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Greenville Business Magazine

#YeahTHATAgenda: Greenwood Genetics to Study CBD Gel, Time to Mutt Strut, What's Going in Wild Wing?, Invest in Liquor, Crazy Parked Car Ruling

Apr 25, 2019 11:22AM ● By Chris Haire
Greenwood Genetic Center doctor participating in CBD trial to treat genetic condition: In recent years, Greenwood County has steadily built a reputation as one of the region's leading life sciences centers, thanks to companies like the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics, Lonza, Self Regional Healthcare System, Piedmont CMG, and the Greenwood Genetic Center. 

The latter is home to Dr. Carrie Buchanan. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician, Buchanan will be participating in Zynerba Pharmaceuticals' Connect-FX clinical trial studying "an experimental cannabidiol (CBD) gel applied to the skin to treat some of the common behaviors in patients with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)," according to a statement. 

Fragile X is a genetic condition that causes "intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges and is also the most common known single gene cause of autism spectrum disorder," the Connect-FX site notes. Some believe the gel in question, ZYNOO2, may be able to improve the behavioral symptoms of Fragile X patients. 

Buchanan says that individuals with Fragile X have difficulty regulating emotions and with social interactions. They are often socially isolated and withdrawn.

A man-made cannabinoid like ZYNOO2 may offer some help. 

Scientists believe that the endocannabinoid system -- a part of the nervous system that helps regulate emotions, memory, appetite, and pain -- isn't operating properly in individuals with Fragile X.  "Our body actually produces endocannabinoids," Buchanan says. "We theorize this biochemical pathway is somehow disrupted in people with neurodevelopmental disorders or difficulties."

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, the CBD gel used in the Connect-FX trial is non-euphoric and non-addictive. "We know it’s not going to cause a high and we can give an exact dose," Buchanan notes.

The sudden popularity of CBD oil to treat a number of conditions -- from sleep disorders to anxiety to whatever a snake oil salesman can dream up -- is one of the reasons scientists are studying the chemical with increased enthusiasm.The CBD oil you can buy online or in stores is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and there are little to no guidelines for its use. 

"That’s why this research is so important, so we can determine how to use it safety and what it is most effective for," Buchanan says. "I have quite a few families come in and they have seen benefits in CBD oil that they have purchased, but we don’t know the safety [of those products]."

The Greenwood Genetic Center study is currently enrolling patients across the state into the summer, with the results expected to be released by the fall. To apply for the trial, visit www.connectfxtrial.com.
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Greenville Humane Society Mutt Strut is this weekend: Greenville Humane Society is hosting the 8th annual Mutt Strut Presented by Papa John’s, the largest dog-friendly race in the Southeast, on Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 a.m.

The 2019 Mutt Strut begins at 550 South Main St. in front of Halls Chophouse and leads runners and walkers on a two-mile course passing the Reedy River and Fluor Field. A Mutt Market Festival and After-Party will be hosted on South Main Street between the Army Navy Store and Mary's Cottage after the walk and run with family-friendly entertainment, including live music, sponsor tents offering giveaways, and free pizza.

“We look forward to one of the best Mutt Struts yet with an exciting new course through the heart of downtown,” said Chief Executive Officer Kim Pitman. “Greenville is a very dog-friendly city, and this is an invitation for our four-legged friends to strut down Main Street, a rare and unique experience. Our team is thrilled to have strong interest and support from the community as this is our top event that supports the animals at the Greenville Humane Society.”

Mutt Strut is the signature fundraiser for the Greenville Humane Society and provides support for the daily medical, food, and other needs of the animals cared for by the nonprofit organization. Participants are encouraged to raise funds as part of the race to help Greenville Humane Society reach its total fundraising goal of $50,000.

Registration is available at GHSMuttStrut.com, and those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up soon as spots are limited. The race fee is $35 per person, with discounted fees available for children. Group teams are encouraged, and people do not need to bring a dog to participate. --Kathleen Maris

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Here's what will replace former Wild Wing Cafe in downtown Greenville (Greenville News)

Greenville County Schools join in partnership to address teacher shortage sweeping South Carolina (WYFF 4)

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Boeing board nominee Nikki Haley says company must be ‘accountable’ about jet woes (Post and Courier)

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Hitachi buying JR Automation for $1.4 billion (SC Biz)

Goodwill with job connection opens in Union Co. (WSPA)

Bugatti champions 3D-printed parts (AutoNews)

Google Self-Driving Unit Waymo Picks Detroit Factory Site (Manufacturing.Net)

Facebook Sets Aside $3 Billion to Cover Expected FTC Fine (WSJ)

Russians Will Soon Lose Uncensored Access to the Internet (Defense One)

Google's Wing Aviation gets FAA OK for Drone Deliveries (Manufacturing.Net)

Drug chains start rolling out hemp CBD products (Supermarket News)

Supreme Court Clears Path for States to Subsidize Nuclear Power (Engineering News-Record)

'Avengers: Endgame' Set for Global Domination, Can It Deliver a $300M Domestic Debut? (Box Office Mojo)

Liquor Is a Better Investor Haven Than Food (WSJ)

Sixth Circuit Erases Chalking of Parked Cars (National Law Review)

Humor: Wall Street forecasts a shortage of custom-branded Patagonia power vests, setting off a panic among aspiring tycoons (WSJ)

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Best & Brightest 35 and Under
Matthew Kirk
Clemson University | Associate Director, Tiger Alliance
Age 29

I am a native of Philadelphia, by way of Prince George’s County, Md. I’ve always believed I was put on this earth to encourage and foster the professional, academic, spiritual, and personal development of those around me. I began this professional journey when I started working with a program called Higher Achievement after graduating from Wake Forest University with a history degree in 2010. Higher Achievement is a nonprofit organization that seeks to bridge the achievement and opportunity gaps for students in D.C. and northern Virginia. I absolutely loved my kids, but realized that I wanted to impact students at a different stage of their academic and identity development. 

In 2012, I moved to South Carolina to pursue a master’s degree in counselor education, student affairs from Clemson University. After graduating, I began working at Clemson as a full-time academic coach and advisor. In November 2017, I transitioned to my current role as associate director of Tiger Alliance. Tiger Alliance is a college-access program designed to assist in building pathways to college and a college-going culture for high school students in the Upstate of South Carolina. Tiger Alliance is specifically for males, and targets young men of color in grades 9-12.