Xtalks Life Science Podcast

Study Shows Exercise Can Maintain Cognitive Health in Elderly + Abbott’s New Cardiac Mapping System

In this episode, Ayesha talks about a new study from UCSF that shows how physical activity can maintain brain health in older individuals. The research shows that exercise increases levels of synaptic proteins in the brain involved in maintaining and strengthening neuronal connections. The researchers also found these proteins could be protective even in people with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The team talked about the benefits of moderate exercise like walking, and agree that even small steps can make a big difference!The editorial team also discussed a new cardiac mapping system developed by Abbott that received clearance from the FDA for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The device integrates the company’s proprietary mapping technology, which allows for the generation of more accurate electrograms of the heart. This helps better identify the precise location of an arrhythmia to be treated with catheter ablation therapy. Developing more powerful imaging tools is key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions like cardiac arrhythmias.Read the full articles here: Abbott’s New Cardiac Mapping System Gets FDA Clearance for Treatment of Cardiac ArrhythmiasStudy Shows Exercise Can Strengthen Neural Connections in the Aging Brain to Maintain Cognitive HealthFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured 

New Cancer Blood Test + Bayer Commits to All Green Packaging by 2030

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new blood test developed by researchers at the University of Oxford that can detect cancers and even if they’ve metastasized. The test is based on measuring metabolites produced by tumor cells in blood samples using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The researchers found that the test could identify cancer among healthy people, those with localized cancer and individuals with cancer that has metastasized. The test could help detect cancers even before the use of conventional imaging-based methods.The editorial team also discussed Bayer’s commitment to 100 percent green packaging for its consumer products by 2030. The target is part of the company’s sustainability program, which includes shifting to renewable energy sources and sustainably sourcing recyclable and reusable paper materials. Bayer’s most popular consumer products like Aspirin, Aleve and Claritin will all have green packaging by the target year, which will also include recycling information that is consumer friendly. Other pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, GSK and Biogen also have similar sustainability programs, reflecting the growing awareness of the pharmaceutical industry’s large carbon footprint and the importance of efforts to reduce it.Read the full articles here: Cancer Blood Test Developed by University of Oxford Researchers Can Detect MetastasisBayer Commits to 100 Percent Green Packaging by 2030For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA and CDC Update Guidelines Amid Omicron + Life Science Trends for 2022

In the first episode of 2022, Ayesha provided updates on Omicron and COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The FDA expanded authorization of booster doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to youth between 12 and 15 years of age, a third dose for immunocompromised children between five and 11 years old and a shorter wait time to get a booster for individuals 12 and older. Meanwhile, the CDC reduced isolation and quarantine periods by half to five days. The team discussed the implication of these updates and despite the direness of the current situation, expressed hope in seeing the pandemic finally end.Ayesha also discussed some of the predicted trends in the life sciences in 2022. These include the continued promise of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics like RNA editing for the treatment of various conditions including rare genetic diseases. Digital transformation in healthcare is another significant trend that will continue in 2022. Tools like wearable technologies, electronic data capture and integration of AI approaches are enabling the digital transformation of healthcare to help improve and revolutionize patient care. Read the full articles here: Key Trends in the Life Sciences to Look Forward to in 2022For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Biohaven Intranasal Migraine Drug Gets FDA Approval + Moderna’s mRNA Influenza Vaccine

In this episode, which is the last episode for the year (the team will be back in January!), Ayesha discusses the FDA approval of Biohaven’s intranasal spray Zavegepant indicated for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The drug is similar to the company oral dose tablet (ODT) Nurtec but is the first CGRP receptor antagonist in a nasal spray formulation. Some of the editorial team members shared their experiences with migraine headaches, and talked about the pros and cons of an intranasal spray for helping treat them.The team also talked about the first results from an early-stage trial evaluating Moderna’s new mRNA-based influenza vaccine. After the success of its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, the company got to work on a quadrivalent vaccine against influenza. The trial results showed that the vaccine had no serious safety concerns and that it elicits an immune response against the four different strains of the influenza virus in the vaccine. The results of this were a bit mixed as there were greater levels of neutralizing antibodies against influenza A strain antigens than influenza B strain antigens. Moderna is also planning for a triple target vaccine against COVID-19, influenza and RSV.Read the full articles here: Biohaven Eyes FDA Approval for Second Migraine Drug Zavegepant After Promising Trial ResultsModerna Reveals Positive Results for its mRNA Influenza VaccineFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Moderna and Pfizer Premature Statements on Omicron + FDA Approves New Hepatitis B Vaccine

In this episode, Ayesha discussed statements from Moderna and Pfizer regarding Omicron and the need for new variant-specific boosters. Moderna’s CEO sparked concerns when he said the current vaccines likely won’t be effective against Omicron, while Pfizer’s CEO said vaccines for COVID-19 will likely be needed for many years. The editorial team discussed the impact of these comments as they were relatively premature given that not much is known about Omicron yet, such as its transmissibility and potential for immune evasion. It’s important for companies to improve on their communications to ensure they’re evidence-based and don’t evoke unnecessary panic among people.The team also talked about a new hepatitis B vaccine from VBI Vaccines that received FDA approval for adults. The vaccine is the first three-antigen hepatitis B vaccine approved in the US. While hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth now, this only began in the early 1990s. About 25 percent of adults in the US are not vaccinated for hepatitis B. The global hepatitis B vaccine market is expected to grow, particularly as several other hepatitis B vaccines were also approved by the FDA in the last couple of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has laid out a goal to eliminate hepatitis B worldwide by 2030. Read the full articles here: Will the Current COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against Omicron? Pfizer and Moderna Spark Concern by Painting Bleak Pictures PrematurelyVBI Vaccines Gets FDA Approval for First Three-Antigen Hepatitis B ShotFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

WHO Declares Omicron Variant of Concern + Seizure Drug Recalled Over Faulty Seal

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Omicron, the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. The editorial team talked about the emergence of variants amid low vaccine uptake in some parts of the world owing to vaccine inequities and vaccine hesitancy. Omicron’s transmissibility, severity and the effectiveness of the current vaccines against it remain unknown. Amid border closures and travel bans being instituted by countries worldwide, the team agreed that the pandemic isn’t over yet and new variants may be inevitable, which is why vaccination and other protective measures such as masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene continue to be important to help mitigate transmission.The team also talked about Sagent Pharmaceutical’s voluntary recall of several lots of its injectable seizure medication levetiracetam due to potential loss of sterility because of a container closure issue on the vials it comes packaged in. The affected lots were distributed this year and affect reserve sample vials. The writers discussed how companies need to pay closer heed to the quality standards of manufacturers producing the packaging components for their pharmaceuticals, as the packaging of a drug product is critical to its integrity.Read the full articles here: Omicron Designated as a Variant of Concern by WHO: What We Know About It So FarSeizure Drug from Sagent Pharmaceuticals Recalled Over Faulty SealFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Virtual Reality Treatment for Chronic Pain + Canadian CDMO Biovectra to Build mRNA Manufacturing Plant

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the first FDA-approved virtual reality treatment for chronic lower back pain. The virtual reality system is called EaseVRx and is developed by virtual reality medtech company AppliedVR. The non-invasive treatment system is self-administered and is designed for at-home use. It consists of a virtual reality headset, controller and breath amplifier, and has preloaded software with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral skill-based content including exercises and lessons as part of the treatment plan. The editorial team discussed the novelty of virtual reality treatments for conditions like chronic pain and depression as well as the benefits of at-home treatments as they offer convenience and reduce burdens on patients and caregivers.The editorial team also talked about Canadian CDMO Biovectra’s recent announcement of its plans to build a biomanufacturing facility for large-scale production of mRNA therapeutics, including mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. During the pandemic, only a handful of production sites continue to produce the vaccines, which has led to global shortages, delays and distribution inequities. To address this, Biovectra is set to build the first domestic large-scale mRNA production plant in Canada with financial backing from the Canadian government. The company plans to produce doses of the current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and also be equipped to produce mRNA therapeutics for future projects and potential health emergencies.  Read the full articles here: FDA Approves First Virtual Reality Pain TreatmentBiovectra to Build First mRNA Vaccine and Drug Manufacturing Plant in CanadaFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Xtalks Voices: Magnus Medical CEO Dr. Brett Wingeier Talks About Neurostimulation for Depression

In this episode, the editorial team had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Brett Wingeier, CEO of neuromodulation MedTech company Magnus Medical about the company’s Magnus System for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The neurostimulation device received breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month. The team heard from Dr. Wingeier about the challenges of treating depression and how neuromodulation shows clinical effectiveness for patients. Given this, he explained how the company decided to develop the Magnus System and described how it works. As a 20-year veteran in the field of neuromodulation, hear Dr. Wingeier’s insights into how the field continues to grow. Read the full article here: Magnus Medical’s Neurostimulation Technology Granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Pfizer’s COVID-19 Antiviral Pill + FDA Approves AbbVie’s Eyedrop for Presbyopia

In this episode, the editorial team discussed Pfizer’s new oral antiviral pill for the treatment of COVID-19. Pfizer released data from an interim analysis of a Phase III trial evaluating the drug, which shows that it can reduce the risk of hospitalizations by almost 90 percent. It also prevented COVID-19 related deaths in the study. The results were so strong that an independent data monitoring committee and the FDA told Pfizer they could stop enrolling participants in the trial. Ayesha and the team discussed the convenience of an oral medication for COVID-19, and how such drugs appear to be more accepted than preventative vaccines among some circles of people.The podcast also features a discussion on the recent FDA approval of AbbVie’s eyedrop for the treatment of presbyopia, or age-related deficits in near vision. The condition is currently treated with prescription “reading glasses” or contact lenses. With almost half of all adult Americans having the condition, there is a significant market for new treatments in the area. The editorial team discussed the advantages of an eyedrop over glasses, and how personal preferences may dictate what patients choose. Read the full articles here: Pfizer’s COVID-19 Antiviral Pill Cuts Hospitalizations by 90 Percent and May Eliminate All DeathsFDA Approves AbbVie’s Vuity as the First Eyedrop for PresbyopiaFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA Authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 + Genentech’s Drug Delivery System for Macular Degeneration

In this episode, Ayesha discusses the FDA’s authorization of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. The authorization was based on trial data that showed the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated and induced robust immune responses among children in this age group; side effects were generally mild to moderate. Amid concerns of the rare adverse event of myocarditis in children and adolescents following vaccination with mRNA vaccines, the FDA conducted its own benefit-risk analysis that showed the benefit of vaccination outweighs the risk of myocarditis. The editorial team discussed the positive trial data, the importance of vaccinating kids amid rising infections among younger children, as well as vaccine hesitancy among parents.The team also learned about the FDA approval of Genentech’s new ocular implant drug delivery system, called Susvimo, for the treatment of neovascular, or wet, age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The implant is surgically placed in the eye and injected with Genentech’s anti-VEGFA monoclonal antibody ranibizumab for continuous delivery. Compared with the current standard of care of near monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, the ocular implant only has to be refilled every six months. The team discussed the convenience of the device, but also potential patient hesitancy over the surgery for its implantation.Read the full articles here: FDA Authorizes Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 5 to 11 Genentech’s New Ocular Implant Drug Delivery System for Macular Degeneration Could Be a Game ChangerFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured