Latest news with #JAHA
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cantargia Publishes Promising Preclinical Results Highlighting CAN10's Potential to Inhibit Vascular Inflammation
IL1RAP expression positively correlates with inflammatory markers in human atherosclerotic plaques. IL1RAP blocking antibodies inhibit endothelial activation and neutrophil adhesion induced by IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36. IL1RAP targeted therapy offers a novel strategy to mitigate vascular inflammation. LUND, SE / / May 19, 2025 / Cantargia (Cantargia AB (publ); Nasdaq Stockholm:CANTA) today announced the publication of preclinical results from IL1RAP targeting antibodies in models of vascular inflammation. Cytokines dependent on IL1RAP strongly affect human endothelial cells to induce release of proinflammatory mediators, attract immune cells and increase vascular permeability. These changes can be potently blocked by antibodies targeting IL1RAP. Also, IL1RAP levels in human atherosclerotic lesions correlate with various inflammatory markers, indicating translational possibility into human cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The results are published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). "IL1RAP and its ligands, IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, are central for inflammation not only because of their effects on immune cells but also due to effects on other cells that respond to inflammation. The work now published show how IL1RAP-targeting antibodies can block inflammation by acting directly on endothelial cells and potentially reduce events important in several inflammatory diseases, including CVD"said David Liberg, CSO of Cantargia Vascular inflammation is a central part of several inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. The current findings revealed that IL1RAP targeting antibodies inhibit the IL-1β, IL-33 and IL-36γ induced release of inflammatory and chemotactic mediators and genes related to endothelial activation and adhesion. Concordantly, endothelial permeability and neutrophil adhesion were inhibited by antibodies blocking IL1RAP. Analysis of human atherosclerotic plaques showed a correlation between the levels of IL1RAP and several of the inflammatory markers reduced by IL1RAP blockade, including interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6 and IL-8). These data signify IL1RAP as a key regulator in vascular inflammation and in maintaining vascular integrity, which in turn implies targeting IL1RAP may have promising potential in several inflammatory diseases, including CVD. "Inflammation is a central hallmark of atherosclerosis, and our research shows that targeting IL1RAP inhibits important inflammatory markers central in atherosclerosis. The established collaboration with Cantargia is very valuable both for us and for development of therapeutic options within CVDs" said Associate Professor Karin H Franzén, Örebro University These data were generated in collaboration with Associate Professor Karin Franzén's research group at Örebro University. The article, titled "IL1RAP expression in human atherosclerosis - a target of novel antibodies to reduce vascular inflammation and adhesion", by Lindkvist et al., is available at Journal of the American Heart Associations website and at Cantargias website. For further information, please contactDamian Marron, Interim CEOTelephone: +46 (0)46-275 62 60E-mail: About CantargiaCantargia AB (publ), reg. no. 556791-6019, is a biotechnology company that develops antibody-based treatments for life-threatening diseases and has established a platform based on the protein IL1RAP, involved in a number of cancer forms and inflammatory diseases. Cantargia's oncology program, the antibody nadunolimab (CAN04), is being studied clinically, primarily in combination with chemotherapy with a focus on pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Positive data for the combinations indicate stronger efficacy than would be expected from chemotherapy alone. Cantargia's second development program, the antibody CAN10, blocks signaling via IL1RAP in a different manner than nadunolimab and addresses treatment of serious autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, with initial focus on hidradenitis suppurativa and systemic sclerosis. Cantargia is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CANTA). More information about Cantargia is available at About CAN10The CAN10 antibody binds strongly to its target IL1RAP and has a unique capability to simultaneously inhibit signaling via IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36. Inhibition of these signals can be of significant value in the treatment of several inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. The initial focus of CAN10 will be on two severe diseases: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and treatment resistant atopic dermatitis (AD). In preclinical in vivo models of inflammatory diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis, myocarditis and peritonitis, a CAN10 surrogate antibody significantly reduced the development of the disease. A clinical phase 1 study, investigating CAN10 in healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients, is ongoing. Good safety is shown at the completed dose levels, and additional data are expected continuously during 2025. AttachmentsCantargia publishes promising preclinical results highlighting CAN10's potential to inhibit vascular inflammation SOURCE: Cantargia View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
CVD researcher/clinician named Editor-in-Chief of Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine
( NewMediaWire ) - April 15, 2025 - DALLAS — Ferhaan Ahmad, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, is the new editor-in-chief of Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Heart Association, effective with the journal's April issue, published today. Ahmad is the founding director of the Cardiovascular Genomics Program and associate professor of internal medicine-cardiovascular medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. He takes the helm leading Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine from Kiran Musunuru, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H, FAHA, who served as interim editor-in-chief since April 2024. 'Dr. Ahmad's extensive cardiology expertise and leadership in the field of cardiovascular genomics, his commitment to innovation and drive for scientific advances will guide Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine to new heights as the specialty continues to evolve,' said Eldrin F. Lewis, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's Scientific Publishing Committee, which oversees the Association's 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals. Lewis is the Simon H. Stertzer, M.D., Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University in Stanford, California. Ahmad most recently served as an associate editor and senior associate editor of the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) for the past 10 years. He stepped down from JAHA to assume his new role with Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine. 'Thank you to Dr. Ahmad for his integral role in advancing JAHA's impact and reputation for scientific excellence over the last decade,' said Lewis. Ahmad's additional roles at the University of Iowa include associate professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, associate professor of radiology and director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training Program. He also leads a laboratory conducting basic and translational research into the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying inherited cardiovascular disorders, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage cardiomyopathy, inherited arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension, and the mechanisms by which the SGLT1 protein contributes to heritable and acquired heart failure. Ahmad's clinical expertise includes coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and other inherited cardiovascular conditions, and he continues to mentor countless postdoctoral fellows and medical, graduate and undergraduate students. 'Cardiovascular genetics combined with genomics is a quickly evolving field that is highly dependent on the contributions of many professionals from various disciplines, and advances are emerging quickly,' said Ahmad. 'In my new role as editor-in-chief, I am excited to build on the journal's success while elevating the inclusion of studies that advance implementation science, community-engaged/community-based participatory research, as well as papers highlighting equitable health and social drivers of health. These are critical areas to understanding the genetic and genomic basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Translating these findings to practice is key to improving care and outcomes for patients,' said Ahmad. Ahmad also plans to champion initiatives that strengthen the journal's position within the specialty, such as: Ahmad earned his doctor of medicine degree at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, followed by postgraduate clinical training at McGill University, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. in human genetics from Baylor College of Medicine and completed a Howard Hughes Medical Institute postdoctoral fellowship in mouse genetics at Harvard Medical School. In addition to his role with JAHA, Ahmad has served in several leadership roles in the American Heart Association's Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine, the Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, and the Committee for Scientific Sessions Programming. He also serves on the Association's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Science Advisory Group. Ahmad has received numerous research grants and is active in several clinical trials of novel therapies for heritable cardiomyopathies. He has co-authored more than 60 published, peer-reviewed research articles including serving as the chair of the writing group for the 2019 American Heart Association Scientific Statement, " Establishment of Specialized Clinical Cardiovascular Genetics Programs: Recognizing the Need and Meeting Standards.' He also authored the chapter on cardiovascular genetics in the American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (ACCSAP). Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, which launched in 2008, is the leading scientific journal for original research detailing mechanistic, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic advances in genetics and genomics, including studies in human subjects, laboratory animals, in vitro and in silico, focused on relevance to human cardiovascular biology and disease. Areas of interest include investigations of clinical genetics as applied to cardiovascular disorders, the molecular basis of complex cardiovascular disorders, and novel applications of precision medicine. The online-only journal publishes six issues per year, and accepted articles are published online ahead of issue. Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine is part of the American Heart Association's portfolio of 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals: Circulation; Stroke; Hypertension; Journal of the American Heart Association; Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; Circulation Research; Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology; Circulation: Heart Failure; Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes; Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology; and Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases. Each journal is editorially independent of one another and the Association in support of open dialogue and discourse, which are essential to the dynamic nature of scientific discovery. Editors-in-chief are selected by the Association's volunteer-led Scientific Publishing Committee, and each editor-in-chief assembles and manages the editorial board, vision and strategy for their journal. The Association is the publisher of the journals; however, the Association has no oversight on the science content published. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Michelle Kirkwood: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Desire to get ahead' drew people of diverse backgrounds to Johnstown region
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Foreign-born residents comprise only about 1% of the population in Cambria, Somerset and Bedford counties. That rate, among a combined 250,000 people, is well behind the state average of 7.4% and the national number of 13.9%, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data compiled for 2019 to 2023. Faces of Immigration logo And it is a much different environment than in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when immigrants flocked to the region to work in steel mills and coal mines, following generations of Germans, Welsh and Irish who arrived earlier. The waves of workers came from Czechoslovakia, Croatia, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Italy and elsewhere. Many journeyed to the new land to make money. Others escaped persecution. Some did both. By 1880, 40% of Johnstown's residents were foreign-born, with that number swelling to 85% in the Cambria City neighborhood, according to information at Heritage Johnstown's website. Modern immigration tends to involve professionals in the medical, technology and education sectors, many arriving from India, other parts of Asia, the Middle East and from Latin America. BURKERT 2 Richard Burkert, President & CEO of JAHA poses inside the Johnstown Flood Museum on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. But there has been a common thread over the decades. 'Basically, they were driven by desire to get ahead,' said Richard Burkert, former CEO of the former Johnstown Area Heritage Association, now known as Heritage Johnstown. David Hurst, executive director of The Steeples Project that preserves and repurposes old ethnic churches in the Cambria City Historic District, said immigrants come to the area to 'start over with hope and a prayer.' Hurst, whose wife, Keiko Hurst, emigrated from Japan, said: 'It's the experience of every single immigrant who comes to this shore. They literally turn their back on, give up and walk away from everything that they had.' 'Similar to this area' Delaware and Shawnee natives inhabited a land then called 'kwənəmuxkw,' meaning 'otter' in the Unami-Lenape language. It eventually developed into Conemaugh or Connumach for 'Otter Creek.' The area's hills were filled with deer and other wild animals. Fish swam in the valley's three rivers. Joseph Schantz, a German immigrant also called Joseph Johns, founded Conemaugh Old Town, which became Johnstown, in 1800. It was a little town amid that same mostly natural setting. Later, waves of people arrived from Eastern Europe. And, in some ways, many of those immigrants were probably reminded of their homelands when they saw the local landscapes, farmlands and little towns in this part of the new world. Khandakar Raihan Hussain Dr. Khandakar Hussain Dr. Khandakar Hussain, from Conemaugh Health System, feels the same way, even though he hails from a much different type of homeland, Bangladesh, than those previous immigrants did. Both locations have places for him to hike and fish – although in Bangladesh he caught fish to get food, here it is about recreational fun at the Quemahoning Reservoir. Agriculture is important in both communities, with his native region being a major tea producer. 'Part of the reason I stayed in Johnstown, it's so funny, is because the area where I am from, Sylhet, it is similar to this area, excluding the snow part,' Hussain said. 'It's a valley, too. It's a nice hilly area. That's why I like it. And the rainy part, it also rains all the time there.' Hussain came to Johnstown, following his uncle, Anwar Hussain, who worked at Conemaugh. Khandakar Hussain quickly 'fell in love with this town' after spending a year in New York City immediately after arriving in the United States. 'A different culture' Immigrants wove their various cultures into Johnstown's identity. At times, there were churches and social clubs for different ethnic groups in neighborhoods, most notably Cambria City, where their contributions are still celebrated with the annual Cambria City Ethnic Festival and the Polacek Family Johnstown Slavic Festival. 'When they became American, they did it on their own terms. … What they did was merge some of their customs with American ways,' Burkert said. 'In a way, they basically enlarged what it meant to be American, changed it.' International Dinner Show | Gella Family Foundation Kamal Gella, of Johnstown, organizer of the Gella Family Foundation's International Dinner Show held at the Richland Township Fire Department banquet hall in Johnstown on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. In a similar spirit, Kamal Gella, from Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India, shared his culture by hosting an Indian-themed International Dinner Show in 2024. 'It is important for people to learn about other cultures,' Gella said. 'It's even an opportunity for people to enjoy Indian food and also to experience a different culture.' Like those past immigrants, Gella has embraced the region, calling it 'a great place to raise children, a wonderful community' that 'gave me an opportunity for growth.' Gella has served with numerous organizations over the years, including Westmont Hilltop School District's board of directors, Johnstown Concert Ballet and Gallery on Gazebo. 'I think it's important for each one of us to give back to the community,' Gella said. 'Community of immigrants' Many immigrants and migrants from elsewhere in the United States came to the Johnstown region – at least in part – because they were marginalized, threatened or attacked where they were living. Barry Rudel Barry Rudel, a representative of Beth Sholom synagogue, gives a presentation about the history of Jewish businesses in Johnstown at Gallery on Gazebo in downtown Johnstown on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. Barry Rudel, a historian and representative of Beth Sholom synagogue in Westmont Borough, said Jews often arrived after having 'escaped poverty and persecution.' According to Rudel's research, from 1854 into the 1880s, the German Jewish community in Johnstown was 'highly interrelated,' coming from the Hesse-Darmstadt region. There were 240 Jews in the city at the time of the Great Flood of 1889, with 24 of them dying. Approximately 1,000 Jews arrived from 1881 through 1924, when familial chain migration was common. Many were part of the merchant class, with arguably the most well-known being the Glosser family that owned and operated Glosser Brothers Department Store located in the city's downtown. 'The impact that Johnstown's Jewish community has had on the general community has been and is immeasurable,' Rudel said. 'First of all, the whole community was a community of immigrants. … Johnstown's Jewish immigrants' impact on the general community is now through the second and third generation of immigrants.' Deacon Wilson Deacon Jeffrey Wilson, Pleasant Hill Church talks about not being allowed in the Johnstown Housing Authority Prospect Community meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Meanwhile, many current local Black residents trace their family histories to men and women who left the repressive Jim Crow South as part of the Great Migration in the early 20th century. They were enticed to the North with the promise of work in the steel mills and coal mines. Although representing migration, by definition – not international immigration – they still traveled to a new land and added their culture to the Johnstown story. 'I think that, through the Great Migration, there were a lot of gains that were made by the African American or Black community in the city,' said Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Deacon Jeffrey Wilson, a community leader who is well-versed in local history. 'Many of those people that came here in particular from the Deep South, they stressed education. Many of them taught their sons and daughters and their grandchildren that they could have a life that would not be as difficult when it comes to labor, for example.'
