Category Archives: Human Genetics

In July this year, the world is celebrating 200 years of Gregor Mendel's birth, widely accepted as the father of genetics for his discovery of the laws of inheritance. His experiments with peas, published in 1866 as Experiments in Plant Hybridisation, identified dominant and recessive traits and how recessive traits would reappear in future generations and in what proportion. It was to lie unacknowledged and ignored till three other biologists replicated his work in 1900.

While Mendel's work is central to modern genetics, and his use of experimental methods and observation is a model for science, it also set off the dark side with which genetics has been inextricably linked: eugenics and racism. But eugenics was much more than race "science". It was also used to argue the superiority of the elite, dominant races, and in India, a "scientific" justification for the caste system as well.

For those who believe that eugenics was a temporary aberration in science and it died with Nazi Germany, they would be shocked to find that even the major institutions and journals who identified it in their names have continued by just changing their names. The Annals of Eugenics became Annals of Human Genetics; the Eugenics Review changed its name to The Journal of Biosocial Science, Eugenics Quarterly to Social Biology and the institution that published Annals of Eugenics renamed itself from Eugenic Society to Galton Institute. A number of departments in major universities, which were earlier called the Department of Eugenics, became the Department of Human Genetics or Social Biology.

All of them have apparently shed their eugenic past, but the reoccurrence of the race and IQ debate, sociobiology, the white replacement theory and the rise of white nationalism are all markers that eugenic theories are all very much alive. In India, the race theory is replicated in Aryans being superior and fair as a marker of Aryan ancestry.

While Hitler's gas chambers and Nazi Germany's genocide of Jews and Roma have made it difficult to talk about the racial superiority of certain races, scientific racism persists within science. It is a part of the justification that the elite seek, justifying their superior position to their genes, not that they inherited or stole this wealth. It is a way to airbrush the history of the loot, slavery, and genocide that accompanied the colonisation of the world by a handful of countries in western Europe.

Why is it that when we talk about genetics and history, the only story that is repeated is that about Lysenko and how the Soviet Communist Party placed ideology above science? Why is it that the mention of eugenics in popular literature is only with respect to Nazi Germany and not that Germany's eugenic laws were taken directly from the US? Or how eugenics in Germany and the US were deeply intertwined? How did Mendel's legacy of genetics become a tool in the hands of racist states that included the US and Great Britain? Why is it that genetics is used repeatedly to support theories of superiority of the white races?

Mendel showed that there were traits that were inherited, and therefore we had genes that carried certain markers that could be measured, such as the colour of the flower and the height of the plant. Biology then had no idea of how many genes we had, which traits were inherited, how genetically mixed the human population is, etc. Mendel himself had no idea about genes as carriers of inheritance.

From genetics to society was a huge leap not supported by any empirical scientific evidence. All attempts to show the superiority of certain races started with a priori assuming that certain races are superior and then trying to find what evidence to choose that would support this thesis. Much of the IQ debate and sociobiology came from this approach to science. A Bob Herbert reviewing the infamous tract The Bell Curve wrote that the authors Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein had written a piece of "racial pornography", "...to drape the cloak of respectability over the obscene and long-discredited views of the world's most rabid racists".

A little bit of the history of science is important here. Eugenics was very much mainstream in the early twentieth century and had the support of major parties and political figures in the UK and the US. Not surprisingly, Winston Churchill was a noted supporter of race science, though eugenics had some supporters among progressives as well.

The founder of eugenics in Great Britain was Francis Galton, who was a first cousin of Charles Darwin. Galton pioneered statistical methods like regression and normal distribution, as did his close collaborators and successors in the Eugenics Society, Karl Pearson, and R A Fisher. On the connection between race and science, Aubrey Clayton, in an essay in Nautilus, writes, "What we now understand as statistics comes largely from the work of Galton, Pearson, and Fisher, whose names appear in bread-and-butter terms like "Pearson correlation coefficient" and "Fisher information." In particular, the beleaguered concept of "statistical significance," for decades the measure of whether empirical research is publication-worthy, can be traced directly to the trio."

It was Galton who, based supposedly on scientific evidence, argued for the superiority of the British over Africans and other natives, and that superior races should replace inferior races. Pearson gave his justification for genocide, "History shows me one way, and one way only, in which a high state of civilisation has been produced, namely the struggle of race with race, and the survival of the physically and mentally fitter race."

The eugenics programme had two sides: one was that the state should try and encourage selective breeding to improve the stock of the population. The other was for the state to take active steps to "weed out" undesirable populations. The sterilisation of "undesirables" was as much a part of the eugenic societies as encouraging people towards selective breeding.

In the US, eugenics was centred on Cold Spring Harbor's Eugenics Record Office. While Cold Spring Laboratory and its research publications still hold an important place in contemporary life sciences, its original significance came from the Eugenics Record Office, which operated as the intellectual centre of eugenics and race science. It was supported by philanthropic money from the Rockefeller family, Carnegie Institution and others. Charles Davenport and his associate Harry Laughlin became the key figures in passing a set of state laws in the US that led to the forced sterilisation of the "unfit" population. They also actively contributed to the 1924 Immigration Restriction Act that set quotas for races. The Nordic races had priority, while East Europeans (Slavic races), Chinese, Africans, Indians, and Jews were virtually barred from entering the country.

The sterilisation laws in the US were state laws. Justice Wendell Holmes, the doyen of liberal jurisprudence in the US, gave his infamous judgement on justifying sterilisation, "Three generations of imbeciles are enough." Carrie Buck and her daughter were not imbeciles; they paid for their "sins" of being black and poor. Again, Eugenics Research Office and Laughlin played an important role in providing "scientific evidence" for the sterilisation of the "unfit".

While Nazi Germany's race laws are widely condemned as the basis for Hitler's gas chambers, Hitler himself stated that his inspiration for Germany's race laws was the US laws on sterilisation and immigration. The close links between the US eugenicists and Nazi Germany are widely known and recorded (Edwin Black: Hitler's Debt to America, February 6, 2004). The University of Heidelberg gave Laughlin an honorary degree for his work in the "science of racial cleansing."

With the fall of Nazi Germany, eugenics became discredited. The response was to rename the institutions, departments, and journals with other names but continue the same work. Human genetics and social biology became the new names. The Bell Curve in the 90s justifying racism and a recent best-seller by Nicholas Wade, a former science correspondent of the New York Times all trot out theories that have long been scientifically discarded. Fifty years back, Richard Lewontin had shown that only about 6-7% of human genetic variation exists between so-called racial groups; the rest, 93-94%, are within these groups. At that time, genetics was still in its childhood. Later data has only strengthened Lewontin's research.

Why is it that genetics and race, even class and caste pop us again and again when we discuss social issues? Why is sociobiology, with its roots very similar to eugenics, still maintain a degree of respectability? Why is it that those criticising Soviet science and its sin of Lysenko 80 years back are still held out as a rejection of science? While eugenics and "race science" continue to masquerade as science?

The answer is simple. Attacking Soviet science as an example of ideology trumping science is easy. It makes Lysenko the norm for Soviet science even though Soviet science did correct its one mistake. Genetics as framed by race science in the US, the UK and Germany, had also its followers in Soviet Union. Lysenko used such divisions to advance his career and this did damage Soviet science. But why is the history of eugenics, with its destructive past, and its continuing presence in Europe and US overlooked? Even though it has persisted for more than 100 years? And continues under the modern garb of an IQ debate or sociobiology?

The reason is that it allows racism a place within science: changing the name from eugenics to sociobiology makes it appear respectable science. The power of ideology is not in its ideas but in the structure of our society, where the rich and the powerful need justification for their position. That is why race science as an ideology is a natural corollary of capitalism and G7, the club of the rich countries who want to "create a rule-based international order." Race science as sociobiology is a more genteel justification than eugenics for the rule of capital at home and ex-colonial and settler-colonial states. The fight for science in genetics has to be fought both within and outside science. The two are closely connected.

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Mendels Genetic Revolution and the Legacy of Scientific Racism - NewsClick

The whole exome sequencing market has been expected to reach a valuation of US$ 4,256.30 Mn and expand at a CAGR of 19.24% in the foreseeable years from 2020 to 2030.

The growth opportunities in the whole exome sequencing market are attributed to increasing application of the market services in the clinical diagnostics. In addition to this, increased expenditure on the R & D activities related to genomics, growing demand for rare diseases diagnosis, and rising need to customize the medicine are also serving as the crucial factors to bolster revenue generation opportunities in the whole exome sequencing market.

The key companies serving in the whole exome sequencing market are making investments across research-based projects. They are also establishing alliances with research centers for the delivery of drugs. Along with these initiatives, growing inclination toward the methods for next-generation sequencing to identify, treat, and monitor chronic diseases have also been projected to boost revenue generation opportunities in the whole exome sequencing market.

Continuous research on rare diseases or disorders and availability of the novel sequencing systems, software, and kits have also been contributing to the expansion opportunities in the whole exome sequencing market in the coming years.

Whole exome sequencing is expected to receive a staggering demand as DNA sequencing and its advances pave the way in the research field with the transformation of genomics. When compared with whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing is technically studied to be quick and cost-efficient. Since exons carry an 85.0% of disease traits, exome sequencing is regarded to be more effective. Researchers are anticipated to significantly adopt whole exome sequencing services, kits, and systems because of their double benefit of saving time and simplifying work.

On the basis of end user, the global whole exome sequencing market could gain a telling demand because of the influence of a colossal growth of government and academic institutions and research centers in the past. By application, the diagnostics segment is prognosticated to own a larger share in the global whole exome sequencing market. Predicted to incorporate two sub-segments, viz. data analysis and sequencing services, the services segment is prophesied to demonstrate dominance in the global whole exome sequencing market by products and services.

One of the high impression driving factors of the global whole exome sequencing market is the need to monitor pathogenic infections, cancer, and various other chronic maladies. More opportunities are envisaged to take birth with the surging adoption of next-generation sequencing techniques for the purpose of predicting and treating such diseases. The speed and cost factors are foretold to play a major role in the adoption of whole exome sequencing methods and the growth of the overall market.

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Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: Overview

Whole exome sequencing involves the sequencing of all protein-coding genes in a genome. Clinically exome account for 82% to 85% of known disease-causing variants and less than 1.5% to 2% of the human genome, which converts whole-exome sequencing into an effective alternative.

The report analyzes key market segments and growth trends in the past, based on which the progression analysis of the global market for whole exome sequencing for the 2020-2030 period is presented herein.

Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: Drivers and Restraints

Technological progression in sequencing systems, collaborations and partnerships amongst leading research organizations for improved drug discovery, and an increasing expenditure on research and development are the major factors driving the global whole exome sequencing market. However, factors such as unavailability of trained workforce, increasing trend of funds and grants from universities and research organizations, and high instrument costs are challenging the growth of this market.

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Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: Regional Outlook

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World are the regional segments of the whole exome sequencing market. Amongst these, North America stands as the largest whole exome sequencing market. This is mainly due to the increasing application of whole exome sequencing for detection of rare diseases, increasing awareness programs through industry meets and conferences, and government funding for whole exome sequencing studies. In 2010, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,148,200 persons above the age of 13 and more were diagnosed with HIV infection in the United States, including 207,600 individuals whose infections had not been diagnosed.

Europe is the second largest market for whole exome sequencing. This is because Europe is a leading region for the diagnostics and treatment of cancer and HIV diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe is home to almost one quarter of the worlds cancer patients with 3.2 million new patients diagnosed every year. In 2010, UNAIDS estimated that approximately 2.3 million people were living with HIV in Europe. The prevalence of HIV among adults varies from less than 0.2% of the population in Central Europe to more than 1% of the population in parts of Eastern Europe.

Asia Pacific and Rest of the World are expected to be lucrative markets for whole exome sequencing in the coming years. Increasing research and development initiatives and strategic expansion and acquisitions among research organizations in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific are favoring the growth of this regional market. The increasing impact of bioinformatics and biotechnology research in Latin America is anticipated to fuel the growth of whole exome sequencing market. An increasing number of patients diagnosed with HIV in the emerging economies of India, China, and Brazil will lead to significant growth of the whole exome sequencing market in these regions.

Companies Mentioned in Report

The report mentions top players in the whole exome sequencing market, namely Agilent Technologies, BGI, Eurofins Genomics, Macrogen Inc., GENEWIZ Inc., Ambry Genetics, Illumina Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Roche NimbleGen Inc., Sengenics, and Knome Inc. among others.

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Whole Exome Sequencing Market reach a valuation of US$ 4,256.30 Mn, at a CAGR of 19.24% in the Forecast 2030 - BioSpace

Acquisition Includes TAVNEOS (avacopan), a First-in-Class Medicine for Patients With Serious Autoimmune Disease

Tavneos Adds to Amgen's Decades-Long Leadership in Inflammation and Nephrology

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and SAN CARLOS, Calif., Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and ChemoCentryx, Inc., (NASDAQ: CCXI), a biopharmaceutical company focused on orally administered therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders and cancer, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Amgen will acquire ChemoCentryx for $52 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $3.7 billion.

"The acquisition of ChemoCentryx represents a compelling opportunity for Amgen to add to our decades-long leadership in inflammation and nephrology with TAVNEOS, a transformative, first-in-class treatment for ANCA-associated vasculitis," said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen. "We are excited to join in the TAVNEOS launch and help many more patients with this serious and sometimes life-threatening disease for which there remains significant unmet medical need. We also look forward to welcoming the highly skilled team from ChemoCentryx that shares our passion for serving patients suffering from serious diseases."

"A fierce commitment to improving human lives is the bond that unites Amgen and ChemoCentryx today," said Thomas J. Schall, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of ChemoCentryx. "Last year, after 25 years of proud history, we at CCXI delivered on our founding promise with the approval of TAVNEOS for patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis). It is an honor to now join Amgen's great mission, and together begin a bright new era bringing landscape-shaping medicines like TAVNEOS to those who will benefit most."

TAVNEOS is an orally administered selective complement component 5a receptor inhibitor. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2021 as an adjunctive treatment for adult patients with severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis, specifically granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) (the two main forms of ANCA-associated vasculitis), in combination with standard therapy.

ANCA-associated vasculitis is an umbrella term for a group of multi-system autoimmune diseases with small vessel inflammation. Inflamed vessels may rupture or become occluded giving rise to a broad array of clinical symptoms and signs related to a systemic inflammatory response which may result in profound injury and dysfunction in the kidneys, lungs and other organs.

Amgen is a leader in inflammation and nephrology. The company's inflammation portfolio includes Otezla, ENBREL, TEZSPIRE, AMGEVITA (a biosimilar to HUMIRA), RIABNI (a biosimilar to Rituxan), and AVSOLA (a biosimilar to REMICADE). Amgen's pipeline includes four innovative Phase 2 inflammation medicines efavaleukin alpha for systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis, ordesekimab for celiac disease, rocatinlimab for atopic dermatitis and rozibafusap alfa for systemic lupus erythematosus as well as ABP 654, a biosimilar to STELARA that is in Phase 3 development. Amgen's nephrology portfolio includes EPOGEN, Aranesp, Parsabiv and Sensipar.

U.S. sales of TAVNEOS in the first quarter of 2022, the first full quarter of sales, were $5.4 million. TAVNEOS is also approved in major markets outside the U.S., including the European Union and Japan. Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma Ltd. will retain exclusive rights to commercialize TAVNEOS outside the U.S., except in Japan where Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. holds commercialization rights and Canada where Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical holds commercialization rights.

In addition to TAVNEOS, ChemoCentryx has three early-stage drug candidates that target chemoattractant receptors in other inflammatory diseases and an oral checkpoint inhibitor for cancer.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by each company's board of directors. The transaction is subject to ChemoCentryx stockholder approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Amgen management will comment further on the ChemoCentryx transaction on its Q2 earnings call today.

PJT Partners acted as financial advisor to Amgen and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as its legal advisor. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to ChemoCentryx, and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to beone ofthe world'sleadingindependent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2021, Amgen was named one of the 25 World's Best Workplaces by Fortune and Great Place to Work and one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world by Barron's.

For more information, visitwww.amgen.comand follow us onwww.twitter.com/amgen.

About ChemoCentryx

ChemoCentryx is a biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing new medications for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer. ChemoCentryx targets the chemokine and chemoattractant systems to discover, develop and commercialize orally administered therapies. In the United States, ChemoCentryx markets TAVNEOS (avacopan), the first approved orally administered inhibitor of the complement 5a receptor as an adjunctive treatment for adult patients with severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis. TAVNEOS is also in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of severe hidradenitis suppurativa and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Additionally, ChemoCentryx has early-stage drug candidates that target chemoattractant receptors in other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in cancer. For more information about ChemoCentryx visit http://www.chemocentryx.com.

AboutTAVNEOS(avacopan)TAVNEOS (avacopan), approved by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, is a first-in-class, orally administered small molecule that employs a novel, highly targeted mode of action in complement-driven autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. While the precise mechanism in ANCA vasculitis has not been definitively established, TAVNEOS, by blocking the complement 5a receptor (C5aR) for the pro-inflammatory complement system fragment known as C5a on destructive inflammatory cells such as blood neutrophils, is presumed to arrest the ability of those cells to do damage in response to C5a activation, which is known to be the driver of ANCA vasculitis. TAVNEOS's selective inhibition of only the C5aR leaves the beneficial C5a pathway through the C5L2 receptor functioning normally.

ChemoCentryx is also developing TAVNEOS for the treatment of patients with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and lupus nephritis (LN). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted TAVNEOS orphan drug designation for ANCA-associated vasculitis and C3G. The European Commission has granted orphan medicinal product designation for TAVNEOS for the treatment of two forms of ANCA-associated vasculitis: microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), as well as for C3G.

About ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

ANCA-associated vasculitis is an umbrella term for a group of multi-system autoimmune diseases with small vessel inflammation. Inflamed vessels may rupture or become occluded giving rise to a broad array of clinical symptoms and signs related to a systemic inflammatory response which may result in profound injury and dysfunction in the kidneys, lungs and other organs. Prior to the approval of TAVNEOS, treatment for ANCA-associated vasculitis was limited to courses of non-specific immuno-suppressants (cyclophosphamide or rituximab), combined with the administration of daily glucocorticoids (steroids) for prolonged periods of time, which can be associated with significant clinical risk including death from infection.

U.S. PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

TAVNEOS (avacopan) is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of adult patients with severe active anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA] and microscopic polyangiitis [MPA]) in combination with standard therapy including glucocorticoids. TAVNEOS does not eliminate glucocorticoid use.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Serious hypersensitivity to avacopan or to any of the excipients

Warning and Precautions

Hepatotoxicity: Serious cases of hepatic injury have been observed in patients taking TAVNEOS, including life-threatening events. Obtain liver test panel before initiating TAVNEOS, every 4 weeks after start of therapy for six months and as clinically indicated thereafter. Monitor patients closely for hepatic adverse reactions, and consider pausing or discontinuing treatment as clinically indicated (refer to section 5.1 of the Prescribing Information). TAVNEOS is not recommended for patients with active, untreated and/or uncontrolled chronic liver disease (e.g., chronic active hepatitis B, untreated hepatitis C, uncontrolled autoimmune hepatitis) and cirrhosis. Consider the risk and benefit before administering this drug to a patient with liver disease.

Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cases of angioedema occurred in a clinical trial, including one serious event requiring hospitalization. Discontinue immediately if angioedema occurs and manage accordingly. TAVNEOS must not be re-administered unless another cause has been established.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: Hepatitis B reactivation, including life threatening hepatitis B, was observed in the clinical program. Screen patients for HBV. For patients with evidence of prior infection, consult with physicians with expertise in HBV and monitor during TAVNEOS therapy and for six months following. If patients develop HBV reactivation, immediately discontinue TAVNEOS and concomitant therapies associated with HBV reactivation, and consult with experts before resuming.

Serious Infections: Serious infections, including fatal infections, have been reported in patients receiving TAVNEOS. The most common serious infections reported in TAVNEOS group were pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Avoid use of TAVNEOS in patients with active, serious infection, including localized infections. Consider the risks and benefits before initiating TAVNEOS in patients with chronic infection, at increased risk of infection or who have been to places where certain infections are common.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (5% of patients and higher in the TAVNEOS group vs. prednisone group) were: nausea, headache, hypertension, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, dizziness, blood creatinine increased, and paresthesia.

Drug Interactions

Avoid coadministration of TAVNEOS with strong and moderate CYP3A4 enzyme inducers. Reduce TAVNEOS dose when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors to 30 mg once daily. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider dose reduction of certain sensitive CYP3A4 substrates.

Please seeFull Prescribing InformationandMedication Guide.

Additional Information

This report may be deemed solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of ChemoCentryx by Amgen. ChemoCentryx expects to file with the SEC a proxy statement and other relevant documents with respect to a special meeting of the stockholders of ChemoCentryx to approve the proposed merger. Investors of ChemoCentryx are urged to read the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about ChemoCentryx, Amgen and the proposed Merger. Investors may obtain a free copy of these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed by ChemoCentryx with the SEC at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, at ChemoCentryx's website at https://chemocentryx.com or by sending a written request to ChemoCentryx at 835 Industrial Road, Suite 600, San Carlos, CA 94070, Attention: Legal.

Participants in the Solicitation

ChemoCentryx and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in soliciting proxies from its stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered to be participants in the solicitation of ChemoCentryx's stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in ChemoCentryx's definitive proxy statement for its special stockholders meeting. Additional information regarding these individuals and any direct or indirect interests they may have in the proposed Merger will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement when and if it is filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend on or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "expect," "anticipate," "outlook," "could," "target," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "should," "may," "assume" and "continue" as well as variations of such words and similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the potential benefits of the proposed acquisition of ChemoCentryx by Amgen (the "proposed transaction"); the prospective performance and outlook of ChemoCentryx's business, performance and opportunities; any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of the proposed transaction; the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction and the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction; as well as any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the proposed transaction will be completed, or that it will be completed as currently proposed, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that Amgen or ChemoCentryx will achieve any particular future financial results, or that Amgen will be able to realize any of the potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities as a result of the proposed acquisition. In particular, our expectations could be affected by, among other things: the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for ChemoCentryx will be made; the possibility that required regulatory, stockholder or other approvals or other conditions to the consummation of proposed transaction may not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect Amgen or ChemoCentryx or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally, including potential regulatory actions or delays relating to the completion of the potential transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of Amgen or ChemoCentryx to terminate the definitive merger agreement governing the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction; effects of the announcement, pendency or consummation of the proposed transaction on ChemoCentryx's ability to retain and hire key personnel, its ability to maintain relationships with its customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business, its business generally or its stock price; risks related to the diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the proposed transaction may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; the potential that the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected from the proposed transaction may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the successful integration of ChemoCentryx into Amgen subsequent to the closing of the proposed transaction and the timing, difficulty and cost of such integration; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; and other risks and factors referred to from time to time in Amgen's and ChemoCentryx's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Amgen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and ChemoCentryx's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including those related to the uncertainties inherent in the research and development of new and existing healthcare products, including clinical and regulatory developments and additional analysis of existing clinical data; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; safety, quality or manufacturing issues or delays; changes in expected or existing competition; and domestic and global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to risks that are currently unknown or amplify the risks associated with many of these factors. Amgen is providing the information in this communication as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Amgen, Thousand OaksJessica Akopyan, 805-440-5721 (media)Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)

ChemoCentryx, San CarlosBill Slattery, Jr., 650-210-2970 (media/investors)

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AMGEN TO ACQUIRE CHEMOCENTRYX FOR $4 BILLION IN CASH - BioSpace

The key players in the global cotton buds market in terms of value and volume include Johnson and Johnson, Chicco, Becutan, Sanyo, Unilever, Helenvita, and NUK.

The latest market report published by Credence Research, Inc.Global Cotton Buds Market: Growth, Future Prospects, and Competitive Analysis, 2016 2028.TheGlobal Cotton Buds Market generated revenue of around USD 618.5 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow a CAGR of over 3.2% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2028 to reach around USD 747.16 billion in 2028. While cumulative growth opportunity presented by the global cotton buds is around USD 128.66 billion from 2022 to 2028.

Over the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in the change in lifestyle and hygiene products. Cotton buds are small wads of cotton wool on a thin stick that are used for cosmetics or cleaning the ears. Changes in lifestyle, hygiene, increased earnings, and product awareness are some of the key factors driving the rise in cotton bud demand. This products primary applications include cleaning ear wax, crafts and arts, first aid, cosmetics applications, and so on. The increasing demand for hygiene products to maintain freshness and cleanliness is one of the markets key drivers. Cotton buds are also known as cotton swabs, but they are widely used and widely available by consumers worldwide. Cotton buds have advantages such as being easy to use, disposable, not harmful to the body, and cleaning effectively, as well as disadvantages in some cases if the bud sticks loosely. As a result of the pandemic, the market has grown over a year. As there is demand for products in a variety of sectors, the market will expand significantly.

Cotton Buds Market Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market Value in 2021

USD 618.5 billion

Market Value in 2028

USD 747.16 billion

CAGR

3.2%

Benchmarking Year

2021

Past data

2016 2021

Forecast period

2022 2028

The global cotton buds market is bifurcated into material, application, and geography. Based on material, the market is categorized into wood, rolled paper, and extruded plastics. Based on application, the global market is segmented into domestic use, commercial use, and medical use. On the basis of geography, the market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market:https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/cotton-buds-market

In 2021, extruded plastics accounted for the major market volume and is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Extruded plastic-based cotton swabs have low non-volatile residue (NVR), low particle shedding, and are also chemically resistant. Cotton swabs with the spindle of extruded plastics is used for high recovery in cases where the total organic carbon measurements are employed as an analytical technique. Stringent legislation over the manufacture and sale of plastic-stemmed cotton swabs as a move by the British Government during the ongoing The Cotton Bud project has prompted manufacturers to transition towards viable alternatives such as paper and wood. Apart from this, major retail chains such as Sainsbury, Waitrose and Tesco have committed to the removal of their private labels from their shelves to support the ongoing movement against plastic waste.

Domestic use segment to record highest CAGR during the forecast period

In 2021, domestic use dominated the cotton buds application market by volume in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Babys skin have diverse features from an adult and therefore requires special care and attention. The baby domestic application segment is projected to grow with a significant CAGR throughout the forecast period. Emerging applications of cotton buds in face paint detailing such as in marking patterns including dots, thin lines and even blending, is another factor stimulating the market growth. Cotton buds are perfect hygienic tools for applying antiseptics and precise cleaning of minor cuts and scrapes. Because of the ability to change the shape of the tip for various applications, cotton buds are extensively desired for cosmetic applications. In medical applications, cotton buds reach areas and crevices that are not possible by conventional methods. Therefore, swab sampling is considered as the most widely used cleaning validation technique. Rising applications of cotton buds in the field of forensics and human genetics for collecting DNA samples by scraping cells from the inner cheek of humans is another significant factor for the market growth.

Rapid demand for cotton buds in North America is projected to catapult the market growth.

North America accounted for the largest share of the cotton buds market. Multiple channels for the sale of cotton buds worldwide is one of the major factor fueling its growth. The U.S. is the second largest producer of cotton bales worldwide after China. Organic cotton usage in buds manufacture is one of the latest inputs from the cotton industry in the U.S. to introduce insecticide/pesticide-free cotton buds in the market. Spending capacity and easy availability of the product across various modes of retail channels are dominant reasons for the high growth of this market in North America. Also, the presence of major manufacturing companies in Canada has boosted the sales of cotton buds in the country.

Unilever is one of the promising players in the cotton buds market.

Unilever is one of the global leaders in packaged consumer goods such as personal care products, frozen foods, tea, etc. In August 2015, Unilever expanded its Q-tips line of products by launching a multi-function electric ear swab. This three-speed vibrating cotton tip is useful for separating up persistent earwax buildup and everyday cleaning. This expansion will help Unilever expand its product portfolio, strengtheningn its market position by theincreasingd local production capacity of electric ear swabs. Other major players operating in the market include Jhonson & Jhonsons, Chicco, Helenvita, and Alkaloid, among others.

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Table Of Content:

1. Preface

1.1. Report Description

1.1.1. Purpose of the Report

1.1.2. Target Audience

1.1.3. USP and Key Offerings

1.2. Research Scope

1.3. Research Methodology

1.3.1. Phase I Secondary Research

1.3.2. Phase II Primary Research

1.3.3. Phase III Expert Panel Review

1.3.4. Approach Adopted

1.3.4.1. Top-Down Approach

1.3.4.2. Bottom-Up Approach

1.3.5. Assumptions

1.4. Market Segmentation

2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Snapshot: Global Cotton Buds Market

3. Market Dynamics & Factors Analysis

3.1. Introduction

3.1.1. Global Cotton Buds Market Value, 2016-2028, (US$ Bn)

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1. Key Growth Trends

3.2.2. Major Industry Challenges

3.2.3. Key Growth Pockets

3.3. Attractive Investment Proposition,2021

3.3.1. Type

3.3.2. Application

3.3.3. Geography

3.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis

3.4.1. Threat of New Entrants

3.4.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

3.4.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

3.4.4. Threat of Substitute Types

3.4.5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

3.5. Value Chain Analysis

4. Market Positioning of Key Players, 2021

4.1. Company market share of key players, 2021

4.2. Top 6 Players

4.3. Top 3 Players

4.4. Major Strategies Adopted by Key Players

5. COVID 19 Impact Analysis

5.1. Global Cotton Buds Market Pre Vs Post COVID 19, 2019 2028

5.2. Impact on Import & Export

5.3. Impact on Demand & Supply

6. North America

6.1. North America Cotton Buds Market, by Country, 2016-2028(US$ Bn)

6.1.1. U.S.

6.1.2. Canada

6.1.3. Mexico

6.2. North America Cotton Buds Market, by Type, 2016-2028(US$ Bn)

6.2.1. Overview

6.2.2. Wood

6.2.3. Rolled Paper

6.2.4. Extruded Plastics

6.2.5. Others

6.3. North America Cotton Buds Market, by Application, 2016-2028(US$ Bn)

6.3.1. Overview

6.3.2. Domestic Use

6.3.3. Commercial Use

6.3.4. Medical Use

6.3.5. Others

7. Europe

..

8. Asia Pacific

..

9. Latin America

..

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Cotton Buds Market Value Is Estimated to Reach USD 747.16 BN By 2028, With 3.2% CAGR Credence Research - Digital Journal

The biotech sector can offer unique opportunities and strong returns to investors willing to stomach the volatility heightened by the current economic environment.

Shares of Verve Therapeutics (VERV) traded up 22% last Tuesday after the companys recent announcement that it dosed its first human patient with an investigational in vivo base-editing medicine, VERVE-101, as a potential treatment for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, according to recent commentary from ARK Invest.

The treatment from the Cambridge, Massachusetts-headquartered company could offer an alternative for hypercholesterolemia patients who have difficulty managing the side effects of statins and other therapeutic options. Founded by world-renowned experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics, and gene editing, Verve Therapeutics develops transformative once-and-done therapies for coronary heart disease, according to ARK.

Shares of Verve Therapeutics are up over 83% over a one-month period, according to YCharts. Over a five-day period, shares are down over 7%, but they are rebounding and up nearly 1% in mid-day trading on Tuesday.

Investors can get exposure to Verve Therapeutics with the ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG A-). ARKG is an actively managed equity strategy that aims to provide exposure to DNA sequencing technology, gene editing, CRISPR, therapeutics, agricultural biology, and molecular diagnostics.

Companies within ARKG are focused on and are expected to substantially benefit from extending and enhancing the quality of human and other life by incorporating technological and scientific developments and advancements in genomics into their businesses, according to the firm.

The funds top holdings as of July 26 include Exact Sciences Corp. (EXAS, 7.42%), Teladoc Health Inc. (TDOC, 5.56%), Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IONS, 5.30%), CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP, 4.78%), and Signify Health Inc. Class A (SGFY, 4.70%), according to the funds website.

ARKG typically holds between 40 and 60 securities and charges an expense ratio of 75 basis points.

For more news, information, and strategy, visit our Disruptive Technology Channel.

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Verve Therapeutics Shares Up 84%; ARKG Offers Exposure - ETFdb.com

The American Heart Association says avocados may help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, including lowering your cholesterol

DALLAS, July 26, 2022 Adding avocados to a healthy diet could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, including lowering your cholesterol, according to research published by the American Heart Association. Thats especially good news because the consumption of avocados in the U.S. has nearly tripled in the past two decades, up to nearly 2.6 billion pounds a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Avocados contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin K. The fruit is a known source of healthy, unsaturated fats and a great replacement for certain fat-containing foods like butter, cheese or processed meats.

A study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that:

A 2015 study published in the Journal of American Heart Associationfound that eating one avocado a dayas part of a moderate-fat diet resulted in lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Although avocados are not a total solution to improving heart health, research shows substantial benefits to adding them to your diet, said Mayra L. Estrella, Ph.D., M.P.H., a member of the American Heart Associations Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health and an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health in Houston. However, everything in moderation because avocados are not calorie-free. A medium avocado averages about 240 calories and 24 grams of fat, according to the California Avocado Commission. Yet, they are a source of healthy fat that can be eaten in place of "bad" saturated fat in a typical diet. And of course, if youre eating them in guacamole or another types of dip, youll want to be careful not to indulge in too many chips, as well.

The research on avocados aligns with the American Heart Associations guidance to follow the Mediterranean diet a dietary pattern focused on fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, fish and other healthy foods and plant-based fats such as olive, canola, sesame and other non-tropical oils.

The American Heart Association website has a number of heart-healthy recipes using avocados.

Studies published in the American Heart Associations scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Associations policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Associations overall financial information are availablehere.

Additional Resources:

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities.Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources.The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century.Connect with us onheart.org,Facebook,Twitteror by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

###

For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173

Cathy Lewis: 214-706-1324, cathy.lewis@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Double up on the guac? Those avocados are good for your heart health - American Heart Association

Disorders of the first and second branchial arches include Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS; MIM 154500), auricocondylar syndrome (ACS; MIM 602483), mandibulofacial dysostosis, Guion-Almeida type (MIM 610536), branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR; MIM 113650, 610896), Stickler syndrome (MIM 108300) and hemifacial microsomia/oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (HFM/OAVS; MIM 164210). These disorders are thought to result from a combination of inadequate migration and formation of facial mesenchyme during early embryonic life [1]. In TCS, ACS, BOR and Stickler syndrome molecular pathways have been established, however for the spectrum of disease encompassed by OAVS, the full molecular etiology of the condition is the subject of ongoing investigation.

OAVS, also known as Goldenhar syndrome or hemifacial/craniofacial microsomia, is a heterogeneous and complex group of disorders [2]. Craniofacial appearances range from subtle facial asymmetry to HFM or orofacial clefts, preauricular skin tags to microtia and anotia, and epibulbar dermoids to micropthalmia and coloboma [3]. Extracranial defects of the cardiac, renal, vertebral and central nervous systems are reported [3,4,5]. This marked phenotypic variability and a lack of consensus on minimum diagnostic criteria has resulted in considerable discrepancy in reported prevalence, but it is generally now accepted at 1 in 5600 [4].

The etiology of OAVS is still largely unknown and felt to be multifactorial due to both environmental (maternal diabetes, antenatal exposure to vasoactive medications, smoking and twinning) and genetic factors during early embryogenesis [4]. With the widespread adoption of exome or genome sequencing, several genes have now been associated with OAVS [6,7,8,9,10,11], although many have only been identified through segregation in multi-generational single families. Most recently, a large exome/genome sequencing effort of trios identified haploinsufficient variants in SF3B2 in multiple families segregating OAVS [12]. Variants were identified in 3% of sporadic and 25% of familial cases, indicating that while SF3B2 genetic alterations are the most common cause of OAVS identified to date, there is wide genetic heterogeneity for this condition.

The PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH (PSED) network is involved in a variety of developmental processes including roles in morphogenesis of the branchial arches, which acts as the developmental basis for many of the clinical features of OAVS. A proposed mechanism for OAVS is that altered signaling networks cause disrupted migration of cranial neural crest cells, which are essential for normal facial mesenchymal tissue development [4].

The PAX family encode nuclear transcription factors involved in embryogenesis in vertebrates, with five out of the nine PAX genes associated with congenital disorders in humans to date. Biallelic hypomorphic or loss of function variants in PAX1 have been described in several families with otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OTFCS2; MIM 615560) [13,14,15,16]. In severe cases, patients can also have severe combined immune deficiency, caused by underdevelopment or absence of the thymus [13].

Here we describe a novel dominant PAX1 variant segregating with full penetrance but variable expressivity in a family with OAVS. All family members are affected with mild but definitive features of OAVS including HFM, misshapen ears and preauricular pits. Imaging on the three available family members did not detect any vertebral anomalies. Our findings suggest a novel cause of OAVS and confirm that heterozygous variants in PAX1 can cause a clinically overt genetic disorder.

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Extending the PAX1 spectrum: a dominantly inherited variant causes oculo-auriculo-vertebral syndrome | European Journal of Human Genetics - Nature.com

Differentiated cortical neurons expressing the axonal marker Tau (green) and the dendritic marker MAP-2 (red). Credit: Dr. Robert Williams, University of Bath

Scientists are starting to understand the precise workings of a type of gene that, unlike other genes, does not code for proteins the building blocks of life.

New research shows the mechanism by which genes coding for a subset of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) interact with neighboring genes to regulate the development and function of essential nerve cells. Scientists at the University of Bath led the study.

Despite the prevalence of genes coding for lncRNA in the genome (estimates range from 18,000-60,000 lncRNA genes in the human genome compared to 20,000 protein-coding genes), these segments of DNA were previously written off as junk precisely because the information contained within them does not result in the production of a protein. However, it is now evident that some lncRNAs are anything but trash, and these might end up being crucial in helping those with severe nerve damage regain their physical abilities.

A subset of lncRNA genes are co-expressed in the brain with neighboring genes that code for proteins involved in gene expression regulation, even though the function of the majority of lncRNA genes is still unknown. In other words, genes for these lncRNAs and their protein-coding neighbors work as a pair. Together, they control how vital nerve cells form and function, notably in the brain throughout embryonic development and early life.

The regulatory pathway involved in controlling the levels of one of these gene pairs is described in the new study. Their location and quantity in the genome need to be carefully coordinated, as does the timing of their activity.

We previously defined one of the most profound functions for lncRNA in the brain and our new study identifies an important signaling pathway that acts to coordinate the expression of this lncRNA and the key protein coding gene that it is paired with, explains Dr. Keith Vance, lead author of the study from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry at Bath.

This new research takes us closer to understanding the basic biology of nerve cells and how they are produced. Regenerative medicine is the end-game and with further research we hope to develop a deeper understanding of how lncRNA genes operate in the brain.

This knowledge could be important for scientists looking for ways to replace defective neurons and restore nerve function for instance in people who have had strokes, explains Vance.

Reference: Chromatin interaction maps identify Wnt responsive cis-regulatory elements coordinating Paupar-Pax6 expression in neuronal cells by Ioanna Pavlaki, Michael Shapiro, Giuseppina Pisignano, Stephanie M. E. Jones, Jelena Telenius, Silvia Muoz-Descalzo, Robert J. Williams, Jim R. Hughes and Keith W. Vance, 16 June 2022, PLOS Genetics.DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010230

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and is published today inPLOS Genetics.

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Scientists Unravel the Mystery of Junk Genes That Are Key to Brain Development - SciTechDaily

A new British study found that the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (i.e. Wuhan strain) can impair cognitive ability in a way equivalent to making the brain age by two decades. Currently, 67 percent of the worlds population has been vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it possible that the vaccines themselves can also cause aging damage?

Nevertheless, theres no need to worry, aging is proven to be a process, and there is a way to help reverse the aging process.

The study was published in the journal EClinicalMedicine. Experts from the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London Medical School evaluated the cognitive effects of the COVID-19 infection in humans.

The research subjects consisted of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized for severe illness between March and July 2020.

After these patients recovery from acute infection, the researchers conducted follow-up visits for an average of six months to analyze and evaluate their anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The researchers discovered a significant decline in the patients attention, complex problem solving skills, and memory, along with reduced accuracy, and prolonged reaction time.

These cognitive deficits are similar to the cognitive decline a person would experience between the ages of 50 to 70, which is equivalent to aging by two decades and losing 10 IQ points.

In addition, the recovery of cognitive ability is very slow in patients with COVID-19 infections.

Why does COVID-19 infection cause abnormal aging? Lets first take a look at one concept.

The relationship between genes and epigenetics are like seeds and soil. Genes are like seeds, while epigenetics is like soil. Genes in the human body do not usually change after birth. They are like seeds that lie dormant in the soil, and some will grow, and some will not. What determines whether these seeds will grow or not are the genetic switches, or epigenetics.

Epigenetics is the study of these factors that affect genes being turned on or off. Specifically, one common type of gene switchDNA methylationcan change the expression of genes, shutting them down and making them non-functional. Methylation is a somewhat complex biochemical process in the body, the important thing to remember is that it is one of the ways epigenetic takes place and a process by which genes get turned on and off.

As a result of DNA methylation, there are variations in whether the same genes can be expressed in different organs and at different ages, and the amount of expression.

Cells become senescent as we age. That means they stop dividing and enter a kind of stasis. Instead of dying off as they normally would, they persist, but change shape and size andsecrete inflammatory molecules that cause other nearby cells to become senescent.

In an article published in Nature Reviews Genetics, Steve Horvath, a professor of human genetics and biostatistician at the University of California Los Angeles, concluded that as people age and have more senescent cells, there are characteristic changes in the methylation status of human DNA.

Human beings experience birth, aging, illness, and death, which is now discovered by our scientists to be controlled by our internal epigenetic clock. This is similar to the observations that everything in our universe has its cycle of formation, stasis, degeneration, and destruction.

Professor Horvath summarized the DNA methylation profiles associated with aging in an epigenetic clock of aging. While our years on Earth are are chronological age, how we live and inherent factors affect how long we will actually live, which is our biological age, or the age of our body. Biological ages can be estimated by using the methylation profiles of aging-related genes. In other words, scientists can focus in on genes linked to aging and then look at how those genes are methylating and from this gauge how far along the person is in that process of degeneration and death. These genetic focal points were carefully selected by scientists, independent of gender, body part, comorbidities, and other factors. And the results have been highly accurate, with a precision of over 95 percent in gauging a persons biological age.

Humans have a normal aging methylation curve. If a persons DNA methylation is above the curve, he or she will age faster than his or her peers; if it is below the curve, he or she will appear younger than his or her peers.

So, what factors can accelerate aging, i.e. epigenetic clock of aging?

A study conducted in Belgium was published in 2018 in the journal Aging. It found that the following factors accelerate epigenetic aging in humans:

This makes us wonder if COVID-19 infection can accelerate the epigenetic aging clock.

A study published in the journal Nature Communications answers this question. The study collected blood samples from 232 healthy individuals, 194 non-severe COVID-19 patients and 213 severe COVID-19 patients for DNA methylation analysis and found that the epigenetic age of COVID-19 patients was significantly accelerated.

In addition, the epigenetic age acceleration in COVID-19 patients is related to the stage of the disease. The age acceleration is fastest during the acute inflammatory phase, when the body and the virus are in intense combat; and it is slightly reversed during the recovery phase.

Even after the infection is over, many people still have symptoms of long COVID. Is this related to the aging caused by COVID-19?

Epigenetic aging is seen in the graying of hair and loosening of teeth. However, on a cellular level, cells in the human body also gradually age.

Cellular senescence refers to a state of cell cycle arrest when cells are stressed, as well as the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines at the same time. In a paper published in Nature Aging, a Japanese research team stated that senescent cells do not die immediately, but instead, they spread inflammatory cytokines to nearby uninfected cells, causing more cells to senesce as well.

So, what are the effects of cellular senescence on our health?

Cellular senescence plays an important role in many age-related diseases, such as degenerative diseases of the nerves, eyes, lungs, and heart.

The aforementioned study was conducted prior to the Omicron variant outbreak, and the Omicron variant is clearly less pathogenic than the old strain. In fact, some of the mutation sites of the Omicron variant counteracted the factors that caused cellular senescence. It is estimated that Omicron causes significantly less accelerated senescence or sequelae than the old strain.

However, the vaccines we are currently administering are still developed using the spike proteins of the old strain of early 2020, so is there a risk of accelerated aging?

The COVID-19 vaccines mainly express spike proteins in the human body. In a study published in the Journal of Virology in 2021, researchers from Saint Louis University in Missouri transfected spike proteins of the old strain into cells in vitro. It was later discovered that a large number of cellular senescence markers (including specific cytokines, interleukins, and specific enzymes, etc) were found in the spike-transfected cells, compared to the control group.

In addition, the spike proteins increase inflammatory factors, cause mitochondrial damage, produce misfolded proteins, and cause genomic instability, all of which accelerate cellular aging.

Reversing aging sounds like a dream come true for everyone. We have already understood so many mechanisms related to aging, so is it possible to find a way to slow down or even reverse aging?

In fact, our daily diet, work habits, and lifestyle all affect the epigenetic aging clock. For instance, during high-temperature cooking, red meat produces glycosylated end products, which are associated with cellular aging; poultry and fish are relatively healthy; and the vitamins in fruits and vegetables help keep cells young, which can help slow down or reverse the aging clock.

In addition, an article published in 2017 in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, American and French scholars investigated whether or not sitting in meditation affects the epigenetic aging clock.

The studys subjects were 18 individuals who had been meditating for at least 10 years and meditated for at least 30 minutes a day, and 20 non-meditators. They were divided into two groups: under and over 52 years of age, respectively. The researchers measured the DNA methylation in their blood cells for estimation of their epigenetic aging acceleration.

The results showed that the epigenetic aging acceleration increased in elderly non-meditators, while the acceleration in elderly meditators was more similar to that of younger people and was not affected by the epigenetic aging effect.

Gene expression is also associated with changes in our appearance, so meditators appear younger than their actual age. Furthermore, meditators also have younger brains.

The University of California Los Angeles and the Australian National University jointly published a study in 2016 in the journal NeuroImage. The studys subjects were 250 meditators and 50 non-meditators, both groups with an average age of 51.4 years.

The researchers analyzed and compared the brain ages of the two groups and found that the brain age of the meditators was younger than their actual age. For instance, 50-year-old meditators had the same brain age as a 42.5-year-old non-meditator, while 60-year-old meditators had the same brain age as the 51-year-old non-meditators in the control group.

Interestingly, for the meditators over 50, each additional year of their actual age would make their brain age one month and 22 days younger than their actual age.

In summary, damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 to the human body speeds up the human epigenetic clock of aging and dumbs down the brain. Vaccines based on the old strains in 2020 may also harm the human body in this regard.

At least 67 percent of the worlds people have now been vaccinated; will people in the future get older more quickly? No. It is too early to conclude anything based on cellular data alone rather than human studies. However, the cellular data is a clear reminder for us to take precautions to prevent this.

Meanwhile, it is quite worrisome that when we discussed this topic during a Health 1+1 live broadcast on July 12 2022, quite a few audience members had commented that they themselves or their friends or relatives had become obviously older after receiving the jabs.

The good news is that aging is a long process. During this process, for example, we can develop the habits of healthy living, including eating well, exercising,and daily meditation, which can help slow down or even reverse the aging process, and furthermore bring us various positive health benefits, which will be detailed in future articles.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.

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COVID-19 Can Make the Brain Age by 2 Decades; Here's 1 Way to Reverse Aging - The Epoch Times

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The mice model market is expected to grow from US$ 1,705. 70 million in 2022 to US$ 2,340. 90 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5. 4% from 2022 to 2028. The growing usage of mice models in virology and infectious diseases and the rising consumption of personalized medicine are bolstering the growth of the mice model market.

New York, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Mice Model Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type, Service, Technology, Indication, End User, Application, and Mode" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295682/?utm_source=GNW Moreover, the rising advancements in gene editing tools are likely to emerge as a significant future trend in the mice model market during the forecast period.

However, various regulations and laws for the ethical use of animals in research are hampering the overall market growth.Scientists have used animals to model human diseases for over a hundred years.Mice are particularly useful for this because they share many of the same biological traits as humans and have over 80% identical genetic components to humans.

A mice model is a laboratory mouse used to study some aspect of human physiology or disease.Various model organisms are used in this regard, but mice are particularly useful because they share mammalian traits with humans and suffer from many of the same diseases as humans.

Many mice models have been created to target specific human diseases using selective breeding and genetic engineering.The use of mice models in disease research programs has contributed to significant medical breakthroughs.

Mice are the model of choice because they are strikingly similar to humans at the genomic level and the disease pathophysiology in mice is similar to humans. Mice models are an inexpensive and efficient tool to speed up research and drug testing. These features provide researchers with a powerful tool for understanding the mechanisms of human disease and for testing novel drug therapies.Mice models are essential tools to study the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and for the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and therapies against various human pathogens.The use of genetically defined inbred mouse strains, humanized mice, and gene knockout mice has enabled the research community to study the process of the way pathogens cause diseases, the role of specific host genes in controlling or promoting disease, and potential targets for prevention or identification of treatment for a variety of infectious agents.

With the emergence of new infectious diseases, the animal model has become a vital tool for studying disease mechanisms and developing therapeutics.Mice with xenografted human immune systems have been used to study the pathogenesis of various infectious agents, including Plasmodium falciparum (malaria), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, dengue virus, and influenza virus.

These models have been beneficial for studying HIV, including analyzing viral and host factors that promote viral replication, HIV interactions with the hosts immune response, and as platforms for testing therapeutic approaches to control or cure HIV infection.Mice models are an essential resource for studying the mechanisms underlying infectious disease pathogenesis and as platforms for testing potential vaccines and therapies.

Mice models are necessary for learning about infections from many human pathogens. They are widely used for preclinical screening of vaccines/therapies because of their high reproducibility, low cost, and ease of experimental manipulation.

Over the past century, advances in the development of vaccines, antibiotics/antivirals, and infection control measures have significantly reduced the public health burden of infectious diseases.However, there has been an increase in contagious viral diseases over the years.

In the past two decades, there have been three outbreaks of COVID-19SARS-CoV in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019.However, the current SARS-CoV-2 is much more severe than the SARS-CoV in 2002 and has spread to more than 213 countries, affecting millions of people.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 has prompted animal models to study its pathology and develop an effective treatment.Aside from coronavirus studies, mice models are considered the best small animal models for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Zika virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

According to the WHO, over 17 million people die from infectious diseases yearly. Over the past two decades, over 30 new infectious diseases have emerged. As per the UNAIDS, 38 million people were affected by HIV at the end of 2019. Mice models have been widely used for various viral studies due to their small size, low cost, ease of use, and high reproducibility. Thus, the growing number of infectious disease is driving the mice model market.The mice model market is segmented into type, service, technology, indication, end user, application, and mode.Based on type, the market is segmented into inbred mice, outbred mice, genetically engineered mice, hybrid mice, surgically modified mice, and spontaneous mutant mice.

The inbred mice segment is estimated to account for the largest market share from 2022 to 2028.Mice Model Market OpportunitiesBasic research, safety assessment for large molecule therapeutics, simulation of a few human-specific infectious diseases, and efficacy testing of immunotherapy approaches all use humanized mice models.The human protein is expressed in cells and tissues while the mouse protein shows a different variability.

Humanized mice models are generally used to study cancer genetics, autoimmune diseases, regenerative medicine, human hematopoiesis, infectious diseases, transplantation, and autoimmunity.They enhance the translational value of preclinical research by enabling researchers to understand disease pathways in a better manner.

Both mice and human genes & proteins are examined for fidelity and structure to determine the optimal expression and functionality of the human protein in a mouse.Recent models also reflect hematopoiesis, natural immunity, neurobiology, and molecular signaling pathways that influence disease pathobiology.

These mice models also enable studies of human pathobiology, natural disease processes, and therapeutic efficacy across a broad spectrum of human diseases. Overall, humanized mice models offer low-cost, high-throughput studies of infection or degeneration in natural pathogen-host cells and the opportunity to test disease transmission and eradication.Humanized mice models have been xenografted with human cells or engineered to express human genes.These mice are used extensively to elucidate and understand human physiology and the etiology of human-specific infections.

Humanized mice models are used in biomedical research to develop therapeutics due to their numerous advantages, such as small size, high reproductive cycle, ease of handling, and increased genomic similarity to humans.These humanized mice models are essential in preclinical research studies because they mimic several human-specific diseases and can be used to study the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy approaches.

Humanized mice models have also been essential in designing and developing vaccines and antibody-based therapies for COVID-19.These models have developed since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, which further helped in providing a more profound and better understanding of the infection and the effectiveness of antiviral therapeutics and supported the development of efficient drugs and therapies to treat COVID-19 patients.

Due to the aforementioned factors, the humanized mice models will continue to be widely used in the coming years, thereby contributing to the mice model market growth.The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center (MMRRC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), Centers for Personalized Medicine (CPM), and Organizations for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are among the primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the report on the mice model market.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295682/?utm_source=GNW

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