Latest news with #SCS

Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Miscalculation to end distribution of test kits to detect cancer
I refer to the letter ' Forum: End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer ' (July 14). I think it is a miscalculated step by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to end community-level distribution of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). As a former staff member of SCS, I had first-hand experience witnessing the dedication and tireless efforts that went into promoting and distributing the FIT kits. My role involved recruiting and working alongside volunteers to support the outreach at community spaces such as community clubs, venues that seniors, the key target group, are already comfortable visiting. I still remember a heart-warming encounter with a senior during one of these outreach events. She told me that she had previously collected a FIT kit at a community event and, thanks to that early detection, her life was saved. That moment reaffirmed how critical and impactful such community-led efforts are. Beyond just distribution, these efforts also fostered a strong sense of community ownership and participation. Many volunteers shared how meaningful the experience was for them, knowing they were playing a part in promoting early cancer detection. Now that the FIT kits are only available through Healthier SG, where doctor consultations and screening fees may apply, access becomes more complicated. It's not always easy convincing elderly parents to sign up for Healthier SG or to schedule an appointment, compared with the convenience of picking up a kit at a community event. I say this with some shame, but even I have struggled to get my parents on board since the shift. While I acknowledge that the Government is doing its best to improve population health through the launch of Healthier SG, we must be careful not to lose the momentum built over the years by community-based initiatives. Daniel Yao Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail

Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Singapore Cancer Society remains committed to early cancer detection and support
Find out what's new on ST website and app. We thank Mr Ho Kheng Tiong for his letter, ' End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer ' (July 14). The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is deeply committed to early cancer detection and community outreach. We agree that screening and early detection save lives and appreciate Mr Ho's feedback on the accessibility of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits. SCS is proud to have distributed more than one million FIT kits to the community over more than 20 years. The shift away from direct FIT kit distribution by SCS was guided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as part of the broader national shift under its Healthier SG strategy. While SCS no longer distributes FIT kits, we remain a steadfast partner in the nation's fight against cancer. We continue to offer other types of screening such as cervical screening and mammograms at no cost to eligible individuals at our SCS Clinic @ Bishan. In addition, SCS actively supports the community by raising awareness on the importance of cancer screening, reaching out through free health talks and community programmes, and helping individuals understand available cancer screening options. As a longstanding partner in Singapore's cancer prevention and care journey for over 60 years, we remain committed to working closely with MOH and our healthcare and community partners to ensure that cancer screenings remain accessible and available to all in Singapore. Cancer screening is important and saves lives. If you or someone you know is unsure where to start, please contact us via our website or call our helpline (1800-727-3333). We will be glad to help. Tan Kwang Cheak CEO, Singapore Cancer Society Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail


Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Very concerned': Peel Region's only supervised drug consumption site was forced to close in May, the promised HART Hub still isn't open
After Ontario's Bill 223 banned supervised consumption sites within 200 metres of schools, the province announced that Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs would replace them. But months after Peel Region's only SCS shut down, the promised Brampton HART Hub has yet to open. In a July 11 email, Peel Region confirmed they anticipate the site will launch in October. The Brampton site — Peel Urgent Public Health Need Site — wasn't located near a school, but it was forced to close under a separate provision of the law that bars municipalities from financially supporting or hosting supervised consumption services. In a June 24 email from Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin — who will be running the Brampton HART Hub — they commented on the site currently not being operational. 'At this time, we are finalizing our implementation plan while awaiting final funding details from the province, which are necessary to move forward with operations,' said CMHA Peel Dufferin in an email. When asked for more recent updates, as of July 15, they did not respond. In a July 11 email, Ema Popovic — spokesperson for the Minister of Health — mentioned that nine HART Hubs have been opened across the province and that they are 'continuing to work with the remaining HART Hubs', including the Peel-Dufferin hub, 'to finalize operational budgets as soon as possible.' Though Brampton Guardian asked the ministry, from their perspective, when the Peel-Dufferin HART Hub was expected to open, they did not answer the question and provided no timeline. Brampton Guardian also questioned why the final funding had not been approved yet, to which they did not respond. The ministry was also asked about what level of urgency the province was assigning to launching the Brampton site, given that no other regional alternative currently exists following the UPHNS closure, to which they also did not directly respond. Despite both the CMHA Peel Dufferin and the Ministry of Health — two key partners in its launch — not providing clear timelines for its opening, Peel Region, meanwhile, told the Brampton Guardian that renovations for an October opening are expected to be completed in early fall. 'In the meantime, CMHA and its partners are mobilizing parts of the HART Hub model that can be put in place before the site officially opens,' they added in an email. On June 26, regional council recently approved the three-year use of space at 10 Peel Centre Dr. — where the former SCS operated — to house the new HART Hub. If the HART Hub indeed opens in October, this would mean a four month gap between when the Brampton SCS site closed and the new HART Hub opens — leaving drug users in Peel without access to either service in the mean time. In their email, Peel Region mentioned Peel Public Health has been working with community partners to reduce substance related harms and overdoses by providing naloxone and expanding harm reduction outreach. 'This includes more service hours and an increased presence near the former supervised consumption site,' they note. Additionally, they mention the Harm Reduction Program mobile program which offers a range of harm reduction services, including distribution of naloxone and referrals to community services such as mental health, income supports, and housing services. Moyo Health and Community Services — who operated Brampton's SCS site — said in an email that they continue to offer support to people who use drugs through their harm reduction van, outreach program, and satellite distribution programs. 'We distribute safe drug-taking supplies, including sterile needles and syringes, as well as naloxone. We offer people who use drugs education about safer drug use, overdose response, and refer individuals to needed services such as housing, income support, food, mental health and addictions support among other services,' said Jillian Watkins, executive director of MHCS. They also provide support at shelters and encampments across the Region, and also provide education to service providers in the community about approaches to service provision using a harm reduction perspective. Despite this, MHCS said they 'remain very concerned that individuals who previously used substances' at the SCS site, under medical supervision, no longer have the option. 'They are therefore more likely to use drugs alone or in high risk situations where they are at increased risk of overdose,' Watkins said. 'They have also lost access to the other services that were available at the site from our community partners, including primary care, housing services, mental health and addictions services.' She added that MHCS outreach team has reported to them that people who had been using the SCS feel the loss. 'They miss getting the wraparound supports that were offered and just having a safe place to be. Folks have reported that they are now forced to use in public spaces again and we're getting reports of folks that have been overdosing since the site closed,' she added. She also emphasized that, while the HART Hub services are dearly needed in the region, they are not an adequate replacement to supervised consumption services — both are needed. In the meantime, they await the result of a charter challenge that seeks to overturn parts of Bill 223 — the provincial legislation that led to the shutdown of supervised consumption services across Ontario. The case, filed by harm reduction service providers earlier this year, argues that the ban violates Charter rights to life, liberty, and security. 'We are awaiting a final ruling on the charter challenge […] so we can understand what our options are to seek funding to offer supervised consumption services in the Region of Peel at a future time,' said Watkins. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Clearside Biomedical Announces Plan to Explore Strategic Alternatives to Advance its Proprietary Suprachoroidal Space (SCS®) Delivery Platform and Promising Ophthalmology Pipeline
– Proven In-Office, Repeatable, Non-Surgical Procedure for the Targeted Delivery of a Wide Variety of Therapies for Serious Retinal Diseases – – CLS-AX Phase 3-Ready Asset with Global Investigator Support and FDA Alignment on Pivotal Trial Program in wet AMD – – Validated Delivery Platform with Five Commercial and Late-Stage Development Suprachoroidal Licensing Collaborations – ALPHARETTA, Ga., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clearside Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLSD), a biopharmaceutical company revolutionizing the delivery of therapies to the back of the eye through the suprachoroidal space (SCS®), today announced plans to explore a full range of strategic alternatives to advance its SCS platform and drug development pipeline to maximize stockholder value. The Company has retained Piper Sandler, a leading investment bank with substantial experience in the biotechnology industry, to support it with the strategic evaluation process. Strategic alternatives under consideration include the sale, license, monetization and/or divestiture of one or more of the Company's assets and technologies, collaboration, partnership, merger, acquisition, joint ventures, or other strategic transactions. 'We strongly believe that our proprietary suprachoroidal delivery platform provides an effective and reliable way to target challenging retinal diseases that need longer lasting treatments,' said George Lasezkay, PharmD, JD, President and Chief Executive Officer. 'Our SCS Microinjector® enables a proven in-office, repeatable, non-surgical procedure for the targeted delivery of a wide variety of therapies to the macula, retina, and choroid. Based on our retinal expertise and intellectual property, we delivered the first commercial product using our SCS platform, which is now approved and commercialized in the U.S., approved in Singapore and Australia, and is currently under regulatory review in China and Canada.' Dr. Lasezkay further stated, 'We have successfully produced positive and highly competitive Phase 2b clinical data for CLS-AX for the treatment of wet AMD. We are proud of the fact that the CLS-AX ODYSSEY Phase 2b trial is the only TKI clinical trial to date to achieve positive safety and efficacy results from multiple TKI dosing in wet AMD patients. Further, in February 2025, we conducted a successful end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA through which we gained alignment on a Phase 3 development plan for CLS-AX in wet AMD. In addition, our clinical development collaboration partners continue to make progress in advancing their later-stage suprachoroidal clinical programs utilizing our SCS Microinjector in various ophthalmic disorders.' Dr. Lasezkay continued, 'Clearside's innovative and pioneering achievements demonstrating the safety, simplicity and effectiveness of delivering drugs to the suprachoroidal space are the direct result of the many years of significant contributions by the current Clearside team and many of our past employees. I am proud of and grateful for their hard work and dedicated commitment to improving the lives of patients suffering from the burden of disabling, blinding diseases.' 'Given the current unpredictable economic environment and challenging fundraising conditions in the biopharmaceutical industry, we are taking the necessary next steps to evaluate strategic alternatives for the Company. In order to facilitate this process and conserve cash, while continuing our support of the Company's SCS Microinjector® licensees, all Clearside employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Medical Officer, will transition into consulting roles with the Company this week. In addition, we will pause all internal research and development programs during this process,' concluded Dr. Lasezkay. No agreement providing for any strategic transaction has been reached and there can be no assurance that this process will result in any such transaction. Clearside has not set a timetable for the strategic review process. Clearside does not intend to provide updates until the Board approves a specific action or otherwise determines that disclosure is appropriate or required. Company Highlights SCS Injection Platform: The SCS Microinjector is a proven in-office, repeatable, non-surgical procedure for the targeted delivery of a wide variety of therapies to the macula, retina, or choroid to potentially preserve and improve vision in patients with sight-threatening eye diseases. Clearside has formulation expertise in developing small molecule suspensions that can be delivered into the suprachoroidal space, and commercial scale manufacturing capability for the SCS Microinjector that includes ISO certification. The Company successfully navigated the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) drug/device regulatory pathway to obtain commercial approval for its first product, XIPERE ® (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) for suprachoroidal use for the treatment of uveitic macular edema. (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) for suprachoroidal use for the treatment of uveitic macular edema. A permanent CPT code is assigned in the U.S. for suprachoroidal injections permitting physicians to receive higher reimbursement for administering any drug into the SCS versus the reimbursement of the current practice of injecting drugs into the vitreous. Internal Pipeline – CLS-AX Program: CLS-AX (axitinib injectable suspension) is a proprietary suspension of axitinib for suprachoroidal injection. CLS-AX is being developed for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Axitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that achieves pan-VEGF blockade, directly inhibiting VEGF receptors-1, -2, and -3 with high potency and specificity. Clearside believes this broad VEGF blockade may have efficacy advantages over existing retinal therapies by acting at a different level of the angiogenesis cascade and may benefit patients who sub-optimally respond to current, more narrowly focused anti-VEGF therapies. Age-related macular degeneration causes a progressive loss of central vision and is the most common cause of legal blindness in individuals over age 55. Wet AMD is generally caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, and accounts for the majority of vision loss in patients with this disorder. Suprachoroidal injection of CLS-AX has demonstrated meaningful potential in Phase 1/2a and Phase 2b wet AMD clinical trials. These data strongly support the potential efficacy, safety and versatility of CLS-AX to treat this chronic disease. Clearside conducted a successful End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and aligned on the essential components of a Phase 3 program. The Phase 3 program is designed to maximize the commercial potential for CLS-AX with the potential to provide physicians and their patients with dosing flexibility similar to the current standard of care anti-VEGF biologics, but with the extended durability of a TKI. This combination of dosing flexibility and durability may improve outcomes and reduce the treatment burden for patients suffering from these potentially blinding retinal disorders, as well as their caregivers. Internal Pipeline – Preclinical Small Molecule Programs: Clearside is evaluating various small molecules for a range of retinal diseases with high unmet medical need. Clearside is evaluating preclinical data on two approaches targeting Geographic Atrophy (GA) – improving choroidal perfusion and modulating pro-inflammatory cells. GA is a progressive, late-stage form of dry age-related macular degeneration characterized by well-defined areas of retinal cell loss in the macula, leading to irreversible central vision impairment. Delivery of small molecules via suprachoroidal injection enables comprehensive drug coverage of both the retina and choroid, while also potentially minimizing systemic and anterior segment side effects. Clearside is evaluating preclinical data on the combination of a steroid plus a TKI (axitinib formulation) for the treatment of Diabetic Macula Edema (DME). DME is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals with diabetes, in which fluid accumulates in the central part of the retina causing swelling and vision distortion due to leaky blood vessels damaged by prolonged high blood sugar. External Licensing Agreements: Clearside strategically partners its SCS injection platform with companies utilizing other ophthalmic therapeutic agents including gene therapies and anti-tumor agents. Clearside's innovative SCS Microinjector is being used in commercial ophthalmic products and promising clinical development programs by Aura Biosciences, Bausch + Lomb, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, REGENXBIO and its global partner AbbVie, and Arctic Vision and its commercial partner Santen. About Clearside Biomedical, Inc. Clearside Biomedical, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company revolutionizing the delivery of therapies to the back of the eye through the suprachoroidal space (SCS®) to improve patient outcomes. Clearside's SCS injection platform, utilizing the Company's patented SCS Microinjector®, enables an in-office, repeatable, non-surgical procedure for the targeted and compartmentalized delivery of a wide variety of therapies to the macula, retina, or choroid to potentially preserve and improve vision in patients with sight-threatening eye diseases. Clearside is developing its own pipeline of small molecule product candidates for administration via its SCS Microinjector. The Company's lead program, CLS-AX (axitinib injectable suspension), is in development for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Planning for a Phase 3 program is underway. In addition, Clearside is evaluating various small molecules for the potential long-acting treatment of geographic atrophy (GA). Clearside developed and gained approval for its first product, XIPERE® (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) for suprachoroidal use, which is available in the U.S. through a commercial partner. Clearside also strategically partners its SCS injection platform with companies utilizing other ophthalmic therapeutic innovations. For more information, please visit or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as 'believe', 'expect', 'may', 'plan', 'potential', 'will', and similar expressions, and are based on Clearside's current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the clinical development of CLS-AX, including the planned Phase 3 trial design, the potential benefits of CLS-AX, Clearside's suprachoroidal delivery technology and Clearside's SCS Microinjector®, and Clearside's pursuit of strategic alternatives and the entry into or completion of any strategic alternative transaction. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, Clearside's reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, Clearside's ability to raise additional capital, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in Clearside's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 27, 2025 and Clearside's other Periodic Reports filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Clearside as of the date of this release, and Clearside assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor and Media Contacts: Jenny Kobin Remy Bernarda [email protected]
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
This smallcap auto component co's stock rises 3%; Emkay upgrades to 'Buy'
Suprajit Engineering, auto component, and equipment maker, shares were in demand on Monday, as the stock advanced 2.9 per cent in trade on BSE. It registered an intraday high at ₹461.9 per share. At 12:44 PM, Suprajit Engineering's share price was trading higher by 1.3 per cent at ₹454.4 per share on the BSE. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 0.46 per cent at 82,123.68. The company's market capitalisation stood at ₹6,232.6 crore. The 52-week high of the stock was at ₹639.95 per share and the 52-week low of the stock was at ₹352.05 per share. Emkay upgrades Suprajit Engineering to 'Buy' Domestic brokerage Emkay Global Financial has upgraded its rating to 'Buy' from 'Add' on Suprajit Engineering. The brokerage has fixed the target price at ₹550 per share, implying an upside of around 22 per cent. The brokerage notes that despite a sharp turnaround in performance and global positioning, the company remains attractively valued—with the India business alone justifying the current ₹61,000 crore market capitalisation. 'Suprajit's standalone business trades at ~21x FY26E earnings, compared to ~28x for domestic peers. This offers both valuation comfort and downside protection,' the brokerage said in its latest note. 'Crucially, its global operations, which contribute 52 per cent of revenues, are being valued at near-zero despite five years of structural groundwork.' Over the past few years, the company has emerged as the second-largest global player in control cables, behind Japan's Hilex, through strategic acquisitions such as Wescon, Kongsberg LDC, and SCS. These moves have expanded its global reach and positioned it well for market share gains amid industry consolidation. Notably, profitability in the global business is turning around, with H2FY25 margins crossing the double-digit mark despite macroeconomic headwinds. The SCS acquisition—once a stressed asset—is now witnessing customer traction and improved growth, particularly in Morocco. The company expects SCS to turn Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda)-positive by Q4FY26, with a mid-term margin potential of 6–10 percent. Emkay projects a 9 per cent revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for Suprajet's global division over FY25–28, with margins expanding to 10.9 per cent by FY28 from 5.6 per cent in FY25. Domestic business looks beyond cables In India, Suprajit commands over 80 per cent market share in control cables for two-wheeler original equipment makers (OEMs) and has posted a 10 per cent revenue CAGR and 11 per cent profit after tax (PAT) CAGR over the last five years. But the company is now evolving 'beyond cables', with aggressive research and development (R&D)-led forays into electronics, brakes, instrument clusters, and actuators. Breakthrough order wins from both traditional and electric vehicle (EV) players—including seat activation chipsets for Jaguar Land Rover and electronic grips for a leading Chinese EV OEM—highlight SEL's growing relevance in next-gen mobility solutions. The domestic business is expected to maintain double-digit growth, with substantial upside from the brakes segment and faster scale-up of Phoenix Lamps Division (PLD). These optional growth levers are not yet priced into the stock, Motilal Oswal notes. Outlook and valuation Overall, Emkay Financial projects revenue, Ebitda, and PAT CAGR of 9 per cent, 21 per cent, and 48 per cent respectively over FY25–28, with return on equity (RoE) improving to 19 per cent and near-zero net debt. Though near-term macro concerns have led to 6 per cent cut in FY26/27 earnings estimates, the firm remains bullish on Suprajit's medium-term prospects.