Latest news with #Island
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island in new fix row as fans hit out at ‘massive rule break'
LOVE Island has found itself in a new fix row, as fans hit out at a 'massive rule break.' Last night saw Dejon express his concerns over fellow Islander Megan, who was dumped from the villa but recently made a bombshell return. 6 6 6 He expressed his reservations to Blu, a dumped Islander who also re-entered with Megan, which led to Blu telling Dejon and Harry some snippets about the outside world, including public opinion on the other Islanders. Lying on the daybeds, Blu could be heard saying to the boys: 'From the outside you see two sides. 'There's a good side and a bad side, and Megan is sitting on the fence because she doesn't want to get really involved in the whole drama.' He continued: 'It seems like they're really loved,' referencing Shakira and Toni. Adding: 'And the other girls look like the mean girls.' And fans have had their say on social media, hitting out at the 'massive rule break.' One person said: 'Anyone catch Blu literally spilling the beans on public perception. I swear past islanders said there was a rule where they couldn't talk about the outside? All of a sudden that doesn't matter??!!' Someone else penned: 'Producers clearly told them to have the conversation. Blu is trying his hardest to cause as much drama as he can.' A third echoed: 'Love Island should be a bubble once out. No getting back again!' Love Island star is 'sabotaging' rival couple ahead of the final, insist furious fans Someone else added: 'This is awful - the Islanders should not be told what's going on on the outside or it'll change the way they act around each other. Rule break at its finest.' Blu's comments about popularity weren't the only ones he shared from the outside world on Wednesday evening. He also spilled details on what Megan had been up to outside of the villa before she returned. He told the boys that he'd heard she had caught up with ex Tommy on the outside. This information was then relayed to Conor, who then pulled Megan for a chat by the fire pit to question what had been going on in the outside world. But Conor ended up being wary of the boys - something he then relayed to Megan. Megan and Conor were seen chatting casually about the behaviour they've noticed in the villa and wanting to do their best to be there for each other. 'What I will say as I've seen it a lot in here is that when couples are going good, and it's getting to crunch time now, it's convenient that the boys come up with a problem for me and a problem for you to make you act out of character and to make me act out of character and to turn us against each other,' said Conor. Fans have been quick to spot the slights aimed at Megan and Conor's relationship, claiming that Dejon is doing all he can to sabotage them as he feels threatened by the rival couple. One fan said: 'Dejon is just straight up sabotaging other couples now?!' Another added: 'Conor don't feed into it! Doing everything to get the heat off themselves, it's actually so applaudable', followed by laughing face emojis. 6 6 6
CBC
19 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Cheaper bridge and ferry trips will help people who have to leave P.E.I. for health care
Many people in this province have to go off-Island for health appointments — everything from maternity care or surgery to just about any kind of specialized treatment. As CBC's Laura Meader reports, those travel costs can add up.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Megan broke massive show rule since returning to villa but it hasn't been shown on camera, claim fans
LOVE Island fans have accused Megan of breaking major show rules after she returned to the villa in a shock bombshell move. Since she returned to the island, viewers noticed a difference in Meg's behaviour, which they think has something to do with Megan. From the very first day, Meg entertained viewers with her fiery attitude and hasn't been one to shy away from conflict with other islanders. She and Dejon have had their fair share of challenges over the last few months, which were usually sparked by Dejon's head being turned away from "his Meg". But since Megan and Blu made their shock return, fans noticed Meg has been more passive. One fan believes Megan broke major show rules by giving Meg the lowdown on how she's coming across on TV. Discussing the girls on Reddit, they wrote: "Anyone notice a 180-degree personality shift from Meg once Megan entered the villa? "Meg had zero issue being confrontational towards other people in the villa when she wanted to. "And had no issue making b****y comments behind others backs. (Eg. the strutting comment to Toni and Shakira) "But since movie night and Megan's re-entry, she has suddenly started acting like she is devastated that Toni and Shakira don't like her. "When a few weeks ago, she was happily talking s*** behind their backs. "It's blatantly clear that Megan has told her how the public thinks of her, and as a result, Meg has not only toned down the aggression but also started this fake teary act whenever it's shown that Toni or Shakira have talked badly behind her back." While many agreed with the statement, one wasn't so sure. They replied: "I actually don't think so. I think Meg is delusional enough to believe she truly is nice and kind to everyone the entire time. "She's still making comments. The other episode after the girls all talked, and she started bitching to Angel, and Megan said 'enough of that'. "She was baffled that Megan would say that to her. I also think her delusional mind wouldn't even register that she was b*******. Megan didn't waste any time on spilling plenty of outside secrets to her villa besties - but viewers weren't happy. within moments of being reunited with her villa pals Meg and Helena, she was quick to open up on how things had been portaged to the outside word. It left many fans shocked that she would be allow to relay such information despite the Islanders being cut off from the outside world. Megan was quick to tell Meg about what she saw of her partner Dejon and his actions with Andrada in Casa Amor. Although Andrada coupled up with Ben, she was keen to pursue something with Dejon and he openly flirted with her. Megan told Meg this was clear before she confessed that since the pair made things exclusive then she had noticed a shift in Dejon and his behaviour. But viewers think that Megan should have been instructed not to tell her co-stars about what she had seen as to not influence their decisions in moving forward with their relationships. Another then added: "I actually don't think it's fair that megan gets to come and tell the others how it's being perceived on the tv #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK." 3 3
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Biocurious: It's a case of animal magnetism as Island eyes the FDA's new rule on non-human testing
Having acquired a second anti-viral program, Island Pharmaceuticals hopes to avail of an FDA approval shortcut for one of the world's nastiest diseases Island was so impressed with Galidesivir that it fast-tracked the acquisition process The company hopes both Galidesivir and its legacy program ISLA-101 will become eligible for potentially lucrative FDA priority review vouchers The term 'Animal Rule' is redolent of George Orwell's seven rules of Animal Farm. Who could forget the perverse 'all animals are equal'? Or how about the 'kill the pig' chant in Lord of the Flies as the stranded lads descend into animalistic savagery? In drug development, Animal Rule now means something less foreboding – but just as far reaching. Three years ago, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) devised the Animal Rule to enable approvals without the rigmarole of a human trial. Conventional wisdom goes that drug makers must test out their candidates on human flesh and blood. Trialling drugs on our nearest relative – primates – can only go so far. But what if the disease is so awful and fatal that human testing would not be ethical or feasible? In these cases, the FDA might approve treatments based on 'adequate and well-controlled' animal efficacy studies. These remedies must prevent 'serious or life-threatening conditions caused by exposure to lethal or permanently disabling toxic chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear' agents. Tackling some of the world's worst viruses The Animal Rule concession is likely to be crucial for Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA), which this month acquired the rights to an antiviral compound, Galidesivir. The vendor was the Nasdaq-listed Biocryst Pharma. A broad spectrum anti-viral, Galidesivir is claimed to be effective against more than 20 viruses, including the hideous hemorrhagic Ebola and Marburg. Biocryst tested healthy volunteers in phase 1 trials for some of the 'lesser' diseases, establishing safety. Subsequent primate and hamster testing for yellow fever, Zika, Marburg and Ebola produced what Island CEO Dr David Foster dubs 'phenomenal results'. These include 100% survival, whereas the control animals were dead within days. In particular, the Marburg primate results could provide the foundation for availing of the Animal Rule. Foster says the program supplements Island's existing program ISLA-101, to treat and prevent the mosquito-borne dengue fever. The deets of the deal The deal sees Island acquiring Galidesivir from the Nasdaq-listed Biocryst Pharma for US$550,000. The initial agreement was by way of a US$50,000 option fee. 'After considerable diligence we became very excited about the asset and elected not to (avail of option) and go straight to an acquisition,' Foster says. Island also pays $US500,000 to Biocryst on phase II trial completion and a further US$500,000 on FDA approval. Thus far, Biocryst has completed one acceptable animal study. 'We may be one successful animal study away from submitting a New Drug Application ,' Foster says. 'This can happen very quickly and we are laying the groundwork for primate study. We hope to have it completed 12 months from closing the acquisition.' The obvious question is: if Galidesivir is so promising, why was Biocryst happy to dispose of it for not much more than a song? Foster notes the program was funded almost entirely by US grants, which eventually dried up (see below). Biocryst also shifted strategy in favour of becoming a rare diseases company. With cash of $7.25 million as of June 30, Island is well funded for a second simian study. America's quiet war on (bio) terror US authorities have been keenly interested in Galidesivir's development, because of the potential for Ebola and Marburg to be 'weaponised'. Uncle Sam has poured at least US$70 million into developing the compound, as a counter bioterrorism strategy against such horrible hemorrhagic viruses. Via the disaster preparation agency BARDA, the US has a long history of dealing in germ warfare – and it's not monkeying around. BARDA, for instance, has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on anthrax and smallpox vaccines. Foster notes government contracts – such as those offered by BARDA – don't entail hiring an army of salespeople. 'It's a great commercial opportunity,' he says. 'We could select any number of viruses. Zika stands out, but we're laser focused on Marburg.' Let's not put the moz on ISLA-101 Foster adds that Island has not lost is passion for its original program ISLA-101, targeting the mosquito-borne dengue fever. Usually not fatal but most unpleasant, dengue fever is spreading, to the extent that half of the world's populace is vulnerable. Currently about 400 million people are infected annually. Island has carried out a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase 2a/b study, dubbed Protect. The trial covers both treatment and prophylactic cohorts. In the June quarter, Island released top-line results. These showed a 'considerable reduction' in viral load in the preventative cohort. The study also showed a 'clear drug signal' in the treatment group. The latter received a weakened form of the virus (or a placebo). As a repurposed drug with a long-established safety profile, ISLA-101 should benefit from a truncated approval pathway. Similarly, Galidesivir initially was intended to be used for hepatitis C. This means the drugs could be commercialised much faster than traditional therapies, which might take more than a decade (and billions of dollars) to get to market. Island saddles up for multiple PRVs The potential Animal Rule shortcut aside, Island could be in line for a coveted FDA Priority Review Voucher (PRV), for both the Galidesivir and ISLA-101 programs. Irreverent folk dub PRVs as 'Willy Wonka' vouchers, given their potential to create untold riches (without the choccie overload tummy aches). The FDA might bestow a PRV on the maker of an approved therapy, the idea being that a second drug is subject to fast-track assent. Most likely, the recipient sells the fungible paperwork to another party. As a result, PRVs have changed hands for US$100 million to US$150 million. In the case of blockbuster drugs, getting to market three months earlier can mean billions more in sales. In the case of Galidesivir, Biocryst would take a 25% stake in any PRV spoils. Island chairman Jason Carroll is unaware of any other ASX biotech with the ability to secure two PRVs. Come to think of it, so are we ... Off to the races Island is assembling a dossier to present to the FDA, in view of getting feedback on using the Animal Rule. To date, no Australian company has availed of the concession … but there's always a first. "What people are calling a pony is going to win the Melbourne Cup,' Carroll says. Island may be off to the races. But it still needs some luck on its side because infectious disease drug developers only get one-third of their therapies to market. That's a much better strike rate relative to the wider drug pantheon. 'We are in a fortunate position to have two phenomenal assets,' Foster says. 'We want to set up the next ISLA-101 trial, but Galidesivir will lead the way because it is such a short path to approval.' Ticking the boxes A recent Island board appointee, Carroll heads psychedelic drug developer Tryptamine Therapeutics (ASX:TYP). 'When you look at a pharma company value there are a few things to ask,' Carroll says. 'Does it work? Is it safe and effective and how do you protect its value? Can you make it? How many trials and how does pay for commercialisation?' Evidently, both Galidesivir and ISLA-101 pass muster on these counts. 'This is a much bigger opportunity than what most people think,' Carroll says. '… this is one of the most significant products any Australian biotech can get hold of.'
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Cliff jumping, 19 slides: This major cruise line will add waterpark to private island
Norwegian Cruise Line's Bahamas island is getting an upgrade. The company will add the new Great Tides Waterpark to its private destination, Great Stirrup Cay, in 2026. The almost six-acre area is one of many additions and enhancements planned for the island in the coming months, alongside more beverage, shore excursion and transportation options. "We know it's a great island now," David J. Herrera, Norwegian's president, told USA TODAY in an interview ahead of the announcement. "It's going to get even greater in the future." Here's what guests can expect. What's new at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island? The waterpark will offer a wide range of activities on the island. Those include the 170-foot Tidal Tower, where eight of the park's 19 waterslides will be located; the kid-friendly Tidepool Town splash zone measuring 9,000 square feet and a nearly 800-foot-long "dynamic river," according to a news release. Billed as speedier than a lazy river, guests will also pass through a grotto tunnel illuminated with a "dreamlike bioluminescent scene." "It's the next level up from your typical lazy river that you could get anywhere," said Herrera. If that's not enough of a thrill, passengers can head to Cliffside Cove to make cliff jumps. There will be 10- and 15-foot options. The nearby Grotto Bar will also offer prime views of the action. "I am certain that a popular spot will be sitting at the bar watching people face their fears and jump," Herrera added. The waterpark is hardly the only new amenity. The Jet Karts Track will combine jet skiing and go-karting – the latter can be found on many Norwegian ships – at a "mini aquatic racecourse," per the release. Afterward, guests can recuperate in one of more than 50 hammocks at Hammock Bay. The cruise line also previously shared plans earlier this year for a new welcome center, pool area, a nearby splash pad for families, a tram system – Herrera said the line is "investing so our guests never have to wait more than four or five minutes tops to go to any part of the island" – and more. When will Great Stirrup Cay's waterpark open? The waterpark will open in the summer of 2026, but some of Great Stirrup Cay's other new features will debut starting later this year, with exact dates still to come. 'Private islands on steroids': Why cruise lines are betting big on their own destinations How much will the waterpark cost? Pricing info is not yet available, but Herrera confirmed there will be an upcharge for the waterpark (as well as the Jet Karts Track and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club). Great Stirrup Cay is one of Norwegian's top-rated ports, and the changes have been years in the making, according to Herrera. "Because when people go there, you get a unique and genuine Island experience," he said. "It's a Caribbean experience. So when we're going to supplement that, we're going to expand that, we're going to enhance that, if we're going to do it, we're going to do it right. So we took our time."
