StemCell Therapy

Sernova to utilize AgeXs UniverCyteTM gene technology to generate transplantable, universal immune-protected therapeutic cells for Sernovas Cell PouchTM Platform

ALAMEDA, Calif. & LONDON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.(AgeX: NYSE American: AGE), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics for human aging and regeneration, and Sernova Corp. (TSX-V:SVA)(OTCQB:SEOVF)(FSE:PSH), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine therapeutics company, announced today a research collaboration where Sernova will utilize AgeXs UniverCyteTM gene technology to generate immune-protected universal therapeutic cells for use in combination with Sernovas Cell PouchTM for the treatment of type I diabetes and hemophilia A. The goal is to eliminate the need for immunosuppressive medications following Cell Pouch cell transplantation.

The research collaboration will evaluate whether Sernovas pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic islet beta cells engineered with AgeXs UniverCyte technology can evade human immune detection. The complementary combination of technologies could enable the transplantation of therapeutic cells in patients with type I diabetes in an off-the-shelf manner using Sernovas Cell Pouch, without human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue matching or concurrent administration of immunosuppressive medications. With a similar intent, pluripotent stem cell-derived or adult donor-derived human Factor VIII-releasing cells modified with AgeXs UniverCyte will be evaluated in Sernovas hemophilia A program.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sernova has been granted a time-limited, non-exclusive research license by AgeX. A commercial license for Sernova to utilize UniverCyte to engineer cellular products for therapeutic and commercial purposes may be negotiated between the companies pending successful study outcomes.

The UniverCyte technology aims to mask therapeutic cells derived from pluripotent stem cells or adult donors from human immune detection to allow for off-the-shelf cellular products without the need for immunosuppressant medications which may have potent side effects, or HLA-matching between donor and patient. UniverCyte uses a novel, modified form of HLA-G, a potent immunomodulatory molecule, which in nature protects an unborn child from their mothers immune system. In almost all human cells, native HLA-G expression is silenced after birth. AgeXs modified HLA-G shows evidence of being resistant to this silencing, thereby potentially allowing for long-term, stable and high expression of the immunomodulatory effect.

Sernova plans to utilize the universal therapeutic cells generated through this research collaboration with its Cell Pouch System, a proprietary, scalable, implantable macro-encapsulation device, which, upon implantation, incorporates with tissue and forms highly vascularized chambers. These chambers become a natural environment in the body to house and favor long-term survival and function of therapeutic cells. The Cell Pouch System has shown initial safety and efficacy indicators in an ongoing Phase I/II clinical study at the University of Chicago and in a preclinical model of hemophilia A when assessed with human cells corrected to produce Factor VIII.

We are thrilled with our collaboration with Sernova, which is at the forefront of cellular therapies for diabetes and hemophilia and is already in the clinic for the former. The combination of AgeXs UniverCyte to cloak cells from a patients immune system and Sernovas Cell Pouch technologies to permit cells to function long-term upon transplantation would be a landmark for regenerative medicine. This deal marks another important step in AgeXs collaboration and licensing strategy to work with the very best people, companies and institutions in the world of regenerative medicine, said Dr. Nafees Malik, Chief Operating Officer of AgeX.

We look forward to working with AgeX and its outstanding team as we continue to identify and evaluate technologies complementary to Sernovas therapeutic platform and expand our immune protection offerings. AgeXs UniverCyte technology is a significant advancement in the field of cell therapy and a perfect fit with Sernovas Cell Pouch technologies and therapeutic pipeline with its potential benefit over current immunosuppressive strategies for regenerative medicine therapeutics, said Dr. Philip Toleikis, President and CEO of Sernova Corp.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AGE) is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for human aging. Its PureStem and UniverCyte manufacturing and immunotolerance technologies are designed to work together to generate highly defined, universal, allogeneic, off-the-shelf pluripotent stem cell-derived young cells of any type for application in a variety of diseases with a high unmet medical need. AgeX has two preclinical cell therapy programs: AGEX-VASC1 (vascular progenitor cells) for tissue ischemia and AGEX-BAT1 (brown fat cells) for Type II diabetes. AgeXs revolutionary longevity platform induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR) aims to unlock cellular immortality and regenerative capacity to reverse age-related changes within tissues. AGEX-iTR1547 is an iTR-based formulation in preclinical development. HyStem is AgeXs delivery technology to stably engraft PureStem cell therapies in the body. AgeXs core product pipeline is intended to extend human healthspan. AgeX is seeking opportunities to establish licensing and collaboration arrangements around its broad IP estate and proprietary technology platforms and therapy product candidates.

For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Sernova Corp.

Sernova Corp is developing regenerative medicine therapeutic technologies using the Cell Pouch System, a medical device and immune protected therapeutic cells (i.e., human donor cells, corrected human cells and stem-cell-derived cells) to improve the treatment and quality of life of people with chronic metabolic diseases such as insulin-dependent diabetes, blood disorders including hemophilia, and other diseases treated through replacement of proteins or hormones missing or in short supply within the body. For more information, please visit http://www.sernova.com.

Forward-Looking Statements for AgeX

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not historical fact including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates should also be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of AgeXs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (copies of which may be obtained at http://www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. In addition, there can be no assurance that Sernovas planned use of AgeXs UniverCyteTM gene technology will successfully generate immune-protected universal therapeutic cells for use in combination with Sernovas Cell PouchTM for the treatment of type I diabetes and hemophilia A or any other disease, and there can be no assurance that AgeX and Sernova will enter into a commercial license for the use of UniverCyteTM in a therapeutic or other product. AgeX specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

Forward-Looking Statements for Sernova

This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although Sernova believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements including those related to the potential of Univercyte combined with Sernovas technologies are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of Sernovas management on the date such statements were made, which include our beliefs about the effect on company operations of the COVID-19 virus and conduct and outcome of discussions, clinical programs, and our clinical trials. Sernova expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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AgeX Therapeutics and Sernova to Collaborate to Engineer Universal Locally Immune Protected Cell Therapies for Type I Diabetes and Hemophilia A -...

About 1.5 million Americans have RA, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis most commonly affects older people, but RA can start at any age. It affects both women and men, but its three times more likely to develop in women.

Unlike the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, RA symptoms include fatigue, fever and a loss of appetite in addition to painful, stiff joints. If people experience pain in a joint on one side of the body, it is likely to also affect the same joint on the other side of the body.

There is no cure for RA, and its a progressive disease meaning it gets worse over time. Severe forms of the disease can be disabling and disfigure joints. People cannot die from rheumatoid arthritis, but it can cause complications that may be life-threatening.

Treatments can help people with the disease lead productive lives, and early diagnosis helps control joint damage before it becomes severe.

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Typically, the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis is stiffness, followed by pain and tenderness in the joints. These symptoms can worsen slowly over weeks or months. Most often, symptoms start in smaller joints such as fingers and toes, and then move to other joints.

The number of joints affected varies, but RA most often attacks five or more joints. It may start as swelling that comes and goes, lasting for a few days or weeks at a time, but it gradually gets worse.

Symptoms may also worsen and occur in intense attacks called flares when triggered by stress, suddenly stopping medications or too much activity, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Common RA symptoms include:

Because RA is an autoimmune disease, it can affect the entire body and attack the eyes, heart, glands, nails and nerves.

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RA is caused when the immune system attacks healthy joint tissues. Researchers dont know what causes the immune system to attack the synovium, the lining of the joints. But this process causes inflammation that can destroy bone and cartilage, stretching and weakening tendons and ligaments.

This leads to pain and loss of joint shape and alignment.

While researchers dont know the exact cause, several risk factors can make someone more likely to get RA. Women are more likely to get RA, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who breastfed their infants have a decreased risk.

Factors that increase risk include:

AgeWhile RA can affect people of all ages, the risk of developing it increases with age, especially for adults in their 60s.

Female SexWomen are 2-3 times more likely to have RA than men.

SmokingPeople who smoke are more likely to develop RA, and smoking makes symptoms worse. Children exposed to secondhand smoke have double the risk of developing RA.

Live BirthThe risk of RA may be greater in women who have never given birth.

Environmental exposuresExposure to toxic substances such as chemicals, asbestos or silica may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

ObesityBeing overweight increases the risk of RA, especially in women 55 or younger.

Research suggests that people born with specific genes called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes are more likely to develop RA. These genes can also make symptoms worse. In people who are obese or who smoke, the risk is highest.

People with relatives who have RA are also at increased risk of developing the disease.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of developing other health problems. In addition to physical issues, people with RA can also have difficulty keeping or finding employment because of physical limitations such as pain and fatigue.

People with RA have an increased risk of other health problems, such as:

There are three main types of RA. While symptom severity in each type may be different, the treatments are the same.

About 80 percent of people with RA have this type of disease, according to the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. This means blood tests showed a protein called rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies called anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). This type of RA can have more severe symptoms than seronegative RA.

People with this type of RA dont test positive for antibodies or proteins, but they still have RA symptoms. They are also less likely to have complications such as lung issues, heart problems and inflamed blood vessels.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children ages 17 years old and younger and may sometimes be called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It has many of the same symptoms as adult RA but can also cause difficulty gaining weight and growing. Unlike adult RA which is a lifelong condition, children can outgrow JIA.

Doctors that specialize in diagnosing RA and other types of arthritis are called rheumatologists. If your primary care provider suspects you might have RA or another type of arthritis, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist for testing.

A rheumatologist will diagnose RA based on several tests. These include blood tests, imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs and a physical examination.

Blood tests search for a protein called rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies called anticitrullinated protein antibodies (anti-CCP). Other tests such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test and C-reactive protein test can find high levels of inflammation present in people with RA.

These tests also help doctors distinguish RA from other types of arthritis such as gout, osteoarthritis, lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

RA has four stages that progress in severity. The stage of disease can influence treatment.

Stage 1Early stage RA with some swelling and stiffness in joints.

Stage 2Moderate stage RA with cartilage damage. Difficulty moving joints occurs more often.

Stage 3Severe disease that destroys bone and cartilage. Increased pain, swelling, decrease in mobility and loss of muscle strength. Joints may begin to deform.

Stage 4End stage RA where joints stop functioning. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility.

People with RA and OA have pain in the joints and difficulty moving around, but there are a few differences in severity of symptoms and how they manifest.

Characteristics of RA and OA

Treatment options for RA include medication, occupational therapy and surgery. In addition, lifestyle changes and assistive devices are things people with RA can do to manage symptoms at home.

Doctors will prescribe treatments depending on the stage of disease, severity of symptoms and degree of inflammation.

Several types of medications treat RA, and a doctor considers how long a patient has had the disease and the severity of symptoms when choosing a medication. Sometimes, people may have more than one prescription.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can relieve pain and inflammation. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription.

These medications, such as prednisone, reduce pain and inflammation. They can also slow joint damage. These medications are usually prescribed for acute symptoms and patients gradually stop them.

DMARDs can slow the progression of RA and save tissues and joints from permanent damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, also known as Plaquenil.

These drugs, also known as biologic response modifiers, are a newer class of DMARD. They target parts of the immune system to control joint and tissue damage. Drugs in this class include Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab), Actemra (tocilizumab) and Xeljanz (tofacitinib).

Occupational therapists can help people with RA learn to better manage their symptoms. Patients can learn how to do daily chores with less pain, how to protect their joints and how to use assistive devices to make daily tasks easier. Evidence from studies shows that occupational therapy helps people with RA do daily chores without pain and better protect their joints, according to a Cochrane review.

In cases of severe RA disease, surgery may be able to help regain some mobility and decrease pain.

In arthroplasty, the affected joint is replaced or reconstructed. This surgery can restore joint function, fix a deformity, relieve pain and stiffness, and improve mobility.

In this procedure, surgeons remove damaged or inflamed tissue without replacing or reconstructing a joint. It can restore joint function and relieve pain.

This type of surgery is also called nerve decompression surgery. It helps relieve pain caused by impinged nerves. This restores strength to the affected joints affected by RA, including elbows, feet, toes and wrists.

A synovectomy is surgery to remove the diseased synovial lining in a joint. It reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and can help prevent or slow down damage to the joint.

Hand and wrist surgery can repair damaged tendons and ligaments in the hands. It helps restore movement to the joints in the hands, wrists and fingers.

In addition to medication and surgery, patients may want to ask their doctor about simple therapies they can do at home, such as exercise and diet.

Low impact exercises can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. These include walking, water aerobics, swimming and yoga.

According to a 2012 review published in Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine by Shirley Telles and Nilkamal Singh, yoga has shown some promise in reducing pain, improving function and providing mental health benefits.

A small 2019 study by researcher Surabhi Gautam and colleagues published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that yoga eased physical symptoms and improved mental health.

Evidence suggests that eating a healthy diet with anti-inflammatory foods can ease RA symptoms. There isnt a specific regimen to follow, but a 2018 review recommended the Mediterranean diet and fish oil for people with RA, Today reported.

In general, keeping a healthy weight and getting the proper nutrition helps manage inflammation that can worsen RA.

Foods that may manage RA symptoms include:

People with RA often suffer from fatigue and pain that can get worse during flare-ups. Make sure to get plenty of rest.

Heating pads or warm showers and cold packs can help ease inflammation, pain and stiffness.

Assistive devices such as canes, splints and braces can ease strain on joints and keep them in proper alignment. Household aids such as handrails or grab bars can help people stay safe and prevent injury.

Occupational therapists can help people learn how to use assistive devices.

RA symptoms can affect all aspects of a persons life, including work, social and leisure activities. The CDC has recommendations for improving quality of life for people with RA.

Aim to stay active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. These 30-minute sessions can be done all at once or broken up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

Walking, swimming, yoga or bicycling can be effective exercises to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility and muscle strength in people with RA. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.

If exercising alone seems daunting, join a group fitness class or activity session at a local community center or other facility. These classes can teach people how to exercise effectively and safely. Plus, meeting with others can help improve mood.

Physical therapists may also be able to teach a person with RA how to properly exercise to help reduce pain and increase mobility.

People with RA who take a self-management class can learn more about arthritis, learn tips for living with the disease and learn how to control symptoms. Examples of CDC-recommended programs include Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP).

Learn more about CDC-recognized programs proven to teach people with RA and arthritis how to manage their conditions.

Smoking increases the severity of RA symptoms and can cause other medical problems. Ask your doctor for help in quitting or visit the CDCs How to Quit Smoking page.

Read the rest here:
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Early Signs, Causes and Treatment - DrugWatch.com

It has been estimated that over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of arthritis every year. Arthritis comes with pain that may vary in frequency but commonly goes unresolved for years or even a lifetime. Treatment for chronic pain, such as arthritis, begins with addressing overall healthincluding sleep, diet and mood. While just one component of treatment, eating the best foods for arthritis can play a role in easing pain and preventing some conditions often related to the presence of arthritis.

Related:How to Keep Your Joints Healthy

After an arthritis diagnosis, taking a look at what you eat is a common starting point. There are two main benefits to improved nutrition: easing pain by adding foods that relieve arthritis and removing foods that make arthritis worse and reaching a healthy body mass index (BMI).It is important to note that an arthritis-friendly diet shouldnt replace medications, other therapies or recommendations from your rheumatologist.

The medicines that you take [for arthritis] work better in a normal BMI; studies have shown when you are at a higher BMI, the medicines dont work as well, explains M. Elaine Husni MD, MPH, vice chair of the Department of Immunologic and Rheumatic Disease and director of the Arthritis Center at Cleveland Clinic. In that case, diet becomes important not only for nutritional value but also for your treatment outcome. You will reduce a lot of comorbidities or complications of the disease.

Even someone who had the cleanest diet before an arthritis diagnosis may find adding certain foods can help alleviate pain and symptoms. Marcy OKoon, senior director of consumer health at the Arthritis Foundation, explains that while food cannot cause or cure arthritis, it can hurt or help it.

Overcoming Family History Just because your parent has arthritis doesnt mean you will. You may be more prone to arthritis, but researchers are still studying the role of genetics as a determining factor.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting the joints as the cartilage wears down between the bones. In this case, the CDC notes that obesity can put extra pressure on joints, increasing swelling that already is a common cause of osteoarthritis.

As with all types of arthritis, doctors stress eating a healthy diet with as little processed food as possible. What we generally recommend in any case is to have a nutrient dense diet, Dr. Husni says. That means everything you put in your body we want to make sure is healthy and packed full of nutrients; we dont really want you filling with empty calories.

The best foods for easing arthritis symptoms are actually foods that are good for everyone; however, from an arthritis standpoint, OKoon recommends learning which foods are pro-inflammatory and which are anti-inflammatoryand steering away from foods that make arthritis worse. For example, processed salty and crunchy snacksparticularly those containing glutenare going to increase inflammation. Nutrient-dense foods such as blueberries contain antioxidants that lessen inflammationand can help reduce the swelling that all types of arthritis cause.

When looking for a specific type of diet, the Mediterranean diet is often cited as a great starting point because it focuses on plant-based, minimally processed foods. Eating more whole foods can also help with weight management, which is often a focus of arthritis treatment that helps medications work better.

Related:What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis thataffects over a million Americans. It triggers inflammatory chemicals that attack and damage the bodys own joints and tissues, rather than a viral or bacterial invader, OKoon says.

Obesity is actually a risk factor for RA, but there are other health issues that can be attributed to the disease. For example, those with RA have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, so nutrition in this case would be a vital part of managing life with arthritis.

Just as with osteoarthritis, you should be eating foods that are nutrient rich and reducing processed foods in your diet. Dr. Husni stresses the importance of getting nutrients from your food versus supplements; taking a turmeric pill to get more omega-3 fatty acids isnt the same as eating a piece of fresh salmon. Getting your nutrients in their most natural form is always best. That means changing how you eat fruits and vegetableslike consuming them raw vs. cookedcan help your body get more nutrients.

Related: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that attacks where tendons and ligaments connect to the bone,causing inflammation in the joints. For the same reasons, eating a healthful dietwhich is also low calorie if weight loss is neededis a smart part of an overall management plan, OKoon adds.

Just as with RA there is a risk of heart disease with PsA, however, the risk nearly doubles if you have a PsA diagnosis. Again, this is why people with PsA should follow the same guidelines for other types of arthritis. In this case, eating foods that are heart healthysuch as berries, nuts and leafy, green vegetablesshould be a focus.

Related:Know the 5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Make sure you actually like whatever healthy foods you choose so your changes can be long-term and sustainable. Additionally, recognizing that other lifestyle factors go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet is important; what you eat is just a piece of the larger puzzle.

If you are on the best diet but smoke a pack of cigarettes per day, your diet wont matter, notes Husni. Stress, sleep, etc. is all intertwined; you have to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that go along with having a good diet.

If your doctor has spoken to you about ways to ease arthritis pain with some dietary changes, here are some of the best foods to add into your meals that can help keep inflammation down, manage weight and provide you with essential vitamins and minerals for a strong body (and bones).

Celebrity interviews, recipes and health tips delivered to yourinbox.

5 Foods That Lower Inflammation:

5 Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

5 Nutrient-Dense Fruits and Vegetables:

5 Staples of the Mediterranean Diet:

Next,What Is Restorative Yoga and How Will It Help You

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20 Best Foods to Ease Arthritis Pain and Reduce Inflammation - Parade

Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may be closely related, according to researchers writing in the June issue of Arthritis and Rheumatology.

Led by Ronan H. Mullan, MBCHB, Ph.D., of Trinity Centre for Health Science, Ireland, researchers conducted a study of 92 rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients finding that insulin resistance was independently associated with a high body mass index (61 patients) and swollen joint count in 28 joints (61 patients).

Both type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, are characterized by increased insulin resistance, a phenomenon that is thought to be a contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis through nontraditional mechanisms, the authors wrote.

The findings are based on an assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance and body mass index.

The study included 92 patients of which 66% were female and 72% were positive for rheumatoid factor. At baseline, the mean values for swollen joint count in 28 joints (SJC28), tender joint count in 28 joints (TJC28), and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were 3.7 4.4, 3.6 5.2, and 3.5 1.5, respectively. The mean BMI was 28 7 kg/m with 70% of patients having a BMI higher than >25 kg/m. Insulin resistence was present in 26% of patients and 5% of patients had diabetes. They patients were being treated with DMARDs (80%), biologics (29%), and steroids (19%).

The patients, including a second group with osteoarthritis, underwent synovial tissue testing for glucose transporter 1 (GLUT 1) and GLUT4 activity. GLUT-1 expression was greater in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 26) as compared to patients with osteoarthritis (n = 16). RA patients showed increased expression in the lining, sublining, and vascular regions. But, decreased GLUT4 expression was found in the RA lining layer in 21 patients as compared to only eight osteoarthritis patients.

When GLUT-1 protein expression decreased, pAMPK protein expression in synovial fluid increased in in four patients who were treated with metformin, which increased glycolytic activity and decreased oxidative phosphorylation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts in seven patients. RA patients who were taking metformin or aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide, demonstrated a reduced spontaneous production of interleukin6 (IL 6), IL 8, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in synovial explants and fibroblasts.

The results of the present study highlight a relationship between insulin resistance and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, we demonstrated downregulation of inflammatory responses in ex vivo rheumatoid arthritis synovial explant cultures and rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts cell cultures by metformin, as well as evidence to suggest that alteration in glucose pathways may ameliorate disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, they wrote.

REFERNCE:Lorna Gallagher Sian Cregan Monika Biniecka Clare Cunningham Douglas J. Veale David J. Kane Ursula Fearon Ronan H. Mullan. "InsulinResistant Pathways Are Associated With Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Are Subject to Disease Modification Through Metabolic Reprogramming: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach," Arthritis and Rheumatology. Frst published:16 December 2019 https://doi.org/10.1002/art.41190

Read more:
Study Demonstrates Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Insulin Resistance - Rheumatology Network

Editor's note: Find the latest COVID-19 news and guidance in Medscape's Coronavirus Resource Center.

First results from a database of adults and children with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases who have contracted COVID-19 will be unveiled at the upcoming virtual European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2020 Congress.

Loreto Carmona

The database, which is updated weekly, will enable clinicians to compare treatment and disease outcomes in patients and to analyze predictive factors for poor prognoses, said Loreto Carmona, MD, PhD, from the Musculoskeletal Health Institute in Madrid, who is chair of the EULAR abstract selection committee.

As of May26, a total of 985 patients from 28 participating countries had been entered in the EULAR COVID-19 database, which was launched as part of the Global Rheumatology Alliance. Patient data are categorized by factors such as top rheumatology diagnosis, comorbidities, top-five COVID-19 symptoms, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy at time of virus infection. Anonymized data will be shared with an international register based in the United States.

In addition to the "many questions" about which immunomodulatory drugs can make patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases more vulnerable to the virus, rheumatologists and patients also want to know if any standard therapies can prevent the cytokine storms that are a severe complication of the disease, Carmona explained.

"There are also questions about whether some of our treatments are actually masking the disease, or if we might have complications or different safety events because of that," she told Medscape Medical News.

"This crisis is going scarily fast," Carmona pointed out. "Some of the answers are not really complete and we are still waiting for some good clinical trials, but we suspect that some of the DMARD medications are actually playing a good part in this disease."

"There are real implications for our patients," said John Isaacs, MBBS, PhD, from Newcastle University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, who is chair of the EULAR scientific program committee. "We can't make assumptions we have to do trials but the answers to these questions will determine the lifestyles of our patients and the decisions they make."

John Isaacs

"COVID-19 is a very interesting situation for all sorts of reasons, and not least because a lot of the drugs we use in rheumatology are being investigated as potential treatments for severe COVID," he told Medscape Medical News.

"That means our community has had quite a lot of input into COVID, and patients want to know if they are at risk for it or, conversely, if they may be safeguarded because of some treatment they're receiving," he said.

The many sessions scheduled for the original meeting remain dedicated to research on treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, but much of the focus has naturally shifted to COVID-19, the organizers said.

As it has in typical years, the meeting will be dominated by research on rheumatoid arthritis, especially into potential new targets. Several noteworthy abstracts will home in on thrombosis risk related to inflammatory arthritis treatments, Isaacs reported.

Another abstract will focus on opioid analgesic consumption in patients also taking TNF inhibitors. This will be interesting because "I know there's some concern about the amount of opioid use in people with arthritis right now," he added.

European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2020 Congress.

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Rheumatology Drugs Explored for COVID-19 in the Spotlight - Medscape

While not as complete as in-person visits, I do love telehealth appointments because the provider has to listen to me before talking, and I absolutely take advantage of the time to share. I also feel more prepared, because I haven't had to leave the house and wait in a chair, said Charis Hill, 33, a disability and chronic disease patient advocate and activist, in a recent Twitter chat co-sponsored by CreakyJoints and Everyday Health. Hill, who lives in Sacramento, California, has ankylosingspondylitis,a form of chronic arthritis that causes inflammation where tendons, ligaments, and bones meet.

RELATED: Your COVID-19 Summer Safety Guide

When you live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is important to stay in touch with your doctors and remain on your medications and treatment protocols. But with the shelter-in-place mandate, that can seem difficult. A telemedicine visit (consulting with your healthcare provider using a smartphone, tablet, computer or other technology), while not perfect, is a very good alternative. Indeed, telemedicine has exploded in just four short months because of pandemic constraints. For example, according to Brandon Welch, PhD, the founder of Doxy.me, the telemedicine portallogged 5.9 million minutes and 236,000 calls in January 2020. By April, those figures had jumped to 315.4 million minutes and 18.9 million calls.

RELATED:Rheumatoid Arthritis: Determining When You Need to See a Doctor and Get Treatment

The consensus seems to be that telemedicine is helpful during a challenging time, but that it has some significant limitations. Vinicius Domingues, MD, a rheumatologist and a medical adviser to CreakyJoints, says that when the patient is doing well, telehealth is as effective as live. The doctor can review medications and lab results and make sure patients understand their particular protocol. However, when there is an issue, it's very hard not to be able to perform a proper physical exam, feeling the joints for swelling and warmth, to see better if there's a rash. Plus, I cant give injections over video, obviously. Thankfully we have telemedicine, because otherwise it would be challenging during these times, but it's not a complete replacement for a full visit, he says.

RELATED: Telemedicine for Physical Therapy: It Works!

Chris Phillips, MD,the chair of the American College of Rheumatologysinsurance subcommittee and a member of the ACRs committee on rheumatologic care, understands that people with RA are anxious about COVID-19. A lot of them are older or immune suppressed, so they're worried about getting sick. They're worried about coming into the office to see us and getting exposed to patients who are sick, he says. More important, he has seen a few cases where patients, concerned that their immunosuppressant medications make them more vulnerable to getting the virus, just stop taking their meds, with disastrous results.

This is dangerous, Dr. Phillips says. If you go off the medicine without checking with your doctor, you run the risk of having a significant flare of underlying disease, which you then may or may not get back under control successfully when you go back on treatment. For most patients we're recommending they continue that treatment but be extra cautious about sticking to safety guidelines. I think now more than ever, it's important that we be in communication either in person or by phone or telehealth with people who have those concerns.

RELATED: Why You Shouldnt Miss Your Ob-Gyn Visit Because of the Pandemic

According to Dr. Domingues, your doctor should review all your symptoms that have arisen since you were last seen, your lab tests, and discuss your medications. Obviously, I dont have the ability to perform a full physical exam, but I can see a swollen knee via telemedicine and make the determination that the patient needs to come in for a shot, he says.

RELATED: How to Have an Effective Appointment With Your Rheumatologist

Lets say you need an injection, infusion or joint manipulation. How can you see your doctor in person safely? Most offices are following these Centers for Disease Control (CDC) precautions, says Domingues:

It looks like telemedicine is here to stay, but in what form and to what extent after the pandemic is over is still unclear. Phillips says, It depends on whether some of the regulatory changes are left in place or not. For the foreseeable future, enjoy not having to drive and then read endless out-of-date magazines in a waiting room!

Read the original:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Telemedicine Can Do for You During the Pandemic - Everyday Health

Stress is a part of modern life. Thanks to a hectic lifestyle and a race to accomplish unrealistic deadlines, many people suffer from some degree of stress. But when it takes on a severe form, it can lead to many unwanted health conditions. This induces what is medically called stress induced arthritis. It is basically rheumatoid arthritis that is triggered by stress and anxiety. Also Read - Rheumatoid arthritis and workouts: These exercises will help alleviate the symptoms

Stress is the most common cause of inflammation, which leads to arthritis. Aches and pains are also common symptoms of stress. But when you suffer from chronic stress, this may take on a serious form. Stress contributes significantly to the development of autoimmune diseases, which makes the bodys immune system produce antibodies that attack the bodys healthy tissues instead of fighting infection. Arthritis, as we all know, is an autoimmune condition. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the antibodies attach to connective tissue within the joints. This leads to pain, stiffness and swelling. It can go on to cause permanent joint damage if you dont take care immediately. Autoimmune diseases are mostly incurable. But you can manage the symptoms and delay progression. Also Read - Get relief from arthritis pain naturally: 5 home therapies you must try

If you suffer from this form of arthritis, you will experience symptoms that are common to other types of arthritis. Stiffness in your joints, painful and swollen joints and morning stiffness are common. You may also get tired easily and have fever from time to time. Other symptoms of this condition are unexplained loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling of limbs and insomnia. Anxiety attacks and difficulty in breathing are also common. Also Read - Best exercises for juvenile arthritis

Besides consulting your doctor, there are a few other things that you can do to deal with the symptoms of this condition. Let us see what they are.

If you are in pain, it is natural that you may not want to exercise daily. But if you can force yourself to do so, you will be surprised to see the difference that it makes. Take up some low impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga or aerobics. This will give you relief from your arthritis pain and improve flexibility in your joints. You can also take up a bit of weight training. But if you find that your pain increases because of your workouts, stop immediately and consult a doctor.

Try to be relaxed and calm. This will improve your condition significantly. You can try yoga and some meditation techniques for this, listen to music, read a good book and do some breathing exercises. If you can manage your stress, your condition will automatically improve.

This is important because it will boost your overall health and help you deal with the challenges thrown up by arthritis. Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Make sure your meals are nutritious and balanced. Avoid processed and fried foods and try to go easy on sugar. All this will make a significant difference to your health.

Published : May 29, 2020 10:14 am | Updated:May 29, 2020 11:52 am

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Symptoms of stress induced arthritis: Know how to deal with it naturally - TheHealthSite

by Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed.

A team of researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) studying 2,600 patients has found that the percentage of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) who had a hip replacement within two years of hip arthroscopy was a whopping 68%. In addition, having undergone prior hip arthroscopy was associated with significantly worse outcomes after hip replacement.

Their study, Hip arthroscopy for hip osteoarthritis is associated with increased risk for revision after total hip arthroplasty, appeared in the March 3, 2020 online edition of Hip International.

Alexander McLawhorn, M.D., M.B.A., a hip and knee surgeon at HSS, told OSN, We had observed suboptimal outcomes and more complications after total knee replacement in patients with prior knee arthroscopy compared to patients who had never had a knee arthroscopy. Also, we had observed that patient reported outcomes patients subjective assessment of their outcomes after total hip replacement were lower in patients who had prior hip arthroscopy versus those who did not.

The study, the first to quantify the clinical outcomes and risks of complications of hip arthroscopy before total hip replacement in OA patients, is available online as part of theAAOS 2020 Virtual Education Experience and is currently publishedonlineonHIP International.

Using Medicare data from a large national insurance database (PearlDiver Patient Records Database), the team identified more than 5,200 patients with hip arthritis who had undergone a total hip replacement procedure between 2005 and 2016. Patients were categorized as to whether they had received hip arthroscopy before hip replacement; there were 2,600 patients in each group.

Dr. McLawhorn commented to OSN, First, there was a very high rate of conversion to total hip replacement within two years of hip arthroscopy, when arthroscopy was performed in the setting of hip arthritis. Second, there was a significantly higher odds of serious complications, including reoperation, infection, implant loosening and dislocation, after hip replacement in patients with a history of prior hip arthroscopy.

Indeed, 1,790 (68%) of patients who had received hip arthroscopy for OA had undergone a total hip replacement procedure within two years. According to the study, Patients who had a prior hip arthroscopy had 3.7 times greater risk of needing revision hip replacement surgery, 2.8 times greater risk of implant loosening and 1.9 times higher risk of joint infection after hip replacement, compared to patients who had not had hip arthroscopy prior to their hip replacement.

Within two years of total hip replacement, 3.4% of patients in the arthroscopy group required revision surgery compared to 2.1% in the non-arthroscopy group. In the same period, rates of complications were higher for the arthroscopy group compared to the non-arthroscopy group as follows: dislocation 3.2% versus 2.3%; joint infections 2.9% versus 1.6%; and joint loosening 2.3% versus 1.0%, respectively.

Dr. McLawhorn told OSN, In the majority of patients with hip arthritis, hip arthroscopy is probably a low value procedure to be avoided or approached with extreme caution. Surgeons often focus on potential benefits of interventions without appropriate acknowledgement of potential risks. In this case, if hip arthroscopy is offered to patients with underlying hip arthritis, the real risk of conversion to total hip replacement should be discussed along with the potential negative effects of arthroscopy on the subsequent replacement.

I think it should be noted that there may be a subset of patients with hip arthritis who benefit from hip arthroscopy (with or without concomitant interventions), as one third of patients did not undergo immediate conversion to total hip replacement. This population deserves closer study in order to refine the indications, if any, for hip arthroscopy in the arthritic hip.

Originally posted here:
Study: Hip Arthroscopy for OA=High Conversion to THR, Worse Outcomes - OrthoSpineNews

A new report by XploreMR takes a deep dive into the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment after exhaustively researching, analyzing, and assessing the markets global and regional trends to encourage market players to improve their business tactics and succeed in the long-run. The extensively detailed study is simplified on the basis of the markets end-use applications, regional adoption, products, and various other segments, to provide insightful learning to the market players. The researchers present a highly detailed study written in simple English and backed by simple images to represent statistics which is an effective tool to understand the market dynamics, and gain a competitive edge in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market. Dwelling deep into compelling details, the report also discusses the developments in the competitive landscape and various growth strategies being implemented by the players in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market.

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Highlights of TOC:

Overview:Presents a broad overview of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market, acting as a snapshot of the elaborate study that follows.

Market Dynamics:A straight-forward discussion about key drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market.

Product Segments:Explores the market growth of the wide variety of products offered by organizations, and how they fare with end-users.

Application Segments:This section studies the key end-use applications that contribute to the market growth and the emerging opportunities to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market.

Geographical Segments:Each regional market with a region-specific study of each segment- is carefully assessed for understanding its current and future growth scenarios.

Company Profiles:Leading and emerging players of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market are thoroughly profiled in the report based on their market share, market served, products, applications, regional growth, and other factors.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market: Expansion Strategies Set to Generate Substantial Revenue in the... - Azizsalon News

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cost can play a role in patient adherence to medication, but the presence of comorbidities does not impact cost of care for patients, according to 2 abstracts presented at the Virtual 2020 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research meeting.

In one study,1 researchers used a pooled cross-sectional analysis of 2009-2013 Medicare Current Beneficiary Surveydata to assess the association between drug coverage type and out-of-pocket (OOP) medication cost with cost-related nonadherence (CRN) for patients with RA in the Medicare population.

Drug coverage type included in the analysis could be no coverage, standalone Medicare prescription drug plan, Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, prescription drug plan plus Medicaid, MAPD plus Medicaid, TRICARE, and private plans. There were 4 questions that identified CRN with either a yes or no:

Patients with MADP plus Medicaid (HR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.71;P = .01), TRICARE (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.76;P = .02), or private plans (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.73;P < .01) were less likely to report CRN than those without drug coverage, the authors wrote.

In the second study,2 researchers evaluated 2140 patients with RA to understand their RA-related outpatient treatment costs. All the patients included were being treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugsbetween April 2016 and March 2018. They were followed for 12 months.

The majority (82%) had at least 1 comorbidity. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to be older, white, female, and Medicare insured compared with patients without comorbidities. Before accounting for demographics, patients with comorbidities had higher total RA costs ($56,405 vs $49,298), but after accounting for differences in demographics using generalized linear models, the difference in costs shrunk ($52,209 vs $48,484), and after using propensity score matching (350 patients per group matched without replacement by age, race, payer, and gender), the difference in costs disappeared ($47,697 vs $47,612).

References

1. Zheng D, Thomas J. Prescription drug coverage type, out-of-pocket spending, and cost-related nonadherence among Medicare beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis. Presented at: ISPOR 2020; May 18-20, 2020; Abstract PMS81.https://www.ispor.org/heor-resources/presentations-database/presentation/intl2020-3182/102115

2. Edgerton C, Radtchenko J, Holers VM. Outpatient costs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with vs without comorbidities. Presented at: ISPOR 2020; May 18-20, 2020; Abstract PMS4.https://www.ispor.org/heor-resources/presentations-database/presentation/intl2020-3182/99754

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How Comorbidities Affect Costs and Costs Impact Nonadherence in RA - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Roche and Gilead Sciences have launched a Phase III clinical trial in severe COVID-19 pneumonia, testing Roches Actemra/RoActemra with Gileads remdesivir. To date, remdesivir is the only drug shown to be effective against COVID-19 and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under emergency use authorization.

Actemra/RoActemra is an anti-IL-6 receptor biologic in both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations for adults with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis and for chimeric antigen receptor CAR-T-cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

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In other words, Actemra/RoActemra is used to treat inflammatory diseases and to control the cytokine storms associated with certain immuno-oncology treatments. Gileads remdesivir is an antiviral drug. COVID-19 is marked by several unusual symptoms, including blood clotting, cytokine storms and severe pneumonia.

As more information about COVID-19 pneumonia becomes available in these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to work together to fight this disease, said Levi Garraway, Roches chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. Based on our current understanding, we believe that combining an antiviral with an immune modulator could potentially be an effective approach to treating patients with severe disease. Were pleased to partner with Gilead to determine whether combining these medicines could potentially help more patients during this pandemic.

The REMDACTA Phase III trial is expected to begin enrolling in June and involve 450 patients worldwide.

Roche is also almost done with enrollment of another Phase III trial, COVACTA, studying intravenous Actemra/RoActemra alone with standard of care (SOC) compared to placebo plus SOC in hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The original design called for 330 patients but was expanded to allow for more robust data. The first patient was randomized on April 3, with about 450 patients enrolled. The company expects to share data from the COVACTA trial sometime this summer. The protocol for COVACTA allows patients who were treated with antiviral drugs, including experimental antivirals, so data from that subgroup can be used to supplement the COVACT study.

COVACTA is being run in partnership with the FDA and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Roche is also taking part in the Accelerated COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) partnership led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Foundation of the NIH.

As mentioned above, in a study conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of remdesivir in 1,063 COVID-19 patients, the drug showed on April 30 that patients recovered from the disease faster than patients who received placebo. This prompted the emergency use authorization by the FDA within days. What it showed was patients had a 31% faster time to recovery than the placebo group, from a median 15 days to a median 11 days.

The detailed data was published yesterday in The New England Journal of Medicine. Additional data suggested remdesivir was a little bit better in decreasing deaths than were originally reported, although the difference wasnt statistically significant. Previously, death rates were 8% with the drug compared to 11.6% in the placebo groups. With additional two-week data, the rate for remdesivir was 7.1% compared to 11.9% for the placebo.

In a note to clients written on Saturday, May 23, Geoffrey Porges, analyst with SVB Leerink, said the numeric mortality improvement, if further validated, can change sentiment about COVID-19. In addition, the improvement can take some of the stress off hospital systems.

The drug didnt seem to provide much help to COVID-19 patients with mild or moderate disease and patients on invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were almost identical in both arms of the trial. The likelihood in improvement in clinical status was 50% higher in patients receiving remdesivir than in the placebo cohort.

Porges wrote, It is likely that the treatment benefit from remdesivir will increase in the real world once the lessons of this trial and other studies are incorporated into routine treatment practices.

Umer Raffat, an analyst with Evercore noted of the published study data, The single most important data disclosure that I was awaiting was this: How does mortality look different in patients that take remdesivir early? These early trials on COVID are all about identifying not only whether a drug works, but also when to initiate the drug.

Read more here:
Roche and Gilead Launch COVID-19 Trial to Test One-Two Punch of Actemra and Remdesivir - BioSpace

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market research encompasses an exhaustive analysis of the market outlook, framework, and socio-economic impacts. The report covers the accurate investigation of the market size, share, product footprint, revenue, and progress rate. Driven by primary and secondary researches, the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market study offers reliable and authentic projections regarding the technical jargon.All the players running in the global Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market are elaborated thoroughly in the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market report on the basis of proprietary technologies, distribution channels, industrial penetration, manufacturing processes, and revenue. In addition, the report examines R&D developments, legal policies, and strategies defining the competitiveness of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market players.The report on the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market provides a birds eye view of the current proceeding within the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market. Further, the report also takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period.

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The following manufacturers are covered:Alteogen Inc.Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyEpirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.Johnson & JohnsonMomenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Mycenax Biotech Inc.Novartis AGOncobiologics, Inc.

Segment by RegionsNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndia

Segment by TypeAdalimumab BiosimilarCanakinumabGolimumabTocilizumab BiosimilarOthers

Segment by ApplicationClinicHospitalOthers

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Objectives of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment Market Study:To define, describe, and analyze the global Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market based on oil type, product type, ship type, and regionTo forecast and analyze the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market size (in terms of value and volume) and submarkets in 5 regions, namely, APAC, Europe, North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East & AfricaTo forecast and analyze the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market at country-level for each regionTo strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends and their contribution to the global Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high growth segments of the global Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment marketTo identify trends and factors driving or inhibiting the growth of the market and submarketsTo analyze competitive developments, such as expansions and new product launches, in the global Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment marketTo strategically profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategiesThe Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market research focuses on the market structure and various factors (positive and negative) affecting the growth of the market. The study encloses a precise evaluation of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market, including growth rate, current scenario, and volume inflation prospects, on the basis of DROT and Porters Five Forces analyses. In addition, the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market study provides reliable and authentic projections regarding the technical jargon.

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Excerpt from:
Assessing the Fallout From the Coronavirus Pandemic Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment Market To Grow Significantly From 2020 To 2026,...

Speaking to the press on Monday, Dominic Cummings said he drove, with his wife and child, on a 30-mile trip to Barnard Castle during lockdown to see if he could drive safely, concerned that his eyesight might have been affected by coronavirus.

In a press conference later the same day, Boris Johnson also claimed to have experienced problems with his eyesight following Covid-19, brandishing a pair of glasses and saying: Im finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years I think thats very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus.

Eye problems are not on the UKs list of coronavirus symptoms. At present, only a high temperature, new continuous cough, and loss of taste or smell are considered common signs of the disease.

A spokesperson for Moorfields eye hospital, in London, said there was, at present, very little evidence to suggest Covid-19 could affect eyesight.

Cases where Covid-19 is recorded alongside an impact on eyesight are rare, so we cannot establish a direct causal effect, the spokesperson said.

Prof Chris Hammond, Frost chair of ophthalmology at Kings College London, who is also a consultant ophthalmologist at Guys and St Thomas NHS trust, said: Eye problems with coronavirus, Covid-19, seem to be extremely uncommon and there arent any reports that I can find in the literature of anyone having visual loss due to the virus.

Maybe something like one in 100 people may get a bit of conjunctivitis, which can in theory blur vision. But it is pretty uncommon. He added that such eye problems were more frequent among patients who had been ventilated.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye, and typically has symptoms including pinkness of the eye, watering and a sticky discharge.

Robert MacLaren, the professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, said reports from Wuhan suggested a link between Covid-19 and conjunctivitis, as well as conjunctival hyperemia (red eye), chemosis (eye swelling), epiphora (watery eye) and increased secretions (sticky eye). MacLaren noted such symptoms could affect vision.

A spokesperson for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists said the college was unable to report on an association of vision impairment with Covid-19 due to the lack of evidence. But, they added, the college had previous noted coronavirus might cause conjunctivitis.

Hammond said it would be clear to an individual if they had conjunctivitis. You would be aware that you had a bit of a pink eye and it was a bit watery and discharging. A bit like a windscreen wiper on a car, you have to blink to clear the muck off the tear film.

Hammond said a report from Brazil suggested that, from scans, some Covid-19 patients appeared to have some damage to the retina, but the patients did not have any symptoms of eye problems or loss of vision.

Hammond added that severe Covid-19 might mean patients needed their reading glasses more.

It is true when you have been significantly unwell, that as all your muscles are a bit weaker, the muscles that control the focus of your eyes can be weaker, he said. But the situation, he noted, applied only to far-sighted people, adding that Cummings appeared to wear glasses for short-sightedness myopia being unable to see well in the distance.

As for getting behind the wheel of the car to test your eyesight, Hammond said the Highway Code stated that drivers needed to be able to read a vehicle number plate at a minimum distance of 20 metres. When you have your driving test to see if you are seeing well enough to be allowed to drive, they test whether you can read the number plate before they allow you in the car, he said.

Continued here:
Can coronavirus affect eyesight? Evidence is lacking, say experts - The Guardian

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that his own eyesight was affected by coronavirus, after his top aide said he had gone on a drive to test his vision after recovering from the virus.

Mr Johnson told the daily Downing Street press briefing on Monday that he was having to wear glasses for the first time in years after suffering coronavirus.

He added: Im finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years because I think of the likely effects of this thing so Im inclined to think theres some I think thats very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus.

His comments come after Mr Cummings earlier told reporters that he took his family to Barnard Castle to see if he could drive safely after his illness affected his eyesight.

But the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales took to social media to warn people not to get behind the wheel if they feel unwell or their eyesight is impaired.

Speaking at a press conference in the Downing Street rose garden, Mr Cummings said he had fallen ill with Covid symptoms of a headache and fever the day after arriving in Durham.

After recovering, Mr Cummings said he got expert medical advice and was told he could go back to work.

But because the virus had affected his eyesight, he said his wife did not want to risk the drive back to London and they agreed they should go for a short drive.

Mr Cummings added: My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.

She did not want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been.

We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely, we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town.

We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town.

We parked by a river. My wife and I discussed the situation, we agreed that I could drive safely, we should turn around and go home.

But the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter took to Twitter to advise people to not drive if their eyesight might be impaired.

Sorry, this content isn't available on your device.

He added: Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue.

If youre feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. Its not a wise move.

As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions, including fatalities.

Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision, this is a serious issue.

Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell.

Surrey Polices road policing unit also tweeted that anyone concerned about their eyesight should not drive.

Sorry, this content isn't available on your device.

It added: A drivers vision is very important.

If you have any concerns about your eyesight dont drive, until youve sought the advice of a qualified optician.

A driver must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres.

Read more:
PM and top aide say coronavirus affected their eyesight - ITV News

Singapore is often labelled myopia capital of the world, with Dr Lam Pin Pin, Singapores Senior Minister of State for Health stating the prevalence is 65% in primary school students, and rises to 83% in young adults.

By 2050, it is projected that 80 to 90% of all Singaporean adults above 18 years old will be myopic and 15 to 25% of these individuals may have high myopia, he said.

He explained that high myopia increases the risk of eye disorders later in life, such as early cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

In light of this,Beh Kheng Suan, country head of Malaysia and Singapore at VitaHealthobserved: We see a change in customer behavior. Nowadays, it is not only the older group of people who are looking for eye care supplements to improve their eyesight. Younger customers are also looking for eye care supplements due to long hours of staring at their screens, which can cause dry and tired eyes.

In particular, she pointed out that eye care was especially important for I-gen (4-16 years old) and millennials (17-34 years old) as these groups were most prone to myopia and digital eye fatigue.

VitaHealth currently has four products in its eye care line. It also markets health supplements with functions ranging from joint, liver, cardiovascular to blood sugar control.

Behtold NutraIngredients-Asia that eye supplements were among the top five categories sold in Singapore, and she expects sales to grow between 10 to 15% year-on-year.

Last year, the firm launched Eye-Pro, a supplement claiming to offer blue light protection. According to Beh, Eye-Pro is the first eye care formula in Singapore containing meso-zeaxanthin.

Beh explained that the macula in eyes is responsible for sharp and detailed central vision. It is largely made up of three xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, collectively known as the macular pigment.

Of the three carotenoids, meso-zeaxanthin has the greatest capability of quenching oxygen radicals. It has the highest capacity to filter the most energetic and potentially damaging wavelengths of visible light, and to neutralise free radicals, she said.

The supplement is formulated with XanMax, a patented marigold flower ingredient manufactured by Indias Katra PhytoChem.

For every 200mg of XanMax, there is 20mg of lutein and 4mg of trans-meso zeaxanthin. Trans-meso zeaxanthin refers to total zeaxanthin comprising of both trans- and meso- isomers.

In a clinical study, supplementation of XanMax for six months was found to increase macular pigment optical density and serum lutein concentration.

This macular pigment acts as internal sunglasses to protect the photoreceptor cells in the retina against harmful light and improve vision. In combination, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin provide the most potent antioxidants that can localise to the macula and represent the natural oxidative protectant, Beh explained.

With the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in many people working remotely, she said the firm had seen sales of Eye-Pro picking up. There is an increase in Eye-Pro sales as many people are working from home and spending more hours staring at a computer screen. This product helps to protect vision from the damaging effects of blue light emitted by digital devices.

VitaHealths supplements are sold on its official website, as well as other e-commerceplatforms including Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10. Its offline presence includes departmental stores, pharmacies, hospitals and polyclinics.

In terms of trends in eye care ingredients, Beh said lutein, zeaxanthin and bilberry would continue to remain popular.

The globaleye health supplements market is expected to grow from USD1,412.12m in 2018 to USD2,116.12m by 2025 at a CAGR of 5.94%.

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Bright future: VitaHealth eyes growing opportunity with vision care supplements as screen time soars - FoodNavigator-Asia.com

At first glance, the sign may appear to say "10p drive-through," - but this is the Belfast Trust's Intra-Ocular Pressure drive-through clinic.

It is a first in the UK, helping to protect the eyesight of glaucoma sufferers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Glaucoma is a condition that affects the nerve at the back of the eye," consultant ophthalmic surgeon Angela Knox explained.

"It causes loss of peripheral vision in the early stages, which is irreversible, and that can lead on to tunnel vision or loss of central vision in the advanced stages.

"The treatment for it is usually with eye drops which are taken on a daily basis to lower the pressure in the eye, but laser and surgery can also be carried out."

First to pull into the marquee is Thomas Taylor.

He has had the condition for much of the last 20 years. He didn't know his sight was so bad until glaucoma was diagnosed.

"I was as blind as a bat," he said, from the comfort of his daughter's car.

"They checked me last September, and the professor said: 'I'm not happy with this left eye'.

Thomas has had to have operations help restore some of his sight.

Last year, he was prescribed new eye drops, and he's back to have his eyes checked, driven to the Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment centre by his daughter.

Under the canvas of the marquee, Thomas stays in his daughter's car.

The nurse, Sarah Henderson, asks him to remove his seatbelt and turn towards her.

From beside the car, in her visor, mask, apron and gloves, she uses a portable pressure device to assess how his eyes are doing.

Using just her gloved thumb and forefinger on one hand, she touches Thomas' forehead lightly to support the machine, for the pressure reading to be carried out.

It's over in seconds.

He'll get a phone call in a few days' time to let him know the result and any action that needs to be taken.

"Our patients seem to be very pleased with it and we've had a very good feedback," said Sister Henderson.

"Some of our patients are a little bit anxious at the minute about coming up to the clinic, and rightly so, just because of the current climate that we're in.

"So this is a really good way of reassuring patients, taking their pressure for them, making sure treatment is working and being able to give them a little bit of feedback and let them know how things are going.

"We're finding it works very well, and we're able to see a lot more patients than we would normally be able to see, which is also beneficial for us," she added.

Consultant Angela Knox and her team have identified hundreds of patients who can be monitored this way during the pandemic.

"It's not suitable for all of our patients because many of our patients need additional tests to monitor their glaucoma.

"For these patients where we just need to know their pressure, it's been a great way of providing the service for them," she said.

"It also keeps our waiting area free for patients that we need to see face to face," she added.

For the steady stream of patients like Thomas arriving for their checks, the reassurance that their sight is being kept safe while they are protected from any exposure to the virus is invaluable.

"It's very convenient to come here, you know," said Thomas.

"I don't have to worry about the clinic. And hopefully I get checked out and Bob's your uncle."

See the article here:
Coronavirus: The drive-through that protects glaucoma sufferers - BBC News

File photo of BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur. (PTI)

A day after her missing posters dotted areas in her Lok Sabha constituency Bhopal, BJP MP Pragya Thakur said she has no vision in one eye and only 25% eyesight in the second. Thakur in a video message said she has been recuperating at AIIMS in New Delhi for a while.

In a video message, Thakur with a bandaged left eye claimed her condition deteriorated in the last month or so and she cant see from one eye and has blurred vision in the second. "I have swelling right from brain to retina. I am not in a position to talk much," she said.

She lashed at those who put up her missing posters in Bhopal saying she does not care for those who only believe in politics and added that her representatives are offering services to public in Bhopal.

"I believe in working and I may be ill but this illness is also a gift of Congress party," said the first-time MP who had defeated senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Thakur has blamed custodial torture for her numerous physical ailments and claims she was harassed in connection to the Malegaon blasts at the behest of Congress leaders. Her missing posters were put up by unknown persons in several areas in Bhopal on Friday.

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Bhopal MP Pragya Thakur Claims Her Vision Impaired in One Eye, 25% Vision left in The Other - News18

ROAD SAFETY organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel if they have any concerns about their eyesight.

During recent months, with routine eyesight tests hard or impossible to come by, some drivers may have become aware of changes in their vision, and GEM is asking them to do the responsible thing and avoid driving.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: GEM has long campaigned for more rigorous and routine eyesight testingin the interests of road safety.

A proper eye test will also measure peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and colour vision.

If you are concerned about changes to the quality of your vision, please dont put yourself and others at risk by driving. Instead wait to have a propereyesight test before you get behind the wheel.

There are simply no excuses fordriving when youreunsure you can see properly, as you risk causing injury not only to yourself but to your passengers and anyone else who happens to be in your way.

Poor eyesight is linked to more than 3,000 fatal and serious injury collisions every year.We believe all drivers should have an eye test every two years, just to ensure there are no safety concerns about their vision and to deal with any developing issues at an early stage.

The current eyesight test was introduced to the driving test in 1937 and has only been amended in minor ways over the years to reflect changing number plate sizes. It is the only eyesight test drivers are required to undertake until they reach the age of 70.

According to GEM, the test is crude and outdated, as it only measures visual acuity (sharpness). It could also quite easily examine a drivers field of view, as is done in many US states, to check whether motorists can see and react to whats happening around them.

Worth adds: Asking someone to read a number plate at 20.5 metres (67 feet) cannot on its own be a measure of their fitness to continue driving.

A proper eye test will also measure peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and colour vision. Before getting back on the road after lockdown, we encourage every driver with any eyesight concerns to book a test and ensure everything is in order.

Eyesight has until now not been a major consideration for those who may have contracted coronavirus.

The possibility thatCovid-19 may have an affect on eyesight has been in the spotlight after prime minister Boris Johnsons chief adviser Dominic Cummings attempted to explain to the nation why he had driven to a local beauty spot during his controversial visit to Durham which came at the height of the coronavirus lockdown.

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

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Are you listening Dominic Cummings? Drivers urged to avoid getting behind the wheel if concerned about their eyesight - The Voice Online

Leigh Washburn, My Turn Published 6:57 a.m. MT May 30, 2020

Leigh Washburn(Photo: SUBMITTED)

A recent BBC report (https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-52731624) graphically describes the consequences of unchecked propagation of mis- and disinformation about SARS-Cov-2: The hospitalized couple, one near death, in Florida, believing it was a hoax; violence against Muslims in India; people swallowing fish tank cleaner, disinfectants, or toxic alcohol; and the worst and most common those waiting too long to seek help because they thought the hazards were overblown (https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them).

Conspiracy theories are more than just distracting. Deciding who to trust isnt easy, but its possible and essential. Ask whos talking. Whats their background, their reputation? Are they writing for a known outlet? Is the piece sensationalist? Contradictory? Do reporters interview multiple people actual experts vet sources, fact-check, question inconsistencies (The Conspiracy Theory Handbook; Yahoo News, 05/22/20; Forbes, 05/08/20; Atlantic, 03/21/20; Lifehacker, 05/08/20)?

The most recent, and arguably worst, is the slick documentary, Plandemic, which looks and feels credible but doesnt hold up under careful scrutiny. Its been fact-checked by several experts (Science, 05/08/20; factcheck.org, 05/08/20; https://respectfulinsolence.com/2020/05/06/judy-mikovits-pandemic/; NPR;05/08/20). Too much is just off.

Its sole interviewee, Judy Mikovits, is introduced as one of the most accomplished scientists of her generation. So who is she? She earned a BS in chemistry in 1980, worked as a lab technician until 1988, got her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology in 1991, then apparently held postdoctoral positions until 2006, when she was tapped to head a new private institute founded by the Whittemore family to look for a viral cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). First red flag she was apparently a lab tech or a postdoc for more than 20 years, all that time working on other investigators projects under their supervision. She was never an independent researcher (respectfulinsolence.com., 05/06/20).

Her inexperience caught up with her. An article in the prestigious journal Science, in which she claimed to have discovered a CFS-related virus, was retracted because blood samples were contaminated (Science, 12/23/11). She lost her job and was ultimately arrested (NOT by SWAT) for stealing lab notebooks and other data. Those charges were eventually dropped although the institute won a civil suit.

She makes vague claims that Anthony Fauci blocked publication of some work she did as a technician (implausible); that her research on HIV was instrumental in developing treatments (unverified); and that Fauci and Big Pharma destroyed her career, without explaining how.

Her recorded comments display big gaps in scientific knowledge. A few examples:

This is just a preview. The articles I cited above explore these and many more red flags in depth, with plenty of solid science. They make for good reading, especially if youre still having trouble making up your mind.

Leigh Washburn is a member of the Iron County Democrats.

Read or Share this story: https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2020/05/30/my-turn-bad-conspiracy-theories-bad-worse-and-ugliest/5290567002/

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Bad conspiracy theories: The bad, the worse and the ugliest - The Spectrum

Just like hate, cult is a strong word that some organizations definitely do not want to use to define themselves. Heavens Gate didnt call themselves a cult, and neither did the Branch Davidians. But for the rest of time, these groups will be remembered as the definition of a cult.

At some point or another, well be remembering these groups as cults as well. Just because theyre not called cults doesnt mean theyre definition not cult-like. Heck, past members of these organizations may even call these groups cults themselves.

Look, we dont care how many explanations youve gotten from your high school friend selling essential oils or diet products. MLMs are pyramid schemes that have a cult like energy from them. Just look at a MLM convention to prove the cult atmosphere.

Sure, back in the day, companies like Pampered Chef, Avon, and Mary Kay were MLMs that actually let people be fairly successful in a side gig. But the explosion of MLMs in the past 20 years has proven that this is no longer a successful business practice for people. All theyre left with is fake friends that will ditch them the minute they stop making their monthly goals.

This is on the same level of people who are actually convinced reptiles run our governments. This French religious group preaches that extraterrestrials created humanity through genetic engineering, and their representatives have come to Earth in the form of figures such as Jesus Christ and Budda.

Granted, we have to give them some credit as they preach a message of peace on Earth. Though, they want world peace so the extraterrestrial overloads will come back to Earth and visit humans at the embassies built by Ralismists.

If youre familiar with Parks and Rec, this Ron Swanson but literally no connection to the outside world. The Brethren join under the understanding that to prepare for the end of the world, they need to give up all belongings and live off the land until the end.

Theres also no celebrations or playing within the Brethren as they believe such celebrations should be saved for the return of the savior when the world ends. Unfortunately, if someone joins the Brethren, oftentimes theyll leave their family and friends behind with no warning, leading to many Brethren members having missing persons notices out on them.

While the group has gone through rebranding over the years, the stories children raised in the cult tell, including Rose McGowan, and the Phoenix children (River, Joaquin, Rain, and Summer) have us concerned regardless.

The organization believes theyre in a sexual relationship with Jesus, and uses sex in their teachings of Gods love and mercy. Initially, it was a big hit for converts, but it allegedly also caused several cases of child sexual abuse throughout the many communes of TFI.

Probably the most famous modern day cult, Scientology promotes itself as a religious organization based on scientific research. But then you realize this is the same organization that believes humans can live multiple lives, humans are immortal, and humans possess infinite capabilities.

And now you understand why Tom Cruise does such insane stunts in Mission Impossible, because he doesnt think hell die ever. But the organization is well known for keeping its practices secret and basically getting ready to attack anyone who says a bad thing about the organization. So if our website goes down, you know why.

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Creepy organizations: These groups are the definition of a cult - Film Daily