Latest news with #OneHealth
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Significant NIH Grant Will Help Lamassu Biotech Advance Life-Saving Pancreatitis Treatment For Dogs
New 'One Health' Grant Could Help Man's Best Friend with Groundbreaking Research for Presently Untreatable Condition, Provide Key Data for Human Treatment CLEVELAND, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum continues to build for Lamassu Biotech's pioneering treatment protocol for acute pancreatitis in canines. The private, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company has received a $2.7 million "One Health" grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support its efforts to advance the development of RABI-767, a novel therapeutic that could provide hope for dog owners whose beloved companions are suffering from the condition, as well as potential human treatment. Acute pancreatitis in humans leads to over 330,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States and also affects nearly 1.8 million dogs, causing severe illness and high mortality rates. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for acute pancreatitis in either animals or humans. Lamassu's new veterinary division, Lamassu Pets, in collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has commenced clinical trials focused on spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis (CAP). The trials will evaluate how RABI-767 can directly target the pancreas to reduce complications, improve recovery, and potentially save thousands of animal lives. RABI-767, originally developed at the Mayo Clinic, has demonstrated significant preclinical efficacy, reducing mortality and improving recovery outcomes for humans. "This deadly disease has vexed researchers and physicians for decades, but this investment by the NIH could bring new hope for effective treatment for both humans and dogs. The NIH resources reflect the government's appreciation for the growing size and importance of the veterinary market. It also recognizes the value of One Health, dual track trials that can benefit both animals and human patients," said Gabi Hanna, MD, CEO and co-founder of Lamassu Biotech and Lamassu Pets. "The research Ohio State will be conducting through its canine patients will not only help man's best friend but will expand our understanding of the disease and inform human treatment strategies as well." Findings from the canine trials will directly inform dosing, safety, and efficacy strategies for an ongoing Phase 2 human trial, creating a rare synergy between veterinary science and human healthcare. Additional details on the canine clinical trial's progression will be forthcoming. About Lamassu BiotechLamassu Biotech is a pioneering pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for severe and unmet medical needs. With decades of experience, Lamassu specializes in advancing transformational treatments from concept to bedside with efficiency and precision. At Lamassu, we believe in the transformative power of science and the hope it brings to patients and families. Learn more at CONTACT:Krysia Lenzo917-428-8923396136@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lamassu Biotech 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
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
World-First NZ study could help stamp out superbugs by mapping antimicrobial resistance hot spots
An illustration of the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough. Photo: 123RF A world-first study, led by the University of Canterbury, could help reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance, considered one of the greatest health threats facing humanity. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens like bacteria and fungi evolve to withstand antibiotics. The project, which is currently a grant proposal, is being led by Professor Jack Heinemann of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury's School of Biological Sciences. He said the research will map reservoirs of AMR across New Zealand to pinpoint areas of resistance, making it the first country in the world to know where its hot spots are located. It's hoped the university's research could be adopted and used by governments, private businesses, and communities internationally. "The reason it's a world first is because there aren't any countries yet on the scale that we are proposing to do this that have mapped their antimicrobial resistance so that they can apply a One Health approach to control the flow of antimicrobial resistance between the environment, agriculture and humans," he said. "We have an advantage in New Zealand because we're an island and it's possible for us to limit the number of variables that could complicate a study like this." "But at the same time, we're pretty big for such a study of this nature and that combined makes this a world first potential to tell us where resistance tends to accumulate, how to keep it there or eliminate it once we find it and work towards a world that doesn't just manage antimicrobial resistance but actually stamps it out." The University of Canterbury professor said that in the last century, antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have spread across the land, air and water in far greater numbers as the world's population, antibiotic use, and industrial pollution have grown. "The bacteria are now found everywhere, including places far removed from human activity like Antarctica and the bottom of the ocean," he said. "So much of our existence is dependent on antibiotics because they're used to control infectious diseases as they arise and to grow crops and livestock to the levels we need to produce food for so many people. It's reached a point where it is now an existential threat to our way of life and even to our species." "Even a small growth in the proportion of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can cost the global healthcare system tens to hundreds of billions of dollars." He said AMR was quickly becoming a massive challenge for the New Zealand health system and was being exacerbated by global events. "In New Zealand, AMR is growing. We've had times where hospital wards have been closed because of superbugs, which are resistant to antimicrobials. We're also frequently getting resistance in our agricultural areas. "Being an island, we control more variables than lots of other countries could control, and then the point of our study is to understand how we can track these sources of resistance. "The problem with antimicrobial resistance is that it is growing to the point where it can no longer be ignored, and it is in magnitude and cost and in threat to your health well in excess of other kinds of threats that we do talk about quite a lot. "Climate change, war, all these kinds of different pressures that we are under are further exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance as the weather changes. "It changes the kinds of organisms that carry these pathogens into our communities and into agriculture, it changes their survival characteristics, flooding, for example, distributes them sometimes directly into our homes," he said. A team of about six full-time staff, including two Māori researchers, three postdoctoral students and a graduate, will work alongside a network of volunteers and other organisations across the country that trap and kill pest animals to collect samples for testing. Bioinformaticians will develop algorithms, assisted by machine learning, to see potential concerns emerge in real-time. If successfully funded, the five-year project would cost less than $10 million, with research starting before the end of 2025. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Press Release – UN FAO This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Press Release – UN FAO This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:43 pm Press Release: UN FAO 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. © Scoop Media
