Sleep Apnea Syndromes

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a leading global medtech company providing innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, announced today it applauds the new Obesity Bill of Rights . Continue Reading Olympus applauds the newly launched Obesity Bill of Rights and will support the initiative by working to build awareness and talking to its healthcare customers about this important campaign to counter bias and ageism in obesity care. Olympus will support the initiative by working to build awareness and talking to its healthcare customers about this important campaign to counter bias and ageism in obesity care. The program, spearheaded in January 2024 in the U.S. by the National Consumers League (NCL), a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, in conjunction with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), establishes a set of rights to "assure screening, diagnosis, counseling and effective treatment based on medical treatment guidelines." This ongoing effort to gather support is expected to culminate in a fully implemented Bill of Rights by Dec. 31, 2029. The NCL and NCOA are working at the grassroots, employer, state and federal levels on this effort to ensure equal access to care for all obesity patients. NCL and NCOA worked with health leaders and obesity specialists to draft these Bill of Rights tenets that are intended to change the narrative, such that the healthcare industry more effectively sees obesity as a treatable chronic disease that can be treated with the same "respect, attention and medical care" as other chronic conditions. Statistics regarding obesity are staggering: 108M people in the U.S. are considered obese, only 10% of whom get help from medical professionals and only 2% of whom are treated with new medications. More than 230 conditions are worsened by obesity. Obesity is connected to $1.73 trillion in annual medical costs in the U.S. 400K premature deaths annually are linked to obesity.1 "Olympus provides equipment to the surgical community that helps in the treatment of obesity, and statistics show that not enough people have access to this type of treatment," said Paul Skodny, Executive Director for Health Economics and Market Access at Olympus Corporation. "It is our hope that awareness of treatment options and equitable access and insurance coverage will help address the detrimental health impacts of obesity." Bariatric Surgery as a Solution for Weight Loss Because of recent pharmaceuticals' entry into the market, such as semaglutide-based medications, obesity treatment has been receiving more attention. Surgical treatment which can complement medical management, has a lengthy track record, having been available to patients for decades with favorable long-term outcomes.2 Studies show patients typically lose the most weight one to two years after bariatric surgery and see substantial improvements in obesity-related conditions. Despite the growing number of obesity-related health problems, fewer than 2% of those eligible for bariatric surgery elect to have it.3 Given these statistics, Olympus, maker of technologies for performing minimally invasive bariatric procedures, sought to understand the awareness level and concerns of eligible patients in a survey conducted in 20194: Marginal Awareness around Benefits: A little more than 50% of respondents demonstrated only marginal awareness that bariatric surgery causes hormonal changes that improve weight loss by maintaining or enhancing energy expenditure.5 Worry about Gaining Weight Back: 20% of respondents were avoiding bariatric surgery because of concerns about surgery complications and gaining the weight back. Awareness around Insurance Opportunities: 56% of respondents were aware that insurance covers bariatric surgery in most qualified cases.6 Surgical benefits are real and should be known to more patients. Studies show that: Patients may lose as much as 60% of excess weight six months after surgery, and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. On average, five years after surgery, patients maintain 50% of their excess weight loss.1 The majority of bariatric surgery patients with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea experience remission of these obesity-related diseases.1 Statistically, the risk of death during weight-loss surgery procedures is less than 1 percent. All abdominal operations carry the risks of bleeding, infection in the incision, thrombophlebitis of legs (blood clots), lung problems (pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms), strokes or heart attacks, anesthetic complications and blockage or obstruction of the intestine. These risks are greater in patients with severe obesity.7 To learn more about Olympus' state-of-the-art technologies for performing minimally invasive bariatric surgeries, visit the Bariatrics product page. About Olympus At Olympus, we are committed to our purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals striving to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com. _______________________________ 1 Americans now have an Obesity Bill of Rights. NCLnet.org. . Published January 31, 2024. Accessed February 29, 2024. 2 Story of Obesity Surgery. asmbs.org. . Published 2023. Accessed February 29, 2024. 3 . February 27, 2020. Accessed February 29, 2024. 4 The Olympus-commissioned online survey was conducted mid-December 2019. 5 Public Education Committee. Benefits of Bariatric Surgery: ASMBS. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. . Accessed February 29, 2024. 6 Manning S. How to get your health insurer to pay for your weight-loss surgery. Insure.com. . Published September 24, 2020. Accessed February 29, 2024. 7 Available Procedures. Yale New Haven Health. . Accessed March 15, 2024. SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas

56% of Participants on Paltusotine Achieved IGF-1 ≤1.0 xULN vs. 5% on Placebo (p<0.0001) Paltusotine was Generally Well-tolerated with No Serious Adverse Events Positive Topline Results Support Planned NDA Submission to the FDA in 2H 2024 Management Will Host a Conference Call Today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time SAN DIEGO, March 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX) a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, today announced positive topline results from PATHFNDR-2, the second of two Phase 3 studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral, once-daily investigational paltusotine for the treatment of acromegaly. PATHFNDR-2 (NCT05192382) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 24-week treatment period followed by an optional open-label extension study evaluating paltusotine in 111 participants with acromegaly who were not pharmacologically treated. The study met statistical significance (p<0.0001) on the primary endpoint, based on the proportion of participants taking paltusotine (56%) who achieved an insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level ≤ 1.0 times the upper limit of normal (xULN) compared to those taking placebo (5%). All secondary endpoints also met statistical significance: Paltusotine (n=54) Placebo (n=57) p-value Primary Endpoint: Proportion of participants who achieved an IGF-1 level ≤ 1.0 xULN, % (n) 56% (30/54) 5% (3/57) <0.0001 Secondary Endpoints: Change from baseline in IGF-1 level (xULN) -0.82 0.09 <0.0001 Proportion of participants who achieved IGF-1 level of <1.3 xULN at EoR* 67% 14% <0.0001 Change from baseline in Acromegaly Symptoms Diary (ASD) total score -2.67 2.75 0.004 Proportion of participants who achieved growth hormone (GH) level of <1.0ng/mL at EoR 57% 18% <0.0001 *EoR: End of Randomized control phase “These positive topline results of PATHFNDR-2 are incredibly exciting for both patients with acromegaly and the healthcare providers who treat them,” stated Monica R. Gadelha, M.D., Ph.D., professor of endocrinology at the Medical School of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and a principal investigator in the PATHFNDR program. “This study demonstrates that paltusotine can provide both symptom control as well as biochemical control in patients who are not currently on pharmacologic treatment. If approved, the prospect that paltusotine can offer an innovative, once-daily oral alternative represents a significant step forward in improving the treatment experience for patients.” In PATHFNDR-2, paltusotine was generally well-tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported in participants treated with paltusotine. The frequency of participants with at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) was comparable in the paltusotine treatment arm and placebo arm. The most commonly reported TEAEs in paltusotine-treated participants included: diarrhea, headache, arthralgia and abdominal pain. The frequency of adverse events considered related to acromegaly was notably lower in paltusotine treated participants compared to placebo treated participants. “Paltusotine continues to exceed expectations. Today, PATHFNDR-2 delivered statistically significant topline results across the board,” said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics. “Building upon the success of PATHFNDR-1, the totality of data underscores the potential of paltusotine to provide an important new treatment option for all people living with acromegaly, if approved. We intend to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the second half of 2024, and our team is actively preparing for a potential 2025 launch. We are deeply grateful to all the individuals who participated in this study, the skilled clinical staff who provided exceptional care, and the dedicated Crinetics team from around the globe. This collective endeavor has brought an important new potential acromegaly treatment option closer to becoming a reality.” Data Review Conference Call Crinetics will hold a conference call and live webcast on Tuesday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss topline results from the PATHFNDR-2 Phase 3 study. To participate, please dial 1-888-886-7786 (domestic) or 1-416-764-8658 (international), or request a callback here and refer to conference ID 95442954. To access the webcast, click here. A presentation to accompany the webcast can be found here. Following the live event, a replay will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website. About the PATHFNDR Program The PATHFNDR Program consists of two Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. PATHFNDR-1 (NCT04837040) enrolled a total of 58 adults with acromegaly who entered with an IGF-1 level ≤ 1.0x ULN on octreotide or lanreotide depot monotherapy. The participants were randomized to receive once-daily, oral paltusotine for 36 weeks or placebo. PATHFNDR-2 (NCT05192382) enrolled 111 adults with acromegaly who had elevated IGF-1 levels but were medication naïve or were not being treated with pharmacotherapy (untreated patients). The primary endpoint for both studies is the proportion of patients achieving IGF-1 ≤1.0 xULN compared to placebo. Crinetics believes these studies could support registration of paltusotine in the United States and Europe for all acromegaly patients who require pharmacotherapy, including untreated patients and those switching from standard of care. About Acromegaly Acromegaly is a serious rare disease generally caused by a pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor in the pituitary that secretes growth hormone (GH). Excess GH secretion causes excess secretion of IGF-1 from the liver. Prolonged exposure to increased levels of IGF-1 and GH leads to progressive and serious systemic complications, often resulting in bone, joint, cardiovascular, metabolic, cerebrovascular, or respiratory disease. Acromegaly symptoms include headache, joint aches, fatigue, sleep apnea, severe sweating, hyperhidrosis/oily skin, bone and cartilage overgrowth, abnormal growth of hands and feet, enlargement of heart, liver, and other organs and alteration of facial features. Uncontrolled acromegaly results in increased mortality and has a debilitating impact on daily functioning and quality of life. Surgical removal of pituitary adenomas, if possible, is the preferred initial treatment for most acromegaly patients. Pharmacotherapy is used for patients who are not candidates for surgery, or when surgery is unsuccessful in achieving treatment goals. Approximately 50% of patients with acromegaly prove to be candidates for pharmacotherapy. Injectable depot somatostatin analogues are the most common initial pharmacologic treatment; however, these drugs require monthly depot injections with large gauge needles that are commonly associated with pain, injection site reactions, and an increased burden on the lives of patients. About Paltusotine Paltusotine is the first oral, once-daily selectively-targeted somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) agonist and is currently in investigational Phase 3 studies for acromegaly and a Phase 2 study for carcinoid syndrome. It was designed by the Crinetics’ discovery team to provide an efficacious and convenient once-daily option for people living with acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. In Phase 2 studies and the recently completed PATHFNDR-1 Phase 3 study, paltusotine maintained IGF-1 levels in acromegaly patients who switched from monthly injectable medications to paltusotine. IGF-1 is the primary biomarker endocrinologists use to manage acromegaly patients. Results from the Phase 2 study in carcinoid syndrome further support paltusotine’s potential use beyond acromegaly. About Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. Paltusotine, an investigational, first-in-class, oral somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) agonist, is in Phase 3 clinical development for acromegaly and in Phase 2 clinical development for carcinoid syndrome associated with neuroendocrine tumors. Crinetics has demonstrated pharmacologic proof-of-concept in a Phase 1 clinical study for CRN04894, an investigational, first-in-class, oral ACTH antagonist, that is currently in Phase 2 clinical studies for the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing’s disease. All of the company’s drug candidates are orally delivered, small molecule new chemical entities resulting from in-house drug discovery efforts, including additional discovery programs addressing a variety of endocrine conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, polycystic kidney disease, Graves’ disease, thyroid eye disease, diabetes and obesity. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the plans and timelines for the clinical development of paltusotine and CRN04894, including the therapeutic potential and clinical benefits or safety pro plans to submit data from the ongoing Phase 3 clinical studies of paltusotine in acromegaly to regulators in support of applications seeking approval for the use of paltusotine in acromegaly patients and the expected timing of an NDA submission for paltusotine for the treatment for all acromegaly patients who require pharmacotherapy;our expected plans and timing for commercialization of paltusotine and other product candidates pending regulatory approval; the ability for paltusotine to effectively provide symptom control and biochemical control in acromegaly patients; and the commercialization of paltusotine as the first once-daily, oral SRL for the treatment of acromegaly; the commercial acceptance of paltusotine as a new medical treatment for acromegaly with improvements in treatment experience and access to care for patients and medical providers; the potential for our discovery program for endocrine diseases including hyperparathyroidism, polycystic kidney disease, Graves’ disease, thyroid eye disease, diabetes and obesity to progress to drug candidates and show safety or efficacy; and our plans to identify and create new drug candidates for additional diseases. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, topline results that we report may change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the clinical studies and such data may not accurately reflect the complete results of a clinical study, the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data, and the FDA and other regulatory authorities may not agree with our interpretation of such results; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The events and circumstances reflected in the company’s forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information on risks facing Crinetics can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Crinetics’ periodic filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Crinetics does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. Contact: Corey Davis LifeSci Advisors cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com (212) 915-2577 Media: Natalie Badillo Head of Corporate Communications nbadillo@crinetics.com (858) 345-6075

The healthcare industry has embraced GLP1 drugs as an effective way to lose weight. But the popularity of these drugs has made them tough to obtain. In a webinar last week, CEO and Co-founder Dr. Jonathan Kaplan shared how physician practices not only can access the weight loss drug by working with compounding pharmacies, but also use BuildMyHealth to provide it to their own patients who are suitable candidates for the drug. In doing so, physicians can open up a revenue stream for their practice generating more than $250,000 per month. To address the difficulty obtaining such popular drugs, the webinar highlighted how physician practices can help patients obtain compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, the active ingredients found in Ozempic and Mounjaro respectively. In addition to Kaplan, a board-certified plastic surgeon, the webinar also included Dr. Ioana Carabin, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. MedCity News Editor in Chief Arundhati Parmar served as the moderator of the sponsored webinar. Kaplan observed that there are people who would like plastic surgery but need to lose weight before procedures such as a tummy tuck can be effective. He said one reason he created BuildMyHealth was to support this group of patients. “There were patients whose Body Mass Index (BMI) was too high so they weren’t good candidates for plastic surgery. Rather than turning them away, our nurse and nurse practitioner suggested starting a weight management program to help them lose weight and then get into their goal weight that they might then move forward with a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.” Kaplan also emphasized that the patients he typically prescribes weight-loss drugs to do not have underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes. He pointed out that there are a lot of people with obesity who are otherwise healthy and that’s really who they’re treating. From the ENT perspective, Dr. Carabin also found her patients were appropriate candidates for these weight loss medications. “I also see a lot of sleep apnea patients in my practice. As most of you realize, a lot of them are obese and they need help to get healthier. Part of that approach requires weight management. So I’m able to provide weight management for patients that come in through insurance as well as paying patients through the cosmetic arm of my practice.” According to Kaplan, this is for all providers in America. “You have to think to yourself, ‘what happens when a patient comes in and they ask you for weight loss medications?’ Are you going to tell them, ‘oh, you should just stick to diet and exercise?’ That’s not good enough anymore,” he added. “Obesity is a chronic disease. There’s insulin resistance involved. It’s not just about diet and exercise. It’s certainly not just about a lack of willpower. You’re probably going to lose patients if you stick to that old mantra because the science doesn’t back that up anymore.” To view the full webinar, Lower BMI, Raise ROI: How Physician Practices Can Boost Revenues with a Turnkey Weight Management Program, please fill in the form below: