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Verisk Maplecroft releases world’s first subnational human rights risk indices

New data maps risk exposure of assets, suppliers and investments across 3600 regions, 10 issues

London, UK, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After two years in development, global risk data and forecasting company Verisk Maplecroft has released the world’s only Subnational Human Rights Dataset to enable multinational organizations and financial institutions to undertake risk assessments of their global operations, supply chains and investments in more granular detail than has been possible to date. 

The Dataset, which encompasses risk scores for 3,600 states and administrative regions in 198 countries, can be used by companies and asset managers to accurately map their exposure to 10 key human rights issues:

  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Child Labour
  • Extrajudicial or Unlawful Killings
  • Forced Labour
  • Freedom of Assembly
  • Kidnappings
  • Migrant Workers
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Security Forces and Human Rights
  • Torture and Other Ill-treatment

“This data is unique, as there is nothing else in the marketplace that can match its comprehension of a wide degree of human rights issues on such a large scale,” says Matt Moshiri, President of Verisk Maplecroft. “In a time where greater emphasis is being placed on the social element of ESG (environmental, social and governance) risks by investors and consumers alike, it will provide the more refined intelligence companies need to take the assessment of human rights to a new level.”

Dynamic human rights monitoring captures local-level risks for 198 countries

The indices bring together data science with expert derived judgements and existing methodologies from Verisk Maplecroft’s internationally recognised country-level human rights indices.

‘Events gathering’ of reported violations or issues related to a specific human right is a key component. The benefit of this approach is that Verisk Maplecroft is able to more accurately capture the situation as reported ‘on the ground’ as well as being able to swiftly react to any major event, including conflicts, protests, riots or any other severe human rights infringements. Furthermore, using a dynamic event gathering approach means the indices will be updated quarterly to provide up-to-date metrics for each of the 3,600 regions.

With the human rights situation not only varying between countries, but also between the administrative areas, such a view is particularly beneficial for organizations with global footprints, multinational supply chains or diversified investment portfolios.

Fine-tuning human rights risk assessments

The indices provide an important risk assessment tool for a range of functions, including for the sustainable procurement departments of global brands that may be worried about the use of child labour or forced labour in the creation of their company’s products. These organizations may have 10,000 suppliers from 120 countries, but a budget that only allows for an audit of 10% of them. The Subnational Human Rights Dataset will support them with prioritising which suppliers to audit to have the best chance of addressing these issues from their supply chain.

Asset managers seeking to understand their ESG exposure, especially in relation to corporates and real assets, can also use Verisk Maplecroft’s Subnational Human Rights Dataset, alongside its environmental and governance indices, to monitor risk at the portfolio level.

“While our country-level human rights data remains market leading, the more granular geographic view of the new dataset allows for a fine-tuned approach to risk management,” adds Mr Moshiri. “It will also simplify compliance with emerging supply chain legislation and provide greater assurance to ethical consumers and responsible investors that companies are taking the extra steps necessary to minimize their human rights impact.”

About Verisk Maplecroft

With over 15 years standing at the forefront of data modelling, risk analysis and strategic forecasting, Verisk Maplecroft offers an unparalleled perspective on the complexities of the global risk landscape and the challenges it presents to business and investors.

With a unique holistic approach to risk, combining the world’s most extensive portfolio of global risk indices with expert analysis and specialist advisory capabilities, Verisk Maplecroft helps businesses identify, map and manage the exposure of their operations, supply chains and investments to the full spectrum of risks. From emerging ESG trends, political instability and climate change to resource nationalism, labour rights and security issues, its flexible solutions and tailored services give companies the actionable insight they need to make more effective decisions and succeed in an increasingly volatile world.

Verisk Maplecroft is part of the Verisk family of companies (NASDAQ: VRSK). Verisk is a leading data analytics provider serving customers in insurance, energy and specialized markets, and financial services. Around the world, Verisk helps customers protect people, property, and financial assets for more information visit www.verisk.com.


www.maplecroft.com

Press contact:

Jason McGeown
Head of Media Relations
Verisk Maplecroft
Tel: +44 (0)1225 472846
Email: [email protected]

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Wolters Kluwer FRR Named Technology Partner for Regulatory Compliance in Central Banking Awards

Wolters Kluwer FRR Named Technology Partner for Regulatory Compliance in Central Banking Awards

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Wolters Kluwer’s Finance, Risk & Regulatory Reporting (FRR) business has won a major award from Central Banking magazine, being named Technology Partner For Regulatory Compliance, in the publication’s annual FinTech and RegTech Awards.

The awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation, were decided by an expert panel of judges, including Central Banking magazine’s editorial team. Central Banking is published by Infopro Digital and is a sister title to Risk magazine. It specializes in public policy and financial markets, with an emphasis on central banks and their relationship with international financial institutions. The magazine was founded in 1990 and has an impressive editorial board which includes Nobel prize winning economists and former governors of central banks in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

“As regulators upgrade their technology, the industry is having to do the same. For a number of years Wolters Kluwer FRR has been providing financial institutions with integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solutions. Its OneSumX for FRR platform allows reporting to central banks and other regulatory bodies,” the judges said. “Wolters Kluwer leads the way on technology for regulatory compliance. The firm harnesses technology to help market players cope with the growing scope and volume of financial regulation.”

OneSumX for FRR, Wolters Kluwer FRR’s best-in-class integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solution suite, establishes a single source of data for finance, risk and regulatory reporting that is enriched with value-added content from in-house experts.

“Wolters Kluwer’s strong reputation and the success of our regulatory reporting and risk offerings have largely been based on ability to accurately connect the regulatory and reporting workflow processes and combine the data elements involved with the highest level of integrity. Our updated Regulatory Engine and launch of our SaaS solution mean our clients have access to a truly integrated offering covering finance, risk and regulatory reporting,” says Claudio Salinardi, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Wolters Kluwer FRR. “Awards like these are based on all important client feedback and, as such, provide independent recognition of our leading capabilities. On behalf of Wolters Kluwer I’d like to sincerely thank the judges for this prestigious accolade. 2020 has, of course, been a momentous year and our team’s commitment to ensuring the highest levels of service for our valued clients remains as focused as ever.”

Wolters Kluwer FRR, which is part of Wolters Kluwer’s Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division, is a global market leader in the provision of integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solutions. It supports regulated financial institutions in meeting their obligations to external regulators and their own board of directors.

Wolters Kluwer FRR receives frequent independent recognition of its excellence and innovation, celebrating a record year for award wins in 2019. Risk magazine recently awarded the company its coveted Regulatory Reporting System of The Year Award for the third year running and Wolters Kluwer FRR is the #1 provider in both Regulatory Reporting and Liquidity Risk according to the RiskTech100, as compiled by Chartis Research.

About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance.

Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2019 annual revenues of €4.6 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.

Paul Lyon

Director of Global Corporate Communications

Governance, Risk & Compliance Division

Wolters Kluwer

Office +44 20 3197 6586

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Europe Ireland United Kingdom Netherlands

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Data Management Technology Legal Software Finance Banking

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Amcor’s responsible packaging strategy unlocks industry-leading sustainability progress

Amcor’s sustainability report highlights including increased design for recyclability products, greater PCR use and expansions to partnership activity

PR Newswire

ZURICH, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Amcor, a global leader in packaging, continues to achieve significant progress in its efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce plastic waste. In this year’s sustainability report, Amcor reveals its delivery against key target areas and re-establishes the central role that sustainability plays in its business.

The report details efforts Amcor has taken across its rigids, flexibles and specialty cartons businesses.

Highlights include:

  • Amcor’s progress in bringing its product offerings in line with its sustainable commitments – as a result, $7.71 bn of Amcor’s revenue is now generated from products that have been designed to be recyclable.
  • Amcor’s increased use of post-consumer recycled resin – which reached over 83,000 tonnes this year. This higher utilization of PCR also reduced over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions – as recycled resin has a lower carbon footprint than virgin material.
  • Continued efforts to run its operations efficiently and in line with the highest environmental standards have seen the company reduce waste disposal from operations by over 3,200 tonnes – a 10% reduction – this year.
  • Amcor’s partnerships activity increased as Amcor joined WWF ReSource: Plastic initiative; a global consortium of companies and organizations collaborating to keep waste out of the environment.

David Clark, Vice President for Sustainability at Amcor said: “At Amcor we believe that winning for the environment means that we are winning as a business. As a market leader, we’re committed to using our innovation capabilities to ensure that all of our products are recyclable or reusable by 2025 – but we know that this is only one stage of the cycle. A sustainable, responsible approach to packaging requires more than just recyclable products, it also needs infrastructure development and customer action. This year’s sustainability report outlines our continued work to achieve more sustainable outcomes and to use our unique position to accelerate more sustainable solutions.”

Amcor’s 2020 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core option and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Containers & Packaging Sustainability Accounting Standard version 2018-10. This is the ninth year that Amcor has reported in accordance with GRI and the first year it has reported using the SASB Standards.

The report will be released on Thursday 12th November at 08:00 CET time and is accessible alongside previous year’s reports and our Sustainability Review – which lays out Amcor’s sustainability strategy and details our progress against our objectives.

Learn more about Amcor’s sustainability activities at www.amcor.com/sustainability

About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that uses less materials, is increasingly recyclable and reusable, and is made with more recycled content. Around 47,000 Amcor people generate $12.5 billion in annual sales from operations that span about 230 locations in 40-plus countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

www.amcor.com  I  LinkedIn  I  Facebook  I  Twitter  I  YouTube

 

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SOURCE Amcor

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BevCanna Partners with Naturo to Launch Beyond Energy All-Natural Hemp Energy Drink

BevCanna Partners with Naturo to Launch Beyond Energy All-Natural Hemp Energy Drink

Partnership with Naturo to bring access to over 3,000 points of distribution as well as significant retail and manufacturing expertise, with all necessary licenses already in place

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Emerging leader in infused innovations BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (“BevCanna” or the “Company”) (CSE:BEV, OTCQB:BVNNF, FSE:7BC), is excited to announce the development of a new Beyond Energy all-natural hemp energy drink. Launched in partnership with experienced beverage company, Naturo Group, the beverage will be sold under BevCanna’s flagship house brand, Anarchist Mountain Beverages™.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201112005424/en/

Beyond Energy natural hemp energy drink (Photo: Business Wire)

Beyond Energy natural hemp energy drink (Photo: Business Wire)

Formulated with natural mineral spring water, Beyond Energy features all-natural vegan friendly ingredients, including natural yuzu and lime flavours, caffeine from natural tea, ginseng, B & D vitamins, and hemp seed extract, which is a functional source of omegas and promotes brain function and overall wellbeing. Additionally, the presence of essential B and D vitamins such as B12 and D3 combats a global vitamin deficiency within consumers today. The innovative fortified hemp seed extract formulation does not require Health Canada cannabis licensing and will allow the beverage to be sold in traditional mass retail points of distribution and through direct to consumer e-commerce channels.

“The launch of the Beyond Energy beverage will not only expand BevCanna’s Anarchist Mountain brand into traditional points of retail and ecommerce, but will also allow BevCanna to sell product into Naturo’s extensive retail distribution network,” said John Campbell, CSO of BevCanna.

Naturo Group offers a full service white-label beverage manufacturing vertical for traditional CPG clients and owns and operates nationally distributed house brands across Canada. Naturo’s house brand beverages are currently sold in more than 3000 Canadian retailers, including 7/11, Loblaws, London Drugs, Metro and Farm Boy, as well as online direct-to-consumers, via Amazon; and is expanding into the U.S. market in 2021. Naturo’s significant and established distribution network will allow BevCanna to scale its retail distribution quickly and to leverage this network for its range of infused beverages.

“Naturo has been exceptionally successful in growing its retail and e-commerce distribution network, along with its robust manufacturing capabilities,” said Marcello Leone, Founder of Naturo Group & CEO of BevCanna “Now that the market for cannabis and hemp-derived beverages is exploding, Naturo is excited to further strengthen it’s relationship with BevCanna to launch these innovative new natural products through Naturo’s robust manufacturing and distribution network, and for continued collaboration with BevCanna.”

Beyond Energy will represent the first beverage to launch under the Anarchist Mountain banner in traditional sales channels. The Anarchist Mountain brand represents iconic West Coast attributes in all aspects of its brand identity and is formulated based on extensive consumer trends research. Inspired by the site of BevCanna’s bottling operations and pristine alkaline spring water source in the BC interior, Anarchist Mountain is a nod to the rich history of cultivation in the iconic region – both a longstanding legacy and notoriety within cannabis, and the 100+ wineries spread throughout the region.

The full Anarchist Mountain brand portfolio will include non-cannabinoid options, including Beyond Energy, which will use hemp seed extract, and which will be sold through traditional retail and ecommerce; as well as cannabis-infused options, which will be sold through licensed dispensaries. As domestic and international markets evolve regulations to allow for a broader distribution of cannabinoid based products, BevCanna will leverage the distribution network established through the non-cannabinoid options to broaden the distribution for cannabinoid infused beverages, consistent with their overall growth strategy of scaling into traditional points of retail to the maximize addressable market and leverage brand equity.

About BevCanna Enterprises Inc.

BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE:BEV, OTCQB:BVNNF, FSE:7BC) develops and manufactures cannabinoid–infused beverages and consumer products for in–house brands and white label clients. With decades of experience creating, branding and distributing iconic brands that have resonated with consumers on a global scale, the team demonstrates an expertise unmatched in the emerging cannabis beverage category. Based in British Columbia, Canada, BevCanna owns the exclusive rights to a pristine spring water aquifer, access to a world–class 40,000–square–foot, HACCP certified manufacturing facility, with a current bottling capacity of up to 210M bottles per annum. BevCanna also recently acquired US natural health and wellness e-commerce platform Pure Therapy. BevCanna’s vision is to be a global leader in infused innovations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

John Campbell, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer

Director, BevCanna Enterprises Inc.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company, including the statements regarding: the partnership with Naturo will bring access to over 3,000 points of distribution as well as significant retail and e-commerce expertise; the beverage will be sold in traditional mass retail points of distribution and through direct to consumer e-commerce channels, expand BevCanna’s Anarchist Mountain brand into traditional points of retail and ecommerce, and will also allow BevCanna to sell product into Naturo’s extensive retail distribution network; Naturo’s significant and established distribution network will allow BevCanna to scale its retail distribution quickly and to leverage this network for its range of infused beverages; the full Anarchist Mountain brand portfolio will include non-cannabinoid options, including Beyond Energy, which will use hemp seed extract and which will be sold through traditional retail and ecommerce; as well as cannabis-infused options, which will be sold through licensed dispensaries; as domestic and international markets evolve regulations to allow for a broader distribution of cannabinoid based products, BevCanna will leverage the distribution network established through the non-cannabinoid options to broaden the distribution for cannabinoid infused beverages, consistent with their overall growth strategy of scaling into traditional points of retail to the maximize addressable market and leverage brand equity; and other statements regarding the business plans of the Company.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions regarding the issuances of licenses by Health Canada to the Company under the Cannabis Act; future positive legislative, tax and regulatory developments with respect to cannabis; a continued high regulatory barrier entry for cannabis-infused beverages; successful and timely commercialization of the company’s products; successful and timely negotiation of various agreements; and expectations with respect to the future growth of recreational cannabis products. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The assumptions of the Company, although considered reasonable by it at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, the Company not being issued licenses by Health Canada; risks associated with general economic conditions; risks associated with climate and agriculture; changes in consumer preferences; adverse industry events; future legislative, tax and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the inability to implement business strategies; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations and other risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. For more information on the risk, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the public filings of the Company which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law, and the Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:

Wynn Theriault, Thirty Dash Communications

416-710-3370

[email protected]

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Luca Leone, BevCanna Enterprises Inc.

604-880-6618

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Alternative Medicine Retail Health Fitness & Nutrition Specialty Food/Beverage

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Beyond Energy natural hemp energy drink (Photo: Business Wire)
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Willis Towers Watson acquires Acclimatise in move that further strengthens climate resilience leadership

Combining Acclimatise with WTW’s Climate and Resilience Hub creates global powerhouse for climate resilience services

LONDON, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced the acquisition of Acclimatise, the market leader in climate change adaptation advisory and analytics services, to meet growing demands from corporates, Governments and financial institutions.

Willis Towers Watson’s Climate and Resilience Hub (CRH) has expanded its scope to help clients address the challenges of climate and related Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues across physical, transition and legal liability risks. Combining the capabilities of Acclimatise and the CRH will enhance the company’s leadership in physical climate risk and integrate this with a growing range of wider client services on climate and resilience.

Acclimatise, based in the UK with teams in France, the U.S. and India, brings a wealth of complementary experience in climate adaptation to Willis Towers Watson having completed over four hundred and fifty climate adaptation consulting projects since it was founded in 2004. The company has developed a unique platform to assimilate and apply climate model and earth observation data to support risk analytics and on-line applications. This has delivered a market leading position among financial services, natural resources, development institutions and Governments across developed and emerging markets to support national planning and climate finance.

Welcoming the deal, Rowan Douglas, Head of Willis Towers Watson’s Climate and Resilience Hub, said, “By combining Acclimatise’s market leading climate modelling and adaptation capabilities with Willis Towers Watsons’s deep experience in natural catastrophe modelling, risk management, re/insurance and investment markets we have a unique range of expertise to help clients manage climate exposures, seize adaptation opportunities and build more resilient societies and economies.”

“We have long admired Acclimatise and what John Firth and Dr. Richenda Connell have built as visionary leaders since 2004. Our earlier collaboration via the Willis Research Network illustrated a shared market ambition, culture and complementary experience and relationships. This feels like a very natural step for both teams. We are all excited about meeting the resilience challenges for corporates, Governments and financial institutions in the years ahead.”

John Haley, CEO at Willis Towers Watson, said “This acquisition is very much in line with our goal to help clients navigate an increasingly complex world and to achieve climate resilience through the provision of market-leading solutions. Acclimatise’s capabilities and proven success in the area of climate risk, provide significant opportunity for us going forward. I am excited about what this means for Willis Towers Watson.

In addition, combining the skillsets and capabilities of both companies will further strengthen our company’s efforts in addressing climate resilience for wider society, for example our work with the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment (CCRI).”

John Firth, CEO and Co-Founder of Acclimatise, said, “Climate change risk is fast becoming a central part of government, corporate and financial decision making and planning. Meeting growing client demand will require increasingly sophisticated approaches to climate risk assessment and management. This is why I’m hugely excited by the potential that Willis Towers Watson’s acquisition of Acclimatise brings. I am very proud of Acclimatise’s achievements and our staff over its sixteen-year history – from kitchen table to a market leader – and am confident that combining with the Climate and Resilience Hub is the right move to ensure we can amplify the impact of our work.”

About Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.

About the Climate and Resilience Hub

The Climate and Resilience Hub (CRH) is the focal point for our climate expertise and capabilities, pooling knowledge from across our people, risk and capital businesses and from our collaborations to deliver climate and resilience solutions in response to a range of regulatory, investor, consumer, employee and operating pressures. Under the Climate Quantified™ brand we deliver analytics, advice and transactions to enable corporate, finance and public sector institutions to embrace the climate decade ahead.

Media contact

Andrew Collis +44 (0) 7932 725267

Miles Russell +44 (0) 7903 262118

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NeoDynamics enters a scientific partnership to evaluate its technology platform in osteoarthritis

PR Newswire

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NeoDynamics AB (publ), (Spotlight Stockholm: NEOD), today announced that the Company joins in a research collaboration with the William Hunter Revisited research consortium to evaluate NeoNavia pulse biopsy system for joint tissue sampling in a new potential indication, osteoarthritis.

The William Hunter Revisited research consortium consists of six universities and academic hospitals and is collaborating with industry to identify biomarkers and test new diagnostic devices for monitoring disease progression and repair as well as developing regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis.

“We look forward to collaborating with NeoDynamics and leveraging their expertise and technology to improve biopsy technique and tissue sampling in patients with osteoarthritis”, says Dr. Pieter Emans, Orthopedic Surgeon at Maastricht UMC.

“The collaboration with the consortium is a great opportunity for NeoDynamics, it gives us access to a network of leading clinicians and researchers in the field of osteoarthritis. Naturally we are interested to evaluate our technology platform beyond the breast cancer area”, says Kai-Uwe Schässburger, Ph.D. Director Clinical Development & Medical Affairs of NeoDynamics. “This will further validate our pulse biopsy system NeoNavia and explore the potential use in Osteoarthritis”.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 100 million patients around the world. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the end of the bones gradually deteriorates and is the 4th leading cause of mobility-associated disability. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time often resulting in chronic pain. Societal costs are immense and reaching 15 Billion per year in the Netherlands alone. There is a significant need to developing innovative tools for tissue sampling, and analysis of disease progression to optimize individual treatment options.

The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08:55 CET on November 12, 2020

For additional information please contact: 

Anna Eriksrud, CEO NeoDynamics AB (publ). Phone +46 708 444 966 e-mail: [email protected]

Jörgen Vrenning, CFO/IR NeoDynamics AB (publ). Phone +46 708 519 648 e-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/neodynamics/r/neodynamics-enters-a-scientific-partnership-to-evaluate-its-technology-platform-in-osteoarthritis,c3235576

 

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SOURCE NeoDynamics

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Epson Debuts First 8.5-Inch Desktop Dye-Sublimation Printer for Home or Small Businesses to Create and Sell Products Easily and Affordably

New Compact SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer Offers Turnkey Solution to Create Personalized Mugs, Face Masks, Mobile Phone Covers, T-Shirts, and More

PR Newswire

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –Epson today announced the first 8.5-inch wide desktop dye-sublimation printer – the SureColor® F170 – enabling creative individuals and small businesses to easily get started in the personalized promotional goods market. Designed to deliver fast, reliable dye-sublimation printing right out of the box, the new printer is ideal for home or small businesses and start-ups looking to expand their product offering into the gifting and promo goods sector. The new printer delivers an affordable and intuitive solution for creating personalized awards, mugs, mousepads, face masks, mobile phone covers, t-shirts, hats, and more.

“Americans are starting new businesses and shifting their product offerings at the fastest rate in more than a decade,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “As creative entrepreneurs and small businesses transition to meet new opportunities in a reshaped economy, there is an increased demand for entry-level dye-sublimation technology that allows customers to easily and confidently create and sell products. Whether you’re just getting started on Etsy or Shopify, or growing into new offerings, the SureColor F170 provides creative individuals and businesses everything needed to expand into the popular promotional goods market with a seamless solution built and fully supported by Epson.”

The purpose-built dye-sublimation printer delivers professional-quality prints using powerful PrecisionCore® technology. A truly turnkey solution, the SureColor F170 arrives with genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink technology, a 150-sheet auto-feed tray and macOS™ and Windows™ print software. The SureColor F170 offers fast turnaround times for product production and low running costs to home and small businesses and requires no specialist knowledge to set up, operate or maintain. In addition, the remarkably compact, space-saving design allows for maximized workshop space at home or in a small studio.

The SureColor F170 uses high-performance ink technology with OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified inks which when applied to fabric and appropriately fixed, garments have been determined safe for use by adults, children and babies.1 The high capacity 140 mL bottles have auto-stop technology that allows for easy refilling without a mess. The SureColor F170 works with Epson DS Transfer Multi Use Paper, which is matched with print settings and ink to produce high-quality output out of the box. The instant dry paper avoids print smudges and roller marks and produces excellent photo quality on both rigid materials and fabrics.

The SureColor F170 delivers high image quality in one of the most compact, reliable dye-sublimation printers on the market. Additional features include:

  • Astounding print quality – PrecisionCore printhead offers Precision Droplet Control for outstanding clarity
  • Genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink technology – Delivers extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast
  • Versatile media support – Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency
  • Replace ink less often – High-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop for easy, mess-free filling
  • Tackle a variety of print jobs – Epson DS Transfer Multi Use Paper produces amazing images on both soft and rigid materials
  • Reliable performance – Backed by Epson world-class service and support
  • Easy printing right out of the box – Comes equipped with streamlined print software optimized for dye-sublimation
  • Flexible connectivity – Easily connect to the printer via USB, Ethernet or integrated wireless

Support and Availability
The Epson SureColor F170 will be available for $399 estimated MSRP through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers. The printer comes with a one-year, 15,000 page limited warranty. The printer is designed to work exclusively with Epson ink. For additional information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to becoming indispensable to society by connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. The company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Epson is proud of its contributions to realizing a sustainable society and its ongoing efforts to realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

* Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance.

1 When applied to fabric and appropriately fixed Epson DS ink has passed the standards set by OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT. For further details on these standards please visit www.oeko-tex.com/ecopass.

EPSON, PrecisionCore and SureColor are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2020 Epson America, Inc.

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Cardior Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Phase Ib Results of its Lead Compound CDR132L in Heart Failure

  • First-in-class compound showed excellent tolerability and safety
  • Unique mode of action in chronic heart failure confirmed by data on cardiac function and biomarkers
  • Phase II studies in subacute and chronic heart failure
    planned

Hanover, Germany, November 12, 2020 – Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH, a clinical-stage biotech company focused on the development of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) based therapeutics for patients with cardiovascular diseases, announced today positive results of a Phase Ib study with its lead compound CDR132L. The compound is an antisense oligonucleotide inhibiting the non-coding microRNA-132 (miR132) that directly regulates adverse cardiac remodeling. This first-in-human study was performed in cooperation with Richmond Pharmacology Ltd., London, UK (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04045405). Results were published in the European Heart Journal (doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa898).

In the trial, CDR132L met all endpoints and showed excellent tolerability and safety. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study was designed to assess safety, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of CDR132L in patients with stable heart failure (HF) of ischemic origin (NYHA 1-3). The study design combined dose escalation with repeat dosing (day 1 and 28) at 4 dose levels. 28 patients received CDR132L or placebo (5:2 randomized in 4 cohorts) via short-term intravenous infusions as add-on therapy to standard of care.

Primary endpoint was safety and tolerability of CDR132L as assessed during the 120-day study period. The characterization of CDR132L’s PK profile in heart failure patients served as secondary endpoint. In addition, the effect of CDR132L on the target miR132 and on certain HF-relevant PD parameters was analyzed in an exploratory manner.

The infusion was very well tolerated by all patients with no injection-related signs. No safety signals or unexpected adverse events were observed for CDR132L. PK data showed strong dose-dependent linearity and specific target engagement could be confirmed. Exploratory analysis of multiple pharmacodynamic parameters, including measurement of NT-proBNP blood levels, showed beneficial effects on top of standard of care and will be used for planning Phase II proof-of-concept studies.

“CDR132L did not show any signs of toxicity regardless of dose level. As expected, the pharmacokinetic characteristics were found to be dose-dependently linear,” said Dr. Thomas Thum, Professor at Hannover Medical School and CSO of Cardior. “In addition, the target engagement data confirmed the mode of action of CDR132L. We also observed positive changes of various markers which in our preclinical models were strong signs of efficacy. In sum, the analysis of relevant surrogate pharmacodynamic parameters showed promising beneficial results in these patients, even after only two administrations of CDR132L.”

He added that the observed pharmacodynamic effects of CDR132L are planned to be further investigated in upcoming Phase II studies.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of our clinical study, the first-ever trial of an oligonucleotide-based drug in heart failure patients,” said Claudia Ulbrich, CEO of Cardior. “These encouraging results are an excellent basis for starting Phase II studies in subacute and chronic heart failure patients. The outcome of this trial also underlines the potential of RNA-based therapies as a causal approach to treat complex diseases.”

###

About CDR132L

CDR132L is an antisense oligonucleotide developed by Cardior Pharmaceuticals inhibiting the microRNA-132 (miR132), a non-coding microRNA that regulates cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in cardiomyocytes by targeting well-defined pathways.

miR132 is a regulatory master switch to control cardiac function and a promising, causal therapeutic target in heart failure therapy. Expression of miR132 is increased in various pathological cardiac conditions in both animals and humans, and previous preclinical studies have shown that miR-132 is essential for driving the pathological growth of cardiomyocytes.

About Cardior

Cardior Pharmaceuticals is a privately held German biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of curative and preventive heart failure therapeutics based on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Cardior’s therapeutic approach is using distinctive ncRNA signatures driving the molecular reprogramming that causes maladaptive remodeling and heart failure. Drug candidates developed by Cardior represent first-in-class ncRNA therapeutics and diagnostics for patients with myocardial infarction and various forms of heart failure. Founded in 2016 based on the work of cardiologist Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Thum of Hannover Medical School, the Company has raised EUR 15 Mio. from international investors LSP, BioMedPartners, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).

Contact Cardior

Dr. Claudia Ulbrich / Barbara Gaertner-Rupprecht
Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Feodor-Lynen-Str. 15
30625 Hanover
Germany
Tel: +49 511 33 85 99 30

Media Inquiries

akampion
Dr. Ludger Wess / Ines-Regina Buth
Managing Partners
[email protected]
Tel. +49 40 88 16 59 64
Tel. +49 30 23 63 27 68

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Victory Square Technologies Portfolio Company Enters into Sales & Distribution Agreement for Safetest 15 Minute Covid-19 Rapid Test for North America with ProNorth Medical Corp.

  • Victory Square Health has entered into a new sales & distribution agreement with ProNorth Medical Corporation to provide its
    Safetest
    15 minute Covid-19 Rapid Testing kits in the United States of America and in Canada* following Health Canada approvals.
  • ProNorth Medical currently has multi-million dollar PPE products sales and distribution contracts with government, hospitals, and the private sector across North America.
  • North America has seen an additional 135,622 cases totaling 10,573,000 and 250,632 deaths from Covid-19 as of November 9, 2020
    (source: Code 19 Alert)
  • VSH Safetest Antibody Rapid Test products are critical because they identify if one has had or is currently infected with the Covid-19 virus.
    The end-user would know if previously infected with the virus, will have the antibodies present

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Victory Square Health Inc. (“VS Health” or the “Company“) – a portfolio company of Victory Square Technologies Inc. (“Victory Square”) (CSE:VST) (OTC:VSQTF) (FWB:6F6) — is pleased to announce that it has entered into a sales & distribution agreement with ProNorth Medical, a North American Sales and Distribution Company, to sell its Safetest 15 minute Covid-19 Rapid Testing kits in the United States of America and in Canada* following Health Canada approvals.

ProNorth Medical has been proudly servicing Medical, Veterinary, and Dental professionals across North America for the past 9 years. ProNorth Medical CEO Robert Horne has a 30 plus year record in the medical sales and distribution sector, having worked with Johnson & Johnson for over 25 years prior to launching ProNorth Medical Corporation in 2011. ProNorth Medical currently has multi-million dollar Canadian and USA tested PPE products sales and distribution contracts with government, hospitals, and the private sector. ProNorth Medical clients in Canada include Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, Vitalite Health Network, Service New Brunswick and Horizon Health. In addition, ProNorth Medical will engage with strategic film industry partners in the United States to provide major film studios, production companies, talent and crew with Safetest Covid-19 Testing products for detecting the antibodies IgG and IgM against SARS-CoV-2.

Pro North Medical associate, film producer and actor Cody Hackman who has produced films for Netflix, Lionsgate, MGM and many other companies says, “Our industry is anxiously waiting to safely resume pre-pandemic production volumes. Productions are finally starting to ramp up again but are now taking more time and are more costly due to Covid19. The Safetest Covid-19 Rapid Test from Victory Square Health will enable our industry to open up more quickly, safely, efficiently, and effectively to reduce the extra costs and production delays occurring due to Covid.”

“I am very pleased to have partnered with Victory Square Health to quickly and efficiently distribute and sell its Safetest Covid-19 suite of testing products to our network in the USA and hopefully soon throughout Canada with health approvals,” said Robert Horne, CEO ProNorth Medical. “Our Company has already received inquiries and requests/demand for the VSH Safetest Covid-19 Rapid test from our extensive network in America.”

Felipe Peixoto, CEO of VSH said, “The global vaccination process is a positive step towards tackling the world pandemic crisis, however, that will take many months if not years to cover the global population. Our Antibody Rapid Test products are critical in the process because they identify if one has had or is currently infected with the Covid-19 virus. By simply taking a drop of blood, the end-user, if previously infected with the virus, will have the antibodies present and know that he/she is not urgently required to take a vaccination.”

The Safetest 15 minute Covid-19 Rapid Testing kit enables the user to receive results with 96.6% sensitivity in 15 minutes by a simple blood sample similar to that of a hand held diabetes reader that resembles a pregnancy test stick. This highly accurate test enables the participant to quickly detect if they have Covid-19 antibodies in 15 minutes.

The Safetest 15 Minute Covid-19 Rapid Test has been granted permission by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States to commence marketing, sales and distribution under the emergency use authorization (EUA). The Safetest 15 Minute Covid-19 Rapid Test has been approved for sale and distribution in the European Union and submitted for review and approval in Canada.

VS Health was founded in 2016 to accelerate the development of personalized medicine and technology solutions including diagnostic tests to support patient’s care and improve health outcomes. Its first product, the Leishmaniasis Rapid Test, was developed in partnership with the UFMG, Federal University of Minas Gerais. Safetest took advantage of its expertise in the subject to develop other antibody-based tests and a robust R&D pipelines of diagnostic kits for Hansen’s Disease, Brucellosis, HTLV and Blood samples screening tests.


Disclaimer:


The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the Covid-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time

Go to: VictorySquare.com and sign up for VST’s official newsletter at 


www.VictorySquare.com/newsletter

On behalf of the board,

Shafin Diamond Tejani
Chief Executive Officer
Victory Square Technologies

For further information about the Company, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact – Alex Tzilios
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 778-867-0482

Media Relations Contact – Howard Blank, Director
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 604-928-6066

ABOUT VICTORY SQUARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Victory Square (VST) builds, acquires and invests in promising startups, then provides the senior leadership and resources needed to fast-track growth.

VST’s sweet spot is the cutting-edge tech that’s shaping the 4th Industrial Revolution. Our portfolio consists of 20 global companies using AI, VR/AR and blockchain to disrupt sectors as diverse as fintech, insurance, health and gaming.

What we do differently for startups

VST isn’t just another investor. With real skin in the game, we’re committed to ensuring each company in our portfolio succeeds. Our secret sauce starts with selecting startups that have real solutions, not just ideas. We pair you with senior talent in product, engineering, customer acquisition and more. Then we let you do what you do best — build, innovate and disrupt. In 24-36 months, you’ll scale and be ready to monetize.

What we do differently for investors

VST is a publicly traded company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (VST), Frankfurt Exchange (6F6) and the OTCQX (VSQTF).

For investors, we offer early-stage access to the next unicorns before they’re unicorns.

Our portfolio represents a uniquely liquid and secure way for investors to get access to the latest cutting-edge technologies while also tapping into emerging global trends with big upsides. For more information, please visit www.victorysquare.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the outlook of the business of Victory Square, including, without limitation, statements relating to future performance, execution of business strategy, future growth, business prospects and opportunities of Victory Square and its related subsidiaries, including Victory Square Health Inc., and other factors beyond our control. Such forward-looking statements may, without limitation, be preceded by, followed by, or include words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans”, “continues”, “project”, “potential”, “possible”, “contemplate”, “seek”, “goal”, or similar expressions, or may employ such future or conditional verbs as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should” or “would”, or may otherwise be indicated as forward-looking statements by grammatical construction, phrasing or context. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Victory Square. Although Victory Square believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Victory Square can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Victory Square disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

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Logitech Increases Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic At Scale

Logitech Increases Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic At Scale

By The End Of 2021, The Company’s Largest Product Portfolio Will Include Recycled Plastic In More Than 50 Percent Of All Mice And Keyboards Produced

LAUSANNE, Switzerland & NEWARK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI), an award-winning design company and maker of cloud peripheral products, today announced its commitment to incorporating post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) into its products at scale in an effort to reduce its carbon impact and increase circularity of consumer products. In a little over a year, the Company’s largest product portfolio will include PCR in more than 50 percent of its mice and keyboards, and will provide full transparency on the amount of PCR in each product to drive industry innovation and greater adoption of recycled plastic.

Tweet Now: By the end of 2021, more than 50% of mice & keyboards in Logitech’s largest product portfolio will use recycled plastic, eliminating an estimated 7,100 tons of virgin plastic and 11,000 tons of carbon per year. #SustainableDesign #CarbonReduction #Recycle

Over the last three years, Logitech has focused on increasingly moving to PCR plastic across its most popular product lines as part of its Design for Sustainability efforts. Since the launch of the PCR program, the Company will have shipped more than 50 million devices made with PCR plastic by the end of next year. Some products containing PCR plastic include the top-selling Logitech K120 and K400 keyboards, C390 webcam, M100 and M190 mice, and the UE HYPERBOOM. Logitech’s latest product made with PCR plastic is the new ERGO M575 mouse, which started with a design goal of maximizing the use of PCR plastic in the black, graphite and off-white model.

To drive carbon reduction at an even greater scale, Logitech is focusing on utilizing PCR plastic in products that account forthe most units sold globally. The Company is committing that by the end of 2021, more than 50 percent of the mice and keyboard produced in Logitech’s Creativity and Productivity portfolio, the Company’s largest portfolio, will be made with PCR plastic – eliminating an estimated 7,100 tons of virgin plastic and 11,000 tons of carbon per year.

“We are on a journey to design products for the future. The top area where we can make a significant and long-term impact to reduce carbon is by applying our design for sustainability principles across the product development process,” said Prakash Arunkundrum, Global Head of Operations and Sustainability at Logitech. “Since plastic is one of the most used materials at Logitech, we’re investing in the circular economy by recycling and reusing consumer products to push the limits of what is currently possible for recycled plastic.”

Increased Transparency

Starting with the ERGO M575, each product’s PCR content will be validated by independent, third-party experts and transparently shared on the Company’s website. The percentage of recycled plastic in each product will vary depending on the type, color and material make up of a product. The percent of a product’s plastic parts made of PCR currently range from 80% PCR content to no less than 20% for the technically complex lighter color products. Logitech’s design goal is to continue to maximize the percentage of recycled content in each product.

“We congratulate Logitech’s commitment to transparency and third-party certification of post-consumer recycled plastic,” said Nicole Muñoz, Vice President of Environmental Certification Services at SCS Global Services. “Logitech’s focus on circularity and the incorporation of recycled content into their products demonstrates leadership in the consumer electronics industry.”

Innovation

Logitech is working with plastic suppliers to design new and stronger resins in a range of new colors, expanding on what is possible today. New resins will be used in Logitech products to give consumers more color options without compromising on product quality, while also being made available to other companies in an effort to help reduce the consumer electronics industry’s carbon impact.

Beyond recycled plastics, Logitech is working with external partners to develop a roadmap of sustainable materials for the future, as well as sustainable packaging advancements, ongoing innovation on making lower impact electronic devices and continuing to drive renewable electricity programs.

To learn more about Logitech’s Designing for Sustainability and Recycled Plastic efforts, please visit www.logitech.com/sustainability.

About Logitech

Logitech designs products that have an everyday place in people’s lives, connecting them to the digital experiences they care about. More than 35 years ago, Logitech started connecting people through computers, and now it’s a multi-brand company designing products that bring people together through music, gaming, video, and computing. Brands of Logitech include Logitech, Logitech G, ASTRO Gaming, Streamlabs, Ultimate Ears, Jaybird and Blue Microphones. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech at www.logitech.com, the company blog or @Logitech.

Logitech and other Logitech marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Logitech Europe S.A. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s website at www.logitech.com.

(LOGIIR)

Nicole Kenyon

Head of Global Corporate & Employee Communications – USA

+1 (510) 988-8553

Ben Starkie

Corporate Communications – Europe

+41 (0) 79-292-3499

KEYWORDS: Europe Switzerland United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Chemicals/Plastics Consumer Electronics Technology Manufacturing Software Hardware

MEDIA:

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