Latest news with #OA
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
#HEALTH: OA
IN Southeast Asia, where the population is rapidly ageing, osteoarthritis or OA and joint pain are becoming more common, leading to physical limitations As OA worsens, even simple movements like walking or climbing stairs become increasingly painful, and many people are unable to perform everyday tasks without assistance. Early signs include joint stiffness, pain, swelling and difficulty moving the joint, says Singapore General Hospital's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery senior consultant Dr Lee Kong Hwee. These symptoms should not be ignored as they can progress and lead to permanent damage. While OA generally affects the elderly, young people may also suffer from the condition, especially if they have had a significant injury to the joint. "Unfortunately, OA is irreversible, with symptoms worsening over time. It can develop into a chronic pain that gets in the way of everyday life," says Dr Lee. Women have a higher rate of the condition with prevalence increasing sharply after age 50. While OA can affect any joint, it occurs more commonly at the knees, hips, spine and hands, explains Dr Lee, adding that the first symptom is a recurring pain in the affected joint (or joints) or muscles around the joint. In advanced cases, it may cause an increased secretion of joint fluid, which tends to accumulate around the joint area. This can lead to mild swelling of the joint. In Malaysia, there is an increasing prevalence of the condition with an estimated 10 to 20 per cent of the adult population affected. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT A person can reduce their risk of developing OA by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in moderate exercise, and eating a healthy and nutritious diet. Early diagnosis and treatment can also prevent further joint damage and deformity. Although there is currently no known cure for OA, treatment alleviates symptoms and helps patients regain lost muscle strength or replace the affected areas. "Treatment is dependent on the severity of the disease as well as the patient's lifestyle expectations," says Dr Lee. Early treatment through lifestyle modifications, medication and non-surgical methods can slow the progress of OA, and help patients manage their symptoms for a better quality of life. Medications can be used to treat the symptoms of OA, while physiotherapy is needed to build strength in the surrounding muscles so they can hold up the joint better, lessening stress and strain that is exerted on the joint. Recommended exercises include walking, swimming or cycling. However, in advanced cases, surgery may be required to remove bone fragments, realign the joints or replace the joint with an artificial part. Left untreated, advanced OA can result in deformity and disability. OA - Causes and Risk Factors • Increased age and "wear and tear" of the joints. • Gender — women are more at risk, especially after menopause. • Conditions that put abnormal stress on the joints, including obesity. • Abnormally shaped hip and knees • Repeated stress to the joint, especially in the case of sportsmen. • Hereditary, especially OA of the hand.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Trees axed without approval? NGT serves notice to agencies in Haryana
Gurgaon: Months after the sarpanch of Arua in Faridabad's Ballabhgarh tehsil allegedly cut down 150-200 trees "without obtaining requisite permissions" from the competent authorities or approval from the forest department, multiple notices were issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the tribunal has listed the matter for further consideration on Oct 16, the replies have been sought from the authorities as well as the sarpanch, Mukesh, a week before that. The petitioner — local resident Arun Kumar — had said that despite complaints filed with both the forest department and the Chhainsa police station on March 27, and an ensuing inspection by forest officials, "no action was reportedly taken to address the illegal activity". Petitioner Arun Kumar, appearing in person via videoconference, submitted the forest department's inspection report, which confirmed illegal tree felling in the area. Photographs substantiating the claims were also placed on record. In the backdrop of this, the principal bench of NGT, led by chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel, directed that notices be issued to the member secretary of Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Faridabad district Magistrate, divisional forest officer of Faridabad and the sarpanch, asking them to file their replies by way of affidavit at least a week before the next hearing. Taking a serious view of the matter, the tribunal noted the application raises substantial questions regarding compliance with environmental norms. "Applicant appearing virtually submits that in the report of the forest department it has come to light illegal felling of trees took place but in spite of that no action has been taken by the authorities. In support of the plea, the applicant has placed on record certain photographs along with the letter petition. OA raises substantial questions relating to compliance with environmental norms," the order said. The applicant has been instructed to serve the notices to the respondents and submit proof of service prior to the upcoming hearing.
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Genascence Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Grants Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation to GNSC-001 for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genascence Corporation ('Genascence'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to GNSC-001, a potential first-in-class gene therapy blocking interleukin 1 (IL-1) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). GNSC-001 is a genetic medicine – a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector expressing an optimized human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a naturally occurring protein that blocks IL-1 signaling. IL-1 is considered one of the key mediators involved in the pathogenesis of OA, causing inflammation, joint pain, and cartilage destruction. GNSC-001 is designed to offer long-term, sustained inhibition of IL-1 following a single intra-articular injection into the affected joint. 'GNSC-001 is the first IL-1 inhibitor for OA that has been shown to generate IL-1Ra expression levels that maintain therapeutic thresholds long-term following a single administration to inhibit pathogenic IL-1. The FDA RMAT designation for GNSC-001 underscores the strength of the clinical data to date, recognizing its potential to transform the treatment paradigm for OA,' said Thomas Chalberg, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Genascence. 'With the RMAT designation for GNSC-001, we look forward to working closely with the FDA as we seek to accelerate late-stage clinical development of GNSC-001 so we can bring a new treatment option to people suffering from this incapacitating, disabling disease.' To date, GNSC-001 has been studied in two human clinical trials. The first-in-human Phase 1 study (NCT02790723) was a single-center, open-label, dose-escalation design in nine participants with knee OA. The DONATELLO Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT05835895) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-ranging study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of a single intra-articular injection of GNSC-001 in patients with OA of the knee that enrolled 67 participants at 10 centers across the U.S. The RMAT designation is a special FDA program aimed at speeding up the development and review of promising cell and gene therapies under the 21 st Century Cures Act. The FDA grants RMAT designation to drug candidates that show potential to treat, modify, reverse, or cure serious or life-threatening diseases and address unmet medical needs. The FDA's RMAT designation offers sponsor companies all the benefits of the fast track and breakthrough therapy designation programs. In addition, RMAT designation provides accelerated development and review pathways for regenerative medicine products, including early and intensive FDA guidance, potential eligibility for accelerated approval and priority review, and the possibility of rolling review. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted GNSC-001 Fast Track designation in the fourth quarter of 2024. Earlier this year, Genascence completed a successful meeting with the FDA on the design of the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of GNSC-001 focused on clinical efficacy and plans to initiate the Phase 2b/3 study in 2026. The DONATELLO clinical trial was supported by a $12 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CLIN2-14265). About Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that is a leading cause of disability. It is characterized by destruction of cartilage and structural changes in bone within the joint, which contribute to pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is increasing as a result of the aging population and increasing prevalence of obesity. Osteoarthritis represents a major economic burden, owing to direct medical costs and loss of productivity. Each year, millions of patients are treated for knee OA with NSAIDs, opioids, and steroid injections into the knee to manage their knee pain. There are no currently available therapies known to alter or slow down OA progression. About Genascence Corporation Genascence, a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, is developing life-changing treatments for highly prevalent conditions affecting millions of people. The company was founded in 2017 with technology licensed from three leading U.S. research institutions: Mayo Clinic, University of Florida, and NYU Langone Health. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Genascence's founders and leadership team have deep experience in the design, development, and manufacturing of successful gene therapies and biological medicines. For more information, please visit
_2025_07_16_11_04_03.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
GMA Network
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Alexa Ilacad shares BTS snaps from spoof of iconic 'OA' moment in PBB
Klarisse De Guzman and Dustin Yu's 'OA' confrontation will surely go down as one of the most iconic moments in 'Pinoy Big Brother' history, but the 'Uberacting' version is iconic, too! On Instagram, PBB host Alexa Ilacad shared some snaps from the spoof she filmed with her fellow hosts, wherein they recreated the heated scene between Dustin and Klarisse. 'Hi sorry, ngayon lang nagka-load. Ito na ba 'yung ilan sa PBB celebrity collab edition housemates?' Alexa wrote in her caption. For the spoof, Alexa stepped into the role of Bianca De Vera, while Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros portrayed Dustin and Klarisse, respectively. Meanwhile, Enchong Dee took on the role of Will Ashley, Bianca Gonzalez portrayed Shuvee Etrata, Gabbi Garcia played AZ Martinez, and Mavy Legaspi assumed the role of Ralph De Leon. For refreshers, the OA drama between the two housemates rose when Klarisse, one of the leaders of the When You Say Nothing At All task along with Will, asked Bianca and Dustin to stay away from each other for the meantime to avoid talking accidentally, as they were not allowed to say anything for the task. Bianca had already made several errors that time. Dustin defended himself and Bianca and told Klarisse to be more careful with her words as he felt they were singled out. Dustin and Klarisse have since reconciled and resolved the misunderstanding. 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' ended its four-month historic run on July 5 with the duo of Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca (BreKa) hailed as the big winner. —Jade Veronique Yap/JCB, GMA Integrated News
Business Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Should you invest your CPF OA and SA savings?
[SINGAPORE] For all the time I spend obsessing over my savings apps and investment portfolios, I'll admit that I rarely think about my Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts. After all, it kind of feels like money I don't often get to touch, locked away for a future home, healthcare bills and retirement decades down the road. That is, until I inevitably come across an advertisement or a finfluencer encouraging people to invest their CPF money. Suddenly, I start wondering if I should be doing something twitch mine too. But unlike putting your spare cash to work, investing your CPF money is a bit more complicated. Here's what you need to know before making that decision. 🚿 A quick refresher on CPF Every month, a portion of your salary is channelled into your CPF, which is split into three accounts: The Ordinary Account (OA) , which can be used to pay for housing, basic insurance and tuition fees. It earns a guaranteed 2.5 per cent interest per year. The Special Account (SA) , which is reserved for retirement and has a higher interest rate of 4 per cent. Medisave, which covers healthcare expenses. This also earns 4 per cent interest per year. For most young adults, the OA is the account they'll interact with the most, whether it's to pay for their first HDB downpayment or monthly mortgage repayments. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up When you turn 18 years old, you'll be able to invest money that's in your OA and SA, but there are some criteria to meet: To invest money in your OA, you'll need to first set aside S$20,000 in your account To invest your SA, you'll need to set aside S$40,000 The restrictions make sense because CPF members below 55 receive an extra 1 per cent on the first S$60,000 of their combined CPF balances (capped at S$20,000 for OA). You'll also need to pass a quiz on the CPF investment scheme before you can start investing. Specifically for investing your OA, you'll also need to open a CPF investment account with one of the three local banks – DBS, OCBC or UOB. 📈 Why some choose to invest Tan Chin Yu, advisory lead at fee-only wealth advisory Providend, said he typically does not recommend clients invest their SA funds. 'With its 4 per cent risk-free return, CPF SA offers one of the best guaranteed rates available, and it rarely makes sense to take on market risk for only marginal potential gains,' he tells thrive. As for your OA, the argument for investing your funds is that the 2.5 per cent interest it offers may not be able to beat inflation. From 1965 to 2024, Singapore's average rate of inflation was 2.61 per cent. That means that the value of your OA funds would have declined on average over those years if left alone. Investing those funds would help you not just keep up with inflation, but grow your retirement nest egg, advocates argue. Plus, since you can't withdraw your CPF OA until you're 55 anyway, it's a great way to invest in assets such as stocks, which have historically returned about 7 to 10 per cent on average over the long term, they add. 🤔 Should you do it? Whether it makes sense to invest your CPF OA also comes down to some practical considerations. If you plan to buy a home soon, it's wise to keep OA funds untouched. You'll need them for your down payment and mortgage repayments. Investing this money in long-term assets could mean having to sell at a loss during a market dip if you need to free up cash quickly. If you have little investment experience, leaving your OA funds to grow at 2.5 per cent might actually be the smarter move. It's risk-free and frees you from the anxiety of market swings. CPF's own data from previous years showed that half of CPF investors ended up earning lower returns than if they had simply left their funds in their OA. A common pitfall, particularly for young adults, is viewing CPF investing as a shortcut to grow wealth, says Tan. 'In reality, those in their 20s would benefit more from focusing on building strong financial habits,' he says. These include spending below their means, setting aside an emergency fund, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, increasing their income, and preparing for major upcoming expenses. Before deciding to invest your CPF, consider using cash first – especially if your cash is not earning you interest that can beat the guaranteed 2.5 per cent the OA offers. Some investors also treat their CPF savings as the 'bond' component of their portfolio, allowing them to maximise the potential returns of investments made with cash. For all the talk about making your CPF 'work harder', it's also worth appreciating CPF savings as what they are – a safety net that gives a guaranteed return with no volatility. In that way, the CPF forms the foundation of your retirement plan, providing stable returns regardless of market conditions, says Tan. Your cash savings and investments can then be layered on top to grow your wealth, with the assurance that your basic retirement needs are covered. When structured well, these two buckets can complement each other to build a more resilient and long term financial strategy. TL;DR
