Sia/LBG has been awarded a supplemental grant by the Gates Foundation to enhance its web-based cost and environmental impact modeling resource for pharmaceutical APIs Cost of Goods (COGs).
BALTIMORE, July 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Sia/LBG (formerly Latham BioPharm Group), the Life Science and Healthcare Business Line of Sia, a next-generation, global management consulting group, has been awarded a supplemental grant by the Gates Foundation to enhance its web-based cost and environmental impact modeling resource for pharmaceutical APIs Cost of Goods (COGs). This funding builds on the initial grant award, where Sia/LBG developed a web-based tool that allows clients to harness data from multiple systems to save time and resources by optimizing and understanding pharmaceutical COGs analyses earlier in development.
The new features will include COGs analysis for Drug Product formulation, Device manufacturing, Fill, Finish, Packaging for tablets/sterile products/unique presentations, as well as market demand forecasting. These enhancements are designed to broaden the tool’s user base, ensuring it remains a sustainable product for the global health community while also supporting potential commercial users beyond the global health sector.
Building on this foundation, Sia/LBG will continue collaborating seamlessly with the different teams across Sia. New features will be integrated by leveraging Sia/LBG’s life sciences technical consulting expertise alongside Sia’s leading artificial intelligence solutions and customer experience expertise.
“Our team turned a complex life sciences COGs and climate impact model into a web-based app, streamlining costing and improving reproducibility, version control, and data management for teams performing modeling, says Chris Peterson, Sia/LBG’s Managing Director of Strategy & Management Consulting. “Customers using the web-based application have already seen a reduction in time to input data by 40% and a decrease in manual touchpoints, leading to a more consistent evaluation of COGs.”
This meaningful program and enhanced new capability and product offering is consistent with Sia/LBG’s strategic commitment to serve as a world leader in Life Sciences and Healthcare consulting, as well as Sia’s Consulting for Good initiative.
The team is actively seeking additional application adopters to provide feedback on how the modeling resource can be utilized in both global public health and commercial pharmaceutical decision-making across the product development spectrum. Stakeholders interested in contributing to this dialogue are encouraged to contact Chris Peterson at cpeterson@lathambiopharm.com.
Compassion Center, along with Coalition For Patient Rights (CPR) and allied organizations, calls on the DEA to fully deschedule cannabis, not reschedule it to CSA Schedule III. The move seeks to preserve patient rights to home-grown medicine, ensure affordable access, and protect small businesses. Compassion Center and CPR will be joining a unified rally of the people, taking place on December 2nd at the DEA Museum, demanding fair reforms on cannabis laws for patients nationwide. Join CPR In Supporting Compassionate Cannabis Reform!
Online, October 24, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Compassion Center, a pioneering leader in integrative and alternative healthcare, mental health and medical cannabis advocacy, announces its solidarity with the Coalition For Patient Rights (CPR), United Empowerment Party and Nicholas Barreto, Atlas Alchemy LLC and The Key, Dopeass Glass and Jack Long, Elune Solutions,Farmer Tom Organics and Farmer Tom Lauerman, Medical Cannalyst Consulting Group LLC (MCCG), Integrative Providers Association (IPA), the Stormy Ray Cardholders’ Foundation (SRCF) and Cannalogix, and other allied organizations in urging the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to fully DESCHEDULE cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) NOT RESCHEDULE. This joint effort seeks to empower and protect patients and patients’ rights, and their medical providers’ licenses, particularly in states where medical marijuana is legally established and accessible, and further prevent harm to vulnerable communities under any reclassification to CSA Schedule III.
FACT: 70% of the U.S. constituency are in favor of descheduling and are against rescheduling. With over 43K comments, to the DEA Scheduling Proposal, the people have not only spoken out about rescheduling, but have taken affirmative action against schedule III and want total descheduling of marijuana (cannabis). This is the most comments in history for any proposal ever- according to the federal register. Coalition For Patient Rights (CPR) encourages the federal government and our lawmakers to take notice, and listen to the widespread voice and will of The People: Vox Populi.
Patients, caregivers and their families are encouraged to take an hour out of their day and get involved by contacting each of their state legislators and congressional representatives to voice their continued support for this effort, and then to donate directly to CPR and its patients’ rights campaign via Compassion Center, scanning the attached QR code or visiting the CPR website at: https://coalitionforpatientrights.org/donate/
While many businesses can donate directly to CPR and apply that donation towards their tax liabilities, individual contributions to CPR via the Compassion Center are considered tax deductible to the extent of an individual’s tax circumstances and liability because Compassion Center is a 501(c)(3) charity.
The DEA’s recent consideration, and redirection in Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III has raised significant concerns within the medical cannabis community, and rightly so, too. While this move may appear to alleviate some barriers for patients and producers alike- like opening up doors to insurance billing and reimbursements for patients and/or alleviating banking restrictions for dispensaries and/or producers- it would, however, directly impose new, stringent regulations that would cripple patients’ ability to grow their own medicine and severely impact their current supply chains. The CSA Schedule III classification introduces severely heightened oversight with supervision, and tracking of the various ingredients used to produce cannabis, disproportionately infringing upon patient rights and civil liberties while simultaneously affecting the dispensaries, producers and processors, and the very patients who rely on the plant for relief so the intended benefits will be lost in the red tape that is used to hold it together.
“We simply cannot afford to marginalize and disadvantage patients any further by restricting their legal access to their specific home-grown cannabis cultivars, nor by making it harder for their producers and their local dispensaries to continue serving the community,” said Julie Monteiro, RN, BSK, President of Compassion Center and Integrative Providers Association (IPA). “A CSA Schedule III classification will only burden our patients more, many of whom are considered indigent, with overreaching restrictions, while leaving taxpayers in a difficult position as these patients exhaust all their financial resources and state support through systemic suffering.”
Patients, particularly those in medically underserved and economically disadvantaged communities, have found home cultivation to be a lifeline in managing their chronic health conditions. Some of those patients have developed an entire routine around healing through cultivation and connecting with their plants. A move to Schedule III would make home growing of cannabis illegal, forcing these patients to rely exclusively on state licensed dispensaries, and the products that those dispensaries may have on hand. CPR feels that this is asking for trouble, especially with the traditions of the cannabis industry focusing on what is making the most profit and not necessarily on what makes the most impact on symptoms. Dispensaries are currently strained by disproportionately leaning burdens where they are expected to simultaneously compete with other dispensaries and the illicit market, while navigating ever-changing state laws and regulations. Producers themselves would face extensive oversight and additional costs to produce and market their produce, resulting in diminished access to affordable cannabis, ultimately harming those who need it most.
Compassion Center stands united with the Coalition For Patient Rights (CPR) in advocating for the full Descheduling of cannabis to ensure equitable access for all patients, maintaining their right to grow their own whole-plant medicine, and protecting the small businesses that serve as pillars of the medical cannabis industry. Descheduling cannabis is the only real way to truly eliminate the unjust and excessive regulations that have historically and disproportionately criminalized a plant with proven therapeutic benefits.
“We are at a crossroads,” says James B. “J.B.” Creel, PgM, an administrator and registered lobbyist for the Compassion Center and the Integrative Providers Association (IPA). “Descheduling the cannabis plant presents an opportunity for our lawmakers to realign public policy with the needs of our patients and mother nature, and the cannabis industry in general, particularly in states that have led the way in cannabis reform. Anything less will just push patients further into hardship, harming small businesses, and placing unnecessary burdens on hardworking taxpayers, all while strengthening the illicit market.”
The Compassion Center and its coalition partners urge the DEA to prioritize patient rights and public health while balancing liberty and freedom with economic fairness by descheduling cannabis, creating a framework that supports the freedom and wellbeing of those who rely on it most.
Call To Action:
December 2nd Deschedule Not Reschedule Rally: Join CPR, Compassion Center and our Allies on December 2nd, 2024 across the street from the DEA Hearing at the DEA Museum, 700 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA, 22202. Starting at 8 AM with assembly beginning at 7:30 AM, for what forecasters believe will be the most historic cannabis hearing ever on rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). We are demanding the full Descheduling, however, Not Rescheduling to ensure equal access and address the historical injustices of the failed War on Drugs. Prohibition has led to discrimination in rental housing, healthcare, mental health, family law, criminal justice and other legal systems, denying the many millions of Americans who use medical cannabis access to its well-documented therapeutic and proven medical benefits, despite minimal risks for addiction and/or adverse effects on health. Rally with Us during the DEA Hearing to Reschedule Cannabis. United organizations are in support of FULLY DESCHEDULING CANNABIS AND NOT RESCHEDULING.
For more information on Compassion Center, and its integrative medical cannabis clinic and the various state medical cannabis program registrations, visit: https://compassion-center.net
For more information on Compassion Center and its patient advocacy efforts, please visit: https://www.Compassion-Center.org or call 1-844-THC-COMPASSION.
About Compassion Center Compassion Center is a pioneering leader in integrative healthcare and medical cannabis advocacy since 2001, serving patients in Oregon and 18 other states. The organization is dedicated to creating equitable access to medical cannabis, integrative and alternative healthcare and mental health care solutions, particularly for underserved, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged populations.
TORONTO, October 3, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– Today, KEEP Labs, the pioneering company in innovative storage solutions, is thrilled to announce the greatly anticipated launch of its groundbreaking product, KEEP, the world’s first smart storage device for medication and all life’s remedies.
Since its inception in 2020, KEEP has been at the forefront of blending cutting-edge technology with stylish design, working to revolutionize the way we store, manage and monitor medication in the home. The nationwide launch marks a significant milestone in making this innovative solution accessible to households across North America.
Rooted in its commitment to safety and innovation, WIFI and Bluetooth connected KEEP offers a modern solution for secure, discreet, and intelligent storage at home. Designed with a blend of style and functionality, KEEP ensures medications and other essentials are stored away from curious hands while appearing as a sleek piece of home decor. The KEEP companion app allows for secure biometric opening, real-time alerts for tampering or unauthorized movement, customizable LED display, medication management and passive adherence tracking.
“For the past three years we have worked hard to get this lifesaving product to market. It was not easy, but through talking to customers we were able to understand what both homes and healthcare needed and were able to build just that”, says Philip Wilkins, Co-Founder, KEEP Labs. “After selling out a 15,000 unit pre-order campaign we knew we had to keep going. Today is a very proud day for all of us at KEEP and brings us closer to our mission to create a safer and more responsible home and world for our children.”
KEEP addresses a growing need in today’s homes, where multiple generations often live together, and guests frequently visit. The company provides secure storage for medications, cannabis, vitamins, and other sensitive items. Traditional storage methods either lack security or are inconvenient, leading to potential misuse, theft, or accidental ingestion, especially by children or curious teenagers. Additionally, there’s a desire for storage solutions that blend seamlessly with modern home decor, rather than standing out or looking clinical.
Beyond the physical product, KEEP Health elevates the mission by offering a comprehensive medication adherence and analytics platform. This platform, a harmonious integration of cutting-edge hardware and software, is tailored to serve life sciences companies, patient support programs, and pharmacy networks.
KEEP Health tackles the medication non-adherence challenge in healthcare, which leads to suboptimal treatment outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. Life sciences companies, patient support programs, and pharmacy networks often lack real-time insights into patient medication habits at home. Without timely data, it’s challenging to intervene effectively, offer tailored support, or understand the effectiveness of different patient support strategies. KEEP is the first product to capture real-time data on medication usage passively in patient homes, which empowers proactive intervention and tailored support.
The launch of KEEP brings a new era of safety and convenience to households across North America. KEEP comes in two minimalistic colorways; chalk white and slate black, $299 at www.discoverkeep.com.
About KEEP Labs
KEEP Labs is a Canadian tech company founded by two dads who were looking for a smart way to store prescription medication at home. Originally focused on harm reduction, KEEP Lab’s introductory product, KEEP, is a TIME Best Invention of 2020 and CES 2020 Innovation Honoree. KEEP Health is the first medication adherence and analytics platform for global life sciences companies, patient support programs and pharmacy networks that integrates both hardware and software for all dosage forms, providing deeper insight into the patient journey at home.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 17, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– Spire Learning, nationally recognized for innovation and quality programming in continuing education, announced today that Theresa Vera, Ph.D., will join Spire Learning as President. “With a solid foundation in place, and with an eye on positioning and preparing ourselves for the future, we are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Vera’s caliber and experience step up to lead Spire,” said CEO Mark J. Miller. According to Miller, “these are exciting times for the Medical Education industry. The industry is at an inflection point that represents an opportunity to modernize learning strategies and enhance the impact of our efforts so that we collectively ensure meaningful and lasting improvements to patient care.” Dr Vera is well positioned to lead Spire in these efforts.
Dr. Vera brings extensive leadership and healthcare industry experience across multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience and gastroenterology. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Vera has taken on a variety of roles in medical education, medical communications, corporate training and strategic operations that provide her with the diverse background that will serve as a critical foundation to lead Spire’s future transformation. Dr. Vera joins Spire with a reputation for driving strategic initiatives through positive individual, departmental and organizational growth.
Dr. Vera’s most recent role was as Global Head, Global Medical Affairs Training at Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., where she led business initiatives to enhance the scientific, functional and professional capabilities of the medical affairs organization. Theresa holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. “Spire Learning has been known for quality medical education programming for over 10 years. I look forward to collaborating with the Spire team to drive continued excellence in healthcare professional education. As healthcare treatment approaches become increasingly complex, we have an opportunity to be at the forefront in supporting professionals to prepare for the increased complexity of care,” Vera said about her new role with Spire.
About Spire Learning
Spire Learning is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey and is dedicated to the mission of enhancing patient care through the design, development and implementation of timely, evidence-based and clinically relevant CME/CE activities in innovative formats that catalyze change, reinforce effective practices and improve healthcare professional performance. Spire Learning strives to consistently adhere to the highest standards of excellence and is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
If you would like more information about Spire Learning, please call 973.605.2922 or email info@spirelearning.com
