Feds invest $47 million in Newfoundland and Labrador for home support workers and rare disease treatments

Health Canada - November 15, 2024

The federal government has signed two agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador, investing over $47 million to support home support workers and improve access to drugs for rare diseases.

P.E.I. welcomes new specialist physicians amid growing concern on understaffing

Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island - November 12, 2024

Health Minister Mark McLane reported that Health PEI has signed three new specialist physicians, increasing the total number of physicians to 35.

Quebec experiences increased pediatric emergency visits; N.B. Premier mandates opening of 10 new clinics

La Presse - November 15, 2024

Hospitals in Montreal are confronted with a pre-flu season surge in pediatric emergency visits, forcing two pediatric hospitals to advise parents to avoid going to visits unless the child's condition requires immediate care.

Alberta Mental Health and Addictions Minister blames institutional failures for North America's opioid crisis

Western Standard - November 18, 2024

Alberta Mental Health and Addictions Minister Dan Williams blamed institutional failures for the opioid crisis in North America, saying both Canada and the U.S. are at the center of the global problem, according to Western Standard.

Nova Scotia pharmacists' prescription powers ease healthcare burden, official says

CBC - November 18, 2024

A Health Canada exemption allowing pharmacists in Nova Scotia to extend and renew prescriptions has significantly eased the province's healthcare burden, according to Beverley Zwicker, CEO of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.

College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario proposes amendments to streamline registration and exams

Ontario Regulatory Registry - November 15, 2024

On Friday, November 15, 2024, The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario proposed amendments to the Dental Hygiene Act’s General Regulation (O. Reg. 218/94) to streamline registration and standardize the entry-to-practice exam.

Quebec CISSS issues request for interest for portable electrocardiographs

Government of Quebec - November 15, 2024

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides has published a request for interest (RFI) for the supply of portable electrocardiographs as part of an ongoing medical equipment procurement.

Health Canada licenses Acalphya Indica, Bellis Perennis, Morning Care - Milk Thistle, Rocky Morning - Milk Thistle, and Rocky Springs - Milk Thistle

Health Canada - November 15, 2024

Health Canada granted a natural product license to Acalphya Indica, promoted by Vaidik Nature as a homeopathic medicine.

B.C. PharmaCare Policy Manual updated with comprehensive guidelines

Government of British Columbia - November 15, 2024

The British Columbia PharmaCare Policy Manual was updated on November 15, 2024, and is now available online. The manual provides comprehensive guidance on PharmaCare policies, including claims submission, drug benefit statuses, and pharmacy fees.

Canada reports end of aminophylline shortage; Siemens, Medline, Philips recall medical devices

Health Canada - November 15, 2024

On November 15, Health Canada announced that there is a steady, nationwide supply of aminophylline after seven months of shortage.

CDA recommends against Ebglyss reimbursement

Canada’s Drug Agency - November 15, 2024

Eli Lilly’s Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) received a “Do Not Reimburse” recommendation from Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) for the treatment of adults and children over 12 years old with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. 

New trial shows blood thinners do not reduce cognitive decline in younger adults with atrial fibrillation

American Heart Association - November 16, 2024

The American Heart Association detailed that a large trial, BRAIN-AF, found rivaroxaban did not reduce the risk of cognitive decline, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in adults under 65 with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and no other stroke risk factors.

McMaster researchers identify U.S. FDA-approved drug as potential Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases treatment

McMaster University - November 15, 2024

McMaster researchers have identified 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, as a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare and often fatal genetic disorders that cause progressive nerve cell damage.

Eisai and Biogen receive positive CHMP opinion for lecanemab approval in early AD treatment in Europe

Eisai - November 15, 2024

Eisai and Biogen announced that the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion recommending the approval of lecanemab for treating early Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients who are non-carriers or heterozygotes of the ApoE ε4 gene with confirmed amyloid pathology.

Study reveals how diabetes-related compounds hinder bone growth in dental stem cells, affecting orthodontic treatment

Stem Cell Research & Therapy – November 15, 2024 

A study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy revealed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair osteogenesis in orthodontic force-induced periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) by disrupting the KDM6B/Wnt self-reinforcing loop.  

AC Immune stock soars 20% following positive Phase 2 results for Parkinson’s vaccine immunotherapy

Clinical Trials Arena - November 15, 2024

AC Immune’s stock surged over 20% after announcing positive interim Phase 2 trial results for its Parkinson’s vaccine-like immunotherapy, ACI-7104.056.

Avian flu rise in B.C. prompts new health protocols

CBC – November 14, 2024 

CBC reported that B.C.'s chief veterinarian, Dr. Theresa Burns, issued a letter to wildlife clinics urging the implementation of safety protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu, especially after the first human case of H5N1 in Canada.

Health Canada launches long-term study to treat central hypersomnia conditions

Health Canada - November 15, 2024

Health Canada is conducting a long-term extension study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of TAK-861 in individuals with selected central hypersomnia conditions, including narcolepsy.

UoT study highlights barriers and solutions for transgender, gender diverse individuals in acute mental healthcare

University of Toronto - November 13, 2024

A thesis published in the University of Toronto's TSpace explored the experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals accessing acute mental healthcare, revealing increased marginalization and higher likelihood of post-ED follow-up but reduced follow-up after hospitalization, often due to transphobic experiences during hospitalization.

Pharma Roundup: Michelle Horn highlights preventive health in managing chronic diseases

Healthing Canada – November 15, 2024 

GSK Canada's interim country medical director, Michelle Horn, highlighted the critical role of preventive health care and vaccinations in managing chronic diseases and easing pressure on health systems amid an aging population and evolving infectious diseases.