Death, Sudden, Cardiac

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 16, 2024, a life-saving event unfolded when a trained citizen volunteer from the Cumberland 4 Minute City Program was dispatched by 911 to assist a community member experiencing a cardiac arrest emergency. Within minutes, the volunteer arrived and used an Avive Connect AED to deliver a defibrillation shock, successfully resuscitating the victim. Continue Reading In partnership with Avive Solutions, Inc., the Peyton Walker Foundation, the Emergency Health Services Federation, and the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety, Cumberland County is one of the first communities nationwide to launch the 4 Minute City Program. The significance of this program is emphasized by the July 16 save, where rapid action by community volunteers and first responders using Avive Connect AEDs helped resuscitate a local resident suffering from SCA. Cumberland County, PA, is among the first communities in the U.S. to implement Avive's 4 Minute City Program, an initiative aimed at transforming responses to cardiac emergencies. This recent incident and successful resuscitation underscore the urgent need for immediate intervention during such crises and demonstrate the program's potential to improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests nationwide. A Milestone in Cardiac Arrest Care In partnership with Avive Solutions, Inc., the Peyton Walker Foundation, the Emergency Health Services Federation, and the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety, Cumberland County is one of the first communities nationwide to launch the 4 Minute City Program. The significance of this program is emphasized by the July 16 save, where rapid action by community volunteers and first responders using Avive Connect AEDs helped resuscitate a local resident suffering from SCA. This event marks a significant milestone in community-based cardiac care and highlights the life-saving potential of the program. What Is the 4 Minute City Program? The 4 Minute City Program seeks to bridge the crucial gap between a cardiac arrest and the arrival of professional emergency responders. By leveraging historical data on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in specific areas, the program equips CPR-trained citizen volunteers with Avive Connect AEDs. These volunteers, known as Cardiac Arrest Rapid Engagement (CARE) team members, can be alerted by 911 and dispatched to nearby emergencies via a mapping system. Cumberland 4 Minute City CARE Team member Alan Wirt explains his interest in volunteering with the program saying, "When I was five, my Dad died of a heart attack. He was only 46 years old, and it was the early 1960's. Portable AED devices hadn't been invented. I am so honored to be part of the 4 Minute City program, because of its potential to empower ordinary citizens to save lives. Maybe to prevent another child somewhere from losing a parent. This experience demonstrated how a small group of brave and concerned neighbors (who discovered the collapsed individual, and started chest compressions) plus the Avive Care Team, local police, fire, and EMS, can come together seamlessly to give the patient the best chance of survival." Unlike traditional AEDs, the Avive Connect AED leverages its REALConnect™ Services to enable Intelligent Response technology and transform emergency cardiac care. Intelligent Response empowers 911 telecommunicators to dispatch nearby Avive Connect AEDs to the scene of Sudden Cardiac Arrest emergencies. Once triggered, the nearby AEDs flash a red screen and sound an alarm, giving bystanders directions to the scene and guiding them through the emergency with step-by-step CPR and defibrillation instructions. This seamless coordination between CARE team members, next-generation AED technology, and emergency services establishes a new standard for cardiac arrest response. "This program is a game-changer for cardiac arrest care, and this first save proves the impact it can have in our communities," said Julie Walker, President of The Peyton Walker Foundation. "It's incredible to see how local volunteers, equipped with the right tools, can save lives. Knowing that this program will help to spare families from the devastating heartache we live with – after losing a loved one to SCA – is priceless." A Call to Action for Communities Nationwide The October 29th awards ceremony celebrated this life-saving rescue and aims to raise awareness about the importance of rapid response and widespread AED access in every community. Program leaders and local officials spoke about the impact of the Cumberland 4 Minute Community initiative and the potential it has to serve as a national model for improving cardiac arrest survival rates. We are proud to celebrate Cumberland and excited that we will expand the 4 Minute City program in Central Pennsylvania with an announcement to follow. "This program is about empowering communities with the tools and training they need to save lives," said Sameer Jafri, CEO and Founder at Avive Solutions. "We are incredibly proud to see Cumberland County leading the charge in demonstrating the transformative power of the 4 Minute City Program." About The Peyton Walker Foundation: The Peyton Walker Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and saving lives through heart screenings, CPR, and AED training. The foundation was created in memory of Peyton Walker, who tragically passed away at the age of 19 due to sudden cardiac arrest. About Avive Solutions, Inc.: Avive Solutions, Inc. is a Brisbane, CA-based company dedicated to developing state-of-the-art Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) designed to be accessible, intuitive, and effective in saving lives during Sudden Cardiac Arrest emergencies. Avive's mission is to ensure that lifesaving AED technology is available in every community across the nation. Learn more at . Media Contacts: Julie Walker The Peyton Walker Foundation [email protected] Katerina Miras Avive Solutions [email protected] For more information, visit avive.life and peytonwalker.org. SOURCE Avive Solutions, Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Avive Solutions, a leader in advanced cardiac response technology, is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with the Best Defense Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military veterans. Through this collaboration, Avive will provide the Best Defense Foundation with an Avive Connect AED®, enhancing their ability to deliver real-time, connected care to veterans during their journeys back to historic battlefields. Founded in 2018 by former NFL linebacker Donnie Edwards, the Best Defense Foundation honors veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts by taking them back to the places that shaped their service and lives. This partnership with Avive enables the Foundation to bring advanced life-saving technology directly to these heroes during their travels. "We're committed to taking care of the ones who took care of us," said Dr. Misty Zelk, Medical Director at Best Defense Foundation. "Partnering with the Avive allows us to extend that commitment through the Avive Connect AED, which provides not only emergency defibrillation but also advanced connectivity to ensure that critical care is always within reach for veterans, wherever their journeys take them." A Legacy of Service and Advanced Care Dr. Zelk's own journey from military service to medical practice mirrors the mission of the Best Defense Foundation. As a veteran and former Colonel, she understands the importance of combining advanced technology with compassionate care. "The Avive Connect AED isn't just about delivering a shock during a cardiac emergency—it's about creating a system that ensures our veterans have access to the best care possible, no matter where they are." The Avive Connect AED is the first and only AED fully integrated with cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities. This connectivity allows for real-time monitoring and rapid sharing of incident data with first responders and healthcare providers, ensuring that critical information reaches those who need it most. The device's lightweight, portable design makes it ideal for the dynamic and sometimes remote locations where the Foundation's programs take place. Bringing Connected Care to Veterans "At Avive, we believe that innovation should always serve a greater purpose," said Katerina Miras, VP of Marketing at Avive Solutions. "The Avive Connect AED is a first-of-its-kind device, combining real-time monitoring, rapid data sharing, and seamless connectivity through cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS technologies. By partnering with the Best Defense Foundation, we're using this breakthrough technology to support those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, ensuring they are always protected with the best care." With its innovative technology and mission-driven collaboration, Avive Solutions is helping the Best Defense Foundation set a new standard in veteran care. By combining cutting-edge AED technology with the Foundation's deep commitment to veterans, the partnership aims to bring both medical safety and peace of mind to those who need it most. For more information about Avive Solutions, visit , or to learn more about the Best Defense Foundation, visit . About Avive Solutions: Avive Solutions is a technology-driven company revolutionizing the way we respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). With its Avive Connect AED® and REALConnect™ platform, Avive enables faster, smarter, and more effective emergency response, helping to save lives across communities. About Best Defense Foundation: The Best Defense Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Donnie Edwards, dedicated to honoring and celebrating veterans by providing battlefield return programs, transition support, and educational initiatives that preserve the legacy of those who served in past conflicts. Media Contacts: Katerina Miras VP of Marketing Avive Solutions, Inc. [email protected] Amanda Thompson Executive Director Best Defense Foundation [email protected] SOURCE Avive Solutions, Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

AFTX-201, Affinia's gene therapy program in BAG3 dilated cardiomyopathy, demonstrates efficacy, safety, and differentiation in a genetically relevant preclinical model, with full restoration of cardiac function Additional data show Affinia's gene therapy program in MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy demonstrating efficacy, safety, and differentiation in a genetically relevant preclinical model, its second-generation CNS capsids based on novel BBB receptors, and the Company's proprietary plasmid design increasing yields more than 10-fold for AAVs WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinia Therapeutics ("Affinia"), an innovative gene therapy company with a pipeline of rationally designed adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for devastating cardiovascular and neurological diseases, today announced the presentation of new preclinical data on its BAG3 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) programs, as well as additional data covering its second generation of central nervous system (CNS) capsids based on novel blood-brain barrier (BBB) receptors, and its proprietary high-yielding plasmid design for manufacturing. These scientific advances will be featured in poster presentations at the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) 2024 31st Annual Congress, being held October 22-25, 2024 in Rome, Italy. "Our data at ESGCT highlight solutions addressing the key limitations in the gene therapy field, including transducing the majority of cells to deliver therapeutic payloads to cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, or CNS as well as the ability to manufacture efficiently to serve prevalent adult populations," said Charlie Albright, Ph.D., Affinia's Chief Scientific Officer. "Affinia's programs, which use novel tissue-tropic capsids, are highly differentiated from those using conventional AAVs and we look forward to advancing them toward the clinic." Details of Affinia's poster presentations at ESGCT are as follows: Title: A novel AAV gene therapy for treatment of BAG3 dilated cardiomyopathy Abstract: P0252 Session: Poster Session II Date/Time: Wednesday, October 23, 1:30-3:00 PM CEST Location: Concourse Level-1 and Mezzanine Concourse Presenter: Lisa Stanek, Ph.D., Vice President, Translational Science, Affinia BAG3 DCM is a devastating monogenic heart disease affecting more than 70,000 patients in the U.S., Europe, and U.K. regions alone. The BAG3, or Bcl2-associated athanogene 3, gene encodes for a protein that is critical to the normal structure and function of heart cells. Patients affected by BAG3 DCM have a mutation in the BAG3 gene and a deficiency in functioning BAG3 protein, resulting in early onset heart failure that progresses rapidly. No disease-modifying treatment exists, and many patients require a heart transplant. In this poster presentation, Affinia reports the efficacy, safety, and differentiation of its rationally designed gene therapy product candidate, AFTX-201, to treat BAG3 DCM in a genetic mouse model that mirrors the human disease. The preclinical results showed production of BAG3 protein in the heart, improvement in the dilated cardiomyopathy pathophysiology, and full restoration of cardiac function four weeks after a one-time intravenous dose of AFTX-201. In contrast, a gene construct using the conventional capsid, AAV9, did not show improvement in cardiac function. AFTX-201 uses Affinia's novel second-generation cardiotropic capsid, ATC-0187, which has demonstrated robust transduction of iPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes and 90-100% transduction of cardiomyocytes in nonhuman primates (NHPs) following intravenous administration, significantly superior to the conventional capsid, AAV9. "Development of a one-time therapy that addresses the genetic root cause of BAG3 DCM would represent a significant advancement for patients affected by this devastating disease who are otherwise healthy. There is no disease-modifying treatment available," said Laura Richman, D.V.M., Ph.D. DACVP, Affinia's Chief Development Officer. "The preclinical data presented show the potential of AFTX-201 to replenish the BAG3 protein in the heart and to provide structural and functional restoration to normal." Title: A novel AAV gene therapy for treatment of MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Abstract: P0270 Session: Poster Session II Date/Time: Wednesday, October 23, 1:30-3:00 PM CEST Location: Concourse Level-1 and Mezzanine Concourse Presenter: Lisa Stanek, Ph.D., Vice President, Translational Science, Affinia MYBPC3 HCM is a devastating monogenic heart disease affecting more than 110,000 patients in the U.S., Europe, and U.K. regions alone. MYBPC3, or myosin-binding protein C, is a gene that encodes for a protein that is critical to the normal structure and function of heart cells. Patients affected by MYBPC3 HCM present with early onset heart failure that progresses rapidly, resulting in serious complications such as life-threatening arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death. No treatment exists for the underlying genetic cause of the disease. In this poster presentation, Affinia reports the efficacy, safety, and differentiation of its rationally designed gene therapy product candidate to treat MYBPC3 HCM in a knock-in genetic mouse model, which mirrors the human disease. The preclinical results showed reversal of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathophysiology and full restoration of cardiac function 11 weeks after a one-time intravenous dose of Affinia's product candidate using the novel cardiotropic capsid, ATC-0187. In contrast, a gene construct using the conventional capsid, AAV9, did not show improvement in cardiac function in this animal model and at the dose tested. Title: In vitro binding to human and NHP orthologs of candidate receptors identify novel systemically delivered AAVs with enhanced CNS tropism Abstract: P0144 Session: Poster Session II Date/Time: Wednesday, October 23, 1:30-3:00 PM CEST Location: Concourse Level-1 and Mezzanine Concourse Presenter: John Reece-Hoyes, Ph.D., Senior Director, Head of Vector Biology, Affinia Broad distribution to the brain regions remains a limitation of conventional capsids to treat many neurological diseases. Data will be presented on novel BBB-penetrant capsids that bind both human and NHP orthologs of 10 receptors, many of them novel, selected from among highly expressed GPI-anchored proteins in human brain endothelial cells. Results in human receptor knock-in mice and in NHPs revealed multiple novel capsids that utilize different receptors with improved CNS tropism compared to AAV9 when delivered systemically. Title: Affinia's proprietary AAV plasmid design produces industry leading manufacturability of novel and WT capsids Abstract: P0806 Session: Poster Session IV Date/Time: Thursday, October 24, 6:00-7:30 PM CEST Location: Concourse Level-1 and Mezzanine Concourse Presenter: Matt Edwards, MBA, Senior Director, Head of Process Science, Affinia The ability to produce AAVs cost-effectively has been a limitation to broadening the reach of gene therapy to prevalent adult diseases. Affinia's proprietary plasmid design significantly increases yields and packaging efficiency for all novel capsids with peptide inserts and for conventional capsids tested to date. Results show that Affinia's novel capsids yield greater than 3e15 vg/L and full capsids up to 60% at upstream harvest. Results with AAV9 show yields exceeding 4e15 vg/L upstream harvest, 10 times higher than that using conventional plasmid design. Rob May, Affinia's Chief Technical Operations Officer said, "Our proprietary plasmid design leads to industry-leading yields and packaging efficiency for AAV9 and for our novel capsids. These data provide confidence that, as we advance our product candidates to the clinic, they can benefit many adult populations. Beyond Affinia's pipeline, our technology improved yields and packaging efficiency across all AAV capsids tested." Abstracts can be found at . About Affinia Therapeutics Affinia Therapeutics is pioneering a shift to a new class of rationally designed gene therapies that treat rare and prevalent diseases. Affinia Therapeutics' pipeline of first-in-class or best-in-class product candidates in cardiovascular and neurological diseases leverages its proprietary next-generation capsids, payloads, or manufacturing approaches and have shown efficacy, safety, and differentiation in relevant animal models. For more information, visit . SOURCE Affinia Therapeutics WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED