Health

HonorHealth Enrolls First Patient in the Southwest for Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Novel Drug to Battle COVID-19

HonorHealth Research Institute (CRS), or “cytokine storm,” an unhas begun enrolling partici- controlled and overwhelming release pants in a clinical trial at three of pro-inflammatory proteins throughhospitals within the HonorHealth sys- out the body. tem in Phoenix and Scottsdale to study an investigational drug to treat patients Ruxolitinib is approved by the U.S. with COVID-19. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with The randomized controlled Phase 3 intermediate or high-risk myelofibrotrial compares the safety and efficacy sis, polycythemia vera after resistance of two different doses of the drug or intolerance to hydroxyurea, and ruxolitinib to placebo in steroid refractory acute graft participants with COVID- versus host disease. 19-associated acute Ruxolitinib is not respiratory distress approved for the syndrome (ARDS) treatment of pawho are on a tients with COventilator. VID-19 ARDS who are on a In a recently ventilator, but published positive cliniarticle, the cal trial results Journal of could lead to the American a pathway for Medical Associa- FDA approval for tion reported that this use. of the patients with COVID-19 who were The study will comhospitalized, 14.2% were pare two doses of ruxtreated in the intensive care olitinib – 5 mg and 15 mg unit and of those patients, 85.9% twice daily – plus standard of care received mechanical ventilation. to placebo for a period of up to 28 days.

“For our sickest patients with COVID-19 infection, those in intensive care on ventilators, we are sorely in need of new options, this study could potentially reduce the duration of time that patients are intubated on ventilators,” stated Michael S. Gordon, MD, principal investigator of the study.

Researchers throughout the country expect to enroll approximately 500 participants with confirmed COVID-19 infection that must have been confirmed two weeks prior to randomization. Participants must also be intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation at the time of randomization, among other criteria.

Prior studies have shown that many patients with severe respiratory disease due to COVID-19 have features consistent with cytokine release syndrome The study, “A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in participants with COVID-19-associated ARDS who require mechanical ventilation (RUXCOVID-DEVENT),” is sponsored by Incyte Corporation, the manufacturer of the drug in the U.S. For more information on this study, including eligibility criteria visit ClinicalTrials.gov or email covidtrials@ honorhealth.com.

HonorHealth Research Institute continues to assess possibilities for improving the management of patients infected with COVID-19. The HonorHealth Research Institute is focused on expanding its portfolio of treatment options to help support patients and their families fighting COVID-19 in the community.

Righting the Ship After a Financial Setback

By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor lasted from one-to-five years. For others, it took longer, Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory even more than 10 years in some cases. practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Their experiences show that overcoming a financial setback typically requires a deliberate approach. For

2020 has proven to be a challenging year in many half of survey respondents, that included finding ways ways, not the least of which has been a less than to cut back on spending. Tied to that, some (37%) say hospitable financial environment. Events ranging they changed their practices around saving money. A from a significant bear market in stocks earlier in the quarter of respondents decided that adding work hours year to a dramatic increase in job layoffs have put many or delaying retirement was a necessary step. Others Americans in difficult financial positions. If you find found that having emergency reserve funds in place yourself in these circumstances, you may be wondering helped deal with their sudden financial shortfall. what it will take to get back on track.

A recent study by Ameriprise Financial shows that #3 YOU MAY BE BETTER PREPARED AS A with or without a pandemic, financial setbacks are more RESULT common than you might think. More than three-quarters Despite the stress of suddenly facing a financial of those surveyed experienced at least one major struggle, there may be a bright side. More than half of financial setback in their lives and this does not include survey respondents said they ultimately felt stronger as events since COVID-19 emerged.1 a result of the experience. And almost all (97%) say they

According to the study, more than half of respondents have focused on improving their ability to withstand a faced setbacks costing them at least $50,000, and for repeat event. They decided to boost their emergency one-third of respondents the losses exceeded $100,000. savings, many accumulating more than $50,000 in The impact was experienced across a wide range of cash reserves, or enough to fill a six-month income gap households regardless of age or income level. But should they face another setback in the future. persistence paid off – a full 90 percent of respondents who experienced a serious setback say they have GETTING BACK ON TRACK recovered from it. Whether the economic fallout from COVID-19 or some

What can we learn from their experiences? Here are other factor has resulted in a financial setback for you three key takeaways: this year, remember that you are not alone. Take the matter seriously but keep a level head. You’ll want to #1 BE READY FOR ANYTHING closely examine your financial situation to determine

Financial setbacks can occur for a variety of reasons. the most appropriate steps to take to get your recovery Based on survey results, those range from investment underway. Talking with a financial advisor may be a good market declines to earnings that did not meet place to start. expectations, to a job loss. Other events that created negative financial consequences include making a bad 1 Financial Comebacks study conducted online on behalf of Ameriprise financial decision, having to provide support to family members, and divorce or illness. In short, there are any number of obstacles that could put a wrench in your Financial by Artemis Strategy Group among 3,042 Americans ages 30-70 with $100,000 or more in investable assets. Study conducted Jan. 2-20, 2020. financial plans. Having a contingency plan in place to respond to these types of emergencies can help you Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, BFA®, weather the immediate financial stress. APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and #2 PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE ARE asset management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years. To

REQUIRED contact her visit www.affinitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800.

While most people who suffered a significant loss Her office is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where managed to overcome it, don’t expect your comeback to happen overnight. A consistent finding among those who participated in the survey is that it takes time to rebound. AZ85054-3115. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. you want to go. For about two-thirds of the group, the recovery period © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®

Phoenix, AZ 85054

Private Wealth Advisor

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial

602.923.9800

7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Services, Inc.

renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.