University of Virginia

LOS ANGELES, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altanine, Inc., a pharmaceutical company advancing proprietary drug delivery technologies across high-growth therapeutic areas, today announced the appointment of Charles J. Andres, Ph.D., J.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Andres brings extensive expertise in intellectual property strategy, regulatory affairs, and life science discovery and development. His appointment strengthens Altanine’s ability to advance its mission to improve patient outcomes through proprietary drug delivery innovations in high-growth therapeutic markets. “Charlie is a visionary leader with a profound understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape,” said George Hornig, Chairman of the Board of Altanine. “His expertise in new drug development, intellectual property, and regulatory strategy, combined with his scientific background, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Altanine as we continue to revolutionize drug delivery technologies and expand our impact across key therapeutic areas.” Dr. Andres and teams he led have architected global patent portfolios, secured patents for FDA-approved drugs, and supported life-science transactions and partnerships totaling over $20 billion. His expertise spans IP strategy, FDA compliance, and pharmaceutical life-cycle management. Prior to joining Altanine, he was a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, advising on IP and regulatory matters. Earlier in his career, he received a Presidential Award for his work as a medicinal chemist at Bristol-Myers Squibb. His deep understanding of IP and regulatory frameworks will be instrumental in advancing Altanine’s mission and strategic growth. “I’m thrilled to join Altanine during this exciting phase of growth,” said Dr. Andres. “As the company advances its clinical trial programs and accelerates pipeline development, I look forward to supporting its strategic expansion, driving innovation in drug delivery, and helping position the company for long-term success in an evolving pharmaceutical landscape.” Dr. Andres holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. In addition, he earned a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), and is frequent speaker and author of IP and FDA matters. About Altanine Altanine is a pharmaceutical company with a platform of proprietary drug delivery technologies for widely prescribed drugs which improve bioavailability, reduce side effects and enhance patient comfort and convenience. Altanine’s strategic focus targets large and expanding treatment markets including diabetes, weight control, sexual wellness and neurocare. With its proprietary enteric coatings and delivery systems, Altanine positions itself as a leader in next generation drug delivery innovations. For the latest updates on Altanine’s clinical progress and pipeline, visit: www.altanine.com Media Contact Giles Shai CommunicationsAltanine, Inc.info@altanine.com+1 (213) 521-4780 https://www.altanine.com/

Nirav Patel, MD Joins Statewide Practice FORT MYERS, Fla., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) is pleased to welcome board-certified radiation oncologist Nirav Patel, MD and announce the expansion of radiation oncology capabilities at its newest state-of-the-art cancer center in Wesley Chapel, 2895 Hueland Pond Boulevard, Ste 100, Wesley Chapel FL 33543. Continue Reading Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute welcomes board-certified radiation oncologist Nirav Patel, MD to its Wesley Chapel location in Pasco County. "Dr. Patel brings deep expertise in treating a wide range of cancers using advanced radiation oncology techniques," said David Wenk, MD, FCS assistant managing physician. "His patient-centered approach focuses on tailoring individualized treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs and goals to achieve their best outcomes." FCS Medical Director of Radiation Oncology Sachin Kamath, MD added, "With Dr. Patel's arrival, we are especially pleased to announce the availability of radioligand therapy at our FCS Wesley Chapel Cancer Center, a promising treatment option for patients with certain late-stage or recurrent cancers. FCS continues to invest in the technologies and expertise that provide added options and convenience for our patients." Dr. Patel received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville and was named as chief resident during his residency training at Miami University's department of radiation oncology. He completed specialized training in the treatment of prostate cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com) For more than 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has embraced innovation to deliver world-class care and drive the dramatic transformation of oncology care through its robust clinical research program. FCS provides patients with access to a wide range of clinical trials, positioning it as a leader in research among private oncology practices in Florida and across the country. In fact, before receiving FDA approval, the majority of new cancer drugs in the U.S. were first made available to patients through participation in clinical trials at FCS. Our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians is committed to delivering tailored treatment plans that make the best use of cutting-edge precision oncology advancements to enhance patient outcomes. SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

A panel of medical experts called for the removal of warning labels on hormone therapy for menopausal women during a meeting convened Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration.Led by FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, the meeting focused on the benefits and risks of menopause hormone therapy, or MHT, which has become a controversial topic due to mixed study data.The panel, which consisted of 12 experts with various medical backgrounds, took a generally positive view of MHT and described situations in which patients experienced severe symptoms could not get access to treatment.I am begging the FDA, and all of us are begging, please remove the box label, JoAnn Pinkerton, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia Health System, said during the meeting.MHT can offer relief from vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, in women going through menopause. But its not always prescribed as various versions come with black box warnings indicating an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular events. Current labeling also warns against using estrogen for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.Those warnings stem from a major study conducted by the Women's Health Initiative, or WHI, which evaluated the use of estrogen plus progestin in postmenopausal women. The study was stopped early in 2002 after researchers observed an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. An arm of the trial arm involving use of estrogen only was also stopped early in 2004 due to an apparent increased risk of stroke.Makary has previously been critical of the warnings on MHT and advocated for its greater use. In his 2024 book Blind Spots and again during Thursdays panel he questioned the evidence showing higher cancer risk and argued that MHT may actually prevent cardiovascular and cognitive diseases.The panelists were generally dismissive of the WHI study and its findings. Many, however, were already on the record holding similar views as Makary on the warning label. Philip Sarrel, an emeritus professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences and psychiatry from the Yale School of Medicine, was quoted in Makarys book, according to The New York Times. Four of the panelists are members of an advocacy group supported in part by Pfizer, Bayer and Astellas called Lets Talk Menopause. The group has called for the removal of the black box warning.During the meeting, Rachel Rubin, an assistant clinical professor in urology at Georgetown University Hospital and an adviser to Lets Talk Menopause, urged the FDA to remove the box label.We're going to take a hard look at that, Makary responded.The meeting Thursday did not set aside time for public participation, but a docket for comments will be open on the Federal Register, an FDA official said.While some experts believe the WHI study overestimated risks, follow-up testing evaluated conjugated equine estrogens alone or in addition to medroxyprogesterone acetate in women aged 50 to 79 years. That data found similar risks including breast cancer, stroke and dementia. Study researchers concluded hormonal therapy should not be used for chronic disease prevention, but is appropriate for symptom management in some women.One of those researchers, Harvard Medical School professor JoAnn Manson, attended the meeting virtually, but had Pinkerton speak for her.Critics of the warnings argue that new formulations of treatments not used in the WHI study, such as vaginal estrogen or low-dose estrogen, might be safer. No similar major trial has evaluated the new formulations.Some medical associations broadly recommend MHT, but caution that there are potential risks and emphasize conversations with physicians.Makary did not indicate what steps, if any, the FDA plans to take next. '