COVID-19 vaccination rates are higher across the St. Lawrence River, but opposition remains – North Country Public Radio

A demonstration against mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers in Hawkesbury Ontario, on October 8. Photo: James Morgan

Oct 15, 2021

Canadians with ties to the North Country, or who plan to make the long drive south to warmer weather this winter rejoiced when the news got outearlier this week that land ports of entry to the US would be reopening to fully vaccinated Canadians sometime in November.

The high COVID-19 vaccination rates among residents of eastern Ontario are a positive sign of the low transmission risk among the population. However, opposition to mandatory vaccination for health care workers remains among a minority of residents.

Late last month, Dr. Paula Stewart, the Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit, reportedthat 90% of the territorys residents aged 12 and older had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.The area includes Gananoque, Brockville, Prescott,Kemptville, and Perth.

"This high level of vaccination will reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community, and prevent hospitalizations and death, said Stewart in a statement.Shecredited the efforts of health care providers, volunteers, and local governments for making vaccination accessible to citizens.

The COVID-19 vaccination rate is lower, but still quite high, further east in the five-county territory served by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU). In addition to the villages and rural towns of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, the EOHUs territory includes Cornwall and the portion of Akwesasne located north of the international border.

As of October 13, 84.9% of residents of the EOHU jurisdiction aged 12 andabove had received two vaccine doses.

By comparison, just across the St. Lawrence River, just 68% of St. Lawrence County residents 18 and over have at least one dose of the vaccine.

Small group protests mandatory vaccination of hospital workers

Despite the high vaccination rates across eastern Ontario, there are still people refusing to be vaccinated, or attempting to politicize mandatory vaccination for hospital and long-term care workers.

On Friday, October 8, a small group of demonstrators in Hawkesbury, located in the northeast corner of the EOHUs territory, protested mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for employees of Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH).

The policy takes effect on Friday, October 15. According to HGH Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate ServicesGiseleLarocque, vaccination will be compulsory for all employees, physicians, learners, and contractors working at HGH. The Ontario Hospital Association has recommended hospitals across the province adopt these policies for the protection of patients and staff.

At the Hawkesbury protest, 31 people carried signs opposing vaccination, mandatory vaccination for hospital employees, claiming that government responses to the pandemic interfere upon personal freedom.

Larocque said HGH published a COVID-19 vaccination policy and informed staff of their obligation to comply on August 26.

As of October 6, the percentage of employees vaccinated is 88.1% for employees and 100% for physicians.

Larocque estimated 99.1% of HGH employees will be vaccinated as of October 15. She said any statistics on possible suspensions or terminations for employees who refuse to be vaccinated is privileged information.

As of October 8, the Ontario government had not made it mandatory for all health care workers across Ontario to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Minister of Health Christine Elliott said in the legislature on October 7 the government has not ruled out introducing such a requirement.

The Hawkesbury protesters weredemonstrating approximately half a block away from hospital property. They were notimpeding traffic around the facility. On October 5, John Fraser, a member of the Ontario Legislature from Ottawa,introduced a bill which, if it becomes law, would establish safe zones with a 150-meter (492 feet) radius around hospitals whereprotests would be prohibited.Offenders would face fines ranging from $5,000 $10,000 and up to six months in jail for repeat offences. The bill would no longer be in effect whenever the governments pandemic response laws are repealed or after a two-year period.

On October 1, Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips announced all employees of long-term care facilities across the province must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 15.

The Prescott and Russell Residence is the public long-term care facility operated by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. Itis located inHawkesbury, not far from where the October 8 protest took place. Administrator Alexandre Gorman estimated that as of October 7, approximately 185 to 190 of 215 to 220 employees at the Residence had received a COVID-19 vaccination. He said vaccination is being addressed with employees who have not yet received their shots, and management will be holding discussions with the individuals. Gorman is hopeful that no staff leave their jobs at the Prescott and Russell Residence over mandatory vaccination.

We hope not, obviously our goal is to keep everyone.

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COVID-19 vaccination rates are higher across the St. Lawrence River, but opposition remains - North Country Public Radio

Ascendis Pharma A/S Announces US Commercial Launch of SKYTROFA (Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd), the First and Only FDA Approved Once-Weekly Treatment for…

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND), today announced the U.S. commercial launch of SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd), its once-weekly treatment for the treatment of pediatric patients one year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg (25.4 lb) and have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH). SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) is available by prescription and distributed through a network of specialty pharmacies across the United States.

SKYTROFA offers patients, caregivers, and physicians the potential to replace daily somatropin injections that have been the standard of care for more than 30 years, said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharmas President and Chief Executive Officer. As the first and only FDA-approved once-weekly therapy for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, SKYTROFA represents one of the most important innovations for these patients in decades.

Reflecting its commitment to patients, Ascendis Pharma has also launched the Ascendis Signature Access Program, a personalized patient support program in the U.S. dedicated to working with families, caregivers, and physicians from decision to treat through long-term therapy adherence. The program is staffed by nurses and offers a full suite of services including, but not limited to, prior authorization support, out of pocket assistance, and training on proper injection procedures.

The full commercial launch of SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) marks an important milestone as the Company continues to deliver on its Vision 3x3 strategic roadmap through 2025 to build a leading global biopharma company by achieving sustainable growth through multiple approaches.

The Following Information is Intended for the U.S. Audience Only

INDICATION

SKYTROFA is a human growth hormone indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg and have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You are encouraged to report side effects to FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Ascendis Pharma at 1-844-442-7236.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for SKYTROFA.

About SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd)SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) is a once-weekly prodrug designed to deliver somatropin over a one-week period. The released somatropin has the same 191 amino acid sequence as daily somatropin. SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) single-use, prefilled cartridges are available in nine dosage strengths, allowing for convenient dosing flexibility. They are designed for use only with the SKYTROFA Auto-Injector and may be stored at room temperature for up to six months. The recommended dose of SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) for treatment-nave patients and patients switching from daily somatropin is 0.24 mg/kg body weight, administered once weekly. The dose may be adjusted based on the childs weight and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) SDS.

TransCon hGH (known by its brand name SKYTROFA (Lonapegsomatropin-tcgh) in the U.S.) has been studied in over 300 treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children with GHD across the Phase 3 program, which consists of the heiGHt Trial (for treatment-nave patients), the fliGHt Trial (for treatment-experienced and treatment-naive patients), and the enliGHten Trial (an ongoing long-term open-label extension trial). Patients who completed the heiGHt Trial or the fliGHt Trial were able to continue into the enliGHten Trial, and some have been treated with SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) for over four years.TransCon hGH is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe as a potential treatment for pediatric growth hormone deficiency. In addition, TransCon hGH is being evaluated for pediatric GHD in Phase 3 trials in Japan and the Peoples Republic of China, Ascendis Pharma is also conducting the global Phase 3 foresiGHt Trial in adults with GHD. TransCon hGH has been granted orphan designation for GHD in both the U.S. and Europe.

About Ascendis Pharma A/SAscendis Pharma is applying its innovative platform technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, the company uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies.

Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has additional facilities in Heidelberg and Berlin, Germany; Palo Alto and Redwood City, California; and Princeton, New Jersey. Please visit http://www.ascendispharma.com to learn more.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) Ascendis use of the Ascendis Signature Access Program to support the use of SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) by families, caregivers, and physicians, (ii) Ascendis use of its co-pay as well as a separate assistance program for patients and families facing financial need, (iii) Ascendis ability to apply its platform technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company, and (iv) Ascendis use of its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: dependence on third party manufacturers and distributors to supply TransCon hGH, the SKYTROFA Auto-Injector and other study drug for commercial sales in the U.S. and clinical studies; unforeseen safety or efficacy results in its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs; unforeseen expenses related to commercialization of lonapegsomatropin-tcgd in the U.S., the co-pay program, and the further development of TransCon hGH, expenses related to the development and potential commercialization of its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs, selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis business generally; delays in the development of its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; dependence on third party manufacturers to supply study drug for planned clinical studies; Ascendis ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities and the effects on its business from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis business in general, see Ascendis Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 10, 2021 and Ascendis other future reports filed with, or submitted to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SKYTROFA, Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo and TransCon are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma Group. October 2021 Ascendis Pharma A/S.

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Ascendis Pharma A/S Announces US Commercial Launch of SKYTROFA (Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd), the First and Only FDA Approved Once-Weekly Treatment for...

Keto might be more popular, but is intermittent fasting a better diet? Here’s what to know – Courier Journal

Bryant Stamford| Special to Courier Journal

Recently I emphasized that a major benefit of a keto diet,a very low-carb, very high-in-fat diet,is avoiding garbage carbs. That is one key to success. In other words, and this is a critical point that is largely misunderstood, consuming lots of fat is not, in and of itself, a good thing. Gorging on fat does not in some mysterious way promote health and help you lose weight. On the contrary, if you consume lots of saturated fat, which typically is the case on a keto diet, you open yourself to a host of health risks.

OK, so why consume all that fat? It is a means to an end, and the end is producing ketones an alternative fuel that is made in your liver when there is not enough glucose (sugar) for energy.As discussed last week, ketones provide a way of burning off fat while dieting, which is exactly what you want to do.

You may like: What is the keto diet? Why it works for some but may not be right for you

This raises an interesting question. Is there a way to produce ketones without consuming outrageous quantities of fat? In other words, is there a better way, a healthier way to go keto than a keto diet? The answer is yes, with intermittent fasting.

The key to intermittent fastingis when you eat, rather than an emphasis on what you eat, which is the basis of the keto diet. Intermittent fastingemphasizes prolonged periods of fasting in which you consume nothing other than water, black coffee or unsweetened tea no juice, etc.

How long should you fast? That depends on the approach you choose. One approach is to fast for 24 to 36 hours periodically, like one day per week. Another approach is to fast each day for 14 to 20 hours. The longer the fast, the greater the impact to create ketones and reap other benefits.

You may like: Did you gain the COVID 19? Intermittent fasting could help you shed those pandemic pounds

When COVID-19 hit big time last year, I noticed so many folks gaining weight almost immediately from the lockdowns. In response, I decided to go in the opposite direction. I had been dabbling with intermittent fastinghere and there, but not taking it too seriously. So, I set two goals.

One was reducing my body weight back to what it was in high school (190 pounds), a loss of about 12 pounds. The second goal was getting rid of stubborn fat from my waistline and hip area (love handles). This is something I have been working at for years, but my healthy diet and copious amounts of exercise were not enough.

I had concluded that age was my enemy, and despite hours of cardio exercise and resistance training each week, combined with all kinds of sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, planks, etc., fat on my waistline never budged.

I have long been a believer in eating when Im hungry, rather than eating according to a schedule. This means that skipping breakfast or lunch was no big deal for me, and I began the intermittent fastingprocess by fasting 18 hours each day, eating everything (meals and snacks) in a six-hour window from about 4-10 p.m.

This worked well and although I had not decreased my food intake, my weight began to drop. Seeing this initial success over the first few months, I decided to take the next step and increase my fasting time to 20 hours each day, and at times 22 hours a day, eating no earlier than 6 p.m.Thats when things really began to happen.

Ironically, I had to consciously emphasize eating more and more, because I didnt want any changes that occurred to be due to simply eating less. Although I ate more, my bodyweight dropped, and the fat on my waistline dwindled to the point where my old six-pack resurfaced and my love handles disappeared. Anita, my wife, was concerned that I was getting too thin and constantly urged me to eat more, which I happily agreed to do to stay at 190 pounds.

You may like: 'My health was off the rails and I knew it': How intermittent fasting changed everything

So, what is a typical day of eating for me? In brief, I envision what I normally would have had for breakfast and lunch, plus snacks (power bars, nuts, etc.), and consume these after my first meal of the day at 6 p.m.I drink black coffee periodically throughout the day, which satisfies me comfortably until my dinner.

And, let me add, if I feel like cheating at night with a treat like a hot-fudge sundae, I dont hesitate.

In addition, my workouts are great, with no loss of energy, even though I am fasted for many hours prior to working out.

When you fast you produce ketones, and you also increase the production of human growth hormone. This is important, because beginning around the age of 30, there is a progressive decline in HGH, and in my 70s, I assume my HGH level was very low before intermittent fasting.

HGH helps increase muscle and bone mass while decreasing body fat. These potential benefits really captured my attention, because in recent years, despite intense workouts, my muscle mass was declining. But with intermittent fasting, I have been able to reclaim some muscle mass and strength, while slashing body fat and revealing my former six-pack, and I think HGH is a key factor.

Intermittent fastingworks better than any dietary approach I have attempted or recommended, and it offers several advantages over the typical keto diet. Its contrary to a lifetime habit of eating throughout the day and it takes lots of discipline and commitment, especially at first, but once you are in the groove, it becomes second nature.

A note of caution. Start easy, like a 14 hour fast, eating between, say, noon and 10 p.m. or whatever time frame fits best for you, then build gradually from there. If you have a medical condition, be sure to check first with your doctor before proceeding. Also, if you are on certain medications that have to be taken with food and at certain times, intermittent fastingprobably will not work for you.

Reach Bryant Stamford, a professor of kinesiology and integrative physiology at Hanover College, at stamford@hanover.edu.

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Keto might be more popular, but is intermittent fasting a better diet? Here's what to know - Courier Journal

Global Protein Therapeutics Market (2021 to 2026) – Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecasts – Yahoo Finance

DUBLIN, Oct. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Protein Therapeutics Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo

The global protein therapeutics market exhibited moderate growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, the analyst is continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end-use industries. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.

Protein therapeutics refers to artificially synthesized protein-based medicines. They are fast-acting, potent medicines that deliver small protein molecules to the body in a specific amount. They usually consist of recombinant forms of naturally occurring proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies, insulin, fusion proteins, erythropoietin, interferon, human growth hormones (HGH) and follicle-stimulating hormones. They aid in treating chronic medical ailments, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and immunological, hematological, hormonal and genetic disorders. Various combination therapy drugs are also used with protein therapeutics that can be inhaled, injected or orally administered.

The increasing prevalence of chronic medical ailments is one of the key factors driving the growth of the protein therapeutics market. In line with this, the rising awareness among the masses regarding the benefits of protein therapeutics, such as minimal risks of side effects and high efficiency, are contributing to the market growth. Monoclonal antibodies are being widely researched and used for the treatment of various viral and bacterial diseases and pharmaceutical companies are using protein therapeutics for drug discovery and development. The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is further providing growth opportunities to market players. For instance, Molecular Partners AG, a Switzerland-based clinical stage biotechnology company, is developing a new class of protein therapeutics, called DARPin, to inhibit the proliferation of the virus.

The development of novel recombinant proteins, peptides, antibody-based drugs and plasma proteins is acting as other-growth inducing factors. These protein therapeutics are extensively used in replacement therapies to treat genetic and autoimmune disorders, such as dysfibrinogenemia, afibrinogenemia, and hypofibrinogenemia. Other factors, including extensive research and development (R&D) activities in the field of protein engineering, along with significant improvements in the healthcare infrastructure, are expected to drive the market further.

Story continues

Competitive Landscape

The report has also analysed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the key players being Amgen Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Abbvie Inc., Baxter International Inc., Biogen Inc., Csl Behring L.L.C. (CSL Limited), Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Holding AG), Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Holdings A/S) and Pfizer Inc.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

How has the global protein therapeutics market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global protein therapeutics market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the product?

What is the breakup of the market based on the therapy area?

What is the breakup of the market based on the function?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global protein therapeutics market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:

1 Preface

2 Scope and Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Introduction4.1 Overview4.2 Key Industry Trends

5 Global Protein Therapeutics Market5.1 Market Overview5.2 Market Performance5.3 Impact of COVID-195.4 Market Forecast

6 Market Breakup by Product6.1 Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)6.1.1 Market Trends6.1.2 Market Forecast6.2 Human Insulin6.2.1 Market Trends6.2.2 Market Forecast6.3 Erythropoietin6.3.1 Market Trends6.3.2 Market Forecast6.4 Clotting Factors6.4.1 Market Trends6.4.2 Market Forecast6.5 Fusion Protein6.5.1 Market Trends6.5.2 Market Forecast6.6 Others6.6.1 Market Trends6.6.2 Market Forecast

7 Market Breakup by Therapy Area7.1 Metabolic Disorders7.1.1 Market Trends7.1.2 Market Forecast7.2 Immunological Disorders7.2.1 Market Trends7.2.2 Market Forecast7.3 Hematological Disorders7.3.1 Market Trends7.3.2 Market Forecast7.4 Cancer7.4.1 Market Trends7.4.2 Market Forecast7.5 Hormonal Disorders7.5.1 Market Trends7.5.2 Market Forecast7.6 Genetic Disorders7.6.1 Market Trends7.6.2 Market Forecast7.7 Others7.7.1 Market Trends7.7.2 Market Forecast

8 Market Breakup by Function8.1 Enzymatic and Regulatory Activity8.1.1 Market Trends8.1.2 Market Forecast8.2 Special Targeting Activity8.2.1 Market Trends8.2.2 Market Forecast8.3 Vaccines8.3.1 Market Trends8.3.2 Market Forecast8.4 Protein Diagnostics8.4.1 Market Trends8.4.2 Market Forecast

9 Market Breakup by Region

10 SWOT Analysis

11 Value Chain Analysis

12 Porters Five Forces Analysis

13 Price Analysis

14 Competitive Landscape14.1 Market Structure14.2 Key Players14.3 Profiles of Key Players14.3.1 Amgen Inc.14.3.1.1 Company Overview14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio14.3.1.3 Financials14.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.2 Abbott Laboratories14.3.2.1 Company Overview14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio14.3.2.3 Financials14.3.2.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.3 Abbvie Inc.14.3.3.1 Company Overview14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio14.3.3.3 Financials14.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.4 Baxter International Inc.14.3.4.1 Company Overview14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio14.3.4.3 Financials14.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.5 Biogen Inc.14.3.5.1 Company Overview14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio14.3.5.3 Financials14.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.6 Csl Behring L.L.C. (CSL Limited)14.3.6.1 Company Overview14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio14.3.7 Eli Lilly and Company14.3.7.1 Company Overview14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio14.3.7.3 Financials14.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.8 F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Holding AG)14.3.8.1 Company Overview14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio14.3.8.3 SWOT Analysis14.3.9 Johnson & Johnson14.3.9.1 Company Overview14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio14.3.9.3 Financials14.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.10 Merck & Co. Inc.14.3.10.1 Company Overview14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio14.3.10.3 Financials14.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.11 Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Holdings A/S)14.3.11.1 Company Overview14.3.11.2 Product Portfolio14.3.11.3 Financials14.3.11.4 SWOT Analysis14.3.12 Pfizer Inc.14.3.12.1 Company Overview14.3.12.2 Product Portfolio14.3.12.3 Financials14.3.12.4 SWOT Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ix2s58

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Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com

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Global Protein Therapeutics Market (2021 to 2026) - Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecasts - Yahoo Finance

Growth hormone – PubMed

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a proteohormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It acts through binding to the hGH receptor, inducing either direct effects or initiating the production of insulin-like growth-factor I (IGF-I), the most important mediator of hGH effects. Growth hormone is primarily known to promote longitudinal growth in children and adolescents, but has also various important metabolic functions throughout adult life. Effects of hGH on the adult organism are well established from studies with recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in growth hormone deficient subjects. In this particular group of patients, replacement of hGH leads to increased lipolysis and lean body mass, decreased fat mass, improvements in VO(2max), and maximal power output. Although extrapolation from these findings to the situation in well trained healthy subjects is impossible, and controlled studies in healthy subjects are scarce, abuse of hGH seems to be popular among athletes trying to enhance physical performance. Detection of the application of rhGH is difficult, especially because the amino acid sequence of rhGH is identical to the major 22,000 Da isoform of hGH normally secreted by the pituitary. Furthermore, some physiological properties of hGH secretion also hindered the development of a doping test: secreted in a pulsatile manner, it has a very short half-life in circulation, which leads to highly variable serum levels. Concentration alone therefore cannot prove the exogenous administration of hGH.Two approaches have independently been developed for the detection of hGH doping: The so-called "marker approach" investigates changes in hGH-dependent parameters like IGF-I or components of bone and collagen metabolism, which are increased after hGH injection. In contrast, the so-called "isoform approach" directly analyses the spectrum of molecular isoforms in circulation: the pituitary gland secretes a spectrum of homo- and heterodimers and - multimers of a variable spectrum of hGH isoforms, whereas rhGH consists of the monomeric 22,000 Da isoform only. This isoform therefore becomes predominant after injection of rhGH. Specific immunoassays with preference for the one or the other isoform allow analysis of the relative abundance of the 22,000 Da isoform. Application of rhGH can be proven when the ratio of this isoform relative to the others is increased above a certain threshold. Because the "marker method" and the "isoform method" have a different window of opportunity for detection, complementary use of both tests could be a way to increase the likelihood of detecting cheating athletes.

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Growth hormone - PubMed

Growth hormone deficiency – Wikipedia

Medical condition

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), or human growth hormone deficiency, is a medical condition resulting from not enough growth hormone (GH).[3] Generally the most noticeable symptom is that an individual attains a short height.[1] Newborns may also present low blood sugar or a small penis size.[2] In adults there may be decreased muscle mass, high cholesterol levels, or poor bone density.[1]

GHD can be present at birth or develop later in life.[1] Causes may include genetics, trauma, infections, tumors, or radiation therapy.[2] Genes that may be involved include GH1, GHRHR, or BTK.[3] In a third of cases no cause is apparent.[2] The underlying mechanism generally involves problems with the pituitary gland.[2] Some cases are associated with a lack of other pituitary hormones, in which case it is known as combined pituitary hormone deficiency.[4] Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure growth hormone levels.[2]

Treatment is by growth hormone replacement using synthetic human growth hormone.[1] The frequency of the condition is unclear.[2] Most cases are initially noticed in children.[1] The genetic forms of this disease are estimated to affect about 1 in 7,000 people.[3] Most types occur equally in males and females though males are more often diagnosed.[2]

Severe prenatal deficiency of GH, as occurs in congenital hypopituitarism, has little effect on fetal growth. However, prenatal and congenital deficiency can reduce the size of a male's penis, especially when gonadotropins are also deficient. Besides micropenis in males, additional consequences of severe deficiency in the first days of life can include hypoglycemia and exaggerated jaundice (both direct and indirect hyperbilirubinemia).[citation needed]

Even congenital GH deficiency does not usually impair length growth until after the first few months of life. From late in the first year until mid-teens, poor growth and/or shortness is the hallmark of childhood GH deficiency. Growth is not as severely affected in GH deficiency as in untreated hypothyroidism, but growth at about half the usual velocity for age is typical. It tends to be accompanied by delayed physical maturation so that bone maturation and puberty may be several years delayed. When severe GH deficiency is present from birth and never treated, adult heights can be as short as 48-65inches (122165cm).[citation needed]

Severe GH deficiency in early childhood also results in slower muscular development, so that gross motor milestones such as standing, walking, and jumping may be delayed. Body composition (i.e., the relative amounts of bone, muscle, and fat) is affected in many children with severe deficiency, so that mild to moderate chubbiness is common (though GH deficiency alone rarely causes severe obesity). Some severely GH-deficient children have recognizable, cherubic facial features characterized by maxillary hypoplasia and forehead prominence.[citation needed]

Other side effects in children include sparse hair growth and frontal recession, and pili torti and trichorrhexis nodosa are also sometimes present.[5]:501

Recognised effects include:[6][7]

Growth hormone deficiency in childhood commonly has no identifiable cause (idiopathic), and adult-onset GHD is commonly due to pituitary tumours and their treatment or to cranial irradiation.[8] A more complete list of causes includes:

There are a variety of rare diseases that resemble GH deficiency, including the childhood growth failure, facial appearance, delayed bone age, and low insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. However, GH testing elicits normal or high levels of GH in the blood, demonstrating that the problem is not due to a deficiency of GH but rather to a reduced sensitivity to its action. Insensitivity to GH is traditionally termed Laron dwarfism, but over the last 15 years many different types of GH resistance have been identified, primarily involving mutations of the GH binding protein or receptors.[citation needed]

As an adult ages, it is normal for the pituitary to produce diminishing amounts of GH and many other hormones, particularly the sex steroids. Physicians therefore distinguish between the natural reduction in GH levels which comes with age, and the much lower levels of "true" deficiency. Such deficiency almost always has an identifiable cause, with adult-onset GHD without a definable cause ("idiopathic GH deficiency") extremely rare.[12] GH does function in adulthood to maintain muscle and bone mass and strength, and has poorly understood effects on cognition and mood.[citation needed]

Although GH can be readily measured in a blood sample, testing for GH deficiency is constrained by the fact that levels are nearly undetectable for most of the day. This makes simple measurement of GH in a single blood sample useless for detecting deficiency. Physicians therefore use a combination of indirect and direct criteria in assessing GHD, including:[citation needed]

"Provocative tests" involve giving a dose of an agent that will normally provoke a pituitary to release a burst of growth hormone. An intravenous line is established, the agent is given, and small amounts of blood are drawn at 15-minute intervals over the next hour to determine if a rise of GH was provoked. Agents which have been used clinically to stimulate and assess GH secretion are arginine,[13] levodopa, clonidine, epinephrine and propranolol, glucagon and insulin. An insulin tolerance test has been shown to be reproducible, age-independent, and able to distinguish between GHD and normal adults,[13] and so is the test of choice.

Severe GH deficiency in childhood additionally has the following measurable characteristics:

In childhood and adulthood, the diagnosing doctor will look for these features accompanied by corroboratory evidence of hypopituitarism such as deficiency of other pituitary hormones, a structurally abnormal pituitary, or a history of damage to the pituitary. This would confirm the diagnosis; in the absence of pituitary pathology, further testing would be required.

Growth hormone deficiency can be congenital or acquired in childhood or adult life. It can be partial or complete. It is usually permanent, but sometimes transient. It may be an isolated deficiency or occur in association with deficiencies of other pituitary hormones.[citation needed]

The term hypopituitarism is often used interchangeably with GH deficiency but more often denotes GH deficiency plus deficiency of at least one other anterior pituitary hormone. When GH deficiency (usually with other anterior pituitary deficiencies) is associated with posterior pituitary hormone deficiency (usually diabetes insipidus), the condition is termed panhypopituitarism.[14]

GH deficiency is treated by replacing GH with daily injections under the skin or into muscle. Until 1985, growth hormone for treatment was obtained by extraction from human pituitary glands collected at autopsy. Since 1985, recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) is a recombinant form of human GH produced by genetically engineered bacteria, manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. In both children and adults, costs of treatment in terms of money, effort, and the impact on day-to-day life, are substantial.[citation needed]

GH treatment is not recommended for children who are not growing despite having normal levels of growth hormone, and in the UK it is not licensed for this use.[15] Children requiring treatment usually receive daily injections of growth hormone. Most pediatric endocrinologists monitor growth and adjust dose every 36 months and many of these visits involve blood tests and x-rays. Treatment is usually extended as long as the child is growing, and lifelong continuation may be recommended for those most severely deficient. Nearly painless insulin syringes, pen injectors, or a needle-free delivery system reduce the discomfort. Injection sites include the biceps, thigh, buttocks, and stomach. Injection sites should be rotated daily to avoid lipoatrophy. Treatment is expensive, costing as much as US$10,000 to $40,000 a year in the US.[citation needed]

GH supplementation is not recommended medically for the physiologic age-related decline in GH/IGF secretion.[8][12] It may be appropriate in diagnosed adult-onset deficiency, where a weekly dose of approximately 25% of that given to children is given. Lower doses again are called for in the elderly to reduce the incidence of side effects and maintain age-dependent normal levels of IGF-1.[16]

In many countries, including the UK, the majority view among endocrinologists is that the failure of treatment to provide any demonstrable, measurable benefits in terms of outcomes means treatment is not recommended for all adults with severe GHD,[17] and national guidelines in the UK as set out by NICE suggest three criteria which all need to be met for treatment to be indicated:

Where treatment is indicated, duration is dependent upon indication.

Cost of adult treatment in the UK is 3000-4000 GBP annually.[17]

When treated with GH, a severely deficient child will begin to grow faster within months. In the first year of treatment, the rate of growth may increase from half as fast as other children are growing to twice as fast (e.g., from 1inch a year to 4inches, or 2.5cm to 10). Growth typically slows in subsequent years, but usually remains above normal so that over several years a child who had fallen far behind in his height may grow into the normal height range. Excess adipose tissue may be reduced.[citation needed]

GH treatment can confer a number of measurable benefits to severely GH-deficient adults, such as enhanced energy and strength, and improved bone density. Muscle mass may increase at the expense of adipose tissue. Although adults with hypopituitarism have been shown to have a reduced life expectancy, and a cardiovascular mortality rate of more than double controls,[17] treatment has not been shown to improve mortality, although blood lipid levels do improve. Similarly, although measurements of bone density improve with treatment, rates of fractures have not been shown to improve.[17]

Effects on quality of life are unproven, with a number of studies finding that adults with GHD had near-normal indicators of QoL at baseline (giving little scope for improvement), and many using outdated dosing strategies. However, it may be that those adults with poor QoL at the start of treatment do benefit.[8]

The incidence of idiopathic GHD in infants is about 1 in every 3800 live births,[18] and rates in older children are rising as more children survive childhood cancers which are treated with radiotherapy, although exact rates are hard to obtain.[9]

The incidence of genuine adult-onset GHD, normally due to pituitary tumours, is estimated at 10 per million.[17]

Like many other 19th century medical terms which lost precise meaning as they gained wider currency, "midget" as a term for someone with severe proportional shortness acquired pejorative connotations and is no longer used in a medical context.

Notable modern pop cultural figures with growth hormone deficiency include actor and comedian Andy Milonakis, who has the appearance and voice of an adolescent boy despite being an adult.[19][20] Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was diagnosed at age 10 with growth hormone deficiency and was subsequently treated.[21]

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Growth hormone deficiency - Wikipedia

Human growth hormone – safe and unsafe use of HGH …

If your child is growing more slowly than other children or is very short for their age, they might have low levels of a brain hormone called human growth hormone (HGH, or hGH).

Growth hormone is a small protein made in part of the brain called the pituitary gland. It travels in the bloodstream to all tissues in the body to stimulate growth.

Lack of HGH can cause slow growth in children and also problems with fitness and health in adults.

A very high level of HGH can cause children to be abnormally tall. In adults, it can cause overgrowth of bone that disfigures the hands, feet and face a condition called acromegaly.

Until the mid-1980s, the growth hormone used to treat humans was extracted from the donated brains of dead people. However a small number of people treated with such HGH developed Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD), a brain disease that causes muscle wasting and dementia.

Today synthetic HGH is used. There is no risk now of CJD.

Growth hormone is used to treat children who are not growing or are very short and adults with growth hormone deficiency.

If your child needs treatment with HGH, the Australian government will cover the cost.

If your child needs treatment with HGH, the Australian government may cover the cost. You can check whether your child is eligible on the Services Australia website.

The use of prescribed HGH under medical supervision is generally safe. HGH is given by injection. Some people get a reaction or swelling at the site of injection and a few get headaches.

Some bone problems, like scoliosis, could be worsened if HGH treatment causes rapid growth.

The illegal use of HGH without a prescription, for example to promote muscle growth, is risky. It can cause acromegaly, and possibly diabetes, high blood pressure, liver damage, heart problems and premature aging.

In addition, illegal HGH may not be what it claims to be, so you dont know what you might be injecting.

If you have questions about HGH, or you are concerned about your child's growth, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

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Human growth hormone - safe and unsafe use of HGH ...

Growth hormone in sports – Wikipedia

Growth hormones in sports refers to the use of growth hormones (GH or HGH) for athletic enhancement, as opposed to growth hormone treatment for medical therapy. Human Growth Hormone is a prescription medication in the US, meaning that its distribution and use without a prescription is illegal.[1] There is limited evidence that GH doping improves athletic performance, although the perception that it does is common in the sporting community.[2] Potential side effects of long term GH doping could mirror the symptoms found in sufferers of acromegaly, a disease in which the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone.[2] These symptoms include swelling of the hands and feet, joint pain, fluid retention, and excessive sweating.[3]

Human growth hormone occurs naturally in the human body where it functions by stimulating growth of essentially all tissues, including bone.[4] Use of exogenous human growth hormone (HGH), via injection, was originally for medical purposes until athletes began abusing HGH with the goal of increasing their abilities. Before recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) was developed in 1981, HGH was only available by extracting it from the pituitary glands of cadavers.[3] The arrival of rHGH combined with other peptide hormone advancements has increased the availability of HGH on both the legitimate and black markets.[5] The first description of the use of GM as a doping agent was Dan Duchaine's "Underground Steroid handbook" which emerged from California in 1982; it is not known where and when GM was first used this way.[6] In 1989 the International Olympic Committee became the first to brand human growth hormone a banned substance.[5] Although abuse of human growth hormone for athletic purposes is illegal in the U.S., over the past decade it appears that abuse of HGH is present in all levels of sport.[7][8] This is fueled at least in part by the fact that HGH is more difficult to detect than most other performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids. This is because rHGH has an identical amino acid sequence to the native isoform of the hormone while GH from cadavers is indistinguishable from endogenous GH.[9] Athletes competing in power sports, bodybuilding, professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, swimming, baseball, strength sports, track and field, cycling, soccer, weight lifting, skiing and endurance sports have been said to abuse human growth hormone, including in combination with other performance-enhancing drugs such as androgenic anabolic steroids including testosterone, certain products which claim to enhance HGH, and erythropoietin (among others).[5][7][8][10]

There has never been an adequately large randomized controlled trial showing definitively that HGH provides benefits to athletes and that there are no significant adverse drug reactions; there have been many small studies and several of these studies were recently reviewed and analyzed in a meta-analysis.[7] While the authors indicated that the meta-analysis was limited by the fact that few of the included studies evaluated athletic performance and by the fact that dosing protocols in the studies may not reflect real-world doses and regimens, their conclusions were as follows:

"Claims that growth hormone enhances physical performance are not supported by the scientific literature. Although the limited available evidence suggests that growth hormone increases lean body mass, it may not improve strength; in addition, it may worsen exercise capacity and increase adverse events. More research is needed to conclusively determine the effects of growth hormone on athletic performance."[7]

With regard to adverse drug reactions, there is data from animal studies that "long-term administration of human growth hormone can increase the risk of diabetes, retention of fluids, joint and muscle pain, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, osteoporosis, irregular menstruation, impotence and elevated HDL cholesterol."[8]

A report from the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on steroid and growth hormone use found that the misguided use of HGH by professional athletes and entertainers was fuelling the industry peddling the drug to the general public for medically inappropriate uses.[11]

Studies have found that HGH reduces body fat[7][10] and increases lean body mass.[7] However, no increase in muscle strength was observed.[7][8] This may be explained by short-term fluid retention.[7]

Researchers are still debating whether the more noticeable muscles are larger in size as well. It should be clarified, though, that muscle mass is not the same as muscle strength. Some say that human growth hormone will build muscle mass through raised insulin-like growth factors levels leading to heightened protein synthesis without any side effects[12] while other researchers argue that there have been no such findings on young healthy adults.[10] The second argument is more supported by research discoveries that HGH affects muscle protein synthesis no differently than a placebo does.[5]

HGH may build up connective tissue within muscles, at least in the short term.[10] If these effects are real they "may promote resistance to injury or faster repair [but] would make the muscle no more capable of force generation".[10] With the release of the Mitchell Report on December 13, 2007, 86 players were revealed to have used performance-enhancing drugs while playing in the Major Leagues. The report stated: "Players who use Human Growth Hormone apparently believe that it assists their ability to recover from injuries and fatigue".[13]

Acromegaly patients, who suffer from natural growth hormone levels of up to 100 times higher than normal, have lower stamina towards physical activity than people with regular levels.[10] When the patients are treated and their growth hormone levels decrease, their stamina improves.[10] This knowledge is part of the evidence behind the new belief that athletes who use supplemental HGH to raise their levels far above average could actually decrease their exercise tolerance, and thus hurt their athletic performance.[10] Further backing was provided in a study done by the Danish Institute of Sports Medicine. They found cyclists of good health and endurance "were unable to complete accustomed cycling tasks after administration of exogenous hGH" and concluded that HGH can inhibit recuperation from exercise.[10] Participants have also been found to have lower stamina after HGH treatment along with higher rates of fatigue.[7] Although adverse side effects can result from excessive doses, typical GH therapy has few side effects and those have likely been overstated due to the excessive amounts administered in earlier studies.[14]

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Growth hormone in sports - Wikipedia

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone – cancer.org

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a synthetic (man-made) hormone that is marketed to dairy farmers to increase milk production in cows. It has been used in the United States since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, but its use is not permitted in the European Union, Canada, and some other countries. This document summarizes what is known about the product and its potential effects on health.

The human form of growth hormone, also calledsomatotropin, is made by the pituitary gland. It promotes growth and cell replication. Bovine growth hormone (BGH), also known asbovinesomatotropin(BST) is the natural form of this hormone in cattle.

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) refers to bovine growth hormone that is made in a lab using genetic technology. Some rBGH products on the market differ chemically from a cow's natural somatotropin by one amino acid. Both the natural and recombinant forms of the hormone stimulate a cow's milk production by increasing levels of another hormone known as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

Concerns about possible health effects on humans from milk produced using rBGH have focused on 2 main issues.

First, does drinking milk from rBGH-treated cows increase blood levels of growth hormone or IGF-1 in consumers? If it does, would this be expected to have any health effects in people, including increasing the risk of cancer? Several scientific reviews have looked at these issues and are the main focus of this document.

Second, cows treated with rBGH tend to develop more udder infections (mastitis). These cows are given more antibiotics than cows not given rBGH. Does this increased use of antibiotics lead to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and is this a health concern for people? This remains a concern, but it has not been fully examined in humans.

Bovine growth hormone levels are not significantly higher in milk from rBGH-treated cows. On top of this, BGH is not active in humans, so even if it were absorbed from drinking milk, it wouldn't be expected to cause health effects.

Of greater concern is the fact that milk from rBGH-treated cows has higher levels of IGF-1, a hormone that normally helps some types of cells to grow. Several studies have found that IGF-1 levels at the high end of the normal range may influence the development of certain tumors. Some early studies found a relationship between blood levels of IGF-1 and the development ofprostate,breast,colorectal, and other cancers, but later studies have failed to confirm these reports or have found weaker relationships. While there may be a link between IGF-1 blood levels and cancer, the exact nature of this link remains unclear.

Some studies have shown that adults who drink milk have about 10% higher levels of IGF-1 in their blood than those who drink little or no milk. But this same finding has also been reported in people who drink soy milk. This suggests that the increase in IGF-1 may not be specific to cow's milk, and may be caused by protein, minerals, or some other factors in milk unrelated to rBGH. There have been no direct comparisons of IGF-1 levels in people who drink ordinary cow's milk vs. milk stimulated by rBGH.

At this time, it is not clear that drinking milk, produced with or without rBGH treatment, increases blood IGF-1 levels into a range that might be of concern regarding cancer risk or other health effects.

In the early 1990s, the FDA and other organizations looked at 3 questions regarding IGF-1 exposure from rBGH-treated milk. These were:

The available evidence can be summarized as follows:

At least 8 other national and international review committees have evaluated the evidence concerning potential health effects of rBGH on humans and dairy cows. These reviews (and the most recent year they convened) are listed below. Several of these reports document adverse effects on cows, including higher rates of mastitis, foot problems, and injection site reactions.

Although the use of rBGH is still approved in the United States, demand for the product has decreased in recent years. Many large grocery store chains no longer carry milk from cows treated with rBGH. A United States Department of Agriculture survey conducted in 2007 found that less than 1 in 5 cows (17%) were being injected with rBGH.

The available evidence shows that the use of rBGH can cause adverse health effects in cows. The evidence for potential harm to humans is inconclusive. It is not clear that drinking milk produced using rBGH significantly increases IGF-1 levels in humans or adds to the risk of developing cancer. More research is needed to help better address these concerns.

The increased use of antibiotics to treat rBGH-induced mastitis does promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the extent to which these are transmitted to humans is unclear.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has no formal position regarding rBGH.

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Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone - cancer.org

NBA will not randomly test players for marijuana again this season – MLive.com

The NBA wont randomly test players for marijuana this season, a continuation of the policy that was put in place for the COVID-19 restart bubble.

The Associated Press reports that drug testing will continue for things such as human growth hormone and performance-enhancers, along with what the league calls drugs of abuse such as methamphetamine, cocaine and opiates.

We have agreed with the NBPA to extend the suspension of random testing for marijuana for the 2021-22 season and focus our random testing program on performance-enhancing products and drugs of abuse, NBA spokesman Mike Bass said Wednesday.

The policy comes as more than half of the states in the U.S., including Michigan, have decriminalized possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The agreement was revealed to players in a memo from the players union, the details of which were first reported by ESPN.

The league didnt test for marijuana last season, either.

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NBA will not randomly test players for marijuana again this season - MLive.com