US seeks to deport pro-Palestinian Georgetown University student

 U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has detained an Indian man studying at Washington's Georgetown University and is seeking to deport him after deeming him a harm to U.S. foreign policy, the student's lawyer said on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security accused Badar Khan Suri of ties to the Palestinian militant group Hamas and said he had spread Hamas propaganda and antisemitism on social media, according to a statement it shared with Fox News.

The DHS statement to Fox News, which was reposted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, did not cite evidence. It said Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that Suri's activities "rendered him deportable."

Suri - who is living in the U.S. on a student visa and is married to an American citizen - has been detained in Alexandria, Louisiana, and is awaiting a court date in immigration court, his lawyer said. Federal agents arrested him outside his home in Rosslyn, Virginia, on Monday night.

The case comes as Trump seeks to deport foreigners who took part in pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza following an October 2023 Hamas attack. Trump's measures have sparked outcry from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups who accuse his administration of unfairly targeting political critics.

Suri is a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown's Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, which is part of the university's School of Foreign Service. His arrest was first reported by Politico.

"If an accomplished scholar who focuses on conflict resolution is whom the government decides is bad for foreign policy, then perhaps the problem is with the government, not the scholar," Suri's lawyer said in an email.

A Georgetown University spokesperson said the university had not received a reason for Suri's detention and it was not aware of Suri engaging in any illegal activity.

Suri's wife, Mapheze Saleh, is a U.S. citizen, said his lawyer. Saleh is from Gaza, according to the Georgetown University website, which said she has written for Al Jazeera and Palestinian media outlets and worked with the ministry of foreign affairs in Gaza.

Suri himself has been teaching a class this semester on "Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia" and has a Ph.D. in peace and conflict studies from a university in India, according to the Georgetown University website.

Earlier this month the Trump administration arrested and sought to deport Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil over his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil is challenging his detention in court.

Trump has accused Khalil of supporting Hamas. Khalil's legal team says he has no links to the militant group that the U.S. designates as a "foreign terrorist organization."

Trump has alleged pro-Palestinian protesters are antisemitic. Pro-Palestinian advocates, including some Jewish groups, say that their criticism of Israel's assault on Gaza and their their support for Palestinian rights is wrongly conflated with antisemitism by their critics.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-seeks-deport-pro-palestinian-021553633.html

Everyday Health Group Acquires Leading Digital Media Property theSkimm

 Everyday Health Group, a division of Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD), today announced the acquisition of theSkimm, a leading media brand and suite of products delivering high-value content to millions of millennial and Gen Z female readers.

Co-founded in 2012 by then-news producers Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, theSkimm was launched as an email newsletter. From there, it has grown into a suite of products reaching millions of multi-generational women today, serving as a trusted source to help them live their smartest lives by seamlessly integrating into their existing routines. theSkimm now includes the Daily Skimm, Daily Skimm: Weekend, Skimm Money, Skimm Your Life and Skimm Well newsletters, B2B marketer’s newsletter The SKM Report, the “9 to 5ish with theSkimm” podcast, and the WellPlayed sports podcast.

This acquisition should enable Everyday Health Group to engage with theSkimm's dedicated audience seeking trusted, evidence-based information and services to deliver valuable, timely content in the fast-growing category of women’s health and wellness.

"The creation of theSkimm marked a watershed moment in getting vital information to a highly engaged audience of female readers in an incredibly compelling format. Today, it is a multifaceted suite of products and services uniquely designed to help her solve issues and better thrive across her work, life and family goals while simultaneously connecting her to a savvy, supportive and optimistic community," said Nan Forte, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Everyday Health Consumer. "We’re excited to serve and further satiate the voracious appetite of theSkimm audience for trusted tips and insider information at this fast-growing intersection of women’s wellness-based content, community and commerce.”

"Joining Everyday Health presents an extraordinary opportunity for us to enrich our audience with even more comprehensive and in-depth information,” said Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, co-founders of theSkimm. “Leveraging their extensive resources and expertise in the health and wellness space will allow us to better serve and empower the millennial women who rely on theSkimm. We're thrilled to join forces and see the impact we can achieve together." The co-founders will remain with theSkimm.

Wolfson Partners LLC served as theSkimm’s financial advisor on the transaction.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250319625039/en/Everyday-Health-Group-Acquires-Leading-Digital-Media-Property-theSkimm

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals receives orphan drug status in Japan for obesity med

 Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in rare neuroendocrine diseases with a current market capitalization of $3.51 billion and impressive 68% year-over-year revenue growth, announced today that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has granted orphan drug designation to its drug setmelanotide for treating acquired hypothalamic obesity. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains an exceptional gross profit margin of nearly 90%, highlighting its operational efficiency in drug development.

The orphan drug status in Japan, which follows similar designations in Europe, underscores the importance of developing treatments for this rare condition. Acquired hypothalamic obesity is characterized by excessive weight gain and insatiable hunger following damage to the hypothalamus, often due to brain tumors, injury, or inflammation. Wall Street analysts appear optimistic about the company’s prospects, with a consensus "Strong Buy" recommendation and a high price target of $94 per share.

Setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist, aims to address hyperphagia and obesity by targeting the underlying biology of the disease. Rhythm’s ongoing global Phase 3 trial is expected to disclose top-line data in the second quarter of 2025. For detailed analysis of Rhythm’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access comprehensive research reports and additional insights through InvestingPro, which offers exclusive coverage of over 1,400 US stocks, including detailed Fair Value assessments and financial health scores. Yann Mazabraud, Executive Vice President, Head of International at Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, expressed the company’s commitment to providing the first-ever treatment for the underlying biology of hypothalamic obesity, pending trial success and regulatory approvals.

https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/rhythm-pharmaceuticals-receives-orphan-drug-status-in-japan-93CH-3937730

Broadcom (AVGO) Shares Skyrocket

Chip maker Broadcom AVGO +3.66% ▲ is one of several U.S. tech firms set to visit China this month for a government-backed investment summit despite the growing geopolitical crisis between the two countries.

The annual China Development Forum will take place next week according to a report in Reuters. Despite the recent geopolitical tensions, including the introduction of pumped-up trade tariffs between China and the U.S., Broadcom is expected to be one of a number of foreign firms making the trip, as are reportedly peers Synopsys SNPS +0.51% ▲ and Qualcomm QCOM +1.26% ▲ . Some, Reuters reported, will even be given the chance to meet President Xi on their travels.

The forum traditionally sets out Chinese economic development plans and aims for the months ahead and tries to secure co-operation and investment from foreign enterprises to help it achieve its goals.

Beijing is eager to attract more foreign investment to revive what it sees, at least, as an ailing domestic economy. That’s despite growth, of around 5%, that most Western countries would snap a hand or two off for. China wants to boost domestic consumption such as consumer goods and is also keen on further developing its technological capabilities, particularly in the area of AI. According to Reuters, foreign investment into China fell just over 13% last year.

https://www.tipranks.com/news/broadcom-avgo-stock-slumps-as-it-packs-its-bags-for-chinese-investment-push

Capricor projects FDA priority review decision for deramiocel by August 2025

 

Management View

• CEO Linda Marban highlighted the acceptance by the FDA of Capricor's Biologics License Application (BLA) for deramiocel, targeting treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy. The application has been granted priority review with a PDUFA date set for August 31, 2025.
• The BLA submission is supported by data from the Phase 2 HOPE-2 and HOPE-2 open-label extension trials, combined with natural history data from the DMD Cardiac Consortium.
• Capricor plans to begin commercial production of deramiocel at its San Diego facility, which can handle up to 500 patients annually, and is expanding its manufacturing by leasing an additional 25,000 square feet to increase capacity to 2,000-3,000 patients annually by mid-2026.
• CFO A.J. Bergmann reported a strong financial position with approximately $151.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31, 2024, and an additional $10 million milestone payment received post-quarter end from Nippon Shinyaku.

Outlook

• Capricor anticipates FDA feedback on the need for an advisory committee (AdCom) for deramiocel's review but is preparing for such a possibility.
• If approved, the company expects reimbursement for deramiocel to align with other DMD therapies. Initial market entry aims to transition approximately 100 patients currently in open-label extension trials to commercial therapy, with a total addressable market of around 7,500 eligible patients in the U.S.
• The company continues collaboration with its commercial partner, NS Pharma, for U.S. market access and reimbursement strategies.

Financial Results

• Revenues for Q4 2024 were $11.1 million, primarily from recognition of distribution agreement milestones.
• Research and development expenses increased to $13.6 million compared to $9.4 million in Q4 2023, reflecting heightened development activity.
• Net loss for Q4 2024 was $7.1 million, compared to $0.8 million in Q4 2023, driven by increased operational costs.

Q&A

• Edward Tenthoff, Piper Sandler: Questioned the collaboration dynamics with Nippon Shinyaku in preparation for deramiocel’s launch. CEO Marban explained that Capricor is providing product expertise while Nippon Shinyaku focuses on sales and distribution using its existing DMD-focused infrastructure.
• Leland Gershell, Oppenheimer: Asked about payer feedback regarding premium-priced therapies. Marban reiterated favorable responses due to deramiocel addressing an unmet need in DMD cardiomyopathy.
• Kristen Kluska, Cantor Fitzgerald: Inquired about non-ambulatory patient data and potential label extensions. Marban noted that year-over-year functional improvements in upper limb performance support deramiocel's broader therapeutic potential.

Sentiment Analysis

• Analysts displayed positive sentiment, emphasizing Capricor’s progress in regulatory and commercial readiness.
• Management maintained a confident tone, particularly on regulatory pathways and manufacturing expansion. Notable expressions included "high confidence" in facility readiness and "strong statistical significance" of trial data.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/capricor-projects-fda-priority-review-decision-for-deramiocel-by-august-2025/ar-AA1BguvL

scPharmaceuticals Financial Results and Business Update

 scPharmaceuticals (SCPH) reported strong Q4 and full-year 2024 results, with Q4 FUROSCIX revenue reaching $12.2 million (up 99% YoY) and full-year revenue of $36.3 million (up 167% YoY). The company filled approximately 13,300 FUROSCIX doses in Q4 2024, a 23% increase from Q3.

Key highlights include FDA approval for FUROSCIX's expanded label to treat edema in chronic kidney disease patients, with launch planned for April 2025. The company reported about 3,800 unique prescribers through year-end 2024, showing 23% growth from Q3. The gross-to-net discount was 19% for Q4 and 16% for full-year 2024.

Financial position remains strong with $75.7 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024. However, the company reported a net loss of $18.8 million in Q4 and $85.1 million for the full year 2024.

Positive

• Q4 revenue grew 99% YoY to $12.2M, with full-year revenue up 167% to $36.3M
• FDA approval for expanded FUROSCIX indication to include CKD patients
• 23% QoQ growth in FUROSCIX doses filled (13,300 in Q4)
• 123% growth in Integrated Delivery Networks from Q3 2024
• Strong cash position of $75.7M as of December 2024

Negative

• Net loss increased to $85.1M in 2024 from $54.8M in 2023
• SG&A expenses increased 45% YoY to $77.6M in 2024
• Cost of product revenues increased significantly to $11.4M in 2024 from $3.8M in 2023

scPharmaceuticals' Q4 results demonstrate impressive commercial momentum with FUROSCIX revenue reaching $12.2 million for the quarter, representing a 99% year-over-year increase and a 21% sequential growth from Q3. The full-year revenue of $36.3 million shows an even stronger 167% increase compared to 2023. These growth rates indicate accelerating market adoption rather than just initial launch enthusiasm.

The recent FDA approval for FUROSCIX's expanded label to include chronic kidney disease patients represents a significant market opportunity expansion. With approximately 37 million Americans suffering from CKD, this opens a substantial new addressable market beyond the heart failure indication. The company's planned April 2025 formal launch for this indication is well-timed.

Despite the revenue growth, operating losses expanded to $18.8 million for Q4 and $85.1 million for the full year, reflecting continued heavy investment in commercialization. SG&A expenses increased to $21.4 million for Q4, primarily driven by expanded commercial infrastructure and patient support programs.

The company maintained a relatively stable cash position of $75.7 million, providing approximately 4-5 quarters of runway at current burn rates. The upcoming 80mg/1mL Autoinjector program could significantly improve margins, with potential to reduce FUROSCIX costs by approximately 70% if approved mid-year as planned.

The operational metrics are particularly encouraging: 13,300 FUROSCIX doses filled in Q4 (up 23% sequentially), 3,800 unique prescribers (up 23% from Q3), and 123% growth in Integrated Delivery Network penetration. The gross-to-net discount of 19% for Q4 is reasonable for a specialty product gaining 

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SCPH/sc-pharmaceuticals-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-b6gwginkix1q.html

Thermal imaging could be a simple, highly accurate way to track vital signs

 Biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech have developed a system for collecting and processing thermal images that allows for reliable, detailed measurement of vital signs such as respiration and heart rate or body temperature.

Their monitoring approach is passive and requires no contact. The system could one day lead to early detection for cancer or other diseases by flagging subtle changes in body tissues.

The researchers have overcome the spectral ambiguity inherent in conventional thermal imaging, sharpening the texture and detail they can extract from images and removing the effects of heat from the environment surrounding a subject. They have published details of their work in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.

"This could be a cornerstone for future broad biomedical diagnosis," said Dingding Han, lead author on the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. "With this phasor thermographic technology, we can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of thermal imaging to detect abnormalities. Phasor thermography has the capability of getting material segmentation, which is not possible with only pure thermal imaging."

What drives the improvement in Han's system is its ability to eliminate the "fuzziness" of typical thermal images. Usually, they don't sharply differentiate between subtle temperature variations, and heat in the environment can make the images too noisy for precise measurement of physiological signals.

In the study, the researchers showed they were able to precisely measure heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature from multiple parts of the body. They reported the tool effectively differentiated vital signs in scenes with multiple people. It also accurately captured variations in respiration rate before and after exercise.

Han and the research team used a series of filters to capture 10 images of different parts of the infrared spectrum—specifically long-wavelength infrared. This part of the electromagnetic spectrum is beyond the light visible with the human eye. Long-wavelength infrared is the area where thermal radiation is detected.

Postdoctoral scholar Dingding Han adjusts a thermal camera capturing an image of Ph.D. student Corey Zheng. Using an advanced processing technique on the raw thermal image, Han, Zheng, and their collaborators can accurately measure body temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate. Their noncontact technology could open new possibilities for vital sign monitoring and early disease detection. Credit: Candler Hobbs

With those 10 images, they deployed a powerful mathematical tool borrowed from signal processing called thermal phasor analysis. Their algorithms resolved textures in three dimensions smaller than a millimeter. That detail enabled them to effectively distinguish fine thermal variations—for example, facial skin, thick hair near the scalp, thinner hair of eyebrows, and even metal rims of eyeglasses on a human subject.

What's more, Han said, the system uses common equipment, making it powerfully adaptable.

"We used a thermal camera and the filters to get the hyperspectral image data. So, it's scalable," she said. "You could integrate this setup into virtually any thermal imaging platform."

As a result, Han said the system could easily integrate into hospital or other health care settings. She's working to further develop her prototype system and work with doctors to apply it specifically to spotting breast cancer tumors.

"Thermography could give us an advantage in early detection, because it could noninvasively detect abnormal cell activity that indicates early cancer," Han said. "For example, tumor cells need more oxygen to reproduce, so their temperature will be a little bit higher than normal tissue. With this phasor thermography approach, we could spot that."

Han developed the system while working in Shu Jia's lab in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. Jia is the senior author on the study describing the system; other co-authors are Ph.D. students Corey Zheng and Zhi Ling.

"This can be the first step for the next generation of biomedical thermography for early detection and diagnosis of cancer. That's what I'm working toward," Han said. "It's the first prototype with an ultimate goal of evolving the next versions and making it easier to use in hospitals and clinics."

More information: Dingding Han et al, Hyperspectral phasor thermography, Cell Reports Physical Science (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102501

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-thermal-imaging-simple-highly-accurate.html