Developmental Disabilities

Dr Ping Wang with Max Brenner and Asha Jacob Varghese (from left to right) led the research. Credit: Northwell Health. Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has received a five-year, $2.9m grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore the use of human ghrelin as a countermeasure against radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (GI-ARS). Led by Dr Ping Wang, chief scientific officer and senior vice-president, alongside Max Brenner and Asha Jacob Varghese, both associate professors at the Feinstein Institutes, the research will delve into the protective properties of the ghrelin, commonly known as the “hunger hormone”, in shielding the intestines from radiation damage. Dr Wang said: “We are incredibly grateful to the NIH for this funding, which will allow us to explore the potential of ghrelin as a life-saving treatment for GI-ARS. “Human ghrelin has a positive safety record so far and is easy to produce, making it a strong contender for widespread use in emergencies. We’re hopeful this research will eventually result in a real solution for protecting people from radiation exposure.” Studies carried out by the team have shown that the hormone’s administration may decrease intestinal damage and enhance survival rates following radiation exposure. The new research aims to understand how ghrelin, which primarily influences the brain, can aid the recovery of intestinal stem cells through the vagus nerve. The Feinstein Institutes’ team, including Kevin Tracey, president and CEO and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research, is working collaboratively on this project. Produced mainly by the stomach and also by the small intestine, brain and pancreas, ghrelin not only claims to stimulate appetite but also affects gastric motility and acid secretion, and has broader implications for sleep and mood. Up to now, treatments for GI-ARS have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In February 2023, researchers at the institute identified a new protein that could be targeted for treating lethal sepsis.

Trofinetide is intended to treat Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. Credit: SewCreamStudio/Shutterstock. Acadia Pharmaceuticals has submitted a marketing authorisation application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for trofinetide, aimed at treating Rett syndrome in adults and in children aged two years and older. This rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder impacts brain development and affects mainly females. Authorisation would make trofinetide the first and only sanctioned therapy for this neurodevelopmental disorder in the European Union (EU). Acadia Pharmaceuticals CEO Catherine Owen Adams stated: “This application underscores our continued dedication to the Rett community, and our commitment to making a meaningful impact for people living with Rett syndrome and their caregivers in the EU, who currently have no approved treatment options specifically for this condition. “We look forward to working with the EMA to address this unmet need in the hopes of potentially bringing this therapy to families who are impacted by Rett syndrome.” The application is based on outcomes from the Phase III LAVENDER trial, assessing the safety and efficacy of the therapy compared to placebo. It involved 187 girls and young women aged five to 20 with Rett syndrome. Its co-primary endpoints were change from baseline in the total score of the 45-item rating scale the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ), and clinical global impression improvement scale scores at week 12. The RSBQ, completed by caregivers, evaluates symptoms across domains such as breathing, hand movements and mood. The study’s key secondary endpoint — the change in the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Development Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist–Social composite score (CSBS-DP-IT–Social) — was also statistically significant. Rett syndrome affects almost one in every 10,000 to 15,000 female births globally. It progresses through four stages and can significantly impact the quality of life. In March 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Acadia’s Daybue (trofinetide) for treating Rett syndrome in adults and paediatric patients aged two years and above. The therapy is also approved in Canada for the same indication.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- M&A Healthcare Advisors (MAHA), a boutique investment bank focused on the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce the sale of Greater Boston Long Term Care Pharmacy, a leading provider of pharmacy services to community-based group homes and assisted living facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The company was acquired by Tarrytown Expocare, the country's leading Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Long Term Care pharmacy provider with locations in 31 states. MAHA served as the company's exclusive sell-side advisor led by Mike Moran, Managing Director and Mike Abud, Senior Associate. "Working with the Greater Boston Long Term Care Pharmacy team was a privilege. The sale was also a significant accomplishment for MAHA as the transaction was our first as registered agents of a broker dealer, a milestone we achieved in July (2024)," said Mike Moran. The sale of Greater Boston Long Term Care occurred in Q4 2024. Testimonial: Support Through every Step of the M&A Process "Mike and his team were incredibly supportive during the entirety of the process and worked diligently to bring us together with a buyer who shares our values. I highly recommend Mike and his team if you are considering the sale of your company," said Mike Wessenberg, CEO of Greater Boston Long Term Care Pharmacy. Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare Transactions Navigating the healthcare M&A landscape can be particularly challenging, as this deal demonstrated. The acquisition involved multiple layers of regulatory approvals and coordination between the pharmacy's leadership and clinical staff to ensure a smooth handoff. Throughout the process, MAHA worked daily to facilitate communication and help foster a strong working relationship between both parties. With MAHA's involvement, Greater Boston Long Term Care Pharmacy and Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy were able to consummate a transaction, reflecting a shared commitment to providing excellent care and efficient pharmacy services. About M&A Healthcare Advisors: MAHA is a boutique merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory group, focused on the lower-middle market healthcare industry. Their core purpose is to provide comprehensive, efficient, and committed transactional support for emerging or established, lower-middle market healthcare businesses. The founders at M&A Healthcare Advisors have sold companies in a variety of healthcare segments including Behavioral Health, Autism Services, I/DD, Hospice, Home Health, Home Care, Private Duty, Physician Practices, Physical Therapy, Staffing/Medical Recruiting, Facility-Based Care, Labs, Not-for-Profits, and all types of Pharmacy. MAHA's full suite of services includes Sell-Side Representation, M&A Hourly Consulting, Expert Valuations, and other Investment Banking services. CONTACT: Jennifer Orechwa | Founder and CEO of Salt Marketing | (855) 586-0968 | [email protected] SOURCE M & A Healthcare Advisors WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED