Trade Associations
Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Tennessee Modernizes Cold & Allergy Restrictions, Clearing Path for Online Sales of PSE Medicines
WASHINGTON, April 28 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:* * *
Tennessee Modernizes Cold & Allergy Restrictions, Clearing Path for Online Sales of PSE Medicines
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today applauded Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for signing into law legislation that expands consumer access to over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) while maintaining strong safeguards against illegal diversion.
The new law modernizes access by enabling online sales of PSE-containing ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 28 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release on April 27, 2026: * * * Tennessee Modernizes Cold & Allergy Restrictions, Clearing Path for Online Sales of PSE Medicines The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today applauded Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for signing into law legislation that expands consumer access to over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) while maintaining strong safeguards against illegal diversion. The new law modernizes access by enabling online sales of PSE-containingmedicines and removing outdated barriers to purchase, while continuing to rely on Tennessee's real-time electronic tracking system to prevent misuse.
"Tennessee is taking an important step forward in modernizing how consumers access essential OTC medicines," said Carlos Gutierrez, CHPA Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs. "By enabling online sales while maintaining real-time safeguards to prevent misuse, this law reflects a balanced, commonsense approach that meets consumers where they are today. We commend Governor Lee, Senator Ferrell Haile, and Rep. Jeremy Faison for their leadership in advancing this effort."
"This is about making sure Tennesseans can get the medicines they rely on in a way that fits their everyday lives," said Sen. Haile. "We've taken a commonsense approach here: expanding access, including online, while keeping strong safeguards in place to prevent misuse. It's a balanced solution that puts Tennessee families first."
"At the end of the day, this bill is about trusting Tennesseans and making it easier for them to take care of themselves and their families," said Rep. Faison. "We're removing outdated barriers while keeping the protections we need, and that's a win for both access and public safety across our state."
Background:
SB 2323 was substituted by HB 2101 and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly before being signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 27.
The law:
* Expands access by allowing online sales of PSE-containing OTC medicines through removal of the pharmacist consultation requirement;
* Allows direct to consumer sales and delivery; and
* Maintains strong safeguards through Tennessee's real-time electronic PSE tracking system.
Thirty-eight states across the country utilize real-time electronic tracking systems, such as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), to prevent the illegal sale of PSE for methamphetamine production while preserving access for law-abiding consumers.
CHPA supported this legislation and will continue working with state leaders to advance policies that expand access to safe, effective OTC medicines while maintaining strong safeguards against misuse.
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.
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Original text here: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/04/tennessee-modernizes-cold-allergy-restrictions-clearing-path-online-sales-pse
[Category: Health Care]
From Edge AI to Intelligent Healthcare: How Ambiq Is Enabling the Next Generation of Connected Medical Devices
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 28 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following Q&A on April 27, 2026, by CEO of Ambiq Fumihide Esaka, with Greg Caressi, associate partner and chief commercial officer:* * *
From Edge AI to Intelligent Healthcare: How Ambiq Is Enabling the Next Generation of Connected Medical Devices
The convergence of Edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare is redefining how medical data is collected, analyzed, and acted upon. Devices that were once designed ... Show Full Article SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 28 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following Q&A on April 27, 2026, by CEO of Ambiq Fumihide Esaka, with Greg Caressi, associate partner and chief commercial officer: * * * From Edge AI to Intelligent Healthcare: How Ambiq Is Enabling the Next Generation of Connected Medical Devices The convergence of Edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare is redefining how medical data is collected, analyzed, and acted upon. Devices that were once designedfor fitness and consumer applications are increasingly evolving into sophisticated health monitoring systems capable of delivering real-time insights and proactive care.
In this Transformational Growth Leadership discussion, Fumihide Esaka, CEO of Ambiq, shares how ultra-low-power semiconductor innovation and Edge AI are enabling a new generation of intelligent healthcare devices. He discusses how advancements in battery efficiency, data security, and on-device intelligence are transforming patient monitoring, reducing healthcare system burden, and improving quality of life, particularly for aging populations.
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"Devices are evolving from simple data collection tools into intelligent systems that can learn from individuals, provide real-time alerts, and even guide when medical intervention is needed."
-- Fumihide Esaka, CEO, Ambiq
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The Shift from Consumer Devices to Healthcare Applications
Greg Caressi: If we go back a few years, Ambiq was more focused on smart devices. How did healthcare become such an important area?
Fumihide Esaka: We started with a unique ultra-low-power technology platform. It allowed devices like smartwatches, smart bands, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices to run five to ten times more efficiently. That was really our initial focus.
About three to four years ago, we began focusing more on Edge AI. At that time, customers knew AI was coming, but they couldn't clearly define what they wanted to do with it.
Then things started to change. Customers began asking for very specific use cases, heart rate monitoring, glucose monitoring, and remote patient monitoring. What we are seeing now is a convergence. Devices that were originally consumer devices are becoming healthcare devices, and medical device companies are also adopting capabilities from IoT and Edge AI.
Elevating Security and Privacy in Healthcare Devices
Greg Caressi: As these devices move into healthcare, what becomes more important?
Fumihide Esaka: Accuracy is important, of course, but privacy and security become even more critical.
If health data is exposed to someone who should not have access to it, that is a serious issue. So, we focus heavily on making sure that data is protected.
Our processors include strong security features, and we also support secure data transmission. Typically, data goes from the device to the cloud and then to healthcare providers. That means compression and encryption become very important to ensure that the data remains secure throughout that process.
Balancing Performance with Ultra-low Power Efficiency
Greg Caressi: Healthcare devices need continuous monitoring. How do you balance computation power with battery life?
Fumihide Esaka: That is one of the biggest challenges. Healthcare requires accurate and continuous computation, but at the same time, devices cannot require frequent charging.
In the past, devices might last a couple of days. Now we are seeing devices that can last several weeks, even up to six weeks in some cases.
This is important because you don't want patients thinking about charging all the time. Ideally, between doctor visits, they should not have to worry about it at all.
Enabling Personalized Healthcare Through Edge AI
Greg Caressi: Where does Edge AI really make a difference in healthcare?
Fumihide Esaka: Edge AI allows devices to learn about each individual. Every person is different. What is normal for one person may not be normal for another. So, devices need to understand each person's baseline and detect when something is wrong.
It is not just about sending data to doctors. Devices can also alert patients directly. In some cases, they can recommend immediate action, like contacting a doctor or even emergency services.
That kind of real-time, personalized response is where Edge AI becomes very powerful.
Advancing Continuous Health Monitoring with Edge AI
Greg Caressi: You mentioned real-time monitoring. What challenges still exist there?
Fumihide Esaka: One big issue has been charging. Many people take devices off to charge them, often at night. But a lot of important health events happen during sleep. If the device is not being worn, you lose that data and that protection.
With longer battery life, devices can now stay on continuously, and even charging can be done quickly, maybe 30 minutes every couple of weeks. That reduces risk significantly, especially for older users.
Supporting Innovation Through Integrated Hardware and AI Tools
Greg Caressi: Every device manufacturer wants to differentiate. How do you support that?
Fumihide Esaka: We don't just provide hardware. We also provide software and AI development tools.
Each customer has different requirements, so we give them the ability to build their own feature set and AI functionality more easily.
This combination of hardware and software is very important because it allows customers to innovate without having to start from scratch.
Driving Value Across the Healthcare Ecosystem
Greg Caressi: Where else does your technology create impact beyond the device itself?
Fumihide Esaka: One important area is data efficiency.
Transmitting and storing data in the cloud is expensive, and data centers consume a lot of energy. By compressing data intelligently, we reduce both storage requirements and transmission costs.
This benefits everyone: patients, providers, and device manufacturers. It also helps reduce overall energy consumption.
The Emergence of "Doctor on the Wrist"
Greg Caressi: You used the phrase "doctor on the wrist." What does that look like in practice?
Fumihide Esaka: It means that devices can provide basic health insights directly to individuals. They can tell if you are fine, if you need to be cautious, or if you should see a doctor.
This does not replace doctors, but it helps reduce unnecessary visits while ensuring that serious cases are addressed quickly. It also helps manage healthcare system capacity more effectively.
A Dual Approach to Innovation and Execution
Greg Caressi: How do you approach innovation internally?
Fumihide Esaka: It is a combination of two things.
We have our own internal technology roadmap, driven by our engineering and AI teams. At the same time, we get a lot of input from customers.
We combine these two, our own innovation and customer needs, to shape our product roadmap.
I am not worried about direction. The key is execution, making sure we can build products fast enough to meet demand.
A Vision for Healthier and More Independent Aging
Greg Caressi: Looking ahead, what excites you the most?
Fumihide Esaka: For me, it is about improving quality of life, especially for aging populations.
Technology can help people remember better, hear better, and understand their health better. It can allow them to live more independently and actively, even as they age.
At the same time, privacy remains very important. People should have control over their own data and how it is used.
Building on a Foundation of Breakthrough Technology
Greg Caressi: What has enabled Ambiq to succeed in this space?
Fumihide Esaka: It really comes down to our core technology and the people behind it.
We developed a breakthrough in ultra-low-power semiconductor design that solves a very difficult physics problem.
Our company is built on that technology foundation, not just on products. That is what allows us to deliver capabilities that are difficult for others to replicate.
Closing Reflection: Toward Always-on, Intelligent Healthcare
As healthcare continues to shift toward continuous monitoring and personalized care, the role of Edge AI and ultra-low-power computing will become increasingly important.
Ambiq's approach highlights how intelligent, energy-efficient devices can enable a future where healthcare is not just reactive, but proactive, supporting better outcomes, improved efficiency, and a higher quality of life.
About Fumihide Esaka
Fumihide Esaka is the Chief Executive Officer of Ambiq, a leader in ultra-low-power semiconductor solutions enabling edge AI and intelligent devices. With over two decades of global leadership experience in the semiconductor industry, he has held CEO roles at companies including Transphorm and Nihon Inter Electronics.
He joined Ambiq in 2015 and has since led the company's growth as a pioneer in energy-efficient computing, helping power hundreds of millions of devices worldwide.
Esaka began his career in consulting at Accenture and later held senior leadership roles at International Rectifier, building deep expertise in power efficiency and semiconductor innovation.
A graduate of the University of California, San Diego in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, he is recognized for driving advancements in Edge AI, IoT, and ultra-low-power technologies that enable next-generation applications across healthcare, industrial, and consumer markets.
Greg Caressi is Associate Partner, Senior Vice President, and Global Client Leader at Frost & Sullivan, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and life sciences. He holds an MBA from Dominican University and bachelor's degrees in economics and education from Miami University. Greg has led market analytics and growth consulting initiatives, overseeing hundreds of projects and authoring numerous industry studies. His expertise spans digital health, telehealth, data analytics, next-generation healthcare technologies, and international market expansion, with experience across Asia and Latin America. He also serves as Chair of the HIMSS Life Sciences Information Technology Committee and is a recognized industry speaker and thought leader.
Greg Caressi
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Appendix: Advancing Edge AI and Ultra-low-power Innovations in Healthcare
As healthcare increasingly shifts toward continuous monitoring and personalized care, edge AI and ultra-low-power semiconductor technologies are becoming critical enablers of next-generation medical devices. These capabilities allow intelligent processing directly on-device, reducing latency, enhancing privacy, and enabling real-time insights across patient monitoring and diagnostics.
At the same time, advancements in energy-efficient computing, AI-enabled wearables, and connected health ecosystems are supporting longer device lifecycles, improved patient adherence, and more scalable remote care models. The integration of hardware innovation with AI-driven intelligence is redefining how healthcare is delivered, moving from episodic care toward always-on, proactive health management.
To support organizations navigating this transformation, Frost & Sullivan provides forward-looking intelligence across Edge computing, AI in healthcare, and semiconductor-driven innovations, including:
* Sleep Management Technologies Market, Global, 2026-2031
* Frost Radar(TM): Medical Device Connectivity
* Pioneering a Connected, Personalized, and Sustainable Healthcare Ecosystem: The Future of MedTech, 2040
* Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems Market, Global, 2026-2030
Together, these analyses reinforce the key themes of this Transformational Growth Leadership discussion: intelligent Edge processing, energy-efficient design, and the evolution toward continuous, personalized healthcare ecosystems.
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/growth-opportunity-news/healthcare/healthcare-it/from-edge-ai-to-intelligent-healthcare-how-ambiq-is-enabling-the-next-generation-of-connected-medical-devices-hls01_tg41_tgl_ambiq_kc37_apr26_cim-sg/
[Category: BizConsulting]
SEMIEXPO Heartland 2026 Spotlights Innovation in Next-Generation Automotive Electronics and Smart Manufacturing
MILPITAS, California, April 27 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release:* * *
SEMIEXPO Heartland 2026 Spotlights Innovation in Next-Generation Automotive Electronics and Smart Manufacturing
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MILPITAS, Calif. - April 27, 2026 - The second edition of SEMIEXPO Heartland opens this week, April 29-30 at the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, centered around smart manufacturing, automotive electronics, and workforce development. The exposition will bring ... Show Full Article MILPITAS, California, April 27 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release: * * * SEMIEXPO Heartland 2026 Spotlights Innovation in Next-Generation Automotive Electronics and Smart Manufacturing * MILPITAS, Calif. - April 27, 2026 - The second edition of SEMIEXPO Heartland opens this week, April 29-30 at the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, centered around smart manufacturing, automotive electronics, and workforce development. The exposition will bringtogether innovators, manufacturers, suppliers, and emerging talent from across the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem for two days of high-impact networking and industry insight. Registration is open.
"SEMIEXPO Heartland will highlight smart mobility and smart manufacturing innovations - two critical end markets that play pivotal roles in the semiconductor industry's path to $1 trillion," said Joe Stockunas, President, SEMI Americas. "By bringing together the automotive and semiconductor ecosystems in Detroit-a hub for innovation, manufacturing and economic growth-we can collectively address industry challenges and accelerate the evolution toward software-defined, electrified, autonomous, and AI-enabled vehicles."
Designed as a catalyst for collaboration, SEMIEXPO Heartland creates a dynamic environment where thought leaders, technology experts, and business decision-makers can engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the semiconductor supply chain. Attendees will experience a curated program featuring keynote presentations, technical sessions, and interactive panels that highlight the region's rapidly expanding role in advanced manufacturing and chip innovation.
SEMIEXPO Heartland Conference Highlights
Keynote Speakers
* The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
* The Honorable Marek Laco, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
* GM: Linda Cadwell Stancin, Executive Director and Head of Research & Development
* KLA: John McLaughlin, Global ESG Leader & Ann Arbor Site Lead
* KLA: Vijay Ramachandran, Director, AI and Modeling Center of Excellence
* MIPS, A GlobalFoundries Company: Sameer Wasson, CEO
SEMIEXPO Heartland will feature a focused exposition showcasing solution providers delivering the technologies, equipment, materials, and services driving smart manufacturing and smart mobility. The exhibits offer attendees a hands-on opportunity to explore real-world solutions, engage directly with technology experts, and identify partners addressing critical challenges across the semiconductor and microelectronics value chain from advanced manufacturing and automation to automotive electronics and workforce readiness.
Smart Manufacturing Sessions will focus on how digital twins are optimizing automotive manufacturing to realize the vision of lights-out factories, sensor-driven automation is transforming the shop floor, and the new wave of automotive chiplets and advanced packaging is revolutionizing vehicle electronics. Industry leaders in innovation and operations will share real-world case studies from the trenches-along with their vision for how physical AI and AI-driven processes will reshape automotive manufacturing.
Smart Mobility Sessions will bring the automotive and semiconductor supply chains together with the goal to exchange perspectives on game-changing trends such as software-defined vehicles, self-driving cars, electrified mobility, and how all that is powered by cutting edge chip technologies, smart sensing systems, and artificial intelligence.
SEMI's signature Workforce Development Pavilion will illuminate a different pathway to success. It is the perfect place to network with potential employers, discover job opportunities, learn about innovations in the industry, and navigate your career.
View the full SEMIEXPO Heartland 2026 agenda for updates on speakers and to learn more. This year's partners include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and MSTAR.
For press interested in attending SEMIEXPO Heartland 2026, please contact Sherrie Gutierrez at sgutierrez@semi.org.
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About SEMI
SEMI(r) is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON(r) expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semiexpo-heartland-2026-spotlights-innovation-in-next-generation-automotive-electronics-and-smart-manufacturing
NCAA Division I Tennis Singles, Doubles Championships Moved to Fall
MOUNT PROSPECT, Illinois, April 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Sporting Goods Association posted the following news:* * *
NCAA Division I Tennis Singles, Doubles Championships Moved to Fall
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - The NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Oversight Committee approved holding the men's and women's singles and doubles championships in the fall on a permanent basis. The team championships will continue to be held in the spring.
The Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships are in the second year of a two-year pilot program during which the men's and women's ... Show Full Article MOUNT PROSPECT, Illinois, April 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Sporting Goods Association posted the following news: * * * NCAA Division I Tennis Singles, Doubles Championships Moved to Fall INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - The NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Oversight Committee approved holding the men's and women's singles and doubles championships in the fall on a permanent basis. The team championships will continue to be held in the spring. The Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships are in the second year of a two-year pilot program during which the men's and women'ssingles and doubles championships took place in the fall of 2024 and 2025, while the team championships remained in the spring.
The committee evaluated the championships, along with membership feedback and support from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) and decided it is the best path forward for the sport.
Part of the original rationale for the decision to hold the singles and doubles championships in the fall involved student-athlete well-being.
Under the previous format, student-athletes only in the singles and doubles championships could wait up to three weeks from the end of the regular season until they competed again. In addition, tennis student-athletes in both the team and individual championships could compete for nine of 10 days.
With so many matches in a short span, some student-athletes withdrew after selections and during the championships due to injury. Some student-athletes also withdrew directly after selections or after losing in the team tournament.
In 2023, the ITA, which is the coaches association for college tennis, and the USTA collaborated on a survey with the former Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee. The survey showed 68% of respondents favored the singles and doubles championships shifting to the fall. A winter 2026 NCAA survey of the coaches and conferences showed 75% in support of the shift to the fall.
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Original text here: https://nsga.org/news/ncaa-division-i-tennis-singles-doubles-championships-moved-to-fall/
ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics
WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Investment Company Institute issued the following news release:* * *
ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics
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Washington, DC; April 27, 2026- Today, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) published the 2026 edition of the Investment Company Fact Book. Since 1960, the Fact Book, a compendium of the research and analysis conducted by the Institute over the previous year, has served as the most comprehensive source of facts and data about the asset management industry in the United States and across the globe. ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 27 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Investment Company Institute issued the following news release: * * * ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics * Washington, DC; April 27, 2026- Today, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) published the 2026 edition of the Investment Company Fact Book. Since 1960, the Fact Book, a compendium of the research and analysis conducted by the Institute over the previous year, has served as the most comprehensive source of facts and data about the asset management industry in the United States and across the globe.
"ICI's Fact Book is the number one resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators looking to understand the depth and breadth of the fund industry, said ICI President and CEO Eric J. Pan. "This work reflects the commitment of ICI's staff to delivering top-quality research and insights that inform and strengthen the industry."
ICI Chief Economist Shelly Antoniewicz added that "ICI's latest edition of Fact Book provides readers with an indispensable source of data and analysis from our expert team. It underscores the industry's continued innovation, including declining expense ratios and expanded access to retirement plans, helping more investors build long-term financial security."
Key takeaways in the 2026 edition include:
* Worldwide demand for regulated funds remained strong in 2025. Sustained inflows into bond and money market funds-along with strong stock market performance-contributed to a 19% increase in total assets. By year-end 2025, regulated funds managed $88.0 trillion in total net assets worldwide. Net inflows into bond funds remained strong in 2025 at $1.3 trillion.
* Net issuance of ETF shares surged to a record $1.5 trillion in 2025, up from a robust $1.1 trillion in 2024. Total net assets of ETFs surpassed $13 trillion in 2025.
* Mutual funds (and other regulated funds) have introduced millions of US households to investing and have become well established as a reliable investment vehicle for middle-class families. The share of middle-income households owning mutual funds rose from 43% in 2005 to 57% in 2025.
* US households had a record $49.1 trillion earmarked for retirement at year-end 2025-up 11% from year-end 2024. The largest components of retirement assets were IRAs and employer-sponsored DC plans (including 401(k) plans), which together represented 68% of all retirement market assets at year-end 2025. IRAs and DC plans had 44% of their assets invested in mutual funds at year-end 2025.
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Original text here: https://www.ici.org/news-release/ici-fact-book-showcases-broad-array-of-fund-industry-statistics
As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise
DALLAS, Texas, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:* * *
As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise
*
Research Highlights:
* Researchers studied the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM syndrome) and risk of cancer. CKM syndrome refers to several connected health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity and diabetes.
* They compared people with no risk factors for CKM syndrome to those with early- and late-stage CKM syndrome.
* Later-stages of CKM syndrome ... Show Full Article DALLAS, Texas, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release: * * * As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise * Research Highlights: * Researchers studied the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM syndrome) and risk of cancer. CKM syndrome refers to several connected health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity and diabetes. * They compared people with no risk factors for CKM syndrome to those with early- and late-stage CKM syndrome. * Later-stages of CKM syndromewere linked with a 25-30% higher risk of cancer in a study of nearly 1.4 million adults.
People with advanced heart, kidney and metabolic disease may face a higher risk of developing cancer, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association's peer-reviewed scientific journal Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes.
The combination of heart, kidney and metabolic conditions (diabetes and obesity) is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, or CKM syndrome. The biggest dangers from CKM syndrome are death and disability from heart disease and stroke. However, nearly every major organ system is affected by CKM syndrome, linking it to kidney failure, dementia, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea and increased risk for cancer.
According to American Heart Association statistics, nearly 9 out of 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one component of CKM syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function.
"The study findings suggest that it is important to consider not only cardiovascular disease risk, but also cancer risk in people with CKM syndrome," said Hidehiro Kaneko, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead author and associate professor in the department of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Tokyo in Japan.
CKM syndrome is broken down into stages by severity, ranging from stage 0 with no risk factors to stage 4 with cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan investigated the link between CKM syndrome and cancer, and whether CKM syndrome stage could shed light on someone's risk for cancer. They reviewed national insurance claims data to determine the CKM syndrome stage for nearly 1.4 million people based on the framework in the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health presidential advisory. The researchers then tracked participants for around 3 1/2 years, noting any new cancer diagnoses.
Study results:
Compared with healthy participants (CKM syndrome stage 0), cancer risk increased sharply only in the later stages of CKM syndrome:
* Stage 1 - 3% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 2 - 2% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 3 - 25% higher risk of developing cancer
* Stage 4 - 30% higher risk of developing cancer
"CKM syndrome represents a complex interplay among the cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic systems, where dysfunction in one area may trigger or exacerbate dysfunction in others," Kaneko said. "Dysfunction in each of these systems is independently associated with cancer risk due to shared risk factors. This study suggests that the accumulation of risk factors within the framework of CKM syndrome may contribute to the development of various types of cancer."
"We already know that cancer and its therapies can lead to cardiotoxicities and cardiovascular disease," said American Heart Association volunteer, Tochukwu Okwuosa, D.O., who is director of cardio-oncology services at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. "The study highlights the bidirectional relationship and underscores the concept of reverse cardio-oncology where cardiovascular disease and its risk factors also increase cancer risk. Consequently, healthy lifestyle choices potentially impact both conditions that are the leading causes of death in the United States. For those with established cardiovascular risk, the CKM syndrome staging framework may be a useful tool to flag high risk individuals for potential cancer screenings and evaluations."
According to the manuscript, a limitation of the study is that results from a Japanese population may not be fully generalizable to other countries. However, other studies have "consistently reported that metabolic and kidney dysfunction are associated with increased risk of cancer," supporting the possibility that the findings apply in other populations.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
More than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health, according to a recent Annenberg Policy Center poll. The Association ranked second only to an individual's personal health care provider.
Additional Resources:
* Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
* Spanish news release
* After Monday, April 27, view the manuscript online. Also, view the accompanying editorial, CKM Syndrome: A Usable Framework in Cancer Risk Assessment?
* American Heart Association news release: Millions are unaware of heart risks that don't start in the heart (Feb. 2026)
* American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative
* Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
* Follow news from the American Heart Association's Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal @CircOutcomes.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
Maggie Francis: Maggie.Francis@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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Original text here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/as-heart-kidney-and-metabolic-health-worsen-cancer-risk-may-rise
American Society of Addiction Medicine Posts Guest Commentary: New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following guest commentary:* * *
Guest Editorial - New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care
By Corey Waller, MD, MS, FACEP, DFASAM; Sandra Gomez-Luna, MD, FAPA, DFASAM; Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv; Scott E. Hadland, MD, MPH, FASAM; Peter Metz, MD, DLFAACAP, LFAPA
If we hope to improve our response to the addiction and overdose crisis, we must focus on when addiction commonly starts: adolescence. Addiction is a pediatric-onset illness, as ongoing neurodevelopment ... Show Full Article ROCKVILLE, Maryland, April 27 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following guest commentary: * * * Guest Editorial - New Standards for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Care By Corey Waller, MD, MS, FACEP, DFASAM; Sandra Gomez-Luna, MD, FAPA, DFASAM; Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv; Scott E. Hadland, MD, MPH, FASAM; Peter Metz, MD, DLFAACAP, LFAPA If we hope to improve our response to the addiction and overdose crisis, we must focus on when addiction commonly starts: adolescence. Addiction is a pediatric-onset illness, as ongoing neurodevelopmentmakes the adolescent brain particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances. In fact, 80% of adults with substance use disorder (SUD) begin using substances before the age of 18. 1,2 Not only is the neurobiology of adolescents unique, but so are their social, educational, and mental and physical health needs.
Individualizing treatment to a patient's distinct biopsychosocial needs is a foundational principle of The ASAM Criteria (r). Since 1991, The ASAM Criteria has established standards to guide clinicians in assessing patients and recommending them to a level of care appropriate for their specific needs. The Criteria also describes the continuum of care that should be available and establishes service characteristic standards for each level of care, along with patient assessment standards, admission criteria, and treatment planning standards. The goal is to provide a common language for the SUD treatment system, 3 and thereby bring much-needed standardization to an SUD treatment infrastructure that has historically been fragmented.
In The ASAM Criteria, Third Edition, treatment standards for adolescents were interwoven with those for adults. But since its publication in 2013, research and clinical best practices in adolescent SUD care have evolved significantly, prompting the need for a comprehensive update.
When ASAM began developing the Fourth Edition in 2021, the organization chose to create a separate volume and set of standards for adolescents and transition-aged youth. This focused and dedicated approach was needed to comprehensively address the needs of adolescents with SUD and eliminate confusion with adult standards.
The result is the newly published Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth volume of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition. This marks The ASAM Criteria's first comprehensive and dedicated set of treatment standards and admission criteria for youth who have an SUD or are at risk of developing one.
These standards are intended to provide consistency in:
* assessing the biopsychosocial circumstances of each patient and family to identify an appropriate level of SUD care based on individual needs
* developing comprehensive, individualized, family-driven, and youth-guided treatment plans
* defining the services that should be available at each level of care in the continuum of care.
These standards were created using a rigorous methodology for evidence review and consensus development. Feedback from payers, policymakers, providers, parents, families, and other stakeholders helped identify areas of improvement from the Third Edition. Consequently, the final standards are guided by advances in research and clinical practices and include key updates to better reflect the unique developmental needs of adolescents to improve immediate health outcomes and long-term well-being.
Recognition of Transition-Aged Youth
One of the most prominent updates is the specific consideration of transition-aged youth, defined as young people between the ages of 16-25. This designation is intended to capture the period of transition related to independence, social roles and responsibilities, and neurodevelopment that occurs as an adolescent transitions to adulthood. 4 During this time period, youth are gaining independence -working, driving, attending college or vocational school -but may still be dependent on family in some capacity. Their potential exposure to substances also increases as they may be around friends or peers who are engaged in substance use at college or in work settings.
Significant neurodevelopment also occurs across these ages. The regions of the brain responsible for executive functioning and emotion regulation approach full maturity during these years. 5 Substance use can delay this critical development, impairing one's ability to build foundational skills such as planning, problem solving, and impulse control.
Given that this age group has unique developmental needs compared to younger adolescents and older adults, these standards include transition-aged-youth-specific considerations for SUD treatment. For example, this volume stresses that treatment interventions should be developmentally appropriate, with both adolescents and transition-aged youth receiving treatment in peer-specific groups separate from adults. Further, substance use can impede the attainment of key milestones that typically occur in this age range, such as completing education and securing employment. The standards emphasize the role of the SUD treatment system in helping young people work towards achieving these milestones as part of their treatment journey, establishing the foundation for successful long-term recovery.
Meeting the Unique Developmental Needs of Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth
Both younger adolescents and transition-aged youth have unique developmental needs that the SUD treatment system should be organized to meet. With these distinct biopsychosocial considerations in mind, the updated adolescent and transition-aged youth standards promote the following:
1. Coordination across systems of care. There are a range of systems that may impact adolescents and support their treatment and recovery needs including schools, child welfare agencies, health care providers, juvenile legal systems, and informal supports, including 12-step programs, youth centers, faith-based programs, recreational programs, and other community-based resources. Consistent messaging, alignment on treatment plan goals, and the coordination of resources across these touchpoints are critical. A systems-of-care approach is an evidence-based approach to adolescent mental health treatment, 6 and a core tenet of The ASAM Criteria's new adolescent SUD treatment standards.
2. Comprehensive family services. Children do well when families do well. Clinicians should consider a patient's family as part of the unit of care, therefore all levels of care in the adolescent continuum are expected to offer family services. Family units may look different for each child, which is why The ASAM Criteria adopted an inclusive definition of "family" that is not limited to biological families and may include anyone the patient has a strong attachment to, such as foster parents or other trusted adults.
3. Fully integrated mental health treatment. Among adolescents, co-occurring mental health conditions are an expectation, not an exception. Approximately 50% to 90% of adolescents with SUD have a co-occurring mental health disorder. 7 Due to these high rates, all levels of adolescent care are expected to provide fully integrated mental health care.
4. Trauma-sensitive practices. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are closely linked to the development of SUD and mental health conditions. 8 These new standards encourage programs to focus on addressing health consequences resulting from trauma, preventing further traumatization, and building positive childhood experiences that may reduce risk for SUD in adulthood.
5. Early intervention and prevention. Secondary prevention and early intervention can prevent risky substance use from progressing to SUD and SUD from intensifying to the chronic disease of addiction. 9,10 This volume of The ASAM Criteria recommends that adolescents who are using substances and at risk for rapid escalation to SUD should receive early intervention services in the specialty SUD continuum of care (ie, Level 1.5Y, or in 2.1Y when more intensive services, including wraparound service planning and home-and-community-based services, are indicated).
A New Adolescent Continuum of Care
These treatment considerations, among others, are reflected in the updated adolescent continuum of care. As with past volumes, the continuum includes four broad levels of care that outline different treatment settings and intensities of care, ranging from youth outpatient treatment (Level 1Y) to youth inpatient treatment (Level 4Y). Patients are recommended a level of care along the continuum based on their biopsychosocial needs, and they move along the continuum of care, to more- or less-intensive levels, based on their progress, outcomes, and evolving needs.
The vulnerabilities of the developing adolescent brain make early intervention and reintervention a priority. As such, the adolescent continuum of care includes a new Level 1.0Y: Youth Long-Term Remission Monitoring. This level of care provides regular recovery management checkups for patients who are in sustained remission. Ongoing monitoring allows clinicians to identify early signs that a patient might be resuming or at risk of resuming substance use and rapidly intervene to help them reengage in treatment and recovery.
The new continuum also includes medically focused levels of care, identified as Levels 1.7Y, 2.7Y, 3.7Y, and 4Y. Historically, significant withdrawal and biomedical comorbidities have been less common among adolescents compared with adults, and most areas of the country lack adolescent-specific programs that deliver withdrawal management and biomedical care. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that adolescents have a growing need for medical management with the increasing prevalence of high-potency synthetic opioids (eg, fentanyl) in the drug supply.
The Fourth Edition of The ASAM Criteria also expects that all levels of care provide co-occurring capable care. As mentioned earlier, in the adolescent continuum of care, co-occurring capability includes fully integrated mental health care.
Bridging the Gap: Making the Continuum a Reality for Patients
Patient and family access to the full continuum of care is necessary to support individualized treatment. However, this volume acknowledges that much of the country does not currently have access to the full adolescent continuum. For example, youth residential treatment (Level 3Y) remains inaccessible to some due to long waiting lists, high costs with low Medicaid acceptance, and a simple lack of facilities (a 2024 study found that ten states have no adolescent residential facilities). 11 There are also few programs that serve adolescents in need of withdrawal management services.
It was important in the development of this volume to not only establish these standards but also provide solutions to help implement them with fidelity. As an example, this volume discusses potential strategies for increasing access to withdrawal management services, such as by establishing:
* adolescent-focused units within adult SUD treatment programs that provide medically managed care
* medically focused units within clinically focused adolescent SUD treatment programs
* medically focused SUD treatment units within adolescent mental health treatment programs.
In the months ahead, ASAM will also release new tools and training resources to equip treatment programs with the knowledge and confidence to put these new standards into practice. This will include a level of care assessment guide, a treatment planning assessment guide, a treatment planning template, standardized service request forms for requesting payer authorizations, and additional training resources to support the important work of treatment providers.
There will certainly be challenges to overcome as we continue to develop this adolescent SUD treatment infrastructure. Outlining these new standards and creating implementation tools is the first step of many. We must commit to building out these systems and developing payment models that support the delivery of effective, evidence-based care for all young people in need.
Creating a robust adolescent treatment system is important not only to prevent tragic overdoses or acute health complications, but also to build foundational health and necessary life skills needed for today's children to develop into the successful, healthy adults of tomorrow. This is how we can begin to break the cycle of addiction and invest in the well-being of our children, families, and communities.
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Read an executive summary of the Adolescent and Transition-Aged Youth volume here (https://downloads.asam.org/sitefinity-production-blobs/docs/default-source/quality-science/adolescent-criteria/asam_overview-of-adolescents_final.pdf?sfvrsn=712a019c_2).
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The authors are members of the editorial subcommittee for The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition, Volume 2: Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth. Dr. Waller is the editor in chief of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition. Dr. Gomez-Luna is the lead adolescent editor. Drs. Fortuna, Hadland, and Metz served as section editors.
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References
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. November 13, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-detailed-tables
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. July 30, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables
3. Guyer J, Traube A, Deshchenko O, et al. Speaking the same language: a toolkit for strengthening patient-centered addiction care in the United States. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Published January 21, 2025. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://downloads.asam.org/sitefinity-production-blobs/docs/default-source/quality-science/asam-toolkit-speaking-same-language-2025-update_4.1.0.0.pdf
4. Wood D, Crapnell T, Lau L, et al. Emerging Adulthood as a Critical Stage in the Life Course. In: Halfon N, Forrest CB, Lerner RM, Faustman EM, eds. Handbook of Life Course Health Development. Springer; 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543712/
5. Tervo-Clemmens B, Calabro FJ, Parr AC, Fedor J, Foran W, Luna B. A canonical trajectory of executive function maturation from adolescence to adulthood. Nat Commun. 2023;14(1):6922. doi:10.1038/s41467-023-42540-8
6. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Committee on Community-Based Systems of Care and AACAP Committee on Quality Issues. Clinical Update: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care in Community Systems of Care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023;62(4):367-384. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.001
7. Richert T, Anderberg M, Dahlberg M. Mental health problems among young people in substance abuse treatment in Sweden. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2020;15(1):43. doi:10.1186/s13011-020-00282-6
8. Broekhof R, Nordahl HM, Tanum L, Selvik SG. Adverse childhood experiences and their association with substance use disorders in adulthood: A general population study (Young-HUNT). Addict Behav Rep. 2023;17:100488. doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100488
9. Griffin KW, Botvin GJ. Evidence-based interventions for preventing substance use disorders in adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2010;19(3):505-526. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2010.03.005
10. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Surgeon General. Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Washington, DC: HHS, 2016. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/facing-addiction-in-america-surgeon-generals-report.pdf
11. King CA, Beetham T, Smith N, et al. Adolescent residential addiction treatment in the US: Uneven access, waitlists, and high costs. Health Aff (Millwood). 2024;43(1):64-71. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00777
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Original text here: https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2026/04/27/guest-editorial---new-standards-for-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-care