Latest news with #GCAC


Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Young and the Restless June 4 Episode Recap: Kyle Signs Victor's Contract, Audra Pushes for Party Invite
On the June 4 episode of The Young and the Restless, Kyle Abbott took a major step with Victor Newman. At the Newman ranch, Victor agreed to Kyle's proposal, but made him sign a contract with tough conditions. The agreement stated that if Kyle hurt Claire Newman, he would owe Victor USD 5 million and have to leave town. Although Kyle initially wanted his lawyer to review the contract, Victor's pressure led him to sign it without legal help. Kyle hoped this commitment would show Victor that he's more than just Jack Abbott's son. Audra Charles spent much of the episode dealing with Victor's growing impatience. She had planned lunch with Amy Lewis but rushed to meet Victor after he demanded a meeting. Victor criticized her for not doing enough to break up Kyle and Claire. Audra argued that it takes time, but Victor told her to act fast before his trip to France. She later suggested getting Kyle away from Claire by taking him to Aristotle Dumas' upcoming party. She convinced Victor to help her secure two invites, promising she would handle the rest. After being fired by Aristotle Dumas, Damian Kane met with Lily Winters at the GCAC. He asked if Holden Novak could get a job at Winters. Lily agreed to talk to Devon and Nate about placing Holden in the hotel division. But when she brought up the idea to Nate in the park, he said he didn't trust Holden. Meanwhile, Holden blamed Damian for their firing and rejected the offer to join Winters. He walked away, saying it was time for a clean break. Later, Holden opened up to Audra at Crimson Lights, while Amy comforted Damian and encouraged him to make peace with Holden. At the tack house, a doctor examined Cole Howard and noticed concerning chest sounds. He suspected pneumonia and sent Cole to the hospital for further tests. Victoria Newman accompanied him, and Claire Newman later shared the update with Kyle. She worried about her father's health, but Kyle comforted her with kind words. When Claire asked how his meeting with Victor went, Kyle said it was fine and promised to share more details later.


Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Affinia Therapeutics and DCM Foundation Announce Partnership to Increase Awareness About BAG3 Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Critical Need for Genetic Testing to Help Save Lives
WALTHAM, Mass. & DUBLIN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 3, 2025-- Affinia Therapeutics ('Affinia'), an innovative gene therapy company with a pipeline of first-in-class and/or best-in-class adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for devastating cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and the DCM Foundation together with the Genetic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Consortium (GCAC), today announced they have joined forces to raise awareness about BAG3 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with the goal of promoting early diagnosis and the critical need for genetic testing. BAG3 DCM is a devastating monogenic heart disease affecting more than 70,000 patients in the U.S., Europe, and U.K. regions alone. The BAG3 gene, or Bcl2-associated athanogene 3, encodes for a protein that is critical to the normal structure and function of heart cells. Patients with BAG3 DCM have a mutation in the BAG3 gene and a deficiency in functional BAG3 protein, resulting in early onset heart failure that progresses rapidly. Despite current standard of care, almost 25% of patients require a heart transplant. According to a study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, close to 50% of cardiomyopathy has some type of genetic basis, such as BAG3 DCM, yet only a fraction of diagnosed cardiomyopathy patients get genetic testing. This new-found partnership between Affinia and the DCM Foundation and GCAC aims to educate about BAG3 DCM and the critical need for genetic testing, and champions the needs and voices of people living with this devastating heart disease through initiatives including: 'The DCM Foundation and GCAC are very grateful for this partnership with Affinia,' said Greg Ruf, Founder and Executive Director, the DCM Foundation. 'By getting more cardiomyopathy patients tested, we can potentially save and improve lives and help advance cardiomyopathy research and therapies. Through this collaboration, we will collectively unite our strengths and work together in the hope of making a real difference for those living with this devastating disease.' Hideo Makimura, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Affinia, commented, 'BAG3 DCM is a devastating heart disease with a known genetic cause. Unfortunately, only a fraction of patients affected with BAG3 DCM and other genetic cardiomyopathies are tested, which is putting lives at risk. We are committed to working together with the DCM Foundation and GCAC to increase disease awareness and the role genetics plays in cardiomyopathy, which we believe will ultimately lead to better outcomes for people living with BAG3 DCM.' 'Our partnership with the DCM Foundation and GCAC is an exciting milestone as we advance our lead program, AFTX-201 for BAG3 DCM, toward an Investigational New Drug submission and clinical trial initiation which are aligned with Affinia's purpose to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of people affected by devastating rare and prevalent diseases where the genetic cause is understood,' said Rick Modi, Affinia's Chief Executive Officer. About Affinia Therapeutics Affinia Therapeutics is pioneering a shift to a new class of rationally designed gene therapies that treat rare and prevalent diseases. Affinia Therapeutics' pipeline of first-in-class or best-in-class product candidates in cardiovascular and neurological diseases leverages its proprietary next-generation capsids, payloads, or manufacturing approaches and have shown efficacy, safety, and differentiation in relevant animal models. For more information, visit About DCM Foundation Founded in 2018, the DCM Foundation's mission is to provide hope and support to DCM patients and families with dilated cardiomyopathy through education, research and advocacy. Our mission is being executed through three foundational pillars: information and education, patient and family support, and understanding the need for genetic testing. In 2023, DCMF created the Genetic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Consortium, comprised of 11 patient group members, to address the extreme lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic testing in the cardiomyopathy patient and medical community. For more information, visit and View source version on CONTACT: Media contacts:For Affinia Kathy Vincent [email protected] 310-403-8951For DCM Foundation Buddy Butler [email protected] 304-615-9884 KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS OHIO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESEARCH NEUROLOGY GENETICS CARDIOLOGY PHILANTHROPY BIOTECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH FOUNDATION SCIENCE SOURCE: Affinia Therapeutics Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/03/2025 07:45 AM/DISC: 06/03/2025 07:44 AM


Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Affinia Therapeutics and DCM Foundation Announce Partnership to Increase Awareness About BAG3 Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Critical Need for Genetic Testing to Help Save Lives
WALTHAM, Mass. & DUBLIN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinia Therapeutics ('Affinia'), an innovative gene therapy company with a pipeline of first-in-class and/or best-in-class adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for devastating cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and the DCM Foundation together with the Genetic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Consortium (GCAC), today announced they have joined forces to raise awareness about BAG3 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with the goal of promoting early diagnosis and the critical need for genetic testing. BAG3 DCM is a devastating monogenic heart disease affecting more than 70,000 patients in the U.S., Europe, and U.K. regions alone. The BAG3 gene, or Bcl2-associated athanogene 3, encodes for a protein that is critical to the normal structure and function of heart cells. Patients with BAG3 DCM have a mutation in the BAG3 gene and a deficiency in functional BAG3 protein, resulting in early onset heart failure that progresses rapidly. Despite current standard of care, almost 25% of patients require a heart transplant. According to a study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, close to 50% of cardiomyopathy has some type of genetic basis, such as BAG3 DCM, yet only a fraction of diagnosed cardiomyopathy patients get genetic testing. This new-found partnership between Affinia and the DCM Foundation and GCAC aims to educate about BAG3 DCM and the critical need for genetic testing, and champions the needs and voices of people living with this devastating heart disease through initiatives including: BAG3 Patient Advisory Council to offer insight and feedback into patient needs and include the patient voice from people living with BAG3 DCM to inform research and clinical trial design. BAG3 DCM Webinar to help educate about genetics and cardiovascular disease, and the latest advances in research and development, with a focus on Affinia's pipeline and lead program for BAG3 DCM, AFTX-201. AFTX-201 is a potential best-in-class investigational AAV gene therapy intended to be given as a simple one-time intravenous injection. Genetic testing for BAG3 DCM to improve the diagnosis and management of patients affected with this devastating disease. 'The DCM Foundation and GCAC are very grateful for this partnership with Affinia,' said Greg Ruf, Founder and Executive Director, the DCM Foundation. 'By getting more cardiomyopathy patients tested, we can potentially save and improve lives and help advance cardiomyopathy research and therapies. Through this collaboration, we will collectively unite our strengths and work together in the hope of making a real difference for those living with this devastating disease.' Hideo Makimura, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Affinia, commented, 'BAG3 DCM is a devastating heart disease with a known genetic cause. Unfortunately, only a fraction of patients affected with BAG3 DCM and other genetic cardiomyopathies are tested, which is putting lives at risk. We are committed to working together with the DCM Foundation and GCAC to increase disease awareness and the role genetics plays in cardiomyopathy, which we believe will ultimately lead to better outcomes for people living with BAG3 DCM.' 'Our partnership with the DCM Foundation and GCAC is an exciting milestone as we advance our lead program, AFTX-201 for BAG3 DCM, toward an Investigational New Drug submission and clinical trial initiation which are aligned with Affinia's purpose to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of people affected by devastating rare and prevalent diseases where the genetic cause is understood,' said Rick Modi, Affinia's Chief Executive Officer. About Affinia Therapeutics Affinia Therapeutics is pioneering a shift to a new class of rationally designed gene therapies that treat rare and prevalent diseases. Affinia Therapeutics' pipeline of first-in-class or best-in-class product candidates in cardiovascular and neurological diseases leverages its proprietary next-generation capsids, payloads, or manufacturing approaches and have shown efficacy, safety, and differentiation in relevant animal models. For more information, visit About DCM Foundation Founded in 2018, the DCM Foundation's mission is to provide hope and support to DCM patients and families with dilated cardiomyopathy through education, research and advocacy. Our mission is being executed through three foundational pillars: information and education, patient and family support, and understanding the need for genetic testing. In 2023, DCMF created the Genetic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Consortium, comprised of 11 patient group members, to address the extreme lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic testing in the cardiomyopathy patient and medical community. For more information, visit and


Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Young and the Restless Spoilers: Will Kyle Outsmart Audra Or Is He in Over His Head?
As the drama unfolds on The Young and the Restless this Monday, May 26, fans can expect tension and power plays to dominate the screen. Kyle Abbott and Audra Charles meet for a drink that's anything but casual, while Diane braces herself for a long-awaited homecoming that could stir old tensions. Audra (Zuleyka Silver) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) follow through on their drink date, first teased in the May 23 episode. Despite Diane's (Susan Walters) warning, Kyle moves ahead—curious about the secrets Audra might spill and determined to stay a step ahead. His goal? Beat Audra at her own game. But as the two meet at the GCAC jazz lounge and begin discussing cosmetic company strategies, it becomes clear that Kyle might be out of his depth. Even with insider tips from Claire Newman (Hayley Erin), Kyle appears uncertain about a deal Audra pitches—one she insists could benefit them both. A teaser clip from the Y&R preview shows Kyle clearly skeptical, raising the question: Is Kyle trying to manipulate Audra, or is he being played himself? Meanwhile, Diane's storyline takes a more personal turn. With Traci (Beth Maitland) and Ashley (Eileen Davidson) returning during the week of May 26-30, she anxiously awaits their response to the Abbott mansion renovations. Although Jack (Peter Bergman) and Kyle approved her changes, Billy (Jason Thompson) voiced strong opposition, accusing her of wiping away John Abbott's legacy. Diane's nerves may be justified, as spoilers hint that Traci is left 'speechless' upon seeing the new look—though whether that's good or bad remains to be seen. With power dynamics shifting and emotional stakes rising, Monday's episode sets the stage for a dramatic week on The Young and the Restless. Will Kyle prove himself capable in this high-stakes game with Audra, or is he being played by someone savvier? And can Diane find peace within her new home—or will her efforts backfire? One thing's for sure: viewers won't want to miss a minute.


Pink Villa
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Young and the Restless May 19 Episode Recap: Sally Reminds Billy That She Gave Up Everything to Work With Him; Know Why
In the latest episode of The Young and the Restless, which aired on May 19, the audience saw Phyllis and Amanda having a chat, during which the latter revealed that she was working as legal counsel for Dumas. Phyllis tells Amada that she walked away from Billy and is now building a new venture with her son. To make that come to life, she needed someone to invest in it. Amanda tells her that he had presented the idea to Dumas, who ended up passing it. Amanda later urged Phyllis to move on, but the latter could not go to any individual to fund her company. At the GCAC, Sally tries talking about the lunch party with Billy, but he drifts off. When he asked if he was thinking about Phylli, he denied it. Sally was reminded that Sehb left behind everything to work with him and did not want Phyllis to creep back in. Billy assured her that she didn't have anything to worry about. Later, they discuss the party theme and go upstairs, skipping breakfast. Meanwhile, Devon, Lily, and Nate talked about Amanda's reappearance and her working for Dumas. When Amy and Damisn make their entry. Lily offers Damian a position overseeing Winters' hotels, and he enthusiastically accepts it. Devon asks Damis if he knows Amanda. Damis says that he does not. Daming ends up asking Amy to move in with him. After she was preparing for the end of her life, she was hesitant to make this move. Damian tells her that he wants to make the most of the time they have left. Devon tells Lily that Damin's complete turnaround was suspicious. Lily tells him that they will trust him. Once Devon leaves, Damian asks Lily if Devon was sold on the idea of him becoming a part of the company. Lily assured him when he expressed wanting to know why else he would prove himself.