Academic

Australia opens new imaging facility to boost research and healthcare

A new multimillion dollar imaging facility that will underpin Western Australia’s access to potentially life-changing clinical trials in neuroscience, cancer and a new generation of technologies was launched recently by Science and Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson. The Western Australia's National Imaging Facility (WA NIF) Node now has WA’s first research-dedicated human MRI and PET-CT imaging technologies to add to its existing preclinical capability. Based at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, the project is led by The University of Western Australia and the Western Australian Health Translation Network. Among key projects hoping to benefit from the human MRI is a study led by Professor Fiona Wood and Associate Professor Mark Fear to compare the brains of children who have had a burn injury to those of the same age who have not had a burn. This follows earlier studies that found children who had burn injuries were more likely to be admitted to hospital for mental health treatment — Professor Wood’s research team is currently seeking funding for the novel study. An Alzheimer’s disease study, led by Curtin University’s Professor John Mamo, will use both the PET-CT and MRI to investigate the impact of the cholesterol-lowering drug Probucol on cognitive function. The National Imaging Facility (NIF) is Australia’s Advanced Imaging Network and has contributed $4.42 million to the new WA facility through the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). This investment includes new equipment for the manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals to be housed in the new cyclotron laboratories at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Avid Bioservices Completes Construction of New, World-Class Cell and Gene Therapy Development and Manufacturing Facility

Avid Bioservices, Inc. a dedicated biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) working to improve patient lives by providing high quality development and manufacturing services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, announced that it has completed construction of CGMP manufacturing suites within its new, world-class cell and gene therapy (CGT) development and CGMP manufacturing facility as scheduled. The newly launched CGMP manufacturing suites are currently undergoing final environmental monitoring and performance qualification. With the completion of this latest and final expansion project, Avid estimates that its combined facilities now have a potential total revenue generating capacity of up to approximately $400 million annually. The purpose-built 53,000 square foot CGT development and manufacturing facility will support early-stage development through commercial manufacturing and is located in Orange County, CA, just five miles from Avid’s mammalian development and manufacturing operations. The recently completed manufacturing suites join the CGT facility’s analytical and process development labs, which were launched in 2022. Avid plans to commemorate the completion of the CGT facility by hosting a celebratory grand opening in January 2024. “Over the past few years, we have implemented a strategic expansion plan designed to grow both our capacity and capabilities to align with the demands of the evolving biopharmaceutical market. With the completion of our CGT facility and launch of its CGMP manufacturing suites, we have now completed all phases of that expansion plan and find ourselves strongly positioned to meet the needs of our current and future customers,” said Nick Green, president and chief executive officer of Avid Bioservices. “The completion of this expansion is another example of the Avid team’s ability to execute. The facility’s completion comes only 24 months after we first broke ground and, when allied with the other activities and expansions undertaken by the team during this period, represents a significant achievement. We look forward to engaging with customers and offering them the full range of capabilities necessary to serve their needs along with Avid’s significant experience of operating CGMP-compliant facilities.” Avid’s CGT facility will have the capability to produce suspension culture batches of up to 3,000 liters, as well as adherent cultures utilizing fixed bed bioreactors. Additionally, the manufacturing suites are designed to produce drug product with the use of state-of-the-art filling and capping machinery performed under isolator. With over 6,000 square feet dedicated to quality control laboratory space, the facility will be fully equipped to support both clinical and commercial CGT products. “As more and more clinical successes are achieved in the cell and gene therapy space, we will continue to see increasing demand for CDMOs with extensive commercial manufacturing experience and mature, well-tested quality systems. Avid Bioservices is very well positioned through our new CGT facility and experienced team to produce these life-saving therapies for the benefit of patients around the world,” said Drew Brennan, general manager of viral vector technologies of Avid Bioservices.

Smith+Nephew opens new state-of-the-art surgical innovation and training centre

Smith+Nephew the global medical technology company specialising in orthopaedics, advanced wound management and sports medicine, is pleased to announce the opening of the purpose-built Smith+Nephew Academy Munich, a new centre for surgical innovation and training. S+N Academy Munich, situated in Kustermann Park in the heart of the city, will provide a central European hub for surgeons from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Surgeons and other healthcare specialists will learn the latest surgical techniques using the most advanced technology available, and practice surgical techniques using both hands-on and fully immersive digital interactive experiences. S+N Academy Munich is the latest addition to a global network of nine Academies, across three continents. At its peak, S+N Academy Munich is expected to train up to 5,000 global healthcare providers at the site each year. Additionally, S+N Academy Munich will also serve as a hub to connect healthcare professionals with its global marketing and research and development teams to test and validate new technologies. 'Our investment in S+N Academy Munich is part of a global commitment to drive innovation and learning in medical technology, creating an environment where the best healthcare providers can learn, collaborate, and innovate in order to meet the needs of their patients,' said Cynthia Walker, Global Senior Vice President for Medical Education, Smith+Nephew.

French pharma firm Sanofi opens new research site at Griffith University in Australia

Sanofi, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, has progressed its partnership with Griffith University by officially opening its latest research site at the university’s Gold Coast campus, which will bring global biomedical research and development (R&D) to the Coast. The partnership forms part of the Translational Science Hub (TSH), a collaboration that links world-class researchers in Queensland, and now the Gold Coast, with scientists at the Sanofi mRNA Centre of Excellence in France and the United States to develop the next generation of immunisations. A first of its kind, TSH is a $280 million partnership between Sanofi, the Queensland Government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland that is putting the Sunshine State at the forefront of mRNA vaccine development and biomedical research in Australia. The Translational Science Hub will initially focus on the evaluation of a new generation of mRNA vaccines. mRNA is expected to herald new vaccines that instruct certain cells to produce proteins that are recognised by the immune system to mount a defence. Researchers based on the Gold Coast will use Griffith University infrastructure and technology to better understand mRNA vaccine technology, which will help to optimise the platform to produce better vaccines and expand its use in the development of therapies to treat a variety of diseases. First-of-its-kind vaccines for chlamydia, acne and even some cancers, plus improved vaccines for influenza and RSV, will be developed on the Gold Coast and across Queensland.

Start Your Career in Behavioral Healthcare with Helping Hands Family

Helping Hands Family (HHF), a leading provider of autism therapy services is Great Place to Work certified for its welcoming environment and impactful job opportunities. HHF is hiring Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in most of their locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. What is an RBT? Registered Behavior Technicians play a vital role in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), RBTs provide 1:1 play-based therapy called applied behavior analysis (ABA), using evidence-based principles and strategies to teach children with ASD new skills, reduce problem behaviors, and improve their quality of life. What does an RBT do? RBTs implement specific tasks/goals with their client that are laid out in the behavior care plan created by BCBAs. Through play-based therapy tactics, an RBT observes and takes notes on a child's progression with the goals. These notes are used to help the BCBA adjust a client's treatment plan to make sure the child is progressing and seeing positive outcomes. The ABA field is growing rapidly, and RBTs are in high demand. RBTs can work in a variety of settings, including homes, clinics, and schools. This provides flexibility to choose a setting that is a good fit for you. Why become an RBT at Helping Hands Family? HHF is a great place to become an RBT because they offer unique benefits: Comprehensive, Paid Training Program- HHF offers a 4-week paid training program which covers all the skills necessary to pass the RBT certification exam. Fun Work Environment- RBTs at HHF enjoy participating in team-building activities, social events, and celebrations, connecting with their team, and having fun! Impactful and Rewarding Career- At HHF, you will have the chance to develop new skills, grow your career, and make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

STEMCELL Technologies Partners with Science World to Empower Girls Pursuing Science-related Careers

STEMCELL Technologies, Canada’s largest biotechnology company, is pleased to announce it will be the presenting partner of the Girls and STEAM Summit at Science World in Vancouver. “Science is about so much more than what happens in the laboratory. It provides a lens that can instill a deep-seated curiosity in young minds and enrich every aspect of our lives,” said Sharon Louis, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, STEMCELL. “Scientific education – in the classroom and out in the world – can lead to life-changing experiences and limitless opportunities for young women and girls. STEMCELL is proud to support the Girls and STEAM program to make science more accessible, and help ignite the passion of the next generation of scientists and leaders.” The Girls and STEAM program provides a welcoming space where individuals aged 12-14 who identify as a girl, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-questioning, can participate in STEAM-based learning experiences in person and online, connect with people working in STEAM-related careers, and discover future STEAM opportunities. "At Science World, we're committed to providing 'Science for All,' and that includes breaking down barriers that keep girls and women from fully participating in STEAM fields," said Tracy Redies, President and CEO, Science World. "It's about providing them with opportunities and fostering a culture of equity in STEAM industries. We're thrilled to create a platform where young women and girls in our community can be inspired by accomplished women with exciting careers in science."

AYLO HEALTH GROWING THE TEAM-BASED HEALTHCARE MODEL IN GEORGIA

An increasing number of national medical academies are touting the benefits of "team-based healthcare." Team-based healthcare is a simple concept where health care professionals work collaboratively with patients and their caregivers to accomplish shared goals. Implementing this concept has unfortunately been a rarity for many healthcare organizations due to a fragmented and complex health care landscape. "The journey to better health is not an individual venture," noted Tim Reichert of Aylo Health in Georgia. "When we committed to redefine healthcare at Aylo Health, the team-based care model was at the very heart of our concept." Aylo Health patients have access to a team of healthcare professionals beyond the traditional family medicine model. An Aylo Health patients' healthcare team includes imaging, laboratory, pediatrics, sleep medicine and more. Aylo Health believes that this team-based healthcare model can dramatically improve the patient experience. The Aylo Health team-based healthcare model has resulted in the following: 1. Improved Patient Outcomes Studies have shown that involving a team of healthcare professionals can lead to better patient outcomes. This approach enables patients to receive more comprehensive and coordinated care that addresses all aspects of their health. 2. Enhanced Patient Satisfaction Team-based care can also lead to higher levels of patient satisfaction. When patients are receiving personalized and coordinated care, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their healthcare experience. In fact, over the last 3 months – Aylo Health providers have averaged a 4.9/5 rating from patients! 3. Better Continuity of Care Team based care can also help ensure better continuity of care. When providers work together, they can share information and ensure that all aspects of a patient's health are being addressed, even if they see different providers at different times. You don't need to see the same doctor every time to get the best care.

DaVita and Adtalem collaborate to launch the "Introduction to Nephrology Nursing" curriculum

DaVita Inc., a leading kidney care provider, has joined forces with Adtalem Global Education, to launch the "Introduction to Nephrology Nursing" curriculum as a part of the Practice Ready. Specialty Focused. ™ (PRSF) initiative at one of its institutions, Chamberlain University. Designed to prepare pre-licensure nursing students for careers within the industry's most in-demand fields, the PRSF program introduces students to health care specialty options available with one-on-one clinical experiences with practicing nurses before graduation. "We often hear inspirational stories about people becoming nurses because they want to change lives. However, since the pandemic, the industry is seeing nurses experience burnout like never before, as well as new nurses not receiving the specialty training needed to enhance their career paths," said Tina Livaudais, RN, BSN, MBA, chief nursing officer of DaVita Kidney Care. "Chamberlain is the largest online school of nursing in the U.S., and our collaboration creates a unique opportunity to educate and show nursing students how fulfilling a career in nephrology can be. We look forward to working with Adtalem to train Chamberlain students to become skilled nurses that provide patients with ongoing, life-sustaining kidney care." "As the U.S. experiences a critical shortage of nurses, we're seeing that some health care specialties are more strongly impacted than others — including nephrology. We are dedicated to ensuring our students are equipped to fill this gap and aim to combat the shortage crisis by connecting the students with hands-on experience and potential employers like DaVita, which is why the PRSF program was created," added Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, president of Chamberlain University. "The collaboration with DaVita not only allows us to introduce nursing students to nephrology, but also it's crucial for gaining exposure into the specialty, first-hand clinical experience, and the skills needed to graduate into a career in kidney care." Through the collaboration, Adtalem and DaVita will develop online courses and a clinical practicum that delivers hands-on learning experiences to Chamberlain students. The new nephrology curriculum will provide the necessary tools, information, and practical experience they need to understand the nephrology clinical landscape and step into a nephrology nursing career with a strong foundation.

National Law University, India organising certificate course on pharma & public policy

Intellectual Property Advocacy & Analysis Centre at the National Law University in Odisha is organising a certificate course titled: Pharmaceutical Industry, IPRs and Public Policy in India, in October 2023. The course would challenge the students to think about why pharmaceutical industry is much talked about in the context of public health crises, especially in developing countries like India. It would familiarise them with the dynamics of the linkage between the pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property rights (IPRs) and public health touching upon economic, legal and public policy issues. The course will focus on the significance of pharmaceuticals for public health; Trade in pharmaceuticals; R&D in pharma industry; IPRs and access to medical products, to name a few. The course is set to begin in the first week of October, with online classes to be scheduled on Saturdays, between 5pm and 7pm. Dr Reji K Joseph, Associate Professor, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development is the faculty in-charge.

Tareen Dermatology Empowers Young Girls with Careers in Medicine Events

Tareen Dermatology, a leading dermatology practice with 6 locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2nd annual Careers in Medicine event, specifically designed to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in the medical field. The event is focused on organizations that support young minorities and women of color, such as Project Diva, Rawdatul Muhibbeen, Big Brother, Big Sister, Girls in Action, and more. These events have provided invaluable opportunities for young aspiring female doctors and healthcare professionals to gain insights, mentorship, and guidance from accomplished women in medicine. Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender equality in the medical profession, Tareen Dermatology has been committed to fostering the next generation of female healthcare leaders. The Careers in Medicine events were created to address women's underrepresentation in medicine and encourage young girls to explore the vast opportunities available to them in the healthcare industry. At the most recent event in July of this year, attendees were offered a close look at possible career opportunities within Tareen Dermatology's medical practice, including becoming a doctor or physician assistant, medical assistant, registered nurse, histologist, phlebotomist, pathologist, radiation therapist, medical aesthetician, medical marketer, business/admin staff and more. In addition, Tareen Dermatology offered any attending individuals to apply for $1,000 in scholarships for two high school juniors or seniors passionate about a future career working in healthcare! Our women in the leadership panel selected two individuals for this application cycle and will be awarded their scholarship money in the next couple of weeks. Tareen Dermatology plans to offer this scholarship to future attendees at each event moving forward. Dr. Mohiba Tareen, the founder of Tareen Dermatology, expressed her enthusiasm for the success of the Careers in Medicine events, stating, "We are thrilled to have provided a platform for young minority women and girls to explore their passion for medicine and to connect with inspiring women who have paved the way in this field. We aim to empower and support these future healthcare leaders and are proud to have played a role in their journey." The practice plans to expand the Careers in Medicine events, reaching out to more schools and communities and providing even more opportunities for young girls to explore their passion for medicine and receive mentorship from accomplished women in healthcare.