Albertans Want to Use Technology to Support Health Care Access
LETHBRIDGE, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey conducted by Nanos Group, commissioned by Teladoc Health Canada, reveals that while Albertans continue to face challenges in accessing timely care, particularly in rural areas, there is strong openness to new, innovative solutions that could help relieve pressure on the health care system.
How Open are Albertans to Innovation?
Over seven in ten Albertans are comfortable or somewhat comfortable with virtual care being used for non-urgent care (39% are comfortable; 35% are somewhat comfortable).
Two-thirds of Albertans are comfortable with a hybrid model of care that leverages technology to combine in-person care with virtual clinicians.
'These results show that Albertans are ready to see what their options are when it comes to health care—they are ready for new solutions,' said Joby McKenzie, Managing Director of Teladoc Health Canada. 'It also tells us that many Albertans believe virtual and hybrid care can result in quicker and convenient access to health care. That's why we're committed to working with local leaders and health care partners to expand services that help people get the high quality of care they need faster, while easing pressure on the frontlines.'
Released during Alberta Rural Health Week, the survey also highlights the urgency behind this openness. Long wait times, staffing shortages, and delayed care continue to impact patients across the province.
Why Innovation is Important:
Over one in five Albertans wait seven or more hours to be seen in an ER or urgent care centre.
The average wait time to access primary care is 10 days.
Over one in three Albertans say they've delayed or avoided seeking care due to long wait times.
Among people who experienced delayed care, nearly one in five reported worsened health (17%), prolonged pain (10%), or delayed recovery (9%).
The survey findings are being released in conjunction with Bridging the Gap: Advancing Rural Health Care through Innovation & Collaboration, an event hosted by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Teladoc Health Canada. The event brings together health care leaders, decision-makers, and providers to explore the role innovation plays in expanding access to care across Alberta.
'As members of the community, we see firsthand how health care access issues affect our families, from overall well-being, productivity, and also, workforce stability,' said Cyndi Crane, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. 'We're proud to host an event that puts local experts, our unique challenges, and innovative solutions at the centre of the conversation.'
Teladoc Health Canada is sharing this new data to help inform ongoing policy and public conversations. Teladoc is committed to collaborating with local and provincial health care leaders to explore how virtual and hybrid care models can help make health care more accessible and timely for Albertans, while supporting care teams and keeping ERs open.
About
Teladoc Health Canada is a Canadian company within the Teladoc Health Group, with a dedicated Canadian team across all functions of the business. Headquartered in Toronto, Teladoc Health Canada has more than 20 years of experience delivering virtual health care to millions of Canadians coast to coast. Through experiences and learnings from providing services in over 175 countries across the world, Teladoc Health Canada has access to world-class research and innovation, enhancing care delivery while maintaining a strong Canadian focus.
The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business, advocating for policies that support a thriving local economy. With a strong network of members, the Chamber champions innovation, growth, and collaboration across all sectors. As a catalyst for positive change, it remains committed to building a prosperous future for Lethbridge and our surrounding region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
SpikImm and SATT Conectus Sign a Definitive Licensing Agreement for Prophylactic Treatment Against the BK Virus, to Prevent Severe Complications in Transplant Patients
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SpikImm, a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2021 by Truffle Capital in collaboration with Institut Pasteur and dedicated to the development of monoclonal antibodies to prevent viral infections in immunocompromised patients, today announced the signature with SATT Conectus of an exclusive collaboration and worldwide license agreement for potent monoclonal antibodies targeting the BK virus. These monoclonal antibodies were developed through the project HuMABK led by Pr. Samira FAFI-KREMER, Director of the Institut de Virologie de Strasbourg and Pr. Pascal POIGNARD, Head of the "Antibodies and Infectious Diseases" research team at the Institut de Biologie Structurale of Grenoble. This agreement reinforces SpikImm's portfolio and expertise for the prophylactic treatment of viral infections in immunocompromised patients. Since the option agreement signed in 2024, SpikImm has already made progress in its preclinical work, and has successfully completed the development of the cell line for GMP manufacturing. The aim is to carry out the first in human studies by 2026. BK virus (BKV) infects most individuals early in life and typically remains latent without causing disease. However, under immunosuppressive treatment, in particular in transplant patients, BKV can reactivate and replicate in the urinary tract, leading to potentially serious complications. In kidney transplant recipients; BKV reactivation may result in graft loss and increase the risk of bladder cancer. In addition, BKV is responsible for severe hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow graft recipients. No BKV-specific antiviral therapies or vaccines are currently available. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need for the development of novel anti-BKV prophylactic treatments. Thanks to the work of Pr. FAFI-KREMER, Head of renowned Institut de Virologie of Strasbourg (U1109 University of Strasbourg / Inserm, Strasbourg University Hospitals) and her team, the key role of anti-BKV neutralizing antibodies for protection against BKV infection and associated diseases was uncovered. Building upon these insights, Pr. FAFI-KREMER and Pr. POIGNARD joined forces to develop anti-BKV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies under the HuMABK project, funded by ANR and SATT Conectus. The expertise in antibody discovery of Pr. POIGNARD and collaborators of the Institut de Biologie Structurale (CEA/CNRS / University of Grenoble Alpes / UMR 5075) enabled the successful isolation of broad and potent anti-BKV neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies. These monoclonal antibodies represent promising candidates for future clinical development as potential best-in-class options. SpikImm and SATT Conectus today announced the signature of a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement for the anti-BKV monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are engineered to potentially provide effective, long-lasting protection against the serious complications associated with BKV, offering a prophylactic solution for transplant recipients. With its partners Institut Pasteur and LFB, SpikImm has already demonstrated its expertise in rapidly bringing from discovery to clinical trials two anti-SARS COV2 monoclonal antibodies within twelve months, creating a unique platform for the accelerated discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies to the benefit of patients. SpikImm is focused on the accelerated development of long-acting monoclonal antibodies to protect immunocompromised patients from several viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 and BKV. Pr. FAFI-KREMER, PharmD, PhD, University Professor-Hospital Practitioner, Head of Institut de Virologie de Strasbourg (U1109 University of Strasbourg / Inserm, Strasbourg University Hospitals) and Pr. POIGNARD, M.D., Ph.D, University Professor-Hospital Practitioner (University of Grenoble Alpes - CHU Grenoble-Alpes), Head of "Antibodies and Infectious Diseases" research team at the Institut de Biologie Structurale of Grenoble (CEA-CNRS-UGA Mixed Research Unit 5075) comment: "Reactivation of the BK virus in patients receiving kidney transplant, bone marrow or stem cell grafts has potential serious consequences and represents a growing medical challenge. The HuMABK monoclonal antibodies discovered by Grenoble's Institut de Biologie Structurale in collaboration with Strasbourg's Institut de Virologie are remarkably effective in neutralizing this virus and represent a promising antiviral strategy. We are convinced that the collaboration with SpikImm will ensure a rapid clinical development. Specifically, we anticipate that the monoclonal antibodies will significantly enhance patient care, notably by preserving kidney transplants, and promoting favorable outcomes in bone marrow recipients. ' James PHILLIPS, MD, CEO of SpikImm, comments: "We are delighted to sign this agreement for these highly promising monoclonal antibodies against the BK virus. SpikImm will be able to draw on the exceptional quality of the research team, as well as the strong support of SATT Conectus, to advance this project and bring new hope to the vulnerable immunocompromised patients.' Philippe POULETTY, MD, chairman of SpikImm comments " SpikImm's mission is to protect immunocompromised patients from severe viral diseases. These potent anti-BKV monoclonal antibodies will reinforce SpikImm's pipeline to offer broad protection against several severe infections. SpikImm embodies Truffle Capital approach: to actively create and grow companies with outstanding science to address major unmet needs.' Emmanuel POTEAUX, Chairman and CEO of SATT Conectus, highlights: " The signing of this technology licence marks an outstanding scientific collaboration between two leading researchers working at the heart of two regions of academic excellence, Alsace and Grenoble. The combined financial investment from the ANR and SATT Conectus made it possible to obtain and validate robust preclinical results, paving the way for clinical development. We are delighted that SpikImm is taking over to continue the development of this major health innovation for patients.' The HuMABK project is supported by: About SpikImm SpikImm is a French clinical-stage biotech founded by Truffle Capital in collaboration with Institut Pasteur in 2021 to develop human monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of severe infectious diseases affecting immunocompromised patients. SpikImm's lead candidates SPK001 and SPK002, have been originally developed in the laboratory of Humoral Immunology (Institut Pasteur & Inserm U1222) headed by Dr Hugo MOUQUET, as long-acting monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients. SpikImm is currently expanding its portfolio of monoclonal antibodies against severe viral infections, through collaborations with prestigious academic research teams, starting with BKV infection. More information: About Truffle Capital Founded in 2001, Truffle Capital is an independent European Venture Capital firm specializing in Life Sciences (MedTech and BioTech) and disruptive technologies in the I.T. sector (FinTech and InsurTech). Truffle Capital's mission is to support the creation and development of young innovative companies capable of becoming tomorrow's leaders. Managed by Dr. Philippe Pouletty and Bernard-Louis Roques, co-founders and CEOs, Truffle Capital has €500 million in assets under management. It has raised more than €1.2 billion since its creation and has supported more than 70 companies in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. More information: — Twitter: @trufflecapital About SATT Conectus SATT* Conectus is the main entry point for business partners and companies to access all the innovations and capabilities from public research in Alsace, one of the top ranked territories for the excellence of research in France. Thanks to its investment fund, SATT CONECTUS offers advanced, applicative technologies whose proofs of concept have been established, and ready to industrialize. Therefore investors will have access to groundbreaking startups built around those breakthrough yet matured technologies. Another type of collaboration allows companies to co-develop high potential innovative projects with public research, in order to tailor them to their specific needs. * technology transfer acceleration organization More information: About the Institut de Virologie de Strasbourg The Institut de Virologie de Strasbourg, headed by Pr. FAFI KREMER is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Strasbourg, the Strasbourg University Hospitals and the Inserm Unit U1109, LabEx TRANSPLANTEX. For more than 10 years, his research has focused on the study of virus-host interaction in the pathogenesis of polyomaviruses (BK virus)-associated diseases in immunocompromised individuals, particularly transplant patients. The central aim is to ultimately identify accurate and personalized biomarkers and to develop urgently needed, preventive and therapeutic antiviral strategies. About the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) The IBS, a mixed research unit CEA-CNRS-Université Grenoble Alpes (UMR 5075), hosts the "Antibodies and Infectious Diseases" research team headed by Pr. POIGNARD, specialized in the study of humoral responses to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. After playing a key role in the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, P Poignard has extended his interest to other viruses, such as the BK virus, but also to bacteria and parasites. In particular, his team focuses on the development of innovative strategies for the discovery of human monoclonal antibodies to develop new therapeutic approaches and help vaccine design.
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Stallergenes Greer Showcases Developments in Respiratory and Food Allergy Care at EAACI 2025
BAAR, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stallergenes Greer, a global leader in allergy therapeutics, will present insightful scientific developments at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress 2025, Glasgow (United Kingdom) June 13-16. The company will present 25 posters and host two scientific symposia during which six world-leading experts will share their insight on respiratory and food allergy: 'Breath of change: redefining respiratory allergy care with remission in sight': with environmental change impacting respiratory allergies, a new approach to disease management is necessary. Clinical remission is emerging as a relevant treatment goal for Type 2 allergies and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has the potential to cater to this approach. ' Myth busting in peanut allergy: separating fact from fiction ': misconceptions about food allergy management may influence treatment decisions, thus underscoring the vital role of patient-clinician communication. ' We are enthusiastic to share how Stallergenes Greer is bolstering its impact in the field of respiratory and food allergy. Our research findings highlighted at the symposia, as well as through scientific posters and presentations, reflect our determination to deliver innovative allergen immunotherapy solutions that offer sustained benefits for patients worldwide,' stated Dr Elena Rizova, Chief Medical Officer, Stallergenes Greer. ' Our portfolio offers a broad range of proven treatment solutions designed to provide long-lasting relief for patients with allergies across a spectrum of conditions ranging from allergic rhinitis and asthma to food allergy.' The presentation of the posters will showcase Stallergenes Greer's latest research efforts and reaffirm its commitment to advancing personalised allergy care for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals. Topics include patient benefits with AIT and its potential for clinical remission, new data from the recent real-world study VORAN on 300 IR House Dust Mite (HDM) SLIT tablet, PDAH (defatted powder of Arachis Hypogaea L., semen [peanut]) allergen consistency compared to supermarket peanut products, and prevention of food-induced anaphylaxis in children, including toddlers. SYMPOSIA AND POSTERS COMPANY SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM (June 13, 13:30–14:30 – Room: Meeting Academy M1) "Breath of change: redefining respiratory allergy care with remission in sight" Chair: Prof. Adnan Custovic, United Kingdom - 'Climate, pollution, and the escalating allergy burden: time for a treatment paradigm shift' Speaker: Prof. Guillaume Lezmi, France - 'From symptom control to disease remission: a new vision for allergic asthma' Speaker: Prof. Oliver Pfaar, Germany - 'Allergen immunotherapy: unlocking sustainable relief for allergic rhinitis' Speaker: Prof. Randolph Brehler, Germany COMPANY SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM (June 14, 14:30–15:00 – Room: Boisdale) ' Myth busting in peanut allergy: separating fact from fiction ' Speakers: Dr Aikaterini Anagnostou, United States of America, and Dr Pablo Rodríguez del Río, Spain POSTERS Among the topics covered by the 25 posters, specific findings will be presented and discussed in depth: Recent findings highlight the potential of Stallergenes Greer immunotherapies to provide sustained symptom relief and reduce reliance on corticosteroids even after treatment cessation, aligning with the concept of clinical remission on and off treatment. Evidence from VORAN, the first European real-world data generation study with 300 IR HDM SLIT tablet, supports the safety profile and effectiveness of this treatment in HDM-induced allergic rhinitis with or without controlled asthma in more than 700 adults and adolescents, with over 80% having improved their symptoms and sleep and almost 2/3 stopping nasal corticosteroid use. These findings are further supported by the PRACTIS study, where the benefits of SLIT-liquid met expectations in approximately 90% of patients with allergic rhino conjunctivitis and/or asthma. Furthermore, Stallergenes Greer recently conducted studies showing that its peanut allergy treatment, PDAH, is consistent and offers a positive risk-benefit ratio. Unlike common peanut products found in supermarkets, which can vary in protein and allergen levels, PDAH shows consistency across batches. The research also points to an opportunity to help children from 1 year, when their immune systems may be more adaptable. In clinical studies, the treatment helped reduce the risk of accidental allergic reactions and showed a solid safety record, especially in toddlers. ABOUT THE EAACI CONGRESS The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is an association of clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals founded in 1956. EAACI is dedicated to improving the health of people affected by allergic diseases. With more than 16,000 members from 125 countries and over 50 National Allergy Societies, EAACI is the primary source of expertise in Europe and worldwide for all aspects of allergy. Headquartered in Baar (Switzerland), Stallergenes Greer is a global healthcare company specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies through the development and commercialisation of allergen immunotherapy products and services. Supported by more than 100 years of expertise and innovation, our products are available for patients in over 40 countries. For more information, visit
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Samsung Bioepis Presents Long-Term Safety Data of EPYSQLI™ (Eculizumab) in PNH at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress 2025
INCHEON, Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. ('Samsung Bioepis') today presented the long-term safety data of EPYSQLI™ (eculizumab; SB12), a biosimilar to Soliris 1, in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress 2025 held at Milan, Italy from June 12 to 15. Long-term follow-up of EPYSQLI's Phase 3 study showed consistency of safety data between the initial 52-week period and the extended treatment period up to 158 weeks Share EPYSQLI was approved by the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in May 2023 and March 2024, respectively 2. The study assessed the long-term safety of EPYSQLI in PNH patients by evaluating the consistency of safety outcomes, particularly serious adverse events (SAEs) between the initial 52-week Phase 3 study period and the extended treatment (ET) period, spanning from 52 weeks to up to 158 weeks. The same maintenance dose of 900 mg EPYSQLI was administered every 2 weeks. A total of 46 patients from the Phase 3 study received ET. During ET, seven patients (15.2%) experienced a total of 14 SAEs with no occurrence of fatal cases, and all patients fully recovered without permanently discontinuing the treatment. The exposure-adjusted event rate (EAER) was comparable between initial 52-week period and ET period (EAER were 0.13 and 0.17, respectively), and there was no statistically difference between initial 52-week and ET period in EAER (p-value = 0.76). The study is consistent with the findings of the Phase 3 study with no newly identified safety signals and no fatal cases occurred throughout the entire treatment period with all SAEs resolving completely. Details of the abstract are as follows 3: Abstract title: Long-Term Safety of SB12 in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Up to 2-year Extension Treatment Safety Data Abstract number: PB2811 Type: Publication Only Session title: Bone marrow failure syndromes incl. PNH – Clinical Author(s): Jun Ho Jang, Siook Baek, Yumin Baek, Jinah Jung, Ciprian Tomuleasa, Hanna Oliynyk, Theerin Lanamtieng, Soo Min Lim Besides approval by the EC, EPYSQLI is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) as a biosimilar to Soliris. In countries where EPYSQLI is approved and available, EPYSQLI may not be prescribed and/or dispensed for its unapproved other indications for which Soliris is approved. About EPYSQLI (Eculizumab Biosimilar) in the European Union (EU) EPYSQLI is indicated in adults and children for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). EPYSQLI is not approved for and should not be used for the treatment of generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). EPYSQLI must be administered by a healthcare professional and under the supervision of a physician experienced in the management of patients with hematological disorders or renal disorders. EPYSQLI EU Important Safety Information The EU Summary of Product Characteristics for EPYSQLI includes the following Special warning and Precautions: Meningococcal Infection Due to its mechanism of action, the use of eculizumab increases the patient's susceptibility to meningococcal infection (Neisseria meningitidis). Meningococcal disease due to any serogroup may occur. To reduce the risk of infection, all patients must be vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to receiving eculizumab unless the risk of delaying eculizumab therapy outweighs the risks of developing a meningococcal infection. Patients who initiate eculizumab treatment less than 2 weeks after receiving a tetravalent meningococcal vaccine must receive treatment with appropriate prophylactic antibiotics until 2 weeks after vaccination. Vaccines against serogroups A, C, Y, W 135 are recommended in preventing the commonly pathogenic meningococcal serogroups. Vaccine against serogroup B where available is also recommended. Patients must receive vaccination according to current national vaccination guidelines for vaccination use. Vaccination may further activate complement. As a result, patients with complement-mediated diseases, including PNH and aHUS, may experience increased signs and symptoms of their underlying disease, such as haemolysis (PNH) or TMA (aHUS). Therefore, patients should be closely monitored for disease symptoms after recommended vaccination. Vaccination may not be sufficient to prevent meningococcal infection. Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents. Cases of serious or fatal meningococcal infections have been reported in eculizumab-treated patients. Sepsis is a common presentation of meningococcal infections in patients treated with eculizumab. All patients should be monitored for early signs of meningococcal infection, evaluated immediately if infection is suspected, and treated with appropriate antibiotics if necessary. Patients should be informed of these signs and symptoms and steps taken to seek medical care immediately. Other Systemic Infections Patients may have increased susceptibility to other type of serious infections, especially with Neisseria and encapsulated bacteria. Infusion Reactions Administration of eculizumab may result in infusion reactions or immunogenicity that could cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis). Eculizumab administration should be interrupted in all patients experiencing severe infusion reactions and appropriate medical therapy administered. Anticoagulant therapy Treatment with eculizumab should not alter anticoagulant management. PNH Laboratory Monitoring PNH patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of intravascular haemolysis, including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and may require dose adjustment within the recommended 14±2 day dosing schedule during the maintenance phase (up to every 12 days). aHUS Laboratory Monitoring aHUS patients receiving eculizumab therapy should be monitored for thrombotic microangiopathy by measuring platelet counts, serum LDH and serum creatinine, and may require dose adjustment within the recommended 14±2 day dosing schedule during the maintenance phase (up to every 12 days). Treatment Discontinuation for PNH If patients discontinue treatment with eculizumab they should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of serious intravascular haemolysis. Treatment Discontinuation for aHUS If aHUS patients discontinue treatment with eculizumab, they should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of severe thrombotic microangiopathy complications. The most common adverse reaction observed with eculizumab treatment in clinical trials was headache, (occurred mostly in the initial phase of dosing), and the most serious adverse reaction was found to be meningococcal infection. Refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for EPYSQLI's full safety information.
