Latest news with #IndianaUniversitySchoolofMedicine
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Galectin Therapeutics to Host Virtual KOL Event to Discuss Belapectin for Treatment of MASH Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension
NORCROSS, Ga., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin-3 for patients with MASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension, today announced that it will host a virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET. To register, click here. The event will focus on the unmet need and current treatment landscape for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Featured KOLs will include: Naga P. Chalasani, MD, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Adjunct Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, & Director of Terance Kahn Liver Research Program, Indiana University School of Medicine; and Naim Alkhouri, MD, FAASLD, DABOM, Chief Academic Officer, Summit Clinical Research, & Director of the Steatotic Liver Program, North Shore Gastroenterology, Cleveland, OH. The event will highlight results from Galectin's NAVIGATE Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating belapectin for the treatment of MASH cirrhosis and portal. Belapectin is a complex carbohydrate drug that targets galectin-3, a critical protein in the pathogenesis of MASH and fibrosis. With no approved therapies to prevent or treat varices in MASH cirrhosis, belapectin may represent the first potential treatment to address this significant unmet need. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations. About Naga P. Chalasani, MD Naga P. Chalasani, MD completed medical school in India before he moved to the US to pursue Internal Medicine residency at Emory University in Atlanta, followed by a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the same institution. He joined IU in 1997 as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Chalasani is currently David W. Crabb Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Adjunct Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology and as Director of Terance Kahn Liver Research Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. He previously served as the GI Division Chief (2007-2020), Associate Dean for Clinical Research (2017-2020) interim Chair of the Department of Medicine (2020-2021) and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Indiana University Health (2022-2024). He is a highly regarded clinician and ranked as Top Doctor continuously for over 15 years. He has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1999 and is currently the PI on several U01 and R01 awards from the NIH. Dr. Chalasani is considered an authority in the fields of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI), two highly significant public health problems. He is one of the most published and most cited investigators at Indiana University, with Google Scholar H-Index 120 and 75,000 citations (as of Feb 2025). He is an elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI), the American Association of Physicians (AAP) and the National Academy of Medical Sciences – India (2024). He has mentored over 75 undergraduate and graduate students, medical students, sub-specialty trainees, and junior faculty. Twenty of his mentees are recipients of federal funding (K award, U01, R21, R01, DOD, and VA Merit Review). To honor his contributions and mentorship, Naga P Chalasani Endowed Professor in Gastroenterology and Hepatology has been established at Indiana University School of Medicine in October 2022. About Naim Alkhouri, MD, FAASLD, DABOM Naim Alkhouri, MD, FAASLD, DABOM is the Chief Academic Officer at Summit Clinical Research and the Director of the Steatotic Liver Program at North Shore Gastroenterology in Cleveland, OH. Prior to joining Summit, Dr. Alkhouri served as the Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Steatotic Liver Disease program at Arizona Liver Health in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Alkhouri is a key opinion leader in the field of MASH therapeutics and an advisor/ consultant to many pharmaceutical and biomarker development companies. He is Principal Investigator on several multicenter global MASH trials and a member of the AASLD MASLD Special Interest Group (MASLD SIG). Dr. Alkhouri has been published in over 260 publications to include publications in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, JAMA, Nature Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Journal of Hepatology. He presents his work at both national and international medical conferences. About Galectin Therapeutics Galectin Therapeutics is dedicated to developing novel therapies to improve the lives of patients with chronic liver disease and cancer. Galectin's lead drug belapectin is a carbohydrate-based drug that inhibits the galectin-3 protein, which is directly involved in multiple inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases, for which it has Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The lead development program is in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH) with cirrhosis, the most advanced form of MASH-related fibrosis. Liver cirrhosis is one of the most pressing medical needs and a significant drug development opportunity. Additional development programs are in treatment of combination immunotherapy for advanced head and neck cancers and other malignancies. Advancement of these additional clinical programs is largely dependent on finding a suitable partner. Galectin seeks to leverage extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient development. Additional information is available at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance, and use words such as 'may,' 'estimate,' 'could,' 'expect', 'look forward', 'believe', 'hope' and others. They are based on management's current expectations and are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These statements include those regarding the hope that Galectin's development program for belapectin will lead to the first therapy for the treatment of MASH, formerly known as NASH, with cirrhosis and those regarding the hope that our lead compounds will be successful in cancer immunotherapy and in other therapeutic indications. Factors that could cause actual performance to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, full analysis of the NAVIGATE trial data may not product positive data; Galectin may not be successful in developing effective treatments and/or obtaining the requisite approvals for the use of belapectin or any of its other drugs in development; the Company may not be successful in scaling up manufacturing and meeting requirements related to chemistry, manufacturing and control matters; the Company's current clinical trial and any future clinical studies may not produce positive results in a timely fashion, if at all, and could require larger and longer trials, which would be time consuming and costly; plans regarding development, approval and marketing of any of Galectin's drugs are subject to change at any time based on the changing needs of the Company as determined by management and regulatory agencies; regardless of the results of any of its development programs, Galectin may be unsuccessful in developing partnerships with other companies or raising additional capital that would allow it to further develop and/or fund any studies or trials. Galectin has incurred operating losses since inception, and its ability to successfully develop and market drugs may be impacted by its ability to manage costs and finance continuing operations. For a discussion of additional factors impacting Galectin's business, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although subsequent events may cause its views to change, management disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements. Company Contact:Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer(678) 620-3186ir@ Investor Relations Contact:Kevin Gardnerkgardner@ Galectin Therapeutics and its associated logo is a registered trademark of Galectin Therapeutics Inc. Belapectin is the USAN assigned name for Galectin Therapeutics' galectin-3 inhibitor belapectin.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Shallowing' is a popular bedroom trend that men and women across the country are trying — and loving
'Shallowing' is a popular sex trend that has taken off — and gotten women off — within the last year. It's nicknamed 'outercourse' because it involves light sexual play of the entrance to the vagina and slightly inside — without deeper penetration. Shallowing was only formally named a few years ago, and it's become increasingly popular — especially since sexual wellness brand LELO listed it as one of the top sex trends for 2024. And it seems to still be going strong. This sexual fun is not just a spicy trend people are taking part in — solo or with a partner — a survey has proven it to be pleasurable for most women. In a 2021 survey of over 4,000 women conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine and OMGYES, it was discovered that almost 84% of US women between the ages of 18 and 93 found increased pleasure from this outercourse play. While some people are having some shallow fun — others are curious about experimenting with different sex positions to spice things up in the bedroom. A team of FetishFinder researchers looked at Google search patterns to uncover which sex positions people are most intrigued by. And it seems missionary is a snooze fest these days because the 'bear hug' position took the cake as the most searched. This position involves doing the deed while hugging each other like a bear standing up. It certainly caught people's attention because it saw a 623% spike in searches within the last year. Other highly searched positions included the 'filthy Sanchez' — which is more on the crude side of things, as it involves smearing bodily fluids on a person's upper lip. The third most Google-searched position is the 'anvil' — which requires one partner to lie on their back, legs lifted overhead, while the other person and kneeling, does what you'd imagine they'd be doing during frisky time. The anvil saw a 275% increase in searches. And it seems when people aren't searching for new ways to position their bodies in the bedroom — they're also turning to Chat GPT to inquire about health, sex and pleasure. 'It's important that anyone with questions about sex and pleasure can receive answers from trusted sources,' said Verena Singmann, spokesperson for We-Vibe, a sexual pleasure brand. 'Technology can be a helpful tool when it comes to sex and pleasure, but AI doesn't always know best when it comes to our sexual health and wellbeing.'
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Shallowing' is a popular bedroom trend that men and women across the country are trying — and loving
'Shallowing' is a popular sex trend that has taken off — and gotten women off — within the last year. It's nicknamed 'outercourse' because it involves light sexual play of the entrance to the vagina and slightly inside — without deeper penetration. Shallowing was only formally named a few years ago, and it's become increasingly popular — especially since sexual wellness brand LELO listed it as one of the top sex trends for 2024. And it seems to still be going strong. Advertisement This sexual fun is not just a spicy trend people are taking part in — solo or with a partner — a survey has proven it to be pleasurable for most women. Shallowing is a trend that has risen in popularity within the last year. luckybusiness – In a 2021 survey of over 4,000 women conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine and OMGYES, it was discovered that almost 84% of US women between the ages of 18 and 93 found increased pleasure from this outercourse play. Advertisement While some people are having some shallow fun — others are curious about experimenting with different sex positions to spice things up in the bedroom. A team of FetishFinder researchers looked at Google search patterns to uncover which sex positions people are most intrigued by. And it seems missionary is a snooze fest these days because the 'bear hug' position took the cake as the most searched. People seem to be more curious than ever about finding new sex positions to try in the bedroom. adekub – Advertisement This position involves doing the deed while hugging each other like a bear standing up. It certainly caught people's attention because it saw a 623% spike in searches within the last year. Other highly searched positions included the 'filthy Sanchez' — which is more on the crude side of things, as it involves smearing bodily fluids on a person's upper lip. The third most Google-searched position is the 'anvil' — which requires one partner to lie on their back, legs lifted overhead, while the other person and kneeling, does what you'd imagine they'd be doing during frisky time. The anvil saw a 275% increase in searches. Advertisement And it seems when people aren't searching for new ways to position their bodies in the bedroom — they're also turning to Chat GPT to inquire about health, sex and pleasure. 'It's important that anyone with questions about sex and pleasure can receive answers from trusted sources,' said Verena Singmann, spokesperson for We-Vibe, a sexual pleasure brand. 'Technology can be a helpful tool when it comes to sex and pleasure, but AI doesn't always know best when it comes to our sexual health and wellbeing.'
Time Magazine
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
Be Careful Where You Swim This Summer
That glistening swimming hole might look—and feel—refreshing on a sweltering day. But writhing in pain from stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting? Staring at the bathroom ceiling instead of the blue, sunny sky? Not so much. Jumping into even the prettiest and clearest rivers, lakes, creeks, and other natural bodies of water can expose you to a cesspool of unpleasant and invisible fellow swimmers—most commonly bacteria, viruses, and parasites. 'These germs are microscopic, so you're not going to be able to tell they're there,' says Bill Sullivan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and author of Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are. 'Swimming is a great, fun activity—don't get me wrong. But you do need to be mindful that there are dangers that lurk out there.' That's especially true for certain people. If you're mostly healthy, you'll fare better than some; if you're exposed to bacteria or other nefarious germs, your body should recover fairly successfully. The people most susceptible to severe illness are 'the very young, the very old, and those with preexisting conditions that weaken their immune system,' Sullivan says. 'If you're in one of those vulnerable populations, you should definitely reconsider swimming in questionable water.' We asked experts what threats might be lurking in your favorite swimming hole, and how to stay safe. The problem with inland water Environmental scientists have a reliable way of monitoring the water quality at popular coastal beaches, often by taking samples on a daily or weekly basis. If bacteria levels surpass a certain threshold, they post an advisory online and put up signs that warn swimmers the water might be contaminated. 'The problem with inland locations is that it's hard to know where people are going to try to jump in,' says Rachel Noble, a professor in the Institute of Marine Science at the University of North Carolina who leads a laboratory that studies bacteria and viral pathogens in recreational and other types of water. Someone who's kayaking at a local lake, for example, might make their way to a small island away from the main swimming area and decide to dive in to cool off. Still, resources exist. There's data available for many inland bodies of water, though monitoring is less frequent than at coastal spots. Where Noble lives in North Carolina, for example, she can pull up a recreational water quality website and review data—and a helpful map—from the last week, six months, or year. Every state has a similar resource, she adds, and it's a good idea to check yours regularly. The most common health threats You might think of E. coli and Salmonella in relation to undercooked meat or tainted lettuce. But they're also the likeliest types of bacteria you'll encounter in a swimming hole, thanks to fecal contamination from humans or, more likely, animals, Sullivan says. Imagine livestock grazing in a tributary that feeds into the lake you're swimming in, for example. All it takes is one heavy rainstorm to push their manure and animal waste into the water. 'It washes downstream to where people might be swimming,' he says. If you end up with E. coli or Salmonella, you could experience potentially severe gastrointestinal symptoms—which sometimes get so bad, people land in the hospital with dehydration. A bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, meanwhile, causes swimmer's ear, which can lead to ear pain, swelling, and discharge. 'It's not an extremely dangerous infection, and sometimes it resolves on its own,' Sullivan says. 'Sometimes a shot of antibiotics will clear it right up, but it can still be a nuisance.' In addition to bacteria, rotavirus and norovirus could be lurking in the water. Both cause 'rapid-onset' diarrhea and vomiting, Sullivan says. Norovirus is particularly contagious, he adds, and can survive outside of the body for one to two weeks. If you get one of these viruses, your symptoms will likely last a few miserable days. Another threat, parasites, can cause longer-lasting distress. Cryptosporidium, which is excreted by cows, commonly contaminates natural bodies of water—and if you get sick, you'll experience watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. 'If you have any reason to believe that cattle are near the body of water you're swimming in, that would give me pause as to whether I want to dip my toe into those waters,' Sullivan says. Giardia, which is shed in the feces of animals like beavers and muskrats, is also common and leads to similar symptoms. Typically, people need pharmaceutical assistance to recover from parasites, Sullivan says, but there aren't as many treatments available for Giardia as there are Cryptosporidium. 'You've usually just gotta ride it out, and it's a really unpleasant experience that lasts about one to two weeks,' he says. Parasites tend to linger, especially if you're immunocompromised—and in addition to the physical symptoms, 'there's a psychological element, in that there are these creepy things living inside you,' he says. Rarer but more extreme risks You've probably seen headlines about the dramatic-sounding 'brain-eating amoeba,' or Naegleria fowleri —a parasite found in warm freshwater. It can enter swimmers' noses and then make its way to their brain, causing an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis that's almost always fatal. 'It can feel scary because it's probably essentially everywhere, but it doesn't cause disease very often,' says Dr. Daniel D. Rhoads, chair of the College of American Pathologists' microbiology committee, and section head of microbiology at the Cleveland Clinic. 'I'm sure pretty much all of us have been exposed to it, but it doesn't usually cause a problem because it's physically challenging to get all the way into the brain just from swimming in water.' When people do get infected, they almost always die within a week. Meanwhile, global warming has caused a spike in 'flesh-eating disease,' more formally known as necrotizing fasciitis. It's caused by bacteria in saltwater or brackish water and eats away at soft tissue and muscles. 'What happens is the bacteria get inside the body through a break in the skin—some kind of wound,' Sullivan says. 'Once it starts taking root, it happens pretty quickly. It causes extreme pain, and it looks like it's eating away at the flesh, but what's really happening is the bacteria is destroying muscle and nerves underneath the wound.' That prevents your immune cells from reaching the site where they would need to be to fight the bacteria—and keeps medicine from getting there, too. That's why the most common treatment is 'either carving away the infected tissue or even amputating the limb,' Sullivan says. The path to infection The most common way people swimming inland get sick is by swallowing the water. How much you consume matters: 'If you swallow just a teeny-tiny bit, you might be able to get away with it,' Sullivan says. 'But if you swallow a good mouthful, there's a reasonable chance that's enough to make you sick.' Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs. But it's not foolproof. When people emerge from the water, their skin might be covered with bacteria or viruses. The next thing you know, they're chowing down on a ham sandwich or passing around bottles of water, and those germs are hopping from person to person. That's why you should always sanitize or wash your hands with soap and water after swimming, Sullivan says; if possible, rinsing off in an outdoor shower is a good idea, too. When should you see a doctor? If you sense your gastrointestinal distress isn't typical, if you have a high fever, if your symptoms last beyond a few days, or if you see blood in your diarrhea, schedule an appointment, Rhoads says. How to stay safe If you're determined to swim in a river or lake, there are some ways to make the experience safer. Here's what experts recommend. Heed posted warnings Take signs about swimming risks and possible contamination seriously. 'If somebody's taking the time to provide health guidance, it's worth listening to it,' Rhoads says. In addition to checking local water-quality reports, click over to your destination's social-media account. Some parks, for example, post warnings about the water, especially after severe storms or if there's been a sewage leak. Use all of your senses Most of the time, the water you're swimming in won't have any noticeable signs of what's lurking beneath the surface. But if you do happen to detect a foul odor or notice a strange color in the water, stay out. Discoloration could indicate 'there's discharge from a pipe or a nearby golf course,' Noble says. 'If you see a lot of cloudiness, or if a lake is otherwise clear blue and it looks brown and covered with algae, then the likelihood is that there's some sort of runoff that's getting to that location,' she says. 'The runoff can contain things that make you sick, so use your senses.' Pay attention to the weather The risk of infection spikes in the aftermath of a storm. Heavy rain can wash all kinds of contaminants into the water: dog waste from nearby paths, debris, chemicals, human sewage, and more. It's impossible to say exactly how long the risk remains elevated, Noble says, because many factors influence it. But if you notice active runoff—or rainwater flowing across the land into the water—it's best to stay on dry land. Opt for well-maintained areas Always do a sweep of the area where you're swimming to get a pulse on its cleanliness, Noble advises. Is there visible dog waste? Overflowing garbage cans? 'If the trash cans aren't regularly emptied, you can get a lot of birds in them, and those birds will defecate,' she says. 'Then that feces will make its way into the water.' While birds will naturally inhabit areas with swimming holes, poorly maintained garbage disposal makes it more likely they'll congregate in high numbers, and that can affect water quality. Never drink the water Whether you get thirsty kayaking down the river—or while you're biking and happen to pass a nice stream—do not drink the water, however tempting it may look. One of the classic case reports Rhoads hears about is people who spotted nice-looking water in a mountain stream and filled up their water bottles—not realizing there were beavers upstream going to the bathroom. Then, he says, they end up with a parasite. Use ear plugs and nose plugs Wearing ear plugs when you swim can help protect you from the bacteria that causes swimmer's ear. And nose plugs (sometimes called clips) act like 'a clamp for the outside of the nose,' Sullivan says, which can block water from entering your nostrils. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends employing them to help ward off serious infection. Don't swim if you have open wounds This can help protect you from flesh-eating bacteria, Sullivan says. You should also cover any cuts, scrapes, or fresh tattoos or piercings with a waterproof bandage, he advises. Stay away from sharp objects while you're swimming, too: 'If there's a lot of rocks or shells, and they cut you while you're swimming, the flesh-eating bacteria can get into your body that way.'
Indianapolis Star
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
$30 million '16 Tech Bridge' marks new link to downtown Indy for pedestrians, cars. See photos
A new $30 million bridge that links the 16 Tech Innovation District with the hospitals along 10th Street and the Indiana University School of Medicine is the first bridge in Indianapolis to devote more space to pedestrians and bicyclists than to vehicles. Spanning Fall Creek near where it meets the White River, the 342-foot-long "16 Tech Bridge" features two lanes of car traffic surrounded on either side by protected multi-use paths. The wave-like steel and concrete structure connects two burgeoning economic centers and creates a seamless nexus between the White River Trail and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail for cyclists and pedestrians, the architects say. Initial plans called for the bridge to have four lanes for vehicles and less space for other users, Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili said at an April 30 grand opening. But residents in near northwest side neighborhoods like Riverside and Ransom Place, including members of the cycling club Riverside Riders Indy, convinced city leaders and architects to change course on the final design for the bridge. "Even more than being a reflection of the water and the trees of which it is a part," Osili said to a crowd gathered for the opening, "it is a reflection of collaboration, a reflection of possibility and proof of what can happen when we build with the community and not around it." The new structure blends the functions of two nearby bridges that also link downtown Indianapolis with the somewhat isolated 16 Tech district, home to the AMP food hall and three facilities that house more than 1,000 employees in the health and life sciences industry. Less than a half-mile east, the Indiana Avenue bridge features wide lanes for cars and narrow sidewalks. Fewer than 200 yards west, the Dr. Beurt SerVaas Bridge provides a skinny path for cyclists and walkers. Each bridge's shortcomings called for a compromise, Riverside Riders founder Adele Hill-Stokes said. The resulting structure, designed by German engineering firm schlaich bergermann partner and New York-based firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism, finished about a year later than projected in 2021. "Now we can ride from Riverside Park down the (Riverside Promenade), pick up White River Trail, and then come across the 16 Tech Bridge over to the Cultural Trail and never see street," said Hill-Stokes, who grew up in Riverside in the 1960s and has owned a home there the past two decades. "And that is a great feeling. The cars are just starting to get used to more bikers, but it's still a little hesitant." The new bridge's spacious multi-use paths feature benches made with wood from trees felled for the project and color-changing light displays for community events. The road over the bridge is called Confluence Way. How much the 16 Tech Bridge, district investments cost Indianapolis taxpayers and the Lilly Endowment footed the roughly $30 million bill to design and build the 16 Tech Bridge. By comparison, the Henry Street bridge extending the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to the new Elanco Animal Health headquarters is expected to cost about $21.2 million. That bridge is projected to open in early 2026. More than $90 million of taxpayer money has gone toward public infrastructure projects in the 16 Tech District, overseen by the nonprofit 16 Tech Community Corp., since its 2020 opening, according to a spokesperson. Building up and out: See more than a dozen commercial and residential developments to watch for in 2025 Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said during the grand opening that the bridge is a necessary link between downtown hubs of the state's "most vital industries," including biomedical sciences and advanced manufacturing, and growing neighborhoods near the urban core. The district boasts $300 million of "vertical development" to date and 235 companies, a spokesperson said. The Vanguard, a 289-unit apartment complex, will open this summer as the district's first residential project, with 15 units reserved for residents earning no more than 30% of the area median income. Hundreds more residential units, new roads and a three-acre park with public art are expected in the coming years.
