Tag: Africa

Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board brings research leaders together to focus on evolving site, sponsor and patient relationships

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced it convened last week the inaugural meeting of its Site Advisory Board, a collaboration between clinical research investigator sites (“sites”) and industry leaders to create a better clinical trial experience for sites, patients and clinical study sponsors (“sponsors”) by targeting changes in technology, operational planning and delivery, commercial terms and community engagement.

Fortrea places sites and investigators at the forefront of clinical trial planning, leveraging their perspectives to drive changes that will improve the speed of trial execution, ease study start up and increase recruitment efficiency. These changes address long-standing challenges within clinical trials and will result in a better site, patient and sponsor trial experience. The Site Advisory Board will be responsible for providing insight and feedback on strategies and solutions proposed regarding sites, patients, trial operations and relevant technology.

“Sites and investigators are critical to the industry at every stage of clinical development, and they traditionally have faced hard-to-solve challenges in clinical trials alone. We welcome their insights in protocol design and actively engage them in early conversations with our operational teams and sponsors to quickly establish the most efficient, patient-focused trial plans,” said Mike Clay, vice president, Development Strategy and Growth, at Fortrea. “The formation of the Site Advisory Board marks an acceleration of our site-focused strategy and includes representation from incredibly impressive leaders, creating a think tank for our industry. The Board will also serve as a cornerstone of our ability to respond to sponsors with insights that improve the predictability of their trials, working together to develop efficient operational plans and provide sponsors with a high degree of confidence in speed of patient recruitment and overall trial delivery.”

Inaugural members of Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board include leaders and experts from Circuit Clinical, Elligo Health Research, FutureMeds, Javara, MD Anderson Cancer Center Foundation Spain, ObjectiveHealth, Pratia S.A. and Velocity Clinical Research, representing 440 sites across more than 25 therapeutic areas and nine countries and providing access to diverse patient communities.

What Fortrea’s Site Advisory Board members are saying…

“We firmly believe that this collaborative approach, bringing together both CRO and sites, will enable all stakeholders to align more effectively on perspectives within the clinical trial market,” said Łukasz Bęczkowski, chief operating officer at Pratia. “This, undoubtedly, empowers us to act together in a more efficient manner. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in propelling us all towards positive and expedited changes.”

“Fortrea is taking a ‘listen first’ approach by giving sites an equal voice towards the most effective working practices for dynamic patient communities and site stakeholders, leading to the best service to clinical trial sponsors,” said Nick Spittal, chief operations officer at Velocity Clinical Research.

“Fortrea is leading the industry in making partnerships more productive and efficient, from trial process to business relationships, all in the effort to accelerate new products to market,” said Barry Simms, chief operating officer at Elligo Health Research.

“Providing the appropriate patient access solution is vital in determining the ultimate success of a clinical trial. Historically, care providers have not been involved in the early development of research planning and strategy,” said Colleen Hoke, chief executive officer at ObjectiveHealth. “We are very supportive of Fortrea employing an innovative new approach to engage with healthcare site partnership providers, who are key to delivering successful research results, early in the planning process.”

“FutureMeds is delighted to join the Fortrea Site Advisory Board to build better understanding between key stakeholders in the clinical research industry,” said Radek Janiak, chief executive officer at FutureMeds. “Hearing the voice of patients, investigators and sites will put Fortrea in a pole position for bringing new therapies to the market.”

“Working across the vast clinical trial ecosystem is complex and requires highly functional partnerships centered on trust and competence,” said Michelle Rule, senior vice president of enterprise optimization at Javara. “Fortrea’s genuine commitment to building a forum and working relationships through the Site Advisory Board exhibits dedication to progress for all stakeholders in research and, most of all, the patients.”

About Fortrea

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team of about 19,000 people working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) @Fortrea.

Fortrea Contacts:
Fortrea Media: Galen Wilson – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Fortrea Media: Kate Dillon – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8994021

Pockets of opportunity emerge in private credit and secondaries

LONDON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Preqin, the global leader in alternative assets data, tools, and insights, published its Alternatives in 2024 report, part of the Preqin Global Reports 2024. The report provides analysis on trends on key factors and trends driving the alternative assets industry.

While 2023 is a year so far characterized by market headwinds and a challenging fundraising environment for investors and fund managers alike, Preqin analysts remain optimistic about the outlook for global alternative assets. For instance, private debt fundraising fared relatively well in comparison to other private capital asset classes, while secondaries deal flow should start to pick up going into 2024 as the market comes back into balance.

Cameron Joyce, Head of Private Equity, Research Insights at Preqin, says, “Amid the formidable headwinds marked by swiftly tightening monetary policy and economic uncertainty, alternative assets have remained comparatively resilient. The industry continues to evolve rapidly, and promising opportunities are presenting themselves in areas such as private debt and secondaries. We continue to forecast solid growth for the industry despite softening expectations around fundraising and performance.”

Key highlights from each asset class:

Private equity faces a stern test:

The private equity market has been hampered by rising interest rates – which have weighed on deal activity – and a constrained exit environment. Dealmakers are hoping for an increase in activity during 2024 and long-term investor appetite remains strong.

Venture capital investor sentiment on performance improves:

Venture capital returns have been challenged by factors such as the poor exit environment, elevated asset valuations, and climbing interest rates. Noting this, our latest investor survey shows that investors’ outlook is shifting, and they are comparatively more positive on the performance of the asset class over the next 12 months.

Private debt fundraising holds up:

Private debt’s floating-rate structure and seniority in the capital stack are especially attractive for investors seeking more defensive assets in challenging conditions, with strategies such as mezzanine debt growing in popularity.

Hedge funds’ AUM rises despite net outflows:

Hedge funds’ AUM growth has been driven primarily by asset returns and not inflows and outflows. In fact, hedge fund returns during months of market volatility proved that they can be effective in providing investors with downside protection. Niche strategies such as cryptocurrencies and insurance-linked securities (ILS) gained prominence due to their low public market correlation.

Real estate under pressure:

Rising interest rates have weighed on investment sentiment, resulting in weaker fundraising and deal activity. As investors flock toward larger funds in search of a sense of security, fundraising has been even more challenging for first-time and smaller funds.

Infrastructure may be turning a corner:

Fundraising fell sharply in 2023, a significant reversal after fund managers amassed record sums in 2022. But third-quarter deal activity proved robust and tailwinds from energy transition will continue to underpin the long-term growth of unlisted infrastructure.

For more information, contact Mimi Celeste Taylor at mimiceleste.taylor@preqin.com.  

Notes to the editors

Alternatives in 2024 is a freely available version to accompany the Preqin Global Reports 2024. This complimentary report explores the impact of macroeconomic headwinds and market volatility on alternative assets this year and beyond.

If you are a full-time member of the press and would like to receive a full copy of any of the following reports, please get in touch: Private equity, venture capital, private debt, hedge funds, real estate and infrastructure. For non-press, the 2024 Preqin Global Reports are available for Preqin Insights+ subscribers.

About Preqin

Preqin, the Home of Alternatives, empowers financial professionals who invest in or allocate to alternatives with essential data and insight to make confident decisions. It supports them throughout the entire investment lifecycle with critical information and leading analytics solutions. The company has pioneered rigorous methods of collecting private data for over 20 years, enabling more than 200,000 professionals globally to streamline how they raise capital, source deals and investments, understand performance, and stay informed. For more information visit www.preqin.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000903920

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech^® (NASDAQ: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, is thrilled to announce its presence at CES 2024 (booth 11014 LVCC/North Hall) and to offer visitors an exclusive glimpse into the next generation of software technology and inspired products enabling ADAS and AD applications.

IMMERSE YOURSELF in the future of automotive innovation with LeddarVision, a sensor and processor-agnostic, high-performance and versatile automotive low-level sensor fusion and perception software platform that generates a comprehensive 3D environmental model from various sensor types (camera, radar and LiDAR) and configurations.

Experience LeddarVision and L2/L3 ADAS products in action in various climates and road conditions on the LeddarTech interactive dashboard featuring:

• **NEW** LeddarVision Surround (LVS-2⁺) is the surround-view premium fusion and perception stack that efficiently extends the LVF front-view product family 1VxR sensor configuration to a 5V5R configuration.
• **Award-winning** LeddarVision Front Entry (LVF-E), a front-view fusion and perception stack for entry-level ADAS L2/L2+ highway assist and 5-star NCAP 2025/GSR 2022 featuring Texas Instruments’ TDA4VM-Q1 processor. The LVF-E achieves the lowest system cost for L2/L2+ entry-level ADAS.
  • October 2023 – ADAS System of the Year Award granted by the UK-based AutoTech Breakthrough
  • November 2023 – Self-Driving Industry Sensing Software Award from Cars of the Future UK

RIDE ALONG LeddarCar live: Customers and analysts are invited to book a real-world on-road demonstration of LeddarTech’s LeddarVision low-level fusion and perception software technology.

Customers, analysts, investors and the media are invited to schedule a meeting with
our team at CES to learn more about LeddarTech.

“Join us as we demonstrate our groundbreaking LeddarVision automotive software solutions in the dynamic LeddarCar and unveil our cutting-edge ADAS products and technology at CES 2024,” stated Frantz Saintellemy, President, COO and incoming CEO of LeddarTech. “CES is a great opportunity for us to connect with our customers, partners, media, investors and policymakers and to showcase how our technology improves mobility and quality of life for all road users. LeddarTech’s participation at CES 2024 underscores our pivotal role in advancing the future of automotive technology, reinforcing our position as a leading player in automotive software.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patent applications (80 granted) that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

• Investor relations website: https://investors.LeddarTech.com
• Investor relations contact: Kevin Hunt, ICR Inc. kevin.hunt@icrinc.com
• Financial media contact: Dan Brennan, ICR Inc. dan.brennan@icrinc.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe9b76b7-c72b-416d-8174-2b4bfe122503

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8991943

Global Liver Institute’s Second Edition “Global State of Liver Health” Report Reveals Promising Opportunities

Washington D.C., Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI), the premier patient-led liver health nonprofit operating globally, released the second edition of its “Global State of Liver Health” report, now including 22 countries covering every region of the world. Following the impetus of the Liver Health is Public Health initiative, international experts drew attention to pressing opportunities for their respective governments to prioritize and improve liver health.

Liver disease continues to pose a heavy burden for the world and its health systems:

• Liver disease causes 2 million deaths per year around the globe.
• An estimated 1.5 billion people in the world have chronic liver disease – an increase of 13% since the beginning of the millennium.
• About 70% of liver cancer is preventable.
• Even rare liver diseases appear to be rising in prevalence; in Germany, for instance, prevalence has risen by around 30% in less than five years.

“Our continued exploration of the scope and scale of the impact of liver diseases gives us both pause and hope. Powerful human intellect has developed many innovative solutions,” noted GLI CEO Donna R. Cryer, JD. “Rather than let these solutions go to waste, it is now time to direct political will towards putting them into practice and ensuring the ability to achieve liver health – and overall health – around the world.”

Strategies and technologies currently exist that can prevent liver disease or catch it early. However, putting these tools into practice can require financial investment, expert training, and often complex execution on a scale that necessitates government support. Several of the report’s expert advisors highlighted the policy opportunities and successes that might support liver health:

“We don’t have many tools currently to control tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and even the consumption of unhealthy diets in Vietnam,” shared Dr. Tung Pham, report advisor and lecturer /physician at Hanoi Medical University. “These are the second and third leading factors, so a tightening of standards, maybe raising taxes and implementing other promotional programs, will be essential.”

In contrast, a liberal treatment program that provided newly developed hepatitis C treatment to patients in Australia without many barriers has eliminated more than half of the viral disease throughout the country. As report advisor and leading hepatologist Dr. Simone Strasser noted in the report, several features brought about a successful program, including comprehensive training of primary care providers, minimal direct cost to patients, and local access to treatment.

National experts have identified the greatest threats to liver health in their communities. Now, those who care about liver health and its related conditions must urge their national leaders to prioritize and implement solutions.

The Liver Health is Public Health initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Sanofi and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.

Attachment

• Global State of Liver Health Report edition 2 is now live

Christine Maalouf
Global Liver Institute
cmaalouf@globalliver.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8993807

His Excellency Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Vice-Minister for Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources at the Future Minerals Forum press conference

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At a press conference today, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) announced details of the third edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), to be held in Riyadh 9^th-11^th January at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

Speaking at the conference, H.E. the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Khalid Al-Mudaifer, looked forward to further achievements delivered by the Ministerial Roundtable and FMF 2024. In previous editions, both platforms have seen participation from ministers and a leading group of international speakers to address issues and turn talk into action.

The Vice Minister discussed the unique role of the FMF in hosting the only Ministerial Roundtable of its kind in the industry. He said: “We have succeeded in making this meeting a strategic and influential platform led by governments, providing a voice for many countries and official organizations.”

Over 70 countries will be represented by government ministers and high-ranking officials at the Ministerial Roundtable on January 9. For the first time, a Geological Survey Leaders meeting will be held concurrently with the Roundtable, allowing institutions to discuss key mineral issues in the Super Region.

Following the Roundtable, 250 key speakers will participate in 75 sessions over the two-day Forum. Some 90% of them are CEOs of some of the largest companies in the sector.

“We created the FMF to support delivery of the energy transition and create responsible, resilient minerals value chains in the Super Region of Africa, Western and Central Asia. Last week we attended COP and delivered a simple message: without minerals there cannot be an energy transition,” Al-Mudaifer added.

The conference noted the Kingdom’s leadership in supplying the world with energy, and its current substantial role in supporting the development of resilient value chains to deliver clean energy solutions. The Kingdom has the potential to become an international hub for the production and processing of green minerals. This is supported by the Manara Minerals Company, which invests in mining assets globally to help achieve flexibility in global supply chains and accelerate the pace of the energy transition.

For a full list of speakers and more information about FMF 2024 please visit https://www.futuremineralsforum.com/conference-speakers/.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/029ac455-d922-4185-bdb6-7b83fa717128

Media Contact:
Omar Shereen
E: Omar.shereen@fleishman.com
M: +966 50 663 0489

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000903779