Category: Brandpoint Health

2026-11-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Half (51%) of U.S. adults managing diabetes with mealtime insulin delivered by pen or syringe/vial say they miss or skip doses.
• Missing a dose isn’t carelessness; it’s the difficulty of managing diabetes with mealtime insulin injections.
• Dealing with mealtime insulin can affect practically every part of a person’s life, from psychological well-being to being able to do a job.
• CeQur Simplicity is a wearable mealtime insulin patch: not a pen and not a pump.
• To learn more, visit www.myceqursimplicity.com.

Meals happen: at a restaurant with friends, at a desk between meetings or around the family table. Regardless, a person who takes mealtime insulin injections must pause, access supplies and take a dose, often in public. It’s a quiet calculation done several times a day, making diabetes care particularly burdensome.

For many people, the hardest part of mealtime insulin injections is making that dose fit into ordinary life. Given the demanding nature of mealtime insulin dosing, it’s not surprising that some people may miss a dose. In fact, a new CeQur/Harris Poll survey finds that half (51%) of U.S. adults managing diabetes with mealtime insulin delivered by pen or syringe/vial say they miss or skip doses, and one in five (21%) misses a dose at least once a week.

Why mealtime insulin doses get missed

Missing a dose isn’t a sign of carelessness. It’s a sign that managing diabetes with mealtime insulin injections can be challenging to incorporate into ordinary life. The study’s results underscore this reality.

Among those who miss doses (and answered the public-setting question), seven in 10 (70%) have missed a dose because they were in a public setting. Across all 409 respondents, 52% do not always carry their mealtime insulin supplies when they leave home.

These reasons highlight an important reality: Even people who are committed to managing their diabetes can find it challenging to fit multiple mealtime injections into the flow of everyday life.

The far-reaching impact of managing mealtime insulin

The strain of managing mealtime insulin extends beyond the injection itself and into other facets of life. The survey found that among all respondents, managing mealtime insulin has affected their:

• Psychological well-being (54%).
• Daily responsibilities (49%).
• Recreational activities (47%).
• Enjoying time with friends and family (45%).

Additionally, among those respondents who are employed, 61% said it has affected their ability to do their job effectively.

“Patients who have diabetes live with it 24/7, and injecting insulin multiple times a day impacts their whole life, everything,” said Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, professor of pharmacy practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston and director of cardiometabolic services at Well Life in Peabody, Massachusetts. “People know they’re supposed to take their insulin, but life gets in the way. Do I have my pens? Do I have needles? Will there be a clean place to put my things out? Am I going to have to use a public bathroom to inject myself? That’s where someone makes a conscious decision and says: I’m just not going to do it.”

The answer to missed injections: Having your insulin already on you.

Mealtime insulin needs to be easier to take. The good news is there are now options to help.

CeQur Simplicity is a wearable mealtime insulin patch, not a pen and not a pump. Two new dosing options are available in November and can be worn for up to seven days: a 2-unit-per-click patch and a 1-unit-per-click patch, each dosing rapid-acting insulin and each replacing 21 mealtime injections.

How? The insulin is already on the body. The patch is designed so there’s nothing to carry, nothing to pull out at the table and nothing to forget at home. It’s always with you, just a click away.

2026-11-04T11:01:00

(BPT) – Fall is arguably one of the best seasons for running. The crisp, cool air brings runners a much-needed reprieve after a summer of sweaty miles and serves as a reminder to make the most of the outdoor running season before winter sets in. Autumn is also the peak training season for marathoners and casual runners preparing for a big fall race, turkey trots or similar community events.

As the miles add up, sore knees, tight calves and other minor aches are to be expected. However, you don’t need to let them get in the way of your training. As part of its partnership with New York Road Runners (NYRR), TYLENOL^® PRECISE^® is offering the following simple tips¹ to help you care for your hardworking muscles when minor aches arise, so you can continue to move through your running journey with confidence.

1. Give sore muscles a break

You may be tempted to continue to run with muscle soreness, but doing so may do more harm than good. Instead of powering through discomfort, avoid overusing your sore muscles and give your body time to recharge. Swap a hard running session for a walk or take time off before returning to your training, especially if you’re dealing with shin splints, hip pain or pain in your lower back.

2. Stretch gently when movement feels comfortable

Once you feel comfortable moving again, ease back into activity with a gentle stretch for muscle soreness. Aim for slow, controlled movements and never force a stretch. This is a good lesson in listening to your body. Pay attention to how your body responds to stretches and meet it where it is, rather than where you think it should be. Remember, a stretch should feel challenging but not painful.

3. Choose heat or cold therapy

When your muscles feel sore, tight or achy, simple at-home remedies like hot or cold therapy may help provide temporary relief. Which approach you choose will largely depend on your situation.

For example, use heat to increase blood flow to a sore or tight area by using a warm towel or heating pad, or by slipping into a warm bath with Epsom salts. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing minor pain, use cold therapy like an ice pack or cold compress to help reduce inflammation and swelling and soothe pain.

For targeted, temporary relief from minor muscle and joint pain, you could also consider a topical cream. Rather than taking an oral product like ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone, try using a topical solution with maximum strength lidocaine² to soothe sore legs from running right at the source of the discomfort. See tip No. 5 for more detail.

4. Find simple ways to manage stress

Have you noticed that when you’re stressed, your muscles tense up? Finding ways to manage stress can help relax tense muscles, giving your mind and body a much-needed rest.

Managing stress doesn’t have to be a big to-do. Try a few minutes of guided meditation, deep breathing, light movement or gentle yoga. These simple activities offer you the chance to pause and check in with your body so you can decide what it needs before you tackle the next mile.

5. Keep targeted topical relief within reach

Sometimes you need a little help managing discomfort after a run. As the official topical pain relief of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, TYLENOL^® PRECISE^® supported runners throughout this year’s training season, with many turning to it to help with minor muscle and joint pain along the way.

For targeted, temporary relief when you need it, consider TYLENOL^® PRECISE^® Cooling Pain Relieving Cream or Pain Relieving Patches. Formulated with maximum over-the-counter strength lidocaine as the primary ingredient, both products offer targeted, topical pain relief for minor muscle and joint pain from running, right where it hurts. Plus, they’re small enough to fit in your gym bag or at-home kit for temporary relief when you need it most.

Find relief after every mile

Whether you are preparing for 26.2 miles, building toward your first 5K or simply enjoying the last few weeks of the outdoor running season, listen to your body and give it the care that it needs to keep moving. Visit TYLENOL.com/Precise-Pain-Relief for more information on managing minor aches and pains.

Use Products Only As Directed.

Sources

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003178.htm

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19854-lidocaine-skin-cream-or-ointment

2026-11-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – When Stacy felt a familiar pain return to her arms, fingers and wrists, she knew something wasn’t right.

Her bloodwork, however, told a different story. At a routine appointment, the results showed no warning signs. But Stacy, who had been diagnosed years earlier with a rare autoimmune disease called ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), spoke up.

“I’ve learned to trust my gut,” Stacy says.

Additional testing confirmed what she suspected: Her AAV was active again.

For Stacy, the experience reinforced a lesson she had learned over years of navigating a complex and potentially serious disease: You know your body, and when something feels different, it’s important to speak up and take an active role in your care.

Finding Answers for a Rare Disease

Stacy’s health journey began in 2015, when a sudden pain in her joints quickly spread throughout her body. At first, she wondered whether stress or aging could be responsible. But as the symptoms persisted, she felt strongly that something more was happening.

After visits with several doctors and multiple rounds of testing, Stacy was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or GPA, a form of AAV.

AAV is a group of rare autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation in small- to medium-sized blood vessels. Because blood vessels are found throughout the body, AAV can restrict blood flow and impair the function of multiple organs, including the kidneys and lungs. Symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient, which can make the disease difficult to recognize or diagnose.

Although receiving the diagnosis was difficult, finally having an explanation for her symptoms also brought Stacy relief. She could work with her doctors on a care plan, and within 18 months, she entered remission.

For several years, her disease remained under control, but the doctors warned her that eventually she could have a relapse.

Learning to Trust Herself

When Stacy’s symptoms returned in December 2023, speaking up proved especially important.

After additional testing confirmed her AAV was active again, Stacy resumed her treatment plan.

Just two days after that appointment, Stacy was walking down the stairs at home when her pulse began racing and she suddenly couldn’t catch her breath. She was admitted to the hospital, where doctors discovered she was bleeding into the air sacs of her lungs and that her kidneys were rapidly approaching failure. It was a severe relapse, and a turning point in how Stacy viewed her disease.

The experience reinforced for Stacy how serious AAV can become and the importance of continuing to raise concerns and ask questions when something doesn’t feel right.

Becoming an Active Partner in Your Care

Today, Stacy’s care involves several specialists. Navigating that complexity has taught her that advocating for yourself doesn’t mean having all the answers.

For Stacy, it means asking questions when she doesn’t understand something, requesting explanations in plain language and bringing her husband to appointments as another set of ears.

Stacy took an active role in building her care team and encourages the physicians involved in her care to communicate directly with one another.

“If a doctor doesn’t respond well to you asking questions, asking why a certain treatment is being recommended, then that’s not the doctor you want,” Stacy says.

Most importantly, she has learned not to dismiss her own concerns.

“I’ve stopped accepting the word no,” Stacy says. “At some point you realize you must stand up for yourself, because if you don’t, nothing’s going to move forward, and I am worth the hassle.”

For people living with AAV, or any rare disease for that matter, Stacy’s experience offers a reminder: Learn about your disease, pay attention to changes in your health, ask questions and feel confident speaking up with your care team.

To learn more about ANCA-associated vasculitis and get access to helpful tools and resources, visit the ANCA Resource Hub.

2026-11-02T06:01:01

(BPT) –

Key takeaways

• Some people physically act out their dreams. They may punch, kick or yell while asleep. This condition is called REM sleep behavior disorder or RBD.
• RBD may be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease.
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative (PPMI) is studying people with RBD to better understand Parkinson’s disease.
• Participating in research can help advance earlier diagnosis, better treatments and future prevention strategies.

Have you ever been told that you talk, shout, punch or kick while dreaming? Don’t dismiss these nighttime behaviors as unusual sleep habits. They may be a sign of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition that researchers have discovered may provide important clues about future brain health, including Parkinson’s disease.

What is REM sleep behavior disorder?

Normally, when we dream, our brain prevents our muscles from moving. However, for people with RBD, these brain signals don’t work properly. Instead of staying still, they begin to physically act out their dream.

People with RBD often have very active dreams in which they’re playing sports, running, being chased or attacked. In response to these vivid dreams, people can kick, punch, yell, sit up or even get out of bed — all while asleep.

For Art Gregoire, 74, of Palm Springs, California, acting out his dreams became a frightening reality when he dove out of bed during a vivid dream and suffered a concussion. “I knew at that moment my life was going to change,” Gregoire said. “It was a pivotal moment, and I needed to find out what was going on.” That experience ultimately led him to PPMI, where he learned he also had reduced sense of smell — another early Parkinson’s risk factor.

“Participating in PPMI has meant I’m not sitting at home waiting and worrying about what might happen in the future. Instead, I’ve chosen to take a proactive path. Knowing that I’m helping researchers better understand Parkinson’s disease gives me hope — not just for my own future, but for everyone who may one day face this journey.”

How is RBD connected to Parkinson’s?

Not everyone with RBD develops Parkinson’s disease. That said, RBD is a risk factor for Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. This sleep disorder is often one of the earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s, appearing years before the movement symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers are particularly interested in people with RBD because studying this community may help uncover the earliest biological changes associated with Parkinson’s disease years before movement symptoms begin. That’s why The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research encourages people experiencing RBD symptoms to consider participating in studies such as the Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative (PPMI).

What is the PPMI study?

PPMI is a landmark study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation that aims to better understand and measure Parkinson’s disease, including its earliest stages before movement symptoms begin.

Why should I participate in the PPMI study?

PPMI researchers are actively seeking people who have been diagnosed with RBD, as well as those who regularly act out their dreams during sleep. By participating in this study, volunteers can help scientists learn more about who develops Parkinson’s disease, who doesn’t and why. The study may also provide valuable insights into the biology and experience of RBD.

The thought that your sleep habits may point toward a Parkinson’s diagnosis may seem scary, but participating in a study can be a rewarding and empowering experience. After his RBD diagnosis, Gregoire found hope by participating in the PPMI study at the University of California, San Diego.

How can I participate in the PPMI study?

Remember, every volunteer contributes valuable information that helps move research forward.

“Learning that you may be at increased risk for Parkinson’s disease can feel overwhelming. But while we don’t have all the answers, research gives people a meaningful way to turn uncertainty into action,” said Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, double-board-certified neurologist, lifestyle medicine physician, fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist and principal medical advisor at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “By participating in studies like PPMI, people with REM sleep behavior disorder can play a vital role in helping researchers better understand the earliest changes associated with Parkinson’s disease. Every person who joins brings us closer to earlier interventions, better treatments and, ultimately, ways to prevent the disease before symptoms begin.”

To learn more about Parkinson’s research opportunities and whether you may be eligible to participate in the PPMI study, visit MichaelJFox.org/Sleep.

Participation may include online questionnaires, health assessments and, for some volunteers, opportunities to participate at research sites near their homes.

2026-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Exciting new research models and at-home clinical trials are shortening the distance between breakthrough science and the families who need it most.

For families facing a rare epilepsy diagnosis, the search for answers can feel long, uncertain and isolating. But as November marks National Epilepsy Awareness Month, emerging science is offering new reasons for hope — and bringing research closer to home than ever before.

A small, striped fish is helping epilepsy researchers move faster than ever, while new at-home trial options are bringing clinical research directly to families’ doorsteps.

Zebrafish may be small, but they are a big help to scientists learning more about rare epilepsies. Seizures can be observed in genetically engineered zebrafish and monitored across hundreds of zebrafish larvae in real time. This allows scientists to quickly test and identify potential new treatments for these difficult-to-treat epilepsies.

“Zebrafish let us faithfully model human epilepsy conditions and screen thousands of drugs at a speed not possible in any other laboratory model,” said Scott C. Baraban, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) professor and a pioneer in zebrafish epilepsy research. Work in his laboratory using zebrafish led to the discovery of investigational study drugs now being evaluated in clinical trials for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. “For families who too often hear there are no treatment options, this approach gives them hope.”

Breakthroughs like these are now reaching families more directly than ever. At-home clinical trials are opening the door for more people to participate in research without the burden of traveling long distances to specialized centers.

Tracy Dixon-Salazar, Ph.D., President and CEO of the LGS Foundation, and a mother who became a neuroscientist after her daughter was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, added, “When a trial requires a family to fly across the country, the science exists, but it is still out of reach for most families living with LGS. Bringing trials into the home changes who can participate, and that changes who may benefit. No family should have to depend on geography or luck to get access to research.”

Hope, though, still needs a map. For families anywhere along this journey, unsure of where to turn, here are five things to know.

5 things families should know about managing a rare epilepsy diagnosis

1. Rare epilepsies are more common — and more researched — than many families realize: While each individual condition is rare, collectively, rare epilepsies affect thousands of individuals. Active research communities, advocacy groups, and clinical programs are working to better understand them and develop new approaches.
2. Clinical trials aren’t only a last resort option: Many families assume trials are reserved for when all else fails. But participating in research can be an informed choice at any stage of the patient’s journey. Talking with your loved one’s care team early and often can help you understand what may be appropriate.
3. At-home trial options may remove a major barrier: Clinical trials often require frequent, distant visits to specialized centers. Today, newer at-home study models can bring these trials directly to families — reducing travel burden and making research more accessible for those who need it most.
4. You don’t have to navigate a rare epilepsy diagnosis alone: Patient advocacy organizations, rare disease foundations and epilepsy support networks can help families better understand their options, connect with specialists and find communities walking a similar path.
5. Curiosity is a strength — ask questions and keep learning: From the zebrafish in the laboratory to the families participating in at-home trials, progress in research depends on families who keep asking, “What’s possible?” Speak with your health providers, continue learning and ask about at-home trial options that may be available to your loved ones.

The road through rare epilepsy has never been easy. But today, families aren’t walking it alone — and the path forward is thankfully becoming shorter, more navigable and, increasingly, leads straight home.

Sponsored by Harmony Biosciences

2026-11-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Eisai Inc.

During National Family Caregiver Month, learn how the Kompass initiative helps patients, caregivers and care partners find trusted resources and real stories tailored to different stages of the kidney cancer journey.

Every November, National Family Caregiver Month recognizes the millions of family members, spouses, partners and friends who support loved ones through serious health challenges. For those helping someone navigate kidney cancer, that support can take many forms, from attending appointments and helping manage treatments to providing encouragement during difficult moments.

While every family’s experience is unique, many people supporting a loved one with kidney cancer share a common challenge: finding information that’s both trustworthy and relevant to where they are in the moment. Questions at diagnosis can be very different from those that arise during treatment, survivorship or ongoing care. With so many resources available, identifying trusted information that matches a family’s current needs can feel overwhelming.

So when this path forward feels uncertain, Kompass can help guide the way.

Helping Families Navigate With Confidence

Kompass was designed to bring together curated resources from leading organizations in kidney cancer alongside stories from people with firsthand experience navigating the disease. Eisai and its advocacy partners set out to create an accessible, web-based resource that could provide expert guidance when it’s needed most. By helping users explore information adapted to different stages of the journey, the platform makes it easier to find resources and support that align with their current needs.

For many families, hearing from others with similar experiences can be just as valuable as educational information.

When Dawn D. was diagnosed with translocation renal cell carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer, her husband Mark became an important part of her support system. Throughout years of treatment and uncertainty, he learned the importance of caring for his own well-being while supporting someone he loves. Mark has shared that running helped him manage stress and maintain balance, allowing him to stay present for his wife and family. As he explains, “My reason was simple: a big and scary challenge will keep me accountable to look after myself, in turn enabling me to care for my family.”

When Mark’s wife, Dawn, was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he used running as a tool to cope with stress.

Mark’s experience highlights an important reminder for those supporting a loved one with kidney cancer: supporting yourself is just as important as providing it for someone else.

For Tracie T., the journey began when her husband was diagnosed with bilateral multifocal papillary renal cell carcinoma. Like many spouses, she faced new questions, decisions and uncertainties while supporting a loved one through treatment. She found support through an online community and after posting her first post, she shared, “That post forever changed the trajectory of our lives.”

Stories like Mark’s and Tracie’s offer reassurance that others have faced similar challenges and can provide perspective along the way.

How Kompass Can Help

Find trusted information more easily: Kompass brings together curated resources from respected organizations, making it easier to find information relevant to different stages of the kidney cancer journey.

Learn from real experiences: Patient and care partner stories offer practical insights, encouragement and lessons learned from people who have navigated kidney cancer firsthand.

Feel more informed and connected: Whether you’re a spouse, partner, sibling, adult child, friend or care partner, Kompass can help you find information and support through all twists and turns of your loved one’s journey.

A Resource for the Journey Ahead

This National Family Caregiver Month, it’s important to recognize that people supporting loved ones with kidney cancer need support, too. By connecting users with trusted resources and authentic stories from the kidney cancer community, Kompass helps individuals living with kidney cancer and their loved ones feel more informed, empowered and connected.

Because when someone you love is living with kidney cancer, less time searching means more time focusing on what matters most.

To learn more, visit KidneyCancerKompass.com.

(US6195)

2026-10-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of a neurological condition that affects one in 26 people in the U.S. But understanding epilepsy means also recognizing that there is no single epilepsy experience.

Seizure types, treatment journeys and day-to-day needs can vary. Epilepsy affects how you learn, how you work, and, sometimes, the sense of independence that we all strive for as adults. At different points in that journey, people may be looking for very different things: information about the latest research, practical guidance for responding to a seizure, or reassurance that comes from connecting with people who understand.

“The future of epilepsy care will be shaped not only by advances in research, but also by how well we listen to and learn from people living with epilepsy,” said Sunita Misra, Ph.D., M.D., Chief Medical Officer of SK Life Science, a company dedicated to developing antiseizure medications. “Connecting with trusted organizations and others who share similar experiences can help individuals and families access information, build support networks and engage more fully in conversations about their care.”

Here are three ways to connect:

Explore conversations around epilepsy and the research that is being conducted.
CURE Epilepsy provides educational information about epilepsy and updates on advances in epilepsy research. Its Seizing Life podcast, available here at CURE Epilepsy’s website and wherever you listen to podcasts, is hosted by Kelly Cervantes. Kelly is an award-winning writer, speaker, and advocate, who brings together voices from across the epilepsy community to discuss different aspects of living with and understanding the condition, including conversations about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP.

Learn how to recognize and respond to a seizure.
Knowing what to do when someone experiences a seizure can help people living with epilepsy, as well as their family and friends, feel better prepared to manage them. Epilepsy Alliance America offers an on-demand Seizure Recognition and Response Training that is available here. The seizure first aid is ideal for family members of people with epilepsy, babysitters, co-workers, or anyone who would benefit from being equipped with the tools to help others through a seizure.

Find information, support and community.
The Epilepsy Foundation offers resources for people living with epilepsy, their families and anyone seeking to better understand the condition. During November’s National Epilepsy Awareness Month, the organization’s theme, Where Community Sparks Hope, highlights the power of coming together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another. You can visit here to explore information, tools and resources for every stage of the epilepsy journey, from diagnosis to navigating life with epilepsy.

This November, consider taking one step: listen to a story, learn how to respond to a seizure, share a reliable resource or connect with someone in the epilepsy community. Awareness may begin with learning, but it becomes more meaningful when it leads to understanding, preparedness, and connection.

2026-10-29T11:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Radioligand therapy (RLT) delivers targeted treatment directly to cancer cells
• The number of RLT treatment sites has expanded about sevenfold in the U.S.
• Common questions about RLT treatment answered

A cancer diagnosis used to mean choosing between the latest treatment and receiving care close to home. That’s starting to change with radioligand therapy (RLT), a treatment that pairs a cancer-seeking molecule with a radioactive particle to deliver targeted treatment directly to cancer cells. RLT is now a mainstream treatment included in NCCN guidelines and no longer limited to academic centers or late-stage therapy, with treatment sites within 30 miles for 90% of eligible patients.^1,2

“Radioligand therapy works like a tracking dog following a scent. We attach a radioactive particle to a molecule trained to recognize one specific target: a marker found predominantly on certain cancer cells,” said Dr Nabila Lehachi Waheed, DABR, Medical Director, Radiation Oncologist at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth, Texas, a partner of OneOncology community oncology network. “Once it’s in the bloodstream, the molecule follows that target straight to the cancer cells and marks the spot, releasing radiation while limiting the impact on healthy cells nearby.”

Answering patients’ biggest questions about RLT

Waheed said eligible patients tend to ask the same three questions when they first learn about RLT: Will it work for me? Is it safe? What will my life look like during and after treatment?

“They ask how the treatment finds the cancer cells, how much radiation exposure they and their families will face, and how it will affect their day-to-day life—things like fatigue, nausea, and blood counts,” she said.

Many of the answers come back to how precisely the treatment works. RLT is designed to find a specific marker on cancer cells and deliver radiation directly to them. This approach may help limit damage to nearby healthy tissue, although side effects can still occur. Patients and caregivers should ask the care team if they are eligible, what to expect, including possible side effects, safety steps at home, and who to contact with questions.

Waheed walks through each question with patients before they commit to treatment—a level of detail she said matters as much as the science itself.

Advanced RLT treatment, closer to home

Novartis brought the first RLT to market in 2018. Since then, nearly 50,000 patients have been treated, and the number of RLT treatment sites in the U.S. has grown roughly sevenfold—expanding access to patients who need it most.³

Providing this treatment in a community setting means eligible patients have the option to receive advanced, personalized cancer care close to home. It can be woven into a broader treatment plan that includes surgery, systemic therapy, and external radiation, all coordinated in one place.

That matters to Waheed and drove her to become the first physician in Tarrant County to offer RLT to her patients.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine the quality of cancer care you receive,” Waheed said. “These treatments let patients benefit from options personalized to the biology of their cancer without leaving their families and support systems behind. Innovation only matters if patients can access it.”

As RLT continues to expand beyond academic centers and is researched for use in more types of cancer, Waheed sees it as part of a broader shift—one that keeps patients closer to the treatment they need and the people who support them through it.

Dr Nabila Lehachi Waheed has served as a paid consultant to Novartis. This article was developed and sponsored by Novartis.

References

1. Data on file. Patient location. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2025.
2. Data on file. Pluvicto desert analysis. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2025.
3. Data on file. Pluvicto and Lutathera site opening summary. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2026.

2026-10-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nine in 10 employers are satisfied with the value of the vision benefits they provide for employees, according to a new report based on a national survey commissioned by the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC). The people who use those benefits agree.

Adults with vision coverage report high satisfaction with their benefits, including coverage meeting their needs (82%) and protection from paying the full out-of-pocket cost of care (77%). These findings highlight strong alignment between employers and consumers, with both recognizing the value of vision coverage.

How cost and affordability impact care

At a time when health care costs are putting added pressure on household budgets, keeping vision coverage affordable is a priority, with 89% of covered adults saying affordability matters to them.

The cost and affordability of that care often determine whether people get the care they need at all. Among adults without coverage who had an unmet vision need but did not seek care, 84% cited cost as the main reason or a contributing factor.

The survey also found that adults without vision coverage are twice as likely as those with coverage to skip an eye exam altogether. That’s a missed preventive health opportunity, since 80% of consumers say regular eye exams are important to maintaining overall health, and 67% are aware that eye exams can detect signs of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

For employers, including small businesses, vision benefits are an affordable way to support employee health and well-being. A majority of employers surveyed (74%) rated vision benefits as good or excellent value for the cost and strongly affirmed (71%) that they offer vision benefits to support employee health and well-being.

“The survey shows that while consumers and employers may view vision care from different perspectives, they reach the same conclusion: Vision coverage works,” said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, an optometrist and AAVC spokesperson. “It helps keep care affordable and accessible, delivers real value to families and employers, and should be preserved. As an optometrist and private practice owner for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how critical vision coverage is to connecting patients to the eye care they need while keeping costs within reach.”

Employers and consumers want vision coverage preserved amid potential policy changes

Given that value, it’s no surprise that consumers and employers are concerned about policy changes that could increase costs, reduce access or weaken the value that vision coverage provides today. A majority of employers (56%) surveyed were concerned that policy changes could increase their vision benefit costs. Consumers and employers were overwhelmingly aligned on the view that officials should prioritize affordable vision care (74% and 83%, respectively).

For policymakers weighing changes to vision benefits, the findings point to a clear priority: employers and consumers want to protect the affordability and access vision benefits provide.

“Employers of all sizes, along with their employees and families, are looking for ways to manage rising health care costs, and vision coverage is proving its value by helping keep care affordable and within reach,” said Ruben Guerra, Board Chair of the Latin Business Association and AAVC member. “Yet legislation being considered in statehouses across the country puts affordability at risk for many. The research shows that consumers and employers alike recognize the value of vision coverage and do not want changes that could drive up costs or make care harder to access.”

To view all the survey findings, visit www.AffordableVisionCare.org/Research and download the “Keeping Vision Care Within Reach” report.

Survey methodology: The research was conducted as a single national survey initiative with complementary consumer and employer components, examining how people who use employer-sponsored coverage and organizations that purchase vision benefits view affordability, value and potential policy impacts. The consumer survey was conducted online among 4,027 employed adults aged 21-64 who were enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance. The sample included 3,027 adults with vision coverage and 1,000 without. The employer survey was conducted online among 201 benefits decision-makers at small and medium-sized employers that offer vision coverage. The sample included 100 respondents from businesses with 2-99 employees and 101 respondents from businesses with 100-999 employees. The surveys were conducted in July and August 2026 and commissioned by the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care, of which VSP Vision is a funder.

2026-10-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by argenx

Adults living with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, may be eligible to participate in one of two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating an investigational study drug*. The studies, EMVIGORATE and EMNERGIZE, are enrolling adults ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with CIDP, at select study sites across the United States.

About CIDP

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, commonly known as CIDP, is a rare, long-lasting autoimmune disease that can worsen over time. Today, there are approximately 60,000-77,000 people in the U.S. living with CIDP. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of certain nerve cells in the arms and legs. This damage can interfere with nerve signaling and lead to progressive symptoms that affect mobility and everyday functioning.

For many people, CIDP can make simple daily activities increasingly difficult. Symptoms and disease severity can vary from person to person, but the condition may lead to difficulty walking, climbing stairs, maintaining balance, or performing routine tasks independently. If left untreated, CIDP can have a significant impact on mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

“We often hear from the CIDP community that symptoms like fatigue, pain, and the loss of independence are even more challenging because they are not visible to others, even to those closest to them,” said Lisa Butler, President and CEO, The GBS|CIDP Foundation International. “Living with chronic ‘invisible’ symptoms can have a profound impact on relationships, how seriously their condition is considered by others, how quickly they get diagnosed, and how supported they feel throughout their journey.”

Understanding the impact of CIDP

CIDP can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms may look like those of other nerve or muscle conditions. As a result, some people may experience delays in diagnosis or may initially be misdiagnosed.

Because CIDP is rare and complex, the disease may not look the same for everyone. Some people may have periods when symptoms improve and then return, while others may experience symptoms that slowly get worse over time. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are important to help reduce the potential for disease progression and long-term disability.

“Advancing our understanding of CIDP depends on clinical research. By studying this rare and complex disease, researchers can continue to build the scientific evidence needed to evaluate potential future treatment approaches.” – Arjun Seth, MD, Assistant Professor at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

Clinical trial opportunities

Researchers are currently enrolling adults living with CIDP into two ongoing Phase 3 clinical studies: EMVIGORATE and EMNERGIZE.

Both studies are evaluating how the investigational study drug* may work (also known as efficacy) and whether it is safe for the use of adults living with CIDP. The overview below provides additional information about each study, including who may be eligible to participate and what participation may involve.

Who may qualify?

Individuals may be able to participate if they:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Not pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant
• Diagnosed with CIDP

Additional eligibility criteria apply. If you are interested in participating, please speak with your treating physician. If appropriate, they can refer you to the study team, who will review the full eligibility requirements and answer any questions about participation.

What participation may involve

Participation in a clinical research study generally begins with a discussion with your treating physician of the study and review of an informed consent form before any study procedures take place. Individuals may undergo screening assessments to determine eligibility and, if enrolled, may receive study treatment through intravenous (IV) infusion. Participants will also attend clinic visits, complete health assessments, and be monitored throughout the study to help researchers evaluate safety and study progress.

The study team will provide detailed information about study procedures, visit schedules, and participant responsibilities during the screening process.

Why clinical research matters

Clinical research helps researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational study drug. The findings of the studies are assessed by health authorities.

If you or someone you care about is living with CIDP, we encourage you to learn more about these clinical research opportunities and talk with your treating physician about whether participation in a clinical study may be right for you.

To learn more about these studies and find a study site near you, visit:

• https://clinicaltrials.argenx.com/emvigorate or
• https://clinicaltrials.argenx.com/emnergize

You can also search ClinicalTrials.gov for:

• EMVIGORATE: NCT06920004
• EMNERGIZE: NCT07091630

*The investigational study drug, empasiprubart, is not approved by any regulatory agency for use in CIDP. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established.