May 10, 2024

KFSH&RC Pushes Boundaries with a Year of Achievements Across Three Centres of Excellence

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has experienced a year of achievements across its three Centres of Excellence—Oncology, Genomics, and Transplantation.

KFSH&RC’s Oncology Centre of Excellence continues to lead the fight against the disease in the Kingdom. This year alone, the centre has treated 25% of all cancer cases in Saudi Arabia, achieving a 50% overall recovery rate and up to 90% recovery in leukemia cases. With almost five decades of service, the centre’s commitment to providing advanced cancer treatments is evident in its adoption of technologies such as CAR T-cell therapy and liquid biopsy, which provide less invasive alternatives to traditional methods, along with extensive bone marrow transplants, and revolutionary techniques like Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

KFSH&RC Pushes Boundaries with a Year of Achievements Across Three Centres of Excellence

Notably, KFSH&RC has achieved a milestone by completing over 100 CAR T-cell therapy procedures, a novel treatment that genetically modifies a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer. This achievement puts it on par with renowned institutions that are also advancing CAR-T cell therapy for various blood cancers and exploring expanded applications through clinical trials and new treatment protocols. Furthermore, the centre’s focus on pediatric oncology boasts a 97% five-year survival rate for renal tumors and a 92% survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

With rapid advancements in genomic medicine, KFSH&RC is adopting next-generation sequencing technologies into patient care in its Genomic Centre, revolutionizing local and regional approaches to disease management. KFSH&RC’s discovery of the bacterial strain Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis, facilitated by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology, has contributed to our understanding of bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanisms. With 15,698 patient visits and over 5,658 whole genomes completed in 2023, the centre ensures that prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are precise and personalized.

KFSH&RC’s Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (OTCoE) continues to be the primary contributor to organ transplantation activities in the Kingdom, accounting for 65% of all transplants performed nationally. In 2023, OTCoE performed 1,092 solid organ transplants, including the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant— where doctors employed robotic technology to conduct surgery on both patient and donor — an achievement that places the centre at the forefront of global transplantation practices.

As KFSH&RC continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical science, its efforts not only inspire but also significantly impact the global healthcare community, reaffirming its role as a leader in medical innovation and specialized healthcare.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally for the second consecutive year. Additionally, in 2024, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Aown, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e99afd2f-d5c6-400e-9290-26b36a580bee

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9115490

May 10, 2024

Curia e Carterra Fazem Parceria em Simpósio para o Avanço da Pesquisa Biotecnológica do Noroeste do Pacífico

ALBANY, N.Y. e SALT LAKE CITY, May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Curia, uma organização líder em contratos de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e fabricação, e a Carterra Inc., líder mundial em descoberta de medicamentos de moléculas pequenas e anticorpos de alto rendimento sem rótulos, anunciaram hoje sua parceria para a realização de um simpósio de produtos biológicos de alto rendimento previsto para 31 de maio no Residence Inn do Marriott em Seattle, Washington.

O objetivo da colaboração é promover o crescente foco em biotecnologia na região Noroeste do Pacífico dos EUA e Canadá. O simpósio reunirá todos os níveis de liderança científica das comunidades de biotecnologia e farmacêutica.

“Estamos muito entusiasmados com a parceria com a Carterra para organizar este simpósio de descoberta de anticorpos, reunindo a comunidade de biotecnologia do Noroeste do Pacífico e compartilhando os mais recentes avanços na descoberta de anticorpos”, disse Steve Lavezoli, Vice-Presidente de Produtos Biológicos da Curia. “Também estamos prontos para compartilhar nossos fluxos de trabalho de descoberta ideal de anticorpos de alta qualidade e acelerados para a primeira descoberta, desenvolvimento e fabricação clínica de anticorpos humanos. Os anticorpos descobertos e/ou projetados com a tecnologia de plataforma da Curia são para a área de clínica e temos mais de 230 campanhas bem-sucedidas de descoberta de anticorpos realizadas para a comunidade de biotecnologia.”

A velocidade, a experiência científica e a eficiência podem superar as altas taxas de atrito da descoberta precoce de anticorpos e alcançar a primeira distribuição no mercado de novas terapêuticas. O simpósio destacará a plataforma tecnológica e os serviços integrados da Curia com foco no desenvolvimento de sistemas aprimorados de camundongos para geração de anticorpos e triagem de células B únicas de alto rendimento. A combinação de sequenciamento de próxima geração (NGS) e produção recombinante rápida de quantidades de miligrama para grama de anticorpo monoclonal purificado (mAb) acelera significativamente a identificação de condutores candidatos ao desenvolvimento.

Desde 2017, a Carterra tem vendido seu potente biossensor de alto rendimento LSA^® para analisar e caracterizar anticorpos com Ressonância Plasmônica de Superfície (SPR). Com o lançamento da sua plataforma LSA^XTno ano passado, a Carterra passou a oferecer produtos que podem realizar análises de moléculas pequenas, bem como a descoberta de anticorpos. A plataforma LSA foi destaque em vários artigos revisados por pares em Science, Nature e Cell, detalhando o caminho de várias terapêuticas que estão entrando em ensaios clínicos. No simpósio, vários cientistas líderes em biofarmacêutica compartilharão suas ideias sobre suas áreas específicas de descoberta de medicamentos e destacarão o impacto transformador da integração da tecnologia HT-SPR, IA/ML e outras novas tecnologias.

“Estamos entusiasmados com a nossa parceria com a Curia no nosso simpósio. Os simpósios Carterra são eventos científicos que organizamos todos os anos nos EUA e na Europa”, disse Chris M. Silva, Vice-Presidente de Marketing e Produtos da Carterra. “Esses simpósios nos ajudam a compartilhar os mais recentes avanços tecnológicos e dados importantes gerados a partir dos fluxos de trabalho de cientistas que usam as plataformas sem rótulos da Carterra. A nossa entrada no noroeste do Pacífico é uma oportunidade para aumentar o entendimento mais profundo da tecnologia para produtos farmacêuticos e biotecnológicos nesta região.”

Clique aqui para confirmar presença no evento. É necessário inscrição pois temos vagas limitadas.

Sobre a Curia:
A Curia é uma Organização de Desenvolvimento e Fabricação de Contratos (CDMO) com mais de 30 anos de experiência, uma rede integrada de 27 locais globais e mais de 3.500 funcionários em parceria com clientes biofarmacêuticos para levar ao mercado terapias que mudam a vida. Nossas ofertas de produtos biológicos e pequenas moléculas abrangem a descoberta através da comercialização, com capacidades regulatórias e analíticas integradas. Nossos especialistas científicos e de processos, e instalações de última geração oferecem a melhor experiência em fabricação de medicamentos e produtos farmacêuticos. Da curiosidade à cura, proporcionamos todas as etapas para a melhoria da vida dos pacientes. Visite-nos em curiaglobal.com.

Sobre a Carterra, Inc.:
A Carterra, Inc. é uma empresa privada. Sua tecnologia HT-SPR fornece aos clientes de descoberta de medicamentos de moléculas grandes e pequenas, o rendimento e a funcionalidade de triagem e caracterização que são dimensionados com aplicativos de nível ômico, condensando meses de trabalho em dias. Nossas soluções viabilizaram múltiplas terapias e pesquisas inovadoras e ajudaram pesquisadores acadêmicos e translacionais e empresas biofarmacêuticas em oncologia, imunologia, neurociência e muito mais. A Carterra está sediada em Salt Lake City, Utah, e tem Centros de Experiência do Cliente em São Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, Manchester, Inglaterra e Munique, Alemanha. Os produtos Carterra estão disponíveis na Ásia-Pacífico e na Oceania através do nosso distribuidor exclusivo, Revvity. Para mais informação, visite www.carterra-bio.com ou conecte-se conosco no LinkedIn ou X (Twitter).

Contato da Curia:
Viana Bhagan
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Contato para Mídia da Carterra:
Cheri Salazar
(408) 594-9400
csalazar@carterra-bio.com

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/020a0a28-86f0-4f6c-96f2-0eaa01c82784

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9115418

May 10, 2024

Curia et Carterra coorganisent un symposium sur les produits biologiques pour encourager la recherche en biotechnologie dans le nord-ouest du Pacifique

ALBANY, New York et SALT LAKE CITY, 10 mai 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, une organisation de premier plan du domaine de la recherche, du développement et de la fabrication sous contrat, et Carterra Inc., leader mondial de la découverte d’anticorps et de médicaments à petites molécules sans étiquette à haut débit, annoncent ce jour un partenariat ciblé sur l’organisation d’un symposium sur les produits biologiques à haut débit, prévu le 31 mai au Residence Inn at Marriott de Seattle, dans l’État de Washington.

L’objectif de cette collaboration vise la promotion de l’intérêt croissant suscité par la biotechnologie dans la zone nord-ouest du Pacifique des États-Unis et du Canada. Le symposium réunira des professionnels de tous niveaux de direction scientifique de la biotechnologie et de la pharmaceutique.

« Nous sommes ravis de nous associer à Carterra pour organiser ce symposium axé sur la découverte d’anticorps, qui réunira l’ensemble de la communauté biotechnologique du nord-ouest du Pacifique et permettra de partager les dernières avancées en matière de découverte d’anticorps », observe Steve Lavezoli, vice-président des produits biologiques chez Curia. Et de poursuivre : « Nous sommes également impatients d’échanger sur nos meilleurs flux de travail, de haute qualité et accélérés pour la découverte, le développement et la fabrication clinique d’anticorps en vue d’une première administration chez l’être humain. Les anticorps découverts et/ou conçus à l’aide de la plateforme technologique de Curia sont utilisés en clinique et nous avons mené avec succès plus de 230 campagnes de découverte d’anticorps au bénéfice de la communauté biotechnologique. »

La rapidité, l’expertise scientifique et l’efficacité permettent de surmonter les forts taux de rotation de la découverte précoce d’anticorps et d’assurer la mise en marché de nouveaux produits thérapeutiques. Le symposium mettra en lumière la plateforme technologique et les services intégrés de Curia, en exerçant un focus sur le développement de modèles murins améliorés pour la génération d’anticorps et le criblage de cellules B uniques à haut débit. La combinaison du séquençage de nouvelle génération (SNG) et de la production recombinante rapide de quantités d’anticorps monoclonaux (AcM) purifiés (de milligramme en gramme) accélère considérablement l’identification des approches de développement de produits candidats.

Depuis 2017, Carterra commercialise son puissant biocapteur à haut débit LSA^®, conçu pour l’analyse et la caractérisation des anticorps à l’aide de la résonance plasmonique de surface (ou SPR pour Surface Plasmon Resonance). Depuis le lancement de sa plateforme LSA^XT l’année dernière, Carterra propose des produits en mesure d’effectuer l’analyse de petites molécules et permettre la découverte d’anticorps. La plateforme LSA a fait l’objet de plusieurs articles évalués par des pairs dans Science, Nature et Cell, détaillant le parcours de plusieurs produits thérapeutiques faisant leur entrée dans les essais cliniques. Lors du symposium, plusieurs scientifiques renommés du secteur biopharmaceutique partageront les éclairages propres à leurs domaines spécifiques de découverte de médicaments et mettront en évidence l’effet novateur de l’intégration de la technologie HT-SPR, de l’intelligence artificielle et de l’apprentissage automatique et d’autres nouvelles technologies.

« Nous sommes enchantés de nous associer à Curia pour organiser ce symposium. Les symposiums de Carterra sont des événements scientifiques que nous organisons chaque année aux États-Unis et en Europe », précise Chris M. Silva, vice-président du marketing et des produits chez Carterra, avant d’ajouter : « Ils nous permettent de partager les dernières avancées technologiques et les données significatives générées par les flux de travail des scientifiques utilisant les plateformes sans étiquette de Carterra. Nous rendre dans le nord-ouest du Pacifique nous permettra d’induire une meilleure compréhension de la technologie applicable aux domaines pharmaceutique et biotechnologique dans cette région. »

Cliquez ici pour vous inscrire à l’événement. L’inscription est obligatoire car le nombre de places est limité.

À propos de Curia :
Curia est une organisation de développement et de fabrication sous contrat (ou CDMO pour Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience à son actif, qui exploite un réseau intégré de 27 sites à travers le monde et emploie plus de 3 500 collaborateurs travaillant en partenariat avec des clients biopharmaceutiques pour commercialiser des traitements ayant un véritable impact sur la vie des personnes. Nos offres de produits biologiques et de petites molécules vont de la découverte à la commercialisation, et intègrent des capacités réglementaires et analytiques intégrées. Nos scientifiques, nos experts en processus et nos installations de pointe apportent une expérience de premier ordre dans la fabrication de substances et de produits pharmaceutiques. De la curiosité au traitement, nous réalisons toutes les étapes pour améliorer la vie des patients. Consultez notre site à l’adresse suivante : www.curiaglobal.com.

À propos de Carterra, Inc. :
Carterra, Inc. est une société privée. Sa technologie HT-SPR délivre aux clients du secteur de la découverte de médicaments à petites et grandes molécules un débit de criblage et de caractérisation et des fonctionnalités qui s’adaptent aux applications de niveau omique, ramenant ainsi des mois de travail à quelques jours à peine. Nos solutions ont permis la mise au point de nombreux traitements et de recherches révolutionnaires. Elles ont appuyé les chercheurs universitaires et translationnels ainsi que les sociétés biopharmaceutiques spécialisés dans les domaines de l’oncologie, de l’immunologie, des neurosciences, entre autres. Carterra est domiciliée à Salt Lake City, dans l’Utah, et exploite des centres d’expérience client situés à San Francisco, Salt Lake City et Boston, ainsi qu’à Manchester, en Angleterre, et à Munich, en Allemagne. Les produits Carterra sont disponibles en Asie-Pacifique et en Océanie par l’intermédiaire de notre distributeur exclusif, Revvity. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le site www.carterra-bio.com ou retrouvez-nous sur LinkedIn ou X (Twitter).

Coordonnées Curia :
Viana Bhagan
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Interlocutrice auprès des médias :
Cheri Salazar
(408) 594-9400
csalazar@carterra-bio.com

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/020a0a28-86f0-4f6c-96f2-0eaa01c82784

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9115418

May 10, 2024

U.S. unveils 56 young Nigerians for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has unveiled 56 distinguished young Nigerians selected for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by global education and development group, IREX.

The prospective fellows will travel to the U.S. as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the U.S. embassy spokesperson, Aishah Gambari, said on Friday.

They will travel to 28 U.S. cities from June 19 to Aug.1, and engage with U.S. leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors at a summit in Washington D.C.

Gambari added that, after the summit, three of the fellows would participate in a four-week Professional Development Experience programme at a U.S. organisation before returning to Nigeria.

According to her, the fellowship offers a comprehensive programme that includes academic coursework, lea
dership training, and networking opportunities, and is a testament to the U.S. enduring commitment to invest in Africa’s future.

She said the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, had welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasised the rigorous selection process and their ability to lead and inspire others.

He highlighted the fellows’ diverse achievements and encouraged them to share their culture in the United States and use the fellowship to expand their influence in Nigeria.

‘The Chargé d’Affaires expressed appreciation to the Public Diplomacy team and the State Department for their efforts in identifying future leaders and reminded the fellows of the importance of sharing their knowledge upon return to their communities.

‘He said that since the fellowship’s inception 10 years ago in 2014, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has had the privilege of supporting 569 young Nigerian leaders through the programme.

‘The envoy said the U.S. Mission in Nigeria eagerly anticipates the Ma
ndela Washington Fellowship’s continued success and its positive impact in shaping Africa’s future, as the cornerstone of the U.S. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), she added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

May 10, 2024

NIMC captures 107.3m persons in its database

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has so far captured over 107.3 million persons in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment.

The Director-General, NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this at the Maiden Media Interactive Session of the Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Coker-Odusote said there was need to fast track the enrolment process to capture more people into the national identity database.

‘An increase in the enrolment rate will help to reduce the processing time for enrolees.

‘Obtaining NIN should be as minimal as possible because the system has been upgraded, and the capacity is not that bad.

‘We are working on increasing the capacity that we have, we are trying to increase it from 100million to 250million, the process will take us a minimum of between 6 months and 9 months,’ she said.

She said the commission had equipped all its enrolment centres, saying however that most of the equipment were outdated, as the systems were acquired as far back as 2011.

The
DG said that although the equipment were donated to the commission, the number of equipment donated were minimal compared to what was required.

She said that Nigerians would have to pay a certain amount of money to access the New General Multipurpose National Identity Card through their finance institutions.

Odusote also said that although NIN was free, the card would not be issued free of charge.

‘It is just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours after payment to get the digital multipurpose card.

‘Application for the card will be based on request with individuals getting their NIN through self-service online portal or through the banks and the applicants will have to pay through the banks to acquire the card.

‘The proposed general multipurpose National Identity Card will be convenient, and it eliminates the need for multiple cards,’ she said.

She said that the cards had multiple use and can be used for payments
/financial, government intervention/services, and travel.

The DG said that NIMC was also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ensure hitch-free roll out of the cards.

‘Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks

‘The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the debit/credit cards.

‘The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,’ she said.

Coker-Odusote said the commission was in partnership with Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited and Galaxy Backbone to access efficient access to internet connectivity to the 774 Local Government Areas ( LGAs) of the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

May 10, 2024

Nigeria’s Defence Chief receives Prince Harry, Meghan in DHQ

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan have visited Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, as part of a three-day private visit to Nigeria.

The visit, on the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, was also in relation to the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport competition for wounded service personnel and veterans, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Duke and Duchess arrived Abuja on Friday, and immediately visited the Light Academy in Wuse, an institution supported by Archewell Foundation before moving to the defence headquarters.

On arrival at the DHQ, they were received by wives of military officers led by the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa and top officers of the Nigerian military.

The visitors went into closed door meeting with the defence chief, at the end of which they declined to speak with newsmen.

The royal couple had left Abuja for a visit to the Nigerian
Army Reference Hospital Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers receiving treatment.

They are expected to watch a novelty volleyball match between CDS Invictus and Team Duke on Saturday, hold strategic meetings, and proceed to Lagos on Sunday, before their departure.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria