University Health Network

Avicanna Sponsors Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate Cannabis Extracts for Osteoarthritis Pain

2 days ago

• Avicanna Inc. has entered a Sponsored Research Agreement to fund a Phase II clinical study evaluating oral cannabis extracts for osteoarthritis pain, scheduled to begin in Fall 2025. • The multi-center, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be led by Dr. Hance Clarke at the University Health Network and is funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant. • The study aims to assess the feasibility of a larger definitive trial by evaluating patient enrollment, protocol adherence, and data completeness for CBD and THC capsules in treating hip and knee osteoarthritis pain.

Zenflow's Spring System Shows Durable Three-Year Benefits for BPH Patients in Landmark Study

25 days ago

• Zenflow's Spring System demonstrated 46% improvement in IPSS scores at 36 months post-placement, with 74% of patients achieving clinically significant symptom relief for benign prostatic hyperplasia. • The minimally invasive device maintained consistent efficacy over three years without compromising sexual function, positioning it as a leader in the emerging First-Line Interventional Therapy (FIT) category. • Results presented at the 2025 AUA Meeting represent the longest-term data among FIT interventions, with the company now advancing toward FDA approval through its multi-center BREEZE study.

GSK and ABL Bio Partner on £2 Billion Deal to Overcome Blood-Brain Barrier in Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

a month ago

• ABL Bio has licensed its Grabody-B blood-brain barrier shuttle platform to GSK in a deal worth up to £2.075 billion, with £77 million in upfront and near-term payments. • The partnership aims to develop multiple therapeutic programs across various modalities including antibodies, siRNA, and ASOs to address significant unmet needs in neurodegenerative diseases. • Grabody-B technology targets the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) to facilitate drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier, potentially revolutionizing treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Phase 2 PRECISION Study Launches 3-Fraction SBRT Protocol for Prostate Cancer Treatment

2 months ago

• The PRECISION study has begun enrolling patients to evaluate a 3-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) regimen for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, potentially reducing treatment sessions from the current 5-fraction standard. • The trial will utilize the RayPilot Tumor Tracking System for real-time monitoring of organ movement during treatment, aiming to improve targeting accuracy and minimize side effects compared to conventional approaches. • Following the successful PACE-B trial which demonstrated 5-fraction SBRT was noninferior to conventional radiotherapy, researchers anticipate initial PRECISION study data within 1-2 years, with final results after 5 years of follow-up.

Theralase's Light-Activated Bladder Cancer Therapy Shows Promising Results in Phase II Trial

4 months ago

• Theralase's innovative light-activated therapy Ruvidar™ demonstrates sustained efficacy with responses lasting over 3 years in BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer patients. • The Phase II clinical trial data has been selected for podium presentation at the 2025 American Urological Association Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential impact on bladder cancer treatment. • The company plans to complete patient enrollment in 2025, submit data to regulators in 2026, and aims for commercial availability by 2027, pending approval.

Arch Biopartners Advances AKI Programs: LSALT Peptide and Cilastatin Trials Progress

4 months ago

• Arch Biopartners' Phase II trial of LSALT peptide for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) gains ethics approval in Ontario, with patient recruitment set to begin in Toronto. • A 700-patient Phase II trial (PONTiAK) evaluating cilastatin for preventing drug-induced AKI receives a No Objection Letter from Health Canada, paving the way for the trial to proceed. • Both LSALT peptide and cilastatin target the dipeptidase-1 (DPEP1) pathway, addressing significant unmet needs in preventing and treating AKI caused by inflammation or toxins. • These advancements highlight Arch Biopartners' commitment to developing innovative therapies for acute kidney injury and organ damage, with ongoing trials in Canada and internationally.

Stereotactic Body Radiation May Improve Survival in Liver Cancer Subset

4 months ago

A study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) before Nexavar (sorafenib) treatment may improve overall survival in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the improvement was not statistically significant. The study highlights the potential benefits of combining SBRT with Nexavar, including improved progression-free survival and quality of life for some patients.

North American Hospitals Spearhead Clinical Trials for Trigeminal Neuralgia

5 months ago

• Leading hospitals across North America are actively engaged in clinical trials to find effective treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, a condition causing severe facial pain. • Institutions like the University of Minnesota, Toronto Western Hospital, UCSF Medical Center, Kaizen Brain Center, and the University of South Florida are conducting these trials. • These trials aim to improve patients' quality of life by exploring innovative approaches to managing this challenging neurological disorder. • Many of these institutions initiated their first investigations into trigeminal neuralgia in 2022, marking a significant push for new treatment strategies.

Sotagliflozin may lower HbA1c without raising risks for adults with type 1 diabetes, CKD

5 months ago

Sotagliflozin, a dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitor, has been associated with lower HbA1c levels in adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) without increasing the risks of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This finding comes from post-hoc analyses of data from the inTandem 1, 2, and 3 trials, highlighting the potential benefits of sotagliflozin for this patient population when appropriate steps are taken to mitigate DKA risk.

Regeneron's Pozelimab and Cemdisiran Combo Shows Superior Hemolysis Control in PNH Patients

5 months ago

• Regeneron's pozelimab and cemdisiran combination (poze-cemdi) demonstrated superior disease control in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients compared to ravulizumab in a Phase 3 trial. • The trial showed 96% of patients achieved adequate LDH control with poze-cemdi, compared to 80% with ravulizumab, indicating better management of intravascular hemolysis. • Patients on poze-cemdi also experienced greater LDH normalization (93% vs. 65%) and a more significant decrease in LDH levels from baseline compared to those on ravulizumab. • The combination offers a convenient four-week subcutaneous delivery, potentially improving patient adherence and quality of life compared to intravenous treatments.

FDA Approves Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab-noli) for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

6 months ago

• The FDA has approved Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab-noli) for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults with specific antibody-positive subtypes. • Rystiggo, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, reduces circulating IgG levels by binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRN). • Clinical trials demonstrated statistically significant improvements in MG-ADL and QMG scores with Rystiggo compared to placebo. • The most common adverse reactions reported were headache, infections, diarrhea, pyrexia, hypersensitivity reactions, and nausea.

Neuralink Receives Health Canada Approval for Brain-Computer Interface Trial

6 months ago

• Neuralink has received Health Canada approval to launch its first global trial, CAN-PRIME, evaluating its implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) device. • The CAN-PRIME trial will assess the safety of Neuralink’s implant and surgical robot, as well as the preliminary functionality of the BCI in quadriplegic individuals. • The trial will recruit Canadian residents with ALS or cervical spinal cord injury, focusing on those with limited or no hand use. • University Health Network (UHN) hospital in Toronto will be the exclusive Canadian site for the wireless BCI implantation procedure.

Neuralink Expands Brain Chip Trials to Canada Following U.S. Success

6 months ago

• Neuralink has received approval to begin its first clinical trial in Canada, focusing on a brain chip designed to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts. • The Canadian study will assess the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's implant in individuals with quadriplegia, conducted at the University Health Network in Toronto. • Neuralink's technology aims to restore movement, communication, and vision for disabled patients, with ongoing trials in the U.S. showing promising results, including video game play and 3D object design. • The company also received the FDA's "breakthrough device" designation for its experimental implant aimed at restoring vision.

Neuralink Receives Approval for Brain Chip Clinical Trial in Canada

6 months ago

• Neuralink has been approved by Health Canada to begin recruiting for its first clinical trial in the country, marking a significant step for the BCI startup. • The trial will focus on evaluating the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's implant for individuals with quadriplegia, aiming to restore autonomy. • This Canadian trial mirrors Neuralink's ongoing efforts in the U.S., where the company has already implanted the device in two patients. • Neuralink's technology allows users to control digital devices through thought alone, potentially improving the lives of those with severe motor impairments.

Neuralink Expands Brain-Computer Interface Trial to Canada for ALS and Spinal Cord Injury Patients

6 months ago

• Neuralink's CAN-PRIME trial, evaluating its brain-computer interface (BCI), has begun recruiting participants in Canada, marking its first international expansion. • The trial aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's N1 implant in individuals with quadriplegia due to ALS or spinal cord injury. • Participants will have the N1 device surgically implanted to enable control of external devices using their thoughts, potentially restoring independence. • The study involves a six-year monitoring period with regular at-home and in-person clinic visits to evaluate the BCI's performance and long-term effects.

Neuralink Receives Approval for Brain Chip Trials in Canada

6 months ago

• Neuralink has received approval from Health Canada to begin clinical trials of its brain-implant device in Canada. • The first trial site will be at Toronto Western Hospital, making it the first non-U.S. location for Neuralink's clinical research. • Neuralink is recruiting patients with quadriplegia due to ALS or spinal cord injury for the initial Canadian trials. • The company's device aims to enable patients to control external devices using their thoughts, with future applications targeting conditions like blindness.

Neuralink Receives Canadian Approval for Brain Chip Clinical Trial

6 months ago

• Neuralink has been approved to begin its first clinical trial in Canada, focusing on a brain chip designed to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts. • The Canadian study will assess the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's implant in individuals with quadriplegia, allowing them to control external devices using their thoughts. • University Health Network in Toronto has been selected to perform the neurosurgical procedure for the Canadian clinical trial, marking a significant step in Neuralink's expansion. • Neuralink's technology has already been implanted in two patients in the United States, with the second patient demonstrating the ability to play video games and design 3D objects.

Neuralink Expands Brain Chip Trials to Canada, Recruiting Quadriplegic Patients

6 months ago

• Neuralink has received approval from Health Canada to begin clinical trials of its brain implant technology in Canada, marking its expansion outside the U.S. and U.K. • The trial will be conducted at Toronto Western Hospital, focusing on individuals with quadriplegia due to conditions like ALS or spinal cord injuries. • Neuralink aims to use its brain-computer interface technology to address various medical conditions, including restoring vision and augmenting memory. • Elon Musk anticipates implanting over 1,000 brain chips by 2026, with potential future costs comparable to consumer electronics like an Apple Watch.

Pembrolizumab Plus Radiation and Surgery Improves Outcomes in Stage III Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

6 months ago

• A phase II trial (SU2C-SARC032) found that adding pembrolizumab to preoperative radiation and surgery improved disease-free survival in stage III soft-tissue sarcoma patients. • Two-year disease-free survival was 67% with pembrolizumab vs. 52% in the control group (HR = 0.61, P = .035), showing a statistically significant improvement. • The addition of pembrolizumab led to a higher incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events, including anemia and wound infection, compared to the control group. • The study suggests pembrolizumab with radiation and surgery is a promising new treatment for stage III undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic or dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

Pembrolizumab Improves Disease-Free Survival in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients

6 months ago

• A clinical trial showed that adding pembrolizumab to standard treatment significantly improved disease-free survival in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma. • The two-year disease-free survival rate increased from 52% in the control group to 67% in the group receiving pembrolizumab plus standard care. • While adverse events were more frequent in the pembrolizumab group, there were no treatment-related deaths, suggesting it may be a less toxic option than chemotherapy. • Researchers hope the findings will lead to broader use of immunotherapy in treating soft tissue sarcoma and ultimately improve overall survival.