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Rare Disease Research: Armistice AUM’s Strategic Investments in Pioneering Medical Frontiers

The landscape of biotechnology funding has experienced significant transformation, with institutional investors demonstrating remarkable strategic focus on rare disease research. Despite a notable decline in biotech funding deals—reaching the lowest levels since 2018—a compelling narrative of hope and innovation emerges through targeted investments in treatments for some of the most challenging medical conditions.

The Orphan Drug Act provides a critical framework for understanding these rare diseases, defining them as conditions affecting no more than 200,000 individuals in the United States. With over 7,000 such conditions identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many remain life-threatening, with treatments unavailable for the majority of these complex medical challenges.

However, the research landscape presents an increasingly optimistic trajectory. FDA research indicates a remarkable expansion in rare disease-related drug development, with current available treatments now exceeding four times the number available four decades ago. Market analysts predict continued growth, with consulting firm Grand View Research projecting the global rare disease clinical trials market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 9.7% through 2030.

This anticipated growth stems from multiple critical factors, including advancements in personalized medicine, enhanced cell and gene therapies, and increased financial support from pharmaceutical companies, biotech organizations, and non-profit entities.

Cyclo Therapeutics represents a compelling example of institutional investment in rare disease research. In February 2023, Nasdaq reported that Armistice Capital had filed a significant SEC disclosure, revealing ownership of 1.03 million shares—approximately 11% of the company. This investment marked a substantial 378% increase in Armistice Capital’s shareholding since 2020.

The company’s research focuses on Trappsol Cyclo, a proprietary hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin formulation currently undergoing clinical trials. The potential applications are profound, targeting Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1—a rare, fatal, and progressive genetic disorder—as well as Alzheimer’s disease, another devastating neurological condition.

Another significant investment opportunity emerged with Protara, a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for cancer and rare diseases. In April 2024, the company successfully closed a $45.0 million private placement, with participation from Armistice Capital and other notable investors including RA Capital Management and Acorn Bioventures.

Protara’s ongoing research includes a phase 2 trial of TARA-002, an investigational cell therapy targeting non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and lymphatic malformations. CEO Jesse Shefferman highlighted the critical focus on pediatric patients—an underserved population lacking FDA-approved therapies.

The complexities of lymphatic malformations present significant medical challenges. These congenital conditions can disrupt lymphatic vessel structures, potentially causing critical complications including airway obstruction, intralesional bleeding, nerve impingement, and recurring infections.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s rare pediatric disease designation program provides additional incentives for such groundbreaking research. Sponsors receiving approval for rare pediatric disease-related drugs may qualify for priority review vouchers, creating a unique mechanism to encourage innovative medical research.

Beyond rare genetic disorders, institutional investors are supporting research across diverse medical domains. CervoMed, a clinical-stage company developing treatments for age-related neurologic disorders, secured a private placement agreement involving Armistice Capital and other sophisticated investors.

The company’s clinical-stage medication neflamapimod targets critical central nervous system disorders, including strokes, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Alzheimer’s disease. This investment approach demonstrates a comprehensive strategy of supporting potentially transformative medical research.

Assembly Biosciences represents another investment frontier, focusing on developing treatments for chronic hepatitis B virus infection and exploring novel antiviral approaches. The company’s recent financial transaction involved Armistice Capital and Gilead Sciences, highlighting the sophisticated collaborative networks emerging in medical research investment.

The broader implications of these investments extend far beyond financial transactions. Each strategic commitment represents a potential breakthrough in understanding and treating complex medical conditions that have historically challenged medical science.

Institutional investors like Armistice Capital are not merely providing capital but are acting as critical catalysts in the ongoing quest to develop innovative medical solutions. By supporting research targeting rare and challenging diseases, these investors are helping to transform medical understanding and potentially improve countless lives.

The narrative of rare disease research is fundamentally a story of hope, persistence, and human ingenuity. Through strategic investments, sophisticated research approaches, and unwavering commitment, researchers and investors are pushing the boundaries of medical possibility, offering new perspectives on some of the most challenging health conditions facing humanity.

As the medical research landscape continues to evolve, the collaborative efforts of institutional investors, biotechnology companies, and medical researchers promise to unlock unprecedented opportunities for understanding, treating, and potentially overcoming rare and complex medical conditions.

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Health

Make Your Organic Skin Care Products at Home    

In the past few years, the demand for organic skin care has completely skyrocketed. You might become aware of the harmful chemicals in commercial products and you are turning to natural organic solutions like that of Eminence Canada. No doubt, buying organics can get products as an option. Making your own at home can be more cost-effective, fun, and even completely customizable to align with your skin requirements. In this guide, you can learn everything about how to create your skincare products at home.

Why Choose Organic Skin Care?

You must know that organic skincare is made from natural ingredients which are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and artificial additives. Organic products can help you reduce the risk of allergic reactions, irritation, and long-term brain damage caused by synthetic chemicals. You need to know that organic products are generally biodegradable and sourced sustainably, making them better for the planet. Whenever you make your products, you can easily customize them to your skin type and concerns. Homemade skin care can be greatly cheaper as compared to buying high-end organic brands.

Essential Ingredients For DIY Organic Skin Care

  • Carrier oils, including coconut and Jojoba oils, are generally very important. These oils can nourish and hydrate the skin while working as a base for essential oils.
  • Essential oils like lavender and Rosemary are generally concentrated oils. They provide therapeutic benefits, such as antiseptic and anti-aging properties.
  • Exfoliates like sugar, salt, and oatmeal make it easy to get rid of dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
  • Clays like French green clay can help you detoxify your skin and even absorb excessive oil.
  • Aloe Vera can soothe your skin and hydrate it while reducing inflammation.
  • Herbs and teas like chamomile and green tea provide antioxidants and other nutrients for skin repair and protection.

DIY Organic Skin Care Recipes

Gentle Facial Cleanser

The simple cleanser is perfect for your daily use. You need to have one teaspoon of honey, one tablespoon of aloe Vera gel Jojoba oil, and two to three drops of lavender essential oil. Just mix all these ingredients in a small bowl. You can massage this mixture on your face in circular motions, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.

Exfoliating Scrub

The scrub can help you remove the dead themselves and leave your skin feeling smooth and radiant. You need 2 tablespoons of sugar or groundnut coffee, one tablespoon of coconut oil honey, and two drops of tea tree oil essential oil. You need to combine all the mixture in a jar and gently scrub on your face and body using small circular motions. Lastly, you need to rinse off with lukewarm water.

Above all, you need to know that creating your organic skincare products at home is a rewarding experience that can benefit both your skin and the environment. With a few simple ingredients and easy recipes, you can craft the best quality customized products that are free from harmful chemicals. Embrace the joy of natural skin care, and you will take control of what goes on your skin.

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Health

Women and Kidney Stones: Diagnosis and Management

Kidney stones are a common problem that affects both men and women, but the experience of women with this condition can be quite different. Women are often diagnosed with kidney stones later than men and are more likely to experience complications. Moreover, the management of kidney stones can also differ in women compared to men. While the causes of kidney stones are still not entirely understood, many factors can contribute to their development, including lifestyle habits, genetics, and medical conditions.

Painful symptoms

Ouch, that’s a boulder! – Painful symptoms are just one of the many things women with kidney stones have to deal with. These small but mighty mineral deposits can cause extreme discomfort, even sending some women to the emergency room. The good news is that there are several treatment options available for kidney stones, including PCNL. PCNL, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision in the back to remove the stones. While the thought of surgery may be daunting, the benefits of PCNL are clear: less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities.

Effective treatments

If you’re a woman who has experienced the excruciating pain of kidney stones, then you understand the need for effective treatment options. Luckily, there’s a procedure that can blast those pesky stones into oblivion. It’s called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and it’s a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small incision in your back to access the kidney. Once the surgeon has a clear view of the kidney stone, a special instrument is used to break it up into smaller pieces. These pieces can then be easily removed, leaving you free from pain and able to get back to your daily routine.

Prevention strategies

Empowered women, healthy kidneys! Is not just a slogan, but a call to action for all women to take charge of their kidney health. Prevention strategies are key to reducing the risk of developing kidney stones, a common and painful condition that affects both men and women. One effective treatment for kidney stones is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small incision to remove large kidney stones. However, prevention is always better than cure, and women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing kidney stones.

Ladies, if you’ve been told that kidney stones are only a guy thing, think again. Women are just as likely to develop these painful little buggers. But don’t fret, diagnosis and management options are available. So, if you experience any symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Remember, taking care of your health is the ultimate power move. Stay strong, stay hydrated, and keep those stones at bay!

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Health

The Best CBD Products on the Market

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is also called hemp or cannabis. In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) produced a report that found CBD provides relief for a wide variety of medical conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The report also stated CBD helped alleviate the effects of general pain disorder, depression, and anxiety. Since legalisation, many people over the mandated age limit can now buy CBD in a wide variety of products.

Gummies and Edibles

Many consumers do not like to smoke or cannot smoke during certain social events. CBD-infused gummies and edibles make it possible to enjoy the effects of CBD without the smoke. CBD is absorbed through the digestive system. Consumers report that edibles provide longer lasting effects than other products on the market.

Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are generally made from high concentrations of CBD. Consumers drop a few drops underneath their tongue. The cannabinoid receptors absorb the tincture or oil and can help alleviate migraines, stress, anxiety, or other physical issues. Many people choose oils and tinctures over other products because they have a long shelf life. You should store CBD oils and tinctures at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

E-Liquid

In recent years, vapourisers have increasingly grown in popularity in the UK. Many people are quitting smoking cigarettes and switching to vapes. Vapes are refillable and the vapour juice is relatively inexpensive in comparison to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes. Like nicotine-based e-liquid, consumers can now purchase CBD e-liquid in various concentrations. CBD e-liquid can be used in most vapour devices and provide the same alleviating effects from pain and daily stressors as other products on the market.

Lotions

CBD-infused lotions, salves, and other topicals are applied directly to your skin. When CBD is applied to your skin, it activates your endocannabinoid system because there is a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in your skin. The CBD binds to these receptors which works to alleviate inflammation and pain. For those suffering from long-term joint pain, they find it is easy to rub lotion on the inflicted areas to target the pain rather than use other forms of CBD products.

Flowers

For those who like to smoke, CBD flowers are a great option. CBD flowers can be rolled in paper or put in a glass device. CBD flowers are highly concentrated and often provide a greater relaxing or calming sensation.

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Health

2018’s Best Plastic Surgery Marketing Tips

Just like any other business, plastic surgeons need to market themselves too.

If you don’t have a strong online presence, how can you expect patients to find you? Especially since the majority of people rely on the internet to find the information, people and places they need.

Top 4 Plastic Surgery Marketing Tips

If you would like to enhance your plastic surgery’s online presence, here are 5 top tips:

  1. Enhance your website

Your website is the first thing that potential patients will see when they find your plastic surgery online. Not only should your website grab their attention but it needs to make them want to spend more time finding out about your services. Your value proposition, techniques, experience and services should all be highlighted on your site to differentiate your brand. The best websites are simple, easy to navigate, informative and mobile-friendly.

  1. Tighten up your social media strategy

A recent study by JB Chang titled, Worth the “Likes”?, found that Facebook empowered 77% of all plastic surgeons to engage with their patients, with 67% stating that it enhanced their online exposure.

An effective social media strategy includes detailed profiles and pages, informative posts and continuous engagement. Your social media content should also strike the right balance between promotional, entertaining and informative if you want these platforms to work for your practice.

If you’re still new to social media and marketing for plastic surgeons, specialists such as Azuri Group can help you run an ad campaign that will allow you to reach more of the people you would like to attract as patients.

  1. Nurture your leads

Patients aren’t generally in the habit of deciding they want to undergo a procedure and schedule an appointment the very next day. First, they want as much information as possible on the procedure. Next, they will start researching surgeons, get referrals and advice from family and friends, think about it some more and only then will they take action. It’s at this point that they’re more likely to make an appointment with the plastic surgery that has been the most helpful and conversational.

 Nurturing your leads using remarketing and retargeting technology will help keep your plastic surgery practice top of mind. Facebook and Google are ideal platforms for running these types of campaigns.

  1. Inspire your patients

Visuals are a core component of every marketing strategy, even more so for plastic surgeons. Whether a patient is interested in achieving younger-looking skin, bigger breasts or a tighter tummy, images can help your brand tell a story, while showing patients what you’re capable of.

This is not to say that before and after shots are the only images you should be using either. Infographics are a highly effective way for you to present important information to potential patients without boring them with text.

In the same way that plastic surgery procedures and techniques have evolved in recent years, so should your approach to marketing. Growing your practice online will always be time and money well spent.

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Health

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

The demand for medical assistants keeps increasing in the health sector. Before enrolling in a medical assistant program, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to study part-time or full-time depending on your schedule. Although you can start working right after the course, getting certified will double your chances of being hired and having an impressive paycheck. Ensure that you choose an accredited college, school of healthcare or university and go for an internship program. Apart from working in hospitals or nursing homes, medical assistants can also work with chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists.

5 Essential traits of a medical assistant

Medical assistance is for those who are really passionate about the career. Chances are you already possess the innate skills and just need to develop them professionally. The program can be completed within a year. A great number of individuals use this opportunity to learn about other career paths and some may even specialize later on.

1.    Sound communication skills

Medical assistants must interact with people from all walks of life. It’s imperative to remain attentive, be a good listener and understand the needs of each patient without being judgmental or biased.

2.    Cleanliness

You are expected to maintain a clean and organized appearance at all times. Endeavor to take proper care of your clothes, shoes, fingernails, and hair.

3.    Positivity

Having a positive attitude can boost the emotional state of patients, especially those that are battling with life-threatening illnesses. This will help to speed up the recovery process. Inasmuch as you want to make patients feel better, do it professionally without crossing the boundary.

4.    Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the must-have traits of medical assistants. They can fit in perfectly into any department in a hospital. In view of this, you should have the ability to multi-task effectively.

5.    Accuracy

There is zero tolerance for mistakes in this career. It involves the health of individuals and care must be taken as you keep medical records. This job is only for those with meticulous attention to detail.

Roles of a medical assistant

Their roles are quite similar to that of a nursing assistant. They usually undergo rigorous training in the administrative and clinical aspect. Health practitioners tend to appreciate their efforts as they ensure the smooth running of the hospital or clinic. This makes it possible for physicians to attend to more patients each day and boost their efficiency.

Administrative duties

  • Scheduling and canceling appointments.
  • Handling bookkeeping and billing.
  • Welcoming patients.
  • Making sure that the medical records of each patient are up to date.
  • Ordering office and medical supplies.
  • They help patients to complete different forms.
  • Answering calls and emails.

Clinical duties

  • Changing wound dressings as soon as the need arises.
  • Taking vital signs of patients.
  • Administering the right medication or immunization.
  • Sterilizing laboratory tools and equipment.
  • They can also examine stool, urine and blood samples in a laboratory if they have the expertise.
  • Offering insights into special diets, general care, and medical procedures.
  • Carrying out basic tests and examinations.
  • Getting patients ready for examinations.
  • Providing assistance to doctors during examinations.
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