Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reunion Neuroscience Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing the treatment of underserved mental health disorders through the advancement of next-generation psychedelic therapeutic solutions, today announced the appointment of Mark Pollack, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Pollack previously served as a member of Reunion’s Advisory Board and is a highly accomplished psychiatrist with decades of leadership experience in neuroscience-focused drug development and clinical research. Pollack replaces Dr. Robert Alexander who will continue to remain involved with Reunion as a strategic advisor. “Dr. Pollack has been on the forefront of medical advances in treating patients with mental health disorders, and as a former member of our Advisory Board, his prior experience and significant expertise will be instrumental in our efforts to advance our clinical programs, including the recently launched Phase 2 RECONNECT study in postpartum depression” said Greg Mayes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reunion. “His proven track record of success in medical affairs and drug development coupled with deep knowledge in neuropsychiatry will be important as we continue to progress our RECONNECT Phase 2 trial evaluating RE104 in postpartum depression (PPD).” “Reunion’s lead candidate, RE104, the only prodrug of 4-OH-DiPT in development, is designed to deliver fast-acting, durable therapeutic benefits to patients and has the potential to make a significant impact for a broad range of mental health disorders, particularly within the postpartum depression and adjustment-disorder patient populations” said Mark Pollack, M.D. “I have been impressed with the company’s approach to the development of novel psychedelics and look forward to collaborating further with the team to execute on our clinical milestones, particularly advancing the RECONNECT Phase 2 trial, as we work to revolutionize treatment outcomes for patients worldwide.” Dr. Pollack has nearly four decades of experience holding both strategic and scientific leadership positions in neuroscientific research and pharmaceutical development. He most recently served as Senior Vice President for Global Medical Affairs at Sage Therapeutics, where he focused on cultivating external relationships with the scientific community as part of a broad medical thought leader engagement strategy. Prior to joining Sage, he served as Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience at Myriad Genetics. Previously, Dr. Pollack was the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center and Director of its Mental Health Service Line. Prior to Rush, he served as the Director of the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders and was a Professor of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pollack is a past President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and former Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board. He holds an M.D. from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed his residency and fellowship in psychiatry at MGH and Harvard Medical School. He has authored over 500 publications and is an internationally renowned lecturer. Reunion Neuroscience is currently advancing the RECONNECT Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT06342310), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active dose-controlled clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a single subcutaneous dose of RE104 in adult female patients with moderate-to-severe PPD. To learn more about the study, please visit www.ppdreconnectstudy.com. About Reunion Neuroscience Inc.Reunion Neuroscience is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing the treatment of underserved mental health disorders through the advancement of next-generation psychedelic therapeutic solutions. In August of 2023, Reunion Neuroscience became a private company as part of the MPM BioImpact portfolio and in May 2024, the Company completed a Series A financing co-led by MPM BioImpact and Novo Holdings. Reunion is actively investigating the use of its lead product candidate, RE104, in postpartum depression, as well as in additional neuropsychiatric indications, including adjustment disorders in patients diagnosed with mental illnesses like cancer, where there remains a significant unmet need that is not addressed by the current standard of care. For more information about the company, visit https://reunionneuro.com. For further information: IR Inquiries:Courtney MogerleyPrecision AQcourtney.mogerley@precisionaq.com PR Inquiries:Ashley Murphy Precision AQashley.murphy@precisionaq.com

MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2024 -- All 23 known species of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease have now been genetically mapped, providing an aid to better diagnosis and research. "This comprehensive, high-quality sequencing investigation of Lyme disease and related bacteria provides the foundation to propel the field forward,” said study co-author Steven Schutzer , a Rutgers New Jersey Medical School professor. “Every modern research project -- from clinical to public health to ecology and evolution to bacterial physiology to medical-tool development to host-bacteria interaction -- will benefit from this work." According to the researchers, Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in the world, infecting hundreds of thousands of people annually. People contract the disease as the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium is transmitted to a person via the bite of a tick. Initial symptoms can include fever, headache, rash and fatigue, but long-term effects can be debilitating and include symptoms in the joints, heart and the nervous system. There are 23 separate species of B. burgdorferi within the sensu lato group that can infect humans. Schutzer and colleagues sequenced (mapped) the complete genomes of all members of the group, including those species known to cause the most disease in people. Some revelations from the research are already emerging. Although the 23 species are found across the globe, genomic comparisons suggests the bacteria have very ancient roots -- perhaps originating at a distant point in time when the continents were massed together as the supercontinent Pangaea. But the species are also adept at sharing genetic material that allows them to quickly adapt to new and shifting environments, the research showed. This adaptation also helps them better infect animals and people. "By understanding how these bacteria evolve and exchange genetic material, we're better equipped to predict and respond to changes in their behavior, including potential shifts in their ability to cause disease in humans,” said study senior author Weigang Qiu , a professor of biology at City University of New York. The new genetic data might lead to better prevention and treatment, the researchers said. Genes may make some strains of bacteria better equipped to cause infection and illness, and targeting those genetics might bring about better therapies. “This is a seminal study, a body of work that provides researchers with data and tools going forward to better tailor treatment against all causes of Lyme disease and provides a framework toward similar approaches against other infectious diseases caused by pathogens,” Benjamin Luft , a study co-author and professor of medicine at Stony Brook University, said in a Rutgers news release. The findings were published in the August edition of mBio . Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

WEDNESDAY, June 19, 2024 -- A record-breaking heat wave is spreading across the United States, baking the Northeast and Midwest with high temperatures and sweltering humidity. Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness as body temperatures rise, experts warn. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps can fell anyone who overheats. People who are outdoors for too long also might develop a heat rash or sun poisoning, which occurs with severe sunburn . “Sadly, heat-related deaths and illnesses happen every year,” said Diane Calello , executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. The people most vulnerable to heat-related illness include children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, the disabled, people without air conditioning and those who spend long times outdoors, experts say. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke can include painful cramps, fever, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, weakness, confusion, agitation, lethargy, hallucinations, delusions and seizures. Coma and death can occur if left untreated. To stay safe, weather and health experts offer the following safety tips: People also should be aware of the heat risk posed by illicit and prescription drugs, Calello said in a Rutgers news release. Heat stroke “not only occurs when temperatures reach dangerous levels, but also from the use of certain therapeutic medicines, recreational [legal] drugs and illegal substances,” Calello said. “These can prevent the body from cooling down through sweating. Too often, this results in serious complications, including drug-induced fever, dehydration and death.” Medicines like antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, antipsychotics and stimulants can cause heat-related complications, Calello said. People should talk with their doctor, pharmacist or regional poison control center to see whether the drugs they are taking increase their sensitivity to heat, she said. Those taking illicit drugs might not realize they are developing a heat-related illness, Calello added. “Excessive heat combined with certain substances like ecstasy [MDMA], cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol and heroin can be deadly,” Calello said. “Being under the influence of these substances can make it hard to recognize symptoms of overheating.” Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.