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How to look beyond the fixed self and choose who you are | Paul Vincent | TEDxPacific Avenue
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-25 16:46
[Applause] You're not actually looking at me right now. What you're seeing is your brain's best guess. Your eyes aren't windows that you're looking through.What's happening is far stranger. Your brain takes millions of sensory signals, filters them through your memories, beliefs, and expectations, and then renders its version of the external world. What you're seeing is an internal image.This is what neuroscientists call the active inference model of the brain. But here's where it gets even more strange. It ...
Here's Why JAZZ Stock Is an Unconventional Cannabis Investment
ZACKS· 2025-09-24 13:45
Core Insights - JAZZ Pharmaceuticals is a unique player in the cannabis sector, focusing on an FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex, rather than traditional cannabis cultivation or sales [1][2] - Epidiolex has become a significant growth driver for JAZZ, contributing over 25% of total product sales and showing a 5% year-over-year increase in sales [3][4] - The global medical cannabis market is projected to exceed $130 billion by 2032, providing JAZZ with a competitive advantage as one of the few established pharmaceutical firms with an FDA-approved cannabis product [5] Company Overview - JAZZ Pharmaceuticals has diversified its portfolio beyond cannabis, maintaining strong positions in neuroscience and oncology [6] - The company's neuroscience segment benefits from the oxybate franchise, particularly Xywav, which is a low-sodium treatment for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia [7] - JAZZ's oncology portfolio, including drugs like Defitelio and Vyxeos, contributed nearly 28% of product sales in the first half of 2025 [8] Recent Developments - The acquisition of Chimerix for $935 million added Modeyso, an FDA-approved drug for glioma patients, enhancing JAZZ's oncology offerings [9] - Despite setbacks in pipeline development, including the discontinuation of suvecaltamide and underwhelming results for JPZ150, JAZZ continues to explore options for its drug pipeline [10][11] Financial Performance - JAZZ's stock has increased by 5% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average of 4% [12] - EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have shown an upward trend, contrasting with declines in estimates for pure-play cannabis companies [13] Market Position - JAZZ Pharmaceuticals is positioned as a balanced biopharma investment, offering exposure to both neuroscience and oncology, with Epidiolex providing a unique entry into the cannabis therapeutics market [16][17]
Creating an AI that can literally read my mind | Hugo Caselles-Dupré | TEDxÉcolePolytechnique
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-22 15:39
Overview - Obvious is an art collective using AI to explore new aesthetics and the social implications of the technology [2] - The collective aims to infuse AI art into culture by collaborating with brands and institutions [4] AI Art & Technology - The collective uses self-invented algorithms to create art, sharing discoveries through scientific papers, open-source code, and artistic creations [4] - The company replicated mind-reading technology using fMRIs, generating images from brain activity [7][10] - The company devised a new protocol to capture imagination and create associated images, separating imagination into weak (memory) and strong (new image) components [14] Artistic Approach & Vision - The company draws inspiration from science and integrates it into art [4] - The company made a parallel with the surrealist movement, aiming to shorten the gap between artistic intuition and creation [17][18][19] - The company emphasizes the importance of opening a debate about mind-reading technologies through art, addressing mental privacy concerns [21] Auction Performance - In October 2018, Edmon Bami, an AI-generated artwork, was the first of its kind to be sold in a major auction house for nearly $500,000 [3]
Contineum Therapeutics Reports Positive Topline Data From Phase 1b Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Trial of PIPE-791
Businesswire· 2025-09-18 12:05
Core Insights - Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. announced positive topline data from its PIPE-791 Phase 1b PET trial, achieving its primary objectives [1] Company Overview - Contineum Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiated therapies for neuroscience, inflammation, and immunology indications [1]
How memories shape your reality | Aleena Garner | TEDxNewEngland
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-12 17:00
Core Argument - Perception is shaped by the interplay of sensations, thoughts, past experiences (memories), and future expectations [3][10][12][13][24] - Individuals can influence their experiences by consciously managing their thoughts, memories, and expectations [24][29] - Recognizing the subjective nature of reality and adapting communication styles are crucial for effective learning and interaction [26][27] Neuroscience Insights - Neural circuits integrate sensation with the brain's internal model to create perception [4][5] - Memory traces record experiences, and reactivating old memories during new experiences can fuse them [6][7][9] - Expectations can suppress neural activity for predicted stimuli and amplify activity for unexpected stimuli [17][18] Learning and Adaptation - Updating internal models is essential for learning and adapting to a changing world [21][22] - Failure to update internal models can hinder learning and lead to a disconnect from reality [20][21][23] - The brain builds internal models of the world based on experience, and errors in prediction lead to model updates [18][20] Implications for Individuals - Actively choosing and triggering positive memories can improve challenging or unpleasant experiences [25] - Mindfulness of sensations helps distinguish them from thoughts and expectations [25] - Deliberate meditation can help manage expectations [25] Implications for Interpersonal Relations and Education - Each individual has a unique perception of reality based on their experiences [26] - Acknowledging different perspectives is crucial for improving various aspects of life [26] - Education systems should appreciate that everyone learns differently and adapt teaching methods accordingly [27]
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) FY Conference Transcript
2025-09-10 16:32
Johnson & Johnson FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) - **Date**: September 10, 2025 - **Speakers**: Joaquin Duato (Chairman and CEO), John Reed (Executive Vice President, Head of Pharma R&D) Key Industry Insights - **Policy Environment**: The company is actively engaging with U.S. policymakers regarding tariffs and manufacturing investments, emphasizing a $55 billion investment program over the next five years to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities [2][6][7]. - **Innovation Focus**: Johnson & Johnson is experiencing significant innovation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, with a strong pipeline in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience [3][12][13]. Core Product Developments - **Elexo Approval**: A new product, Elexo, was approved for localized bladder cancer, projected to be a $5 billion platform, with some estimates suggesting up to $8 billion potential [3][5]. - **Oncology Goals**: The company aims to become the number one oncology company by 2030, targeting $50 billion in sales, with strong growth in multiple myeloma and prostate cancer franchises [13][14]. - **Immunology Pipeline**: The focus is on Tremfya and the upcoming Icotrochimab, which is expected to be a major growth driver due to its oral administration and efficacy comparable to biologics [15][46]. Financial Performance - **Growth Trajectory**: Johnson & Johnson reported strong growth in the second quarter, exceeding expectations in both revenue and earnings per share (EPS), despite facing biosimilar competition [5][25]. - **Future Projections**: The company anticipates continued growth, with expectations that 2026 will outperform 2025, and 2027 will be better than 2026 [25]. MedTech Segment - **MedTech Strategy**: The company aims to be a leader in MedTech, focusing on high-growth markets such as cardiology and robotic surgery, with a commitment to innovation across its portfolio [30][31]. - **Cardiovascular Growth**: The cardiovascular segment saw a 22% growth in the second quarter, driven by acquisitions and innovative products [34]. Research and Development Highlights - **Alzheimer's Research**: Johnson & Johnson is investing heavily in Alzheimer's research, particularly targeting tau proteins, with ongoing phase two studies that could significantly impact treatment options [56][60]. - **Combination Therapies**: The company is exploring combination therapies in immunology, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [54][52]. Market Position and Competitive Landscape - **Community Engagement**: The company is focused on ensuring that new therapies are manageable for community oncologists, emphasizing safety and tolerability [28]. - **Business Development Focus**: Johnson & Johnson is prioritizing early-stage opportunities for significant value creation, with a history of successful smaller deals leading to major product launches [40][41]. Conclusion Johnson & Johnson is positioned for robust growth through strategic investments in innovation, a strong product pipeline, and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs across various therapeutic areas. The company's proactive engagement with policymakers and focus on high-growth MedTech markets further solidifies its competitive edge in the industry.
Will AbbVie's Neuroscience Portfolio Continue to Aid Top-line Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-09-04 14:21
Core Insights - AbbVie has developed a strong neuroscience franchise, initially driven by blockbuster drugs like Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, and has expanded its portfolio with new migraine treatments Qulipta and Ubrelvy, as well as Vyalev for Parkinson's disease [1][2]. Financial Performance - The neuroscience segment contributed over 17% to AbbVie's total sales in the first half of 2025, with revenues growing nearly 21% year over year, primarily due to increased sales of Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, along with rising uptake of Ubrelvy and Qulipta [2][9]. - The strong performance in the neuroscience segment has helped mitigate the decline in Duodopa sales [2][9]. Product Launches and Acquisitions - AbbVie launched Vyalev in the U.S. earlier this year, and while initial sales have been modest, expectations are for its contribution to total revenues to grow over time [3]. - The company is actively investing in new therapies, including a recent agreement to acquire Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' lead pipeline drug for approximately $1.2 billion, which targets major depressive disorder (MDD). This follows a $1.4 billion acquisition of Aliada Therapeutics, which added an investigational antibody for Alzheimer's disease (AD) [4][5]. Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the neuroscience space include Biogen and Johnson & Johnson. Biogen is diversifying its offerings due to declining revenues in its multiple sclerosis franchise and has partnered with Eisai to market an FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease [6]. - Johnson & Johnson has a strong neuroscience portfolio, including the antidepressant nasal spray Spravato and the antipsychotic Invega Sustenna, and recently acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies to enhance its offerings [7]. Valuation and Market Performance - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry year to date, trading at a premium with a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.59, compared to the industry average of 14.84 and above its five-year mean of 12.82 [8][11]. - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen slight increases in the past 30 days [12].
Contineum Therapeutics (CTNM) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-09-04 14:10
Summary of Continuum Therapeutics (CTNM) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Continuum Therapeutics is a San Diego-based biotech company focused on neuroscience, inflammation, and immunology [3][4] - The company has two clinical-stage assets and is pursuing multiple therapeutic areas with important clinical proof of concept readouts expected [4] Key Programs PIPE-791 - PIPE-791 is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of the LPA1 receptor, currently in development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) [5][16] - The unmet need in IPF is significant, with approximately 130,000 patients in the US and 3 million worldwide, and existing treatments are considered suboptimal [7][8] - Current treatments, such as Nintendonib and Prophenidone, have tolerability issues leading to high dropout rates [15] - The LPA1 receptor is linked to fibrosis and inflammation, making it a critical target for IPF treatment [16][17] - Continuum believes that PIPE-791 has a unique pharmacokinetic (PK) profile that allows for high target coverage and improved tolerability compared to existing therapies [21][25] PIPE-307 - PIPE-307 is a muscarinic receptor antagonist being evaluated in relapse and remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) [49] - The program is based on prior studies that demonstrated the potential for muscarinic receptor antagonism to improve remyelination [51] - The Phase II study is designed to measure low contrast letter acuity and other functional biomarkers [57] Clinical Development and Strategy - Continuum plans to initiate a global Phase II proof of concept study for PIPE-791 in the fourth quarter, with a focus on safety, tolerability, and efficacy [30][31] - The company is also conducting a PET receptor occupancy study to validate dosing for PIPE-791 [34][36] - The chronic pain program is exploratory, focusing on osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain, with a small Phase Ib study planned [39][45] Market Landscape - The IPF treatment market is viewed as an untapped opportunity, with existing therapies generating significant sales despite their limitations [29] - Continuum anticipates that a safer and more effective drug could carve out a significant space in the IPF treatment landscape, which is currently lacking in effective options [27][28] Upcoming Catalysts - Key upcoming catalysts include the pain study readout in the first half of next year and the initiation of the IPF study [47] - The company is also monitoring BMS' top-line data, expected in the second half of next year, as a benchmark for its own programs [48] Conclusion - Continuum Therapeutics is positioned to address significant unmet needs in IPF and MS with its innovative drug candidates, backed by a robust clinical development strategy and a focus on improving patient outcomes through enhanced tolerability and efficacy [64]
Decoding Neuroscience | Dr Arunabha Bhattacharjee | TEDxHimalayan International School Youth
TEDx Talks· 2025-08-28 15:40
Core Message - The speech emphasizes the importance of rewiring one's mind to overcome negativity and achieve success [3][4][5] - It introduces the "WIRED" formula: Withstanding negativity, Interpreting emotions, Expanding experiences, and Designing action [4][9][11][12][19] - The speech highlights that evolution and rewiring of the mind are crucial for personal growth [3][8] Overcoming Challenges - The speech addresses common feelings of inadequacy and rejection, advocating for training the mind to break these barriers [7][8] - It stresses the need to withstand negative emotions and baggage that hinder progress [9][10] - The speaker shares a personal story of overcoming fear to illustrate the power of changing one's neural patterns [5][6][13] Action and Purpose - The speech underscores the importance of taking action and curtailing distractions to achieve goals [19][20][21] - It emphasizes the significance of having a purpose in life, stating that a life without aim is meaningless [13] - The speaker encourages appreciating what one has and stopping the complaining attitude to trigger success [15] Leadership and Success - The speech suggests that true leadership is defined by impact and influence, not just titles or knowledge [16] - It asserts that the ability to believe in oneself is the key difference between success and lack thereof [18] - The speaker uses the analogy of a bumblebee defying aerodynamics to illustrate the power of breaking self-imposed limitations [21][22][23]
ABBV Buys Rights to Bretisilocin, a Novel Psychedelic for Depression
ZACKS· 2025-08-26 13:10
Core Insights - AbbVie has announced a deal to acquire Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' lead pipeline candidate, bretisilocin, which is being developed for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) [1][8] Group 1: Deal Details - AbbVie will pay up to $1.2 billion for the acquisition, which includes an upfront payment and development milestones [6][8] - Gilgamesh will spin off its other drug programs into a new company, Gilgamesh Pharma, while AbbVie retains full control of bretisilocin [6][7] Group 2: Clinical Data - Bretisilocin is currently in a phase II study for moderate-to-severe MDD, showing rapid and durable antidepressant effects [2][8] - In the phase II study, bretisilocin led to a statistically significant reduction in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score, with patients improving by an average of 21.6 points compared to 12.1 points for the comparator at Day 14 [2] Group 3: Market Context - AbbVie has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its early-stage neuroscience pipeline, with recent deals including the acquisition of Aliada and Cerevel Therapeutics [9][10] - AbbVie's neuroscience portfolio has seen significant growth, with sales increasing by 20.3% to around $5 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by products like Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar [11]