Extremely low birth weight infant

Results on this and a second study on opioid testing to be discussed at ADLM 2024 CHICAGO, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Breaking research shows that rates of cannabis use during pregnancy are far higher than previously thought, a finding that could improve efforts to identify pregnant cannabis users and inform them of potential risks. This study will be presented today at ADLM 2024 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo), along with a second study on a machine learning model that predicts the duration of opioid use after surgery. Cannabis use during pregnancy Cannabis is rapidly becoming legalized in more and more states across the U.S. and its recreational use is skyrocketing, but its effects on the developing fetus are not fully understood. Current recommendations advise against cannabis use and exposure during pregnancy due to its association with negative outcomes, such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and developmental deficits. A research team from NMS Labs led by Dr. Alexandria Reinhart sought to investigate the prevalence of cannabinoid exposure in utero during 2019-2023 by analyzing umbilical cord samples submitted for testing. Of the 90,384 samples tested, 44% were positive for at least one of approximately 60 analytes included in the testing panel, and cannabinoids accounted for 59%-63% of all positive results, making them the most common drug found. "The sheer amount of cannabinoid positivity we found in comparison to all the drugs that we run on our umbilical cord toxicity testing was pretty astounding," Dr. Reinhart said. As the effects of cannabinoids on health continue to be studied, the clinical laboratory should be vigilant in testing for them in pregnant individuals, according to Dr. Reinhart. This, in turn, will enable clinicians to educate these patients about the potential harm that cannabis can do to a fetus. Predicting duration of opioid use Hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid in the U.S. and is often used for pain management following surgery. It is a known potential drug of abuse and can result in dependence and addiction. There is significant variability in patients' response to hydrocodone therapy, though, including how long after surgery they require the drug to manage their pain. Dr. Hunter Miller along with colleagues from the University of Louisville and a researcher from ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, evaluated whether machine learning models could predict postoperative hydrocodone use duration in patients who had undergone orthopedic surgery. They developed two different models — a fast and frugal tree (FFTree) and a second that used an extreme gradient boosting approach (xgBoost) — that incorporated patient demographics, genetic test results, concurrently prescribed medications, and other clinical laboratory test results. The researchers evaluated the two models by using them to predict the duration of hydrocodone use for 79 patients for whom they already had hydrocodone use duration information. Both models demonstrated good to excellent performance when classifying patients as either "short" or "long" duration users. Specifically, the FFTree model classified patients with 0.80 sensitivity and 0.76 specificity, while the xgBoost model achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 0.87 and 0.63, respectively. "Currently, when it comes to pain management, most clinicians are kind of just taking a shot in the dark, because they don't really know how a patient is going to respond to a drug," Dr. Miller said. In the future, "a physician could theoretically put a patient's information into the model, estimate a probability for how long a patient is going to be on hydrocodone, and potentially switch them to a different therapeutic strategy if they have a high risk of prolonged use." Session information ADLM 2024 registration is free for members of the media. Reporters can register online here: Abstract B-259: Cannabinoid prevalence in umbilical cord tissue toxicity testing will be presented during: Scientific poster session Wednesday, July 31 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (presenting authors in attendance from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.) Poster Hall on the Expo show floor Abstract B-123: Prediction of opioid use duration in post-surgical orthopedic patients using CYP2D6 inhibitor index and routine laboratory markers will be presented during the following two sessions: Session 33109 Academy Distinguished Abstracts: Innovations in bedside-to-bench and back again Tuesday, July 30 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Room S504abc Scientific poster session Wednesday, July 31 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (presenting authors in attendance from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.) Poster Hall on the Expo show floor All sessions will take place at McCormick Place, Chicago. About ADLM 2024 ADLM 2024 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo) offers 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from July 28-August 1 in Chicago. Plenary sessions will explore the projected consequences of ending abortion protection, new HIV prevention options, lymphoma biomarkers and therapeutic targets, pharmacogenetic testing in precision health, and the need for clinical trials of laboratory tests. At the ADLM 2024 Clinical Lab Expo, more than 900 exhibitors will fill the show floor of the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, point-of-care, and automation. About the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, ADLM (formerly AACC) brings together more than 70,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, ADLM has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit . Christine DeLong ADLM Associate Director, Communications & PR (p) 202.835.8722 [email protected] Molly Polen ADLM Senior Director, Communications & PR (p) 202.420.7612 (c) 703.598.0472 [email protected] SOURCE Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM)

Key Takeaways Wildfire smoke may be particularly hazardous to brain health, according to a 10-year study of more than 1.2 million southern Californians. Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other forms of air pollution. The risk of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is much more pronounced when the source is wildfire smoke than when it comes from other sources, such as motor vehicles and factories. To lower their risk, people should update their home air filtration systems when possible, stay inside when the air quality is unhealthy, and wear an N95 mask outside when the Air Quality Index reaches 100. PHILADELPHIA, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other types of air pollution, according to a decade-long study of more than 1.2 million people in southern California. The findings, reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2024, in Philadelphia and online, suggest the brain health threat posed by wildfire smoke is higher than other forms of air pollution. Wildfire smoke, motor vehicles and factories all emit a type of air pollution called fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This is a microscopic mixture of solid and liquid droplets in the air that are 30 times smaller than the width of an average human hair. Researchers found that the risk of dementia diagnosis due to exposure to PM2.5 in wildfire smoke was notably stronger — even with less exposure — than the risk due to the other sources of PM2.5 air pollution. Exposure to non-wildfire PM2.5 raised the risk of dementia diagnosis, but not as much as wildfire smoke. High levels of PM2.5 also have been shown to raise the risk of heart disease, asthma and low birth weight. "With the rising global incidence of wildfires, including in California and the western U.S., exposure to this type of air pollution is an increasing threat to brain health," said Claire Sexton, DPhil, Alzheimer's Association senior director of scientific programs and outreach. "These findings underscore the importance of enacting policies to prevent wildfires and investigating better methods to address them." Researchers analyzed the health records of 1,227,241 socioeconomically diverse Kaiser Permanente southern California members who were 60 years or older between 2009-2019, none of whom had been diagnosed with dementia at the beginning of the study. Total PM2.5 was estimated from various sources, including satellite-derived aerosol properties and Environmental Protection Agency monitoring. Researchers used air quality monitoring data, satellite imagery and machine learning techniques to separate wildfire and non-wildfire PM2.5. They determined each study participant's exposure to both sources of PM2.5 according to where they lived. They compared that information to subsequent diagnoses of dementia in participants' health records. Reported for the first time at AAIC 2024, the researchers observed a 21% increase in the odds of dementia diagnosis for every increase of 1 microgram per meter — or µg/m3, which is the amount of particulate matter in a cubic meter of air — in the three-year average wildfire PM2.5 exposure. Comparatively, they determined study participants had a 3% increased risk of dementia diagnosis for every increase of 3 µg/m3 in the three-year average of non-wildfire PM2.5 exposure. "Previous research has found that exposure to PM2.5 is associated with dementia, but in light of our large, long-term study, it's apparent the risk from exposure due to wildfire smoke is an even bigger concern," said Holly Elser, M.D., Ph.D., the study's first author and a neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. "Air pollution produced by wildfires now accounts for more than 70% of total PM2.5 exposure on poor air quality days in California. This is a real problem." Dr. Elser noted several reasons why PM2.5 produced by wildfires might be more hazardous to health: they are produced at higher temperatures, contain a greater concentration of toxic chemicals and, on average, are smaller in diameter than PM2.5 from other sources. She said more research needs to be done to determine the exact mechanisms. "The findings appeared most pronounced among individuals from racially and ethnically minoritized groups and in high poverty areas," said Joan A. Casey, Ph.D., senior author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington, Seattle. "These findings underscore that clinical and health policies seeking to prevent dementia-associated disparities should include efforts to reduce exposure to long-term wildfire and non-wildfire PM2.5." Drs. Elser and Casey recommend that people update their air filtration systems and check the air quality on their weather app if they use one. An Air Quality Index (AQI) number of 100 or higher means the air is unhealthy to breathe. To reduce their risk when the AQI is 100 or higher, people should stay inside when possible and close the windows, and wear an N95 mask when they go outside. About the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world's largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer's and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer's Association's research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. AAIC 2024 home page: AAIC 2024 newsroom: AAIC 2024 hashtag: #AAIC24 About the Alzheimer's Association® The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. Holly C Elser, M.D., Ph.D., et al. Long-term wildfire smoke exposure and incident dementia in a large California cohort. (Funding: the U.S. National Institute on Aging R01-AG071024) *** AAIC 2024 news releases may contain updated data that does not match what is reported in the following abstract. SOURCE Alzheimer's Association

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA I July 17, 2024 I NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NGM Bio), a privately held biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing transformative therapeutics for patients, today announced a $122 million Series A financing led by TCG with participation from a select group of investors. NGM Bio will use the proceeds from the Series A financing to initiate a planned registrational trial of aldafermin, an engineered FGF19 analog, for the treatment of PSC, and to complete a planned Phase 2 trial of NGM120, a GDF15/GFRAL antagonist, for the treatment of HG. Both trials are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. “At the beginning of this year, we unveiled our strategy to advance clinical development efforts for two serious, rare conditions characterized by significant unmet patient need. This Series A capital strengthens our financial position, enabling us to progress our planned registrational trial of aldafermin in primary sclerosing cholangitis and to evaluate NGM120 in a proof-of-concept study for hyperemesis gravidarum,” said David J. Woodhouse, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at NGM Bio. “Having just completed a take-private transaction in April to bolster our efficiency and flexibility as a company, we’re grateful to TCG and our new investors for their support of these important programs, and we look forward to sharing more details on both trials in the coming months.” “The Column Group has long championed NGM’s mission to turn extraordinary scientific discoveries into meaningful therapeutics. NGM continues to show remarkable resilience and persistence in its pursuit of life-saving medicines while maintaining the highest level of scientific rigor. With this Series A investment, TCG is delighted to extend our investment in NGM and support the compelling opportunities presented by aldafermin and NGM120 as potential treatments for PSC and HG, respectively,” said Peter Svennilson, Founder and Managing Partner of TCG. Concurrent with the Series A financing, Mr. Svennilson joined NGM Bio’s Board of Directors. Aldafermin as a Potential Treatment for PSC PSC is a rare disease that irreparably damages the bile ducts, leading to bile acid dysregulation, which ultimately can result in end-stage liver disease, liver failure and bile duct cancer. NGM Bio’s advancement of aldafermin as a potential treatment for PSC is based on a large body of clinical data that supports its differentiated potential to address the bile acid dysregulation underpinning the disease, including NGM Bio’s prior Phase 2 study in PSC. NGM Bio anticipates that the registrational trial for aldafermin in PSC will utilize proposed surrogate endpoints with the goal of obtaining accelerated approval. Learn more about aldafermin as a potential treatment for PSC here . NGM120 as a Potential Treatment for HG HG is characterized by intractable nausea and vomiting (as frequent as 10 to 15 times per day), which results in dehydration, debility, weight loss and malnutrition. HG has a significant physical and psychosocial impact on patients and leads to overall higher rates of fetal loss and termination, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal malnutrition, maternal depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. This condition is the second leading cause of hospitalization in pregnancy (second to preterm labor) and typically recurs in subsequent pregnancies. Development of NGM120 as a potential treatment for HG is rooted in NGM Bio’s decade-long efforts to advance the understanding of GDF15 biology and explore its therapeutic application in a number of disease areas. Recent genetic research confirms the link between HG and higher serum levels of GDF15. NGM120 is an antibody designed to block GDF15 signaling through its cognate receptor, GFRAL, in cells at the base of the brain involved in triggering nausea and vomiting and, thereby, may have therapeutic benefit for treating patients suffering from HG. Learn more about NGM120 as a potential treatment for HG here . Aldafermin and NGM120 were both discovered through NGM Bio’s in-house discovery engine. Abbreviations (in alphabetical order) FGF19 = fibroblast growth factor 19; GDF15 = growth differentiation factor 15; GFRAL = glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like About NGM Bio NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NGM Bio), a wholly owned subsidiary of NGM Bio Holdings, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, is focused on discovering and developing novel, life-changing medicines for people whose health and lives have been disrupted by disease. NGM Bio’s biology-centric drug discovery approach aims to seamlessly integrate interrogation of complex disease-associated biology and protein engineering expertise to unlock proprietary insights that are leveraged to generate promising product candidates, enable their rapid advancement into proof-of-concept studies and address high unmet patient need. Visit us at http://www.ngmbio.com for more information. SOURCE: NGM Biopharmaceuticals