New platform combines patient data with health management tools to drive breakthroughs in FSHD research and treatment.

RANDOLPH, Mass., Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The FSHD Society has released BetterLife FSHD, a groundbreaking web-based research hub and study designed to advance the understanding of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) and improve patient outcomes. Developed in partnership with Lumiio and officially launched on August 29, 2024, BetterLife FSHD is the first and only digital platform of its kind for the FSHD community, combining a patient registry with health management tools.

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) is a hereditary muscle-weakening condition that affects approximately 1 in 8,000 individuals worldwide. This disorder is characterized by relentless, lifelong muscle degeneration, often involving the muscles of the face, shoulders, upper arms, trunk, and legs, and can result in difficulties with facial expressions, lifting objects, walking, and even basic movements. As FSHD progresses, it can lead to significant disability. The variability in symptom onset, progression, and severity makes FSHD a challenging disease to diagnose and treat effectively. This variability also underscores the need for comprehensive data collection and research to develop personalized treatment approaches.

BetterLife FSHD is set to revolutionize FSHD research by gathering comprehensive self-reported data from patients living with this highly variable disease. The platform serves dual purposes: as a patient registry that collects vital health information and patient-reported outcome measures, and as a health management tool that allows individuals to track their symptoms, access personalized resources and better manage their journey. The resulting real-world data will be invaluable for researchers, providing a clearer picture of how FSHD manifests differently among patients and identifying patterns that could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted therapies. Additionally, BetterLife data will help inform the decisions of payors and regulators, ultimately improving treatment access and patient care.

“The launch of BetterLife FSHD represents a clear inflection point in the FSHD community’s journey towards a cure. By integrating real-world patient experience data with support tools on a multi-use research platform, we hope to directly and rapidly impact therapeutic development and access,” states Amanda Hill, Senior Director of Research and Care of the FSHD Society.

BetterLife FSHD data will be available to the research community in early 2025 through an online request portal. By leveraging the power of patient engagement, BetterLife FSHD aims to accelerate the pace of research, support patient access, and ultimately improve care. With multiple clinical trials currently underway for potential FSHD treatments, the launch of BetterLife FSHD represents a significant step forward in the global effort to cure FSHD.

For more information about BetterLife FSHD, visit http://www.BetterLifeFSHD.org or contact BetterLife@FSHDSociety.org.

About the FSHD Society:
The FSHD Society is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. The Society supports research, advocacy, and education initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those affected by FSHD. For over 30 years, the Society has driven major advancements in research and treatment development, with the mission to end the pain, disability, and suffering of those living with FSHD.

Media Contact

Erin Saxon, FSHD Society, 781-301-6060, erin.saxon@fshdsociety.org, FSHDSociety.org

Twitter Facebook

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/fshd-society-introduces-betterlife-fshd-platform-to-revolutionize-research-and-patient-engagement-for-muscular-dystrophy-302267973.html

SOURCE FSHD Society

ZHONGSHAN, China, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the golden autumn season peaks, the lighting industry gathers once again. The 31st China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair will take place from October 22 to 26 in Guzhen Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Held during the prime time for global production and sales, this event will inject renewed strength and innovative energy into the lighting industry supply chain.

Expansion and Upgrades: Grand Opening of 8 Exhibition Halls

The main venue of this year’s event, the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, will follow an exhibition-store linkage model and collaborate with eight major lighting megastores within the town: Lihe Lighting Expo Center, Huayi Plaza, Star Alliance Global Brand Lighting Center, Era Lighting Center, Guzhen Chang’an Lighting Parts & Electronic City, Caosan International Lighting Parts City, Guyi Ruifeng International Lighting Fittings City, and Guyi Qingfeng LED Lighting Trading City. This “1+8+N” setup forms an expansive exhibition and sales framework and brings together over 3,500 brands and tens of thousands of industry professionals. With the perfect convergence of timing, location, and talent, the Fair will create a one-stop, 1.5 million-square-meter procurement event through an integrated exhibition, sales, and online platform.

With the full opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a new “golden zone” filled with business opportunities is rapidly emerging, which brings fresh growth prospects to Guzhen’s lighting industry.

The 31st China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair is aligned with this era of rapid development and serves as a bridge for regional economic cooperation. In response to the high demand for exhibition space at the main venue in recent years, this year’s event introduces a new comprehensive Hall H, located west of Hall A, covering an exhibition area of 3,400 square meters. With all eight halls in the main venue opening simultaneously, the Fair will feature over 1,000 exhibitors and offer products that span the entire lighting industry supply chain. The event will focus on three major industry trends: smart lighting, green and low-carbon technologies, and integrated innovation, thereby driving the development of a new ecosystem for the lighting industry.

New Debuts: Nearly 100 Brands Shine in Hall H

The newly added Hall H has generated immense excitement, with nearly 100 high-quality enterprises already on board. They aim to drive business growth, expand market reach, and enhance their brand visibility and influence within the industry.

Hall H features a diverse range of product categories and companies across various tiers and showcases the platform’s strength in specialization, precision, uniqueness, and innovation.

It includes both large, well-known partners from Shenzhen and local “government project suppliers.” For example, Shenzhen Zongyou Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in manufacturing and selling portable wireless charging sockets and waterproof safety power strips and boasts over 30 invention patents and patent protection in 135 countries. They have long-standing collaborations with major brands like BYD, Haier, and Midea. Another participant is Zhongshan Dao Ba Lighting, established in 2016, with a 6,000-square-meter eco-friendly factory producing streetlight modules and solar lamps, which have earned certifications such as CE and RoHS.

The products on display in Hall H cater to both online platforms and cross-border e-commerce, featuring best-sellers as well as globally popular, patent-winning innovations. For example, Zhongshan Renzhao Lighting, a company specializing in desk lamps and nightlights, stands out with its distinctive products. For many years, they have supplied online platforms and cross-border e-commerce, earning the favor of numerous buyers due to their wide variety, stable quality, and quick delivery times. Another standout is HCNT from Zhaoqing City, an established company founded in 1999. HCNT holds domestic and international patents for magnetic levitation technology, and its products—such as magnetic levitation globes and desk lamps—are in high demand, with sales spanning both domestic and overseas markets.

The exhibitors at Hall H not only include research-driven companies from Shenzhen that integrate artificial intelligence with hardware engineering but also local providers offering mid-to-high-end custom engineering solutions. For instance, Shenzhen Index Tech uses artificial intelligence to generate hardware products and provides engineers with intelligent and efficient tools and platforms to shorten the path from concept to realization. Guangdong Weimi Intelligent Technology, which specializes in various power supplies, offers CE, CB, CCC, and RoHS-certified products, enjoys several new patents, and delivers comprehensive power supply solutions.

The Fair also features a number of national high-tech enterprises. Jiangmen Bright Lighting Technology, for example, produces lighting solutions for cultural tourism projects, roads, and factories. Foshan Zhengliang Optics, with over 20 years of experience, will showcase its newly developed secondary optical solutions, including optical lenses and reflective cups. Moreover, several outstanding brands from niche sectors will be present, such as Jiangmen Lingcheng Lighting, which specializes in explosion-proof lamps, and Guzhen Liancangzhiguang Lighting, known for its PLC stair light controllers.

From October 22 to 26, join us to witness the latest industry trends, marvel at cutting-edge innovations, admire the prowess of top enterprises, and envision the future of the industry. Let’s experience the charm of the Guzhen Lighting Fair and help craft a glorious new chapter for the lighting industry.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/all-8-halls-of-the-main-venue-of-the-31st-china-guzhen-international-lighting-fair-open-with-the-new-hall-h-showcasing-nearly-100-unique-lighting-brands-302268133.html

SOURCE China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Verbal, a leading innovator in healthcare AI solutions, today announced its invitation to join the 2024 Healthworx Accelerator cohort. As part of this selective program, Verbal will receive the mentorship, resources, and industry connections needed to advance its mission of enhancing quality and productivity for payers and providers across the healthcare ecosystem .

Healthworx Accelerator: Driving Innovation in Healthcare

Healthworx, the innovation arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, launched its accelerator to support startups transforming healthcare. This year’s cohort features visionary companies tackling healthcare’s biggest challenges, from improving patient outcomes to reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Healthworx 2024 Accelerator

“We are honored to join the Healthworx 2024 Accelerator,” said Waleed Mohsen, CEO of Verbal. “This opportunity will help us accelerate our mission of improving quality and productivity for payers and providers. We’re excited to collaborate with industry leaders and fellow innovators to make a positive impact.”

Verbal’s Growth through Strategic Partnerships and Expert Guidance

As part of the program, Verbal will gain strategic partnerships, tailored support, and guidance from healthcare leaders. Verbal will also work with Healthworx’s network of experts, investors, and veterans to refine its offerings and expand its reach.

 The 2024 Cohort in Health Technology and Digital Health

The 2024 cohort includes startups across health technology and digital health, all poised to disrupt traditional healthcare and bring innovative solutions to market. The program offers hands-on support, positioning startups for rapid growth and impact.

For more information about Verbal’s participation in the Healthworx 2024 Accelerator, please contact hello@tryverbal.com. 

About Verbal

Verbal is the first AI Copilot for Clinical Operations, designed to help healthcare organizations boost revenues and productivity by automating training, quality assurance (QA), and clinical documentation—all within one holistic platform. Verbal is currently supporting customers in mental health, chronic condition management, substance use disorder, maternal health, and many other areas. It has already helped organizations double adherence to best practices, reduce time spent on administrative tasks by 74%, and gain 100% visibility into patient interactions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verbal-selected-for-healthworx-2024-accelerator-cohort-302268118.html

SOURCE Verbal