VFMCRP and ChemoCentryx Provide Topline Results From ACCOLADE Trial of Avacopan in C3 Glomerulopathy Including Improved Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

 • As in ANCA vasculitis, avacopan demonstrated statistically significant improvement in renal function as measured by eGFR compared to placebo over 26 weeks of blinded treatment

• The change from baseline to week 26 in C3 glomerulopathy histologic index (C3G HI) for disease activity (primary endpoint) was not statistically different between the two treatment groups, while the C3G HI for disease chronicity (measuring progression of fibrosis) shows significant benefit for avacopan versus placebo

• Avacopan safe and well tolerated in C3G patients

• ChemoCentryx and VFMCRP plan to discuss registration pathway with regulatory agencies in US and EU

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Regulatory News:

Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (VFMCRP) and ChemoCentryx, Inc. today announced topline data from the ACCOLADE clinical study, the largest, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial in the ultra-rare kidney disease C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) to date, which evaluated avacopan for the treatment of that disorder. Avacopan is a first-in-class, orally-administered selective inhibitor of the complement C5a receptor.

Patients in the multi-center ACCOLADE clinical trial were randomized to receive either 30mg of avacopan twice daily (BID) or placebo for 26 weeks in a double-blind manner. The primary endpoint of the study was defined as the change from baseline in the C3G histologic index for disease activity, as determined by a blinded analysis of kidney biopsies taken at baseline and after 26 weeks of blinded study treatment. Pre-specified secondary endpoints included changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (a validated measure of overall renal function), measurement of urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR), measurements of urinary MCP-1 (a marker of kidney inflammation), and the C3G histologic index for disease chronicity, a biopsy based measure of the progression of renal fibrosis which is a strong predictor for progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD) in C3G. After the initial blinded treatment period, all patients receive avacopan as part of an open label extension for a further 26 weeks. Endpoint determinations from the blinded treatment period (baseline to week 26) are presented.

“We are pleased with the results of the ACCOLADE study,” said Stefan Schulze, Chief Executive Officer of Vifor Pharma. “This data set is encouraging, demonstrating important clinical benefits in patients with this C3G kidney disease in which there is currently no approved therapy. The study further consolidates the effectiveness of avacopan in proliferative glomerular diseases and confirms the evidence of the favourable safety profile of avacopan. VFMCRP will commence discussions with the European regulatory authorities about the best possible regulatory pathway to obtain approval for the European patients in this rare and otherwise inadequately treated disease.”

“The ultra-rare disease, C3 glomerulopathy, is a progressive kidney disorder where a person’s renal function inexorably declines, where we have no approved therapy, and also no clear roadmap on how to get to an approved therapy,” said Thomas J. Schall, President and Chief Executive Officer of ChemoCentryx. “The data from this well-controlled, blinded placebo comparison trial provides evidence that avacopan can improve kidney function in C3G. Recall that avacopan also improved kidney function in ANCA-associated vasculitis; here again the ACCOLADE C3G data show a robust and significant increase in eGFR after 26 weeks of therapy. While eGFR was a pre-specified secondary endpoint, few experts would have advised that such an increase would or could be demonstrated in this timeframe in a trial of this size. It is notable too that although our chosen primary (but unvalidated) C3G histologic index for disease activity endpoint was not entirely informative in ACCOLADE, the significant improvement in renal function demonstrated with avacopan in C3G is indeed remarkable and promising. For patients, this could mean markedly slowing or even halting kidney decline, with slower progression to dialysis or transplant. We will discuss our present data with the FDA to gain their input as to the possibility of a license in this very rare and otherwise inadequately treated disorder.”

Study readouts

The primary endpoint of the study was change from baseline to week 26 in the C3G histologic index for disease activity1, comparing the changes in kidney histology from biopsy sections taken from patients characterized by elevated levels of C5b-9 complement markers in the blood at time of study entry (baseline). Biopsies, taken at baseline and after 26 weeks of treatment showed that the placebo group worsened by 38% on average in the C3G activity score while the avacopan group improved by 2% on average. This approximately 40% average difference between the two treatment arms did not constitute statistical significance due to the high patient to patient variability. Comparison of the C3G activity score of all C3G subjects (comprising those with both elevated levels of C5b-9 as well as those with normal levels of C5b-9) yielded similar results: the placebo group worsened by 26% on average in the C3G activity score, while avacopan therapy resulted in an improvement of 6% on average.

Importantly, those patients who received avacopan experienced significant benefits in terms of kidney function and other parameters compared to those who received placebo. These benefits, assessed as pre-specified secondary endpoints, include:

Slowing of fibrosis progression

Avacopan therapy demonstrated evidence for a significant slowing of the progression of fibrosis as assessed by the C3G histologic index for disease chronicity. The placebo group overall exhibited a 26% point higher change from baseline to week 26 in the C3G index for disease chronicity than avacopan (58% versus 32%, respectively) representing a worsening in disease chronicity. The mean change from baseline to week 26 was 1.6 for placebo versus 0.8 for avacopan (P<0.05). The avacopan-related lower increase is notable because published literature shows that each 1-unit increase in C3G histologic index for disease chronicity from baseline increases by 59% (P < 0.001) the risk of doubling of creatinine, progression to chronic kidney disease stage 5, ESRD requiring dialysis or transplantation, or death.1

Improvement in kidney function

The avacopan group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in eGFR from baseline to week 26. Overall, the eGFR in the avacopan group improved 5% on average from baseline while the placebo group worsened by 6% (P = 0.0221). Renal improvement was particularly pronounced for C3G subjects with eGFR of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, as their eGFR on average increased relative to placebo by nearly 20% after 26 weeks (13% improvement for avacopan versus 6% worsening from baseline for placebo, P = 0.0199). This was equivalent to a mean increase of about 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 on avacopan versus a decrease of 1.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the placebo group. Significant improvement in eGFR in a blinded comparative setting over 26 weeks has not been noted in C3G studies prior to this, but the improvement in eGFR with avacopan is reminiscent of a similar improvement seen with avacopan therapy in ANCA–associated vasculitis with renal dysfunction. Other measures of kidney function include UPCR (proteinuria), where high UPCR is known to be associated with higher risk of ESRD in C3G as well as other renal diseases, and urinary MCP-1 creatinine ratio, a marker of glomerular inflammation.

In the ACCOLADE study, avacopan therapy was associated with a rapid reduction in UPCR (proteinuria). From baseline, a progressive proteinuria drop was seen in the avacopan group: at week 16 there was a 35% mean decrease in UPCR with avacopan versus a 1% decrease in the placebo group (P < 0.05), and at the end of 26 weeks UPCR was reduced by 26% in the avacopan group versus 14% in the placebo group. Similar reductions were seen in urinary MCP-1 creatinine ratio the avacopan group versus the placebo group throughout the 26-week treatment period, with the avacopan group consistently exhibiting lower levels of the kidney inflammation marker being shed in the urine.

Avacopan also appeared safe and well-tolerated in patients with C3G. In the ongoing phase of the study (after the 26 week blinded treatment period), all patients receive avacopan as part of an open label extension for a further 26 weeks, and are followed for an additional 8 weeks without study treatment. Data from the open label and follow up period will be analyzed and presented at a future time.

Based on the data described above, reflecting results of a blinded therapy regimen which resulted in evidence of avacopan’s ability to improve renal function, being well-tolerated in C3G patients to date, and the significant unmet medical need for C3G patients for whom there are no approved therapies to treat renal function decline, ChemoCentryx plans to discuss the results with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

References:

Bomback AS, et al. C3 glomerulonephritis and dense deposit disease share a similar disease course in a large United States cohort of patients with C3 glomerulopathy. Kidney Int. 2018.

Vifor Pharma Group is a global pharmaceuticals company. It aims to become the global leader in iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies. The company is a partner of choice for pharmaceuticals and innovative patient-focused solutions. Vifor Pharma Group strives to help patients around the world with severe and chronic diseases lead better, healthier lives. The company develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products for precision patient care. Vifor Pharma Group holds a leading position in all its core business activities and consists of the following companies: Vifor Pharma and Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (a joint company with Fresenius Medical Care). Vifor Pharma Group is headquartered in Switzerland, and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX Swiss Exchange, VIFN, ISIN: CH0364749348).

For more information, please visit viforpharma.com

About ChemoCentryx

ChemoCentryx is a biopharmaceutical company developing new medications for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer. ChemoCentryx targets the chemokine and chemoattractant systems to discover, develop and commercialize orally-administered therapies. Besides ChemoCentryx’s lead drug candidate, avacopan, ChemoCentryx also has early stage drug candidates that target chemoattractant receptors in other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in cancer.

About C3 glomerulopathy and the ACCOLADE trial

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a very rare, potentially progressive kidney disease which can present in patients of all ages, including children. It is diagnosed on kidney biopsy performed because the patient has kidney impairment, hematuria and/or loss of protein into the kidneys. Treatment is challenging and there is no approved drug with proven benefit so patients are at risk of progression to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). 30-50% will progress to ESRD within 10 years of diagnosis. The complement system is dysregulated in C3G with various mutations and acquired factors in different patient groups. These can be assessed in specialist centers and may be helpful in understanding treatment approaches and risk of ESRD.

The phase-II ACCOLADE clinical trial randomized patients with C3G to avacopan or placebo. The pre-specified primary endpoint assesses 30 mg BID of avacopan against placebo at 26 weeks of treatment, using the C3G histologic index – this is an index assessing acute and chronic damage in the kidney. Pre-specified secondary endpoints include stabilization in disease chronicity, reduction in proteinuria, changes or improvement in renal function and quality of life. Following the 26-week double-blind treatment period, all patients receive avacopan for a further 26 weeks. Patients are followed for an additional 8 weeks for assessment of safety and efficacy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted avacopan orphan drug designation for C3G, and the European Commission has granted orphan medicinal product designation for avacopan for C3G.

About avacopan

Avacopan is an orally-administered small molecule that is a selective inhibitor of the complement C5a receptor C5aR1. By precisely blocking the receptor (the C5aR) for the pro-inflammatory complement system fragment, C5a on destructive inflammatory cells such as blood neutrophils, avacopan arrests the ability of those cells to do damage in response to C5a activation, which is known to be the driver of inflammation. Moreover, avacopan’s selective inhibition of only the C5aR1 leaves the beneficial C5a l pathway through the C5L2 receptor functioning normally.

ChemoCentryx is also developing avacopan for the treatment of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis or ANCA vasculitis) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted avacopan orphan-drug designation for ANCA-associated vasculitis, C3G and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The European Commission has granted orphan medicinal product designation for avacopan for the treatment of two forms of ANCA vasculitis: microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), as well as for C3G. In November 2020, European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted to review the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for avacopan for the treatment of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)).

Forward-looking statements

ChemoCentryx cautions that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "could," "will," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "predict," "seek," "contemplate," "potential," "continue" or "project" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include the Company's statements regarding the achievement of anticipated goals and milestones, whether there is a regulatory path forward for avacopan in the treatment of C3 glomerulopathy and whether the Company's drug candidates will be shown to be effective in ongoing or future clinical trials. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by ChemoCentryx that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the ChemoCentryx business and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and ChemoCentryx undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Further information regarding these and other risks is included under the heading "Risk Factors" in ChemoCentryx's periodic reports filed with the SEC, including ChemoCentryx's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020 and its other reports which are available from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and on ChemoCentryx's website (www.chemocentryx.com) under the heading "Investors." All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005694/en/

Contacts

Media Relations

Nathalie Ponnier

Global Head Corporate Communications

+41 79 957 96 73

media@viforpharma.com

Investor Relations

Julien Vignot

Head of Investor Relations

+41 58 851 66 90

investors@viforpharma.com

ChemoCentryx:

Susan M. Kanaya

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

investor@chemocentryx.com

Media:

Stephanie Tomei

408.234.1279

media@chemocentryx.com

Investors:

Lee Roth, Burns McClellan

212.213.0006

lroth@burnsmc.com

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Aptorum Group Announces Submission of Clinical Trial Application for ALS-4, an Orally Administered Small Molecule Drug for the Treatment of Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

NEW YORK & LONDON & PARIS-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM, Euronext Paris: APM) (“Aptorum Group” or “Aptorum”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on novel technologies for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions including infectious diseases, announced that the company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aptorum International Limited, has submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with the Public Health Agency of Canada (Health Canada) to conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial of ALS-4, an orally administered small molecule drug for the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Pending Health Canada’s approval, the Phase 1 trial is designed to test the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ALS-4 in healthy volunteers.

Dr. Clark Cheng, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of Aptorum Group, commented: “Further to our previous update in September 2020, we are pleased to announce this CTA submission which represents a major development milestone for our ALS-4 antimicrobial program. ALS-4 is a novel small molecule adopting an anti-virulence (non-antibiotic) approach to address the growing unmet medical needs of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. ALS-4 is an orally administered drug and thereby aligning with global healthcare policy to actively promote the switch from an IV to oral based antimicrobial treatment^1,2,3. As shown in our internal preclinical data and subject to further clinical trials, ALS-4 can be potentially used on a standalone basis or in combination with existing antibiotics (for example, vancomycin) with the aim to reduce mortality and morbidity of the infected patients especially in severe cases. We believe that our orally administered ALS-4 drug can potentially also tackle a variety of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including (but not limited to) MRSA bacteremia and skin & soft tissue infections, subject to the respective clinical trials.”

The Phase 1 clinical trial is planned to be conducted in Canada and targeted to recruit up to 48 and 32 healthy volunteers for the single-ascending dose (SAD) and multiple- ascending dose (MAD) cohorts, respectively. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SAD and MAD of ALS-4 administered orally to healthy subjects. The secondary objective is to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of SAD and MAD of ALS-4 administered orally to healthy subjects.

About ALS-4

As part of Aptorum Group’s Acticule infectious disease platform, ALS-4 is a novel first-in-class orally administered small molecule drug based on an anti-virulence (non-antibiotic) approach targeting Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA. ALS-4 targets to inhibit the virulence properties of the bacteria and render them highly susceptible to the host’s immune clearance and also potentially provide added benefits in combination with existing antibiotics.

About Aptorum Group

Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM, Euronext Paris: APM) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercializing of therapeutic assets to treat diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly infectious diseases and cancers (including orphan oncology indications). The pipeline of Aptorum is also enriched through the establishment of drug discovery platforms that enable the discovery of new therapeutics assets through programs such as the systematic screening of existing approved drug molecules and microbiome-based research platform for treatments of metabolic diseases. In addition to the above main focus, the company is also pursuing therapeutic and diagnostic projects in neurology, gastroenterology, metabolic disorders, women’s health and other disease areas. Aptorum also has projects focused on surgical robotics and natural supplement for women undergoing menopause and experiencing related symptoms.

For more information about Aptorum Group, please visit www.aptorumgroup.com.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of Aptorum Group.

This press release includes statements concerning Aptorum Group Limited and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Aptorum Group has based these forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding projected timelines for application submissions and trials, largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, risks related to its announced management and organizational changes, the continued service and availability of key personnel, its ability to expand its product assortments by offering additional products for additional consumer segments, development results, the company’s anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends and challenges in its business, and its expectations regarding, and the stability of, its supply chain, and the risks more fully described in Aptorum Group’s Form 20-F and other filings that Aptorum Group may make with the SEC in the future, as well as the prospectus that received the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers visa n°20-352 on 16 July 2020.

As a result, the projections included in such forward-looking statements are subject to change and actual results may differ materially from those described herein. Aptorum Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This announcement is not a prospectus within the meaning of the Regulation (EU) n°2017/1129 of 14 June 2017 as amended by Regulations Delegated (EU) n°2019/980 of 14 March 2019 and n°2019/979 of 14 March 2019.

This press release is provided “as is” without any representation or warranty of any kind.

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¹ https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/gps/antimicrobial-resources/adult-antibiotic-treatment-guidelines-site-infection/iv-oral-switch-guideline/ and https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IV-to-oral-switch-and-5-day-stop-policy.pdf
² https://hgs.uhb.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-Antimicrobial-Prescribing-v5.0.pdf
³ https://www.jwatch.org/na48403/2019/02/12/sequential-intravenous-oral-treatment-mrsa-bacteremia

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005196/en/

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Contacts

Inquiries:
Aptorum Group Limited
Investor Relations Department:
investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com
+44 20 80929299

Redchip – Financial Communications United States
Investor relations
Dave Gentry
dave@redchip.com
+1 407 491 4498

Actifin – Financial Communications Europe
Investor relations
Ghislaine Gasparetto
ggasparetto@actifin.fr
+33 1 56 88 11 22

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Global Oncology Launches Vaccine Education Campaign to Eradicate Cervical Cancer, Appointing Nigerian Stock Exchange President as Global Ambassador

 Other luminary Global Ambassadors include Senator Lanre Tejuoso and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu


SAN FRANCISCO-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global Oncology, a U.S.-based non-profit organization announces the launch of the Cervical Cancer-Free Nigeria (CCFN) campaign, which seeks to eradicate virus-driven diseases such as cervical cancer by educating Nigerians about vaccine safety and efficacy. The campaign is proud to announce the appointment of three Global Ambassadors including Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President of the National Council of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (see bio); Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Chair of the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (see bio); and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation (see bio). As Global Ambassadors, these distinguished leaders will raise awareness, leveraging exciting learning tools, such as a vaccine-focused comic book developed by Global Oncology, to expand on successful pilot outreach activities that have already reached thousands of Nigerian schoolchildren.

“I’m proud to partner with Global Oncology in advancing the CCFN campaign,” said Otunba Ogunbanjo. “We have the potential and the moral imperative to eradicate cervical cancer in Nigeria. I believe we can achieve this ambitious goal by working together to raise awareness.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Nigeria with as many as three Nigerian women dying of the disease every day. These deaths are preventable with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, scheduled for introduction in Nigeria in 2021 pursuant to the Nigeria Strategy on Immunization and Primary Healthcare Systems Strengthening. The success of the HPV vaccine campaign and recently initiated COVID-19 vaccine efforts depend on the general public being made aware of vaccine safety, efficacy and availability.

Dr. Ami S. Bhatt, Co-founder of Global Oncology and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Genetics at Stanford University, said, “With the HPV vaccine, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eradicate cervical cancer from Nigeria, and the world. Given the recent rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, this is a timely opportunity to use creative educational approaches, such as comic books, to address concerns about vaccines, in general. We are honored to partner with Otunba Ogunbanjo, Senator Tejuoso, and Dr. Bagudu as well as our other Campaign Ambassadors to promote the CCFN campaign. Together, we can make lasting and deeply meaningful change for girls and women in Nigeria.”

Other distinguished Nigerian Campaign Ambassadors include Mr. Patrick Doyle, Broadcaster and producer; Ms. Rekiya Ibrahim Attah, Actress; Ms. Toun Sonaiya, Radio broadcaster and CEO of WFM 91.7; Ms. Tinu Eze, Teacher and mentor; Ms. Amarachi Nwosu, Creative director and cultural consultant, Ms. Karo Omu, Founder of Sanitary Aid Initiative, and Ms. Folashade Domingo, Health advocate.

“Global Oncology’s work will help families avert the devastation that cervical cancer brings to many in Nigeria and in the region. We are grateful for their partnership in this life-saving fight,” said Senator Lanre Tejuoso.

Speaking to the main objectives of this ambitious campaign, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu said, “Educating ourselves and raising awareness about the importance of preventing cancer with the HPV vaccine is key. This is the mission of the CCFN campaign: to ensure that no Nigerian woman dies of cervical cancer.”

About Global Oncology

Global Oncology (http://globalonc.org) was founded by Drs. Ami Bhatt (Stanford University) (bio) and Franklin Huang (University of California, San Francisco) (bio) in 2012 and is based in San Francisco, California, USA. They seek to bring the best in cancer care and education to underserved communities worldwide.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005135/en/

Contacts
Phil Garrity, GO Program Director
phil@globalonc.org
m: 617-899-9963




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Make Laundry Day More Efficient With LG TWINWash

 LG’s Advanced Washing Machines with Dual Washing Capabilities Offered at Discounted Prices During Dubai Shopping Festival



DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

Since 2015, LG Electronics (LG) has been empowering homeowners to take care of their laundry with greater ease and efficiency, with the introduction of the company’s revolutionary TWINWash system.

LG’s TWINWash washing machines feature a main washer drum for larger loads of clothing and bedding, while the TWINWash Mini (which sits underneath and keeps a slim profile) is ideal for delicate fabrics, and smaller loads.

The TWINWash system is unique in that it empowers users to operate two cycles, simultaneously – eliminating the risk of last-minute rushing before an important meeting or function. Additionally, if a homeowner only has a few items which require assistance, the TWINWash Mini serves as the ideal solution for smaller cycles and can be operated independently. Shirts, gym kits and even babywear can be tackled by the smaller drum, ensuring clothes are ready for the right moment, and reducing excess water and energy consumption.

With two separate systems, homeowners are also afforded the ability to separate based on color and fabric type, while ensuring all garments are ready on time. With their larger capacity and dual functionality, LG TWINWash washing machines have also been proven to reduce laundry times. Depending on final settings chose, users can complete two loads of laundry simultaneously, in as little as 49 minutes.

LG’s washing machines also feature 6 Motion Direct Drive technology, which moves the washer drum in multiple directions and patterns to give fabrics the right level of care. For further peace-of-mind, the company’s Steam™ technology has been identified as being able to reduce allergens by up to 99.9%. Steam™ technology uses high temperature water particles to not only be gentler on clothing, but also more effective at removing stains, odors and creases.

For those who wish to save even further on time and energy consumption, TWINWash washing machines feature EcoHybrid mode. In this program, users can select Eco Dry mode – which uses no water for condensing, or Normal Dry mode to shorten the entire drying cycle and reduce energy costs.

TWINWash owners can also download the LG ThinQ app on their smartphones, which enables the remote monitoring and control of laundry from anywhere.

Contacts

LG-One     

Aaron Budwal, Senior Account Executive     

Email: aaron.budwal@lg-one.com     

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Velodyne Joins the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program

 Velodyne Lidar Advances Smart City Industry

SAN JOSE, Calif.-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (Nasdaq: VLDR, VLDRW) today announced it has joined the Qualcomm® Smart Cities Accelerator Program to promote using lidar technology in smart city solutions. By becoming part of the Qualcomm Smart Cities ecosystem, Velodyne will work more closely with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., governments and solution developers to create smart city applications that improve public services and enhance safety and quality of life.

Smart city solutions can use Velodyne’s lidar sensors to measure and monitor conditions in areas such as pedestrian safety, vehicle traffic, parking space management, speed measurement, V2X communications, queue and asset management, security and more. The sensors can collect highly accurate, detailed 3D information about people, vehicles, bicyclists, public spaces and more, while preserving anonymity.

“We are pleased to welcome Velodyne Lidar to the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program to implement cutting-edge lidar solutions for a transparent understanding of the smart environment,” said Ashok Tipirneni, Director, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Head of Platform Product Management for Smart Cities. “Velodyne’s lidar sensors and comprehensive 3D data can help equip our Smart Campus and smart city ecosystem members with enhanced safety measures and streamlined operations.”

Until recently, existing camera-based ITS traffic monitoring technologies have been widely used to study traffic flow rates, occupancy, average speed and spot speed. However, as alternative sensors come onto the market, the weaknesses of camera-based approaches become more apparent. For example, cameras have been shown to suffer in low-light conditions, are prone to optical illusions and do not allow for people’s privacy. Velodyne’s lidar sensors provide robust 3D data that allows for superior object detection and tracking in a wide variety of lighting and weather conditions. Furthermore, Velodyne’s sensors do not recognize people’s characteristics, such as their faces or the color of their skin, making it an ideal sensor to support the needs of municipalities without compromising their citizens’ privacy. With Velodyne lidar, smart city applications can advance safety, social welfare and operational efficiency.

As a real-time application demonstration of the significant value that Velodyne’s lidar can bring to smart city applications, Velodyne and Qualcomm Technologies plan to deploy a Velodyne sensor on the Qualcomm Smart Campus. The lidar is intended to be placed indoors to track people as they move around in a public space. The data can help Qualcomm Technologies to detect traffic and usage patterns so the company can better understand utilization rates and make adjustments to facilities. Velodyne worked with Infinite Computer Solutions and Seoul Robotics, an Automated with Velodyne partner, to build the application.

“The combination of Velodyne’s lidar and Qualcomm Technologies edge computing and 5G capabilities creates a powerful asset for developers to make their smart city ideas a potent solution,” said Jon Barad, Vice President of Business Development, Velodyne Lidar. “Participating in the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program will help us connect with governments and solution providers to build lidar-based smart city applications that transform city infrastructure and services.”

Velodyne’s sensors provide rich computer perception data that make it quick and easy for developers, cities, municipalities, government agencies and enterprises to build highly accurate 3D models of any environment. The sensors deliver a high-resolution image that can accurately measure and analyze the environment. Their durability, reliability, power-efficiency and versatility make them ideal solutions for demanding smart city applications.

About Velodyne Lidar

Velodyne Lidar (Nasdaq: VLDR, VLDRW) ushered in a new era of autonomous technology with the invention of real-time surround view lidar sensors. Velodyne is the first public pure-play lidar company and is known worldwide for its broad portfolio of breakthrough lidar technologies. Velodyne’s revolutionary sensor and software solutions provide flexibility, quality and performance to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), smart cities and security. Through continuous innovation, Velodyne strives to transform lives and communities by advancing safer mobility for all. For more information, visit www.velodynelidar.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, all statements other than historical fact and include, without limitation, statements regarding Velodyne’s target markets, new products, development efforts, competition. When used in this press release, the words “plans,” "estimates," "projected," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," "intends," "believes," "seeks," “can,” "may," “can,” "should," "future," "propose" and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Velodyne's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include Velodyne's ability to manage growth; Velodyne's ability to execute its business plan; uncertainties related to the ability of Velodyne's customers to commercialize their products and the ultimate market acceptance of these products; the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Velodyne's and its customers' businesses; uncertainties related to Velodyne's estimates of the size of the markets for its products; the rate and degree of market acceptance of Velodyne's products; the success of other competing lidar and sensor-related products and services that exist or may become available; uncertainties related to Velodyne's current litigation and potential litigation involving Velodyne or the validity or enforceability of Velodyne's intellectual property; and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for Velodyne's products and services. Velodyne undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program is a program of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005093/en/

Contacts

Investor Relations

Andrew Hamer

Chief Financial Officer

InvestorRelations@velodyne.com

Media

Landis Communications Inc.

Sean Dowdall

(415) 286-7121

velodyne@landispr.com

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Moody’s Announces Commitment to ‘Say on Climate’ Campaign

 NEW YORK-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) announced today its affirmation of the principles outlined in the Say on Climate campaign, a sustainability-focused initiative involving disclosure of emissions, a comprehensive plan to manage those emissions, and a shareholder vote on the plan at its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Moody’s is the first S&P 500 company to join the initiative, reflecting its ongoing leadership and commitment to climate action and corporate sustainability.

The Say on Climate campaign is sponsored by The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI) and The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (UK), and seeks to implement sustainable business practices around the globe by advocating for corporate climate action plans.

“Activating a sustainable future for the environment is a core objective for Moody’s and we are proud to take a leading role in supporting the Say on Climate campaign” said Robert Fauber, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s Corporation.

Moody’s support of the Say on Climate campaign builds on the environmental sustainability goals it announced in 2020. Centered around science-based targets, these goals include a path to net-zero emissions by 2050 consistent with the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C, as well as procurement of 100% renewable electricity and expansion of other carbon neutrality efforts. Moody’s was one of the first financial services firms to endorse and report based on recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and was featured as a case study in the TCFD 2020 Status Report.

These efforts recently resulted in an ‘A List’ ranking by CDP, the global environmental nonprofit. Moody’s is one of a small number of high-performing companies to achieve the highest possible score, which reflects environmental ambition, action, and transparency.

Beyond its actions as a global corporation, Moody’s drives systemic climate and sustainability action by bringing clarity on ESG risk to capital markets through credit ratings, ESG assessments, climate risk scores, sustainable bond and loan reviews, ESG specialty indices, and other risk management solutions.

To learn more about Moody’s efforts and commitment to advance environmental sustainability in its global value chain, business offerings and communities, read Moody’s Decarbonization Plan and visit Moody’s ESG & Climate Risk Hub.

ABOUT MOODY’S CORPORATION

Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) is a global risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Its data, analytical solutions and insights help decision-makers identify opportunities and manage the risks of doing business with others. We believe that greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information open the door to shared progress. With over 11,400 employees in more than 40 countries, Moody’s combines international presence with local expertise and over a century of experience in financial markets. Learn more at moodys.com/about.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201222005094/en/

Contacts

SHIVANI KAK
Investor Relations
212.553.0298
Shivani.Kak@moodys.com

MICHAEL ADLER
Corporate Communications
212.553.4667
michael.adler@moodys.com

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IDEMIA and ZWIPE Achieve a New Milestone Towards the Next Generation of Biometric Cards

 COURBEVOIE, France & OSLO, Norway-Tuesday 22 December 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, has obtained, as planned, the ICCN security certificate from EMVCo, for the next generation biometric card secure chip, for which ZWIPE has secured worldwide distribution rights1.

This is a major step forward in delivering on our joint vision of an affordable biometric card for all.

In a context where global demand for contactless payments is booming, biometric cards are best placed to ensure secure, hygienic and convenient payments. The exclusive partnership and distribution agreement between IDEMIA and ZWIPE aims to promote biometric card as the reference for tomorrow’s contactless payments.

The ICCN2 security certificate is a key milestone towards the next generation biometric card and confirms IDEMIA's outstanding expertise in the field of payments and biometrics. Our biometric payment chip complies with the most demanding performance and security criteria for a safe and convenient payment experience.

Ready-to-roll-out in the second half of 2021, the new generation biometric cards, F.CODE Gen2 for IDEMIA, and ZWIPE Pay ONE technology platform for ZWIPE, will deliver state-of-the art performance and security, as per market and schemes requirements. IDEMIA leverages its unique combination of payment, biometrics technologies and expertise to drive adoption, and accelerate market growth together with ZWIPE.

“With this new generation of biometric cards, we want to shape the future of payment and to offer an unparalleled and affordable technological experience, accessible to all. We are proud that IDEMIA's cutting-edge technology can deliver a new, more secure user experience to the market. Our ambition is to make biometric card a reality and more than ever, we are on the right track”, said Amanda Gourbault, IDEMIA’s Executive Vice-President Financial Institutions.

“The ICCN security certificate from EMVCo is an important step towards offering ZWIPE Pay ONE to our global customer network. This disruptive biometric technology platform, combined with our deep technical and market expertise, is what makes ZWIPE the natural One Stop Shop for all smart card manufacturers aiming to meet the soaring demand from issuers and consumers for a more convenient, truly contact free payment experience”, said André Løvestam, CEO of ZWIPE.

 

About IDEMIA

IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, provides a trusted environment enabling citizens and consumers alike to perform their daily critical activities (such as pay, connect and travel), in the physical as well as digital space.

Securing our identity has become mission critical in the world we live in today. By standing for Augmented Identity, an identity that ensures privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect one of our greatest assets – our identity – whether for individuals or for objects, whenever and wherever security matters. We provide Augmented Identity for international clients from Financial, Telecom, Identity, Public Security and IoT sectors. With close to 15,000 employees around the world, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries.

For more information, visit www.idemia.com / Follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter

About Zwipe

Zwipe is pioneering the next generation contactless payments experience, providing biometric payment cards components and wearables technology that enable consumers to authorize transactions with their fingerprints without compromising their privacy. Together with an ecosystem of partners including global brands within digital security and financial services, Zwipe is "Making Convenience Safe & Secure" for banks, merchants and consumers. Zwipe's solutions address the hygiene and data theft pitfalls inherent in traditional authentication methods. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence, Zwipe is leading the next great shift in payments from contactless to contact free.

To learn more, visit www.zwipe.com

1 IDEMIA and ZWIPE partner to offer a disruptive biometric payments card platform, September 2019
1 IDEMIA, ZWIPE and IDEX achieve key milestone towards next generation biometric card platform, April 2020
2 ICCN: Integrated Circuit Certificate Number, a unique number that identifies the EMVCo compliance certificate for an IC

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005069/en/

Contacts

Press:
Hanna Sebbah
idemia@havas.com
+33 (0) 6 63 73 30 30

Zwipe
André Løvestam, CEO
+47 991 66 135
ir@zwipe.com

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