Greetings everyone!

As the autumn leaves dance to the ground in a symphony of crimson and gold, we're reminded that change is the only constant—a notion heartily echoed in the healthcare landscape. (Perhaps not the Welsh landscape though, which was cold, cloud and drizzle for the entirety of my recent visit.)

In this issue we honour Diabetes Awareness Day and its clarion call for 'Access to Diabetes Care. With the inspiring theme "Know your risk, Know your response," we reflect on the remarkable progress in diabetes management.

This issue shines a spotlight on the ADA's groundbreaking 2023 Standards of Care, advocating for a life well-lived through comprehensive lifestyle management. We also discuss the advent of teplizumab, a beacon ofhope for those at risk of type 1 diabetes. These are more than just milestones; they're the markers of a journey towards empowerment and resilience for millions worldwide.

This month’s newsletter also presents "Technologies and Therapies: The Intersection of Innovative Diagnostics and Alzheimer's Treatment" written by Beth Howe, the second in our series of articles on the advancements in Alzheimer's care. And do please take note of the impressive recent list of breakthroughs in healthcare in our Notable News. Lots of cause for optimism there…

Without further delay, let's dive into this month’s content.

• Diabetes Awareness Day 2023
• Technologies and Therapies: The Intersection of Innovative Diagnostics and Alzheimer's Treatment
• Industry News (in case you missed it)

Stay curious, stay warm, stay informed, and above all, stay inspired.

Kindest regards,

Ruth & the Rx Team

Diabetes Awareness Day 2023

As Diabetes Awareness Day commanded the stage in November, we briefly spotlight the theme "Access to Diabetes Care." This campaign helps us to confront the realities faced by those living with diabetes, spotlighting the necessity for improved healthcare pathways and therapeutic innovations. It’s a call to action that resonates with urgency and clarity: "Know your risk, Know your response."
In January 2023,  the American Diabetes Association introduced its 2023 Standards of Care, which set a new benchmark for diabetes management.

The standards serve as a comprehensive guide advocating lifestyle changes that encompass significant weight management, sleep hygiene, and regular physical activity. These guidelines underscore the shift towards a more proactive and holistic approach to diabetes care. Well worth checking out these resources; abridged versions are also available.

Additionally, the FDA's recent approval of Teplizumab represents a paradigm shift, offering individuals at risk of type 1 diabetes a preventative treatment option. This medical breakthrough is poised to change the narrative of diabetes care, emphasising preemptive action over reactive treatment.

Continuing the Conversation on Alzheimer's: Innovations at the Forefront

We proudly present the second instalment in our series dedicated to unravelling Alzheimer's disease. Our feature article, "Technologies and Therapies: The Intersection of Innovative Diagnostics and Alzheimer's Treatment" ventures to the forefront of medical innovation where cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising the approach to Alzheimer's care.
This piece shines a light on how artificial intelligence is not only refining the accuracy of diagnoses but also personalising treatment strategies. It explores the promise of virtual reality systems in enhancing cognitive function and providing immersive experiences that improve the daily lives of those affected by Alzheimer's. These advancements are not mere futuristic concepts but tangible realities that offer hope and practical solutions.
Read more here

In the news (In case you missed it)

• Emerging research is challenging the traditional binary concept of brain death, revealing it as a potentially reversible processrather than a singular moment. This paradigm shift, influenced by studies on the brain's resilience to oxygen deprivation, could transform medical interventions and organ donation practices. The re-thinking of brain death criteria reflects a broader shift in understanding the complexities of life and death. Link.
• Forward, a health tech startup, has secured $100 million to roll out its "CarePod" kiosks—AI-driven, autonomous health check-up stations—to malls, offering telehealth services for $99 a month. These kiosks mark a shift toward digitised, on-the-go healthcare with remote doctor support for diagnostics. Link
• The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has authorised a world-first gene therapy using CRISPR technology for patients 12 and over to treat sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia, potentially offering a cure for these genetic blood disorders. Link
• Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, an obesity treatment, has shown significant heart protective benefits beyond weight loss, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease by 20% in clinical trials, suggesting additional health benefits. Link
• Bristol Myers Squibb is venturing into space-based biomanufacturing, launching a biologics experiment to the International Space Station to study protein crystallisation in microgravity, which could enhance biomanufacturing processes and drug stability. Link
• Micron Biomedical received a $23.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance its needle-free vaccine technology for measles and rubella, aiming to eliminate the need for refrigeration and facilitate easier administration in low- and middle-income countries. Link