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Based in Dauphin, Manitoba, SciMar is on track to change the course of human health.
In 1991 Dr. Wayne Lautt discovered hepatic insulin-sensitizing substance, or the HISS hormone, while conducting experiments on the liver.
Today, the hormone is known as hepatalin.
From there, years of research took place before SciMar Ltd. was founded in 2009 when Dr. Lautt and his team concluded that hepatalin had a significant impact on type 2 diabetes and metabolic health.
To fully grasp this breakthrough, we must first understand what the SciMar team has brought to life; Mick Lautt, CEO of SciMar, takes us through the advancement his father uncovered:
"The science can be explained through the concept of nutrient partitioning, and that is when you eat a meal, the excess glucose in the blood can be stored either as fat or as muscle. So when we're healthy and young, then you have a nice balance between the actions of insulin and hepatalin. So, insulin from the pancreas and hepatalin from the liver. But as we age and eat a high refined sugar diet and don't get a lot of exercise and deal with stress in a chronic way, we lose the ability to release hepatalin. And so, the body is compensating with increased insulin action. The problem is that insulin does a lot of the work of nutrient partitioning by storing glucose as fat, whereas hepatalin is doing that work by storing it as muscle. So, you can see the problem over time. You move towards being a type 2 diabetic and all the chronic diseases associated with that. That's a significant breakthrough." Mr. Lautt continued, "So, this is a game-changer for us. Our job now is to keep the ball rolling, keep moving forward. Keep understanding what we found. What are the implications of it? Create a suite of products that can detect, prevent, and treat therapeutically the problem at the core, which is the lack of hepatalin. What we've discovered is that type 2 diabetics, they don't have a problem producing insulin; they have a problem producing hepatalin."
The SciMar team has started trials on multiple products involving hepatalin that are currently being clinically tested or soon to be on the market.
Product one: "SciMar NuPa Test" assesses one's ability to produce hepatalin and properly partition nutrients. This at-home test involves drinking a specially formulated shake and then measuring the body's response. When hepatalin production is shown to be inadequate, appropriate interventions can be considered.
Product two: "SciMar NuPa Daily" is a supplement, available without a prescription, that protects the production of hepatalin, thereby supporting metabolic health. Sold at nupa.com, SciMar NuPa Daily is available only in the U.S. for now. It will launch in Canada in 2022.
Product three: "SciMar NuPa Renew" is for people already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. This pharmaceutical drug will activate the production of hepatalin in the first 90 minutes after a meal is consumed. For some people, SciMar NuPa Renew will reverse type 2 diabetes by addressing the underlying biological conditions that led to it. This product is currently in trials and is expected to hit the market in two or three years.
Product four: Hepatalin-S is a synthetic version of naturally occurring hepatalin. This will be a therapeutic treatment for people with advanced type 2 diabetes. SciMar envisions that Hepatalin-S would be used in combination with insulin for a more complete and effective treatment program.
Mick Lautt understands some may be skeptical of this breakthrough:
"We're often asked if we're making a magic pill to solve a lifestyle problem and allow people to continue to engage in behaviours that aren't healthy. Yes, on one level, but it's really important for us to use this platform to encourage lifestyle change. We know that you can fix type 2 diabetes just by lifestyle. So, you don't actually need medication. If you change your diet, get active, deal with your mental health, and minimize the amount of pollution and insults in your environment and all those that impact our bodies and minds, we can fix it, and we know people who have done it. They've been on full medications, insulin injections, pills, and they've been able to fix it and get off and really get their health under control. That's fantastic, and we encourage that. And that's what we want to see."
SciMar’s CEO knows that lifestyle change can be complicated and sometimes out of a person's control:
"However, we also recognized that those behaviours are really difficult to change. And for some people, they're more difficult than others, depending on where you're living—the location, what's happened in your family, food security. There are a lot of things that people can't control. And there are things people can control. They're fighting a lot of addictions and other things. In the meantime, while people struggle to make changes in their lives, we want to provide them with a suite of products that can help. That's why we have an early diagnostic screening tool that can measure health and help people measure the effect of lifestyle interventions. We have a preventive that people can get on now to prevent them from progressing further while making those changes. And then we have a therapeutic for those who are currently sick; they need some kind of treatment right now. Our therapeutic is about staunching the bleeding for this generation of sick people and encouraging people to make lifestyle change." Lautt carried on, "So we don't have another generation, whether it's the next generation or the one after that, that is drug-dependent. So, our goal is to eradicate type 2 diabetes through novel science. As we do that, people need support. Eventually, I would love to put ourselves out of business in 30/40 years when no one needs our therapeutic because type 2 diabetes isn't a problem anymore. So our job right now is to help people with where they are at. And help them as they move forward to be as healthy as they can be."
Rates of type 2 diabetes and the conditions that lead to it—especially obesity—are skyrocketing everywhere. We are moving towards 650 million people around the globe developing diabetes, with Diabetes Canada saying about $75 million is spent each day on diabetes-related problems in Canada.
The current model for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes is not working, but with SciMar's help right here in Manitoba, there is hope for a brighter future for people living with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes everywhere.
To learn more, visit SciMar.ca.
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- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
There was an unveiling ceremony for a bronze bust of Dr. Vernon L. Watson outside of the Watson Art Centre on Thursday.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Gaudet says there were many people in attendance.
“Deputy Mayor Christian Laughland gave some opening remarks, MLA Brad Michaleski was attending, Yvonne Lilly the President of the Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council, we had Johnny Pacey providing music for the event, and Dr. Roger Watson - Dr. Vernon L. Watson’s son flew in from Calgary was in attendance with his son.”
Lisa adds that it was a pleasure to meet Dr. Roger Watson.
Peter Nadolny, coordinator for the Watson Art Centre says Dr. Vernon L. Watson wore many hats.
“He was a dentist, and I think he was on town council for a while. He founded the Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council 1972 and kind of took over the building from the city. It was City Hall for a while and I think it was going to get torn down. He kept it and made it into the arts facility that it is today.”
Yvonne Lilly, President of the Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council says this event was a joint organization with the City.
“Roger had the idea, the city was really excited about doing it, the bust of it that he got made was by the same person who did all of the other ones in town here.”
The bust was cast by Studio West in Cochrane, Alberta.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
The province announced Thursday that they would empower Manitobans to have their say on Manitoba Hydro rates through a public hearing rather than leaving the decision solely on the government.
Last year, the PC government and Brian Pallister decided to raise electricity rates by 2.9 percent, which bypassed the usual exercise of Hydro asking for a rate increase and then the Public Utilities Board having the final say.
Premier Kelvin Goertzen said Hydro would need to put forward its next rate request through the PUB.
"I think it's the desire of caucus and cabinet to see both the process happen through the PUB and to have some rate certainty for Manitobans going forward."
The last rate increase took effect in December 2020.
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- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative Party race is down to two candidates.
MLA Heather Stefanson and former Conservative MP Shelly Glover are the only names that will be on the ballot for the Conservative leadership race.
The winner of the race will end up being the First Female Premier of Manitoba.
Former PC Chief Financial Officer Ken Lee intended to run for the leadership but didn’t make it through the party’s screening process.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Health Canada has approved both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 12 and older, and they also changed the names of the vaccines.
Both vaccines were first given approval for use a month ago however, that go-ahead was only temporary and was only allowed to quickly roll out the vaccines to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
But today, that temporary order became permanent as Health Canada approved both vaccines for use in all people aged 12 and older.
With the thumbs up for these vaccines, Health Canada also changed the names of both vaccines in the process.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will now be known as “Comirnaty”, Moderna will now be called “Spikevax”, and AstraZeneca’s will be called “Vaxzevria.”
Over 84 percent of Canadians over the age of 12 have received at least one COVID-19 shot, and over 77 percent of eligible Canadians are now fully vaccinated.
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Premier Kelvin Goertzen made a few announcements at a press conference this morning.
The third session of the 42nd legislature reconvenes on October 6th at 1:30 p.m.
Goertzen announced that five bills, including bill 64 will be withdrawn when they reconvene.
“As well on that day, bits of the Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act will be tabled. Looking and hoping to pass Bill 72 which is the Disability Support Act which is brought forward by Deputy Premier Rochelle Squires, so looking for support from the opposition to pass that.”
Also announced, was that a meeting between all premiers that was supposed to take place in Winnipeg in early October will now be virtual, and hosted by BC instead of Manitoba.
Goertzen didn't make any announcements related to the Progressive Conservative leadership race after yesterday's deadline passed.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
This year's campaign kicked off at STARS' Regina base at an event with officials from each organization, employees and a former STARS patient who's featured in the 2022 calendar.
Wednesday's announcement marks the seventh consecutive year that Viterra has partnered with STARS to cover the total printing costs of the calendar, representing a total value of more than $1.6 million in sponsorship support for the non-profit fundraising efforts.
Kyle Jeworski, Viterra's CEO in North America, goes into detail about the renewal,
"At Viterra, we recognize the critical importance of first responders and the inspirational work they do on the front lines to help people in rural communities every day, including our employees, customers and their families."
Jeworski carried on about the partnership,
"Viterra and STARS have worked together since 2015, and through the strength of our continued partnership, we're pleased to do our part to help patients share their stories and support STARS in raising awareness of their life-saving work."
The calendar campaign is entering its 29th year and has raised millions of dollars in the process.
The calendars will be available until December 3rd at most Viterra locations and online at starscalendar.ca.
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- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
A former Progressive Conservative party official has announced his bid for the PC leadership race.
Former Manitoba PC chief financial officer, Ken Lee announced last night that he's entered the race to become the party's next leader and Manitoba's premier.
Lee is against vaccine passports and having a vaccine as a job requirement, stating that Canadians cherish their freedoms.
“There is an emerging belief in Canada that the Charter of Rights and Public Health Act have been used by governments to justify the erosion of our freedoms. I believe that now is the time for change in Manitoba’s political leadership.”
According to his campaign website, Lee supports libertarian ideals and describes himself as a "proponent of common-sense conservatism." He also said that over the last 18 months, the lockdowns were "unnecessary."
Also today, Progressive Conservative MLA, Shannon Martin has withdrawn from the leadership bid stating his campaign came up short.
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The Dauphin Kings play their first regular-season home game at Credit Union Place for the first time in 321 days on Saturday when they welcome the Neepawa Titans to town.
The last time Dauphin played a home regular-season game was back on November 1, 2020. Credit Union Place will be able to welcome 100 percent capacity for this season, but there are a few changes in store.
All fans must be fully vaccinated and in order to enter the facility, you must show your QR code or have your immunization card. On top of that, you will be asked to show a second piece of ID to confirm your identity.
Ashley Shaw is the president of the Kings and she's hoping that with hockey back in town, a great crowd will be on hand for all games this season.
"We've missed hockey, it's been a really long time so this is very exciting," said Shaw. "It's something for our community to get back into and rally around this team."
If you're a season ticket holder, you can pick up your tickets beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday outside of the facility. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 7:15 for a light show and player introductions.
Before Saturday's game, Kings hockey returns to 730CKDM tomorrow night with Darnell Duff.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Last night the Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual debate between the Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa candidates.
With the election coming up on Monday, it was one of the last chances for the candidates to get their message out to the voters before they hit the polls.
Overall the candidates agreed on the general issues that we face in Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa and Canada as a whole, such as economic recovery, the environment, and connectivity.
While there was plenty of healthy debate, the atmosphere was very professional, friendly, and positive. Four out of the six candidates attended as the Liberal and NDP candidates were unable to.
The event was broadcast live on the Chamber’s Facebook page and can be viewed at any time.
You can watch the debate here.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
After 24 years without clean drinking water, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation has opened a water treatment facility to end water advisories for the community.
The end of water advisories for the community was officially announced at an event Wednesday morning on the First Nation.
Shoal Lake has never had a centralized water treatment facility despite being the source of where the city of Winnipeg draws water from.
All homes in the community will be able to access clean drinking water from the plant.
Construction of the new $33-million water treatment system started in 2019.
Shoal Lake, which is on the Ontario-Manitoba border, has been under drinking water advisories since 1997.
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- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
