Global Manufacturer of COVID-19 Test Kits, Partners with HBCUs to… – Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

August 12, 2020 | :

by B. Denise Hawkins

Its August and many colleges and universities continue to pivot or weigh the risk that come with re-opening this fall, during a pandemic. Without a vaccine, most infectious disease experts say that a plan to test every few days for COVID-19 is the safest way for institutions to bring their students back to campus. But its also a costly venture that few of them say they can afford to provide, among them are historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

On Wednesday, Thermo Fisher Scientific, the worlds largest maker of scientific tools, announced a project to support testing, at no-cost, to the nations HBCUs, including establishing national HBCU testing centers to process COVID-19 tests and provide timely results throughout the academic year.

Fred Lowery

Through an initiative called The Just Project, named after pioneering cell biologist Ernest Everett Just who served on the Howard University faculty for more than three decades, Thermo Fisher plans to donate $15 million in diagnostic instruments, test kits and related supplies. The multi-billion-dollar company will also provide technical assistance to HBCUs that want to establish or expand their laboratories to provide regular on-campus COVID-19 testing. Five HBCUsHoward University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Xavier University of Louisiana and Hampton Universitywill be the first to receive donations. Their laboratories, along with those at other Black colleges and universities, will obtain samples on their campuses. Then samples will be collected from HBCUs and shipped to their assigned testing center. Over the next few weeks, more institutions are expected to join the project as national testing hubs. These campus labs can be operational as early as next week, said Fred Lowery, senior vice president and president, Life Sciences Solutions and Laboratory Products at Thermo Fisher.

With a new and uncertain fall semester already underway for many HBCU campuses, Lowery said he continues to spread the word about The Just Project and the access it provides to COVID-19 testing for populations who have been hard hit by the pandemic and the coronavirus.

HBCU presidents have been incredibly supportive, he said, and so far, about 30% have shown interest.

Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, the president and CEO of Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tenn., said he has been fielding calls and speaking with fellow HBCU presidents about the testing opportunity that could save them thousands of dollarsmoney that most small Black colleges dont have.

I anticipate that buy-in will grow, Hildreth said. Early in the pandemic, he pushed to bring free COVID-19 testing to overlooked communities of color in Nashville that were most at risk for contracting the virus. Now, he said that reach will include all HBCUs and provide a training ground for his students long after COVID-19.

This partnership with Thermo Fisher and the other HBCU medical schools is pretty amazing, said Hildreth. [Thermo Fisher] wants to make sure that Black colleges and universities have the same ability to bring their kids back to campus safely as majority schools do.

Since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing for the coronavirus in the U.S. has been problematic and worrisome. Today, testing levels are dropping even as infections remain high and the death toll in the country rises by more than 1,000 a day. Long wait times for results have been partly to blame. The Waltham, Mass.-based Thermo Fisher says that it has the capacity to produce more than 10 million tests per week.

For some HBCUs, the capacity to provide COVID-19 testing for their students, faculty and staff was a huge factor that determined whether they would reopen for in-person classes or go virtual. After releasing a carefully crafted reopening plan in early June, on August 11, Morgan State University in Baltimore Md., for example, announced plans for a virtual fall semester and limited on-campus operation and housing. The University said its shift followed the release of a recent study from Yale University indicating that college students would need to be tested every two to three days for their institutions to safely reopen. Forging ahead, the historically Black Delaware State University has set a high bar when it comes to campus testing. When it plans to reopen on August 25, DSU is counting on its new COVID-19 testing model and a quarantine dorm for safe passage through the fall semester. Assurance is also coming from its partnership with the new nonprofit Testing for America,which will provide free, regularcoronavirustests for students, faculty and staff that return results in 24 to 34 hours.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected the Black community, and historically Black colleges and universities have taken a leadership role in making testing available in order to safely reopen this fall, said Lowery. These schools play an important role in closing the achievement gap in America and consistently train talented STEM professionals who are invaluable to companies like ours seeking to attract top talent and build a more inclusive workplace.Given the value we place on recruiting diverse talent, we have also committed to hiring at least 500 students from these institutions over the next three years.

Added Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University: Historically Black colleges and universities have produced talented doctors, public health experts and engineers, many of whom are contributing to the fight against COVID-19, he said. We are grateful to Thermo Fisher for supporting a testing center on our campus, which will allow us to continue to monitor the health of our academic community.

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Global Manufacturer of COVID-19 Test Kits, Partners with HBCUs to... - Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

California Sours On Trump, Including Some Of His Base – Los Angeles, CA Patch

LOS ANGELES, CA The presidential election is almost three months away, but Golden State voters are already fired up, according to a new poll out this week.

So what has the bluest of states so fired up? A chance to vote for Former Vice President Joe Biden? The two or three competitive congressional races (Districts 21, 25 and maybe 28)? Any of the 12 statewide ballot measures ranging from affirmative action to consumer privacy, property tax increases or voting rights for 17-year-olds and parolees?

According to a new poll from UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies, California voters are looking forward to voting against President Donald Trump in record numbers. He already holds the state record for a landslide loss in a presidential race having lost to Hillary Clinton in California by 30 percent. But he's poised to break his own record, according to the Berkeley poll. The poll has the president trailing Biden in California by 39 points, 28 percent to 67 percent. His dismal polling in California stems largely from declining approval ratings among independent voters and Republican voters.

"There was a question of whether his support was already so low in the state that it couldn't go lower," said Berkeley political scientist Eric Schickler, co-director of the Institute of Governmental Studies told the Los Angeles Times, adding the poll "shows the answer is no."

Schickler said it's notable that Trump is polling poorly with all racial groups in California.

"Biden's overwhelming support across all racial groups is striking. He leads by at least a two-to-one margin among white voters, Latinos, Black voters and Asian Americans," he said. "In many states, white voters are closely divided and there are big differences in the views of President Trump across racial groups. Not so in California."

According to the poll, Trump's standing with California voters has slipped notably in the past six months. Just 29% of registered voters now say they approve of the job Trump is doing as president while 71% disapprove. Among those who disapprove, 63% disapprove strongly, up 6 percentage points from January.

His approval rating is largely tied with attitudes about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump theoretically has just under three months to turn it around, but in reality, a significant proportion of California voters could be casting their mail-in ballots a full month before the election.

Due to the pandemic, all registered voters will receive mail-in ballots. Each county is required to start mailing out the ballots by Oct. 5, and some counties may send them out even sooner, according to the Secretary of State's office.

In addition to local elections, California voters will be choosing 53 of California's seats in the House of Representatives, 80 state assembly seats, 20 state senate seats, and 12 statewide ballot measures.

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California Sours On Trump, Including Some Of His Base - Los Angeles, CA Patch

Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market-Industry Analysis and forecast 2019 2027: By Application, Type, and Region. – Good Night, Good Hockey

Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Marketsize was valued US$ XX Mn. in 2019 and the total revenue is expected to grow at 11.34% from 2019 to 2027, reaching nearly US$ XX Mn.

The report study has analyzed the revenue impact of COVID -19 pandemic on the sales revenue of market leaders, market followers, and market disrupters in the report, and the same is reflected in our analysis.

Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahlers disease, is a type of blood cancer of plasma cells that are found in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accrue in the bone marrow, where they attack the strong blood cells.

Multiple myeloma treatments have developed significantly above the last decade. New multiple myeloma treatments have provided efficient survival rates between myeloma patients. It has been also observed that the future drug pipeline of multiple myeloma is promising, biological drugs and stem cell-based therapies are likely to fuel the multiple myeloma treatment market in the upcoming years. On the other hand, the costs of radiotherapeutic equipment implementation, a limited number of target patients population, strict legal regulations are expected to hamper the market growth. Likewise, the MMR report contains a detailed study of factors that will drive and restrain the growth of the multiple myeloma treatment market globally.

Multiple Myeloma accounts for approximately 2.5% of the cancer-related deaths globally and is the second most major type of blood cancer next to Hodgkins Lymphoma. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, in 2018, above 159500 cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed with the condition, where the occurrence rate among women and men was found in the ratio 1.2:1. The onset of the disease occurs after the age of 60. In recent times, the age of onset is drastically decreasing. In the year 2001, only two medications were available for treating multiple myeloma but now in 2020, 18 medicines are available. Moreover, there are over 25 FDA-approved drugs for treating multiple myeloma with therapeutics such as pomalidomide, carfilzomib, panobinostat, and ixazomib. The availability of new medications has given new hope for better treatments and better results and thus affecting the growth of the market as well. However, the survival of patients with a limited response while receiving treatment with primary immunodeficiency therapy remains poor and is one of the major challenges.

The MMR report covers the segments in the multiple myeloma treatment market such as type and application. By application, the hospital is expected to continue to hold the largest XX.85% share in multiple myeloma treatments market thanks to growing specialist doctors providing the best chance of long term survival.

North Americas multiple myeloma treatments market was valued at US$ XX.26 Mn. in 2019 and is expected to reach a value of US$ XX.13 Mn. by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.3%. The number of patients in the U.S is growing YoY with nearly 14600 new cases diagnosed annually. In 2017 alone there were approximately 142000 patients diagnosed for multiple myeloma.

Europe and the South African population are prone to develop multiple myeloma when compared with Asian economies. Though, the population in the APAC region outwits Europe and Africa. Further, growing the adoption rate of novel therapies, coupled with the support from the government along with non-government organizations and improving the survival of multiple myeloma patients.

The research study includes the profiles of leading players operating in the global multiple myeloma treatment market. Eli Lilly Company acquired ARMO Biosciences to develop immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory, and fibrosis diseases.

The objective of the report is to present a comprehensive analysis of the Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market including all the stakeholders of the industry. The past and current status of the industry with forecasted market size and trends are presented in the report with the analysis of complicated data in simple language. The report covers all the aspects of the industry with a dedicated study of key players that includes market leaders, followers, and new entrants. PORTER, SVOR, PESTEL analysis with the potential impact of micro-economic factors of the market has been presented in the report. External as well as internal factors that are supposed to affect the business positively or negatively have been analyzed, which will give a clear futuristic view of the industry to the decision-makers. The report also helps in understanding Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market dynamics, structure by analyzing the market segments and projects the Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market size. Clear representation of competitive analysis of key players by Application, price, financial position, Product portfolio, growth strategies, and regional presence in the Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market make the report investors guide. Scope of the Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market

Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market, by Applications

Hospitals Clinics Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market, by Type

Proteasome Inhibitors Immunomodulatory Agents (IMiDs) Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors Immunotherapy Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market, by Region

Asia Pacific North America Europe South America Middle East & Africa Key players operating in Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market

Celgene Corporation Janssen Biotech, Inc. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Novartis AG Cellectar Biosciences Inc. Millennium Pharmaceuticals Amgen, Inc. bbVie Genzyme Corporation Juno Therapeutics Eli Lilly and Company Glenmark Pharma

Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market Request For View Sample Report Page : @https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/65671 About Us:

Maximize Market Research provides B2B and B2C market research on 20,000 high growth emerging technologies & opportunities in Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics & Communications, Internet of Things, Food and Beverages, Aerospace and Defense and other manufacturing sectors.

Contact info: Name: Vikas Godage Organization: MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PVT. LTD. Email: sales@maximizemarketresearch.com Contact: +919607065656 / +919607195908 Website:www.maximizemarketresearch.com

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Global Multiple Myeloma Treatment Market-Industry Analysis and forecast 2019 2027: By Application, Type, and Region. - Good Night, Good Hockey

Re-Stem-Funded Study Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging and Age-Related Diseases Published in Science Advances Journal – Press Release -…

Aug. 9, 2020 / PRZen / SUZHOU, China -- Re-Stem Biotech (Re-Stem or the Company), a biotechnology firm engaged in the research and development of cell therapies targeting osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury and various cancers recently funded in part a study titled "Solid-phase inclusion as a mechanism for regulating unfolded proteins in the mitochondrial matrix". Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, led by Rong Li, Ph.D., published their findings in the journal "Science Advances" (view full article here: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/32/eabc7288) The study may provide mechanistic insights for mitochondrial dysfunction observed in aging and age-related diseases.

About Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, damaged/unfolded proteins in mitochondria that are failed to be degraded gradually accumulate. In addition, recent evidence suggests that non-mitochondrial proteins constituting pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases also accumulate in mitochondria and cause mitochondrial dysfunction. However, it remains unclear how excessive damaged proteins are managed within mitochondria when known quality control mechanisms become inadequate, and how they contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction during the aging process.

About the Study The researchers discovered that excessive unfolded proteins in the mitochondrial matrix are consolidated into novel structures, which they named Deposits of Unfolded Mitochondrial Proteins (DUMP). DUMP formation is an age-dependent process, while accelerated DUMP formation causes mitochondrial dysfunction and premature aging. They found that DUMP formation was not random, but specific in mitochondria near endoplasmic reticulum (ER), another organelle in cells. The contact sites between mitochondria and ER regulate DUMP formation via transferring lipids between two organelles. Via a series of genetic and live-cell imaging studies, researchers identified key enzymes of mitochondrial lipid metabolism that control DUMP formation. Manipulation of these enzymes modulates DUMP formation, therefore, potentially they could be targets for anti-aging or treating age-related diseases.

About Re-Stem Biotech Re-Stem Biotech (Re-Stem) is a biotechnology firm engaged in the research and development of cell-based therapies and products. Backed by state of the art GMP facilities and an international team of world-leading scientists, doctors and management team, Re-Stem currently has a robust technology platform including four profitable therapies on the market and eight other therapies and products in the pipeline. Incorporated and headquartered in 2012 in Suzhou, China, Re-Stem is focused on the large and aging population of China. It also operates clinics and research and development laboratories in Shenzhen, Beijing, Kunming and Ganzhou. For more information visit Re-Stem Biotech website: https://www.restembio.com/

Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, trends, specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts and may be forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include those regarding our ability to implement objective, plans and strategies for future operations. Forward-looking information may be identified by terms such as "will," "may," "expects," "plans," "intends," "estimates," "potential," or "continue," or similar terms or the negative of these terms. Although Re-Stem believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that future results, performance or achievements will be obtained. Re-Stem does not have any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

Follow the full story here: https://przen.com/pr/33354426

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Re-Stem-Funded Study Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging and Age-Related Diseases Published in Science Advances Journal - Press Release -...

Embryos could be susceptible to COVID-19 from second week of pregnancy – Gulf News

Those planning a family should be even more cautious against infection Image Credit: Drew Hayes/ Unsplash

Human embryos could be susceptible to COVID-19 as early as the second week of pregnancy, if the mother gets sick, potentially affecting the chances of a successful pregnancy, according to a study.

Scientists at the UK's University of Cambridge and California Institute of Technology in the US found that genes thought to play a role in how the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects our cells have been found to be active in embryos as early as during the second week of pregnancy.

While initially recognised as causing respiratory disease, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 disease, also affects many other organs, they said.

Advanced age and obesity are risk factors for complications but questions concerning the potential effects on foetal health and successful pregnancy for those infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain largely unanswered, according to the researchers.

In the journal Open Biology, the researchers described how they used technology to culture human embryos through the stage they normally implant in the body of the mother to look at the activity - or 'expression' - of key genes in the embryo. On the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are large 'spike' proteins. Spike proteins bind to ACE2, a protein receptor found on the surface of cells in our body, the researchers explained. Both the spike protein and ACE2 are then cleaved, allowing genetic material from the virus to enter the host cell.

The virus manipulates the host cell's machinery to allow the virus to replicate and spread, they said.

The researchers found patterns of expression of the genes ACE2, which provide the genetic code for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, and TMPRSS2, which provides the code for a molecule that cleaves both the viral spike protein and the ACE2 receptor, allowing infection to occur.

These genes were expressed during key stages of the embryo's development, and in parts of the embryo that go on to develop into tissues that interact with the maternal blood supply for nutrient exchange.

Gene expression requires that the DNA code is first copied into an RNA message, which then directs the synthesis of the encoded protein.

"Our work suggests that the human embryo could be susceptible to COVID-19 as early as the second week of pregnancy if the mother gets sick," said Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, who holds positions at both the University of Cambridge and Caltech.

"To know whether this really could happen, it now becomes very important to know whether the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins are made and become correctly positioned at cell surfaces.

If these next steps are also taking place, it is possible that the virus could be transmitted from the mother and infect the embryo's cells," Zernicka-Goetz said.

Professor David Glover, also from Cambridge and Caltech, noted that genes encoding proteins that make cells susceptible to infection by the novel coronavirus become expressed very early on in the embryo's development.

"This is an important stage when the embryo attaches to the mother's womb and undertakes a major remodelling of all of its tissues and for the first time starts to grow, Glover said.

He added that COVID-19 could affect the ability of the embryo to properly implant into the womb or could have implications for future foetal health.

The team said that further research is required using stem cell models and in non-human primates to better understand the risk.

However, they said their findings emphasise the importance for women planning for a family to try to reduce their risk of infection.

Excerpt from:
Embryos could be susceptible to COVID-19 from second week of pregnancy - Gulf News

Boy, 4, may look fighting fit but only has months to live – unless you can save him – Mirror Online

His name means brave in Hindi. And for four year-old Veer Gudhka that couldnt be more appropriate.

For while the bubbly little boy might look fighting fit, he actually has just months to live.

Veer suffers from a rare blood disorder called Fanconi anaemia, which results in a decreased production of all types of blood cells.

But a stem cell donor will save his life.

In a heartfelt video message, the plucky toddler asks Sunday Mirror readers: Please be my life-saver? Will you be my superhero?

And today his family are appealing to those from BAME communities to help by signing up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.

Mum Kirpa and dad Nirav know the odds are stacked against them getting that all-important call because they are of Indian descent.

While 69 per cent of Northern European patients find the best possible stem cell match from a stranger, this drops to just 20 per cent for those with black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds.

Survival

Currently only two per cent of the population is on the UK stem cell register. And with Asians making up just six per cent of the UK population, there is a smaller pool of potential donors.

Veer was diagnosed with the blood disorder last August, after he started suffering from extreme fatigue, and was referred for tests.

Doctors said he would need a stem cell transplant within three years for a chance of survival.

They hoped to buy Veer some time by putting him on steroids to boost his blood counts. But his condition has deteriorated fast.

Recent tests at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London show he now has just three to four months to find a donor.

Kirpa and Nirav were both tested, along with Veers six-year-old sister Suhani, but none of them were a match.

A search on the global stem cell register also drew a blank.

And his dad has been trying to encourage his fellow countrymen and women in India to join the register.

They have even signed up a female battalion of the Indian Army.

Kirpa, 37, from Harrow, London, said: We just feel so scared were going to lose our cheeky, amazing little boy. To look at Veer you wouldnt know hes critically ill.

Like his name, hes been brave from the start. Hes undergone countless tests and hospital visits but has had a constant smile on his face.

"He knows he needs a superhero to step forward, but his optimism and enthusiasm are infectious and keep us all going.

She added: Going on the register is incredibly quick and donating cells if you match someone in need is painless.

You can join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register today.

Nine out of 10 people donate their stem cells through the bloodstream in a simple IV process called peripheral blood stem cell collection.

One in 10 will have their stem cells collected via the bone marrow itself, while under general anaesthetic. Doctors transplant the new, healthy cells via the patients bloodstream, where they begin to grow and create healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

A perfect match from a donor can mean a lifelong cure.

Veers dad Nirav, 40, said: I only learned about the Anthony Nolan stem cell register two years ago and even then I assumed it would involve long and painful procedures.

We need to raise awareness to save lives in every community.

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Boy, 4, may look fighting fit but only has months to live - unless you can save him - Mirror Online

Post chemotherapy may leave patients vulnerable to infections – APN News

Published on August 7, 2020

Mr. Raktim Chattopadhyay, Founder & CEO, Esperer Onco Nutrition (EON)

The link between the immune system and cancer has been widely appreciated for over a century and was first highlighted by Rudolph Virchow over 150 years ago . The underlying basis for this relationship between cancer and immunity involves three basic principles of how the immune system acts to defend and protect an individual: it detects nonself antigens from pathogens or infected/malignant cells; it encompasses effector functions to specifically target and destroy the pathogen or infected/malignant cells while protecting the host, and it develops immunological memory via the adaptive immune responses for subsequent defence mechanisms following an injury or an attack against the host . Through this process, the immune system has acquired characteristics that give rise to the paradigm known as immunoediting, which provides a balance between immune surveillance and cancer progression in the realm of oncology.In the rapidly evolving field of immune-oncology, understanding the tumor-specific immune response enhances understanding of cancer resistance.

Most cancer patients know that chemotherapy weakens their immune systems, putting them at risk for viral and bacterial infections. A month or two after chemo ends, most people think their immune system has returned to normal. Research suggests that the effects of chemotherapy can compromise part of the immune system for up to nine months after treatment, leaving patients vulnerable to infections especially with certain type of chemotherapy treatment regimen.

So, cancer and cancer treatments can affect the immune system and other body systems in different ways. People with cancer might be more likely to get infections because of:

Cancer treatments can interfere with the way the immune system works. The damage can be short- or long-term. For example, if a person with cancer has their spleen removed due to cancer, this causes long-term damage because the spleen is part of the immune system. On the other hand, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination can lead to short-term (temporary) immune system damage because they affect immune system blood cells for a fairly short period of time. Abone marrow or stem cell transplant uses very high-dose treatments to kill cancer cells that also damageimmune system cells for weeks to months.

Keeping the above in mind cancer patients must consider the following as per international guidelines:

Dont ignore minor symptoms. If you are feeling unwell, get to your doctor and get it checked out right away. What may be a minor issue could turn into something bigger.

Talk to your health care provider to make sure youre up to date on all of your vaccines. Many cancer patients after treatment should be able to receive many vaccines, including flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Exercise and eat healthfully. Those things never hurt immune response or your recovery.

If you smoke, try to quit.

If someone in your family or in your care has cancer, make sure youre up to date on vaccines and preventive care. The last thing you want to do is develop an infection that doesnt allow you to care for them or puts them at risk.

Since patients are most at risk right after theyve received chemo. Its really important to protect your family members when theyre at the highest risk for major infectious complications.

Supporting the immune system while battling cancer is imperative and one of the factors that aid in the healing process from the aftermath of the treatment therapy. Protective effects can be observed while balancing dietary and lifestyle needs, however, these alone do not promise an immunity boost. The immune system works as powerful weapon against disease, but it is a known fact that with cancer, immunity is at high risk where healthy cells are attacked causing a variety of side effects.

Cancer patients are at a natural high risk of malnutrition as chemotherapies, radiations and surgeries can lead to loss of appetite, stress, fatigue, anxiety making it difficult to eat with a high appetite loss. This leads to a significant reduced response in cancer treatment, increases risk of survival. Cancer cells replicate by division to replace old cells and multiply thus some damaged cells might migrate to other tissues causing tumour growth. The longer, cancer continues to grow the lesser possibilities are available for the immune system to recognize damaged cells and destroy them.

Vitamins, foods, minerals are recommended by doctors but a key concern to examine is are these long term & sustainable to ensure quality life for patients?

A need for preparing the body for heavy dose of cancer treatment at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and post procedure is important for long term risk benefits. All 3 phases are different and require nutritional care basis the cell biology of the body. Health supplements of the correct formulation with technology backed research can be an optimum solution. The supplements can bring about efficacy in the main therapy of cancer disease management and improve overall quality of life.

Time has come to focus on optimal physical and psycho-social well-being of the patient in cancer therapy. The treatment of a lethal and supposedly incurable disease like cancer takes a toll on people emotionally, financially and physically. The right approach for organizations to help mitigate the risks of cancer though various methods would be to have an all-inclusive outlook catering to all of the above effects. The goal should be to help and support the end user with a view of futuristic need for living a fulfilling life even after being cured, while focusing on every aspect of oncology. A certain kind of after care is always mandatory during & post treatment which could be complex and costly. Anticancer products is the future, which will have to align parallel in such a way so the therapy protocol can be made affordable to the receivers.

See more here:
Post chemotherapy may leave patients vulnerable to infections - APN News

Post chemotherapy may leave patients vulnerable to infections – NewsPatrolling

The link between the immune system and cancer has been widely appreciated for over a century and was first highlighted by Rudolph Virchow over 150 years ago . The underlying basis for this relationship between cancer and immunity involves three basic principles of how the immune system acts to defend and protect an individual: it detects nonself antigens from pathogens or infected/malignant cells; it encompasses effector functions to specifically target and destroy the pathogen or infected/malignant cells while protecting the host, and it develops immunological memory via the adaptive immune responses for subsequent defence mechanisms following an injury or an attack against the host . Through this process, the immune system has acquired characteristics that give rise to the paradigm known as immunoediting, which provides a balance between immune surveillance and cancer progression in the realm of oncology.In the rapidly evolving field of immune-oncology, understanding the tumor-specific immune response enhances understanding of cancer resistance.

Most cancer patients know that chemotherapy weakens their immune systems, putting them at risk for viral and bacterial infections. A month or two after chemo ends, most people think their immune system has returned to normal. Research suggests that the effects of chemotherapy can compromise part of the immune system for up to nine months after treatment, leaving patients vulnerable to infections especially with certain type of chemotherapy treatment regimen.

So, cancer and cancer treatments can affect the immune system and other body systems in different ways. People with cancer might be more likely to get infections because of:

Cancer treatments can interfere with the way the immune system works. The damage can be short- or long-term. For example, if a person with cancer has their spleen removed due to cancer, this causes long-term damage because the spleen is part of the immune system. On the other hand, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination can lead to short-term (temporary) immune system damage because they affect immune system blood cells for a fairly short period of time. Abone marrow or stem cell transplant uses very high-dose treatments to kill cancer cells that also damageimmune system cells for weeks to months.

Keeping the above in mind cancer patients must consider the following as per international guidelines:

Supporting the immune system while battling cancer is imperative and one of the factors that aid in the healing process from the aftermath of the treatment therapy. Protective effects can be observed while balancing dietary and lifestyle needs, however, these alone do not promise an immunity boost. The immune system works as powerful weapon against disease, but it is a known fact that with cancer, immunity is at high risk where healthy cells are attacked causing a variety of side effects.

Cancer patients are at a natural high risk of malnutrition as chemotherapies, radiations and surgeries can lead to loss of appetite, stress, fatigue, anxiety making it difficult to eat with a high appetite loss. This leads to a significant reduced response in cancer treatment, increases risk of survival. Cancer cells replicate by division to replace old cells and multiply thus some damaged cells might migrate to other tissues causing tumour growth. The longer, cancer continues to grow the lesser possibilities are available for the immune system to recognize damaged cells and destroy them.

Vitamins, foods, minerals are recommended by doctors but a key concern to examine is are these long term & sustainable to ensure quality life for patients?

A need for preparing the body for heavy dose of cancer treatment at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and post procedure is important for long term risk benefits. All 3 phases are different and require nutritional care basis the cell biology of the body. Health supplements of the correct formulation with technology backed research can be an optimum solution. The supplements can bring about efficacy in the main therapy of cancer disease management and improve overall quality of life.

Time has come to focus on optimal physical and psycho-social well-being of the patient in cancer therapy. The treatment of a lethal and supposedly incurable disease like cancer takes a toll on people emotionally, financially and physically. The right approach for organizations to help mitigate the risks of cancer though various methods would be to have an all-inclusive outlook catering to all of the above effects. The goal should be to help and support the end user with a view of futuristic need for living a fulfilling life even after being cured, while focusing on every aspect of oncology. A certain kind of after care is always mandatory during & post treatment which could be complex and costly. Anticancer products is the future, which will have to align parallel in such a way so the therapy protocol can be made affordable to the receivers.

BY: Mr. Raktim Chattopadhyay , Founder & CEO Esperer Onco Nutrition (EON)

More here:
Post chemotherapy may leave patients vulnerable to infections - NewsPatrolling

Croydon mum’s urgent appeal for stem cell donors who could save her two-year-old daughter – My London

People who meet two-year-old Shahera Khan adore her.

The young girl is described as wonderful, funny and calm.

Sadly, however, her life is not that of a normal girl her age. Shahera, who lives in Croydon with her mum, dad and five-year-old brother, suffers with a very rare immunodeficiency disease.

Its a fault in her immune system and means Shahera is unable to produce enough white blood cells, making her susceptible to infections. A worst case scenario would be she sustains a serious bacterial infection which could prove fatal.

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"Shahera is currently taking medication to protect her against serious bacterial infections and she has immunoglobulin transfusions every week," said her mum, Amina.

"At the moment she is doing okay but shes getting side effects from the medication."

Shaheras family have been told a stem cell transplant is her best chance of leading a normal life. Doctors will give her new, healthy stem cells via the bloodstream, where they begin to grow and create healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

But Shahera needs a stem cell donor. Nobody in her family is a genetic match, so the family is working with blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan to raise awareness of the stem cell donor register.

The search is made more difficult due to her Bangladeshi heritage. Data shows patients like Shahera, from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background, have a 20 per cent chance of finding the best possible stem cell donor match, compared to 69 per cent for people with white, European heritage.

Amina said: "We need to find Shahera a donor as soon as possible.

"We want to raise awareness in the Asian, and particularly Bangladeshi community so people come forward - not only to help Shahera but for anyone who needs a donor.

"Its shocking that there is no match for Shahera and other people from Asian communities.

"With Shaheras condition the doctors would like to do the transplant as soon as possible. Theyve given us a couple of months to find a donor and suggested spring or summer next year for the transplant."

Shahera has regular appointments at Great Ormond Street Hospital and waiting for a stem cell donor is a "nerve wracking" process, Amina admitted.

"Shahera is wonderful. She touches everybody she meets; from family and friends to the people she meets in the hospital," Amina said.

"Shes very calm and everyone just loves her, shes funny too. To look at her, you wouldnt believe she was ill but what is going on inside is a totally different story.

"We dont want her to miss out on anything. She should be starting nursery this September, but we dont know what will happen because of her treatment.

"Were a happy family unit. My husband and I both work and we slot Shaheras appointments in around family life.

"Its nerve wrecking and upsetting, waiting to find a donor. It feels like a long process. Its not easy, we have our bad days as well as good days, but all we can do is look forward, and do everything we can to find Shahera a donor."

So far no match has been found but the family are hoping blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan can help raise awareness of the stem cell donor register.

Sarah Rogers, register development manager at Anthony Nolan, said: "Little Shahera wants to go to nursery, learn and make more friends just like other toddlers across the UK. For this to happen she needs a stranger to donate their stem cells.

"If youre aged 16-30 you can join the register online and well send you a cheek swab in the post.

"If youre found to be a match for a patient, you could donate your stem cells and give hope to families like Shaheras. Your support could help us give a patient, their family and their friends a second chance of life."

People aged 16-30 who are in good general health can find out more, and join the Anthony Nolan register at http://www.anthonynolan.org/saveourshahera.

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Croydon mum's urgent appeal for stem cell donors who could save her two-year-old daughter - My London

Celularity announces the activation of first California Clinical Trial Site following CIRM Grant Award to Advance Treatments for COVID-19 – Yahoo…

- University of California Irvine is the first California site participating in Celularity's CYNK-001-COVID-19 clinical trial NCT04365101 using Celularity's investigational immunotherapy to treat adults who tested COVID-19 positive in underserved and disproportionately affected populations.

- CYNK-001 is the only cryopreserved allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell therapy developed from placental hematopoietic stem cells.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Celularity today announced that it has been awarded a $750,000 COVID-19 Project grant by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), one of the three clinical awards targeting the coronavirus. This grant will support California Institutions participating in the Phase I/II clinical trial of human placental hematopoietic stem cell derived natural killer (NK) cells (CYNK-001) for the treatment of adults with COVID-19.The University of California Irvine is the first CA site to open for patient enrollment.

(PRNewsfoto/Celularity, Inc.)

CIRM's COVID-19 Project supports promising discovery, preclinical and clinical trial stage projects that could quickly advance treatments or vaccines that utilize stem and/or progenitor cells. Celularity will use the CIRM grant to support the evaluation of the anti-viral activities of its cryopreserved investigational product, CYNK-001, in underserved and disproportionately affected populations with COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Celularity received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration to proceed with a Phase I/II study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of CYNK-001 in patients with COVID-19.

"Our investigational product CYNK-001 showed great promise in preclinical studies, and we are optimistic that it will prove effective against corona virus diseases, including COVID-19. As part of our rapidly-scalable placental-derived cellular medicine platform, CYNK-001 could play an important role in the public health response to outbreaks of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses," said Robert J. Hariri, MD, PhD, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Celularity. "We are very grateful to CIRM for supporting our effort to make novel cellular medicines available to medically underserved and disproportionately affected persons in California."

Xiaokui Zhang, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Principal Investigator under the CIRM grant says "CYNK-001 has a range of biological activities that not only recognize and destroy virus-infected cells, but also coordinate a robust immune response that may lead to an effective and durable defense against the viral infection."

The trial will evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of CYNK-001 in SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects as measured by clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 and improvement in clinical symptoms or improvement in radiological evaluation of disease related chest x-ray. The primary objective of the Phase I portion of the study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of multiple CYNK-001 intravenous (IV) infusions in COVID-19 patients and will be administered to up to 14 patients in three doses over the course of seven days.

The Phase II portion of the study is a randomized, open-label, multi-site study measuring multiple doses of CYNK-001 against a control group experiencing a similar degree of infection with best supportive care, with two co-primary endpoints. The first co-primary endpoint is to determine the virologic efficacy of CYNK-001 in facilitating the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 from mucosal specimens and/or peripheral blood. The second co-primary endpoint is to assess the impact of treatment with CYNK-001 on clinical symptoms among patients with COVID-19 related lower respiratory tract infection.

Story continues

Celularity has treated patients with severe COVID-19 and on ventilator support under compassionate use programs in U.S. CYNK-001 was well tolerated and may be associated with clinical benefit in selected cases.

About NK CellsNK cells are innate immune cells with an important role in early host response against various pathogens. Multiple NK cell receptors are involved in the recognition of infected cells. Studies in humans and mice have established that there is robust activation of NK cells during viral infection, regardless of the virus class, and that the depletion of NK cells aggravates viral pathogenesis.

About CYNK-001CYNK-001 is the only cryopreserved allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell therapy developed from placental hematopoietic stem cells. CYNK-001 is being investigated as a potential treatment option in adults with COVID-19, as well as for various hematologic cancers and solid tumors. NK cells are a unique class of immune cells, innately capable of targeting cancer cells and interacting with adaptive immunity. CYNK-001 cells derived from the placenta are currently being investigated as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma (MM), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). On 1 April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the Company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the use of CYNK-001 in adults with COVID-19.

About COVID-19The virus causing COVID-19 is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is a novel coronavirus that has not been previously identified. COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, with over 4.2 million confirmed cases in the USA and over 650,000 deaths reported to date worldwide.

About Celularity Celularity, headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., is a next-generation Biotechnology company leading the next evolution in cellular medicine by delivering off-the-shelf allogeneic cellular therapies, at unparalleled scale, quality, and economics. Celularity's innovative approach to cell therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic potential locked within the cells of the post partum placenta. Through nature's immunotherapy engine the placenta Celularity is leading the next evolution of cellular medicine with placental-derived T cells, NK cells, and pluripotent stem cells to target unmet and underserved clinical needs in cancer, infectious and degenerative diseases. To learn more visit celularity.com

Media Contact:

Name:Dani Frank

Email:celularity@factorypr.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celularity-announces-the-activation-of-first-california-clinical-trial-site-following-cirm-grant-award-to-advance-treatments-for-covid-19-301106515.html

SOURCE Celularity

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Celularity announces the activation of first California Clinical Trial Site following CIRM Grant Award to Advance Treatments for COVID-19 - Yahoo...