Childhood asthma

Holliston, MA, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. (OTCQB: HRGN) (“Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing the technology to regenerate organs inside the body to treat severe diseases, is proud to announce a new partnership with the renowned Capital Institute of Pediatrics in China to develop innovative treatments for Esophageal Atresia (EA) using our flagship Cellspan Esophageal Implant (CEI) product candidate. By combining HRGN's pioneering platform technology with the Capital Institute of Pediatrics' world-class expertise in pediatric care, this partnership will focus on clinical research, product development, and patient access to life-saving treatments. Dr. Lishuang Ma, a chief surgeon at the Children’s hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, expressed great enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Partnering with HRGN offers an exciting opportunity to leverage cutting-edge regenerative medicine technology in addressing Esophageal Atresia, a condition that requires innovative solutions. Together, we aim to improve patient outcomes and bring hope to families affected by this challenging condition.” Jerry He, HRGN’s Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman, shared: "Our CEI product holds tremendous potential to improve the quality of life for children with Esophageal Atresia, and this partnership accelerates our ability to bring this innovation to those who need it most." The partnership will focus on conducting Investigator initiated trials (IITs) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CEI product in treating Esophageal Atresia, with the aim of accelerating regulatory approval and expanding access to this novel treatment. Through joint efforts, Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology and the Children’s hospital Capital institute of Pediatrics in Beijing, China are committed to setting new standards of care in pediatric medicine. About Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing regenerative-medicine treatments for disorders of the gastro-intestinal system and other organs resulting from cancer, trauma or birth defects. Our technology is based on our proprietary cell-therapy platform that uses a patient’s own stem cells to regenerate and restore function to damaged organs. We believe that our technology represents a next-generation solution for restoring organ function because it allows the patient to regenerate their own organ, thus eliminating the need for human donor or animal transplants, the sacrifice of another of the patient’s own organs or permanent artificial implants. We conducted the world’s first successful regeneration of the esophagus in a patient with esophageal cancer in August 2017. This surgery was performed by Dr. Dennis Wigle, Chair of Thoracic Surgery at the Mayo Clinic. The results were published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology Clinical and Research Reports in August 2021. The procedure demonstrated that our technology was able to successfully regenerate esophageal tissue, including the mucosal lining, to restore the integrity, continuity and functionality of the esophageal tube. HRGN has 13 issued U.S. patents, 2 issued in China, 1 issued in Japan, 2 issued in Europe and 2 orphan-drug designations which can provide seven years of market exclusivity in the US market after market approval from the FDA and 1 EMA orphan drug designation, which can provide ten years of market exclusivity in the European market after market approval from the EMA. For more information, please visit www.hregen.com and connect with the Company on LinkedIn. About Capital Institute of Pediatrics The Children’s hospital Capital Institute of Pediatricians is a globally recognized leader in pediatric care, specializing in cutting-edge treatments and research for childhood diseases. The institute is dedicated to improving health outcomes for children through advanced medical solutions and compassionate care. For more information, please visit https://www.shouer.com.cn/index.html Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release are “forward-looking” and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking” statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the capabilities and performance of our products and product candidates; development expectations and regulatory approval of any of the Company’s products, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency or otherwise, which expectations or approvals may not be achieved or obtained on a timely basis or at all; and success with respect to any collaborations, clinical trials and other development and commercialization efforts of the Company’s products, which such success may not be achieved or obtained on a timely basis or at all. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, the Company’s inability to obtain needed funds in the immediate future; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for its products; plus other factors described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 or described in the Company’s other public filings. The Company’s results may also be affected by factors of which the Company is not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Investor Relations Contacts Joseph DamasioChief Financial Officer774-233-7330jdamasio@hregen.com

PHOENIX, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at Phoenix Children's Research Institute at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix have achieved remarkable progress in medical research thus far in 2024, advancing new cures, securing significant funding and improving medical care through more than 700 active studies. "Our researchers are stretching the boundaries of science," said Stewart Goldman, MD, senior vice president of research at Phoenix Children's and Sybil B. Harrington endowed chair and professor, Department of Child Health at UArizona College of Medicine — Phoenix. "In recent months, their work has improved understanding and treatments for kids facing some of the most challenging childhood diseases, from neuromuscular disorders and congenital heart disease to fragile lungs, sickle cell disease and cancer." Just this year, the institute has published more than 310 studies and secured more than $5.9 million in funding from sources including the National Cancer Institute through Children's Oncology Group, as well as the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). Highlights from this research include: Preventing the Spread of Lung Cancer A study led by Tanya Kalin, MD, PhD, vice chair of translational research for Phoenix Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and professor of Child Health at UArizona College of Medicine — Phoenix, revealed a novel method for preventing the spread of lung cancer. The research, featured in EMBO Molecular Medicine in April, demonstrates a new treatment approach that improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy by stabilizing tumor blood vessels. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that aim to starve tumors, which can make cancer cells more aggressive. This work represents a significant discovery that could change cancer treatment in the future. Generating Transplantable Lungs Vlad Kalinichenko, MD, PhD, director of Phoenix Children's Research Institute at UArizona College of Medicine — Phoenix, and Bingqiang Wen, Ph.D., assistant professor of Child Health at UArizona College of Medicine — Phoenix, made history when they successfully generated mouse lungs in a rat using advanced genome editing and blastocyst complementation. This breakthrough, published in March in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, is the first of its kind in the world. It provides a path forward in generating transplantable lungs, providing new hope to children in need of transplant. Identifying a New Treatment for Aggressive Brain Tumors Dr. Goldman is now leading the PBTC-048 Trial to evaluate the efficacy of the Optune device in treating recurrent, progressive or refractory supratentorial high-grade glioma or ependymoma as well as newly diagnosed cases of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in children. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium represents 15 children's hospitals throughout North America. This study assesses the feasibility and safety of combining Optune, which uses low-intensity electric fields to disrupt cancer cell growth, in conjunction with and following radiation therapy. The research aims to develop a new treatment modality for children with these highly aggressive brain tumors, which currently have very poor prognoses. Treating Lung Disease in Premature Infants Dr. Kalinichenko secured a $3 million NIH grant to develop innovative new treatments for lung diseases in premature infants. Using gene and cell therapies, he is working to improve lung function and blood vessel formation in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, offering a potential breakthrough in treating this life-threatening condition. Improving Outcomes Following Congenital Heart Surgery New research examining the impact of respiratory viral infections on congenital heart surgery outcomes in pediatric patients was published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in January. The study provides important insights for preoperative assessment and postoperative stay. It was published by a collaborative team at Phoenix Children's including Lucia Mirea, Ph.D., senior biostatistician; Arash Sabati, MD, pediatric cardiologist and medical director of the Exercise Stress program; Mohamad Alaeddine, MD, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon; and Daniel Velez, MD, co-director, Phoenix Children's Center for Heart Care and division chief of cardiothoracic surgery. Treating Neuromuscular Conditions In March, Matthew Halanski, MD, division chief of orthopedics and sports medicine, and the Herbert J. Louis Endowed Chair in Orthopedics at Phoenix Children's, received the prestigious POSNA research award, which supports his work to enhance treatment outcomes for patients with neuromuscular hip disorders. Among many areas of research, Dr. Halanski is working to develop new surgical techniques and post-operative care protocols to improve mobility and quality of life for children with neuromuscular conditions. Diagnosing Tumors Kristian T. Schafernak, MD, MPH, Phoenix Children's pathologist, contributed to the WHO Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors, also known as a WHO Blue Book, which was published in March and is considered the gold standard for tumor diagnosis from pathological and genetic perspectives. This work follows his previous contributions to the WHO Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors. Contributing to WHO Blue Books is a true signifier of Dr. Schafernak's expertise and underscores the global impact of his research. Advancing Sickle Cell Care As a result of Phoenix Children's partnership with Arizona State University's Center for Health Information and Research (CHiR), Arizona is now integrated into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national Sickle Cell Data Collection Program. This initiative aims to quantify the size of Arizona's sickle cell population and enhance understanding and management of the disease through comprehensive data collection and analysis. "There's no time to waste when it comes to discovering new treatments for children facing catastrophic diagnoses," said Dr. Goldman. "Our goal is to advance new hope and healing across every area of child health." Research conducted at Phoenix Children's, as well as at the Phoenix Children's Research Institute at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix, comprises more than 700 active studies, 640 research investigators and 100 research staff members including research scientists, associates, biostatisticians, pharmacists, nurses, coordinators and assistants. Scientists engage in research across multiple clinical disciplines including cancer, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology and more. About Phoenix Children's Phoenix Children's is one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children's Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital – Arrowhead Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital – East Valley, Phoenix Children's – Avondale Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 11 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona. The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for 40 years. Phoenix Children's Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we're elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together. For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org. 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FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2024 -- If you think it isn't important to start breastfeeding your newborn while still in the hospital, think again. New research shows that infants who were exclusively fed breast milk during their hospitalization right after birth were 22% less likely to develop asthma in early childhood. The findings, to be presented Sunday at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., held even after adjusting for maternal race, insurance, infant sex and length of hospital stay. “Although the birth hospitalization lasts only a few days, it sets a critical foundation for establishing breastfeeding, which can influence health outcomes like childhood asthma,” said study author Dr. Laura Placke Ward , co-director for the Center for Breastfeeding Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Our study underscores the importance of hospital practices in supporting exclusive breastfeeding, as these early experiences may impact long-term health,” she added in a meeting news release. While longer periods of exclusive breastfeeding are known to reduce asthma risk, the benefits of breastfeeding right after birth and before mom and baby leave the hospital is less well understood, the study authors noted. "Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for newborns, and breastfed infants have a decreased risk of developing many childhood illnesses, including asthma," the researchers said. "Studies have shown that longer periods of exclusive breastfeeding confer greater protection against asthma, but few studies have evaluated the impact of birth hospital feeding patterns on childhood asthma." In the latest study, 81% of the 9,649 newborns received some breast milk while still in the hospital, while 31% exclusively received breast milk. In total, 5% were later diagnosed with asthma. Infants who got only breast milk had a lower rate of asthma diagnosis compared to those who did not receive any breast milk or who did not receive breast milk exclusively in those early days. Additionally, infants whose first feeding was breast milk also had a lower rate of asthma compared to those whose first feeding wasn't breast milk. “This finding highlights the need for greater emphasis on supporting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the early days of life,” Ward said. “By focusing on these crucial first days, we may impact children's health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic conditions like asthma.” Because these findings were presented at a medical meeting, they should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.