From left to right: Ariel Ase, PhD, Research Associate (Co-inventor IP); Philippe Séguéla, PhD, Full Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill (Project lead); and Jonas Friard, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher. Emilie Hackett
Chronic pain affects one in every five individuals, yet effective treatment options are far and few between. Too often, chronic pain patients are left to choose between opioids, anticonvulsants for nerve pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, all of which present their own negative side effects.
Canadian opioid prescriptions have risen dramatically in recent years, surpassing 20 million prescriptions written annually. Historically known for addiction risks and severe consequences like abuse and overdose, opioids are overprescribed, harmful, and often insufficient to treat pain.
Meanwhile, the over-the-counter accessibility of NSAIDs complicates efforts to mitigate potential interactions with other medications, adding to their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin, used for nerve damage pain, also come with many side effects, like swelling, rashes, seizures, and drowsiness.
Moving pain research forward
“This is the limited arsenal we have right now, and it is simply not good enough. Clinicians and patients are not satisfied with this,” says McGill neuroscience professor and pain specialist Philippe Séguéla, PhD. The Séguéla Lab, , located at the Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), has studied pain receptors for nearly three decades in the hopes of finding a safer, opiate-sparing alternative to relieve pain. His team has focused on deepening their understanding of the neurobiology of pain, investigating genes, cells and circuits related to pain perception and analgesia – the inability to feel pain.
They were able to identify a class of neuronal receptors – acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) – as promising targets for pain relief. Their findings suggested that blocking peripheral ASICs could serve as an effective alternative to addictive opioid-based drugs for pain management.
With prior collaborations in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, Séguéla was driven to leverage his expertise to help chronic pain patients. He admits he was eager to explore the translational and therapeutic potential of these findings rather than solely conducting basic research on ASICs.
“Everyone knows someone affected by chronic pain and feels helpless,” he says. “We need a real qualitative step in the way we approach pain treatment and analgesia. We shouldn’t be afraid of failing, because regardless of the outcome, basic and translational science will have progressed.”
Toward opiate-free treatment of acute and chronic pain
With support from NeuroSphere, Séguéla secured early-stage funding from adMare Bioinnovations and AmorChem in 2020 for the preclinical development of this new therapy and the creation of Neurasic Therapeutics, a biotech company.
“NeuroSphere was pivotal to the creation of Neurasic Therapeutics. The NeuroSphere team was enthusiastic and pushed us forward,” recalls Séguéla. “They came to all our pitch meetings and provided us with support and professional advice. They were very helpful in fine-tuning the message.”
In 2022, Neurasic Therapeutics obtained even more funding from HBHL, CQDM and the Louise and Alan Edwards Foundation through NeuroSphere’s Neuro-Partnerships Program. With three patents filed and past progression to drug safety testing stages, Neurasic Therapeutics is inching closer to phase one clinical trials. If successful, these ASIC blockers could offer an opioid-free solution to the treatment of acute and chronic pain, potentially revolutionizing the field of pain management.
Small part of a larger story
For now, the outlook is highly promising. “In terms of potency and efficacy in vivo, the drug is already a success. Even ahead of testing in humans, we were able to confirm the absence of gastrointestinal side effects,” explains Séguéla. “This potentially offers an interesting clinical avenue, as our drug could be used alongside NSAIDs, reducing the incidence and severity of their side effects.”
In hindsight, Séguéla paints a favourable image of his experience in the corporate side of pharmacology, which can have a positive impact on any lab in the Canadian landscape thanks to its goal-oriented approach. “I like the milestones, the concrete objectives, the precise timeline involved in biotech,” he says. “There may be less freedom and more pressure than in academia, but it is very motivating and stimulating to try to reach tangible goals for the benefit of patients.”
Encouraging researchers to take risks, Séguéla emphasizes the transformative potential of their work: “Commercialization is a very positive experience for the scientists who are willing to dive. We have nothing to lose,” he says. “Even if the venture doesn’t culminate into successful drug development, the optimization of these molecules’ selectivity and potency will at the very least generate unique scientific tools.”
Beyond the potential of his own discovery, Séguéla is optimistic for the emerging treatment options for chronic pain. “Our adventure here is only one small part of a much larger story,” he reveals. “There are currently very interesting clinical trials happening globally, also in the process of testing novel pain targets. There are very promising advancements in the field, all driven by recent progress in the biology of pain. There is hope for chronic pain patients, now more than ever.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
