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Rosalind Franklin University Helix 51 Incubator Company BLR Bio Presents Promising New Scleroderma Drug Data at International Rheumatology Meeting

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BLR-200 demonstrates unique mechanism blocking activation of scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis models

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science announced today that BLR Bio, a company in its Helix 51 incubator, presented new data this week at the 2026 British Society of Rheumatology conference in Glasgow, Scotland, highlighting the potential of its investigational drug BLR-200 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

“Our goal is to provide relief and healing to patients with this terrible disease,” said Dr. Bruce Riser, CEO of BLR Bio and adjunct professor at RFU’s Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection. “We are encouraged by BLR-200’s ability to interrupt key biological pathways that drive fibrosis, or tissue scarring, in scleroderma.”

Systemic sclerosis is a rare, chronic autoimmune-based disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities affecting the skin, joints and internal organs, especially the lungs, heart and kidneys, which account for most disease-related deaths. Early symptoms often include Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin thickening, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues. The disease disproportionately affects women (approximately 80% of patients) and can lead to significant disability, disfigurement, pain and fatigue. The World Scleroderma Foundation estimates that about 300,000 Americans are living with some form of scleroderma, with global figures ranging from 1.5 million to 2.5 million people. There are no FDA-approved therapies for scleroderma of the skin.

BLR Bio’s newly presented data serves to further elucidate both the mechanism of action and efficacy of BLR-200 in a bleomycin-induced in vivo model of systemic sclerosis. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and UMAP analysis of total skin fibroblasts — cells with the potential to drive scarring — bleomycin induced a unique population expressing profibrotic markers known as engrailed-1 and COL8A1. Treatment with BLR-200 effectively eliminated this cell population, with a corresponding absence of skin thickening and fibrosis in the treated preclinical models.

“It is exciting to learn that BLR-200’s downstream effect is prevention of activation of engrailed-1/COL8A1-expressing fibroblasts, a highly specific group of scar-forming cells,” Dr. Riser said. “Recent studies have shown that an equivalent skin fibroblast population is present in human scleroderma and is responsible for the overproduction of collagen that characterizes the disease. This further differentiates our therapy from that of others. Also, we know that BLR-200 modulates YAP nuclear translocation — a cellular response to stiff matrices (scarring). This continues to be a critical target in developing therapies for fibro-inflammatory disease.

The study was conducted in collaboration with leading researchers and their institutions, including: Dr Andrew Leask, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; Dr. Richard Stratton, Centre for Rheumatology, UCL Division of Medicine, Hampstead, London, UK; Dr James Varani, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and the BLR Bio laboratory at RFU. 

BLR Bio’s in vivo data aligns with recent published research showing that extracellular matrix deposition — the buildup of fibrotic tissue — in human scleroderma skin originates from myofibroblasts expressing these same markers. Together, the data help bridge preclinical models and human disease, supporting the treatment potential for BLR-200. 

BLR Bio also presented data on its research on CCN proteins — signaling modulators in development, wound healing, and tissue repair — as potential non-invasive biomarkers for systemic sclerosis. The studies revealed distinct serum patterns of CCN3 and CCN2 between early versus late-stage patients and healthy controls. Notably, CCN3 alone showed promise as a biomarker to differentiate scleroderma patients from healthy individuals.

The company continues to advance its research on novel peptide-based therapies targeting fibrotic diseases and cancer. Its primary laboratories are based in RFU’s Helix 51 incubator, with collaborations including RFU, the University of Michigan, University of Saskatchewan, and the Mario Negri Institute and others.

“Scleroderma is a devastating autoimmune disease with few treatment options,” said RFU Interim Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Janice Urban. “We are hopeful that Dr. Riser’s expertise and BLR Bio’s innovative approach will lead to meaningful advances that improve both quality and length of life for patients.”

About Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

About BLR Bio
Learn more at blrbio.com.

Office of Marketing and Communications
media@rosalindfranklin.edu

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SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

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Florida Physician Specialists Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

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3 hours ago

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May 3, 2026

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Florida Physician Specialists cybersecurity incident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Florida Physician Specialists data breach. Florida Physician Specialists learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

Florida Physician Specialists discovered that its network was hacked between November 27 and 29, 2025. An investigation launched in late November 2025 confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed its network. The review of the exposed data was completed on April 6, 2026.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes full names and one or more of the following: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or state identification numbers, other government identification numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, medical information, and/or health insurance policy information.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Florida Physician Specialists may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Florida Physician Specialists breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Florida Physician Specialists incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Florida Physician Specialists

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Florida Physician Specialists is a multi-specialty private physician practice serving patients in Northeast Florida.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-physician-specialists-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760742.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Sandhills Medical Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

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3 hours ago

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May 3, 2026

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Sandhills Medical cybersecurity incident

MCBEE, S.C., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Sandhills Medical data breach. Sandhills Medical learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

On May 8, 2025, Sandhills Medical discovered it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. Sandhills Medical began an investigation with the help of cybersecurity experts and a forensic firm. That investigation determined an unauthorized third party accessed Sandhills Medical’s server directly and obtained personal information for select patients.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes names, personal health information, and birth dates. This data breach has affected an estimated 169,017 people.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Sandhills Medical may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Sandhills Medical breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Sandhills Medical incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Sandhills Medical

Based in McBee, South Carolina, Sandhills Medical operates as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) that provides community-based primary health care services.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sandhills-medical-foundation-inc-dba-sandhills-medical-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760743.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Danish Publisher Automates Digital Textbook Delivery with Integrated WooCommerce-Webdoxx Solution

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8 hours ago

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May 3, 2026

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Danish educational publisher eliminates manual processing errors and delivers instant access to more than 20 digital learning products

LONDON, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forlaget 94, a Danish educational publisher serving commercial colleges and vocational schools since 1994, has transformed its digital textbook distribution by implementing a fully automated WooCommerce-Webdoxx solution.

“Using the Webdoxx-WooCommerce integration we have achieved full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94

Previously, Forlaget 94 relied on manual processes to distribute digital textbooks to customers. As demand for online educational materials grew, the publisher required a faster, more reliable way to manage orders, provision access, and reduce the risk of administrative errors.

Through its integration of WooCommerce with Webdoxx, Forlaget 94 now runs more than 20 educational products through a 100% automated workflow. The solution automatically processes customer orders and provides instant access to purchased digital textbooks, improving the experience for both customers and internal teams.

“The result is full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” said Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94 and architect behind the WooCommerce-Webdoxx integration. The automated system has enabled Forlaget 94 to eliminate manual errors, accelerate customer processing, and increase customer satisfaction through immediate access provisioning. The implementation demonstrates how educational publishers can modernize digital content delivery while maintaining secure, managed access to learning materials.

Webdoxx, a service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd, provides online DRM and managed document delivery services for publishers, educational organizations, institutions, and commercial content providers.

About Forlaget 94

Forlaget 94 is a Danish educational publisher established in 1994, providing educational products for commercial colleges and vocational schools.

About Webdoxx

Webdoxx is an online DRM and managed document delivery service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd. The platform supports secure access to digital publications and documents across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, government, finance, and publishing.

Media Contact

Mike de Smith, Drumlin Security Ltd, 44 7768404712, info@drumlinsecurity.com, https://www.drumlinsecurity.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/danish-publisher-automates-digital-textbook-delivery-with-integrated-woocommerce-webdoxx-solution-302759942.html

SOURCE Forlaget 94

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