The Health Innovation Roundup, sponsored by Health City, is written and published weekly by Taproot Edmonton to bring you the latest news and events in research, technology, companies and people changing health for the better in Edmonton. Sign up to get the full edition delivered directly to your inbox. Use the code HEALTHCITY & you’ll get 10% off the first year. Here are some highlights from this week’s Health Innovation Roundup: Headlines The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved cardiovascular drug Vericiguat to treat patients with chronic heart failure, based on the VICTORIA study from U of A’s Canadian VIGOUR Centre. U of A researchers have developed an AI tool that analyzes brain scans to help predict early symptoms of schizophrenia in siblings and children of patients. According to new U of A research, the anti-cancer drug PCLX-001 may work against breast cancer as well as lymphoma. The new drug is set to begin human trials in May. “This will be the first time anyone has ever received PCLX-001 or a drug of this class,” said U of A oncology researcher John Mackey. U of A researchers have found a potential biomarker that would help surgeons deliver deep brain stimulation more precisely and effectively to patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. U of A researchers, students, and elders have joined a new research network to improve the health of Indigenous people across Alberta. Edmonton-based company Aurinia Pharmaceuticals said that the FDA has approved its medication Lupkynis for adult patients with active lupus nephritis. True Angle’s Mobili-T technology has been featured in the annual report of Canada’s Technology and Aging Network AGE-WELL. Edmonton-based IMBiotechnologies Ltd. has signed an agreement with Canadian Hospital Specialties for the exclusive right to distribute Ekobi microspheres across Canada to treat hyper vascularized tumors, uterine fibroids, and enlarged prostates, said IMB in a statement. A recent presentation by AltaML CEO Cory Janssen highlighted how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve health research. Five U of A precision health projects have been awarded the 2020 Precision Health Seed Grant. The projects cover a wide variety of research approaches, including precision diagnostics and AI in health-care. The faculty of rehabilitation medicine at the U of A is offering an online course that teaches health-care professionals how to choose a well-fitting wheelchair for their patients. Infinity Healthcare has moved its offices to the CN Tower in downtown Edmonton, the company’s CEO Izabella Roth announced on LinkedIn. Health City and Brightsquid have announced a new initiative to prepare small and medium enterprises to reach commercialization of their products. Applications to the Digital Health Integration Readiness Program (Pre-HaTCH) are accepted until Feb. 15. Events Jan. 27, 12pm: Playing the Long Game to Conquer Cancer Jan. 27, 7pm: Fireside chat with Dr. Andy Kokaji Jan. 27, 12pm: The power of precision health research for women, children, and families Jan. 28-Feb. 18 (Thursdays): Cirrhosis Webinar Series Jan. 29, 8am: Alberta’s Mental Health Act: Changes and Implications for the Medical Unit Feb. 2, 10am: Succeeding in the Virtual World presented by Western Canada Partnership Feb. 3, 11am: Successes in Neuroscience Symposium Feb. 4-5: Global Health Fair Feb. 9-10: OBIO Investment Summit 2021 Mar. 3, 7pm: Mixing beakers and business: Alumni stories of building successful startups Have a suggestion for a future edition? Send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca for consideration. Become a “Roundup Cultivator” and sponsor Taproot Edmonton to help them chronicle health innovation in Edmonton. Learn more