Dr. Anthony Marotta, PhD

🎙️ BlockHunters Voices Episode 18 In this episode, we chat with Dr. Wajahat Mughal, who switched from medicine to building IVX Labs on Berachain. From performing surgeries to crafting DeFi derivatives, Waj breaks down how critical thinking skills bridge these seemingly different worlds and why he's betting on making options trading actually make sense. We cover his path into crypto during med school, why education matters in DeFi, and how IVX reduces complexity while maintaining capital efficiency. Plus, Waj breaks down yield trading mechanics, the power of community-driven development, and why simple solutions often beat fancy features. https://lnkd.in/dn4r3wei

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JUST PUBLISHED: Five things to know about highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Canadian Medical Association Journal. Check out this one-pager that EPIC members Rob Kozak, Isaac Bogoch and Samira Mubareka have put together about the current status of HPAI and what clinicians should be on the lookout for. Read and download the PDF here: https://lnkd.in/gdFZdGuT #AvianFlu #HPAI #PandemicPreparedness

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#FounderSpotlight Today, we want to highlight Dr. Armstrong Murira and Dr. Nardin Nakhla, the dynamic duo behind Simmunome Inc. - an artificial intelligence-powered startup focused on predicting the likelihood of drug candidates to fail (or succeed) in clinical trials. Through this they help their clients discover the right pathway to go after in disease treatment; reducing the cost and time spent on clinical trials on one hand, and increasing their efficiency and success rate on the other. Dr. Armstrong Murira (Co-founder & CEO) received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Simon Fraser University, where he also majored in Bachelor’s of Business Administration. His research focused on leveraging computational biology to understand human biological networks that cause and fight disease. In 2016, he developed the idea for Simmunome during his post-doc, where he connected with Dr. Nardin Nakhla through a mutual friend. Dr. Murira’s technical and business background allows him to handle the business and sales aspects of the company. As the co-founder and CTO of Simmunome Inc., Dr. Nardin Nakhla combines her knowledge in engineering, machine learning, and neuroscience to lead the company's research and development efforts, focusing on innovative AI models that simulate disease pathways and predict drug efficacy outcomes. After gaining experience as a regional electrical engineer at Procter & Gamble, Nardin's passion for research drew her back to academia. This led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at McGill University, where she utilized machine learning and diverse modeling techniques to investigate the brain's information processing and learning capabilities. Simmunome was born out of their combined passion for finding new ways to understand and treat complex diseases. At BKR Capital, we are dedicated to unearthing and supporting Canada’s most promising founders who are disrupting industries based on a combination of clear market understanding and sound technical expertise. #BKRCapital #BKRCapitalPortco #VentureCapital #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackInTech #BlackExcellence #innovation #TechStartups

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The future of food as medicine is bright, with opportunities for innovation and growth 📈 We spoke with members of the CFIN team, Dana McCauley (CEO), Alex Barlow (Vice President of Programs), and Lavina Gully (Regional Innovation Director, BC and Yukon) to get their perspectives on the future of personalized nutrition 🍎 They draw on relevant topics such as technology, the impact it'll have on the food industry, as well as responding to the trend. Read their insights here: https://lnkd.in/g49TeuG6

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I wanted to share some eye-opening results from a recent study conducted by our friends at RPC Labs in New Brunswick. The follow-up wave II research reveals alarming levels of chemical contaminants in illicit cannabis products, especially in vape cartridges. A staggering 93% of the samples tested positive for pesticide contamination and showed THC levels up to 86% lower than claimed on the packaging! The study analyzed 31 illicit cannabis samples, including vape cartridges, extracts, and edibles, compared to 10 legal ones. These findings highlight the serious risks consumers face when turning to the unregulated market, where products aren't held to the same safety standards as legal cannabis. Key takeaways of why legal industry #DutyofCare is so important: 🚫 Pesticide Issues: A whopping 25 out of 27 illicit samples had pesticide levels exceeding Health Canada’s limits. 🚫 Misleading THC Claims: Many illicit vapes and edibles were significantly below the advertised THC levels, which is concerning for anyone relying on these products. 🚫 Heavy Metal Contamination: Several of the illicit products contained concerning levels of heavy metals, adding another layer of risk. Andrien Rackov, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of ongoing research like this to better understand the illicit cannabis market and I completely agree. It’s crucial for consumers to know what they’re getting—especially when it comes to their health. #CannabisIndustry #ConsumerSafety #IllicitCannabis

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A special panel session on scientific innovations will be chaired by Dr. Alejandro Adem (President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, and Professor, University of British Columbia) at Canada 157: The Canadian National Conference on Innovation. Join us at: https://innovation-cdn.ca ·       #Canada157TheCanadianNationalConferenceonInnovation ·       #TheCanadianNationalConferenceonInnovation ·       #InnovationCanada ·       #InnovationLeadership ·       #CanadaInInnovationMotion ·       #DefenceInnovation ·       #SecurityInnovation ·       #InnovationsInDefenceAndSecurity ·       #WomenInInnovation ·       #InnovationCanada2024 ·       #NationalInnovationConference ·       #InnovateToLead ·       #TechInnovation ·       #CanadaInnovates ·       #AIInnovation ·       #ArtificialIntelligenceInnovation ·       #PublicSectorInnovation ·       #CybersecurityInnovations ·       #ScientificInnovation ·       #TachnologicalInnovation ·       #InnovationEconomy ·       #IndigenousInnovation ·       #InnovationPolicy ·       #SupplyChainInnovation ·       #BusinessInnovation ·       #PublicServiceInnovation ·       #InnovationManagement

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Post 2 of 4: Powered by BIOTECanada, BIONATION is the national policy event showcasing the vibrant biotech network in Canada, and highlighting the strategic economic and social importance of Canada’s biotech sector. BIONATION brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and the workforce of today and tomorrow to explore the future of biotech. 🗓 Mark your calendars for September 24-25, in Ottawa, as we delve into the opportunities ahead for the sector through four key discussion themes; today, we're featuring our second program theme: Investment Attraction As the world emerges from the impact of the pandemic, nations throughout the world are looking to build the for solutions needed for any future public health emergencies, establishing an unprecedented global competition for great ideas and the investment dollars required to nurture them into reality. Canadian innovation played an integral role is solving for the COVID19 crisis thanks to a small start up company in Vancouver. There are dozens of similar solutions at hand, every one of them an asset to ecosystem growth and global competitiveness. Canada can help them to grow their operations here with the investment needed for them to reach commercial capacity. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and shape the future of biotechnology in Canada. To view additional program details visit: https://lnkd.in/dUeJCWJC #BIONATION2024 #biotech #biotechnology #innovation #events #cdnpoli #canada #policy #investment #research #BIONATION AbbVie, Novartis, CASTL - Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences BioTalent Canada, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Stem Cell Network, adMare BioInnovations, AstraZeneca

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🌟 Personalized Genetic Care Takes Center Stage 🌟 As healthcare shifts towards precision medicine, we're excited to explore groundbreaking initiatives like ACCESS-GC, funded by Genome BC. This clinical trial embeds genetic counsellors into primary care, addressing long wait times and improving access to cutting-edge genetic services across British Columbia. Key highlights: 🔬 AI, genomics, and longevity—leading the conversation. 👩‍⚕️ improving patient outcomes with personalized care models. 🌍 Redefining access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities. 🔗 Register today and learn more about innovations transforming the future of healthcare: https://lnkd.in/gX_9zRkX #HealthSummit2024 #Genomics #PrecisionMedicine #GeneticCounseling #AIinHealthcare #Longevity #HealthcareInnovation

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During consultations by the MSSS (Quebec Ministry of Health) on the Policy and Action Plan for rare diseases in Quebec, the RQMO insisted on THE priority that patients and caregivers wanted in large numbers: raising awareness and educating doctors and health professionals, particularly family doctors. These doctors cannot know and recognize thousands of rare diseases and, faced with the unknown, they do not how to help their patients. We were delighted when the MSSS established “Awareness and training” in the medical community as Axis #1 of the Policy and Action Plan. Both at the MSSS and at the RQMO, efforts are being made in this direction. And here is this publication in The Lancet on rare diseases which emphasizes the importance of "awareness and targeted interventions, including comprehensive education, especially in primary care." And this news: "the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) assembled a global, multistakeholder task force to identify key barriers and opportunities for empowering primary health-care providers in addressing rare disease challenges." Thank you! International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) RARE DISEASES INTERNATIONAL Canadian Rare Disease Network (CRDN)

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Zero Overdose at #CSAM2024! We are thrilled to announce that our Co-Founder and CEO, Thomas McCarry is on-site at the 2024 CSAM-SMCA Scientific Conference, a premier event accredited by leading organizations including: The College of Family Physicians of Canada The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada The Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Today, Tom is leading a transformative workshop: Overdose Safety Planning Skills. Amid the ongoing overdose crisis, Tom will showcase how Zero Overdose has adapted evidence-based suicide prevention practices to develop a robust framework for assessing and managing overdose risks. This interactive 45-minute session includes: ✅ A breakdown of the ARTMS approach (Amount, Route, Tolerance, Mindset, Setting) for evaluating overdose risk factors. ✅ Tools like the Overdose Safety Planning Template and Risk Questionnaire, ready for immediate use. ✅ Hands-on practice with real-world case vignettes. ✅ A collaborative teaching style emphasizing autonomy, empowerment, and harm reduction. Participants will leave equipped with skills and tools that can be implemented in their practices, along with ongoing access to Zero Overdose resources to extend the workshop's impact. Let’s champion a more effective, empathetic, and client-centered approach to overdose prevention together! Check out the full program here: https://lnkd.in/eUxTb8Yh #CSAM2024 #OverdosePrevention #HarmReduction #HealthcareInnovation

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Our upcoming Angel Investing 101 session, Angel Investing in MedTech: Insights and Strategies for Navigating the Biotech Landscape, will be presented by Nick Kuryluk, OBIO and Canadian Stem Cell Network medtech pitch assessor and commercialization trainer, pitch panelist at Altitude Accelerator, and member of the Brampton Angels. 🌟 This session will provide angel investors with a comprehensive overview of the medtech landscape, covering key trends, market opportunities, and the unique challenges of investing in this sector. The presentation will dive into essential components from innovation to commercialization, including: - Technology & Clinical Validation, - Regulatory Pathways & Reimbursement Complexities - Market Access Concluding with actionable takeaways, the session will equip investors with the tools needed to evaluate and support medtech innovations effectively. 🚀 Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WGdwJ0

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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Micro-certificate in Innovation Leadership: Medical & Bio-Innovations! 🎓✨ This program wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support and insights from our industry advisory committee and partners at the UBC Academy of Translational Medicine and UBC Extended Learning. Together, we've crafted a curriculum designed to meet the needs of the bioeconomy, ensuring participants gain the practical legal and strategic skills needed to bring scientific and technical innovations to market. This includes mastering effective IP strategies and identifying market gaps and addressing unmet healthcare needs. 🔬 Why This Program? As Canada's life sciences sector experiences unprecedented growth, the demand for skilled professionals who can successfully translate biomedical innovations from lab to market is more critical than ever. This part-time program offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal, technical, and market realities that influence the development and commercialization of new products and treatments. Through real-life case studies and instruction from industry experts, the program provides relevant, in-demand leadership and business skills needed to identify and act on future opportunities. A huge thank you to Novateur Ventures Inc. and all our industry collaborators who contributed to making this program a reality. Their insights have been invaluable in crafting a curriculum that not only addresses the immediate needs of the industry but also anticipates future trends. Participants will benefit from this deep industry engagement, gaining practical knowledge and strategies that are immediately applicable in their professional roles. To learn more and register, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gN3eeFWx Jonathon Jafari | entrepreneurship@UBC

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NEW MEMBER: MMC Canada Research Institute of Anti-Aging is a new startup biotech company from a successful private medical group in BC Canada, focusing on innovations of stem cell therapy applications in chronic diseases such as diabetes, weight loss, and Parkinson's disease. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gUzvEka4 Wendy Hurlburt

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To help Ontario successfully navigate the future, a robust life sciences sector is crucial. Universities will continue to develop top talent and attract global investment to strengthen this critical sector:🔗https://lnkd.in/gtCZzyBj

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"Since he started using the AI tool, [my colleague] was leaving before me almost every day." - Dr. Will Stymiest, a family physician. This CBC/Radio-Canada article, https://lnkd.in/g-DpGHT5 , highlights the real-world impact of AI scribes through the voices of practicing physicians - plus their concerns. While the healthcare industry grapples with burnout, rising costs, and patient dissatisfaction, AI-powered scribes are emerging as a powerful tool to shift the paradigm. But, generic scribes often struggle with medical terminology and lead to drastic errors. Solutions like Mutuo Health Solutions' AutoScribe, are meticulously trained on vast datasets to ensure accurate and reliable notes. And now, with the recent acquisition by HEALWELL AI (TSX: AIDX), they're adding even more value for cost. By integrating advanced AI technologies like Khure Health's AI Clinical Co-Pilot, we're empowering healthcare providers with a suite of tools to enhance their practice for better patient interactions and health outcomes.

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Groundbreaking research led by Dr. Michael Strong at Western University in London, Ont. has uncovered a promising breakthrough in the quest for an ALS cure. Strong's team identified a crucial interaction between two proteins prevalent in ALS-affected nerve cells, offering a potential avenue to halt or even reverse the disease's progression. The discovery spotlights a specific fragment of the RGNEF protein, dubbed NF242, which mitigates the toxic effects of the ALS-causing protein TDP-43, thereby preventing nerve cell death. This not only holds immense promise for ALS treatment but also extends hope to related neurological disorders like frontotemporal dementia. The research, published in Brain, has been described as a transformative moment in medical science. Dr. Strong, the Arthur J Hudson Chair in ALS research at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, has expressed optimism, stating that a cure could be possible within the next three to five years. This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Read more about this groundbreaking research here: https://lnkd.in/dhwfqDr3

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