At a press conference last week state Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) praised the state’s investment in innovative scientific research that supported Temple University‘s research on the device in which Dr. Riyaz Bashir worked with the New Britain-based medical device manufacturer Thrombolex to develop the BASHIR™ Endovascular Catheter, which has saved two thousand lives and counting, officials said.
“It is my honor to represent the 10th District, where companies like Thrombolex are setting up shop, creating local jobs and developing life-saving technology,” said Santarsiero. “It is easy to advocate for state investments in innovative science and technology research that is making an impact across Pennsylvania, the country and the world.”
Thrombolex creates innovative and sophisticated endovascular catheters using unique pharmaco-mechanical technologies for the treatment of arterial and thromboembolic conditions (A+VTE).
“Thrombolex is just one example of what can happen when we tap into Pennsylvania’s rich network of universities that are putting out some of the most innovative research in the country.” said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development(DCED) Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Jen Gilburg. “Supporting the innovation economy is critical to Pennsylvania’s long-term success, which is why the Shapiro Administration’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes a total of 50 million dollars for a new PA Innovation program that will help us capitalize on our strengths and support our entrepreneurs.”
“This community and this region are playing such a leadership role with regard to science and innovation,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for prioritizing this type of innovation in his budget and Senator Santarsiero for his partnership and prioritization of this industry and space. Real dollars from investments are yielding real innovation and real, life-saving results.”
Dr. Riyaz Bashir created BASHIR™ Endovascular Catheters in partnership with Thrombolex to dissolve blood clots quickly and effectively to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from arterial and venous thromboembolic (A+VTE) conditions.
Praising the commitment of State Senators Santarsiero and Hughes, as well as the Shapiro administration, Dr. Bashir said, “Thanks to your advocacy and dedication to advancing medical innovation, PA continues to lead the way of transformative healthcare. The Bashir Catheter, developed and commercialized with Thrombolex, is already making a profound impact, not just in our state, but around the nation and around the world. Thousands of lives have been saved by this technology in patients with severe blood clots.”
“I am happy to be here,” said Irving Vaughn, a patient of Dr. Bashir who underwent the life-saving procedure as part of the state-funded study.
Thrombolex Co-Founder Marvin Woodall and Dr. Bashir joined together to demonstrate how the catheter effectively and efficiently delivers life-saving medication to break up clots in the lungs and other organs.
Video of the process – provided by Thrombolex
“We’ve now had about 2,000 patients and counting, who have received this treatment,” said Mr. Woodall. “Our next big step is to expand to outside the United States and around the world.”
Temple University Vice President for Research Dr. Josh Gladden emphasized the collaboration and partnership, specifically funding from the Commonwealth and the National Institutes of Health, that led to the successful implementation of the treatment. “Innovative-driven progress like we see here today doesn’t just happen. It requires commitment, investment, partnership, entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Gladden. “It requires government support and partnerships with our public sector to advance the technology through clinical trials. This was supported by not only the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but also the NIH, a critical step in the development of any type of solution in the biomedical space.”
The full press conference can also be seen on Santarsiero’s website.
After a long winter, many people are now looking ahead to spring break travel. Whether your plans have you headed to the beach or traveling abroad, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists are available as a resource with pre-travel health consultations and over-the-counter product suggestions.
“The same way you may enlist the expertise of a travel agent when booking your vacation, your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacist also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ensuring you have the right vaccinations or health essentials ahead of your trip,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “From pre-health travel consultations to offering recommendations for the best sunscreens and first aid basics, don’t overlook the value that our team of pharmacists can bring to your vacation preparations.”
If your spring break plans have you traveling aboard, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can also get you adventure ready with a pre-travel health consultation approximately as soon as travel dates are confirmed and a minimum of one month before you leave. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications.
Vaccines* include but are not limited to yellow fever vaccine (available at select locations), typhoid vaccine and cholera vaccine. Prescription referrals include malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea prevention and care, motion sickness prevention and altitude sickness prevention. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services.
GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists advise that any prescription medication should always be packed in one’s carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, and preferably in the original container with the prescription label affixed. Be sure to bring enough for your trip as well as extra should there be any travel delays.
Travelers are also encouraged to pack a small first aid kit for on-the-go use. This should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers and a thermometer. Be sure to add over the counter pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes, too. Additional items may be needed based on one’s destination and weather.
March “comes in as lion” to the Lower Bucks area as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday morning forecasting a mixed precipitation event making for possibly slippery road conditions.
The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.
NWS says total snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze in portions of southeast Pennsylvania and central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.
The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute, officials say, and motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.
Bucks County has issued a “Code Blue” declaration as bitter cold is set to return for the start of March.
Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be in operation nightly Sunday through Tuesday morning.
The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event:
Lower Bucks – ahtn.org (3/1)
Calvary Baptist Church – Gym
250 Green Lane
Bristol, PA 19007 www.calvarybristol.org
(3/2)
Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067 www.mpcusa.org
Please note the Lower Bucks shelter location changes Monday evening to Morrisville Presbyterian Church.
Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening
Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
Central Bucks – co2ssh.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901 www.doylestownlutheran.org
Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening.
The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m.
The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.
Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.
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