“Interventional pulmonology is one of the most exciting fields in medicine right now because it uses cutting-edge technology to advance the care of people with many different lung conditions, including pulmonary nodules, lung cancer, pleural diseases, and advanced COPD. Minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic bronchoscopy and pleuroscopy, are central to Dr. Sarkar’s practice, and his skill and experience are unparalleled,” Dr. Polito said.
According to Dr. Sarkar, these minimally invasive procedures are mostly performed in the outpatient setting and may add years to patients’ lives while reducing the cost of treating lung disease.
“An interventional pulmonologist works closely with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to provide patients with diagnostic and treatment plans to deliver the best possible outcomes,” Dr. Sarkar explained.
The expansion of the Lung Center will launch a comprehensive outpatient IP clinic encompassing a dedicated pulmonary nodule program, pleural disease clinic, improved lung cancer screening, and community outreach. Other new services include inpatient IP consultation, expanded thoracic surgery coverage, and advanced pulmonary OR services.
“Interventional Pulmonology will also feature the latest diagnostic technology, including Noah Medical’s Galaxy SystemTM, which enables robotic navigational bronchoscopy to enhance the early identification of lung cancer,” Dr. Sarkar said. “With the new bronchoscopy robot, we can reach potentially cancerous nodules and lesions in the lungs with far greater precision and accuracy than in the past.”
Mercy is the first hospital in Maryland and one of only 25 medical centers in the nation to offer the Galaxy robot for lung patients.
In addition to Dr. Sarkar, the Interventional Pulmonology team at Mercy includes certified registered nurse practitioner Michaela Casey, clinical nurse navigator Clara Yoder, and a dedicated OR team.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths nationwide. Only 16 percent of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an early stage where the disease has a high chance of cure, so the importance of Interventional Pulmonology procedures in early diagnosis cannot be overstated,” Dr. Polito commented.
While IP is the latest component of the Lung Center, the staff still continue to provide care for the broad spectrum of pulmonary conditions, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, neuromuscular disease affecting the lungs, and sleep disorders.
In addition to Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Polito, Mercy’s Lung Center staff includes Audrey Liu, M.D., Medical Director, Sleep Services at Mercy; George Boyer, M.D., Chair of the Department of Medicine; Kieran Brune, M.D.; Roman Culjat, M.D.; and Stephanie Affeldt, CRNP.
Beyond the downtown location, Mercy Lung Center staff see patients at the Overlea, Lutherville, Reisterstown, and Glen Burnie sites of Mercy Personal Physicians. The new expanded Lung Center at Mercy is located on the 4th floor, McAuley Plaza, 301 St. Paul Place, in downtown Baltimore. The IP referral line is 410-801-4000.
Founded in 1874 by The Sisters of Mercy, Mercy is home to the acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women’s Health & Medicine and the $400+ million, 20-story Mary Catherine Bunting Center. A university-affiliated teaching hospital, Mercy is nationally recognized with Magnet status for nursing excellence. For more information about Mercy, visit http://www.mdmercy.com, MDMercyMedia on Facebook and Twitter(X), @MDMercy on Youtube, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy.
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have uncovered insights into the potential mechanism of action of the antipsychotic medication asenapine, a possible therapeutic target for substance use and neuropsychiatric disorders. This discovery may pave the way for the development of improved medications targeting the same pathway. Their findings, detailed in the January 2 online issue of Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44601-4, show that a brain protein known as the TAAR1 receptor, a drug target known to regulate dopamine signaling in key reward pathways in the brain, differs significantly in humans compared to the preclinical rodent models on which drugs are typically tested. The study suggests considering species-specific differences in drug-receptor interactions and further investigation into ways asenapine affects the body, as steps toward potential therapeutic improvements.
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have uncovered insights into the potential mechanism of action of the antipsychotic medication asenapine, a possible therapeutic target for substance use and neuropsychiatric disorders. This discovery may pave the way for the development of improved medications targeting the same pathway.
Their findings, detailed in the January 2 online issue of Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44601-4, show that a brain protein known as the TAAR1 receptor, a drug target known to regulate dopamine signaling in key reward pathways in the brain, differs significantly in humans compared to the preclinical rodent models on which drugs are typically tested.
The study suggests considering species-specific differences in drug-receptor interactions and further investigation into ways asenapine affects the body, as steps toward potential therapeutic improvements.
“In investigating the functional and structural properties of TAAR1, our study aimed to shed more light on its mechanisms and pharmacology,” says study first author Gregory Zilberg, a PhD candidate at Icahn Mount Sinai. “Our findings may guide the development of novel TAAR1 drugs and prompt more exploration of medications similar to asenapine.”
Using advanced techniques to investigate TAAR1’s structure and function, the researchers identified three important elements. First, there are differences between rodent and human TAAR1 that likely affect how preclinical model studies can be translated to humans. Second, TAAR1 is much more closely related to serotonin and dopamine receptors than previously assumed. This suggests that several serotonin-targeting medications might have unknown therapeutic efficacy or side effects that are in fact due to their actions at TAAR1.
Finally, the investigators highlight that the clinically used antipsychotic asenapine unexpectedly shows strong activation of TAAR1, suggesting in fact that this serotonin- and dopamine-targeting antipsychotic could derive some of its therapeutic effects from TAAR1 activation. If proven in further studies, this could open up new possibilities for its potential in other TAAR1-related therapeutic applications such as its use in substance use disorders, as well as the development of new asenapine-based drugs.
The researchers noted the absence of information about differences in how TAAR1 works in rodents and humans, and emphasized that some of these differences could account for why preclinical data on TAAR1 has not yet been successfully translated into effective therapies in humans. Next, the researchers plan to study where TAAR1 is located within cells and what its precise role is in influencing serotonin and dopamine signaling.
“This study provides a significant leap in understanding TAAR1, offering potential avenues for drug development and encouraging further research into its therapeutic applications,” says senior author Daniel Wacker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacological Sciences, and Neuroscience, at Icahn Mount Sinai. “As our work advances, we anticipate it may play a crucial role in shaping the development of new drugs targeting TAAR1 and offering valuable insights into how drugs similar to asenapine might work.”
Other authors who co-authored this work, all with Icahn Mount Sinai, are Alexandra K. Parpounas, M.S., Audrey L. Warren (PhD candidate), and Shifan Yang, PhD.
About the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is internationally renowned for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs. It is the sole academic partner for the eight- member hospitals* of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic health systems in the United States, providing care to a large and diverse patient population.
Ranked 14th nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and among the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Icahn Mount Sinai has a talented, productive, and successful faculty. More than 3,000 full-time scientists, educators, and clinicians work within and across 44 academic departments and 36 multidisciplinary institutes, a structure that facilitates tremendous collaboration and synergy. Our emphasis on translational research and therapeutics is evident in such diverse areas as genomics/big data, virology, neuroscience, cardiology, geriatrics, as well as gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Icahn Mount Sinai offers highly competitive MD, PhD, and Master’s degree programs, with current enrollment of approximately 1,300 students. It has the largest graduate medical education program in the country, with more than 2,000 clinical residents and fellows training throughout the Health System. In addition, more than 550 postdoctoral research fellows are in training within the Health System.
A culture of innovation and discovery permeates every Icahn Mount Sinai program. Mount Sinai’s technology transfer office, one of the largest in the country, partners with faculty and trainees to pursue optimal commercialization of intellectual property to ensure that Mount Sinai discoveries and innovations translate into healthcare products and services that benefit the public.
Icahn Mount Sinai’s commitment to breakthrough science and clinical care is enhanced by academic affiliations that supplement and complement the School’s programs.
Through the Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the Health System facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of medical breakthroughs made at Mount Sinai. Additionally, MSIP develops research partnerships with industry leaders such as Merck & Co., AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and others.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is located in New York City on the border between the Upper East Side and East Harlem, and classroom teaching takes place on a campus facing Central Park. Icahn Mount Sinai’s location offers many opportunities to interact with and care for diverse communities. Learning extends well beyond the borders of our physical campus, to the eight hospitals of the Mount Sinai Health System, our academic affiliates, and globally.
Mount Sinai Health System member hospitals: The Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Beth Israel; Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Mount Sinai Morningside; Mount Sinai Queens; Mount Sinai South Nassau; Mount Sinai West; and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.
Media Contact
Karin Eskenazi, Mount Sinai, 332-257-1538, [email protected], mountsinai.org
AI and Machine Learning — Transforming Drug Development: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming life sciences research by enabling rapid and accurate analysis of massive biological data, with applications in drug discovery, disease pattern prediction and personalized treatment plans.
Jo Varshney, CEO of VeriSIM Life, told Xtalks that AI’s role in accelerating medical research and drug development will include helping improve clinical trial success rates and reducing risk by predicting drug efficacy and adverse events before a drug even enters human trials. The increasing integration of AI in drug development is also being recognized by regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s an exciting time for AI in drug development but challenges remain in translating AI-enhanced drug candidates into clinical success.
CRISPR Gene Editing Therapeutics: CRISPR/Cas-9 gene editing technology achieved a milestone this year with the FDA’s approval of the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease. The therapeutic, Casgevy, was jointly developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics.
There are a number of other companies, including Editas Medicine, Intellia Therapeutics and others co-founded by CRISPR pioneers, that are advancing CRISPR treatments for diseases such as inherited blindness and cancer. These efforts, at various stages of research and clinical trials, signal a promising future for CRISPR therapies, with more innovations and approvals anticipated in 2024.
Next Generation Health Wearables with Medical Accuracy: The global wearable medical devices market, valued at $73.77 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $428.92 billion by 2030, driven by a focus on devices with medical relevance beyond just health and wellness. MindMics CEO Anna Barnacka, leveraging her experience as a NASA Einstein Fellow, is innovating in the field with a wireless earbud heart health monitor that uses infrasonic hemodynography for precise heartbeat measurements. She says the health wearables industry will see a trend and shift towards medically accurate wearables amid strong consumer demand for more insightful health monitoring. Additionally, the industry should start thinking about business models that have a prevention-based approach, as opposed to current treatment-based models.
Stay tuned for all of the latest trends and news in the life sciences in 2024 through our articles, video content, webinars and the Xtalks Life Science Podcast. To learn more about Xtalks’ Life Science Trends for 2024, check out Life Science Trends to Look Out for in 2024.
ABOUT XTALKS
Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars and digital content to the global life science, food, healthcare and medical device communities. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, healthcare and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps professionals stay current with industry developments, regulations and jobs. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.
The Xtalks Life Science Podcast was pleased to host guests such as vaccine scientists Dr. Heather Platt and Dr. Ulrike Buchwald from Merck who discussed pneumococcal vaccination; Dr. Tania Kamphaus from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and patient advocate and founder of the non-profit NASH Knowledge Tony Villiotti who discussed advancements in blood-based biomarker tests for NASH; and Attorney Tope Leyimu who spoke about leading the proposed US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on hair relaxer products containing harmful chemicals, among many others.
In 2024, Ayesha and the editorial team will remain committed to bringing audiences timely, high quality life science content. They will continue covering a broad range of news and hot topics from the pharma, biotech and medical device industries. In 2024, the podcast hopes to have even more thought leaders, innovators and industry experts on the show.
There is a lot planned for the Xtalks Life Science Podcast in 2024 so stay tuned!
Tune into the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, which will resume on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, for continued news, conversations and insights!
The weekly podcast is available for streaming every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple, Google and wherever you stream podcasts. Subscribe to the Xtalks Life Science Podcast to never miss a new episode.
ABOUT XTALKS
Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars and digital content to the global life science, food, healthcare and medical device communities. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, healthcare and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps professionals stay current with industry developments, regulations and jobs. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.
“It’s an honor to have again been recognized for our positive social impact by Real Leaders,” said Smile Brands’ CEO, Steven C. Bilt. “I’m immensely proud of what our Foundation has achieved over the past three years – adding two new outposts and more than tripling the number of patients served. This couldn’t have happened without the dedication of partners and volunteers across the globe who share our commitment to helping needy communities access care. Both at home and abroad – I believe the key to making a positive impact is hiring individuals with a shared commitment to touching the lives of all we serve.”
Smile Brands ranked #23 on this year’s Top Impact Companies list which features a mix of respected brands of all sizes from a variety of global industries. View the full list of Impact Award winners here.
ABOUT SMILE BRANDS Smile Brands, based in Costa Mesa, California, is one of the largest providers of dental support services in the United States. Smile Brands supports a portfolio of over 75 brands including well-known regional brands; Bright Now! Dental, Castle Dental, Merit Dental, Midwest Dental, Monarch Dental, and Mondovi Dental. The company provides comprehensive business services through exclusive long-term agreements with affiliate dental groups allowing affiliated practices to spend more time caring for patients and less time on the administrative, marketing, and financial aspects of operating a dental office. The organization receives frequent recognition for its award-winning culture and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Glassdoor, Comparably, Stevie® Awards, and more. Visit smilebrands.com for more information.
ABOUT REAL LEADERS Real Leaders is a membership community for impact leaders with a global media platform dedicated to driving positive change. It’s on a mission to unite farsighted leaders to transform our shortsighted world. Founded in 2010, Real Leaders recognized early on that businesses bore a responsibility to be as cognizant of their impact on employees, society, and the planet as they are on their bottom line. Real Leaders is a B Corporation, member of the UN Global Compact, and is independently owned.
“Panthera BioSolutions provides a collaborative playground for pharmaceutical development” states Jason Mastoris, Co-Founder at Panthera. I look forward to helping our customers progress or accelerate their R&D efforts, enabling them to get their products into the hands of patients as quickly as possible.”
PBS’s commitment to the regional life science ecosystem extends to nurturing the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals through designated, on-site hands-on training space at their facility. In addition to offering training and upskilling for new and incumbent industry talent, PBS will provide visibility to sustainable career paths within the industry, making it a cornerstone in developing a robust, life science workforce for the future.
“This is definitely a very exciting time for Panthera BioSolutions” according to Co-Founder, Hardik Patel. “We are genuinely thrilled about serving as a hands-on training facility for existing professionals seeking continuing education as well as those with limited opportunities to pursue careers in this industry.”
About Panthera BioSolutions
Panthera BioSolutions a biotechnology and pharmaceutical organization that provides bespoke manufacturing, e2e validation, facility, engineering and maintenance and laboratory services to life science customers striving to remain innovative and competitive across markets and milestones. The hands-on workforce training programs will benefit students, career changers and local companies.
What: Guests will enjoy event-only discounts on services and products, a wine tasting, live demonstrations and giveaways
Visit our website to RSVP by Jan. 18
To reserve your spot for the Grand Opening Celebration, please RSVP on our website. To schedule a consultation, book an appointment or learn more about Intentional Self Aesthetics, call 203.594.1890 or visit intentionalselfaesthetics.com.
About Intentional Self Aesthetics Intentional Self Aesthetics was created by Owner and Medical Director Dr. Teresa Alasio with the mission to prioritize confidence, self-awareness and self-compassion for every client. With the understanding that everyone’s journey is unique, Intentional Self Aesthetics focuses on each client’s own values and desires, offering programs and services that align with their individuality and contribute positively to their self-image and confidence.
Dr. Alasio’s goal is to provide each client with clear, personalized, professional advice, making sure they understand the potential benefits and risks, and assisting them in choosing treatments that align with their personal goals and values. Intentional Self Aesthetics offers a variety of best-in-class, results-driven treatments using products that are cruelty-free, eco-friendly and promote social responsibility.
About Dr. Teresa Alasio, Owner and Medical Director Dr. Teresa Alasio is an accomplished Board-Certified Physician and Medical Director. With a diverse range of expertise, Dr. Alasio has made significant contributions to the field of medicine over her nearly 20-year career and is an experienced and highly skilled physician and thought leader. Dr. Alasio has found aesthetics to be the ideal practice environment to combine her skills and passion, and intentionally built her practice in her hometown of New Canaan, Connecticut. Not only does being local afford an opportunity to work close to home and near her family, but she also recognizes the importance of being part of the thriving community that is New Canaan and actively participating as a local business owner.
Dr. Teresa Alasio’s professional journey is marked by academic excellence and extensive training. Dr. Alasio earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she also did her residency training, serving as Chief Resident in her final year. Throughout the years, Dr. Alasio has continuously improved and honed her skills through fellowship, continuing lifelong education activities and service on national committees. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to the medical community through presentations and publications, sharing knowledge and expertise with peers and colleagues.
In addition to academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Alasio has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, serving on the Board of Directors for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Stamford in the past as well as Co-Chair of the annual Voices of Courage Luncheon. Dr. Alasio has also been recognized as a dedicated and compassionate healthcare provider, earning praise from patients and colleagues alike for exemplary patient care and service, and has been nominated in the past as a “Health Care Hero” by Westchester Magazine.
Dr. Alasio holds Board Certification in Aesthetics from the American Association of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM) and is also Board-Certified in Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology. Dr. Alasio is a Certified Life Coach from The Life Coach School.
After experiencing frequent heart arrhythmias after she was born, Adeline’s doctors sent her to a specialist at Duke Children’s, a member hospital of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Adeline was subsequently diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. After receiving a therapeutic pacemaker at seven days old, Adeline is now a happy, energetic second grader, living life to the fullest thanks to donations that help her doctors study and better understand her condition. Donations support research and medical advancements for Long QT Syndrome.
At a young age, Brooke began to show signs she was struggling, culminating in the eighth grade when she attempted to take her own life. Lost and unsure where to turn, Brooke’s mom decided Shodair Children’s Hospital, which specializes in psychiatric care for children and adolescents, was their best option. The treatment team was able to offer safety, hope, and the therapy Brooke and the entire family desperately needed. Thanks to donations, Brooke was able to receive the care she needed. Today she’s thriving and wants to help other kids so they know they don’t have to suffer alone. Donations help cover uncompensated medical care for psychiatric services.
After a long journey with invitro fertilization, Amy and Jayna found out they were expecting triplet boys. At 20 weeks gestation, Amy had to be hospitalized for an emergency procedure followed by bed rest. Barrett, Jack and Leighton were born at just over 24 weeks. Unfortunately, Leighton passed at four days old and through this unimaginable loss, Amy and Jayna held strong for Jack and Barrett who would have a long road ahead with many procedures. Due to their need for specialized care, Jack and Barrett were separated at two different member hospitals of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals off and on over the span of two months. Thanks to donations through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Amy and Jayna were provided funds to assist them in traveling between hospitals and home and were able to see their boys through NICVIEW cameras funded by donations when they couldn’t physically be there. Donations provide NICU equipment, travel assistance, and NICVIEW cameras for families.
Anna Grace was born with a limb difference that doctors initially thought might prevent her from ever walking. At two years of age, Anna Grace underwent surgery at Cincinnati Children’s and just 10 days later was in her prosthesis and taking her first steps. And she hasn’t stopped since. Donations through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped Anna Grace receive cutting edge physical therapy equipment and prosthetics to ensure she can live to her fullest potential. Donations enable access to cutting-edge physical therapy equipment and prosthetics.
From a young age, Nylah struggled to maintain a healthy weight which took a toll on her self-image and mental wellbeing. After being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, her family doctor referred her to the Play Strong program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she was given the tools and resources to make small changes over time that helped transform her mind and love of self. Donations support programs like Play Strong for children struggling with weight and self-image.
At the age of 14, Isaac suffered a terrible fall while performing a stunt in cheerleading practice, leaving him unable to move from the neck down. Isaac was transferred to Children’s Specialized Hospital, located in New Brunswick, NJ, and began therapeutic programs funded by donations, including extensive physical rehabilitation to help him regain mobility. Despite his challenges, Isaac is able to encourage everyone around him through his sweet and vibrant nature. Donations directly support therapeutic programs and services for mobility recovery.
Joseph weighed one pound nine ounces when he was born four months early. He spent the next 130 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, where he recovered from two brain surgeries and a heart surgery. Thanks to donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Joseph and his NICU medical team had access to specialized life-saving equipment. Today, Joseph is an energetic first grader who is thriving with the help of weekly outpatient physical and occupational therapy. Donations provide access to specialized life-saving equipment in the NICU.
At the age of three, Nolan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer that develops in the eye, after his mom noticed something strange in his eye. Just two weeks later Nolan’s eye was removed, and subsequently went through six months of chemotherapy, ringing the bell to mark the end of treatment just before his fourth birthday. Donations to CHRISTUS Children’s in San Antonio helped fund innovative surgery and cancer care, all instrumental in Nolan’s treatment. Donations fund surgical innovation and cancer care for children like Nolan.
Just before his second birthday, JP was diagnosed with Potocki-Lupski Syndrome (PTLS), after undergoing genetic testing. PTLS caused significant developmental delays including feeding and speech difficulties and low muscle tone. Thanks to early interventions by his specialists at Orlando Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, JP can walk, run and dance with his seven siblings. Donations support clinicians, programs, and technology for developmental challenges.
Born at just 27 weeks, Ella was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a softening of brain tissue due to a brain bleed. After spending the first four months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she was eventually referred to a specialist for children with cerebral palsy at St. Louis Children’s where she underwent surgery to allow her to walk independently. While recovering Ella was able to enjoy services at the hospital that helped her still feel like a kid, like visits from the therapy dog and time in the playroom. Donations create programs like Camp Independence for children with movement disorders.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the largest fundraising network for children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, partners with leading pediatric healthcare providers to give kids a world of possibilities.
“The stories of our National Champions emphasize the transformative impact of charitable donations on pediatric healthcare,” said Aimee Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “When you support our mission, you help kids grow up healthier, stronger, and ready for tomorrow.”
National Champions are a group of ambassadors for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals located throughout the U.S. As National Champions, they’re key to informing the public that children’s hospitals are charities in need of donations. By sharing first-hand experiences, Champions and their families show just how vital local, unrestricted fundraising is for member hospitals to meet the needs of their communities.
Visit cmnhospitals.org to learn more about how Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and its network support the health of more than 12 million kids each year.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $8.5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.
Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
“We’ve gained the ability to market and deliver large scale projects that may not have been available to us prior to the acquisition due to our size,” said Kevin Stout, previous E-Volve Systems founder and president and current vice president at E Tech Group. “We’ve also gained a tremendous network of team members whose skillsets seem to be limitless.”
E Tech Group’s acquisition of E-Volve Systems was finalized on February 23, 2023. This strategic move allowed E Tech Group to significantly expand its range of services, thereby enhancing the overall value offered to its clients. The acquisition was a step towards integrating complementary strengths, consolidating market presence, and fostering innovation in service delivery.
“The name change at this time is a formality as E-Volve Systems has been a part of the E Tech Group since late February 2023,” said Matt Wise, Chief Executive Officer of E Tech Group. “Their contributions have positioned E Tech Group to elevate its service offerings and reach with the added benefit of resources located throughout North America as well as a broader suite of services, allowing us to automate every facet of a facility, from process and discrete automation through cybersecurity and data intelligence services, leveraging a team of over 600 automation specialists.”
About E Tech Group E Tech Group is one of the largest automation engineering and system integration firms in North America. With locations across North America and more than 600 team members and more than 450 engineers, the company provides automation, control and information solutions to the Life Sciences, Data Centers, Consumer Products, Food & Beverage, and other industrial industries. In addition to its organic growth, E Tech Group has recently grown through the successful acquisition and integration of Glenmount Global Solutions, Superior Controls, Automation Group, and E-Volve Systems. For more information, visit the company’s website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
FDA IDE approval of Sonavex’s randomized trial comes months after meeting the endpoint of its first clinical study
BALTIMORE, Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sonavex, Inc., a privately held medical device company with ultrasound technologies that deliver quantitative blood flow and other critical vascular data at the point of care, announced that it completed its initial clinical study evaluating the ability to use EchoMark & EchoSure to improve the assessment of arteriovenous (AV) fistula maturation for dialysis patients. Following the positive findings from this study, Sonavex was granted approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for its randomized controlled trial, MAFASA (Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistula with Automated Sonography Assessments).
EchoMark & EchoSure will allow medical professionals to collect essential vascular parameters in the dialysis clinic to assess AV fistula maturation. In September 2023, Sonavex completed a study which demonstrated the ability of users without ultrasound experience to successfully collect accurate measurements of AV fistula maturation with EchoSure. These data were presented at the 50th annual VEITH symposium in November.
In December 2023, FDA approved Sonavex’s randomized controlled trial, MAFASA, which is set to enroll 304 patients. This trial is designed to provide Level 1 data to demonstrate how the use of EchoMark & EchoSure will reduce time to AV fistula maturation and reduce the costs of managing dialysis patients as compared to standard of care by providing more timely measurements. Dr. Stephen Hohmann, a highly respected Dallas-based vascular surgeon with expertise in dialysis access surgery will serve as the National Principal Investigator for the trial.
“Initial clinical results validate the safe and effective use of EchoMark & EchoSure,” said Dr. Stephen Hohmann. “I look forward to leading this large, randomized, multicenter trial to demonstrate the impact that the technology has on improving care for dialysis patients.”
“The results from Sonavex’s first study corroborate our team’s vision for how EchoMark & EchoSure can be used for AV fistula patients,” said David Narrow, Chief Executive Officer of Sonavex. “We are excited to embark upon the MAFASA trial to better quantify the clinical and economic benefit of the technology and anticipate enrollment to commence in Q1 2024.”
About Sonavex, Inc.
Sonavex, Inc. is a Baltimore-based medical device company originally spun out of Johns Hopkins. The company has developed a portfolio of novel ultrasound solutions that empower patient care by delivering critical visual and quantitative data to improve outcomes and reduce costs. For more information, please visit www.sonavex.com.
