Latest news with #ASAM
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang to welcome direct flights from Phnom Penh from June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as Asean chair. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. "This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. "The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers," he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six Asean member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. "This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape," he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and Asean countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an Asean Single Aviation Market (ASAM). "It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in Asean and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities," Wong said. - Bernama
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. 'This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. 'The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers,' he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05 am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55 am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55 am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40 pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six ASEAN member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. 'This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape,' he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and ASEAN countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM). 'It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in ASEAN and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities,' Wong said.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang gets direct Phnom Penh flights from June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. 'This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. 'The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers,' he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05 am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55 am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55 am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40 pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six ASEAN member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. 'This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape,' he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and ASEAN countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM). 'It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in ASEAN and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities,' Wong said.
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Hype Or Hope? Latest Research On GLP-1 Receptor Agonists And Addiction
getty The talk of the town at this year's American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Annual Conference was GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), generally known as medications to treat obesity. Mainstream media appears to mirror this trend as nearly every other radio and television ad seemingly involves a weight loss medication. In addition to treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s have also shown promise with substance use disorders (SUD). Because so many questions exist about safety, efficacy, long-term effects and more, ASAM appropriately invited several scientists and clinicians to present the latest data on the role of GLP-1 RAs in addiction. As a physician, even I'm having trouble keeping track of the assembly-line of anti-obesity medicines. The common ones include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta). They vary in their duration, formulation and other features. What they share, however, is a common lizard origin—the Gila monster. Origin Story Starts With A Venomous Lizard Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Exendin-4, a peptide hormone discovered in 1991 in the venom of the Gila Monster, was structurally similar to the human hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), explained Joji Suzuki, MD, FACLP, director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital. GLP-1s increased the release of insulin but had an extremely short half-life (1-2 minutes), making them highly unfavorable as a treatment for diabetes. The lizard hormone half-life was nearly 100 times longer (~2.5 hours) which led to more research focusing on increasing half-life, resisting degradation and enhancing binding to the GLP-1 receptor. Since that initial discovery nearly four decades ago, the pace of research and publications on GLP-1 RAs has been nothing short of rapid and robust, according to data shown by Dr. Suzuki. Liraglutide began clinical trial in 2000. Exenatide became the first FDA-approved GLP-1 analog in 2005. Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 as an injectable treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand name, Ozempic. Tirzepatide was approved in 2022. That same year, GLP-1 drug sales reached $22 billion. Role In Addiction getty GLP-1 receptors are widely located in the brain, notably in the reward centers. Addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol and opioids hijack the brain's reward pathway to trigger excess release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter. Studies show that activation of the GLP-1 receptor in the brain reduces dopamine release from addictive substances such as nicotine and alcohol, leading to less cravings and reinforcement. Researchers who are studying the impact of GLP-1 agonists in addiction are hopeful. 'For the first time in a long time, we actually have the possibility for a whole new class of medications our patients [with addiction] might benefit from,' shared Dr. Suzuki. He continued: 'The exciting part is that GLP-1 RAs might benefit a broad range of addictive behaviors including disordered eating or behavioral addictions.' Nicotine Addiction While randomized control trials (RCT) are few, we do have promising preclinical data showing reduced nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperphagia (excessive hunger) and weight gain with liraglutide. In addition, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who used GLP-1 RAs were less likely to be diagnosed with nicotine misuse compared to those who used other medicines for T2D. Less healthcare utilization for tobacco use disorder was also associated with this patient group. Like all medicines, GLP-1 RAs are not benign. Luba Yammine, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at UTHealth Houston, reminded the packed ballroom that common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as acute kidney injury. There's also a higher risk of pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer. But Dr. Yammine is optimistic, particularly for people who are addicted to several substances: 'A substantial proportion of people with SUD uses multiple substances. Pending positive outcomes from ongoing and forthcoming RCTs, GLP-1 RA medications may become a pharmacotherapeutic approach for treating polysubstance use.' getty Alcohol Addiction Among all substances, alcohol is by far the most investigated when it comes to GLP-1 RAs. Michael Weaver, MD, professor of psychiatry at UTHealth Houston, highlighted research showing that GLP-1 RAs reduced alcohol consumption in vervet monkeys which are alcohol-preferring primates. Stephanie Weiss, MD, PhD, Assistant Director for Clinical Research, Medication Development Program at NIDA, shared data from the first published clinical trial of GLP-1 RAs in alcohol use disorder: in patients with obesity with a BMI over 30, exenatide reduced heavy drinking days by 23.6% and lowered total alcohol intake. She also shared multiple, ongoing NIDA-funded clinical trials including Semaglutide Therapy for Alcohol Reduction or STAR which is currently recruiting patients. What About Other Drug Addictions? We have limited research on cocaine, according to Dr. Weaver. So far, an experimental (not FDA-approved) GLP-1 agonist compound has been shown to lower cocaine self-administration in rats. We don't have much data for opioids, either. One study revealed that repeated doses of liraglutide ('Victoza') decreased heroin self-administration in rats. Experts are cautious but optimistic. 'Clinical research is necessary. Watch this space,' Dr. Weaver advised the captive audience. getty Ethical Issues Regarding GLP-1 Medications The eruption of GLP-1 RAs has several societal implications including equitable access. Nancy Shenoi, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, pointed out gaps in obesity treatment in low- and middle-income countries and rural areas. She also shared that only four countries offer insurance coverage for obesity treatment: Brazil, Canada, Chile and the U.S. Canada's universal healthcare system and lower prices for diabetes medications enhance accessibility. In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allowed Medicare to negotiate the price of 10 costly medications without a generic; no GLP-1 RA is on this list. Mental health must also be a consideration, stated Dr. Shenois, as some studies suggest that liraglutide and semaglutide may trigger suicidal thoughts, self-injury and depression. Bottom Line Current data on GLP-1 receptor agonists and addiction is certainly promising. Decreased mortality, anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects can be beneficial in chronic substance use which is associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. But there was a clear consensus among experts at the ASAM conference: more research is needed. 'What we urgently need now are rigorous studies to establish both safety and efficacy of GLP-1 agonists,' reminded Dr. Suzuki. We also need patience. 'Let's not all just jump on the band wagon. Results from clinical trials are years away,' emphasized Dr. Weaver. Lipi Roy, MD, MPH Every presenter also agreed that while we're waiting for the science, let's not forget that we already have anti-addiction medications that work but they're grossly underutilized. Only 1 in 5 people with opioid use disorder and less than 8% of those with alcohol use disorder receive treatment. As an addiction medicine doctor, I cannot underscore this point enough: methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone and nicotine replacement therapy are safe and effective but unacceptably under-prescribed. Let's maximize existing, lifesaving and transformative medicines for people with addiction while also exploring innovative therapeutic options like GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
York County doctor pressured patients into sex for treatment; AG
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A York County doctor was arrested Wednesday for allegedly pressuring female patients to partake in sex acts with him in exchange for treatment, the Attorney General's Office said. If the patients refused, then Christopher Davis, 63, would not provide treatment, or he would threaten to withhold medication, the Attorney General's Office said. Davis was a medical director at Pyramid Healthcare Treatment Center, a facility that 'offers comprehensive addiction treatment, including withdrawal management (ASAM Level 3.7) and short- and long-term residential care (ASAM Level 3.5) for both men and women aged 18 and older,' according to its website. Davis was the only person who was able to give his patients methadone, a drug that is used to treat opioid addiction, the AG's Office said. The alleged coercion took place from 2022-24, according to the DA's office. 'This doctor abused his role as a gatekeeper to necessary medications for vulnerable patients by manipulating, intimidating, and assaulting numerous patients between 2022 and 2024,' Attorney General Dave Sunday said. 'The patients relied on the defendant to provide compassionate care and treatment as they navigated a path to recovery, instead, he betrayed them time and time again. People seeking to better their lives through treatment should be celebrated and supported, not preyed upon and exploited.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Davis faces charges that include rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, sexual extortion. He is locked up at York County Prison with bail set at $1 million by Magisterial District Judge Barry L. Bloss Jr. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
