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Business Technology

NICE sets the standard for responsible design and deployment of AI-powered robots by unveiling its Robo-Ethical Framework

A first in the robotics industry, NICE’s five guiding ethical principles demonstrate commitment to ensuring responsible robot-human dynamics in the workplace

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #NICENICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today unveiled a Robo Ethical Framework promoting responsibility and transparency in the design, creation and deployment of AI-powered robots. NICE’s ethical guidelines set the standard for designing, building and deploying robots, and form the basis for solid and ethically sound robot and human collaboration. Comprising a set of five guiding principles, NICE’s Robo-Ethical Framework underlies every interaction with process robots – from planning to implementation – and drives ethically sound human-robot partnerships in the workplace. The launch of this framework reiterates the company’s dedication to these standards and invites industry wide adoption. For more information, please click here.

Sarah Burnett, partner at Emergence Partners said, “NICE RPA scored well in our Ethics in Technology Assessment (ETA) framework. It is commendable to see NICE taking a strong stand by establishing a Robo-Ethical framework. The upsurge in adoption of AI necessitates commitment to doing what is ethical, and respectful to customers. NICE’s move in this direction is admirable and I advise other organizations to follow suit.”

The rapid acceleration of AI has driven the proliferation of robots in various roles across both home-based work and business environments. With their integration, robots are being granted more access to business and customer data. Yet ethical standards that provide guidance around the development and application of robots and AI have been lacking. There has been much discourse around the topic in the robotics industry but steps to formalize guidelines on an industry level have yet to be taken.

By introducing the industry’s first set of standards to self-govern the creation of responsible AI-driven robotics, NICE commits to ensuring transparent design, development and implementation of process automations as is already inherent to its RPA platform. Deeply rooted in its product capabilities, NICE’s ethical framework is shared with every customer along with their robotic license. While the ultimate determination of what is beneficial to humanity is subjective and contextually rooted, NICE aims to keep the importance of ensuring a positive impact in RPA top of mind in the industry. The five guiding principles that are intended to ensure good ethical standards, underlying the robot-human relationship in the workplace include the following:

  • Robots must be designed for a positive impact: Robots must be built to contribute to the growth and well-being of the human workforce. With consideration to societal, economic, and environmental impacts, every project that involves robots should have at least one positive rationale clearly defined.
  • Bias-free robotics: Personal attributes such as color, religion, sex, gender, age and other protected status are eliminated when creating robots so their behavior is employee agnostic. Training algorithms are evaluated and tested periodically to ensure they are bias-free.
  • Robots must safeguard individuals: Careful consideration is given to decide whether and how to delegate decisions to robots. The algorithms, processes, and decisions embedded within robots must be transparent, with the ability to explain conclusions with unambiguous rationale. Accordingly, humans must be able to audit a robot’s processes and decisions and have the ability to intervene and redress the system to prevent potential offenses.
  • Robots must be driven by trusted data sources: Robots must be designed to act based upon verified data from trusted sources. Data sources used for training algorithms should be maintained with the ability to reference the original source.
  • Robots must be designed with holistic governance and control: Humans must have complete information about a system’s capabilities and limitations. Robotics platforms must be designed to protect against abuse of power and illegal access by limiting, proactively monitoring, and authenticating any access to the platform and every type of edit action in the system.

Barry Cooper, President, NICE Workforce & Customer Experience Group, said, “We are at an exciting time in history where with the support of AI-driven smart robots, the human workforce can deliver brand-differentiating, next-gen CX. NICE is proud to take the lead in ensuring the use of robots for the betterment of humankind, articulating the ethical principles that act as guidelines for the development of our own AI-driven innovations and, through this framework, across the RPA field. Our industry’s first robo-ethical framework reflects our commitment to this effort, and we urge industry leaders to join us.”

About NICE

NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is the world’s leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. NICE helps organizations of all sizes deliver better customer service, ensure compliance, combat fraud and safeguard citizens. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, are using NICE solutions. www.nice.com.

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Cooper, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media
Christopher Irwin-Dudek, 201-561-4442, ET

chris.irwin-dudek@nice.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET

ir@nice.com

Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET

ir@nice.com

Categories
Business Technology

Vonage Contact Centre for Salesforce Service Cloud Voice now available on Salesforce AppExchange

Solution brings automation, intelligence and global calling capability to Service Cloud Voice, driving enhanced productivity, better agent and customer experiences

 

HOLMDEL, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vonage (Nasdaq:VG), a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation, today announced that it has launched Vonage Contact Centre (VCC) for Service Cloud Voice, empowering customers to enhance the agent and customer experience with intelligent, omnichannel and global calling capabilities – all within Service Cloud Voice, powered by Vonage.

Integrated directly with Salesforce Service Cloud, Vonage Contact Centre for Service Cloud Voice is currently available on Salesforce AppExchange.

Service Cloud Voice brings together phone, digital channels and CRM data in one central view for service agents. Customers can now connect their preferred phone solutions into Service Cloud Voice with Service Cloud Voice for Partner Telephony, creating a unified agent and digital channel experience to deliver faster, smarter and more personalised service.

“Today’s customer demands personalised, intelligent experiences to meet the needs of the new modern workplace,” said Savinay Berry, EVP of Product and Engineering for Vonage. “Vonage has one of the most complete and global set of solutions in the market and, with the addition of VCC for Service Cloud Voice, we are providing our customers with yet another way to make meaningful connections with their own customers, creating a better experience.”

Added Berry, “Participation in this offering for Partner Telephony is a testament to our longstanding collaboration with Salesforce and we expect this innovation to drive significant growth over the coming years.”

“The Vonage Contact Centre solution is a welcome addition to the Service Cloud Voice ecosystem,” said Patrick Beyries, VP of Product Management, Service Cloud. “The expansion of Service Cloud Voice for partner telephony enables customers to integrate the telephony experience natively within the agent workspace, combined with CRM data, process and voice intelligence.”

Key Features of Vonage Contact Centre for Service Cloud Voice

Vonage Contact Centre has a 4.9/5 rating from more than 800 reviews on AppExchange. VCC for Service Cloud Voice differentiates in the market for its ease of integration, high quality audio, global telephony coverage, and omnichannel presence. With completely native Service Cloud Voice implementation, Vonage has a Service Cloud Voice holistic offering for customers:

  • More than 80 countries supported – Vonage can support Service Cloud Voice in North America, EMEA and APAC
  • Omnichannel visibility across all customer conversation channels—including chat, email, messaging, SMS, and social
  • Omnichannel Supervisor and Tableau CRM Service Cloud Voice Analytics
  • Speech and desktop analytics deeply embedded in Salesforce, generating actionable insights
  • High quality and fast transcription powering next-best action, call wrap-up recommendations, and article recommendations
  • Vonage’s Virtual Assistant delivering voice activated self-service
  • Real-time ‘warm’ transfers and consults between agents
  • Fully telephony agnostic contact centre, with a WebRTC App available
  • 24×7 professional global support

“It is not surprising that Vonage is one of the first to deliver a generally-available Partner Telephony solution for Service Cloud Voice,” explains Sheila McGee-Smith of McGee-Smith Analytics. “Vonage has a long history of success in the market and has worked closely with Salesforce to bring innovation to their current and future customers.”

As a part of the pilot for VCC for Service Cloud Voice, Vonage customers have reported improved customer experience as calls are easily routed to the best and most appropriate agent, as well as enhanced productivity for agents and overall improved resolution times.

About Vonage

Vonage, (Nasdaq:VG) a global cloud communications leader, helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Vonage’s Communications Platform is fully programmable and allows for the integration of Video, Voice, Chat, Messaging and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. Vonage’s fully programmable unified communications and contact centre applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or anywhere, providing enormous flexibility and ensuring business continuity.

Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Israel, and Asia. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit youtube.com/vonage.

About Salesforce AppExchange

Salesforce AppExchange, the world’s leading enterprise cloud marketplace, empowers companies, developers and entrepreneurs to build, market and grow in entirely new ways. With more than 6,000 listings, 9 million customer installs and 117,000 peer reviews, AppExchange connects customers of all sizes and across industries to ready-to-install or customizable apps and Salesforce-certified consultants to solve any business challenge.

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

Contacts

Vonage Media: Santina Stankevich, 201.407.8474, santina.stankevich@vonage.com
Vonage Investors: Hunter Blankenbaker, 732.444.4926, hunter.blankenbaker@vonage.com

Categories
Business Technology

NICE Actimize wins FTF Innovation Award for Best Financial Crime Surveillance Technology and its SURVEIL-X Holistic Conduct Risk Surveillance solution

NICE Actimize’s SURVEIL-X Holistic Conduct Risk Surveillance Suite enables accurate detection and thorough investigation of market abuse, conduct risk, and inappropriate sales practices

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #NICEActimize–For the fourth consecutive year, NICE Actimize, a NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) business, was named a category winner in Financial Technologies Forum / FTF News 2020 Technology Innovation Awards, this year achieving the Best Financial Crime Surveillance Technology accolade, an inaugural award category for the publication. The final award winners for this year’s competition were determined by votes cast online by FTF News’ readers and industry participants.

This year’s award for Financial Crime Surveillance Technology honors “advances in surveillance that help firms protect themselves from danger and reputational damage,” noting that internal and external financial crimes against financial institutions are on the rise and firms are fighting this battle on many fronts.

Supporting this win in surveillance excellence is NICE Actimize’s SURVEIL-X Holistic Conduct Surveillance Suite which offers unparalleled risk coverage and enables accurate detection and rapid, thorough investigation of market abuse, inappropriate sales practices, conduct risk and otherwise undetectable compliance risks to insulate firms from fines and reputational damage which align its win to the FTF Innovation Award’s criteria.

“Protecting financial services firms from reputational damage, NICE Actimize’s SURVEIL-X Holistic Conduct Surveillance offers advanced capabilities to help firms manage conduct risk and enforce cultures of accountability. With concerns around the remote workforce, especially regulated employees, managing conduct risk has never been more challenging or critical,” said Chris Wooten, EVP, NICE. “We thank the readers of FTF News for their continuing confidence in our financial crime risk solutions and surveillance platforms.”

“As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the FTF Awards and the 15th Anniversary of FTF, it has proven to be one of the most competitive to date. Not only did we get more than 220 nominations, but we also had a staggering number of votes from the industry — 20,000+,” said Maureen Lowe, Founder and President, FTF and FTF News. “Congratulations to those firms, such as NICE Actimize, that demonstrated leadership and innovation in the highly competitive surveillance field during a very challenging period in our industry where fraud and financial crime is at an all-time high. All of our winners should be proud of their accomplishments, and we honor their dedication and service to our industry.”

NICE Actimize’s SURVEIL-X Holistic Conduct Surveillance solution provides 360-degree visibility into misconduct and where it’s occurring – across teams, departments, and/or divisions within the financial services organization. Using SURVEIL-X Conduct’s enterprise-wide dashboards, senior level analysts and business executives instantly know where the greatest risks lie, whether or not current controls are working, and where more resources need to be allocated. SURVEIL-X Conduct incorporates best-in-class case management and workflow automation to streamline investigations and ensure potential misconduct is consistently investigated.

For more information on NICE Actimize’s SURVEIL-X Conduct Surveillance, please click here.

About Financial Technologies Forum

Financial Technologies Forum, LLC (FTF) is the place to learn from, market to and interact with the people and companies that are driving the post-trade processing industry. FTF is committed to being a timely and reliable source for thought-leading opinions and insights, valuable news and effective training for everyone in post-execution operations. For vendors to this industry, the forum provides an efficient, cost-effective platform from which to generate top-of-mind awareness among their target markets via content marketing, sponsorships, webinars, advertising and much more.

About NICE Actimize

NICE Actimize is the largest and broadest provider of financial crime, risk and compliance solutions for regional and global financial institutions, as well as government regulators. Consistently ranked as number one in the space, NICE Actimize experts apply innovative technology to protect institutions and safeguard consumers’ and investors’ assets by identifying financial crime, preventing fraud and providing regulatory compliance. The company provides real-time, cross-channel fraud prevention, anti-money laundering detection, and trading surveillance solutions that address such concerns as payment fraud, cybercrime, sanctions monitoring, market abuse, customer due diligence and insider trading. Find us at www.niceactimize.com, @NICE_Actimize or Nasdaq: NICE.

About NICE

NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is the world’s leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. NICE helps organizations of all sizes deliver better customer service, ensure compliance, combat fraud and safeguard citizens. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, are using NICE solutions. www.nice.com.

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Wooten, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media:

Cindy Morgan-Olson, +1-646-408-5896, ET

cindy.morgan-olson@niceactimize.com

Investors:

Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET

ir@nice.com

Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET

ir@nice.com

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insuranceAM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa+” (Superior) of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) (domiciled in Springfield, MA) and its life/health subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company (both domiciled in Enfield, CT). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of “aa-” (Superior) on the existing surplus notes of MassMutual and “aa+” (Superior) on notes issued under the funding agreement-backed securities programs of MassMutual Global Funding, LLC and MassMutual Global Funding II. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (rating) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the Long-Term IRs and Short-Term Issue Credit Rating [Short-Term IR].)

The ratings reflect MassMutual’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favorable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management (ERM).

MassMutual’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is assessed as strongest, reflecting the group’s ability to support its business, investment and insurance risks. Capital and surplus has increased due to organic earnings growth and proceeds from the sale of its group retirement business. While AM Best views the group’s investment risk as higher than average primarily related to below investment grade bonds and BA assets, it is managed effectively with good asset liability management capabilities and robust stress testing. MassMutual’s balance sheet is enhanced by strong liquidity capabilities and financial flexibility, and the group’s financial and operating leverage ratios along with interest coverage ratios remain within AM Best guidelines.

The group’s strong operating performance is well-diversified but evolving. Historically, earnings have been derived from its insurance operations, asset management, and majority interests in domestic and international subsidiaries. In recent years, the group has divested of non-core business lines and expanded its strategic investments while making significant investments in technology and digitalization. Going forward, AM Best expects continued improvement in Stat and GAAP operating results, as MassMutual’s earnings are expected to improve over time as its business strategy becomes more focused into higher margined lines of business.

MassMutual is one of the largest and most recognized insurers in the United States with leading market positions in life insurance, fixed and fixed indexed annuities, pensions and institutional asset management. Its business profile has shifted in recent years through the sale of its group retirement business to Empower, an increasing non-majority interest in Rothesay Life, and most recently, the acquisition of Great American Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries in May 2021. AM Best assesses MassMutual’s ERM program’s capabilities as strong relative to its risk profile and reflects strong liquidity management capabilities and robust stress-testing capabilities utilizing economic capital modeling. On a prospective basis, AM Best expects Mass Mutual to continue to make significant strides in technology and digital innovation across all distribution platforms along with demonstrating continued enhancements to ERM and innovation over time.

The following Short-Term IR has been affirmed:

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company—

— AMB-1+ (Strongest) on commercial paper program

The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with stable outlooks:

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company—

— “aa-” (Superior) on $250 million 7.625% surplus notes, due 2023

— “aa-” (Superior) on $100 million 7.500% surplus notes, due 2024

— “aa-” (Superior) on $250 million 5.625% surplus notes, due 2033 (of which $193 million remains

outstanding)

— “aa-” (Superior) on $750 million 8.875% surplus notes, due 2039 (of which $130 million remains

outstanding)

— “aa-” (Superior) on $400 million 5.375% surplus notes, due 2041 (of which $263 million remains

outstanding)

— “aa-” (Superior) on $500 million 4.5% surplus notes, due 2065 (of which $258 million remains

outstanding)

— “aa-” (Superior) on $475 million 4.9% surplus notes, due 2077

— “aa-” (Superior) on $838.5 million 3.729% surplus notes, due 2070

— “aa-” (Superior) on $700 million 3.375% surplus notes, due 2050

— “aa-” (Superior) on $800 million 5.077% surplus notes, due 2069

MassMutual Global Funding, LLC—“aa+” (Superior) program rating

MassMutual Global Funding II—“aa+” (Superior) program rating

— “aa+” (Superior) on all outstanding notes issued under the program

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Frank Walko
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5072
frank.walko@ambest.com

Rosemarie Mirabella
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5892
rosemarie.mirabella@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Communications
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Categories
Business

Prudential Financial 2020 ESG Report details company transformation

NEWARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today released a new environmental, social and governance report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s sustainable actions as well as its progress in achieving them.

The 2020 ESG Report, titled “Transformation,” replaces the company’s annual Sustainability Report, and underscores Prudential’s continued efforts to meet the evolving needs of its customers, employees, shareholders and communities and to fulfill the company’s purpose of solving the financial challenges of our changing world.

Amid the extraordinary events of 2020 and the challenges that persist today, our commitment to sustainable environmental, social and governance practices is more critical than ever before,” said Margaret “Peggy” Foran, chief governance officer and corporate secretary for Prudential Financial. “This ESG Report is another key component of Prudential’s robust disclosure framework, ensuring greater transparency and accountability around our commitments.”

Highlights from the report include:

Environmental

Received an ‘A-’ on the 2020 CDP Climate Change survey, a first in Prudential’s history, surpassing the firm’s goal to achieve and maintain Management-level CDP scores, as outlined in the Global Environmental Commitment.

Social

Committed to providing transparency of our progress to becoming a fully inclusive company, Prudential disclosed representation data by using the standard EEO-1 (equal employment opportunity) format and pay equity data, as well as long-term diversity and inclusion performance targets tied to executive compensation.

Governance

Diversity at Prudential starts with the board, who lead by example with 82% of the company’s independent directors being diverse.

The Report, which covers the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, is part of a suite of integrated resources and public disclosures on important environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics. These include Prudential’s Proxy Statement, 2020 Annual Report, and first ESG Summary Report, released in March 2021, which detailed newly disclosed EEO-1 and pay equity data.

Prudential’s 2020 ESG Report was organized based on the results of its 2021 Materiality Assessment, an exercise conducted every three years to understand how recent events have affected the state of the world and Prudential’s business.

The ESG Report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards Core option, in support of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and in accordance with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s provisional guidelines for insurance companies.

Visit prudentialesg.com to view Prudential Financial’s 2020 ESG Report, along with previous years’ Sustainability Reports.

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial wellness leader and premier active global investment manager with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help to make lives better by creating financial opportunity for more people. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Laskin, (973) 802-3975, julie.laskin@prudential.com

Categories
News Now! Technology

AeroFarms commences construction on its AgX Research Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE

AeroFarms’ newest indoor vertical farm will be the largest of its kind dedicated to the latest in Research & Development

 

NEWARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $SV–AeroFarms, a certified B Corporation and leader in indoor vertical farming, today announced that AeroFarms AgX LTD, its wholly owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates (“AeroFarms AgX”), has started construction in Abu Dhabi on the company’s state-of-the art Research Center focused on the latest developments for indoor vertical farming, innovation, and AgTech.


In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which is focused on enabling investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi, AeroFarms AgX will bring innovative research and development to the UAE and the Middle East to advance sustainable controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming and help address broader global agriculture supply chain issues.

 

Last year, ADIO announced that it is providing $150 million in incentives to bring global AgTech pioneers to Abu Dhabi, including its partnership with AeroFarms to build a vertical farming facility dedicated to developing next generation agriculture in arid and desert climates. The transformational R&D conducted at AeroFarms AgX is expected to enable new business lines, technologies, and growth of the AeroFarms platform, while serving as a hub for regional expansion. AeroFarms AgX is expected to be completed and operational in the first quarter of 2022.

 

H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Director General of ADIO, said: “This important milestone for AeroFarms AgX is another step in the realization of Abu Dhabi’s mission to ‘turn the desert green’. In line with this goal, ADIO is supporting innovative technology that has the potential to impact farming practices across the globe and improve the food production value chain worldwide. AeroFarms AgX will add to the growing capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s agriculture ecosystem while benefiting from the emirate’s plentiful land, natural heat, competitive energy prices, access to research universities, and skilled talent.”

 

At 54,000 square feet, AeroFarms AgX will be the largest indoor vertical farm of its kind for research and development in the world, leading the way in breakthrough innovation to solve some of the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. AeroFarms AgX will employ a projected 60 highly skilled engineers, horticulturists and scientists and will have high-tech laboratories conducting organoleptic research and precision phenotyping, phytochemical analysis, advanced speed breeding, as well as next-generation machine vision, machine learning, robotics, and automation. AeroFarms AgX will also play a key role in Abu Dhabi’s AgTech ecosystem by working with local universities on research projects to tackle problems of agriculture within desert and arid climates.

 

David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms, commented: “This is an important development for AeroFarms as we expand globally and leverage our R&D and growing expertise. AeroFarms has been the global leader for controlled environment agriculture since 2004, and we will utilize this cutting-edge R&D Center to conduct the latest research in plant science, vertical farming and automation, accelerating innovation cycles and commercializing products. Our vision has always been to leverage our expertise in plant biology and build on our successful history of collaborating with government, universities, industry and major international companies. We are pleased to take this step forward and proud to be a catalyst for helping to establish the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AgTech innovation.”

 

About AeroFarms

Since 2004, AeroFarms has been leading the way for indoor vertical farming and championing transformational innovation for agriculture. On a mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity, AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation Company with global headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, United States. Named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company two years in a row and one of TIME’s Best Inventions in Food, AeroFarms patented, award-winning indoor vertical farming technology provides the perfect conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking agriculture to a new level of precision, food safety, and productivity while using up to 95% less water and no pesticides ever versus traditional field farming. AeroFarms enables local production to safely grow all year round, using vertical farming for elevated flavor. In addition, through its proprietary growing technology platform, AeroFarms has grown over 550 varieties and has developed multi-year strategic partnerships ranging from government to major Fortune 500 companies to help uniquely solve agriculture supply chain needs. For additional information, visit: https://aerofarms.com/.

On March 26, 2021, AeroFarms announced a definitive business combination agreement with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: SV). Upon the closing of the business combination, AeroFarms will become publicly traded on Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol “ARFM”. Additional information about the transaction can be viewed here: https://aerofarms.com/investors/

 

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with a proposed potential business combination among Spring Valley and AeroFarms or any related transactions, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful. Any offering of securities or solicitation of votes regarding the proposed transaction will be made only by means of a proxy statement/prospectus that complies with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or pursuant to an exemption from the Securities Act or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this presentation, including those regarding Spring Valley’s proposed acquisition of AeroFarms, Spring Valley’s ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined company’s future financial performance, as well as the combined company’s strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the respective management of AeroFarms and Spring Valley and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AeroFarms and Spring Valley. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed transaction, including the risk that any regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction or that the approval of the stockholders of Spring Valley or AeroFarms is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to AeroFarms; risks related to the expansion of AeroFarms’ business and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on AeroFarms’ business; the ability of Spring Valley or AeroFarms to issue equity or equity-linked securities or obtain debt financing in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future, and those factors discussed in Spring Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, final prospectus dated November 25, 2020 and preliminary proxy statement/prospectus dated June 22, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Spring Valley has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Spring Valley nor AeroFarms presently know, or that Spring Valley nor AeroFarms currently believe are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Spring Valley’s and AeroFarms’ expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Spring Valley and AeroFarms anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Spring Valley’s and AeroFarms’ assessments to change. However, while Spring Valley and AeroFarms may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Spring Valley and AeroFarms specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Spring Valley’s and AeroFarms’ assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

Jeff Sonnek

ICR

Jeff.Sonnek@icrinc.com
1-646-277-1263

Media Relations:

Marc Oshima
AeroFarms

MarcOshima@AeroFarms.com
1-917-673-4602

Categories
Science Technology

Bigfoot Unity™ Program now available in US, revolutionizes how clinicians support patients to successfully manage their diabetes

  • The program features first-of-its-kind technologies and a cloud-based platform that seamlessly connects clinics and health care providers to their Bigfoot Unity patients to enable continuous, proactive care — with or without an office visit.
  • Bigfoot CEO Jeffrey Brewer and noted endocrinologist Dr. George Grunberger to present as part of ADA 81st Scientific Sessions on Monday, June 28 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

 

MILPITAS, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #BigfootUnity–Bigfoot Biomedical announced today that its innovative Bigfoot Unity™ Diabetes Management Program is now available to diabetes clinics and endocrinology practices in select markets across the U.S. The groundbreaking program reimagines how clinicians treat and manage their patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who rely on multiple daily injection insulin therapy. Instead of reviewing patient data infrequently and making episodic therapy adjustments, the program provides clinicians with tools, support services and access to data for their Bigfoot Unity patients in order to monitor therapy adherence, analyze data and make any needed proactive therapy adjustments. Additionally, it enables clinicians to deliver Remote Physiologic Monitoring for those patients in a scalable, efficient way.


“As an industry, we need to fix the broken therapy cycle for treating diabetes so both patients and clinicians can be successful in realizing better outcomes,” said Jeffrey Brewer, CEO of Bigfoot Biomedical and former CEO of JDRF. “With these innovative, connected technologies, we can address many of the challenges faced by clinicians. Our Bigfoot Unity Program is designed to act as a real-time partner in diabetes management so clinicians focus on what really matters.”

Clinicians who treat diabetes face unique challenges not only in helping patients follow their insulin therapies but also managing new technologies and the vast amounts of patient data they generate. “As referenced in the new AACE Guideline, it’s vital with the emergence of new technologies that clinicians have the support, training and infrastructure to leverage and manage these tools as we work to realize better outcomes for our patients,” said George Grunberger, MD, of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute and AACE task force co-chair. “Bigfoot’s holistic approach looks at the entire treatment ecosystem to support both clinicians and patients to be successful.”

The patient-facing component of the Bigfoot Unity Program is the recently FDA-cleared Bigfoot Unity System with first-of-its-kind smart pen caps and integration with Abbott’s FreeStyle® Libre 2 iCGM sensor. The system is the first and only solution to translate continuously monitored glucose data into on-demand insulin dose recommendations based on clinician’s instructions and displayed right on the pen-cap screen for ease of use.

For clinicians, the innovative approach of the Bigfoot Unity Program is centered around the Bigfoot Clinic Hub™, a secure, cloud-based platform. Data from their patients using the Bigfoot Unity System and a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is passively captured and uploaded to the Clinic Hub from the System’s smart pen caps whenever WiFi or cellular signal is present providing on-demand access.

The Bigfoot Clinic Hub makes it possible for providers to make informed, timely therapy adjustments and address potential issues between office visits — before they become critical. Patient reports with integrated glucose and insulin data help clinicians identify patterns and gain visibility to patient adherence to their prescribed therapy. Through the hub, clinics can track their Bigfoot Unity patient population, easily sorting as needed, for example by patients who are more frequently experiencing low or high glucose values.

It’s this interaction with passively captured patient data that allows the Bigfoot Unity Program to support an integral component of telemedicine — Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM). “This innovative approach redefines the traditional treatment cycle, allowing clinicians like me to effectively scale therapies to a broad patient population and have the patient and clinic tools to realize reimbursement for delivering proactive, remote care,” said Grunberger.

Bigfoot Biomedical introduces a very different commercial model by entering into partnerships with contracted endocrinology practices and diabetes clinics. The program is offered as a bundle of devices, supplies and services and delivered as a convenient 30-day subscription to eliminate any upfront costs. The Bigfoot Unity Program is eligible for insurance coverage and generally should be covered by insurance although copays will vary. The Bigfoot Unity Program is supported by a dedicated team of Bigfoot specialists to help clinicians integrate its tools into their existing workflows. Bigfoot Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists onboard and train patients through a 1:1 platform.

“Advances in technology are moving at a rapid pace, necessitating a radical change in diabetes care,” said Brewer. “It’s long overdue, especially for those who rely on multiple daily injections of insulin and their clinicians.”

The Bigfoot Unity Program is now available in California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other New England states. Availability will expand to other markets throughout 2021 and 2022.

About Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc.

Bigfoot Biomedical was founded by a team of people with personal connections to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. We seek to change the paradigm of care for diabetes. Bigfoot is an unconventional company taking an unconventional approach. Unlike others, we’re looking at insulin therapy holistically and utilizing services, support, and novel business models. We’re partnering with health care providers to deliver simple, connected, and comprehensive solutions for the large number of people who have been overlooked by diabetes innovation. Learn more at www.bigfootbiomedical.com. Follow us on Twitter @BigfootBiomed, Instagram and Facebook.

Important Safety Information for the Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System

The Bigfoot Unity System is indicated for management of diabetes in persons 12 years and older. Bigfoot Unity provides glucose monitoring data via the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring sensor. The system incorporates real-time alarm capabilities and is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions, unless otherwise indicated. The device is intended to provide insulin dose information using the available glucose data to assist persons with diabetes mellitus who use disposable pen-injectors for the self-injection of insulin in implementing health care provider recommended insulin dose regimens. The system must not be used with automated insulin dosing (AID) systems, including closed loop and insulin suspend systems.

The Bigfoot Unity System requires a prescription. A health care provider must supply appropriate settings for the device based on user specific criteria. It is not intended to be used by individuals who dose insulin in 1/2 unit increments, take multiple daily doses of long-acting insulin or take high doses of vitamin C (more than 500 mg per day).

The system provides dose recommendations; however, the final decision on when and how to dose is up to the individual user. Failure to use the system according to the instructions for use may result in missing a severe low blood glucose or high blood glucose event and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury.

For complete details of the system and its components, including warnings, contraindications, and precautions, please consult the Bigfoot Unity User Guide.

The circular shape of the sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott and used with permission.

Contacts

Red Maxwell

press@bigfootbiomedical.com

Categories
Business Science

Bristol Myers Squibb receives positive CHMP opinion for Opdivo (nivolumab) as adjuvant treatment for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer patients with residual pathologic disease following chemoradiotherapy

Recommendation based on positive results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -577 trial in which Opdivo doubled disease-free survival compared to placebo in the all-randomized population

If approved, Opdivo could be the first and only adjuvant therapeutic option in the European Union that has shown a significant improvement in disease-free survival for patients in this setting

 

PRINCETON, N.J. —  (BUSINESS WIRE) — $BMY #MEDIABristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer who have residual pathologic disease following prior neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The European Commission (EC), which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union (EU), will now review the CHMP recommendation.

 

For many patients with localized esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer, the risk of recurrence is high, even after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery. This leaves patients in need of additional treatment options,” said Ian M. Waxman, M.D., development lead, gastrointestinal cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. “We believe that the use of immunotherapy in earlier stages of cancer is important because of its potential to prevent recurrence. The CHMP’s positive recommendation for Opdivo as an adjuvant treatment for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer represents a step forward for people living with these cancers as we see the science translate into outcomes.”

 

The positive opinion is based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -577 trial which showed that treatment with Opdivo following neoadjuvant CRT and complete surgical resection doubled the primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) compared to placebo in the all-randomized population. The safety profile of Opdivo was consistent with previously reported studies. Results from CheckMate -577 were presented at the 2020 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Congress in September 2020 and at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June 2021.

 

Opdivo is approved in the United States for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or GEJ cancer with residual pathologic disease in patients who have received neoadjuvant CRT.

Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the CheckMate -577 trial.

 

About CheckMate -577

CheckMate -577 is a Phase 3 randomized, multi-center, double-blind study evaluating Opdivo as an adjuvant therapy in patients with resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and have not achieved a pathological complete response. The primary endpoint of the trial is disease-free survival (DFS) and the secondary endpoint is overall survival (OS). Following neoadjuvant CRT and complete tumor surgical resection (also known as trimodality therapy), a total of 794 patients were randomized to receive placebo (n=262) or Opdivo (n=532) 240 mg by intravenous infusion every two weeks for 16 weeks followed by placebo or Opdivo 480 mg every four weeks until disease recurrence, unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal of consent, with a maximum of one-year total treatment duration. Follow up for OS is ongoing.

 

About Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is the seventh most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, with approximately 600,000 new cases and over 540,000 deaths in 2020. The two most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which account for approximately 85% and 15% of all esophageal cancers, respectively, though esophageal tumor histology can vary by region with the highest rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma occurring in North America (65%).

 

About Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with over 1,000,000 new cases and approximately 770,000 deaths in 2020. There are several cancers that can be classified as gastric cancer, including certain types of cancers that form in the GEJ, the area of the digestive tract where the esophagus and stomach connect. While GEJ cancer has a lower prevalence than distal gastric cancer, it continues to rise.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming people’s lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

 

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

 

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

 

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In October 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

 

INDICATIONS

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

 

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.

 

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also occur after discontinuation of OPDIVO or YERVOY . Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of OPDIVO and YERVOY . Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment with OPDIVO and before each dose of YERVOY. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

 

Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In general, if OPDIVO or YERVOY interruption or discontinuation is required, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy. Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.

 

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (2.1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 7% (31/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.0%), and Grade 2 (4.4%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.9% (26/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.4%) and Grade 2 (2.6%). In NSCLC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 9% (50/576) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.5%), Grade 3 (3.5%), and Grade 2 (4.0%). Four patients (0.7%) died due to pneumonitis.

 

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO, including Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

 

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal. A common symptom included in the definition of colitis was diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.7%) and Grade 2 (1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 25% (115/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.4%), Grade 3 (14%) and Grade 2 (8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 9% (60/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.4%) and Grade 2 (3.7%).

 

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis and Hepatotoxicity

OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (1.3%), and Grade 2 (0.4%). In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy in Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/ kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 15% (70/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (2.4%), Grade 3 (11%), and Grade 2 (1.8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (1.2%), Grade 3 (4.9%), and Grade 2 (0.4%).

 

OPDIVO in combination with cabozantinib can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grade 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to OPDIVO alone. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. In patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in 11% of patients.

 

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism; initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism; initiate hormone replacement or medical management as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes; initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated.

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994), including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 8% (35/456), including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.5%), and Grade 2 (4.1%). In patients receiving OPDIVO and cabozantinib, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 4.7% (15/320) of patients, including Grade 3 (2.2%) and Grade 2 (1.9%).

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.3%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (42/456), including Grade 3 (2.4%) and Grade 2 (6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypophysitis occurred in 4.4% (29/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (0.9%).

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, thyroiditis occurred in 2.7% (22/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.5%) and Grade 2 (2.2%).

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (1.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hyperthyroidism occurred in 9% (42/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.9%) and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hyperthyroidism occurred in 12% (80/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (4.5%).

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (163/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (4.8%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypothyroidism occurred in 20% (91/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (11%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypothyroidism occurred in 18% (122/666) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (11%).

 

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.3%), and 2 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, diabetes occurred in 2.7% (15/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.9%).

 

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated nephritis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.5%), and Grade 2 (0.6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction occurred in 4.1% (27/666) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (2.2%).

 

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate nonexfoliative rashes.

 

YERVOY can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis, including bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, SJS, TEN, and DRESS. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/ exfoliative rashes.

 

Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information).

Contacts

Bristol Myers Squibb

Media Inquiries:
Media@BMS.com

Investors:
Tim Power

609-252-7509

timothy.power@bms.com

Read full story here

Categories
Business Technology

AECOM to provide program management services for New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 1 to 4 Widening Program

 

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, recently announced that it has been selected to provide program management services for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s $1.1 billion Interchange 1 to 4 Widening Program. AECOM will provide program management, preliminary engineering, and environmental services for the project’s permitting, design, and construction phases.

 

We look forward to continuing to build upon our successful working relationship with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and draw upon our experience managing large, complex capital programs, including our previous work on the Authority’s Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program,” said Dan Faust, chief executive of AECOM’s U.S. East region. “Acting as an extension of the Authority, we intend to manage the program efficiently and transparently, utilizing our vast global resources and innovative tools to achieve the Authority’s vision.”

 

The Interchange 1 to 4 Widening Program is intended to increase mainline capacity and expand interchange operations over a 36.5 mile stretch of the New Jersey Turnpike, decreasing congestion and improving environmental conditions throughout the corridor. AECOM’s role encompasses program administration, including the development of systems and controls to facilitate timely delivery; coordination and communication with stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, project partners, and the community; conceptual and preliminary design, including surveys and mapping, traffic analysis, stormwater management, and procurement assistance; and environmental services, including studies, investigations, and permitting for the program.

 

We’re incredibly proud to support the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and play a role in delivering the largest capital program in its history in support of its mission to provide the highest quality of life for New Jerseyans,” said Drew Jeter, chief executive of AECOM’s global Program Management business. “As the NJTP’s program management consultant, our role in this important project brings together leading technical experts across our business to match the expectations of the Authority. The New Jersey Turnpike is a critical component to the economic vitality and environmental sustainability of the state, and we’re excited to bring forward the best of AECOM to help the Authority meet current and future demand.”

 

In addition to increasing mobility, the Interchange 1 to 4 Widening Program provides the Authority the opportunity to make further improvements, such as replacing overhead structures, upgrading signage, enhancing highway safety, updating data collection, and advancing stormwater management practices in accordance with new infrastructure requirements.

 

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.2 billion in fiscal year 2020. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this communication other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, profitability, strategic value creation, coronavirus impacts, risk profile and investment strategies, and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and the expected financial and operational results of AECOM. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our business is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns and client spending reductions; impacts caused by the coronavirus and the related economic instability and market volatility, including the reaction of governments to the coronavirus, including any prolonged period of travel, commercial or other similar restrictions, the delay in commencement, or temporary or permanent halting of construction, infrastructure or other projects, requirements that we remove our employees or personnel from the field for their protection, and delays or reductions in planned initiatives by our governmental or commercial clients or potential clients; losses under fixed-price contracts; limited control over operations run through our joint venture entities; liability for misconduct by our employees or consultants; failure to comply with laws or regulations applicable to our business; maintaining adequate surety and financial capacity; high leverage and potential inability to service our debt and guarantees; exposure to Brexit; exposure to political and economic risks in different countries; currency exchange rate fluctuations; retaining and recruiting key technical and management personnel; legal claims; inadequate insurance coverage; environmental law compliance and adequate nuclear indemnification; unexpected adjustments and cancellations related to our backlog; partners and third parties who may fail to satisfy their legal obligations; AECOM Capital real estate development projects; managing pension cost; cybersecurity issues, IT outages and data privacy; risks associated with the benefits and costs of the Power transaction and other recent acquisitions and divestitures, including the risk that the expected benefits of such transactions or any contingent purchase price will not be realized within the expected time frame, in full or at all; the risk that costs of restructuring transactions and other costs incurred in connection with recent acquisitions and divestitures will exceed our estimates or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations; as well as other additional risks and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Brendan Ranson-Walsh

Vice President, Global Communications & Corporate Responsibility

1.213.996.2367

Brendan.Ranson-Walsh@aecom.com

Investor Contact:

Will Gabrielski

Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations

1.213.593.8208

William.Gabrielski@aecom.com

Categories
Business Science

Eagle Pharmaceuticals announces FDA maintains prioritization of ANDA for vasopressin

— Assigned GDUFA date of December 15, 2021, and expects commercial launch prior to year-end —

 

 

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) (“Eagle” or the “Company”) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug and Administration (“FDA”) has maintained Priority Review for the Company’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) for vasopressin. The Company’s response to the CRL was submitted on June 15, 2021. The FDA has assigned a GDUFA date of December 15, 2021, and the Company expects a commercial launch prior to year-end.

“Vasopressin is an important program for us, and in light of the Priority Review, as well as its being flagged as a COVID priority, we continue to believe that we can bring this product to market this year. The trial is set to commence on July 7, and we look forward to providing updates in the near future,” stated Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

Eagle is first to file an ANDA referencing Vasostrict, which had total U.S. sales of $786 million in 2020.

 

About Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Eagle is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with research and development, clinical, manufacturing and commercial expertise. Eagle is committed to developing innovative medicines that result in meaningful improvements in patients’ lives. Eagle’s commercialized products include RYANODEX®, BENDEKA®, BELRAPZO®, and its oncology and CNS/metabolic critical care pipeline includes product candidates with the potential to address underserved therapeutic areas across multiple disease states. Additional information is available on Eagle’s website at www.eagleus.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities law. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as “anticipated,” “forward,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “remain,” “potential,” “prepare,” “expected,” “believe,” “plan,” “near future,” “belief,” “guidance,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s ability to address the questions raised in the CRL for its ANDA for vasopressin and to communicate with FDA regarding the same; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of its products and product candidates, including vasopressin; the timing, progress and results of the Company’s clinical trials, including potential timing of commercial launch of vasopressin; and the ability of the Company’s product candidates, including vasopressin, to deliver value to stockholders. All of such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions or other adverse effects on clinical trials and delays in regulatory review or further disruption or delay of any pending or future litigation; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of the Company’s product candidates and successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; whether the Company will successfully implement its development plan for its product candidates; whether the Company can successfully market and commercialize its product candidates; the outcome of litigation involving any of its products or that may have an impact on any of its products; the strength and enforceability of the Company’s intellectual property rights or the rights of third parties; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 5, 2021, as updated by the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2021, and its other subsequent filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Contacts

Investor Relations for Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:
Lisa M. Wilson

In-Site Communications, Inc.

T: 212-452-2793

E: lwilson@insitecony.com