Latest news with #AttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorder
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Herbal medicine firm Regencell Bioscience skyrockets 60,000%, stuns market
A Hong Kong-based company with no revenue, no regulatory approvals, and fewer than 15 employees has seen its stock surge nearly 60,000 per cent year-to-date on June 16, 2025. Traditional medicine firm Regencell Bioscience Holdings, listed on the US stock exchange, has rallied sharply in recent days, including a nearly fourfold jump in a week, stunning market watchers and prompting questions over the nature of the gains and what might be driving them. Regencell Bioscience was founded in 2014 and incorporated in the Cayman Islands, though its operations are run through two subsidiaries based in Hong Kong. It went public on the Nasdaq in July 2021, raising approximately $21 million through its initial public offering. Screengrab of Regencell Bioscience stock movement Regencell Bioscience company profile: What we know The company develops liquid-based formulas rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which it claims can help manage neurological conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These are proprietary blends made from natural ingredients and are still undergoing internal trials. No regulatory approvals have been secured, and the company has not launched any commercial products. Despite this, the company is now worth more on paper than many established global companies. Regencell reported a combined loss of $10.4 million over the last two financial years and has yet to generate any revenue. The company employs a small team of around 12 people. The company's founder and chief executive officer, Yat-Gai Au, owns approximately 86 per cent of the outstanding shares, effectively controlling the company. Track LIVE Stock Market Updates How a stock split led to a sudden surge The rise in Regencell's share price appears to have been triggered by a 38-for-1 stock split, which came into effect in early June. While such splits do not impact a company's fundamental valuation, they can generate interest by lowering the per-share price. Following the split, Regencell's share price jumped 283 per cent in a single day, briefly pushing its market capitalisation close to $39 billion, higher than companies such as Kraft Heinz and Reddit. The stock rallied despite the absence of new business developments, product announcements, or regulatory progress. Much of the activity appears speculative, with discussion on retail investor forums such as Reddit fuelling interest in Regencell as a so-called 'meme stock'. The situation stands as an example of how low-float stocks can spiral out of control in speculative markets. Why the stock may have risen? Beyond the stock split, several factors may have contributed to Regencell's rise. Only 30 million of the company's 500 million shares are publicly traded. That means even small spikes in demand can move the price dramatically. The tightly held structure, with most shares owned by the founder and a small group of investors, makes the stock susceptible to volatility. There may also be a broader sentiment at play. US interest in natural health may have played a role The surge coincided with renewed debate in the United States around vaccine alternatives and natural health remedies, including comments by public figures questioning conventional immunisation practices. Regencell's positioning as a traditional medicine company, despite making no claims in this space, may have drawn attention from retail traders looking for exposure to alternative healthcare options. What does this soaring valuation mean for Regencell? A market capitalisation of $39 billion for a firm with under 15 employees has raised eyebrows across the financial community. Despite its massive paper valuation, Regencell remains an early-stage company with no commercial revenue and limited operational capacity. Regulatory warnings have already flagged this type of activity. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission have cautioned investors about small-cap foreign stocks with limited free float being vulnerable to manipulation. Alternative medicine market on the rise Globally, interest in traditional and alternative medicine is rising. The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) market was valued at $178.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $919.5 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 17.9 per cent, according to Global Market Insights, driven by rising demand for holistic, non-invasive, and natural health solutions. Market research also expects China's TCM industry, valued at $19.5 billion in 2022, to reach nearly $48 billion by 2030. Policy support and public interest in wellness products have driven sustained growth. However, stock surges in the sector have typically followed regulatory decisions or mergers, and have not approached the scale seen in Regencell's case. Ayurveda market grows with demand In India, the Ayurveda and herbal health segment has also expanded rapidly, supported by both government backing and rising consumer demand. The domestic market is projected to grow to ₹36 trillion by 2033 from ₹8.76 trillion in 2024, according to research shared by Imarc Group. Listed companies such as Dabur and Kerala Ayurveda have delivered strong financial performances, driven by product demand and retail penetration. Unlike Regencell, their valuations have been more closely tied to business metrics. As of Wednesday, June 18, the stock had dropped 18 per cent in intraday trading to $63.35 on Nasdaq, but it was still up 48,630.77 per cent year-to-date.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Dentists warn of taking fluoride out of NY water. But many counties already don't have it
Dentists warn of taking fluoride out of NY water. But many counties already don't have it Show Caption Hide Caption Fluoridated water important, stresses Ossining NY Supervisor Feldman Elizabeth Feldman, who worked as a dental hygienist, is joining the effort to push back against groups seeking to remove fluoride from public water. In New York, 336 community water systems, out of a total of 2,790, have fluoridated water. These 336 community water systems provide water to more than 13 million people, or about 72% of all New Yorkers. Now the nation's top health official, RFK Jr., is pushing for bans on water fluoridation, prompting pushback from many public health officials and local leaders in NY. Elizabeth Feldman sees her dental X-rays as a warning of the life-altering consequences of living in a community that doesn't add fluoride to its drinking water. The stark black-and-white images are rife with cavity-riddled translucent teeth. Bright white spots cover most teeth, revealing an extensive patchwork of dental fillings and crowns. Screws dig into parts of the jaw pockmarked by root canals. Taken together, the X-rays tell the story of a lifetime of dental pain and suffering. But Feldman, a town supervisor in New York's Hudson Valley who's worked as a dental hygienist for 30 years, believes she would have avoided most of that dental work, which cost thousands of dollars, if her childhood home had access to fluoridated drinking water. Instead, Feldman grew up drinking unfluoridated well water, and she missed out on the lifelong oral health benefits that many New Yorkers get from living in towns, cities and neighborhoods that have added fluoride to community water systems. Now Feldman is fighting to protect others from her fate as New York becomes a key battleground of the anti-fluoride movement being led by the nation's top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 'I just wish people would get educated and look at real science and not be led astray,' Feldman said. New York's fluoride fight Kennedy has endorsed claims that fluoride is behind a host of health conditions, from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and hypothyroidism to lowering IQ. Dentists and epidemiologists have hit back at those accusations as scientifically unproven. At the same time, public health officials in New York are pushing back against anti-fluoride groups seeking to pass state or local measures to remove fluoride from public drinking water. Decades of research, health officials noted, has shown water fluoridation reduces tooth decay for entire populations, while uniquely benefiting poor and marginalized New Yorkers. "Because the fluoridated water supply reaches everyone equally, health disparities decrease, as we know not everyone has access to regular dentist checkups,' state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. 'Water fluoridation provides everyone with the same starting opportunity of having a healthy smile,' he added. Dental care: More than 30,000 wait for care as NY's dental crisis grows Overall, cavities drop by about 25% for those who drink fluoridated water when compared to others who don't, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Still, some states are considering passing measures that ban fluoride from community water systems, with Republican-controlled state governments in Utah and Florida recently taking that step. While a statewide ban is unlikely in deep blue New York, the fluoride debate has exploded at the local level in recent years. It was the focus of a class-action lawsuit filed in Buffalo in 2023 after residents learned the city quietly removed fluoride from drinking water, and it sits at the center of emotionally-charged town hearings that divide even the most close-knit communities from Ithaca to Westchester County. How many New York towns have fluoride in water? In New York, 336 community water systems, out of a total of 2,790, have fluoridated water. But these 336 community water systems provide water to more than 13 million people, or about 72% of all New Yorkers served by community water systems. That percentage mirrored the national average, as many of the largest water systems in the U.S. have added fluoride for the past nearly 80 years. But major disparities in water fluoridation persist. New York City and some upstate counties, such as Monroe and Onondaga, have nearly 100% coverage, while other counties, such as Rockland and Tompkins, have never added fluoride to public drinking water. Health care: As flu kills record number of NY kids, a mom who lost a child fights vaccine hesitancy The stakes of that disparity are unfolding in real time for Dr. Fanny Vainer. They are written on the faces of scores of parents who were stunned to learn their child has advanced tooth decay during visits to Vainer's Sparkill Dental practice in a tiny Rockland County hamlet. Many of those parents were simply unaware that Rockland County's lack of water fluoridation played a role in rotting out their kids' teeth, Vainer said. Recalling her talks with the guilt-ridden parents looking for ways to reverse the damage, she said, in many ways, 'It's already too late when you arrive here in the dentist's chair.' Further, Rockland's overall oral health should be studied, Vainer suggested, to improve understanding of the extent of damage done in communities with unfluoridated drinking water. If conducted, that research would seek to build upon a landmark 2010 state Health Department study that found, in part, the use of serious dental procedures and tooth extractions for New York kids on Medicaid was 33% higher in communities without water fluoridation. 'An unnecessary public health crisis' Meanwhile, in neighboring Westchester County, one town's leadership has already reversed course on its approach to adding fluoride to its water. Town leaders in Yorktown, a wealthy New York City suburb, voted in December to remove fluoride from their community drinking water system. Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman spearheaded the action, citing in part a federal court ruling that asserted water fluoridation presents an 'unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.' The American Dental Association has since criticized that federal court ruling, however, noting it was based largely on an August 2024 report from the federal National Toxicology Program that included invalid biomarkers and insufficient sample sizes. Put simply, the federal court ruling reflects a 'fundamental misunderstanding and misapplication of the prevailing scientific literature on the safety of fluoride and community water fluoridation,' the national dental group added. At the same time, Yorktown's decision captured national attention, prompting public health officials across the Hudson Valley to launch new efforts to combat medical misinformation, citing rising distrust in everything from water fluoridation to vaccines. Investigation: Trust in science, medicine plummeted because of COVID. See inside the fight to rebuild it 'Like measles, this is catching on and once the anti-fluoride groups win in one community, they go on to the others,' said Susan Siegel, the lone Yorktown council member to oppose removing fluoride from drinking water. Westchester Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler attended Yorktown public hearings last year to provide facts about the benefits of water fluoridation. But she left them feeling concerned about how deeply anti-science sentiments had taken hold in some households. Recalling the conspiracy theories and debunked science claims being raised during the hearings, Amler said, 'I don't know how you wrap your head around that.' The Yorktown fluoride removal vote was also a call-to-arms for Feldman, who's been supervisor of nearby Ossining for three years and vowed to quell any anti-fluoride incursions in her community. 'So few things can be done so inexpensively to impact positively the lives and health outcomes of all the residents,' Feldman said of water fluoridation. How we reported it: NY, facing dental crisis, taking on RFK Jr.'s anti-fluoride push Addressing claims that people get enough benefits from fluoridated toothpastes or dental treatments, Feldman noted those do indeed help but are incapable of achieving the level of protection from drinking fluoridated water. Put differently, ingested fluoride becomes part of the tooth before it erupts and strengthens kids' teeth in a way that nothing else in dentistry comes close to, and adults with limited access to dental care benefit from drinking fluoridated water, too. 'It's baffling to me that they would want to create an unnecessary public health crisis and walk back on a proven public health achievement,' Feldman added. Includes reporting by Cybele Mayes-Osterman of USA TODAY.
Pink Villa
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Barun Sobti diagnosed with ADHD – Psychotherapist Kavya Kanupuru on how to know if you have it and what to do
Barun Sobti, one of the well-known actors of the entertainment industry, recently had a long discussion with Pinkvilla. In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Barun admitted being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). After this, Pinkvilla exclusively spoke to Psychotherapist Kavya Kanupuru to learn about ADHD, its symptoms, causes and how it is diagnosed. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition where the person has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still and self-control. Barun Sobti admits being diagnosed with ADHD While exclusively speaking to Pinkvilla, Barun Sobti described how he is not a materialistic person and mentioned how money never motivated him. He expressed how creative satisfaction matters him the most. Barun admitted how he gets restless if his creativity is not satisfied. He said, "I'm ADHD anyway. I go crazy if I'm not doing anything that really satisfies me. It took me time to understand." Further, speaking about confidence, the Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon actor shared, "Confidence kam hai. Himmat zyada hai (Confidence is less but courage is more)." He added, "I'm a very anxious person. Anxious logo ka confidence humesha technically kam hi hoga, always. (Anxious people's confidence is technically less, always). They are always thinking about what can go wrong." Barun even shared how doing the interview was also an anxious moment for him. As Barun admitted being diagnosed with ADHD, we exclusively spoke to Psychotherapist Kavya Kanupuru to learn about it. While talking to us, she shared the symptoms, causes, methods to manage ADHD and more. Excerpts from the interview are below: Everything you need to know about ADHD Symptoms ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This disorder impacts attention, the kind of activity people do and how impulsive they can be. There are two types of ADHD - one is often seen in children, child ADHD, and the second is in adults. The core symptoms of ADHD are Attention Span, Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness. The core symptoms would be something like they are not able to pay any attention in a classroom. These kids cannot stay attentive, they cannot follow the class, and they are very disorganised. Next thing would be hyperactivity. They are very hyper, restless. When they start talking, they might just interrupt everyone and cannot stop talking. They are known to be extremely impulsive that would be the third core symptom. They just do things without thinking about it. Causes Sometimes it runs in families. It could be genetic or exposure to some kind of toxins. Issues in brain functioning. Some people have issues with dopamine relation in brain. Those kinds of cases commonly result in ADHD. How to learn about ADHD diagnosis? One common thing that is happening these days is people self-diagnosing themselves with ADHD and other issues like anxiety disorders or depressive disorders. That is not the right way to do it. In India, only an RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) certified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, after going through the entire case history of the patient, can diagnose them with ADHD. Once it is diagnosed, then it can be managed through medication, along with behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. How to manage ADHD? Lifestyle changes, including bringing in structure and routine to life. Practising mindfulness, importantly prioritising sleep because people with ADHD if their sleep routine is not good, the symptoms can aggravate. Regularly working out will help them. In diet, avoiding anything that can increase the sugar level will also benefit them. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is effective for ADHD. Any behavior modification therapies, if it is for kids, then they can try ADHD coaching or parental therapy. These kinds of therapies work. Also, mindfulness therapies and group therapies are effective. Disclaimer: If you know someone who is having suicidal thoughts, anxiety, going through depression, or is suffering from a serious mental illness, reach out to a nearby doctor, mental health expert, or an NGO for immediate help. There are several helplines available for the same.
Vancouver Sun
06-06-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Pharmacy hands Comox mom opioid instead of ADHD drugs for child, 9
A Comox couple is warning other parents to double check their children's prescriptions after a pharmacy wrongly dispensed opioids for their nine-year-old instead of ADHD medication. Sarah Paquin, mother of three young children, said the medication mixup could have been catastrophic for her son. 'As a parent, you worry enough as it is, and then to have such a close call like that, it really hits home.' Paquin said she went to the Shopper's Drug Mart pharmacy on Guthrie Road in Comox on May 28 to pick up her son's medication — dextroamphetamine, a stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. She said the employee had difficulty finding her son's medication. The employee asked for the boy's name multiple times, and initially couldn't find his name in the system, Paquin said. Once she dispensed the medication, the employee didn't read over the label or confirm information, as is the usual custom, the mom said. The next morning, Paquin's husband, David Paquin, hesitated before giving his son the medication, noting the pills were a different colour. When he checked the label, he saw the drug was the painkiller hydromorphone, which goes by the name Dilaudid. The patient's name on the hydromorphone label was a woman they didn't know. Hydromorphone is about five to seven times more potent than morphine, according to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study. Sarah Paquin said when her husband told her about the error, her heart sank until she realized their son hadn't been given the medication. 'We were like, Oh my God, that was such a close call,' said Paquin. 'It's terrifying. We were very upset about it.' David Paquin dropped his son off at school and went straight back to the pharmacy and spoke to the pharmacist, whom he described as visibly upset and apologetic. She refunded the money paid for the wrong medication, but still couldn't find the correct prescription. The order had to be refilled. The owner of the pharmacy called the couple Wednesday to reassure them their son's medication wasn't given to anyone else, 'which makes me feel a little bit better because on the flip side, I don't want my son's medication to hurt the wrong person either,' said Paquin. She posted her story on a local Facebook page to warn other parents, where she learned of other complaints about the same pharmacy employee, who has been suspended pending an internal investigation. Paquin has also filed a formal complaint with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. and was told by the college it would take about two weeks to investigate and follow up with the family. Paquin said she regretted not double-checking the label, a mistake she said she won't make again. She's warning other parents to exercise the same diligence. A West Shore couple spoke to the Times Colonist in March 2023 after a Langford pharmacy gave their son an oral suspension of sleep medication that was 14 times the prescribed dose. Paquin said she and her husband are unnerved by the 'what ifs' that replay in their minds. 'We could have given him this, sent him off to school not realizing, and he could have overdosed. He could have ended up in a coma and at the very least, probably would have had his stomach pumped.' In a statement, Loblaw, the parent company for Shopper's Drug Mart, called the mistake a case of 'human error' that shouldn't have happened. The company said controls are in place to minimize the risk of patients being handed the wrong prescription, and those controls will be reviewed by employees. The company said the pharmacy owner has reached out to the parents to apologize for any stress the incident caused and to outline corrective steps it's taking. ceharnett@
Time Business News
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Understanding Prodrug Design: Why Vyvanse May Feel Gentler Than Adderall
When it comes to treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), both vyvanse vs adderall are well-known medications. While both are stimulant drugs that increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, many patients describe Vyvanse as feeling 'gentler' or smoother than Adderall. This difference can be attributed to a critical concept in pharmacology called prodrug design. Understanding how prodrugs work gives insight into why Vyvanse may lead to a more even and controlled experience compared to the more immediate effects of Adderall. Anxiety can be overwhelming, and finding the right treatment is crucial for relief. Many people explore various medications and therapies to manage their symptoms effectively. One option that has gained attention is wellbutrin anxiety relief, which some patients find helpful due to its unique mechanism compared to traditional anti-anxiety drugs. Unlike typical medications that target serotonin, Wellbutrin influences dopamine and norepinephrine, potentially reducing anxiety while improving mood and energy. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if this approach suits your specific needs and to monitor for any side effects during treatment. A prodrug is a medication that is inactive when ingested and only becomes active after the body metabolizes it. Essentially, the drug is a chemical precursor that must be converted by enzymes within the body to produce its therapeutic effect. This design is intentional—it can enhance bioavailability, reduce abuse potential, or control the release and activation of the drug. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a classic example of a prodrug. Unlike Adderall, which is active upon ingestion, Vyvanse needs to be metabolized by the body to become active. Vyvanse is made up of l-lysine (an amino acid) bound to dextroamphetamine, the active stimulant component. On its own, Vyvanse does not stimulate the brain. It only becomes effective after enzymes in the blood break the bond between lysine and dextroamphetamine. This metabolic process takes time and happens at a consistent rate, which explains why Vyvanse typically produces a slower onset and longer-lasting effect. This slow and steady release helps reduce the 'rush' or crash associated with other stimulants like Adderall. In contrast, Adderall is a mixture of four amphetamine salts, and it is active immediately after ingestion. Because it does not need to be converted, Adderall enters the bloodstream and brain more quickly, leading to a faster onset of action—often within 30 to 60 minutes. While this rapid effect can be beneficial for some users, it can also lead to stronger peaks and valleys in how the medication feels, contributing to the perception of a more 'intense' or even jittery experience. Many patients describe Vyvanse as smoother than Adderall. This difference stems largely from the consistent and gradual conversion of Vyvanse into its active form. Because the body regulates the pace at which Vyvanse is activated, it avoids spikes in drug levels that can lead to anxiety, euphoria, or a subsequent crash. This controlled delivery system makes Vyvanse feel more stable and predictable. It doesn't hit all at once, and therefore the onset of therapeutic effects is less abrupt, which can be easier to tolerate for individuals sensitive to stimulants. One of the major reasons Vyvanse was developed as a prodrug is to lower its potential for abuse. Adderall, particularly when crushed and snorted or injected, can create an intense high because of its rapid absorption. However, Vyvanse cannot be easily misused in the same way. Since it must be digested and metabolized, it is ineffective if taken in non-oral forms. This characteristic makes it a safer option in settings where the risk of stimulant misuse is high, such as among teenagers or those with a history of substance abuse. Another reason Vyvanse may feel gentler than Adderall is its longer duration of action. Vyvanse typically lasts about 10 to 14 hours, depending on the individual, while Adderall XR (extended-release) lasts around 8 to 12 hours, and Adderall IR (immediate-release) lasts only about 4 to 6 hours. This extended effect reduces the need for multiple doses throughout the day, which helps maintain more consistent symptom control and lessens the potential for rebound effects or crashes between doses. Despite the general differences between Vyvanse and Adderall, individual responses can vary greatly. Some people have faster or slower metabolic rates, which can affect how quickly Vyvanse is converted to its active form. Those with slower metabolism may feel that Vyvanse takes too long to kick in, or doesn't feel strong enough, while those with rapid metabolism might still feel a moderate rush. However, the majority of users experience a smoother onset and offset with Vyvanse compared to Adderall due to the inherent nature of its prodrug design. While both Vyvanse and Adderall share many common side effects—such as insomnia, appetite suppression, and anxiety—Vyvanse may produce fewer or less intense side effects for some users. The gradual increase in active stimulant levels with Vyvanse is less likely to cause the sharp spikes that can lead to overstimulation or anxiety, especially in sensitive individuals. This is another reason why Vyvanse may be considered easier to tolerate or 'gentler' than Adderall, even though the active ingredient (dextroamphetamine) is the same in both. When prescribing stimulant medications for ADHD, providers must consider many factors, including the patient's sensitivity to medication, likelihood of adherence, and risk of misuse. The pharmacological structure of Vyvanse gives it certain advantages in these areas, particularly for individuals who are seeking sustained, balanced symptom relief with a lower risk of misuse. Prodrug design isn't just a scientific curiosity—it's a critical tool in developing medications that are both effective and safer for long-term use. Understanding why Vyvanse feels gentler than Adderall begins with an appreciation of how prodrug design influences a medication's effects. Vyvanse's smooth, consistent delivery of dextroamphetamine results in a more stable experience, fewer highs and lows, and a lower risk of abuse. While Adderall remains a widely effective treatment, its immediate release profile can lead to more variable experiences. Ultimately, the best medication depends on the individual, but for those seeking a smoother ride with fewer side effects, Vyvanse's prodrug design may offer the gentler solution they need. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
