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Amerigroup’s New Jersey Health Plan to be renamed Wellpoint in January 2024

  • No impact or changes to members’ health plan benefits, services, and care provider network as a result of the new name
  • New name reflects the company’s continued evolution to deliver whole health
  • Wellpoint is focused on improving the health of individuals and communities at all points of life

 

 

ISELIN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amerigroup New Jersey, Inc., a subsidiary of Elevance Health serving NJ FamilyCare/ Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, will begin rebranding as Wellpoint in January 2024 to reflect the company’s evolution to support whole health.

 

There will be no impact or changes to Wellpoint members’ healthcare benefits or coverage. Members will continue to have access to their established primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Also, healthcare providers who serve Wellpoint members will have continued access to tools and resources to help streamline day-to-day administrative tasks.

 

“This rebranding is a continuation of our bold and ambitious purpose to improve the health of humanity by serving people across their entire health journey; connecting them to care, support and resources; and simplifying healthcare to make health more equitable and accessible,” said Patrick Fox, MD, president of Amerigroup New Jersey. “Our local presence enables us to design our benefits and programs to fit the unique needs of New Jersey communities. Wellpoint is a name that illustrates our dedication to being a lifetime, trusted health partner with a mission to help people live well across all life points.”

 

Wellpoint’s suite of health benefits is designed for consumers at any stage of life offering access to simple, supportive health solutions to help foster whole health. In addition, Wellpoint plans are committed to helping individuals improve their health through Healthy Reward incentives for wellness visits and added benefits such as gift cards for completing health screenings, newborn supplies for new mothers, and resources to support emotional well-being.

 

Subject to state regulator approval, new ID cards with the Wellpoint brand will be mailed in early 2024. Members can continue using their current card to access all existing services until they receive their new card. New Jersey members who have questions can contact Member Services via the phone number on the back of their ID card.

 

For member and provider information and updates, please visit www.wellpoint.com.

 

About Wellpoint

Wellpoint, part of the Elevance Health family of brands, focuses on improving physical health as well as the behavioral and social drivers that impact it through a comprehensive suite of Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial products. The Wellpoint companies offer healthcare services for consumers at any stage of life seeking to make the right care decisions and helps individuals and communities make real, positive progress with health plans that foster independence, confidence, and whole-person health. For more information, please visit www.wellpoint.com.

Contacts

Stephanie DuBois

(603) 722-3087

stephanie.dubois@anthem.com

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AM Best revises Issuer Credit Rating outlook to positive for Guardian Insurance Company, Inc.

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insuranceAM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) of Guardian Insurance Company, Inc. (Guardian) (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands). The outlook of the FSR is stable.

 

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Guardian’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

 

The positive Long-Term ICR outlook reflects the improvement in Guardian’s operating performance over the past three years, with that trend continuing into 2023. Since 2020, the company has reported favorable net underwriting income, positive pre-tax operating income, and overall net income of over $6.5 million. These results are due primarily to improved underwriting performance, steady net investment income and, to a lesser extent, other income. As a result, the company’s five-year average pre-tax and total returns on revenue and equity compare favorably with the composite.

 

Guardian’s balance sheet strength metrics also have improved as additions to policyholder surplus have been reported for three consecutive years and through June 30, 2023. In recent years, surplus growth has outpaced premium expansion resulting in lower underwriting leverage ratios. Despite this improvement, net and gross underwriting leverage ratios compare unfavorably with the composite. Also, overall surplus growth and overall risk-adjusted capitalization are dampened by periodic dividends paid to its ultimate parent, Lockhart Companies, Inc.

 

Guardian writes about two-thirds of its business in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the other one-third in Puerto Rico. Despite this geographic and product concentration, the company maintains a neutral business profile due to its market leader position in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with over 60% of the automobile market. In addition, Guardian is the largest domestic insurer, and it controls 73% of its gross written premium through its own agency.

 

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 use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

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 © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Kevin Dorsey
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 882 1747
kevin.dorsey@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Joseph Burtone
Director
+1 908 882 1678
joseph.burtone@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

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NICE named a leader in Everest Group’s Task Mining Products PEAK Matrix

NICE NEVA Discover scored high on both ‘Vision and Capability’ as well as the ‘Market Impact’ axis in leading analyst’s Task Mining Products Assessment

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #NICENICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced that NEVA Discover, its process analytics and task mining offering, has been recognized as a ‘Leader’ in Everest Group’s Task Mining Products PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023 out of 19 task mining providers evaluated.

 

NEVA Discover utilizes its rich desktop data collection and desktop analytics to pinpoint areas for employee improvement and optimize performance. Leaders were recognized for strong growth momentum in the task mining market and the ability to continue to differentiate by offering innovative features.

Click here for a complimentary copy of the report.

 

NEVA Discover offers a scientific approach to scaling task mining capabilities, allowing CX organizations to take employees’ performances to a new level and ground business decisions on rich processes and interaction data. Utilizing NEVA Discover’s desktop analytics, organizations can drive employee performance improvements by developing and engaging employees with proactive, personalized coaching using actionable data. The report noted that NEVA Discover “helps users to discover best practices by combining the captured data with additional metrics, such as interaction data, employee data, and interaction outcomes, leveraging the power of the CXone Platform.” The report also noted that clients appreciated NEVA Discover’s ease of use as well as key areas of strength including the power of its task discovery and handling capabilities as well as quick adaptation to the product.

 

“NICE has reinforced its position as a Leader on Everest Group’s Task Mining Products PEAK Matrix® 2023, underpinned by its strong vision, depth and breadth of product functionalities, focus on product support, and integration with its automation capabilities,” said Amardeep Modi, Vice President at Everest Group. “Discovery capabilities, ease of maintenance, and data security are some of the key strengths indicated by its clients.”

 

Barry Cooper, President, CX Division, NICE, said, “We are pleased to be recognized as a Leader in this assessment, demonstrating NICE’s excellence in Task Mining. As CX organizations continue to struggle with employee retention, NICE’s NEVA Discover enables organizations to provide objective, targeted coaching to empower employees and make them even more effective. With our ongoing investments in Enlighten AI, NICE will continue its momentum as a market leader in Task Mining.”

 

This recognition adds to NICE’s past accomplishments in this space. NICE was recognized as a ‘Leader’ in Everest Group’s Task Mining Products PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2022. NICE was also named a ‘Leader’ in Everest Group’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) PEAK Matrix Assessment 2022.

 

About NICE

With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it’s never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform – and elevate – every customer interaction. 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 Contact
Christopher Irwin-Dudek, +1 201 561 4442, ET

media@nice.com
Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET

ir@nice.com

Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET

ir@nice.com

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Sumner County, Tenn., goes live with Tyler Technologies’ Community Readiness solution to reduce recidivism

Community Readiness will soon be live in more than 70% of all Tennessee correctional facilities

 

PLANO, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $TYL #TylerTechTyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced that the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee has successfully gone live with Tyler’s Community Readiness solution.

 

“We are proud to work with Tyler to bring these positive and impactful resources to incarcerated individuals who have not had access to them in the past,” said Jerry Scott, division administrator, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. “Tyler’s Community Readiness solution will truly help to put these individuals on a path to a better life, ultimately improving and strengthening our local community.”

 

Community Readiness, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), is a comprehensive software application that bridges the gap between the jail and the community by connecting residents in jails with local support organizations. These connections will benefit incarcerated individuals in Sumner County by connecting them with resources to gain an education, find a job, locate housing, and otherwise prepare them to be active, healthy contributors to their community after being released from jail.

 

Sumner County’s Sheriff’s Office has deployed Community Readiness in its jail facility. The software offers information and assistance from numerous local community organizations, including the Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry, American Job Centers, Project Return, Adult and Teen Challenge, and more. The solution not only serves as a crucial resource for those incarcerated, but it also benefits Sumner County’s staff by reducing physical paperwork, allowing them to focus on what is most important to the safety and effectiveness of the facility.

 

“Tyler’s Community Readiness solution is the most advanced re-entry software in the industry,” said Silas Deane III, Community Readiness manager at Tyler. “The software helps to build a future where second chances are not just possible but expected. We are pleased to work closely with Sumner County to break the cycle of recidivism and offer new beginnings to those incarcerated.”

 

Tyler continues to rapidly expand the use of Community Readiness in correctional facilities across the country. Soon, it will be live in more than 70% of jail facilities in Tennessee, including in Williamson County, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Nashville, with other implementations in process in New Jersey and Florida.

 

About Tyler Technologies, Inc.

Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler’s end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate efficiently and transparently with residents and each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler’s solutions transform how clients turn actionable insights into opportunities and solutions for their communities. Tyler has more than 40,000 successful installations across nearly 13,000 locations, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been recognized numerous times for growth and innovation, including Government Technology’s GovTech 100 list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com.

#TYL_General

Contacts

Jennifer Kepler

Tyler Technologies

972.713.3770

Media.team@tylertech.com

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Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) long-term data demonstrate durable efficacy and consistent safety for up to three years in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Clinical response was maintained at 73.2% for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 with three years of continuous Sotyktu treatment in the POETYK PSO long-term extension trial

 

Sotyktu demonstrated a consistent safety profile with no increases in adverse events or serious adverse events and no emergence of any new safety signals

 

New data to be presented at the 2023 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress as part of 50 company-sponsored scientific presentations, demonstrating robust and growing body of dermatology research

 

PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $BMY #DermatologyBristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) today announced new three-year results from the POETYK PSO long-term extension (LTE) trial of Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) treatment in adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. At Week 148, clinical response rates were maintained with continuous treatment with modified nonresponder imputation (mNRI) responses of 73.2% for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, 48.1% for PASI 90 and 54.1% for static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1. Sotyktu demonstrated a consistent safety profile with no increases in the rates of adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs over time, and no emergence of any new safety signals.

 

These data (oral presentation #FC02.7) and 49 additional abstracts demonstrating Bristol Myers Squibb’s ongoing commitment to dermatology research are being presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Berlin, Germany taking place October 11-14, 2023.

 

“These new, positive, three-year results reinforce the long-term efficacy and well-established safety profile of once-daily Sotyktu, the first and only TYK2 inhibitor available, and add to our confidence in its role as an oral treatment of choice for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis,” said April Armstrong, MD, MPH, clinical investigator in the POETYK PSO clinical trial program and professor and chief of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles. “For my patients, more days of relief from this chronic disease mean that they can focus on other aspects of their lives, and these POETYK PSO long-term data add to the evidence that we have the ability to offer a new standard of care to patients seeking an oral treatment option.”

 

The safety analysis assessed 1,519 patients who received at least one dose of Sotyktu across POETYK PSO-1, POETYK PSO-2 and POETYK PSO-LTE. The efficacy analysis assessed 513 patients who received continuous Sotyktu treatment from Day 1 in the pivotal POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 trials and transitioned to the LTE trial. Cumulative exposure from parent trial randomization was 3,294 patient-years (PYs) for the safety analyses.

 

Clinical efficacy outcomes were maintained in patients who were continuously treated with Sotyktu from baseline through Week 148, with sustained response rates for PASI 75 (Week 16, 61.1%; Week 52, 72.6%; Week 148, 73.2%), PASI 90 (Week 16, 35.2%; Week 52, 45.6%; Week 148, 48.1%) and sPGA 0/1 (Week 16, 57.5%; Week 52, 58.1%; Week 148, 54.1%).

 

At three years, cumulative exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs)/100 PYs were similar or decreased compared with rates observed at two years, respectively, for AEs (144.8, 154.4), serious AEs (5.5, 6.1), discontinuation due to AEs (2.4, 2.8), herpes zoster (0.6, 0.7), malignancies (0.9, 0.9), major adverse cardiovascular events (0.3, 0.4), venous thromboembolism (0.1, 0.1) and deaths (0.3, 0.4). EAIRs/100 PYs were calculated as the number of patients with an AE over the total exposure time for all patients at risk (time to an initial AE occurrence for patients with AE and time of total exposure for patients without an AE).

 

“As the leader in TYK2 innovation, Bristol Myers Squibb continues to advance our long-term understanding of our first-in-class, oral Sotyktu treatment for plaque psoriasis and explore its full potential across serious immune-mediated diseases,” said Roland Chen, MD, senior vice president and head, Immunology, Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Development, Bristol Myers Squibb. “These new data validate the potential of Sotyktu to provide long-term, clinically relevant improvement for individuals living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.”

 

Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the POETYK PSO clinical trial program.

 

About the POETYK PSO Clinical Trial Program

PrOgram to Evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), a selective TYK2 inhibitor (POETYK) PSO-1 (NCT03624127) and POETYK PSO-2 (NCT03611751) were global Phase 3 studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Sotyktu compared to placebo and Otezla® (apremilast) in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Both POETYK PSO-1, which enrolled 666 patients, and POETYK PSO-2, which enrolled 1,020 patients, were multicenter, randomized, double-blind trials that evaluated Sotyktu (6 mg once daily) compared to placebo and Otezla (30 mg twice daily). POETYK PSO-2 included a randomized withdrawal and retreatment period after Week 24.

 

The co-primary endpoints of both POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 were the percentage of patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response and those who achieved static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0 or 1 (clear/almost clear) at Week 16 versus placebo. Key secondary endpoints of the trials included the percentage of patients who achieved PASI 75 and sPGA 0/1 compared to Otezla at Week 16 and other measures evaluating Sotyktu versus placebo and Otezla.

 

Across both clinical trials and timepoints, significantly more Sotyktu-treated patients achieved a sPGA score of 0/1, PASI 75 response and PASI 90 response. Responses persisted through Week 52, as 81% (187/230) of patients who achieved PASI 75 with Sotyktu at Week 24 maintained their response at Week 52 in POETYK PSO-1. In POETYK PSO-2, 80% (119/148) of patients who continued Sotyktu maintained PASI 75 response compared to 31% (47/150) of patients who were withdrawn from Sotyktu.

 

Following the 52-week POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 trials, patients could enroll in the ongoing POETYK PSO long-term extension (LTE) trial (NCT04036435) and receive open-label Sotyktu 6 mg once-daily. In the LTE trial, 1,221 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of Sotyktu. Efficacy was analyzed utilizing treatment failure rules method of imputation, along with sensitivity analyses using modified non-responder imputation and as-observed analysis, which have been used in similar analyses with other agents.

 

In addition to POETYK PSO-1, POETYK PSO-2 and POETYK PSO-LTE, Bristol Myers Squibb has evaluated Sotyktu in two other Phase 3 studies in psoriasis: POETYK PSO-3 (NCT04167462) and POETYK PSO-4 (NCT03924427).

 

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a widely prevalent, chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease that substantially impairs patients’ physical health, quality of life and work productivity. Psoriasis is a serious global problem, with at least 100 million people worldwide impacted by some form of the disease, including around 14 million people in Europe and approximately 7.5 million people in the United States. Nearly one-quarter of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate-to-severe. Up to 90 percent of patients with psoriasis have psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by distinct round or oval plaques typically covered by silvery-white scales. Despite the availability of effective systemic therapy, many patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis remain undertreated or even untreated and are dissatisfied with current treatments. People with psoriasis report an impact on their emotional well-being, straining both personal and professional relationships and causing a reduced quality of life. Psoriasis is associated with multiple comorbidities that may impact patients’ well-being, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and depression.

 

About Sotyktu (deucravacitinib)

Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action, representing a new class of small molecules. It is the first selective TYK2 inhibitor in clinical studies across multiple immune-mediated diseases. Bristol Myers Squibb scientists designed Sotyktu to selectively target TYK2, thereby inhibiting signaling of interleukin (IL)-23, IL-12 and Type 1 interferons (IFN), key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated diseases. Sotyktu achieves a high degree of selectivity by binding to the regulatory domain of TYK2, resulting in allosteric inhibition of TYK2 and its downstream functions. Sotyktu selectively inhibits TYK2 at physiologically relevant concentrations. At therapeutic doses, Sotyktu does not inhibit JAK1, JAK2 or JAK3.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb: Pioneering Paths Forward in Immunology to Transform Patients’ Lives

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. For people living with immune-mediated diseases, the debilitating reality of enduring chronic symptoms and disease progression can take a toll on their physical, emotional and social well-being, making simple tasks and daily life a challenge. Driven by our deep understanding of the immune system that spans over 20 years of experience, and our passion to help patients, the company continues to pursue pathbreaking science with the goal of delivering meaningful solutions that address unmet needs in rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology and pulmonology. We follow the science, aiming to tailor therapies to individual needs, improve outcomes and expand treatment options by working to identify mechanisms with the potential to achieve long-term remission – and perhaps even cures – in the future. By building partnerships with researchers, patients and caregivers to deliver innovative treatments, Bristol Myers Squibb strives to elevate patient care to new standards and deliver what matters most – the promise of living a better life.

 

SOTYKTU U.S. INDICATION

SOTYKTU™ (deucravacitinib) is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Limitations of Use:

SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

SOTYKTU is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to deucravacitinib or to any of the excipients in SOTYKTU.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema have been reported. If a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue SOTYKTU.

Infections: SOTYKTU may increase the risk of infections. Serious infections have been reported in patients with psoriasis who received SOTYKTU. The most common serious infections reported with SOTYKTU included pneumonia and COVID-19. Avoid use of SOTYKTU in patients with an active or serious infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating SOTYKTU in patients:

  • with chronic or recurrent infection
  • who have been exposed to tuberculosis
  • with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection
  • with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing, have appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated and be closely monitored. Interrupt SOTYKTU if a patient develops a serious infection. Do not resume SOTYKTU until the infection resolves or is adequately treated.

 

Viral Reactivation

Herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster, herpes simplex) was reported in clinical trials with SOTYKTU. Through Week 16, herpes simplex infections were reported in 17 patients (6.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with SOTYKTU, and 1 patient (0.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo. Multidermatomal herpes zoster was reported in an immunocompetent patient. During PSO-1, PSO-2, and the open-label extension trial, the majority of patients who reported events of herpes zoster while receiving SOTYKTU were under 50 years of age. The impact of SOTYKTU on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Consider viral hepatitis screening and monitoring for reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting and during therapy with SOTYKTU. If signs of reactivation occur, consult a hepatitis specialist. SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

 

Tuberculosis (TB): In clinical trials, of 4 patients with latent TB who were treated with SOTYKTU and received appropriate TB prophylaxis, no patients developed active TB (during the mean follow-up of 34 weeks). One patient, who did not have latent TB, developed active TB after receiving 54 weeks of SOTYKTU. Evaluate patients for latent and active TB infection prior to initiating treatment with SOTYKTU. Do not administer SOTYKTU to patients with active TB. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering SOTYKTU. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of SOTYKTU in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of active TB during treatment.

 

Malignancy including Lymphomas: Malignancies, including lymphomas, were observed in clinical trials with SOTYKTU. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with SOTYKTU, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer) and patients who develop a malignancy when on treatment with SOTYKTU.

 

Rhabdomyolysis and Elevated CPK: Treatment with SOTYKTU was associated with an increased incidence of asymptomatic creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and rhabdomyolysis compared to placebo.

 

Discontinue SOTYKTU if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

 

Laboratory Abnormalities: Treatment with SOTYKTU was associated with increases in triglyceride levels. Periodically evaluate serum triglycerides according to clinical guidelines during treatment. SOTYKTU treatment was associated with an increase in the incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Evaluate liver enzymes at baseline and thereafter in patients with known or suspected liver disease according to routine management. If treatment-related increases in liver enzymes occur and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt SOTYKTU until a diagnosis of liver injury is excluded.

 

Immunizations: Prior to initiating therapy with SOTYKTU, consider completion of all age-appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines including prophylactic herpes zoster vaccination. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with SOTYKTU. The response to live or non-live vaccines has not been evaluated.

 

Potential Risks Related to JAK Inhibition: It is not known whether tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibition may be associated with the observed or potential adverse reactions of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibition. In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of a JAK inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events, overall thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. SOTYKTU is not approved for use in RA.

 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (≥1% of patients on SOTYKTU and more frequently than with placebo) include upper respiratory infections, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, folliculitis and acne.

 

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: Available data from case reports on SOTYKTU use during pregnancy are insufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Report pregnancies to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company’s Adverse Event reporting line at 1-800-721-5072.

 

Lactation: There are no data on the presence of SOTYKTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. SOTYKTU is present in rat milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SOTYKTU and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SOTYKTU or from the underlying maternal condition.

 

Hepatic Impairment: SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

SOTYKTU is available in 6 mg tablets.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for SOTYKTU.

 

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Otezla® (apremilast) is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, that results of future post-marketing studies may not be consistent with the results of this study, that Sotyktu, for the indication described in this release, may not be commercially successful, that any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and that continued approval of such product candidate for such indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in additional confirmatory trials. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

corporatefinancial-news

 

Contacts

Bristol Myers Squibb

Media Inquiries:
media@bms.com

Investors:
investor.relations@bms.com

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David’s Bridal to capture kisses in partnership with the New York Jets

David’s Bridal expands “The Things We Do for Love” campaign with New York Jets partnership

 

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — David’s Bridal, LLC “(David’s),” the nation’s leading bridal and special occasion authority, today announced a new partnership with the New York Jets, expanding on the Company’s national “The Things We Do for Love” campaign.

 

As part of this partnership, David’s is celebrating the love of Jets fans, capturing magical moments as the official Kiss Cam Sponsor for the 2023-2024 season. The partnership with the Jets is just one way that David’s is embedding itself into communities across the country as the Company makes dreams happen for brides, bridesmaids, and party-goers.

 

New York sports fans are in a league of their own and as we focus on reaching our brides and bridesmaids, we want to connect with them everywhere they love – including at live sporting events,” said Kelly Cook, President, Brand, Technology, and Finance, David’s Bridal. “David’s has served over 70 million customers in its history and as America’s iconic go-to dress brand, we’re thrilled to partner with other iconic brands. Partnering with the New York Jets was a no-brainer as we highlight love on the Kiss Cam – maybe we’ll even see a proposal! We can’t wait to watch our brides and bridesmaids show-off all the things they love while cheering on the Jets this season.”

 

Through the partnership, David’s will also offer an unforgettable experience for one wedding party to celebrate their love at a New York Jets game and that will include tickets, parking, and food and beverage. David’s will also be highlighted throughout the season with stadium signage and marketing, radio ads, and additional activations that Jets fans are sure to love.

 

“The Things We Do for Love” campaign celebrates all that David’s has to offer in serving the modern bride, bridesmaid, and party go-er. This includes exclusive bridal gowns starting at $199, extraordinary bridesmaid dresses starting at $99, the Diamond program which helps brides win a FREE honeymoon, and Pearl by David’s, the game-changing planning platform that connects vendors and celebrants for the event of a lifetime.

 

About David’s Bridal

With 70 years of experience dressing guests for all of life’s special occasions, David’s Bridal is built on the ethos of making dreams happen. We believe everyone deserves to have the dress of their dreams regardless of style, preference, shape, size, or budget. As Dream Makers, we are kind, enthusiastic, and bold. We live to serve her, and it is our mission to help anyone, and everyone find the look that will allow them to be the best, most genuine version of themselves on their wedding day or any special occasion. David’s Bridal is dedicated to innovating solutions which serve her including Pearl by David’s, which includes a wedding website, a universal wedding registry, a robust wedding checklist, and a new vendor marketplace which beautifully pairs brides to their perfect vendor partners. David’s also launched the industry’s only loyalty program Bridal Diamond Loyalty Program. This program, with over 2 million members, provides perks and deals from partners like The Black Tux, Shutterfly, Little Tuxedos, Diamond Nexus, and much more, plus provides brides an opportunity to win a free honeymoon. With more than 190 stores located across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, we offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life including weddings, Quinceañera, graduations, prom, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. David’s recently launched #frontlinefierce Philanthropy Program dedicated to amplifying the heroism, fearlessness, and bravery of those who serve others in their community. To learn more about David’s Bridal, visit www.DavidsBridal.com, download the Planning App, and connect on social media through Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

 

About the New York Jets

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today’s league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and 1 JD Entertainment, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information about the New York Jets visit newyorkjets.com.

 

Contacts

C Street Advisory Group

davidsbridal@thecstreet.com

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Business Economics Lifestyle News Now! Perks Travel & Leisure

Nissan Foundation seeks grantees for the 2024 grant cycle

  • Since 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded more than $15 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations committed to promoting cultural awareness and understanding
  • The Nissan Foundation launched its 2024 grant cycle and is accepting Letters of Intent until November 3, 2023
  • Earlier this year, the Nissan Foundation awarded more than $1 million in its annual grant cycle for the first time

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Nissan Foundation is launching its search for grantees for the 2024 grant cycle by accepting Letters of Intent. All Letters of Intent must be received by 9 p.m. ET on Friday, November 3, 2023, with new Foundation grantees announced in June 2024.

The 2023 grantees received a total of $1.2 million. They included museums, public television stations, libraries and other nonprofits, and promoted the many benefits that diversity brings to society.

To be eligible to apply for grants, non-profits with 501(c)3 status must have programs that align with the mission of the Foundation and be based in one of seven areas where Nissan has a significant operational presence: Atlanta metro, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, Middle Tennessee, New York City/North Central New Jersey, Southeast Michigan, or Southern California. Consideration will be given to projects that occur between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

 

“The Nissan Foundation makes a difference by supporting creative and engaging non-profit organizations that strive to enrich lives and increase understanding in communities where Nissan operates, and where our employees live and raise their families,” said Ali Tonn, executive director of the Nissan Foundation. “We encourage submission of Letters of Intent for initiatives, programs, events and experiences that value diversity, educate and enlighten audiences, and motivate cultural awareness and change.”

 

About the Nissan Foundation

The Nissan Foundation was established in 1992 in the wake of the Rodney King trial verdict in Los Angeles. At that time, Nissan’s U.S. headquarters was based just blocks from the epicenter of the resulting riots.

 

The mission of the Nissan Foundation is to build community by valuing cultural diversity. In its 31-year history, the organization has contributed more than $15 million to more than 150 nonprofits throughout the U.S., in support of this mission.

 

For more information about the Nissan Foundation and its annual grantee application process, visit the Nissan Foundation webpage.

 

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit
nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

Contacts

Andrea Ewin Turner

Corporate Communications

(629) 543-2537

Andrea.Turner@nissan-usa.com

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Business Culture Lifestyle Technology

Vonage positioned as a leader in the 2023 GartnerⓇ Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service

HOLMDEL, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation and a part of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), has been recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). This recognition positions Vonage in the Leaders Quadrant for Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision.

 

“This is a transformative time for cloud communications and how businesses use this technology,” said Rory Read, Vonage CEO and SVP, Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform for Ericsson.

 

“Consumers now expect flexible, intelligent communication between them and the brands they engage with. The ability to communicate from anywhere, on any channel, is a key differentiator and represents the next level of communication between businesses and their customers, and that is what CPaaS – or Communications APIs – provides.”

 

 

Read continued, “Vonage’s CPaaS capabilities and strong developer resources enable businesses to embed communications into applications, systems and workflows so customers can engage with businesses on their terms, for deeper engagement and a better overall customer experience. And as we look to the future of business communications, we are focused on building a global network platform and exposing network capabilities as APIs, unlocking the power of the 5G network, and putting it at the fingertips of developers to create new, innovative use cases for enterprises and the customers they serve. We are thrilled to be recognized as a Leader in the Gartner CPaaS Magic Quadrant for our platform today, and our vision for tomorrow.”

 

In this CPaaS Magic Quadrant, Gartner recognizes vendors based on Completeness of Vision Evaluation Criteria which includes innovation, market understanding and a vertical/industry strategy.

 

Programmable components for the Vonage Communications Platform such as Vonage AI Acceleration Suite, help improve business productivity, customer experiences and enhance customer engagement with a simplified approach to build new applications. With Vonage AI Studio, VCP empowers developers and non-developers to communicate with customers across channels with AI powered conversational workflows.

 

Vonage is one of only two vendors recognized in all three Magic Quadrant reports – CPaaS, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) in the cloud communications space. Vonage CPaaS is part of the Vonage Communications Platform (VCP), which also includes UCaaS, CCaaS and Conversational Commerce applications.

 

Download the complimentary Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS.

 

Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

 

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service, By Lisa Unden-Farboud, etc., 18 September 2023

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide, By Rafael Benitez etc., 28 November 2022

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, By Drew Kraus, etc., 7 August 2023

 

About Vonage

Vonage, 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, AI and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. The Vonage conversational commerce application enables businesses to create AI-powered omnichannel experiences that boost sales and increase customer satisfaction. Vonage’s fully programmable unified communications, contact center and conversational commerce applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or remotely – providing the flexibility required to create meaningful engagements.

 

Vonage is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Israel and Asia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), and a business area within the Ericsson Group called Business Area Global Communications Platform. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit youtube.com/vonage.

Contacts

Vonage Media Contact: Jill Baldassano, +1 848.301.7024, jill.baldassano@vonage.com

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AM Best upgrades Credit Ratings of Humana Inc. and most of its health insurance subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insuranceAM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent) for the health and dental insurance subsidiaries of Humana Inc. (Humana) (headquartered in Louisville, KY) [NYSE: HUM].

 

These subsidiaries collectively are referred to as Humana Health Group. Concurrently, AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term ICR to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) of Humana Inc. (Humana). AM Best also has affirmed the Short-Term Issue Credit Rating of AMB-2 (Satisfactory) for Humana. Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICRs of “bbb” (Good) of the following Humana subsidiaries: Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. and Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. These companies are domiciled in Puerto Rico and collectively are referred to as Humana Health of Puerto Rico Group. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of Humana Health Group members and Long-Term IRs.)

 

The ratings of Humana Health Group reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

 

The ratings of Human Health of Puerto Rico Group reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM, as well as its strategic role as a subsidiary of Humana.

 

The rating upgrades of Humana Health Group reflect a sustained trend of premium revenue growth and strong operating results. Premium revenue growth has been reported consistently over the past five years and has been especially strong through the first half of 2023, driven by Medicare Advantage membership gains above original expectations. Overall operating earnings have increased based on increased premium revenue, with some operating margin improvement. The medical loss ratio increased as expected based on a return to pre-pandemic utilization levels, as well as from plan design investments. Offsetting this is improvement in the overall operating ratio from increased scale of a larger membership base and operational efficiencies. Future premium growth is expected to be driven by membership gains for Humana Health Group’s core Medicare Advantage business and to a lesser degree Medicaid and Dual Eligible enrollment gains as the company is exiting all employer group medical business. Humana Health Group has maintained relatively stable risk-adjusted capital, as measured by Best Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Balance sheet metrics are supported by continued favorable operating performance from core insurance operations and a conservative high quality investment portfolio. Humana offers Medicare products on a national basis and has the second-largest membership base. Humana Health Group also is a long-term TRICARE East contract holder. Health insurance operations are enhanced by the organization’s nonregulated, CenterWell, health care services business. CenterWell provides primary care, home care and pharmacy services focused on the senior population with an emphasis on value-based care. The organization has a comprehensive ERM program with mature governance. The program is integrated into day-to-day operations and strategic business planning.

 

Humana has good financial flexibility with strong operating cash flow, solid subsidiary dividends, available holding company cash and a $4 billion commercial paper program backed by its revolving credit agreement. Additionally, the organization has access to short-term borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati through its subsidiary, Humana Insurance Company. Returns of capital to shareholder programs have increased in recent periods but historically have been flexible to achieve management-established insurance entity risk-adjusted capital and holding company financial leverage targets. Humana’s unadjusted financial leverage, as of June 30, 2023, was approximately 41%, as measured by AM Best. On a longer-term basis, Humana plans to manage financial leverage at approximately 40%. Humana’s earnings before interest and taxes interest coverage remains strong at over 10 times.

 

The rating affirmations of Human Health of Puerto Rico Group reflect improved risk-adjusted capital and favorable earnings over the past three years. However, underwriting results have turned unfavorable through the first half of 2023. Humana Health of Puerto Rico Group receives rating enhancement based on the strategic role it plays for Humana to offer Medicare Advantage products in all states and territories.

 

AM Best has upgraded the FSR to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent) with stable outlooks for the following health and dental insurance subsidiaries of Humana Inc.:

  • Humana Insurance Company
  • Humana Medical Plan, Inc.
  • Humana Health Plan, Inc.
  • Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc.
  • Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc.
  • Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc.
  • Humana Benefit Plan of Illinois, Inc.
  • Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc.
  • Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc.
  • Humana Insurance Company of New York
  • Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation
  • Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky
  • Cariten Health Plan Inc.
  • CarePlus Health Plans, Inc.
  • HumanaDental Insurance Company
  • CompBenefits Insurance Company
  • CompBenefits Company
  • CompBenefits Dental, Inc.
  • The Dental Concern, Inc.
  • DentiCare, Inc.

 

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

Humana Inc.—

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $600 million 3.85% senior unsecured notes, due 2024

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $600 million 4.5% senior unsecured notes, due 2025

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $500 million 5.7% senior unsecured notes, due 2026

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 1.35% senior unsecured notes, due 2027

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $600 million 3.95% senior unsecured notes, due 2027

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $500 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes, due 2028

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $500 million 3.125% senior unsecured notes, due 2029

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 3.7% senior unsecured notes, due 2029

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $500 million 4.875% senior unsecured notes, due 2030

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 2.15% senior unsecured notes, due 2032

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 5.875% senior unsecured notes, due 2033

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $250 million 8.15% senior unsecured notes, due 2038

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $400 million 4.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2042

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 4.95% senior unsecured notes, due 2044

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $400 million 4.8% senior unsecured notes, due 2047

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $500 million 3.95% senior unsecured notes, due 2049

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on $750 million 5.5% senior unsecured notes, due 2053

The following indicative Long-Term IRs have been upgraded with stable outlooks for the following shelf registrations:

Humana Inc.—

— to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) on senior unsecured debt securities

— to “bbb-” (Good) from “bb+” (Fair) on subordinated debt securities

— to “bb+” (Fair) from “bb” (Fair) on preferred stock

 

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 use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

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 © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Bridget Maehr

Associate Director

+1 908 882 2080

bridget.maehr@ambest.com

Joseph Zazzera

Director

+1 908 882 2442
joseph.zazzera@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

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Curio Digital Therapeutics: Pivotal trial for postpartum depression Digital Therapeutic meets efficacy endpoints

Patients treated with MamaLift Plus demonstrated clinically meaningful, statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms, as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

 

 

PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. “(Curio),” today announced positive data from the Supporting Maternal Mental Health and Emotional Regulation (SuMMER) trial. SuMMER (NCT05958095), a study executed by HITLAB, a renowned healthcare innovation and research organization, is a randomized clinical trial of MamaLift Plus, a digital therapeutic for women experiencing perinatal mood disturbances.

 

SuMMER is a national, randomized, placebo (sham)-controlled pivotal trial evaluating MamaLift Plus for eight weeks in 141 patients (ITT population) randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the MamaLift Plus arm (N = 95) and control (sham digital) arm (N = 46). Patients had baseline EPDS scores ≥ 13 but not exceeding 19, and a confirmed diagnosis of postpartum depression prior to enrollment.

 

The SuMMER trial met its primary endpoint, a ≥4-point improvement in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score. The EPDS is the most commonly used depression screening tool for the perinatal population, and an improvement of four or more points is clinically meaningful. Preliminary results indicate that approximately 83% of participants in the intervention arm achieved a ≥ 4-point improvement in EPDS score, compared to only 22% in the control arm (p-value < 0.001). Approximately 82% of patients in the intervention arm achieved an EPDS reduction to <13, compared to only 30% in the control arm (p-value < 0.001). Patients with EPDS scores ≥ 13 are candidates for interventional therapy.

 

“We are excited to see the data on this critical research endeavor. The positive results from the SuMMER trial underscore the efficacy of MamaLift Plus to address postpartum depression and improve the lives of women experiencing perinatal mood disturbances,” said Professor Stan Kachnowski, PhD, Principal Investigator and HITLAB Chair. “Our collaboration exemplifies HITLAB’s commitment to advancing women’s healthcare innovations, and we look forward to continuing to drive positive change in the field of digital therapeutics and mental health through rapid evidence generation.”

 

“We are delighted and encouraged by the strong findings from the SuMMER study,” said Shailja Dixit, Chief Executive Officer of Curio. “Digital therapeutics continue to be an important option for women suffering from depressive symptoms. We are profoundly grateful to the study participants and the research team for their contributions to this research. We look forward to continued guidance from the FDA to bring this important intervention to market.”

 

Acknowledgments

Curio extends its appreciation to the SuMMER investigators and their research teams for their collaboration in conducting a successful trial. Curio would like to thank its clinical staff, including medical monitors and licensed mental health providers, for their commitment to patient safety. Curio would also like to thank the SuMMER study participants, without whom this important research would not have been possible. Thank you to the participants for sharing your experiences with us and, in so doing, contributing to a vision where all women have access to evidence-based behavioral health care.

 

About Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc.

Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. is a pioneer in developing digital therapeutics solutions and novel neurobehavioral interventions across the lifecycle for women. Curio aims to create a world where every woman can access a behavioral health solution at her fingertips. The Curio Platform is reshaping maternal mental health care by leveraging proprietary algorithms, clinically validated screening tools, and personalized digital, neurobehavioral interventions to facilitate timely identification and care. For more information, visit Curio at https://www.curiodigitaltx.com/.

 

ABOUT HITLAB

Established in 1998, HITLAB is a leading evidence-based, healthcare innovation lab specializing in the delivery of world-class digital health research and education. We help leading organizations ideate, create, and evaluate technology-based solutions to pressing healthcare challenges across the globe. HITLAB works with a wide variety of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to design and disseminate studies, programs, and products that improve healthcare access and delivery. www.hitlab.org

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MamaLift and MamaLift Plus.

 

These forward-looking statements are based upon projections, estimates, and assumptions that are considered reasonable by Curio and its management. However, they are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, (i) Protracted or delayed adoption of Curio products by providers, (ii) Reluctance on the part of patients to use Curio products, (iii) The possibility that Curio may be adversely affected by economic, business, regulatory, and/or competitive factors, (iv) Evolution or policy changes in the markets in which Curio operates, (v) and the impact of COVID-19, including new public health lockdown measures or the emergence of new strains of the virus, on Curio’s business.

 

Curio cautions readers not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date they were made. Curio assumes no obligation to update, restate, or revise any such forward-looking statements in light of new expectations or events, future or otherwise.

Contacts

Robert Keough

Senior Designer & Marketing Lead

RobertK@curiodigitaltx.com