University of Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RIVANNA®, developers of imaging-based medical solutions, has announced the launch of the first multi-site study employing the Accuro® XV musculoskeletal imaging system. This milestone follows a $30.5 million funding option executed in 2023 by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Over 20 million patients present to emergency departments (ED) annually with suspected distal extremity trauma, and an estimated 90% to 99% receive X-ray imaging, according to The Journal of Emergency Medicine. However, it is reported that in the lower leg, the incidence of fractures ranges between 8% to 19%, and in the distal arm, the incidence is between 25% to 57%, according to The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. A bedside triage device like Accuro XV may significantly reduce the utilization of radiological resources for low-acuity injury triage. This feasibility study, enrolling 200 participants, aims to acquire fracture images with Accuro XV to evaluate device safety, ability to integrate within ED workflow and the system's ability to render automated diagnostic ultrasound images. Accuro XV integrates ultrasound-based bone and 3D soft-tissue imaging technology with AI-enabled software and is designed to enable rapid automated detection and volumetric assessment of skeletal fractures and soft tissue injuries without harmful radiation exposure. Additionally, Accuro XV aims to address limitations in EDs such as identifying soft tissue injuries during the acute phase, ensuring accurate treatment decisions and prompt discharge of those not needing further intervention. "Since October 2021, we have quickly progressed from design to proof of concept in clinical sites, thanks to our collaboration with BARDA," said Delphine Le Roux, PhD, PMP, Director of Program Management. "Study data will expedite the development of Accuro XV for comprehensive point-of-care musculoskeletal diagnostics and validate product design with ED physician end-users." UVA Health worked with RIVANNA at the study's inception, providing study start-up and optimization before expanding to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where faculty treat patients at Parkland Memorial Hospital, one of the nation's busiest EDs with 240,000 visits annually. "We are working to transform technological opportunities into applications that may improve treatment for low-acuity patients and reduce wait times," said Chris Thom, MD, RDMS, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract number 75A50121C00035. About BARDA. About RIVANNA RIVANNA® is a commercial-stage medical device innovator and manufacturer in Charlottesville, VA. RIVANNA's mission is to develop and commercialize world-first imaging-based medical technologies that elevate global standards of care. RIVANNA is privately held and operates an FDA-registered and ISO 13485:2016-certified manufacturing facility. Learn more: RIVANNA. SOURCE RIVANNA WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

– Life DisRPted is an educational campaign aimed at promoting early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent pericarditis, a painful and debilitating chronic autoinflammatory disease –LONDON, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International, plc (Nasdaq: KNSA) (Kiniksa), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, has teamed up with National Hockey League™ (NHL) Hall-of-Famer, Henrik Lundqvist, to launch Life DisRPted, a national campaign focused on raising awareness of recurrent pericarditis, its impact on quality of life, and the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Lundqvist was diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis in 2021, ultimately leading to his decision to retire from the NHL. “When I was first diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis, it felt like being hit by a train. The persistent pain of pericarditis flares ultimately kept me from returning to the NHL and the game I love. In addition to the physical toll, I felt I was missing out on life with my family and friends,” said Henrik Lundqvist, Hall of Fame former goaltender for the New York Rangers. “While this experience has deeply affected me, my family, and my career, it is possible to take back control with a proactive approach. I want to use the Life DisRPted campaign to raise awareness of recurrent pericarditis and encourage others to advocate for early diagnosis and treatment.” “There is a large unmet need for patients with recurrent pericarditis. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis, which can leave them feeling isolated or helpless,” said Sanj K. Patel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kiniksa. “The goal of this campaign is to let patients with recurrent pericarditis know that they are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. With the right medical support, recurrent pericarditis patients can manage this chronic disruption in their lives.” As part of Life DisRPted, Lundqvist’s journey is featured in a video titled “Comeback After Comeback,” alongside insights from Dr. Antonio Abbate, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Cardiology at The University of Virginia. The video highlights Lundqvist’s personal experience with recurrent pericarditis, from his diagnosis to how it disrupted his life and career, while stressing the importance of self-advocacy in managing the disease. The video is available on the campaign website, LifeDisRPted.com, which also features a downloadable Doctor Discussion Guide to help patients prepare for conversations with their healthcare providers. “Recurrent pericarditis is a rare disease, and its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions like heart attacks, gastritis, or musculoskeletal pain, making it difficult to diagnose,” said Dr. Abbate. “Recurrent pericarditis flares can be cyclical, with each flare increasing the risk of another, which makes early diagnosis and proactive collaboration with a healthcare provider essential. If you’ve been diagnosed with or think you have recurrent pericarditis, it’s important to talk with your doctor. By understanding the disease, you can work together on a plan to treat recurrent pericarditis.” To learn about recurrent pericarditis and hear more about Henrik Lundqvist's personal experience, visit LifeDisRPted.com. A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0e3b25b-09eb-4f6e-b93a-893e0a29c4d0 About Recurrent PericarditisRecurrent pericarditis is a painful and debilitating chronic autoinflammatory cardiovascular disease marked by inflammation of the pericardium and is often associated with changes in electrical conduction and sometimes buildup of fluid around the heart, called pericardial effusion. Recurrent pericarditis symptoms have an impact on quality of life, limit physical activities, and lead to frequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Data show that approximately 40,000 patients in the U.S. seek and receive treatment for recurrent pericarditis each year. Of that group, approximately 14,000 patients experience two or more recurrences due to persistent underlying disease or inadequate response to conventional therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine and corticosteroids. About KiniksaKiniksa is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, acquiring, developing, and commercializing therapeutic medicines for patients suffering from debilitating diseases with significant unmet medical need. Kiniksa’s immune-modulating assets are based on strong biologic rationale or validated mechanisms, target a spectrum of underserved cardiovascular and autoimmune conditions, and offer the potential for differentiation. For more information, please visit www.kiniksa.com. Every Second Counts! ® Kiniksa Investor ContactJonathan Kirshenbaum(781) 829-3949jkirshenbaum@kiniksa.com Kiniksa Media ContactTyler Gagnon (781) 431-9100tgagnon@kiniksa.com

TUESDAY, Oct. 1, 2024 -- Blood cancer patients of all races who receive cord blood transplants are now living longer. The finding, reported by a team led by oncologist Dr. Karen Ballen , of UVA (University of Virginia) Health, shows that a previously identified survival gap for transplant recipients has been eliminated. "Outcomes for cord blood transplants are improving for patients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds," Ballen said in a UVA news release. The new study looked at more than 2,600 patients with blood cancer who received umbilical cord blood transplants between 2007 and 2017. Black, Asian, Hispanic and white recipients survived equally well, the study found. Still, cases of "graft-versus-host" disease -- a complication of cord blood transplantation that can lead to organ damage and severe infections -- was more common in Black children. Cord blood cells restore the patient's ability to make blood cells after such cancer treatments as high-dose chemotherapy. Though cord blood transplants are becoming less common in the United States, researchers said cord blood remains a vital lifeline for many patients. Because it needs not be precisely matched to the recipient, it is especially helpful for patients from racial or ethnic minority groups who often struggle to find a fully matched unrelated donor. Researchers found that matching race was less important than the total number of cord blood cells transplanted. "The more, the better," they said. They cited several contributors to improved survival rates. Those included improved identification of appropriate patients, newer techniques for matching patients and donors, and better antibiotics and other care. The findings are published in the October issue of the journal Transplantation and Cellular Therapy . Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.