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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Report, History and Forecast 2020-2027, Data Breakdown by Manufacturers, Key Regions, Types and Application -…

The Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market report offers key insights into the worldwide Preimplantation Genetic Testing market. It presents a holistic overview of the market, with an in-depth summary of the markets leading players. The report is inclusive of indispensable information related to the leading competitors in this business sector and carefully analyzes the micro- and macro-economic market trends. The latest report specializes in studying primary and secondary market drivers, market share, the leading market segments, and comprehensive geographical analysis. Vital information about the key market players and their key business strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations, technological innovation, and trending business policies, is one of the key components of the report.

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The report covers extensive analysis of the key market players in the market, along with their business overview, expansion plans, and strategies. The key players studied in the report include:

Illumina Inc.; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.; Natera, Inc.; Bioarray S.L.; Good Start Genetics, Inc.; Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings; California Pacific Medical Center; Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; CooperSurgical, Inc.; Genea Limited; IGENOMIX; Reproductive Genetic Innovations, Reproductive Health Science Ltd.

Furthermore, our market analysts have drawn focus to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global Preimplantation Genetic Testing market and its key segments and sub-segments. The grave aftereffects of the pandemic on the global economy, and subsequently, on this particular business sphere, have been enumerated in this section of the report. The report considers the key market-influencing parameters, delivering a detailed future impact assessment. The Preimplantation Genetic Testing market has been devastated by the pandemic, which has culminated in drastic changes to the market dynamics and demand trends.

In market segmentation by types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing, the report covers-

In market segmentation by applications of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing, the report covers the following uses-

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Moreover, the research report thoroughly examines the size, share, and market volume of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing industry in the historical years to forecast the same valuations over the forecast duration. It offers exhaustive SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces analysis, feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing market, assessed using certain effective analytical tools. The report also provides strategic recommendations to market entrants to help them navigate around the entry-level barriers.

The global Preimplantation Genetic Testing market is geographically categorized into:

The following timeline is considered for market estimation:

Historical Years: 2017-2018

Base Year: 2019

Estimated Year: 2020

Forecast Years: 2020-2027

Key Coverage of the Report:

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Report, History and Forecast 2020-2027, Data Breakdown by Manufacturers, Key Regions, Types and Application -...

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Carla Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer So were Her Sisters and Daughters in Remarkable Case of ‘Family History’ – Baptist Health South Florida

After three of Carla Walkers four sisters developed breast cancer, she lived with the uneasy feeling that she would be next. That feeling turned out to be right. In February of 2019, an MRI discovered a tumor too small to be detected by a mammogram. It was invasive ductal cancer, which makes up about 80 percent of all breast cancers.

I was very, very lucky, says Ms. Walker (pictured above). My breast cancer was stage 1-A. It was the size of a chickpea.

Early detection and treatment meant an excellent prognosis for the 59-year-old mother of two who works for Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue as a training coordinator for fire, police and 911 dispatchers.

I knew that I wanted a mastectomy, if that was at all possible, she says. I just wanted to definitely remove any chance of it ever coming back, if there was any way at all. Not to say that it cant, because it can. But at least I lessened those chances.

(Watch video now: Hear from breast cancer patient, Carla Walker, and Starr Mautner, M.D., breast surgeon at Miami Cancer Institute. Video by Carol Higgins.)

Starr Mautner, M.D., breast surgeon atMiami Cancer Institute, guided Ms. Walker through her treatment options, discussing the risks and benefits of a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy.

Ultimately, Carla had to make the decision that was right for her, says Dr. Mautner. And that was a very personal decision. Having bilateral mastectomies for her was the only way that she would ultimately have peace of mind, but this isnt necessarily the right decision for all patients.

Family History and Genetic Testing

Prior to her diagnosis, Carla and her sisters with breast cancer had each undergone genetic testing. None of them carried a genetic mutation that is associated with a high risk of breast cancer. While family history is important, Dr. Mautner emphasizes that only about 10 percent of all breast cancers are actually linked to a genetic mutation, such as the BRCA gene mutation.

The most important thing to note in discussing family history for patients with breast cancer is it is not only the mothers side that matters, says Dr. Mautner. Common sense would say, Well, if my mother didnt have it and my grandmother didnt have it on her side, maybe I have nothing to worry about. And thats simply not true. The fathers history also is equally as important. You inherit half of your genes from your father.

While Carla was recovering from her surgery, she got the news that one of her identical twin daughters, Jillian, found a lump in her breast. Two days after her 34thbirthday, Jillian, who lives in Lakeland, Florida, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Earlier this year, twin sister Samantha, in Phoenix, received the same diagnosis. Subsequent genetic test results revealed that both daughters had inherited the BRCA gene mutation from their father, who, in turn, could trace it to his father.

Carlas story is just so unique and unfortunate, says Dr. Mautner. Its unbelievable that she was going through a cancer that was caught extremely early and then one twin daughter gets diagnosed. And because theyre identical, it makes sense that the other daughter would have the exact same genetic makeup and also be at extremely high risk. Both of her daughters had much more aggressive breast cancer than Carla. Not only did they need surgery, but chemotherapy as well. Fortunately, theyre all doing well.

Cancer Patient Support Center

Ms. Walker credits theCancer Patient Support Centerat Miami Cancer Institute for helping her through her cancer journey and the traumatic news of her daughters cancer battles. I needed help with managing myself, my own diagnosis, my daughters diagnosis, and then my second childs diagnosis, she says, thankful for the support she received fromBeatriz Currier, M.D., Medical Director of Cancer Patient Support Center andChiefof Psychiatric Oncology at Miami Cancer Institute.

I really made a home in the Patient Support Center. I have used the exercise physiologist, Ive had acupuncture, I have had massage therapy. Ive worked with two of the dieticians there. I couldnt have had a better experience.

Most recently, Ms. Walker took advantage of a unique new service offered through the Cancer Patient Support Center; nipple tattooing. As she explains: After my mastectomy, I had no nipples or areola. That part of my skin had been removed. So, I felt kind of empty, or not quite whole. When I went in and I got that first tattoo done, she actually did a 3D tattoo of both the nipple and areola. It looks absolutely real. The results were beautiful and I couldnt be happier. I smile in the mirror every day now.

Dr. Mautner believes nipple tattooing is an important service to offer, saying, It may seem like a trivial thing to have nipple tattoos, but for women who have lost their nipples, thats a huge thing psychologically. Carla is now over a year and a half out from her surgery. Shes doing great. She has an excellent prognosis, but the nipple reconstruction really completed her journey and she feels whole again. Her confidence and her energy, you can just see that she feels back to baseline.

Exercise has played a major role in Ms. Walkers recovery. Shes a member of the Save Our Sisters dragon boat team alongside other breast cancer survivors.

We get into our dragon boat, our pink boat with our pink paddles and our pink shirts, and we move. It has been just absolutely almost life-saving for me, because its a great way to get rid of the stress. Its a way to move. Its a way to exercise, and those are the things that you need a lot after cancer. And, you can do it with women who know that youre sore, youre tough, youre going through something, she says.

Ms. Walker offers this advice to other women facing breast cancer: You absolutely cannot give up. You have to push on. You have to push through. When you think youre at the end, find a way to take that next step. Find a way, no matter what it is.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer awareness month, Miami Cancer Institute

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Carla Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer So were Her Sisters and Daughters in Remarkable Case of 'Family History' - Baptist Health South Florida

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Study with Competitive Landscape, Market Insights and growth Prospects to 2025 -…

Researchmoz added most up-to-date research on Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market to its huge collection of research reports. Market includes Overview, classification, industry value, price, cost and gross profit. It also covers types, enterprises and applications. To start with, analytical view to complete information of Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market. It offers market view by regions with countries, development in Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market opportunity with challenges, sales strategies, growth strategies and revenue analysis to include price.

The main part of the report is about the segmentation of the Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market. With the help of a variety of criteria, the report categorizes markets and studies them individually. The report also provides materials, including leading segments or sub-segments, the slowest growing segments and sub-segments in the market. Revenue and prospects for each sector are also provided. Market segmentation allows readers to study the market more closely.

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Top Key Vendors:

Illumina,BGI,Genesis Genetics,Myriad Genetics,23andMe, Inc,Color Genomics Inc,Pathway Genomics,ARUP Laboratories

Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market is a complete study of the market current trends, Market growth drivers and restraints. It provides market forecasts for the coming years. It involves analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and definite profiles of finest Market players. The report also builds a review of micro and macro factors imperative for the new entrants in the market and the ones already in the market along with detailed value chain analysis.

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This study is likewise presented from a geographical point of view. Key elements of each region to attract Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market for growth are provided. This record also details the emerging market opportunities offered by North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America.The research report also analyzes the market hierarchies that perform SWOT analyzes for key vendors operating in global markets.

The conclusions of this report illustrate the potential of the global Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market in terms of investment potential in various segments of the market and illustrate the feasibility of explaining the feasibility of a new project to be successful in the near future. The core segmentation of the global market is based on product types, SMEs and large corporations. The report also collects data for each major player in the market based on current company profiles, gross margins, sales prices, sales revenue, sales volume, photos, product specifications and up-to-date contact information

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Table of Contents

Global Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Research Report

Chapter 1 Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Overview

Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Industry

Chapter 3 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers

Chapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by Region

Chapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions

Chapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

Chapter 7 Global Market Analysis by Application

Chapter 8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Chapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers

Chapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

Chapter 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis

Chapter 12 Global Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Forecast

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Predictive Genetic Testing And Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Study with Competitive Landscape, Market Insights and growth Prospects to 2025 -...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Report: The Impact of COVID-19 on Genetic Testing Panels Market, Projected Fact.MR – The Cloud Tribune

The globalgenetic testing panels marketstudy presents an all in all compilation of the historical, current and future outlook of the market as well as the factors responsible for such a growth. With SWOT analysis, the business study highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each Genetic Testing Panels Market player in a comprehensive way. Further, the genetic testing panels market report emphasizes the adoption pattern of the genetic testing panels across various industries.Request Free Sample Report https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2820The genetic testing panels market report highlights the following players:

THE JACKSON LABORATORY,Illumina, Inc.,Invitae Corporation,

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Research LaboratoryAcademic & Research InstitutesDiagnostic LabsOthersHave Any Query? Ask our Industry Experts-https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=2820

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Report: The Impact of COVID-19 on Genetic Testing Panels Market, Projected Fact.MR - The Cloud Tribune

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Report Examines Growth Overview And Predictions On Size, Share And Trend 2019-2029 – TechnoWeekly

A new report by XploreMR takes a deep dive into the Fresh Onions and Shallots Market after conducting meticulous research, assessing each microscopic aspect of the market. The researches have connected the dots with minuscule details that shape into an intricate, immaculate yet elucidate study. The report presents a thoroughly scrutinized study of the Fresh Onions and Shallots Market, leaving no stone unturned in offering market players a valuable and constructive tool that navigates them in the profitable path with the right set of objectives.

Following the methodology of Porters Five Forces analysis, the report emphasizes macro concepts such as the threat of new entries in the Fresh Onions and Shallots Market, supplier power, threat of substitution, and buying power. Dwelling deeper into each of the factors, details about the competitive landscape, strategies of leading market players, and changes in the landscape, are also analyzed. In addition to competitive analysis, the researchers have also employed PESTEL analysis to study the impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors on the keyword, thus leaving no loose ends.

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The researchers have studied the factors that are expected to drive the growth of the Fresh Onions and Shallots by creating revenue opportunities, directly and indirectly. Similarly, the emerging trends, both long-term and short-term, present factors that are likely to impact the markets growth and project the direction the whole market is moving. Economical, technological, or any other trend that could bestow opportunities, have been studied. Moreover, the researchers have expanded the analysis beyond growth prospects and analyzed the possible restraining factors to the growth of the Fresh Onions and Shallots Market, thus enabling market players to foresee the likely challenges and emerge successful through the forecast period 2019-2029.

In addition to the macro-economic factors that drive the global market, the market divulges micro-economic factors, diving into each individual segment such as geographical, end-use segments, and products, among others, and studies each of the segments with respect to different geographies. The geography-specific insights paint a crystal clear picture of the growth of every individual segment studied in the report, thereby enabling regional market players to leverage the trends in the region.

The report assesses key players in the Fresh Onions and Shallots Market, studying their services, strategies, landmarks, growth plans, and recent developments. By studying multiple organizations covering small, medium, and large players the report enables emerging players to equip themselves with knowledge of competition scenarios. The most critical aspect in the competitive landscape individual growth strategy is studied extensively by dwelling into the foregoing growth trajectory of the organization. Moreover, the study paints a picture of the individual standpoints of the players in the years to come, considering the drivers and trends.

To breakdown the vast study that spreads through geographies, products, and end-use segments, among other market-specific segments, the authors present CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of each segment throughout the years of forecast. CAGR is a simplistic representation of growth that clearly projects which segment registered the highest/least growth through the forecast period 2019-2029. Moreover, each segment is analyzed on the basis of volume and volume, also projected with year-on-year growth and CAGR.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Report Examines Growth Overview And Predictions On Size, Share And Trend 2019-2029 - TechnoWeekly

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

NICE recommends testing womb cancer patients for inherited condition – PharmaTimes

The UKs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released new guidance recommending that people with womb cancer should be tested for an inherited genetic condition.

The new diagnostic guidance advises that people with womb cancer are tested for the condition known as Lynch syndrome. According to NICE, having this condition increases the risk of certain types of cancer, including womb and colorectal cancer.

In addition, womb cancer is often the first cancer that those with Lynch syndrome will have, meaning that the condition could be identified earlier if tests were undertaken as soon as a womb cancer diagnosis is made.

In particular, the guidance recommends that immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing should be used on womb cancer tissues to detect abnormalities that could indicated the presence of Lynch syndrome.

This should then be followed by MLH1 testing if both tests show that an individual could have Lynch syndrome, genetic testing of the persons non-tumour DNA should then be carried out to confirm this.

Research led by professor Emma Crosbie, with professor Gareth Evans and Dr Neil Ryan from The University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, was presented to NICEs diagnostic advisory committee.

This showed the different benefits of a range of testing strategies for Lynch syndrome in womb cancer cases in increasing diagnosis of the condition.

Around 175,000 people in the UK have Lynch syndrome and a large number will not be aware that they have the condition.

Testing people for Lynch syndrome after theyve been diagnosed with womb cancer will not only benefit the patient but it also has the potential to identify those family members with this genetic condition, said Meindert Boysen, deputy chief executive and director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE.

This guidance could have a real impact on peoples lives. By being identified as having Lynch syndrome, relatives will know they are at higher risk of gynaecological cancer which may also help them make decisions about family planning, which could mean starting a family earlier.

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NICE recommends testing womb cancer patients for inherited condition - PharmaTimes

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

New virtual clinic aims to provide accessible, inclusive health care to LGBTQIA+ North Carolinians – Yes! Weekly

With the recent confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court on Monday night, many Americans will most likely lose their access to affordable health care in the near future. And this is particularly disturbing to North Carolinians because, for almost a decade, Republican leadership in the states legislature has refused to expand Medicaid, despite support from voters on both parties. The Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan policy institute, and NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a survey with 1,528 LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals in June.

In states that have not expanded Medicaid, the rate of LGBTQIA+ adults who are uninsured is 20 percent, the results state, adding that LGBTQIA+ adults making less than $45,000 a year are the ones most prominently affected. According to this survey, transgender folks and people with disabilities bear the brunt of the high cost of health care, as 51% of transgender individuals and 40% of people with disabilities who needed medical care postponed it due to cost, and 40% of transgender individuals and 30% of people with disabilities postponed preventative screenings due to cost.

A Greensboro-based virtual clinic with a focus on LGBTQ health hopes to support those living in the margins of society by providing virtual health care services to anyone living in North Carolina. Founded by Chief Operating Officer Jamie Clarke and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Subrata John Guha, the LGBTQ Clinic was conceptualized specifically with the health care needs of LGBTQIA+ people in mind.

If you have a phone, iPad, or computer, you can come see us, Guha said. You dont have to go anywhere just be seen where you are comfortable, and take a proactive approach for your health.

According to Clark and Guhas research, there are approximately 420,000 people that identify as LGBTQIA+ in North Carolina, and of those, 30,000 identify specifically as transgender. Clarke is one of those 30,000. Unfortunately, Clarke knows all too well the barriers that other trans people face when seeking health care.

I had a lot of problems getting comfortable, comprehensive medical care, she said. Not just about [Hormone Replacement Therapy] or sexual health, but about Jamie as a whole person, which encompasses all of those things and my day-to-day medical needs.

She said that the LGBTQIA+ community, as a whole, are not very trusting of doctors. As a transgender woman, she has experienced first-hand what that is like to be treated differently because of her gender identity. At age 35, Clarke decided that she wanted to begin transitioning by starting HRT, so like any other patient, she asked her doctor for more information.

I was dealing with a local doctor and asked to have my hormone levels checked, as I was getting bloodwork done anyway, she said. And they were like, well, why would you want to do that? And I was like, so I can start HRT, and she said, Oh, I am not comfortable doing that.

This experience led Clarke to switch to Dr. Guha. During her interview with him, she felt comfortable enough to ask about starting HRT because he was honest, straightforward, and extremely easy to talk to.

Clarke said when she told him that she was interested in starting HRT, he told her that he wasnt too familiar with it, so he had to do some more research to make sure he was doing it properly.

As we got to know each other, I was explaining to him that sometimes, I was at the point where I wanted to go online and figure out how to do it myself. But he was like thats probably not safe, Clarke said. And there are a whole lot of people that are in that exact boat. So, we are trying to take the stigma out of LGBTQIA+ health.

With The LGBTQ Clinic, Clarke and Guha said they are trying to create a movement toward community-based, equalized health care by building relationships with clients in a convenient and accessible format.

In the telemedicine space, typically what you get is a five-minute visit, sometimes not even by video but as a phone call, Clarke said. Our visits are 15 minutes long, and we strongly encourage getting to know your doctor, and vice versa, because you always get the same care provider.

Clarke described the LGBTQ Clinic as everything one would expect at a visit to their regular health care provider, only virtually.

One of our marketing specialists was like, think about it as going to the doctors office, not getting deadnamed, and you dont have to sit on the crunchy paper in a germ pool, Clarke said.

Guha explained that the LGBTQ Clinic could basically replace ones primary care doctor because it is all-encompassing and that everyone, not just LGBTQIA+ people, could receive health care services.

I can write a virtual prescription to your pharmacist, any pharmacist we are basically like walking into your doctors office but all virtual, Guha said. We cant administer shots, but if it can be self-administered, then I can prescribe it, and you can pick it up.

However, Guha said he makes sure he is thorough with each patient he sees.

When someone comes in, I dont just write a prescription for testosterone, he said. I want that lab work, and I would want to see the patient again after the lab work [results came back] to go over it and then provide the prescription.

The LGBTQ Clinic isnt Guhas first foray into providing fast and accessible health care services to people. Guha said he helped start FastMed back in the ancient ages of 2010, but sold out of it in 2014-2015 after the business was acquired by a venture capitalist. As a heterosexual, cisgender man, Guha said he believes that everyone should have the same access to health care and be treated equally, which is why he was more than happy to help start this clinic.

Guha takes pride in his informed approach to LGBTQIA+ health, as he follows the guidelines put out by the University of California at San Francisco and its Department of Internal Medicines sub-department, which is specifically tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In the last five years, this premier medical center started putting out clinical protocols that established guidelines and state of the art, the scope of practice protocols, he noted.

Launching the LGBTQ Clinic hasnt been easy but has been a labor of love for both Clarke and Guha.

We are really excited about it, she said. Being in Greensboro, and with it being such a large college town, the need is absolutely there. One of the hardest things we are having problems with is trying to have conversations with influencers or people that can get the message out for us. I dont want to be a sponsored ad; I want to be a trusted resource.

Clarke said North Carolinas 2016 controversial Bathroom Bill was a big part of their discussion, and it was a driving factor as to why we would create this clinic specifically.

We dont have time for the noise, Clarke said of the recent politicizing of health care. We just want to provide quality health care to as many people that need it as we can...Its also about bringing some respectability to a state like North Carolina, where there is a lot of uncertainty about this particular issue.

Whoever is elected president in November, we will still be here, she added.

Clarke said each 15-minute virtual session costs $78 per visit, which she said is cheaper than the $150 that is usually charged by the local larger medical centers.

We are looking to do a subscription plan, but because we are so new, we are still testing the market, Guha said, adding that The LGBTQ Clinic will soon accept insurance coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Cigna, United Care, and others.

We are actively pursuing the credentialing process, and its just a waiting game, Clarke said.

I am guessing in the next 30-60 days, and the reason why it is taking so long, as you probably already know, is because of COVID, Guha added.

Presently, there are two doctors (including Guha) and one nurse practitioner on staff at The LGBTQ Clinic. Clarke said she is looking for support from local LBGTQIA+ community leaders but makes it clear that they are not trying to buy their way into the community. Clarke and Guha said they arent in the business of just making a quick buck; they want to establish the LGBTQ Clinic as a long-term resource.

Health care should not be any different or any less quality because you are in the LGBTQ community, she said. We are trying to provide and be a voice to the movement. With a 30-veteran of the health care industry to say that your health care is no different or more valuable than anyone elses, that is the real distinction here."

For more information, visit the website and follow The LGBTQ Clinic on social media (Instagram and Facebook, @lgbtq.clinic)

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New virtual clinic aims to provide accessible, inclusive health care to LGBTQIA+ North Carolinians - Yes! Weekly

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Polycystic ovaries need your attention – The New Indian Express

CHENNAI: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal problems in women aged 15 to 45 years. It is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which creates problems in your ovaries leading to infertility, development of cysts, and irregular periods.

During the menstrual cycle, ovaries produce eggs. But for women with PCOS, the production and release of eggs will not occur. Most of the women get confused between PCOS and PCOD. Both of these are related to menstrual problems but are not the same.

They have a very minute difference. Though both the conditions are caused by hormonal imbalance, but PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) is not considered serious. Women who have PCOD may have similar symptoms of PCOS but they can ovulate regularly and do not have fertility issues.

But, PCOS is a metabolic disorder more severe than PCOD. Women who have PCOS have a high risk of developing cardiovascular issues, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and fertility. Common causes of PCOS and PCOD are genetic, lifestyle, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

PCOS can be managed by following these guidelines:

There is no cure for PCOS and PCOD but both diseases can be easily managed by specific medications, healthy lifestyle and healthy diet.

Divya PurushoThamsanonutritionclinic The writer is founder and chief nutritionist at Sano Holistic Nutrition Clinic

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Polycystic ovaries need your attention - The New Indian Express

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Dr. Eleni Andreopoulou on Breast Cancer Awareness Month – The National Herald

NEW YORK October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Eleni Andeopoulou, breast oncologist at Weill Cornell Medical Center, was featured, along with Professor of biomedical engineering Claudia Fischbach, in the Cornell Daily Sun.

According to Prof. Fischbach, breast cancer arises from abnormal cells that develop from errors in the genetic code, the Sun reported, adding that these mutations can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue, resulting in a clump of cells called a tumor.

According to Dr. Andreopoulou, what makes breast cancer so dangerous is its malignant heterogeneity certain cancers are hardwired to invade, migrate and spread, the Sun reported.

It follows a pattern of dynamic evolution the disease is not static, Andreopoulou told the Sun. Its the nature, and the biology of each tumor. Each cancer diagnosis is unique for each individual.

Everything from the tumors genetic makeup to a patients hormone balance and lifestyle choices can affect the clinical course of the disease, as well as how well patients might respond to certain treatments, Andreopoulou said, the Sun reported.

The treatment of breast cancer is often guided by the types of receptors on a patients tumor cells, according to Andreopoulou, the Sun reported, noting that one subtype hormone-receptor positive breast cancer means that tumor cells have receptors for hormones required for their growth, like estrogen or progesterone.

According to Andreopoulou, tumors with hormone receptors can be more effectively treated, because drugs that cut off hormone supply to these tumor cells used in tandem with drugs targeting cell growth and division can halt the progression of the cancer, the Sun reported.

Other breast cancer subtypes that lack both hormone receptors and a specific growth-promoting protein, HER2, respond to fewer drugs, and require a more aggressive treatment approach thats mainly limited to chemotherapy, which is toxic to cells, Andreopoulou told the Sun.

Advancements in technology are also helping patients continue their treatment during the COVID pandemic. Weill Cornell physicians collaborated with the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine to employ HoloLens a 3D mixed reality device that broadcasts holograms over physical space, the Sun reported, noting that while her physicians assistant wore the HoloLens headset during a patient visit, Andreopoulou could broadcast live clinical records from her computer at home while voicing her insights through videoconference, allowing her to continue providing care as close as [possible to her] being physically there.

Andreopoulou told the Sun, For us, piloting this project has been significant progress forward in how we can maintain safe [breast cancer] patient care without interrupting the integrity and the importance of multidisciplinary care. Thats what technology is all about.

Developments are also being made in the way patients tumors are studied, through organoids, tissue cultures that replicate the complexity of a patients own cells while outside the body, the Sun reported, noting that if grown using a patients tumor cells, the organoid can be used to support rapid drug testing, which can ultimately fast-track the development of effective therapies and broaden the spectrum of patients that can be treated, according to Andreopoulou.

Because of its wide array of applications, organoids can be used to further understand why some patients respond poorly to chemotherapy, develop novel strategies to identify these patients in the clinic and create alternate treatments to improve patient outcomes, the Sun reported.

Andreopoulou told the Sun, We integrate technology into patient care very early on with all the amazing possibilities we have now tumor sequencing, learning more and expanding our knowledge. Were trying to exploit all these opportunities by tailoring treatment to the molecular vulnerabilities that patients have.

Fischbach told the Sun, Being trained as an interdisciplinary scientist is going to be important not just for cancer research, but for everything. You need to be able to bring in all of these different aspects in order to move forward.

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Dr. Eleni Andreopoulou on Breast Cancer Awareness Month - The National Herald

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Viking Therapeutics : Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update – marketscreener.com

SAN DIEGO - Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Viking) (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and provided an update on its clinical pipeline and other corporate developments.

Highlights from the Quarter Ended September 30, 2020: 'The third quarter at Viking was highlighted by continued pipeline progress, with enrollment now ongoing in two important clinical programs,' stated Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking Therapeutics. 'The Phase 2b VOYAGE study of our lead NASH program, VK2809, continues and we anticipate completion of enrollment in the first half of 2021. In addition, at the EASL conference in August, we presented new data from the prior 12-week study of VK2809, demonstrating consistent liver fat reductions across high risk subgroups, as well as durable efficacy maintained four weeks after completion of dosing. With respect to our VK0214 program for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, we are excited to have moved this important program into the clinic, with the announcement of a Phase 1 SAD/MAD study in healthy subjects. Pending successful completion, in 2021 we plan to initiate a Phase 1b study in patients with X-ALD. Both of these clinical trials continue to advance despite disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, to support both of these programs, we continue to judiciously manage our balance sheet and ended the quarter with $255 million in cash.'

Pipeline and Corporate Highlights

Phase 2b VOYAGE study of VK2809 in biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis continues. VK2809 is an orally available small molecule agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor that possesses selectivity for liver tissue, as well as the beta receptor subtype, and has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in a range of lipid disorders, including NASH. The company's ongoing Phase 2b VOYAGE trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of VK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and fibrosis ranging from stages F1 to F3. The study is targeting enrollment of approximately 340 patients across five treatment arms: 1.0 mg daily; 2.5 mg daily; 5.0 mg every other day; 10.0 mg every other day and placebo. The primary endpoint of the study will evaluate the relative change in liver fat content, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) from baseline to Week 12 in subjects treated with VK2809, as compared to placebo. Secondary objectives include evaluation of histologic changes assessed by hepatic biopsy after 52 weeks of dosing.

Despite disruption from the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of our U.S. clinical sites are open for enrollment. The company plans to expand the number of clinical sites over the next few months to include over 80 U.S. clinical sites and more than 90 sites globally. The company anticipates completion of enrollment in the first half of 2021.

New data from VK2809 Phase 2 trial highlighted during podium presentation at EASL 2020. New data from the company's prior 12-week Phase 2 study evaluating VK2809 in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypercholesterolemia were highlighted during an oral presentation at the 2020 EASL meeting. The newly reported data demonstrated that patients treated with VK2809 experienced highly durable, statistically significant reductions in liver fat content that were maintained at Week 16, four weeks after completion of dosing in the 12-week study. The results showed that among VK2809-treated patients, the median reduction in liver fat content was 45.4% at Week 16, compared to an 18.7% reduction for placebo (p=0.0053). Additionally, at Week 16, 70.4% of all VK2809-treated patients maintained a response, defined as experiencing 30% relative reduction from baseline in liver fat content (p=0.0083). Of note, 100% of patients receiving 5 mg daily doses of VK2809 maintained a response at Week 16.

Additionally, new analyses of Week 12 study results demonstrated significant reductions in liver fat content among patients receiving VK2809 as compared to placebo regardless of the presence of common risk factors for NASH, including baseline levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above the upper limit of normal (ALT > xULN), body mass index (BMI) 30, hypertension and Hispanic ethnicity.

The overall results from this study, including these new durability data, as well as the observed consistent efficacy across high risk subgroups, provide strong rationale for further development of VK2809 in the setting of NASH, and may indicate opportunities for multiple dosing strategies, including chronic, intermittent, or the potential cycling of treatment modalities.

Initiated Phase 1 trial evaluating VK0214 for the treatment of X-ALD. VK0214 is a novel, orally available thyroid receptor beta agonist being evaluated as a potential treatment for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a devastating disease for which there is currently no therapeutic treatment. To date, findings from in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that administration of VK0214 results in a significant reduction of very long chain fatty acids in both plasma and tissue, key biomarkers of disease, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit.

During the third quarter, the company advanced this program into clinical development by initiating a Phase 1 first-in-human trial. The Phase 1 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) study in healthy subjects. The primary objectives of the study include evaluation of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple oral doses of VK0214, as well as the identification of VK0214 doses for further clinical development in the setting of X-ALD. Upon successful completion of the SAD/MAD study, the company plans in 2021 to advance this program into a proof-of-concept trial in patients with X-ALD.

Balance sheet remains strong with over $255 million in cash. Viking completed the third quarter of 2020 with $255.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, orally available, first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Viking's research and development activities leverage its expertise in metabolism to develop innovative therapeutics designed to improve patients' lives. The company's clinical programs include VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b study for the treatment of biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. In a Phase 2 trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and elevated LDL-C, patients who received VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL-C and liver fat content compared with patients who received placebo. The company is also developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). VK0214 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial. The company holds exclusive worldwide rights to a portfolio of five therapeutic programs, including those noted above, which are based on small molecules licensed from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its development activities, timelines and milestones, including the company's expected timing for the potential initiation and completion of clinical studies in X-ALD for VK0214 and plans for completion of the company's VOYAGE Phase 2b study, as well as the company's goals and plans regarding VK0214, VK2809 and their respective prospects. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical trials, including those for VK2809 and VK0214; risks that prior clinical and preclinical results may not be replicated; risks regarding regulatory requirements; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other risks that are described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Viking disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Contact:

Michael Morneau

Tel: 858-704-4660

Email: mmorneau@vikingtherapeutics.com

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Viking Therapeutics : Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update - marketscreener.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Some women may be at high-risk or not suited for certain contraceptives – Times of India

During lockdown, many women lost access to contraceptives as well as abortion services, leading to unwanted pregnancies. Bangalore-based obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Shobha Gudi, Professor & Head of Department at St. Philomena's Hospital, who is also the Chairperson of the Family Welfare Committee for Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) spoke at length about female reproductive health and things women should consider while opting for contraceptive methods. Here is a lowdown of the conversationHow has the pandemic impacted womens health and reproductive health at a broader level?The pandemic has had a major impact on family planning and welfare services from the month of March. Data indicates that 26 million additional couples in India were not able to access contraception, with 1.9 million additional unintended pregnancies. Safe abortion services have also been impacted.

Family welfare and contraception services were affected due to limited capacity at clinics and hospitals, as well as personal fear of infection, or lack of transport. There were also supply limitations, meaning pharmacies needed to be open in sufficient numbers with adequate contraceptive stock. Thus, only a small percentage of women were able to access contraceptive care. However, tremendous efforts have been made by the Government to address this situation. The first priority has been to safeguard the health of women who are already pregnant and to ensure safe deliveries. The Government declared family planning care as an essential service, which corroborates with FOGSIs statements in the released GCPRs (good clinical practice guidelines). Contraceptive care should never be denied to any women seeking it. Fortunately, all the services are recovering, and everyone is geared up now to provide family planning services.

Can you explain FOGSIs strategies to counter this extraordinary situation? FOGSI has declared family planning services as essential. Essential care refers to care that is necessary for a good health outcome for mothers and their children, not only for optimum quality of life but also saving their lives as it will prevent unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. We have also facilitated the provision of more counselling to clients, immediately after delivery, miscarriage, and post-partum.

There is also a need to plug or seal the leaking bucket, by firstly ensuring more couples take contraception, and secondly preventing couples already on contraception from discontinuing. One way to address this is to offer newer and modern methods of contraception, thus increasing the basket of choice.

Are there contraceptive options with a longer lasting effect, to help ensure couples on contraception do not discontinue?Certainly. Multiple methods are long-acting. One option is sterilization though surgical services such as tubectomy and vasectomy. There are also other long-acting contraceptive options which have the same efficacy as sterilization but are reversible. These include intrauterine devices or IUDs (these release copper into the reproductive system) as well as levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS). Another option is injectable contraceptives, which have to be administered every 3 months, intramuscularly. One need not necessarily visit the hospital to take this injection. If you have a prescription, the injection can be administered by a local nurse instead of seeking a specialized clinic, or can even be self-administered as in the subcutaneous version.

Implants, which are also long-acting reversible contraceptives, are matchstick like devices containing Etonorgestrel. This device is subdermal, placed under the skin by the doctor. It needs to be changed only once in three years. These have been used by millions of women across the globe, but are available for widescale use in India this year.

How safe is contraception for long-term use in family planning? Are there any harmful contraceptives / techniques you want to raise an alarm about?Generally, all contraceptives are safe. They are well-researched. As long as the method chosen is suitable to the patient and as per the eligibility criteria laid out by WHO, contraception is extremely safe.

However, some women may be at high-risk or not suited for certain contraceptives. These are rare situations, but I will discuss a few examples of such situations. A woman may have malignancy or cancer such as breast cancer. Since this cancer is hormone dependent, it is very important that a woman doesnt become pregnant, as pregnancy increases the aggressive behaviour of the tumour. Contraceptives must also be chosen carefully. Hormonal contraceptive options should be avoided, and we would instead advise methods such as an IUD, until the woman is fully treated. To provide another example, it is important to rule out thrombosis or blood-clotting in women, as such women should not opt for the combined pill which contains estrogen. In the event of any disease of the uterus that causes it to become enlarged, for example, fibroids, we avoid prescribing IUD and usually prescribe hormonal contraceptives. Also, for women who are diabetic or hypertensive, we tend to avoid hormonal contraceptives, unless these disease conditions are very well-controlled.

The bottom-line is that medical eligibility criteria must be applied correctly and we should fine-tune contraceptive methods advised accordingly, and allow a choice of safe methods to the woman. Once she picks her preferred option from a basket of safe choices, thats the battle more or less won. The next battle is she should start and continue it, thus meeting the unmet contraception need.

Going beyond contraception, what are some other aspects of family planning you would like to call out?We have a high propensity towards advising self-care for women we counsel them towards protection against sexually transmitted diseases and prevention of unintended pregnancies through contraceptive methods. But the patient also has to be taught and trained on picking up pregnancy as early as possible by knowing the signs and symptoms. They should also ensure to test it, through easily available home test kits.

It is important women are aware that teleconsultation can play a huge role. Short-acting reversible contraceptives can be easily prescribed during a teleconsultation without any need to visit the doctor in-person, via email or phone. Whatever platform the doctor and patient choose, it should be reliable, and encrypted, ensuring patient confidentiality. Of course, there are still certain cases, with long-acting reversible contraceptives, where face-to-face meetings are required, such as if the patient is choosing an IUD device.

Finally, every couple should understand that emergency contraception is available as an option, both directly over the counter and through prescription too. This should be considered when no contraception was used or when the contraceptive method failed at the time of intercourse. These have a 90% and more protection guarantee from unintended pregnancies. When couples use this option, they also receive counselling so they can opt for an ongoing reliable method of contraception.

How has teleconsultation changed the way pregnancies are handled?

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Some women may be at high-risk or not suited for certain contraceptives - Times of India

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Medical herbalist Nicola Parker can work with your GP to ease the fear of health issues. – Lancaster Guardian

Getting an appointment with your doctor isnt as easy as it was pre Covid. Non-urgent operations are being cancelled or postponed. Frustratingly, although most of us understand the need for current measures, many people have been left anxious, uncomfortable or in no small amount of pain.

Doctors were already overworked, with mere minutes per appointment to assess, diagnose and prescribe medication. In my clinic, appointments take up to an hour in complicated cases, so Ive a huge amount of respect and sympathy for GPs who are consistently pressed for time.

A question arising between herbalists at the moment is whether we can fill some of these gaps left in our healthcare system. Practitioners of Western Herbal Medicine are trained to use the same diagnostic methods recognised within the NHS. A practitioner of this type of herbal medicine will usually call themselves a medical herbalist, and will often be a member of a group such as NIMH (National Institute of Medical Herbalists) or CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy).

This is the discipline I chose to train in, because Im a big advocate of herbal medicine being used alongside primary care. Were trained to examine the patient the way your doctor would, to read blood tests, to understand what symptoms signal alarm and when to send our patients back to their doctor because further tests are necessary. Were happy to liaise with your GP, to write to them when necessary and we understand how to use herbs safely alongside your medication. Knowing our limitations and knowing what we can treat safely is part of our training.

Considering the times, when many are avoiding hospitals, doctors surgeries or being offered phone consults without physical examinations, perhaps its time to widen our approach to healthcare.

For many people local to my clinic, this is the norm. Theyll pop by to ask my advice about an unusual rash, a snotty cold, a sudden period of anxiety, a hormone issue or an old ache in their knee thats becoming bothersome. Some want to know if its something they can help themselves with before burdening their doctor while others just want to stay away from medication or surgery for as long as possible.

Now, especially in recent months, the reasons for these visits are often based on fear. Fear of Covid, fear appointments arent available, fear they cant be or havent been examined. Fear that the surgery on that knee has been cancelled and walking is becoming increasingly difficult. Addressing this fear has become a large part of my job.

For example, Ive helped people with skin problems that they couldnt get anyone else to look at. One lady had varicose vein surgery scheduled, to help manage the sore, itchy skin around her lower legs. When this was cancelled, she feared shed be living with it indefinitely and was delighted to hear that I work with herbs to strengthen the veins, as well as address the sore skin directly.

For joint pain, we have a multitude of topical and oral remedies that can make a significant different to mobility. In the past, weve been able to help a lady who couldnt raise her arms above her head to wash her hair, a man who couldnt walk without sticks and another who was kept awake by his carpal tunnel syndrome. In all three of these cases, the patient cancelled their surgery because of the success of their herbal treatment.

In addition to this, we offer sublingual B12 for those who cant get injections, ear wax softeners for people who cant get their ears syringed and a multitude of other things. If your routine appointments are cancelled, your local herbalist may be able to offer an alternative until they are reinstated.

I was trained by herbalists that worked within and alongside primary care and while our medicines are traditional, I can assure you that our approach is modern. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists can direct you to a suitably qualified practitioner. If we can help, we will and if we cant well always fight to make sure youre in the capable hands of a doctor who can.

For more information or to make an appointment with Nicola, contact her clinic on 01524 413733.

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Medical herbalist Nicola Parker can work with your GP to ease the fear of health issues. - Lancaster Guardian

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Exelixis Announces First Patient Enrolled in Phase 1 Trial Cohort Evaluating XL092 in Combination with Atezolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid…

Oct. 26, 2020 12:00 UTC

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) today announced enrollment of the first patient into the dose-escalation cohort of the combination arm of the phase 1 trial (NCT03845166) evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of XL092 alone and in combination with atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ) in patients with advanced solid tumors. XL092 is an investigational, next-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGF receptors, MET, AXL, MER and other kinases implicated in the growth and spread of cancer.

This exciting update follows promising preclinical findings presented at the ENA Symposium suggesting that XL092, like cabozantinib, promotes an immune-permissive environment that may result in synergies with immune checkpoint inhibitors; however, as seen in the ongoing phase 1 study, XL092 has a much shorter pharmacokinetic half-life that may help physicians in managing tolerability, said Gisela Schwab, M.D., President, Product Development and Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Exelixis. Enrolling the first patient into the combination therapy part of this trial is an important step forward in the development of XL092 as we explore how it may improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and build on the success of our cabozantinib oncology franchise.

Initiated in February 2019, the dose-escalation evaluation of the XL092 monotherapy arm of the phase 1 trial is ongoing. Once the recommended doses of both single-agent XL092 and XL092 in combination with atezolizumab are established, the trial will begin to enroll expansion cohorts for patients with clear cell and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma, hormone-receptor positive breast cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

More information about this trial is available at ClinicalTrials.gov.

About XL092

XL092 is a next-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGF receptors, MET, AXL, MER and other kinases implicated in cancers growth and spread. In designing XL092, Exelixis sought to build upon the experience and target profile of cabozantinib, the companys flagship medicine, while improving key characteristics, including clinical half-life. XL092 is the first internally discovered Exelixis compound to enter the clinic following the companys reinitiation of drug discovery activities.

About CABOMETYX (cabozantinib)

In the U.S., CABOMETYX tablets are approved for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC and for the treatment of patients with HCC who have been previously treated with sorafenib. CABOMETYX tablets have also received regulatory approvals in the European Union, Japan and additional countries and regions worldwide. In 2016, Exelixis granted Ipsen exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib outside of the United States and Japan. In 2017, Exelixis granted exclusive rights to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan. Exelixis holds the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize cabozantinib in the United States.

Important Safety Information

Warnings and Precautions

Hemorrhage: Severe and fatal hemorrhages occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX patients in RCC and HCC studies. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena.

Perforations and Fistulas: Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of perforations and fistulas, including abscess and sepsis. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a Grade 4 fistula or a GI perforation.

Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX increased the risk of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism in 2% of CABOMETYX patients. Fatal thrombotic events occurred in CABOMETYX patients. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic event requiring medical intervention.

Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension occurred in 36% (17% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 63% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 11% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 diarrhea, Grade 3 diarrhea that cannot be managed with standard antidiarrheal treatments, or Grade 4 diarrhea.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): PPE occurred in 44% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 PPE occurred in 13% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE.

Proteinuria: Proteinuria occurred in 7% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor urine protein regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ occurred in <1% of CABOMETYX patients. ONJ can manifest as jaw pain, osteomyelitis, osteitis, bone erosion, tooth or periodontal infection, toothache, gingival ulceration or erosion, persistent jaw pain, or slow healing of the mouth or jaw after dental surgery. Perform an oral examination prior to CABOMETYX initiation and periodically during treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. Withhold CABOMETYX for development of ONJ until complete resolution.

Impaired Wound Healing: Wound complications occurred with CABOMETYX. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing is observed. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic findings on MRI, can occur with CABOMETYX. Evaluate for RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CABOMETYX and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

The most commonly reported (25%) adverse reactions are: diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, PPE, nausea, hypertension, and vomiting.

Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. Johns wort.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. CABOMETYX is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information https://cabometyx.com/downloads/CABOMETYXUSPI.pdf.

About Exelixis

Founded in 1994, Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) is a commercially successful, oncology-focused biotechnology company that strives to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialization of new medicines for difficult-to-treat cancers. Following early work in model system genetics, we established a broad drug discovery and development platform that has served as the foundation for our continued efforts to bring new cancer therapies to patients in need. Our discovery efforts have resulted in four commercially available products, CABOMETYX (cabozantinib), COMETRIQ (cabozantinib), COTELLIC (cobimetinib) and MINNEBRO (esaxerenone), and we have entered into partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies to bring these important medicines to patients worldwide. Supported by revenues from our marketed products and collaborations, we are committed to prudently reinvesting in our business to maximize the potential of our pipeline. We are supplementing our existing therapeutic assets with targeted business development activities and internal drug discovery all to deliver the next generation of Exelixis medicines and help patients recover stronger and live longer. Exelixis is a member of the Standard & Poors (S&P) MidCap 400 index, which measures the performance of profitable mid-sized companies. For more information about Exelixis, please visit http://www.exelixis.com, follow @ExelixisInc on Twitter or like Exelixis, Inc. on Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to: Exelixis belief that the immune-permissive environment promoted by XL092 may result in synergies with immune checkpoint inhibitors and that XL092s shorter pharmacokinetic half-life may help physicians in managing tolerability; the potential for XL092 to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and build on the success of Exelixis cabozantinib oncology franchise; and Exelixis plans to reinvest in its business to maximize the potential of the companys pipeline, including through targeted business development activities and internal drug discovery. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and are based upon Exelixis current plans, assumptions, beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: complexities and the unpredictability of the regulatory review and approval processes in the U.S. and elsewhere; Exelixis continuing compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; the potential failure of XL092 or the combination of XL092 and atezolizumab to demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in NCT03845166 and in future trials; uncertainties inherent in the product development process; the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Exelixis research and development operations, including Exelixis ability to initiate new clinical trials and clinical trial sites, enroll clinical trial patients, conduct trials per protocol, and conduct drug research and discovery operations and related activities; the costs of conducting clinical trials, including the ability or willingness of Exelixis collaboration partners to invest in the resources necessary to complete the trials; Exelixis dependence on third-party vendors for the development, manufacture and supply of XL092; Exelixis ability to protect its intellectual property rights; market competition; changes in economic and business conditions; and other factors affecting Exelixis and its development programs discussed under the caption Risk Factors in Exelixis Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 6, 2020, and in Exelixis future filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Exelixis as of the date of this press release, and Exelixis undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.

Exelixis, the Exelixis logo, CABOMETYX, COMETRIQ and COTELLIC are registered U.S. trademarks. MINNEBRO is a Japanese trademark.

TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

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Exelixis Announces First Patient Enrolled in Phase 1 Trial Cohort Evaluating XL092 in Combination with Atezolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid...

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COVID-19 widens disparities in transgender healthcare The Review – University of Delaware Review

This connection between mental health and physical health has been seen in many communities, but the pandemic may be highlighting them within the transgender community.

Sam Ford/THE REVIEW For transgender individuals, the pandemic has brought about additional barriers to accessing healthcare.

BY SIMON GLOVER Copy Desk Chief

No one likes the doctors office. Between the smell of sanitizer and nitrile gloves, the pricks of needles and the cold feeling of a stethoscope on an unprepared back, feelings of anxiety are inevitable. For transgender individuals, this feeling can multiply with anxiety surrounding whether or not they will be listened to, taken care of and generally treated with compassion.

This is something that Samwell Cleary, a neuroscience major at the university, stated he must deal with every doctor appointment as a trans man.

Cleary says discussing his trans identity with cisgender physicians regularly feels infantalizing. He feels that the transgender community is often referred to as a collective other and that individual needs can be ignored.

I am a privileged middle class white trans man with supportive parents and insurance living in Massachusetts, one of the most advanced states in both anti-discrimination policy and healthcare, Cleary said. Yet still, my treatment experience as a trans person was a series of debacles founded in systemic barriers put in place to bar trans people from accessing their vital healthcare without rigorous vetting by cis people for their validity, wealth and acceptability.

Kelly Nichols, lead clinician and director of the Newark Planned Parenthood Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Program, sees the product of this discrimination firsthand at work.

I know that many trans folks experience healthcare discrimination, Nichols said. Because of that, I personally feel even more determined to provide a healthy, safe space for folks. I think people in general should just have a more basic understanding of really what transgender healthcare entails, what a lot of barriers are for folks and how to break down those barriers.

One such rule that allows for such discrimination is the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rollback of health care discrimination rules, announced on June 19 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Center for Transgender Equality explains on its website that this will eliminate the protections for transgender people experiencing discrimination in health care settings and/or by insurance companies denying transition-related care, as well as to weaken nondiscriminatory access to health care for those with Limited English Proficiency.

Though the long-term repercussions of this rollback and the pandemic on the transgender community is yet to be seen, the effects are already being noticed, according to Rachael Richter, the gender affirming care service coordinator for Planned Parenthood in Southern Pennsylvania.

My biggest concern is how trans and gender diverse individuals are being impacted by the pandemic, Richter said. Many people in our country are experiencing economic hardship, exacerbated mental health symptoms and challenging living or social situations.

The Trump administration has removed many protections from the transgender community. This includes the elimination of sexual orientation data on foster youth and foster and adoptive parents and guardians and rejecting proposals to collect gender identity data declaring that the federal Title IX rule requires schools to ban transgender students from participating in school sports and rolling back protections of transgender people from discrimination by homeless shelters receiving federal funds.

The Trump-Pence administration has shown time and again their hostility towards trans people, and their unwillingness to protect or expand access to health care, Richter said. These particularly unstable and challenging times make attacks on health care from the administration that much more harmful, and marginalized groups more vulnerable.

Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization focusing on connecting transgender people to resources they need, as well as to a peer-support hotline to aid people in crisis. The organization reported to The Washington Post that the number of calls they receive on the crisis hotline has increased by 40% since the start of the pandemic in America.

The peak volume of calls happened in the weeks following the removal of federal healthcare protection for transgender individuals.

Theres definitely a power dynamic in healthcare offices, Nichols said. I think people need to know that many trans folks dont feel comfortable going to seek health care for things that are completely unrelated to their being transgender because of discrimination and lack of education.

In 2017, the Center for American Progress found that 29% of transgender people interviewed said a doctor or other health care provider refused to see them because of their actual or perceived gender identity.

Of those surveyed, 23% stated that a doctor or other health care provider intentionally misgendered them or used the wrong name. 21% said that a doctor or other health care provider used harsh or abusive language when treating them. 29% said they experienced unwanted physical contact from a doctor or other health care provider (such as fondling, sexual assault, or rape).

Richter explained that it could get worse with the protection rollbacks, and amidst a global pandemic, the transgender community needs all the protection it can get.

Doctors offices are always a place I now have to be tentative around, Cleary said.

He explained that he has been able to access trans-friendly medical institutions, but even then it is not always perfect.

I have had experiences where doctors in essence dont know how to treat me, Cleary said. I have been deadnamed repeatedly or misgendered by people who were literally facilitating my top surgery to alleviate my dysphoria.

The academic journal LGBT Health released a study explaining that Transgender Medicaid Beneficiaries (TMBs) had more chronic conditions than CMBs (Cisgender Medicaid Beneficiaries), including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, despite a greater observed proportion of TMBs being younger than the observed portion of CMBs. Both of these conditions are listed by the Centers for Disease Control as a condition that severely increases the rate of hospitalization of COVID-19.

After launching our teleservices at Planned Parenthood of Delaware, I actually have seen an increase in transgender patients seeking gender affirming hormone therapy, Nichols said. People in general actually feel really anxious about going to a health care providers office, and those kinds of errors are eliminated when people can be in a place where theyre comfortable.

This connection between mental health and physical health has been seen in many communities, but the pandemic may be highlighting them within the transgender community.

Stress, according to a statement on The Cleveland Clinics website, causes your body to produce greater levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In short spurts, cortisol can boost your immunity by limiting inflammation. But over time, your body can get used to having too much cortisol in your blood. And this opens the door for more inflammation In addition, stress decreases the bodys lymphocytes the white blood cells that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte level, the more at risk you are for viruses.

According to an article co-written by six researchers and posted through The Lancet, a general medical journal, as a marginalized group, inequalities faced by transgender individuals in policies and social aspects, such as legislated policies based on binary gender norms, could increase the risk of illness and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. These increased risks are due to the lack of specialized health-care professionals, the barriers to access healthcare for transgender individuals and gender-based violence outside of healthcare settings as well.

These new rules threaten to undermine health care access and coverage for transgender people, as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual people, who already experience discrimination, Richter said. Continued rollbacks to critical protections that prevent discrimination will only further exacerbate these unacceptable statistics.

Education, as asserted by many of these studies, is the first step toward fixing these inequalities. COVID-19 has laid bare the disparities that transgender individuals must face every day, but some, like Cleary, worry that the issues they face will not go away with a vaccine.

In general, there is a tone of hesitation and unfamiliarity where the people that get to decide my fate in regards to my medical transition blatantly have very little knowledge about the true realities of what its like to be trans, Cleary said.

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COVID-19 widens disparities in transgender healthcare The Review - University of Delaware Review

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Q3 2020 Earnings Call Transcript – Motley Fool

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Viking Therapeutics(NASDAQ:VKTX)Q32020 Earnings CallOct 28, 2020, 4:30 p.m. ET

Operator

Welcome to the Viking Therapeutics 2020 third-quarter financial results conference call. [Operator instructions] As a reminder, this call is being recorded today, October 28, 2020. I would now like to turn the conference over to Viking's Manager of Investor Relations Stephanie Diaz. Please go ahead, Stephanie.

Stephanie Diaz -- Investor Relations Officer

Hello, and thank you all for participating in today's call. Joining me today is Brian Lian, Viking's president and CEO; and Greg Zante, senior vice president of finance. Before we begin, I'd like to caution that comments made during this conference call today, October 28, 2020, will contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, concerning the current beliefs of the company, which involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from these statements, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any statement made today.

I encourage you to review all of the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning these and other matters. I'll now turn the call over to Brian Lian for his initial comments.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Stephanie, and thanks to everyone listening on the webcast or by phone. Today, we'll provide an overview of our third-quarter financial results, as well as an update on recent progress and developments with our pipeline programs and operations. I will begin with an update on our lead thyroid hormone beta receptor agonist program, VK2809. During the third quarter, we continued enrollment of patients in our Phase 2b VOYAGE study in biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis.

As of the end of the quarter, the majority of our U.S. clinical sites were open for patient enrollment, though coronavirus-related disruptions continued to impact site operations. We are currently in the process of expanding the number of clinical sites in the U.S. and internationally, and we continue to expect completion of enrollment in the first half of 2021.

With respect to our second thyroid hormone beta receptor agonist, VK0214, during the third quarter, we achieved a significant milestone by advancing this compound into clinical development. In September, we announced the initiation of a Phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of VK0214 in healthy subjects. Following completion of this study, we plan to initiate a Phase 1b study in patients with X-link adrenoleukodystrophy. We are excited to be advancing this important program as patients suffering with X-ALD currently have no approved therapeutic options.

I'll provide additional detail on our development activities after we review our third-quarter financial results. With that, I'll turn the call over to Greg Zante, Viking's senior vice president of finance.

Greg Zante -- Senior Vice President of Finance

Thanks, Brian. In conjunction with my comments, I'd like to recommend that participants refer to Viking's Form 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we expect to file later today for additional details. I'll now go over our financial results for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2020, beginning with the results for the quarter. Our research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020, were $7.1 million, compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2019.

The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to our clinical studies, salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation, partially offset by decreased expenses related to preclinical studies and services provided by third-party consultants. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020, were $2.7 million, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to stock-based compensation, salaries and benefits and insurance expenses, partially offset by decreased expenses related to legal services and travel. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, Viking reported a net loss of $9.3 million or $0.13 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million or $0.08 per share in the corresponding period in 2019.

The increase in net loss and net loss per share for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses noted previously, as well as decreased interest income due to the decline in interest rates throughout the third quarter of 2020 as compared to prevailing interest rates during the third quarter of 2019. I'll now go over the results for the first nine months of 2020. Our research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $22.9 million, compared to $17.1 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to our clinical studies, manufacturing for our drug candidates, salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation, partially offset by decreased expenses related to services provided by third-party consultants and preclinical studies.

Our general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $8.5 million, compared to $6.7 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to stock-based compensation, salaries and benefits and insurance expenses, partially offset by decreased expenses related to services provided by third-party consultants, professional fees and travel. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Viking reported a net loss of $28.5 million or $0.39 per share, compared to a net loss of $18.3 million or $0.25 per share in the corresponding period in 2019. The increase in net loss and net loss per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses noted previously, as well as decreased interest income due to the decline in interest rates throughout the first nine months of 2020 as compared to prevailing interest rates during the first nine months of 2019.

Turning to the balance sheet. At September 30, 2020, Viking held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $255.3 million, compared to $275.6 million as of December 31, 2019. This concludes my financial review, and I'll now turn the call back over to Brian.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Greg. I'll now provide an update on our recent development activities, beginning with our lead program, VK2809 for the treatment of NASH and fibrosis. VK2809 is an orally available small molecule agonist of the thyroid homeowner receptor that possesses selectivity for liver tissue, as well as the beta receptor subtype. Clinical data to date have demonstrated that VK2809 has compelling potency, selectivity, safety and tolerability profile that may provide benefit in a range of metabolic disorders, including NASH.

Our enthusiasm for this program stems in part from the results of our previously completed 12-week Phase 2 trial in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypercholesterolemia. These data demonstrated that patients receiving VK2809 experienced statistically significant reductions in liver fat content, as well as improvements in LDL cholesterol, achieving the study's main efficacy objectives. On exploratory measures, evaluating other plasma lipids, such as triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a), treatment with VK2809 also resulted in significant reductions. Importantly, these results were achieved without any serious adverse events being reported among patients receiving VK2809 or placebo.

In the third quarter, additional follow-up data from this trial were presented in an oral presentation at the international liver conference, or EASL. The newly reported data demonstrated that patients treated with VK2809 experienced durable, statistically significant reductions in liver fat content that were maintained at week 16, four weeks after completion of the 12-week treatment period in the study. Specifically, VK2809 treated patients maintained a statistically significant 45% median reduction in liver fat content at week 16, compared to a 19% reduction among patients receiving placebo. Additionally, at week 16, 70% of VK2809-treated patients maintained a response, defined as experiencing a greater than or equal to 30% relative reduction of liver fat content from baseline.

Notably, 100% of patients receiving 5 milligrams of VK2809 dose daily maintained a response at week 16. In addition to these durability results, new analyses of week 12 study results demonstrated significant reductions in liver fat content among patients receiving VK2809 as compared to placebo regardless of the presence of common NASH risk factors, including baseline levels of ALT above the upper limit of normal, a body mass index greater than or equal to 30, hypertension or Hispanic ethnicity. The overall data from this study, including these new findings of durability and efficacy in high-risk subgroups, support the underlying promise of VK2809 for the treatment of NASH and fibrosis. In addition, we believe the broad efficacy observed on key lipid measures may indicate cardiometabolic benefits in this setting, an important advantage as compared to mechanisms that may lead to elevations in lipids known to increase cardiovascular risk.

Based on these positive Phase 2 results, last year, we initiated the Phase 2b trial to assess VK2809 in the setting of NASH. This study called VOYAGE is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of VK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and fibrosis. The study is targeting enrollment of approximately 340 patients across five treatment arms. The target population includes patients with F2 and F3 fibrosis, as well as up to 25% with F1 fibrosis.

Primary end point of the study will evaluate the change in liver fat content as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction from baseline to week 12 in subjects treated with VK2809 as compared to subjects receiving placebo. Secondary objectives include evaluation of histologic changes assessed by hepatic biopsy after 52 weeks of treatment. During the quarter, we continued to enroll patients in the U.S. despite the headwinds created by the COVID pandemic.

The majority of our U.S. sites are open for enrollment, and we expect to open ex U.S. sites imminently. In addition, we plan to add further sites for enrollment with a plan to ultimately list over 90 sites globally.

We expect to complete enrollment in VOYAGE during the first half of 2021. I will now turn to our second clinical program, VK0214, for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, or X-ALD. VK0214, like VK2809 is an orally available small molecule thyroid hormone receptor agonist that possesses selectivity for the beta receptor subtype. In preclinical studies, VK0214 was shown to potently activate thyroid hormone beta receptor, leading to improvement in several in vitro measures that suggest potential benefit in X-ALD.

Additional data from in vivo studies have demonstrated that administration of VK0214 produces a significant and durable reduction of very long-chain fatty acids in both plasma and tissue. In part as a result of these important findings, VK0214 has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of X-ALD. In the third quarter, we announced the initiation of a Phase 1 first-in-human study of VK0214. This trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending and multiple ascending dose study in healthy volunteers.

The primary objectives of the study include evaluation of the safety and tolerability of single and multiple oral doses of VK0214, as well as the identification of doses for further clinical development in the setting of X-ALD. Investigators will also assess the pharmacokinetics of VK0214, following single and multiple oral doses. Upon successful completion of the ascending dose trial, we plan to initiate a Phase 1b study of VK0214 in patients with X-ALD. We currently expect this study to begin in the first half of 2021.

With two ongoing clinical programs, it is important to maintain a strong financial position, and we continue to carefully manage our cash resources. As Greg stated during the financial discussion, we ended the third quarter with approximately $255 million in cash, and we believe this balance provides the runway required to complete both ongoing trials, as well as a number of additional clinical milestones. In conclusion, our primary focus in the third quarter was on the continued execution of our two clinical programs. In our 52-week Phase 2b VOYAGE trial evaluating VK2809 in patients with NASH and fibrosis, the majority of our planned clinical sites are open for enrollment, and we plan to open additional sites in the coming months.

We expect to complete enrollment in the first half of 2021. With respect to VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, we were very pleased in the third quarter to move this important program into the clinic. We are currently executing a Phase 1 single ascending and multiple ascending dose study and plan to initiate a Phase 1b study in patients with X-ALD in the first half of 2021. To support these trials, as well as a number of other key objectives, we continue to judiciously manage our cash balance, which remains strong at $255 million as of the end of the third quarter.

This concludes our prepared comments for today. Thanks again for joining us, and we'll now open the call for questions. Operator?

Operator

Thank you. [Operator instructions] Our first question comes from Joon Lee from Truist Securities. Please go ahead.

Joon Lee -- Truist Securities -- Analyst

Hi, Brian. Thanks for taking -- thanks for the update and taking my question. I have a question on the additional data you presented at EASL, which I think is notable for a more robust liver fat reduction in patients with higher baseline ALT, where the placebo effects were suppressed in the higher ALT group. I'm going to guess that the elevated baseline ALT is more in line with the demographics that you're enrolling in the Phase 2b VOYAGE.

Was the powering of VOYAGE factoring in this data stratification specifically? Or was it based on all the patients -- that effects you saw in all the patients in the earlier study? And the second question is the durability that you saw, 16 weeks, does that change how you might strategize around your Phase 3 development plans, given this durability in terms of the frequency of dosing.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Joon, thanks for the questions. As far as the subgroups that we looked at in the 12-week study, that didn't change our powering assumptions for the 52-week study. We were looking at overall assessments on histologic changes for the powering assumptions. We just thought it was really interesting when you look at pretty much every subset that we could identify that might represent higher risk or typical NASH phenotype that there wasn't any difference in efficacy.

And I think we had another slide in there about baseline liver fat as well. And it just seemed to be pretty consistent across ALT, BMI, baseline liver fat, hypertension, all of those factors, baseline glucose as well. But we didn't use that for powering anything. And as far as your second question, what was the second question? Durability.

Yes. No, we just think that that's pretty interesting. It's useful scientific data for understanding the kinetics of liver fat changes. It doesn't feed into our Phase 3 or future development plans, but it is a really interesting finding.

It indicates that you don't necessarily need sustained dosing. You might be able to pursue an intermittent strategy, that type of thing. But it didn't really change anything. We had expected there to be good durability based on the mechanism and the robustness of the initial signal.

Joon Lee -- Truist Securities -- Analyst

Thank you.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Joon.

Operator

The next question comes from Derek Archila from Stifel. Please go ahead.

Derek Archila -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst

Hey, guys. And congrats on the progress. Just two from us. Just kind of thoughts on the recruitment right now.

I know you're saying and still guiding to completing enrollment by the first half of 2021. I think having some conversations with some of your competitors, they seem to have more challenges with enrollment. So I just want to get a sense of how much does your time line take into effect for kind of COVID and where we are and some of the kind of worsening conditions in the EU, where I think you're going to potentially open sites. So I just want to get your comments on that.

And then second, just give us a sense of the regulatory pathway in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and what that looks like? And could we see data from that Phase 1b study sometime toward the end of 2021? Thanks.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Yeah. Thanks, Derek. As far as the enrollment in the Phase 2b study, I don't want to understate the challenges. And so it didn't mean to make it sound like we're having a super easy time with it.

It's really, really difficult. I think it's difficult to cross the board for everybody. But when we look at the site operations, the screening pipeline, that sort of thing, we still think we can do this in the first half of 2021. And that could change if there are statewide lockdowns like we saw earlier this year, but we don't see that right now.

What's really interesting in looking at the individual sites, they're maintaining pretty open operations despite the surges in certain parts of the country. And I think that weighs more on patient psychology than site operations now compared to back in March and April. But it's very, very difficult. And we're still expecting to complete enrollment in the first half of '21, but very, very difficult.

As far as the registration path and X-ALD, we hope to get into patients in the first half of the year that provided we get through the multiple ascending dose portion of the ongoing study. And if things go well, it's possible we'd have data next year. I don't know. It's possible we could be certainly later in the year.

And then we plan to talk to the FDA about what the next steps look like. We would expect the end points and registration to be more functionally oriented, not biomarker oriented, but we won't know for sure until we have those conversations.

Derek Archila -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst

Terrific. Thanks, and congrats again on the progress.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Derek.

Operator

The next question comes from Steve Seedhouse from Raymond James. Please go ahead.

Ryan Deschner -- Raymond James -- Analyst

This is Ryan on for Steve Seedhouse. Brian, I'm just wondering if you have a timeline for presenting any additional data from the Phase 2a study. Obviously, after the 16-week study or potentially a publication. And are you guys planning on having -- presenting any data at AASLD this year?

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Ryan. No, we're not going to have anything at AASLD. We do have a manuscript in preparation on the 12-week study. Most of the bigger journals are prioritizing COVID right now.

So it has maybe slowed that process down a little bit, but we do intend to submit that in the relatively near term. As far as additional data, no plans today to have additional data from that study. I think we've presented pretty much everything useful that we could present there, but maybe there could be some more in the publication.

Ryan Deschner -- Raymond James -- Analyst

Thanks, Brian.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks.

Operator

The next question comes from Matthew Luchini from BMO. Please go ahead.

Matthew Luchini -- BMO Capital Markets -- Analyst

Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the question, and congrats on the progress. So just a couple from me. I guess, first, on the ex U.S.

sites that are going to be opening up, I think when we last connected on the last quarter update, it sounded like those were perhaps a little bit more near term than just kind of opening up this quarter. So just wondering if there were any bottlenecks there that prevented those sites from actually coming online until it seems like the end of the year? And then secondarily, on 0214, for the SAD/MAD data, should we expect that to -- how should we expect that data to be communicated when it comes out? Would that be just press release? Would -- are you holding that for a medical conference of some sort? Yeah, please, on those two.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Sure. Thanks, Matt. So on the ex U.S. side, yes, those have been slower than we had hoped to come online primarily due to administrative items.

We had to submit a couple of documents. We had to correct a couple of typos in one document that required a more substantial resubmission of those documents than we had originally planned. It's just -- but nothing major. It was really pretty minor administrative stuff.

And I don't know, it's hard for us to judge how much of that is just COVID-related with delayed communication time lines between our regulatory liaison and the European regulatory agencies. But that could also play a little bit to those -- the kind of slow time line there. But I would say we'll be opening some European sites here imminently. So I think we're on track there.

As far as the VK0214 SAD and MAD data, we would hope to have some of those results in the first half of the year. And good question on the disclosure strategy, I mean, minimally, a press release, but depending on what the day look like, we might try to submit something to a later conference in 2021. But I think that will be driven on what we see. If there's anything really exciting or interesting, we might want to save that for a conference.

But I would say, minimally a press release though.

Matthew Luchini -- BMO Capital Markets -- Analyst

OK. And then just one last one, if I could, on the numbers. Both operating expenses have been quite flat now through three quarters this year. And I guess we've been expecting perhaps a little bit more of a step-up as things had picked up with the Phase 2b.

So just wondering how should we -- we should be thinking about at least maybe the last quarter of the year? And anything you can say loose or otherwise as we start thinking forward to '21. With that, I'll get back in the queue. Thanks so much.

Greg Zante -- Senior Vice President of Finance

Matt, Greg here. Yes, I think -- yes, they have been a little bit flat, but we do expect them to continue to increase from here as the trial continues along. So I think nothing to read into the flatness through this point. I think it will continue to pick up going forward here.

We always try to be conservative on the estimates, but I think it is certainly going to tick up.

Matthew Luchini -- BMO Capital Markets -- Analyst

OK. Great. Congrats on the progress.

OK. Great. Thanks, guys, for the questions, and congrats on the progress.

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Matt.

Operator

The next question comes from Michael Morabito from Chardan Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Michael Morabito -- Chardan Capital Markets -- Analyst

Hi, guys. I just had a question here. I wanted to know if there was anything put into place for the VOYAGE trial to track patients who at any point during the trial test positive for a COVID during the trial. And if there's any kind of a protocol that you put in place for what would constitute rationale for excluding patients that have been affected by COVID, do you have anything like that in place?

Brian Lian -- President and Chief Executive Officer

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Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Q3 2020 Earnings Call Transcript - Motley Fool

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market Analysis, Technologies & Forecasts to 2028 – The Think Curiouser

The winning Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market report makes available the current and forthcoming technical and financial details of the industry. Few of the chief insights of this business report include; distinct analysis of the market drivers & restraints, major market players involved like industry, detailed analysis of the market segmentation & competitive analysis. It estimates CAGR values in percentages which help to know the rise or fall occurring in the market for particular product for the specific forecast period. Global Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market report also encompasses strategic profiling of key players in the market, systematic analysis of their core competencies & draws a competitive landscape for the market.

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The Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market report can be better employed by both traditional and new players in the industry for complete knowhow of the market. The industry analysis report brings into focus important industry trends, market size, market share estimates, and sales volume that assist industry to speculate the strategies to increase return on investment (ROI). Moreover, the market document holds a substantial importance when it is about explaining market definition, classifications, applications and engagements. With the study of competitor analysis conducted in this Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market report, industry can get fluency of the strategies of key players in the market that includes new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, and acquisitions.

Market Analysis: Global Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market

Global Hemodialysis Powder Solution market is rising gradually with a substantial CAGR of XX% in the forecast period of 2019-2026. This rise in market value can be attributed in increase in awareness and concerns regarding the health of patients, increasing prevalence of growth hormone disorders and high expenditure in healthcare sector.

Key Players:

The Key manufacturers that are operating in the global Hemodialysis Powder Solution market are:

Baxter

Rockwell Medical

Fresenius

B. Braun

Renacon Pharma

Chief Medical Supplies

Farmasol

Weigao

Tianjin ever -trust medical

Jiangxi Sanxin Medtec

Competitive Landscape

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Key Benefits of the report:

-This report provides an extensive analysis of the current and emerging market trends and dynamics in the global Hemodialysis Powder Solution market.

-In-depth analysis is conducted by constructing market estimations for the key market segments between 2020 and 2027.

-This report entails the detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2020-2027, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

-Extensive analysis of the market is conducted by following key product positioning and monitoring the top competitors within the market framework

-Comprehensive analysis of all regions is provided that determines the prevailing opportunities in these geographies.

The report segments the Hemodialysis Powder Solution market on the basis of product type, application, and geography. On the basis of product type, it includes plastic bar cable markers, clip-on cable markers, printed adhesive cable markers, and electronic marker. On the basis of application, it is segmented into IT & telecom, energy & utility, manufacturing, construction, and others. Based on geography, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Following are the segments covered by the report are:

Hemodialysis Concentrates

Hemodialysis Dry Powder

By Application:

Public Hospital

Private Clinic

Nursing Home

Personal Care

Others

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Table of Contents: Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market

Part 01: Executive Summary

Part 02: Scope Of The Report

Part 03: Research Methodology

Part 04: Market Landscape

Part 05: Pipeline Analysis

Part 06: Market Sizing

Part 07: Five Forces Analysis

Part 08: Market Segmentation

Part 09: Customer Landscape

Part 10: Regional Landscape

Part 11: Decision Framework

Part 12: Drivers And Challenges

Part 13: Market Trends

Part 14: Vendor Landscape

Part 15: Vendor Analysis

Part 16: Appendix

Contact Us

Chronical Market Research,

4004 W Lake Sammamish,

Pkway B9 Redmond,

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Tel: +44 115 888 3028

Web: http://www.chronicalmarketresearch.com

About Us

At Chronical Market Research, we understand that the research we provide is only as good as the outcome it inspires. These reports are generated by well-renowned publishers on the basis of the data acquired from an extensive research and credible business statistics. Thats why we are proud to provide the widest range of research products, multilingual 24/7 customer support and dedicated custom research services to deliver the insights you need to achieve your goals. Take a look at few of our aspects that makes Chronical Market Research an asset to your business.

Read more:
Hemodialysis Powder Solution Market Analysis, Technologies & Forecasts to 2028 - The Think Curiouser

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market with Current Trends Analysis 2020-2027 – The Think Curiouser

The winning Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market report makes available the current and forthcoming technical and financial details of the industry. Few of the chief insights of this business report include; distinct analysis of the market drivers & restraints, major market players involved like industry, detailed analysis of the market segmentation & competitive analysis. It estimates CAGR values in percentages which help to know the rise or fall occurring in the market for particular product for the specific forecast period. Global Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market report also encompasses strategic profiling of key players in the market, systematic analysis of their core competencies & draws a competitive landscape for the market.

Request Sample Report @ https://chronicalmarketresearch.com/request-for-sample-report/25154

The Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market report can be better employed by both traditional and new players in the industry for complete knowhow of the market. The industry analysis report brings into focus important industry trends, market size, market share estimates, and sales volume that assist industry to speculate the strategies to increase return on investment (ROI). Moreover, the market document holds a substantial importance when it is about explaining market definition, classifications, applications and engagements. With the study of competitor analysis conducted in this Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market report, industry can get fluency of the strategies of key players in the market that includes new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, and acquisitions.

Market Analysis: Global Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market

Global Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment market is rising gradually with a substantial CAGR of XX% in the forecast period of 2019-2026. This rise in market value can be attributed in increase in awareness and concerns regarding the health of patients, increasing prevalence of growth hormone disorders and high expenditure in healthcare sector.

The following players are covered in this report:

Novartis

Pfizer, Inc.

AbbVie Inc.

Allergan plc

Eli Lilly and Company

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

AstraZeneca

Biogen

Eisai Co., Ltd.

INmuneBIO

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Key Benefits of the report:

-This report provides an extensive analysis of the current and emerging market trends and dynamics in the global Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment market.

-In-depth analysis is conducted by constructing market estimations for the key market segments between 2020 and 2027.

-This report entails the detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2020-2027, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

-Extensive analysis of the market is conducted by following key product positioning and monitoring the top competitors within the market framework

-Comprehensive analysis of all regions is provided that determines the prevailing opportunities in these geographies.

The report segments the Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment market on the basis of product type, application, and geography. On the basis of product type, it includes plastic bar cable markers, clip-on cable markers, printed adhesive cable markers, and electronic marker. On the basis of application, it is segmented into IT & telecom, energy & utility, manufacturing, construction, and others. Based on geography, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Breakdown Data by Type

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Memantine

Combination Drugs

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Breakdown Data by Application

Hospital

Clinic

Request For Customization About This Report @ https://chronicalmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/25154

Table of Contents: Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market

Part 01: Executive Summary

Part 02: Scope Of The Report

Part 03: Research Methodology

Part 04: Market Landscape

Part 05: Pipeline Analysis

Part 06: Market Sizing

Part 07: Five Forces Analysis

Part 08: Market Segmentation

Part 09: Customer Landscape

Part 10: Regional Landscape

Part 11: Decision Framework

Part 12: Drivers And Challenges

Part 13: Market Trends

Part 14: Vendor Landscape

Part 15: Vendor Analysis

Part 16: Appendix

Contact Us

Chronical Market Research,

4004 W Lake Sammamish,

Pkway B9 Redmond,

WA 98052 United States.

Tel: +44 115 888 3028

Web: http://www.chronicalmarketresearch.com

About Us

At Chronical Market Research, we understand that the research we provide is only as good as the outcome it inspires. These reports are generated by well-renowned publishers on the basis of the data acquired from an extensive research and credible business statistics. Thats why we are proud to provide the widest range of research products, multilingual 24/7 customer support and dedicated custom research services to deliver the insights you need to achieve your goals. Take a look at few of our aspects that makes Chronical Market Research an asset to your business.

More:
Dementia and Alzheimers Disease Treatment Market with Current Trends Analysis 2020-2027 - The Think Curiouser

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Talking taboos around womens health – Kent Online

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

A charity webinar discussing various intimate issues and taboos around womens health will take place in early November and feature leading health experts.

Hosted by Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic in Tunbridge Wells , the Womens Intimate Health Webinar will offer simple solutions to women with the aim of helping them feel their best during any stage of life.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

With tickets costing 15, the event will take place on Thursday, November 12 between 7pm and 9pm.

Those attending the webinar will get the chance to hear from women's health experts on various topics from the comfort of their own homes.

The event will focus on how women can maintain intimate health, ranging from managing common symptoms and being alert for abnormal symptoms to looking after sexual health and sexual satisfaction.

There will also be talks about help to maintain continence, achieving balance with a natural approach as well as a practical food preparation demonstration.

This will be such an interesting and informative event that will address sensitive and intimate issues concerning women but in a friendly and relaxed environment, said Dr Gail Ball, who provides Womens Health Services at Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic.

Attendees are encouraged to engage and interact with the experts and to ask questions. Bring your drink and a friend and enjoy a break with us.

The guest speakers at the event will include:

All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Endometriosis UK to help and raise awareness of the charities and the women it supports.

All leading medical experts encourage women to talk and to not be tentative or embarrassed if they need to ask sensitive questions.

It is more than likely that your health expert or doctor would have heard it all before anyway and that your condition is pretty common.

For example, a lot of women may end up unexpectedly wetting themselves whilst out for a run or while theyre laughing.

But contrary to what many people may think, NHS figures say that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence.

Sensitive health concerns can range from natural body quirks to potentially life-threatening conditions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

Hormone imbalance, for example, is a common condition among women and can be associated with illnesses such as diabetes and thyroid conditions.

If left untreated, hormone imbalance can result in other medical conditions too such as growth disorders and reproductive disorders as well as tiredness, acne, hair growth, hair loss, weight gain and weight loss.

And then of course we have cervical cancer that occurs most often in women over age 30.

Did you know that the most important risk factor for cervical cancer is chronic infection by certain types of the HPV, which is passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact, during sex with someone who has the virus?

Other risk factors include smoking, having a weakened immune system, having had a chlamydia infection, being overweight, being exposed to or taking certain hormone treatments, and not having regular cervical cancer screening tests.

All of these subjects and more will be addressed at the Womens Intimate Health Webinar .

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic combines cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as clinical excellence with luxury, comfort, and discretion for its clients.

Clinics like Bella Vou are seeing a surge in appointments as a growing number of patients are turning to private treatment to beat rationing and delays at the NHS, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to figures released in August by healthcare tech company Medefer, over 15 million people are currently waiting for treatment on the NHS's 'hidden waiting list' - that amounts to almost four times higher than the official 3.9million.

The official waiting list of the NHS shows the number of patients yet to have their first hospital appointment after a GP referral.

It stands at 3.9million and that has so far remained fairly constant during the pandemic. But that doesnt apply to long waits that have increased substantially.

Endometriosis is another disorder that may not easily get diagnosed or can get misdiagnosed by GPs due to time restraints.

This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining on the inside of a uterus or womb grows outside of the uterus or womb where it doesn't belong.

This in turn may lead to swelling and bleeding. Around one in ten women endure unrelenting pain as a direct result of endometriosis that affects every aspect of their lives each day.

Click here to visit Bella Vou Pantiles Clinics official website .

Read more from the original source:
Talking taboos around womens health - Kent Online

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Brenda Allen faced the fight of her life — breast cancer. She found support in those who have traveled this road before. – darnews.com

By MARK J. SANDERS Contributing Writer

Brenda Allen, her mother, her sister and a first cousin were all diagnosed with breast cancer over a three-year period.

DAR/Paul Davis

Brenda Allen considers herself fortunate to be a successful survivor of breast cancer, and shes using the lessons learned through her path to recovery to make the most of her life every day.

Brenda, 62, is married to Tom Allen, and both of them are well-known and well-loved retired teachers from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District.

Brenda taught in a number of different roles and locations for 34 years, including music at the elementary and fifth and sixth grade school, vocal music director at the junior and senior high, SINGS instructor, grant administrator and administrator at Lake Road Elementary and Poplar Bluff Junior High.

She first learned of her cancer diagnosis seven years ago, in July 2013. While seeing her doctor for an ear infection, she remembered that her mother had recently had a mammogram, so she decided to do the same on that day.

Her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer, and Brenda said it was a contributing factor in her mothers eventual passing.

After her doctors visit, she left town for a trip, and when she returned home, she found she had received many unanswered calls from Kneibert Clinic.

I was pretty sure the news was not good, she said.

The mammogram revealed a lump that was thought to be contained within a milk duct. She chose to go to the St. Lukes Hospital Womens Center in St. Louis, where she saw the same doctor as her mother for a needle biopsy.

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The biopsy verified the cancer diagnosis, and Brenda was scheduled for a lumpectomy. However, the procedure revealed the cancer was not contained and was more invasive than initially detected.

She was away on another trip, this time to Dauphin Island, Alabama, when St. Lukes called with the bad news about the lumpectomy results. When she returned, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy in September 2013.

This time, the results were much more positive. She needed neither chemotherapy nor radiation as a follow-up to the surgery, and her lymph nodes were not affected, either. The only follow-up treatment was hormone therapy for the next five years.

I was very fortunate, she said. Im likely to put some things off, but women need to take their mammograms seriously.

Although she described her recovery from surgery as relatively easy I went back to work a week after she did undergo genetic counseling. Brenda, her mother, her sister and a first cousin were all diagnosed with breast cancer over a three-year period.

In doing extensive research on her family tree, Brenda discovered her mothers aunt and that aunts granddaughter had both died of breast cancer. The granddaughter was only 35 at the time of her passing.

Brenda was tested for all possible genetic markers indicating further risk of future cancer, but they all came back negative. She described this as a big relief not only for her but also for her own daughter and granddaughter.

After five years of follow-up screenings, she was released as cancer-free.

Brendas advice for other women facing their own breast cancer diagnosis is to not go through any of it alone.

Every woman has a friend who has been through this, she said. Brenda had a close friend who had already survived breast cancer, so she called and asked her to be her cancer mentor.

Youre overwhelmed with all the information the doctors give you, and you dont always know what it all means, she said. You need a friend who can walk with you down that road.

One way Brenda was enjoying retirement this year was to hike the Katy Trail in mid-Missouri. She said the experience of losing her own parents, her in-laws, and a close uncle over the past seven years provided strong motivation to stay active and reach for her goals.

Speaking of her loved ones who have passed, she said, They all spoke of things they wanted to do and said, I wish I had done that.

Hiking the Katy Trail was something I always wanted to do, but I still can.

Read the original post:
Brenda Allen faced the fight of her life -- breast cancer. She found support in those who have traveled this road before. - darnews.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Comprehensive Analysis On Endometriosis Market Based On Types And Application – The Think Curiouser

Dataintelo, one of the worlds prominent market research firms has announced a novel report on the Endometriosis market. The report is integrated with imperative insights on the market which will support the clients to make precise business decisions. This research will help both existing and new aspirants for Global Endometriosis Market to figure out and study market requirements, market size, and competition. The report incorporates data regarding the supply and demand situation, the competitive scenario, and the challenges for market growth, market opportunities, and the threats encountered by key players during the forecast period of 2020-2027.

Request a sample before buying this report @ https://dataintelo.com/request-sample/?reportId=93801

Impact of COVID-19

The report also incorporates the impact of the ongoing global crisis i.e. COVID-19 on the Endometriosis market and explains how the future is going to unfold for the global market. The report also provides an analysis of the effects of the pandemic on the global economy. The outbreak has directly affected production and demand disrupted the demand and supply chain. The report also computes the financial impact on firms and financial markets. Dataintelo has accumulated insights from various delegates of the industry and got involved in the primary and secondary research to offer the clients data & strategies to combat the market challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Benefits of buying the report:

Industry experts and research analysts have worked extensively to fabricate the research report which will give that extra edge to your business in the competitive market. The market research report can be customized as per you and your needs. This means that Dataintelo can cover a particular product, application, or can offer a detailed analysis in the report. You can also buy a separate report for a specific region.

You can buy the complete report @ https://dataintelo.com/checkout/?reportId=93801

Some of the major companies that are covered in this report:

AbbVieAstraZenecaBayer HealthCarePfizerAddex TherapeuticsAstellas PharmaDebiopharmElexoPharmEndoCeuticsEuroscreenForendo PharmaKissei PharmaceuticalNeurocrine BiosciencesNippon ShinyakuTakedaBayer AGNeurocrine Biosciences

*Note: Additional companies can be included on request

The market scenario is likely to be fairly competitive. To analyze any market with simplicity the market is fragmented into the following segments:

By Application:

Hospital UseClinic UseOther

By Type:

Gonadotropins Releasing Hormone AgonistsNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory DrugsProgestinOral Contraceptive Pills

By Geographical Regions

Asia Pacific: China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia PacificEurope: Germany, the UK, France, and Rest of EuropeNorth America: The US, Mexico, and CanadaLatin America: Brazil and Rest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & Africa: GCC Countries and Rest of Middle East & Africa

Segmenting the market into smaller components helps in analyzing the dynamics of the market with more clarity. Another key component that is integrated into the report is the regional analysis to assess the global presence of the Endometriosis market. You can also opt for a yearly subscription of all the updates on the Endometriosis market.

Below is the TOC of the report:

Executive Summary

Assumptions and Acronyms Used

Research Methodology

Endometriosis Market Overview

Global Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast by Type

Global Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast by Application

Global Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast by Sales Channel

Global Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast by Region

North America Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast

Latin America Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast

Europe Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast

Asia Pacific Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast

Asia Pacific Endometriosis Market Size and Volume Forecast by Application

Middle East & Africa Endometriosis Market Analysis and Forecast

Competition Landscape

If you have any questions on this report, feel free to reach us! @ https://dataintelo.com/enquiry-before-buying/?reportId=93801

About Dataintelo:

Dataintelo has a vast experience in making customized market research reports in a number of industry verticals. Our motto is to provide complete client satisfaction. We cover in-depth market analysis, which consists of stipulating lucrative business strategies, especially for the new entrants and the emerging players of the market. We make sure that each report goes through intensive primary, secondary research, interviews, and consumer surveys before final dispatch.

We invest in our analysts to ensure that we have a full roster of experience and expertise in any field we cover. Our team members are selected for stellar academic records, specializations in technical fields, and exceptional analytical and communication skills. We also offer ongoing training and knowledge sharing to keep our analysts tapped into industry best practices and loaded with information.

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Read the original here:
Comprehensive Analysis On Endometriosis Market Based On Types And Application - The Think Curiouser

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Light box therapy: How to combat seasonal depression with the power of light – Insider – INSIDER

Light therapy is considered a first-line treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter. Here's more about this treatment and how to use it effectively.

About 4%-6% of American adults have SAD, which comes on in the fall and winter, and usually abates in the spring and summer. Research has linked SAD to changes in the amount of daylight and found that it's more common in areas that are far from the equator and thus have shorter, darker days in the winter.

"SAD is generally a dip in mood into a depressive state," says Gonzalo Laje, MD, director of Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, LLC, and clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The George Washington University in Washington D.C.

"It is a real thing, and we have a very interesting approach to treatment, not just traditional antidepressants, but also with light therapy," he says.

To understand how light therapy works, it's important to understand the biological causes of SAD. Research shows that people with SAD have three potential biological causes that contribute to their depression during the darker months:

Light therapy can help regulate melatonin and serotonin levels thereby offsetting some of the depressive symptoms associated with SAD.

How light therapy works is that it aims to make up for the bright light that people aren't getting during the winter months, especially in colder, darker climates.

"There's a clear relationship between environmental light sunlight and mood," Laje says. "What light therapy attempts to do is to overcome a little bit of that lack of light with artificial light."

A 2006 double-blind randomized controlled clinical study found that light therapy improved symptoms in 67% of patients, the same amount who saw improvement on the antidepressant fluoxetine, part of the SSRI class of drugs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.

The reason experts think light therapy is so successful is how it regulates serotonin and melatonin production. For example, researchers have found that light therapy can reduce serotonin transporter binding, leaving more of the feel-good serotonin hormone available in the brain.

Scientists have also found that increasing daytime light exposure with artificial lights could reduce daytime melatonin levels in people experiencing SAD.

Simply having a brightly-lit room is not effective light therapy, Laje says. To get the benefits of light therapy, you need to be exposed to a 10,000-lux light box for 20-30 straight minutes each day, according to Mayo Clinic.

For the light therapy to work, Laje says that you need to sit 1.5 to 2 feet from the light box. It will feel slightly uncomfortable because it's so bright.

"It has to be slightly uncomfortable to be effective," he says. "It's very, very bright. You lose efficacy very quickly if you're far away."

The brightness could harm your eyes, however, so you should never look directly at the lamp. He recommends staying engaged while you're sitting near the light box by reading a book or a newspaper.

Since light therapy affects your biological clock, Laje recommends doing it in the morning, and never in the afternoon, since that could disrupt your normal sleep-wake pattern and could make it harder for you to fall asleep that night.

He recommends that patients do 20-30 minutes of light therapy daily, starting in late September or early October and continuing through the winter months.

"While light therapy seems almost trivial, it can cause problems," he says. For example, people with bipolar disorder could become manic and should only use light therapy under the direction of their doctor, he says. That's why it's always important to talk to your doctor and seek their guidance before starting a light therapy regimen.

Light therapy, alone, may work for some people, but sometimes others may also need anti-depressants or counseling, Laje says. If your depression symptoms are not improving or are worsening under your treatment plan, immediately reach out to your doctor.

Because the lamps used in light therapy do not put out UV rays, there is no cancer risk, Laje says.

Light therapy is an effective way of helping to control the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. The low light of winter can impact serotonin and melatonin levels, leaving you feeling sluggish, tired, or depressed.

Spending 20-30 minutes in front of a very bright lamp of around 10,000 lux units can help overcome SAD symptoms, regulate your circadian clock, and help you feel better during the winter months, Laje says.

"I'm always fascinated by these approaches, that are simple, effective and generally safe," he says. "With light, we can help our mood."

More here:
Light box therapy: How to combat seasonal depression with the power of light - Insider - INSIDER

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market : Industry Analysis, Growth rate, and Future Forecast 2020-2026 – Stock Market Vista

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market report provides a detailed insight into the global market landscape and has an in-detail evaluation of the key market prospects. Growth dynamics and leading trends and other essential market prospects have been assessed in order to give the clients an in-depth understanding of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market. The report has a detailed forecast up to 2026 and a historical overview of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market.

Key Market Players mentioned are:Teva Active Pharmaceutical Industries LimitedDSMNovartisRocheJohnson & JohnsonDr. Reddy sPfizerBayerBASFCambrexSun Pharmaceutical IndustriesLonza groupBoehringer Ingelheim GmbHAurobindo pharma

The report details and accounts for important and essential factors crucial to mapping a successful business plan and crafting strategies to ensure a profitable growth curve for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market. Clients can get a detailed assessment of aspects such as revenue, growth, trends, scope, opportunities, risks, etc. to create a much stronger and effective business canvas. Stakeholders as well as the new players in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market can utilize this report and maximize their revenue generation potential and secure dominance in the global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market.

Get Sample PDF Brochure @https://www.reportsintellect.com/sample-request/1303972?RINT

Description:

This report on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market can be a complete guide to navigate our clients through the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market and aid you in accordance with all the essential data required to establish dominance or sustain dominance in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market. The analysts have prepared a detailed and descriptive account of the market in the given report.

Clients through this report can strategize an effective and essential business plan and create an extensive business model to sustain over a long period of time. The report utilizes most of the in demand analyses and has been equipped with the most up to date data to give a complete understanding of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market. Business development, opportunities, dynamics, and expansion all can be navigated through the use of this latest report on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market.

The report is assessed using analyses such as SWOT analysis, Porters Analysis, predictive analysis, mechanistic analysis, and other essential analyses which are crucial to a good market research report. The report is perfectly suitable for all kinds of work approaches and is customizable to ensure maximum efficiency in the workflow.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Type Coverage: VitaminAntibioticsAntipyretic & AnalgesicHormoneAmino AcidNervus CentralisOthers

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Application Coverage: HospitalClinicOthers

Market Segment by Regions and Nations included:

North America Country (United States, Canada)South AmericaAsia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)

Competitive Analysis:

The report has up to date data required to gain an edge over the different competitors in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market. The report has discussed in detail the mergers and acquisitions currently in place in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market landscape. The report illustrates an extensive account of the competitive landscape of the global market. The report will help our clients to navigate and emerge among the frontrunners of the market and for the current key players they will be able to sustain their lead in the market for a longer duration through the use of this report.

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Reports Intellect is your one-stop solution for everything related to market research and market intelligence. We understand the importance of market intelligence and its need in todays competitive world.

Our professional team works hard to fetch the most authentic research reports backed with impeccable data figures which guarantee outstanding results every time for you.So whether it is the latest report from the researchers or a custom requirement, our team is here to help you in the best possible way.

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Read more:
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market : Industry Analysis, Growth rate, and Future Forecast 2020-2026 - Stock Market Vista

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

How immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer care – Genetic Literacy Project

More than a century ago, in 1910, President William Howard Taft made what then seemed a bold but reasonable prediction: Within five years, he said, cancer will have been removed from the list of fatal maladies.

So, what happened?

Despite what seem like endless decades of hope, exhaustive research and unyielding effort by the worlds smartest scientists, we still have yet to find a cure or long-term treatments for cancer. But finally, we appear to be edging closer to the finish line, and immunotherapy might prove key.

For decades, the cancer treatment of choice has been chemotherapy. But, while chemotherapy can be incredibly effective at treating cancer, it takes a steep toll on human body. The side-effects of most chemotherapy treatments can be quite severe, and while the end result does often get rid of malignant cells, it also destroys plenty of healthy cells in the process.

Cancer is immensely complicated. Its not just one disease it can actually take over a hundred forms, and attack different parts of our body. Whats worse, what starts as one disease can mutate into something entirely different. Many tumors also contain more than one type of cancer cell.

Another challenge of treating cancer lies in the fact that there are great differences in patients physiologies, lifestyles, attitudes towards treatment, responses to treatment, genetic makeup and even epigenetic factors.

Cancer is as individual as the person who has it, explainsJoyce Ohm, PhD, at the Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Lets say there are identical twin sisters, both with breast cancer. They may have been born with exactly the same genetic mutations, but one responds to therapy and one doesnt. One may live and one may die.

Its exceptionally difficult to find something that will work on everyone. Immunotherapy seeks to resolve this issue by personalizing treatments for each patient.

Immunotherapy isnt a new treatment by any means; scientists have been researching it for many years, and theyve invested a lot of time creating the right procedures and improving chances for all cancer patients.

The talk of immunotherapy started way back in 1890s, when William Coley, a physician, started researching how our immune system responds to viral infections. He hypothesized that scientists could jumpstart our natural immune response to cancer by provoking it with a controlled virus infection. But for years, little practical progress was made, and immunotherapy was viewed as having limited potential.

As crude as this method sounds, its basics eventually led scientists to explore how our own immune system responds to cancer and what can be done to target it without damaging other somatic cells. It also works on many types of cancers, even some that do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.

Although immunotherapy is not yet as widely used assurgery,chemotherapy, orradiation therapy, immunotherapy drugs have been approved to treat many types of cancer. The one the doctor decides to use depends on the type of cancer they are tackling.

The main aim of immunotherapy today is to help activate dormant T-cells and help the immune system better recognize cancerous cells and get rid of them safely. T-cell transfer therapy basically attempts to re-engineer our immune response. Its a complicated process but so far it has shown great success. Other cancer immunotherapy treatments include immune checkpoint inhibitors that block certain chemicals in our body from stopping immune response to cancer cells; the use of cytokines, laboratory-made versions of a type of natural protein that boosts our immune response; lab-made monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific targets on cancer cells; and treatment vaccines.

The key in developing immunotherapies is finding the right cancer targets. Chow Kwan Ting, a researcher from City University of Hong Kong (CityU), who has won the famous Croucher Innovation Award in recognition of her scientific achievements, focuses on the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in cancer treatment.

These cells havent been researched thoroughly before, but theyre known to play an important part of immune systems response to viral infections. Dr. Chows studies have shown that pDCs play a role in other types of infections as well, and that they could potentially do more than simply fight off an infection: they might actually play a role in cancer immunity.

Other scientists are advancing a range of promising immunotherapies that researchers hope will lead to breakthrough cures. A team of researchers at the German Cancer Research Center and the Berlin Institute of Health are targeting the metabolic enzyme IL4I1 (Interleukin-4-Induced-1). The survival probability of patients with gliomas, a type of malignant brain tumor, decreased when the enzyme was present in higher concentrations in these tumors.

In 2004, Sophie Lucas, a researcher at the University of Louvain de Duve Institute, began studying the blocking of immune defenses in tumors in order to understand the functioning of cells that are said to be immunosuppressive (they block the bodys immune responses). The goal was to identify and remove them, thus stimulating antibodies to act against the tumor.Last August, Nature Communications published the results of the first tests carried out by Dr. Lucas and her team on a tool using what are called anti-GARP antibodies that prevent the bodys natural immune response from being blocked. It worked on mice; human studies are next.

Of course, more research is needed to turn immunotherapy research into potential cures, but the very fact that scientists keep learning new things about cancer treatment is encouraging. Scientists are looking into liver and breast cancer as they are more prevalent in Hong Kong than other types of cancer.

Immunotherapy can sometimes have similar side-effects as chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss, but they are usually less severe. It can also be used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery.

Along with gene therapy and tumor DNA sequencing, immunotherapy is providing new options and helping us edge closer to promises made more than a century ago.

Claire Adams is a content creator and external associate of the City University of Hong Kong. Her goal is to promote CityU young scholars research papers that are closely related to the healthcare industry. She wishes to emphasise the importance of the research paper on rare cells and the innovative immunotherapeutic strategy, which truly brings hope to new cancer immunotherapy and vaccine. By promoting this work among the scientific and healthcare community, Claire is hoping to raise awareness of the City University of Hong Kongs contribution to society. Follow her on Twitter@adamsnclaire

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How immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer care - Genetic Literacy Project

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The good news about breast cancer – The Gazette

By Maggie Ireland, for The Gazette

October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the battle against breast cancer and the developments in diagnosing and treating the disease that inspire hope for the future.

Breast cancer remains very common. Its still the most common cancer in women, said Dr. Ingrid Lizarraga, a clinical associate professor of surgery and breast surgeon at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

But it is no longer the most common cause of death for women it is now the second most common cause of cancer death for women after lung cancer. We know a lot

more about breast cancer than we ever did before. The vast majority of women who have breast cancer will do great.

Admittedly, a breast cancer prognosis largely depends on the type of breast cancer you have and the stage at which it is diagnosed. The good news is that the prognosis has improved considerably over the years.

Mortality rates are decreasing, thanks to improved screenings and improved treatment, said Dr. Rasa Buntinas, an oncologist at PCI in Cedar Rapids. At our cancer center, 80 percent of women are diagnosed at an early stage stage 0 or stage 1 and that means a better chance of survival.

More screening options have become available in recent years.

Mammograms are still what we recommend, Lizarraga said. 3-D mammograms have been around for about five years and can be really helpful for women with dense

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breasts. The recognition that breast density affects how you screen is important. Whole breast ultrasounds can also be useful.

For women with abnormal findings, a breast MRI is an option.

Discussing your personal risk factors with your doctor is the best way to determine what screenings are best for you.

The latest developments in genetic testing can further pinpoint specific risk factors.

Weve identified a set of genes that puts you at high risk for developing breast cancer, and we can test for this gene, Lizarraga said. The trick is to find those at risk who need the genetic testing. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor so they can assess your risk and give you better guidance on a screening regimen.

Today, the widely accepted recommendation is for most women to begin getting an annual mammogram at age 40.

If you have any risk factors at all, start at 40. But the latest you should start is at age 45. And you should screen every year, Lizarraga said. When youre younger, the odds are lower, but the stakes are higher.

In the past, all women were encouraged to do a monthly self-exam, but thats no longer the case.

Self-exams are no longer recommended, Buntinas said. They tended to lead to more testing and biopsies but really didnt improve outcomes. The recommendation now

is breast self-awareness. Be aware of how your breasts look and feel, and report changes to your doctor.

Lizarraga agrees that a woman should trust her instincts if she senses something is wrong.

You know your body better than anyone else, she said. It doesnt just have to be a lump it could be a different appearance of the skin or the nipple. Pay attention to how you feel and how you look, and advocate for yourself if you notice something.

Many developments have been made in treating breast cancer, particularly metastatic breast cancer, Buntinas said.

Were really getting a much better understanding of tumor biology, she said. Specific targets are being identified to better improve treatments and provide more of a personalized medicine approach. In practice, these treatments are really improving survival.

Its an exciting time in the treatment of breast cancer, Lizarraga said, because things pretty much change every day.

If a woman needs a mastectomy, we can give you a result that looks much closer to what your native breast looks like, she said. The attitude used to be that you shouldnt worry about how it looks, because you should be grateful you dont have cancer, but thats not accepted anymore.

Advancements also are being made in addressing the side effects of treatment, like lymphedema, the swelling of a womans arm or hand that can follow the removal of lymph nodes.

Weve gotten better at figuring out more effective techniques that result in less lymphedema, Lizarraga said. Were also now better able to save a womans breasts if she prefers to do that.

The biggest advances in treatment, however, have been in systemic therapies, or the use of drugs to reach cancer cells anywhere in the body, she said.

Almost all women with breast cancer will get some form of systemic treatment pills or therapy.

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Weve become increasingly targeted with treatment, Lizarraga said. We start by figuring out which type of breast cancer you have. We now have genomic tests, so we can test the DNA of the tumor itself to see how likely it is to recur. That actually allows us to figure out whether a woman will benefit from chemotherapy or not.

Thats huge because we can limit the toxic treatment when its not going to be beneficial.

Treatment is more targeted than ever.

We match severity of treatment to the severity of disease, Lizarraga said. Weve figured out how to make things more personal in a lot of cases, weve changed the timing of treatment. In the past, you often came in, had surgery and then began the next form of treatment, like chemotherapy or pills.

Now, we often provide treatment before surgery and then personalize what is needed next.

Lizarraga said women of all ages need to know breast cancer is common but treatable, as long as its caught early.

If you do have a family history, be sure to get evaluated to see if genetic testing is appropriate, she said.

And know that who treats you is important, too.

Get a second opinion make sure the person youre seeing is someone who knows specifically about breast cancer treatment and the latest developments. Advocate for

yourself.

Both doctors agree the prognosis for breast cancer patients is brighter than ever.

The outlook is very positive and hopeful for the future, Buntinas said.

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The good news about breast cancer - The Gazette

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Harris County parents win insurance appeal for 8-year-olds MD treatment – WRBL

HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) A Harris County family is celebrating overcoming a major obstacle in treating their 8-year-old-son who has a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, thanks to a village of supporters and a phone call from the Chief Medical Officer of a major insurance company.

8-year-old Jacob Saalman is like most kids. He loves being outdoors, riding four-wheelers, and playing baseball. This Halloween, he carved pumpkins with his family. Jacob loves his dad, a former Fort Benning Ranger, and his mom. Jacob adores his four-year-old brother, Hudson.

Jacob is very protective of Hudson. Hes a mother hen. Oftentimes I have to tell Jacob to stop parenting, shared Ryan and Brooke Saalman, Jacobs parents.

However, Jacob is not like most kids when it comes to his health. Jacobs handled more medical procedures, biopsies, and tests than many adults. Its heartbreaking. Jacobs mom and dad say hes resilient with a quiet strength.

I would say he is very strong and adaptable. All the things he has to do, all the medical stuff he has been through, pokes and prods and port placement and muscle biopsies. He has been through a lot, said Brooke.

Jacob is very sick. So is his brother Hudson. Both boys have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disease, preventing their bodies from making a protein called Dystrophin that protects our muscles from breaking down with use.

Jacob plays ball now. By 12, he will most likely need a wheelchair. After that, the prognosis remains bleak for the brothers and the parents who love them.

The life expectancy is upper 20s and into the 30s. But you are not walking around or living a normal life. You are most likely on a ventilator and having a parent care of you 24/7, shared Ryan.

Jacobs medical team is convinced an FDA approved home infusion called Exondys 51 will significantly improve Jacobs quality of life by helping him produce partial Dystrophin proteins.

Its not a cure. It slows the rate of the disease, and also its been proven to help kids walk longer, and it is also shown to improve pulmonary function, and thats the issue later on down that causes a lot of problems and even death from this disease, said Brooke.

The Saalmans goal is to stave off the disease for as long as possible. They believe Exondys 51 can help keep Jacob as healthy as possible until a gene therapy is ready.

We still have hope. What gives us the most hope is there are gene therapy trials in phase three. So we are hoping within the next two or three years we will be able to have a gene therapy that will make this a much milder disease, said Brooke.

One of Jacobs physicians, Han C. Phan, MD, with Rare Disease Research LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, shared this statement with News 3:

Jacob has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a slowly progressive condition for which without treatment could limit his life expectancy. Every child with DMD should receive the treatment he deserves and without such could be detrimental to his overall health.

The family says Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey had twice denied Jacob Exondys 51, despite other major insurance companies approving similar patients treatment. The drug costs 300,000 a year. The company listed several reasons for denying coverage for the medicine in a letter sent to the Saalman family.

Ryan Saalman shared the familes heartbreak and frustration on his Facebook page earlier in the week. The status update was shared several thousand times and sent to News 3.

Monday, the Sallman family spoke with News 3 about their struggle since April to get the medication approved with their insurance company.

Its just frustrating to know there is a child that has this need, and we pay good money for our insurance. You think that if a doctor says this is medically necessary that they will get the medication, and thats not the case. These kids deserve that. Everything they go through. They deserve some help, said Brooke.

News 3 reached out to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey on Monday. Tuesday, News 3 worked with The Saalman family and Horizon BCBS of New Jersey to get the necessary medical privacy forms filled out to get information on the insurance companys case. However, before the process was complete, The Saalman family says they got a phone call from the insurance companys Chief Medical Officer. The family was thrilled to learn Exondys 51 has been approved for Jacob.

Today, I think we truly saw the power of community. In this fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, it takes a village, and I think our village got really big really fast. Our new village gave an 8-year-old boy a loud enough voice that Horizon BCBS has overturned last weeks denial. Jacob will be able to get the medication he needs. The Saalman Family wants to thank the thousands of people that shared our story; we truly believe it is because of all of you that this has happened, said Ryan.

The Saalman family is overjoyed. Time is not on their side as this disease doesnt slow down. With each delay comes another day Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy robs Jacobs muscles of their ability to function. The family hopes the newly approved infusion will be ready for Jacob within a few weeks. The treatment should help slow the diseases progression down and give the family the time they need to wait for a promising gene therapy they pray is on the horizon.

The day before The Saalman family learned the medication had been approved, Jacob hit the winning RBI for the final game of his baseball season in a tie game with two outs. Jacob got the game ball in the final game of what may be his last season of baseball.

And sometimes God shows up in the last game, in the last inning, with two outs and two strikes on the board, when the hope of a win is almost gone and He crushes our expectations. Man, did I ever need that reminder tonight, and maybe you do too, shared Jacobs father on Facebook.

For more information on Jacob and Hudsons battle with Duchenne MD and ways you can help, you can visit their blog: Saalman Strong. The family has been encouraged to establish a GoFundMe page: Jacob and Hudsons fight against Duchenne MD

News 3 will keep you updated on the Saalman family and the journey with their sons Jacob and Hudson.

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Harris County parents win insurance appeal for 8-year-olds MD treatment - WRBL

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