Category Archives: Health

Groundbreaking Study Shows Promise in AAV9 Gene Therapy for FOXG1 Syndrome

Buffalo, NY, June 11, 2024 — A landmark study led by Dr. Soo-Kyung Lee, Chief Scientific Officer at the FOXG1 Research Foundation and Empire Innovation Professor and Om P. Bahl Endowed Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at University at Buffalo, and Dr. Jae Lee, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at University at Buffalo, in collaboration with Dr. Kathrin Meyer, who is responsible for the successful SMA gene therapy, has just been published in Molecular Therapy Methods & Clinical Development. The paper, titled, “The postnatal injection of AAV9-FOXG1 rescues corpus callosum agenesis and other brain deficits in the mouse model of FOXG1 syndrome,” presents novel findings that have significant implications for treating FOXG1 syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by profound brain structure abnormalities.

The study explores the therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) mediated delivery of the FOXG1 gene. Remarkably, intracerebroventricular injection of AAV9-FOXG1 in a Foxg1 heterozygous mouse model “postnatally” demonstrated the rescue of a wide range of brain pathologies including the amelioration of corpus callosum deficiencies, restoration of dentate gyrus morphology in the hippocampus, normalization of oligodendrocyte lineage cell numbers, and rectification of myelination anomalies.

“Our findings highlight the efficacy of AAV9-based gene therapy as a viable treatment strategy for FOXG1 syndrome and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders with similar brain malformations,” said Dr. Jae Lee. “This research asserts the therapeutic relevance of our approach in postnatal stages, which is a critical time frame for intervention.”

Dr. Soo-Kyung Lee commented, “We are thrilled by the full rescue of brain structure abnormalities observed in our mouse model through this study. It marks a significant step forward in our research. With these promising results, we are eager to advance this AAV9 gene therapy towards human clinical trials, hopeful that we can extend these breakthroughs to benefit children with FOXG1 syndrome.”

This pioneering work provides a solid foundation for advancing this gene therapy towards human clinical trials, aiming to offer a transformative impact on the lives of patients with FOXG1 syndrome.

The FOXG1 Research Foundation continues to lead the way in innovative research for rare neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the urgency and potential of cutting-edge treatments to alter the course of these conditions fundamentally.

Cybersecurity for Healthcare Summit USA to Focus on Securing Patient Data

Princeton, NJ, June 10, 2024 –The expansion of medical device technology has led to greater cybersecurity risks, necessitating comprehensive strategies to protect patient data and ensure business continuity. To address these challenges, QG Media, an ISMG company, presents HealthSec: Cybersecurity for Healthcare Summit USA. Scheduled for June 12-13, 2024, in Boston, the summit will focus on protecting healthcare and life sciences sectors in the U.S. from cyberthreats.

The recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare – a major player in healthcare data exchange – caused delays in processing an estimated 15% to 50% of medical claims nationwide. Change Healthcare’s parent company UnitedHealth Group incurred around $1.6 billion in losses due to the attack and its aftermath. The incident highlights the critical importance of safeguarding patient care information, financial data and other sensitive records, and underscores the importance of robust data security in the healthcare sector, where sensitive patient information is constantly exchanged.

The HealthSec Summit offers an opportunity to engage with top-tier leaders from healthcare delivery organizations, medical device manufacturers and life sciences companies. Attendees will gain invaluable insights and collaborate on achieving cyber resilience.

The two-day summit will cover a wide range of critical themes, including assessing the impact of current cyberthreats, bolstering defenses against sophisticated attacks, leveraging lessons learned from data breaches, exploring AI applications in cybersecurity, identifying vulnerabilities in medical devices, navigating new regulatory requirements, and enhancing operational resilience through integrated IT and operational technology security.

“The HealthSec Summit USA ensures the most relevant and up-to-date topics are addressed,” said Kudsia Kaker, managing director, QG Media. “With an agenda curated for senior cybersecurity professionals and guided by an advisory committee of industry experts, the summit delivers targeted insights and actionable strategies for today’s challenges.”

Chief information security officers, including Aaron Weismann of Main Line Health; Anahi Santiago of Christiana Care Health System; Patty Ryan of QuidelOrtho; and Jigar Kadakia of Emory Healthcare, will assess best practices and analyze trends and predictions for the cybersecurity landscape in healthcare. Attendees will include CISOs, IT directors, and other senior IT and cybersecurity professionals from healthcare facilities, medical device manufacturers, biotech firms, pharmaceuticals, managed healthcare organizations, life sciences companies, and diagnostic labs.

Day 1 will commence with a keynote from Michael Prakhye, CISO of Adventist HealthCare, followed by a panel discussion on the current threat landscape in healthcare and life sciences. Moderated by David Anderson, CISO of Ensemble Health Partners, panelists – Lynette Larkins, director of information security, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Bezawit Sumner, CISO, CRISP; and Raymond Pawlicki, executive chairman, PrecisionLife – will explore the impact of geopolitical events on cybersecurity and identify the most credible threats facing the sector today.

On Day 2, Karl Kotalik, chief solutions officer of Celerium, will offer practical strategies for defending against data breaches, focusing on reducing detection times and improving containment strategies. Esmond Kane, CISO of Steward Health Care, will present a case study on surviving ransomware attacks, sharing lessons learned, and best practices for preparation and recovery. A CISO fireside chat moderated by Prakhye will offer advice on engaging the board to support cybersecurity initiatives.

“The HealthSec Summit USA offers an invaluable opportunity to gain real-life insights into how healthcare companies are defending against cyberattacks,” said Jennifer Eisenhofer, vice president – events, ISMG. “Attendees will learn firsthand from case studies and presentations, with an opportunity to engage and network with senior leaders in the industry, senior audience of IT and cybersecurity leaders and build cross-industry partnerships.”

By addressing current and emerging cyberthreats, the summit aims to equip cybersecurity leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their organizations and ensure the safety of patient data.

Interim HealthCare of Gilbert AZ Expands Services with Their New License for Skilled Home Healthcare

Phoenix, AZ, June 08, 2024 — Interim HealthCare of Gilbert AZ Expands Services with their New License for Skilled Home Healthcare. Serving the greater Phoenix Valley area with services including: Personal Care, Skilled Home Care, Palliative Care and Medical Staffing.

Interim HealthCare is proud to announce that it is now a fully licensed skilled healthcare facility, authorized to provide skilled home care services. This significant milestone reflects the ongoing commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care in the comfort of the clients’ homes.

With the new skilled license, Interim HealthCare of Gilbert now offers professional services provided by licensed nurses and therapists to address complex health needs. This care includes tasks such as wound management, medication administration, intravenous therapy, and specialized rehabilitation programs. The goal is to support recovery, manage chronic conditions, and enhance the overall well-being of patients within the comfort of their own homes.

“Our transition to skilled healthcare is a testament to our dedication to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those we serve,” said Jason Lochinger, Executive Director of Interim HealthCare in Gilbert. “We understand the unique needs of our patients and are committed to providing personalized care that utilizes the Interim HealthCare HomeLife Enrichment program.”

Interim HealthCare has been a leader in home healthcare for over 50 years, known for its HomeLife Enrichment® signature approach to care, which emphasizes holistic, individualized care. Now, with the ability to offer skilled care services, Interim Healthcare can better support patients through every stage of their healthcare journey.

Licensed services include:

Skilled Nursing Care
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
Postoperative and Post-hospitalization Care
Chronic Disease Management
Wound Care and Infusion Therapy
Palliative Care

This expansion sets Interim HealthCare apart from many competitors by integrating skilled services with existing home care and support services. This comprehensive approach ensures continuity of care and improved health outcomes for patients.

Kidney Care Partners Applauds Senate Reintroduction of The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement

Washington, DC, June 07, 2024 — Kidney Care Partners (KCP) – the nation’s leading kidney care multi-stakeholder coalition representing patient advocates, physician organizations, health professional groups, dialysis providers, researchers and manufacturers – today commends Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for re-introducing The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (S. 4469). A companion bill (H.R. 5027) was introduced by Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) in the House of Representatives last year.

Kidney disease impacts 37 million Americans, yet most Americans are not aware they have it because symptoms are not readily apparent during early stages of the disease. If passed, The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act would enact policy changes to address this public health crisis by prioritizing early disease education and screening to empower patients to identify their risk factors.

The legislation also proposes creating a long-term payment pathway for innovative products that would equip patients and providers with access to next-generation tools and treatments needed to fight kidney disease. Further, the bill includes several provisions that would help ensure access to care for patients, including boosting the kidney care workforce through sustainable payments and providing Medigap coverage to all ESRD patients, regardless of age.

“We applaud Sens. Ben Cardin and Marsha Blackburn for their commitment to improving the lives of millions of Americans affected by kidney disease through the reintroduction of The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act,” said Mahesh Krishnan, MD, MPH, MBA, Chair of KCP. “The challenges that the kidney care community faces today require bold and urgent solutions. We look forward to working alongside policymakers to continue to improve the care for patients across the kidney disease continuum.”

Family Medicine Physician Dr. Claudia Selgrad Joins NY Health

Bay Shore, NY, June 04, 2024 –New York Health (NY Health) is pleased to announce that board-certified Family Medicine Physician Claudia Selgrad, MS, DO, has joined its primary care team. Dr. Selgrad will be practicing at 69 W Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Claudia Selgrad to NY Health,” said Dr. Chris Ng, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of NY Health. “She will make a wonderful addition to our team of providers in the Bay Shore community.”

Dr. Selgrad believes in preventative medicine and treating each patient with individualized care. She has been in private practice for more than twenty years. “I am now excited to join NY Health to broaden my patient care community,” Dr. Selgrad said.

Dr. Selgrad earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Family Practice residency at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident.

Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Selgrad enjoys a variety of hobbies. She finds joy in reading, gardening, walking, and spending quality time with her beloved pets.

Black Hills Surgical Hospital to Offer Heart and Vascular Services

Rapid City, SD, June 04, 2024 — Black Hills Surgical Hospital (“BHSH”), the #1 Hospital in the Nation for Major Orthopedic Surgery for Medical Excellence and Patient Safety by CareChex, is expanding its services and will begin offering heart and vascular care in conjunction with the opening of the Black Hills Heart & Vascular Institute in the fall of 2024. Led by three highly trained physicians with deep expertise in this rapidly evolving medical field, the Black Hills Heart & Vascular Institute will offer patients a wide range of services from preventive care to interventional cardiac, vascular, and vein procedures. Amid rising rates of heart and vascular illness, as well as the challenges patients face in accessing specialized care, the Institute will bring a much-needed medical service to the community.

The Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute will feature three physicians. Dr. Jeffrey Wilson and Dr. Thomas Wilson are Board-certified and fellowship-trained interventional cardiologists, and Dr. Chad Laurich is a Board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeon. The Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute is excited to open its full-time Rapid City clinic and office-based lab adjacent to BHSH at 201 Anamaria Drive, Rapid City, SD. “Providing the right level of specialized care to South Dakotans is the top priority and a role we are proud to fulfill,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wilson. “After growing up in the Midwest and living in South Dakota for seven years, I look forward to opening a state-of-the-art facility and ultimately serving patients later this year.”

“Serving and caring for our community drives everything we do at Black Hills Surgical Hospital, “said Kyle Wiese, Chief Executive Officer of BHSH. “A big part of serving others is listening, and our community and our patients have been telling us they need more access to quality heart and vascular care. We have a responsibility to meet that need, especially as our community continues to grow.”

As part of the development, with the combined support of both their corporate partners, Medical Facilities Corporation, and the Black Hills Heart & Vascular Institute, BHSH plans to construct a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory where patients can have advanced cardiac and coronary procedures performed.

“We’re excited to offer physician-led heart and vascular care to our patients in the Black Hills,” said Dr. Luke Mortimer, Orthopedic surgeon and BHSH Operations Committee member. “BHSH’s success, and #1 ranking in the Nation for the second consecutive year, results from the talent of our staff and the passion of our physicians. Patient safety, patient experience, and clinical outcomes drive us to continually learn and improve. Dr. Laurich, Dr. Wilson, and Dr. Wilson share that same drive and passion as demonstrated in each of their practices. We look forward to working alongside them, and we’re even more excited for the community.”

The Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute is expected to open late Fall 2024.

Advance Knowledge of Neurofibromatosis Development and Treatment

Baton Rouge, LA, June 03, 2024 –Neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow along nerves, occurs in 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 people worldwide. Although the tumors are usually benign, they can cause blindness, deafness, disfigurement, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, and disabling pain. eurofibromatosis 1, more commonly called NF1, is also associated with an increased risk of other tumors including leukemia, glioblastoma, and breast cancer.

There is no cure for NF1, and until very recently, there were no specific therapies beyond treating the individual symptoms with chemotherapy and radiation, bracing or surgery, and pain medications and alternative therapies. May has been designated as NF Awareness Month, to bring more attention and education toward Neurofibromatosis.

Dr. Robert Kesterson is Professor of Cancer Precision Medicine and Director of the Genetically Engineered Models, or GEMS, core facility at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Families from all over the world with children diagnosed with NF1 reach out to him in hopes of developing the best therapy for treating their child’s specific genetic mutation.

“NF1 is caused by multiple mutations in the NF1 gene. When I first began studying NF1, there were no treatments. Today, there is a drug called a MEK inhibitor that reduces symptoms in some patients. It doesn’t work for all patients, so we need to work to develop additional therapeutics,” Dr. Kesterson said. “One issue with NF1 is that the gene is very large and there are so many different mutations, with over 7,000 mutations already known.”

Over the last few years, Dr. Kesterson has been working on multiple ways to target and edit NF1 genetic typos. NF1 animal models help uncover the underlying process of the disease, which can lead to new treatments, and often extremely individualized treatments, to better manage the disease in a patient. Dr. Kesterson estimates that he has created between 300 and 500 animal models for unique diseases within the last 20 years.

Dr. Kesterson’s lab is examining molecular mechanisms associated with the NF1 gene since it is a tumor suppressor gene associated with many types of cancers. He specializes in creating personalized animal models that mimic a patient’s specific genetic mutations, which hold the promise of uniquely tailoring therapies to either correct a particular mutation at the DNA level or provide the missing protein back to the tumor cells growing abnormally.

“Coming to LSU and Pennington Biomedical after working at centers for the National Cancer Institute at Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for over 25 years was a natural fit since there are numerous connections between my cancer research and metabolism, where Pennington Biomedical is a leader,” Kesterson said.

Dr. Kesterson’s work extends beyond NF1. He has created mouse models for patients with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blindness, and many types of cancer.

The kind of personalized gene rescue Dr. Kesterson is able to do relies on increasingly affordable genetic sequencing and can make the difference between life and death for people with rare diseases.

He said technological advances in the last six years have made it much easier to provide true precision medicine and have opened up the rapid development of animals beyond just mice.

“Genetically engineered models represent one of the best ways we can help individuals with a unique disease because we can look at the specific mechanisms. We can identify the specific gene and then identify what about that gene is leading to the disease. Where is the protein? Where is the mutation? What bonds can be disrupted? Some genes have been studied clinically for a very long time, but patients have different phenotypes,” he said. “This process used to take a long time using mouse stem cells. With the development of CRISPR technology, it is much easier and quicker to make changes in the genome.”

Dr. Kesterson believes his work will ultimately lead to the ability to restore partial function of the gene associated with NF1, thereby reducing the growth of tumors and other symptoms of the disease. He is not alone in thinking his work holds tremendous promise. He has significant funding from both federal sources and many families with children diagnosed with NF1 who are passionate about supporting efforts to find new treatments and eventually, a cure.

“Dr. Kesterson is a world leader in both cancer precision medicine and genetically engineered models,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical executive director. “As Louisiana works toward a National Cancer Institute designation, the work of researchers like Dr. Kesterson and others focused on cancer and related diseases will be instrumental in contributing to building the critical mass necessary to bring cutting-edge cancer care to those in our state.”

Infinity Dermatology and Well Revolution Partner to Launch Instant Online Dermatology Consults

New York, NY, June 03, 2024 – Well Revolution, a pioneer in accessible healthcare solutions, announced a partnership with Infinity Dermatology, a leading network of dermatology practices in New York. Powered by Well Revolution’s Care Messenger and national provider network, this collaboration aims to reduce wait times and costs for dermatology care. The partnership offers statewide access to same-day care without the need for appointments or insurance.

Well Revolution’s Care Messenger integrates directly into Infinity Dermatology’s digital infrastructure within minutes, immediately scaling the practice’s capacity to engage with and treat patients. This rapid deployment allows the practice to instantly expand care delivery and respond swiftly to market demands without disrupting current operations.

Partnering with Well Revolution enables Infinity Dermatology to offer extended care hours from 7 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year, without placing additional strain on existing staff and resources. This expanded access provides patients the flexibility to receive care outside of traditional office hours.

Leveraging Care Messenger, Infinity Dermatology enhances its service in New York City and extends its reach to major urban and underserved regions across the state. This improves accessibility to essential dermatology services in regions previously constrained by the availability of specialized care.

Patients benefit from the ability to begin their dermatology care journey within minutes of their initial inquiry, significantly reducing the typical three-month wait. This rapid access to care is delivered by Well Revolution’s provider network, ensuring timely expert care and effective treatment.

Well Revolution’s care delivery model offers unmatched flexibility for providers, allowing them to engage with patients outside conventional office settings. “Flexibility is a cornerstone of our approach and attracts top clinical talent,” said Michael Rubio, clinician and CMO of Well Revolution.

Commenting on the impact of the collaboration, Dr. Jeffrey Weinberg, CEO of Infinity Dermatology, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The idea came about because we kept having patients drive from upstate to NYC for care. We wanted to provide a better service for them. We’ve completely changed how we connect with our patients and handle their needs, cutting down on phone calls and freeing up our staff to do more meaningful work. It only takes patients 15 minutes to get a frontline provider managing our low-acuity care. Our setup took only five minutes, and we are now delivering care to all of New York, not just the city.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in healthcare delivery, ensuring that high-quality, accessible, and timely dermatology care is a reality for all New Yorkers.

Leveraging LIMS Reporting for Growth & Patient Satisfaction

Wilmington, DE, June 03, 2024 — CloudLIMS, a leading SaaS company offering a secure, configurable Laboratory Information Management System, is pleased to announce a complimentary webinar titled “Labs of Tomorrow: Leveraging LIMS Reporting for Growth & Patient Satisfaction” on June 18, 2024, at 9 AM PDT (5 P.M. BST). The webinar will be presented by Montserrat Valdes, Sr. Scientist, CloudLIMS.com and Joyneel Acharya, Co-founder and Product Head, NirogGyan.

Webinar Overview
In healthcare, a test report from a clinical diagnostic lab serves as the foundation upon which healthcare professionals base their initial assessments, subsequent treatment plans, and monitor the progress of patients. It also enables patients to understand their health condition and proactively participate in their healthcare. However, medical jargon and the complexity of clinical data in these reports can create a gap between patients and their physicians, reducing patient engagement and leading to poor patient outcomes. The solution? Smart reports.

The reliability and precision of diagnostics reports directly impact clinical decisions and patient outcomes, making them indispensable in the diagnostic process. Smart reports are designed to bridge this divide by making diagnostic information comprehensible and engaging for patients. These advanced reports leverage AI and data analytics to integrate and analyze complex data from medical tests, imaging scans, and genetic information of patients to provide more comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about their medical condition. To be able to generate and disseminate accurate and valid smart reports, labs need to ensure complete data traceability, secure data and user management, automated workflows, regular staff training, timely calibration and maintenance of analytical equipment, and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Smart lab report software can help you meet these requirements, generate smart reports, and securely deliver them to patients and physicians in real time using its web portals.

Key Takeaways

– What are smart reports, their types, and their advantages?
– What are the prerequisites of generating an accurate and valid smart report?
– How is LIMS-powered smart reporting transforming diagnostics and improving patient outcomes while accelerating laboratory growth?
– How can a smart report be delivered securely to patients and physicians?

Register
Register for this free webinar to discover how smart reports can enhance patient engagement, improve clinical decision-making, and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines through the use of advanced AI-driven data analytics and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions to join the webinar.

MGM Cancer Institute Preserves Arm During Complex Removal of Cancerous Tumor

Chennai, 1st June 2024 : MGM Cancer Institute, a leading cancer care facility in Chennai, has announced the successful completion of a critical surgical procedure to remove a 30cm cancerous tumor from a 30-year-old patient from West Bengal. The surgery was performed by the RECNAC team at MGM Cancer Institute, including Dr. Balaji Ramani, Dr. Sivakumar Mahalingam, Dr. Sivaram Ganeshmoni, and Dr. Dhanasekar Padmanabhan, Surgical Oncologists at the institute.

The patient was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare cancer that typically affects the bones and surrounding soft tissues, most commonly found in children and young adults. Previously, the patient had undergone two tumor removal surgeries and two cycles of chemotherapy at a private hospital in Kolkata, but the tumor recurred, growing into a massive fungating mass that compressed his shoulder and arm.

Facing a recommendation for tumor excision and left limb amputation from his previous doctors, Mr. Subhan Ray (Named Changed) sought a second opinion at MGM Cancer Institute as a last resort. The RECNAC team at MGM Cancer Institute examined the patient, analyzed the tumor using complex 3D reconstruction imaging and then decided to undertake the challenging task of removing the tumor without causing harm to the arm. Along with the patient’s weakened condition and low hemoglobin levels, further evaluation revealed that the tumor was very close to essential vessels and nerves offering only a slim chance to save the limb.

With the assistance of Dr. Sabari Girish, Lead Plastic Surgeon at MGM Cancer Institute, the RECNAC team successfully resected the tumor completely, preserving the patient’s left arm using flap reconstruction technique.

Dr. Balaji Ramani, Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at MGM Cancer Institute, commented on the complexity of the surgery: “This is a rare case. Despite undergoing two previous tumor removal surgeries and chemotherapy, the tumor continued to grow, bleed, and became a large fungating mass. The patient could no longer undergo chemotherapy sessions. Believing limb removal was the only option, the patient and his family had lost hope. We advised one last surgery to remove the tumor before it could affect the bones. We meticulously planned the surgery using advanced 3D imaging techniques, and were able to completely remove the tumor without amputating the limb.”

Expressing his gratitude, the patient said, “I am incredibly thankful to the entire team at MGM Cancer Institute. Their expertise and compassion have given me a new lease on life. I am optimistic about my recovery and look forward to resuming my usual activities.”

This case underscores the importance of early detection and the availability of advanced medical treatment options for rare cancers like Ewing Sarcoma. MGM Cancer Institute, part of MGM Healthcare, remains committed to advancing cancer treatment through innovative approaches and a patient-centered focus.