Latest news with #MRI-based
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM Punjab approves largest climate observatory to tackle climate change
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of the region's largest and most advanced Climate Observatory, marking a major step in the province's efforts to address climate change. A state-of-the-art scientific center will also be established as part of the initiative to enhance environmental data analysis and support evidence-based policymaking. The approval came during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. The meeting reviewed and endorsed the feasibility plan covering budget allocation, procurement of equipment, and land acquisition for the observatory. The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore presented its report on the project's technical aspects. According to the official briefing, the observatory will be housed within the Punjab Planning and Development complex, while its primary structure will be constructed at the EICT (Environment and Information Communication Technology) site. The facility will be equipped with an automated communication and linkage system, in addition to a GIS lab, sectoral interface systems, and a modern data hub. Advanced MRI-based systems will be employed for data processing and climate analysis. A specialized internship program will be launched to train environmental experts across various sectors. The observatory will also include a data archiving system, a coordination unit, and an international communication cell to foster collaboration with global climate networks. Officials emphasized that the institution will be managed under a modern governance model, and recruitment of internationally qualified professional staff is already under consideration. Senior Minister Aurangzeb also directed the development of a smart organizational structure for efficient operations. Briefing participants, experts noted that the Climate Observatory will play a critical role in forecasting climate threats, conducting real-time analysis, and supporting timely decision-making. It will significantly contribute to advancing scientific research and enable effective information exchange at the international level. Commenting on the initiative, Marriyum Aurangzeb said, 'Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has presented a comprehensive plan to tackle the threats posed by climate change. The establishment of this observatory marks a transformative milestone in Punjab's environmental protection efforts.' Climate observatories are specialized facilities equipped with modern tools to monitor atmospheric and environmental changes. Experts use real-time data to detect potential threats and issue early warnings—vital for policy response and disaster preparedness.
Business Wire
01-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Latest Data from SURPASS-3 Trial Gleans Insight Into the Association of Tirzepatide Treatment with Changes in Muscle Composition in Type 2 Diabetes
LINKÖPING, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AMRA Medical, as part of a collaborative effort composed of researchers from the University of Glasgow, University Hospitals Cleveland, and Eli Lilly and Company, recently conducted a detailed post-hoc analysis of Lilly's SURPASS-3 trial. The analysis explored data from the trial to determine the association of tirzepatide treatment with changes in thigh muscle volume, muscle volume z-score and muscle fat infiltration in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) The recent publication builds on previous joint efforts between AMRA and Lilly regarding the SURPASS-3 MRI substudy, which used AMRA's unique, MRI-based visceral, subcutaneous, and liver fat z-score biomarkers to investigate changes in fat distribution patterns. The results suggested that treatment with tirzepatide was associated with a shift towards a more favorable body fat distribution with prominent visceral and liver fat loss, indicating a potential targeted effect beyond that expected by the magnitude of weight reduction. Findings from this latest post-hoc analysis, which included data from over 200 participants analyzed using AMRA ® Researcher, indicate that decreases in muscle volume with tirzepatide largely followed the overall association between changes in muscle volume and body weight, while decreases in muscle fat infiltration appeared to be larger. These data suggest an adaptive response to weight reduction for muscle volume and a potentially positive effect on muscle fat infiltration following tirzepatide treatment in this population. The study provides the field with highly anticipated data on muscle-related changes with pharmacologically induced weight reduction. In general, past studies have been limited by reporting gross changes in body composition using DEXA, which did not provide information on either muscle mass or myosteatosis. As anti-obesity medications are achieving greater weight reductions, it is important to determine if treatments under development are associated with an excess decrease in muscle mass (i.e., indicating a maladaptive response to weight loss), potentially leading to reduced muscle strength, mobility, and long-term physical performance – especially in more vulnerable patient populations. Professor Naveed Sattar, the first author remarked that 'The results of this study are important as many people remain concerned about the muscle effects of newer weight loss drugs. However, these new data suggest that the amount of muscle volume changes with tirzepatide appears to be in line with muscle volume changes seen in the population for similar differences in weight. More importantly, these data suggest a clear reduction in the amount of fat in muscles, changes that may in fact improve muscle efficiency.' Additionally, the study marks another important milestone in AMRA's pursuit to provide the field with reference data for weight-invariant assessment of fat and muscle biomarkers through the unique z-score biomarker technology from trials such as SURPASS-3 MRI. It also serves as the first report describing the associations between incretin-based therapies and changes in muscle composition in T2D using reliable, gold-standard MRI - perpetuating AMRA's commitment to pioneering innovation in treatment differentiation in T2D and beyond. As the metabolic drug development landscape continues to unfold at dramatic pace, AMRA is at the forefront of designing effective biomarkers that elucidate insights beyond weight loss, allowing emerging therapies to demonstrate their safety and efficacy across a number of disease areas. You can read the full publication in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, titled ' Tirzepatide and muscle composition changes in people with type 2 diabetes: A post-hoc analysis from a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial (SURPASS-3 MRI) ', here. You can also learn more about AMRA's z-scores and how they're changing how we think about weight-loss by viewing our latest insights article here. About AMRA Medical AMRA Medical is a health informatics and precision medicine company that is pioneering body composition analysis, providing cutting-edge solutions to advance both clinical research and patient care initiatives. AMRA's gold-standard technology delivers multiple fat and muscle biomarkers - derived simply from rapid whole-body MRI scans. AMRA is committed to driving transformative care and simplifying vital decision-making in both research and clinical care settings by offering support services via their innovative platform. Learn more about AMRA Medical's MRI-based solutions at or connect with our team of experts for a detailed discussion at info@ Follow AMRA on LinkedIn for the latest updates in fat distribution and muscle composition assessments in metabolic disease research and beyond.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Epicrispr Biotechnologies Partners with Springbok Analytics to Integrate AI Muscle Analysis in First-in-Human FSHD Study
- Advanced MRI analytics to enhance early signal detection and inform development of first-in-class epigenetic therapy SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing curative therapies, today announced a partnership with Springbok Analytics to incorporate advanced, AI-driven muscle MRI imaging and analysis into its first-in-human clinical trial of EPI-321, a potential first-in-class treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The exploratory first-in-human global trial, recently cleared to begin in the United States and New Zealand, with additional regulatory approvals pending in other countries, is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of a single intravenous dose of EPI-321 in adults with FSHD. Through this collaboration, Springbok's advanced MRI-based muscle analytics will be integrated into the study to detect early, objective insights of muscle-level changes and generate high-resolution data. "High-quality, objective data is essential in early clinical development, especially when advancing a first-in-class therapeutic," said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO, Epicrispr Biotechnologies. "Springbok's automated muscle analysis gives us a detailed view of how EPI-321 may be impacting muscle tissue, strengthening our ability to assess early signals and shape future development." Springbok's proprietary technology uses proprietary AI to segment and quantify dozens of individual muscles from MRI scans, analyzing key biomarkers such as muscle volume, fat infiltration, and inflammation. These high-resolution analytics allow for rapid interpretation of complex imaging data to deliver actionable insights within hours and supporting data-driven clinical decisions from the earliest stages of development. While MRI is an exploratory biomarker in this first-in-human trial, and not a primary study endpoint, the ability to detect subtle, muscle-level changes may be critical in shaping the design of future studies. In conditions like FSHD, where conventional functional endpoints may take longer to reflect therapeutic effect, quantitative muscle imaging offers an accelerated path to understanding biological response. "Quantitative imaging has the potential to dramatically capture more information in early-stage trials in neuromuscular disease," said Scott Magargee, CEO and Co-Founder, Springbok Analytics. "We're proud to support Epicrispr as it pioneers a new therapeutic modality for FSHD and advances the role of imaging biomarkers in clinical development." Springbok's Contributions to the EPI-321 Study Include: Streamlined Imaging Protocols: Enabling whole-body MRI to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration in under 45 minutes. High-Resolution Analytics: Automated segmentation and quantification of muscle volume, fat content, and inflammation across dozens of muscle groups. Scalability & Support: A robust quality management system and turnkey onboarding processes to support rapid deployment across global study locations. Epicrispr is advancing EPI-321 with support from a $68 million Series B financing led by Ally Bridge Group and SOLVE FSHD. EPI-321 is the first clinical application of epigenetic gene modulation in neuromuscular disease, and data generated through this study will help define imaging biomarkers for later-phase trials and support regulatory engagement. About Epicrispr Biotechnologies Epicrispr Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company pioneering gene-modulating therapies, leading with treatments for neuromuscular diseases. The company's proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) enables precise, durable control of gene expression, unlocking first-in-class treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Epicrispr's lead program, EPI-321 is in clinical trials for FSHD, and the company is advancing additional gene-modulating therapies. Epicrispr also has a research collaboration with Kite Pharma to develop next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Learn more at or follow us on LinkedIn. About Springbok Analytics Springbok Analytics is a leading muscle health analytics company dedicated to advancing health and performance outcomes through innovative, AI-driven solutions that deliver a clearer, more comprehensive view of muscle health. Built on more than 15 years of research and scientific validation, Springbok's FDA-cleared technology transforms MRI data into personalized, 3D visualizations of muscle health. These detailed analyses provide precise metrics, including individual muscle volume and composition, fat infiltration, asymmetries, scar tissue, edema, and tendon morphology. By offering a more accurate and complete understanding of musculoskeletal health, Springbok enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, research capabilities, and performance optimization. View source version on Contacts Investor ContactBenson Media ContactKimberly HaKKH Springbok Media Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Epicrispr Biotechnologies Partners with Springbok Analytics to Integrate AI Muscle Analysis in First-in-Human FSHD Study
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing curative therapies, today announced a partnership with Springbok Analytics to incorporate advanced, AI-driven muscle MRI imaging and analysis into its first-in-human clinical trial of EPI-321, a potential first-in-class treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The exploratory first-in-human global trial, recently cleared to begin in the United States and New Zealand, with additional regulatory approvals pending in other countries, is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of a single intravenous dose of EPI-321 in adults with FSHD. Through this collaboration, Springbok's advanced MRI-based muscle analytics will be integrated into the study to detect early, objective insights of muscle-level changes and generate high-resolution data. 'High-quality, objective data is essential in early clinical development, especially when advancing a first-in-class therapeutic,' said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO, Epicrispr Biotechnologies. 'Springbok's automated muscle analysis gives us a detailed view of how EPI-321 may be impacting muscle tissue, strengthening our ability to assess early signals and shape future development.' Springbok's proprietary technology uses proprietary AI to segment and quantify dozens of individual muscles from MRI scans, analyzing key biomarkers such as muscle volume, fat infiltration, and inflammation. These high-resolution analytics allow for rapid interpretation of complex imaging data to deliver actionable insights within hours and supporting data-driven clinical decisions from the earliest stages of development. While MRI is an exploratory biomarker in this first-in-human trial, and not a primary study endpoint, the ability to detect subtle, muscle-level changes may be critical in shaping the design of future studies. In conditions like FSHD, where conventional functional endpoints may take longer to reflect therapeutic effect, quantitative muscle imaging offers an accelerated path to understanding biological response. 'Quantitative imaging has the potential to dramatically capture more information in early-stage trials in neuromuscular disease,' said Scott Magargee, CEO and Co-Founder, Springbok Analytics. 'We're proud to support Epicrispr as it pioneers a new therapeutic modality for FSHD and advances the role of imaging biomarkers in clinical development.' Springbok's Contributions to the EPI-321 Study Include: Streamlined Imaging Protocols: Enabling whole-body MRI to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration in under 45 minutes. High-Resolution Analytics: Automated segmentation and quantification of muscle volume, fat content, and inflammation across dozens of muscle groups. Scalability & Support: A robust quality management system and turnkey onboarding processes to support rapid deployment across global study locations. Epicrispr is advancing EPI-321 with support from a $68 million Series B financing led by Ally Bridge Group and SOLVE FSHD. EPI-321 is the first clinical application of epigenetic gene modulation in neuromuscular disease, and data generated through this study will help define imaging biomarkers for later-phase trials and support regulatory engagement. About Epicrispr Biotechnologies Epicrispr Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company pioneering gene-modulating therapies, leading with treatments for neuromuscular diseases. The company's proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) enables precise, durable control of gene expression, unlocking first-in-class treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Epicrispr's lead program, EPI-321 is in clinical trials for FSHD, and the company is advancing additional gene-modulating therapies. Epicrispr also has a research collaboration with Kite Pharma to develop next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Learn more at or follow us on LinkedIn. About Springbok Analytics Springbok Analytics is a leading muscle health analytics company dedicated to advancing health and performance outcomes through innovative, AI-driven solutions that deliver a clearer, more comprehensive view of muscle health. Built on more than 15 years of research and scientific validation, Springbok's FDA-cleared technology transforms MRI data into personalized, 3D visualizations of muscle health. These detailed analyses provide precise metrics, including individual muscle volume and composition, fat infiltration, asymmetries, scar tissue, edema, and tendon morphology. By offering a more accurate and complete understanding of musculoskeletal health, Springbok enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, research capabilities, and performance optimization.
