QR Pharma Inc., a privately held Phase 2 biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the appointment of four world-class key opinion leaders to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). These new appointments join QR Pharma’s previous roster of impressive advisors in order to provide strategic leadership and direction to support the development of the breakthrough mechanism of action of Posiphen in neurodegenerative disease.

Posiphen is a first-in-class inhibitor of the neurotoxic aggregating proteins involved in the pathogenesis of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Posiphen has been shown to reduce the expression of key neurodegenerative proteins including amyloid precursor protein, alpha synuclein and tau. This innovative mechanism of action could be applicable to several conditions in which multiple neurodegenerative proteins share responsibility for disease pathogenesis. Posiphen is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2A proof-of-concept/mechanism study for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are thrilled to have attracted four world-class experts in the area of neurology to our team of scientific advisors,” stated Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., President and CEO of QR Pharma. “They join at an exciting time for our company. Recent breakthrough discoveries regarding Posiphen’s mechanism of action suggest a first-in-class disease-modifying therapeutic with broad clinical application. The experience each of the new advisors brings to our team will be invaluable in realizing the full therapeutic potential of Posiphen in neurodegenerative disease.”

“Posiphen represents an opportunity to attack neurodegenerative disease at its roots,” commented Dr. Sidney Strickland, newChairman of the QR Pharma SAB and Professor of Neurology and Genetics at Rockefeller University. “Unlike other therapeutic modalities that only attack a single axis of neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, Posiphen targets multiple disease-causing proteins. I look forward to working with the fellow members of the SAB and QR Pharma leadership to advance this promising therapeutic agent for patients suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative conditions.”

The four new scientific advisory board members are Wiliam Mobley, M.D., Ph.D.; Gregory Petsko, Ph.D.; Sidney Strickland, Ph.D.; and Rudolph Tanzi, Ph.D.

Enzymedica, Inc. is excited to announce that Dr. Michael Murray, author of over 30 books, including “The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” and an individual who has been recently named “The Voice of Natural Medicine” by Nutrition Business Journal, has joined the company as Chief Science Officer.

According to Scott Sensenbrenner, CEO, “Dr. Murray is a true icon in the natural health movement and brings tremendous credibility, experience, and passion to our company.”

Dr. Murray will be critical to driving new innovations in product development for Enzymedica, as well as leading research efforts to create next generation formulas that will be groundbreaking for the industry.
In addition to his role with Enzymedica, Dr. Murray will be working closely with the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota, Fl. This non-profit organization is performing cutting edge research for organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD) and the European Union (EU). Roskamp is renowned for their team’s research on Alzheimer’s disease, Gulf War Illness, and other complex diseases. Dr. Murray and the Institute will be developing better answers for improving brain health, the human microbiome and digestion.
Enzymedica’s strategic relationship with the Roskamp Institute gives it the resources and expertise critical for providing innovative, science-based natural products, furthering its contribution to digestive health. This close partnership is further demonstrated by Sensenbrenner, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Roskamp Institute.

Dr. Murray says, “I am thrilled to be part of the team at both Enzymedica and the Rosskamp Institute. It is a dream come true.”
Sensenbrenner and Dr. Murray previously worked together in the 1990s at Enzymatic Therapy, which was later acquired by the German company Dr. Wilmarr Schwabe Pharmaceuticals.
About Enzymedica:

Florida-based Enzymedica, Inc. was founded in 1998 to offer consumers targeted enzyme products, and only uses the highest quality vegetarian enzyme sources available. Digest™ and Digest Gold™ are the two top-selling digestive enzymes in the U.S. market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry. Enzymedica is a proud supporter of many green initiatives, including use of solar energy, recycled steel for its building and recycled paper for packing and shipping. Enzymedica also sponsors initiatives in autism, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) of Sarasota, and others.

About Dr. Murray:

Dr. Murray is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. He has published over 30 books featuring natural approaches to health. He is a graduate, former faculty member, and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.

McKesson Canada and Sobeys National Pharmacy Group have announced the signing of a long-term distribution agreement that makes Lawton’s Drug Stores a primary distribution customer, enhancing McKesson Canada’s presence in Atlantic Canada. The agreement is effective February 1st, 2017.

Both McKesson Canada and Sobeys have a long history as trusted partners in patient care through quality products and services. This agreement leverages the strength of McKesson Canada as a national leader in pharmaceutical supply chain management and Sobeys’ position as an important destination for health and wellness needs.

“We are excited about our expanded relationship with Sobeys,” stated Paula Keays, President, McKesson Canada. “We have great confidence in the exceptional value we provide our customers and we appreciate the opportunity to work with Sobeys in delivering a broad range of pharmaceutical products and services to their customers.”

McKesson Canada and Sobeys have worked together for several years to provide a wide variety of prescriptions and health services to customers. Today’s announcement will allow for a consistent source of supply across all regions where Sobeys and Lawton Drugs serve customers including Atlantic Canada.

As a result of this announcement, McKesson Canada will leverage its existing Atlantic Canada distribution centers while adding resources where required and anticipates employment levels to be net neutral in the region.

– Galen G. Weston has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of George Weston Limited. Mr. Weston will continue in his role as Chairman and CEO of Loblaw.

– Paviter S. Binning will be leaving George Weston and has been appointed Special Advisor to the Weston family at its private company Wittington Investments, Limited.

– Luc Mongeau has been appointed President, Weston Foods.

– Sarah Davis has been appointed President, Loblaw.

Galen G. Weston became Chairman of George Weston last September, succeeding his father W. Galen Weston, who stepped down at the age of 75 after over four decades leading George Weston. With his appointment today as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Weston succeeds Pavi Binning, who will become special advisor to Wittington Investments, Limited, owned by the Weston family. Mr. Binning will step down from the George Weston and Loblaw boards of directors.

“Pavi has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction,” Mr. Weston said, “and he has provided strong support through the leadership succession process which we have just completed. Our family looks forward to continuing to benefit from his valuable experience and insight with our other business interests.”

Mr. Binning said, “After seven successful years at George Weston, I am looking forward to continuing to support the Weston family in other areas.”

Luc Mongeau, newly appointed President of Weston Foods, is a seasoned consumer goods executive with extensive branding, product development, operations and P&L management experience in food, chocolate and petcare categories. Over a 15-year career at Mars, his roles included leading the Canadian business, Mars Petcare’s multi-billion dollar North American business and setting the global strategic and marketing direction for some of Mars’ leading Petcare brands.

Mr. Weston said, “Luc is a high-caliber executive with global experience who will focus on building the Weston Foods business. I very much look forward to working with him.”

Sarah Davis will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of Loblaw’s business and execution of its strategy. Ms. Davis will report to Mr. Weston as he continues in his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loblaw. Richard Dufresne, Chief Financial Officer of George Weston and Loblaw, will continue to report to Mr. Weston.

Since 2014, Ms. Davis has served as Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for Supply Chain, IT (including SAP implementation), Process and Efficiencies, Real Estate, Goods Not for Resale and Strategy. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer of Loblaw, appointed in 2010.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Sarah to the role of President. She has an exceptional understanding of Loblaw. This, together with her strong financial background, particularly in operational roles, positions her well for this expanded leadership role,” said Mr. Weston. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sarah and the whole management team in the years ahead as we focus on delivering the best in food, best in health and beauty, operational excellence and growth.”

The rest of the broader management teams at George Weston and Loblaw remain unchanged.

SOURCE: Loblaw Companies Limited

In a complaint filed against Hint Inc. in California on January 17, plaintiff Lisa Kim Madrigal states “independent and reliable testing of sample Hint Flavored Water products reveals the material presence of propylene glycine…a synthetic substance [that is] chemically manufactured and highly processed.”
Propylene glycine (PG) is a synthetic substance approved by the FDA which is widely used as a solvent in “natural flavours.” Consumers wouldn’t expect to find this ingredient in an all-natural product.
While “all-natural” has not been clearly defined by law, “natural flavour” is defined by the FDA as “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive. Protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating, or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
Madrigal argues that Hint has violated California’s consumer protection laws and falsely advertised their products as all-natural when they contain synthetic ingredients.
The law states that synthetic solvents are not allowed in the production of certified organic products, however, they are permitted in natural flavours.
That being said, the FDA is currently investigating “natural” claims and the lawsuit could be put on hold while the court waits for FDA guidance before proceeding.

Accucaps Industries Ltd., a drug manufacturing company with offices in Ontario, has been sold to American pharmaceutical company Catalent Inc.

The acquisitionwill substantially complement Catalent’s global OTC and prescription pharmaceutical softgel capabilities and capacity with the addition of a portfolio of products supplied to pharmaceutical companies in North America, and two state-of-the-art facilities offering integrated softgel development, manufacturing and packaging, strengthening Catalent’s ability to offer customers turnkey solutions.

Moreover, as a result of the deal, Accucaps’ more than 500 employees will be joining Catalent’s global network of 11 softgel technologies facilities.

“Significant investments already made by Accucaps align well with Catalent’s own strategic goals, to offer our customers access to more products, capacity, and integrated solutions for differentiated products and better treatments,” says Aris Gennadios, Catalent’s president of softgel technologies.

Lonza, a leading supplier to the global specialty ingredient market, has acquired Capsugel for USD $5.5 billion. According to the company, the acquisition follows Lonza’s strategy to accelerate growth and deliver value along the healthcare continuum.

With the acquisition of Capsugel, Lonza says it has gained a trusted brand with a large breadth of technologies. This will allow it to expand the market reach of its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and products businesses.

Overall, this move was carried out to create a leading integrated, value-added solutions provider in drug development, formulation, delivery technologies and manufacturing for the global pharma and consumer healthcare industries. According to Lonza, the combined business will support the evolving needs of the industry. It will provide additional value by offering an integrated portfolio of industry-leading technologies, from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through excipients to dosage forms and delivery technologies.