Digital Asset DirectGoodbody Health "leans up" the business with CBD extraction plant sale
Goodbody Health Ltd
Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
December 21, 2022 05:07 AM Eastern Standard Time
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Digital Asset Direct
News ReleaseDarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO) Prominently Positioned for Digital Therapeutics Consolidation
RazorPitch/DRIO
Article Highlights Transition to valued-based healthcare is driving consolidation in digital therapeutics. Dario’s clinically verified ROI to payors is lowering costs for the national healthcare sector. What is $162 billion in annual savings worth to the healthcare industry? DarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO) is adding contracts with self-insured employers and national health plans as Amazon and CVS vie to lead value-based, patient-centric virtual healthcare. Digital healthcare is resulting not only in better health outcomes, but also in lower costs for the national health-care sector. Dario’s user-centric multi-chronic condition platform and suite of solutions deliver personalized and dynamic interventions driven by data analytics and one-on-one coaching for diabetes, hypertension, weight management, musculoskeletal pain, and behavioral health, providing a turn-key, one-vendor solution for payers. As Dario continues to win RFPs with the company's full suite of chronic condition management solutions to help improve overall health, the company recently noted that a new “jumbo” global employer account represents increasing penetration of the Dario platform. The global company's adoption comes after Dario demonstrated the advantages of its single, seamless experience to improve health and outcomes in a several-month pilot and exemplifies Dario's ability to penetrate some of the largest self-insured employers. The pilot program verified previous clinical studies that resulted in a 1.4-point drop in A1c among diabetic members for a $60/month fee. Based on the industry's statistical savings of $140 per month per member on a 1 point drop in A1c, Dario could save the healthcare industry $1,632 for each of the 34 million diabetics in the US alone, or a total of $56 billion annually. Including the full suite of chronic conditions, clinical studies indicate a potential $162 billion in annual savings. Race To Retail Centric Medical Services As Dario continues to land employers, health plans, and health providers in addition to strategic partners such as Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY), some of the largest companies race to establish a retail-centric medical services care model intended to compete with physician-owned practices and some medical facility business models. Independent Kairos Policy Group noted Dario is likely to be considered a prized target in the race to first mover advantage in retail medical services. “Digital medical services are expected to play a growing role in the virtual care offering and community access model. CVS Health appears more ready to capitalize though. One company in particular, Dario Health, appears a likely M&A or strategic partner for CVS Health in 2022 as the company continues to build out the virtual care offering. If true, this would give CVS Health a clear competitive advantage in the digital medical services market over Amazon”. Sanofi, a big-brother sponsor of Dario, recently included DarioHealth as a “success” in its digital innovation partnerships. Dario’s patient-centric platform is leading the consumerization of healthcare and dominating the digital therapeutics marketplace. The Company’s success is generating significant interest from larger consolidators in patient-centric virtual healthcare, who realize that the use of technology on an increasing scale is the key to shifting to a value-based care model. Under a value-based care model, insurers and employers require providers to be more accountable for costs and patient outcomes. Access to real-time data is critical to make a Pay-for-Performance model work. A sign of the consolidation occurring in value-based care model is the $8 billion acquisition of Signify Health by CVS Health, announced on September 5, 2022. Much like Dario Health, Signify gathers the kind of data that is appealing to major players in the healthcare market. Signify gathers a tremendous amount of data on the health status and needs of the Medicare Advantage population through home-health services. Dario gathers valuable information directly from consumers via its software platform. The Company uses billions of data points annually to customize the delivery of continuous and connected support. Dario has clinically proven durable behavioral change, which results in improved healthcare outcomes and a measurable ROI for payers. In a recent article, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, known for backing tech-entrepreneurs, noted that “Consumer health startups used to operate in relatively small parts of healthcare, but they now stand to improve the entire healthcare experience. Companies are starting to realize that by putting consumers first, you can earn brand loyalty and improve patient engagement, which improves outcomes and lowers costs.” “A number of trends–including insurance coverage of telemedicine, consumers footing more of healthcare costs, and a move toward value-based care where engaging consumers can lower costs–all make now the perfect time for consumer health companies to take off.” The firm made the bold claim that a consumer health tech company will become the biggest company in the world. By The Numbers Dario is delivering on its objective to sign 100 enterprise contracts by year end, which, when fully implemented, should achieve an $80-$100 MM run rate in annual recurring revenues and exceed cash flow breakeven. Dario’s has a strong balance sheet with $68 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30, 2022, and an additional $25 million of availability on an existing credit facility. Plenty of resources to fully implement the large number of recent contracts. Using traditional valuation metrics, the anticipated $60 million in ARR run rate in December 2023 compares to Dario’s market capitalization of $115 million today. The less than 2x multiple of expected forward revenues compares favorably to other SaaS model companies’ valuations of 6-10x implying a possible multifold increase in the shares. This traditional valuation methodology does not reflect the demonstrable multi-billion dollar value proposition evident in the potential savings from diabetes, let alone MSK, behavioral health, and hypertension. The value will not be missed by the largest healthcare plans looking to reduce surging healthcare costs and vying for member engagement. Q3 Financial Highlights In November, Dario Health announced Q3 results citing: Third quarter 2022 revenues of $6.6 million increased 17.3% driven by growth in B2B Nine-month year to date revenue totaled $20.8 million, a 44% increase over the first nine months of 2021. 85 signed B2B contracts to date with $61 million in total contract value We note several other key takeaways: Aetna named as the National Account contract Strategic partner Sanofi validated Dario engagement outcomes Every channel partner, Solera, Virgin Pulse, Vitality and Alliant, is bringing in customers $60 MM ARR run rate from the existing 85 contracts when fully implemented Aetna plans Dario platform rollout to members in early 2023 Conclusion DarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO) is well positioned and capitalized, signing significant contracts with large clients. The digital therapeutics market is being forced to consolidate with pressure from consumers to deliver healthcare on a value-based system. With Dario’s clinically verified ROI to payers lowering costs for the national healthcare sector, DRIO is clearly delivering in a high-demand market. Investors looking to capitalize on the digital health sector need to put DRIO on their radar. For more information please visit: https://www.rcafinancialpartners.com/innovators/dariohealth/ RCA Financial Partners Inc. (“RCA Financial Partners” or “we”) is a consulting and advisory firm to small public and pre-IPO data resource innovators at the critical inflection point where proven technology requires prudent financing for success. We help our clients connect with well informed investors. To learn more about RCA Financial Partners and its data resource innovators, visit www.rcafinancialpartners.com. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, assumptions of future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment advisor. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. RazorPitch authors, contributors, or its agents, may be compensated for preparing research, video graphics, and editorial content. RazorPitch has not been compensated to produce and syndicate this content. As part of that content, readers, subscribers, and webs are expected to read the full disclaimers and financial disclosure statement that can be found on our website. This summary report was prepared by RCA Financial Partners and distributed by RazorPitch. RCA Financial Partners is not a securities broker-dealer, an investment adviser, or a bank, and, accordingly, this report is not subject to FINRA or SEC rules regarding broker-dealer securities research, nor to the regulations to which investment advisers or banks are subject, including regulations regarding independence of written communications. RCA has been retained and compensated by the subject company of this report. This report does not constitute, and should not be construed as an independent analysis of the subject company, or as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security. This report is published without regard to the specific needs of any person, and it does not take into account the particular financial situation or needs of any individual. Readers should seek professional financial advice, including tax advice, before taking any investment decision. This report is based on information that we believe to be reliable, but RCA Financial Partners does not make any express or implied representation or warranty as to the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of information contained in this report, or of information used to create this report. Further important disclosures and disclaimers are available at: www.rcafinancialpartners.com/about-us/legal-disclaimer/ Contact Details RazorPitch Mark McKelvie markrmckelvie@gmail.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com
December 21, 2022 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
News ReleaseHow To Support Your Immune System
YourUpdateTV
It’s always the perfect time to be thinking of ways to support your immune system. Recently, Dr. Nicole Avena, consultant for Jarrow Formulas, conducted a satellite media tour to share insights on how to support the immune system, evaluate daily nutrition and balance our diets with supplements. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/u7SMiLyoH0Y With so many individuals trying to balance work, family and busy schedules, healthy habits often take a backseat. A strong immune system is one way to support overall wellness. Ideally, we would absorb optimal amounts of nutrients through a well-balanced diet — but this can sometimes be unrealistic and difficult to achieve. To support immune health, it’s important to evaluate daily nutrition and balance our diets with supplements as needed. When the immune system works optimally, it supports overall wellness. This time of year is the perfect time to be thinking of ways to support immunity, especially with more travel, holiday stress and shorter days. Jarrow Formulas is a trusted brand that has been carefully formulating supplements since 1977. Informed by scientific research, Jarrow products have the potential to support and promote health.* Here are some supplements to consider to help support your immune system, gut health, energy and overall wellness*: Methyl B-12 (methylcobalamin) supports brain and nerve health and function, cellular energy production and sleep-wake cycles.* Methylcobalamin is a biologically active form of B12 that is better retained than cyanocobalamin.* It can be beneficial to vitamin B12 deficient people, especially some seniors and vegetarians/vegans (as plant-based diets can cause vitamin B12 deficiencies).* N-A-C or N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a powerful antioxidant amino acid and a precursor in the body to the critical antioxidant glutathione.* It supplies readily available L-cysteine, which acts as an antioxidant itself or as a precursor to glutathione.* Glutathione is essential for the immune system’s proper functioning, is vital in maintaining healthy tissue and supports liver function.* Immune Booster is a convenient and effective product to have on hand. It includes not one, but two, clinically studied and supported ingredients (a prebiotic and a probiotic strain) to create an easy and convenient way, to support a healthy immune system.* Just one single-serve packet per day helps maintain a healthy immune system, normal digestion and regularity.* Jarro-Dophilus EPS ® is a shelf stable probiotic supplement that features an enteric coating to protect the probiotic strains from stomach acid. Eight different strains of probiotic bacteria are delivered directly into the small intestines where probiotic bacteria fully exert their beneficial effects.* Those seeking to support their intestinal tract health may benefit from using the Jarro-Dophilus EPS ® probiotic supplement.* To learn more, and to find supplements to fit your diet and lifestyle, visit Jarrow.com About Jarrow Formulas Jarrow Formulas ® was founded in 1977 in Los Angeles with the goal to promote optimal health with high-quality, effective, affordable and superior formulation of dietary supplements. Jarrow offers a wide range of scientifically supported supplements including products that support digestive, bone, brain, heart and immune health, and supplements that aid with energy and metabolism.* Jarrow Formulas products are available worldwide in countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. About Vytalogy Wellness Every day, Vytalogy and its family of brands, Natrol and Jarrow Formulas, bring a vibrant energy to life. Vytalogy Wellness' mission is to be a modern wellness company that fuses science and quality ingredients to create highly efficacious products that make a transformative impact on consumers' lives. Based in California with more than 600 employees, Vytalogy markets products across multiple channels and many supplement categories. Vytalogy is a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, LLC. Visit Vytalogy Wellness for more information. About Dr. Nicole Avena Dr. Nicole Avena is a research neuroscientist and a pioneer in the field of food addiction. Her seminal research work jump-started a new field of exploration in medicine and nutrition. She is an expert in diet during pregnancy and baby, toddler and childhood nutrition. She received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from Princeton University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at The Rockefeller University in New York City. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com
December 20, 2022 12:11 PM Eastern Standard Time
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Digital Asset DirectNuformix hoping to "initiate discussions with major pharma" in 2023
Nuformix PLC
Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
December 20, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
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News ReleaseKadimastem and iTolerance’s Proposed Collaboration Further Strengthened With Receipt of US $1 Million BIRD Foundation Grant
Kadismastem
The Kadimastem (TASE: KDST) and iTolerance Inc.’s proposed collaboration to develop a potential cure for diabetes was further strengthened today with the approval of NIS 3.5 million (US$1 million) budget grant by Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial R&D Foundation (BIRD) to support their joint project to develop and commercialize a breakthrough regenerative technology to cure diabetes without the need for chronic immuno-suppression. The project will receive 3.5 million NIS (US $1Million) grant from BIRD that will cover half of the proposed project budget and will be allocated over a period of 30 months. This project is based on Kadimastem’s diabetes product called IsletRx, which is comprised of clinical-grade clusters of human pancreatic islet like cells (ILCs). Preclinical studies have shown that the cells are able to detect the sugar levels in the body and to produce, and secrete glucose dependently, the required amounts of insulin and glucagon, just like a healthy pancreas and enables the insulin dependent patient to avoid an abnormal drop in sugar level (hypoglycemia). In addition, the method of production and selection of the cells enables their implantation in various types of smaller size devices, suitable for maximum comfort for people living with diabetes. A key challenge, however, is possible immune rejection of the ILCs by the patient’s body. iTolerance, headquartered in Miami, Florida, has developed an innovative platform technology (iTOL-100) intended to enable the transplantation of allogeneic cells without tissue matching and without the need for chronic treatments that suppress the immune system of the transplant recipient (immunosuppression). This platform technology was successfully demonstrated in preclinical experiments in large animals (non-human primates), where diabetes was cured by allogeneic transplantation, without the need for long-term immunosuppressive treatments. The funding will be used to support the joint project that combines the aforementioned technologies towards clinical application of iTOL-102, an allogeneic cell product that can be transplanted without the need for chronic immunosuppressive treatments. Kadimastem CEO Asaf Shiloni said, “We are exploring various ways with different partners to develop our stem cell-based treatments to cure diabetes. We would like to thank the BIRD Foundation for its support for our program with iTolerance. This milestone will enable us to move at a quicker pace, with the goal of starting the clinical trials of iTOL-102 within the 30-month grant period and ultimately to bringing to market in the U.S, Israel and worldwide, a cure for diabetes.” To the best of Kadimastem’s knowledge, BIRD is considered one of the leading funds in its expertise in all branches of technology. During its 39 years of activity, the foundation has invested more than $300 million dollars in projects that generated direct and indirect sales in the amount of more than $10 billion dollars. The BIRD Foundation's support for the Kadimastem-iTolerance project is an expression of high confidence in the unique technologies of the companies. It is also an important recognition of the ongoing dialogue between the two. BIRD supports approximately 20 projects annually with the goal of stimulating, promoting and supporting industrial R&D of mutual benefit to the U.S. and Israel. All approved projects have a company headquartered in Israel, with the partner company based in the United States. Kadimastem Chairman of the Board Ronen Twito said, “The BIRD grant is good news all around. Kadimastem can now continue its important journey to develop a cure for diabetes. Those with diabetes can trust that indeed a cure is on the way. And a win for Kadimastem and the patients it serves means a big win for Kadimastem’s shareholders. Yes, good news all around.” Kadimastem Chief Scientist, Professor Michel Revel said, “We always knew that cell therapy had high potential to provide a cure for diabetes. It is with great expectations that we watch this process unfold. Many thanks to the BIRD Foundation for helping to make it possible.” About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing and manufacturing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, the company's lead product, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS and in pre-clinical studies for other neurodegenerative indications. IsletRx is the company's treatment for diabetes. IsletRx is comprised of functional, insulin and glucagon producing and releasing pancreatic islet cells, intended to treat and potentially cure patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). About iTolerance, Inc. iTolerance is an early-stage privately held regenerative medicine company developing technologies to enable tissue, organoid or cell therapy without the need for life-long immunosuppression. Leveraging its proprietary biotechnology-derived Strepavidin-FasL fusion protein/biotin-PEG microgel (SA-FasL microgel) platform technology, iTOL-100, iTolerance is advancing a pipeline of programs using both allogenic pancreatic islets and stem cells that have the potential to cure diseases. The company’s lead program, iTOL-101 is being developed for Type 1 Diabetes and in a pre-clinical non-human primate study, pancreatic islet cells co-implanted with iTOL-101 exhibited long-term function with control of blood glucose levels and restoration of insulin secretion without the use of chronic immune suppression. The company’s second lead candidate, iTOL-102, is leveraging significant advancements in stem cells to derive pancreatic islets which allows an inexhaustible supply of insulin-producing cells. Utilizing iTOL-100 to induce local immune tolerance, iTOL-102 has the potential to be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes without the need for life-long immunosuppression. Additionally, the company is developing iTOL-201 for liver failure and iTOL-301 as a potential regenerative protein and cell therapy that leverages stem cell sources to produce proteins or hormones in the body in conditions of high unmet need without the need for life-long immunosuppression. For more information, please visit itolerance.com. Forward Looking Statement: This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under Kadimastem’s control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the company's activity. The company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future.Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Contact Details Kadimastem Asaf Shiloni +972 73-797-1613 a.shiloni@kadimastem.com Must Have Communications Marjie Hadad +1 917-790-1178 marjie@mhc-pr.com iTolerance Investor Contact Jenene Thomas +1 833-475-8247 iTolerance@jtcir.com iTolerance Media Contact Susan Roberts +1 202-779-0929 sr@roberts-communications.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/
December 20, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
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Digital Asset DirectEmpower Clinics partners with European medical device company to help fuel growth in North America
Empower Clinics Inc.
Contact Details Proactive Canada Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com Company Website https://www.proactiveinvestors.ca/
December 20, 2022 03:20 AM Pacific Standard Time
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News ReleaseWhy New Year's Resolutions Fail
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Studies show that by February, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned. So how do you make sure yours are among the 20 percent that are kept longer than a couple of months? Psychologists say it’s important to focus not on the goal but on the process of change. New Year’s resolutions often fail because they encourage a goal-oriented, rather than a process-oriented approach. It’s not about achieving a single goal, it’s about developing a habit or set of habits that result in the desired goal(s). “The process of change starts with understanding that a behavior is producing negative consequences,” says Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “Then comes the internal negotiation—evaluating the pros and cons of changing. When you decide to change, then comes preparation, and this is critical—set yourself up for success.” “Next, decide your action steps and how you plan to maintain or modify these steps over time,” she adds. “Finally, plan for falling off the wagon—and get right back on track.” According to Dr. Nealon, this process can take weeks or months, so that is another reason why New Year’s resolutions often don’t work. “It’s difficult to wake up one day and suddenly decide you will change a long-held habit or practice,” she says. “Better to give yourself some time to think over the entire process and make sure that you are committed to change." She offers five tips for increasing chances of successful change include: Make change actionable and measurable Create a plan for incremental change; taking small steps to start Challenge yourself to be accountable or find an accountability partner Be forgiving; when you inevitably fall off the wagon, get back up About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu
December 19, 2022 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
News ReleaseHong Kong Baptist University develops new aptamer drug for bone anabolic therapies
Hong Kong Baptist University
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 19 December 2022 - A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified a molecular target for bone anabolic therapies using a selected aptamer that serves as an inhibitor of sclerostin, a protein that prevents bone growth. The discovery offers hope for the development of an effective next-generation treatment for osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta that is free of cardiovascular risk compared to the marketed antibody drug. The research findings have been published in the international academic journals Nature Communications and Theranostics. The New drug is at the pre-clinical trial development stage, and the research team plans to start clinical trials in the US and on the Mainland in 2024. Current medication increases cardiovascular risk Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition which leads to a reduction in bone density, resulting in weakened bones that are more fragile and likely to break. O steogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease”, is a rare congenital genetic disorder characterised by extremely fragile bones. Sclerostin has been identified as a therapeutic target for both diseases. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the monoclonal antibody against sclerostin for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that sclerostin antibody enhances bone mass and bone strength of mice with osteogenesis imperfecta. However, as sclerostin plays a protective role in the cardiovascular system, it was seen that sclerostin antibody increased the risk of heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular death during clinical trials. Therefore, a black box warning for potential cardiovascular risks is required by FDA. A research team led by Professor Lyu Aiping, Dr. Kennedy Y.H. Wong Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicineand Director of the Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science at HKBU; Professor Zhang Ge, Director of the Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases at HKBU; and Dr Yu Yuanyuan, Manager of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery and Assistant Professor of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, endeavoured to develop alternative drug options. “loop3” identified as a new therapeutic target Sclerostin suppresses bone formation by antagonising the “Wnt signalling pathway”. The “Wnt signalling pathway” modulates the stem cells responsible for skeletal tissue regeneration. Therefore, inhibition of sclerostin promotes bone growth. The research team discovered that a “loop3 domain” in the core region of sclerostin can be used as a molecular target to inhibit sclerostin. Through genetic studies, it was shown that deficiency of the loop3 domain can inhibit sclerostin’s antagonistic effect against the Wnt signalling pathway, but it does not affect the cardiovascular protective effect of sclerostin. The result suggests that the loop3 domain can serve as a molecular target for inhibiting sclerostin while preserving its cardiovascular protective function. The researchers then proceeded to screen aptamers that can specifically inhibit sclerostin loop3. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can selectively bind to molecular targets such as proteins. After binding with specific proteins, aptamers may inhibit protein–protein interactions and thereby elicit certain therapeutic effects. Through a combinatorial technology, an aptamer “aptscl56” was selected as a potential sclerostin inhibitor that targets the loop3 structure. Aptamer selected as effective and safe sclerostin inhibitor The research team examined aptscl56’s therapeutic functions with osteoporotic rat models and osteogenesis imperfecta mouse models. They found that aptscl56 effectively promots bone formation. On the other hand, the application of aptscl56 does not increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as aortic aneurysms and atherosclerotic development in both models. The medical use of aptamers confers certain advantages, such as thermal stability and ease of synthesis. However, they are prone to rapid degradation and renal filtration. The research team therefore modified aptscl56 to produce an aptamer named “Apc001” with a longer half-life. The team demonstrated that Apc001 promotes bone formation, increases bone mass, improves bone microarchitecture integrity, and enhances bone mechanical properties in rats with osteoporosis and mice with osteogenesis imperfecta. Clinical trials due to start in 2024 “Searching for reliable and safe alternatives to overcome the limitations of the currently available drugs is crucial to help patients who need bone anabolic therapies. Our ongoing studies, which span from identifying molecular targets for sclerostin inhibition to aptamer drug discovery, offer hope for the development of next-generation sclerostin inhibitors in the near future,” said Professor Zhang Ge. “Our search for alternative drugs for bone anabolic therapies is a good example of tripartite collaboration between academia, industry and the government. The research work was partly conducted in collaboration with a local biotechnology company, and it was supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund. Some biotechnology companies in the Mainland were engaged in certain aspects of developmental research for the aptamer, such as toxicology tests. The collaborative efforts will continue to create more synergy and fruitful results,” said Professor Lyu Aiping. The therapeutic aptamer Apc001 was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta in 2019. Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office, HKBU Christina Wu hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk
December 19, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
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Digital Asset DirectVoyager Life pays "very fair price" for CBD facility in Poland
Voyager Life PLC
Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
December 19, 2022 08:10 AM Eastern Standard Time
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