Latest news with #DCS-related
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
BioAegis Therapeutics Announces US Navy Contract to Support Phase 2 Study of Recombinant Human Gelsolin, for Inflammasome-Driven Decompression Sickness (DCS)
Phase 2 proof-of-concept study for rhu-pGSN, a promising intervention across a spectrum of inflammatory diseases, to be studied as an intervention for the negative outcomes of decompression in SCUBA Divers NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioAegis Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company at the forefront of innovative therapies for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, announces that it will conduct a Phase 2 study of rhu-pGSN for decompression sickness (DCS) under a contract awarded by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research to the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). This work is the culmination of an extended collaboration with Dr. Stephen Thom, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UMSOM. The Company's portfolio is built around gelsolin, a highly conserved and critical immune regulatory protein which rebalances dysfunctional inflammation without suppressing immune function. Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Rhu-pGSNThe study, 'Rhu-pGSN to Mitigate Proinflammatory Responses to Decompression in Healthy SCUBA Divers,' NCT06216366 is being conducted under a contract with the Office of Naval Research with the University of Maryland. It will investigate the use of rhu-pGSN as a pre- or post-exposure intervention in healthy trained SCUBA divers exposed to controlled hyperbaric conditions. The study is designed to assess the impact of rhu-pGSN on key inflammatory responses and microparticle production associated with decompression. Decompression sickness occurs when inert gas bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues due to rapid pressure changes, triggering an inflammatory cascade. Previous studies have shown that individuals with DCS exhibit depleted levels of plasma gelsolin and elevated levels of microparticles that contain inflammatory cytokines. In animal models, supplementation with rhu-pGSN both prevented and mitigated DCS-related complications. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will enroll healthy trained SCUBA divers at a single site and expose them to a standardized hyperbaric protocol (30 meters of seawater for 35 minutes). Participants will be randomized into three groups to receive either pre-exposure or post-exposure rhu-pGSN, or placebo. The study will assess a broad range of outcomes including plasma gelsolin levels, inflammatory markers like IL-1β, gas bubble formation, and well-being metrics. Dr. Thom states, 'If successful, this study could transform the way we manage decompression sickness by providing a portable, field-deployable treatment option. Reducing our reliance on hyperbaric chambers would greatly expand our ability to treat DCS in remote or operational environments, improving outcomes and readiness, a key goal for the Navy.' BioAegis and University of Maryland are co-applicants on a patent filing listing Dr. Thom as an inventor. Gelsolin: A Multitasking Protein for Complex Inflammatory ConditionsRhu-pGSN holds immense promise as a therapeutic intervention for serious acute and chronic conditions due to its multifaceted mechanism of action. In critical illness, gelsolin levels collapse, causing adverse outcomes. Supplementing gelsolin addresses this deficit directly, restoring immune balance while preserving host defense and rhu-pGSN has been shown in animal studies to: Modulate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Enhance uptake and killing of microbial pathogens by innate immune cells. Bind to and remove harmful inflammatory mediators and toxic actin released from damaged cells. Regulate macrophage phenotype to modulate inflammation. Supplementation with the recombinant gelsolin protein holds promise to address the overzealous inflammatory response associated many inflammatory diseases without suppressing immune function. About BioAegisBioAegis Therapeutics Inc. is a NJ-based clinical-stage private company whose mission is to capitalize on a key regulatory component of the body's immune system, plasma gelsolin, to prevent adverse outcomes in diseases driven by inflammation. BioAegis has the exclusive license to broad, worldwide intellectual property through Harvard-Brigham and Women's Hospital. It holds over 40 patents issued for coverage of inflammatory disease, infection, renal failure, neurologic disease, and frailty. BioAegis will also have U.S. biologics exclusivity and has recently filed new IP in areas of unmet need. BioAegis' lead product, rhu-pGSN, is currently being studied in a 600-patient global Phase 2 trial for patients with moderate to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract number 75A50123C00067. NCT05947955 Investor Inquiries:Steven Cordovano203-952-6373scordovano@ Media Inquiries:Christine Laganaclagana@ This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations of management. These statements relate to, among other things, our expectations regarding management's plans, objectives, and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. BioAegis assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this press release in the event of changing circumstances or otherwise, and such statements are current only as of the date they are in to access your portfolio
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Zawya
South Africa: Correctional Services Committee Updated on Learnership Programme
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services yesterday received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on its Learnership programme selection process, targets and progress achieved to date. The committee heard that the current developmental programme for the training of entry-level correctional officers is the Corrections Services Learnership programme. Its main aim is to assist with youth employment and empowerment, and it also serves as a pool from which entry-level appointments are made. Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee is aware that there was an intake in 2021 and some were supposed to be absorbed into the system. 'The previous committee received a briefing and certain commitments were made. We would like an update on those commitments,' said Ms Ramolobeng. Recruitment of the 6 192 learner positions entails the appointment of 50% of applicants with a Grade 12, a National Certificate in Vocational Studies or a Further Education and Training Certificate. The remaining 50% comprises a focused recruitment of those who have DCS-related qualifications, with preference given to those with qualifications in Corrections, Penology and Criminology and those with qualifications/skills that will support the implementation of the Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy. The DCS received over 1.2 million applications. The committee heard that the DCS programme can accommodate an intake of 1 032 learners at two training colleges: Kroonstad (with a capacity of 540) and Zonderwater Training College (with a capacity of 492). The programme runs for 12 months – 16 weeks of theoretical training at the colleges and the rest of the period constitutes experiential learning at the correctional centres. Learners who have successfully completed the Learnership will be considered for permanent employment in the department as correctional officials. Group 1 will commence on 1 April 2025 subject to the completion of all personal suitability checks. Thus far, the selection process has gone well at all centres, except for the score/result sheets for physical fitness assessments, which were tampered with at Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area in Gauteng. The Regional Commissioner has referred the matter to the Inspectorate for Investigation. The assessments were repeated at the beginning of March. Ms Ramoboleng said: 'The department needs to ensure that the first group of learners into the programme are those that meet the criteria and are without any questionable suitability issues to ensure credibility of the programme. Strict measures must be applied, such as vetting of applicants, to prevent nepotism, as alleged in the past. The committee received several complaints regarding the recruitment and appointment process into the programme previously,' she highlighted. The committee also heard that in the interests of achieving a reformed, integrated and modern criminal justice system (CJS), the department intends increasing its capacity by employing 12 950 correctional officers by 2030. In order to achieve this target, the DCS will have to train 3 000 learners per annum. However, this staff increase depends on the DCS's funding levels. The committee wished the DCS well for the start of the 2025 Leadership programme in April. 'The intake will assist in dealing with the ratio of inmates versus officials, as the current ratio in some centres is concerning and might compromise security in some instances,' said Ms Ramolobeng. 'We resolved to visit to two training facilities in order to allow [the committee] to see the conditions of the facility and assess the training provided to the learners, including the learning material. Furthermore, the committee wants a detailed breakdown on the dropout rate from the programme over the years, a report on the investigation into allegations of tampering with fitness results and nepotism in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng Region and subsequent consequence management to be implemented,' emphasised Ms Ramolobeng. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
