Monday, August 31, 2020

City of Tampere: Architecture Competition for New Art Museum Building to Launch in Finland

TAMPERE, Finland-Monday 31 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- An international architecture competition has been launched in the historical city centre of Tampere. The contestants of the competition get to design a new building for the Sara Hildén Art Museum. The old factory buildings in the area as well as the cultural surroundings offer an interesting setting for the competition. With approximately 370,000 residents, the steadily growing Tampere is the largest inland city in the Nordic countries. If the nearby municipalities are included, Tampere is the second largest urban region in Finland.

The architecture competition lasts from 31 August to 2 December 2020. The results will be published in early 2021.

The Sara Hildén Art Museum and its internationally noteworthy art collection is a significant attraction in Tampere. The new location in a historically remarkable area improves the museum’s accessibility and provides audiences with new experiences. Compared to the current building, the new building will be significantly larger and have more modern museum technology, making it possible to display both the growing permanent collection and temporary exhibitions at the same time.

“The contestants will be required to design a high-quality building that acknowledges the surrounding city structure and the valuable cultural and green areas. The propositions must be feasible in terms of lifespan, functionality and the technical-economic point of view,” emphasises Deputy Mayor Jaakko Stenhäll.

The Mutual Pension Insurance Company Varma is the owner and developer of the Finlayson area buildings.

“The new museum will support the attractiveness and vitality of the western city centre and strengthen the cultural and leisure resources as well as the concentration of jobs in the area. We look forward to seeing the contestants’ proposals,” says Varma’s Real Estate Manager Kai Niinimäki.

Varma, the Sara Hildén Foundation and the City of Tampere are organising the architecture competition in cooperation with the Finnish Association of Architects, in line with the association’s competition rules.

Tampere is a university city and an attractive centre for know-how, trade and culture in Finland. Tampere is currently applying to become the 2026 European Capital of Culture.

Competition website:
www.sarahildenkilpailu.fi

The Sara Hildén Art Museum:
www.tampere.fi/sarahilden

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200831005124/en/


Contacts

Deputy Mayor Jaakko Stenhäll tel. +358 (0)45 137 8505, jaakko.stenhall@tampere.fi
Head of Local Detailed Planning Elina Karppinen tel. +358 (0)40 800 4908, elina.karppinen@tampere.fi
Real Estate Manager Kai Niinimäki, Varma, tel. +358 (0)40 729 8144, kai.niinimaki@varma.fi


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BenQ Unveils New RP02 Series Interactive Flat Panels With Advanced ClassroomCareTM Technology and the Third Generation of Germ Resistant Screens for Learning Post Covid-19



Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Wednesday 26 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

In a few days, schools will re-open, and kids will most likely resume schooling with a combination of social distancing in classroom or distance learning. Schools play a significant role to build students’ their core skills to connect with future careers and also provide a healthy and safe learning environment. To facilitate remote and blending learning , BenQ, global leaders in display technology solutions, announces their latest RP02 Series of Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) for classrooms that equip with Advanced ClassroomCareTM Technologies, not only monitoring environmental status and killing bacteria within their vicinity, but also enhancing cloud collaboration when distance learning, and management support for installers, IT departments and end users.

"Starting from 2016, we have always been trying to invest in and encourage learning, and our latest solutions have been designed, keeping in mind the needs and health concerns of school-going students (and their parents). Solutions like the IFPs in the RP02 Series act as a safeguard for classrooms in these trying times with the Third generation of Germ-Resistant screen. And, we are the first and the only brand that has acquired TÜV and SIAA certificates. These prove our Germ-Resistant screen with a nano-ionic silver coating is enduring, non-toxic and exponentially reducing the possibility of bacteria festering on screens used in smart classrooms due to multiple people touching it and being around it. This will ensure regularity and lower the transmission of any infection within the classrooms." Says Manish Bakshi, Managing Director of BenQ Middle East.

Exclusive Advanced ClassroomCareTM Technologies Help Protect Users Against Deteriorating Health Risks.

Invisible enemies in classrooms include poor air quality, germs, and blue-light from LCD panels, decreasing student concentration and increasing school absenteeism and vision impairment. All panels in the RP02 Series come with BenQ's advanced ClassroomCareTM Technologies featuring the Third Generation of Germ Resistant, Air Quality Sensor and Smart Eye-Care Solutions that cover everything from eye care and germ resistance to CO2, Particulate Matter, temperature and humidity monitoring, creating safe and healthy spaces for students and teachers.

    The Third Generation of Germ-Resistant Screen incorporates higher concentrations of nano-ionic silver compounds, and cured altogether with the anti-glare coating and tempered glass, making the screen have long-lasting anti-bacteria and eye-care efficacy than any conventional germ-resistant screen or sprays. More importantly, the screen is certified by TÜV and SIAA that proves the efficacy of germ-resistance and non-toxicity.

    Air Quality Sensors monitors air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), temperature and humidity status in real-time, indicating teachers to instantly take actions to open or close windows or turn on ventilation systems to improve airflow.

    Smart Eye-Care Solutions with TÜV Certified Low Blue Light filters, Flicker-free technologies plus Anti-glare that provide teachers and students with a tiredness-free screen.

In-Class Collaborations with EZWrite Whiteboard

The new BenQ's RP02 Series IFPs includes EZWrite Whiteboarding Solution that is an ultimate whiteboard app for interactive lessons, facilitating brainstorming, illustrating ideas, recording notes and collaborating among the teacher and students. For teachers who wants to collaborate with students, EZWrite Cloud Whiteboard is an in-class cloud collaboration platform allowing teachers and students to collect, categorize, edit, and share notes between the display and their mobile devices. The Cloud Whiteboard also supports Sticky Notes functions which opens up endless possibilities for engagement.

Distance and Rural Learning with EZWrite Live

Designed for distance and rural learning, EZWrite Live is a free web-based whiteboarding and video conferencing platform. Compatible with Firefox, Chrome, or Safari browsers, it allows teachers to offer online lessons to students who can either participate in the classroom or from home with any desktop, laptop, mobile device with any operating system. The online lessons can also be recorded through EZWrite Live for lesson review. To avoid interruptions during lessons, teachers can utilise Broadcast and Co-Creation modes that easily take control of the class by turning on/off students’ editing-access of the cloud whiteboard.

Real Pen Writing Experience

The new BenQ's RP02 Series IFPs features advanced touch technologies “Zero Bonding Technology” and “Fine IR Plus” that provide real-time and accurate writing and drawing feedback like nature writing. It comes with a Dual Pens feature that is ideal for group discussions or answering questions during class lessons as it allows two people to write simultaneously in different colours. Moreover, there's a Brush Mode that works with any brush, making activities like painting and drawing limitless - it is ideal for creative inputs, and inspired creation in art classes.

BenQ's new RP02 Series comes in three sizes "65-inch", "75-inch and "86-inch" to suit a variety of classrooms sizes. They help enhance interactive and project-based learning by providing a healthy learning environment despite any geographical distance.

For further details about BenQ RP02 Series Interactive Flat Panel, please visit: https://business-display.benq.com/en-ap/findproduct/ifp/education/rp6502.html



About BenQ Corporation

Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, cloud consumer products, mobile communications and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters.



About BenQ Group

The BenQ Group is a $22+ billion powerhouse comprised of nearly 20 independent companies operating in over 30 countries across numerous industries with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees. Each Group member is a recognized leader in its own field, contributing to the BenQ Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths. By leveraging each company’s vertical specialization to create true scale across horizontal markets, the BenQ Group controls a highly efficient value chain with the unrivalled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions in the following industries: TFT-LCD, green energy, fine chemicals and advanced materials, lighting, IC design, precision components, system integration, branded business, and service. The Group is committed to profitable and sustainable businesses that share its long-standing vision of Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life.

The BenQ Group companies are: BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ ESCO Corp., BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Corp., BenQ Medical Center, BenQ Medical Technology Corp., BenQ AB DentCare Corp., Daxin Materials Corp., Dazzo Technology Corp., Darwin Precisions Corp., Lextar Electronics Corp., LILY Medical Corp. and Raydium Semiconductor Corp.

Contacts

Royston Rodrigues

Absolute Communications

roystonr@absolutecg.net

+971-50-7541420


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Rossell Techsys Receives Global Boeing Supplier of the Year Award for 2019

 • This is the second time Rossell has been recognized among 12,000+ global Boeing suppliers



NEW DELHI, India-Wednesday 26 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rossell Techsys (Division of Rossell India Limited) has been named a global Supplier of the Year by aerospace major Boeing. The award in the Production category is for being instrumental in the design, modification or production of a product, for 2019.

“Rossell Techsys contributes high quality components for some of Boeing’s most advanced platforms and we are proud to partner with them. Achieving the Supplier of the Year distinction for the second time is an acknowledgement of Rossell Techsys’ capabilities,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India. “Boeing continues to grow a globally competitive supplier base in India, with strong partnerships that are aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision,” he added.

“We are delighted and grateful to receive the Supplier of the Year award from Boeing, for the second time in five years. Our long-term strategy of targeted investments in aerospace and defense continues to reap rich dividends, enhancing customer confidence and trust. We are thankful to Boeing for this recognition,” said Rishab Mohan Gupta, Director, Rossell India Limited.

“We are humbled to be chosen by Boeing for this award, among 12,000 active global suppliers. This award is a testimony to Rossell Techsys’ manufacturing capabilities and customer focus. We believe this is also a recognition of the rising stature of India in global Aerospace and Defense manufacturing,” said Prabhat Kumar Bhagvandas, Chief Executive Officer, Rossell Techsys.

Rossell Techsys is based in Bangalore, India, and supplies engineering, manufacturing, test, and product support solutions to global aerospace and defense OEMs. For Boeing, Rossell Techsys provides manufacturing services for Interconnect Systems, such as wire harnesses and electrical/cockpit panels. Key Boeing platforms supported by Rossell Techsys include the F/A-18, F-15, AH-64, CH-47, V-22, KC-46, P-8, and T-7A.

About Rossell Techsys

Rossell Techsys is the Aerospace & Defense Division of Rossell India Limited, a public listed company. It is at the forefront of the “Made in India’ brand of excellence committed to “finish and finesse”. It is AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 37001 certified, and ISO 31000 compliant. It has instituted paperless, green manufacturing processes in its LEED rated 250,000-square-foot facility.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200826005031/en/

Contacts

Communications: Renu Batta, Senior Manager, renu.batta@rosselltechsys.com / +91-99634-29904



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Sunday, August 30, 2020

Andersen Unifies Latin America Platform



SAN FRANCISCO-Wednesday 26 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Latin American member firms of Andersen Global will now operate under the brand “Andersen,” reinforcing the organization’s position as a one-stop shop for tax and legal services globally. The announcement comes less than two months after the adoption of the Andersen brand by the European member firms of Andersen Global.

The member firms of Andersen Global in Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay, which previously operated under the brands “Andersen Tax” and “Andersen Tax & Legal,” will now feature Andersen as their brand along with the new member firms, MODO Law and GSRC in Argentina, who became member firms of the organization earlier this year.

Andersen Global continues to view expansion of both its footprint in Latin America and its newly established platform in the Caribbean as high priorities. In Latin America, the global organization also has a presence in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru through its collaborating firms and has added collaborating firms in 11 countries in the Caribbean region over the last six months.

“Our expansion is driven by client service, and our objective isn’t to be the biggest firm; rather, our focus is about our commitment to building one firm where clients are afforded best-in-class tax and legal services in a seamless fashion across the globe,” Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz said. “Our organization is dedicated not only to our clients, but also to investing in our people and the next generation. We all share the same values and vision regardless of borders and it is only fitting that this is also reflected in our common name.”

The organization’s journey began in 2002, when 23 former Arthur Andersen partners created the tax-only firm WTAS. In 2014, the U.S. member firm proceeded to adopt the brand “Andersen Tax,” and most recently transitioned to the Andersen brand in 2019. The global organization has grown exponentially since the establishment of Andersen Global (formerly WTAS Global) by founding U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC in 2013. After launching its global platform in Europe, Andersen Global debuted in Latin America in 2015. The region has since expanded to more than 34 locations, 1,000 tax and legal professionals, and 90 partners today.

Leonardo Mesquita, Regional Managing Director for Latin America added, “Our organization’s foundation is based on our common vision to remain independent and provide seamless, synergistic services to our clients globally. We’re eager to have a brand that reflects what we already know – we are one firm.”

Over the course of the next year, member firms globally will continue to adopt the Andersen brand, while Andersen Global will continue its expansion efforts in critical markets, including the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 6,000 professionals worldwide and presence in over 191 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200825005347/en/

Contacts

Megan Tsuei
Andersen Global
415-764-2700

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/andersen-unifies-latin-america-platform/en

Empagliflozin reduced the combined relative risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 25 percent in adults with and without diabetes who had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

• Empagliflozin also significantly reduced the relative risk of first and recurrent hospitalization for heart failure by 30 percent and significantly slowed kidney function decline1

• Results were consistent in subgroups with and without type 2 diabetes1

• Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in the U.S. and Europe2

• Results from the Phase III EMPEROR-Reduced trial were published today in The New England Journal of Medicine1

INGELHEIM, Germany and INDIANAPOLIS-Saturday 29 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Full results from the EMPEROR-Reduced Phase III trial in adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with and without diabetes, showed that empagliflozin was associated with a significant 25 percent relative risk reduction in the primary endpoint of time to cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to heart failure.1 The trial evaluated the effect of adding empagliflozin (10 mg) versus placebo to standard of care.1 The results will be presented today at the ESC Congress 2020, the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology,3 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine,1 Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200829005006/en/

The findings from the primary endpoint were consistent in subgroups with and without type 2 diabetes.1 Key secondary endpoint analyses from the trial demonstrated that empagliflozin reduced the relative risk of first and recurrent hospitalization for heart failure by 30 percent.1 Additionally, the rate of decline in eGFR, a measure of kidney function decline, was slower with empagliflozin than with placebo.1

"Heart failure is a devastating and debilitating cardiovascular condition. Not only does it limit quality of life, but it is also a progressive disease that requires repeated hospitalizations and is accompanied by a loss in kidney function,” said Milton Packer, M.D., Chair of the Executive Committee for the EMPEROR Program and Distinguished Scholar in Cardiovascular Science at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, U.S. “Results from the EMPEROR-Reduced trial show that, when given to adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, empagliflozin reduces the number of heart failure hospitalizations while slowing the decline of kidney function. These results are highly statistically significant and clinically important.”

In an exploratory analysis, the absolute risk reduction observed in the primary endpoint of EMPEROR-Reduced corresponded to a number needed to treat of 19 patients over 16 months to prevent one cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.1 An additional exploratory analysis showed that empagliflozin decreased the relative risk of a composite kidney endpoint*, including end stage kidney disease and a profound loss of kidney function, by 50 percent.1

In EMPEROR-Reduced, the efficacy results were achieved with a simple dosing regimen, with once daily dosing and no need for titration.1 The safety profile was similar to the well-established safety profile of empagliflozin.1 There were no clinically meaningful differences in adverse events including hypovolemia (decreased blood volume), hypotension (low blood pressure), volume depletion (loss of fluids), renal insufficiency (poor kidney function), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) or hypoglycemic events (low blood sugar) compared with placebo.1

Heart failure affects over 60 million people worldwide,4 with more than one million people being hospitalized due to the condition every year in the U.S. and Europe.2 Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to the rest of the body and is the most common and severe complication of a heart attack.5,6 People with heart failure often experience breathlessness and fatigue, which can severely impact their quality of life.7,8 Individuals with heart failure often also have impaired kidney function, which can have a significant negative impact on prognosis.9

“Heart failure can have a profound impact on people living with the condition, with the potential of life limiting consequences for the heart and the kidneys,” said Waheed Jamal, M.D., Corporate Vice President and Head of CardioMetabolic Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. "Empagliflozin was the first SGLT2 inhibitor to demonstrate a reduction in cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, based on the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial. We continue to break new ground with the EMPEROR-Reduced results, which provide robust evidence that empagliflozin can transform the lives of millions of people through reducing cardiovascular outcomes and slowing the progression of kidney damage in people with heart failure. We look forward to exploring these data further and are planning regulatory submissions for later this year.”

“Tens of millions of people live with heart failure and kidney disease,” said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Product Development, Lilly. “Results from EMPEROR-Reduced show that empagliflozin can help improve heart failure outcomes while also slowing kidney function decline. We are excited to share these data and, through our ongoing EMPOWER program, hope to redefine how people living with these conditions are treated.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to empagliflozin for the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in people with heart failure.10 This designation is for the EMPEROR program, which consists of the EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved trials. EMPEROR-Preserved is exploring the effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction,11 an area that currently has no approved treatment options. EMPEROR-Preserved results are expected in 2021.

Additionally, the ongoing EMPA-KIDNEY study is evaluating the effect of empagliflozin on the progression of kidney disease and occurrence of cardiovascular death in adults with established chronic kidney disease, with and without diabetes.12 The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to empagliflozin for the treatment of chronic kidney disease, demonstrating the urgent need for new treatment options for people living with the condition worldwide.13 Results from EMPA-KIDNEY are expected in 2022.

The EMPEROR and EMPA-KIDNEY studies are part of the EMPOWER clinical program, the broadest and most comprehensive of any SGLT2 inhibitor, exploring the impact of empagliflozin on the lives of people across the spectrum of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. The program also includes the EMPACT-MI study, which will investigate the effect of empagliflozin on all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in adults, with and without diabetes, who have had a heart attack14, and the EMPULSE study, which is exploring empagliflozin in adults, with and without diabetes, who are hospitalized for acute heart failure and have been stabilized.15

* Composite exploratory endpoint included chronic dialysis or renal transplant or sustained reduction of ≥ 40% in eGFR (CKD-EPI) or a sustained eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m2 (for patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 30) or sustained eGFR < 10 mL/min/1.73m2 (for patients with baseline eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2).

+++

About the EMPEROR Heart Failure Studies11,16

The EMPEROR (EMPagliflozin outcomE tRial in patients with chrOnic heaRt failure) heart failure studies are two Phase III, randomized, double-blind trials investigating once-daily empagliflozin compared with placebo in adults with heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction*, both with and without diabetes, who are receiving current standard of care:

EMPEROR-Reduced [NCT03057977] investigated the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Primary endpoint: time to first event of adjudicated cardiovascular death or adjudicated hospitalization for heart failure
Number of patients: 3,730
Completion: 2020
Link to lay summary
EMPEROR-Preserved [NCT03057951] investigates the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Primary endpoint: time to first event of adjudicated cardiovascular death or adjudicated hospitalization for heart failure [Time Frame: up to 38 months]
Anticipated number of patients: approx. 5,990
Estimated completion: 2021
*Ejection fraction is a measurement of the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction.17 When the heart relaxes, the ventricle refills with blood.

HFrEF occurs when the heart muscle does not contract effectively, and less blood is pumped out to the body compared with a normally functioning heart.17
HFpEF occurs when the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricle does not fill with enough blood, so less blood can enter the heart compared with a normally functioning heart.17
About the EMPOWER program

The Alliance has developed the EMPOWER program to explore the impact of empagliflozin on major clinical cardiovascular and renal outcomes in a spectrum of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. Cardio-renal-metabolic conditions are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and account for up to 20 million deaths annually.18 Through the EMPOWER program, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are working to advance knowledge of these interconnected systems and create care which offers integrated, multi-organ benefits. Comprised of eight clinical trials and two real-world evidence studies, EMPOWER reinforces the long-term commitment of the Alliance to improve outcomes for people living with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. With more than 257,000 adults studied worldwide in clinical studies, it is the broadest and most comprehensive clinical program for an SGLT2 inhibitor to date.

The development program encompasses:

EMPEROR-Reduced, in adults with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to heart failure1
EMPEROR-Preserved, in adults with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to heart failure11
EMPULSE, in adults hospitalized for acute heart failure to improve clinical and patient reported outcomes15
EMPACT-MI, to evaluate all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with and without type 2 diabetes who have had an acute myocardial infarction, with the aim to prevent heart failure and improve outcomes14
EMPA-KIDNEY, in adults with established chronic kidney disease to reduce the progression of kidney disease and the occurrence of cardiovascular death12
EMPERIAL-Reduced, in adults with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to evaluate functional ability and patient reported outcomes19
EMPERIAL-Preserved, in adults with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to evaluate functional ability and patient-reported outcomes20
EMPA-REG OUTCOME®, in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease to prevent major adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death21
EMPRISE, a non-interventional study of the effectiveness, safety, healthcare utilization and cost of care of empagliflozin in routine clinical practice in adults with type 2 diabetes across the cardiovascular risk continuum22,23
About Heart Failure

Heart failure is a progressive, debilitating and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the heart cannot supply adequate circulation to meet the body’s demands for oxygenated blood or to do so requires increased blood volume leading to fluid accumulation (congestion) in the lungs and peripheral tissues.5 It is a widespread condition affecting over 60 million people worldwide and expected to increase as the population ages.4 Heart failure is highly prevalent in people with diabetes;24 however, approximately half of all people with heart failure do not have diabetes.4,25

The empagliflozin heart failure program was initiated based on data from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial, which assessed the effect of empagliflozin (10 mg or 25 mg once daily) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease when added to standard of care, compared with placebo.21

About Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Conditions

Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are driven to transform care for people with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, a group of interconnected disorders that affect more than one billion people worldwide and are a leading cause of death.18

The cardiovascular, renal and metabolic systems are interconnected, and share many of the same risk factors and pathological pathways along the disease continuum. Dysfunction in one system may accelerate the onset of others, resulting in progression of interconnected diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and kidney disease, which in turn leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Conversely, improving the health of one system can lead to positive effects throughout the others.26,27

Through our research and treatments, our goal is to support people’s health, restoring the balance between the interconnected cardio-renal-metabolic systems and reducing their risk of serious complications. As part of our commitment to those whose health is jeopardized by cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, we will continue embracing a multidisciplinary approach towards care and focusing our resources on filling treatment gaps.

About Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin (marketed as Jardiance®) is an oral, once daily, highly selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and the first type 2 diabetes medicine to include cardiovascular death risk reduction data in its label in several countries.28,29,30

Inhibition of SGLT2 with empagliflozin in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels prevents sugar being re-absorbed by the kidneys, leading to the excretion of excess sugar in the urine. In addition, initiation of empagliflozin also prevents salt being re-absorbed, leading to increased excretion of salt from the body and reducing the fluid load of the body’s blood vessel system (i.e. intravascular volume). Empagliflozin induces changes to the sugar, salt and water metabolism in the body that may contribute to the reductions in cardiovascular death observed in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial.31

Please click on the following link for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’ https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/emperor-reduced-heart-failure-full-data

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200829005006/en/

Contacts
Stefanie Molkenthin
Product Communication Manager
Boehringer Ingelheim
Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Phone: +49 (6132) 77 172209

Stephan Thalen
Global Business Communications
Lilly Diabetes
Email: stephan.thalen@lilly.com
Phone: +1 (317) 276 8304

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Velodyne Lidar Joins ITS America to Advance Intelligent Transportation Systems

Velodyne Supports Education and Advocacy on How Lidar Can Help Improve Transportation Safety and Efficiency

SAN JOSE, Calif.-Saturday 29 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Velodyne Lidar, Inc. today announced it has joined the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) to promote the benefits of autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation infrastructure. Velodyne is the first lidar technology company to become part of this influential group. ITS America members are at the forefront of driving progress in autonomous vehicles and smart city solutions to help save lives, improve mobility and promote sustainability.

Velodyne’s lidar sensors can be used in a variety of Intelligent Transportation Systems to measure and monitor conditions in areas such as pedestrian safety, vehicle traffic and parking space management, and more. They can collect reliable, detailed traffic data about road users, including vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, while preserving anonymity. Velodyne’s lidar sensors do not identify individuals’ facial characteristics, a growing requirement for civic applications. In addition to transportation systems, Velodyne’s lidar sensors have a strong presence in autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Velodyne has a long-standing commitment to fostering understanding of the safety and mobility benefits of autonomous vehicles and intelligent infrastructure to consumer, business, government, public safety and community audiences. These efforts include Velodyne’s World Safety Summit on Autonomous Technology. The event has sparked collaborative work to advance solutions for rolling out autonomy and ADAS with the goal of improving safety on the roadways. Velodyne also partners with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on public education about improving safety on roadways.

Velodyne’s lidar sensors are used in a rich ecosystem of customers and applications, which is highlighted in the Automated with Velodyne program. Partners in the program provide solutions for smart city, infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and more. Within the program, Velodyne is working to advance research in transportation infrastructure, partnering with University of Nevada, Reno. The university’s Nevada Center for Applied Research, working in conjunction with the Nevada DOT and Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is using Velodyne’s sensors in its Intelligent Mobility initiative. Velodyne is also partnering with automotive OEMs, and robotaxi and autonomous shuttle companies to enable safe and efficient transportation options for cities. For instance, Voyage has built the technology and services to bring autonomous transportation to those who need it, beginning in retirement communities.

“Lidar is a foundational technology that will help drive intelligent mobility in smart city applications and in vehicles on our roadways,” said Shailen Bhatt, President & CEO, ITS America. “Velodyne has demonstrated a strong commitment and great skills in advancing public knowledge about lidar and how autonomous technology can greatly improve transportation. We welcome their contributions in helping ITS America promote intelligent transportation technologies.”

“Velodyne Lidar is strongly aligned with the ITS America mission to improve mobility, advance safety on the roadways, and increase efficiency in our communities,” said Sally Frykman, VP of Communications, Velodyne Lidar. “We envision companies and government organizations will use Velodyne’s lidar sensors to enable a new generation of smart infrastructure through data collection and the deployment of autonomous vehicles.

About Velodyne Lidar

Velodyne provides smart, powerful lidar solutions for autonomy and driver assistance. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies. Velodyne’s founder, David Hall, invented real-time surround view lidar systems in 2005 as part of Velodyne Acoustics. Mr. Hall’s invention revolutionized perception and autonomy for automotive, new mobility, mapping, robotics, and security. Velodyne’s high-performance product line includes a broad range of sensing solutions, including the cost-effective Puck™, the versatile Ultra Puck™, the autonomy-advancing Alpha Prime™, the ADAS-optimized VELARRAY™, and the groundbreaking software for driver assistance, Vella™.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200828005057/en/

Contacts

Landis Communications Inc.
Sean Dowdall
(415) 286-7121
velodyne@landispr.com


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Rassini Automotive Switches to Rimini Street Support for its SAP Applications

Latin American automotive parts and accessories manufacturer leverages support savings to expand business and fund future innovation initiatives

LAS VEGAS-Saturday 29 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of enterprise software products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software products and a Salesforce partner, today announced that Rassini NHK Automotive (RNA), a leading automotive parts and accessories manufacturer in Brazil, has switched to Rimini Street Support for its SAP ECC 6.0 applications. RNA plans to redirect the savings generated by migrating to Rimini Street Support for business expansion and future innovation initiatives, including improving production management with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, deploying industry 4.0 predictive maintenance in its manufacturing equipment, automating manual processes, and enhancing the company’s project management capabilities.

Cost Optimization and Innovation Across Company Drive Third-Party Support Decision

RNA, a Japanese-Mexican automotive group, is a leading provider of automotive parts and accessories across the region. The company’s products are distributed nationally, covering passenger and light commercial vehicles equipped with coil springs, as well as pickups, trucks and buses equipped with spring bundles. With a downturn in the automotive industry in Brazil, the company embarked on a widespread cost optimization initiative across the business, asking its department leaders to identify and reduce fixed costs that were deemed unnecessary or non-critical to the company’s growth and survival.

In addition, the company is challenged with continuous innovation in a competitive market, which requires significant investment in engineering and new technologies. RNA’s IT department had already been operating with a lean structure internally, but as it carried out its cost optimization due diligence, the support and maintenance costs for their SAP system were immediately flagged. In addition, RNA’s CIO noted that the support provided by the vendor was not only expensive, with no new perceived innovation or enhancements in the product releases to justify the high costs, but the vendor’s support was unsatisfactory as well. All of these reasons led RNA to explore third-party support as an option, and ultimately the company chose Rimini Street Support.

“The move to Rimini Street and the savings generated as a result has helped us through this moment of business uncertainty worldwide,” said Fernando José Andrade da Silva, CIO, Rassini NHK Automotive. “In addition to the savings, Rimini Street’s service level agreement (SLA) is excellent – the company delivers on everything it promises, which gives us a tremendous amount of peace of mind across our IT group and the business at large. The support provided by the vendor was slow and, in one specific case, it took two months to resolve a single support issue. With Rimini Street, the quality of service and the expertise of its engineers are much higher compared to what we were experiencing before.”

Support for Brazil’s Complex Tax, Legal and Regulatory Updates

Another key driver for RNA to make the switch to Rimini Street was the need to adapt to constantly changing SPED legislation – Brazil’s specialized digital system which collects all financial, accountant, tax and labor information – and the country’s electronic invoicing regulations such as NF-e. These tax and regulation issues were not covered by SAP for RNA and required additional resources and IT budget in order to keep the company tax compliant. As part of their annual support and maintenance agreement with Rimini Street, RNA is provided with critical Brazil tax and legislation updates and changes at no additional cost. These complex updates are provided through Rimini Street’s innovative combination of patent-pending tax, legal and regulatory technology, a proven methodology, and ISO 9001-certified development processes to ensure clients receive accurate, high-quality deliverables.

“When I brought the possibility of switching to Rimini Street Support to RNA decision makers, I gathered data, studies and references to support the change and the benefits it would bring, including a higher quality support, significant cost savings, and support for our tax, legal and regulatory compliance needs. This was essential to ensure that the migration would not harm the company. It was also very important to have the CFO as an ally in this journey of change,” continued Andrade da Silva.

Award-Winning Support for SAP and Oracle Licensees

As with all Rimini Street clients, RNA was assigned a Primary Support Engineer (PSE), backed by a team of technical and functional experts, who have an average of 15 years’ experience in the client’s enterprise software. Clients also receive the Company’s industry-leading SLAs with a guaranteed response time of 15 minutes for critical (P1) issues. In addition, RNA can now run their current stable SAP system for a minimum of 15 years from the time that they switched to Rimini Street Support, allowing them to step off the vendor’s upgrade cycle just to remain fully supported by the vendor. In addition to supporting RNA’s SAP ECC 6.0 applications, Rimini Street also provides support for RNA’s Oracle Database software which its SAP system runs on.

“For companies that are looking for ways to optimize and rationalize their costs, particularly during an economic crisis where they need to preserve cash, switching to Rimini Street’s third-party support is a fast, effective way to achieve this,” said Edenize Maron, general manager, Latin America, Rimini Street. “RNA has discovered what our more than 3,500 clients around the world to date have experienced – an immediate pool of funds that can be diverted to business critical initiatives, plus an ultra-responsive support model that provides CIOs with peace of mind and delivers a true partnership approach to their enterprise software support needs. We are pleased to help RNA accomplish its business objectives including cost savings, business continuity and innovation.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI) is a global provider of enterprise software products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software products and a Salesforce partner. The Company offers premium, ultra-responsive and integrated application management and support services that enable enterprise software licensees to save significant costs, free up resources for innovation and achieve better business outcomes. Over 2,100 Fortune 500, Fortune Global 100, midmarket, public sector and other organizations from a broad range of industries rely on Rimini Street as their trusted application enterprise software products and services provider. To learn more, please visit http://www.riministreet.com, follow @riministreet on Twitter and find Rimini Street on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “may,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “continue,” “future,” “will,” “expect,” “outlook” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. All statements pertaining to Rimini Street’s expectations regarding the expected use of proceeds from the offering described in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the duration of and economic, operational and financial impacts on Rimini Street’s business of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the actions taken by governmental authorities, clients or others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; catastrophic events that disrupt Rimini Street’s business or that of its current and prospective clients, changes in the business environment in which Rimini Street operates, including inflation and interest rates, and general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which Rimini Street operates; adverse developments in pending litigation or in the government inquiry or any new litigation; Rimini Street’s need and ability to raise additional equity or debt financing on favorable terms and Rimini Street’s ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in Rimini Street’s growth initiatives; the sufficiency of Rimini Street’s cash and cash equivalents to meet its liquidity requirements; the terms and impact of Rimini Street’s outstanding 13.00% Series A Preferred Stock; changes in taxes, laws and regulations; competitive product and pricing activity; difficulties of managing growth profitably; the customer adoption of Rimini Street’s recently introduced products and services, including its Application Management Services (AMS), Rimini Street Advanced Database Security, and services for Salesforce Sales Cloud and Service Cloud products, in addition to other products and services Rimini Street expects to introduce in the near future; the loss of one or more members of Rimini Street’s management team; uncertainty as to the long-term value of Rimini Street’s equity securities; and those risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2020 and in the prospectus supplement dated August 14, 2020 relating to the underwritten public offering of Rimini Street’s common stock that closed on August 18, 2020 and as updated from time to time by other filings by Rimini Street with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

© 2020 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200828005004/en/

Contacts

Michelle McGlocklin
Rimini Street, Inc.
+1 925 523-8414
mmcglocklin@riministreet.com


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Saturday, August 29, 2020

NuScale Power Makes History as the First Ever Small Modular Reactor to Receive U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Design Approval

A significant regulatory milestone accomplished as NuScale readies to bring its SMR technology to market this decade


PORTLAND, Ore.-Saturday 29 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NuScale Power announced today that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed Phase 6 review—the last and final phase—of the Design Certification Application (DCA) for the company’s groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR) with the issuance of the Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER). The FSER represents completion of the technical review and approval of the NuScale SMR design. With this final phase of NuScale’s DCA now complete, customers can proceed with plans to develop NuScale power plants with the understanding that the NRC has approved the safety aspects of the NuScale design.

 “This is a significant milestone not only for NuScale, but also for the entire U.S. nuclear sector and the other advanced nuclear technologies that will follow. This clearly establishes the leadership of NuScale and the U.S. in the race to bring SMRs to market. The approval of NuScale’s design is an incredible accomplishment and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to the NRC for their comprehensive review, to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its continued commitment to our successful private-public partnership to bring the country’s first SMR to market, and to the many other individuals who have dedicated countless hours to make this extraordinary moment a reality,” said NuScale Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Additionally, the cost-shared funding provided by Congress over the past several years has accelerated NuScale’s advancement through the NRC Design Certification process. This is what DOE’s SMR Program was created to do, and our success is credited to strong bipartisan support from Congress.”

NuScale’s DCA was completed in December 2016 and accepted by the NRC in March 2017. The review process demonstrated both the simplicity of NuScale’s SMR design and the thoroughness of the company’s application. As an example, during the rigorous Phase 1 review process, which included 115,000 hours spent reviewing the DCA, the NRC issued far fewer requests for additional information compared to other design certification applications. NuScale spent over $500 million, with the backing of Fluor, and over 2 million labor hours to develop the information needed to prepare its DCA application. The company also submitted 14 separate Topical Reports in addition to the over 12,000 pages for its DCA application and provided more than 2 million pages of supporting information for NRC audits.

“The NRC embraced the challenge of reviewing the first-ever small modular reactor DCA, which at the time not only marked an important milestone for NuScale, but also for the nuclear industry as a whole. NuScale appreciates the dedication, time, and effort of the NRC throughout this multi-year process, often with reviews completing ahead of schedule. As a long-time former NRC employee, including as an executive in the Office of New Reactors, I can say that this early issuance of the FSER is truly a credit to everyone at the NRC—including technical review and project staff, management, and the Commission,” said NuScale Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Tom Bergman.

NuScale continues to maintain strong program momentum toward commercialization of its SMR technology, including supply chain development, standard plant design, planning of plant delivery activities, and startup and commissioning plans. The company fields growing domestic and international customer interest from those who see the NuScale power plant as a long-term solution for providing reliable, safe, affordable, and operationally flexible carbon-free energy for diverse applications. NuScale has signed agreements with entities in the U.S., Canada, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Jordan. Similar agreements with other entities are being negotiated.

​​​​​About NuScale Power

NuScale Power has developed a new modular light water reactor nuclear power plant to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, and other process heat applications. This groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR) design features a fully factory-fabricated NuScale Power Module™ capable of generating 60 MW of electricity using a safer, smaller, and scalable version of pressurized water reactor technology. NuScale's scalable design—a power plant can house up to 12 individual power modules—offers the benefits of carbon-free energy and reduces the financial commitments associated with gigawatt-sized nuclear facilities. The majority investor in NuScale is Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, procurement, and construction company with a 60-year history in commercial nuclear power.

NuScale is headquartered in Portland, OR and has offices in Corvallis, OR; Rockville, MD; Charlotte, NC; Richland, WA; and London, UK. Follow us on Twitter: @NuScale_Power, Facebook: NuScale Power, LLC, LinkedIn: NuScale-Power, and Instagram: nuscale_power. NuScale has a new logo, brand, and website. Watch the short video.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200828005299/en/

Contacts
Media Contact:
Diane Hughes, NuScale Vice President, Marketing & Communications
dhughes@nuscalepower.com
(C) 503-270-9329




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Mavenir Supports Vodafone in Live OpenRAN Network for Rural Coverage in the UK

Vodafone becomes first UK mobile operator to switch on live OpenRAN site with Mavenir

BUILTH WELLS, Wales & RICHARDSON, Texas -Friday 28 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vodafone UK has become the first UK mobile operator to switch on an OpenRAN 4G site, partnering with Mavenir, the industry's only end-to-end cloud-native Network Software Provider for Communications Service Providers (CSPs). This deployment in Wales is connecting Vodafone customers around the Royal Welsh Showground in Powys. Vodafone plans to use OpenRAN to more cost-effectively extend 4G services to rural communities and introduce new suppliers in the radio network.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200827005273/en/

OpenRAN increases flexibility, agility, speed of rollout, and helps to decrease costs by using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and new innovative virtualised and open solutions. OpenRAN is the foundational principle of open interfaces and product interoperability. It is based on initiatives from the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) and O-RAN Alliance, and will lead to networks that are more flexible, innovative and cost effective, and enables new suppliers to support mobile networks.

In this deployment, the RAN is also virtualised (vRAN). Virtualised RAN is the software application running on COTS that delivers cost effectiveness, increased flexibility and agility to the mobile operators, whilst providing one architecture for many different deployment scenarios.

Vodafone UK Chief Technology Officer Scott Petty said: “We are delighted to work together with Mavenir on the important milestone of the UK’s first live OpenRAN site. The introduction of the technology enables us to introduce new suppliers, such as Mavenir, giving us greater flexibility when rolling out our mobile network. We’re proud to be pioneering the development of OpenRAN and will be monitoring the performance of this first site.”

“We are proud to have achieved such a milestone with Vodafone and to provide innovative radio solutions in the market that transform the mobile network economics, while deploying technology with greater flexibility, greater efficiencies, and more agility as a full end-to-end Network Software Provider,” said Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO at Mavenir. “Mavenir is committed to bringing transformative innovation and technology to the telecommunications space and will continue to leverage our long history and experience in virtualised network solutions.”

About Vodafone UK:

Vodafone UK connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed line connections, home and office broadband and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Having made the UK’s first mobile phone call and sent the first text message, Vodafone has a history as a tech pioneer. In 2018 we made the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G, and were first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester. We now have 5G in more places than anyone else, with multiple locations now live across the UK and the rest of Europe.

Today we serve more than 18 million mobile and fixed line customers in the UK, with 4G network coverage at 99%. Our customers voted us the UK’s Best Mobile Network at the 2018 Trusted Reviews Awards – for the second year in a row. To help deliver Gigabit UK, our full-fibre broadband roll-out programme now covers 15 UK towns and cities through partnerships with CityFibre and Openreach.

Connectivity is at the heart of what we do as it gives us a huge opportunity for good. We are using our network, products, talents and technology to help society prosper and respond to significant social and environmental issues. Our free Digital Parenting magazine is helping families and schools across the UK to navigate the online world safely. Meanwhile, the Vodafone Foundation’s work with researchers at Imperial College is developing personalised cancer treatment using the processing power of smartphones.

We are part of Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest technology communications companies, with mobile operations in 26 countries, partnerships with mobile networks in 55 more, and fixed broadband operations in 19 markets. As of 30 September 2019, Vodafone Group had approximately 625 million mobile customers, 27 million fixed broadband customers, and 22 million TV customers – including all of the customers in Vodafone’s joint ventures and associates.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk

About Mavenir:

Mavenir is the industry's only end-to-end, cloud-native Network Software and Solutions/Systems Integration Provider for 4G and 5G, focused on accelerating software network transformation for Communications Service Providers (CSPs). Mavenir offers a comprehensive end-to-end product portfolio across every layer of the network infrastructure stack. From 5G application/service layers to packet core and RAN, Mavenir leads the way in evolved, cloud-native networking solutions enabling innovative and secure experiences for end users. Leveraging innovations in IMS (VoLTE, VoWiFi, Advanced Messaging (RCS)), Private Networks as well as vEPC, 5G Core and OpenRAN vRAN, Mavenir accelerates network transformation for more than 250+ CSP customers in over 140 countries, which serve over 50% of the world’s subscribers.

Mavenir embraces disruptive, innovative technology architectures and business models that drive service agility, flexibility, and velocity. With solutions that propel NFV evolution to achieve web-scale economics, Mavenir offers solutions to help CSPs with cost reduction, revenue generation, and revenue protection. www.mavenir.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200827005273/en/

Contacts
Maryvonne Tubb
Mavenir PR

NA-Loren Guertin
MatterNow

EMEA-Kevin Taylor
GlobalResultsPR


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/mavenir-supports-vodafone-in-live-openran-network-for-rural-coverage-in-the-uk/en

Mercedes-Benz Joins The Climate Pledge and Delivers More Than 1,800 Electric Vehicles to Amazon’s Delivery Fleet in Europe

SEATTLE -Friday 28 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

    This order marks the largest electric vehicle commitment for Mercedes-Benz Vans to date
    The electric vehicles from this order will begin making deliveries to customers in 2020, helping to save thousands of metric tons of carbon
    The Climate Pledge, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, is a commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2040—ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced it is adding more than 1,800 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Vans to its delivery fleet in Europe this year. Amazon and Mercedes-Benz share a commitment to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, and Mercedes-Benz also announced today it has joined The Climate Pledge, which calls on signatories to be net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040—a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement goal of 2050.

“We welcome the bold leadership demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz by signing up to The Climate Pledge and committing to ambitious action to address climate change. We need continued innovation and partnership from auto manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz to decarbonize the transportation sector and tackle the climate crisis,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “Amazon is adding 1,800 electric delivery vehicles from Mercedes-Benz as part of our journey to build the most sustainable transportation fleet in the world, and we will be moving fast to get these vans on the road this year.”

“At Mercedes-Benz, we have set ourselves the ambitious target to make the transformation of mobility a success story. By joining ‘The Climate Pledge’ we are building on our goal to consistently pursue emission-free mobility and sustainable vehicle production,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “We stand with Amazon, Global Optimism and the other signatories of The Climate Pledge, in a commitment to being net zero carbon by 2040 – ten years ahead of The Paris Agreement. I am pleased that we will be able to gain even more momentum on our sustainability offensive with this step.”

As part of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment as the latest signatory of The Climate Pledge, the company is doubling down on its commitment to "Ambition2039," a roadmap to CO2-neutral mobility. The company is evaluating ways to remove carbon from its entire value chain, from development to the supplier network, from its own production to the electrification of products and beyond, as well as to ensuring renewable energies for the use phase of electric vehicles. With its goal to have a CO2-neutral fleet of new cars in less than 20 years, Mercedes-Benz is making an important contribution to slowing climate change. The company is already making good progress in this direction: By the end of this year, the vehicle portfolio will comprise five fully electric models and more than 20 plug-in hybrids. Signatories to The Climate Pledge also have the opportunity to share access to technologies, best practices and innovations in supply chain enhancements. They are also able to co-invest in new technologies and emerging solutions.

Amazon’s Delivery Service Partners will have access to the new fleet of zero-emission vehicles to make deliveries to customers in Europe this year, helping to save thousands of metric tons of carbon. The order is a milestone for Mercedes-Benz Vans, marking the largest order of electric vehicles for the manufacturer to date, and makes Amazon its largest sustainable transportation partner worldwide. More than 1,200 EVs in the order will be comprised of the newest electric commercial van available at Mercedes-Benz – the eSprinter, a larger model than the manufacturer’s first zero-emission vehicle, the eVito. The eSprinter includes state-of-the-art safety features including, electrical parking brake, active brake assist, reverse camera, blind spot assist, and more. The remaining 600 vehicles will be comprised of the manufacturer’s midsize electric van, the eVito, to give Delivery Service Partners operating in geographies that require a smaller-format vehicle access to a zero-emissions delivery option.

"I am delighted that we are further intensifying our long-standing partnership with Amazon and working together on the battery-electric future of transportation," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “With the eVito and the eSprinter, we have electric vehicles in our portfolio, which are ideally suited for the requirements of the courier-, express- and parcel-service industry for goods delivery on the so-called ‘last mile’ in terms of their equipment and range. They show that local emission-free driving, convincing performance, comfort and low operating costs can be combined perfectly.”

“Amazon’s investment is a strong and concrete sign of its commitment and alignment to EU priorities,” said Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Vice President at the European Parliament. “Amazon continues to contribute to the achievement of the EU Green Deal goals, foster technological innovation and generate resilient and sustainable jobs in Europe. I hope that other corporations will follow Amazon’s example in the near future.”

Amazon is also committed to powering its growing electric fleet with clean energy. As part of The Climate Pledge, Amazon is investing in renewable energy as a critical step toward addressing our carbon footprint globally and has committed to run on 100% renewable energy by 2025. Globally, Amazon has 91 renewable energy projects that have the capacity to generate over 2,900 MW and deliver more than 7.5 million MWh of energy annually. These projects include 31 utility-scale wind and solar renewable energy projects and 60 solar rooftops on fulfillment centers and sort centers around the globe.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200828005049/en/


Contacts

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/mercedes-benz-joins-the-climate-pledge-and-delivers-more-than-1800-electric-vehicles-to-amazonrsquos-delivery-fleet-in-europe/en

DCG Enters into Bitcoin Mining with Newest Subsidiary: Foundry

The new company will provide capital and advisory services to empower the digital asset mining ecosystem


DCG commits to $100 million investment in Foundry through 2021



NEW YORK-Friday 28 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Digital Currency Group (DCG), a global enterprise that builds, buys, and invests in blockchain companies, today announced a new wholly-owned subsidiary: Foundry. Quietly formed in 2019, Foundry offers institutional expertise, capital, and market intelligence to digital asset miners and manufacturers, providing them with the resources to build, maintain, and secure decentralized networks. Mike Colyer, a former Core Scientific executive, was tapped to be Foundry’s Chief Executive Officer.

Foundry was created to meet the institutional demand for improved capital access, market efficiency, and transparency in the bitcoin mining industry. The company currently offers three services for the mining ecosystem: equipment financing and procurement; mining and staking; and consulting and advisory services.

Since its inception, Foundry has already emerged as one of the largest bitcoin miners in North America. It has also extended tens of millions of dollars in equipment financing to other mining organizations and helped to procure approximately half of the bitcoin mining equipment delivered in North America this year.

“We want to empower decentralized infrastructure in the new digital economy, and our work will support the development and growth of mining operations — particularly in North America,” said Mike Colyer, CEO of Foundry. “We are a business built by miners for miners, and we are partnering with entrepreneurs who share our mission of advancing the industry and creating a decentralized mining ecosystem.”

DCG has committed to invest more than $100 million into Foundry through 2021. For the first time, miners and manufacturers can access trusted partners and capital resources through the powerful DCG network.

“Our mission at DCG is to accelerate the development of a better financial system,” said Barry Silbert, Founder and CEO of DCG. “Digital asset mining and staking provide the backbone of the blockchain technology that will drive that advancement. Foundry is bringing critical resources and guidance to an essential corner of the industry, and Mike Colyer and his team have the expertise, credibility, and integrity to support the evolving needs of miners and manufacturers.”

Foundry is focused on partnering with key players in the mining and staking industry with the goal of creating greater access to digital asset mining, decentralizing geographic opportunity, and bringing more legitimacy and transparency to the bitcoin mining ecosystem. In addition, Foundry expects to work closely with energy companies and governments to help formulate and execute their mining strategies.

“Foundry’s understanding of the mining industry and DCG’s full support have made it a key partner in our expansion across North America in the past year. We plan to continue collaborating with Foundry as we focus on increasing our global market share,” said Jordan Chen, COO of Shenzhen-based bitcoin miner manufacturer MicroBT.

“Through Foundry’s work and financial support of our end customers, we have been able to ship a significant number of machines into the US this year,” said Su Ke, Global Sales and Marketing Director of Antminer at Bitmain. “Foundry’s institutional grade services for North American businesses and its team’s expertise have played a key role in making this happen. We look forward to working closely with Foundry to reach even more customers and provide an even better experience to them.”

In addition to Foundry, DCG is the parent company of Grayscale Investments, the largest asset manager in the digital currency industry, Genesis, the world's first full-service digital currency prime broker, and CoinDesk, the leading blockchain industry media and events company. DCG is also an investor in more than 160 companies around the world.

Colyer and his team are based in Rochester, New York.

About Foundry

A subsidiary of DCG, Foundry is a financing and advisory company focused on digital asset mining and staking. With the mission of empowering decentralized infrastructure for a digital world, Foundry provides North American digital asset mining businesses with capital and intelligence.

Foundry is based in Rochester, NY. For more information, please visit foundrydigital.com.

About DCG

Founded in 2015 by Barry Silbert, Digital Currency Group is a global enterprise that builds, buys, and invests in blockchain companies all over the world. As the most active investor in the blockchain space, DCG sits at the epicenter of the blockchain industry, backing more than 160 companies in 30+ countries. In addition to its investment portfolio, DCG is the parent company of Grayscale Investments, Genesis, CoinDesk, and Foundry.

DCG is based in New York City. For more information, please visit dcg.co.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200827005146/en/

Contacts
Media
Mark Murphy
press@dcg.co
media@foundrydigital.com




Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/dcg-enters-into-bitcoin-mining-with-newest-subsidiary-foundry/en


Andersen Global Enters Sudan as Africa Expansion Remains High Priority

SAN FRANCISCO-Friday 28 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andersen Global has entered into a Collaboration Agreement with the law firm Ali Gailoub and Samia El Hashmi in Sudan. The addition of the Khartoum-based firm establishes Andersen Global’s presence in the country and continues the organization’s expansion on the continent.

Founded in 1987 and led by Office Managing Partner Samia El Hashmi, the firm focuses on corporate law, litigation and other business transactions. Additionally, Ali Gailoub and Samia El Hashmi’s specific areas of expertise include administrative law, antitrust and trade, aviation, banking, tax, business formation and general corporate and business law. The full-service firm operates with two Partners and 10 attorneys who offer a broad range of services tailored to their clients and provide legal consultancy services to individuals and businesses as well as advice to diplomatic missions and embassies in Sudan and Africa.

“The lawyers at our firm have a proven track record for delivering successful solutions that are in the best interests of our clients,” Samia said. “Our collaboration with Andersen Global will allow us to expand our reach and provide our clients with broader legal services, and now, tax services through the organization’s member firms and collaborating firms.”

“Ali Gailoub and Samia El Hashmi is another high-quality practice that bolsters our platform in Africa which now includes more than 36 countries,” Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz said. “Ali / Samia and their teams’ dedication to independence and transparency set the standard for legal services in Sudan, which lays a strong foundation for our organization in the market and will be instrumental as we expand our reach even further.”

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 6,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 193 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200827005259/en/

Contacts
Megan Tsuei
Andersen Global
415-764-2700




Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/andersen-global-enters-sudan-as-africa-expansion-remains-high-priority/en

Friday, August 28, 2020

CitiIQ Launches Global4000 City Scoring Platform

A Human-Centric measurement for comparing cities around the world

TORONTO-Friday 28 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CitiIQ (http://www.citiiq.com) has applied its novel measurement standard to 1,170 global cities as an important step toward measuring the 4,000 cities of the world with a population over 100,000.

The 1,170 cities include those with populations greater than 500,000, the world’s country capitals, and the state capitals of Brazil, India China and the USA.

“Increasingly, the health and wellbeing of people depend upon the effectiveness of their city,” says Don Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer of CitiIQ. “Municipal leaders face immense challenges and benefit greatly when comprehensive, comparable data is available to guide their decisions.”

Most cities struggle to translate disparate data into actions that can make life better for their citizens. The CitiIQ measurement system is an objective assessment of the overall health and wellbeing of a city. It converts raw data into scores out of 100 so that city elements are readily compared within a given city, or with other cities around the world.

CitiIQ uses an evidence-based methodology to score 35 essential elements, or Considerations, within five prioritized Dimensions including Basic Needs, Competitiveness, Opportunity, Livability, and Destiny. Using an intuitive online dashboard, a city’s measurements are readily available to clients through a cloud-based annual subscription.

“The CitiIQ measurement helps immensely in understanding the factors that influence a city,” says Harry Loubser, Managing Director of Unashamedly Ethical based in Cape Town, South Africa. “It's value to municipal leaders is readily apparent but the ability to compare city to city across so much of the world is a powerful advantage. We can clearly identify where best practise has been applied, but also illuminate cities with the greatest needs.”

The CitiIQ system is easy to use, economical, and effective with no need to purchase new software or abandon existing metrics. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, CitiIQ provides a practical way for a city to mark progress toward SDG achievement.

City Administrators appreciate the integration of economic, environmental, social and cultural infrastructure measures reflecting how a city actually functions. The algorithm normalizes data into a comparable, holistic picture of their city’s strengths and weaknesses bringing coherence and comparability to their operations and an ability to compare with other cities.

In April 2020 CitiIQ was selected by UN-Habitat to develop a COVID-19 Readiness and Responsiveness tracking site for more than 1,000 global cities. Data was often unavailable at a city level where the real battle is fought. The scoring reflects both how ready a city was for COVID-19 and how well they are responding to the pandemic. COVID-19 data is collected daily for the 1,000 cities supporting improve responses to the pandemic. Visit: https://unhabitat.citiiq.com/.

About CitiIQ
CitiIQ is a comprehensive system that objectively measures the overall health and wellbeing of a city. Using an intuitive online dashboard style interface, a city’s measurements are made readily available to clients through a cloud-based annual subscription.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200827005026/en/

Contacts

Milton Friesen, General Manager
mfriesen@citiiq.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/citiiq-launchesnbspglobal4000nbspcity-scoring-platform/en

Toshiba’s New Photorelays Contribute to Equipment Downsizing by Reducing Mounting Density

 - New photorelays in S-VSON4T package with industry's smallest mounting area and maximum operating temperature of 125°C -



TOKYO-Thursday 27 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has launched three photorelays: “TLP3407SRA,” “TLP3475SRHA” and “TLP3412SRHA,” that are the industry-smallest[1] voltage driven photorelays with an extended operating temperature rating of 125°C.

Raising the maximum operating temperature rating from 110°C to 125°C allows the photorelays to be mounted in high temperature areas, and makes it easier to secure required temperature design margins for equipment. The S-VSON4T package has the industry-smallest[1] mounting area of 2.9mm² .This will contribute to reducing PCB size or to increasing the number of photorelays in an existing layout in applications such as semiconductor testers, probe cards and other devices.

Applications

    Semiconductor testers (memory, SoC and LSI, etc.)
    Probe cards
    Burn-in equipment
    Measuring instruments (oscilloscope, data logger, etc.)

Features

    S-VSON4T, the industry’s first[1] packaging with a minimal mounting area and maximum operating temperature of 125°C: Mounting area 2.9mm2 (typ.)
    Low input power consumption drive: 3.3mW[2] (max) @VIN=3.3V (TLP3407SRA)

Main Specifications

(@Ta=25℃)

Part number
  

TLP3407SRA
  

TLP3475SRHA
  

TLP3412SRHA

Package
  

Name
  

S-VSON4T

Size typ. (mm)
  

2.0×1.45

Height typ.(mm)
  

1.3

Recommended
operating
conditions
  

Applied input

forward voltage

VIN typ. (V)
  

3.3
  

3.3
  

3.3

Built-in resistance typ. (Ω)
  

4000
  

600
  

600

Absolute

maximum

ratings
  

OFF-state output

terminal voltage VOFF (V)
  

60
  

60
  

60

ON-state current ION (A)
  

1
  

0.4
  

0.4

ON-state current (pulsed)

IONP (A)
  

3
  

1.2
  

1.2

Operating temperature

Topr (℃)
  

-40 to 125

Coupled
electrical
characteristics
  

Limited LED current 

ILIM(LED) max (mA)

(@VIN)
  

1
(@3.3V)
  

-
  

-

Trigger LED current

IFT max (mA)
  

0.2
  

2
  

2

Operating voltage

 VFON max (V)
  

3
  

3
  

3

ON-state resistance

RON max (Ω)
  

0.3
  

1.5
  

1.5

Electrical

characteristics
  

Output capacitance

COFF typ. (pF)
  

80
  

12
  

20 (max)

OFF-state current

IOFF max (nA)

(@VOFF)
  

1

(@50V)
  

1

(@50V)
  

1

(@50V)

Switching

characteristics
  

Turn-on time

tON max (ms)
  

20
  

0.5
  

0.5

Turn-off time

tOFF max (ms)
  

1
  

0.2
  

0.2

Isolation

characteristic
  

Isolation voltage

BVS min (Vrms)
  

500
  

500
  

500

Sample Check & Availability
  

Buy Online
  

Buy Online
  

Buy Online

Notes:
[1] For photorelays where maximum operating temperature rating is 125°C, according to a survey by Toshiba (as of August 25, 2020).
[2] Applied input forward voltage × maximum limited LED current=3.3V×1mA

Follow the link below for more on the new photocouplers.
TLP3407SRA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/info/lookup.jsp?pid=TLP3407SRA

TLP3475SRHA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/info/lookup.jsp?pid=TLP3475SRHA

TLP3412SRHA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/info/lookup.jsp?pid=TLP3412SRHA

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba’s photorelay lineup.
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/semiconductor/product/optoelectronics/photorelay-mosfet-output.html

To check availability of the new products at online distributors, visit:
TLP3407SRA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/semiconductor/where-to-buy/stockcheck.TLP3407SRA.html
TLP3475SRHA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/semiconductor/where-to-buy/stockcheck.TLP3475SRHA.html
TLP3412SRHA
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/semiconductor/where-to-buy/stockcheck.TLP3412SRHA.html

Customer Inquiries:
Optoelectronic Device Sales & Marketing Dept.
Tel: +81-3-3457-3431
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/contact.html

* Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation combines the vigor of a new company with the wisdom of experience. Since becoming an independent company in July 2017, the company has taken its place among the leading general devices companies, and offers its customers and business partners outstanding solutions in discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD.

Its 24,000 employees around the world share a determination to maximize the value of its products, and emphasize close collaboration with customers to promote co-creation of value and new markets. The company looks forward to building on annual sales now surpassing 750-billion yen (US$6.8 billion) and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.
Find out more about Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation at https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/top.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200826005815/en/


Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
Digital Marketing Department
Chiaki Nagasawa
Tel: +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/toshibarsquos-new-photorelays-contribute-to-equipment-downsizing-by-reducing-mounting-density/en

Phase 2 ELEKTRA Study of Soticlestat (TAK-935/OV935) Meets Primary Endpoint Reducing Seizure Frequency in Children with Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

NEW YORK & OSAKA, Japan-Thursday 27 August 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

− Primary endpoint achieved, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction of seizures from baseline compared to placebo (p=0.0007) in the combined Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome study population

− Statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency from baseline in Dravet syndrome cohort compared to placebo (p=0.0007); based on strong efficacy results, Takeda and Ovid plan to initiate a Phase 3 registrational program of soticlestat in Dravet syndrome

− Data from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome cohort demonstrated numeric reductions in seizure frequency compared to placebo but did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.1279); data analysis ongoing for the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome patients

− Soticlestat was well-tolerated and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with the findings of previous studies with no new safety signals identified

− Ovid to host conference call and webcast today at 8:00 a.m. EDT



(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) and Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OVID) (“Ovid”), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing medicines that transform the lives of people with rare neurological diseases, today announced positive topline results from the randomized Phase 2 ELEKTRA study of soticlestat in children with Dravet syndrome (DS) or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Soticlestat is a potent, highly selective, oral, first-in-class inhibitor of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CH24H). It is being investigated by Ovid and Takeda for the treatment of rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), a group of highly refractory epilepsy syndromes including DS and LGS.

The ELEKTRA study achieved its primary endpoint with high statistical significance, demonstrating a 27.8% median reduction from baseline in convulsive seizure (DS) and drop seizure (LGS) frequency compared to a 3.1% median increase in patients taking placebo during the 12-week maintenance period (median placebo-adjusted reduction=30.5%; p=0.0007, based on the efficacy analysis set of 120 patients with seizure data in the maintenance period). In addition, DS and LGS patients treated with soticlestat demonstrated a 29.8% median reduction in convulsive seizure (DS) and drop seizure (LGS) frequency compared to 0.0% change in median seizure frequency in patients taking placebo during the full 20-week treatment period (titration plus maintenance) of the ELEKTRA study (placebo-adjusted reduction=25.1%; p=0.0024).

In the ELEKTRA DS cohort (n=51), patients treated with soticlestat demonstrated a 33.8% median reduction in convulsive seizure frequency compared to a 7.0% median increase in patients taking placebo during the full 20-week treatment period of the study (median placebo-adjusted reduction in seizure frequency is 46.0%; p=0.0007). Based on these data, the companies plan to meet with regulatory authorities to discuss initiation of a Phase 3 registrational program for soticlestat in patients with DS.

In the ELEKTRA LGS cohort (n=88), patients treated with soticlestat demonstrated a 20.6% median reduction in drop seizure frequency compared to a 6.0.% median reduction in patients taking placebo during the full 20-week treatment period of the study (median placebo-adjusted reduction in seizure frequency is 14.8%; p=0.1279). Additional analyses are being conducted to better understand the potential next steps for the development of soticlestat in this highly heterogenous patient population.

Soticlestat was generally well-tolerated in the ELEKTRA study and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with those of previous studies, with no new safety signals identified. All patients who completed the ELEKTRA study elected to enroll into the ENDYMION open-label extension study and findings from ENDYMION are also reported today.

“We are extremely encouraged by these results, which show a clear statistically significant reduction of seizures in Dravet syndrome patients treated with soticlestat, as well as a trend for seizure reduction in Lennox-Gastaut patients,” said Amit Rakhit, M.D., MBA, President and Chief Medical Officer of Ovid. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Takeda to initiate a Phase 3 registrational program for soticlestat in patients with DS, while continuing to analyze the data from patients with LGS in the ELEKTRA and ENDYMION studies to define potential next steps. We also expect to report data from the open-label Phase 2 ARCADE study with soticlestat in patients with CDKL5 deficiency disorder and Dup15q syndrome, two other types of highly-refractory DEEs, later this quarter.”

“It is exciting to see these positive results and to advance soticlestat into late stage clinical development -- initially for the potential treatment of children with Dravet syndrome who need more options to manage treatment-resistant seizures,” said Sarah Sheikh, M.D., M.Sc., MRCP, Head, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda. “Soticlestat and its novel mechanism of action were discovered at Takeda and we are enthusiastic about continuing to advance the science and clinical programs as one aligned team, in strong partnership with Ovid Therapeutics.”

“Children with developmental epileptic encephalopathies like DS and LGS need more options to manage their treatment-resistant seizures,” said Dr. Cecil Hahn, M.D., MPH, a Child Neurologist at The Hospital for Sick Children and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. “The results of the ELEKTRA study are very promising, particularly for children with DS and represent a clinically significant reduction in seizure burden. Moreover, soticlestat was well-tolerated in this study."

Phase 2 ELEKTRA Study Design and Patient Baseline Demographics

ELEKTRA was an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate treatment with soticlestat in pediatric patients, aged 2 to 17 years, with highly refractory epileptic seizures associated with DS (convulsive seizures) or LGS (drop seizures). The study consisted of a four- to six-week screening period to establish baseline seizure frequency, followed by a 20-week double-blind treatment period, including an 8-week dose optimization period and a 12-week maintenance period. During the 8-week dose optimization period, patients were titrated from 100mg twice daily (BID), to 200mg BID to 300mg BID (mg/kg dosing for <60 kg) of orally administered soticlestat.

A total of 141 patients were enrolled in ELEKTRA and 126 completed the study. A modified intent-to-treat (mITT) analysis of 139 patients was performed to evaluate the efficacy endpoints, which includes any patient who enrolled in the study and received at least one dose of study drug. Patients in the study were allowed to be on one to four concomitant anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), with the majority of patients concomitantly treated with at least three AEDs. The most common AEDs taken by the patients were valproate, clobazam, levetiracetam and topiramate.

Phase 2 ELEKTRA Topline Efficacy Results

The study achieved its primary endpoint, demonstrating a 27.8% median reduction from baseline in convulsive seizure (DS) and drop seizure (LGS) frequency compared to a 3.1% median increase in patients on placebo during the 12-week maintenance period (median placebo-adjusted reduction=30.5%; p=0.0007, based on the efficacy analysis set of 120 patients with seizure data in the maintenance period). During the full 20-week treatment period of the mITT DS patient population, the median percent change from baseline was a 33.8% decrease in seizure frequency compared to a 7.0% increase in seizure frequency for patients receiving placebo (median placebo-adjusted reduction=46.0%; p=0.0007). During the full treatment period of the mITT LGS patient population, the median percent change from baseline was a 20.6% decrease in seizure frequency compared to a 6.0% decrease in patients receiving placebo (median placebo-adjusted reduction=14.8%; p=0.1279).

Phase 2 ELEKTRA Topline Safety Results

Soticlestat was well tolerated in this study. These findings were consistent with previous studies and no new safety signals were identified. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events was similar in both the treatment and placebo groups with 57 (80.3%) of soticlestat patients experiencing at least one treatment emergent adverse event compared to 52 (74.3%) placebo patients. The most frequent treatment emergent adverse events reported in soticlestat-treated patients with ≥5% difference from placebo were lethargy and constipation. The incidence of serious adverse events was similar in both soticlestat and placebo groups, with 11 (15.5%) in soticlestat experiencing at least one treatment emergent serious adverse event compared to 13 (18.6%) in placebo. There were no deaths reported.

ENDYMION Open-Label Extension Study Update

All patients who completed the ELEKTRA trial elected to roll over into the ENDYMION open-label extension study. The primary objective of ENDYMION is to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of soticlestat over four years of treatment in patients with rare epilepsies and, secondarily, to evaluate the effect of soticlestat on seizure frequency over time.

Data from the ELEKTRA patients who have rolled over into the ENDYMION study are supportive of results in the core study. The data indicate maintenance of effect over 6 months in those patients originally randomized to soticlestat, and similarly reduced seizure frequency as compared to baseline in those patients previously assigned to the placebo arm. No new safety signals were identified in ENDYMION.

About Soticlestat (TAK-935/OV935)

Soticlestat is a potent, highly selective, first-in-class inhibitor of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CH24H), with the potential to reduce seizure susceptibility and improve seizure control. CH24H is predominantly expressed in the brain, where it converts cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24HC) to adjust the homeostatic balance of brain cholesterol. 24HC is a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA receptor and modulates glutamatergic signaling associated with epilepsy. Glutamate is one of the main neurotransmitters in the brain and has been shown to play a role in the initiation and spread of seizure activity. Recent literature indicates that CH24H is involved in over-activation of the glutamatergic pathway through modulation of the NMDA channel and that increased expression of CH24H can disrupt the reuptake of glutamate by astrocytes, resulting in epileptogenesis and neurotoxicity. Inhibition of CH24H by soticlestat reduces the neuronal levels of 24HC and may improve excitatory/inhibitory balance of NMDA channel activity.

Takeda and Ovid are sharing in the development and commercialization costs of soticlestat on a 50/50 basis and, if successful, the companies will share in the profits on a 50/50 basis. Takeda will be responsible for commercialization in Japan and has the option to be responsible for commercialization in other countries in Asia and other selected countries. Ovid will be responsible for clinical development activities and commercialization of soticlestat in the United States, Europe, Canada and Israel. Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda received equity in Ovid and may be eligible to receive certain milestone payments based on the advancement of soticlestat.

About Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are types of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), a heterogeneous group of rare epilepsy syndromes. Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome typically become apparent during infancy or early childhood and are highly refractory to many antiseizure medications.

Dravet syndrome is most commonly caused by a genetic mutation in the SCN1A gene and affects approximately 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 21,000 people in the United States. Dravet syndrome is characterized by prolonged focal seizures that can evolve to convulsive tonic-clonic seizures. Children with Dravet syndrome experience developmental disabilities as seizures increase. Other common symptoms include changes in appetite, difficulty balancing and a crouched gait when walking.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 11,000 people in the United States. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a heterogeneous condition and characterized by several different types of seizures, most commonly atonic (drop), tonic and atypical absence seizures. Children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may also develop cognitive dysfunction, delays in reaching developmental milestones and behavioral problems. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, but in some cases no cause can be identified.

Ovid Conference Call and Webcast Information

Ovid Therapeutics will host a live conference call and webcast today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the Company’s website at investors.ovidrx.com. Alternatively, please call 866-830-1640 (U.S.) or 210-874-7820 (international) to listen to the live conference call. The conference ID number for the live call is 7926217. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website following the live conference call.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Diseases, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries.

For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Takeda Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could” “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations; the success of or failure of product development programs; decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/reports/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

About Ovid Therapeutics

Ovid Therapeutics Inc. is a New York-based biopharmaceutical company using its BoldMedicine® approach to develop medicines that transform the lives of patients with rare neurological disorders. Ovid has a broad pipeline of potential first-in-class medicines. The Company’s most advanced investigational medicine, OV101 (gaboxadol), is currently in clinical development for the treatment of Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. Ovid is also developing OV935 (soticlestat) in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the potential treatment of rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). For more information on Ovid, please visit www.ovidrx.com.

Ovid Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain disclosures that contain “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential benefits, clinical and regulatory development and commercialization of soticlestat, the potential value and benefits of the collaboration with Takeda, the anticipated reporting schedule of clinical data, the likelihood that data will support future development, and the association of data with treatment outcomes. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “will,” “appears,” “believes” and “expects.” Forward-looking statements are based on Ovid’s current expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include uncertainties in the development and regulatory approval processes, and the fact that initial data from clinical trials may not be indicative, and are not guarantees, of the final results of the clinical trials and are subject to the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and/or more patient data become available. Additional risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Ovid’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the caption “Risk Factors.” Such risks may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on Ovid’s business and the global economy. Ovid assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200825005303/en/

Contacts

Takeda Media:
Japanese Media
Kazumi Kobayashi
kazumi.kobayashi@takeda.com
+81 (0) 3-3278-2095

Media outside Japan
Chris Stamm
chris.stamm@takeda.com
+1 (617) 347-7726

Ovid Investors and Media:
Ovid Therapeutics Inc.
Investor Relations & Public Relations
irpr@ovidrx.com

Or

Ovid Investors:
Steve Klass
Burns McClellan, Inc.
+1 (212) 213-0006
sklass@burnsmc.com

Ovid Media:
Dan Budwick
1AB
dan@abmedia.com

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