Latest news with #ALS
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Chicago Bears to honor Virginia McCaskey, Steve McMichael in 2025
The Chicago Bears will NOT be wearing alternate or throwback uniforms this they are remembering Virginia McCaskey throughout the entire season with this patch. #Bears The Chicago Bears will honor matriarch Virginia Halas McCaskey and Hall of Fame defensive tackle Steve McMichael with jersey patches during the 2025 season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Bears chairman George McCaskey told the Sun-Times that the Bears will wear a football-shaped patch with Virginia McCaskey's initials inside for every game this season, starting with next week's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. Virginia McCaskey passed away on Feb. 6 at the age of 102. The patch will be placed on player's jerseys above their hearts. The football is orange with navy stitches and a white outline. The navy 'M' is outlined in white and larger than the other two letters — V to the player's right, and H, for Halas, to the left. It's a nod to Virginia's father, George S. Halas, who died on Oct. 31, 1983. The Bears wore a similar patch for the remainder of the season, and it soon became permanent with the "GSH" on the left jersey sleeve which remains to this day. 'We thought it'd be appropriate to have a patch that mirrored her dad's after he passed away,' McCaskey told the Sun-Times. 'It came out great. We like the look of it.' The Bears also will not be wearing an alternate or throwback uniform this season as they remember Virginia McCaskey. The Bears will also honor McMichael, who passed away in April after a battle with ALS, with a decal on the back of their helmets. It will feature a navy football outlined in orange with white laces and his No. 76 in the middle. That same logo will be featured on Soldier Field grass on game day. McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2024, less than a year before his death. The patch The Bears have found a way to honor two important figures in their storied history who passed away this season, and fans will get their first glimpse on Aug. 10 when Chicago hosts the Dolphins for their first preseason game.
Medscape
6 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
MHRA Approves First Targeted Drug for SOD1-ALS
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved tofersen (Qalsody, Biogen) for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in adults with mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, also known as SOD1-ALS. The approval makes tofersen the first targeted therapy in the UK against this rare form of motor neurone disease (MND) with a genetic basis. A Rare but Aggressive Condition SOD1-ALS causes the body to produce a misfolded, toxic version of the SOD1 protein. This triggers motor neuron degeneration in the brain and spinal cord. Patients experience progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, respiratory decline, and eventual paralysis and death. SOD1 mutations are responsible for approximately 2% of all ALS cases globally. Over 200 distinct mutations in SOD1 have been identified, each contributing to a wide range of disease progression rates. This variability highlights the importance of developing targeted therapies for SOD1-ALS. How Tofersen Works Tofersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that binds to SOD1 mRNA, promoting its degradation through an RNase H-mediated mechanism. This reduces the production of the toxic SOD1 protein. The drug is administered via intrathecal injection through a lumbar puncture at scheduled intervals, under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Success in Clinical Trials The approval was supported by data from the phase 3 VALOR study and its open-label extension (OLE). In the VALOR trial, 108 adults with SOD1-ALS were treated with either intrathecal tofersen (n=72) or placebo (n=36) for 28 weeks. The primary endpoint, the ALSFRS-R score — which assesses bulbar, motor, and respiratory functions — showed a positive trend with tofersen, although the difference was not significant. However, tofersen significantly reduced biomarkers of neurodegeneration, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SOD1 protein levels and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations. By week 28, plasma NfL levels decreased by 55% in the tofersen group, compared to a 12% increase with placebo. Clinical trends suggested improvements in respiratory function, muscle strength, and quality of life. These effects were more pronounced with earlier treatment and during the OLE phase. Safety and Tolerability The most common side effects in tofersen-treated patients included: Back, muscle, and joint pain Fatigue Fever Raised CSF protein levels or white blood cell counts These reactions were generally mild to moderate in severity. Further information, including the Patient Information Leaflet and Summary of Product Characteristics, will be available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.
The Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Australian
FDA clinical hold lift closer for Neurizon
Special Report: Neurizon Therapeutics has submitted a formal response to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressing the clinical hold on its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its lead drug NUZ-001. Neurizon submits formal response to US FDA to resolve NUZ-001 clinical hold Submission includes new bridging PK data to demonstrate comprehensive exposure data in rats and dogs FDA review underway with Neurizon targeting participation in HEALEY trial in Q4 CY25 Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ) a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, said the clinical hold complete response (CHCR) includes new bridging pharmacokinetic (PK) data from 28-day studies in rats and dogs. The PK studies were completed ahead of schedule and designed to address the FDA's request for more comprehensive animal exposure data to support safety margins of NUZ-001, the company's lead therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and its primary sulfone metabolite. The response was submitted following constructive FDA engagement with the new PK results demonstrating: Greater than 10-fold safety margins based on projected human plasma exposure levels for both NUZ-001 and its active sulfone metabolite Enhanced confidence in dose selection and systemic tolerability to support progression to Phase 2/3 clinical evaluation FDA review of the CHCR is now underway and Neurizon expects formal feedback within 30 calendar days, in line with the regulator's standard statutory review period for hold responses. Focus on advancing into HEALEY ALS Platform trial The formal response to the FDA marks a significant step toward lifting the clinical hold on NUZ-001 and initiating enrolment in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, anticipated in Q4 CY25. ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND) and the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a significant ongoing program in the US aimed at accelerating ALS treatment development. 'With continued momentum and scientific clarity, we are advancing NUZ-001 toward a potentially first-in-class therapy for ALS, aligned with our commitment to create meaningful treatment options for patients,' managing director and CEO Dr Michael Thurn said. 'This submission underscores our disciplined execution and ability to deliver critical development milestones ahead of schedule. 'By proactively completing the required PK studies, we have significantly de-risked the regulatory path moving forward. 'We anticipate resolution of the clinical hold in August 2025, positioning Neurizon to initiate participation in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial before year-end." This article was developed in collaboration with Neurizon Therapeutics, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Caring Senior Service of Waco owners open second location in Georgetown, Texas
Dustin and Rebecca Rauch will deliver the same high-quality, at-home care they have provided to seniors in the Waco community at their new location GEORGETOWN, Texas, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring Senior Service, a non-medical, personalized home care services company, has deepened its Texas reach by opening a new location at 4869 Williams Drive, Suite 103 in Georgetown, Texas. Caring Senior Service of Georgetown owners Dustin and Rebecca Rauch say they will continue to offer the exceptional GreatCare® service they have provided at their Caring Senior Service of Waco office since they opened that location in 2022. "Dustin and Rebecca are the epitome of the kind of dedicated and compassionate individuals that make up the Caring Senior Service family, and we're excited to see them grow into multi-unit owners," said Caring Senior Service CEO and founder Jeff Salter. "Their experience in caring for an aging parent has given them an insight that guides their decisions when meeting the needs of their clients. We are certain they will have the same success at their Georgetown location that they have seen at their Waco site." The Rauches are both trained physical therapists with a passion for senior care. The couple became interested in the home care industry after caring for Dustin Rauch's mother, who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Rebecca's parents also had a live-in caregiver, so the couple saw firsthand how valuable a home care worker can be to families caring for an older relative. "As physical therapists, we frequently worked with patients who needed extra care at home, and many did not have local family members who could help," Rebecca Rauch said. "It was through our personal experiences and work in the healthcare community as therapists that we saw an opportunity to provide the Waco area with high-quality at-home care. After doing our research, we knew that Caring Senior Service had a proven track record and would be a supportive brand." "With the success of our Waco location, we were ready to expand into Georgetown, and the team at Caring have been a tremendous help in that expansion," Dustin Rauch said. "We love knowing that our businesses are helping others as they go through a difficult time in their lives." Caring Senior Service of Georgetown offers respite care, transportation, meal preparation, companionship, medication reminders and other personal care services to seniors and others who need assistance. For more information, call (737) 510-7989 or visit About Caring Senior Service Caring Senior Service is a non-medical home care services company based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by CEO Jeff Salter in 1991, the company provides assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, and any adult who may need help with the tasks of everyday living, such as bathing, personal care, running errands, and preparing food. After adding locations throughout Texas in the 1990s, the company extended its reach through franchising in 2002. It now boasts more than 50 locations throughout the United States. Caring Senior Service has been named one of Franchise Business Review's top franchises in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and is a leader in the use of technology and artificial intelligence in the senior care industry. At the heart of the organization is its GreatCare® method, a commitment to dependable service, quality care solutions, and active involvement that ensures every client receives the highest standard of compassionate, personalized care. For more information on Caring Senior Service, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Caring Senior Service Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
ProMIS Neurosciences Announces Private Placement Financing
TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: PMN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies targeting toxic misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzhiemer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), today announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement (the 'Purchase Agreement') with existing institutional and accredited investors to issue and sell an aggregate of approximately $3.0 million of warrants (the 'Warrants'). The Warrants were sold at a price of $0.1875 per share through a private investment in public equity ('PIPE') financing. The Warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per Warrant Share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five years from the date of initial issuance. The PIPE financing included participation from existing institutional investors, including Ally Bridge Group. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ProMIS anticipates the gross proceeds from the PIPE financing to be approximately $3.0 million, before deducting fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. In conjunction with the proceeds from the exercise of existing warrants, the total gross proceeds to the Company inclusive of the PIPE Offering will be approximately $12.0 million. The PIPE financing is expected to close on July 29, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Proceeds from the PIPE financing are expected to be used to advance the clinical development of PMN310, ProMIS' lead therapeutic candidate, as well as for working capital and other general corporate expenses. The offer and sale of the foregoing securities are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ('Securities Act'), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. ProMIS Neurosciences has agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC registering the resale of the Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants issued in the PIPE financing. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities law of any such state or other jurisdiction. About ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. ProMIS Neurosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies selective for toxic oligomers associated with the development and progression of neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases. The Company's proprietary target discovery engine, EpiSelect™, predicts novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins that cause neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Parkinson's Disease (PD). ProMIS has offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA) and Toronto, Ontario (CAN). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward-looking information') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'excited to', 'targets', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'an opportunity exists', 'is positioned', 'estimates', 'intends', 'assumes', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate' or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might', 'will' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the expected timing for the closing of the PIPE financing and the anticipated use of proceeds from the PIPE financing. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the future of our business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the risk that clinical results or early results may not be indicative of future results, the Company's ability to fund its operations and continue as a going concern, its accumulated deficit and the expectation for continued losses and future financial results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information include, among others, the factors discussed throughout the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For further information: ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Please submit media inquiries to info@ For Investor Relations, please contact: Kaytee Bock Zafereo
