Opioid

Ophelia and Vori Health Partner to Address Pain Management for Patients with Musculoskeletal Conditions

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 22, 2023

MSK pain is one of the primary reasons why opioids are prescribed to patients, often by primary care physicians who are not typically trained in appropriate, evidence-based MSK care.

Key Points: 
  • MSK pain is one of the primary reasons why opioids are prescribed to patients, often by primary care physicians who are not typically trained in appropriate, evidence-based MSK care.
  • If the Vori Health care team has a patient who reports opioid addiction, they can be referred to Ophelia.
  • Conversely, if an Ophelia patient expresses concern about MSK pain and is looking for non-opioid treatment options, clinicians can refer them to Vori Health for care.
  • "By offering virtual care solutions, Vori Health can provide patients with access to evidence-based specialty care for MSK pain that cuts opioids out of the equation," said Dr. Ryan Grant , co-founder and CEO, Vori Health.

Baron & Budd Announces $1.4 Billion Settlement From Kroger in Nationwide Opioid Lawsuit

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023

Today, the nationally recognized attorneys at Baron & Budd announced a $1.4 billion nationwide settlement agreement with retail pharmacy giant Kroger concerning the company’s role in the opioid epidemic.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the nationally recognized attorneys at Baron & Budd announced a $1.4 billion nationwide settlement agreement with retail pharmacy giant Kroger concerning the company’s role in the opioid epidemic.
  • Baron & Budd’s President and Managing Shareholder, Russell Budd, played a lead role in negotiating the settlement.
  • When added to the previous settlements obtained from opioids manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies, this $1.4 billion settlement with Kroger brings the total national settlement value to nearly $61.4 billion.
  • While Kroger is typically known as a grocery store, the company has more than 2,000 pharmacies within its stores nationwide.

New Study Describes First, Functional Human Model to Investigate Opiate Overdose and Recovery

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 7, 2023

The study, "Human IPSC-Derived PreBötC-like Neurons and Development of an Opiate Overdose and Recovery Model" ( doi.org/10.1002/adbi.202300276 ) was published in Advanced Biology on September 7, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The study, "Human IPSC-Derived PreBötC-like Neurons and Development of an Opiate Overdose and Recovery Model" ( doi.org/10.1002/adbi.202300276 ) was published in Advanced Biology on September 7, 2023.
  • The paper describes the development of human preBötC neurons from induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) and the establishment of a human model that mimics opioid overdose with four opioids and the recovery of neuronal activity with naloxone treatment.
  • The dose-dependent inhibition of these neurons’ activity was demonstrated with four opioids, including Fentanyl - the primary culprit of overdose deaths.
  • “This research provides an accurate way to model overdose in the lab, using human brain cells programmed to respond to many different opioids,” said Rebecca Baker.

Kroger Reaches Agreement in Principle for Nationwide Opioid Settlement

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 8, 2023

The timing of the settlement payments over multiple years, most of which are tax deductible, results in an after-tax net present value to Kroger of approximately $870 million.

Key Points: 
  • The timing of the settlement payments over multiple years, most of which are tax deductible, results in an after-tax net present value to Kroger of approximately $870 million.
  • Kroger has long served as a leader in combatting opioid abuse and remains committed to patient safety.
  • This settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability by Kroger and Kroger will continue to vigorously defend against any other claims and lawsuits relating to opioids that the final agreement does not resolve.
  • The Company will provide more detail on the settlement during its Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Call on Friday, September 8 at 10:00AM ET.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers Expands Addiction Treatment Services with the Opening of Canton, Georgia Location

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 31, 2023

Canton, GA, Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canton, Georgia– 8/31/2023

Key Points: 
  • Canton, GA, Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canton, Georgia– 8/31/2023
    Pinnacle Treatment Centers (PTC) , a leading provider of comprehensive substance abuse treatment services, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location in Canton, Georgia.
  • With a commitment to delivering personalized and evidence-based care, Pinnacle Treatment Centers aims to make a positive impact on individuals struggling with addiction in the local community.
  • Pinnacle provides underserved communities with affordable, accessible substance abuse treatment and the option of outpatient care.
  • “HealthQwest Canton offers treatment for anyone looking to escape the cycle of Opioid addiction,” says Nicole Habbe, Regional Director for Pinnacle Treatment Centers.

Alkermes Announces Recipients of 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® Program

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 31, 2023

DUBLIN, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program. Grants were awarded to 11 nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of people living with addiction, serious mental illness or cancer. The selected programs are also focused on addressing unmet needs in historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities with longstanding and widespread health disparities.

Key Points: 
  • – Competitive Grants Program Awards Funding to 11 Innovative Programs Focused on People Living with Addiction, Serious Mental Illness or Cancer –
    DUBLIN, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program.
  • This year's recipients have shown the potential, through unique and meaningful ways, to positively impact diverse communities across the United States," said Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes.
  • For more information on the Alkermes Inspiration Grants program, please visit https://www.alkermes.com/responsibility/alkermes-inspiration-grants .
  • 2023 Grant Recipient Organizations and Programs:
    The 12-24 Club's Fresh Start Cafe Job Training Program offers employment in the Fresh Start Cafe kitchen.

Alkermes Announces Recipients of 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® Program

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 31, 2023

DUBLIN, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program. Grants were awarded to 11 nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of people living with addiction, serious mental illness or cancer. The selected programs are also focused on addressing unmet needs in historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities with longstanding and widespread health disparities.

Key Points: 
  • – Competitive Grants Program Awards Funding to 11 Innovative Programs Focused on People Living with Addiction, Serious Mental Illness or Cancer –
    DUBLIN, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program.
  • This year's recipients have shown the potential, through unique and meaningful ways, to positively impact diverse communities across the United States," said Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes.
  • For more information on the Alkermes Inspiration Grants program, please visit https://www.alkermes.com/responsibility/alkermes-inspiration-grants .
  • 2023 Grant Recipient Organizations and Programs:
    The 12-24 Club's Fresh Start Cafe Job Training Program offers employment in the Fresh Start Cafe kitchen.

Waismann Method Shines a Light on the Unseen this International Overdose Awareness Day 2023

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Recognized internationally, IOAD fervently works to reduce overdose deaths, honor the lives lost without bias, and provide solace to the mourning relatives and friends.

Key Points: 
  • Recognized internationally, IOAD fervently works to reduce overdose deaths, honor the lives lost without bias, and provide solace to the mourning relatives and friends.
  • This year's pivotal theme, "Recognizing those people who go unseen," underscores the countless unnoticed victims of the opioid epidemic.
  • "In the face of the overwhelming overdose crisis, our daily endeavor at Waismann Method is rooted in providing advanced, medically proven solutions," articulated Clare Waismann.
  • Waismann Method's IOAD 2023 Initiatives:
    Educational Podcasts : Hosting educational podcasts elucidating overdose prevention, the nuances of opioid dependence, and advanced medical-based treatment modalities.

Valiant Behavioural Health Celebrates 5 Years

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- October 10th marks five years since the opening of Valiant Behavioural Health, an addiction and mental health treatment program based in Ottawa, Ontario. Since opening its doors five years ago, Valiant has been on a mission to make meaningful and lasting changes in the lives of individuals and families in Ottawa by providing unparalleled care to those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- October 10th marks five years since the opening of Valiant Behavioural Health, an addiction and mental health treatment program based in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Valiant Behavioural Health approach to treatment has been a successful combination of evidence-based care, a client-centered atmosphere and holistic practices.
  • "At Valiant, we take a comprehensive, holistic approach to substance use and mental health treatment," says Royce Dockrill, Chief Executive Officer of Valiant Behavioural Health.
  • Valiant Behavioural Health is part of the Valiant Recovery brand of treatment centers, one of Canada's leading addiction and mental health treatment providers .

Spark Biomedical Awarded $1.15M Department of Defense Phase II STTR Grant in Partnership with Battelle Memorial Institute

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

In partnership with Battelle, Sparrow Hawk development brings a rapidly deployable, non-invasive, wearable approach to ASR prevention and treatment into the battlefield setting.

Key Points: 
  • In partnership with Battelle, Sparrow Hawk development brings a rapidly deployable, non-invasive, wearable approach to ASR prevention and treatment into the battlefield setting.
  • ASR can result in anxiety, nausea, irritability, dysregulated emotions, poor sleep, poor concentration, cognitive fatigue, and headaches.
  • During Phase I, the team at Spark Biomedical successfully completed critical benchmarks by developing performance parameters and form factors for a revolutionary compact, disposable, cable-free, “all-in-one” wearable tAN device.
  • In Phase II Spark Biomedical and Battelle will focus on:
    Testing the device in a clinical setting to evaluate its efficacy in restoring performance on operationally relevant tasks within a meticulously crafted clinical model of laboratory stress.