Latest news with #Thalidomide
Irish Examiner
01-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
FemTech: will tech aimed solving womens' issues create new ones?
Though women constitute half of the world's population and make the majority of household healthcare spending decisions, FemTech — the use of female technology, products, and services to improve women's health and include them in clinical trials — is a recent phenomenon. Despite old-age prejudices and a previous lack of funding and research, the FemTech industry is projected to grow to $97bn (€84bn) by 2035, thanks to a slate of new apps, products, and tech-focused solutions that tap in to the undeveloped women's health market. This is important for three reasons. The first is that women-centric issues, like menstruation and menopause, have traditionally been left out of the research space. Before 1993, women were rarely included in medical trials, and, according to a 2023 paper, women have accounted for less than 35% of participants in early-stage clinical trials. The second is that a number of health conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and mental health, affect women and men differently. Dr Tanya Mulcahy, director, Health Innovation Hub Ireland. 'The reason women were never included was because of the likes of the Thalidomide scandal; women of childbearing age were banned from trials,' says Dr Tanya Mulcahy, FemTech Ireland founder and Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) director. 'That was done to protect mothers and children, but it also resulted in companies not bothering with women's health solutions, because their product would have never been approved.' The third is that women are regularly subjected to medical misogyny, a pervasive stigma associated with women's health. Women of all ages endure pain, disrespect, and subpar medical practices. 'Women have absolutely been gaslit as a result of medical misogyny,' according to GP and female health specialist Dr Máire Finn. 'I've regularly had patients tell me their GP didn't believe in menopause. I don't think it's intentional; it's more so a reflection of poor training and a lack of experience.' The narrative on women's health research has been changed by a number of start-ups, many of which are founded on personal stories, like Justyna Strzeszynska and her company, Joii. Joii Founder, Justyna Strzeszynska Strzeszynska had previously worked in investments, yet her heavy periods routinely left her bedridden for a week. Upon being diagnosed with fibroids, something clicked: There is zero standardisation with how periods are tracked. Joii attempts to counteract this with menstrual pads designed for period tracking, as well as an AI-powered app that measures and assesses menstrual flow: 'The current distinction for heavy periods is anything over 80ml, but that was dictated in 1966, so much has changed since then. People are getting periods earlier than ever, and if they don't have the information they need for the 15-minute appointment with their GP, they might never know what exactly is causing them these symptoms.' Joii's product measures clot size, volume, colour, and symptoms to help women on their journey to seek correct and applicable medical advice: 'I was always asked how regularly I would change my pad. But that is so personal — some people change every hour, others don't. This will now allow people to feel empowered going into a doctor's office as they will be able to track exactly.' CLOSING THE GAP The FemTech wave is down to several factors. According to HIHI's new report, exclusively seen by the Irish Examiner, an increased advocacy for funding and innovation in women's health has been seen by way of advancements in digital health, AI, as well as recent economic reports emphasising FemTech as a rapidly growing industry. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the women's health gap could generate $1tn (€870bn) in annual global GDP by 2040. 'And yet, we're still only scratching the surface in finding out what happens in women compared to men,' Dr Mulcahy says. 'For example, hormone cycles impact lots of things; they can impact your cardiac health for the better. It would make anyone think: Could we figure out other things in the future?' Among the high-potential areas for FemTech start-ups is menstrual health, something researchers at ETH Zürich considered when developing MenstruAI, a first-of-its-kind device that detects disease biomarkers through menstrual blood. Like Joii, MenstruAI's technology is also built into a sanitary pad, but differs in that its sensors change colour if certain biomarkers are present. 'To date, menstrual blood has been regarded as waste,' said PhD student Lucas Dosnon, the 2024 study's lead author. 'And we are trying to show, much the same way that heart rate and temperature works with wearable sensors, that it is a valuable source of information.' PhD student Lucas Dosnon Dosnon, under Professor Inge K Herrmann, found menstrual blood to be a niche scentific gap unexplored by the medical industry, and a way to test blood non-invasively. 'It's comparable to venous blood,' he says. 'But it can also give us information about mucus, cell debris, and lots of other things, too.' MenstruAI, which Dosnon hopes will be available to the public in 'two to five years', works similarly to a covid test, in that a visual marker is produced upon certain protein detection. In time, the team hopes it will provide accessible solutions to detect everything from inflammation to tumour development, with diseases that are hard to screen early, such as ovarian cancer, front and centre of their minds. With such high stakes at play, the consideration of false positives and negatives is central to their research. 'So far, we've reached key benchmarks, in terms of validating the fact that we can detect these proteins, measure their quantity, and properly test our technology with a centralised lab,' Dosnon says. 'But, of course, to fully validate the device, we need to undergo larger field studies and reach certain benchmarks for regulatory approval. 'We're also constantly discussing with designers and doctors how to communicate results in a way that doesn't generate more fear or stress. It's critical to get right.' Dr Marie Finn GP. CAUTION Perhaps the greatest promise of FemTech right now is simply more dialogue around women's health, says Dr Finn. However, like with any new change, personal caution should be exercised when using new products: 'Any improvement or work in this area has to be applauded. But something these companies have to be aware of is the sharing of sensitive medical data. 'That said, intimate details have been shared by people for the likes of 23andMe for years now, and people don't seem to care, but I would suggest proceeding with caution on what information you give, to whom you give it, what information you receive, and how to interpret it. 'The best way to use it, in my opinion, is to do so in tandem with a trusted medical person. Don't forget, we gain insights from some of this as well.' The HIHI survey identified that the biggest challenges FemTech companies face relate to investment and regulatory requirements, a lack of specialised expertise, market access, and direct specialised access to clinicians and patients. As a result, they are calling on the Irish Government to include women's health research and FemTech innovation in the National Life Science Strategy, and for innovators, investors, and enablers to invest in the 51%. 'Investing in women's health research and innovation isn't just about equity — it's a catalyst for better healthcare for all,' Dr Mulcahy says. 'Conditions that affect women differently or disproportionately often hold the key to breakthroughs that benefit everyone. The start-ups and new technologies emerging in FemTech are addressing long-overlooked needs, unlocking insights that improve diagnostics, treatments, and system-wide efficiency. 'When we back these innovations, we're not just supporting women — we are supporting indigenous enterprise and we're building a healthier society.'
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Some people with disabilities still terrified of leaving their homes after Covid discrimination
Thalidomide survivor Barry de Geest told a Royal Commission of Inquiry of the impact the Covid-19 response has had on people living with disabilities. Photo: Barry De Geest Some people with disabilities are still terrified of leaving their homes, an advocate has told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response. The week-long hearing is underway in Auckland. It is concentrating on the impact of the extended lockdown in Auckland and Northland in 2021, and on vaccine mandates and safety. Thalidomide survivor Barry de Geest told the commissioners of the profound impact Covid lockdowns continue to have on people living with disabilities. "They were terrified actually, and we even have people today that still won't come out of their houses because of the terrifying effects of what they were told, what the media was saying, what other people were saying, so they still won't come out into the community because they're just terrified of what could happen." He said disabled people faced discrimination because they were often mask or vaccine exempt. "The number of people we had crying because they were uptown or done something, and they were being abused by people saying 'put your mask on', 'think of us'," de Geest said. "There was so much of that." Barry de Geest told the inquiry the longer lockdowns went on, the more isolated disabled people felt. "No thought was given to the social side of how people were supported," he said. "It was more about having borders and checkpoints and stuff, rather than saying how can we entertain people because they can't go to the movies, they can't go out for dinner, and so I think that has impacted people considerably." Dr Nick Long from the CARUL Collective, an international group of social science researchers looking at reactions to the pandemic, said lockdowns were a blunt instrument. "It's important to have clarity, but clarity doesn't need to translate into a blunt, one size fits all approach, which was something that people sometimes experienced," he said. His colleague, Dr Antje Deckert said it was difficult balancing the government's message of being kind while also enforcing lockdown rules with family, friends and neighbours. "What we found was that the peer-to-peer policing proved highly ineffective , because not one of our research participants said that peer-to-peer policing had spurred them into obeying Covid-19 restrictions," she said. Deckert said 63,000 lockdown breaches were reported to police by citizens during levels two, three and four. Speaking alongside other general practitioners, Dr Fiona Bolden said the situation could have been much worse. "If we had gone ahead as happened in other countries, we would have had extreme difficulty managing that number of extremely unwell people, and I'm sure more people would have died as a result." The inquiry continued on Wednesday, with commissioners expected to hear about the impact on the education sector, Māori health and Auckland's ethnic communities. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Irish Examiner
29-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Terry Prone: Memory of late Thalidomide victim Jacqui Browne should be honoured
Just under a year ago, Jacqui Browne stated her grim certainty. That certainty was that the Government was simply waiting for Irish Thalidomide survivors to die. This week she died, her death not probative of such an intent, but a reproach to the system, nonetheless. She held that certainty even though, this time last year, the Government was indicating that it would take a new approach to solving the problems caused by doctors prescribing a morning sickness drug to pregnant women, those doctors unaware that it would cause grievous damage to their unborn babies. Long after that drug had been removed from sale in other countries, it lurked on the shelves of pharmacies here, ready to maim and disfigure. Jacqui Browne, front, with other members of the Irish Thalidomide Association arriving at Government Buildings in 2022 for one of many meetings where they sought long-overdue justice for survivors of the Thalidomide drug. File picture: Sam Boal/Rolling News Kerry woman Jacqui Browne was one of the babies born disastrously damaged by Thalidomide. Her hands and forearms were shortened. Her hearing less than normal. Her speech impaired. When most toddlers are learning to play and explore, Jacqui was being poked and tested, torn from her family for special education in a school for deaf children in Dublin. The first of 35 major surgical operations was done to the little girl when she was a tiny five-year-old. Big surgical interventions continued throughout her life. And yet, she forged a career for herself, internationally, as a disability equality consultant. Intrepid yachtswoman She had a life; becoming a yachtswoman who survived a shipwreck near Java. The Cork Clipper — with Jacqui Browne among the crew — leading the fleet out of port at the start of Race 3 from Rio to Cape Town in the 2010 Clipper Round the World Race. File picture: Clipper Ventures/PA One of a group competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 15 years ago, when their boat went aground, she and the rest of the crew managed to get to a place where they could survive until rescue boats came. Despite the never-ending problems caused to her life by Thalidomide and the corrective surgeries that never seemed to be complete, she was a self-confessed optimist. 'I'm always happy,' she confirmed. 'I have wonderful friends and great family support. But I do find physically there is so much I can't do.' Along with the other 40 survivors (together with some people who the Thalidomide Association believe to justify adding to that number), she went public in recent years to ask the powers that be to apologise to the mothers who have blamed themselves all their lives for the hurt to their children caused by the 'miracle' drug. What emerged last year aggravated, rather than assuaged, the anger of the survivors. It was an expression of sympathy rather than a straight-up apology. In its aftermath, another mother died. The Thalidomide survivors, Jacqui front and centre among them, have for years asked the State to revisit the issue, pointing out that, just as polio victims suffer post-polio syndrome decades after they thought they were done with the sequelae of the infection, victims of Thalidomide enter new levels of suffering as they enter old age — for different reasons. 'When you have impairments due to the thalidomide drug, you're all the time compensating,' Jacqui pointed out. You're doing things maybe differently to how somebody else might do them, but you're actually overusing one side of your body. So that too becomes inflamed and sore and painful because you can't use the other side. Paying tribute to Jacqui, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission chief Liam Herrick talked of mourning the loss of a 'colleague, advisor, and friend'. Her Thalidomide Association colleagues — 39 of them now left to continue the fight they shouldn't still be fighting — talk of losing a warrior. Her family will experience the loss differently: They grieve a family member, a beloved sister. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste — each of whom has at various times expressed understanding of the issue and a wish to solve the remaining problems — might honour the memory of Jacqui Browne by kicking life into an administrative process that's almost one sadly unproductive year in business this month.
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘She was fearless' – Tributes to Kerry woman and disabilities advocate
Described as a committed and dedicated campaigner, Ms Browne referred to herself as a thalidomide survivor rather than a victim, having sought acknowledgement and statutory redress from the state. In the 1950s, Thalidomide was a drug to treat morning sickness that was withdrawn in 1961 after it was linked to birth defects. During childhood, hospitalisations and surgeries were common for Jacqui. This helped shape her independent outlook in activism from an early age and gave her the impetus to make inclusion and support a priority. She returned to education while working and received her BA from UCD Jacqui was a valued member of the Disabled Persons Organisations Network and played a key role in contributing to many disability policies and initiatives for almost 40 years. Her role includes input in the forthcoming National Disability Strategy that is symbolic of Jacqui's passion for establishing strategic change for disabled people. Minister Foley said there is a deep sense of loss in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality as many staff knew Jacqui personally and worked with her and learned from her over many years. "I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the Browne family on the passing of their much-treasured Jacqui,' said Minister Foley. "It was a personal privilege to know Jacqui as a proud Kerry woman full of warmth, wit and welcome for everyone. She was full of passion, compassion and energy in abundance. Jacqui was an eloquent and powerful advocate for people with disabilities and shone a vibrant and necessary light on disability issues,' she added. The Minister said during Jacqui's lifetime she achieved a tremendous amount and that some of her work might be unfinished but she remains an impetus and inspiration to 'all of us' to complete it. "We are without doubt the lesser for Jacqui's passing but greater for having had the privilege of knowing her," Minister Foley said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more In a statement from Independent Living Movement Ireland, Jacqui is described as a person who never sought the limelight, and her involvement in policy work established advancements in disabled people's rights. 'She was a powerful public speaker and much sought after for her ability to connect policy to practice. Whilst Jacqui took on leadership roles, she was a genuine mentor to many Disabled People and saw part of her role to support other Disabled People to take on key roles,' said a spokesperson. 'She was passionate about the collective empowerment of Disabled People and gave her time generously in online workshops to ensure she shared her knowledge and expertise. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Jacqui as a person knew someone with a passion for life. She had a wicked sense of humour, a passion for conversation. She was a wonderful host to anyone who visited her in Kerry or Dublin, kind and generous.' The Disability Federation of Ireland also paid tribute to Jacqui saying its members are 'deeply saddened' at her passing. 'Jacqui Browne was a fearless disability advocate who devoted over 35 years to promoting equality and justice for people with disabilities,' said a spokesperson. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jacqui's family, friends, and everyone who knew and worked with her. Her commitment to disability equality changed lives and will continue to shape the movement for generations.'
Sunday World
25-06-2025
- Sunday World
Ex-solicitor jailed for role in Dublin property ownership fraud scam
Herbert Kilcline (64) with an address at Bessborough Parade, Rathmines was convicted on multiple counts. A former solicitor involved in a scheme in which false deeds were used to change the ownership of two Dublin properties has been jailed for two and a half years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the scheme involved the insertion of a false deed onto the title of two Dublin properties, and as a result, people were listed as registered owners although they were not entitled to be. The offending relates to two properties: one on Phibsborough Road, Dublin, and the other on St Mary's Road, Dublin 4. Herbert Kilcline (64) with an address at Bessborough Parade, Rathmines, Dublin was convicted of two counts of using a false instrument, two counts of failing to keep records, two counts of the fraudulent procurement of an entry into the Property Registration Authority's registry and two counts of failing to apply the required measures as a designated person, following a trial last November. Herbert Kilcline News in 90 Seconds - June 25th Today Judge Sinead Ní Chúlacháin said Kilcline was a 'key component' in the scheme and abused his position of trust with the Property Registration Authority (PRA). She said Kilcline's role was in 'no sense peripheral', that his actions contributed to the losses suffered by the injured parties and had also put the integrity of the land registry system at risk. She said this may not have been a 'deliberate or calculated fraud' on Kilcline's part, but his actions were reckless and went further than professional negligence. The judge noted that Kilcline does not accept his actions were criminal and characterises them as professional negligence. Imposing a two-and-half-year sentence, Judge Ní Chúlacháin said she had taken into account that custody would be more challenging for Kilcline due to his medical and mental health issues. Kicline's co-accused, Philip Marley (53), who was described at a previous sentence hearing by Judge Ni Chúlacháin as the 'author' of the 'planned and premeditated' scheme, was handed a three-year sentence earlier this month. Marley of Rathbourne Court, Ashtown, Dublin pleaded guilty during the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial last November to procuring fraudulent entry into the PRA's registry, deception and procuring the registration of a false deed. Herbert Kilcline. Photo: Ernie Leslie All offending in this case took place between 2016 and 2018. At a previous sentence hearing, John McGowan SC, defending Kilcline, said his client was initially inclined to accept the verdict of the jury, but now wishes to appeal. Counsel told the court that a handwriting report prepared on Marley's behalf had recently been provided to Kilcline's defence and that this document raises the possibility that the deed of conveyance may have been valid. Mr McGowan said his client acknowledges that he fell short of his professional obligations but does not accept full responsibility. Kilcline is a Thalidomide survivor. His client's practising certificate 'is in limbo', Mr McGowan said, adding that Kilcline expects the certificate may not be renewed. Counsel outlined his client's background and personal circumstances to the court. A number of reports were handed in. Mr McGowan said his client acted as a 'covert human intelligence source' for gardai at one stage. Kilcline has previously received a formal notification of a threat to his life and gardai uncovered 'two separate conspiracies to murder him', counsel said. Garda Sergeant Ronan Farrelly previously outlined to Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, that a false deed was inserted onto the title of both properties, and as a result, people who were not entitled to be registered owners were listed as the registered owners. The garda investigation began following an internal review by the PRA. Evidence was heard that the legitimate owners of the Phibsborough Road property purchased it in the 1990s with a sitting tenant - ADT, later known as Johnson Controls, in place. In December 2016, a false deed of conveyance for this property was lodged at the PRA and subsequently registered. This false deed claimed that a company called Kent International Holdings had been the owner of this building, and it was now owned by another company - SLGI. The court heard the deed was purportedly lodged and signed by a solicitor, who had been acting for Marley in an unrelated matter. This solicitor had not signed or lodged this deed. Marley directed searches that were carried out in the registry of deeds about lands surrounding the Phibsborough Road property. He also engaged a third party to produce maps. The court heard that stamp duty was paid on the non-existent transaction between Kent Holdings and SLGI. Kilcline was engaged by Marley to procure a 'form 3' for the registration of this property and there were communications between them. Once SLGI were registered as the owners of the Phibsborough property, the tenants were contacted. ADT/Johnson Controls were advised that rent was now payable to SLGI, and one quarterly payment of €21,000 was made by them in March 2018, with the money ultimately transferred to an account in the United States, the court was told. There were then discussions about ADT surrendering the lease, and a settlement figure of €245,250 was agreed. This amount was also paid over in late March 2018. A short time later, the legitimate owner of the Phibsborough Road property became concerned, but the transfer of money had already been completed. The ownership of the Phibsborough Road property was corrected, and the record of the false transaction was removed after High Court proceedings. ADT/Johnson Controls are still at a loss, the court heard. In relation to the property on St Mary's Road, the court heard that the house was purchased in 2007 using a loan from Permanent TSB, with the bank later obtaining an order for possession in 2015. A false deed in relation to this property at St Mary's Road was inserted into the chain of title in February 2018. This falsely stated that Kent International Holdings had sold the house to Hamilton Holdings. The court heard that searches were carried out, which would have shown the full history of the property's ownership and a false deed created. The deed was purportedly lodged and signed by the same solicitor as the property on Phibsborough Road, but this solicitor was not involved. Kilcline made the application to have Hamilton Holdings named as the registered owner of the St Mary's Road property. A folio was created in June 2018, which listed Hamilton Holdings as the registered owner of this property and the stamp duty that would have been due if the property had been sold was also paid. The court heard the High Court set aside the false registration of this property in 2023, following separate proceedings. Permanent TSB was not aware a false deed had been registered for this property. Kilcline signed the 'form 3' applications in both cases and certified he had checked the title. He only had the documents for a short period of time before handing them in, and the court heard he only had materials relating to the Phibsborough Road property for one hour. He also said he was not paid for his role. Details from a forensic accountant's report were outlined to the court, including a number of transfers to accounts in the United States. The PRA is at a loss, which has not been recovered, the court heard. Marley has 12 previous convictions for minor road traffic matters. Kilcline has previous convictions for deception, relating to social welfare claims. Sgt Farrelly agreed with Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Marley, that his client pleaded guilty during the course of the trial, and this plea was of benefit to the prosecution. It was further accepted that Marley complied with his bail conditions, always attended court dates and met gardai by appointment for interview. Sgt Farrelly accepted a suggestion by Mr McGowan, defending Kilcline, that his client answered questions when interviewed by gardai. Documents including a probation report were handed to the court on behalf of Marley. Mr Dwyer outlined his client's background, noting that Marley has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and ADHD, is stable on medication and engaged with mental health services. Counsel said his client is remorseful for his actions and assessed at low risk of re-offending. Mr Dwyer noted Marley has no relevant previous convictions and has not come to recent negative attention. He asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.
