates an association between the ELI-002 mechanism of action and clinical outcome. “This study adds to our growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating the importance of the lymph nodes and the robust efficacy that our AMP immunotherapy strategy can potentially achieve for patients with solid tumors, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other strategies,” said Robert Connelly, Chief Executive Officer at Elicio Therapeutics. “The AMP platform provides attractive potential for broad and rapid application to clinical and developmental TCR-T cell programs. We look forward to finding the right partner to advance this promising combination into the clinic for patients with solid tumors.” Featured photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 06, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CytoReason’s AI-Driven Disease Model Platform Trusted By 5 Top 10 Pharma Companies Harnesses Big Data To Speed Drug Discovery And Development

OurCrowd

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Click here to learn more about CytoReason and how to invest through OurCrowd. Big data is transforming everything from the way we drive to the way we shop or even the way we consume energy. But when it comes to healthcare and fighting diseases, it still takes 10 or more years to bring a drug or treatment to market. What’s more, 90% of drugs in development fail. A big reason is that all the disparate data being collected from doctors, hospitals, clinical trials and patient outcomes reside in silos – thus not functioning together, and that only seems poised to get worse. The volume of human molecular data is growing rapidly, but analytic capabilities aren’t keeping up. That is essentially slowing progress in finding potential cures and more effective treatments. To overcome this challenge, a platform that can digest, organize and make sense of all the different data types and sources is needed – and that’s where CytoReason and its Disease Model Platform come in. Founded in 2016 to address this problem, CytoReason created what the company says is the first AI model to map treatments, patient groups and disease mechanisms while constantly evolving and learning. Bringing It All Together Researchers of all levels can rely on CytoReason’s proprietary data and innovative technology to make data-driven decisions across the drug development life cycle. Scientists can identify potential targets, prioritize indications, and stratify patient populations. Program leaders can compare drugs across multiple diseases or multiple drugs within a single disease. C-level executives can gain valuable tools to manage and optimize entire drug portfolios. Never before has there been that much data organized and analyzed on one platform, says CytoReason. Similar to how navigation apps provide layers of data about streets, buildings and addresses, CytoReason's Disease Model Platform offers layers of pre-computed data, which can include results from clinical trials, data on proteins and single-cell data. With multiple models for various diseases, users of the platform can identify potential targets, prioritize treatments, stratify patients and find possible drug combinations. User-generated data can also be integrated, and hypotheses across different treatments can be tested. The platform learns with you and can help you understand the cause of the disease and identify potential R&D avenues for prevention. Giving Pharma An Edge For drug development companies and researchers, CytoReason says the biggest advantage of its Disease Model Platform is its ability to compare assets across different diseases. With a single standard for all disease models, users can answer critical questions including which patients may benefit most from the drug, what other diseases the drug can be developed for, and how the drug stacks up against the drugs currently available. By answering those questions, decision-makers in pharma and biotech companies can find new opportunities, increase success rates and shorten the drug development cycle. Sounds too good to be true? The platform is already being used by five of the top ten pharma companies including Sanofi SA (NASDAQ: SNY), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE). Sanofi, which tapped CytoReason’s AI platform for use in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) expanded its multiyear collaboration last year. Sanofi is using the platform to identify patient subtypes and pair them with IBD targets. Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Sanofi will pay CytoReason an undisclosed multimillion-dollar amount. Pfizer, which has been working with CytoReason since 2019, also extended its collaboration, announcing in 2022 that it committed a $20 million equity investment, has options to license CytoReason’s platform and disease models and fund supplementary project support in a deal potentially worth up to $110 million over the next five years. Since the two began collaborating, Pfizer has used CytoReason's biological models in its research to enhance the understanding of the immune system as it develops innovative drugs for immune-mediated and immuno-oncology diseases. CytoReason's platform has provided Pfizer with multiple insights in its research and development programs across over 20 diseases. CytoReason’s platform has also benefited Poolbeg Pharma, which has been using it to find novel approaches for treating influenza. Poolbeg’s disease progression data from influenza human challenge trials combined with CytoReason’s disease model platform led to the discovery of multiple novel drug targets for the treatment of influenza. Big data is growing exponentially, particularly in the healthcare field, but getting it under one roof has proven difficult. It's the reason it takes so long to develop drugs and why the majority of them fail. Platforms like CytoReason are working to change that, providing AI-generated insights to understand disease mechanisms and disease progression, as well as potential treatment methods. In a world where data is endless, CytoReason is making sense of it all. To learn more about CytoReason and its novel approach to data click here. OurCrowd was started in 2013, driven by the idea that the business of building startups grows bigger and better when the global ‘crowd’ gains access to VC-level investment opportunities.Today, OurCrowd is a global venture and alternative investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Lisa Graston lisa.graston@ourcrowd.com Company Website http://www.ourcrowd.com

February 06, 2024 08:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Exciting Transition as Executive Director Prepares for New Chapter

National Contract Management Association

The NCMA Contract Management Institute (CMI) announces that Soraya Correa, who has served as the dedicated Executive Director for the past year, will be joining the team at National Industries for the Blind as their new President and CEO-Elect. Ms. Correa will be transitioning into a governance role, maintaining a crucial connection with CMI and its strategic direction. This shift reflects her continued dedication to the institute's mission and the desire to contribute to its future success at a governance level. Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA and Chair of the CMI Governance Board, "We express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions Soraya has made to the relaunch of the Contract Management Institute. Her enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to remaining actively engaged in the NCMA community and continuing her involvement in the governance of CMI." Amid expressions of gratitude for her contributions, Ms. Correa reflected on her time at the Institute, underscoring the impact she has had on its relaunch, community engagement, and governance. “While I am excited about this new opportunity with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), I am sad to leave CMI. As Executive Director of CMI I had the opportunity to work with the outstanding leadership, team, and members of NCMA, an experience I will always appreciate and remember fondly. I remain committed to the success of CMI and the vital role it plays in advancing the contract management profession. As I embark in my new role at NIB, I will continue to support NCMA initiatives, especially those of the CMI!” In the interim, taking over the Executive Director position for CMI will be Mr. Conrad. Stay tuned for more updates and CMI’s research projects begin this Spring. For inquiries and paper submissions, please contact info@ncmahq.org. The Contract Management Institute (CMI) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of contract management. With a mission to drive innovation, promote excellence, and enhance the role of the contracting professional, CMI provides valuable resources including collaboration and partnership opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in contract management across government, industry, and academia. The Institute serves as a catalyst for the study of the profession to elevate engagement, standards, and professional development. The CMI mission and vision are aligned with its parent, NCMA. CMI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) - www.ncmahq.org - stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

February 05, 2024 07:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Clene Inc. announces positive results from CNM-Au8 results from MS trial

Clene Inc

Clene Inc (NASDAQ:CLNN) CEO Rob Etherington joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news regarding the latest findings from the long-term open-label extension (LTE) of the VISIONARY-MS trial. This trial focuses on participants with stable relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and represents nearly three years of follow-up research. Following the conclusion of the double-blind period of the trial, participants were given the opportunity to continue with CNM-Au8® treatment at a dose of 30mg for an additional 96 weeks during the LTE phase. The analysis encompassed the modified intent-to-treat population, which included all study participants with valid clinical data. Etherington highlighted the key finding that long-term CNM-Au8 treatment showcased improvements in vision, as measured by low contrast visual acuity, an essential assessment of visual function in individuals living with multiple sclerosis. Remarkably, these improvements in vision persisted for 35 months from randomization, demonstrating the sustained efficacy of CNM-Au8 over an extended period. Moreover, the data revealed consistent and robust overall enhancements not only in vision but also in cognition among participants treated with CNM-Au8 for nearly three years from randomization. These results are particularly noteworthy for their potential to positively impact disease progression and potentially reverse established disability, representing a significant therapeutic breakthrough for patients with MS. Full clinical results from the long-term open-label extension will be officially presented at the ninth annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Forum, scheduled to take place from February 29 to March 2, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Clene's commitment to advancing treatments for multiple sclerosis is evident in these promising results, and their ongoing research holds great promise for enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. The potential to offer effective long-term solutions and improve both vision and cognitive function is a significant step forward in the battle against multiple sclerosis. Contact Details Proactive Canada Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 05, 2024 02:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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LungLife AI announces success in Validation of LungLB in multi-site, prospective clinical study

LungLife AI Inc

LungLife AI CEO Dr. Paul Pagano joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discussed the groundbreaking lung cancer detection technology developed by the company. LungLife AI is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of early detection in lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Dr. Pagano highlighted the sobering statistic that 80% of lung cancer cases are detected too late, contributing to the high mortality rate associated with this disease. The company's lung lb test, which has recently undergone successful validation, is poised to revolutionize the early detection of lung cancer by addressing the challenge of evaluating small nodules under 15 millimetres in size. Early intervention is crucial in improving patient outcomes, and the lung lb test is designed to meet this unmet need. Physicians have expressed excitement about the potential of this test to transform the landscape of lung cancer detection. Unlike existing methods, the lung lb test takes a unique approach by examining circulating genetically abnormal cells in the blood. This innovative approach offers a complementary and highly sensitive means of detecting lung cancer, enhancing the chances of early intervention and improved patient prognosis. Dr. Pagano discussed the competitive landscape, emphasizing LungLife AI's patented methods and proprietary technologies that set their approach apart in the field of lung cancer detection. Looking ahead, LungLife AI plans a methodical introduction of the lung lb test through an early access program, ensuring a seamless transition into healthcare settings. The next six to twelve months will involve a commercial proof of concept, with the company collaborating with hospital sites and working towards securing coverage from insurance providers. The potential life-saving impact of LungLife AI's technology and their strategic approach to making it accessible to patients and healthcare providers mark a significant contribution to advancing the field of lung cancer detection. The company's dedication to improving early detection rates and ultimately reducing the mortality associated with this devastating disease underscores their commitment to patient care and well-being. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

February 05, 2024 02:25 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Flora Growth Corp's CEO Reveals Record-Breaking Financials and Exciting 2024 Plans

Flora Growth Corp

Flora Growth CEO Clifford Starke joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share exciting news about the company's remarkable financial performance and its strategic plans for the future. Flora Growth is a diversified company with three main pillars, and it recently reported its best-ever financial results. Starke highlighted Flora's three core pillars, Vessel which is a rapidly growing brand with widespread distribution, the CBD Gummy Division, and Fatima a pharmaceutical company based in South Germany. The company recently went under strategic restructuring, which included the sale of an unprofitable Colombian entity and streamlining its team, which led to a net income of $1.1 million in the last quarter. The success of the last quarter is attributed to these strategic decisions, setting the stage for a promising 2024. Looking ahead, Flora Growth plans to enter the rapidly growing US beverage market by launching a product called Mellow in Q1. Leveraging its strong distribution network, the company aims to capitalize on the untapped potential in the beverage segment. Starke emphasized the importance of continuous product innovation, hinting at upcoming releases in 2024 that will compete with established brands in the dry herb space. As Flora Growth anticipates a record-breaking year, Starke highlighted their commitment to product innovation and strategic expansion, positioning the company as one to watch in the cannabis industry. Contact Details Proactive United States Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 05, 2024 01:03 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Speak And Be Saved: App Detects Heart Failure Weeks Before Attack

OurCrowd

By Jeremy Ruden “The puppy sat on the ship.” That was one of five potentially life-saving sentences that heart patients spoke into their smartphones during a US trial for HearO, the groundbreaking app that detects signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) simply by monitoring a person’s voice. Created by startup Cordio Medical, the system’s artificial intelligence algorithms detect voice changes that indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs before any symptoms surface. When changes are noticed, the system alerts the patient’s doctor of an imminent risk that might require medication, IV therapy or hospitalization, allowing intervention before the condition deteriorates. The company is currently raising a funding round via OurCrowd, the Jerusalem-based investment platform that allows accredited investors to access privately held startups. In trials, the HearO app successfully predicted heart failure in 81% of cases, about three weeks before heart failure actually occurs, giving physicians time to intervene and scale back expensive and traumatic hospitalizations. The condition develops when the heart muscle is too weak to pump all the blood the body needs. Fluid builds up in the extremities and lungs as a result. “This approach has the potential to reduce acute decompensated heart failure hospitalizations and improve patient quality of life and economic outcomes,” says William T. Abraham, MD, of Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, who reported the trial findings at the 2023 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association. The app functions by having patients record a baseline of phrases when their lungs are clear, then repeat them daily so algorithms can detect any changes. Saving lives With over 26 million people in the Western world suffering from CHF, the need to monitor patients is growing quickly. About half are at high risk of a fatal incident within five years of diagnosis. CHF patients generally require timely, personalized medical attention to avoid episodes that demand immediate medical care or hospitalization. Prevalence of CHF in the US alone is projected to increase by nearly 50% by 2030, while direct medical costs – predominantly hospitalization – are forecast to more than double between 2012 and 2030. The annual burden of CHF on the US healthcare system is some $18 billion. “The holy grail” of the heart failure monitoring industry “is to find a solution that will help a patient know in advance when they’re deteriorating so they can change their diuretics and hopefully avoid hospitalization,” says Tamir Tal, CEO of Cordio Medical. In the long run, Cordio plans to use the technology to detect other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Tal says. The company is initially targeting heart failure, which frequently causes patients to return to the hospital for lengthy, expensive stays. “Speech carries a lot of personal information about us. When you talk to your mom, just one sentence is enough for her to know how you feel,” says Tal. “We might not be giving the same kind of support as a parent, but we are using speech to give the physician something they can objectively use to determine a patient’s medical condition, helping them avoid serious health episodes.” AstraZeneca partnership In the US, Cordio Medical’s DETECT-HF pivotal study is fully operative, with data collected from dozens of patients in 38 centers. As a result of the clinical collaborations with the centers, the company has already received commercial interest from participants. This extensive collaboration with renowned medical centers has the potential to establish a smooth pathway for future commercial traction. Some of the largest US providers and payers are among the members of the pivotal steering committee, a further sign of their faith in HearO’s clinical significance and business potential. In Europe, Cordio found a partner in pharma giant AstraZeneca. In Q3 2023, the two companies began a second pilot program in Spain at the General Hospital of Valencia in conjunction with the Valencian Society of Cardiology. The first ongoing pilot is being conducted at Bellvitge University Hospital. “AstraZeneca is committed to advancing digital tools to diagnose, monitor and treat high-impact pathologies such as heart failure,” says César Velasco, director of Innovation and Digital Strategy at AstraZeneca. “Thanks to the collaboration across Spanish hospitals and health professionals, we are closer to making life-saving digital health tools a reality for millions with chronic diseases. FDA approval The HearO system received a prestigious and coveted Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA, with approval for the CHF indication forecast in Q1 2025, around 6 months after the company is expected to complete and publish the data from the US pilot. In the EU, Cordio obtained the CE certificate for HearO’s software application. The system was also approved by the Israeli Health Ministry. Cordio has several key investors including Peregrin, Ceros, Aegis Capital and Super-Pharm. They are all participating in the company’s current SAFE, which is available to accredited investors via OurCrowd. For more information about investing in Cordio Medical via OurCrowd, click HERE. OurCrowd was started in 2013, driven by the idea that the business of building startups grows bigger and better when the global ‘crowd’ gains access to VC-level investment opportunities.Today, OurCrowd is a global venture and alternative investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. Contact Details Lisa Graston lisa.graston@ourcrowd.com Company Website http://www.ourcrowd.com

February 05, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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