PBI-4050 is an oral drug candidate that targets fibrosis, a process characterized by the replacement of normal tissue by fibrotic scar tissue. Fibrosis usually occurs as the result of a chronic inflammation and it can impair the function of vital organs. PBI-4050 has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease, and to have anti-fibrotic activity in several key organs including the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys.
Researchers have conducted in vitro experiments with normal human dermal fibroblasts and human kidney cells in which fibrosis was induced to assess the efficacy of PBI-4050. The team found PBI-4050 was able to regulate pro-fibrotic growth factors and remodeling enzymes in both cell types, similar to what had been observed in animal models, which could ultimately explain its effects in improving kidney function.
PBI-4050 was also assessed as a therapy in mice models of diabetes. Researchers found that PBI-4050 treatment resulted in improved hyperglycemia, preserving insulin production, and most importantly, that it prevented both pancreas and kidney fibrosis.
“This is very important data because it confirms that the anti-fibrotic mechanism of action of PBI-4050 is similar in humans and in animals,” noted the Chief Medical Officer of ProMetic, Dr. John Moran in a news release. “These results provide further support for our belief that the efficacy of PBI-4050 demonstrated in multiple preclinical models will translate into clinical benefit in patients suffering from fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes.”
“Our data correlates the regulation activity of PBI-4050 on key fibrotic biomarkers and the resulting improved kidney function. In fact, we have observed this in all major organs including the pancreas, liver, lungs and heart,” added the Head of R & D, Preclinical Research at ProMetic Dr. Lyne Gagnon.
PBI-4050 is currently being evaluated in phase II clinical trials in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive fatal lung disease in which the alveoli and the lung tissue become thick and scarred (fibrosis), leading to severe breathing difficulties and compromising oxygen transfer between the lungs and the bloodstream. There is no cure for IPF and it is estimated that 128,000 individuals in the United States suffer from the disease. IPF has a poor prognosis and around two-thirds of the patients die within five years after being diagnosed. Effective therapies for pulmonary fibrosis are therefore urgently needed.
Patricia Silva, PhD
Patrícia holds her PhD in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases from the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. She has studied Applied Biology at Universidade do Minho and was a postdoctoral research fellow at Instituto de Medicina Molecular in Lisbon, Portugal. Her work has been focused on molecular genetic traits of infectious agents such as viruses and parasites.
The global peritoneal dialysis market to grow at a CAGR of 4.40% over the period 2014-2019
Peritoneal dialysis is a needle-free treatment and can be performed either by a patient or with the help of a care partner. It is used to remove waste products and extra fluid from the body during the issue with kidney functions. Peritoneal dialysis differs from hemodialysis as in this treatment the blood is not taken from the body to treat the patient. In peritoneal dialysis, a tube called PD catheter is placed in the belly of the patient, and the dialysis is carried out by sterile fluid flowing through the lining of the belly called the peritoneum. This helps the blood flow into and out of the peritoneal space and the blood is cleansed inside the body.
Emerging countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Thailand have a growing elderly population but have limited awareness about PD. However, the governments of these countries are making efforts to improve healthcare infrastructures, which benefits the market. Patients are opting for these benefits, which has led vendors to come up with new technologies. Also, the increased competition among vendors ensures the availability of the most efficient treatment at reasonable costs.
According to the report, the changing lifestyle of people and improvements in healthcare infrastructures and treatment options have resulted in a rise in life expectancy, leading to an increase in the aging population. As a person ages, the risk of problems such as inflammation or swelling of the kidneys, diabetes, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and renovascular disease also increases. Therefore, the increase in the aging population has a positive influence on the growth of the market.
Further, the report states that the risks associated with dialysis such as hypertension, infections, anemia, and bone diseases are one of the major challenges in the market.
The report considers the following segments of the market:
Peritoneal dialysis products
Peritoneal dialysis services
The global peritoneal dialysis market is categorized based on the type of application:
The global peritoneal dialysis market to grow at a CAGR of 4.40% over the period 2014-2019
Peritoneal dialysis is a needle-free treatment and can be performed either by a patient or with the help of a care partner. It is used to remove waste products and extra fluid from the body during the issue with kidney functions. Peritoneal dialysis differs from hemodialysis as in this treatment the blood is not taken from the body to treat the patient. In peritoneal dialysis, a tube called PD catheter is placed in the belly of the patient, and the dialysis is carried out by sterile fluid flowing through the lining of the belly called the peritoneum. This helps the blood flow into and out of the peritoneal space and the blood is cleansed inside the body.
Emerging countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Thailand have a growing elderly population but have limited awareness about PD. However, the governments of these countries are making efforts to improve healthcare infrastructures, which benefits the market. Patients are opting for these benefits, which has led vendors to come up with new technologies. Also, the increased competition among vendors ensures the availability of the most efficient treatment at reasonable costs.
According to the report, the changing lifestyle of people and improvements in healthcare infrastructures and treatment options have resulted in a rise in life expectancy, leading to an increase in the aging population. As a person ages, the risk of problems such as inflammation or swelling of the kidneys, diabetes, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and renovascular disease also increases. Therefore, the increase in the aging population has a positive influence on the growth of the market.
Further, the report states that the risks associated with dialysis such as hypertension, infections, anemia, and bone diseases are one of the major challenges in the market.
The report considers the following segments of the market:
Peritoneal dialysis products
Peritoneal dialysis services
The global peritoneal dialysis market is categorized based on the type of application:
DaVita Kidney Care Releases Top 10 U.S. Cities for Dialysis-Friendly Travel - CNNMoney
DENVER, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services, today released a list of the top 10 U.S. travel destinations for dialysis patients.
"We encourage and empower our patients to maintain an active lifestyle while on dialysis," said Duane Dunn, director of social work services at DaVita Kidney Care. "Traveling is just one way patients can retain a sense of normalcy and live a higher quality of life."
DaVita Kidney Care provides support for traveling patients and works to find dialysis centers near the desired travel destinations. The following cities were named the top travel destinations for DaVita Kidney Care patients in 2015:
Las Vegas is the number one requested travel spot for dialysis patients. There are 13 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it possible for patients to enjoy the famous hotels, casinos, shows and dining options while also taking care of their health.
Orlando/Celebration is another popular dialysis destination. With a number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, patients are able to enjoy themselves while visiting attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld.
Noted as one of the premier coastal resorts on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach offers a selection of dinner theater shows, live music and casino cruises. Visitors can also enjoy golfing, fishing, boating, windsurfing and other outdoor activities. There are two DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it easy for vacationing patients to receive the care they need.
The Houston area has an impressive number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, and is a top Texas destination for dialysis patients. Some travel attractions in Houston include its large arts district, as well as the nation's largest wildlife refuge and Space Center Houston.
With 15 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, San Antonio visitors can visit the Alamo, stroll over the bridges of the famous River Walk and taste authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. San Antonio also has theme parks and major sporting events to entertain visitors of all ages.
With nearly 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, Atlanta is another top destination for dialysis patients. Tourists in Atlanta can visit The King Center (a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and the house of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. The city is also home to the CNN studios and the World of Coca-Cola.
Chicago is another top travel destination for dialysis patients. The "Windy City" is home to Wrigley Field and known for its dining and shopping opportunities. Visiting patients can enjoy a variety of public art works, including the famous "bean."
San Diego offers history, recreation and culture as well as a scenic bayside. There are six DaVita Kidney Care centers nearby and many beach-side lodging options for traveling patients.
Los Angeles visitors can expect to enjoy mountains, beaches and almost year-round sunshine. The Venice boardwalk is a popular destination, as well as the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and the old fashioned fair games at the Santa Monica pier. Traveling patients are able to choose from 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers within 25 miles of the city center.
The final city on our top travel destinations is famous for its jazz music, and French, Creole and Cajun cuisine. Visitors can stroll around the Garden District to take in the well-known architecture, cruise on the Mississippi River or stand on the balconies of centuries-old homes in the French Quarter. With a dozen DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, patients can take care of their health while enjoying New Orleans.
About DaVita Kidney Care DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of March 31, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,197 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 174,000 patients. The company also operated 93 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.
DaVita and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.
Contact Information Media:
Elizabeth Young
(303) 876-2855
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DaVita Kidney Care Releases Top 10 US Cities for Dialysis-Friendly Travel - MarketWatch
DENVER, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.
DVA, +0.17%
and a leading provider of kidney care services, today released a list of the top 10 U.S. travel destinations for dialysis patients.
"We encourage and empower our patients to maintain an active lifestyle while on dialysis," said Duane Dunn, director of social work services at DaVita Kidney Care. "Traveling is just one way patients can retain a sense of normalcy and live a higher quality of life."
DaVita Kidney Care provides support for traveling patients and works to find dialysis centers near the desired travel destinations. The following cities were named the top travel destinations for DaVita Kidney Care patients in 2015:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the number one requested travel spot for dialysis patients. There are 13 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it possible for patients to enjoy the famous hotels, casinos, shows and dining options while also taking care of their health.
2. Orlando/Celebration, Florida
Orlando/Celebration is another popular dialysis destination. With a number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, patients are able to enjoy themselves while visiting attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Noted as one of the premier coastal resorts on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach offers a selection of dinner theater shows, live music and casino cruises. Visitors can also enjoy golfing, fishing, boating, windsurfing and other outdoor activities. There are two DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it easy for vacationing patients to receive the care they need.
4. Houston, Texas
The Houston area has an impressive number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, and is a top Texas destination for dialysis patients. Some travel attractions in Houston include its large arts district, as well as the nation's largest wildlife refuge and Space Center Houston.
5. San Antonio, Texas
With 15 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, San Antonio visitors can visit the Alamo, stroll over the bridges of the famous River Walk and taste authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. San Antonio also has theme parks and major sporting events to entertain visitors of all ages.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
With nearly 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, Atlanta is another top destination for dialysis patients. Tourists in Atlanta can visit The King Center (a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and the house of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. The city is also home to the CNN studios and the World of Coca-Cola.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is another top travel destination for dialysis patients. The "Windy City" is home to Wrigley Field and known for its dining and shopping opportunities. Visiting patients can enjoy a variety of public art works, including the famous "bean."
8. San Diego, California
San Diego offers history, recreation and culture as well as a scenic bayside. There are six DaVita Kidney Care centers nearby and many beach-side lodging options for traveling patients.
9. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles visitors can expect to enjoy mountains, beaches and almost year-round sunshine. The Venice boardwalk is a popular destination, as well as the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and the old fashioned fair games at the Santa Monica pier. Traveling patients are able to choose from 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers within 25 miles of the city center.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
The final city on our top travel destinations is famous for its jazz music, and French, Creole and Cajun cuisine. Visitors can stroll around the Garden District to take in the well-known architecture, cruise on the Mississippi River or stand on the balconies of centuries-old homes in the French Quarter. With a dozen DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, patients can take care of their health while enjoying New Orleans.
About DaVita Kidney CareDaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of March 31, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,197 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 174,000 patients. The company also operated 93 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.
DaVita and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.
Contact InformationMedia:
Elizabeth Young
(303) 876-2855
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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SOURCE DaVita Kidney Care
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