Johnson & Johnson Pays $1.7b for Innovative Israeli Heart Failure Treatment

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:53:45 +0000

Zachy Hennessey via Israel21c – Big pharma giant shells out $1.7 billion for Israeli company V-Wave, and expects to earn enough to purchase a gumball — in the short term, at least. Global healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Tuesday that it will acquire Israeli startup V-Wave for up to $1.7 billion, in a strategic move by J&J to bolster its position in the fast-growing congestive heart failure market, which is projected to reach $30 billion globally by 2030. The $1.7b. deal is the 10th biggest acquisition in Israel’s history. It will see J&J pay $600 million upfront, with an additional $1.1 billion in potential milestone payments tied to regulatory approvals and commercial performance targets. The acquisition is expected to provide a modest boost to J&J’s earnings, contributing an estimated 24 cents per share in 2024 and 6 cents per share in 2025. However, the true value of the deal likely lies in the long-term growth potential of V-Wave’s innovative heart failure treatment technology. V-Wave’s flagship product, the Ventura Interatrial Shunt (IAS), is an implantable device designed to alleviate the elevated left atrial pressure that plagues patients with congestive heart failure. The minimally invasive IAS procedure aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and hospitalizations for those suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction – a condition where the heart muscle is unable to effectively pump blood. By creating a shunt between the left and right atriums, the device helps to relieve pressure buildup in the left atrium, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The acquisition comes at a critical time for J&J, as the company prepares to face increased competition for its blockbuster psoriasis drug Stelara, which is set to lose patent protection next year. In response, the healthcare giant has been actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions to bolster its pipeline and drive future growth. “We know V-Wave well, with our relationship dating back to our original investment in the company in 2016, and we have a deep understanding of the technology and science, as well as the company’s commitment to patients,” said Tim Schmid, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. Earlier this year, J&J announced the $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical Earlier this year, J&J announced the $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical, a move aimed at expanding its cardiovascular device portfolio. The company has also recently acquired Numab’s skin disorder drug for $1.25 billion and Proteologix for $850 million. “At V-Wave, we are dedicated to achieving our vision to help patients around the world – and we know Johnson & Johnson MedTech shares this mission,” said Dr. Neal Eigler, CEO of V-Wave. “We look forward to continuing to build a world where cardiovascular disease is prevented, treated and cured.” To read the original article click here.

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Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder! 3 Ways to Enjoy Today

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:45 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Sometimes, you just can’t get enough of a good thing. Take Pumpkin Spice. Simply, pumpkin spice is a mix of nourishing, delicious spices that provide a taste and aroma perfect for Autumn, Winter, and the Holidays. Next, take MCT Oil Powder. This incredibly healthy fat and brain-boosting nutrient should be an everyday part of an energizing, healthy diet. Put them together, and get more good things: Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder! This decadent Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder flavor is delicious and incredibly healthy. Here’s how to use it (3 ways!), and why you should. Keto Zone® Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder – 3 Ways HOLIDAY PUMPKIN SPICE BREAD Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) 3 tablespoons cup granulated keto-friendly sweetener 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup organic canned pumpkin puree 3 large eggs, organic Instructions: Prepare a loaf pan (9″×5″) by greasing with butter or lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until completely smooth. Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake on the oven’s center rack for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool COMPLETELY. Then, separate the bread from the pan by scraping along the sides with a knife. Pop the loaf out onto a serving plate. To store, cover loosely overnight on the countertop, or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Makes 12 servings. Enjoy! Nutrition info (per slice): 118 calories, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 2.5 grams net carbohydrates, (6 grams carbohydrates, 3.5 grams fiber), 4 grams protein Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 8 ounces organic cream cheese 4 ounces organic butter (grass-fed) 1 1/2 – 2 cups keto powdered sweetener 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) Instructions: Set the cream cheese and butter on counter and allow to warm to room temperature. Using a hand mixer, beat all ingredients until smooth. Add a bit of water or almond milk, as needed, to get to desired consistency. Adjust sweetener to preference. Enjoy on pies, breads, desserts, or in coffee! Nutrition info (per 2 tablespoons): 90 calories, 10 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 1 grams net carbohydrates, (1 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber), 1 grams protein Pumpkin Spice Mocha Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, organic if possible 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice) 1 scoop Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (French Vanilla) 8 ounces strong coffee 1/2 cup almond milk, heated Instructions: Stovetop: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, mix 1/2 cup water, pumpkin puree, Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Pumpkin Spice), and Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder. Heat and stir until melted and combined to form a syrup, about 1-2 minutes. Microwave: Combine all ingredients in a large microwavable mug. Stir well. Heat on high in 30-second intervals, and stirring in between, until melted and combined to form a syrup. Typically, it will take 1.5-2 minutes, or 3-4 intervals of heating and stirring. Add coffee and heated milk to syrup. Stir very well or place in a blender to combine and froth. Of note: when blending hot liquids in a blender, make sure to allow the steam to vent while blending by opening lid slightly. Blend with care at low speed. Make sure to not allow the hot liquid to explode out of the blender. Nutrition Info: 192 calories, 16 grams fat, 8 grams net carbs (14 grams carbs, 6 grams sugars – naturally occurring, 6 grams fiber), 28 grams protein 7 Proven Benefits of MCT Oil Powder 1. SUPPORTS HEALTHY HEART AND CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION Medium-chain triglycerides in MCT oil have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL cholesterol, decreasing the number of LDL particles, and increasing HDL cholesterol (1, 2). There are three primary ways MCT oil improves cardiovascular health. First, MCTs improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol). In turn, this improves the total cholesterol ratio. In one recent study, 17 overweight women were given MCTs for 27 days. When tested, their LDL cholesterol decreased, HDL increased, cholesterol ratio improved, and plasma glutathione increased (a powerful natural antioxidant). Researchers stated that their cardiovascular risk profile was improved (3). In another 2018 study, 96 adults consumed butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. When tested, LDL remained unchanged with coconut oil and olive oil. HDL significantly increased with coconut oil. This change improved the cholesterol profile in the coconut oil group (4). 2. FIGHTS INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES Inflammation is at the center of most chronic diseases, and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cognitive degeneration, and more. MCTs can reduce inflammation in the body. In 2014, 30 adults with high cholesterol and inflammation consumed MCTs for 30 days. When retested, scientists found significant reductions in LDL, increases in HDL, and reductions in C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) (5). 3. SUPPORTS BRAIN HEALTH, ENERGY AND FOCUS When you’re in ketosis, and you consume MCT oil, your body is able to produce increased ketones. Currently, scientists are studying the effects of ketones, like those from MCTs, in preserving healthy brains and inhibiting degradation from aging (6). Additionally, researchers have found that ketones are usable fuel for the brain in those with Alzheimer’s disease, similar to young healthy brains. (7). In Alzheimer’s disease, there’s an impairment in the use of glucose by the brain. Utilizing ketones in the brain rather than glucose may result in memory improvements and brain function (8). Here’s what researchers found: Ketones are associated with many benefits, including reduced brain degradation from aging and improved brain function (9). 4. PROMOTES HEALTHY WEIGHTS Amazingly, MCTs can promote healthy weights and BMIs. This is great news since even moderate weight loss can improve cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugars, and inflammation. What’s more, since MCTs and fats, in general, improve satiety you also won’t feel too hungry even while trying to lose weight (10, 11). 5. ENCOURAGES OPTIMAL BLOOD SUGARS MCTs can improve blood sugars and decrease insulin output, thereby improving health and fat metabolism (12). In fact, MCTs can help reduce the risk of diabetes by: Decreasing insulin resistance Providing an alternate energy source to carbohydrates Preserving beta-cell health (decline in these cells contributes to diabetes) Promoting weight loss In one recent study, scientists concluded that MCT oils provided benefit to beta cells in both mice and humans. One key to combating diabetes is improving the health of these cells (13). Additionally, a 2016 animal study showed that MCTs improved both insulin resistance and inflammation. (14). While more human studies are needed, MCT oil powder is a promising supplement to help improve diabetes outcomes. 6. SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION Amazingly, MCTs can fight unhealthy yeasts while supporting an increase in healthy bacteria and absorption in the digestive tract (15). Unhealthy yeasts plague many people and cause a myriad of digestive and health issues. Digestive diseases can affect the body in many ways, including: Poor absorption, stunted growth, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and low energy Direct digestive symptoms such as constipation, bloated, and cramping Declining digestive tissues with the risk of ulcers, hemorrhoids, decreased healthy bacteria growth, fungus and yeast overgrowth, and diverticular diseases MCT oil powder eases digestion, since bile isn’t needed to digest MCTs. In fact, MCTs go from the intestines directly to the liver, and the body quickly uses them as energy or storage. MCTs can nourish those who can’t digest nutrients well. In one 2018 study, MCT supplementation decreased intestinal candida overgrowth in preterm infants. The candida decreased during supplementation, then increased again once it was stopped (16). MCTs can improve healthy bacteria levels, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and energy metabolism (17). 7. PROMOTES YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE If you’re looking for a fuel that increases energy, MCTs are one such fuel. Once delivered to the liver from the intestines, MCTs increase energy output in the mitochondria, which are the energy producers in cells (18). In addition, athletes typically look for ways to decrease lactate levels. When recreational athletes consumed MCTs, they experienced lower lactate levels during moderate and intense workouts than they did with other fats. This may lead to improved endurance and performance (19). Other researchers found that MCTs reduce high-temperature exercise performance issues and improve overall performance (20). Bottom Line It’s never a bad time to add more pumpkin spice to your life. Enjoy our delicious Keto Zone® Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder with these 3 recipes this year. And, let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it! To read the original article click here.

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Johnson & Johnson Pays $1.7b for Innovative Israeli Heart Failure Treatment

Pumpkin Spice MCT Oil Powder! 3 Ways to Enjoy Today