“Novartis announces positive results from Phase III PALLADIUM study of inhaled combination QMF149 in patients with uncontrolled asthma - GlobeNewswire” plus 3 more
“Novartis announces positive results from Phase III PALLADIUM study of inhaled combination QMF149 in patients with uncontrolled asthma - GlobeNewswire” plus 3 more |
- Novartis announces positive results from Phase III PALLADIUM study of inhaled combination QMF149 in patients with uncontrolled asthma - GlobeNewswire
- Global Dried Pears market 2019 Business Prospects, Development Status, Upcoming Opportunities and Growth Forecast 2025 - MENAFN.COM
- Beyond the Byline: Cheer, cheer for Francesca - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
- House GOP leaders: ‘No interest in legalizing recreational marijuana’ - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
| Posted: 29 Sep 2019 10:20 PM PDT  Novartis is aiming to reimagine inhaled asthma care by developing once-daily fixed-dose combination treatments to help patients achieve better asthma controlBasel, September 30, 2019 – Novartis today announced that investigational, once-daily, fixed-dose inhaled QMF149 (indacaterol acetate and mometasone furoate or IND/MF) was superior to mometasone furoate (MF) in improving trough forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after 26 weeks, meeting the primary endpoint of the Phase III PALLADIUM clinical trial. This superior improvement in lung function was achieved in patients with asthma who remain uncontrolled on treatment with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) at medium or high dose, or long-acting beta agonist (LABA)/ICS at low dose. IND/MF was generally well tolerated, and safety was comparable across treatment arms[1].The key secondary endpoint, improvement in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7), was also met for combined doses of IND/MF when compared to combined doses of MF, with a statistically significant improvement of asthma control achieved from baseline at Week 26[1]. The PALLADIUM study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medium and high doses of QMF149 (150/160 µg and 150/320 µg) delivered via the dose-confirming Breezhaler® device versus two respective medium and high doses of MF (400 µg and 800 µg) delivered via Twisthaler® in patients with asthma who were uncontrolled on medium or high dose ICS or low dose LABA/ICS (as determined by pulmonary function testing and effects on asthma control). The PALLADIUM study also included an additional secondary comparison of high dose IND/MF delivered via the dose-confirming Breezhaler® device with twice daily salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate (50/500 µg) delivered via the Accuhaler®[2]."Nearly half of all patients with moderate-to-severe asthma remain uncontrolled and continue to suffer with regular symptoms and exacerbations," said Dr. Richard van Zyl-Smit, Associate Professor, Head of the Lung Clinical Research Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, and Consultant Pulmonologist, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. "Promising results from PALLADIUM in both doses of the indacaterol and mometasone furoate combination provide evidence for the efficacy and safety profile of QMF149 for the treatment of asthma. If approved, the easy-to-use, dose-confirming, once-daily device adds an additional and important option for clinicians treating asthma. I believe that this new fixed-dose combination has the potential to improve and simplify the lives of many patients with uncontrolled asthma." "We are very pleased that PALLADIUM demonstrated the efficacy and safety of medium and high doses of QMF149, delivered via our dose-confirming Breezhaler® device," said Linda Armstrong, MD, Respiratory Development Unit Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "These results complement the findings of the Phase III QUARTZ study for a lower dose of QMF149 and provide additional evidence of the benefits of this combination treatment across the full dose range. We look forward to announcing more data from the PLATINUM clinical development program."The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs in PALLADIUM was comparable among treatment groups and consistent with the known safety profile of the monocomponents[1].The detailed results from the PALLADIUM trial will be presented at upcoming medical congresses.As previously announced, the regulatory submission for QMF149 was accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency earlier this year.About QMF149 (indacaterol acetate and mometasone furoate) The combination of indacaterol acetate and mometasone furoate (IND/MF) is currently in development for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled asthma (whose lives remain impacted by asthma despite current treatment) and the regulatory submission of this investigational once-daily inhaled combination treatment has recently been accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It combines the bronchodilation of the ultra-LABA indacaterol acetate (a long-acting beta agonist [LABA]) with the anti-inflammatory mometasone furoate (an ICS) in a precise once-daily formulation, delivered via the dose-confirming Breezhaler® device. Mometasone furoate is exclusively licensed to Novartis from a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, for use in QMF149.About QVM149 (indacaterol acetate, glycopyrronium bromide and mometasone furoate) The combination of indacaterol acetate, glycopyrronium bromide and mometasone furoate (IND/GLY/MF) is currently in development for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled asthma (whose lives remain impacted by asthma despite current treatment with LABA/ICS), and the regulatory submission of this investigational once-daily inhaled combination treatment has recently been accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This formulation combines the comprehensive bronchodilation, rendered by indacaterol acetate (a LABA [long-acting beta agonist]) and glycopyrronium bromide (a LAMA [long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist]), with the anti-inflammatory action of mometasone furoate (high- or medium-dose ICS [inhaled corticosteroid]) in a precise once-daily formulation, delivered via the dose-confirming Breezhaler® device. Glycopyrronium bromide and certain use and formulation intellectual property were exclusively licensed to Novartis in April 2005 by Sosei Heptares and Vectura. Mometasone furoate is exclusively licensed to Novartis from a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, for use in QVM149 (Worldwide excluding US).About the PALLADIUM Study[2] PALLADIUM is a multicenter, randomized, 52-week treatment, double-blind, triple-dummy, parallel-group study, to assess the efficacy and safety of the indacaterol acetate and mometasone furoate (IND/MF) combination compared with mometasone furoate (MF) alone in patients with asthma.The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different doses of IND/MF (150/160 µg and 150/320 µg delivered via Breezhaler®) compared with two respective MF doses (400 µg and 800 µg) delivered via Twisthaler® (total daily dose) in patients with uncontrolled asthma. All patients were required to be on a stable dose of medium or high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), or low dose long-acting beta agonist (LABA)/ICS for at least 1 month prior to entering into the run-in period.2216 male and female patients (including 107 adolescents, aged >=12 to <18 years old) were randomized to receive either IND/MF 150/160 µg delivered via Breezhaler® (n=439); IND/MF 150/320 µg delivered via Breezhaler® (n=445); MF 400 µg delivered via Twisthaler® (n=444); MF 800 µg delivered via Twisthaler® (n=442); or salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate 50/500 µg delivered via Accuhaler® (n=446).The primary endpoint was to demonstrate the superiority of QMF149 delivered via Breezhaler® to MF delivered via Twisthaler® in terms of trough FEV1 after 26 weeks of treatment in patients with asthma. The key secondary objective was to demonstrate the superiority of IND/MF (150/160 and 150/320 µg combined) to MF doses (400 and 800 µg combined) in terms of ACQ-7 score after 26 weeks of treatment in patients with asthma.About the PLATINUM Clinical Development Program The PLATINUM program is the Novartis Phase III clinical development program supporting the development of QVM149 and QMF149. It includes four studies: the QUARTZ study, which compares a low dose of indacaterol acetate and mometasone furoate (IND/MF) with mometasone furoate (MF) alone; the PALLADIUM study, which compares IND/MF with MF and salmeterol/fluticasone; the IRIDIUM study which compares indacaterol acetate, glycopyrronium bromide and mometasone furoate (IND/GLY/MF) with IND/MF and salmeterol/fluticasone; and the ARGON study, which compares IND/GLY/MF with a combination of salmeterol/fluticasone and tiotropium.About Uncontrolled Asthma Patients with asthma who have poor symptom control or frequent exacerbations despite current therapy may be considered uncontrolled. International guidelines such as the ERS/ATS criteria developed by The European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society Task Force and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) provide exact definitions depending on the frequency of symptoms, reliever use, activity limitation and exacerbations[3],[4].Despite current therapy, over 40% of patients with asthma at GINA Step 3, and over 45% at GINA Steps 4 and 5 remain uncontrolled[3],[5]. Patients with uncontrolled asthma may downplay or underestimate the severity of their disease, and are at a higher risk of exacerbation, hospitalization or death[6],[7],[8]. Unresolved barriers such as treatment mismatch, safety issues with oral corticosteroid, and ineligibility for biologics have created an unmet medical need in asthma[9],[10].About Novartis in Respiratory Over the last 60 years, there have been two breakthroughs in asthma care, inhalers in the 1960s and more recently biologics. They have helped patients with asthma cope with their condition, but a majority are still suffering from exacerbations and symptoms, severely affecting their quality of life. The Novartis ambition is to reimagine asthma care. Novartis is a leading respiratory company that drives novel advances to improve the lives of those living with lung conditions around the world. Through courageous innovation and close partnership with patients and medical experts, Novartis is committed to solving the unmet needs in asthma management, improving treatment outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases.Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "aiming," "investigational," "look forward," "promising," "believe," "potential," "can," "will," "upcoming," "in development," "ambition," "committed," "expectations," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political and economic conditions; safety, quality or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis or follow @NovartisNews for the latest News & Media Updates at https://twitter.com/novartisnews For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.comReferences [1] Data on file [2] Clinicaltrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02554786?term=NCT02554786&rank=1. Accessed September 2019 [3] Chung KF et al. International ERS/ATS guidelines on definition, evaluation and treatment of severe asthma. Eur Respir J. 2014;43(2):343-73. [4] Global Initiative for Asthma. Difficult-to-treat and severe asthma in adult and adolescent patients. A GINA pocket guide. 2019. Available from www.ginasthma.org/ [5] Fang J et al. Demographic, clinical characteristics and control status of pediatric, adolescent, and adult asthma patients by GINA Step in a US longitudinal cohort. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2018: 197:A1903 [6] Peters SP et al. Uncontrolled asthma: a review of the prevalence, disease burden and options for treatment. Respir Med 2006: 100(7): 1139-1151 [7] Katsaounou P et al. Still Fighting for Breath: a patient survey of the challenges and impact of severe asthma. ERJ Open Res 2018: 4(4) [8] Price D et al. Asthma control and management in 8,000 European patients: the REcognise Asthma and LInk to Symptoms and Experience (REALISE) survey. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2014: 24: 14009. [9] Price D, et al. Adverse outcomes from initiation of systemic corticosteroids for asthma: long-term observational study. J Asthma Allergy. 2018: 11: 193-204 [10] Albers FC et al. Biologic treatment eligibility for real-world patients with severe asthma: The IDEAL study. J Asthma 2018: 55(2): 152-160.# # #Novartis Global External Communications E-mail: media.relations@novartis.comNovartis Investor Relations Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com |
| Posted: 30 Sep 2019 05:31 AM PDT  (MENAFN - iCrowdNewsWire) Sep 30, 2019 WiseGuyReports has announced the addition of a new intelligence report, titled 'Global Dried Pears Market Insights, Forecast to 2025. Global Dried Pears market 2019-2025 Dried pears are made from pears. Pears contain a variety of vitamins and potassium, calcium, blood pressure, heat, sedative and diuretic effects, have a certain therapeutic effect on high blood pressure, heart disease accompanied by dizziness, palpitations, tinnitus symptoms. Eating raw pears can relieve dry throat itching caused by upper respiratory tract infections. The global Dried Pears market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Dried Pears market based on company, product type, end user and key regions. This report studies the global market size of Dried Pears in key regions like North America, Europe, China, China, India and Southeast, focuses on the consumption of Dried Pears in these regions. Global Market Outline: Dried Pears Market A recent report found on WiseGuyReports (WGR) provides a comprehensive overview of the industry with a brief explanation. This overview discusses the definition of the product/service, primary applications of this product or service in different end-use industries. It also states the production and management technology employed for the same. The global Dried Pears market report has provided an in-depth analysis into some recent and noteworthy industry trends, the competitive landscape and analysis for specific regional segments for the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The report has provided a detailed profiling of many notable players functioning in the global Dried Pears market. This analysis provides various strategies adopted by such market players to expand and to gain a competitive edge over their industry peers. In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Dried Pears are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025 Request Free Sample Report at https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/4451901-global-dried-pears-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 The key players covered in this study Bergin Fruit and Nut Company Brothers All Natural Gin Gin & Dry Armen Manukyan Brix Products Bella Viva Orchards Charlesworth Nuts Tianjin TTN Technology Company Fruitland Latest update on Dried Pears Market The market forecast in between 2018 and 2025. The base considered for this market report in 2018. A section of the report covers historical analysis. A detailed analysis of micro and macroeconomic indicators influencing the market is also available in the report. Information on growth drivers, industry trends, threats and growth opportunities is provided in the report. The market assessment is available in value. In addition to this, the report includes table of content which allows readers to conveniently navigate to different sections of the report. Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Baked Dried Freeze Dried Market segment by Application, split into Direct Consumption Candy and Snacks Others Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia India Central & South America Market size by Region North America United States Canada Mexico Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Indonesia Singapore Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Russia Central & South America Brazil Rest of Central & South America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Turkey Egypt South Africa View Detailed Report at https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/4451901-global-dried-pears-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 The report explores different factors attributing to fast-paced growth in the global Dried Pears market including a detailed study of several volume trends, pricing history, and the value of the product/ service. Some noteworthy factors studied in the market research report include the impact of snowballing population growth, proliferation witnessed in technological innovation, as well as, demand and supply dynamics experienced by the Dried Pears market. Apart from this, it includes the introduction of government policies and the competitive landscape of the Dried Pears market during the review period. The study objectives of this report are: To study and analyze the global Dried Pears market size (value & volume) by company, key regions/countries, products and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2025. To understand the structure of Dried Pears market by identifying its various sub-segments. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). Focuses on the key global Dried Pears manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Dried Pears with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To project the value and volume of Dried Pears submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies. Table of Contents 1 Report Overview 2 Global Growth Trends 3 Market Share by Key Players 4 Breakdown Data by Type and Application 5 United States 6 Europe 7 China 8 Japan 9 Southeast Asia 10 India 11 Central & South America 12 International Players Profiles 13 Market Forecast 2018-2025 14 Analyst's Viewpoints/Conclusions 15 Appendix About Us: Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Contact Us: NORAH TRENT [email protected] Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (US) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK) Also Read: •Acrylic Polymer Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2019-2025 •Mining Ventilator Market 2019 Global Key Vendors Analysis, Revenue, Trends & Forecast to 2025 •Global Education PC market 2019: size, share, demand, trends, growth and 2025 forecasts explored in latest research •Global Bicycle Tire Market 2019 Trends, Market Share, Industry Size, Opportunities, Analysis and Forecast To 2024 •CBD Oil Market 2019: Global Key Players, Trends, Share, Industry Size, Segmentation, Opportunities, Forecast To 2025 Contact Information:NORAH TRENT MENAFN3009201900703403ID1099068384 |
| Beyond the Byline: Cheer, cheer for Francesca - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader Posted: 16 Sep 2019 12:00 AM PDT   Francesca Scarano - Bill O'Boyle -MOUNTAIN TOP — In today's world, Francesca Scarano should have the opportunity to become anything she wants to be and be able to go anywhere she would like to go. For now, the Crestwood Middle School student wants to be a cheerleader. The fact that she isn't is disturbing. Francesca is a young girl with developmental and physical disabilities who uses a wheelchair and wanted to be a cheerleader. However, according to a lawsuit filed this month, she had to buy her own uniform and was excluded from team photos. Her mother alleges this and more in a discrimination suit filed against Crestwood School District in federal court. In the suit Pamela Scarano said her daughter stopped participating in the program in October 2017 due to the district's "persistent attempts to exclude" her. Last year, by the way, Francesca was named Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Teen Jr. Scarano filed the suit Sept. 16 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton, seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against the district and Kerri Fey, the head cheerleading coach. We're not going to debate the merits of the lawsuit because we just don't have all the information. What we do know is that this situation should never have gotten to this point. Francesca Scarano should be a cheerleader — plain and simple. Why she isn't, remains to be learned. I called the Scaranos' lawyer, Lucas Repka, and left a voice message. It was not returned. I left a Facebook message for Francesca's mother. It was not returned. I did speak to Crestwood Superintendent Bob Mehalick who said about as much as he could about the situation, which was created long before he got the job at Crestwood. Mehalick told me of his background as a special education supervisor and advocate and as a caseworker for adults with mental and/or physical challenges. He assured me that all students at Crestwood, especially those with disabilities, would be welcomed and allowed to participate in all school activities. Mehalick said he had a deep appreciation for people with disabilities. Mehalick said he wasn't aware of the the situation with Francesca Scarano until he read about the lawsuit in the Times Leader. Since then, he has has conversations with staff about it and he said he wants to do anything he can for her. "I'm looking into it," Mehalick said. "Where there's a barrier, there's a way." The suit alleges there was a pattern of intentional discrimination against Francesca that denied her the benefits of the district's extracurricular activities in violation of the federal Rehabilitation Act and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The girl "suffered substantial educational and developmental losses, causing a permanent decline in her future development," the suit said. In the lawsuit: • Mrs. Scarano said she registered her daughter for the cheerleading program that has a no "cuts" policy and allowed anyone to participate. She said she spent about $300 on uniforms and a backpack for her daughter. • However, the district failed "to create a liaison and to develop directives to cheerleading coaches, as well as the school's athletic director." • The photograph for the team was taken on a hill that made it difficult for Francesca, who uses a wheelchair, to join the other cheerleaders. • For the district's homecoming parade on Sept. 30, 2017, Francesca was left behind a fence with no plan to include her in the team photograph. • When Francesca "was forced to leave team because of the district's actions," neither Scarano nor her daughter received a call from any coach asking why she was not returning. All of these issues need to be resolved by the court. That this situation has reached this point is most disturbing. In 2019, we should expect discrimination to be a thing of the past — the distant past. Everybody — those with disabilities and those without — should expect to have the same opportunities in life. "Inclusive" is one of those terms used so often today, yet in some instances, not practiced. Francesca Scarano wants to be a cheerleader and I am certain she would be the best darn cheerleader she could be. If given the chance. It's as simple as that. Francesca Scarano Bill O'Boyle Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle, or email at [email protected] |
| House GOP leaders: ‘No interest in legalizing recreational marijuana’ - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader Posted: 28 Sep 2019 10:00 PM PDT  WILKES-BARRE — Republican leaders in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives last week said "now is the wrong time to promote marijuana." The House GOP leaders, through House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler, were responding to Gov. Tom Wolf's call to legalize marijuana. "We are disappointed and frustrated Gov. Wolf would promote recreational use of a drug classified as a Schedule I narcotic by the federal government," the GOP statement said. "Our state is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. Gov. Wolf signed a disaster declaration over the crisis and renewed the declaration six separate times since January 2018. We do not believe easing regulations on illegal drugs is the right move in helping the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are battling drug addiction." The GOP statement went on to say that the state's medical marijuana program is in its infancy and that promoting recreational use of marijuana sends "a terrible and misleading message" to the many Pennsylvanians who are beginning to utilize cannabis-derived medicines to treat illnesses. "This call comes at a time when the General Assembly is considering many serious issues of statewide importance, many at the behest of the administration," the GOP statement said. "These include election machine funding, reducing violent crime, expanding educational opportunities and growing a robust economy. Calling on the Legislature to act now on marijuana legalization serves only as a distraction from the important work lawmakers carry out in Harrisburg and in their home districts." The GOP said that Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman are also calling for creating a potential professional minefield for employees and employers across Pennsylvania. The GOP said legalization would create a workplace policy nightmare for employers who abide by federal employment policies, not to mention the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are employees of the federal government, related agencies or government contractors. "We are disappointed the listening tour did not give more attention to the voices of police, emergency medical service providers and other first responders who have extensive experience in dealing with the impact of illegal drugs on communities and on our roadways," the GOP leaders said. "Increasing access to recreational marijuana use presents a multitude of public safety concerns." The Republican leaders said they believe the governor has entered into territory that could have a vast, negative impact on young people in Pennsylvania. They said the Senate advanced legislation to raise the minimum age for tobacco use in Pennsylvania to 21. "Young people across the Commonwealth and our country are causing harm to themselves using vaping products, and the long-term impacts are still unknown," the GOP statement continued. "Our caucus has no plans or interest in legalizing recreational marijuana." Fetterman encouraging marijuana-related pardons A day after calling for statewide legalization of marijuana, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman last week urged Pennsylvanians to apply for pardons for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions. The state's Board of Pardons, led by Fetterman, is expediting the application process for pardons of such offenses. Earlier, Gov. Tom Wolf released the findings from Fetterman's 67-county tour, which showed overwhelming support for legalizing adult-use marijuana. In light of those findings and in line with numerous polls that have shown broad bipartisan support for legalization, Wolf and Fetterman are calling for decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana and expungement of records for convictions of those crimes. They're also calling on legislators to pass bipartisan legislation to legalize marijuana. Fetterman said expedited pardons applications are an essential and immediate element of the plan. "Full legalization could take some time, but one thing we can do right now is alleviate the burden of small-amount, nonviolent convictions that scar the lives of otherwise productive citizens," Fetterman said. "These people have done no harm to anyone else. They shouldn't continue to suffer with employment and housing issues because they were convicted of doing something that most Pennsylvanians don't even think should be illegal." Fetterman is specifically urging pardons applications from people who were charged with nonviolent, small-amount marijuana possession and/or possession of marijuana paraphernalia. The Board of Pardons has created a special stream for these marijuana-related applications, allowing those cases to be heard more quickly. Applications are available at www.bop.pa.gov. Mullery seeks to expand career/technical education Rep. Gerald Mullery said the state House last week unanimously passed a bill and sent it to the governor's desk that would boost career and technical education in Pennsylvania. "Successful career and technical education programs train students for the jobs that will be available in the future," said Mullery, D-Newport Township. "However, we must expand those programs statewide. Before we can do that, we must gather a complete accounting of existing CTE programs and use those programs as a model to foster local cooperation of stakeholders to improve career opportunities for students in their local communities." The language from Mullery's legislation and several other bipartisan CTE-focused bills was added to H.B. 265 that passed the House this week. That bill would provide vocational, technical and agricultural educational programming and supports. It also would create the PAsmart online career resource center, a workforce development program clearinghouse, and establish the Schools-to-Work Program. Under Mullery's proposal, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board would conduct a survey of workforce development programs. The departments of Education and Labor and Industry would conduct an inventory of existing workforce development programs at both the secondary and postsecondary levels with emphasis on opportunities for business-education partnerships. The goal would be to share those best practices learned with the various entities to help improve the delivery of career-focused opportunities. The governor has 10 days to act on the bill. Medicare Advantage costs expected to decline in 2020 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week announced that, on average, Medicare Advantage premiums in 2020 are expected to decline 23% from 2018 while plan choices, benefits and enrollment continue to increase. The Medicare Advantage average monthly premium will be the lowest in the last 13 years for the more than 24 million people with Medicare who are projected to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2020. The Medicare Advantage average monthly plan premium is expected to decrease 14% to $23 (estimated) in 2020 from an average of $26.87 in 2019. Since 2017, the average monthly Medicare Advantage premium has decreased by an estimated 27.9%. Beneficiaries will have more plan choices, with about 1,200 more Medicare Advantage plans operating in 2020 than in 2018. The average number of Medicare Advantage plan choices per county will increase from about 33 plans in 2019 to 39 plans in 2020. This represents an increase of 49 percent since 2017. Coupled with the previously announced 13.5 percent decline in the average monthly basic Part D premium, beneficiaries have saved about $2.65 billion in Medicare Advantage and Part D premium costs since 2017. The projected average monthly basic Part D premium of $30 in 2020 is the lowest the Part D basic premium has been since 2013. The continued decline in Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums over the past three years is estimated to save taxpayers nearly $6 billion in the form of lower Medicare premium subsidies. Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15, and ends on Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can compare coverage options like Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and choose health and drug plans for 2020. They can visit Medicare.gov (https://www.medicare.gov), call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Medicare in Pennsylvania 2020 • The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium changed from $52.61 in 2019 to $44.58 in 2020. • 241 Medicare Advantage plans are available. • 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan. • $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan. • 100% of people with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium. • 31 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans are available. All Medicare beneficiaries have access to a Medicare prescription drug plan. • 95% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2019. • 25% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan get Extra Help (also called the low-income subsidy, or LIS). • $13.20 is the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. |
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