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Business Wire
18-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
TerSera Therapeutics to Present Real-World Data on Intrathecal Ziconotide (PRIALT ®) Prescription Patterns at ASPN 2025
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TerSera Therapeutics LLC, a biopharmaceutical company with a focus in oncology, rare disease, and non-opioid pain management, announced today that its collaborative research on intrathecal ziconotide (PRIALT ®) prescribing patterns has been accepted for presentation at the 7th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) taking place July 17-20, 2025, in Miami, Florida. The poster will be presented by the primary author, Tolga Suvar, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Attending Physician at Rush University Pain Center in Chicago, IL. A copy of the poster is available here. The abstract, titled 'Real-world Treatment Patterns of Intrathecal Ziconotide', highlights a retrospective, non-interventional study conducted in partnership with Pentec Health, Inc., and other clinical collaborators. The study analyzed real-world data from over 1,000 patients treated with ziconotide between 2017 and 2024, using dispensing and claims records from Pentec, a leading provider of specialty infusion pharmacy and complex in-home clinical services. Evolution of prescribing patterns was analyzed over time and compared with the recommendations for ziconotide in the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) guidelines. Key findings from the study 1 include: Shift Toward Monotherapy Use: Use of ziconotide as monotherapy increased from 36.0% in 2017–2018 to 63.1% in 2023–2024, reflecting growing adoption of guideline-aligned prescribing of ziconotide. Lower Starting Doses: The proportion of patients initiated on lower ziconotide doses (<0.5 mcg/day) rose from 3.4% to 20.3% over the study period, indicating a trend toward more conservative initial dosing strategies. Increased Use of Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA): The use of basal rate with PCA nearly doubled, from 23.7% to 45.3% over the study period, suggesting increasing use of novel approaches to delivery of intrathecal medications. 'These findings underscore the importance of real-world evidence in shaping clinical practice,' said Dr. Suvar. 'It is encouraging to see increased alignment with PACC guidelines and a growing emphasis on patient-tailored dosing strategies. Precision in dosing—based on the unique characteristics and pathologies of each patient—is essential for optimizing outcomes and minimizing risk.' About PRIALT ® (Ziconotide Intrathecal Infusion) PRIALT is a non-opioid intrathecal analgesic indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatments. Derived from a marine snail peptide, ziconotide acts as a selective N-type calcium channel blocker, interrupting pain signal transmission in the spinal cord. Ziconotide is administered via continuous intrathecal infusion and is not associated with the risk of addiction or respiratory depression commonly seen with opioid therapies. 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Contraindications PRIALT is contraindicated in patients with: A known hypersensitivity to ziconotide or any of its formulation components. Any other concomitant treatment or medical condition that would render intrathecal administration hazardous, such as the presence of infection at the microinfusion injection site, uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, and spinal canal obstruction that impairs circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A pre-existing history of psychosis. Warnings and Precautions Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment. Monitor all patients frequently for evidence of cognitive impairment, hallucinations, or changes in mood or consciousness. PRIALT may cause or worsen depression, with the risk of suicide in susceptible patients. In clinical trials, 12% of patients reported hallucinations; other acute psychiatric events included paranoid reactions (3%), hostility (2%), delirium (2%), psychosis (1%), and manic reactions (0.4%). Patients with pretreatment psychiatric disorders may be at an increased risk. Management of psychiatric complications may need to include discontinuation of PRIALT, treatment with psychotherapeutic agents and/or short-term hospitalization. In clinical trials, cognitive adverse reactions included confusion (33%), memory impairment (22%), speech disorder (14%), aphasia (12%), thinking abnormal (8%), and amnesia (1%). Cognitive impairment may appear gradually after several weeks of treatment. Reduce the dose of PRIALT or discontinue the use of PRIALT if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop, but other contributing causes must also be considered. The cognitive effects of PRIALT are generally reversible within 2 weeks after drug discontinuation. The elderly (≥65 years) are at higher risk for confusion. Concomitant use of central nervous system (CNS) depressants with PRIALT may have additive effects. Meningitis and Other Infections Meningitis can occur due to inadvertent contamination of the microinfusion device and other means. In clinical trials, the rate of meningitis was 3% (40 cases) in the PRIALT group using either internal or external microinfusion devices and 1% (1 case) with placebo. In patients with external microinfusion devices and catheters, meningitis occurred in 38 out of 41 patients (93%), 37 of whom received PRIALT and one who received placebo. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers must be particularly vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis including, but not limited to, fever, headache, stiff neck, altered mental status (e.g., lethargy, confusion, disorientation), nausea or vomiting, and occasionally seizures. Strict aseptic procedures must be used during the preparation of the PRIALT solution and refilling of the microinfusion device. Reduced Level of Consciousness In clinical trials, 2% of PRIALT-treated patients became unresponsive or stuporous. If reduced levels of consciousness occur, discontinue PRIALT until the event resolves, and other etiologies (e.g., meningitis) must be considered. Elevation of Serum Creatine Kinase In clinical trials, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels above the upper limit of normal (ULN) were reported in 40% of patients, with 11% of patients having CK levels >3 times ULN. Incidences were higher during the first 2 months of treatment. Serum CK should be monitored periodically. In the setting of new neuromuscular symptoms, evaluate patients, obtain CK measurements, and if symptoms continue and CK levels remain elevated or continue to rise, reduce the dose or discontinue the use of PRIALT. Withdrawal From Opiates PRIALT is not an opiate and cannot prevent or relieve the symptoms associated with the withdrawal of opiates. To avoid withdrawal syndrome when opiate withdrawal is necessary, do not abruptly reduce or withdraw opioid medications. Driving and Operating Machinery Use of PRIALT has been associated with cognitive impairment and decreased alertness/unresponsiveness. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous activities that require complete mental alertness or motor coordination. Most Common Adverse Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥25%) in clinical trials (n=1254 PRIALT-treated patients) were dizziness, nausea, confusional state, and nystagmus. Slower titration of PRIALT may result in fewer serious adverse reactions and discontinuations for adverse reactions. Indication PRIALT ® (ziconotide) solution, intrathecal infusion is indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients for whom intrathecal (IT) therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or IT morphine. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334- 4035 or medicalinformation@ Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning. About TerSera Therapeutics TerSera Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company with a focus in oncology, rare disease, and non-opioid pain management. Founded in 2016, TerSera is building new cornerstones of care through its portfolio of unique therapeutics, amplifying their ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients. For additional information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn. About Pentec Health Pentec Health is a leader in specialty pharmacy, infusion services, and DME distribution, committed to solving and simplifying complex care challenges to better meet patient and provider needs. Accredited by the Joint Commission and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with distinctions in Specialty Care Nurse Fellowship, Pentec Health delivers exceptional results through unique solutions, technical expertise, and clinical collaboration. Our proven delivery models reduce administrative burdens and help improve patient outcomes. Pentec Health serves more than 11,000 patients living with complex medical conditions, with care provided nationwide by over 350 clinicians. For additional information, please visit References Suvar, T., Lindley, D., Leatherman, D., Howard, K., Lucia, R., Duran, N., Murray, M., McGlothlen, G., Dagenhart, J., Cannon, J., Sayeed, S., & Lubenow, T. (2025, July). Real-world treatment patterns of intrathecal ziconotide [Poster presentation]. American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) 2025 Annual Meeting. PRIALT ® (ziconotide). Prescribing information. TerSera Therapeutics LLC. PRIALT is a registered trademark of TerSera Therapeutics LLC. TerSera and the TerSera logo are trademarks of TerSera Therapeutics LLC. ©2025 TerSera Therapeutics LLC. All rights reserved.

Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
'Naive' monk admits he gave 'Golf' B13m
The former abbot of Wat Chujit Dhammaram in Ayutthaya has admitted to transferring nearly 13 million baht to a woman known as "Sika Golf", a central figure in an expanding scandal involving senior monks across Thailand. Officials from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) visited the temple on Monday to trace financial transactions and question Phra Theppatcharaporn as a witness. The former abbot has already left the monkhood and expressed his willingness to cooperate with legal proceedings, according to PACC's assistant secretary-general Pol Lt Col Siripong Sritula. Initial investigations by the ACD found that most of the temple's finances were handled through the former abbot's personal bank account, which was used to deposit donations from religious ceremonies and teachings. From this account, 12.8 million baht was transferred to Sika Golf, in addition to another 380,000 baht transferred directly from the temple's account. The transactions, made via mobile banking apps and in cash, took place between January and July last year, with one transaction alone worth 10 million baht. Authorities said the former abbot's actions may constitute a violation of Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to misconduct by public officials. According to Pol Lt Col Siripong, Sika Golf allegedly approached the former abbot, claiming to be a wealthy socialite with connections to senior monks to gain his trust. The former abbot admitted he had been "naive" and called his actions a serious lapse in judgment. He claimed the money was loaned to Sika Golf for a ceramics business, though no written agreement was ever made. Despite his attempts to recover the funds via social media contact, she avoided repayment. It was only after learning of a separate case involving the former abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep, who fled to Laos amid a corruption probe, that he realised he had been deceived. Investigators also noted that Wat Chujit Dhammaram lacked both a temple committee and a layperson affairs manager. Both the former abbot and Sika Golf deny having had a romantic relationship.

South Wales Argus
28-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New body to be established to support youth work in Wales
The initiative, announced during Youth Work Week, aims to support innovation, collaboration, and ensure the sector's long-term sustainability. There are currently more than 900 organisations involved in delivering youth work across Wales. Cabinet secretary for education and MS for Torfaen Lynne Neagle said: "Given the breadth and diversity of youth work provision across Wales, I'm delighted to announce plans to create a new central body for youth work in Wales, to unify the sector, support collaboration and amplify its impact on young people. "This exciting new organisation will make sure that the many talented young people, youth workers, and organisations in the youth work sector in Wales have the structure, leadership, and advocacy they need to thrive." Youth work offers inclusive opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25, encouraging them to have a say in decisions that affect them. Among the many projects delivering tailored services, Peer Action Collective Cymru (PACC), winners of a Youth Work Excellence Wales Award in 2023, provides a platform for underrepresented young people. Salman, 17, said: "Being a part of PACC has made me realise that my voice is powerful and that it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others." Nominations for this year's Youth Work Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding youth work contributions across Wales, opened on June 27. The Welsh Government will provide over £12.9 million in funding to local authorities and voluntary organisations for 2025-26.

Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pymatuning Lake Fest draws thousands to area
By WARREN DILLAWAY warren@ ANDOVER TOWNSHIP — The Pymatuning Lake Festival is a major draw, bringing thousands of people to the area the first weekend in August. The festival takes place along the beach at Pymatuning Lake Park, near the causeway that takes people to Pennsylvania. The event has been providing entertainment for decades. The event is sponsored by the Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce, with any proceeds going back into the coffers to fund the next year's festival, PACC Executive Director Lara Reibold said. She said the event will take place Aug. 2 and 3, and organizers are trying to keep costs down. She said $5,000 more in sponsorships will help families enjoy cheaper options for their children. 'We are trying to keep the costs down,' Reibold said. She said there will be ice skating, in addition to a climbing wall that come under a $5 cost for multiple experiences, but there are also free activities for children as well. A major highlight of the event is fireworks at dusk Saturday. 'This will be the 41st [festival]', Reibold said. Craft vendors are also a big part of the weekend, along with a variety of entertainment options. 'I have vendors that are coming from North Carolina, Virgina ... [and] Chicago,' Reibold said. The vendors area is spread through the large parking area adjacent to the waterfront, and entertainment occurs on a stage created just for the event. The entertainment schedule for the weekends includes Karissa Hoovler at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by Workin On It Trio at 12:30 p.m., MMAD at 1:45 p.m., Rick Hornyak and Co. at 3:15 p.m., Aphrodite's Hero at 4:30 p.m., Brett Allen Morgan at 6:30 and Candace Campana at 8 p.m. On Sunday, Firmly Grounded kicks off the entertainment at 10 a.m., followed by the Bitter Sweet — Johnny Bauer Duo at noon; Dawn Savage at 1:30 p.m. and the Sounds of Elvis-Jim Felix at 2:45 p.m.


The Advertiser
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Ellena Morris inducted into Cessnock City Hall of Fame
A STAPLE in the swimming community, Ellena Morris has been inducted as the 69th person into the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame. Mrs Morris was honoured at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, June 13, for her decades of tireless work to make the sport she loves inclusive for all. In 2024, she was recognised with an OAM for her work as head aquatics coach at Special Olympics Australia in the early 2000s and for her long involvement in the Hunter swimming scene. Today, she still spends six days a week in the pool, making a splash with her expertise. She has helped athletes living with disability develop for more than 45 years, taught thousands to swim, and supported Special Olympics Australia competitors to train and represent their nation on the world stage. She was included in the hall of fame for her involvement in Special Olympics Australia as a national swimming classifier and as Head Australian Aquatics Coach at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, where 32 nations competed. Mrs Morris has run free learn-to-swim classes in the Hunter Valley for many years, co-founded the family-friendly and inclusive Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club, and started Rainbow Club in this region, offering personalised swimming lessons for children living with a disability. Cessnock City mayor Daniel Watton said Mrs Morris had touched many lives during her decades of service to sport. "It is wonderful to formally recognise and celebrate the many important achievements of this remarkable member of our community," he said. Since 2006, the hall of fame has recognised exceptional local community members in one of six categories - arts, business, public service, science, sport, or meritorious families. As part of the recognition, a plaque honouring an inductee is installed in the town or village in which they are most strongly linked, and their name is placed on the Wall of Fame honour roll in the foyer at PACC. A STAPLE in the swimming community, Ellena Morris has been inducted as the 69th person into the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame. Mrs Morris was honoured at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, June 13, for her decades of tireless work to make the sport she loves inclusive for all. In 2024, she was recognised with an OAM for her work as head aquatics coach at Special Olympics Australia in the early 2000s and for her long involvement in the Hunter swimming scene. Today, she still spends six days a week in the pool, making a splash with her expertise. She has helped athletes living with disability develop for more than 45 years, taught thousands to swim, and supported Special Olympics Australia competitors to train and represent their nation on the world stage. She was included in the hall of fame for her involvement in Special Olympics Australia as a national swimming classifier and as Head Australian Aquatics Coach at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, where 32 nations competed. Mrs Morris has run free learn-to-swim classes in the Hunter Valley for many years, co-founded the family-friendly and inclusive Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club, and started Rainbow Club in this region, offering personalised swimming lessons for children living with a disability. Cessnock City mayor Daniel Watton said Mrs Morris had touched many lives during her decades of service to sport. "It is wonderful to formally recognise and celebrate the many important achievements of this remarkable member of our community," he said. Since 2006, the hall of fame has recognised exceptional local community members in one of six categories - arts, business, public service, science, sport, or meritorious families. As part of the recognition, a plaque honouring an inductee is installed in the town or village in which they are most strongly linked, and their name is placed on the Wall of Fame honour roll in the foyer at PACC. A STAPLE in the swimming community, Ellena Morris has been inducted as the 69th person into the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame. Mrs Morris was honoured at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, June 13, for her decades of tireless work to make the sport she loves inclusive for all. In 2024, she was recognised with an OAM for her work as head aquatics coach at Special Olympics Australia in the early 2000s and for her long involvement in the Hunter swimming scene. Today, she still spends six days a week in the pool, making a splash with her expertise. She has helped athletes living with disability develop for more than 45 years, taught thousands to swim, and supported Special Olympics Australia competitors to train and represent their nation on the world stage. She was included in the hall of fame for her involvement in Special Olympics Australia as a national swimming classifier and as Head Australian Aquatics Coach at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, where 32 nations competed. Mrs Morris has run free learn-to-swim classes in the Hunter Valley for many years, co-founded the family-friendly and inclusive Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club, and started Rainbow Club in this region, offering personalised swimming lessons for children living with a disability. Cessnock City mayor Daniel Watton said Mrs Morris had touched many lives during her decades of service to sport. "It is wonderful to formally recognise and celebrate the many important achievements of this remarkable member of our community," he said. Since 2006, the hall of fame has recognised exceptional local community members in one of six categories - arts, business, public service, science, sport, or meritorious families. As part of the recognition, a plaque honouring an inductee is installed in the town or village in which they are most strongly linked, and their name is placed on the Wall of Fame honour roll in the foyer at PACC. A STAPLE in the swimming community, Ellena Morris has been inducted as the 69th person into the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame. Mrs Morris was honoured at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, June 13, for her decades of tireless work to make the sport she loves inclusive for all. In 2024, she was recognised with an OAM for her work as head aquatics coach at Special Olympics Australia in the early 2000s and for her long involvement in the Hunter swimming scene. Today, she still spends six days a week in the pool, making a splash with her expertise. She has helped athletes living with disability develop for more than 45 years, taught thousands to swim, and supported Special Olympics Australia competitors to train and represent their nation on the world stage. She was included in the hall of fame for her involvement in Special Olympics Australia as a national swimming classifier and as Head Australian Aquatics Coach at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, where 32 nations competed. Mrs Morris has run free learn-to-swim classes in the Hunter Valley for many years, co-founded the family-friendly and inclusive Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club, and started Rainbow Club in this region, offering personalised swimming lessons for children living with a disability. Cessnock City mayor Daniel Watton said Mrs Morris had touched many lives during her decades of service to sport. "It is wonderful to formally recognise and celebrate the many important achievements of this remarkable member of our community," he said. Since 2006, the hall of fame has recognised exceptional local community members in one of six categories - arts, business, public service, science, sport, or meritorious families. As part of the recognition, a plaque honouring an inductee is installed in the town or village in which they are most strongly linked, and their name is placed on the Wall of Fame honour roll in the foyer at PACC.