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Today’s new episode of the I am BIO Podcast explores how we’re unleashing biotech to support our furry friends—and The Autoimmune Association shares five things you should know about autoimmune disease. (516 words, 2 minutes, 34 seconds) |
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I am BIO Podcast: One Health benefits pets and people |
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Biotech for our furry friends helps them—and us, says today’s new episode of the I am BIO Podcast.
Why it matters: More than half of U.S. households include pets, but there has been a lack of medical treatments developed specifically for small animals. Given the health benefits pets provide humans, keeping them healthy is good for us, too.
“Dogs are not just little people,” says Tammie Wahaus, CEO of ELIAS Animal Health. “Dogs have their own genome, and they respond differently to all therapeutics, but in particular, they can respond differently to cancer therapeutics.”
Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs. ELIAS seeks to close a gap in canine cancer treatment with T-cell therapy, like personalized therapy for humans. The company’s treatment recently received USDA approval—the animal equivalent of FDA approval.
Valley fever hits dogs worse than people—perhaps because dogs are close to the ground and more likely to sniff the airborne fungus that causes the disease, which is increasing due to climate change.
Anivive Life Sciences’ One Health approach utilized research identifying a gene that makes corn susceptible to the fungus to develop a vaccine for dogs, says the company’s Chief Medical Officer Dave Bruyette. The research may also benefit people.
The bottom line: “The concept of One Health is bringing a new approach to science and healthcare that's focused on the connections between people, animals, plants, and the environment, and how to achieve the best health outcomes for all living things,” says podcast host Theresa Brady. Listen: The podcast is available at www.bio.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. |
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5 things to know about autoimmune disease |
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For Autoimmune Awareness Month, The Autoimmune Association shares five things to know about autoimmune disease—and what happens when the immune system doesn’t work as it should.
But first—what is autoimmune disease? It’s a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking and damaging healthy body tissue and cells rather than protecting the body as designed.
Why awareness matters: “Patients with autoimmune disease can face considerable challenges, including long and frustrating journeys to diagnosis, insurance restrictions, and barriers to care, and an overall lack of understanding by family, employers and friends,” explains Molly Murray, president and CEO of The Autoimmune Association.
Here are five things to know:
1. There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases—including common conditions like psoriasis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as rarer conditions.
2. 80% of people living with autoimmune diseases are female. Though not fully understood, a recent study suggests the Xist molecule may play a role.
3. Autoimmune disease tends to cluster in families, suggesting a link with genetics.
4. Autoimmune disease is on the rise, increasing 3%–12% annually, with teenagers experiencing a 300% increase in diagnosis over a 24-year period.
5. Raising awareness is key to increase investment and interest in research, innovation, patient outcomes, and community support. Read more in Bio.News. |
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President Biden’s Tuesday: Campaigning in Raleigh, N.C., where he’ll promote affordable health care, per ABC News.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Congress is on a two-week recess. |
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