(Madison Roberts) - A Convenient New Approach to Metabolic Health

Eden is providing access to a new way for individuals to explore GLP-1 therapy: a compounded semaglutide gummy, available through independent licensed providers and compounding pharmacies. Compounded semaglutide is available in different forms, including injections and gummies. Some patients may prefer alternative formats, but efficacy and safety data are limited. While compounded semaglutide is commonly prescribed in injectable form, this tropical-flavored gummy offers an alternative format that some patients may prefer, which independent licensed providers can discuss as a potential option.

Meeting Patients Where They Are Many Americans face challenges related to metabolic health, including obesity and its associated conditions. Barriers such as needle anxiety or complex treatment regimens often prevent individuals from seeking care. Eden aims to make it easier for patients to connect with independent licensed doctors who can evaluate their health needs and discuss potential treatment options. 

"Adherence improves when treatment integrates easily into patients’ lives," explains Adam McBride, Eden’s CEO. Eden’s digital platform streamlines access to independent healthcare professionals who can assess patients and determine eligibility for treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, including compounded semaglutide. 

Understanding GLP-1 Therapy GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, are FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and  weight management when combined with diet and exercise. Some studies suggest these medications may influence appetite and blood sugar levels. 

Affordable and Accessible Care Eden connects patients with independent licensed healthcare providers for digital consultations, personalized care plans, and resources such as on-demand workout videos—all for $246 per month. This model aims to eliminate barriers to care by meeting patients’ needs through a convenient, fully digital platform.

Reframing the Conversation Around Metabolic Health Eden’s goal is to support individuals on their journey toward sustainable health improvements by connecting them with personalized care options. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Eden emphasizes long-term, personalized care that empowers patients to feel their best.

"We’re shifting the conversation to focus on sustainable and manageable health goals," says Eden President Josh Khan. "By making care more accessible, we hope to break down barriers and make a real impact on patients’ lives."

The Future of GLP-1 Treatments Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 therapies may play a role in broader aspects of metabolic health. While studies explore potential applications in areas such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory conditions. Patients are encouraged to consult with an Eden network provider to discuss potential benefits and determine what therapies are appropriate for their individual needs.

A Healthier Future, One Step at a Time Eden’s mission is simple: to make access to care seamless and empowering. Through their digital platform, Eden connects patients with licensed medical professionals who provide guidance informed by the latest scientific evidence. 

Important Note: Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved for safety or efficacy. All treatment plans and prescriptions are determined solely by the independent licensed healthcare providers patients consult through the Eden platform. While Eden does not manufacture or compound medications, it serves as a trusted resource connecting patients with qualified providers to explore treatment options. By simplifying access to care, Eden helps patients connect with providers as they take the first step toward addressing their metabolic health needs. 

(NewsUSA) - Today, millions of Americans live with undetected hypertension, unaware that it can impact even the healthiest of individuals — a lesson that Naomi Saucer^* would come to learn firsthand. ^1-2

In college, Naomi began experiencing migraines, and despite being busy as a full-time student and athlete, she made time to see her doctor. Like many healthy 20-somethings, she didn’t think her headaches were connected to something more serious, and with the help of her doctor, she started taking migraine medications, thinking it would help manage her pain.

But after enduring years of intense discomfort from these terrible headaches, she finally got to the root cause. At age 28, Naomi was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the artery wall is too high. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health complications like heart disease and stroke.^3-4

The news was shocking, as Naomi thought high blood pressure was only something that impacted older adults with an unhealthy lifestyle. Naomi was young and healthy. She was raised as a vegetarian and was active her whole life— having high blood pressure wasn’t even on her radar of possibilities. What many people don’t know is that high blood pressure can be hereditary and sometimes completely out of their control. Naomi’s grandmother had high blood pressure at an early age, so it was entirely possible that she was going down the same path.

After her diagnosis, Naomi and her doctors tried different medications to lower her blood pressure. While the migraines subsided, she suffered from various side effects from these medications, including nausea and ringing in her ears – and still couldn’t get her blood pressure under control.

“At one point, my pharmacist said my blood pressure medication regimen was something a 60-year-old would take— I’m in my 40’s, so I was nowhere near that age,” said Naomi. “I had an advanced state of hypertension, with some scary moments when I was truly in a hypertension crisis.”

Despite this, the value of perseverance was instilled in her as an athlete. She knew that to maintain her health and ultimate happiness, she needed to find a way to get her blood pressure down. Through her professional experience with medical devices, she proactively researched different treatment options and decided to find and connect with a local physician who performed high blood pressure procedures, also known as renal denervation (RDN). After meeting with her doctor and making sure she was eligible, Naomi was excited for the next step.

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which uses the Symplicity Spyral^(TM) RDN system, is a minimally invasive way that can help reduce patients’ blood pressure numbers when other options – like lifestyle changes and medications - haven’t worked.⁵ It utilizes radiofrequency energy to target and calm nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.⁶ The Symplicity procedure leaves an 'always on' effect and there is no permanent device left behind.⁵

“The Symplicity procedure was one of the best things I could have done for myself,” said Naomi. “The recovery wasn’t bad— honestly, the hardest part was having to take it easy for eight hours afterward, since I’m always on the go!”

Now, Naomi is back to doing the things she loves without fearing how it will affect her blood pressure - it’s now more under control. She also feels more freedom and less worry about always having to take her blood pressure medications. She takes regular five-mile walks or hikes, tends to her garden, and has continued her beekeeping passion. Post-procedure, her life is more vibrant in so many ways.

Naomi’s story not only brings attention to alternative treatment options for hypertension— it also raises awareness about the condition among Black women, like Naomi. High blood pressure is a critical issue for Black women. In fact, it’s estimated that 58% of Black women in the United States have high blood pressure. More alarmingly, Black Americans experience five times the mortality from hypertension related disease compared with White Americans.⁷

No matter how young and healthy you appear to be, if something feels wrong, don’t brush it off. Always see your doctor if you have any health concerns, learn about your family’s health history, and investigate all available treatment options for your diagnosis. Everyone deserves a life that isn’t controlled by their health conditions.

To learn more about clinical trial sites performing renal denervation, visit https://www.hbpstudy.com/

View benefits and risks of the Symplicity™ procedure here. 

Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure does have known risks. These risks should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Adverse events include, but are not limited to, bruising and pain. Results may vary. 

UC202505661 EN ©2025 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company. For distribution in the USA only. 

* Naomi has received compensation in the past from Medtronic for sharing her experience with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2020.

² High Blood Pressure Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

³ Whelton P, et al. J AM Coll Cardiol. May 15, 2018;71(19):2199-2269.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers. Mayoclinic.org. Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED  Pivotal): a multicentre, randomised, sham controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

⁶ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁷ Aggarwal R, Chiu N, Wadhera RK, et al. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control in the United States, 2013 to 2018. Hypertension. December 2021;78(6):1719-1726.

(NewsUSA) - Those who suffer from eye infections that threaten a person’s vision have a new treatment option that is noninvasive and counters the problem of antibiotic resistance, based on recent research and clinical work.

Many eye infections are caused by multi-drug-resistant strains of bacteria and other pathogens, and standard treatments are limited, according to investigators at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida.

VisiRose, a newly launched, privately-held clinical-stage biotechnology company affiliated with Provectus Biopharmaceuticals (OTCQB: PVCT), is collaborating with Bascom Palmer to commercialize a novel, noninvasive therapy for severe eye infections. The treatment, known as Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB-PDAT), combines a bioactive synthetic small molecule known as Rose Bengal Sodium with a light-based medical device to help manage eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

“RB-PDAT represents a consequential solution for patients at risk of vision loss from severe infectious keratitis,” said Dominic Rodrigues, acting CEO of VisiRose. RB-PDAT treatment has been associated with rapid resolution of severe eye infections and improved vision outcomes for patients in clinical studies in the U.S., India, Brazil, and Mexico, according to the company.

“We believe Bascom Palmer’s innovative therapy combines infection-fighting capabilities with vision-preserving benefits, paving the way for a brighter future for those struggling with this challenging condition,” said Rodrigues, who also serves as vice chairman of the board of directors and president of Provectus.

Rose Bengal Sodium, the company’s flagship molecule, has demonstrated effectiveness against multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among other strains, in a laboratory setting. At the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group conference in 2023, Bascom Palmer researchers reported that 76% of the first 100 patients treated with RB-PDAT at Bascom Palmer, who had severe eye infections unresponsive to standard treatment,achieved successful vision outcomes, with an average time to resolution of just over 6 months.

In a case series published last year in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology of nine adults who experienced severe eye infections caused by contaminated artificial tears, RB-PDAT was effective as an addition to antibiotics and helped improve vision outcomes in two patients who received this new therapy, according to Bascom Palmer researchers: a man in his 40s who came to the emergency department with severe pain and decreased vision in his left eye; and a woman in her 80s with worsening redness and visual loss in her right eye.

“This innovative therapy leverages the power of the versatile rose bengal small molecule to fight infection and offers new hope for preserving vision," Rodrigues said.

RB-PDAT has shown promising results in treating severe eye infections in more than 500 individuals worldwide where standard therapies have failed, according to the company press release. Notably, patients in India and Brazil were treated much earlier with RB-PDAT, receiving the oculat treatment as first-line therapy. “VisiRose has the potential to help fill a critical treatment gap in global eye care, particularly in regions and populations severely impacted by antimicrobial resistance with limited access to medical solutions,” Ed Pershing added, who is chairman of VisiRose’s board of directors and also serves as CEO and chairman of Provectus’s board.

Visit www.visirose.com to learn more.

Image caption: Juan Carlos Navia, M.D. at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, delivering the VisiRose RB PDAT treatment in the clinic.

(NewsUSA) - Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and a single donation can save lives. Shortages in the nation’s blood supply can happen any time. Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep our blood supply stable.

Blood transfusions are essential for some patients undergoing surgery, or who’ve had serious injuries or are dealing with certain medical conditions. While everyone is impacted when there are shortages of blood and blood products, people living in communities with higher numbers of patients with rare blood types or diseases are disproportionately affected.      

Take those with sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S., the majority of who are Black or of African ancestry. Many people with SCD need blood transfusions throughout their lives but often find it difficult to get the type they need. That’s why Black or African American blood donors are so vital, as 1 in 3 are a match for people with SCD.

While it may seem outdated to think of blood in terms of race – the practice of segregating donated blood by race was discontinued shortly after World War II – scientific studies have found that, to reduce the risk of transfusion complications, some people do require blood or blood products from donors with the same racial or ethnic background.

Most people can give blood, but only 3% of Americans donate each year. If you are in good health, at least 16 or 17 years old (depending on the state), and weigh at least 110 pounds, consider donating. A diverse blood supply ensures that every American has equitable access to blood and blood products. You can make a difference in your community by donating blood and by encouraging others to do the same.

Learn more by visiting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program.

Callout:

Diversity in Blood Types

Most blood types fall into one of the four major groups: A, B, AB, O. Blood donations from all types are always needed. However, some people have rare blood types. Some of the rare blood types for African Americans include U- and Fy (a-b-). For these patients, the U.S. blood supply must be more diverse. The best blood type match for patients with rare blood types often comes from donors of the same race or similar ethnicity.

(NewsUSA) - Cada 2 segundos, alguna persona en los Estados Unidos necesita sangre.  Una sola donación puede salvar vidas. En cualquier momento se puede presentar escasez en el suministro de sangre del país.

Los donantes, especialmente aquellos que donan regularmente, mantienen estable nuestro suministro de sangre. Las transfusiones de sangre son fundamentales para algunos pacientes que se someten a cirugías, han sufrido lesiones graves o padecen ciertas afecciones médicas. Si bien todos nos vemos afectados cuando hay escasez de sangre y productos sanguíneos, las personas que viven en comunidades con una mayor cantidad de pacientes con enfermedades o tipos de sangre poco comunes se ven afectadas de una manera desproporcionada.

Tomemos como ejemplo a las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes (SCD, por su sigla en inglés), una afección que afecta a más de 100,000 personas en los Estados Unidos, la mayoría de las cuales son de raza negra o de ascendencia Africana. Muchas personas con enfermedad de células falciformes necesitan transfusiones de sangre a lo largo de sus vidas, pero a menudo les resulta difícil obtener el tipo que necesitan. Es por eso que los donantes de sangre afroestadounidenses son tan importantes, ya que uno de cada tres es compatible con las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes.

Si bien puede parecer anticuado pensar en la sangre en términos de raza (la práctica de segregar la sangre donada por raza se suspendió poco después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial), los estudios científicos han descubierto que, para reducir el riesgo de complicaciones en las transfusiones, algunas personas requieren sangre o productos sanguíneos de donantes con el mismo origen racial o étnico.

La mayoría de las personas puede donar sangre, pero sólo el 3% de los estadounidenses dona cada año. Si tiene buena salud, al menos 16 o 17 años (dependiendo del estado) y pesa mínimo 110 libras, considere donar. Un suministro de sangre diverso garantiza que todas las personas en los Estados Unidos tengan acceso equitativo a la sangre y a los productos sanguíneos.

Usted puede marcar la diferencia en su comunidad donando sangre y animando a otros a hacer lo mismo.

Obtenga más información visitando el sitio web del Programa de educación sobre enfermedades y trastornos de la sangre (en inglés), del Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre.

Callout:

Diversidad de tipos de sangre La mayoría de los tipos de sangre pertenecen a uno de los cuatro grupos principales: A, B, AB y O. Siempre se necesitan donaciones de sangre de todos los tipos. Sin embargo, algunas personas tienen tipos de sangre poco comunes. Algunos de los tipos de sangre poco comunes entre los afroestadounidenses incluyen U- y Fy (a-b-). Para estos pacientes, el suministro de sangre en los Estados Unidos debe ser más diverso. La mejor compatibilidad del tipo de sangre para los pacientes con tipos de sangre poco comunes suele venir de donantes de la misma raza o grupo ético similar.

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