Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Honors Darlene K. Logan and Judith Royal with the 2012 HOPE Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Honors Darlene K. Logan and Judith Royal with the 2012 HOPE Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service

PHILADELPHIA, March 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia presented Darlene K. Logan and Judith Royal with the 2012 HOPE Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service today during the Hospital's 2nd Annual Volunteer Leadership Summit at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

"It is with great pleasure that we honor Darlene Logan and Judith Royal with this 2012 HOPE Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service," said Steven M. Altschuler, chief executive officer of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  "For more than a decade, Darlene and Judith have been tireless in their efforts on behalf of the Sickle Cell Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Their dedication has made the difference in the lives of so many children with sickle cell disease."

Together, Darlene Logan and Judith Royal have successfully co-chaired the Blue Tag Gala, the largest annual fundraiser for the Sickle Cell Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Since its inception over ten years ago, the Blue Tag Gala has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for sickle cell treatment and research. Darlene has also served as an Ex-Officio member of the Hospital's Board of Trustees, and both are volunteers with the Community Advocacy Committee. 

In its second year, Children's Hospital's Volunteer Leadership Summit brings together individuals from every area of the Hospital in an unprecedented gathering of the most dedicated volunteers.  This event will educate, inspire and provide a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas with other volunteers, trustees and Hospital leadership. The day will be an inspiration to all, ultimately showing how one person can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Founded in 1855 as the first pediatric hospital in America, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a non-profit children's charity devoted to the idea that kids deserve the best possible care. Patients from all 50 states and more than 50 countries come to CHOP for family-centered medical care that is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and the world. Through its steadfast commitment to exceptional patient care, life-saving research, superior medical education and public service programs, CHOP has become one of the largest pediatric health care networks in the nation and has improved the lives of children worldwide.

Media Contact: Rachel Salis-Silverman
Office: 267-426-6063
Cell: 267-970-3685
Salis@email.chop.edu

SOURCE The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

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Source: www.prnewswire.com

Akela Pharma reports financial results for the year ended 2011

Akela Pharma reports financial results for the year ended 2011

AUSTIN, TX, March 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Akela Pharma, Inc. ("Akela"), (TSX: AKL), an industry leader in providing pharmaceutical contract dosage development and clinical and FDA commercial manufacturing, today announced its financial results for year ended December 31, 2011.

Total consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $26.2 million, including $10.3 million in contract services, as compared to $13.3 million, including $10.2 million in contract services, for 2010.

Consolidated net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $13.9 million or $0.43 per share, versus $1.4 million or $.05 per share, for the same respective period in 2010.

Excluding one-time items, Akela's consolidated net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was ($0.5) million, versus a $2.1 million profit for the same period in 2010.

The Company had a cash balance of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2011 compared with $0.5 million as of December 31, 2010.

Further to the March 14, 2012 press release of Akela's CEO transition, Gregory McKee has resigned his position as member of the Board of Directors of Akela Pharma, Inc.

About Akela Pharma Inc.

Through PharmaForm, Akela's wholly owned subsidiary is a leading specialty contract service provider in the area of pharmaceutical dosage form development, preclinical, GMP clinical and FDA commercial manufacturing, specializing in controlled release and bioavailability enhancement technologies, such as hot melt extrusion, spray drying, and liquid filled capsules. Through its diverse offerings, PharmaForm solutions help pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients reach their development targets, reduce development costs and accelerate time-to-market.

Akela's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "AKL" with 32.4 million shares outstanding.

This press release contains statements which may constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information may include financial and other projections as well as statements regarding the company's future plans, objectives, performance, revenues, growth, profits, operating expenses or the company's underlying assumptions.

The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", anticipate", "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases may identify forward-looking statements or information. Persons reading this press release are cautioned that such statements or information are only expectations, and that the company's actual future results or performance may be materially different. Such forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, and other factors as described in detailed in a complete in our filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, filed on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.

All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on our current expectations as of the date hereof and we disclaim any intention or obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements and information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

AKELA PHARMA INC.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010
(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)

                     
        As at December 31,
2011
    As at December 31,
2010
    As at January 1,
2010
                     
Assets                  
                     
Current assets:                  
  Cash   $ 57   $ 474   $ 107
  Restricted cash     -     -     938
  Accounts receivable     1,432     1,590     1,679
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     279     302     417
  Total current assets:     1,768     2,366     3,141
Non-current assets:                  
  Property and equipment (Note 8)     2,249     3,085     4,165
  Intangible assets (Note 9)     30     74     52
  Other non-current assets     120     67     598
  Total non-current assets:     2,399     3,226     4,815
      $ 4,167   $ 5,592   $ 7,956
                     
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficiency                  
                     
Current liabilities:                  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 6,250   $ 5,709   $ 7,961
  Deferred revenue (Note 13)     287     3,527     2,795
  Income tax payable (Note 14)     154     266     -
  Embedded derivatives (Note 7)     -     -     187
  Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11)     2,513     1,037     1,015
  Total current liabilities     9,204     10,539     11,958
Non-current liabilites                  
  Deferred revenue (Note 13)     -     12,979     14,630
  Long-term debt (Note 11)     5,322     6,443     6,615
  Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 14)     -     -     799
  Total non-current liabilities     5,322     19,422     22,044
Shareholders' deficiency:                  
  Common shares     67,739     67,739     67,544
  Additional paid-in capital     8,514     8,441     8,380
  Deficit     (86,612)     (100,549)     (101,970)
  Total shareholders' deficiency     (10,359)     (24,369)     (26,046)
                     
                     
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees                  
                     
      $ 4,167   $ 5,592   $ 7,956

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board:

Robert Rieder (signed), Chairman of the Board   Gordon Busenbark, (signed), Chairman of the Audit Committee

AKELA PHARMA INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)

               
        Year Ended
        December 31,
        2011     2010
               
Revenues (Note 13, 2(p))   $ 26,213   $ 13,302
               
Expenses:            
    Direct costs     5,575     5,446
    Selling, general and administrative     5,191     4,953
    Research and development     242     118
    Stock-based compensation (Note 12b)     73     61
    Amortization of property and equipment (Note 8)     883     1,437
    Amortization of intangible assets (Note 9)     44     58
    Interest on long-term debt (Note 11)     723     1,090
    Loss on securities held for trading     -     78
    Foreign exchange gain     (298)     (466)
    Decrease in fair value of embedded derivative liability     -     (187)
    Total expenses     12,433     12,588
               
Income before income taxes     13,780     714
               
               
Income Tax Provision     (157)     707
Total Income and Comprehensive Income     13,937     1,421
               
Earnings per share            
Basic net income per share     0.43     0.05
  Diluted net income per share   $ 0.42   $ 0.04
               
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (Note 12d)     32,390,338     31,535,338
  Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (Note 12e)     33,108,453     31,589,088

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

AKELA PHARMA INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficiency
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)

  Common Shares     Additional            
  Number     Dollars     Paid in Capital     Deficit     Total
Balance, January 1, 2010 30,890,338   $ 67,544   $ 8,380   $ (101,970)   $ (26,046)
Contributions by and distribution to owners.                          
  Stock-based compensation (Note 12b) -     -     61     -     61
  Lease termination (Note 6) 1,250,000     160     -     -     160
  Ingalls & Snyder line of credit  250,000     35     -     -     35
Total comprehensive income -     -     -     1,421     1,421
                           
Balance, December 31, 2010 32,390,338   $ 67,739   $ 8,441   $ (100,549)   $ (24,369)
                           
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in the equity.                        
Contributions by and distribution to owners.                          
  Stock based compensation (Note 12b) -     -     73     -     73
Total comprehensive income  -     -     -     13,937     13,937
                           
Balance, December 31, 2011 32,390,338   $ 67,739   $ 8,514   $ (86,612)   $ (10,359)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

SOURCE AKELA PHARMA INC.

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Neues Datenmaterial zeigt mögliche Heilwirkung von DIFICLIR™ bei Krebspatienten mit hohem Risiko einer Clostridium-difficile-Infektion

Neues Datenmaterial zeigt mögliche Heilwirkung von DIFICLIR™ bei Krebspatienten mit hohem Risiko einer Clostridium-difficile-Infektion

STAINES, England, March 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Die potenziell tödliche Clostridium-difficile-Infektion (CDI) ist eine der häufigsten durch Gesundheitspflege verursachten Infektionskrankheiten in Europa[1]

Neues Datenmaterial, das beim 22. Europäischen Kongress für klinische Mikrobiologie und Infektionskrankheiten (ECCMID) vorgelegt wurde, zeigt, dass DIFICLIR (Fidaxomicin) Krebspatienten mit CDI im Hinblick auf klinische Heilung*, Rückfallhäufigkeit[#] und anhaltendende klinische Heilung[=] deutliche Vorteile bieten könnte.[2]

Das vorgestellte Datenmaterial stammt aus zwei klinischen Phase-III-Studien. Eine Post-hoc-Analyse verglich die Ergebnisse von mit Krebs diagnostizierten Patienten mit solchen, bei denen dies nicht der Fall war. In den klinischen Studien war das Datenmaterial zur Krebsdiagnose nicht als vordefinierter Endpunkt erfasst worden.

CDI ist die Hauptursache für durch Gesundheitspflege verursachten Durchfall bei Erwachsenen[1] und wird in Krankenhäusern, Pflegeheimen und anderen Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen zunehmend zum Problem.[3] Je länger der Aufenthalt eines Patienten, desto größer das Risiko einer CDI-Infektion.[4] Patienten, die eine Chemotherapie erhalten haben, und solche mit soliden Tumoren weisen aufgrund ihres langen Krankenhausaufenthalts und der Belastung durch eine Vielzahl von Antibiotika und Chemotherapeutika eine besonders große CDI-Anfälligkeit auf.[5]

"Patienten mit Krebs stellen eine empfindliche Gruppe mit einem hohen CDI-Risiko dar, was oft eine Folge ihres geschwächten Immunsystems ist. CDI kann ein vernichtender Schlag sein für Patienten, die bereits mit anderen Vorerkrankungen zu kämpfen haben. Behandlungsmöglichkeiten, welche die Belastung durch CDI und vor allem das Rückfallrisiko verringern, werden es dem Klinikpersonal ermöglichen, sich auf die Krebsbehandlung zu konzentrieren", erklärte Professor Oliver Cornely, medizinischer Leiter des Klinischen Studienzentrums der Uniklinik Köln und Leiter der Studie.

In zwei klinischen Phase-III-Studien gab es 1.105 Patienten mit CDI in der gesamten modifizierten Intention-to-treat-(mITT)-Gruppe, von denen 183 Patienten (16,6 %) aktuell mit Krebs diagnostiziert waren. Eine Post-hoc-Analyse des Datenmaterials dieser Untergruppe von Krebspatienten zeigt, dass CDI zu einer niedrigeren klinischen Heilungsrate und längeren Durchfall-Episoden führt.[2] Im Vergleich zu Patienten, die mit Vancomycin behandelt worden waren, wiesen die mit DIFICLIR behandelten in dieser Gruppe eine höhere Rate an klinischer Heilung (97,3 % gegenüber 87,5 %) und an anhaltender klinischer Heilung (83,6 % gegenüber 61,3 %) auf sowie verringerte Rückfallraten (14,1 % vs. 30,0 %).[2]

Weiteres Datenmaterial, das beim ECCMID vorgestellt und in diesem Monat im Lancet Infectious Diseases veröffentlicht wurde, stützt die bereits vorhandenen DIFICLIR-Daten, indem es zeigt, dass DIFICLIR ein vergleichbares Wirksamkeits- und Verträglichkeitsprofil aufweist wie die orale Gabe von Vancomycin und zudem den Vorteil einer weitaus besseren anhaltenden Heilung und einer größeren Reduzierung der Rückfallrate bietet.[6]

Ergebnisse der klinischen Phase-III-Studie (Study OPT-80-004) an 509 Erwachsenen in Europa und Nordamerika, die mit CDI diagnostiziert waren, ergaben, dass die mit DIFICLIR behandelten Patienten eine deutlich geringere CDI-Rückfallrate aufwiesen (12,7 %) im Vergleich zu denen, welche Vancomycin erhalten hatten (26,9 %, p<0.001). Darüber hinaus war bei den mit DIFICLIR behandelten Patienten die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer anhaltenden klinischen Heilung höher als bei den mit Vancomycin behandelten (76,6 % gegenüber 63,4 %, p=0.001).[6]

"Die Ergebnisse wichtiger Phase-III-Studien und der Post-hoc-Analyse zeigen die Effektivität von DIFICLIR als neue und wirksame Behandlungsmethode für Patienten mit CDI, aber auch für Hochrisiko-Gruppen, wie zum Beispiel Krebspatienten", erklärte Ken Jones, Präsident und CEO von Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. "Astellas hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, effektive Behandlungsmethoden für Patienten in Bereichen zu entwickeln, in denen eindeutig medizinischer Bedarf besteht."

DIFICLIR - in den USA auch bekannt als DIFICID™ - wurde von Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. entdeckt und entwickelt. Im Mai 2011 erhielt es die Zulassung durch die US-amerikanische Food and Drug Administration[7] und im Dezember 2011 erfolgte die Freigabe für den europäischen Markt zur CDI-Behandlung von Erwachsenen. CDI ist auch bekannt als C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD).[8] Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. ist exklusiver Lizenznehmer für die Entwicklung und Kommerzialisierung von DIFICLIR in Europa und weiteren Ländern im Nahen Osten, Afrika und der Gemeinschaft unabhängiger Staaten (GUS).

* Klinische Heilung: Die Aufhebung des Durchfalls für die Dauer der Behandlung und kein Bedarf an weiterer CDI-Behandlung innerhalb von zwei Tagen nach Absetzen der Studien-Medikation, laut Definition des Studienleiters.

[#] CDI-Rückfall: positiver Test auf das Vorhandensein eines C. difficile-Toxins im Stuhl innerhalb von 30 Tagen nach Aussetzen der Behandlung.

[=] Anhaltende klinische Heilung: Die Aufhebung des Durchfalls, ohne dass innerhalb von vier Wochen nach Abschluss der Behandlung ein Rückfall eintritt.

REDAKTIONELLER HINWEIS:

Über die Clostridium-difficile-Infektion (CDI)

CDI ist eine schwere Erkrankung, die aus einer Infektion der Dickdarminnenwände mit dem Bakterium C. difficile resultiert. Das Bakterium produziert Toxine, welche zu einer Entzündung des Dickdarms, zu Durchfall und in einigen Fällen auch zum Tod führen können. Üblicherweise entwickeln Patienten CDI nach einer Behandlung mit Breitband-Antibiotika, welche die normale Darmflora zerstören und somit die Ausbreitung des C. difficile-Bakteriums begünstigen.[3] Besonders hoch ist das Risiko einer CDI-Erkrankung und eines Rückfalls bei Patienten ab 65 Jahren.[9]Bei den herkömmlichen Therapien tritt bei bis zu 25 % der Patienten innerhalb von 30 Tagen nach der ursprünglichen Behandlung ein Rückfall ein.[10,11,12] Die europäische Gesellschaft für klinische Mikrobiologie und Infektionskrankheiten (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, ESCMID) hat das Rückfallrisiko als größtes Problem bei der CDI-Behandlung bezeichnet.[13] CDI verursacht außerdem erhebliche Kosten für die Gesundheitssysteme, vor allem aufgrund des längeren Krankenhausaufenthalts.[14] Patienten mit CDI bleiben im Durchschnitt ca. 3,6 Tage länger im Krankenhaus und verursachen um 54 % höhere bereinigte Krankenhauskosten als die ohne CDI.[15]

Über Astellas Pharma Europe

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., mit Firmensitz im Vereinigten Königreich, ist der europäische Hauptsitz des in Tokio ansässigen Unternehmens Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas ist ein Pharmakonzern, der es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, die Gesundheit von Menschen in aller Welt durch die Bereitstellung von innovativen und verlässlichen Medikamenten zu verbessern. Das Unternehmen beabsichtigt, sich mithilfe außergewöhnlicher Forschung und Entwicklung und herausragenden Marketing-Fähigkeiten zu einem globalen Unternehmen zu entwickeln und sich auf dem weltweiten pharmazeutischen Markt weiter auszubreiten. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. unterhält 21 Niederlassungen in Europa, dem Nahen Osten und Afrika, einen Standort für Forschung und Entwicklung sowie drei Produktionsbetriebe. Das Unternehmen beschäftigt rund 4.200 Mitarbeiter in diesen Regionen. Für weitere Informationen über Astellas Pharma Europe besuchen Sie bitte die Website http://www.astellas.eu.

Referenzen

1. Ananthakrishnan AN. Clostridium difficile infection: epidemiology, risk factors and management. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;8:17-26.

2. Cornely A, et al. Clinical outcomes for cancer patients with Clostridium difficile infection. 22nd Annual European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID); London, England, 31. März - 3. April 2012; Abstract P2289.

3. McMaster-Baxter NL, Musher DM. Clostridium difficile: recent epidemiologic findings and advances in therapy. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:1029-39.

4. McFarland V et al. Renewed interest in a difficult disease: Clostridium difficile infections-epidemiology and current treatment strategies. Curr Opin Gastroenterology. 2009;25(1):24-35.

5. Chopra T, et al. Clostridium difficile Infection in Cancer Patients and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2010; 8 (10): 1113-1119.

6. Cornely A, et al. Fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for infection with Clostridium difficile in Europe, Canada, and the USA: a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Infect Diseases. 2012;12(4):281-9.

7. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves treatment for Clostridium difficile infection [Internet]. [aktualisiert am 27. Mai 2011; zitiert vom 16. September 2011]. Erhältlich unter http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm257024.htm.

8. European Commission. Community register of medicinal products for human use. http://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/h733.htm. Letzter Zugriff im Januar 2012.

9. Pepin J, et al. Increasing risk of relapse after treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis in Quebec, Canada. Clin Infect Dis. 2005;40:1591-7.

10. Bouza E, et al. Results of a phase III trial comparing tolevamer, vancomycin and metronidazole in patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. Clin Micro Infect. 2008;14(Suppl 7):S103-4.

11. Lowy I, et al. Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies against Clostridium difficile Toxins. N Engl J Med. 2010;362;3:197-205.

12. Louie TJ, et al. Fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection. N Engl J Med. 2011;364:422-31.

13. Bauer MP, et al. European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (ESCMID): treatment guidance document for Clostridium difficile-infection (CDI). Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009;15:1067-79.

14. Ghantoji SS, et al. Economic healthcare costs of Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect. 2010;74:309-18

15. Kyne L, et al. Health care costs and mortality associated with nosocomial diarrhea due to Clostridium difficile. Clin Infect Dis. 2002;1;34(3):346-53.

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Source: www.prnewswire.com

Friday, March 30, 2012

Covalon Provides Corporate Update and First Quarter Fiscal 2012 Financial Results

Covalon Provides Corporate Update and First Quarter Fiscal 2012 Financial Results

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Mr. Brian Pedlar, President and CEO of Covalon Technologies Ltd. (the "Company" or "Covalon") (TSXV: COV), an advanced medical technologies company, is pleased to provide the following update.

"Covalon is progressing well on its plan to transform into a market driven medical products company.  During our first fiscal 2012 quarter ended December 31, 2011, we continued to build on our progress in executing on our transformation plan in three key areas: expanding wound care sales, establishing international distribution networks and moving new products through the regulatory clearance process. While these changes had only a modest impact on the financial operating results for our first quarter, we are confident that the transformation underway at Covalon will positively impact fiscal 2012 and beyond.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, Covalon recognized modest revenue from shipments to five new wound care distribution partners. We expect to sign additional new distribution partners in the coming months, and expect the shipment volumes of wound care products to our new distributors to increase both within North America and internationally over time.  During fiscal 2011, we announced that Covalon recovered the exclusive worldwide rights to its advanced wound care products from a major medical company that was only selling in one limited market segment.

On October 13, 2011, Covalon announced a multi-year, non-exclusive distribution arrangement with a China-based partner to distribute ColActive® Plus Ag into the Chinese advanced wound care market.  The agreement calls for a minimum purchase commitment of $12 million of ColActive® Plus Ag over the term of the agreement with a minimum commitment of $500,000 in the first 12 months following regulatory approval in China.

Our medical product development pipeline was strengthened during the quarter, as four new products entered the final phase of development and regulatory filing.  This brings our total number of products in the process of filing for regulatory clearances in multiple jurisdictions to nine. Once cleared, these products will be made available through licensing or distribution arrangements with existing and new customers.  Covalon continues to engage over sixty new companies in confidential discussions to evaluate Covalon's products and technologies for commercial licensing or use in development of new products.

Finally, Covalon is continuing to evaluate acquisition opportunities that have the potential to significantly add capabilities and new market opportunities.

The Company announced financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended December 31, 2011. Revenue for the quarter was $689,167. Revenue was up marginally compared to the prior year's first quarter, driven mainly by growth in our medical coating services revenue.

Quarterly operating expenses were $1,149,989 or an increase of $203,410 over the comparative period.  Sales and marketing expenses accounted for the increase year over year due primarily to investments made to add additional sales and marketing staff and attendance at sales-related trade shows.

Net loss was $800,054 or $0.01 per share. Covalon continues to have a strong balance sheet with no long-term debt and over $4,400,000 in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2011.

Covalon's transformation is underway and I am confident the changes made to date and continued operational improvements will translate into improved financial results in fiscal 2012 and beyond", stated Brian Pedlar, Covalon's President and CEO.

About Covalon

Covalon Technologies Ltd. researches, develops and commercializes new healthcare technologies that help save lives around the world. Covalon's patented technologies, products and services address the advanced healthcare needs of medical device companies, healthcare providers and individual consumers. Covalon's technologies are used to prevent, detect and manage medical conditions in specialty areas such as wound care, tissue repair, infection control, disease management, medical device coatings and biocompatibility. To learn more about Covalon, visit our website at www.covalon.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan, "estimate", "expect", "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, including the difficulty in predicting product approvals, acceptance of and demands for new products, the impact of the products and pricing strategies of competitors, delays in developing and launching new products, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results and other risks, any of which could cause results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Many risks are inherent in the industry; others are more specific to the Company. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, further events or otherwise.

SOURCE Covalon Technologies Ltd.

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Dr. Robin Altman Selected For Patients' Choice Award 2011

Dr. Robin Altman Selected For Patients' Choice Award 2011

Dr. Robin Altman of Reading, PA has been ranked among the top physicians in the nation based on patient reviews.

READING, Pa., March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A select few physicians were honored with the prestigious 2011 Patients' Choice Award, and this year they include Dr. Robin Altman.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120330/DC79573)

Only doctors who have received top scores by their patients and pass other quality measures are awarded the Patients' Choice Award. In fact, of the nation's 720,000 active physicians, just 5 percent were accorded this honor in 2011.

Every month, millions of patients across the U.S. access websites like Vitals (http://www.vitals.com) to share feedback about their experiences with their doctors. Patients rate various components of the care they receive, such as the accuracy of their diagnosis, the amount of time they spent with the doctor, and the doctor's bedside manner and follow-up care. Patients' Choice ranks the top reviewed physicians and looks at other quality measures to compile its yearly list.

Dr. Robin Altman commented on the recognition: "This is quite an honor for me. I am very pleased to have been selected and grateful to my patients who went out of their way to rate me and give me positive reviews."

About Dr. Robin Altman: a short profile by and about the honoree:

Dr. Robin Altman is the author of Shrink Rap- An Irreverent Take on Child Psychiatry.

For more information on this Patients' Choice Award winner, please visit Dr. Robin Altman's profile on PatientsChoice.org.

Following the publication of Dr. Robin Altman's selection for the Patients' Choice Award, American Registry seconded the honor and added Dr. Altman to The Registry™ of Business Excellence. An exclusive recognition plaque has been designed to commemorate the honor. The doctor's custom wall plaque is shown here.

For more information on Dr. Robin Altman, located in Reading, PA please call 610-678-3730.

This press release was written by American Registry, LLC, with approval by and/or contributions from Dr. Altman and was distributed by PR Newswire, a subsidiary of UBM plc.

Patients' Choice provides in depth information on doctors in your area who have been recognized and awarded for outstanding patient care and expertise. The Patients' Choice Award is the honor roll of physicians who have received the highest ratings by their patients.

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. The Registry™ includes over 2 million significant business and professional recognitions. For more information, search The Registry at http://www.americanregistry.com.

Contact Info:
Dr. Robin Altman
Phone: 610-678-3730

SOURCE American Registry

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http://www.americanregistry.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Citronella Lotion

Citronella Lotion

– If you would like to learn Reflexology, Color Therapy, Crystal Therapy or Aromatherapy at your own pace in your own home, please visit the

. We offer a wide range of comprehensive holistic health courses at affordable prices. We even offer payment plans!

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* 2 ounces distilled water
* 2 ounces olive oil
* 120 drops citronella essential oil

A lotion is an emulsification of water and oil. To prepare: Put water into a deep mixing bowl. Begin to drizzle in the oil slowly and beat vigorously with a wire whisk. By the time all the oil is added you should have a nice creamy white lotion. Stir in the citronella oil. Pour into a lotion bottle and label.


Free PDF Health Ebook...

The Healing Art of Reflexology

    Simply right click the ebook title above, and choose Save As to save to your desktop!  You can find more FREE Natural Health, Wellness and Pet Ebooks at Remedies4.com!


Source: www.natural-holistic-health.com

The Asthma Control Test Can Help You Handle Asthma Naturally

The Asthma Control Test Can Help You Handle Asthma Naturally

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that causes the airways to close rendering it hard to breathe, which this is called reversible airflow obstruction, but a simple web based asthma control test can help you find out if the asthma is harmful. Many individuals around the world have been diagnosed with one of the types of asthma’s, because there is moderate asthma, acute severe asthma, life threatening asthma, and near-fatal asthma.

Asthma action plan

Asthma hits all people of every age, and symptoms involve coughing, tightness in chest, wheezing, and also shortness of breath. The common drugs utilized to treat asthmatic patients are steroid-based pills and sometimes these can worsen instead of heal the problem. Due to the side effects of steroid drugs, individuals have begun to use natural home therapies to treat the symptoms of asthma, and prevent it from getting out of control. You will find many vitamins, home remedies, and herbs that can be used to help asthma in a healthy way and these ways to control asthma could prevent your chance of having an asthma strike.

You will discover websites online that will help you test your asthma and find out what do to about it, whether it is serious or mild, and this test is known as asthma control test (ACT). There exists an asthma control test pdf that is going to provide an idea of what to expect during a control test, and the basic approach to explain a control test is that it is an easy questionnaire that adds up points to figure out where you are with your asthma. These types of control tests can be undertaken at a doctor’s office or on the web for free, and taking the test is actually one of the best ways for a health care provider to assess where their sufferer is. The asthma control test validation for ACT helps the patient understand that their information is safe, and it additionally shows that the ACT is the best way for doctor’s to diagnosis asthma correctly; because there are many different types of asthma. Ways to prove that the test is validated is simply because the National Institution of Health (NIH) has acknowledged it and it is commonly employed for asthma diagnoses today. Once the results from the ACT assess where the patient is then next comes the treatment plan, and if the patient wants a natural, safe remedy over steroids they must consult with their medical professional. Many herbs and vitamins can be taken for controlling asthma, but these can be severe if mixed with prescriptions assigned by the doctor, so it is always good to talk natural treatment over with your personal physician.

Some natural treatments for asthma control can be as simple as just taking a supplementary vitamin C and E every day, and the two of these are quite harmless when taken with medication. Using ginseng is another great method to control your asthma naturally because it carries anti-inflammatory properties, which asthma is an inflammatory disease, and it keeps bronchial irritation under control. Taking 50 milligrams of wild licorice, also referred to as coleus, will help fight lung inflammation, and it 2 to 3 doses of coleus must be taken daily. Although, Coleus is one of those natural remedies that can enhance the effect of steroid medication given by physicians, so it is a must to speak with your doctor about taking it.

asthma control test asthma action plan


Source: www.thehealthdirectoryonline.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Governors Visit Beef Products, Inc.

Governors Visit Beef Products, Inc.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Five governors and lieutenant governors visited Beef Products, Inc. Thursday to tour its facility and see how lean finely textured beef is made.

Governor Terry Brandstad, Iowa, Governor Rick Perry, Texas, Governor Sam Brownback, Kansas, Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy, Nebraska, and Lt. Governor Matt Michels, South Dakota, participated in the tour along with U.S. Under Secretary of Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, several of the states' Secretaries of Agriculture, a meat scientist, and reporters from print and broadcast news organizations.

"We were honored to host the governors and lieutenant governors and are grateful to them for taking the time to see for themselves what we make: high quality lean beef with an exceptional safety record," said Eldon Roth, founder of the family-owned business that started in 1981.

Sensationalized media reports have dubbed BPI's lean beef trim 'pink slime,"

"Pink slime completely mischaracterizes the beef Eldon and his company make.  Reporters need to stop using the term and scaring people unnecessarily.  I have been through this facility many times, and I can tell you this product is 100% beef and is produced in a way that is safe," said Gary Acuff, Ph.D., and director of the Center for Food Safety at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Nancy Donley, founder of STOP Foodborne Illness, met Eldon Roth after she made it her life cause to improve the safety of the food supply.  Donley's six-year-old son, Alex, became ill and died from E. coli O157:H7 in a hamburger he had eaten. 

"I just can't imagine why anyone would vilify what Eldon and his family have done.  They have made beef safer," said Donley. "The Governors and journalists saw today what I have seen in my previous visits to the facility: BPI has a high level of commitment to safety.  A product that is 100 percent beef is being unfairly maligned.  I do hope people learn about the process themselves and reconsider their concern because it would be a tremendous disservice to the safety of our food supply to take the intervention used to produce BPI's lean beef off the market."

When beef is processed, there are several safety interventions that are used from exposure to antibacterial agents to freezing to what safety experts call 'test-and-hold' procedures, which is when a sample of the final product is tested and the lot is only released after test results come back negative.  The same is true for lean finely textured beef produced by BPI and others. 

"We're working with a raw product.  Any time you do that – whether it's lettuce, spices, chicken, beef or any other fresh food – the food passes several safety interventions to make sure it is as safe as it possibly can be when it arrives at our homes," said Acuff.  "Much attention has been given to BPI's process of exposing the meat briefly to an ammonia gas, which has been FDA-approved for use in food safety systems since 1974.  As someone who directs a leading food safety center, I can tell you ammonia is used in many food systems.  And that makes good sense.  Ammonia is naturally found in many foods, including beef, chocolate, cheese and baked goods, and it very effective in ensuring safety," said Acuff.

Craig Letch, director of food safety and quality assurance for BPI, led the visitors on the tour.  Before going into the plant, he described the computerized control systems that monitor each piece of equipment in the facility and he showed the delegation the fresh beef trim that is used to make lean beef trim as well as the 94 to 97 percent fresh ground beef product the plant makes before it is frozen and shipped.  They then went into the plant and saw the product being made.

People who wish to learn more can visit beefisbeef.com

SOURCE Beef Products, Inc.

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http://beefisbeef.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Anti Aging Skin Treatment Advice: Five Aging Changes in Skin

Anti Aging Skin Treatment Advice: Five Aging Changes in Skin
Aging has an impact on skin, but not all of those impacts are wrinkles and fine lines. Learn five important ways that age changes your skin and how you can combat and prevent them.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Head Injuries Are Most Common Injury in Teen Crashes

Head Injuries Are Most Common Injury in Teen Crashes

More Than 55,000 teen drivers and teen passengers seriously injured each year

PHILADELPHIA, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a new teen driver safety report released today by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm®, from among more than 55,000 teen drivers and their passengers seriously injured each year in 2009 and 2010, 30 percent suffered head injuries, including concussion, skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While the report highlights an impressive decline in teen driver-related fatalities over the past six years, researchers are concerned about the burden of motor vehicle crash-related brain injury on families and the Nation's health care system. Crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens and kill nearly five times as many 15- to 19-year-olds as cancer or poisoning.

"Since full recovery from serious head injuries is often not achievable, there can be a significant life-long impact from these injuries on teens and their families," says Dennis R Durbin, MD, MSCE, lead author of the report and co-scientific director for the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The brain is the organ that is least able to heal, so prevention is the best medicine."

Policies and programs focused on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and increasing seat belt use are proven effective strategies.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of TBI-related death among 15- to 19-year-olds. The annual report, called Miles to Go: Monitoring Progress in Teen Driver Safety, charts significant progress between 2005 and 2010 in efforts to reduce the number and impact of teen driver crashes and related fatalities. During this time, the number of teen drivers that died in crashes declined 46 percent – from 2,399 to 1,305 deaths. Deaths among their passengers also declined 41 percent, from 1,777 to 1,022. In 2010, 1,849 fewer teen drivers and their passengers perished in crashes as compared to 2005.  Researchers say this is a substantial public health achievement for those in traffic safety.

The researchers noted significant variation in fatality rates among states–ranging from a low of 3.9 deaths per 100,000 teens in Massachusetts to a high of 29.1 per 100,000 teens in Montana in 2009-2010. The average annual fatality rate for all 50 states was 9.5 deaths per 100,000 teens.  

It's in this variation that researchers see opportunities to realize further reductions in fatality rates. The dramatic variation is due, at least in part, to the strength of a state's GDL law.  Twelve states implemented comprehensive GDL policy and other programs to reduce their teen fatality rate by more than 50 percent in just six years. Five states — Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island – have maintained rates of less than 10 crash-related deaths per 100,000 teens since 2005-2006. All five states have comprehensive GDL laws.

"The differences in fatality rates from state to state show that much more can be done to improve policies to more consistently prevent deaths among teen drivers and their passengers," said Chris Mullen, director of Technology Research, Strategic Resources at State Farm Insurance. "States with comprehensive GDL laws have lower fatality rates than those with weaker laws. Primary seat belt laws and teen-focused initiatives to increase seat belt use will also help further reduce deaths and injuries, even if a crash occurs."

A comprehensive GDL law includes at least 50 hours of adult-supervised practice under varied conditions; limits teen passengers for the first year of independent driving; restricts unsupervised nighttime driving; requires seat belt use for the driver and all passengers; and prohibits cell phone use.

"We should use the success stories in states with the greatest reductions to fuel progress in states still burdened with high numbers of teens dying in crashes and suffering serious brain injuries," says Dr.  Durbin. "Those success stories typically involved comprehensive GDL and primary enforcement belt laws."

The authors recommend that many of the states with teen crash fatality rates above the national average (9.5 per 100,000) close gaps in their GDL policy to reduce fatality rates. They also suggest utilizing evidence-based programs aimed at increasing belt use, reducing distractions, and teaching key driving skills, such as speed control and hazard detection, in keeping teens safe on the road.

For the complete report, videos, and for more information on teen driver safety, visit www.teendriversource.org.

About the research partnership between The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm®

Motor vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 cause of death among teens in the United States. Teen drivers (ages 16 to 19) have fatal crashes at four times the rate of adult drivers (ages 25 to 69). To reduce injury and death from young driver-related crashes through scientific research and outreach, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm Insurance Companies have been conducting research and providing evidence-based resources to stakeholders and families since 2006. The multidisciplinary research team at CHOP employs comprehensive, rigorous methods to understand and predict teen driver crashes, in order to prevent them. We continuously update and share the latest information and tools to help prevent teen driver crashes on our web site teendriversource.org.

About The Center for Injury Research and Prevention at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The Center for Injury Research and Prevention at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was established in 1998 to advance the safety and health of children, adolescents, and young adults through comprehensive research that encompasses before-the-injury prevention to after-the-injury healing. The Center's multidisciplinary research team, with expertise in Behavioral Sciences; Medicine; Engineering; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Human Factors; Public Health; and Communications, translates rigorous scientific research into practical tools and guidelines for families, professionals, and policymakers to ensure research results extend to the real world. For more information on the Center and its research initiatives, visit injury.research.chop.edu.

About State Farm

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 66,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®. 

SOURCE The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.chop.edu
http://www.teendriversource.org
http://www.statefarm.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Magnificent Unwanted Fat Elimination Designs Just For Melting Away Extra Weight Quickly

Magnificent Unwanted Fat Elimination Designs Just For Melting Away Extra Weight Quickly

There are many weight loss plans out there, but most of them aren’t even designed to work fast. Yet when you want to lose weight, that’s exactly what you need. That’s why you really have to try what Vic Magary’s system has to offer. Through this cures for weight loss in 31 days you’re going to learn all about that.

Basically this is a weight loss system that requires extreme discipline, but for that faith, it’s going to get you some incredible results. You’ll find that on this weight loss system, you’re going to lose a heck of a lot faster.

Through this type of diet system, you’re going to find that you can both lose weight, as well as accomplish your goals in a shorter amount of time, but you have to work harder for those goals.

But you do have to be prepared to work for those results. You can’t completely change your body in just a month if you don’t work hard, and that’s going to be the only requirement of a system like this.

Vic Magary has crafted the type of diet that you just have to try to believe. This is made to completely change your body in just 31 days. While the results are going to depend upon the person, one thing is assured, your body is going to look different.

You’re going to find that 31 Day Fat Loss Cure has one of the best possible ones that you’re going to find anywhere. This is the diet that’s going to show you exactly how you can drop the fat incredibly fast.

But what you have to realize is that it’s going to require some pretty extreme discipline. While this is going to help you lose weight, you have to be really willing to make this work by altering your diet.

But rest assured that there is no 31 Day Fat Loss Cure scam. This definitely will whip you into shape, as long as you can follow the system as Vic Magary has laid it out for you.

Investigate out additional of this writer’s helpful hints about http://31dayfatlosscurea.com.


Source: www.thehealthdirectoryonline.com

Narang Medical Limited alerta a los clientes del incremento de la circulación de productos falsificados

Narang Medical Limited alerta a los clientes del incremento de la circulación de productos falsificados

NUEVA DELHI, la India, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Narang Medical Limited (NML) "aprecia" la "creatividad" (en ocasiones equivocada y mal utilizada) de algunas empresas/personas participantes en el mercado que intentan imitarla y considera que estas compañías/personas se ven obligadas a copiarla al carecer de productos originales que ofrecer.

El Sr. Parveen Narang, director de Narang Medical Limited afirmo: "Si la imitación se puede considerar el mayor de los halagos, Narang Medical Limited se siente francamente halagada en estos momentos".

NML se esfuerza por ofrecer el mejor producto y servicio al cliente, y con esta práctica en mente realiza una declaración oficial respecto al uso no autorizado e ilegal de la marca Narang & NET. Esta declaración pretende informar a los clientes de NML acerca de la repentina proliferación de empresa/personas con un comportamiento poco ético que intentan beneficiarse de la reputación de NML utilizando "Narang" en el nombre, la dirección web y el nombre de las personas de contacto de su empresa. Estas compañías/personas falsas comercializan sus numerosos productos con el reclamo de "Narang".

La principal prioridad de NML es el compromiso con la seguridad del cliente. Estos productos falsificados ponen en riesgo la reputación de la compañía y la confianza de los compradores. Los productos falsos están jugando con la vida de las personas al ofrecer imitaciones baratas de calidad inferior de los productos NML con un nombre de empresa/marca/envase, etc., muy similar. La clave para combatir la "epidemia" de falsificaciones reside en una colaboración activa entre los compradores, todos los interesados y NML. La compañía solo podrá tener éxito en este intento si cuenta con el respaldo de los compradores. NML busca el sólido apoyo de los compradores para que le ayuden a cumplir constantemente su filosofía empresarial de prestar un servicio excepcional así como una calidad y valor superiores.

Los compradores deben ser cautos y tener cuidado con estas imitaciones, que no solo pueden perjudicar a NML, sino también a aquellos que se sienten tentados por las ofertas de bajo precio de estas compañías malintencionadas. Se aconseja a los compradores que observen con detenimiento la siguiente información antes de formalizar cualquier transacción comercial:

Logotipo de la compañía: http://www.narang.com/images/net_logo.gif

Dirección web: http://www.narang.com/, http://www.ortho.in/

Contacto: net@narang.com

Acerca de la compañía:

Narang Medical Limited, fundada como una pequeña empresa a comienzos de la década de 1950, ha alcanzado nuevos niveles y ahora es el más reputado fabricante y exportador indio de muebles para hospitales, implantes ortopédicos y equipamiento médico de la marca NET. NML cumple las normas ISO y CE además de ser una empresa con el certificado Star Export House otorgado por el Gobierno de la India.

Contacto: Amit Kumar
Compañía: Narang Medical Limited. La India
Tel.: +911-145554000
Fax: +911-145554001
Correo electrónico: net@narang.com
Sitio web: http://www.narang.com/

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Source: www.prnewswire.com