‘Growing cluster' of botox-related botulism cases tied to Milton spa, health officials say
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State health officials previously
Use of botulinum toxin — commonly known by the popular brand name Botox — for cosmetic procedures is widely
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Health officials stress that Botox and other cosmetic procedures should only be administered by licensed professionals in accredited medical settings.
Botulism results when the botulinum toxin circulates in the blood, causing a variety of paralytic symptoms. Those symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Such symptoms are sometimes followed by muscle weaknesses, which can progress over the course of hours or days.
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In November, a Stoughton woman was
Material from previous Globe coverage was included in this report.
Camilo Fonseca can be reached at
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
RealESALetter Launches Fast and Fully Online ESA Letter Service Across the US
SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C., Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- is excited to announce its nationwide service that makes getting an emotional support animal letter easier than ever. People across America can now skip the stressful paperwork and long waits and instead get a fully legitimate ESA letter from the comfort of their home in as little as 24 hours. With more Americans relying on emotional support animals to cope with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD and other emotional challenges the need for a quick and reliable ESA letter service has never been greater. RealESALetter is stepping up to meet that need with a process designed for speed simplicity and complete legal compliance. What is an ESA Letter and Why It Matters An ESA letter is an official document written by a licensed mental health professional confirming that you need an emotional support animal as part of your treatment plan. Under the Fair Housing Act this letter gives you the legal right to live with your ESA in housing that normally has no pet rules and without paying extra fees or deposits. While recent changes in federal law mean that ESAs are no longer guaranteed for airline travel they remain fully protected for housing purposes across all fifty states. This means your ESA can be with you at home providing comfort and support every day. The Four Simple Steps to Get Your ESA Letter RealESALetter has turned what used to be a complicated process into a quick and straightforward experience for anyone in the United States. Step 1: Quick Pre ScreeningStart by filling out a short and friendly online form to see if you might qualify. It only takes a few minutes and helps you move forward with confidence. Step 2: Choose Your ServiceSelect the type of letter you need. Options include an ESA housing letter, a psychiatric service dog consultation or a bundle that includes both. Helpful tips guide you so you pick exactly what suits your needs. Step 3: Connect with a Licensed Professional You will be matched with a licensed mental health professional in your state. They will review your information through a secure online platform and assess your situation with care and professionalism. Step 4: Receive Your ESA Letter If approved your ESA letter will be delivered digitally to your inbox within 24 hours. For urgent needs a same day option is also available so you can get protected without delay. Why People Across United States Choose RealESALetter Fast Results: Most ESA letters are emailed to your inbox within 24 hours after approval, so you can move forward without delays. Hard Copy Delivery: A professionally printed and signed hard copy of your ESA letter arrives at your doorstep within 3 business days. 100% Legal Compliance: Fully compliant with all Fair Housing Act requirements and issued by licensed mental health professionals in your state. Money-Back Guarantee: If your ESA letter is not accepted by a housing provider, you're eligible for a full refund. Multi-Pet Friendly: Option to include more than one ESA in your letter at no extra hassle. Nationwide Service: Licensed providers in all 50 states, ensuring your letter meets your state's legal standards. Secure & Confidential: HIPAA-compliant platform that safeguards all your personal and medical information. Same-Day Option: For urgent cases, receive your ESA letter the same day after approval. Ongoing Support: Friendly customer care team ready to assist you with renewals, landlord communications, and any questions. Protect Your Legal Rights with an ESA Letter empowers individuals to live with their emotional support animals without fear of unfair housing restrictions. Backed by the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, and tailored for states with stricter rules like California, New York, and Florida, their ESA letters stand strong against legal challenges. In college dorms, suburban neighborhoods, or urban apartments with strict no-pet policies, clients gain the confidence and documentation needed to keep their ESA by their side. About RealESALetter RealESALetter is a trusted nationwide provider of legitimate ESA letters, connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals in all fifty states in the United States. Known for speed, security, and full legal compliance, the platform has helped thousands secure housing accommodations and keep their emotional support animals by their side under the protections of the states and federal laws. With a track record of positive client reviews and a commitment to navigating even the strictest state regulations, RealESALetter continues to be a leading choice for anyone seeking reliable ESA documentation. For more information or to get started with your ESA letter today visit: Media Contact:Trina HWY 17S 1320, Surfside Beach, SC, 29575, USA Disclaimer: This press release is provided by RealESALetter. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. 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Yahoo
21 hours ago
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Nootropics Market Size Projected to Attain USD 19.53 Billion by 2034
The global nootropics market is valued at USD 5.71 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately USD 19.53 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 14.64% during the forecast period. Ottawa, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a study published by Towards Healthcare, a sister firm of Precedence Research, the global nootropics market size was valued at USD 4.98 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 19.53 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 14.64%. The industry's growth in recent years has been driven by rising awareness of mental health issues. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ Key Takeaways North America dominated the market with the largest market share in 2024. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the nootropics market over the forecast period. By form, the capsules/tablets segment led the market in 2024. By form, the drinks segment is predicted to witness the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period. By distribution channel, the offline segment dominated the market in 2024. By distribution channel, the online segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the nootropics market during the forecast period. Market Overview & Potential The increased interest in brain health and mental performance is spearheading the industry growth in recent years. As the younger individuals are contributing significantly to the majorly in this industry by adopting these supplements for the increasing focus, mood, and creativity in the current period. Moreover, the products include ingredients like caffeine, ginseng. L-thenine is more popular in the industry nowadays. What are the Key Growth Drivers Involved in The Expansion of The Market? The rising need for cognitive enhancement among the working professional community is spearheading the industry growth in the current period. Moreover, the nootropic manufacturer are actively looking to create partnerships with the big corporate firms to lead their business in the current period. Furthermore, by providing several advantages such as improved memory, mental energy, and concentration to consumers, the nootropic supplements have gained immense industry attention in recent years. In December 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo invested $15 million in personalised nutrition company Bioniq, increasing the value of the company to $82 million. What Are the Emerging Trends Associated with the Market? The sudden shift towards plant-based and herbal nootropics has driven the industry growth in recent years. The rising popularity of functional beverages, such as drinks with brain-boosting ingredients, has contributed to the industry's growth in the past few years. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ Regional Analysis How Did North America Dominate the Market in 2024? In 2024, North America led the nootropics market owing to the increased need for cognitive enhancement in the current period. Moreover, the market growth is mainly associated with factors such as the high awareness and acceptance of the mental wellness supplement in recent years in the region. Furthermore, the greater regulatory push has contributed immensely in the region, as per the recent regional survey. What Made the Asia Pacific Significantly Grow in the Market in 2024? In the nootropics market, the Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during 2025-2034, akin to the rising mental awareness and the development of e-commerce platforms. Moreover, the regional countries such as India, China, and Japan are seen under the sophisticated growth in the wellness market in recent years. Furthermore, the younger population in the region is expected to drive the future growth of the industry, as they are seen as heavy adopters of nootropics for professional and academic performance. Segmental Insights By Form Analysis How did the Capsules and Tablets Segment Dominate the Market in 2024? The capsules and tablets segment held a major share of the nootropic market. Mainly, the segment is driven by its unique properties, such as the convenience, wide availability, and accurate dosage in the current period. Moreover, the individuals are actively seen preferring the tablet forms of the dosage due to traditional habits, which is driving the growth of the market in the present period, as per industry observation. How will the Drink Segment Expand Rapidly During 2025-2034? The drink segment is estimated to register rapid expansion during the forecast period due to its excellent characteristics like faster absorption, convenience, and on-the-go consumption facilities. Several nootropic ingredients, such as L-theanine, caffeine, and others, are actively seen in gaining immense attention from the younger generation, which is expected to lead the segment growth in the upcoming years. Moreover, factors such as the fast-paced and modern lifestyle are contributing to the segment's potential in the current phase. Become a valued research partner with us - By Distribution Channel, The offline segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. The offline channels, such as health stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets, remain key sales points for nootropics. These locations allow customers to get expert advice, see physical products, and make instant purchases. Many customers still prefer in-person purchases due to trust and habit. Retailers also offer bundled promotions and loyalty benefits, which boost foot traffic. The online segment is expected to grow at a significant rate due to increasing digital adoption, easy product comparison, and greater availability of global brands. E-commerce allows consumers to browse a wide range of nootropic supplements, read reviews, and access educational content before purchasing. Subscription models and influencer marketing have also accelerated growth. The convenience of doorstep delivery and targeted advertising helps brands connect with consumers more effectively. Recent Developments The first nootropics food lab in Canada was established in January 2025 by Raymond Thomas, a biology professor at Western University. The lab creates brain-boosting meals by fusing Western science with Indigenous dietary expertise. To promote brain health through functional meals, Thomas and his colleagues will develop novel dishes in collaboration with an in-house chef and utilize biochemistry and metabolomics to assess their cognitive effects. In February 2025, the Scientific Advisory Board and Research Snapshot sections were launched by Nootropics Depot to increase openness and confidence in the supplement sector. The new advisory board will supervise product formulations and study evaluations to guarantee the highest levels of safety and efficacy. It will include specialists in integrative medicine, fitness, plant biology, and ethnobotany. Elevate your healthcare strategy with Towards Healthcare. Enhance efficiency and drive better outcomes schedule a call today: Nootropics Market Key Players Nootropics Depot Kimera Koffee Alternascript Cephalon LLC Teva Pharmaceuticals Onnit Powder City Mental Mojo Llc Mind Lab Pro Purelife Bioscience Company Ltd TruBrain Noocube Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare: The global liquid biopsy IVD market was valued at US$ 2.21 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 2.54 billion in 2025. Projections indicate the market will grow to approximately US$ 8.72 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 14.79% during the forecast period. The liquid biopsy tube market stood at US$ 1.34 billion in 2024, rising to US$ 1.54 billion in 2025, and is anticipated to reach US$ 5.32 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 14.85% from 2025 to 2034. The specialty medical chairs market is valued at USD 5.12 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to around USD 9.77 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.43% over the forecast period. The biosensors market was valued at USD 30.04 billion in 2024, increasing to USD 32.64 billion in 2025, with expectations to reach USD 68.72 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 8.64% from 2025 to 2034. The stem cell therapy market was worth USD 490 million in 2024, grew to USD 613.7 million in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 4,777.40 million by 2034, expanding at a notable CAGR of 25.26% between 2025 and 2034. The home healthcare market is forecast to expand from USD 226.92 billion in 2025 to USD 476.80 billion by 2034, recording a CAGR of 8.6% over the analysis period. The regenerative medicine market is set to surge from USD 24.39 billion in 2025 to USD 139.70 billion by 2034, achieving a robust CAGR of 21.4%. The mice model market was valued at US$ 1.57 billion in 2024, increased to US$ 1.73 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach approximately US$ 4.1 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 10.04% during the forecast timeframe. The cancer biopsy market stood at US$ 30.81 billion in 2024, grew to US$ 36.61 billion in 2025, and is projected to soar to about US$ 163.29 billion by 2034, expanding at an impressive CAGR of 18.84% between 2025 and 2034. Meanwhile, the in vivo CAR-T platform market is gaining momentum worldwide, with expectations of generating hundreds of millions in revenue during the 2025–2034 period. Segments Covered in The Report By Form Capsules/Tablets Powder Drinks Others By Distribution Channel Offline Online By Region North America US Canada Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research @ Access our exclusive, data-rich dashboard dedicated to the healthcare market - built specifically for decision-makers, strategists, and industry leaders. The dashboard features comprehensive statistical data, segment-wise market breakdowns, regional performance shares, detailed company profiles, annual updates, and much more. From market sizing to competitive intelligence, this powerful tool is one-stop solution to your gateway. Access the Dashboard: About Us Towards Healthcare is a leading global provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics, with a strong emphasis on life science research. Dedicated to advancing innovation in the life sciences sector, we build strategic partnerships that generate actionable insights and transformative breakthroughs. As a global strategy consulting firm, we empower life science leaders to gain a competitive edge, drive research excellence, and accelerate sustainable growth. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ Europe Region - +44 778 256 0738 North America Region - +1 8044 4193 44 Web: Find us on social platforms: LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramErreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
An Irish town makes all the world's Botox. Trump's trade deal could leave a mark
In ancient Celtic folklore, Tír na nÓg is the land of eternal youth, where time stands still and people don't age. Today, in the west of Ireland, they've come close to bottling it. Westport, a small coastal town in picturesque County Mayo, is the unlikely nerve center of the world's Botox supply. A facility operated by the Chicago-based pharmaceutical company AbbVie employs at least 1,300 local people and about 500 additional contractors – an economic backbone to a town of barely 7,000 people. Therapeutic Botox – used for conditions that include muscle spasticity, migraines, overactive bladders, certain eye conditions and excessive sweating – brought in $3.3 billion for AbbVie last year, with sales of cosmetic Botox, often used to smooth facial wrinkles, generating $2.72 billion. But last week, US President Donald Trump took a step toward his goal of bringing that multi-billion-dollar industry home, announcing 15% tariffs on all pharmaceutical exports from the European Union. It's a move that some fear could devastate towns like Westport, which has been transformed by the plant, from its opening by Allergan in 1977 to its acquisition and expansion in 2020 by AbbVie. Inside the sprawling 61-acre campus – a sleek industrial presence nestled below Croagh Patrick, one of the country's most storied pilgrimage sites – vials of Botox are processed and packaged in powder form, before export to some 70 countries, according to industry estimates. The US tops the list, accounting for 70% of total turnover at the Westport plant, which also makes eyecare products, according to the company's 2023 filings. Uncertainty about how the tariffs will impact the company has created anxiety for some in Westport, a community where the long-term benefits of the plant's presence cannot be overstated. It's embedded in the community, powering everything from infrastructure to sports teams and local charities. At AbbVie United Park, the home ground for the Westport United soccer club, where many of the company's workers and their families gather to train or cheer from the sidelines, locals said the tariffs could have a significant impact. No employee of AbbVie would speak on the record with CNN. But daycare center owner Anne-Marie, who chose not to give her surname for privacy reasons, said she had heard many parents who work at the plant – and leave their children in her care – voice anxiety about what could lie ahead. 'They are worried about their jobs, they just don't know how it's going to go. Is it going to affect them? Are they going to have a job this time next year? Is the company going to be able to keep going?' she said. 'And it'll have a knock-on effect for me, you know,' she said, adding: 'If they don't have a job, I won't have a job.' Brian Cusack, from the soccer club's development committee, was generally more upbeat about the future but believes 'a lot of change is going to happen, and maybe not change for the good.' 'Westport doesn't know what it's like without an American pharmaceutical treatment place. And I don't think we'd like to find out what it looks like without it,' said Cusack, whose 25-year-old daughter also works at the plant. Last month, after weeks of uncertainty, the US-EU trade deal was finally agreed upon. While some in Ireland and the wider bloc welcomed the agreement, other European leaders considered it an exercise in damage limitation. The calm after its announcement was to be short-lived. Singling out Ireland – the world's third-largest pharma exporter and home to pharma giants Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer – Trump said last Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250% over the next 18 months. The threat comes as the US is currently conducting a Section 232 investigation into whether foreign drugs threaten national security, a process whose outcome could override the current US-EU trade deal. 'We want pharmaceuticals made in our country,' he said. But tariffs alone aren't likely to spark a mass move. While the idea of bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the US resonates with Trump's base, putting it into practice is fraught with challenges. Experts say that while some drug production may shift to existing US facilities, full-scale reshoring is unlikely due to high costs, regulatory hurdles, supply chain challenges, and the long timelines for building or relocating high-tech plants – delays that could outlast any political changes. Anne-Marie suggested that the US president's moves could be purely political but said they have still managed to sow widespread concern. Still, she pointed to the resilience of the town – and Ireland – expressing the belief that Westport's industry will be able to outlast his administration. 'When he goes out of power, it's just gonna all change again – like it did the last time,' she said, referring to Trump's first term in office and noting that people's lives can't be dictated by what she characterized as the whims of one man. It's an attitude that is felt around the town. As traffic buzzed through the area, Mayo councillor Peter Flynn told CNN that while the tariffs have created 'a real headache,' people there are 'getting on with their lives.' Flynn, who worked at Allergan for nearly three decades, said that Trump's push to quickly bring manufacturing to the US was unrealistic. 'This kind of 'lift and shift' approach that Donald Trump is talking about – it's nonsensical,' he said. He argues that moving operations is extremely difficult, even domestically—let alone overseas—because of the gross logistical challenges it brings, let alone the skilled workers it requires, many of whom he says are now leaving the US 'at speed.' Plus, he added, 'anyone that's considering a location to move to – be it India or some of these other locations where a lot of graduates come from – are now taking the US off their map.' AbbVie, which declined to speak with CNN for this story, has not signaled any plans to move its Botox production hub. Addressing the tariffs in a recent public earnings call, AbbVie president Robert A. Michael said that the company was 'having constructive discussions with the administration on sectoral tariffs,' and noted that it will 'obviously continue to invest in the US.' On Tuesday, the company announced a $195 million investment in its Chicago manufacturing plant, in what it said was part of a broader commitment to invest more than $10 billion in US projects over the next decade. Other major drugmakers have also announced that they'll be scaling up American investment in response to the new tariffs. What these investments might mean for Ireland is unclear. But it's possibly not great news. Last year, pharmaceuticals made up €44 billion ($51.2 billion) of Ireland's total €72.6 billion ($84.5 billion) of exports to the US. Ahead of the tariff deal, Ireland appeared to proactively fast-track exports: €20 billion ($23 billion) worth of pharma goods were shipped to the US in the first two months of this year, according to official trade data. And while a trade war appears to have been averted for now, American consumers could be at the receiving end of soaring drug costs. ING analyst Diederik Stadig told CNN that a 15% tariff could increase US drug prices by 7% to 10%, adding up to $13 billion annually to health care costs. Consumers could shoulder the burden over time through higher health insurance premiums and increased drug prices at pharmacies. For products like cosmetic Botox, which isn't covered by US health insurance, the costs of procedures already considered a luxury could also rise, analysts say, putting a further strain on wallets. That's of concern to Westport hotelier Michael Lennon, whose US clientele are key to the tourism industry. Driving to pick up his American guests, who were horse riding at a nearby beach on Clew Bay, where he runs an equestrian trekking outfit, Lennon said he wasn't so worried about the Westport plant taking a hit. 'There's innovative thinking in every one of our businesses… and I think we'll adapt,' Lennon said, as his jeep rattled along the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic route along the country's rugged coast. 'My worry would be that it (the increase in tariffs) could upset the American economy, and we need all these Americans coming to Ireland.' He then recalled a conversation he had with a Trump-supporting guest, who told him: 'What's good for America is good for Ireland.' Lennon said he hopes that's true. 'But I don't know. And neither does she,' he said. CNN's Tami Luhby contributed to this report.
