Saturday, September 30, 2017

On Center Software Expands Quick Bid® Databases to Include USG



THE WOODLANDS, Texas -Saturday, September 30th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Center Software announces today a new relationship with USG. Through this strategic association, USG’s ceiling solutions are now immediately available for contractors within On Center Software's Quick Bid® solution.

Quick Bid is the preferred estimating solution for construction professionals. This highly intuitive software enables contractors to easily, accurately, and consistently increase project win rates and profit margins. The award-winning solution increases bid coverage by reducing bid time, improves bottom line profits by identifying risk factors, and increases material pricing accuracy by automating the quote process with suppliers. Quick Bid also provides various reports for managing the project from estimate through construction.

“USG is committed to solving our customers’ biggest challenges with innovative products and building solutions. Contractors across North America now have greater access to our product portfolio through the On Center network,” said Mike Toole, head of sales, East division, for USG Corporation. “Having these USG products right at their fingertips provides them with more intelligent takeoffs, faster bids, and more efficient project management.”

“Adding the USG product portfolio to our Quick Bid material database will help strengthen Quick Bid's appeal to the ceilings industry across North America. USG provides exceptional ceiling products and assemblies that set the standard for effortless installation and performance,” says Angelo Castelli, President at On Center Software.

USG

For more than 110 years, USG has been a leader in producing innovative products and systems that not only bring visions to life but also enhance and inspire those visions while reducing the building industry’s impact on the environment. USG Ceiling Solutions offers an extensive line of products and systems, and all USG Ceiling products are built to provide design freedom, easy installation, and outstanding performance. With the help of USG, On Center Software is now able to provide thousands of USG ceiling materials within its database along with several popular USG Ceiling Assemblies into the latest version of Quick Bid. For more information, visit www.USG.com

On Center Software

On Center Software has provided software and training to construction industry professionals for over 29 years. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, its mission is to transform the estimating, takeoff, and labor-tracking management with software solutions that turn winning bids into profitable projects. On Center Software solutions include Oasis Takeoff® and Oasis FieldCenter®, On-Screen Takeoff®, Quick Bid®, and Digital Production Control®. Customers in over 80 countries leverage On Center Software’s trusted products. For more information, visit www.oncenter.com

Contacts

On Center Software
Kyle Hamer, 281-210-0171
kyle.hamer@oncenter.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4691/en

Nominum’s Pete Wisowaty Named to Adaptive Spirit Board of Directors



REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -Saturday, September 30th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nominum™, an innovator of internet security solutions and services, announced today that Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Pete Wisowaty has been selected to join the Board of Directors of Adaptive Spirit, the telecommunications industry’s premier networking and business relationship-building organization.

With more than three decades of experience in the telecom and cable industry, Wisowaty brings a deep understanding of the global service provider market to the non-profit industry organization, whose members comprise multisystem operators (MSOs), independent system operators, programmers and suppliers of equipment and services to the telecommunications industry.

“Our mission is to unite service providers with vendors and other resources to increase collaboration and best practices in the telecom industry,” said Steve Raymond, Chairman of Adaptive Spirit. “Given Nominum’s ongoing support of Adaptive Spirit, we’re excited to have Pete’s contributions as we continue to provide valuable educational and networking opportunities and further strengthen the support from the telecom sector for the Adaptive Spirit cause.”

“Nominum strongly believes in the work Adaptive Spirit is doing to support innovation and cooperation in telecommunications, and we are looking forward to increasing our partnership role with the organization and its members,” said Wisowaty. “It’s an honor to join this prestigious group of telecom leaders to help further the cause of such an important industry association.”

Wisowaty is Nominum’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, responsible for expanding the company’s worldwide service provider leadership and global footprint in 40+ countries. Pete is a telecom industry veteran with more than 30 years of sales, sales management and business development experience. Prior to Nominum, he was Vice President of Strategic Sales and Business Development for Grand Central Communications, and has also held senior level sales and sales management positions at several early stage companies in network infrastructure, security, software applications and fixed/wireless technologies. Early in his career he worked with prominent service providers like AT&T, and with early cable pioneers such as Daniels Communications and TCI.

About Adaptive Spirit

Adaptive Spirit is a not-for-profit trade association that focuses on building business relationships and effective networking practices in the telecommunications industry. Through initiatives that focus on education and networking, Adaptive Spirit champions the strength of business relationships with the result of creating a more profitable industry. To that end, Adaptive Spirit provides education, recognition, information and networking opportunities for distribution companies, content providers and others who supply products and services to the industry. Adaptive Spirit’s 23rd Annual Event is set for April 5th through April 8th, 2018, in Vail, CO. More information is available at adaptivespirit.com.

About Nominum

Nominum™ is a pioneer and global leader in internet security and services innovation. The Silicon Valley company provides an integrated suite of carrier-grade DNS-based solutions that enable fixed and mobile operators, and managed services and web application providers to protect and enhance their networks, strengthen security for business and residential subscribers and offer innovative value-added services that can be monetized. The result is improved service agility, higher ARPU, increased brand loyalty and a strong competitive advantage. More than 130 service providers in over 40 countries trust Nominum to deliver a safe, customizable internet and promote greater value to over half a billion users. Nominum DNS software resolves 1.7 trillion queries around the globe every day—roughly 100 times more transactions than the combined daily volume of tweets, likes, and searches taking place on major web properties. For more information visit nominum.com.

Follow us on Twitter: @nominum https://twitter.com/nominum
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nominum
See us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nominum
Read our latest Nominum blogs: http://nominum.com/blog/ | http://nominum.com/tech-blog/





View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170928006312/en/

Contacts

Nominum
Nancy MacGregor, +1-415-309-5185
PR Director
nancy.macgregor@nominum.com



















Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4687/en 

SES Networks Powers Carnival Corporation’s MedallionNet™ Connectivity Experience

World’s largest travel and leisure company leverages SES’s unique offering of GEO and MEO constellations to provide broadband connectivity at sea


LUXEMBOURG -Friday, September 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest leisure travel company, today announced MedallionNet™, a game-changing connectivity service enabled by SES Networks. MedallionNet will provide guests with easy-to-access Wi-Fi that features exceptional speeds and bandwidth, pervasive stateroom signal strength and unprecedented service consistency.

The connectivity service -- to be delivered in connection with SES Networks, a business unit of SES -- will collectively leverage the leading global satellite operator’s geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) constellations, managed services, antenna and shipboard technology to significantly enhance the guest experience by providing high performance and reliable broadband connectivity at sea. This innovative service is also enabled by hardware and software shipboard technology advances associated with Carnival Corporation’s proprietary O·C·E·A·N Experience Platform.

“Staying connected is inextricably linked to our daily life experiences and that now extends to the vacation experience, even when sailing in the middle of the sea,” said John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation. “MedallionNet will set the new standard for Wi-Fi service at sea and we look forward to rolling it out to our guests. Our top priority is doing everything we can to exceed guest expectations, and by listening closely to our guests, we know Wi-Fi connectivity is important to many of our guests. For guests who want to disconnect, they are free to do so. But for those who want to stay connected, MedallionNet will make it easy for them – and that includes being able to easily send photos, videos and messages letting everyone know they are having a fabulous vacation.”

MedallionNet is another development to emerge from Carnival Corporation’s Global Experience and Innovation Center located in Miami and is the first end-to-end Wi-Fi service development formulated with a focus on exceeding guest expectations through “GuestCentricityTM” – an initiative to enhance all aspects of the vacation experience by delivering guests what they want, when, where and how they want it.

“SES Networks is privileged to be associated with Carnival Corporation’s Global Experience and Innovation team and to be powering MedallionNet,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES Networks. “We share Carnival Corporation’s passionate focus on connecting people, places and cultures around the world with amazing experiences. As the only company to offer a GEO and MEO constellation, unmatched in scale, performance and technological diversity, SES Networks is uniquely positioned to enable the highest performing Wi-Fi connectivity at sea, as well as immersive media and gaming content.”

MedallionNet leverages multi-band antennas uniquely configured in an innovative shipboard formation to minimize any potential impact to guest connectivity due to seasonal weather or ship positioning, and it fuses multi-orbit satellite bandwidth to deliver a truly immersive guest connectivity experience.

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About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world's leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK), as well as Fathom, the corporation's immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, these brands operate 103 ships with 231,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only dual listed company in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies" in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing Ocean Medallion™, a high-tech wearable device that enables the world's first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, and www.pocruises.com.

About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in two key business units: SES Video and SES Networks. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions. SES’s portfolio includes ASTRA, O3b and MX1, a leading media service provider that offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. SES is listed on the Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange (ticker: SESG). Further information available at: www.ses.com

Contacts

SES
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications & PR
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com

AHF Lights Up Zimbabwe with ‘Icon’ Gold Condom Launch

HARARE, Zimbabwe -Saturday, September 30th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The AIDS Healthcare Foundation last weekend painted the city of Harare Gold with the launch of its stylish and attractive ICON Gold Condom. The launch which held in one of the tertiary institutions had in attendance over five hundred students, and some representatives of the Ministry of Health.
In his remarks, Dr Enerst Chikwati, Country Program Manager, AHF Zimbabwe explained the essence of the launch.
“This is part of AHF’s public health campaign to encourage HIV prevention and safer sex practices among youths and the general public,” he shared.
“The Condoms will be distributed free of charge and will be made available in various locations within and outside the institutions to encourage accessibility,” he added.
As new HIV infections among young people continue to rise, the need to strengthen youth friendly prevention services becomes imperative and AHF’s launch of the ICON Gold Condoms in Zimbabwe is against the backdrop that consistent and correct use of Condoms still remains one of the most effective ways of reducing new HIV infections, STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
“We commend our partners AHF for launching this ICON Gold Condom which has been specifically designed for the youths and I will like to encourage you to use them. ICON Gold is perfect for our young people to prevent new infections” explained Dr. Owen Mugurungi, Director of AIDS and TB Unit in the Health and Child Care Ministry.
“Only 54% of the country’s Condoms needs are met and our data shows that while sexually transmitted infections have reduced in the older population, the same cannot be said for the younger population” he added.
The AHF ICON Gold Condoms boast of very unique and striking features; it is thin, large, contains natural rubber latex and has a shiny gold pack, making it a people’s delight.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 807,000 individuals in 39 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare
Contacts
AHF Africa
Oluwakemi Gbadamosi
Senior Manager PR and Communications – Africa Bureau
Oluwakemi.gbadamosi@aidshealth.org


Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4688/en

Ghana Wins Maritime Boundary Dispute Against Côte d’Ivoire



WASHINGTON -Saturday, September 30th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has determined the maritime boundary between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, adopting the boundary line claimed by Ghana and rejecting that proposed by Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana was represented by a team of international lawyers led by Professor Philippe Sands Q.C. of Matrix Chambers (London) and Paul Reichler of Foley Hoag LLP (Washington).

The case was widely followed because of the abundant oil and gas resources in the Gulf of Guinea off the southern coast of the two neighboring African States.

Ghana laid claim to and began to exploit all of the deposits to the east of an equidistance line that it long considered the de facto boundary between the two States. Côte d’Ivoire challenged Ghana’s claims and threatened to prosecute international oil companies drilling in the disputed waters. In early 2015, the two States agreed to submit the dispute for binding resolution by ITLOS.

In its ruling, the tribunal unanimously agreed with Ghana that the boundary should follow an equidistance line, and that Ghana acted lawfully in its drilling and extractive activities on its side of that line. The boundary that was adopted is a line extending from the coast to the southwest at an angle of 191.8 degrees. The tribunal rejected Cote d’Ivoire’s claim that the boundary should run to the southeast along an angle of 168.7 degrees.

Over 9,000 square nautical miles of sea and seabed were disputed. All were awarded to Ghana. These include the oil and gas fields known as TEN (Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme) which are estimated to hold 2 billion barrels of oil and 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

In addition to Sands and Reichler, Ghana’s legal team included Foley Hoag attorneys
Clara Brillembourg, Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, Nicholas Renzler and Alejandra Torres Camprubí; Alison Macdonald Q.C. (Matrix Chambers); Anjolie Singh; Professor Pierre Klein (Université Libre de Bruxelles); Daniel Alexander Q.C. (8 New Square Chambers); and Fui Tsikata (Reindorf Chambers - Accra). Ghana’s Agent was Attorney-General Gloria Afua-Akuffo.

“The final boundary line was a 100 percent victory for Ghana, which is very rare in maritime delimitation cases,” Reichler said.





View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170929005776/en/

Contacts

Foley Hoag LLP
Audra Callanan, 617-832-7010
acallanan@foleyhoag.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4690/en

Murex Voted Number One Overall Financial Technology Provider in Asia Pacific for the Fifth Consecutive Year

SINGAPORE-Thursday, September 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Murex, a global leader in cross-asset trading, risk management and post-trade solutions, is pleased to announce that it has been voted Overall Number One technology provider in Asia Risk Magazine’s Technology Rankings for the fifth consecutive year.

The Asia Risk Technology Ranking winners were announced following the results of Asia Risk’s annual survey of capital markets participants. Showcasing the industry’s preferred technology in risk management and derivatives trading, these prestigious awards represent a vendor’s ability to innovate, stay ahead of market demands and perform consistently in the APAC region.

Placing first in a total of 18 categories, Murex’s MX.3 solution continues to showcase best practices across a number of business functions. In addition to being named Overall Number One Technology vendor, Murex topped two other categories and was voted Overall Winner for ‘Risk Management’ and Overall Winner for ‘Derivatives Pricing & Risk Analytics’. Murex won 15 subcategories including FRTB, interest rates, and XVA Management.

“Since entering the Asia Pacific market over 20 years ago, Murex has gone from strength-to-strength as reflected in the strong ongoing support of the market and the recent award winning streak. The Asia Pacific region is a strategic market for Murex, and we are thrilled that our clients in the region have recognized the work and commitment of our teams. With the capital markets industry providing customers with new and unpredictable regulatory challenges, we will continue to create solutions to support our clients in achieving their business objectives” commented Guy Otayek, CEO of Murex Asia Pacific.

About Murex (www.murex.com)

For more than 30 years, Murex has been providing enterprise-wide, cross-asset financial technology solutions to capital markets players. Its MX.3 platform supports trading, treasury, risk and post-trade operations, enabling clients to better meet regulatory requirements, manage enterprise-wide risk, and control costs. With more than 45,000 daily users in 65 countries, Murex has clients in many sectors, from banking and asset management to energy and commodities.

Murex is an independent company with 2,000 employees across 17 countries. Murex is committed to providing cutting-edge technology, superior customer service, and product innovation.

Contacts

Murex
Nicole Fisher, +33144053200
nicole.fisher@murex.com


Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4673/en

GMAC Launches the Study in India Initiative in Partnership with 9 Leading Indian Business Schools, Opening Doors for International Candidates across 27 Countries to Pursue Management Education in India

MBA aspirants from South Asia, East Asia, Africa and the Middle East can seek admission in the partnering B-schools; initiative has support from Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India


NEW DELHI-Wednesday, September 27th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In its endeavor to strengthen India’s position as a global graduate management education hub, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), owner of the GMAT® exam and NMAT by GMAC™ exam, has partnered with 9 leading Indian B-schools to launch Study in Indiainitiative. This partnership will open doors for international aspirants across 27 countries to pursue management education in India, and arose from the Ministry of Human Resource Development’s directive to rebuild India’s attractiveness as a study destination for higher education in Africa, Middle East, South and East Asia.

The 9 business schools associated with the Study in India initiative are:

1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)
3. Indian School of Business (ISB)
4. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore)
5. Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB)
6. SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR)
7. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
8. Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)
9. IMT Ghaziabad

Study in India is expected to build and strengthen preference for Indian B-schools in relevant international markets. Aspirants from these 27 countries can now log on to the Study in India website, www.mba.com/studyinindia, and will have the option to secure admission in any of the 9 partner B-schools in India using their GMAT scores.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sangeet Chowfla, president and CEO of GMAC said, “India has all the elements in the making of becoming a global education hub because it has the unique advantage of providing world class, high quality education at affordable prices. Students across these emerging markets will now have access to some of these top business schools, which are globally accredited, have superior infrastructure, faculty and curriculum. Study in India intends to connect international talent and aspiration with the right opportunity on India’s B-school campuses. We would also like to thank the Ministry of Human Resources Development and our partner schools for their support in making this initiative a reality. We are positive that the Study in India initiative will assist business schools in creating a larger and much diverse international talent pool, while offering students a high-impact learning experience.”

This initiative also holds strategic promise for Indian management education; a rise in enrollment may lead to an increase in student diversity at these institutions, enhancing the overall classroom experience for students.

Contacts

for GMAC
Anuradha Chawla / Mayuri Dahiya
9899965560 / 8585925739
Anuradha@avian-media.com / mayuri@avian-media.com


Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4661/en

Friday, September 29, 2017

SES Video Concludes Comprehensive Agreement with Sky Deutschland

Major German pay-TV platform commits to long-term capacity renewal with SES Video




LUXEMBOURG -Friday, September 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- German pay-TV platform Sky Deutschland subscribers will continue to enjoy an immersive TV viewing experience via SES satellites following a multi-year capacity extension deal.

Under the agreement announced by SES, Sky Deutschland has renewed seven transponders at the prime orbital position of 19.2 degrees East to deliver its video content to millions of households and subscribers.

The orbital position of 19.2 degrees East is Europe's most important video neighborhood, home to over 450 German-speaking channels with a direct-to-home reach of 17.5 million TV homes across Germany. The number of channels at this prime position has seen continuous growth and has increased by over 25 per cent since the end of 2012. In addition, as high picture quality has become increasingly important to viewers, the number of HD channels on ASTRA has more than doubled in the same period, with over 160 HD channels and six Ultra HD channels on 19.2 degrees East.

“This long-term cooperation with Sky Deutschland highlights that satellite is the key distribution infrastructure for leading pay-TV operators. SES Video’s extensive reach and services mean we are well-positioned to enable Sky Deutschland subscribers to experience a full range of high-quality content in Standard, High and Ultra High Definition,” said Ferdinand Kayser, CEO at SES Video. “This latest long-term renewal capacity contract is the third agreement we have signed with major pay-TV customers in the last 18 months, and clearly confirms the position of SES Video as the partner of choice for video delivery worldwide.”

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About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in two key business units; SES Video and SES Networks. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions. SES’s portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, O3b, a global managed data communications service provider, and MX1, a leading media service provider that offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. SES is listed on the Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange (ticker: SESG). Further information available at: www.ses.com



Contacts

SES
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications & PR
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com



Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4680/en

Philip Morris International Calls for Proposals in Second Funding Round of PMI IMPACT, a Global Initiative to Fight Illegal Trade and Related Crimes



LAUSANNE, Switzerland -Friday, September 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE/Euronext Paris: PM) is calling for funding proposals under PMI IMPACT, its USD 100 million global initiative to support third party projects dedicated to fighting illegal trade. Proposals can come from private, public, or non-governmental organizations, and interested organizations must submit their applications by November 15, 2017.

For this second funding round, PMI IMPACT will focus on initiatives that address converging forms of illegal trade and related crimes, such as corruption, money laundering, and organized criminal networks.

The projects can be implemented anywhere in the world, but should have an impact in one or more of these geographic areas: Eastern Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Tri-Border Area in South America, Central America, South and Southeast Asia.

As highlighted by expert speakers from public institutions, law enforcement, the private sector, and civil society at a two-day conference on Combating Illicit Trade, held in London earlier this week with the support of PMI IMPACT, illegal trade takes many forms – ranging from the smuggling and counterfeiting of goods to human trafficking, and the trade in drugs, arms, and wildlife. Illegal activities are frequently interlinked and converge, as criminals exploit the same large-scale trafficking routes and modes of operation.

The PMI IMPACT Expert Council will review and select the projects for funding.

“We are looking forward to receiving cutting-edge proposals that will help private and public organizations improve their knowledge and efficiency in the fight against this growing concern worldwide" stated Alain Juillet, member of the PMI IMPACT Expert Council.

Interested organizations can find information on how to apply for the second funding round of PMI IMPACT here.

Philip Morris International Inc.

PMI is a leading international tobacco company, with six of the world's top 15 international brands and products sold in more than 180 markets. In addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, including Marlboro, the number one global cigarette brand, and other tobacco products, PMI is engaged in the development and commercialization of reduced-risk products (“RRPs”). RRPs is the term PMI uses to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continued smoking. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-leading scientific substantiation, PMI aims to provide an RRP portfolio that meets a broad spectrum of adult smoker preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. For more information, see www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.

Contacts

Media enquiries
Philip Morris International Media Office
T: +41 (0)58 242 4500
E: media@pmi.com


Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4682/en

Art of War: Red Tides Exclusively Comes to App Store in 154 Markets



BEIJING -Friday, September 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Art of War: Red Tides is now available for free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. It is a new strategy game which allows players from all around the world to compete with each other in real-time and on different devices. Red Tides is pioneering a new trend of strategy games, with simple mechanics and sophisticated strategic gameplay.

Three Distinctive Races, Each with Its Own Story

In Red Tides, there are 3 races: the Terrans, the Atlac & the Yaoguai. Powerful weapons and cruisers made Terrans the most fearful force in the entire universe, until they awakened the Atlac from beneath the deep sea. The Yaoguai were enslaved by the Terrans and forced to fight for them, but the Terrans didn’t realize the strength of this army they had forged. And now a brutal war among the three races is going to decide the fate of the universe…

Compete Against Teams around the World in Real-time

As a global team-based strategy game, Red Tides requires you to arrange your troops in real-time! The main game mode is a 3v3 team mode in which you will team up and battle against commanders from all around the world. In Red Tides, victory cannot be guaranteed by money, but through strategy and teamwork. There are 3 races with more than 200 units available, each with their own unique skills and talents. Use these available resources to outsmart and defeat your opponents!

Follow Red Tides for Further Information

Now Red Tides has been released globally on App Store, with support in more than 10 languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai and more! Don’t miss out, and be part of this intergalactic battle for supremacy! Download Red Tides for free from the App Store now!

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/redtides.mobile

Download Link: https://smart.link/59ccea3a2ad05

About HERO Entertainment

HERO Entertainment is aiming to build a world-leading interactive entertainment brand. Based on a global perspective and in the era of mobile Internet, HERO has been devoting itself into providing high-quality mobile games to both domestic and overseas users.

Contacts

HERO Entertainment
Yolanda Dong, +86 15210887724
herogame@yingxiong.com


American Express Expands Growing Global Lounge Collection with the Opening of The CENTURION® Lounge in Hong Kong and Philadelphia



NEW YORK -Friday, September 29th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Express (NYSE:AXP) today announced the expansion of its signature airport lounge network, The Centurion Lounge, with two new locations in Hong Kong and Philadelphia International Airports. Hong Kong, which opens on October 2nd, marks the first Centurion lounge in Asia, and Philadelphia, opening in late October, marks the 8th U.S. location of this growing network of premium airport retreats.

“We are excited to introduce our first Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong, which continues to be a top destination for our Card Members and an epicenter for contemporary culture,” said Janey Whiteside, executive vice president and general manager of Global Charge Products, Benefits & Services, American Express. “We’re equally thrilled to expand our offerings in the U.S. with the opening of a Centurion Lounge location in the growing travel hub of Philadelphia. These two new additions to our Centurion Lounge offerings and broader Global Lounge Collection build on our ongoing commitment to provide our increasingly global Card Members with access to premium travel benefits and experiences.”

The Centurion Lounge is the signature lounge program within the broader American Express Global Lounge CollectionSM, which provides Platinum Card® and Centurion Members with access to the most lounges across the globe compared to other U.S. credit cards, including access to more than 1,100 lounges around the world, in 500 plus cities, across 120 countries and counting.

The Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport

Opening on October 2nd, The Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport is located in Terminal 1. Covering approximately 8,000 square feet, the lounge offers an expansive escape for Card Members to relax, refresh and reboot. The space features a unique selection of premium amenities, food and beverages inspired by the local culture.

Amenities include:

    A premium buffet featuring both locally and internationally inspired dishes.
        Example menu items include French toast with maple syrup and mixed berry compote, assorted Dim Sum baskets, stir-fried rice with eggs, mushrooms and vegetables, chicken congee, gnocchi with Pomodoro sauce, pan fried sole fillet with caper cream sauce, and vanilla mango panna cotta.
    A complimentary full bar with custom cocktails created by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan and wine selections handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio*
    Private phone areas and a meeting room, plus a workspace outfitted with a computer bar
    Restrooms and a private shower suite outfitted with L’Occitane amenities
    A private area exclusively available for Centurion Members and their guests, which will offer access to a dedicated Member Services Professional to help with any specific travel, reservation or card services requests
    The private Centurion area will also feature an a la carte menu designed by Michelin star chef, Lau Yiu Fai of Yan Toh Heen at the InterContinental Hong Kong.
        Chef Lau’s menu will offer Cantonese dishes such as baked pork in puff pastry, crispy spring rolls with kimchi and pork, crispy fresh prawns with black truffles, braised wagyu beef cheek and turnip, barbecued pork with honey and steamed rice, and baked egg tartlettes with bird’s nest, among others.

The Centurion Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport

In the coming weeks, American Express will open a new 6,300 square foot Centurion Lounge located in Terminal A West of Philadelphia International Airport. In this new lounge Card Members can enjoy amenities including:

    An Israeli-inspired food menu designed by four-time James Beard Award winning Israeli Cuisine Pioneer, Chef Michael Solomonov
    A complimentary full bar with custom cocktails created by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan and wine selections handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio*
    Floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive internal and external views
    Essentials for business and leisure travelers alike, including dedicated workspaces, power outlets, private phone areas, comfortable seating and access to high-speed Wi-Fi

American Express is excited to partner with Chef Michael Solomonov, the executive chef and co-owner of Philadelphia’s pioneering Israeli restaurant Zahav, to bring some of his favorite flavors to The Centurion Lounge in Philadelphia. Some of the items on Solomonov’s lounge menu include challah French toast with tehina and blackberries, Israeli salad with feta, kale tabbouleh with apples and pomegranate, Bulgarian kebabs with red pepper and white bean salad, and malabi with coconut and passionfruit.

"We are extremely honored to be a part of the American Express Centurion Lounge family and excited to help make their newest lounge an oasis of hospitality for Philadelphia travelers,” said Chef Michael Solomonov. “It's such an exciting time to be a Philadelphian, and I am grateful for the opportunity to show visitors to our historic town what the City of Brotherly Love is all about."

The two new lounges in Hong Kong and Philadelphia are the latest openings in American Express’ network of Centurion Lounges, which also includes locations at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Miami International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Houston’s George Bush International Airport.

In addition to the new locations, The Centurion Lounge at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will be relocating to a larger space in Terminal D, opening in the first half of 2018. The new space will be approximately 3,000 square feet larger than the original space and will include additional amenities such as telephone rooms, a private mother’s room and an additional shower suite.

Access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary and exclusive for Platinum Card and Centurion Members. Platinum Card Members may enter with up to two travel companions at no additional charge. Centurion Members may enter with their immediate family or up to two travel companions. Platinum Card or Centurion Members may purchase a one-day pass to The Centurion Lounge for additional guests for $50.**

Access to The Centurion Lounge and the broader Global Lounge Collection is among an expansive suite of benefits designed to create a more seamless travel experience for Platinum Card and Centurion Members. The Global Lounge Collection includes access to American Express Centurion Lounges, international American Express lounges, Delta Sky Club® for Card Members flying on Delta, Priority PassTM Select Lounges upon enrollment, Airspace Lounges and MAG U.S. Escape Lounges. Card Members can find a lounge at the Global Lounge Collection website or by using the Amex Mobile app.

Visit http://americanexpress.com/platinum for more about the Platinum Card.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility.

* Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

**Subject to availability/capacity.

Contacts

Heather Norton
Heather.A.Norton@aexp.com
212-640-0496
or
Margot Leeds
Margot.leeds@pmkbnc.com
212-373-0106

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4683/en

Guidewire to Bring the Power of Salesforce CRM to P&C Insurance

 CRM solution will empower insurers to better engage with customers

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -Thursday, September 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), a provider of software products to Property and Casualty (P&C) insurers, today announced it is teaming with Salesforce to bring to market a new solution to deliver CRM optimized for the unique needs of P&C insurance. The solution will empower insurers to better engage with their customers, partners, and employees. Guidewire is also joining the Salesforce AppExchange, the world’s leading enterprise apps marketplace.

Guidewire and Salesforce customers will benefit from this collaboration through a series of cloud-based products starting with a consistent and integrated 360-degree view of their customers across the two platforms. These products are currently under development.

Insurers in today’s era of engagement strive to do all they can to improve the experiences of their agents, service representatives and most importantly their customers. Having a 360-degree view of their customer is a critical component and serves as a foundation for future joint capabilities such as optimizing leads, increasing customer retention, and running customer-centric operations. Bringing together the strengths of the #1 CRM platform and Guidewire’s industry platform for high-quality insurance experiences, operations, and data will provide a new Guidewire CRM solution optimized for the unique needs of P&C insurance and empower insurers to meet heightened customer expectations.

“We are excited to align with Guidewire and highly respect their global expertise in the P&C insurance industry. By leveraging the power of the Salesforce Platform, Guidewire will deepen the industry specific CRM capabilities the competitive insurer requires, offering a 360-degree view of their customers,” said Rohit Mahna, SVP & GM Financial Services, Salesforce.

"Insurers are embracing the importance of customer centricity and front-office digital enablement more than ever," said Marcus Ryu, Chief Executive Officer, Guidewire Software. "In service of these initiatives, we are excited to collaborate with Salesforce, a formidable authority in cloud-based CRM. Productizing the integration between our platforms will help insurers transform the distribution and service of their products, to the benefit of both their businesses and their policyholders."

Salesforce, AppExchange and others are among the trademarks of salesforce.com, inc.

About Guidewire Software

Guidewire delivers the software that Property and Casualty (P&C) insurers need to adapt and succeed in a time of rapid industry change. We combine three elements – core processing, data and analytics, and digital engagement – into a technology platform that enhances insurers’ ability to engage and empower their customers and employees. More than 300 P&C insurers around the world have selected Guidewire. For more information, please visit www.guidewire.com. Follow us on twitter: @Guidewire_PandC.

NOTE: Guidewire, Guidewire Software, Guidewire ClaimCenter, Guidewire PolicyCenter, Guidewire BillingCenter, are registered trademarks of Guidewire Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Contacts

Guidewire Software, Inc.
Diana Stott, +1 650-356-4941
Director, Communications
dstott@guidewire.com

Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4671/en

Accenture, JSR and NTT Begin Work on a Proof-of-Concept for a Smart Industrial Complex

 The aim is to develop a connected worker platform that collects and analyzes data and recreates experienced worker’s capabilities



TOKYO-Thursday, September 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Accenture (NYSE: ACN), JSR Corporation, a chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Japan, and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), one of the world's largest telecommunications services providers headquartered in Japan are embarking on a proof-of-concept project at JSR’s plant in Chiba Prefecture designed to improve worker productivity and safety in smart industrial complexes that is technology driven and analytics led.

The plan is to develop a ‘connected worker’ analytics platform leveraging smart sensors and wireless technology to automatically collect and analyze unstructured data – such as motion images and sound recordings from plant operation management and maintenance tasks performed by experienced workers at the Chiba Plant. The cross-company teams will work together to combine these insights with machine data from distributed control systems, and to develop a solution that will help users make more informed decisions using a machine learning algorithm in real-time. The goal is to convert the tacit knowledge of experienced workers into explicit knowledge, and transfer it to less experienced workers.

The proof-of-concept will integrate JSR’s insights in operation management and maintenance tasks, artificial intelligence “corevo®”(*) of NTT Group including NTT Advanced Technology Corporation, along with industry-leading digital transformation expertise and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities of Accenture Strategy. This proof-of-concept is based on the ideas of open innovation which is vital for a smart industrial complex, and one that integrates key capabilities from the three companies into one seamless digital transformation plan.

A smart industrial complex has the potential to improve knowledge transfer and address safety issues. This is a major priority for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which recently announced a new Japanese industry plant safety policy, the Super Certified Plant System. The industry needs to address safety issues and establish stable, continuous operation, but faces additional challenges: a shrinking talent pool of experienced workers due to an aging workforce and investment spending constraints for IT solutions as spending has been required in recent years for safety solutions such as explosion prevention.

“The chemicals industry will face major transformation when digitalization makes it possible to detect signs of equipment abnormalities and predict product supply and demand,” said Mitsunobu Koshiba, representative director and president, JSR. “Harnessing the innovation of NTT and Accenture, we will promote a smart industrial complex and contribute to enhancing the competitive edge of Japan’s chemicals industry.”

“We are accelerating NTT’s transition to its new business model, B2B2X, and are committed to offering value-added services by collaborating with companies in different fields to extend our offerings,” said Jun Sawada, senior executive vice president, NTT. “This initiative helps establish a smart industrial complex and future growth of the chemicals industry in Japan, and it also embodies a business model for NTT that maximizes the potential of ICT.”

Connected worker technology is one element of what Accenture refers to as Industry X.0 - the digital reinvention of industry. It is when businesses use advanced digital technologies to transform their core operations, their worker and customer experiences and ultimately their business models.

“Digital disruption presents unparalleled growth and new value creation opportunities for Japan’s chemicals industry, especially when viewed through the Industry X.0 prism,” said Atsushi Egawa, representative director and president of Accenture Japan. “The deep chemicals industry expertise, and digital transformation and IIoT capabilities Accenture Strategy brings to the PoC will help embrace digital disruption in addition to improving plant productivity and worker safety. Turning this solution into a practical technology driven and analytics led business model will help us showcase that Industry X.0 can deliver new levels of efficiency in R&D, engineering, production, manufacturing and business support through integrated systems, processes, sensors and new intelligence.”

About JSR Corporation

JSR Corporation (formerly 'Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd.') was established in 1957 for domestic production of synthetic rubbers. Since then, JSR has continuously expanded its business to emulsions and plastics, and from the late 1970s, expanded to other materials for the semiconductor, flat panel display, and optical materials fields by leveraging our proprietary polymer technologies. In addition to the Petrochemicals and Fine Chemicals fields, JSR works on the Life Sciences field as one of its new business pillars to expand its profits.

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

NTT Group delivers advanced technology and innovative solutions in networking, software communications, and cloud computing that help transform businesses, governments and societies around the world. NTT Group will deliver convenient, enriched and reliable services to support customers as a “Value Partner” that its customers will continue to select. Today, 88% of Fortune 100 companies rely on NTT Group as their business partner. NTT Group generates over $105 billion in annual revenues, has over 240 data centers and employs more than 275,000 professionals working in 88 countries and regions.

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 411,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

Accenture Strategy operates at the intersection of business and technology. We bring together our capabilities in business, technology, operations and function strategy to help our clients envision and execute industry-specific strategies that support enterprise wide transformation. Our focus on issues related to digital disruption, competitiveness, global operating models, talent and leadership help drive both efficiencies and growth. For more information, follow @AccentureStrat or visit www.accenture.com/strategy.

Contacts

JSR
Nobuhiko Kuwashima, + 81 3 6218 3517
jsr_koho@jsr.co.jp
or
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Public Relations
ntt-cnr-ml@hco.ntt.co.jp
or
Accenture Japan
Shigeo Masuda, + 81 45 330 7157
accenture.jp.media@accenture.com



Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4676/en

Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Pink Ribbon Turns 25: The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign Reaches 25 Year Milestone



NEW YORK -Thursday, September 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]
Campaign honors the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder, co-creator of the Pink Ribbon and champion of the breast cancer movement
The Estée Lauder Companies raises $70 million to date and commits to its largest-ever fundraising goal

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies honors the 25th Anniversary of The Breast Cancer Campaign (formerly known as The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign) and the co-creation of the iconic pink ribbon by its visionary founder, the late Evelyn H. Lauder. 25 years ago there was no pink ribbon. Women around the world were dying from breast cancer and there was very little discussion about it. Mrs. Lauder saw an urgent need to bring breast cancer to the forefront and put a spotlight on this world health issue. In 1992, she became a pioneer for the breast cancer movement, co-creating the pink ribbon and launching The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign). A year later, she founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), a non-profit organization, to generate funding solely dedicated to breast cancer research. Today, the pink ribbon is the ubiquitous symbol of breast health and The Campaign is a global leading voice for breast cancer, igniting a worldwide movement that has funded innovative research and awareness, and inspired meaningful action.

To mark the 25th Anniversary, The Estée Lauder Companies has a new mission: to create a breast cancer-free world. A bold, thought-provoking visual of a tattered pink ribbon is being introduced, showing the wear and tear of 25 years of hard work, dedication and impact trying to cure this disease. It also represents the hope that in 25 years, there will be no need for a pink ribbon; breast cancer will be committed to the history books. The Campaign no longer carries the word “Awareness” as breast cancer now has the global spotlight it deserves, moving into the future with a new rally – it’s time to end breast cancer.
The Campaign is now active in more than 70 countries around the world, partnering with more than 60 regional organizations to address areas of most critical need. The Campaign has raised more than $70 million to support global research, education and medical services, funding 225 medical research grants through BCRF ($56 million from total funds raised). To date:

•    Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 38% since the late 1980s.1

•    Five-year survival rates are better than 90% when breast cancer is found early

•    Treatments are being customized to a person’s type of breast cancer, as breast cancer was revealed to be not one disease, but several different types

•    Surgery is not as invasive, and most women can have a lumpectomy and not a full breast removal (mastectomy)

William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., continues to honor the legacy of his late mother and proudly champions The Campaign’s work worldwide stating, “Supporting the development of critical research, driving awareness, and helping to eliminate the cultural barriers that can prevent the identification and treatment of breast cancer has been our core Company focus since my mother Evelyn H. Lauder founded The Breast Cancer Campaign 25 years ago. I am continuously humbled and energized by the passion and care exhibited by our employees and the tireless dedication of our partners—whose work is getting us closer to a global cure each and every day. As a Company, our commitment has not and will not waver.”

The Campaign unites partners and influencers worldwide, demonstrating the power of taking action together and inspiring others to make a difference. “Throughout my travels as Global Ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, I’ve seen the hope that advancing breast cancer research is bringing,” said Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador for The Breast Cancer Campaign. “I’ve seen first-hand the strength of those fighting breast cancer and the strength of friends and family who are supporting them in their fight, and I truly believe that together we can help turn the corner and bring breast cancer to an end.”

The Estée Lauder Companies is launching global efforts to support The Campaign:

•    Largest-ever one-year commitment of $8 million in financial contributions

•    A social fundraising effort, in which The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to fund a half-hour of breast cancer research through BCRF for every unique post on Instagram or Twitter with both #PinkRibbon25 and #ELCdonates between September 15, 2017 and October 31, 2017, with the goal of funding a maximum of 500 research hours

•    Illumination of buildings, monuments and landmarks worldwide in glowing pink lights to raise awareness of breast health – including the Empire State Building, New York City and the Eiffel Tower, Paris

•    Release of a documentary short film, “Unraveling the Pink Ribbon: Creating a Breast Cancer-Free World,” directed by Sophy Holland, honoring Mrs. Lauder and highlighting progress made

•    Distribution of informational brochures and pink ribbons at The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brand counters worldwide

“The Estée Lauder Companies has long been committed to making an impact on communities around the world, and our efforts through The Breast Cancer Campaign are a reflection of that purpose,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “The awareness we’ve brought to the movement brings us great pride, and fuels the next – and what we hope to be the last - stage of The Campaign: ending breast cancer.”

The following brands of The Estée Lauder Companies will support The Campaign's mission: Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Clinique, Darphin, DKNY, Donna Karan, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, La Mer, Lab Series, Origins, Prescriptives, Smashbox, Tom Ford Beauty and Tory Burch. Each will contribute by selling Pink Ribbon Products or making donations to BCRF and/or other charitable organizations around the world. This assortment differs by country and organization.

To support the 25th Anniversary of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, visit bcacampaign.com, follow on social media @bcacampaign and use #PinkRibbon25.
ABOUT THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M•A•C, Kiton, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, Tom Ford, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, By Kilian, BECCA and Too Faced.

1. Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures 2017 (https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2017.html)

2. Source: American Cancer Society Understanding Breast Cancer Survival Rates (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html)
________________________________________
Contacts
The Estée Lauder Companies
Bari Seiden-Young, 212-572-4475
bseiden@estee.com
Permalink : http://aetoswire.com/news/4669/en

Takeda to Feature ALUNBRIG™ (brigatinib) Data from Pivotal Phase 2 ALTA Trial at 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer

 − Presentations Include Updated Trial Data and Results from Additional Analyses in Crizotinib-Refractory ALK+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer –

− Data Highlight Takeda’s Strengthened Oncology Business and Diversification of Pipeline into Solid Tumors –

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & OSAKA, Japan -Thursday, September 28th 2017 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) today announced that the company will present four company-sponsored abstracts, including one oral presentation, at the 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), October 15-18, in Yokohama, Japan. Presentations at this year’s meeting will highlight Takeda’s progress in developing ALUNBRIGTM (brigatinib), an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As part of a deep commitment to advancing research and serving the needs of patients, Takeda aspires to develop best-in-class treatments for people living with NSCLC.

“The presentations at this year’s meeting support the role of ALUNBRIG as a targeted therapy for patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC,” said Jesus Gomez Navarro, M.D., Vice President, Head of Oncology Clinical Research and Development, Takeda. “Updated data being presented at WCLC from the pivotal ALTA trial reinforces, with longer follow-up, the clinical findings previously reported. We are committed to continuing research and development in NSCLC to improve the lives of the more than 30,000 patients diagnosed with ALK+ NSCLC worldwide each year.”

During the oral presentation, Takeda will feature updated data from the pivotal Phase 2 ALTA (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113) trial, highlighting the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG at two separate dosing regimens in patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on crizotinib. Additional efficacy and safety sub-analyses from the trial will also be presented.

The four Takeda-sponsored abstracts accepted for presentation during WCLC 2017 include:
Note: all times listed are in Japan Standard Time.

    Brigatinib in Crizotinib-Refractory ALK+ NSCLC: Updated Efficacy and Safety Results From ALTA, a Randomized Phase 2 Trial. Abstract 8027. Oral presentation. Monday, October 16, 4:30 – 4:40 p.m., Room 301 & 302.
    Hypertension With Brigatinib: Experience in ALTA, a Randomized Phase 2 Trial in Crizotinib-Refractory ALK+ NSCLC. Abstract 8346. Monday, October 16, 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C).
    Depth of Target Lesion Response to Brigatinib and Its Association With Outcomes in Patients With ALK+ NSCLC in the ALTA Trial. Abstract 8035. Monday, October 16, 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C).
    Overall Survival (OS) After Disease Progression on Brigatinib in Patients With Crizotinib-Refractory ALK+ NSCLC in ALTA. Abstract 8546. Monday, October 16, 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C).

About the ALTA Trial

The Phase 2 ALTA (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113) trial of brigatinib in adults is an ongoing, two-arm, open-label, multicenter trial, which enrolled 222 patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib. Patients received either 90 mg of ALUNBRIG once daily (n=112) or 180 mg once daily following a seven-day lead-in of 90 mg once daily (n=110). The major efficacy outcome measure was confirmed overall response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as evaluated by an Independent Review Committee (IRC). Additional efficacy outcome measures included Investigator-assessed ORR, duration of response (DOR), intracranial ORR, and intracranial DOR.

About ALK+ NSCLC

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85 percent of the estimated 222,500 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients. Approximately two to eight percent of patients with metastatic NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene.

The central nervous system (CNS) is a frequent site for progression in ALK+ NSCLC, with brain metastases present in up to 70 percent of patients after treatment with crizotinib.

About ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib)

ALUNBRIG is a targeted cancer medicine discovered by ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which was acquired by Takeda in February 2017. ALUNBRIG recently received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ALK+ NSCLC patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ALUNBRIG received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC whose tumors are resistant to crizotinib, and was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC, ROS1+ and EGFR+ NSCLC. A Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for ALUNBRIG was submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February 2017.

In the US, the recommended dosing regimen for ALUNBRIG is:

    90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days;
    if 90 mg is tolerated during the first 7 days, increase the dose to 180 mg orally once daily.

The ALTA clinical development program further reinforces Takeda’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative therapies for people living with ALK+ NSCLC worldwide and the healthcare professionals who treat them. In addition to the ongoing Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 ALTA trial, brigatinib is also being studied in the Phase 3 ALTA 1L trial to assess its efficacy and safety in comparison to crizotinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor.

To learn more about ALUNBRIG, please visit www.ALUNBRIG.com or call 1-844-A1POINT (1-844-217-6468). For additional information on the brigatinib clinical trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG. In Trial ALTA (ALTA), ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90→180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred early (within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG; median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%. Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis.

Hypertension: In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall. Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 severity, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension. Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia.

Bradycardia: Bradycardia can occur with ALUNBRIG. In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified.

Visual Disturbance: In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients treated with ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in one patient each in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: In ALTA, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3-4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90→180 mg group. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Hyperglycemia: In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG. Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize anti-hyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in the 90 mg group were nausea (33%), fatigue (29%), headache (28%), and dyspnea (27%) and in the 90→180 mg group were nausea (40%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (36%), cough (34%), and headache (27%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may also increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib. If concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong CYP3A inducers.

CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with CYP3A substrates, including hormonal contraceptives, can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy of CYP3A substrates.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

Lactation: There are no data regarding the secretion of brigatinib in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential:

Contraception: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

Infertility: ALUNBRIG may cause reduced fertility in males.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of ALUNBRIG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Of the 222 patients in ALTA, 19.4% were 65-74 years and 4.1% were 75 years or older. No clinically relevant differences in safety or efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 and younger patients.

Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment or mild or moderate renal impairment. The safety of ALUNBRIG in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment has not been studied.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for ALUNBRIG at www.ALUNBRIG.com

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com.

Contacts

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Japanese Media
Tsuyoshi Tada, +81 (0) 3-3278-2417
tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com
or
European Media
Kate Burd, +44 7974 151510
kate.burd@takeda.com
or
Media outside Japan/EU
Amy Atwood, +1-617-551-3683
amy.atwood@takeda.com

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