U.K. scientists find genes linked with chronic fatigue syndrome
Their study found eight areas of genetic code that are different in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) than in healthy volunteers.
The finding provides 'the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person's chance of developing the disease,' the researchers said in a statement.
The key features of the condition include worsening of fatigue, pain and brain fog after even minor physical or mental activity.
Very little has been known about the causes of ME/CFS, and there is no diagnostic test or cure. The condition is believed to affect around 67 million people worldwide, the researchers said.
The DecodeME study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 people who reported having chronic fatigue on a questionnaire and 259,909 people without it, all of European descent.
Gene variants that were more common in people reporting ME/CFS were linked to the immune and nervous systems, according to a report of the study that has not yet been peer-reviewed.
At least two of the gene regions relate to how the body responds to infection, which aligns with reports that the symptoms often start after an infectious illness, the researchers said.
Another gene region has previously been identified in people with chronic pain, another common symptom of the condition.
The findings 'align with decades of patients reporting on their experiences,' researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke said in a statement, adding that they 'should prove game changing in the ME/CFS research field.'
'These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding,' he said.
Scientists who were not involved in the study said using volunteers who self-reported chronic fatigue syndrome rather than restricting participation to those with a diagnosis from a medical professional somewhat weakened its conclusions. They called for larger studies to replicate the results.
Substantial work will be necessary 'to translate these findings into new treatments,' said Dr. Jackie Cliff, who studies infection and immunity in ME/CFS at Brunel University of London. 'This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry.'
Reporting by Nancy Lapid; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Reuters
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CBC
4 hours ago
- CBC
The 'frying pan of Spain' shows how cities can deal with extreme heat
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Toronto Star
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- Toronto Star
VitalHub Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)(1) up 55% YoY to $79.6 million Total Revenue up 47% YoY to $23.9 million Adjusted EBITDA(1) up 50% YoY to $6.3 million TORONTO, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vitalhub Corp. (TSX:VHI) (OTCQX:VHIBF) (the 'Company' or 'VitalHub') announced today it has filed its Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis report for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 with the Canadian securities authorities. These documents may be viewed under the Company's profile at 'Momentum continued in the second quarter with annual organic ARR(1) growth of 14% and 26% adjusted EBITDA(1) margin,' said Dan Matlow, CEO of VitalHub. 'We have worked hard to integrate all 2024 acquisitions that we are building toward our targeted consolidated financial profile. We recently closed the larger acquisitions of Canada-based Novari and UK-based Induction. 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Acquisition growth of $18,470,000 or 36%. Gain of $2,506,382 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $51,283,570 at June 30, 2024, an increase of $28,305,511 or 55%.Over the previous year, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q2 2024 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $7,329,129 or 14%. Acquisition growth of $18,470,000 or 36%. Gain of $2,506,382 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $45,532,514 as compared to $31,494,396 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $14,038,118 or 45%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 81% in the first six months of 2025 and 2024. Net income before income taxes of $3,742,639 as compared to net income before income taxes of $3,362,500 in the equivalent prior year period, a increase of $380,139 or 11%. EBITDA(1) of $6,750,057 compared to $5,071,468 in the prior year, an increase of $1,678,589 or 33%. Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $11,919,333 or 26% of revenue, compared to $8,238,917 or 26% of revenue in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $3,680,416 or 45%. Cash on hand as at June 30, 2025 was $94,008,665 compared to $56,574,904 as at December 31, 2024. The Company arranged a $15,000,000 loan to finance an acquisition and fully repaid the balance subsequent to quarter-end. On July 4, 2025, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Novari Health Inc. and its subsidiaries ('Novari') for total consideration of approximately $35.8 million in cash and the issuance of 733,726 common shares of VitalHub. Novari's platform offers a series of integrated software modules providing referral management, surgical wait list management, central intake, and care coordination. With the addition of the ARR(1) of Novari subsequent to the quarter, the Company's pro forma ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025, is approximately $91.6 million. (1) Non-IFRS measure. Disclaimers and reconciliations can be found in SEDAR filings. About VitalHub VitalHub is a leading software company dedicated to empowering health and human services providers globally. VitalHub's comprehensive product suite includes electronic health records, operational intelligence, and workforce automation solutions that serve over 1,000 clients across the UK, Canada, and other geographies. The Company has a robust two-pronged growth strategy, targeting organic opportunities within its product suite and pursuing an aggressive M&A plan. VitalHub is headquartered in Toronto with over 500 employees globally, across key regions and the VitalHub Innovations Lab in Sri Lanka. For more information about VitalHub (TSX:VHI) (OTCQX:VHIBF), please visit and LinkedIn. Contact Information Christian Sgro, CPA, CA, CFA Head of IR and M&A Specialist (365) 363-6433 Dan Matlow Chief Executive Officer, Director (416) 727-9061 Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute 'forward-looking information' or 'financial outlook' within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or financial outlook. 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 each entity and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of each entity believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company 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. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Globe and Mail
18 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
VitalHub Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
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These add established electronic referral, surgical wait list management, and patient engagement solutions to the VitalHub patient flow suite. Inclusive of all activity to date, we have over $40 million of cash and over $90 million of ARR (1), providing the flexibility and scale to continue expanding internationally.' VitalHub's quarterly investor conference call will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:00AM EST. To register for the conference call please visit: Second Quarter 2025 Highlights ARR (1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $73,687,666 at March 31, 2025, an increase of $5,901,415 or 8%. Over the previous quarter, ARR (1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q1 2025 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $1,860,849 or 3%. Acquisition growth of $3,870,000 or 5%. Gain of $170,566 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $23,857,548 as compared to $16,237,605 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $7,619,943 or 47%. From the date of closing to June 30, 2025, Induction contributed revenue of $480,383. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 81% in Q2 2025 and Q2 2024. Net income before income taxes of $2,255,226 as compared to $1,383,605 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $871,621 or 63%. EBITDA (1) of $3,599,683 as compared to $1,972,452 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $1,627,231 or 82%. Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $6,304,647 or 26% of revenue, as compared to $4,193,985 or 26% of revenue in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $2,110,662 or 50%. Six Month 2025 Highlights ARR (1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $51,283,570 at June 30, 2024, an increase of $28,305,511 or 55%. Over the previous year, ARR (1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q2 2024 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $7,329,129 or 14%. Acquisition growth of $18,470,000 or 36%. Gain of $2,506,382 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $45,532,514 as compared to $31,494,396 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $14,038,118 or 45%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 81% in the first six months of 2025 and 2024. Net income before income taxes of $3,742,639 as compared to net income before income taxes of $3,362,500 in the equivalent prior year period, a increase of $380,139 or 11%. EBITDA (1) of $6,750,057 compared to $5,071,468 in the prior year, an increase of $1,678,589 or 33%. Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $11,919,333 or 26% of revenue, compared to $8,238,917 or 26% of revenue in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $3,680,416 or 45%. Cash on hand as at June 30, 2025 was $94,008,665 compared to $56,574,904 as at December 31, 2024. The Company arranged a $15,000,000 loan to finance an acquisition and fully repaid the balance subsequent to quarter-end. On July 4, 2025, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Novari Health Inc. and its subsidiaries ('Novari') for total consideration of approximately $35.8 million in cash and the issuance of 733,726 common shares of VitalHub. Novari's platform offers a series of integrated software modules providing referral management, surgical wait list management, central intake, and care coordination. With the addition of the ARR (1) of Novari subsequent to the quarter, the Company's pro forma ARR (1) as at June 30, 2025, is approximately $91.6 million. (1) Non-IFRS measure. Disclaimers and reconciliations can be found in SEDAR filings. Selected Financial Information Three months ended Six months ended June 30, 2025 % Revenue June 30, 2024 % Revenue Change June 30, 2025 % Revenue June 30, 2024 % Revenue Change $ $ % $ $ % Revenue 23,857,548 100 % 16,237,605 100 % 47 % 45,532,514 100 % 31,494,396 100 % 45 % Cost of sales 4,499,328 19 % 3,068,801 19 % (47 %) 8,730,001 19 % 6,042,493 19 % (44 %) Gross profit 19,358,220 81 % 13,168,804 81 % 47 % 36,802,513 81 % 25,451,903 81 % 45 % Operating expenses General and administrative 4,677,904 20 % 3,260,964 20 % (43 %) 9,948,653 22 % 6,452,821 20 % (54 %) Sales and marketing 2,695,935 11 % 1,821,834 11 % (48 %) 4,724,947 10 % 3,518,298 11 % (34 %) Research and development 6,033,028 25 % 3,675,359 23 % (64 %) 11,253,211 25 % 7,093,481 23 % (59 %) Depreciation of property and equipment 250,861 1 % 81,174 0 % (209 %) 392,938 1 % 159,004 1 % (147 %) Depreciation of right-of-use assets 105,499 0 % 111,245 1 % 5 % 225,395 0 % 218,007 1 % (3 %) Share-based compensation 644,811 3 % 675,674 4 % 5 % 1,410,211 3 % 1,024,253 3 % (38 %) Deferred share-based compensation 90,000 0 % 0 0 % (100 %) 90,000 0 % 0 0 % (100 %) Foreign currency loss (gain) (353,294) (1 %) 216,662 1 % 263 % (1,047,701) (2 %) 148,386 0 % 806 % Other expenses (income) Amortization of intangible assets 1,437,740 6 % 1,114,299 7 % (29 %) 3,359,134 7 % 2,220,841 7 % (51 %) Business acquisition, restructuring and integration costs 1,970,153 8 % 1,199,964 7 % (64 %) 3,433,567 8 % 1,797,301 6 % (91 %) Loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 0 % 345,895 2 % 100 % 235,498 1 % 345,895 1 % 32 % Interest expense (net of interest income) (462,564) (2 %) (729,595) (4 %) (37 %) (997,873) (2 %) (914,402) (3 %) 9 % Interest expense from lease liabilities 12,921 0 % 11,724 0 % (10 %) 27,824 0 % 25,518 0 % (9 %) Loss on disposal of property and equipment 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 % 4,070 0 % 0 0 % (100 %) Current and deferred income taxes 483,009 2 % 1,718,658 11 % (72 %) 808,950 2 % 2,379,087 8 % (66 %) Net income 1,772,217 7 % (335,053) (2 %) (629 %) 2,933,689 6 % 983,413 3 % 198 % EBITDA (Non-IFRS measure) 3,599,683 15 % 1,972,452 12 % 82 % 6,750,057 15 % 5,071,468 16 % 33 % Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS measure) 6,304,647 26 % 4,193,985 26 % 50 % 11,919,333 26 % 8,238,917 26 % 45 % Annual recurring revenue (Non-IFRS measure) 79,589,081 51,283,570 55 % 79,589,081 51,283,570 55 % Term licences, maintenance and support revenue 19,894,544 83 % 13,039,369 80 % 53 % 38,238,110 84 % 25,504,431 81 % 50 % As at June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 $ $ Cash balance 94,008,665 56,574,904 Deferred reve nue 45,303,289 35,636,002 About VitalHub VitalHub is a leading software company dedicated to empowering health and human services providers globally. VitalHub's comprehensive product suite includes electronic health records, operational intelligence, and workforce automation solutions that serve over 1,000 clients across the UK, Canada, and other geographies. The Company has a robust two-pronged growth strategy, targeting organic opportunities within its product suite and pursuing an aggressive M&A plan. VitalHub is headquartered in Toronto with over 500 employees globally, across key regions and the VitalHub Innovations Lab in Sri Lanka. For more information about VitalHub (TSX:VHI) (OTCQX:VHIBF), please visit and LinkedIn. Contact Information Christian Sgro, CPA, CA, CFA Head of IR and M&A Specialist (365) 363-6433 Dan Matlow Chief Executive Officer, Director (416) 727-9061 Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute 'forward-looking information' or 'financial outlook' within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or financial outlook. 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 each entity and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of each entity believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company 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. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
