In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Howard Berman, PhD, Founder and CEO of Coya Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies targeting neurodegenerative, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Dr. Berman founded Coya Therapeutics in 2021. Howard Berman, PhD Founder and CEO Coya Therapeutics Dr. Berman has over 18 years of entrepreneurial and industry experience working at the interplay of science and business. His experience offers him a unique combination of business acumen and scientific credibility with the ability to assess, quantify and bridge b ..read more

Approaches to help better understand the complexities of brain function are key to advancing the development of novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years, researchers have increasingly recognized the value of biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease in several areas, including offering biological insights into the disease’s pathophysiology, developing diagnostic tools for earlier disease detection, monitoring disease progression and evaluating the efficacy of new treatments. The use of EEG (electroencephalography) biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease represents a promising approach to un ..read more

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and a lawyer by training, about the importance of improving cancer screening among Métis communities in North America. Margaret Froh President Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people recognized in s.35 of Canada’s Constitution. Métis communities have their own shared customs, traditions and collective identities that are rooted in kinship, their special aboriginal relationship to the land and a distinctive Indigenous culture and way of life that persists to the pr ..read more

This episode features an interview with Bruce Culleton, MD, CEO, ProKidney, a late clinical-stage biotech company focused on the development of a pioneering cell therapy candidate that aims to transform the treatment landscape for chronic kidney disease. Prior to joining ProKidney in 2023, Dr. Culleton served as Vice President and General Manager at CVS Kidney Care and also worked in leadership roles at Becton Dickinson and Baxter healthcare. Before beginning his career in industry in 2007, Dr. Culleton was a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calga ..read more

World Autism Awareness Day 2024, observed annually on April 2, focuses on increasing awareness about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and promoting understanding, acceptance and support for those living with ASD. This day is internationally recognized and is an opportunity for organizations, healthcare professionals, educators and communities to engage in activities that foster improved understanding and acceptance of people with ASD. World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations in 2007 to celebrate the unique talents and achievements of individuals with ASD. With increase i ..read more

While individuals are encouraged to do their part to safeguard the planet, big corporations have perhaps a more significant role to play given their large carbon footprints. The pharmaceutical industry is a large contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to a 2019 study, the pharmaceutical industry produced 48.55 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) for every $1 million earned. The sector accounts for 4.4 percent of the world’s emissions and its CO2 footprint is projected to triple by 2050 if left unchecked, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The study also found that the p ..read more

In the healthcare community, March is recognized globally to be Endometriosis Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Innovation and Hope.” This campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness about endometriosis, a chronic and often painful disorder in which a tissue similar to the uterine lining, known as the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus or other organs in the pelvis. This condition is known to affect an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age. The Endometriosis Awareness Month 2024 ..read more

The escalating global challenge of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) demands new approaches to detection, diagnosis and treatment. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It’s characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss and impairment in daily living activities. In the US, more than 6 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and the disease affects millions more worldwide, posing a significant social and economic burden. As the global population ages, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase ..read more

In marking National Kidney Month, this episode features an interview with Robert Perkins, MD, Vice President, US Medical Affairs (Renal) at Bayer who spoke about kidney health and diabetes-inflicted chronic kidney disease. National Kidney Month is observed every March in the US to raise awareness about kidney health and promote preventive action. It aims to educate the public about the importance of kidneys to overall health and the risk factors for kidney disease, a major one being diabetes. At Bayer, Dr. Perkins is the strategic lead for a team of 8 HQ-based medical directors and a 40-membe ..read more

World Bipolar Day, observed on March 30th each year, is an important global awareness day focusing on bipolar disorder and eliminating the social stigma often associated with mental health issues. March 30 is also the birthday of the well-known Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh who was posthumously diagnosed to have had bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day started as a partnership initiative of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). It is an opportunity for education, open dialog and prom ..read more