Monthly Archives: December 2023

Dermatology

Podcast CE: Ophytrium in Dermatology: When, where and whys of using Douxo S3 topical therapies – DVM 360

Program Description

During this podcast, we will discuss the innovative new science behind the DouxoS3 line by Ceva specifically focused the new to veterinary medicine active ingredient, Ophytrium.We will discuss the basics of cutaneous structure aka the epidermal barrier function as well as the cutaneous immune system and response and finally the cutaneous microbiome.These 3 different systems all play a role in many different dermatologic diseases which plague our veterinary patients.

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Podcast CE: Ophytrium in Dermatology: When, where and whys of using Douxo S3 topical therapies - DVM 360

Dermatology

How to Treat Textured Skin, According to Dermatologists – Prevention Magazine

Searching for a smooth, bump-free complexion? Figuring how to get rid of textured skin is the best place to start. If your skin is full of highs and lows (literally), youve likely searched at-home solutions like acne treatments, anti-aging creams, the best face exfoliators, and beyondbut these can only do so much. Ahead, our experts share the best tips to help you get even, smoother skin.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; and Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute.

Textured skin can refer to a number of skin conditions, but in general it refers to skin that may feel raised, bumpy, or uneven, explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. This can be a result of breakouts, clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, rough, dry or irritated skin, as well as pores.

You can tell if you have uneven skin texture by the way your skin looks and feels. If you can see or feel any sort of bumpy or otherwise raised areas while applying your skincare products or makeup, this may be an indicator of textured skin.

Some are more prone to experience textured skin than others, and your skin type may determine what type of texture you have, Dr. Garshick explains. For example, those with oily skin may experience clogged pores and breakouts leading to more textural changes, while those with dry skin may experience rough, flaky patches that contribute to changes in texture. Additionally, those with mature skin tend to experience things like fine lines and wrinkles, which can contribute to the skins overall texture, Dr. Garshick explains.

While there are a slew of products and treatments that can make skin feel more even, there really is no specific secret weapon or a one-size-fits-all all solution for textured skin, as its causes can be quite varied, says Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute. The key is knowing your skin or consulting with a dermatologist to help you understand your skin type and tailor a routine that is ideal for you. In addition to discovering the cause of your skin texture, consider the below options for a smoother complexion.

For many causes of textured skin, the skincare products you apply can mean the difference between a smooth and bumpy complexion. For example, those who struggle with dry skin or dry patches should focus on using hydrating, moisturizing ingredients while those with acne should focus on using proven acne-fighting ingredients like exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids/retinol, Dr. Garshick says. For those who experience texture due to sun damage, fine lines, or wrinkles, at-home use of exfoliating acids, and products that induce collagen production like retinoids and growth factors can help smooth the skin, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser.

If you arent satisfied with the results of at-home efforts to smooth skin, consider speaking to your dermatologist about professional skincare treatments, including:

Below, find some of the most common causes of textured skin to help you figure out how to best care for your complexion:

Rosacea, a skin condition, is a common reason for textured skin in adults and young adults, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser. In fact, the skin condition, characterized by flushed skin (usually on the cheeks) and bumps or pimples, affects more than 14 million Americans. Dr. Clark-Loeser suggests a less is more approach to treating rosacea via gentle products. Products containing niacinamide and sulfur soap can be particularly helpful.

Milia, which appear as small white or yellow papules are a type of cyst that appears on the skin due to trapped dead skin, Dr. Garshick explains. While certain people may be more susceptible than others, it can occur in all ages, genders, races and ethnicities. Exfoliating acids and retinol/retinoids may be effective at preventing milia, but seeing your dermatologist for manual extraction is often the best way to have milia removed.

Whether due to your skin type or from environmental factors, dry skin can contribute to less smooth and even possibly bumpy skin, Dr. Clark-Loeser explains. Extreme temperatures and humidity, like cold temperatures with low humidity or hot climates with either very low or high humidity can challenge the barrier function of the skin, resulting in inflammation and dryness. There are lots of dry skin treatments, like using mild cleansers, the best moisturizers for dry skin, and gentle facial exfoliants.

Blackheads and whiteheads are types of breakouts known as comedones and may occur when the pores become clogged, Dr. Garshick says. Blackheads, or open comedones, appear darker because the clogged pore is open to the air which causes oxidation. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are not open to the air, appearing lighter in color. The best way to treat blackheads and whiteheads is with the use of retinoids, as well as exfoliating acids to help prevent the buildup of dead skin, Dr. Garshick says.

In addition to blackheads and whiteheads (which are non-inflammatory acne), inflammatory acne like papules and pustules, also contributes to textured skin. This type of acne results from a combination of oil, inflammation, bacteria, and buildup of dead skin cells. Garshick recommends using acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

A common result of mild to severe acne, acne scars also contribute to textural changes as scars may be raised or depressed, Dr. Garshick says. In some cases, the treatment may include lasers or microneedling to help boost collagen production or steroid injections to help flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars.

While fine lines and wrinkles are normal, they may become more pronounced with age and lead to textural changes in the skin, explains Dr. Garshick. Luckily, if these visible signs of aging bother you, there are a variety of treatments to help smooth the skin, like at-home use of retinoids, peptides, growth factors, and sun protections, as well as in-office procedures including neuromodulators (like Botox) and lasers, Dr. Garshick adds.

According to Dr. Clark-Loeser, Accumulated sun damage, with or without precancerous lesions, can also contribute to overall skin texture. In addition to causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots, sun damage can cause other textural changes like rough patches and loose skin, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Treat sun damage with the same topicals you would use on fine lines and wrinkles (with an emphasis on SPF), says Dr. Clark-Loeser, and schedule a visit with your dermatologists to rule out skin cancer and find out your options for in-office skin smoothing procedures.

Sometimes it can be hard to avoid a bit of skin texture every once in a while, but following a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns can go a long way toward mitigating the many causes of textured skin. Consider using topical exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) to buff away dryness and dead skin, and always be sure to use at least SPF 30 to prevent sun damage and skin cancer, Dr. Clark-Loeser and Dr. Garshick note.

The texture of your skin does tend to change with age. This occurs due to the loss of collagen which causes changes in skin texture leading to fine lines, wrinkles, as well as enlarged pores, Dr. Garshick explains.

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If shes not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a native New Yorker now living in Scottsdale, Arizona. He practices in both Scottsdale and New York. Dr. Lal is the only double fellowship trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in the USA. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma, and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric dermatology and is on the ASDS DEI committee. Dr. Lal is often seen either on the news, at F45, or playing with his parrot Maui.

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How to Treat Textured Skin, According to Dermatologists - Prevention Magazine

Dermatology

POLL: Which Skin Cancer Drug Recently Received a Complete Response Letter From the FDA? – Dermatology Times

Which skin cancer drug recently received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA?

All 3 drugs listed in this poll have recently made appearances in the news for various reasons.

Moderna and Merck recently announced follow-up data from the phase 2b randomized KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, a clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940), an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy, in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, in patients with resected high-risk melanoma (stage III/IV) following complete resection.

V940 plus pembrolizumab also continued to demonstrate a meaningful improvement in distant metastasis-free survival, compared with pembrolizumab alone, reducing the risk of developing distant metastasis or death by 62%.

Read more from Dermatology Times here.

Additionally, AiViva Biopharma recently announced positive and promising data from its phase 1/2 clinical trial of AIV001 (Axitinib), a novel intradermal treatment, in patients with basal cell carcinoma.

It is exciting and important to have AiViva Biopharma develop a drug, with a new mechanism of action, that has the potential to treat BCC that avoids surgery, said Brian Berman, MD, PhD, in a press release. Berman is Professor Emeritus of DermatologyandDermatologicSurgery at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Read more from Dermatology Times here.

Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. faces a delay in the approval process for its cosibelimab biologic license application (BLA) following the issuance of a complete response letter (CRL) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The CRL specifically points to issues uncovered during an FDA inspection of Checkpoint's third-party contract manufacturing organization.

Notably, no concerns were raised regarding clinical data, safety, or labeling.

James Oliviero, President and CEO of Checkpoint, remains optimistic, stating that the company aims to address the deficiencies in a resubmission, anticipating marketing approval for cosibelimab in 2024.

Reference

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Complete Response Letter for COSIBELIMAB solely due to inspection findings at third-party manufacturer. Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. December 18, 2023. Accessed December 19, 2023. https://ir.checkpointtx.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/111/u-s-food-and-drug-administration-issues-complete-response

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POLL: Which Skin Cancer Drug Recently Received a Complete Response Letter From the FDA? - Dermatology Times

Dermatology

Dermatology decoded with Dr. Davin Lim – manilastandard.net

With the number of popular ingredients and buzzwords these days, it can be overwhelming to do research and digest skincare information. Its a good thing Dr. Davin Lim, a board-certified dermatologist based in Brisbane, Australia, provides bite-sized content on social media and the video streaming platform YouTube for a better understanding of dermatology.

Dr. Lim veers away from the often jargon-heavy side of the field, making it easier for regular individuals to grasp essential information about skincare. He stands out not only for his medical expertise but also for his ability to demystify dermatology for non-medical audiences. He turns it from an intimidating subject into one that everyone can comprehend and navigate, very much like a friend casually discussing things with you.

With a mission to cut out the hype and mystery of the skin care industry, Dr. Lim has become a trusted voice in the field, providing valuable skincare insights. From dissecting the intricacies of various skincare products to sharing do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and delving into the world of advanced skin procedures like lasers, peels, injectables, and surgery, Dr. Lim covers it all with the mission to share useful information.

In a one-on-one interview during his visit to the country earlier this month, Dr. Lim helped me understand the new technology of a power duo Potenza RF microneedling and the AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution. He described the new treatment as a step up from microneedling.

Were using needles, very fine microneedles. Were adding something called radio frequency and it generates heat. Heat, itself, does wonderful things for the skin. It can remodel scarring, tighten up the skin, reduce wrinkles, and treat large pores as well.

In the Philippines, the services are offered at the Facial Care Centre at GT Tower in Makati.

Dr. Lim explained that Potenza Radio Frequency (RF) microneedling seamlessly combines two established methods for rejuvenating the skin: microneedling for mechanical stimulation, initiating skin renewal, and monopolar radio frequency energy for thermal stimulation, enhancing neocollagenesis or the process of creating new collagen. Essentially, it integrates controlled heat energy into the microneedles, providing a dual impact of youth-enhancing benefits to the skin.

The ideal combination to the Potenza procedure is the AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution, ensuring optimal outcomes by guiding your cells to naturally promote skin regeneration, alleviate inflammation, and stimulate healthy collagen growth, effectively reversing the aging process of the skin.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes, lipid nanoparticles released by cells, serve as messengers to communicate with other cells, playing a vital role in overseeing biological processes within the body. In the context of the skin, this implies that exosomes play a key role in signaling the skin to engage in beneficial actions such as increasing the production of healthy collagen, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin renewal.

AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution is a unique treatment that combines exosomes from human bone marrow and umbilical cord stem cells, known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This high-quality and pure formula stands out as a potent exosome treatment unlike any other.

If theres one thing Dr. Lim said that stuck with me, it would be the major skincare rule he swears by Be intentional. Everything that you put on [your skin] should be thoughtful. If you want to change, pick an ingredient for your concerns, Dr. Lim shared. The biggest mistake I see is people just using too much stuff. If youre focused on using one or two things according to your concern and be very precise with your skincare, youll get your skincare goals a lot better than trying everything.

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Dermatology decoded with Dr. Davin Lim - manilastandard.net

Dermatology

Moderna and Merck’s V940 Plus Pembrolizumab Demonstrates Improvement in RFS and DMFS in Stage III/IV … – Dermatology Times

Superficial spreading melanoma

Image courtesy of DermNet

Moderna and Merck recently announced follow-up data from the phase 2b randomized KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, a clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940), an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy (INT), in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, in patients with resected high-risk melanoma (stage III/IV) following complete resection. After a follow-up of 3 years, adjuvant treatment with V940 plus pembrolizumab continued to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS), reducing the risk of recurrence or death by 49% (HR=0.510 [95% CI, 0.288-0.906]; one-sided nominal p=0.0095) compared with pembrolizumab alone. V940 plus pembrolizumab also continued to demonstrate a meaningful improvement in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), compared with pembrolizumab alone, reducing the risk of developing distant metastasis or death by 62% (HR=0.384 [95% CI, 0.172-0.858]; one-sided nominal p= 0.0077).

Based on data from the phase 2b KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, the FDA and European Medicines Agency granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and the Priority Medicines (PRIME) scheme, respectively, for V940 plus pembrolizumab for the adjuvant treatment of patients with high-risk melanoma.

"As we continue to follow participants in the KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, we are excited to see such a robust clinical benefit with mRNA-4157 (V940) as adjuvant treatment in combination with KEYTRUDA in people with resected high-risk melanoma," said Kyle Holen, MD, the senior vice president and head of development of therapeutics and oncology at Moderna, in the news release. "These data add another positive analysis to the multiple endpoints and subgroups previously assessed in this study. Importantly for this technology, the KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study was the first demonstration of efficacy for an investigational mRNA cancer treatment in a randomized clinical trial and the first combination therapy to show a significant benefit over KEYTRUDA alone in adjuvant melanoma. We look forward to sharing these data with people impacted by this disease and the broader scientific community."

Adverse events observed with V940 in KEYNOTE-942 are similar to those previously reported. At a median planned follow-up of approximately 3 years, the number of patients reporting treatment-related grade 3 adverse events was similar between the arms (25% for V940 plus pembrolizumab vs 20% for pembrolizumab alone). The most common adverse events associated with V940 were fatigue (60.6%), injection site pain (56.7%), and chills (49%).

In July 2023, Moderna and Merck announced the initiation of a pivotal phase 3 randomized INTerpath-001 (NCT05933577) clinical trial evaluating V940 plus pembrolizumab, as an adjuvant treatment in patients with resected high-risk (Stage IIB-IV) melanoma. Global recruitment in INTerpath-001 has started.

"We are committed to driving research forward for innovative modalities in earlier stages of cancer, where we can make the most meaningful impact for patients, by combining Merck's expertise in immuno-oncology with Moderna's innovative mRNA technology," said Marjorie Green, MD, the senior vice president and head of late-stage oncology and global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories, in the news release. "We are pleased to see the results from this planned analyses on recurrence-free survival for V940 (mRNA-4157), and look forward to working with Moderna in expanding our clinical development program for the individualized neoantigen therapy."

Reference

Moderna and Merck announce mRNA-4157 (v940) in combination with Keytruda(r) (pembrolizumab) demonstrated continued improvement in recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival in patients with high-risk stage iii/iv melanoma following complete resection versus Keytruda at three years. News release. Moderna. December 14, 2023. Accessed December 18, 2023. https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2023/Moderna-And-Merck-Announce-mRNA-4157-V940-In-Combination-with-KeytrudaR-Pembrolizumab-Demonstrated-Continued-Improvement-in-Recurrence-Free-Survival-and-Distant-Metastasis-Free-Survival-in-Patients-with-High-Risk-Stage-IIIIV-Melanoma-Following-Comple/default.aspx

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Moderna and Merck's V940 Plus Pembrolizumab Demonstrates Improvement in RFS and DMFS in Stage III/IV ... - Dermatology Times

Dermatology

Aptar Digital Health and Legit.Health Partner to Improve Patient Experience in Immuno-Dermatology – Healthcare Packaging

This content was written and submitted by the supplier. It has only been modified to comply with this publications space and style.

Aptar Digital Health, a developer of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), digital Patient Support Programs (PSPs), and disease management solutions, has announced a new partnership with Legit.Health, an artificial intelligence-based, medical device software company that focuses on the early detection, evaluation, and monitoring of skin diseases.

Legit.Healths technology, which supports the diagnosis of approximately 300 conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin cancer, will be integrated into Aptar's Digital Health proprietary platform. Focused on enhancing patient care and increasing patient autonomy, this advanced digital solution will support healthcare professionals (HCPs) to diagnose skin conditions earlier and will enable patients to start treatment plans sooner to improve their overall quality of life. The solution also may be used to facilitate patient enrollment in clinical trials.

Legit.Health's use of AI for monitoring disease progression through automated, clinically validated scoring systems, such as the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), will be leveraged within this partnership. This will help to ensure patients receive the most accurate and timely information to manage and treat their skin condition more effectively. The AI-powered technology also extends to the quantification of the intensity, count, and extent of the visible clinical signs of skin conditions, offering HCPs a more precise measure of disease severity, an indicator considered critical in determining the most appropriate treatment.

This strategic partnership is set to drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector. Aptar Digital Health andLegit.Healthtogether will pave the way towards harnessing the power of AI to improve patient experiences and outcomes in immuno-dermatology.

Sai Shankar, President, Aptar Digital Health, stated, Since 2021, Aptar Digital Health has been growing our portfolio of technology partners to provide improved solutions for patients in multiple therapeutic areas such as cardiology, neurology and visual acuity. With this new partnership, Aptar Digital Health is acquiring the ability to leverage AI technology to accelerate the diagnosis and monitoring of skin conditions.

Andy Aguilar, CEO and Co-Founder ofLegit.Health, commented, One of our main aims within the medical assistance process in the field of dermatology is to be able to offer patients the opportunity of having the earliest and most accurate diagnosis, with the appropriate referral and treatment to reduce uncertainty and waiting times. She added, Legit.Health's technology helps the medical practitioner to provide this kind of care to their patients and today, thanks to our partnership with Aptar Digital Health, we will be able to reach even more people who will benefit from our service

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Aptar Digital Health and Legit.Health Partner to Improve Patient Experience in Immuno-Dermatology - Healthcare Packaging

Dermatology

Navigating Location Specific Treatment Selection and Topical Therapy Limitations – Dermatology Times

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, and Robert J. Casquejo, PA-C.

The conversation begins with an exploration of the distinctive features of plaque psoriasis that differentiate it from other dermatologic conditions. The difficulty of diagnosing psoriasis is discussed, with attention to variables like location, skin color, and ethnic variability. The challenges become apparent when distinguishing between psoriasis and conditions such as eczema.

The speakers note that psoriasis diagnosis can be straightforward in some cases but challenging in others, particularly when there is an overlap with conditions like eczema. An expert shares experiences from his pediatric specialty, highlighting instances where psoriasis is misdiagnosed as other dermatologic conditions.

The conversation shifts to the significance of the location of psoriasis involvement in guiding treatment decisions. Scalp psoriasis is emphasized as a challenging area for topical management, prompting considerations of both physical and psychosocial impact. An expert discusses his approach, focusing on the severity of physical symptoms and the psychosocial impact when deciding on treatment options.

The speakers delve into the challenges of managing scalp psoriasis with topical medications, noting issues like greasiness and patient dissatisfaction. An expert suggests that systemic treatment options may be more practical for areas like the scalp due to ease of use and patient preferences.

The speakers agree on the complexity of treating psoriasis in problematic areas like the scalp, acknowledging the limitations of topical medications and the need for more aggressive approaches. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment that certain areas, including the scalp, pose challenges that may require systemic treatments beyond topical applications.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by DermatologyTimes editorial staff.

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Navigating Location Specific Treatment Selection and Topical Therapy Limitations - Dermatology Times

Anesthesiology

Research Team Led By Dr. Gunisha Kaur Wins 2023 National Academy of Medicine Catalyst Prize – Weill Cornell Medicine Newsroom

Anesthesiologist and global health expert Dr. Gunisha Kaur and her research team recently won a prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Catalyst Prize.

The Catalyst Awards are a branch of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition that seeks to expand the human healthspanusually defined as how many healthy years a person livesby rewarding cutting-edge ideas to improve the physical, mental, or social wellbeing and health of people as they age. Up to 20 awards are being given this year to United States-based innovators, out of 1,100 applications received from organizations focused on science, medicine, and health, to technology, finance, social sciences, and beyond, NAM said.

NAM works with eight global collaborators that represent more than 50 countries and territories, all of which issued their own Catalyst Awards on the same day.

Dr. Kaurs team won the prize for its project, Digital Solutions to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Refugee Women, which aims to clinically train and validate a digital refugee health system. The prize comes with $50,000 of seed funding and networking opportunities and makes them eligible for the next phases of the competition. Two other phases of application and awards follow, with a $5 million grand prize.

Project lead author Dr. Kaur is an associate professor of anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, director of the Weill Cornell Medicine Human Rights Impact Lab, and a medical director of the Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights, which provides forensic medical evaluations to people who seek asylum in the United States. For this project, she collaborated with Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law practice at Cornell Law School, and Dr. Richard Boyer, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a core director at the Human Rights Impact Lab. The lab interfaces with the Center for Human Rights, conducting research to advance the health of refugees and displaced populations.

The project involves a wearable device plus a customized app for early risk stratification and identification of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which are pregnancy complications.

All pregnant refugee women are at elevated risk for developing these complications because of barriers that can prevent refugees from accessing in-person health care. Dr. Kaur shared that interviews with refugee patients revealed many didnt access health care services because they believed erroneously that doing so would violate the law. Having an expert in immigration law, such as Yale-Loehr on the team, allows them to tell refugee women that since they are pregnant, they are allowed to access care such as prenatal visits and vaccines.

Many refugees and asylum seekers worry that if they seek medical help while pregnant, they might be deported," Yale-Loehr said. "This new research builds on prior work Dr. Kaur and I did dispelling that concern. Our website Rights4Health informs immigrants about their eligibility for public benefits.

As faculty fellows at theMario Einaudi Center for International Studies, Dr. Kaur and Yale-Loehr also lead a team researching refugee and immigrant health as part of Global CornellsMigrations: A Global Grand Challengeinitiative.

Even with very few other resources, almost all or 90 percent have a cell phone, which gives us an enormous opportunity to disseminate health care information about pregnancy and prenatal visits, and vaccines, she said.

The project also utilizes related biomarkers using predictive machine learning, ecological momentary assessments, and remote digital data for risk stratification and possible diagnosis, she said.

Our idea is to bring health care to refugee women through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies, said Dr. Kaur. If we can improve health care access, we can start to look at improving disease diagnosis and treatment.

Digital tools can help detect hypertension with high precision and can risk stratify for preeclampsia, so pregnant women with these conditions can be treated earlier in their pregnancies, she said. They have been used in landmark research studies such as the electronic Framingham Heart Study, but she wants to know exactly how they can be optimized for this patient population.

Thats what this study is about: Can we train our digital tools to do it as well as a clinic visit? she said. While these patients do not typically attend clinic visits, over 90 percent of them do have access to digital tools.

This project expands on work the team has done with digital technology in the last few years, but on an accelerated timeline: results need to be generated within 18 months.

Dr. Kaur remains consistently motivated about her work, she said. First, she believes it is the humane thing to do to provide refugees who have survived forced displacement appropriate and adequate medical care. Because her family came to America this way, she has a personal relationship with the medicine and science of this population and has developed a passion and drive to make a difference that manifests in this project.

The refugees and asylum seekers that we work with in our clinic and lab are people just like you, and just like me, Dr. Kaur said. Recognizing that shared humanityparticularly that there is very little that distinguishes between us and themhelps us to understand why this work is so important.

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Research Team Led By Dr. Gunisha Kaur Wins 2023 National Academy of Medicine Catalyst Prize - Weill Cornell Medicine Newsroom