Latest news with #UIC
Axios
2 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Mayor could enjoy a big Trump bump
While New York Mayor Eric Adams has been cooperating with the Trump administration, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is leaning into fights with the White House. Why it matters: Johnson has long criticized President Trump, but his recent rhetoric has hit a new fevered pitch that could actually help him rebound from a midterm slump. Driving the news: Responding to a question about Trump's investigation of Johnson's hiring practices, the mayor last week quipped, "This is not a surprise. [Trump]'s a monster, period." The comment offered Johnson's starkest assessment of the president to date, but also echoed a sentiment likely felt by many who helped elect the mayor. Flashback: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot scored many of her biggest political points while sparring with Trump during the pandemic, and more recently, Gov. JB Pritzker earned Democratic kudos across the nation for his fiery anti-Trump speech in New Hampshire. What they're saying:"One of the things Johnson needs to do [to revive his popularity] is to pick an enemy and Trump is the logical one," former alder and UIC political science professor Dick Simpson told Axios a week before the "monster" comment. "This would let him represent the people of Chicago against this image of an ogre in Washington." The irony: Last week's letter from the U.S. Department of Justice suggesting that Johnson favors Black hires in his administration could be just the bump the mayor needs to shore up lagging support in the Black community and broadcast his efforts toward greater equity in representation. Reality check: Despite the letter's accusation of hiring bias, Johnson's staff roughly reflects the demographics of the city, albeit with enhanced Black representation. The other side: When Axios asked a DOJ spokesperson for a reaction to the potential upside of the investigation for Johnson, she answered: "No comment." The intrigue: The DOJ says it mailed Johnson notice of the investigation last week, but last Wednesday, Chicago's top lawyer Mary Richardson-Lowry said her office had, so far, only heard about the investigation on social media. "We will respond once we receive it formally and review it accordingly," she said. The bottom line: While a Trump fight could help Johnson rebuild support, Simpson stressed that it must be paired with "actually accomplishing things in an efficient and effective manner … Announcing housing plans is different from actually adding the kind of affordable housing the city needs."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears knocked out of MVC Tournament by Racers
NORMAL, ILL.–The Missouri State Bears ran out of gas and runs at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, on Saturday. The team needed to win two games to force a winner-take-all finale, Sunday, but only won its first game, 4-1, against UIC, before getting beat in the championship game Murray State, 10-5. Mo State got down early, as the Racers raced out to a 4-0 lead through the first two innings. But then, freshman Logan Dunn, launched his first career home run to get the maroon and white back in it in the top of the 3rd. The solo shot to right cut the deficit to 4-1. Three innings later, in the top of the 6th, Carter Bergman blasted a 2-run home run to left center. That made it a 6-4 game, but that's where the rallied died. Murray State would rip off four more runs on four hits in the bottom of the 6th, and go on to win, knocking out the Bears and claiming the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FDA Grants IND Clearance for Immunoglobulin Eye Drops to Treat Dry Eye Disease Patients in a Phase II Clinical Study
CHICAGO, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Selagine, Inc., a spin-out company from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for immunoglobulin (IG) drops (GRF312 Ophthalmic Solution) for the treatment of patients with dry eye disease (DED). An IG eye drop is an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory biologic drug that is generated from pooled human plasma from thousands of healthy donors. In a first-in-human pilot clinical trial conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UI COM), Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, immunoglobulin eye drops caused a significant reduction in signs and symptoms of dry eyes with no difference in tolerability or adverse events. In March 2023, Selagine announced a research, development, and sublicense agreement with Grifols, the sponsor of the IND and a global leader in plasma-derived medicines, for the development and commercialization of immunoglobulin eye drops for DED. Initial developmental work for the IG eye drops was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the UIC College of Medicine and Loyola University, supported by UI Health Pharmacy, and is the outcome of over a decade of research and development efforts, with grant funding from the National Eye Institute (NEI)/National Institutes of Health (NEI R24EY032440), Research to Prevent Blindness and UIC's Office of Technology Management. The Selagine-Grifols sublicense agreement has since been expanded to include the treatment of chemical traumatic injuries with IG eye drops. Inflammatory proteins (cytokines or chemokines), cells (neutrophils, T-cells, and dendritic cells), complement system components, and pathogenic antibodies are present on the ocular surface in chronic dry eye disease; therefore, several different mechanisms of inflammation are simultaneously active and contribute to symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. IG eye drops have beneficial actions on each of these mechanisms, thus providing broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory actions and potentially providing mechanistic superiority over currently approved therapies for chronic dry eye disease. The anti-inflammatory actions of eye drops that are currently approved for treating chronic dry eye disease are narrow-spectrum and limited primarily to targeting T-cell inflammatory mechanisms. "The IND clearance opens the door to clinical trials for establishing the safety and efficacy of IG eye drops and brings us one step closer to meaningfully improving outcomes for people suffering from dry eyes" says Sandeep Jain, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at UIC and Founder and President of Selagine, Inc. "With its strategic commitment to ophthalmics and its global leadership in immunoglobulins, we believe Grifols provides an ideal partner for realizing Selagine's goal of developing the full potential of plasma protein-based eye drops across all ophthalmic indications." "Selagine's success at moving the IG product forward with strong industrial and government partnerships is a testament to UIC's commitment to conducting translational research with multiple applications to benefit patients and providers." Says Suseelan Pookote, PhD, Senior Director of UIC's Office of Technology Management. "With this IND clearance, Selagine's IG product adds to UIC's strong clinical pipeline with eight products in Phase II clinical trials advancing towards the market." "We believe our immunoglobulin eye drops have the potential to make a qualitative leap in how dry eye disease is treated," said Dr. Jörg Schüttrumpf, Grifols Chief Scientific Innovation Officer. "Research suggests that the broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of an ocular surface IG are superior to currently approved therapies, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatories. We are using our extensive and deep knowledge of immunoglobulins to benefit the millions of patients globally who aren't receiving sufficient relief". About Dry Eye Disease Dry eye happens when the eyes do not make enough tears to stay wet, or when the tears do not work correctly. This can make the eyes feel uncomfortable, and in some cases it can also cause vision problems. Dry eye affects millions of Americans every year, especially older Americans and women. Autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular graft-versus-host-disease are associated with a more severe form of dry eyes. As many as one-third of patients visiting ophthalmology clinics report dry eye symptoms, making it one of the most common conditions seen by ophthalmology specialists. Dry eye disease is the 3rd largest indication of the overall ophthalmology market. The global dry eye market size is projected to reach more than USD 6.5 billion by 2027. For more information about dry eye see: About Selagine Selagine Inc. is a clinical-stage spin-out company from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) that is commercializing technology which was developed within the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UI COM), Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. UI COM places a strong emphasis on supporting faculty efforts toward academic entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the COMassist entrepreneur-in-residence program led by Dr. Michael Flavin. Selagine is focused on developing novel therapeutics to help patients suffering from a variety of debilitating ocular diseases, and to improve the quality of life in conditions where effective therapies do not exist. Selagine's office is located within the Illinois Medical District and its R&D laboratory is housed in UIC's Incubator Laboratory Facility, a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation at the University. For more information, visit About Grifols Grifols is a global healthcare company founded in Barcelona in 1909 committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. A leader in essential plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine, the company develops, produces and provides innovative healthcare services and solutions in more than 110 countries. Patient needs and Grifols' ever-growing knowledge of many chronic, rare and prevalent conditions, at times life-threatening, drive the company's innovation in both plasma medicines and other biopharmaceuticals to enhance quality of life. Grifols is focused on treating conditions across four main therapeutic areas: immunology, infectious diseases, pulmonology and critical care. For more information about Grifols, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Selagine, Inc. 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
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EPA clears way for CO2 project to proceed
Wabash Valley Resources received the final permits to begin constructing two injection wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, the Environmental Protection Agency reported in a press release Friday. The final permits contain no changes from the 2024 permits for the projects, one in West Terre Haute and one in Vermillion County. The EPA opted not to exercise its discretion to allow additional public notice and comment. Pete Rimsans, WVR's VP of government relations, issued a statement on behalf of the company: "Today, following an internal administrative review, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits for Wabash Carbon Services. The permits clear the way for one of the nation's most advanced carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. "The decision, which follows a remand from the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) to EPA Region 5, marks a turning point for American energy and agricultural security," the statement continued. The statement then quoted Dan Williams, chief operating officer of WVR: 'We sincerely appreciate the EPA restoring momentum to a permitting process. Their decisive action reflects a renewed national commitment to leveraging America's abundant resources in clean and innovative ways that promote American infrastructure, American jobs and American-made energy solutions.' It concluded, "The finalized permits authorize WVR to construct injection wells for the safe and permanent sequestration of captured CO₂ deep underground, supporting the company's $2.5 billion investment in low-carbon ammonia fertilizer production. "By transforming a shuttered coal gasification facility into a manufacturing hub, WVR is demonstrating the future of American fossil fuel infrastructure and a reliable energy addition to the nation's supply." In 2023, Indiana Senate Bill 451 authorized carbon sequestration in West Terre Haute and Vermillion County, paving the way for the deep underground injection wells. Former District 38 Sen. Jon Ford championed the bill, which was immediately unpopular locally. Citizens and the Vigo County Commissioners publicly expressed anger that WVR was able to embark on such an enterprise without input from local leaders and residents alike and expressed concern about the wells' environmental impact on the area. On July 7, 2023, the EPA issued WVR two draft Underground Injection Control permits to construct wells for injection of carbon dioxide for permanent sequestration. A public meeting regarding the draft permits was in Terre Haute in August of 2023. Things quickly grew contentious, with residents expressing concern about the resulting damages from a potential leak in the underground well. WVR provided statistics showing that since the 1950s, only nine fatalities have resulted — four in the '60s and five in the '90s, which saw 18 accidents, the most of any decade. Concerned Citizens against Wabash Valley Resources was formed, and vociferously protested WVR's efforts every step of the way in a series of frequent appearances at Vigo County officials' meetings and Facebook posts. In July of 2024, Vigo County Commissioners received the brunt of residents' anger during discussions of the Community Benefits Agreement that WVR had proposed. Speakers during the meeting's public comments section were unmoved on WVR's proposal to endow the Wabash Valley Community Foundation with $3 million. Commissioner Mike Morris said, 'If the community does not take this money, that does not stop [WVR's] plan. The plan will go ahead.' In September of 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment of a $1.559 billion loan to WVR to finance its waste-to-ammonia fertilizer production facility in West Terre Haute so it can employ carbon capture and sequestration technology. In March this year, the Environmental Appeals Board issued a statement that said WVR's project "ensures non-endangerment of USDWs [underground sources of drinking water]." It raised no new issues or substantial questions. At this point, Concerned Citizens against Wabash Valley Resources' last recourse may be to take the issue to court. Resident Whitney Boyce said in July of 2024, 'Litigation is not our goal, but if that's what it takes to get the protections in place for our community, that's what's going to have to happen.' Construction of the plant is expected to create 500 jobs and 125 full-time employees will work at the facility.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four groups file federal challenge to state's right to permit injection wells for carbon storage
May 14—dbeard @ MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia Surface Owners Rights Organization and three environmental groups have joined in a federal court challenge to the U.S. EPA granting West Virginia the right to primacy in permitting Class VI Underground Injection Wells (UIC) — used for carbon capture and sequestration. They contend the state won't adequately fund or conduct oversight of the permitting, posing environmental and health hazards. In the most recent court action, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request by the state and the Department of Environmental Protection to intervene in the case in order to protect the state's interests. The four petitioners — WVSORO, Sierra Club, West Virginia Rivers Coalition and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy — filed their challenge on April 11. The state and DEP moved to intervene on May 8 and the court granted the motion on May 9. The petitioners then issued a press release on Tuesday spelling out their reasoning. But first, some quick background. Class VI well permitting authority belongs to the EPA for most states. States can apply for and receive primary enforcement authority, often called primacy, to implement EPA approved UIC programs. The EPA is notorious for dragging its feet in approving permits — often taking years. West Virginia applied for primacy in May 2024 after more than two years of consultation and coordination with EPA, the state said in its May 8 motion, and primacy was granted on Feb. 26 this year, via a Final Rule. West Virginia became the fourth state to obtain primacy, following North Dakota, Louisiana and Wyoming. The four groups are suing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA Region III Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. In their motion to intervene, the state and DEP note that EPA's UIC regulations are meant to prevent underground injection from endangering drinking water sources, though the Safe Drinking Water Act allows States to seek primacy to implement and enforce these regulations within their own borders. "Transferring primacy to West Virginia allows the Department of Environmental Protection to apply its local-level expertise while relieving a continuing permitting backlog at the federal level, " they said. They cite several reasons for intervening. Among them, "West Virginia has a substantial interest in the regulation and management of its own natural resources. After all, local land and water management is 'the quintessential state activity, '" Also, the state has a direct financial interest. It spent years seeking primacy. "If Petitioners succeed, then all that work will be for naught. Perhaps worse still, Petitioners' challenge to the Final Rule could impede or delay the resolution of important well permit applications, which could in turn undermine the State's broader economic interests by stymying anticipated carbon-sequestration-related projects." However, the petitioners question the state's competence. They say the state's proposed program did not meet federal minimum standards and includes key provisions that are beyond EPA's statutory and constitutional authority to approve. Dave McMahon, co-founder of WVSORO, said, "WVSORO is particularly concerned because the Legislature and DEP have done a miserable job overseeing other similar environmental processes." The state has more than 12, 000 unplugged gas wells, with 4, 500 of them orphaned — meaning with no current operator. "Pollution from these unplugged wells can cause problems. That threat and even their mere existence sticking out of the ground decreases citizen's property values and uses. So we oppose trusting the oversight of these dangerous wells to the state." The income tax cuts authorized by the Legislature, McMahon said, means funding for the program will have to come from industry fees imposed by the Legislature, and he's skeptical about that. "Not much gets out of our current Legislature without an industry permission slip. So we are really sure this West Virginia state oversight will be underfunded." As an example, he notes there are only 23 fund well inspector positions for 75, 000 wells and 20, 000 tanks — and only 18 inspectors working. "If one of these huge sequestration storage fields should leak, the way currently existing gas storage fields sometimes do, theCO2 is not itself poisonous, but it can displace the fresh air that contains oxygen that people need to breathe leading to asphyxiation or suffocation." Autumn Crowe, deputy director of West Virginia Rivers Coalition, commented, "Adequate oversight of carbon injection is critical to protect the health of West Virginians. Our communities are already overburdened by pollution and the addition of another source of a potentially deadly gas puts our communities at even greater risk. We must ensure that we are prioritizing the health and safety of residents in close proximity to the proposed injection sites." The petitioners are awaiting a court briefing order to present their legal arguments to the Court in their opening brief. Sen. Shelly Moore Capito was a leading advocate in the primacy quest and now chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee. She said on Wednesday, "I have strongly advocated for West Virginia's primacy over Class VI wells for carbon storage because of its potential to contribute to our state's future development and the fact that our environmental leaders know our state best. "The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection worked for over 3 1/2 years on their application to receive this authority, " she said, "and that dedication is reflected by both Republican and Democrat Administrations approving their submission. The WVDEP has unparalleled experience with and knowledge of our state's geology and water resources, and I'm confident that they will exercise the authority they have been granted well and in accordance with the law."
