StemCell Therapy

Islamabad

Over nine hundred thousand people were benefitted from our services of during the last one year but a lot is yet to be done, a leading eye care hospital announced.

In last one year, we conducted 40,000 operations, three hundred and fifty thousand patients were treated while half a million people were screened for possible eye disorders, said Executive Director of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospitals, Brigadier (r) Rizwan Asghar.

Sharing the annual report of the trust with the media persons, he said that we are increasing the services by ten percent annually but only the private sector cannot cope with the challenge of blindness as eye diseases are increasing at a fast pace.

"Our population is increasing putting the strain on services like sanitation, pollution is compromising hygiene while fact remains that many of the viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can invade the human body are also capable of attacking the surface or interior of the eye," he said.

Unfortunately, diseases that damage the retina, the optic nerve, or the blood vessels that feed them often cause no pain at all which is another major problem, he added.

Brigadier (r) Rizwan Asghar informed that over two million Pakistanis are blind and eighty percent of them could have been cured if properly checked at an early age.

He said that data available with Al-Shifa shows that lack of basic facilities in far-flung areas and unawareness about the timely check-up are the major causes of eyes diseases and ultimately blindness in the country.

He said that the trust is running its four state-of-the-art eye hospitals at Rawalpindi, Sukkur, Kohat and Muzaffarabad.

The hospital in Rawalpindi eye has a capacity of 250 beds with 40 highly qualified eye surgeons and disease specialists. They treat about 1,200 patients daily and conduct 80 to 100 operations per day.

Link:
Lack of facilities, awareness behind blindness | Islamabad | thenews ... - The News International

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We don't know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Go here to read the rest:
Ask the Doctors: Using MSM may help alleviate arthritis pain - Billings Gazette

San Francisco Examiner

Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? San Francisco Examiner Arthritis affects 27 million Americans, with knee arthritis alone affecting 9 million. Most of it may preventable. Here's why: Arthritis is a disease affecting the bearing surface (articular cartilage) of joints and the underlying bone, along with the ...

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Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? - San Francisco Examiner

Chaffey Breeze

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iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (IBB) Stock Rating Upgraded by Vetr Inc. - The Cerbat Gem

Arthritis affects 27 million Americans, with knee arthritis alone affecting 9 million. Most of it may preventable. Heres why.

Arthritis is a disease affecting the bearing surface (articular cartilage) of joints, and the underlying bone, along with the surrounding joint capsule.

Most of arthritis is due to sports and activity-related injuries which, later in life, lead to arthritis. While such injuries usually cannot be prevented, the subsequent arthritis would most likely not occur if the damage was repaired immediately using modern regeneration and replacement techniques.

But this doesnt often happen. Patients tend to ignore their injuries. Surgeons still remove the damaged tissue and tell their patients to come back when they need a knee replacement. Arthritis pain is treated with cortisone instead of growth factors and stem cells, and insurance companies dont pay for up-to-date tissue regeneration techniques. How do we change this?

First, dont ignore an injury. If you twist your knee, hear a pop, and then have swelling, theres a 90% chance you have torn a key tissue in the knee. If left alone, the injury will cause arthritis; if repaired properly, it may not. Getting an accurate rapid diagnosisoften with MRI confirmationis the critical first step. Not having the damaged tissue removed, if at all possible, is the next step.

Unfortunately, most surgeons still remove the damaged knee tissuesusually the meniscus shock absorber and the articular cartilage surfacewithout applying the latest repair, regeneration, and replacement techniques.

Why? Because those repair techniques are difficult, take extra operating time, are not reimbursed by insurance companies, and do not have enough large-scale studies to convince the entire medical establishment that they work. But here are the facts:

We know that if the joint cartilage is repaired or replaced when it is injured, the likelihood of arthritis is significantly less. In the USwhere 800,000 meniscus tears occur each yearless than 10% are repaired and only about 0.25% of people receive a new meniscus. Thats because a future arthritis problem is not likely to cost the insurer money, as most people dont stay with the same insurance company for more than a few years. Surgeons tell the patients to expect arthritis to set in 10 - 20 years in the future; sometimes it occurs much faster.

After arthritis does occur, cartilage repair and replacement procedures can still be beneficial. They can reduce pain, improve functions, and delay the time at which an artificial joint is required. Our own data shows that, on average, as long as it is not bone on bone, many severely arthritic joints can be biologically repaired. This can delay the need for an artificial joint by (on average) 10 years. (Since only the first artificial joint has the best outcome, and the joints last only a couple of decades, it is important to delay this procedure until patients are quite old.) Again, biological repair is not in the interest of the insurance company. Most patients are told to live with their arthritic knee, and their pain, until they are older.

The non-operative procedures for preventing arthritis are also exquisitely effective and underfunded. The joints are protected by the muscles that surround them. The forces absorbed by the joints are a multiple of body weight. Most people take 2 - 3 million steps per year at up to five times their body weight, depending on the height of the step. Optimizing your body weight matters. Being 10 pounds overweight leads to up to 50 pounds of extra force, 2 - 3 million times per year. And, the stronger the muscles around the joint, the better they absorb some of the forcesrather than the joint surfaces. Preventing self-induced injury would significantly lower the arthritis rate.

Research funding would also help. Ninety-seven percent of arthritis diagnoses are the types that orthopaedic surgeons most commonly treat: osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis. Only 3% are inflammatory; these are called rheumatoid arthritis (or related variants). Yet 97% of the funding of the Arthritis Foundation goes towards those 3% of arthritis diagnoses. Why? Two reasons. First, because thats where much of the money in pharmaceutical treatments of arthritis is to be made. Second, because rheumatologists control the Arthritis Foundation. A major effort to focus research dollars on improving techniques for injury repair would improve outcomes for millions of people.

Given the projected costs to society of $128 billion (or 1.2% of GDP) for arthritis treatment each year, one would think that a national program to prevent this disease would be a high priority. Cancer may kill 600,000 people in the US this year, but arthritis ruins more lives. And it doesnt have to.

Start your workday the right way with the news that matters most.

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Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? - HuffPost

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound hence the reference to crystals.

As for whether it works, lets look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSMs impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We dont know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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ORGANIC COMPOUND MSM COULD HELP WITH ARTHRITIS PAIN - NRToday.com

Executive Director Deborah Jackson, of Northern California Arthritis Foundation, recently joined me as part of a Health Focus television show, inaugurated by Vallejo Community Access Television.

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.

As a rheumatologist, I see arthritic diseases afflicting our community, at all ages.

The kids with arthritis, however, tend to garner less attention.

Consider the impact of arthritis, for Americans of all ages.

Dr. Sharad Lahhanipal, president of the American College of Rheumatology, recently wrote that arthritis is common, expensive and a leading cause of disability.

One in four adults carry this diagnosis, to a tune of $81 billion in annual medical expenses. Although 32 million arthritis sufferers are between the ages of 18 and 64 years, we also see 300,000 youths whose lives are challenged by this diagnosis.

Clinical assessment by an experienced clinician, combined with state-of-the art treatments, can combine to minimize disabling complications.

Arthritis, which is inflammation of a joint, is typically managed by a team approach, involving primary care doctors, rheumatologists, physical therapists and perhaps, orthopedic surgeons and other specialists.

In the case of pediatric rheumatology, there is a sub-specialty within a sub-specialty, which conveys expertise specific to the arthritic conditions of kids, typically under the age of 16.

We tend to find pediatric rheumatologists in academic medical centers.

There is a national shortage of both adult and pediatric specialists in this field, as the baby boomer physicians begin to retire. So many pediatric patients with arthritis are likely to encounter generalists, adult rheumatologists and pediatricians as therapeutic allies.

The term juvenile arthritis is itself somewhat simplistic.

Without getting too far into the weeds of medical jargon, rheumatologists are interested in distinguishing between inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint disease.

Adults often wear out their joints, due to sports injuries or degenerative processes. Pediatric arthritis may involve infiltration of the joint with inflammatory cells and cellular messengers called cytokines.

Historically, we often used anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisone or methotrexate. More sophisticated biologic agents now supplement or entirely replace many of these older therapies.

Every medicine, however, confers potential side effects, including those associated with attenuating healthy immune responses. It is easy to see why pediatric rheumatologists have a tough job.

Leaving aside treatment, diagnosis of pediatric arthritis is not always straightforward. Ranging from systemic to pauci-articular, a few joints involved, to pediatric forms of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or muscle inflammation, we are confronted with an array of possible diagnoses within the pediatric arthritis umbrella.

Carefully tailored treatment and monitoring is necessary in the management of these conditions.

Some kids with arthritis also require regular monitoring by ophthalmologists, as subtle forms of inflammation may even threaten vision.

Jackson informed us that the Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring numerous activities, relative to juvenile arthritis.

Camp Kids allows youngsters to enjoy outdoor activities and to interact with peers facing similar challenges.

We discussed the fact that a child with arthritis still fulfills all the usual roles of youth, including student, emerging adult and family member.

The Arthritis Foundation also runs Team Retreat, which is more of a family oriented and comprehensive experience. Myriad services and activities sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation are by no means confined to one month of the calendar year.

What might we, as individuals, do to support Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month?

The Arthritis Foundation maintains a website (arthritis. org), with specific information with regard to the activities discussed. They welcome inquiries about further involvement by the community.

Educating ourselves about the importance of juvenile arthritis is a first step.

You are already ahead of many, simply by reading these few words. Thanks!

Scott T. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. (email [emailprotected]), is clinical professor at UC Davis Medical School. This column is informational and does not constitute medical advice.

Originally posted here:
Educate yourself as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month approaches - Fairfield Daily Republic

At 58, Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett has played a wide range of roles and now shes set to be part of the ground breaking new movie, Black Panther, the first Marvel Comic book movie to feature a black super hero.

Its thrilling you know, its all new to me, the whole super hero and huge franchise [movies], said Bassett. It was cast from actors from all over the globe. I think that fans have been asking for it, looking for it, expecting it, and youre going to be satisfied.

The movie is slated to hit theaters next year and casts Bassett as mother of superhero TChalla, the Black Panther. Bassett co-stars with Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o.

She was also recently cast in another big franchise movie: Mission Impossible 6.

Thats another one. Im like whats going on? I love it, its thrilling, said Bassett.

Related: Shape Shifter: Condola Rashad on Third Tony Award Nomination

Bassett revealed that she owes it all to her mother, Betty. It was her mother who pushed her to follow her dreams and gave her advice that she still remembers to this day.

Youre a prize, said Bassett. Think well of yourself. Every one is, but you are one and dont forget.

Her mother was her inspiration and its because of her mother that Bassett has taken on a new role to raise awareness about diabetes.

My mother had Type 2 diabetes as well as her brother, her eldest brother, said Bassett. At that time we were unaware about this link, this connection between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease which is what she passed from.

Actress Angela Bassett attends the panel discussion for Netflix's "Master of None" For Your Consideration Event at the Saban Media Center on June 5, 2017 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For Netflix) Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

In fact, Type 2 diabetes is linked to multiple complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, those affected with Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk not only for heart disease, but also for amputations, blindness, kidney damage and more.

There are more than 29 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes and it affects African-Americans at a higher than average rate. There is also a genetic link with the disease. Because of Bassetts family history, she revealed that she recently had a health scare during a yearly physical and has to pay attention to her diet and exercise.

Prevention and access to health care are key to keeping type two diabetes in check, said Bassett.

Related:

I think its extremely important. Its life and death. Whether you can see a doctor whether you can get your medication whether you can afford it."

In Bassett's latest role, she gets to play the advocate who could save real lives, off the movie screen.

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Angela Bassett Talks Role in 'Black Panther', Diabetes - NBCNews.com

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals has posted upbeat data from another phase 3 trial of its Sanofi-partnered dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor sotagliflozin. More patients in the treatment arm hit an established target for glycemic control than did in the control cohort, resulting in Lexicon chalking up its third phase 3 success for the diabetes tablet.

The latest trial enrolled 1,402 patients with type 1 diabetes and randomized them to receive either sotagliflozin or placebo. Going into the study the subjects had A1C levels ranging from 7% to 11%. Diabetes associations recommend that patients reduce their A1Clevels to below 7%. A1C is a marker that gives an average blood glucose level. The phase 3 trial assessed the proportion of participants in the sotagliflozin and placebo arms whose A1C levels fell to below 7% over 24 weeks of treatment.

Lexicon said the trial linked sotagliflozin to a statistically-significant improvement in the proportion of patients who met the A1C target. The finding adds to evidence that sotagliflozin helps patients with Type 1 diabetes to control their glucose levels.

Exactly how positive the data are is unclear. In the top-line release Lexicon said the trial met its primary endpoint but provided no details about what proportion of patients in each arm saw their A1C levels fall to below 7%. That datapoint will go some way to showing whether sotagliflozin can go beyond beating the placebo and establish itself as an effective treatment for type 1 diabetics.

The FDA and other regulators have already approved inhibitors of SGLT2, one of the targets hit by sotagliflozin, for use in type 2 diabetics. AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibbs Farxiga, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lillys Jardiance and Johnson & Johnsons Invokana all compete for this niche.

Lexicon thinks sotagliflozin can improve on these existing therapies by also hitting SGLT1, which mediates the absorption of glucose in the intestines. SGLT2 plays a similar role in the kidneys.

Sanofi identified sotagliflozin as a way to enter and disrupt the nascent market for SGLT2 inhibitors in 2015, prompting it to pay $300 million upfront and up to $1.4 billion in milestones for the global license to the experimental drug. And with sotagliflozin having now come through three phase 3 trialsthe first two of which assessed the change in A1C from baselineit is nearing the day on which it can start recouping some of its outlay.

We look forward to pursuing regulatory submissions for the treatment of type 1 worldwide, Sanofi SVP Jorge Insuasty said in a statement.

Sanofi plans to pursue approvals of sotagliflozin in type 1 diabetes while developing the drug for use by people with the type 2 form of the condition. The French Big Pharma is running three phase 3 trials to assess the effect of sotagliflozin on the A1C levels of patients with type 2 diabetes. Sanofi expects to complete the trials in 2018 and 2019.

Continued here:
Lexicon diabetes pill hits endpoint in another phase 3, teeing up regulatory filings by partner Sanofi - FierceBiotech

Diabetes management is a focus area for a number of digital health companies, and increasingly large medical device companies like Medtronic and Dexcom are turning to smartphone apps and connected devices for their consumer offerings. So its no surprise that at the 77th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, which start today, there is a significant health tech presence. We didnt make it out to San Diego ourselves this year, but a lot of the digital health companies have already announced their major news from the conference. As we did last year were rounding up that news here, and well update this piece as more news breaks. Were even including a few news tidbits from this week that werent announced in connection with ADA but impact the diabetes space. Read on for the latest from small startups to major movers and shakers. Dexcom

Its been a big week in the news for the continuous glucose monitor maker. On Monday Dexcom got an important name drop at Apples WWDC: The company will be one of the first to take advantage of Apples addition of native Bluetooth to the Apple Watch. Dexcom has an Apple Watch app at the moment for users of its CGM, but it currently requires the phone to be in range. Now the Watch and the CGM will be able to communicate directly. Then on Wednesday the company announced its long-awaited Android app for Dexcom Share. The Android app just now received FDA clearance, and the company will roll it out this month. At the conference, Dexcom will announce an update to CLARITY, the companys diabetes management software platform. Dexcom is working with the International Diabetes Center (IDC) to incorporate the Ambulatory Glucose Profile, a report developed by IDC. AGP is a standardized way of reporting patient glucose data. AGP reports have been used for several years by physicians, Dr. George Grunberger, chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute, explained in a statement. [It] presents the most relevant statistical and graphical information that would allow clinicians to quickly assess the glucose control of a patient and make meaningful clinical decisions. By having a wider adoption of this report by medical device companies, it allows the information to be agnostic to the manufacturer. AGP can become the EKG report of diabetology where there is one standard glucose report that all clinicians can interpret. One Drop

One Drop Medical, a direct-to-consumer diabetes management system that consists of a lancing device, test strips and a companion app, has expanded its subscription program and launched an Amazon Alexa integration. One Drop subscribers can command the voice assistant to track blood glucose, food and physical activity within the One Drop app, eliminating the need to manually enter any information.

"Accessibility is a foundational value at One Drop," One Drop CEO and founder Jeff Dachis said in a statement. "Now, with new voice and alternative visual interfaces, we are extending our commitment to accessible care with features and programs that allow access to data-driven diabetes care for those with vision challenges, advanced neuropathy, or limited dexterity/mobility, the elderly, caregivers, as well as those challenged by the visual/tactile interfaces associated with smartphones."

Additionally, One Drop is now offering two new specialized diabetes education and coaching programs one on how to deal with the burnout that comes from having a chronic condition, and another for advanced carb counting. The New York-based company will also share results from clinical studies of their system during the ADA conference. Medtronic

Medtronic will present results from several studies, ranging from clinical effectiveness of devices to how machine learning is impacting personalized diabetes management. Scientific presentations will cover insulin pump therapy performance for the MiniMed and SmartGuard systems as well as an update on the performance of SugarIQ, the app Medtronic developed with IBM Watson last year.

The app includes a manual food log and integrates data from Medtronic MiniMed Connect. As users record data about what they eat, when they use insulin, and their blood glucose levels, Watson machine learning generates predictive insights. Medtronic will also delve into notification and engagement strategies, such as in-clinic versus at-home management with email notifications. The company will also host a webcast on June 10 to update their diabetes product pipelines, market outlook and clinical data. T1D Exchange & Admetsys

Boston-based nonprofit T1D Exchange, which is solely focused on spurring innovation and research in type 1 diabetes, is now working withartificial pancreas technology provider Admetsys. The exact terms of the partnership werent disclosed, but T1D Exchange will allocate resources to continue the development of Admetsys Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system for hospital use. The technology, which has been used in three clinical trials, uses a standard IV to draw a small blood sample every few minutes, measure glucose levels and return the blood back to the patient. From there, Admetsys creates a computational model to direct insulin dosages from syringe pumps. Glooko

Diabetes management company Glooko will detail results from two retrospective studies at ADA. The studies show that the Glooko mobile app led to a decrease in average blood glucose, estimated A1C (eA1C) and hyperglycemia rates in people with diabetes. Users of the mobile application also did more blood glucose testing than the control group.The drop in average blood glucose was 3.54 percent. App users were 4.38 percent less likely to experience hyperglycemic events. We are thrilled to see this additional clinical evidence that shows the positive impact Glooko can have on people with diabetes, Rick Altinger, CEO of Glooko, said in a statement. Glookos mission has always been to improve the clinical outcomes for people with diabetes by making diabetes management easier through digital tools. Our user satisfaction rates coupled with this clinical evidence adds credence to the investments that digital health companies have been making to improve the lives of people with chronic diseases. Ascensia & Voluntis Ascensia, a business unit created last year when Panasonic Healthcare Holdings acquired Bayer Diabetes Care, is now working with Paris, France-based app maker Voluntis. Ascensia makes the Contour Next One and Contour Next Link, a pair of connected glucometers that received FDA clearance last year, and Voluntis will develop an app called the Insulia Diabetes Management Companion for people with type 2 diabetes. The glucometers will connect via Bluetooth to the app, allowing blood glucose readings to be used to calculate insulin dosing.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition, especially for people using insulin therapy as part of their management. Were excited to be working together with Voluntis to empower people with Type 2 diabetes by helping them to better manage their insulin treatment, Ascensia CEO Michael Kloss said in a statement. This partnership helps us move further towards our ambition of providing integrated diabetes management, which we see as the future. It is our first partnership in the area of medication management, which is a critical component of integrated diabetes management, and we see Voluntis as a key partner in helping to deliver this goal.

DarioHealth

Israel-based smartphone-connected glucometer company DarioHealth isnt announcing data or new features at ATA but will announce a new social initiative called DarioCares. DarioHealth will donate a portion of its proceeds to charitable and nonprofit organizations working in the field of diabetes. "The ADA conference is one of the biggest annual events in the diabetes industry, Chairman and CEO Erez Raphael said in a statement. Many NGOs will be there and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with them and raising diabetes awareness. Furthermore, DarioCares is an excellent chance to play an active role with leading organizations that are driving change for people with diabetes. This is a win-win opportunity where we can make a significant contribution to the diabetes community."

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News and announcements from the American Diabetes Association conference - MobiHealthNews

WATCH LIVE

A new study from the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute in La Jollashows that texting could be as good as medication at improving Type 2 Diabetes management.

The study looked at a low-income Hispanic community, known to have a high-rate of diabetes.

Lower income individuals sometimes dont havethe education to know what is the right approach to taking care of diabetes," said Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, who spearheaded the study.

The 63 participants who were randomly assigned to the study group received 354 texts over six months--about two to three short messages a day.

Some of the reminder texts read: "Use small plates! Portions will look larger and you may feel more satisfied after eating."

Another text said, "Time to check your blood sugar. Please text back your results."

Ninety-sixpercent of the study group participants said the text messages helped them to manage their diabetes "a lot" by the time the trial ended.

"I lost weight," said Gloria Favela, a mural artist from Valley Center. "My blood sugars dropped. They were at a really healthy level.

Published at 9:49 PM PDT on Jun 9, 2017 | Updated at 10:08 PM PDT on Jun 9, 2017

Read the rest here:
Study Shows Texting Could Help Type 2 Diabetes Management - NBC 7 San Diego

The 77th Annual American Diabetes Association conference is set to begin today in San Diego. Running through Tuesday, the convention will highlight advances for the metabolic disease and likely bring further attention to ongoing issues that have been plaguing the space particularly, the rising cost of insulin and problems with patient adherence to treatment.

This years conference will include more than 15,000 participants looking to consume the 378 abstracts and 2,152 poster presentations. Much like the ADA conference last year, which was dominated by cardiovascular outcomes data for Eli Lilly & Co.s SGLT-2 inhibitor Jardiance (empagliflozin), some of the most pressing data will be further CV outcomes results.

The show isn't as relevant as it once was due to a dwindling diabetes pipeline, but there are still major pharma companies working diligently in the space. "This show has changed so much over the years because the business has changed so much. Diabetes drugs have really become commodities," said David Kliff long time investor, diabetic and author of industry newsletter the Diabetic Investor in an interview.

Here are several items from the conference that could get your blood sugar up:

Now that Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim have garnered an updated label from the Food and Drug Administration for Jardiance that includes cardiovascular outcomes data from the EMPA-REG trial, other drugmakers are looking to prove that its a class-wide effect.

"If you look at Jardianceand the EMPA-REG data, which was really revolutionary it didn't really help them sales-wise," said Kliff. "This tells you about the power of the payer, it tells you that a lot of the experts believe it was a class-effect; these drugs are really becoming a commodity in a way."

Johnson & Johnson will be presenting data on Monday from its own cardiovascular outcomes trial for its SGLT-2 inhibitor Invokana (canagliflozin). The first in the class approved by the FDA, Invokana grew the market and has long been the market leader, but having outcomes data in hand has allowed Lilly and Boehringer to gain ground.

The 10,000-patient strong CANVAS clinical trial program will provide further insight into the cardiovascular benefits of one of diabetes youngest classes of drugs. Lilly and Boehringer will also be making six presentations beginning Saturday further discussing EMPA-REG.

J&J isnt the only company presenting cardiovascular outcomes data. Novo Nordisk will be presenting further data from the 7,000-patient DEVOTE study comparing its basal insulin Tresiba (insulin degludec) with long-time market leader Lantus (insulin glargine).

The initial results were announced last November and showed that Tresiba was non-inferior to Lantus although not superior. Although the Novo drug did show superiority on the secondary endpoint of hypoglycemia.

Novo Nordisk is now seeking approval from the FDA to get the info added to the label. Yet, the agency has been fairly strict with diabetes companies and hasnt considered things like hypoglycemia to be major differentiators.

Keep an eye out Monday for more insight on how the struggling Danish drugmaker might seek further differentiation from competitors.

Amgen and competitors Regeneron and Sanofi have been making headlines for two years now for their pricey cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitors. Those headlines have gotten ugly, as both Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) continue to struggle commercially. Those struggles are further compounded by the ongoing legal battle between the companies over patent rights.

Diabetes is an area that PCSK9 inhibitors have only dabbled in. The high-risk patient population has been included minimally in previous clinical trials, but new data to be presented on Sunday will focus on trials specifically geared toward diabetes patients.

Previous clinical data has shown correlations between PCSK9 levels and insulin levels, but the new studies will look at the safety, tolerability and efficacy in the glycemic-related endpoints.

If the PCSK9 inhibitors are successful in this patient population, then this could be the commercial boost that these players need to finally make a dent in the market.

Both Apple and Google have been moving beyond their respective realms of computer hardware and the internet to get into healthcare.

While neither company has yet to enter the realm of clinical trials and drug development, they are about to make a splash on the diabetes landscape. Apple has partnered up with Dexcom to bring constant glucose monitoring to the Apple Watch. This addition could be a major advancement for patient adherence, allowing patients to have easier access to glucose numbers and better monitor their blood sugar.

Meanwhile, Googles sister company Verily teamed up with Sanofi to launch OnDuo, a company meant to combine Verilys software expertise with Sanofis diabetes experience to bring disease management solutions to patients.

Both of these deals are part of a larger trend toward using technology to bring better drug adherence solutions to patients. Technology is bringing to patients tools such as smart pill bottles to help them track doses, and cell phone apps that give them reminders about both taking medications and getting to physician appointments.

One of the many symposia to be presented throughout the long-weekend will deal with the rising cost of insulin. On Saturday, conference goers will be able to hear about how the diabetes staple has risen in price and what it means for the market and patients.

Companies including Novo Nordisk, Lilly and Sanofi have been under fire even facing law suits over how insulin prices have risen in recent years.

Yet, some in the industry argue the pharma companies arent to blame, that they are just complying with market forces while dealing with a complex payment system. "This isn't simple math, it's algebra. There are just tons of variables," said Kliff. "Insulin really doesn't cost too much. People get lost in the cash-paying side of the market, which is small percentage. If you have insurance it costs like nothing. A lot of patients don't understand rebates and net prices and all these other things."

While the industry will continue to point to the third-party payers as the evil doers of pricing, expect that debate to rage on, especially as more biosimilar insulins enter the market and put further pressure on pricing dynamics.

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ADA preview: 5 things to watch in diabetes - BioPharma Dive

A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors could increase the risk of a rare, life-threatening complication of the disease called ketoacidosis, a new study warns.

SGLT2 inhibitors include prescription medications such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. Brand names are Invokana, Invokamet, Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance and Glyxambi.

These drugs first became available in 2013, but in 2015 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about an increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis when SGLT2 inhibitors are used.

The condition typically occurs in people with type 1 diabetes. And while it is uncommon in people with type 2 diabetes, case reports have shown it can occur with type 2 disease, according to the study authors.

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Some diabetes patients are begging doctors for free samples of life-saving insulin because of costs. Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin ...

Ketoacidosis can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and swelling in the brain. Left untreated, the condition can be fatal, the researchers said.

The new study "essentially confirms what doctors had already suspected," said diabetes expert Dr. Stanislaw Klek, an endocrinologist at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.

"Fortunately, the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis is still very low and should not prevent the usage of this medication class," he added. "It is important to be aware of this potential complication and monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, particularly during periods of illness."

In the new study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston analyzed data from 40,000 people with type 2 diabetes. They found that those taking SGLT2 inhibitors were twice as likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis than those taking another class of diabetes drugs called DPP4 inhibitors (drugs such as Januvia and Onglyza).

Still, the risk to any one patient remains very slim, the researchers stressed. They estimated that among patients taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, only about 1 in every 1,000 patients would develop ketoacidosis.

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A new World Health Organization report says that cases of diabetes have skyrocketed, quadrupling from 108 million worldwide in 1980 to over 420 m...

The findings were published June 8 in theNew England Journal of Medicine.

Even though diabetic ketoacidosis is uncommon, doctors need to closely monitor type 2 diabetes patients for signs and symptoms of the complication, said study author Dr. Michael Fralick. He's from Brigham and Women's division of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics.

"This is a side effect that's usually seen in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus -- not type 2 -- so doctors are not 'on the lookout' for it," Fralick said in a hospital news release. "That means that the risk of this side effect might actually be even higher than what we found due to misdiagnosis/under-recording."

Dr. Minisha Sood is an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reviewing the findings, she explained that SGLT2 inhibitors "have been a welcome addition to the arsenal of glucose [blood sugar]-lowering medications. They lower blood glucose by increasing the amount of glucose eliminated through the urine."

But the drugs may interfere with levels of a particular hormone, glucagon, which in turn leads to an unhealthy rise in acids called ketones. "When ketone acids build up in the system, this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis," Sood explained.

She agreed that patients and doctors should be alert to the rare but potential risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in the early weeks after a person starts taking an SLGT2 inhibitor.

But Sood believes the study findings are not reason for patients to immediately switch to another form of diabetes medication.

"SLGT2 inhibitors work extremely well to control diabetes [and they have the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and weight as well] so the benefits definitely outweigh the risks of therapy," she said.

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Diabetes drugs linked to higher risk for rare but deadly complication ... - CBS News

Its become a punchline in the tech industry that every start-up is out to change the world. When it comes to medical technology, however, some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley are poised to do just that.

Apple, Google and Amazon have announced or are reported to be developing cutting-edge technologies for managing diabetes, one of the fastest-growing chronic illnesses, affecting more than 420 million people worldwide.

Experts say were at the dawn of a new era of personal technology for a variety of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

It really isnt a surprise youd see companies like Apple and Google focusing on this, said Mike Matson, a senior analyst at the investment firm Needham & Co. Theyre always looking for new opportunities for growth and healthcare is a big market.

Managing a chronic condition can depend on easy access to data, he said. If youre a Google or Apple, you know how to manage data.

The latest diabetes-related tech endeavor to be announced is the Alexa Diabetes Challenge, which focuses on finding ways for the Amazon Echo smart speaker and its Alexa digital assistant to assist people with Type 2 diabetes in living healthier lives.

Type 2 is by far the most common form of diabetes, frequently associated with obesity. Roughly 95% of the nearly 30 million Americans with diabetes are Type 2.

The Alexa challenge features a $125,000 grand prize for whoever comes up with the best diabetes app for the Amazon Echo, as well as $25,000 each for up to five finalists. Funding is being provided by the drug company Merck, manufacturer of the Type 2 meds Januvia and Janumet.

Not surprisingly for the tech industry, the contest boasts a very fast pace. It was announced in April. The deadline for submissions was last month. Finalists will be announced in July. Demos of selected apps will be conducted in September and a grand prize winner will be announced in October.

Its thus entirely possible that people with diabetes may be using some of these apps by the end of the year. An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment.

Theres so much information for diabetes management available, said Sara Holoubek, chief executive of Luminary Labs, a New York consulting firm thats organizing the Alexa Diabetes Challenge on behalf of Merck and Amazon. So why is it still so hard to get that information? Maybe we can change that.

Alexas voice control is the key. Whereas someone newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes might not know where to start in researching and managing the disease, being able to ask Alexa basic questions may help get people on the right track.

What can I eat? How much exercise should I get? Holoubek said, citing some of the unknowns that suddenly arise with a diabetes diagnosis. Normally youd ask your endocrinologist or diabetes educator. Alexa could be like having an educator in your home.

But thats just a start. Holoubek said Merck and Amazon envision a networked household that incorporates various smart devices. For example, a person with Type 2 diabetes might weigh himself on a smart scale, which would transmit data to the Echo. The persons blood-glucose monitor would do likewise.

Now imagine if the person asks Alexa if it would be OK to eat some potato chips. Alexa theoretically would be able to calculate the effect this could have on his or her blood sugar. The system would be able to suggest how much activity would be needed to balance things out or, better still, come up with a more healthful snack.

I have Type 1 diabetes the autoimmune form that requires daily insulin injections and managing the disease is a full-time job. I already have some very cool gizmos. I wear a glucose sensor on my torso that sends data to my iPhone, which in turn feeds my blood sugar level to my Pebble smartwatch for easy viewing.

I have an Amazon Echo at home. It would be awesome if I could simply ask Alexa what my blood sugar is if Im puttering around the house without my watch on, or if Im in any danger of my sugar level crashing.

How great would it be if I could ask Alexa how many carbs are in a plate of spaghetti carbonara? Or even have Alexa calculate my insulin dose before a meal?

To be sure, theres much testing to be done and federal approvals to be obtained before such systems are handling anything like that. But the Alexa Diabetes Challenge offers a clear indication that the tech industry is pushing boundaries.

Apple reportedly is busy on this front as well, but, as usual, the company is keeping its cards close to the vest.

According to recent, anonymously sourced reports, Apple is devoting significant resources, and big bucks, to giving its Apple Watch the ability to monitor blood sugar without a sensor being inserted under the skin (such as the one I use).

Others have tried and failed to accomplish this feat, so if Apple can pull it off, this would represent a huge breakthrough in diabetes care.

The company reportedly has dozens of biomedical researchers trying to measure blood sugar using optical sensors, perhaps implanted within the band of the Apple Watch. The sensors would shine a light through the skin that would provide readings in a painless, noninvasive fashion.

CNBC reported last month that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook was spotted wearing a prototype glucose-tracker with his Apple Watch. As best as I can tell, Cook doesnt have diabetes, so hes apparently been using himself as a guinea pig to see how well his companys technology responds to different foods he eats.

No one at Apple got back to me.

For its part, Googles parent company, Alphabet, announced last year that its life-sciences subsidiary, Verily, was partnering with the French drug company Sanofi on a $500-million joint venture aimed at improving diabetes care. Verily has a separate partnership with the British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.

Among the various technologies Verily is pursuing is a smart contact lens that would monitor blood sugar levels. Its being developed in conjunction with the Swiss drug company Novartis.

Like Apple and Amazon, Google clammed up when I got in touch.

Read more:
'Alexa, what's my blood sugar level and how much insulin should I take?' - Los Angeles Times

Wayne State University has received a $3.05 million grant from the National Institute of Health for a five-year trial focused on helping parents and other caretakers assist diabetic adolescents to complete their daily care.

The trial is aimed at African-American young people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, because they are considered to be at higher risk for poor diabetes management, according to Wayne State's website.

The five-year trial will study a computer-delivered intervention during doctor visits that reminds and motivates parents to stay involved in their child's care, the university said in a statement. During visits to the clinic, caretakers will be given a tablet on which an avatar will take them through a sort of multimedia course that includes informational video clips, testimonials, motivational content and goal-setting strategies. Test trials have already been conducted and indicate that the intervention is effective.

"Research has shown that maintaining high levels of parental involvement and supervision of daily diabetes care is a critical predictor of youth diabetes management," said Deborah Ellis, Ph.D., professor of family medicine and public health sciences in Wayne State's School of Medicine. "However, physicians do not always have time to discuss parenting behaviors during busy clinic visits."

It will be rolled out in October at the Children's Hospital of Michigan as well as three sites in Chicago, Ellis said. Between 200 and 250 African-American adolescents will be included in this trial.

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WSU gets $3 million NIH grant for improving diabetes care in youth - Crain's Detroit Business

America, do you rightfully expect our 45th president to defend and protect our constitutional freedoms or do you blandly trust him to say and do what he feels like at any moment in time? Facts are subjective to scrutiny to verify that the stated information is indeed factual. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America is a promise, sacred and cherished, to protect and defend each of us, all of us, whether this is your country of birth or country by choice. It is not allegiance to any one person regardless of their position of power. Our forefathers must have had the brilliant insight and instinct to foresee possible future consequences of any abuse of power and so none of the three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) could have its power left unchecked. It is called balance of power and checks and balances for that very reason. It may only take one person to be deceitful and duplicitous, but it takes at least two to activate the deception two entities, two governments, two countries it still takes two. Collusion may be corrupt or criminal or both. In any case, democracy has its very foundation in truth. It has survived and thrived in America for over 240 years that is provable; that is a fact. Thankfully, democracy is our very foundation.

So what really happened on 11/8/2016? Inquiring minds want to know. What really prompted the firing of FBI Director James Comey? Was it just another example of someone getting far too close for comfort to the truth? Truth requires transparency. Why not have an independent, nonpartisan special investigation into allegations that a foreign government was possibly involved and influenced the outcome of a presidential election in a democracy? Why are so many so terrified of the truth, and what it would reveal? Was the presidents firing of Director Comey just another way of his diversion of factual knowledge being secured when Director Comey was in search of the truth about what actually transpired between two countries with some obvious contradictions? It is not inconceivable, to me, that any individual of any country could alter the potential future of a healthy and active democracy. It felt like I was witnessing the presidential version of The Price Is Right. Director Comey is invited to Come on down and choose Door #1 (personal loyalty), Door #2 (see no evil/hear no evil) or Door #3 (conscience/integrity). Fortunately for America, Mr. Comey chose Door #3 because his allegiance is and was to one nation under God. Unfortunately, Door #3 was also the exit door to transparency and truth. Doesnt anyone else see this as obstruction of justice in seeking some definitive answers to actually proving if any criminal activity was involved, and if so, who, exactly, were the criminals involved? Perhaps when an independent investigation is initiated and completed, Americans will better appreciate our democracy. In the meantime, there are some undisputed facts that all of us need to remember:

Fact #1: America is not for sale. Not now. Not ever.

Fact #2: America is a democracy and as such our Constitution must be protected and preserved.

Fact #3: Our 45th president (and all presidents to follow) is not the CEO of America. Our nation is not a business. He is our employee for our nation, as in We the People.

Fact #4: No president is above or beyond the reach of the law, as in the I word, aka Youre fired.

Fact #5: If youre not outraged, youre not listening.

Did this president, elected only six months ago, somehow miss his high school Civics/Government 101 class or in his ignorance or arrogance has he not even read the U.S. Constitution? (Fortunately, his predecessor taught constitutional law and upheld it in highest regard.) Or is it that he believes that the world, and the United States of America, revolve around him? Incorrect assumption. To assume is to make an ASS of U not me. This so reminds me of not too many years ago when *CIA operative Valerie Plame and her husband were getting much too close to the truth about our countrys actual reasoning for invading Iraq. And then not so coincidentally her identity was accidentally leaked to a reporter, thus terminally compromising her safety and security while undermining the security of our own country. There are no coincidences. Power is a privilege but often it is used as a weapon of mass destruction. In a world of way too many warriors waging war without questioning, why are we not seeking transparency and truth? But if you actually believe the assertion that this inauguration in Washington, D.C., on 1/20/17 was attended by more people than the second inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009, then Fact #5 is not applicable to you. Blindness, literally and figuratively, keeps you captive in the dark. However, I will trust a blind human being (without even a guide dog) over self-perpetuated blindness any day. Reality check, please. Seek answers. Find truth. Know justice.

Linda Principe lives in Thousand Oaks. *National Geographic, June 2017, Why Do We Lie?

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Blindness keeps you captive in the dark - Ventura County Reporter

HIGHLAND PARK TheFoundation Fighting Blindness,the worlds largest private funder of sight-saving retinal disease research, will host the 16thAnnual Artistry of Wine from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Highland Park Country Club. Thistasting eventwelcomes some of the top restaurants in the Chicago area. It also includes a silent auction featuring many unique items and a sweepstakes drawing to win a chance to drive a new Tesla SUV for a long weekend.

The event benefits the foundations mission to advance research into preventions, treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigments (RP)that affect more than 10 million Americans, young and old. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding is greater than ever.

Featured tasting stations at the event include: Bella Via, Bent Fork Bakery, Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Copper Fiddle Distillery, Half Day Brewing Company, Highland Park Country Club, KOVAL Distillery, La Macchina Caf, Maggianos Little Italy, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Onion Garden, Park Street, Pinstripes, Revolution Brewery, Spin-Spun Gourmet and Wildfire.

Artistry of Wine Co-Chairs and Foundation Fighting Blindness National Trustees Joel and Barbara Stone of Highland Park have two sons affected with Retinitis Pigmentosa. When our first son, Michael, was diagnosed we were told there is no treatment or cure for his degenerating retinal disease, says Barbara. Today there is still no cure, but thanks to the promising research funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, there is hope for a brighter future for all those affected with these blinding diseases.

About Foundation Fighting Blindness

The Foundation Fighting Blindness isa national non-profit organization driving the research that will lead to preventions, treatments and cures for retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans. Since 1971, the Foundation has raised nearly $700 million as the leading non-governmental funder of inherited retinal research. Breakthrough Foundation-funded studies using gene therapy have restored significant vision in children and young adults who were previously blind, paving the way for additional clinical trials to treat a variety of retinal diseases. The Foundation also has nearly 45 chapters that provide support, information and resources to affected individuals and their families in communities across the country.

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North Shore Restaurants Come Together to Fight Blindness on June ... - Daily North Shore

Normangee Star

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Expectations By $0.09 EPS The Cerbat Gem Puma Biotechnology logo Puma Biotechnology Inc (NYSE:PBYI) issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($1.97) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters' consensus ... Puma Biotechnology (PBYI) Given Daily Media Impact Score of 0.33Stock Observer Royal Bank of Canada Analysts Give Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) a $40.00 Price TargetTranscript Daily Puma Biotechnology's (PBYI) Buy Rating Reaffirmed at Stifel NicolausNormangee Star all 8 news articles »

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Expectations By $0.09 EPS - The Cerbat Gem

Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, Pa. - A Huntingdon boy has raised more than $11,000 to find a cure for a disease he's battling every single day.

Jonathon Schneider is just like any other nine-year-old boy.

He's active and loves to play soccer.

The only thing that makes sports a little harder is his juvenile arthritis.

So, he's raising money for research.

"This walk, I raise money to find a cure. There's probably a cure out here somewhere."

The arthritis started in his knees, then spread to his hips and hands.

Jonathon's mom Melissa says the arthritis was triggered by a tick bite which caused Lyme disease.

"After the Lymes was totally gone the pain was there, the swelling was still there and it ended up being this is arthritis."

Last year, Jonathon participated in an arthritis walk and raised $5,000.

This year he wants to double that goal.

"So I thought I would try $10,000 I did it and people helped and that," he explained.

Between his personal fundraiser page and his team page, he's topped that goal.

"That was amazing, just friends and families, moose lodges and friends we've met along the way that have said who doesn't even know Jonathon, just hands us money and says put this towards his walk," said Melissa proudly.

This year Jonathon had a big accomplishment at the Arthritis Walk in Pittsburgh.

He did made it one whole mile but it wasn't an easy one.

"It hurt and it didn't feel the best on my knees and at night time I got a little cranky because when my knees hurt I get a little cranky."

Jonathon's team is still collecting donations for arthritis research.

Donations will be accepted until June 15th.

Click here for the team pageand here for Jonathon's page.

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Boy raises more than 10k for arthritis research - WTAJ

By Robert Ashley, M.D.

A: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound -- hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We don't know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.

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ASK THE DOCTORS: Organic compound MSM could help arthritis ... - Bennington Banner (subscription)