Paralysis

BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When Yong Yong (pseudonym) navigates through the bustling exhibition hall, a soothing voice whisperers in his ear, guiding him past obstacles and pointing out objects in his path. Wearing a special pair of glasses, Yong Yong walks around on his own, overwhelmed by a newfound sense of freedom and independence - "as if I was not blind," he said with a smile. Yong Yong, 30, was born with severe visual impairment. As his eyes can perceive only faint light, in the past decades, Yong Yong has rarely visited public places without his crutches. But now, he can walk almost as unaided as people with regular sound and vision, being able to avoid obstacles with the help of the glasses on his nose, which can dynamically recognize the objects around and remind him by voice. These special glasses were one of highlight products being showcased at a recent exhibition of innovative auxiliaries for the people with disabilities. At the exhibition, which was held in South China's Guangdong Province in May, many Chinese tech firms brought the AI products they developed specifically for people with disabilities, expecting to equip those in need with AI-powered "eyes" "ears" "mouths" or "limbs." Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that there had been 85.9 million people with disabilities in China by 2023. The rapid development of China's AI technology is trying to reduce the inconvenience of people with disabilities in this country, and help them to live as able-bodied individuals to the maximum extent. "As a developer of AI products, I deeply feel about the tremendous changes AI technology is bringing to the lives of people with disabilities," said Li An, whose team developed the glasses trialed by Yong Yong at the May exhibition. "Every time I see our products truly helping them, I feel doubly gratified and proud," Li told the Global Times. Feeling connected Li is the director of a Chinese tech startup named Shenzhen Bixin AI Company, which spent more than six months in developing the "vision-helper AI glasses," with the aim to enable visually impaired people to "see" surroundings when walking alone on the street. Based on large language and auditory models, the glasses, equipped with hardware including a microphone, speaker and camera, possesses human-like abilities of hearing, speaking, and seeing. By taking photos or directly asking questions to the glasses, a user can clearly know the objects around, such as obstructions on the road, the names of the road, roadside stores and bus stations, and even the plants in the flower beds, Li explained. So far, more than 100 users have experienced the glasses, which, as some of them said, was like "a useful and convenient assistant." Li said the current 1.0 version of the glasses can only provide information based on questions, but it is expected to be developed into "a 2.0 version that has a real-time voice reminding function" in the near future. On many occasions, Li invited people with a visual impairment to try the glasses, collected their feedback, and drove them home in person. He said he is delighted to see AI products help visually impaired people become more independent in their life. "Moreover, AI technologies promote their connection to the world," Li told the Global Times. "AI not only offers them conveniences, but also brings them dignity and more opportunities to participate in social activities on an equal footing." For individuals with visual or hearing impairments, AI can serve as a new window for them to get closer to people, and feel more connected to the world they live, he said. In 2023, China's tech giant NetEase, together with a welfare foundation for people with disabilities, launched a "Life's First Words" voice restoration program. By uploading a two-minute voice clip without complete semantics, the hearing-impaired users can have their words spoken in their own voices through AI-generated speech based on typed text. According to a NetEase report in 2023, this product is available in China for hearing-impaired individuals free of charge, helping them to communicate with the world without barriers and share their emotions by saying their "first words." A survey showed that 67 percent of the people with hearing impairment were willing to try this voice restoration technology, reported Qianjiang Evening News in July 2023. "They said, their 'life's first words' would be 'Thank you.'" Small groups matter Apart from benefiting people with disabilities, a number of Chinese AI products and technologies are also trying hard to relieve burden for their families, particularly those who have to spend a lot of time and energy looking after their loved ones, and those who have lost the ability to care for themselves. The "Ice Bucket Challenge," a previous viral social media campaign that involved dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads, raised public awareness for the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and brought wide attention to sufferers of the condition. ALS is severe progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of muscle control and eventually paralysis. With the gradual development of the disease, the patients gradually lose their speech and mobility. Severe patients have difficulty in breathing, swallowing and expectoration, which may lead to death if not treated in time. For the caregivers of ALS patients, they have to check the patient's breathing status every once in a while (even as short as half an hour or 10 minutes in the late stage of the disease). This creates a heavy burden for both patients and their caregivers. Some Chinese tech enterprises have tried to make a change, by designing AI-powered uninterrupted and meticulous care systems specifically for ALS patients and their families. AI software company SenseTime, for instance, is among the first in domestic AI industry that developed an intelligent nursing system that provides 24-hour contactless care for ALS patients. Apart from monitoring the physiological indexes of patients in real time, the system is equipped with functions including emergency warning, active calling, sleep analysis, and abnormal statistical detection, introduced Sun Qigong, director of the system's program. Based on computer vision technology, the system can keenly capture the painful expressions of patients who have lost speech and mobility, and timely notify nursing staff to deal with the critical situation within three seconds to avoid the risk of patients' lives, Sun said. "Every alert from the system could potentially save a life," Sun told the Global Times. The system had been applied on a philanthropic basis across more than 60 families among 17 Chinese provinces and regions as of the end of 2023, according to Sun. "We also cooperate with several commonweal organizations and donate them such caring system equipment, so as to let the system benefit more people," he added. June 21 marks the world's Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Day. Sun said that considering the cost-effectiveness, some companies are hesitant to engage in developing similar AI caring products for the small number of ALS patients. "But the desire of this small group to live a relatively dignified and decent life matter as well," he noted. "We hope that through our efforts, we can offer a helping hand to the ALS patients and their families, who may be sometimes ignored by the mainstream technology development," he told the Global Times. Joint efforts At the May exhibition in Shenzhen, visitors with disabilities like Yong Yong tried many AI-powered auxiliaries, such as a portable bath machine for people with extremity disabilities, and an AI brain computer interface electric wheelchairs. Most exhibitors bringing the AI auxiliaries there were from Shenzhen No-Barrier Incubation Space, a project under local non-profit public institution Shenzhen Comprehensive Service Center for Disabled Persons. Established in 2020, the 1,600-square meter incubation space was China's first exemplary base specifically to support the innovative development of enterprises and organizations engaged in barrier-free industry, introduced Chen Jinzhou, director of the auxiliary device development department under the service center. To help people with disabilities and promote the development of barrier-free industry requires the joint efforts of a number of parties, Chen said. "Therefore, we launched the incubation space project to help cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship programs in the fields such as intelligent rehabilitation AIDS, medical rehabilitation, and special education," Chen told the Global Times. The space helps connect them with investors, organizes auxiliary device exhibitions for them, and provides them with many free services such as entrepreneurial guidance, professional consultation and road show opportunities. Over the past three years, the settled enterprises have obtained 559 patents, including 119 utility model patents and 102 invention ones, according to Chen. Li's company and his "vision-helper AI glasses" team were among the latest batch that settled the incubation space in April. "From helping people with visual, hearing or physical impairments, to improving cognitive impairment and mental health, AI will have a lot to offer," he said. SOURCE Global Times WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

- Topline supports moving to Phase 3 trial and shows potential to develop GV1001 as the world's first PSP treatment SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GemVax & KAEL Co., Ltd. ("GemVax"; KOSDAQ ticker: 082270) announced that topline results of a Phase 2a clinical trial (the "Phase 2a PSP Clinical Trial") of GV1001, an investigational peptide drug for the treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy ("PSP"), were presented at "Neuro2024: The PSP and CBD International Research Symposium" in Toronto, Canada, at 4:45 p.m. local time on 24th October. Continue Reading Figure 1. PSP-Rating Scale Total Score (PSP-RS Type + PSP-P Type_ LS mean using MMRM) (PRNewsfoto/GemVax & KAEL) Figure 2. PSP-Rating Scale Total Score (PSP-RS Type_ simple average) (PRNewsfoto/GemVax & KAEL) Figure 3. Responder Rate (PSP-RS Type) (PRNewsfoto/GemVax & KAEL) View PDF

Analysis of real-world data compared patients on GIMOTI (n=51) to Oral Metoclopramide (n=41), both taking GLP-1s, showing significant statistical improvement for GIMOTI over Oral Metoclopramide in All Cause Emergency Department Visits (-91%, p=0.001), All Cause Office Visits (-41%, p=0.027) and All Cause Hospital Outpatient Visits (-89%, p=0.032) within 6-month index period Data presented at American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024; the submission garnered both the Presidential Poster Award as one of the top 5% of data accepted to the conference and selected as the Outstanding Research Award in the Stomach Category First study to show Gimoti’s potential as supportive care for GLP-1 therapy SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evoke Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOK), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, with a particular emphasis on GIMOTI® (metoclopramide) nasal spray, together with EVERSANA, a leading provider of global commercial services to the life sciences industry, today announced the presentation of data for GLP-1 users with diabetic gastroparesis using GIMOTI at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 Annual Meeting. The real-world retrospective study evaluated the impact of GIMOTI (metoclopramide nasal spray) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) who were concurrently using GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 drugs are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and with the approval of GLP-1 medications, there have been increasing reports of these drugs exacerbating GI symptoms, specifically gastroparesis. GLP-1 medications function, in part, by causing delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying, in the absence of mechanical obstruction, is the definition of gastroparesis. In a recent National Institute of Health (NIH) study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399414/), an estimated 5.1% of patients in their study (n=10,328) on GLP-1 medications had gastroparesis. The GIMOTI study compared healthcare resource utilization (HRU) between patients using GIMOTI nasal metoclopramide (NMCP) and those on oral metoclopramide (OMCP), specifically focusing on individuals with a prior GLP-1 prescription. Significant reductions across a collection of outcomes were observed in patients treated with GIMOTI versus oral metoclopramide. Key Study Findings Presented at ACG 2024: Patients with prior GLP-1 history had reduced HRU after taking NMCP In NMCP patients, all-cause emergency department (ED) visits decreased by 55% (mean [SD]: 0.25 [1.13] post-index vs. 0.55 [1.30] pre-index; p=0.063); andDGP-related ED visits decreased by 28% (mean [SD]: 0.18 [0.99] post-index vs. 0.25 [1.28] pre-index; p=0.203). In patients taking GLP-1, those that took NMCP had fewer healthcare visits compared to those taking OMCP All-cause and DGP-related ED visits were 91% lower (cIRR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.42; p=0.001) and 89% lower (cIRR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0, 0.93; p=0.046) for NMCP vs. OMCP; andAll-cause Hospital Outpatient visits were 89% lower (cIRR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.73; p = 0.032)All-cause and DGP-related office visits were 41% lower (cIRR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.94; p=0.027) and 66% lower (cIRR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.017, 0.65; p=0.001) for NMCP vs. OMCP. NMCP can be used to effectively treat patients with gastroparesis taking GLP-1 treatment and avoid costly healthcare visits All-cause clinic, outpatient, and inpatient visits showed similar trends favoring NMCP vs. OMCP.In DGP patients with a prior claim for GLP-1, NMCP use was associated with numerically and significantly reduced all-cause and DGP-related HRU compared to pre-treatment utilization and OMCP-treated controls. "This data is particularly encouraging given the rising number of patients using GLP-1 agonists for diabetes, many of whom also suffer from gastroparesis," said Matt D’Onofrio, CEO of Evoke Pharma. "Our goal is to provide data regarding Gimoti as supportive care for diabetic gastroparesis for those also on GLP-1 agonists. This study, combined with the earlier real-world data presented at key conferences, reinforces GIMOTI's potential to improve outcomes for patients and reduce the overall financial burden on the healthcare system." The study's specific cohort consisted of 92 total patients between the nasal metoclopramide (NMCP, N=51) and oral metoclopramide (OMCP, N=41) groups. The NMCP group had a slightly older average age (55.1 years) compared to the OMCP group (53.1 years). A notable portion of the NMCP group (31.4%) had experienced hospitalizations or emergency department visits before treatment, compared to 19.5% in the OMCP group. In a separate study, a post-hoc analysis focused on safety data for a female subgroup from a previous Phase 3 study that included 36 women using GLP-1 drugs during the 28-day study. Among these, 13 were treated with GIMOTI and 23 with placebo. The majority (94%) of the participants completed the study, with no serious adverse events reported in either group. This analysis indicated no series safety issues and a trend toward nausea improvement when GLP-1 drugs were used with NMCP. "Our continued focus is helping patients that have gastroparesis and diabetes. The fact that up to 20 million patients (KFF Health Tracking Poll (April 23-May 1, 2024) (kff.org/KFF Health Tracking Poll)) may have taken or are currently taking GLP-1s for their diabetes, indicates this is an important patient constituency the medical community needs to monitor and address," said Chris Quesenberry, Chief Commercial Officer of Gimoti. "Evoke Pharma, through its clinical development program and real-world evidence studies, is uniquely positioned to provide clinicians with information that may inform treatment decisions. This study provides insight that clinicians who treated their patients with diabetic gastroparesis, who were also taking a GLP-1, benefitted in taking GIMOTI®, an innovative, non-oral therapy that does not rely on a dysfunctional gut to work." The results presented at ACG 2024 build on a growing body of real-world data that underscores GIMOTI's ability to significantly reduce HRU in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Earlier studies presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 and ACG 2023 demonstrated that patients treated with GIMOTI showed fewer hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and physician office visits compared to those using oral metoclopramide. Also, these studies highlighted that GIMOTI reduced healthcare costs by over $15,000 per patient in a six-month period compared to oral metoclopramide​​. "These studies further confirm the important role of GIMOTI in managing diabetic gastroparesis and supports its use for patients concurrently on GLP-1 agonists," said Dr. Michael Cline, Medical Director of the Gastroparesis Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, an author of the study. "In my practice, I’ve treated patients arriving with gastroparesis while on a GLP-1. This data demonstrates a significant reduction in emergency room visits, office visits, and overall healthcare resource utilization, which not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the strain on healthcare systems. The nasal delivery of metoclopramide offers a distinct advantage for patients with delayed gastric emptying, ensuring they receive the relief they need without the complications or unknown absorption associated with oral medications." EVERSANA was named Evoke’s commercialization partner to support commercialization efforts of GIMOTI, first in 2020 and then an extended partnership was announced in February 2022. Slides referencing data to the studies can be found under news and presentations of the Evoke Pharma investor relations website. About Evoke Pharma, Inc. Evoke is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused primarily on the development of drugs to treat GI disorders and diseases. The company developed, commercialized and markets GIMOTI, a nasal spray formulation of metoclopramide, for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis in adults. Diabetic gastroparesis is a GI disorder affecting millions of patients worldwide, in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents resulting in serious GI symptoms as well as other systemic complications. The gastric delay caused by gastroparesis can compromise absorption of orally administered medications. Prior to FDA approval to commercially market GIMOTI, metoclopramide was only available in oral and injectable formulations and remains the only drug currently approved in the United States to treat gastroparesis. Visit www.EvokePharma.com for more information. Follow Evoke Pharma on LinkedInFollow Evoke Pharma on Twitter About Gimoti® (metoclopramide) nasal spray GIMOTI is indicated for the relief of symptoms in adults with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. Important Safety Information: WARNING: TARDIVE DYSKINESIA Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), a serious movement disorder that is often irreversible. The risk of developing TD increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage.Discontinue GIMOTI in patients who develop signs or symptoms of TD. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or resolve after metoclopramide is stopped.Avoid treatment with metoclopramide (all dosage forms and routes of administration) for longer than 12 weeks because of the increased risk of developing TD with longer-term use. GIMOTI is not recommended for use in: Pediatric patients due to the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms as well as the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates.Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute), and patients concurrently using strong CYP2D6 inhibitors due to the risk of increased drug exposure and adverse reactions. GIMOTI is contraindicated: In patients with a history of tardive dyskinesia (TD) or a dystonic reaction to metoclopramide.When stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous (e.g., in the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage mechanical obstruction, or perforation).In patients with pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas. Metoclopramide may cause a hypertensive/pheochromocytoma crisis, probably due to release of catecholamines from the tumor.In patients with epilepsy. Metoclopramide may increase the frequency and severity of seizures.In patients with hypersensitivity to metoclopramide. Reactions have included laryngeal and glossal angioedema and bronchospasm. Potential adverse reactions associated with metoclopramide include: Tardive dyskinesia (TD), other extrapyramidal effects (EPS), parkinsonism symptoms, motor restlessness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), depression, suicidal ideation and suicide, hypertension, fluid retention, hyperprolactinemia, effects on the ability to drive and operate machinery. Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) for GIMOTI are: dysgeusia, headache, and fatigue. These are not all of the possible side effects of GIMOTI. Call your doctor for medical advice about whether you should take GIMOTI and the possible risk factors and side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Safe Harbor Statement Evoke cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negatives of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding: GIMOTI’s potential to reduce HRU by diabetic gastroparesis patents taking GLP-1 therapies; the possibility that increased use of GLP-1 agonists could increase the need for treatment of gastroparesis or increase the patient base for GIMOTI; and Evoke’s belief that GIMOTI can improve treatment of gastroparesis in patients taking GLP-1 agonists. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Evoke that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Evoke’s business, including, without limitation: Evoke and EVERSANA may not be able to successfully drive market demand for GIMOTI; the results of market research studies may not predict acceptance by patients, healthcare providers or payors; GLP-1 agonists may not increase the number of patients diagnosed with gastroparesis, which remains speculative; alternative treatments for gastroparesis may be developed or approved and may be shown to be superior to GIMOTI; Evoke’s ability to obtain additional financing as needed to support its operations; Evoke may use its capital resources sooner than expected; Evoke’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s stockholder’s equity requirements; Evoke’s dependence on third parties for the manufacture of GIMOTI; Evoke is entirely dependent on the success of GIMOTI; inadequate efficacy or unexpected adverse side effects relating to GIMOTI that could result in recalls or product liability claims; Evoke’s ability to maintain intellectual property protection for GIMOTI; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Evoke’s prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Evoke undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. About EVERSANA EVERSANA® is a leading independent provider of global services to the life sciences industry. The company’s integrated solutions are rooted in the patient experience and span all stages of the product life cycle to deliver long-term, sustainable value for patients, prescribers, channel partners and payers. The company serves more than 650 organizations, including innovative start-ups and established pharmaceutical companies, to advance life sciences solutions for a healthier world. To learn more about EVERSANA, visit eversana.com or connect through LinkedIn and X. Investor & Media Contact: Daniel Kontoh-Boateng DKB Partners Tel: 862-213-1398 dboateng@dkbpartners.net A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfc46127-a976-498b-8e19-d5c879171b81