Millennium Laboratories

WHAT: The Patriot Group will be hosting “Hire a Patriot” Thursday, June 13, 2013 at The Commerce Hotel & Casino in Commerce, Calif. More than 55 exhibitors represent hundreds of job openings and educational opportunities for active duty service members, veterans and their families. Millennium Laboratories will also receive the inaugural “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” award for its continued support to the veteran community.

WHO: The Patriot Group is committed to helping active duty military, veterans and their families transition and find meaningful employment, the right education or training and necessary resources. This event is sponsored by Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from pain and addiction. Nancy Lazarski, VP, Global Defense Health Care is available for media interviews on location.

WHY: People with military backgrounds have training, discipline, and team and leadership skills that make them extremely desirable candidates, yet, in 2012, the average unemployment rate for veterans was 9.9 percent, while the general population averaged 8.1 percent. And the unemployment rate for veterans aged 18-24 was as high as 30 percent two years ago, but dipped to 20 percent by the end of 2012. This event seeks to directly connect employers with these skilled individuals who are looking for new educational and career opportunities.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Active duty military, veterans and their family members who are seeking new educational and career opportunities should attend. The public is also welcome. Attendees should come dressed professionally and have plenty of copies of their resumes to hand out to the employers.

WHEN:  Thursday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• • Presentation of the inaugural “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” award to Millennium Laboratories’ Nancy Lazarski, VP, Global Defense Healthcare at 9:45 a.m.
• • Special Guest Speaker—John Rixey Moore, former US Army Green Beret, actor, athlete and author from 9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• • Resume and Interview skills workshop, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. hosted by EDD
• • “Job Ready Dress” –how to dress for success workshop from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. hosted by Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)

WHERE: The Commerce Hotel & Casino, 6131 East Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040. There is ample free self-parking.

 
Contact:
Nicole Beckstrand
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
858-217-1192
Nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

Brock Hardaway to step in following founder’s move to lead board of directors for high-growth clinical lab

SAN DIEGO (May 2, 2013) – Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction, today announced it has tapped W. Brock Hardaway,  healthcare executive and growth expert, as the new CEO. The move comes as current CEO and Founder, James Slattery moves to head up the board of directors. Hardaway comes to Millennium Laboratories with two decades of leadership experience in healthcare and a strong track record of growth and performance.

“This is an exciting time for Millennium Laboratories, as we bring in Brock and his ability to leverage our high-growth brand and over 1,000 highly-skilled employees, to prepare Millennium for the future of healthcare,” said Millennium Laboratories CEO and Founder, James Slattery. “I am very proud of Millennium’s many accomplishments, industry leading product and service offerings, and gifted team of managers and employees. As I look to opportunities for growth, including international expansion and broadening our pipeline with new products to improve healthcare, Brock’s leadership acumen in the healthcare industry will ensure our position as a leading clinical laboratory in the United States.”

Hardaway was sought out for his broad management background, his ability to build and lead high performance teams, and for his strong commitment to quality and ethical standards. He most recently served as executive vice president of operations for Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND), which operates approximately 225 nursing and rehabilitation centers and 120 long-term acute care hospitals in 26 states, with a combined capacity of more than 36,000 beds. While there, he oversaw day-to-day operations of 47 inpatient hospitals with approximately 11,000 employees, the largest region of the largest business unit within Kindred, responsible for generating a significant portion of Kindred’s nearly $6.2 Billion in annual net revenue. Hardaway was retained by Kindred post acquisition of RehabCare, where he had served as executive vice president and hospital division president, reporting directly to the CEO. In that capacity, Hardaway improved performance of hospital operations at RehabCare by more than 45 percent year-over-year and successfully took former RehabCare hospitals from an operating loss to a substantial operating profit.

Prior to RehabCare, Hardaway was president and chief operating officer of Triumph HealthCare, LLC. He led the company through an unprecedented period of growth, despite operating in a very complex regulatory environment, and ultimately played a key role in the sale of the company to RehabCare Group. He guided the acquisition and integration efforts of 16 hospitals between 2005 and 2008, expanding Triumph from a regional presence in Houston to a national brand. Prior to that, Hardaway served as regional vice president of operations at Select Medical Corporation, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of over 30 hospitals across the United States. Prior to Select Medical Corporation, Hardaway held positions of increasing responsibility with companies including Vencor (now Kindred Healthcare, Inc.), BlueCross Blue Shield of Texas, and Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

Hardaway holds a bachelor’s degree in hospital administration from Southwest Texas State University and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Edward’s University Executive Program. He was previously on the board of directors for ATI Physical Therapy, Inc. and served as chairman of the board of directors for Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as other hospital boards.

“I am thrilled with the prospects for growth for Millennium Laboratories,” said Hardaway. “The company is working in areas of diagnostics and pharmacogenetics that are changing the landscape of pain and addiction management. My track record of growth in a highly regulated industry will serve the company well into the future as we launch new products and serve more communities with our groundbreaking technology and service offerings.”

Contact:
Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
858-217-1192
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

Teen-Inspired Performance Shines Spotlight on Youth Access to Prescription Drugs

WHAT:

King-Chavez High School students will bring a dramatic twist to community engagement in the campaign against prescription drug abuse. During the month of April, the aspiring actors will bring their production of The Holding Cell to a variety of civic settings, in the hopes of raising awareness of prescription drug abuse, San Diego County’s leading cause of accidental death.

Drawing inspiration from the alarming rate of prescription drug abuse among teens (2,500 kids between the ages of 12-17 begin to abuse prescription drugs each day) the student ensemble will perform The Holding Cell for a variety of community stakeholders. Presented from the perspective of a teenage girl named Skylar, the play explores the slippery slope of high-risk behavior that catapults youth into drug abuse and addiction.

The Holding Cell is produced with the support of SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) San Diego and a generous grant from Millennium Laboratories, a San Diego-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people living with chronic pain and addiction. Millennium Laboratories is the Founding Corporate Sponsor of Wake Up!, a community education campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, and to prevent first-time drug use among teens.

WHO:

The Holding Cell Cast (Eight student actors from King-Chavez High School Drama Department)
Special Agent Tom Lennox, Drug Enforcement Agency
Greg Stein, Millennium Laboratories, Founding Corporate Sponsor of Wake Up!
Cindi Feldman, Mother of a child recovering from substance abuse
Aaron Rubin, Student left paralyzed by his abuse of prescription drugs, and his mother Sherrie will share a drug prevention presentation on behalf of The Hope Foundation
Mayor Bob Filner is expected to attend the April 26 performance

WHEN:

Tuesday, April 23 at 10 a.m., Student performance of excerpts from The Holding Cell for the San Diego City Council (City Council Chambers, 202 C Street, 10^th Floor, San Diego 92101)
Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m., Community Performance (King-Chavez Academy, 415 31^st Street SD 92102)

WHY:

According to the U.S Office of National Drug Control Policy, most teens initially get prescription pills from family and friends, including straight from home medicine cabinets. Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. More than one-third of those abusing prescription drugs in the U.S. are between the ages of 12-17. Deaths from prescription drug overdoses have become the second leading cause of accidental deaths nationwide, and the leading cause in as many as 15 states.¹

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Contact:

Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
858-217-1192
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

Molly Bowman-Styles
Windansea Communications
619-857-4429
molly@windanseacommunications.com

Progressive Medical to use Millennium UDT to help address increase in prescription opioid use among workers’ compensation populations

SAN DIEGO (April 15, 2013) – Millennium Laboratories and Progressive Medical, Inc., a leading workers’ compensation pharmacy benefit manager, today announced a collaboration for servicing workers’ compensation claimants. Millennium Laboratories is now a preferred provider in Progressive Medical’s network that will provide its clients with medication monitoring and drug detection testing services.

“We are pleased to have Millennium Laboratories become part of our comprehensive urine drug monitoring network,” said Progressive Medical’s Chief Clinical Officer Tron Emptage. “This relationship with Millennium helps us fulfill our mission to reduce costs and ensure appropriate treatment by providing tools for clients and physicians to improve care and monitor adherence to medication therapy.”

With the use of opioid analgesics on the rise among the workers’ compensation population, payers in this market face unique challenges. The agreement means that Millennium’s industry leading services can be used by prescribers treating injured workers for chronic pain and/or addiction to determine and document their use of prescribed medications and substances. Armed with this data, physicians may more safely and effectively improve outcomes for these individuals, helping them get back to work and resume productive, quality lives.

Prescription drug abuse results in one death every 19 minutes in the U.S.¹ Workers’ compensation claimants using opioids chronically have healthcare costs that are more than four times those of claimants not using opioids.² For 90 days or longer, odds of chronic work loss are 11–14 times more likely for claimants with opioid prescriptions compared to those without opioids.³

“Millennium’s medication monitoring and drug detection testing services will enable Progressive Medical clients to have a better understanding of the medications and drugs an injured worker may or may not be taking, help identify possible drug-drug interactions and often can help initiate a broader conversation about the individual’s physical and mental health,” said Millennium Laboratories’ Vice President, Managed Markets and Workers’ Comp, Brent Gibbs. “We are thrilled to have our product and service offerings become part of Progressive Medical’s promise to lower costs and improve care.”

About Progressive Medical, Inc.

Progressive Medical promises the lowest total program cost through more control and better outcomes. As a leader in the workers’ compensation PBM industry, we believe it’s our responsibility to make a difference; to look at every aspect of the business with fresh eyes. This means looking for ways to reduce total PBM cost, reinvent relationships, combine analytics with clinical innovation and advocate industry-supporting public policy. Doing what’s best for both clients and injured workers alike. Visit www.progressivemedical.com to learn more.

(1) http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/prescription-drugs/prescription-drug-abuse-results-in-one-death-every-19-minutes-in-u-s

(2) Leider HL, Dhaliwal J, Davis EJ, Kulakodlu M, Buikema AR. Healthcare costs and nonadherence among chronic opioid users. Am J Manag Care. 2011;17(1):32-40.

(3) Volinn E, Fargo JD, Fine PG. Opioid therapy for nonspecific low back pain and the outcome of chronic work loss. Pain. 2009;142(3):194-201.

Contacts:
Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
858-217-1192
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

Joni Bentz Seal
Progressive Medical
 614-212-8221
joni.seal@progressive-medical.com

SAN DIEGO and Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. (April 10, 2013) – The prevalence of chronic pain in the United States continues to be significant, affecting millions of patients, yet under-treatment continues to be a problem. An educational luncheon sponsored by Millennium Laboratories at the upcoming American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) Annual Meeting will introduce the clinical value of pharmacogenetic testing (PGT), a new diagnostic tool that identifies a patient’s ability to metabolize medications commonly used in pain management. The AAPM Meeting will take place April 11-14 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

“Genetic differences may help to explain suboptimal pain control, medication interactions, adverse effects, the need for higher or lower dosing, and unexpected urine drug test results,” said Steven D. Passik, PhD, Director of Clinical Addiction Research and Education, Millennium Laboratories. “With our sponsorship of an educational session during this week’s conference, we are supporting AAPM in its efforts to provide pain physicians with updated information and new technology necessary to provide the best care for patients.”

The Millennium-sponsored symposium, titled “Personalizing Pain Care with Pharmacogenetics,” will be presented by Forest Tennant, MD; Michael J. Brennan, MD; Passik; and Jennifer Strickland, PharmD, Director of Strategy for Clinical Affairs for Millennium Laboratories on Saturday, April 13 at 12:15 p.m. in the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center-Grand Ballroom FH.

PGT results may help prescribers optimize choice of effective medication therapy while potentially minimizing side effects and drug-drug interactions. Case studies will be presented that highlight the value of pharmacogenetic testing and discuss the clinical application of an individual’s metabolism profile as it relates to personalized medication therapy.

This symposium is especially timely because millions of Americans suffer with pain on a daily basis and are not taking the proper steps to seek treatment. More than 40 million Americans suffer with chronic low back pain, more than 38 million suffer with migraine, and more than 17 million with pain associated with osteoarthritis. Millions of other Americans suffer regularly with chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis pain, cancer-related pain, post-herpetic neuralgia pain, and pain secondary to HIV or AIDS. ^1,2,3,4,5,6

For more information or to register for the lunch symposium, please visit Millennium at booth #407.

 (1) Lethbridge-Cejku M, Rose D, Vickerie J. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2004. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(228). 2006.

(2) Seget S. Pain Management: World Prescription Drug Markets. New York, NY: PJB Medical Publications; 2003. Theta Report 1217.

(3) Lipton RB et al. Neurology. 2007;68(5):343-349.

(4) Coeytaux RR, Linville JC. Headache. 2007;47(1):7-12.

(5) Weir PT et al. J Clin Rheumatol. 2006;12(3):124-128.

(6) Oxman MN et al. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(22):2271-2284.

Contact:

Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
858-401-2897
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

WAKE UP! to Present This Week at Native American Youth Forum, and Clinton Global Initiative University Conferences

SAN DIEGO (April 4, 2013) – Results released this week by the independent research firm Touchstone Research Institute, reveal the 2012 teen prescription drug abuse pilot program, WAKE UP!, to be a success. Compared to a benchmark survey of approximately 3,800 students conducted prior to the program launch, data show that more than 75 percent of all respondents were significantly more aware of the dangers of misusing and abusing prescription drugs.

According to the U.S Office of National Drug Control Policy, most teens initially get prescription pills from family and friends, including straight from home medicine cabinets. Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. More than one-third of those abusing prescription drugs in the U.S. are between the ages of 12-17. Deaths from prescription drug overdoses have become the second leading cause of accidental deaths nationwide, and the leading cause in as many as 15 states.^[i]

WAKE UP!, established by The Pain Truth, a Florida 501(c)(3), was implemented into five pilot schools, thanks in part to a grant from Millennium Laboratories, three in San Diego, and two in Tampa Bay, Fl. The objective of the in-school prescription drug educational program is to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and change perceptions concerning the misuse and abuse of controlled prescription medications among high school students, providing students with knowledge to make better decisions and prevent first use. WAKE UP! uses multi-media, social marketing and other tactics that are familiar and appealing to teens, but WAKE UP! program developers believe the real motivating force is the science-based facts presented to the students.

Additional findings from the survey demonstrate that nearly half of students believe that the program would change the behavior of their peers. After being exposed to WAKE UP!, attitudes and behaviors concerning prescription drugs changed, with between 30 percent and 40 percent of students expressing more concern about friends’ or family members’ drug use, and reported that they were more likely to tell a parent, teacher, doctor or other trusted adult about their own or others’ drug use. Additionally, over 90 percent of teens surveyed now understand that people are at risk of harming themselves if they use prescription drugs not prescribed to them.

“The results of the study are overwhelmingly positive and clearly indicate the WAKE UP! campaign can have tremendous, beneficial outcomes,” says Lora Brown, MD, a Board Certified Pain Management Physician and Medical Director for WAKE UP!. “Our team is looking forward to the future, and all that we can do in schools and communities across the country with WAKE UP! takeovers, and sustainability through our CORE Ambassador student teams that we leave behind and continue to work with after the initial campaign.”

“We are a part of the WAKE UP! campaign for one reason: to educate youth on the dangers of misusing prescription medications,” said Howard Appel, President of Millennium Laboratories. “The data show that WAKE UP! is having a positive impact, raising awareness and changing behaviors through education, which will ultimately protect our communities, our families and preserve our children’s lives.”

WAKE UP! has been invited to present the campaign and new research results at two upcoming national conferences.

The first is the Native American Youth Forum – Drug Abuse Education for a Community Response taking place April 5 at Pala Resort, northeast of San Diego. Statistics show that prescription drug abuse impacts American Indian/Alaska Native communities at a higher rate than any other racial group.^[ii] Loretta Avent, Former Deputy Assistant to President Clinton for Intergovernmental Affairs, White House Liaison to Indian Country and Liaison to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Office, in her continued commitment to try to help improve the lives of Native American youth, collaborated with Millennium Laboratories to bring together tribal representatives from across the U.S., including Native American youth, elders and tribal leaders, to learn about the WAKE UP! campaign, as well as outreach and best practices for educating Native American youth on illicit and prescription substance abuse.

Dr. Brown was also asked to speak at the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative University event at Washington University in St. Louis. She will be among a roster of influential thought leaders that includes entertainers, reporters, and fellow non-profit agencies and social activists. On April 6, Brown will take part in the panel discussion, “Ensuring Medication Safety: The Overlooked Epidemic of Prescription Drug Misuse” with panelists that include, Actor Matthew Perry, Young People in Recovery Member Sarah Nerad, and Deputy Director for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli.

Dr. Brown and the WAKE UP! team will be tweeting live from both events. Follow all the action @TeenRxAbuse or join the conversation using the hashtag #RxTalk.

 If you’d like to receive a copy of the full study report, send your request to info@wakeupnow.org.

About WAKE UP!

WAKE UP! is a community educational campaign established by The Pain Truth, a Florida 501(c)(3), to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers. It is designed to use science, not scare tactics, to educate teenagers of the effects and dangers of prescription drugs. The program uses a school “takeover” approach to reach thousands of students and their families with an extended program designed to teach not preach about the dangers of abusing and misusing prescription drugs. This program is unique in many ways. One of the most important aspects is sustainability through a school-based CORE of students and educators that remain present and active long after the original campaign is complete.

Press Contact:
Nicole Beckstrand, Nicole.Beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com
Millennium Laboratories
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(858) 401-2897

^[i] U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

^[ii] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Dr. Steven Passik to lead efforts to educate healthcare providers about pain management and addiction

SAN DIEGO – Dec. 10, 2012 — Millennium Laboratories today announced leading pain and addiction expert, Steven D. Passik, Ph.D ., will be joining its management team as director of clinical addiction research and education and principal investigator for Millennium Research Institute.  Millennium Laboratories is the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction.  Millennium Research Institute is a non-profit national research center that helps advance the science and outcome of pain and addiction management through education, research and advocacy.

Dr. Passik will guide the company’s strategy around meeting the needs of addiction professionals through education and research on the use of medication monitoring and drug testing and pharmacogenetic testing to improve outcomes for patients suffering from pain and addiction.

“Chronic pain and addiction inflict an enormous burden on individuals, families, and society,” said James Slattery, CEO of Millennium Laboratories.  “Dr. Passik, a nationally recognized authority in pain and addiction, will help us to continue to provide scientific research and education to healthcare professionals to advance the care of these people who are suffering.”

Dr. Passik most recently served on the faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., as professor of psychiatry and anesthesiology. He was section co-editor for the opioid pain and addiction section of Pain Medicine, served on the editorial board of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management and has been a reviewer for many peer-reviewed journals, including The Clinical Journal of Pain. Dr. Passik was editor in chief of the National Cancer Institute’s PDQ Supportive Care Editorial Board. He was named a fellow of Division 28 of the American Psychological Association (Psychopharmacology & Substance Abuse) and awarded a Mayday Fund Fellowship in Pain and Society. An author of more than 120 journal articles, 60 book chapters, and 59 abstracts, he speaks nationally and internationally on pain, addiction and the pain/addiction interface.  Dr. Passik received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the New School for Social Research, New York, and was a chief fellow, Psychiatry Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

“It is proven that education, medication monitoring and drug detection are critical elements to addiction treatment and, I believe, key to stemming the epidemic of prescription drug abuse facing this country,” said Dr. Passik. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity, after my 25-year career in academia and treating patients, to have even greater reach and influence on the quality of care for these patients who are suffering.”

Contact: 
Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
877-451-3534
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com 

New drug testing method provides highly sensitive and specific results

SAN DIEGO – Dec. 5, 2012 — Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction, announced today its launch of a new test to monitor patients using Butrans, a transdermal patch that delivers buprenorphine continuously for seven days.

Butrans (buprenorphine) Transdermal System is indicated for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. Millennium’s research team identified that patients on Butrans typically excrete the parent drug buprenorphine, together with its major metabolite norbuprenorphine, at urinary concentrations that are significantly lower than those measured from patients on other forms of buprenorphine (i.e., suboxone, subutex). Effective detection of these drugs at such low levels requires testing at sensitivities not afforded by currently available methods used for monitoring patients on other forms of buprenorphine.

Millennium’s proprietary method, developed on its liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)platform, is capable of measuring low levels of buprenorphine and its major metabolite norbuprenorphine in urine. Millennium’s technology is highly sensitive and specific, providing healthcare professionals with a quantitative measurement that is unaffected by other drugs or dietary supplements that may be present in the patient’s sample.

“Millennium continues to invest enormous resources to develop and improve its product and service offerings, which include new tests for prescribed medications and drugs that our customers are seeing in their practices,” said Millennium Laboratories’ President, Howard Appel. “Millennium is on the forefront of drug monitoring and testing, and like we did when we developed high sensitivity tests for Spice, Bath Salts and Kratom, we responded rapidly to our customers’ evolving needs by developing this Butrans test.”

Urinary analysis for Butrans may be ordered to confirm that the patient is using the medication, metabolizing the medication, or to confirm complete elimination of the medication prior to beginning a new therapeutic regimen. Final results are reported generally within one business day of specimen receipt. Millennium also offers phone consultations with toxicologists to assist its customers in results interpretation through its RADAR Hotline, seven days per week.

Contact:
Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
877-451-3534
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

Dr. Jean Amos Wilson to lead pharmacogenetics laboratory team

SAN DIEGO – December 4, 2012 — Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction, today announced that its pharmacogenetics laboratory received accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and licensure to provide Millennium PGT to healthcare providers in the state of Florida. Additionally, the company announced that Jean Amos Wilson, Ph.D. is the new genetics laboratory director.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our excellence in regulatory compliance and that we can now provide our Millennium PGT tests to healthcare professionals, including those in Florida, to help personalize pain treatment,” said Millennium Laboratories President, Howard Appel. “Dr. Amos Wilson is an excellent addition to our laboratory leadership to ensure we continue to deliver the high level of service and compliance our customers expect.”

Dr. Amos Wilson, who is current president of the California Clinical Laboratory Association and has more than 30 years of experience in clinical laboratory management and molecular genetics, directs the genetics laboratory. She most recently served as vice president, laboratory operations for Berkeley HeartLab, a Quest Diagnostics service. Prior to that, Dr. Amos Wilson was senior director of genetic services at Sequenom, where she led the technical direction of its clinical research organization providing high throughput molecular testing for research and diagnostics. Previously, she directed human molecular genetics groups at Focus Diagnostics and Specialty Laboratories, both commercial clinical laboratories. Dr. Amos Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate degree in genetics, all from The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics in Clinical Molecular Genetics and licensed as a laboratory director in California and New York. She is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and is an active member of the Association for Molecular Pathology. Dr. Amos Wilson has authored more than 70 publications in the field of genetics, including several molecular method guidance documents for the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute.

Millennium PGT pharmacogenetic testing is saliva-based testing designed to detect genetic variations in enzymes associated with the metabolism of medications commonly prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and pain-related effects. These genetic variations can result in clinically significant differences in patients’ response to prescribed medications.

Millennium PGT can help clinicians more effectively personalize pain treatment by identifying patients who may benefit from modifying the drug selection or dosing of certain prescribed opioids, including codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, and methadone; and benzodiazepines; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

This is Millennium Laboratories’ second CAP accreditation; its urine drug testing laboratory was accredited in 2011. CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is the highest standard for regulatory compliance and the only internationally recognized program that utilizes teams of practicing laboratory professionals as inspectors. Designed to go well beyond regulatory compliance, the program is considered the gold standard in laboratory accreditation.

Contact:
Nicole Beckstrand
Corporate Communications
Millennium Laboratories
877-451-3534
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com

November 27, 2012 – Washington, D.C.– The not-for-profit Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence (CLAAD) today announced the winners of its national contest sponsored by Millennium Laboratories identifying the “Top Five Technologies to Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse.”

In alphabetical order, the top five honorees include:

1. Atlantic Pharmaceuticals’ SMART/Script dosage form to decrease medication tampering;
2. Eagle Advancement Institute’s Clarity program for opioid detoxification, addiction treatment, and aftercare;
3. Egalet’s erosion-based drug delivery platform, designed to resist tampering;
4. The Locking Cap, a medication bottle cap to prevent unauthorized access to prescription medications, particularly by children and teens; and
5. Pisgah Labs’ P2P Interventions process to safeguard medications’ active ingredients.

Honorable mention goes to Abuse Tech’s Abuse-Loc, a locking medication bottle to prevent the diversion of drugs from homes.

The Top Five Technologies competition aims to increase public awareness of the U.S. prescription drug abuse epidemic, and to support private-sector efforts to address the problem.

“These companies, as well as the contest’s sponsor, Millennium Laboratories, have demonstrated a sincere commitment to addressing the prescription drug problem. We hope the Top Five Technologies recognition will expedite their success in meeting that goal,” said Michael Barnes, spokesman for CLAAD.

San Diego-based Millennium Laboratories is the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction.

“We are proud to recognize the Top Five honorees focused on the critically important effort to advance patient care and help address the epidemic of prescription drug abuse,” said Howard Appel, president of Millennium Laboratories. “Supporting CLAAD and technologies like these is critical to our mission to alleviate suffering through scientific research and education, and points to the impact collaborations like this can have in the fight against prescription drug abuse.”

About the Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence
The not-for-profit Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence (CLAAD) is a national coalition of health care providers, law enforcement, community organizations, and businesses working together to reduce prescription drug abuse while optimizing patient care. CLAAD’s National Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy, which has earned the endorsements of 30 non-profit organizations, identifies the adoption of new technologies as an essential component of prescription drug abuse prevention policy. Visit claad.org, and follow @claad_coalition.

About Millennium Laboratories
Millennium Laboratories is the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction. The company provides healthcare professionals with medication monitoring, drug detection and pharmacogenetic testing services to personalize treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety. More information can be found at www.millenniumlabs.com.

Contacts:
Paul Scott O’Neill, Policy Advisor
pso@claad.org
(202) 599-8435, ext. 701

Nicole Beckstrand, Corporate Communications
nicole.beckstrand@millenniumlabs.com
(858) 451-3534

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 17, 2012 – Millennium Laboratories employees held a blood drive today at the company’s headquarters in San Diego in support of San Diego County Sheriff’s Detective Ali Perez. On September 25th, Detective Perez an 18-year veteran, and Sgt. Craig Johnson were shot with a high-powered rifle after they arrived at a Lakeside apartment to arrest a suspect on allegations of child abuse. Detective Perez has been in critical condition since, requiring surgery nearly every day for the past two weeks.

“We are proud of Millennium’s culture when employees can raise awareness for all of us to help in times of need,” said Millennium Laboratories CEO James Slattery. “We should all take this moment to pay tribute to Detective Perez and Sgt. Johnson. They risked their lives to protect our community and our children. These men are heroes and it is beholden on us, this same community they so valiantly serve, to answer the call to help and donate blood with the San Diego Blood Bank. We encourage others to do the same and be proud. What you do today will make a difference.”

San Diego County Sheriff William Gore said: “We are very grateful to the citizens of San Diego County, who continue to generously offer their blood donations,” explained Sheriff Bill Gore. “The rally behind our heroes has been nothing short of remarkable, and I wish we could thank each person individually.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, visit San DiegoBloodBank.org or call 1-800-4MY-SDBB (1-800-469-7322).

The Pain Truth Launches Powerful Educational Program Empowering Young People to Make the Right Decisions for Their Bodies and Brains

San Diego, CA (September 24, 2012) –– More than one-third of prescription drug abusers in the U.S. are between the ages of 12-17. Prevention of adolescent drug use has never been more important. In response to this alarming trend, WAKE UP! (www.WakeUpNow.org) was formed as a community education campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and to prevent first time use by teens. Statistics now show that 95% of those with lifetime dependence to alcohol and drugs started using the substances as adolescents.

The WAKE UP! Program, created by The Pain Truth, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, began two years ago as a grassroots effort to arm young people with the knowledge to make better decisions when confronted with opportunities to abuse prescription drugs. The overwhelming positive reception by students and surrounding communities to the pilot program, which began in Florida, led to a coast-tocoast launch taking place this month in California, and Florida. The campaign is provided at no cost to schools or communities.

The WAKE UP! campaign enlisted the help of a nationwide millennial generation advisory board, as well as local CORE teams at each school to assist with planning and execution. The program deploys a “takeover” approach by providing a massive on-campus presence utilizing graphics, multi-media, curriculum, social media, creative expression contests, and interactive events. WAKE UP! uses scientific facts to demonstrate the permanent biological changes that can occur in the brain and body with prescription drug abuse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies continue to demonstrate that the majority of teens and parents still believe that recreational use of prescription drugs is “safe” because a doctor prescribes the drugs. Although headquartered at high schools, WAKE UP! incorporates community involvement through the use of local media, physician education initiatives, and a town hall meeting. National participation is encouraged through social media and the WAKE UP! website.

The American College of Preventative Medicine reports that substance use before the age of 18 is associated with an eight-fold likelihood of developing substance dependence in adulthood. “A person’s brain is developing until the age of 24, making teens extremely vulnerable. Even experimenting with pills can alter the brain and lead to a life-long addiction,” said WAKE UP! Medical Director and Pain Management Physician, Lora Brown, M.D. “What is really frightening, is that there is no cure for addiction.”

“Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs knows no boundaries and requires a comprehensive response that engages all elements and influencers of a teenager’s life,” said Paul Barsky, Head of Upper School at Francis Parker School. “We applaud WAKE UP! for taking this issue head on in both public and private schools across our nation and are proud to be involved in this innovative program at its inception.”

“The WAKE UP! campaign is a needed and necessary program for teenagers nationwide. We immediately got on board when approached to be one of the initial school systems. We’re thrilled to be national leaders of WAKE UP! by bringing this important message into our students’ curriculum,” said Joe Fulcher, Ph.D., Chief Student Services Officer at San Diego Unified School District.

Primary funding for this program has come from Millennium Laboratories, Inc., a San Diego based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain. “As a parent and grandparent, as well as a San Diego community member, I am personally aware of and deeply concerned about the dangers of prescription medication misuse and abuse.” said James Slattery, CEO of Millennium Laboratories. “Addiction is devastating and destroys families. This program engages teens in a way that doesn’t seek to simply scare or lecture, but educates them so they can make better choices.”

To expand beyond community reach, teens and the public nationwide are invited to participate by visiting  www.WakeUpNow.org to download educational materials, find additional program information, get help, share stories and more. In addition, peers can also connect via the “WAKE UP! Mobile” app and website social pages. They can also join in a variety of contests designed to invoke creative and emotional expression.

About WAKE UP!:
WAKE UP! is a community educational campaign established by The Pain Truth, a Florida 501(c)(3), to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers. It is designed to use science, not scare tactics, to educate teenagers of the effects and dangers of prescription drugs. The program uses a school “takeover” approach to reach thousands of students and their families with an extended program designed to teach not preach about the dangers of abusing and misusing prescription drugs. This program is unique in many ways. One of the most important aspects is sustainability through a school-based CORE of students and educators that remain present and active long after the original campaign is complete. Additional campaign elements include: simultaneous student, teacher, family, physician and community education; four weeks of one-on-one engagement; and integrated & interactive social media components that keep students engaged. Throughout the campaign, outcomes measurement will be compiled for continuous evaluation and steering of the program. Initial funding was provided by a generous grant from Millennium Laboratories.

Press Contacts:
Fawn Porter fawn@adeomedia.com
Jennifer Giusti jenn@wakeupnow.org
Adeo Media C – (407) 832-0620
The Pain Truth (619) 798-8488

Dangerous, Yet Legal, Drug of Concern to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN DIEGO, CA – August 30, 2012 – Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from pain and/or addiction, announced today the introduction of a new urine drug test designed to detect the presence of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Kratom is a tropical tree native to Thailand, Malaysia and other areas of Southeast Asia. While not currently a federally scheduled compound, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers Kratom a drug of concern, as documented use and abuse of the plant is growing in the United States. The agency has issued an advisory calling attention to its potential dangers, which include psychological disturbances, sedation, delirium and addiction.¹

In support of our customers who specialize in the treatment of addiction, Millennium developed the Kratom test, which utilizes proprietary methodologies and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology to detect the presence of the major active alkaloids found in the Kratom leaf. LC-MS/MS technology is highly sensitive and specific, providing a quantitative identification that is unaffected by other drugs or dietary supplements.

“Kratom, as well as emerging illegal substances such as bath salts and spice, which were recently added to our test menu, pose a major challenge for clinicians and addiction treatment centers,” said Howard Appel, President of Millennium Laboratories. “Our company will continue to be at the forefront among laboratories in offering new testing of illicit substances and dangerous legal consumables, such as Kratom.”

1. U.S. Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration. Office of Diversion Control. Drugs and Chemicals of Concern; Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/kratom.htm.

Longitudinal study to evaluate the relationship of genetic variability and clinical pain management outcomes

SAN DIEGO, CA – August 21, 2012 – Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from pain, announced today that it has initiated a first-of-its-kind, large-scale prospective clinical outcomes study of its pharmacogenetic test. The study, which will encompass more than 30 practice sites nationally, is designed to evaluate the relationship between CYP genotype, as determined by Millennium PGT – Pharmacogenetic Testing, and clinical outcomes including level of analgesia, functional status, and clinically significant opioid-related adverse events. The study will also seek to assess the benefit to prescribers of pharmacogenetic information arising from Millennium PGT, and characterize any corresponding changes in prescribing patterns.

“Our company’s commitment to furthering the science and field of pain management includes providing research that supports best practices,” said Howard Appel, President of Millennium Laboratories. “To that end, this study will seek to expand and improve an understanding of how genetic variability affects response to prescribed medications to help improve medication choices, efficacy, and minimize side effects – potentially resulting in improved patient care.”  

“Pharmacogenetic testing can provide valuable information through the detection of genetic variations in enzymes associated with the metabolism of medications commonly prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and pain-related effects. Utilized in combination with urine drug testing, it offers significant potential to improve the safety and efficacy of drug treatment and reduce adverse effects among certain patients,” said Michael Brennan, M.D., a nationally recognized pain specialist practicing in Fairfield, Connecticut. “Ongoing research such as the major study announced today by Millennium will be critical in helping to facilitate a better understanding of the important role this new tool can play in pain management.”

The largest study of its kind, up to 1,250 subjects meeting the study entry criteria will be enrolled into the initial, cross-sectional phase. Subjects categorized by the test as poor or ultra-rapid metabolizers will continue into the longitudinal phase of the study.

About Millennium PGT – Pharmacogenetic Testing

Millennium PGT saliva-based testing detects genetic variations in enzymes associated with the metabolism of medications commonly prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and related symptoms. Designed to serve as an objective tool to support individualized therapy, the test will help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from modifying the drug selection or dosing of certain prescribed opioids including methadone, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

American Society of Pain Educators (ASPE) presents Pain Educator of the Year Awards at the PAINWeek 2012 National Conference.

Montclair, NJ (PRWEB) August 08, 2012

The American Society of Pain Educators (ASPE) has announced the winners of the Pain Educator of the Year awards for 2012.

For Industry Pain Educator of the Year: Angela Huskey, PharmD, CPE. Dr. Huskey is the Director of Clinical Practice Education for the Millennium Research Institute. She has held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry within medical affairs and has been responsible for developing and managing key opinion leader relationships, clinical education, and collaborative research. Dr. Huskey is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and co-coordinator of the Pain Management and Palliative Care elective.

Read the full story