Latest news with #healthproducts
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Diabetes Canada stresses it doesn't endorse medical products after ads suggest otherwise
Diabetes Canada says it's received a surge in reports from people who've seen ads for or bought products that use the charity's logos without authorization. Since January, Diabetes Canada says it's had over 300 calls to its 1-800 line and emails from people reporting misleading advertisements for diabetes products that have the charity's logo. Diabetes Canada isn't the only organization being affected. Products ranging from purported medications and supplements to devices that claim to be blood glucose monitors are also carrying the logos of Obesity Canada and Health Canada. Some of the groups say they want the ads taken down and social media companies are doing that, but new ads keep appearing. A class of injectable medications known as GLP-1 agonists, sold in Canada under the brand name Ozempic and Wegovy are approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. These drugs need to be administered by doctors and distributed by pharmacists. They are also not endorsed by Diabetes Canada, Obesity Canada or Health Canada. Some of the misleading ads are for products that doctors say are not effective but mimic the names of these more recognizable medications. These include GLP-1 oral drops, said Laura Syron, the president and CEO of Diabetes Canada. "They're certainly not endorsed by us," Syron said on Thursday. "We do not endorse any medical health product." Doctors say it's important for people who live with diabetes to get accurate blood sugar readings. That's why Syron recommends anyone considering changing their medication, trying a new treatment or getting a new monitoring device talk to their health-care provider first. The organization said some ads falsely claim the organization will also offer patients a subsidy. Use of logo created sense of trust Joel Snitman, 81, of Thornhill, Ont., has Type 2 diabetes and checks his blood sugar levels at least once a week. Snitman said he saw a Facebook ad for a product with a photo identifying it as a glucose monitor. He said he trusted it because the ad showed Diabetes Canada's logo. "This gadget offered to do it without sticking a needle in your finger," Snitman recalled. "I thought I would give it a shot." The product turned out to be an oximeter, a device used to measure blood oxygen levels, not blood sugar. Snitman contacted Diabetes Canada, saying he felt he got sucked in by seeing their logo on the ad. He said he wasn't able to find the name of the manufacturer or retailer beyond a series of consonants. He emailed the delivery company and asked them if they knew their client. The answer was no. Similarly, Syron said Diabetes Canada found it difficult to get in touch with anyone at the company. CBC News was also unable to contact the company. Concerns about delayed treatment Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, a physician, scientist and professor of medicine at McGill University, says there are no drops or patches that would give a similar effect to GLP-1 medications, which need to be administered by doctors and distributed by pharmacists. "Those products, the GLP-1 patches and drops, they're just trying to … join the enthusiasm and kind of, I would say madness, surrounding these medications that certainly can enhance weight reduction and can improve blood sugar control in diabetes," Dasgupta said from Halifax. Her concern is that if someone with diabetes uses the drops or patches, it could delay or prevent them from receiving proper medical care. Talia Wiebe, director of marketing and communications at Obesity Canada, says the organization is aware of a company fraudulently using Obesity Canada's name, logo and an image of its founder, Dr. Arya Sharma, to promote an unregulated supplement called HHVB GLP-1 Moringa Slimming & Health Boost Drops. Obesity Canada tried to find the supplement maker without success. "We are working with our legal team to hopefully reach out to them and cease and desist and have these products taken down," Wiebe said. Diabetes Canada says it has reached out to various social media platforms where the ads using their logo have appeared and reported the issue to Health Canada. "All medical devices authorized for use in Canada are listed in the Medical Devices Active Licence Listing database," a spokesperson for Health Canada said. A search of Remifa or Briskix, the product and seller of Snitman's purchase, did not yield any results. Syron added another challenge is that when one ad disappears, another quickly pops up. A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said Friday that it has removed the ad from its platforms and is continuing to investigate. Meta says its policies prohibit content that "defrauds people by promoting false or misleading health claims, including those related to weight loss, and we remove this kind of content when we become aware of it." Meta also notes that the challenge spans platforms, industries and communities, which is why it works with law enforcement, regulators and private industry to combat scams. "We continue to invest resources and further improve our enforcement on this kind of content," the spokesperson said.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why shoppers are obsessed with Daily Nouri's gut-boosting drink mix (now 26% off on Amazon)
Ready to give your gut a glow-up? It is no secret that the gut is responsible for a large portion of the body's daily wellness, from digestion to vitamin absorption and beyond. That's why taking care of your gut may just be the most important step in proactive wellness. Daily Nouri is one brand that has been on our radar for quite some time now because of their powerful probiotic and prebiotic products. But it is their newest release that has our full attention — the Nouri Daily StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix. Daily Nouri StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix (30 Stick Packs) Give your gut the summer boost it deserves with this new top-rated drink mix! From viral wellness brand Daily Nouri comes an all new way to indulge with immune-boosting powder packets. These small packets are packed with magnesium, colostrum, and more gut health heroes. But these drink mixes are also just as good for your immune system! The powerful proactive approach refuels the body with each sip. $34.69 (was $40) Shop The $40 drink mix comes with 30 individually wrapped powder packets and is just one click away on Amazon. Packed with nutrients, this probiotic mix targets the gut and immune system, promoting a healthier, more centered you. Right now, the highly-anticipated drink mix is already on sale for 26 percent off. When it comes to taking care of your gut, most of the work is done proactively. According to Daily Nouri's research, up to 80 percent of our body's immune cells live in the gut. It was because of this information that they created a delicious lemonade-flavored drink powder that not only cares for the gut at the moment but actively boosts immunity over time as well. StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix is made from a unique blend of science-backed ingredients that help restore, nourish, and protect the gut. The blend includes colostrum for gut integrity, magnesium for muscle function, and vitamins to help nutrient gaps — among others. Sippers can not believe the Daily Nouri difference, with one saying: 'This probiotic works great for me! I noticed changes starting after the second packet! Not to mention, the taste of this is really good, just like lemonade! If you struggle with your gut health, I recommend trying this!' The gut can be a place of both good and bad bacteria, the good being necessary and the bad being dangerous. Daily Nouri considered this with their innovative StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix by including a powerful prebiotic (good bacteria) and probiotic (helps balance bad bacteria) blend. Made with only 1g of sugar and no artificial ingredients, the powder mix has become a shopper favorite. Users can't believe how refreshing the StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix is, with one saying: 'I ordered this for the digestive benefit, although I greatly appreciate the immune system support as well. 'The powder dissolves very well (and quickly) and yields a really good flavor - like *really* good! These are great to travel with or to have on the go - just dump it in a bottle of water, shake, and it's ready to drink.' Still not convinced that Daily Nouri has cracked the gut health code? Try their new StayWell Digestive & Immunity Drink Mix packets for yourself to see why Amazon shoppers (and their guts!) are giving five stars.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Unitaid partner to strengthen equitable access to health products in Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Unitaid have formed a new strategic partnership to expand the production of essential health products in Africa and improve sustainable access to medicines, diagnostics, and medical oxygen across the continent. Signed on the margins of the 78th World Health Assembly, the Memorandum of Understanding focuses on scaling up regional manufacturing as a central pillar of Africa's health security and autonomy. Africa bears 25% of the global disease burden yet imports more than 95% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and 70% of the medicines it consumes. The continent has just 600 health product manufacturing sites for a population of 1.1 billion – compared to about 10,000 in India and 5,000 in China. To help address these gaps and bolster Africa's ability to respond to future pandemics, the partnership will support regional manufacturing of essential medical products such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and oxygen, while also building capacity to produce priority health products and scale up innovative technologies – including those developed in Africa. These efforts will target key health priorities such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other diseases and conditions – particularly those affecting women and children. 'This partnership reflects Africa's goals to develop and produce health products that people across the continent need while building a resilient future,' said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. 'Together with Unitaid, we are building on African expertise, expanding our regional manufacturing capacity, and strengthening our ability to produce essential health products reliably, affordably, and closer to where they are needed.' Through this agreement, the two institutions will coordinate efforts to overcome regulatory, financing, and market challenges that hold back regional production. The collaboration also aims to improve pandemic preparedness by supporting the development and availability of health tools that are designed, produced, and delivered within Africa. 'Africa CDC and Unitaid share the same goal – to reinforce African capacity so the continent can sustainably respond to endemic diseases and regional health challenges,' said Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid. 'By expanding regional production, we can help reduce supply chain risks, and ensure faster, more equitable access to lifesaving products while investing in industry development in the region.' The joint work will be guided by a shared action plan and regular progress reviews to ensure sustained momentum and accountability. Areas of collaboration will include supporting innovation in diagnostics, treatments, and medical technologies; strengthening regulatory and procurement pathways for locally produced health products; expanding access to medical oxygen; enhancing pandemic preparedness and response; and advancing joint advocacy for African-led solutions at both regional and global levels. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Health Products Manufacturing Policy Study Tour Gives Africa a Strategic Boost
Africa CDC's Platform for Harmonized Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), in collaboration with the Team Europe Support Structure (TESS) MAV+, organised a Study Tour on Policy Frameworks for Health Products Manufacturing to Europe in April. From analysing the policy mechanisms, regulatory environments, and frameworks that sustain and enhance the health products manufacturing ecosystem, participants gained a more comprehensive perspective on the interplay between manufacturing and governance—one of the eye-opening lessons ushered in by the tour. More than 20 representatives from African Union (AU) Member States, Regional Economic Communities, African Union organs, Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Medicines Agency, and the African Union Commission were among the participants. Speaking on the study tour, Dr Anthony Ayeke, Programme Manager, Health and Human Development Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS in Abuja, said he hopes to contribute towards enhancing vaccine and health product manufacturing capabilities in Africa by ensuring there is a commitment to sustainable healthcare development that respects local contexts and needs. 'Collaboration is key,' said Dr Ayeke, reflecting on the week-long tour in Belgium and the Netherlands. 'Successful vaccine production relies on strong partnerships between governments, industry or private sector, and academia,' he said, adding that collaborative networks, such as the Regional Capability and Capacity Networks, facilitate knowledge sharing and resource pooling. In 2021, the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) was established by the AU, under Africa CDC, with the goal of ensuring the production of 60% of Africa's vaccine needs by 2040. Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and PATH, conducted an in-depth assessment of the vaccine suppliers' landscape to understand vaccine manufacturing in Africa and identified key ecosystem interventions needed, including improving infrastructure, technology transfer, regulatory frameworks, financing, and demand. One of the areas of learning was understanding how Europe navigates policy frameworks and how lessons learnt can be applied in individual African countries, regionally or continentally. The serial study tours are geared towards helping African experts share and exchange knowledge with counterparts in Europe. Dr Ayeke said he learnt that robust yet flexible regulatory frameworks in Europe—such as those at the European Medicines Agency and the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products in Belgium—enable rapid response to public health crises. 'Timely approvals of 210 days and adaptations within regulatory processes through central, national, and decentralised application procedures are crucial for efficient health responses,' he said. Continuous investment in research and development leads to innovation in health product manufacturing, including funding, incentives for biopharmaceutical research, and investment in new technologies, such as those seen at Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands, he said. Janet Byaruhanga, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, the African Union Development Agency, said a skilled workforce is crucial, but regulatory maturity remains a foundational enabler for achieving local manufacturing capabilities. Byaruhanga said the study tour exposed the need for policies that support African pharmaceutical industries, which are still in early development. 'Manufacturers often lack access to technology, capital, skilled labour, intellectual property rights, and effective partnerships. Policy collaboration between universities, regulators, and industry must be strengthened,' she said, recommending that future study tours focus more on the needs of the industry and actual manufacturing processes. Dr Salma Osman, Policy Officer at the African Medicines Agency, appreciated the relevance of the study tour to her work and identified local manufacturing as a key gap. Dr Osman suggested that future tours be more thematically specific, covering areas such as regulatory frameworks, administrative processes, and scientific or manufacturing development separately to complete the full cycle. She said she would have loved to see African foreign direct investors participating in the discussions to better understand how to tackle the access to finance required to develop sustainable local manufacturing. The tour demonstrated practical systems for strengthening local manufacturing, said Dr Fatuma Adan, Head of Mission to Kenya at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), one of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of the African Union. She was particularly struck by the regional and inter-institutional cooperation needed among regulators, manufacturers, and the private sector. The discussion with the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and the Critical Medicines Alliance stood out to her for its cross-border pandemic response and how lessons were shared between Europe and Africa. Fasika Alemu, Regulatory Strengthening and Market Shaping Expert at Africa CDC, said the example of HERA on supply chain management—such as contingency stock and stockpiling—was insightful and is crucial for managing frequent outbreaks in Africa. 'I admired how Belgium, the Netherlands, and EMA have achieved harmonisation in regulatory processes, working in synergy rather than competition, leading to reduced costs, increased access, and minimised shortages,' he said. Dr Safouane Benazzouz, Head of the Production Department at Institut Pasteur d'Algerie, focused on the Critical Medicines Act and pandemic preparedness efforts. He emphasised that beyond capacity building, investing in infrastructure and ensuring policy adaptability were key to effective pandemic response and preparedness. There is a need to bridge the gap between training infrastructure and practical expertise, said Valentine Atonde Epse Oladimeji, Senior Programme Officer at ECOWAS. She suggested leveraging biotechnology training centres in Europe and ensuring African trainees benefit as well. She also pointed out that partner selection in regions like ECOWAS is critical and should be strategic, such as involving other technical officers in future training programmes. Redefining 'local' to mean the African continent, not just individual countries, would be useful, said Ricardo Afonso, Head of the Inspection and Supervision Department at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority in Mozambique. After witnessing the EU experience, Afonso stressed the importance of harmonisation and mutual trust among African nations, just as European countries rely on each other. 'Building this intra-continental confidence is crucial for medicine acceptance and regulatory trust,' he said. Sandra Haile-Brugger, Access to Finance Expert at Africa CDC, shared the same sentiment, that the strength of the European model lies in trust and collaboration between countries and institutions. 'Such a cooperative framework is something Africa needs to adopt. A key lesson from EMA was that when decisions are collectively adopted by all member states, implementation is faster and more impactful,' she said. The tour was an eye-opener for Solomon Onen, Manager of Good Manufacturing Practices at the National Drug Authority of Uganda, on global developments in pharmaceutical production. He recognised similarities between Europe's Critical Medicines Act and Africa's current goals. Moving forward, he advocates for a continental mapping of manufacturing capabilities, training institutions, and laboratory networks, so countries know where to go for specific needs. Institutionalising training facilities within universities was flagged as essential for long-term sustainability. 'I left the tour with a sense of hope,' said Marta Ajulong, Commissioner of Pharmaceuticals and Natural Medicine at the Ministry of Health, Uganda. 'African countries like Senegal and Algeria are already producing antigens, that is an encouraging sign.' She praised the tour for facilitating intercontinental exchange and recommended ongoing communication and follow-up. Ajulong also noted interest from Uganda in strengthening local manufacturing and stressed the importance of designing training programmes with clear outcomes. There is significant opportunity in Africa for European companies to invest in local production facilities and partnerships, which could lead to mutual benefits and market expansion, specifically for Nigeria and Algeria, said Dr Ayeke. EU and EU Member State organisations like GIZ, EF, TESS, and HERA can play an essential role in providing technical support and funding for capacity building in Africa's health sector, he said. 'Europe should understand the unique challenges faced by African countries concerning health access and equity. Collaborations should aim to address these disparities in meaningful ways, including for paediatric formulation considerations,' Dr Ayeke added. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Loblaws warns customers tariffs will drive up prices on groceries and essentials
Watch CTV's Kamil Karamali reports on the rising tariffs Loblaws says will raise prices on groceries, pantry staples, and health products for Canadians.
