Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

Greffex Inc. Signs Manufacturing Contract with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies to Produce Vaccines


This is a major step in our progression; helping to fulfill our vision of becoming an international Bio Pharmaceutical Company Headquartered in Texas.

Greffex, a leading genetic engineering company, with the world’s first universal vaccine platform delivered through the use of proprietary clean viral vectors, recently announced a key manufacturing agreement with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce its vaccine in the United States. Greffex’s platform is the world’s most successful gene therapy delivery vehicle (vector) with broad applications for delivering treatments including vaccines, immune suppression and gene therapy.

“We are delighted to be selected by Greffex as their CDMO (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization) partner,” said Gerry Farrell, chief operating officer, FDB Texas site. “FDB looks forward to our work together to bring these ground-breaking therapies to market to meet the critical need for global vaccines. ”

John R. Price, Greffex Co-Chairman of the Board, President and CEO said “Greffex is excited to be working with FUJI Diosynth. This is a major step in our progression; helping to fulfill our vision of becoming an international Bio Pharmaceutical Company Headquartered in Texas creating innovative therapies to protect and heal mankind.”

In 2019, Greffex was awarded an $18.9 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. This award will enable Greffex to develop and exploit its GreVac(TM) Plug-And-Play Technology to expedite the production of vaccine candidates for biodefense and emerging infectious diseases to target infectious threats, whether natural or man-made.

Greffex, a leading genetic engineering company founded in 2005, has developed the world’s first universal vaccine platform that delivers unprecedented time-to-market, cost efficiency, efficacy and safety through the use of proprietary clean viral vectors. The company has 14 vaccines in its development portfolio, numerous gene therapies in development including Hemophilia A and Usher Syndrome, and immune tissue engineering aimed at overcoming transplant rejection.

Greffex is headquartered in Houston, Texas with laboratories in Aurora, Colorado.

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As Restrictions Ease, Youfit Health Clubs Begins to Reopen Gyms in Florida


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After temporarily closing all locations in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Youfit Health Clubs announced that it will begin gradually reopening its doors over the next few weeks as the country slowly moves into the next phases of easing coronavirus restrictions. Five of the first six clubs that reopened on Thursday, June 4 are located in the state of Florida. The sixth is in Texas.

The following Youfit Health Clubs in Florida opened this week with temporary hours:

Youfit has committed to meeting all applicable guidelines, including those mandated by the government and implementing safety precautions including the following:

  • Each and every Youfit Health Clubs location has undergone a deep clean that includes the disinfecting and maintenance of all equipment, surfaces, and facilities.
  • The clubs are incorporating new social distancing plans to keep staff and members safe. This includes creating greater distance between machines and the implementation of no contact check-in and membership enrollment processes.
  • There will be stringent regular sanitizing and disinfecting protocols.
  • Lockers and showers at each location will be closed temporarily. YouGX Group Fitness classes will resume at a later date.
  • A new – membership code of conduct will be implemented.
  • The Youfit team is being fully trained on these new policies and procedures and is committed to making the return as smooth as possible.

Members will receive further communication on the reopening of their specific club through email and text if they have opted in. Additional information will be available on the Youfit website, social media channels and at each club.

About Youfit

Youfit Health Clubs is a gym that’s about one thing only: You. Founded in 2008, YouFit offers affordable gym memberships at state-of-the-art facilities to help members get the most out of life.

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Impact Advisors Named to CRN Solution Provider 500 List


Our firm’s success is a direct result of our dedicated associates and their passion for the industry paired with our commitment to providing solutions for our clients that exceed their expectations and solve their most challenging problems

Impact Advisors, a leading provider of strategy, performance excellence, revenue cycle management, ERP, implementation, and technology consulting services to the healthcare industry, announced today that CRN ®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named the firm to its 2020 Solution Provider 500 list (SP 500) for the sixth year in a row.

CRN’s Solution Provider 500 honors the top IT channel partner organizations throughout North America who have earned the highest revenue over the past year. The SP 500 list is widely accepted as the industry standard for the highest-performing technology integrators, strategic service providers, and IT consultants on the basis of revenue.

“We are proud to be named to CRN’s 2020 Solution Provider 500 list,” said Maria Smith, CFO of Impact Advisors. “Our firm’s success is a direct result of our dedicated associates and their passion for the industry paired with our commitment to providing solutions for our clients that exceed their expectations and solve their most challenging problems.”

This year’s Solution Provider 500 companies collectively generated $393 billion in 2019, up more than 3% from last year’s $381 billion.

“CRN’s Solution Provider 500 list showcases the top IT channel partner organizations across North America,” said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. “This year, companies on this list represent a combined revenue of $393 billion, a data point that underscores the impact and influence these solution providers have on the IT industry. On behalf of The Channel Company, I’d like to congratulate these companies for their outstanding contributions to the growth and success of our industry.”

The complete 2020 Solution Provider 500 list is available online at http://www.CRN.com/SP500 and a sample from the list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine.

About Impact Advisors

Impact Advisors is a nationally recognized healthcare consulting firm that is solving some of the toughest challenges in the industry by delivering strategic advisory, technology implementation and performance improvement services. Our comprehensive suite of digital health, clinical optimization and revenue cycle services spans the lifecycle of our clients’ needs. Our experienced team has a powerful combination of clinical, revenue, operations, consulting and IT experience. The firm has earned a number of prestigious industry and workplace awards, including Best in KLAS® for 12 consecutive years, Healthcare Informatics HCI 100, Crain’s Chicago Business Fast Fifty, as well as “best place to work” awards from: Modern Healthcare, Consulting Magazine, Becker’s Hospital Review and Achievers. For more information about Impact Advisors, visit http://www.impact-advisors.com.

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Dr. Allan Wulc Provides Tips and Insight to Avoid the Coronavirus


Dr. Allan Wulc Provides Coronavirus Tips and Insight

Dr. Allan Wulc Provides Coronavirus Tips and Insight

Dr. Allan Wulc, MD, FACS is a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon who is offering advice to prevent catching the coronavirus. His blog titled “Are There Immune Hacks that Might Protect Against the Virus” goes through a list of holistic tips to boost immunity that the doctor has offered to his close friends and family in the past few months. His article reinforces CDC recommendations to frequently wash hands and wear a mask in public. He also notes that improving overall health through a healthy diet, exercise, and meditation improves immune function. He recommends taking vitamins, herbal supplements, and aspirin to protect against the coronavirus.

Dr. Wulc acknowledges that some of his recommendations have not been proven to treat the virus but notes he has been diligent in his research and follows his own advice. During this difficult time, the public is desperate for authoritative guidance. Doctors and healthcare professionals have played an integral role in informing the public and emphasizing the importance of proper preventative measures.

Dr. Wulc is the lead surgeon at his practice, W Cosmetic Surgery. His area of specialty is plastic surgery of the eyelid and face, and with 25 years of experience, he has gained the respect and veneration of his peers in the medical community. For the past fifteen years, he has been included in the Castle Connolly Best Doctor in the World list. His practice is well-prepared for the coronavirus epidemic, as the office offers virtual consultations. W Cosmetic Surgery offers a fly-in for surgery program with door-to-door limousine service, and virtual initial consultations allow access to those out-of-town patients.

W Cosmetic Surgery is a high-end plastic surgery facility offering a variety of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for the face and eyes. The patient care team includes an experienced licensed medical aesthetician, who creates personalized skincare plans for patients and performs non-surgical treatments including chemical peels and micro-needling. Dr. Allan Wulc is a leader in reconstructive eyelid and facial surgery with over 100 papers published in the field. He participated in the original research on Botox ® and helped paved the way for its use in cosmetics. Dr. Wulc is quadruple-board certified in ophthalmology, ophthalmic plastic & reconstructive surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and plastic & reconstructive surgery. In addition to this, he is the only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon in the tri-state area to hold a diploma of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

He completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where he now teaches. Afterward, he completed fellowships at the University of Arizona and at Moorfields Hospital in London. Among the long list of his professional accomplishments, one is the development of a procedure called the Micromidfacelift, which is less invasive than a typical facelift and allows for smaller incisions. The practice prioritizes less invasive procedures and natural-looking finished results.

For more information, visit the W Cosmetic Surgery website or contact Dr. Wulc using this form.

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Young Hockey Student-Athletes Train & Learn Together With use of Digital Classroom


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“Chicago Hockey Academy is thrilled to partner with US Performance Academy. Their extensive support system and flexible curriculum creates an environment for students to reach their ultimate potential in both academics and athletics” Jimmy Andersson, President of Chicago Hockey Academy.

US Performance Academy (USPA) and Chicago Hockey Academy have created a partnership in order to support elite hockey athletes looking to improve their game while staying ahead of the game with their academics.

USPA is an accredited, NCAA approved, private, online, middle & high school created for high-performance athletes. Designed by athletes and educators, the approach benefits driven students who are training, traveling, competing, and pushing to the next level. The online curriculum allows for a flexible school schedule and academic calendar. The support system keeps students involved, motivated, and on track to success. And the focus on the student-athletes future goals and aspirations opens up a doorway to future opportunities.

Chicago Hockey Academy is the premier solution for student-athletes who want exceptional academic opportunities while receiving the highest caliber of on-ice training available. Skill development and training sessions are offered at the Arctic Ice Arena in Orland Park, IL by the experienced professionals at Chicago Hockey Academy. Our coaches and trainers have more than 50 years of combined experience playing, training, and coaching at the highest levels of hockey. Whatever the student-athlete needs, Chicago Hockey Academy combined with US Performance Academy provides the most flexible schooling and training option for players who want to study, train, and advance.

“Chicago Hockey Academy is thrilled to partner with US Performance Academy. Their extensive support system and flexible curriculum creates an environment for students to reach their ultimate potential in both academics and athletics” Jimmy Andersson, President of Chicago Hockey Academy.

“We found a great fit with Jimmy and the leadership team at Chicago Hockey Academy.” said Pete Smith, President of USPA. “We admire their years of experience and dedication to the student-athlete. We are looking forward to growing and working with the entire team and families.”

For more information on the partnership and USPA, please visit http://www.GoUSPA.org or https://chicagohockeyacademy.org/

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Severe Skin Reaction May Occur with Use of Hydroxychloroquine


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“It is important to recognize that this medication can cause AGEP, a condition that is usually easy to resolve but can lead to serious complications.” – Jean-David Bouaziz, MD, PhD

A case recently published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (JACI: In Practice) demonstrates that acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) may be an effect of hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has been commonly used off-label to treat COVID-19.

AGEP is a rare reaction usually induced by medication. During a reaction, acute non-follicular pustules form atop areas of red, swollen skin. The reaction is sometimes accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever and headaches.

The paper examined the case of a 76-year-old patient who first entered the emergency room on March 23, where chest scans revealed results consistent with COVID-19. His clinical symptoms began to increase on March 24 and he was prescribed hydroxychloroquine (200mg three times daily) associated with azithromycin and ceftriaxone. His condition worsened on March 29 and he required invasive mechanical ventilation. Soon after, COVID-19 was formally confirmed via a real time polymerase chain reaction test from the nasopharynx.

While the patient did begin to exhibit signs of improvement, on April 3 a pustular eruption atop red, swollen areas of skin developed. It started forming originally along skin folds, but quickly affected 30% of the body surface area. AGEP was diagnosed, and because the rash was already present the day voriconazole was started and 24 hours after the last dose of piperacillin-tazobactam, hydroxychloroquine was determined to be the most likely culprit.

Hydroxychloroquine has numerous skin side effects. The authors of this paper searched the PubMed database for any peer-reviewed articles using the terms “hydroxychloroquine” and “acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis” and found 35 results.

“This isn’t the first case that has been reported where hydroxychloroquine induced AGEP,” said corresponding author Jean-David Bouaziz, MD, PhD. “While studies have not proven any benefit to prescribing hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, it continues to be used off-label. It is important to recognize that this medication can cause AGEP, a condition that is usually easy to resolve but can lead to serious complications.”

You can learn more about drug allergies on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website, aaaai.org.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 7,100 members in the United States, Canada and 72 other countries. The AAAAI’s Find an Allergist/Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.

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North American Health Plans Provides Access to Exclusive/Privately Labeled STM Plan


North American Health Plans announced that it will be the only agency with access to this new Short Term Medical product for independent brokers underwritten by Aspen. Aspen, an A-rated (excellent), $4 billion publicly traded carrier, has created a product competes head-to-head with the largest STM carriers in the country.

The STM provides clients with undeniably great benefits including unlimited doctor visits, no balance billing in or out of network, and preexisting condition coverage*. Additionally, there is no waiting period for preventive services as well as an instant effective date.

“NAHP and Aspen will continue working together to provide agents with the opportunity to add this offering to their portfolio and the training to equip them for sale.” said Andy Dastur, Executive Vice President of North American Health Plans.

You can learn more about the product by contacting the North American Health Plans sales team at (888)-362-1214 or emailing sales@lifeplansllc.com to gain access to our comprehensive opportunity brochure and product webinar (for agent use only).

Inquire above to find out more how North American Health Plans is shaking up the market with a new STM product offered exclusively through one FMO.

*Check policy for limitations and exclusions

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MassMEDIC’s IGNITE MedTech Virtual Accelerator Announces 2020 MedTech IGNITE Cohort


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This year’s IGNITE program promises to continue being the premier accelerator focused on the medtech start-up community in Massachusetts. We are confident that this year’s cohort, as in previous years, will benefit from access to our community of experts, mentors and industry leaders and CEOs.

The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) announced today the MedTech IGNITE Growth Challenge 2020 Cohort. This year’s cohort of 21 ventures—representing medtech start-ups from across the Commonwealth and beyond—are developing novel technologies in a wide range of categories including women’s health, telehealth, surgical, combination devices, pediatrics, mental health, digital diagnostics, audiology, and oncology.

The MedTech IGNITE Program is a virtual accelerator offering an experiential training, mentorship, and networking curriculum, to attract and nurture the next generation of Boston-area medtech founders and entrepreneurs. IGNITE was relaunched in 2019 with a cohort of 16 companies and support from a grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). Several 2019 cohort members went on to win significant prizes including MassChallenge and the BRIght Futures Prize. This year’s program, with the support of sponsors Propel, Alira Health, Boyd Technologies and the MLSC, will offer similar workshops, bootcamps, mentoring and networking opportunities, all conducted virtually.

“Although this year’s IGNITE program will be conducted virtually, it promises to continue being the premier accelerator focused on development and support of the medtech start-up community in Massachusetts. We are confident that this year’s cohort, as in previous years, will benefit from access to our community of experts, mentors and industry leaders and CEOs,” said Brian Johnson, President of MassMEDIC. “We look forward to launching this year’s program with an Entrepreneur Boot Camp and introducing the 2020 IGNITE Cohort to the greater medtech community this fall during the MassMEDIC MedTech Showcase.”

The MedTech IGNITE 2020 cohort includes:

Agile Devices (Wellesley)

Beacon Biomimetics (Cambridge)

Biomembretics (Boston)

Burnie, Inc. (Boise, ID)

Cellens (Medford)

CreatSens (Tarragona, Spain)

Cosm (Toronto, Canada)

Embr Labs (Boston)

FeinsRing (Boston)

Incasa Healthcare (Wellesley)

LivOnyx (Allston and Lowell)

Medsix (Boston)

Nesa Medtech (Bangalore, India)

Qanik DX (Ontario, Canada)

RBI Medical (Boston)

RevMedica (New Haven, CT)

Strategen Bio (Cambridge)

UV Light Care (Boston)

VeraDermix (Waltham)

Walkky (Brookline)

Xander (Somerville)

Over the course of the 2020 IGNITE program, the Cohort will attend workshops and tutorials; matched with a mentor; introduced to potential investors and advisors; and have the opportunity to learn from CEOs during “fireside chat” type events. In addition, they will vie for up to $70,000 in cash and services. MassMEDIC thanks our sponsors, Alira Health, Propel, Boyd Technologies and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

To join and connect with the MedTech IGNITE Community and to learn more about the 2020 Cohort, visit: https://www.ignitemedtech.com/ and click on Go to Challenge.

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About MassMEDIC:

The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC), an organization of more than 300 manufacturers, suppliers, research institutions, and academic health centers, promotes the unique interests of the Bay State’s growing and vibrant medical device sector. Through a variety of programs, informational seminars, advocacy campaigns and other projects, MassMEDIC provides medical device manufacturers and suppliers with information on industry trends and regulatory policies and creates forums that allow members to exchange ideas and information on issues affecting the industry. For more information on MassMEDIC, visit http://www.massmedic.com.

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AHN Wexford Hospital Remains on Schedule for Opening in 2021


AHN Wexford Hospital

“The exception granted for construction of healthcare facilities enabled us to continue to make progress with the building of this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility.”

Nearly one year from its anticipated fall 2021 opening, construction of Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Wexford Hospital is progressing safely and remains on schedule according to network officials. The new, 160-bed hospital in Pine Township will offer residents of Pittsburgh’s northern suburbs enhanced access to a wide range of advanced specialty care.

“Despite the many unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the exception granted for construction of healthcare facilities enabled us to continue to make progress with the building of this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and we are excited about opening its doors next year,” said Allan Klapper, MD, President, Wexford Hospital.

AHN Wexford Hospital will offer comprehensive women and infant care, including labor and delivery services; advanced cardiac, neurosurgical, orthopaedic, and cancer care; a 24-room emergency department and short-stay observation unit; an adult intensive care unit (ICU); operating rooms that provide minimally-invasive robotic surgical capabilities; 160 all-private inpatient rooms; and a host of other clinical programs, amenities and services.

The hospital will feature an intuitive, patient- and family-centered design which aims to foster a first-class patient and visitor experience. In addition to amenities such as free self-parking and complimentary valet parking, large inpatient rooms will have ample sitting space and recumbent sleeping options.

Among the hospital’s hotel-like concierge services, patients will be able to control their own environment, enabling them to set the temperature, lighting and entertainment to their satisfaction, and order from a room-service menu. Exterior views providing patient rooms with natural light will make for an attractive, comfortable environment that promotes health and wellness.

The 345,000-square-foot facility is the single-largest investment in AHN’s history and is expected to employ more than 750 health care professionals. The hospital will be adjacent to AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion on U.S. Route 19 (12311 Perry Highway) and will closely integrate with the pavilion’s comprehensive clinical and retail health services.

Since placing the final steel beam in the architecture of the hospital last October, progress has been made on the main hospital tower, parking garage and onsite power plant. This natural gas-fired electric power generation, heating and cooling facility constructed in partnership with Peoples Natural Gas will provide for increased efficiency and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, while serving as a redundant source of power to the hospital.

Following Dr. Klapper’s appointment as president of the hospital in 2018, Wexford Hospital’s leadership has continued to expand with the appointments of Amy Cashdollar as Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Graper as Chief Nursing Officer, James Kanuch as Chief Financial Officer and Suzanne Labriola, DO, as interim Chief Medical Officer. The naming of key clinical leaders in areas such as emergency services and cardiovascular services is expected in the coming months.

“Bringing remarkable healthcare to the Wexford community also requires building a world-class team of physicians, nurses and caregivers at every level to deliver the exceptional experience our patients deserve within these walls. We are thrilled with the tremendous interest we have received from talented healthcare professionals, both locally and from around the country, who want to be part of that team,” said Dr. Klapper.

About the Allegheny Health Network

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 10 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community based health services, a research institute and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,500 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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Skytron and Surfacide Relationship Mutually Terminated


Skytron has removed the Surfacide Helios UVC Robot system from our product line up, effective immediately.

Skytron will continue to provide the best portfolio of high-quality UVC Robots in the industry, offering single-cycle, whole-room UVC treatment. Smart Dosage technology ensures the proper concentration of UVC, and the Steritrak cloud based information system supports productivity management and protocol compliance.

Skytron Summary

Skytron, The Healthcare Efficiency Company, has long been a leader in delivering efficient, versatile solutions that support caregivers while saving costs for their organizations. With a focus on increasing the utilization of people, facilities and capital, Skytron offers solutions in Clinical, Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, Architectural and Business Intelligence Solutions, all of which are designed to provide an excellent user experience while being durable and lower lifetime cost to own.

Skytron’s mission is to provide clinically superior equipment with lower life-cycle costs for our healthcare customers. For more information, call 800-759-8766 or access http://www.skytron.com.

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