Day: June 24, 2024

OPEN Health and fusion announce partnership to deliver AI-powered healthcare communications

London, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — June 24, 2024, London, UK – OPEN Health, a pre-eminent global provider of scientific communications, HEOR and market access, patient engagement, and consulting, today announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health. This alliance will see fusion’s market-leading AI capabilities […]

London, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — June 24, 2024, London, UK – OPEN Health, a pre-eminent global provider of scientific communications, HEOR and market access, patient engagement, and consulting, today announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health. This alliance will see fusion’s market-leading AI capabilities deployed across OPEN Health’s extensive global client base, which includes 49 of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.

Mary McGregor, Founder of fusion, commented, “OPEN Health provides an unrivalled platform to expand the AI agenda globally in our sector. Our longstanding relationship with OPEN Health leadership facilitated early conversations, enabling us to quickly market-test joint solutions, which led to a swift and unanimous decision to formalize this collaboration. This partnership empowers us to redefine the boundaries of what AI can accomplish in healthcare.”

Margot Hannah,  Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Communications at OPEN Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We immediately recognized the need to expand our capabilities and started a dialog with fusion about an exclusive partnership to provide pioneering solutions that integrate OPEN Health’s capabilities with fusion’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML. Fusion’s expertise in this area is unparalleled, and we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients.”

Steve Duryee, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at OPEN Health, added, “We are committed to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, ML, robotic process automation, and data analytics, to drive higher value and improved outcomes for our clients. With the recent launch of our Solutions Innovation Center, and the addition of fusion to our extended team of elite-level technology partners, we are now in the pole position to deliver the most innovative, technologically advanced solutions to our biopharmaceutical partners.”

By integrating with fusion’s advanced technology, OPEN Health underscores its commitment to leading the AI agenda with socially beneficial innovations to drive innovation and efficiency for clients. Contact OPEN Health to set up an interactive demonstration at www.openhealthgroup.com/contact-us.

About OPEN Health
OPEN Health unites world-class scientific, strategic, and creative expertise to solve complex challenges for global biopharma. We are a flexible, global organization, creating high-performing strategic partnerships with our clients. We embrace our different perspectives and strengths to deliver innovative solutions that have a positive impact on commercial and patient outcomes. OPEN Health unlocks possibilities across consulting, HEOR and market access, scientific communications, and patient engagement. To learn more, visit www.openhealthgroup.com.

About fusion
fusion specializes in delivering AI and ML solutions. Known for its advanced technology and innovative approach, fusion aims to transform the pharmaceutical industry by integrating AI-first solutions. To learn more, visit www.fusionagency.solutions.

Attachment

Candice Subero
OPEN Health
candicesubero@openhealthgroup.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157597

Allecra Therapeutics and Acino Sign Exclusive Licensing and Supply Agreement for Allecra’s Novel Antibiotic EXBLIFEP® in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and South Africa

Acino gains commercial rights for EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Africa. EXBLIFEP® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of severe infections earlier in 2024. Saint-Louis, France and Weil am Rhein, Germany and Zurich, […]

Acino gains commercial rights for EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Africa. EXBLIFEP® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of severe infections earlier in 2024.

Saint-Louis, France and Weil am Rhein, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allecra Therapeutics (“Allecra”) and Acino today announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement under which Acino gains the rights to commercialise Allecra’s antibiotic drug EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the Republic of South Africa and the member states of the GCC alliance, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, effective from 12 June 2024. In addition, the companies have signed a supply agreement under which Allecra will supply the cefepime/enmetazobactam finished product in the above territories.

“Acino has established itself as a leader in South Africa and the GCC region. They are an ideal partner to support us as we build towards commercialisation of EXBLIFEP® following our regulatory approvals in the US and EU,” stated Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director at Allecra Therapeutics. “This agreement reflects the understanding that there remains a significant global need to address the dangerous increase of resistance to standard-of-care antibiotics, and we look forward to working with Acino to address this.”

“At Acino, we are dedicated to providing novel healthcare solutions to physicians and patients, aiming to alleviate the health burden in emerging markets. We are incredibly excited to partner with Allecra to offer access to this innovative product in two key geographic regions and, potentially, beyond,” said Andrew Bird, CEO (ai) at Acino. “We are committed to expediting the registration process in these designated markets to ensure hospitals’ swift access to EXBLIFEP® as they continue to fight against high-risk infectious diseases in patients.”

About EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam)

EXBLIFEP® is an intravenous antibiotic fixed-dose combination of enmetazobactam, a novel extended-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor belonging to the penicillanic acid sulfone class, with the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime. Enmetazobactam has been shown to restore the efficacy of cefepime against some multi-drug resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing pathogens alone or in combination with some resistant β-lactamase mutations as OXA-48 or AmpC, which are increasing in Europe and for which there are few therapeutic alternatives.

EXBLIFEP® demonstrated statistically significant superior overall treatment success in Allecra’s pivotal Phase III ALLIUM trial, which compared 1034 randomized patients receiving either cefepime 2 g/enmetazobactam 0.5 g or piperacillin 4 g/tazobactam 0.5 g every 8 h as 2 h continuous intravenous infusion in a multi-centre, randomized, controlled, double-blind, global study in 112 sites within nineteen countries.

In February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EXBLIFEP® as a treatment for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in patients 18 years and older. In March 2024 the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for EXBLIFEP® for the treatment of adult patients with cUTI, including pyelonephritis; hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP); and bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with any of the infections listed previously.

About Allecra Therapeutics

Allecra Therapeutics, founded in 2013, is a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to combat antibiotic resistance by overcoming emergent resistance mechanisms. Lead product candidate EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam), has successfully completed a randomized, controlled, double-blind, global Phase 3 trial compared to standard of care in patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). Based on these results, the company has received FDA marketing approval in the U.S. and announced approval in the European Union for EXBLIFEP® earlier this year.

Allecra has significant patent protection covering proprietary enmetazobactam in major territories. Allecra’s investors include Forbion, Andera Partners, Delos Capital, Xeraya Capital, EMBL Ventures, and BioMedPartners. Allecra’s wholly owned French subsidiary is a beneficiary of financial support from Bpifrance and the Région Alsace. Please visit www.allecra.com for further information.

About Acino

Acino is a Swiss pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zurich with a clear focus on selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine, the CIS Region, and Latin America. We deliver quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets and leverage our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies through contract manufacturing and out-licensing. For more information, please visit www.acino.swiss.

Acino is part of Arcera, a global company in the life sciences sector headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Arcera was established by ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, to build a global life sciences powerhouse poised to make significant contributions to realising the UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a frontrunner in science and technology. To learn more about Arcera, please visit www.arceralifesciences.com.

Attachments

For Allecra Therapeutics:
Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director
ir@allecra.com

Gretchen Schweitzer, Trophic Communications, +49 172 8618540
allecra@trophic.eu

For Acino: 
Larisa Bernstein, Global Head of Communications
larisa.bernstein@acino.swiss

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157528

Three-day ‘Theatre Extravaganza’ begins in Islamabad from Tuesday

A three day Theatre Extravaganza will begin at Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad tomorrow.

Main purpose to organize this theatre is to foster healthy theatrical activities for the people belonging to the federal capital and adjoining are…

A three day Theatre Extravaganza will begin at Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad tomorrow. Main purpose to organize this theatre is to foster healthy theatrical activities for the people belonging to the federal capital and adjoining areas. Different plays on urban slum, story of Bulley Shah and International Masterpiece `Dara' will be part of festival. The visitors can purchase tickets for attending the Theatre Extravaganza from the PNCA. Source: Radio Pakistan

PM lauds Gates Foundation’s support for Govt’s initiatives

Chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today.

During the meeting, they agreed to continue working together to not only eradicate polio, but to strengthen health systems across the provi…

Chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. During the meeting, they agreed to continue working together to not only eradicate polio, but to strengthen health systems across the provinces, and ensure prosperity for all Pakistanis, especially women and girls. The Prime Minister updated Bill Gates about the government's efforts to achieve economic stability and key advances in digital financial services, increased health coverage, climate change adaptation and efforts to eradicate polio. Thanking the Gates Foundation for being the largest donor for the polio eradication programme, the Prime Minister outlined a robust and focused strategy to counter threats of increased wild poliovirus infections and actions needed to overcome the challenge to completely wipe out the disease in Pakistan. He reiterated the commitment to eradicate polio as it remains the highest priority for the government and emphasized that all resources will be employed to p rovide security to polio workers. He said he will personally monitor national efforts until the crippling disease is wiped-out from the country. The Prime Minister deeply appreciated Gates Foundation's valuable support for government's initiatives to digitize economy. A digitized eco-system of the entire government structure will result in enhanced revenues that will help improve governance. Shehbaz Sharif underlined that Pakistan and Gates Foundation share the goals of closing the gender gap, increasing health coverage, improving food security, climate change adaptation, and financial inclusion. Bill Gates thanked the Prime Minister for his continued dedication and personal interest in eradicating wild polio from the country. He expressed confidence that with a sustained vaccination campaign and firm commitment of the Government, polio eradication drive would get back on track to end polio following the recent surge in environmental detections. Bill Gates underscored that Pakistan's deployment of data science tools and digital technology are important resources is improving lives of Pakistanis across the country. Source: Radio Pakistan

GB budget for FY 2024-25 to be presented today

Gilgit-Baltistan budget for the next financial year will be presented in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Monday.

Provincial Finance Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Muhammad Ismail will present the budget for the financial year 2024-25.

Source: …

Gilgit-Baltistan budget for the next financial year will be presented in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Monday. Provincial Finance Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Muhammad Ismail will present the budget for the financial year 2024-25. Source: Radio Pakistan

President for socio-economic uplift of Sindh’s Kacha areas

President Asif Ali Zardari says criminals of Kacha Area in Sindh, except hardened criminals, willing to surrender to the state should be gradually mainstreamed and rehabilitated so they can become responsible and productive citizens of the country.

H…

President Asif Ali Zardari says criminals of Kacha Area in Sindh, except hardened criminals, willing to surrender to the state should be gradually mainstreamed and rehabilitated so they can become responsible and productive citizens of the country. He was chairing a meeting in Sukkur today, regarding security and law and order situation. The President called for stern action against hardcore criminals involved in heinous crimes. He emphasized the need to improve the road, health, and education infrastructure of the Kacha Areas on a priority basis to improve the socio-economic condition of the people. He advised that a Qaumi Jirga, comprising of tribal chiefs, should be convened to engage and negotiate with the local population to bring normalcy, prevent crimes, de-weaponize and improve the security situation in the area. The President underlined the need for modernizing the police force by enhancing their capacity, providing modern equipment and weapons and logistics to effectively meet the security chal lenges. He said we should encourage women to join Sindh Police and welfare of the families and children of martyrs of Sindh Police should be ensured. The President directed to expedite the process of upgradation of Sakrand Police Commando School and provision of land for the establishment of Cadet College for Police. He added that selected students of the Cadet College would be educated and trained to join the Sindh Police. The President appreciated the performance of the Sindh Government, Police and Rangers in controlling crime and improving the security situation of the province. During the meeting, the President was briefed about the law-and-order situation in Sindh. He was apprised that the crimes and violence in Sindh, especially in Karachi and Kacha Areas, has witnessed a declining trend due to the effective strategy adopted by the police and Rangers. The Inspector General Sindh Police said dacoit activities have been considerably reduced and no highways-related crime has been reported in the past two months. It was highlighted that targeted operations and installation of smart cameras had helped control crimes and identify and arrest criminals and their abettors. The meeting was further informed that, as per the directives of the President, the campaign against drug peddlers has also been intensified while smart cameras have been installed to monitor the entry points of the province. Source: Radio Pakistan

SIFC playing role in bringing to use country’s mineral resources

Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is playing a pivotal role in bringing to use the country’s mineral resources.

Many foreign investors have shown interest in the Reko Diq project. The signing of mutual partnership projects between Saudi …

Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is playing a pivotal role in bringing to use the country's mineral resources. Many foreign investors have shown interest in the Reko Diq project. The signing of mutual partnership projects between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is also part of this process. A separate division has been set up in the mineral sector to accelerate economic development. A mining fund related to the mining sector has been formed under which a billion dollar will be invested through the mutual partnership of Pakistan and Kuwait. GIS technology is being used for the discovery of mineral deposits while an investment of 200 million dollars has been made for pink salt. Establishment of Mines and Minerals Company will help in curbing any illegal activities. An awareness campaign for foreign investment has also been started which is proving to be very useful. Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Bill: Senate proposes 128 recommendations to NA

The Senate has proposed 128 recommendations to the National Assembly on the Finance Bill 2024-25, including reduction of tax on essential goods and food items.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla laid the recommendations before the House.

It also recommended…

The Senate has proposed 128 recommendations to the National Assembly on the Finance Bill 2024-25, including reduction of tax on essential goods and food items. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla laid the recommendations before the House. It also recommended that direct taxes must be increased through broadening the tax net and inclusion of big industries like sugar, cement tobacco, fertilizers, power sector entities, and big business chains. The House recommended that the minimum wage that has been raised to 37,000 rupees must be brought to 45,000 rupees to provide relief to the labourers and poor workers. The House also rejected tax on low cadre government employees, baby milk, books and pencils of school kids, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, newspapers and agricultural produce. The House proposed a special allowance for disabled people. The House recommended that no additional taxes should be imposed on the mobile phones and sales tax on poultry feed should be withdrawn. A system to give relief to the motor bike users through fuel price mitigation was also proposed. It was recommended that a uniform sales tax should be imposed on parts related to the solar industry whether imported or locally produced. The Senate called for measures for ease of doing business, one window operation and other perks to encourage overseas Pakistan to invest in Pakistan. The House recommended reduced tax rate of 16 percent instead of standard rate of 18 percent on local suppliers to erstwhile tribal areas. It also proposed new development programs and schemes as well as youth development programs and scholarships for Balochistan. The Upper House emphasized that measures should be taken to broaden the tax base and reduce the tax load on the salaried class. The Senate today passed a resolution, condemning incidents of mob-lynching in Swat and Sargodha. The resolution, moved by Sherry Rehman, said the right to life is the most fundamental right as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan and must remain inviolable. It urged the f ederal and provincial governments to ensure the safety and security of all persons living in Pakistan including religious minorities and vulnerable communities. The House also demanded the provincial governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to take all measures to ensure that persons involved in these heinous crimes are identified investigated and prosecuted without loss of any times. The House will now meet at three pm tomorrow. Source: Radio Pakistan