Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Announces Participation in Upcoming Investor Conferences
Setmelanotide Indication In the United States, setmelanotide is indicated to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency as determined by an FDA-approved test demonstrating variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS).
About Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Rhythm is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. Rhythm's lead asset, IMCIVREE® (setmelanotide), an MC4R agonist designed to treat hyperphagia and severe obesity, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or genetically confirmed pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), deficiency or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Both the European Commission (EC) and the UK's Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorized setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or genetically confirmed loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 2 years of age and above. Additionally, Rhythm is advancing a broad clinical development program for setmelanotide in other rare diseases, as well as investigational MC4R agonists bivamelagon and RM-718, and a preclinical suite of small molecules for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism. Rhythm's headquarters is in Boston, MA.
The fireside chats will be webcasted and available under 'Events & Presentations' in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.rhythmtx.com, and webcast replays will be available for 30 days following the presentations.
BOSTON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RYTM), a global commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the lives of patients living with rare neuroendocrine diseases, today announced that David Meeker, M.D., Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, will participate in fireside chats at three upcoming investor conferences:
Story Continues
In the European Union and the United Kingdom, setmelanotide is indicated for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 2 years of age and above. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, setmelanotide should be prescribed and supervised by a physician with expertise in obesity with underlying genetic etiology.
Limitations of Use
Setmelanotide is not indicated for the treatment of patients with the following conditions as setmelanotide would not be expected to be effective:
Obesity due to suspected POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR variants classified as benign or likely benign
Other types of obesity not related to BBS or POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, including obesity associated with other genetic syndromes and general (polygenic) obesity
Contraindication
Prior serious hypersensitivity to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Disturbance in Sexual Arousal: Spontaneous penile erections in males and sexual adverse reactions in females have occurred. Inform patients that these events may occur and instruct patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to seek emergency medical attention.
Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Depression, suicidal ideation and depressed mood have occurred. Monitor patients for new onset or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Consider discontinuing IMCIVREE if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported. If suspected, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue IMCIVREE.
Skin Hyperpigmentation, Darkening of Pre-existing Nevi, and Development of New Melanocytic Nevi: Generalized or focal increases in skin pigmentation, darkening of pre-existing nevi, development of new melanocytic nevi and increase in size of existing melanocytic nevi have occurred. Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment to monitor pre-existing and new pigmented lesions.
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative in Neonates and Low Birth Weight Infants: IMCIVREE is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including 'gasping syndrome' can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol preserved drugs.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) included skin hyperpigmentation, injection site reactions, nausea, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, and spontaneous penile erection.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Treatment with IMCIVREE is not recommended when breastfeeding. Discontinue IMCIVREE when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhythm Pharmaceuticals at +1 (833) 789-6337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. See section 4.8 of the Summary of Product Characteristics for information on reporting suspected adverse reactions in Europe.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding the safety, efficacy, potential benefits of, and clinical design or progress of any of our products or product candidates at any dosage or in any indication, our participation in upcoming events and presentations, and the date, time and content thereof and the timing of any of the foregoing. Statements using words such as 'expect', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'may', 'will' and similar terms are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the design and outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, our ability to successfully commercialize setmelanotide, our liquidity and expenses, our ability to retain our key employees and consultants, and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and general economic conditions, and the other important factors, including those discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Corporate Contact:
David Connolly
Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
857-264-4280
dconnolly@rhythmtx.com
Media Contact:
Sheryl Seapy
Real Chemistry
(949) 903-4750
sseapy@realchemistry.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Profound Medical Announces First Commercial BPH Patient Treatment Using TULSA-PRO® with TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profound Medical Corp. (NASDAQ:PROF; TSX:PRN) ('Profound' or the 'Company'), a commercial-stage medical device company that develops and markets customizable, AI-powered, incision-free therapies for the ablation of diseased tissue, is pleased to announce that the first commercial benign prostatic hyperplasia ('BPH') treatment utilizing the TULSA-PRO® system's new TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction Module was successfully conducted yesterday by Naveen Kella, M.D., Founder of The Urology Place and an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to an overgrowth of prostate cells. It is a common condition as men age, often impeding the flow of urine and creating significant lower urinary tract symptoms ('LUTS'). Current BPH treatment with transurethral resection of the prostate ('TURP') is largely unchanged over the past 100 years. Many alternative treatment methods have been investigated aiming to improve the patient experience and reduce the rates of complications such as bleeding, erectile dysfunction, loss of ejaculation, and the need to stay in the hospital overnight for one, two or more days. The TULSA procedure, performed using the TULSA-PRO® system, has the potential to become a mainstream treatment modality across the entire prostate disease spectrum; ranging from low-, intermediate-, or high-risk prostate cancer; to hybrid patients suffering from both prostate cancer and BPH; to men with BPH only; and also, to patients requiring salvage therapy for radio-recurrent localized prostate cancer. TULSA employs real-time MR guidance and AI-enhanced planning for precision to preserve patients' urinary continence and sexual function, while killing the targeted prostate tissue via precise sound absorption technology that gently heats it to 55-57°C. TULSA is an incision- and radiation-free 'one-and-done' procedure performed in a single session that takes a few hours. Virtually all prostate shapes and sizes can be safely, effectively, and efficiently treated with TULSA. There is no bleeding associated with the procedure; no hospital stay is required; and most TULSA patients report quick recovery to their normal routine. Prior to the new TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction module, the TULSA-PRO® system was already being used by surgeons world-wide to relieve LUTS in patients with BPH. A few days ago, investigators from the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland, published a prospective Phase II study demonstrating safe and effective treatment of BPH with TULSA, with clinically marked improvements in urinary function and quality of life while preserving continence and sexual functions. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased from 17 to 4 (P < 0.001), and IPSS quality of life score improved from 4 to 1 (P < 0.001). The maximum urine flow rate increased from 11.1 to 18.3 mL/s (P < 0.001), and the average flow rate from 4.2 to 9.1 mL/s (P < 0.001). The 26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary irritative/obstructive scores improved from 66 to 94 (P < 0.001), and urinary incontinence scores improved from 86 to 100 (P = 0.008). Sexual function remained stable or improved. Of patients using BPH medications prior to TULSA, 96% discontinued it after the procedure. Meanwhile, 100% of patients who were on anti-coagulants did not discontinue their medication before TULSA. As the name implies, the new TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction module streamlines TULSA procedures intended to decrease the volume of obstructive prostate tissue in men with LUTS due to BPH. This new software module builds upon the previously cleared TULSA-AI Contouring Assistant to quickly and easily provide personalized treatment plans that avoid peripheral zone ablation, the area physicians want to avoid when treating BPH, as well as the ejaculatory ducts that run inside the prostate. By leveraging state-of-the-art real-time MR imaging data, the software provides the surgeon with choices for ablation volume and duration based on the patients' unique anatomy, reducing planning complexity and improving consistency across cases. The primary benefit is enhanced procedural efficiency, decreasing total skin-to-skin time to an expected 60-90 minutes and allowing for faster, more personalized care. Dr. Kella commented, 'BPH treatments have advanced at a tremendous pace. Patients and surgeons continue to look for effective treatments that offer minimal complications. We want no bleeding and no hospital stay, but we don't want to compromise results. TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction for BPH could be a game-changer in that regard, and it can be completed in 60 to 90 minutes.' 'As demonstrated in the recently published study from the University of Turku, TULSA offers significant improvements in international prostate symptom score, peak urine flow rates, and discontinuation of BPH medications," said Arun Menawat, Profound's CEO and Chairman. 'That said, while urologists have been treating LUTS using TULSA-PRO® since we received 510(k) clearance in 2019, and the technology is the only one capable of treating hybrid patients suffering from both prostate cancer and BPH, BPH-only patient volumes have been low due to the relatively longer treatment duration compared to other modalities. TULSA-AI® Volume Reduction is designed to maintain all of the many proven advantages of treating BPH with TULSA while leveling the playing field on the time it takes for a urologist to plan and complete of the procedure. Accordingly, we believe that TULSA-AI® will expand our total, truly tangible available market opportunity from 200,000 to 600,000 prostate disease patients per year.' About Profound Medical Corp. Profound is a commercial-stage medical device company that develops and markets customizable, incision-free therapies for the ablation of diseased tissue. Profound is commercializing TULSA-PRO®, a technology that combines real-time MRI, AI-enhanced planning, robotically-driven transurethral ultrasound and closed-loop temperature feedback control. The TULSA procedure, performed using the TULSA-PRO® system, has the potential of becoming a mainstream treatment modality across the entire prostate disease spectrum; ranging from low-, intermediate-, or high-risk prostate cancer; to hybrid patients suffering from both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia ('BPH'); to men with BPH only; and also, to patients requiring salvage therapy for radio-recurrent localized prostate cancer. TULSA employs real-time MR guidance for precision to preserve patients' urinary continence and sexual function, while killing the targeted prostate tissue via precise sound absorption technology that gently heats it to 55-57°C. TULSA is an incision- and radiation-free 'one-and-done' procedure performed in a single session that takes a few hours. Virtually all prostate shapes and sizes can be safely, effectively, and efficiently treated with TULSA. There is no bleeding associated with the procedure; no hospital stay is required; and most TULSA patients report quick recovery to their normal routine. TULSA-PRO® is CE marked, Health Canada approved, and 510(k) cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ('FDA'). Profound is also commercializing Sonalleve®, an innovative therapeutic platform that is CE marked for the treatment of uterine fibroids and palliative pain treatment of bone metastases. Sonalleve® has also been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration for the non-invasive treatment of uterine fibroids and has FDA approval under a Humanitarian Device Exemption for the treatment of osteoid osteoma. Profound is in the early stages of exploring additional potential treatment markets for Sonalleve® where the technology has been shown to have clinical application, such as non-invasive ablation of abdominal cancers and hyperthermia for cancer therapy. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Profound and its business which may include, but is not limited to, any express or implied statements or guidance regarding current or future financial performance; the expectations regarding the efficacy of Profound's technology in the treatment of prostate cancer, BPH, uterine fibroids, palliative pain treatment and osteoid osteoma; and the success of Profound's U.S. commercialization strategy and activities for TULSA-PRO®. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Profound. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Profound, including risks regarding the medical device industry, regulatory approvals, reimbursement, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition, statements and projections regarding financial guidance and goals and the attainment of such goals may differ from actual results based on market factors and Profound's ability to execute its operational and budget plans; and actual financial results may not be consistent with expectations, including that revenue, operating expenses and cash usage may not be within management's expected ranges. Although Profound has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Other factors and risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements are described in Profound's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with U.S. and Canadian securities regulators, available at and Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Profound undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. For further information, please contact: Stephen KilmerInvestor Relationsskilmer@ T: 647.872.4849
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
State Legislature Acts To ‘Make Texas Healthy Again'
Under Senate Bill 25, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott's signature, Texas could become one of the first states to mandate warning labels on foods containing artificial dyes and specific chemicals. The bill, dubbed the Make Texas Healthy Again Act, requires labels on products containing one or more of some 40-plus additives, such as Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and titanium dioxide. The label would state: 'WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.' The warning label must be prominent, readable, and would apply to products packaged after January 1, 2027. A loophole allows producers using existing packaging through 2036 to avoid the requirement. The bill also invalidates state labeling rules if federal regulations supersede them. 'Texas can really lead here. … These bills represent a Texas way that prioritizes transparency, prioritizes good education and prioritizes incentive change,' Calley Means, a top adviser to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said during a Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing. Beyond labeling, SB 25 increases physical activity requirements for middle school students from four to six semesters of 30-minute daily sessions and mandates nutrition education for undergraduates, developed by a seven-member Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee appointed by the governor by December 31, 2025. The committee would include experts in metabolic health, a licensed physician, a Texas Department of Agriculture representative, and others. In addition, doctors and nurses must complete continuing education on nutrition to maintain their licenses. 'This sweeping legislation is not just another bill. It's a call to action — one that so many Texans and Americans are realizing — that something is wrong and that something needs to change in our food industry and in our sedentary lifestyle,' Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), the bill's sponsor, told The Texas Tribune. The bill garnered bipartisan support, with 10 Senate Democrats and three House Democrats sponsoring or co-sponsoring. 'This is about the MAHA parents and the crunchy granola parents coming together to say, 'We are sick and tired of being sick and tired,'' said Rep. Lacey Hull (R-Houston) before the House passed the bill on May 25. Food industry groups, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, General Mills, and Frito-Lay, opposed the labeling, warning in a letter that it 'could destabilize local and regional economies.' Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio) expressed concern that 'the cost of food will continue to rise,' the Tribune reported. Kolkhorst countered in February that 'the market will adjust.' Supporters, like the Episcopal Health Foundation, see health benefits. 'The amount of money and time we're spending treating diabetes as opposed to preventing it is huge, especially in Texas,' said Brian Sasser, the foundation's chief communications officer, per the Tribune. Andy Keller of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute added, 'In a world that pretends the brain is not part of the body, this bill will put tools in the hands of children, parents and teachers to begin truly addressing emotional health and wellbeing.' The bill aligns with federal Make America Healthy Again initiatives, with Kolkhorst noting Kennedy's personal call urging its passage. 'As in so many cases, we're not waiting on Washington,' said Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) in February. 'Texas will act.'
Medscape
2 days ago
- Medscape
The Healthcare Industry's Climate Time Bomb
All stakeholders in healthcare now aim to make the sector greener, and several ongoing initiatives show that real changes are possible. Recently, the 2024 Global Report from The Lancet Countdown issued an urgent warning that human health is threatened by climate inaction. Experts have cautioned that we have reached a 'point of no return' as global warming systematically undermines public health worldwide. However, what happens when the health system itself is polluted? Data from the Ministry of Health show that the healthcare sector accounts for approximately 4.4% of net global greenhouse gas emissions, roughly 1.6 gigatons of CO 2 . What is being done about this? Sector Emissions According to a new report by Health Care Without Harm, in collaboration with Arup, 'The Health Sector's Climate Footprint: How the Health Sector Contributes to the Global Climate Crisis: Opportunities for Action,' the largest contributors are the United States (546 million metric tons of CO 2 equivalent), China (342 million metric tons of CO 2 equivalent), and the European Union (248 million metric tons of CO 2 equivalent). More than half of this footprint stems from energy consumption, such as electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning systems, combined with operational emissions. Other significant sources included agriculture (9%, including food service in health centres and cotton cultivation for surgical gowns), pharmaceuticals, and chemicals (5%, excluding production energy transport [7%] and waste treatment [3%]). A further 1% of the health sector's global climate footprint, or nearly 4 million metric tons of emissions, is derived from anaesthetic gases (0.6%) and metered-dose inhalers (0.3%). The ECODES report 'Reduction of GHG Emissions in the Healthcare Sector Focus on Scope 3 of the Carbon Footprint' categorises emissions into three types of scopes. According to Health Care Without Harm, Scope 1 covers direct emissions from daily operations, such as burning fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and anaesthetic gases; owned vehicle exhaust; and fugitive emissions from air conditioning and cold storage systems, accounting for approximately 17% of the total. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the acquisition and consumption of electrical energy by healthcare facilities, including electricity, steam, refrigeration, and heating, accounting for approximately 12% of the total emissions. Scope 3, the largest category, includes the production, distribution, and disposal of goods and services consumed by the sector, such as medical supplies, medicines, equipment, and associated transport. Waste Management Several initiatives have been launched from international, national, regional, public, and private perspectives. The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network (GGHH) includes more than 1900 members in over 80 countries, representing approximately 70,000 hospitals. GGHH supports its members in conducting sustainability projects by providing access to a wide range of exclusive and innovative tools and resources. In May 2025, GGHH published a report on the 'Chemical recycling of plastic waste from the healthcare sector,' evaluating recycling technologies, toxic by-products, carbon footprint, and economic viability to identify the best options for healthcare plastic waste. In Spain, the AIMPLAS Technological Centre in Valencia, Spain, is engaged in circular economy and decarbonisation projects, producing biocompatible, biodegradable, injectable, and resorbable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and their copolymer poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(ε-caprolactone) — PCL — and PLA-PCL, using various technologies such as synthesis and reactive extrusion. These biopolymers offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics and significantly reduce non-biodegradable pollution. In 2025, Granada-based Athisa opened Spain's first sustainable healthcare waste treatment plant in Ciudad Real, Spain. One of its milestones is the management of solid cytostatic waste, which, unlike traditional incineration methods, uses advanced oxidation with an ozone-like oxidant that does not generate hazardous waste. This alternative avoids the emission of greenhouse gases and the generation of hazardous ash, which is typically deposited in specialised landfills, representing a more sustainable option than incineration. Carbon Reduction The Ministry of Health launched the National Information System on the Healthcare Carbon Footprint. This tool collects and provides data on the calculation of atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions from processes that occur in different healthcare centres during a given year. In March 2025, the Ministry resumed carbon footprint workshops on the carbon footprint in healthcare centres as part of the Strategic Health and Environment Plan. From Health #ForTheClimate (ECODES) on this key initiative for decarbonisation of the healthcare sector. In a public-private partnership, the MAPIC+s project (ECODES and GSK) aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the National Health System and drive environmental sustainability. MAPIC+s offers a roadmap for healthcare organisations by integrating sustainability into strategic plans, forming sustainability committees, replacing single-use materials, and reducing fluorinated gases, with case studies from Spain. Eli Lilly and Company and DHL Freight launched a project to reduce CO₂ emissions on international routes. By using biodiesel vehicles and carefully planning routes, they aim to lower emissions from shipments between Eli Lilly and Company's Alcobendas plant in Madrid and destinations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Anaesthetic Emissions The pharmaceutical industry is also working to reduce the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases and metered-dose inhalers. Efforts are underway to accelerate the shift to near-zero carbon propellant inhalers, with the next generation expected to be launched by 2025. However, as Carlos Almonacid, MD, vice president of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery, emphasised at a recent press conference, good clinical control offers both environmental and economic benefits. This leads to a reduced use of rescue inhalers, which typically have a higher carbon footprint, thereby supporting healthcare system sustainability. It also conserves healthcare resources and minimises patient travel to medical centres, thereby lowering pollution associated with transportation. These factors, in turn, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, improve treatment adherence, and build trust in the healthcare system. In January 2025, the Ministry announced the 'Green Anaesthesia' working group; the objective is to continue advancing the sustainability of the healthcare system and to develop a document of best practices and solutions to achieve 'better anaesthesia for patients and the planet,' an estimated 2% of the National Health System's carbon footprint and approximately 10% of the direct emissions from health centres. Mónica García, MD, Minister of Health of Spain, and a public-sector anaesthesiologist for 20 years, reaffirmed her 'conviction that it is possible to reduce anaesthesia's environmental impact without compromising care quality, patient health, or professional practice. That is why we convened this working group.' Digital Health Another major step in reducing the environmental footprint is moving towards digital health. However, experts caution that the environmental impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence must also be considered. Speaking to El Medico Interactivo , Miguel Ángel Casermeiro, secretary of the Spanish Association for Environmental Impact Assessment, noted that the digital sector is expected to become one of the main consumers of energy, as shown by the rising energy demand in this field. Many data centre projects are currently underway in Spain, positioning the country as a key player in the global management of digital resources. 'This new digital health landscape must also be assessed in terms of its energy use,' he said. At the same time, Casermeiro emphasised that 'Digital health will also yield significant savings in travel and information handling — potentially reducing diagnostic tests — leading to substantial savings for the National Health System.' Similarly, Jaime del Barrio, MD, president of the Digital Health Association, told El Medico Interactivo that while 'digital health has environmental impacts throughout its life cycle, including production, transportation, operations, and end-of-life management. However, the development and implementation can have a positive effect, significantly reduce the carbon footprint, and making the healthcare sector more efficient.'
