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AI Detection of STEMI Equivalents: A Breakthrough in Emergency Cardiac Care

AI Detection of STEMI Equivalents: A Breakthrough in Emergency Cardiac Care

In the high-pressure environment of emergency medicine, identifying life-threatening cardiac events quickly and accurately is essential. Every minute counts when diagnosing acute coronary syndromes (ACS), where delayed treatment can lead to irreversible heart damage or death. While ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has traditionally been the cornerstone of heart attack diagnosis, a growing body of evidence highlights the importance of STEMI equivalents – ECG patterns indicating cardiac events that do not show classic ST-segment elevation but are just as dangerous.

Emerging technologies, particularly AI-powered tools like PMcardio’s platform with AI ECG Model Queen of Hearts, are now making it possible for emergency healthcare providers to detect these subtle but life-threatening patterns with unprecedented speed and precision. These advances in AI-driven diagnostics are transforming emergency cardiac care and ensuring that even the most elusive heart attacks are identified in time.

The Challenge of STEMI Equivalents

In emergency departments worldwide, STEMI has long been used as the primary ECG marker for activating cath labs and initiating immediate intervention. However, not all heart attacks present with clear ST-segment elevation. In fact, a significant percentage of life-threatening myocardial infarctions—referred to as STEMI equivalents—go unnoticed because they lack this hallmark sign.

STEMI equivalents represent various ECG patterns that indicate critical acute coronary artery occlusion but without the classic ST elevation. These include patterns such as De Winter’s T waves, hyperacute T-waves, Sgarbossa’s criteria for left bundle branch block (LBBB) and paced rhythms, South African flag and others, all of which can be deadly if not treated with the same urgency as traditional STEMI cases.

Failure to recognize these patterns can lead to delayed treatment, increased heart damage, and poorer patient outcomes. The challenge for emergency clinicians is that detecting these subtle ECG changes requires a level of vigilance and experience that may not always be available in high-stress, time-critical situations.

The Role of AI in STEMI and STEMI Equivalent Detection

This is where artificial intelligence is stepping in to redefine how emergency healthcare providers approach ACS diagnostics. AI ECG platforms like PMcario OMI AI Model “Queen of Hearts” are designed to analyze ECGs with remarkable accuracy, identifying both STEMI and STEMI equivalents in real-time. By leveraging vast amounts of data and advanced algorithms, Queen of Hearts is able to spot patterns that may be too subtle for even the most trained human eye.

Queen of Hearts: The AI Model Changing the Game

PMcardio’s Queen of Hearts is at the forefront of this revolution in cardiac diagnostics. Trained on a vast dataset of ECGs from patients with angiographically confirmed ACS, the Queen of Hearts model is designed to detect not only traditional STEMI cases but also the more elusive STEMI equivalents.

One of the most significant advantages of AI-powered tools like Queen of Hearts is their seamless integration into clinical workflows. Through the PMcardio platform, healthcare providers can capture and digitize ECGs on the spot, with AI analysis performed in seconds. This immediate interpretation enables faster triage and decision-making, especially in cases of STEMI equivalents, where every moment counts.

The Future of Cardiac Diagnostics in Emergency Care

The integration of AI into cardiac care is not just a trend—it’s the future of how heart attacks will be diagnosed and treated. As AI models like Queen of Hearts continue to evolve, we can expect even greater accuracy, speed, and integration with other diagnostic tools such as imaging and biomarkers.

For emergency healthcare providers, this means being able to deliver more precise care, faster. By recognizing subtle ECG patterns that may have previously been missed, AI is ensuring that more patients receive timely, life-saving treatment.

For emergency clinicians on the front lines, AI is not just an assistant—it’s a powerful ally in the fight against cardiovascular disease, offering new possibilities in the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes.

 

Axlab, Danish Medtech Pioneer, expands to US with Advanced Robotic Tissue Sectioning for Pathology Laboratories

Axlab, a Danish innovator within solutions for pathology laboratories, is expanding its presence in the US to meet the growing demand for fully automated sectioning workflows with the AS-410M. In the last decade, 100 AS-410M automated slide preparation systems have been successfully implemented, optimizing workflows and enhancing sectioning quality, thus ensuring a strong foothold worldwide.

“In order to ensure that we have all competencies, we have handpicked a team of highly skilled staff members with extensive experience in their respective fields, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the US. Since installing our first AS-410M device in Denmark in 2016, our Danish headquarters has gained vast expertise in automating pathology labs with diverse requirements and complex workflows. Combined with our US team, we are confident in achieving similar success in the US,” says Kris Rokke, National Sales Director for Axlab in the US. “My team and I are extremely excited and honored about this unique opportunity to also offer this advanced technology to labs across the US and thus contribute to the pathology labs of tomorrow.”

The AS-410M received FDA clearance in 2024 and features high quality sectioning alongside full traceability, image capture, automatic blade replacement, patient data safety, and a controlled environment regardless of humidity and other factors, with quality as the core focus. Currently, at least 85% of AS-410M installations worldwide are used for clinical purposes.

It is possible to see the AS-410M on display at the National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) 2024 in New Orleans from September 20-24, 2024.

Bracco Imaging S.A. and Arrayus Technologies Announce Agreement to Enhance Drug Delivery for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Using Focused Ultrasound and Microbubble Technology

Bracco Imaging S.A., a global leader in diagnostic imaging, and Arrayus Technologies Inc., a medical device company committed to advancing novel cancer treatments have announced a new agreement. This collaboration will leverage Bracco Imaging’s microbubble technology in combination with Arrayus’ leading focused ultrasound therapy platform to improve targeted drug delivery in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bracco Imaging will supply Arrayus with microbubbles for use in the development and commercialization of its focused ultrasound platform for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to its dense tissue structure, which limits the effectiveness of traditional drug therapies. This collaboration will enable Arrayus to investigate how microbubbles, when combined with focused ultrasound, can temporarily increase the permeability of biological barriers, such as blood vessels and cellular membranes, to improve the uptake of therapeutic agents directly into pancreatic tumors.

“We are excited to partner with Bracco in studying the clinical benefits of microbubble-assisted focused ultrasound therapy” said James O’Reilly, CEO of Arrayus Technologies. “Together we hope this approach will allow us to maximize the therapeutic impact of both existing and innovative drugs, potentially reducing off-target effects and improving outcomes for patients.”

”We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Arrayus to revolutionize the treatment of pancreatic cancer” said Thierry Bettinger, Bracco Research Center Geneva Director. ”By leveraging cutting-edge gas microbubble technology combined with the Arrayus focused ultrasound system, we aim to enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments, offering new hope to patients and their families. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and improving patient outcomes”.

Initial safety and feasibility data from preclinical studies along with a clinical protocol for an upcoming pilot study in PDAC patients will be presented at the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound Conference from September 19-22, 2024.

Which Bariatric Surgery is the Most Effective?

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery: Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, poses severe health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. It often results from genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, which can lead to the need for surgical intervention when lifestyle changes prove insufficient.

According to the CDC, obesity is found in 2 out of 5 individuals in the US. It is quite prevalent in adults and is an expensive chronic disease. Bariatric surgery offers a range of options to battle obesity and its related conditions.

In this article, we will study the different types of bariatric surgeries and evaluate their effectiveness in achieving long-term weight loss goals.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

This surgery encloses several types of procedures aimed at promoting significant weight loss by adjusting the digestive system. According to ScienceDirect, 280,000 bariatric procedures were executed in 2022 in the US. This was a 6.5% increase from the number of procedures done in 2021. Bariatric surgery is of different kinds and is tailored to meet individual health necessities and weight loss objectives.

The most standard types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, each with an approach to reducing food input or nutrient absorption.

Gastric Bypass

Commonly referred to as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this widely used bariatric procedure involves forming a small stomach pouch and redirecting the small intestine. During the procedure, a surgeon divides the stomach into two sections, leaving a tiny pouch that limits food intake.

The small intestine is then joined to this pouch, bypassing most of the stomach and upper intestine, which lessens calorie absorption. Candidates should know that this procedure results in rapid weight loss and requires lifelong changes to diet and supplements.

Common deficiencies that might occur after a gastric bypass include vitamin B12, thiamine, iron, folate, zinc, and vitamin D. According to the National Library of Medicine, rapid weight loss might also increase the probability of stone formation in the gallbladder. It might occur in 30% of patients. Regular follow-ups to prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure long-term success.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy, more commonly known as gastric sleeve surgery, implicates removing approximately 75-80% of the belly, leaving a narrow tube-like structure. This remarkably reduces the gut volume, limiting food intake and reducing the production of ghrelin, the appetite hormone.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 150,000 sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed every year in the U.S., and 380,000 procedures globally. The patient can lose up to 25 to 30% of their body weight after the surgery. This weight loss can be sustained for up to 5 years if proper commitment to long-term dietary changes and regular medical follow-ups are done.

Unlike gastric bypass, nutrient absorption is not significantly affected, but patients must follow strict nutritional guidelines to avoid vitamin deficiencies and regain optimal health.

Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

In this surgery, a silicone band is wrapped around the upper portion of the gut. This creates a small stomach bag that limits food consumption, making patients feel full with less food. The band can be tensed or relieved by injecting saline into a port under the skin, allowing adjustments based on weight loss progress.

Candidates should know that while the procedure is reversible and adjustable, it typically results in slower weight loss than other surgeries. Regular follow-ups are necessary to ensure the band is properly adjusted and functioning effectively.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

The procedure involves cutting a portion of the gut, just like sleeve gastrectomy, and rerouting a considerable section of the small intestine. This surgery results in substantial weight loss but also carries higher risks of complications and nutrient deficiencies.

Candidates must commit to lifelong supplementation and routine medical monitoring. BPD/DS is normally reserved for candidates with severe obesity or those who haven’t achieved results in other weight loss techniques. It offers long-term success but requires strict follow-up care.

Comparative Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgeries

The effectiveness of bariatric surgeries varies depending on the type and particular patient factors. Gastric bypass typically results in rapid and significant weight loss, often 60-70% of excess weight, with long-term success in managing obesity-related conditions. Sleeve gastrectomy offers similar outcomes, though weight loss may be slightly slower.

The adjustable gastric band produces more gradual results but is less invasive and reversible. BPD/DS leads to the greatest weight loss but carries the highest risk of complications. Ultimately, the most effective procedure depends on a patient’s health, lifestyle, and commitment to post-surgery care and dietary changes.

Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Bariatric Surgery

When choosing a bariatric surgery, several factors must be carefully evaluated. The patient’s overall fitness, weight loss objectives, and any underlying medical ailments play a critical role in determining the most suitable procedure. Lifestyle factors, such as the power to commit to long-term dietary modifications and regular follow-up care, are also crucial.

Additionally, the potential risks and benefits of each surgery should be weighed, as some procedures are more invasive or have higher complication rates. It’s also essential to consider the financial aspect, including insurance coverage and the bariatric surgery cost, which can vary significantly depending on the procedure.

According to the Bariatric & Metabolic Center of Colorado, the average cost of a bariatric surgery can vary between $14,000 to $23,000. However, the cost will vary according to the type of procedure you are choosing. You must consider every aspect before finalizing the cost and also ask for any hidden charges.

Expert Opinions and Patient Testimonials

Expert opinions and patient testimonials provide a valuable understanding of the success and challenges of bariatric surgeries. Surgeons often emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans. They know that the best results come from carefully matching the procedure to a patient’s health and lifestyle.

Patients who have undergone these surgeries often share their experiences of significant weight loss, improved health, and enhanced quality of life.

A study found that all-cause mortality was 16% lower in people who had undergone bariatric surgery than those who had not. Furthermore, the death rates for individuals who had weight loss surgery decreased by 29% for cardiovascular disease and 43% for cancer. Additionally, the mortality rate for diabetes dropped by 72% compared to those who did not undergo the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key metrics used to compare the effectiveness of different bariatric surgeries?

Key metrics used to compare the effectiveness of different bariatric surgeries mainly include the percentage of excess weight loss (EWL). It also compares the progress or resolution of obesity-related health disorders (like diabetes or hypertension) and the long-term sustainability of weight loss. Patient satisfaction, complication rates, and recovery time also play critical roles in assessing the success of each procedure.

What personal health factors should be considered when choosing a bariatric procedure?

Personal health factors like body mass index (BMI), the presence of obesity-related conditions (like diabetes), and previous weight loss attempts should be considered. Additionally, a patient’s ability to adhere to long-term dietary changes, their medical history, and the risk of surgical complications are also essential to consider.

How do lifestyle and personal goals impact the choice of bariatric surgery?

Lifestyle and personal goals significantly impact the choice of bariatric surgery. Different procedures require varying levels of commitment to long-term dietary changes, physical activity, and follow-up care. Personal goals, such as the desire for gradual weight loss or reversible procedures, also influence the decision-making process.

Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery

Selecting the most effective bariatric surgery depends on individual health needs, lifestyle factors, and long-term goals. Each procedure offers unique benefits, but success requires a commitment to post-surgery care and lifestyle changes. By consulting with healthcare professionals and considering key factors, patients can make informed decisions and achieve lasting weight loss and health improvements.

Lonza Launches Innovaform™ Accelerator, the New Innovation and Formulation Center in Colmar (FR)

Lonza, a global manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutraceutical markets, today inaugurated its new facility at the Colmar (FR) site. The new Innovaform™ Accelerator will serve as a Center of Excellence for developing and innovating capsule-based manufacturing and delivery solutions for oral and pulmonary administration.

Oral administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is the preferred route of administration by patients worldwide. However, most new entities face solubility and bioavailability challenges that lead to limited absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Developing formulation strategies can solve these challenges by boosting solubility and absorption under biorelevant conditions. These challenges may also require capsule functionality to precisely target drug release. The new offering targets small molecules and extends to oral peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies and nucleic acid-based therapeutics.

The expert team and technology platforms based in the new state-of-the-art facility allow drug developers to leverage decades of experience and expertise in formulation and encapsulation technologies. The offering also provides customized capsules for proof-of-concept evaluation and includes the development and testing of innovative delivery solutions based on the award-winning Capsugel® Enprotect® technology platform

Lonza’s expert team can provide support with formulation development, capsule customization, selection of encapsulation process parameters, compatibility studies, controlled release testing, and scale-up manufacturing assessments to meet the unique requirements of each API and bring innovative drug products to market faster and more efficiently.

Christian Seufert, President, Capsules & Health Ingredients, Lonza, commented: “The Innovaform™ Innovation and Formulation Accelerator represents a unique solution for drug developers seeking to solve complex dosage form and delivery challenges through innovation. This service extension plays a critical role in our commitment to innovating together with our customers and provides our customers with the ability to accelerate their development timelines and reduce scale-up and manufacturing costs.”

The inauguration event was attended by representatives from Innovaform™ customers, Biograil Aps, a biotech company developing a unique oral device for delivery of therapeutics that would otherwise have to be injected, along with Covis Pharma, a global top 10 respiratory pharmaceutical company. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the facility, and presentations showcasing the team’s technical and scientific expertise.

Aethlon Medical Receives Ethics Committee Approval for Hemopurifier® Cancer Trial in India

Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD), a medical therapeutic company focused on developing products to treat cancer and life threatening infectious diseases, today announced that, on September 9, 2024, the Medanta Institutional Ethics Committee (MIEC) granted full ethics approval for Aethlon’s safety, feasibility and dose-finding clinical trial of the Hemopurifier® in cancer patients with solid tumors who have stable or progressive disease during anti-PD-1 monotherapy treatment, such as Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) or Opdivo® (nivolumab) (AEMD-2022-06 Hemopurifier Study).

The approval is valid for one year, followed by annual reviews. This trial has previously been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board at Medanta. Additionally, the company previously received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from DCGI (the Indian Regulatory Authority) for the proposed oncology trial. The trial will be conducted by Dr. Ashok K. Vaid and his staff at the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurugram, India. The Hemopurifier treatments will be performed by Dr. Puneet Sodhi from the Department of Nephrology, who has conducted more Hemopurifier treatments than anyone else in the world.

“The approval from the MIEC, coming closely on the heels of our two ethics committee approvals in Australia, to conduct this early feasibility study, is another important step in our plan to evaluate use of the Hemopurifier as a treatment option in multiple tumor types, where cancer associated exosomes may promote immune suppression and metastasis,” stated Steven LaRosa, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Aethlon Medical. “We are very pleased that the MIEC accepted our study protocol and look forward to working, again, with Medanta Hospital with the expectation of recruiting patients in the fourth calendar quarter of this year. We believe that the planned safety, feasibility and dose finding trial, taking place in both India and Australia, in solid tumors in patients failing treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies, will help inform future oncology efficacy trails.”

At present, only approximately 30% of cancer patients who receive pembrolizumab or nivolumab treatment for solid tumors will have lasting clinical responses to these agents. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by tumors have been implicated in resistance to anti-PD-1 therapies as well as the spread of cancers. The Aethlon Hemopurifier has been designed to bind and remove these EVs from the bloodstream, which may improve therapeutic response rates to anti-PD-1 antibodies. In preclinical studies, the Hemopurifier has been shown to reduce the number of EVs in cancer patient plasma samples.

The primary endpoint of the approximately nine to 18-patient, safety, feasibility and dose-finding trial is safety. The trial will monitor any adverse events and clinically significant changes in lab tests of Hemopurifier treated patients with solid tumors with stable or progressive disease at different treatment intervals, after a two-month run in period of PD-1 antibody, Keytruda® or Opdivo® monotherapy. Patients who do not respond to the PD-1 therapy will be eligible to enter the Hemopurifier period of the study where sequential cohorts will receive 1, 2 or 3 Hemopurifier treatments during a one-week period. In addition to monitoring safety, the study is designed to examine the number of Hemopurifier treatments needed to decrease the concentration of EVs and if these changes in EV concentrations improve the body’s own natural ability to attack tumor cells. These exploratory central laboratory analyses are expected to inform the design of a subsequent efficacy and safety, Premarket Approval (PMA), study required by regulatory agencies.

Revolo Biotherapeutics Announces New Preclinical Data Further Validating Atopic Dermatitis as a Target Indication for ‘1104

Revolo Biotherapeutics Limited (“Revolo”) today announced new data from preclinical studies that validate atopic dermatitis (AD) as a target indication for the Company’s lead clinical asset, ‘1104. The data reinforces the broad clinical applicability of ‘1104, through a novel upstream mechanism of action (MOA), demonstrating its impact across skin disease measures and a wide range of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with AD pathology.

Key results include:
  • In a chronic allergen-driven murine model of atopic dermatitis, ‘1104 significantly reduced skin pathology indicators and serum biomarkers of AD to levels close to naïve control individuals and comparable to positive control individuals treated with the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone.
  • This includes a reduction in skin thickness and a reduction of skin pathology indicators such as erythema and skin erosion.
  • ‘1104 reduced allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and key T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in serum, such as interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, in addition to non-Th2 cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, IL-1 beta, interferon (IFN) gamma, and IL-17.
  • ‘1104 also reduced key serum biomarkers classically associated with AD pathology such as chemokine ligand 17 (CCL-17), CCL-22, and Th2 cytokine IL-31, which is associated with pruritus and disruption of the skin barrier.
“The ability of ‘1104 to affect a broad range of inflammatory mediators associated with allergic disease, while also impacting disease pathology, is both unique and impressive,” said Kari Brown, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Revolo. “These new data support the initiation of a clinical trial evaluating ‘1104 in patients with atopic dermatitis. ‘1104 has the potential to offer patients a treatment that addresses the underlying inflammatory response, rather than just targeting inflammation after it occurs, which differentiates it from current treatments.”
Woody Bryan, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Revolo, added, “At Revolo, our priority has been to develop a product for patients with allergic diseases that can offer increased efficacy and dosing convenience. This compelling dataset in a preclinical model of atopic dermatitis is yet another convincing validation of the potential that ’1104 has across an array of allergic diseases, including Th-2 and non-Th2 conditions. We look forward to evaluating ‘1104 in a new clinical trial in AD and continuing to build on the positive data shown in the completed Phase 2 study of ‘1104 in eosinophilic esophagitis.”
About ‘1104
‘1104 is a first-in-class peptide that is involved in restoring immune homeostasis, impacting both the regulatory and effector arms of the immune system. Revolo has recently advanced ‘1104 through two Phase 2a trials: one in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and one in patients with allergen sensitivity while exploring its potential for other allergic diseases. Revolo is planning to advance a commercially differentiated subcutaneous dosage form into clinical studies for EoE and other type 2 allergic conditions.

Hims & Hers to Offer Access to Compounded GLP-1 Injections for as Low as $99/Month to U.S. Military, Veterans, Teachers, Nurses and First Responders

Compounded GLP-1 Injections
Hims & Hers provides increased access to safe and affordable weight loss treatment at up to a 50% discount to help the heroes in their communities with their health and wellness.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (“Hims & Hers”, NYSE: HIMS), the leading health and wellness platform committed to breaking down barriers to safe and affordable healthcare, today announced access to the most common compounded GLP-1 subscriptions for as low as $99 a month for eligible U.S. military, veterans, teachers, nurses and first responders.

Providing access to safe, affordable weight loss solutions is more critical than ever yet many Americans do not have consistent access to these life-changing treatments. Hims & Hers is introducing the Service Appreciation Initiative to give eligible U.S. military, veterans, teachers, nurses and first responders the ability to benefit from compounded semaglutide GLP-1s at significantly lower costs.

GLP-1 medications can support healthy weight loss along with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise by helping manage blood sugar levels, curb cravings and suppress appetite, so people eat less without feeling deprived. Hims & Hers offers a comprehensive weight loss solution personalized for individuals which may include compounded GLP-1 injections or oral weight loss medication kits as deemed appropriate by the healthcare provider.

Hims & Hers weight loss customers have seen tremendous success on weight loss treatments. Based upon self-reported data from approximately 12,000 customers subscribed to a comprehensive Hims & Hers weight loss offering, customers report having lost, on average, 10.2 pounds while on compounded GLP-1 injections and 6.3 pounds while on non-GLP-1 compounded oral medication kits, along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, between their initial weight at consultation and their first check-in approximately 4 weeks later.

“The current state of access to weight loss drugs isn’t serving everyone who needs them,” said Andrew Dudum, CEO and co-founder of Hims & Hers. “Safe and affordable healthcare solutions for every individual should be the status quo. This initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact in our communities by providing more reliable, consistent access to these life-changing medications for the millions of Americans who want a better, more affordable way to take care of their health.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 70% of American adults have obesity or are overweight and at least 2.8 million people die each year due to being overweight or having obesity.

  • In 2019, The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study revealed that 32.7% of U.S. veterans have obesity. Veterans with obesity report poorer health status and more disability days compared to veterans without obesity.1
  • A recent study by Legg et al.2 reported that the monthly prevalence of obesity in U.S. active component military members ranged from 15.0% in August 2020 to 19.3% in April 2021, confirming a further growth trend.
  • Obesity is a significant health problem among teachers, with one study finding that 70.2% of female school teachers have obesity.3
  • 40% of police officers and firefighters have obesity and 80% are overweight. Occupational hazards like stress, sleep disruption, and shift work play a key role.4
  • Of all healthcare jobs, obesity rates were significantly higher with nurses compared to doctors, paramedics, technicians, and other medical roles.5

“When you’re giving so much to others, it can be hard to give back to yourself,” says Robin Seale, Hers Weight Loss Program customer. “Frontline healthcare workers, like me, have busy schedules, and it can feel daunting to go to the doctor’s office to get the care you need, and even more daunting when you can’t access it. I’m so thankful that Hims & Hers is making it easier for people like me to do something so important for our health by providing access to healthcare at an affordable price.”

In addition to providing access to weight loss treatment, Hims & Hers knows that the most effective care requires comprehensive, customizable treatment plans that address other underlying factors that affect people’s weight – including nutrition, behavior, and movement. Hims & Hers’ weight loss program takes a holistic approach to managing weight, with individual treatment plans personalized by licensed healthcare providers on the Hims & Hers platform catered to each individual’s specific needs.

Compounded GLP-1 injections are fulfilled and shipped from Hims & Hers’ affiliated pharmacies. The treatments customers receive from Hims & Hers will always come from a state-licensed, FDA-regulated facility. The company maintains high standards of safety and quality in their ingredients and transparency in operations.

For more information and details about eligibility and restrictions, visit http://hims.com/appreciation or http://forhers.com/appreciation.

NanoVation Therapeutics Announces Multi-Target Partnership with Novo Nordisk to Develop Genetic Medicines Targeting Cardiometabolic and Rare Diseases

NanoVation Therapeutics, a platform company developing innovative technologies to overcome the barriers of nucleic acid delivery, today announced a multi-year partnership with Novo Nordisk to advance the development of novel genetic medicines targeting cardiometabolic and rare diseases. The partnership combines NanoVation Therapeutics’ proprietary long-circulating lipid nanoparticle (lcLNP™) technology for RNA delivery to cells outside of the liver with Novo Nordisk’s expertise in cardiometabolic and rare disease R&D and clinical translation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk and NanoVation Therapeutics will collaborate on two lead programs to develop base-editing therapies for certain rare genetic diseases, and up to five additional future targets for cardiometabolic and rare diseases. Novo Nordisk will receive a defined exclusive, worldwide license to use NanoVation’s LNP technology for the two lead programs. NanoVation will receive research funding and is eligible to receive up to approximately US$600 million in up-front cash and potential milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on future product sales as part of the multi-year deal.

“We founded NanoVation Therapeutics to enable partners to overcome the challenges of conventional nucleic acid delivery systems,” said Dominik Witzigmann, PhD, co-founder and CEO of NanoVation Therapeutics. “This agreement with Novo Nordisk and ongoing work with companies in the cell and gene therapy space is validation of the potential of our LNP technologies to enable the next generation of life-changing genetic medicines. We are very excited to collaborate with the team at Novo Nordisk.”

“Every genetic drug has a cargo and delivery component, which require dedicated innovation on both,” said Karina Thorn, PhD, Corporate Vice President, Head of Research, Global Nucleic Acid Therapies at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to partnering with NanoVation, as the company’s differentiated delivery platform could help Novo Nordisk to advance genetic medicine candidates with curative potential.”

NanoVation Therapeutics was co-founded by Pieter Cullis, PhD, current Board Chair, who is widely regarded as the founding father of LNP technology. “Genetic medicine is at a pivotal moment and this partnership marks a major milestone for NanoVation as an innovator in nucleic acid delivery,” said Cullis. “By combining NanoVation’s expertise in extrahepatic delivery with Novo Nordisk’s expertise in cardiometabolic and rare diseases we have the potential to create truly transformative therapies.”

NanoVation has an extensive and continuously growing library of novel lipids and LNP compositions. The company works in partnership with industry leaders from concept to lead development to create fit-for-purpose solutions for nucleic acid delivery. NanoVation’s lcLNP technology has demonstrated the ability to deliver nucleic acids to various cell types beyond the liver in preclinical studies, with improved potency, safety and stability compared to conventional systems. The company’s toolbox provides a “one-stop-shop” IP portfolio for LNP-based genetic medicine development, offering comprehensive solutions spanning novel lipid design, RNA modification and LNP formulation.

Tivic Health Receives Approval from Institutional Review Board for ncVNS Optimization Study, Readies for Enrollment

Tivic Health® Systems, Inc. (“Tivic Health”, Nasdaq: TIVC), a health tech company that develops and commercializes bioelectronic medicine, today announced that it has received approval from The Feinstein Institutes’ Institutional Review Board for the next phase of clinical work on its non-invasive cervical vagus nerve stimulation (“ncVNS”) approach.

This clinical research collaboration with Feinstein is designed to advance the development of Tivic Health’s ncVNS technology by refining and optimizing stimulation parameters. Physiological measurements will be used to enhance device performance and refine specifications such as electrode positioning and electrical waveform parameters. The data derived from the study will be used to inform the selection of clinical populations of interest and help shape the clinical study design for upcoming trials.

The company has previously announced the successful completion of its Phase 1 study on ncVNS. Key goals of the current study include:

  • Optimizing Treatment Strategies: The research will provide critical data to advance both personalization of treatment and optimization of stimulation parameters.
  • Accelerating Product Development: The optimized parameters will help accelerate development of Tivic Health’s product offerings based on ncVNS.

The company has also recently announced its collaboration with Fletcher Spaght, a leading healthcare growth strategy firm. Fletcher Spaght has begun substantiating clinical applications with high unmet needs that have potential to be addressed by Tivic Health’s patent-pending ncVNS system.

“We are taking an integrated approach to clinical, product development and go-to-market planning for our medical-grade non-invasive VNS program,” explained Jennifer Ernst, CEO of Tivic Health. “We believe this approach creates the best opportunities to generate significant new revenue based on this work.”

The optimization study will be conducted by The Feinstein Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine. It will be led by Dr. Theodoros Zanos, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine and Head of the Neural and Data Science Lab at The Feinstein Institutes at Northwell Health, in partnership with Dr. Blake Gurfein, Tivic Health’s Chief Scientific Officer.

“Precision optimization is an important but often overlooked step in non-invasive neurostimulation device development,” Dr. Gurfein commented. “I am pleased we are working with Dr. Zanos and other leaders in the field as we move from proof-of-concept to disease-specific validation in clinical trials anticipated next year.”

Polaris Market Research estimates the global vagus nerve stimulation market, valued at $8.59 billion in 2021, will reach $21.3 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.6% over the forecast period. Tivic Health aims to deliver more personalized and effective treatment options for patients using non-invasive VNS and, in so doing, establish itself as a market leader in the field of bioelectronic medicine.

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