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Oncopole, the cancer division of Fonds de recherche du Québec, unveils the results of its PROVEM competition: $2 million for the implementation of innovations in real healthcare settings

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MONTRÉAL and SAN DIEGO, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Oncopole, the cancer division of Fonds de recherche du Québec, has unveiled the results of its PROVEM (données PRObantes éValuées En Milieu réel) competition. The announcement was made at the BIO International Convention, held in San Diego from June 3 to 6, in the presence of Oncopole representatives, Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete, founding partner Merck Canada, and partners GSK and Pfizer Canada.

Oncopole, the cancer division of FRQ, is announcing $2 million in funding for two teams under its PROVEM competition. 

The implementation of healthcare innovations, particularly in oncology, is essential at a time when the growing complexity of such advances can present a level of uncertainty as to their real value. It is therefore necessary to develop processes for evaluating and adopting innovations that eliminate these uncertainties to enable rapid and optimal use for patients and the healthcare system.

Against this backdrop, Oncopole, a major player in oncology research in Québec, is announcing $2 million in funding for two teams under its PROVEM competition. This initiative is supported by Québec’s Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, Oncopole’s founding partner Merck Canada, and partners GSK and Pfizer Canada.

The following two platforms have been awarded funding under the PROVEM competition:

“Leveraging real-world care data for responsible, efficient and equitable introduction of therapeutic innovations in oncology” led by Hermann Nabi and Isabelle Laverdière (CHU de Québec, Université Laval)”Creating timely real-world evidence and economic assessments to improve decisions for cancer patients” led by Elena Alice Dragomir (Université de Montréal) and Armen G. Aprikian (McGill University Health Centre).

These two teams will develop a set of services to obtain evidence in real-world contexts, reduce uncertainties, and accelerate the implementation of innovations in cancer treatment. Supporting innovations as close as possible to their use will have a direct impact on the quality of care and services offered to people affected by cancer in Québec.

“We are delighted to support these two platforms, which will help make high-impact research advances more accessible”, says Carole Jabet, Director of Oncopole and Scientific Director of Fonds de recherche du Québec – secteur Santé. “Oncopole will continue to play a leading role in funding and promoting oncology research, with a focus on scientific excellence and improving clinical outcomes for patients.”

“We applaud Oncopole and the brilliant research teams who are championing innovative work in support of cancer patients. We understand the profound impact that research in oncology has on patient outcomes and recognize the potential this program will have in advancing breakthrough discoveries and novel treatment approaches,” says Jennifer Chan, Executive Director of Policy at Merck Canada. “Our collaboration with Oncopole and other stakeholders in the PROVEM program underscores our commitment to improving patient outcomes with a better evaluation process to access innovative drugs and look forward to supporting the progress ahead.”

“Innovation is at the heart of GSK’s purpose, and strategic partnerships are essential to opening up new avenues of discovery. Through our partnership with Oncopole we are proud to help improve and accelerate access to the latest advances for patients” says Alison Pozzobon, Pharma Operations and Communications Director, GSK Canada Pharma.

“This announcement brings hope to people living with cancer. The level of excellence in cancer research in Québec is among the highest in the world. We are proud to continue to support cancer research in Québec through our support of Oncopole”, says Karine Grand‘Maison, Vice President, Access and Government Relations, Pfizer Canada. “Collaboration in Québec’s life sciences ecosystem is of great importance in ensuring that we can continue to develop our capacities in the province.”

About Oncopole

Oncopole, cancer division of Fonds de recherche du Québec – secteur Santé, is the result of a unique co-creative approach, supporting research, innovation and investment to accelerate the fight against cancer. Oncopole’s mission is to act as a catalyst for the actions deployed by Quebec’s oncology research and innovation ecosystem. It aims to position the province as a leader in the field. For more information, visit https://oncopole.ca/en/

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter @MerckCanada.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more www.ca.gsk.com.

About Pfizer Canada

Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that help extend and improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.

SOURCE Fonds de Recherche du Québec

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hand2mind Launches New and Exclusive Back-to-School Products at Target

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Teacher-author collaborations with Tara West and Brooke Brown support hands-on math, literacy, and STEM learning

VERNON HILLS, Ill., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — hand2mind, a leading provider of hands-on learning tools for classrooms and homes, is launching a lineup of new and exclusive back-to-school products at Target, including classroom-ready tools created with its teacher-author partners Tara West and Brooke Brown.  

The product lineup gives educators and parents easy access to engaging, hands-on learning tools designed to support math, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Select products will be available exclusively at Target, including new teacher-created items designed to help students build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. 

West and Brown are part of hand2mind’s growing network of teacher-author partners, bringing classroom expertise and educator-developed approaches to hands-on learning products for young learners. West is the creator of Little Minds at Work®, and her early literacy curriculum, Guided Phonics + Beyond®, is included on three state-approved lists. Brown is the creator of Teach Outside the Box® and STEM Bins® and is known for helping teachers make STEM exploration accessible, flexible, and engaging in everyday classroom settings. 

“Teachers are looking for low-prep classroom tools that are easy to implement, developmentally appropriate and rooted in how children actually learn,” said Elana Woldenberg Ruffman, CMO at hand2mind. “By working with teacher-authors like Tara West and Brooke Brown, hand2mind is bringing classroom-tested ideas to Target shelves in a way that supports educators during the back-to-school season and beyond.” 

The Target-exclusive products include: 

STEM Bins® by Brooke Brown Builder Pack ($24.99): Brown’s first product available at a major retailer; this set includes building materials and open-ended task cards that encourage students to design, create and problem-solve. It is designed for early finishers, centers, morning work, and makerspace time. Little Minds at Work® Early Math Activity Set ($21.99): Featuring West’s Pip the Pup character, this hands-on set helps students practice foundational math skills through matching, sorting, patterning, framing and comparing activities. The set includes 54 Pip the Pup counters and 20 double-sided activity cards. Little Minds at Work® Game Tray Activity Set ($19.99): This single-student activity set includes six double-sided math and literacy game boards and accessories for up to four players. The tray fits 8.5-by-11-inch paper, allowing teachers to swap in worksheets, game boards or custom activities. Little Minds at Work® Alphabet and Letter Sounds ($19.99): This hands-on activity set helps young learners practice CVC words, 26 core letter sounds, and early spelling skills. With colorful, reusable materials and engaging activities, children can identify beginning, middle, and ending sounds while strengthening fine motor skills through play. 

In addition to the Target-exclusive products, hand2mind’s back-to-school product lineup at Target includes a range of educational tools that support literacy, math, social-emotional learning, sensory play and hands-on skill-building. 

The hand2mind back-to-school product lineup is available at Target stores and Target.com. 

About hand2mind®   

At hand2mind®, we believe children learn best by doing. That’s why, for over 60 years, we’ve been creating hands-on learning tools and educational toys that help kids build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. From math and STEM to literacy and social-emotional learning, our screen-free educational tool and toys support engaged skill development in grades PreK and up. We inspire curiosity, build confidence and make learning fun—at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Unlock the power of hands-on learning by visiting www.hand2mind.com or following the brand on TikTok @hand2mind, Facebook @hand2mindinc, and Instagram @hand2mindinc. 

MEDIA CONTACT  
Olivia Flores  
2139888344
416893@email4pr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hand2mind-launches-new-and-exclusive-back-to-school-products-at-target-302801508.html

SOURCE hand2mind

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Quick Fix Max™ ️Is Here, And It’s Everything Users Have Been Asking For

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LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quick Fix Synthetic, an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, today announced the availability of Quick Fix Max 4 oz, a newly released addition to the Quick Fix product line from Spectrum Labs. Designed to offer increased volume and a ready-to-use standalone bottle format, Quick Fix Max uses the same Quick Fix 6.4 formula trusted for more than 25 years.

Quick Fix Max is a prefilled, premixed 4-ounce synthetic urine solution formulated to simulate key urine characteristics, including pH balance, specific gravity, creatinine levels, urea, and uric acid.

The product includes a temperature strip, heating pad, and batch verification code to support product authenticity and consistency. It introduces a larger standalone format for customers who prefer a simple bottle configuration while continuing to use the current Quick Fix 6.4 formula.

“Customers have consistently looked for a larger standalone Quick Fix option,” said by Chris Kennedy from Quick Fix Synthetic. “Quick Fix Max expands the existing lineup with the same trusted 6.4 formula in a format that offers more volume and better overall value.”

Quick Fix Max is a larger-volume format designed to offer improved per-ounce value while maintaining the same formula specifications and batch verification process customers already rely on.

Each Quick Fix Max package includes:

4 fl oz of Quick Fix 6.4 synthetic urineTemperature strip attached directly to the bottleHeat pad designed to maintain temperature for several hoursPrinted batch code for authenticity verificationTwo-year shelf life when stored correctly

Quick Fix Max has been officially released by Spectrum Labs and is now available through quickfixsynthetic.com and authorized distributors carrying official Quick Fix products.

Quick Fix Synthetic emphasized that purchasing through authorized distributors helps ensure customers receive authentic products stored under proper conditions, reducing the risk of expired or counterfeit units commonly associated with unverified third-party sellers and online marketplaces.

The company also noted that every Quick Fix Max bottle includes a printed batch number that can be verified through the official Quick Fix batch validator to confirm authenticity and expiration status before use.

Quick Fix Max is intended for novelty, calibration, educational, and laboratory simulation purposes only. Customers are encouraged to review all applicable local and state laws before purchase or use.

About Quick Fix Synthetic
Quick Fix Synthetic is an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, providing customers with verified formula versions, batch authentication support, and direct customer service. The company focuses on educational resources, product authenticity, and discreet customer support while offering access to the latest Quick Fix formulations and related simulation products.

For more information, visit https://www.quickfixsynthetic.com.

Contact
Chris Kennedy
Manager
416750@email4pr.com
1-866-420-4574

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quick-fix-max-is-here-and-its-everything-users-have-been-asking-for-302801649.html

SOURCE Quick Fix Synthetic

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Aspirion Achieves HITRUST r2 Certification, Reinforcing Trust and Security Across Its AI-Powered Revenue Cycle Platforms

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HITRUST Certification validates that Aspirion’s Compass and DocIQ AI platforms meet rigorous cybersecurity and data protection standards through independent assessment and assurance.

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aspirion, the healthcare technology revenue cycle management (“RCM”) leader for denials, payment variance, and complex claims, today announced its Compass and DocIQ platforms have earned certified status from HITRUST for cybersecurity and information protection.

The HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification demonstrates that Aspirion has met requirements defined by a leading cybersecurity assurance leader, confirming that strong controls are in place to protect sensitive data and manage risk effectively. As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt AI-enabled workflows, security, transparency, and governance become essential to scaling innovation responsibly.

“Our clients trust us with some of the most sensitive information in healthcare, and that trust is foundational to everything we do,” said Nick Giannasi, CEO of Aspirion. “Earning HITRUST r2 Certification for our Compass and DocIQ platforms reflects the significant investment we’ve made in building secure, trustworthy systems for healthcare providers. The sensitivity of the data we handle demands rigorous, continuously evolving controls, and this certification provides independent validation that those protections are in place.”

Built on the HITRUST Assurance Program, this achievement reflects independent third-party testing, centralized quality assurance, and certification backed by HITRUST’s Cyber Threat-Adaptive engine. These elements ensure continuous alignment with the latest threat intelligence and evolving standards across NIST, ISO, and OWASP.

“The HITRUST Assurance Program is rigorous and reliable because of the comprehensiveness of control requirements, depth of review, and consistency of oversight,” said Bimal Sheth, EVP, Standards Development & Assurance Operations at HITRUST. “HITRUST Certification demonstrates Aspirion is taking the most proactive approach to cybersecurity, data protection, and risk management.”

To learn more about HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification, visit the HITRUST website at www.hitrustalliance.net. For more information about Aspirion, visit www.aspirion.com.

About Aspirion

Aspirion helps hospitals and health systems nationwide recover earned revenue from their most complex and difficult-to-resolve claims. Deploying proprietary AI and a specialized team of attorneys, clinicians, and claims experts, Aspirion overturns denials, recovers underpayments, and maximizes out-of-network and complex claim reimbursement—getting providers paid accurately, quickly, and transparently so they can focus on delivering affordable, accessible care. To learn more, visit www.aspirion.com.

Media Contact

Erin Haynie
Vice President, Marketing
Aspirion
erin.haynie@aspirion.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspirion-achieves-hitrust-r2-certification-reinforcing-trust-and-security-across-its-ai-powered-revenue-cycle-platforms-302800805.html

SOURCE Aspirion

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