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Motiva launches a ‘life changing’ product, the first-ever clinically proven to help improve Alzheimer’s patients

Fine Hygienic Holding

Motiva Neuro Booster offers higher absorption of six key functional foods New product is clinically proven to improve brain health Worldwide, approximately 44 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and approximately 2.5 million suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) today. With the former expected to rise to 115 million cases by 2050 as well as being the leading cause of institutionalization among the elderly, it remains the only disease on the top 10 list of killers that has no cure, preventative measure, or medication to delay progression. Similarly, MS therapies are noncurative, and except for interferon-based disease-modifying therapies, nearly all are associated with a risk of potentially life-threatening complications. Additionally, MS patients experience a multitude of symptoms and frequent treatment side effects causing significant impairment in all phases of life, including cognition and mood. However, there is hope. The brain, like every other organ in the body, needs essential nutrients to function properly. Dr. John E. Lewis, from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, one of the world’s leading experts in nutrition and dietary supplements, has been conducting research on how certain key nutrients can help the brain, with a study on Alzheimer’s patients. His study was a first great step in demonstrating the power of specific nutrients in the face of a serious brain health challenge. As part of the study, each subject took an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC), a unique blend of nutrients, polysaccharides, phytochemicals, molecules, and elements that are typically uncommon or even missing from the modern diet, for 12 months. The findings at the end of the study were nothing short of remarkable, with the team demonstrating significant and sustained improvements in cognitive function and inflammatory status and a significant increase in the production of stem cells, which may lead to neuro-regeneration, as well as a correlation between cognitive and immune functioning. Unlike research on Alzheimer’s medications, which demonstrate at best only a slowing of disease progress, this product actually showed IMPROVEMENT of cognitive function of Alzheimer’s patients. On learning of this research, Fine Hygienic Holding, behind its Motiva brand of science-based supplements, teamed up with Dr. Lewis to develop the MOTIVA Neuro Booster, a new all-natural product based on the formula that has been clinically proven to improve cognitive function in all, including those with Alzheimer’s. Designed, created, and developed by Dr. Lewis, the MOTIVA Neuro Booster is a powerful combination of six functional foods typically uncommon or even missing from the modern diet, including the very potent acemannan from aloe vera. This unique blend of nutrients, phytochemicals, and polysaccharides, all 100% natural ingredients, gives the product the highest levels of bioavailability and effectiveness. In layman’s terms, MOTIVA Neuro Booster means higher absorption, less dosage, and hence better value for money, a far better value than many prescription medications. Dr. Lewis firmly believes that this dietary supplement is the real deal for brain health, immune support, and overall wellbeing. “I am extremely proud to team-up with a world-class wellness company like Fine Hygienic Holding to bring Motiva Neuro Booster to the world. This is a product that enhances life and can change the trajectory of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and MS.” The MOTIVA Neuro Booster’s unique blend of ingredients, often lacking in the modern diet, is highly concentrated and comes in an easy-to-digest powder form, enabling it to be easily absorbed by our bodies. The supplement assists focus, maintains memory, and supports overall brain well-being in addition to being clinically proven to support the immune system. MOTIVA is produced in a GMP-CERTIFIED FACILITY in the USA and is the only supplement of its kind to be recommended by the prestigious Medical Wellness Association, based in Houston, Texas, USA. In clinical testing, users of Neuro Booster have reported improved energy, deeper sleep, a happier mood, sharper focus, heightened awareness, and a better sense of overall well-being. What’s not to like about a product that comes from natural ingredients? The Alzheimer’s study’s first published article is on PubMed. The product’s ability to provide enhanced absorption largely comes from BiAloe®, the most bioavailable source of aloe vera polysaccharides known as acemannan. Found in the inner leaf gel of the aloe plant, it is responsible for most of the health benefits associated with aloe vera. Added to that, ingredients such as stabilized rice bran contains more than 200 amino acids, minerals, and vitamins with significant health properties; sunflower lecithin is rich in choline necessary for brain and heart health; and tart cherry, dioscorea, and citric acid offer a host of health benefits for immunity, cholesterol regulation, and enhancement of key cellular processes. Motiva Neuro Booster is being rolled out globally by Fine Hygienic Holding and can be purchased online for global deliveries via our e-commerce website, TheFineShop.com. About Fine Hygienic Holding: Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and the MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. With its commitment to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” the Group focuses on wellness, sustainability, state-of-the-art production processes, pioneering CSR programs, and award-winning products. The company offers a diverse array of products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to innovative personal protective equipment (PPE), long lasting germ protection solutions and natural nutritional supplements. Contact Details Sean Muir sean.m@actionprgroup.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

July 05, 2021 09:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

PCMA v. WEHBI AMICUS BRIEF ADVOCATES FOR STATE REGULATION OF PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER INDUSTRY

Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions

The Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP), a coalition of physician and patient advocacy organizations dedicated to exposing the role the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry has on rising prescription drug costs was joined by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and American Pharmacies in filing an amicus brief in PCMA v. Wehbi. The case, currently being argued in the 8 th Circuit, Court of Appeals is a challenge to a North Dakota law designed to regulate abusive practices by the PBM industry. The brief prepared by Daniel Geyser of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP on behalf of ATAP, COA and American Pharmacies may be found here. Following a ruling by the United States Supreme Court in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association ( where ATAP also filed an amicus brief ), many states have begun to explore regulating the PBM industry to lower costs and increase access to therapies. That case resulted in a unanimous 8-0 decision where the Justices agreed that states have the right to impose regulations on PBMs. Despite setbacks in legislatures and the courts, the PBM industry continues to raise challenges to state regulation of their practices and seeks to avoid accountability. ATAP has been an active advocate for patients in a variety of federal and state battles to amplify the voices of patients and physicians – especially as it relates to exposing PBM abuses and their impact on patients’ access to therapies (medications) needed in their treatment. Dr. Robert Levin, ATAP’s President stated, “We see first-hand how the PBM industry drives up costs and interferes with medical care. Doctors, patients, legislators and regulators are all saying, ‘enough is enough’ and fighting back. We appreciate the opportunity to argue on behalf of patients and defend our obligation to them as the Courts once again weigh in on regulating this rogue industry.” “Oncologists remain troubled by the negative impact PBMs have on patient care and role they play in driving up costs,” said Kashyap Patel, MD, president of COA and a practicing medical oncologist at Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates in Rock Hill, South Carolina “PBMs are directly responsible for the loss of patient access to affordable, potentially life-saving medications for cancer and other serious diseases. COA is proud to share our voice and support to effort in North Dakota and nationwide to stop PBM abuses.” “PBMs have used their outsized market power to raise community pharmacies costs of operation,” explained Miguel S. Rodriguez, General Counsel at American Pharmacies. “PBMs operate in secrecy and routinely fail to pass along any savings to patients. It is time to shine a light on and regulate this industry.” American Pharmacies is a nation-wide independent pharmacy cooperative that routinely advocates on behalf of independent pharmacies and the patients they serve. ATAP, COA, and American Pharmacies argue in the brief that: “…PBMs engage in harmful practices that impair optimal patient care, distort the free market, and impose serious costs on every major stakeholder in 5 the healthcare industry. States are ideally positioned to attack PBM misconduct; the regulation of healthcare is a traditional state function, and States routinely address market inefficiency and abuse, just as North Dakota did…” “We are optimistic that the Courts will see through the previously hidden profit motives of the PBM industry,” said Dr. Angus Worthing of the American College of Rheumatology, an ATAP member organization. “With each new state law combined with other actions at the federal level, patients, physicians, and policy makers now have the power to effect meaningful change.” “The Courts will surely see, like we all do, that patients are suffering under a system preventing them from obtaining medicine they need – at prices they can afford,” said Dr. Michael Schweitz of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, an ATAP member organization. “The PBM industry profits significantly off rebates and other schemes while interrupting the provider-patient relationship. It is time to do what is right and allow policymakers to stand up and do the right thing.” “The profit motivations from the PBM industry impact real people in dangerous ways,” Dr. Levin continued. “ATAP members are on the front lines of medical care. We see the struggles and confusion that patients are put through by this completely unnecessary middleman industry. They deserve better – they deserve the truth – not dangerous interference from policies motivated only by profit.” ATAP is working in many states to force the PBM industry to disclose rebate data and encourage transparency and reporting requirements for all entities involved in the prescription drug supply chain – PBMs, insurers, and manufacturers. ### For more information, or to schedule an interview with an ATAP spokesperson please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357. Please visit http://www.atapadvocates.com ATAP's mission is to address prescription drugs costs and patient access to affordable treatment by regulating PBM practices and reforming the drug industry through educational outreach and grassroots advocacy initiatives at both the state and federal level. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website http://www.atapadvocates.com

July 02, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Vascudyne Announces Successful First Human Use of TRUE Vascular Graft for Hemodialysis Access

Vascudyne

Vascudyne, Inc. announced today the successful first-in-human use of its TRUE™ Vascular Graft in end-stage renal disease patients requiring hemodialysis access. The first clinical procedures were performed by Adrian Ebner, MD, Director of Endovascular and Cardiovascular Surgery at Sanatorio Italiano in Asuncion, Paraguay, as part of an early feasibility study. “We are excited to work with Dr. Ebner and his skilled team at Sanatorio Italiano and are grateful for their commitment to the latest cardiovascular medicine innovations and for the successful first-in-human TRUE Vascular Graft implantation procedures in 5 patients,” said Vascudyne CEO Kem Schankereli. “Until now, hemodialysis patients who are not candidates for autologous fistulas often receive synthetic grafts, like those made with ePTFE,” said Dr. Ebner. “Synthetic grafts have long-term patency issues with infection, intimal hyperplasia, and thrombosis often leading to failure. All this contributes to patient morbidity and mortality and to the high cost of dialysis care.” “Vascudyne’s TRUE Vascular Graft with the potential to regenerate and repair promises to have a major impact on the care of dialysis patients,” added Dr. Ebner. “Improved patency and fewer interventions with a completely biological tissue could significantly reduce the overall cost of dialysis care and improve quality of life for patients.” “The TRUE Vascular Graft handled well and provided excellent flow immediately after implantation,” continued Dr. Ebner. “The device can be felt under the skin which will help with dialysis. Initial follow up showed normal healing and improved flow. There is a tremendous medical need for hemodialysis access solutions, and Vascudyne’s TRUE Vascular Graft has shown very promising initial results.” “It’s immensely rewarding to see this technology become clinical reality by the Vascudyne team,” said Robert Tranquillo, PhD, Distinguished McKnight University Professor, University of Minnesota. “Decades of research in my lab at the University of Minnesota developing and fine tuning the engineered tissue tube technology have come to fruition and now offer a completely biological vascular graft for patients. I am very excited about Vascudyne’s TRUE™ Tissue technology and all the potential benefits it can bring to patients and look forward to providing ongoing support to the team as they broaden the technology’s clinical applications." “Vascudyne is a fast-moving startup with a very successful beginning toward proving clinical relevance,” said Vascudyne General Manager Rick Murphy. “We are a dedicated team of scientists who are committed to innovating solutions with our TRUE Tissue technology for highly demanding medical applications. We are planning additional clinical studies in the next 12 months and will be submitting for market acceptance in the years ahead. We have several more product designs in development and are pursuing ways to accelerate these other programs into the clinical stage. We believe the right material with the correct strategy will help millions of patients across the globe live better lives.” Vascudyne licensed its proprietary TRUE Tissue technology developed by Professor Robert Tranquillo and his colleagues from the University of Minnesota in 2017. The TRUE Vascular Graft is not available for commercial sale. About Vascudyne Headquartered in the heart of Medical Alley in Minnesota, Vascudyne is on a mission to improve patient care with regenerative biomaterials that are inspired by nature. Vascudyne, a privately held company founded in 2014, uses the TRUE™ Tissue technology to develop TRUE to Nature™ biomaterials for soft tissue repair and replacement. For more information, please visit https://www.vascudyne.com/. About TRUE Tissue Technology TRUE™ Tissue is developed from cells isolated from donor tissue and is 100% biological. There are no synthetic materials or chemical fixation used, and implanted tissues are completely cell-derived and acellular. The TRUE Tissue technology can be readily shaped into tubes, sheets, and other geometries making it suitable for many soft tissue applications, is mechanically comparable to native tissues, and is a ready to use, off-the-shelf allograft. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements identified by words such as "projects," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "potential" or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or Vascudyne’s clinical development programs, reflect management’s current beliefs and expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Vascudyne’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different. Vascudyne undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future presentations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. IMAGES Vascudyne TRUE™ Graft First in Human Team Vascudyne TRUE™ Graft Vascudyne TRUE™ Graft Closeup Contact Details Sandy Williams Marketing Director swilliams@vascudyne.com Company Website https://www.vascudyne.com/

July 01, 2021 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Pocono Organics Becomes World’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Hemp Grower

Pocono Organics

Pocono Organics, one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, has received its Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), becoming the first source grower of Regenerative Organic Certified hemp in the world. The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is the governing body for the Regenerative Organic Certification standards and criteria and was created by three global pioneers in the organic and regenerative organic industries – Patagonia, Rodale Institute, and Dr. Bronner’s. The ROA has meticulously developed the revolutionary ROC designation for farms and products that meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This new label goes beyond the existing USDA Certified Organic standards and does not include hydroponic growing practices. “This is an absolute game-changer for our farm as well as for companies and consumers searching for ROC produce and hemp that they can trust,” said Ashley Walsh, founder and president of Pocono Organics. “There is a vital link between the health of our soil, the health of the crops we grow, and ultimately human health.” Walsh and her team have recently launched their USDA Certified Organic full-spectrum hemp extract product line. Now with the new designation, these will become the first products in the world made with ROC hemp. It’s important to know how your hemp is grown and the true potency of the products. Independent, third-party testing shows that there are no heavy metals or pesticides and also reports accurate potency for Pocono Organics’ products. Pocono Organics’ CBD is the only line to carry the respected Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. The two global leaders have conducted extensive research on the potential uses of industrial hemp for the last three years. Pocono Organics’ wellness products are CBD-abundant and harness the power of full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of health-promoting cannabinoids that contain well under.3% THC. New York Magazine recently named Pocono Organics’ bath bombs one of the Best CBD Bath Products to buy. The product line - available online and carried in retail outlets, spas, and numerous doctors’ offices across multiple states - is formulated in Pocono Organics’ in-house lab to create artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, body oil, salve sticks, lip balms, and bath bombs. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery, which opened to the public in June of 2020, spans more than 380 acres atop the iconic Pocono Mountains and is a source grower of regenerative organic certified produce and hemp for retailers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers. Regenerative organic agricultural practices make soil health the priority and include low-till methods and zero-use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and GMOs. Pocono Organics’ farming approach, in partnership with Rodale Institute, produces some of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. In fact, Rodale Institute released a White Paper in September, 2020 illustrating the science that a global switch to regenerative crop and pasture systems could drawdown more than 100 percent of annual CO2 emissions. “For more than 70 years, our partners at Rodale Institute have led the world in regenerative organic science and research that shows how healthy soil grows more nutrient-dense food,” Walsh continued. “Our vision, as a health and wellness organization, is to inspire people and heal the earth. The United Nations has reported that we have less than 60 farming cycles left before our soil is completely depleted of the nutrients needed to grow the food we need. So, we are not only facing issues of human health, but of soil health that will further impact humanity and the food we eat. The ROC designation is proof of our commitment to this mission, to our communities, and our planet.” The USDA’s 2020-2025 food guidelines also highlight the need for Americans to eat more nutrient-dense foods to promote better health and fight the risk of chronic disease. “I can attest to the power of using food as medicine and plant-based wellness products, like hemp, from my own personal health journey. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late ‘20s, which is a paralyzed stomach. Essentially, I can’t digest food like normal people. So, when doctors suggested cutting out parts of my stomach, inserting feeding tubes, and putting me on a regiment of medications to make me well, I leaned into organic food as a source of nutrition that drastically improved my health and changed my life. That is where the vision of Pocono Organics originated, which makes our mission extremely personal for me.” Pocono Organics is also an agritourism destination with a boutique 56-room hotel adjoining the farm property. Guests can get their hands dirty on the farm and enjoy freshly picked vegetables and fruits as well as prepared meals from its market and café. There are also regular in-person and virtual experiential series ranging from cooking classes with Executive Chef and Food Network Chopped Champion, Lindsay McClain to wellness and food education programs for children. -30- About Pocono Organics Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farms in North America and grow the world's first and only ROC hemp. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farm land and, at full build out, will have 120,000 square feet of greenhouse. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture science and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rain water from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer's market and cafe, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organics' mission and work. Contact Details Pocono Organics Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

July 01, 2021 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Public Service Campaign From Quidel Corporation Directed Toward Heightening Awareness Among Summer Camps of the Dangers of Lyme Disease

Quidel Corporation

The opening of summer camps for the first time in two years is good news for children across America. Unfortunately, it’s also good news for deer ticks, which now have a whole new population to prey upon and to potentially spread infectious Lyme disease. To help camp directors and counselors heighten their awareness of this issue, a public service campaign has been launched by Quidel Corporation, the nation’s leading developer of rapid Lyme disease testing. The campaign includes printed educational materials being sent to camps around the country; information shared on social media platforms; and other components all built around education, prevention and mindfulness of the dangers of Lyme disease. “Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the country, affecting as many as 476,000 Americans of all ages annually,” said Judi Tilghman, Ph.D., vice president of technology assessment at Quidel Corporation. “Lyme disease occurs when people are bitten by an infected deer tick. The spirochetes from the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi have the ability to burrow between bones, cells, joints and a person’s central nervous system and can lead to serious, life-threatening problems if not caught early. That’s why it is so important to take proper precautions, know the warning signs of Lyme disease, and test immediately if Lyme disease is suspected.” The educational materials produced by Quidel and sent to summer camps remind camp directors that there are a number of things they can do to help protect both staff and campers and minimize the chance of catching Lyme disease. These include: “Tick proofing” the campsite by clearing brush and leaves and mowing the lawn regularly. Sticking to trails and avoid walking through low bushes or long grass when on hikes or simply out exploring. Wearing long pants, shirts, a hat and gloves when in wooded areas. Applying lavender oil or insect repellants on legs, arms and any bare skin before heading out. Upon returning to the campsite, everyone should check their entire body for ticks, including low-visibility areas such as the groin, underarms and the back of the neck. Showering right away using a washcloth to help remove unattached ticks. Putting all worn clothes in the dryer. If a camper or staffer is suspected of having Lyme disease or displaying early symptoms, Quidel advises to get tested right away. As with all afflictions, the key is catching it early so effective treatment can begin as soon as possible. The Sofia® 2 Lyme FIA is the only POC test on the market. It is ideal for campsites because it can be performed right on-site by a nurse and provides indicative results within 15 minutes, as opposed to sending the test sample to an off-site lab and waiting days for results, which has historically been the norm (the longer the wait, the more time organisms have to spread and become systemic). It is also the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. “The opening of summer camps is another positive indication of America slowly extricating itself from the coronavirus pandemic, and that’s something worthy of rejoicing,” said Dr. Tilghman. “Everyone wants to get outdoors and never more so than this year when so many of us have spent the past 15 months hunkered down in our own homes. We want all of our outdoor camps to have a wonderful summer this year but also to be smart by taking steps to avoid getting a tick bite in the first place and then testing immediately if there are signs that a camper or counselor may have contracted Lyme.” Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that has been reported in every state in the United States and in over 80 countries. Summer is the height of Lyme disease season and can strike anyone at any age. There are more new cases of Lyme disease in the United States than hepatitis B, hepatitis C and the West Nile virus combined. Unlike a mosquito bite where people know immediately if they have been bitten, one of the challenges with Lyme disease is that symptoms usually will not appear for two to six weeks and may appear in a low-visibility area of the body such as in hair, an underarm or groin. At that point, typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, weakness in the limbs and often a characteristic skin rash with a bull's-eye pattern (only 50% of patients will see a rash). About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

June 29, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

STEAM Brand Osmo Participates in Ace Presents the Kerry Wood Celebrity Golf Invitational Benefiting Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Makes Product Donation to Hospital

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo participated in the June 28 Ace Presents the Kerry Wood Celebrity Golf Invitational, where its charitable arm, Osmo Cares, gifted its bestselling Creative Kit for iPad to over 200 celebrity golfers and Lurie Children’s Hospital patients’ families. In addition, Osmo Cares gifted 48 Creative Kits for iPad directly to the hospital, for their patients to enjoy. The Celebrity Golf Invitational, which takes place at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, is a key fundraising event for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, raising over $1 million on a single day. This year’s event included high-profile celebrity golfers Kerry Wood, Mark Rypien, Ryan Dempster, Jim McMahon, Toni Kukoc, and many others. ( images ) “We love events that support important organizations that provide life-saving medical services and treatments for children,” says Karen O’Dell, Osmo Director of PR and Osmo Cares. “By providing gifts to participants at this celebrity golf invitational as well as kits to Lurie Children’s Hospital, we hope to bring smiles and joy to many Chicago-area children and families, and provide healthy screen time that inspires kids’ appetite to explore STEAM learning.” Osmo’s combined donations are valued at approximately $18,500. “The Ace team is proud to partner with the award-winning STEAM brand Osmo to raise money for Lurie Children’s hospital in Chicago. Working together with great companies like Osmo to help sick kids and their families is the bedrock of what the Ace Foundation is all about,” stated Kane Calamari, President of the Ace Foundation. Says Susan Ruohonen, EdD, Senior Director of Family Services at Lurie Children’s Hospital, “Through this generous donation, so many children and their families will have this unique opportunity to explore STEAM learning and be inspired through curiosity, creativity and innovation. Thank you for providing this avenue of discovery and imagination for our patients and their families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.” Osmo’s Creative Kit for iPad, used at home and in classrooms across the U.S., features award-winning games that inspire learning, drawing, creativity, and more. It contains the Osmo Base for iPad, Creative Board, 4 erasable markers, a fuzzy eraser pouch, stackable storage for each game, and three best-selling game apps (Monster, Newton, Masterpiece). Osmo Cares Since 2016, Osmo Cares has made over $600,000 (USD) in product donations to nonprofit and charitable organizations in the U.S., and established over 50 partnerships with family service and autism awareness organizations. Osmo was named one of Time Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions in 2014; and its Osmo Learning System received the 2021 EdTech Digest Award in the “Curriculum and Instruction Solution” category. In 2018, Osmo received a Best AI-based Solution for Education Award for its proprietary reflective AI technology. About the Ace Hardware Foundation As the official charitable division of Ace Hardware Corporation, the Ace Hardware Foundation helps enhance the vision of being the “Helpful Place” in local communities across the country and around the globe through charitable giving. The Ace Foundation provides support and philanthropic opportunities to its consumers, retail store owners, vendors and team members to give back to local communities through fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Ace Hardware has been a national partner for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for the last 30 years, raising over $140 million during that time. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com. About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Last year, the hospital served more than 220,000 children from 48 states and 49 countries. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Founded in 2013 by ex-Google engineers Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, the Osmo Play System fuses digital gameplay and physical interaction to create fun and nutritious play experiences designed for all kids. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Learn more at playosmo.com. For information about its educational division, Osmo for Schools, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

June 29, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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SciBite launches SaaS versions of its semantic technology products

Elsevier

SciBite, an Elsevier company and award-winning semantic technology company, has today unveiled its new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) version of TERMite, SciBite’s named entity recognition engine, and its CENtree™ ontology management platform. Researchers can use the new cloud-hosted TERMite and CENtree as part of their digital workplace, offering greater flexibility to enable them to work from multiple locations and settings. Removing the need for customers to purchase, maintain and administer both hardware and software, SaaS streamlines the deployment of SciBite tooling. Companies seeking SciBite solutions benefit from faster onboarding and avoid the infrastructure burden. Automated upgrade management guarantees that customers always benefit from the latest product version. Lee Harland, Chief Scientific Officer at SciBite, said: “The last 18 months have shown the immeasurable value that scientific research has to offer. Through global collaboration and data sharing, breakthroughs have been achieved in record time. For this speed of innovation to continue, it is crucial that the right tools and data are widely accessible. “SciBite is rapidly growing, serving customers in more regions and markets than ever before. This is the perfect time for us to take the next step and deliver our services from the cloud, widening access to more markets and to non-traditional workplaces.” SciBite uses Elsevier’s well-established cloud hosting tooling and processes, supported by a dedicated SciBite-Elsevier IT team, who proactively track and maintain this service. The SaaS offering provides continuous monitoring to ensure maximal uptime as well as following the Elsevier 10-step security policy, providing a trusted and secure environment for its hosted solutions. With the new SaaS versions of TERMite and CENtree, customers will see productivity exponentially increase through: Less procurement time, with lower overall and bundled hardware, maintenance, and administration costs. Rapid implementation of products once purchased, with seamless upgrades. Flexible access to a secure environment from multiple locations and settings. Customer-specific needs can still be addressed in consultation with SciBite’s Professional Services team. In-depth, world-class technical support is provided by SciBite’s team of subject specific and technology experts. The new SaaS version of SciBite will be available from the 30 th June. Learn more by visiting the SciBite FAQ. --- About SciBite SciBite’s data-first, semantic analytics software is for those who want to innovate and get more from their data. Leading the way by pioneering the combination of the latest in machine learning with an ontology-led approach, SciBite’s semantic infrastructure answers business critical questions in real time by releasing the value and full potential of unstructured data. Supporting the world’s leading scientific organisations with use cases from discovery through to development, SciBite’s suite of fast, flexible, deployable API technologies empower customers, making it a critical component in scientific, data-led strategies. www.scibite.com About Elsevier As a global leader in information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. In everything we publish, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. We bring that same rigor to our information analytics solutions for researchers, health professionals, institutions and funders. Elsevier employs 8,100 people worldwide. We have supported the work of our research and health partners for more than 140 years. Growing from our roots in publishing, we offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive societal progress. Digital solutions such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath support strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and health education. Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our 2,500+ digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our 40,000 eBook titles; and our iconic reference works, such as Gray's Anatomy. With the Elsevier Foundation and our external Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Board, we work in partnership with diverse stakeholders to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.elsevier.com Contact Details SciBite Lauren Barham +44 1223 786129 lauren@scibite.com Elsevier David Tucker +447932536160 d.tucker@elsevier.com Company Website https://www.elsevier.com

June 29, 2021 04:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Rani Therapeutics Appoints Jean-Luc Butel and Laureen DeBuono to Board of Directors

Rani Therapeutics

Rani Therapeutics, a disrupter in oral biologics, today announced the appointment of Jean-Luc Butel and Laureen DeBuono to its Board of Directors. These new Directors bring a wide range of private and public company leadership experience at healthcare, technology and consumer companies. Jean-Luc Butel has served as a healthcare executive for more than 30 years and is a well-respected global healthcare advisor. Currently, Mr. Butel serves on various boards at Takeda, Novo Holdings, and SG Innovate, in addition to several healthcare startups in both Asia and Europe. Previously, Mr. Butel served on the board of Varian Medical Systems, the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore, as a senior advisor to McKinsey’s healthcare practice and as an advisor for Singapore’s National Research Foundation. He worked in senior executive positions with Johnson & Johnson, Becton Dickinson, Medtronic and Baxter International. Mr. Butel received his B.A. from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from the Thunderbird School of International Management. Laureen DeBuono is a seasoned executive who spent most of her career in long-term, complex Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles at mid and large sized healthcare and consumer-facing companies. Ms. DeBuono has also served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and General Counsel for various private and public companies across multiple sectors. Currently, she is a Managing Partner at FLG Partners, focusing on interim CEO, CFO, and Board advisory services, as well as executive coaching. Additionally, Ms. DeBuono has served on several public company Board of Directors, including Cadence Pharmaceuticals, VISX, and InVivo, and was the Audit Chair at both VISX and InVivo. Ms. DeBuono received her B.A. from Duke University, an M.A. from Stanford University, and a J.D. from New York University School of Law. “On behalf of Rani Therapeutics, I would like to welcome Jean-Luc and Laureen as members of our Board,” said Talat Imran, Rani’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to benefiting from their deep and diverse executive experience.” “Rani Therapeutics has developed what I believe to be a highly differentiated biologics delivery platform that has the potential to replace subcutaneous and intravenous injections,” said Jean-Luc Butel. “I look forward to working closely with Rani’s executive leadership team and the rest of the Board as we execute on the company’s goal to deliver the RaniPill™ technology to patients worldwide.” “I am delighted to be joining Rani Therapeutics and excited by the company’s innovative RaniPill™ technology,” said Laureen DeBuono. “I hope to leverage my experience to help guide Rani through its next phases of development, including the anticipated clinical progression of its drug candidates and their potential commercialization.” About Rani Therapeutics Rani Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotherapeutics company advancing technologies to enable the development of orally administered biologics, which we believe will have the potential to transform medicine and improve patient outcomes. The company has developed the RaniPill™ capsule, a novel, proprietary and patented platform technology, intended to replace subcutaneous or IV injection of biologics with oral dosing. Rani has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate safety, tolerability and bioavailability using the RaniPill™ capsule. Investor Contact: investors@ranitherapeutics.com Contact Details Media Contact: media@ranitherapeutics.com

June 28, 2021 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

CMS Renews Bellese Technologies Contract for Medicare Cost Estimator

Bellese Technologies, LLC

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Bellese Technologies the Medicare Cost Estimator (MCE) 2.0 contract. Bellese is the incumbent prime contractor for this project and has been awarded the MCE contract for the second time. This contract period consists of one base-period with two additional option-years. In collaboration with the CMS Office of Communications (OC), Bellese delivered CMS’s first price transparency tool, Procedure Price Lookup (PPL), in support of the 21st Century CURES ACT. “ The dedication and drive of the Office of Communication to give the best user experience to Medicare beneficiaries and their caretakers is second to none. We look forward to working by their side for another 3 years. “ said Pam Offutt, Bellese Chief Executive Officer. The products developed under the MCE contract are part of the CMS eMedicare suite of tools. The tools are designed to deliver a personalized user experience with information that empowers people to better understand cost information as it relates to care and coverage, and to use the information to get the best value when choosing healthcare providers and coverage. Bellese’s strategic focus on human-centered design practices and exploratory data analysis pinpointed multiple opportunities for price awareness by beneficiaries and caregivers. Bellese uses a hypothesis-driven rapid prototyping process and an API-first approach to develop products. In addition to the PPL tool, the MCE products include the PPL American Medical Association (AMA) API, Office Visit Pricing API, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Supplier Directory, and an Imaging Pricing API. “ It’s exciting to see our user and data-driven design and development process at work on MCE. Extending our clinical ontology with machine learning to provide an Ontology-as-a-Service solution will improve the information we put in the hands of beneficiaries and caretakers when they need it most.” said John duClos, Bellese Chief Technology Officer. ABOUT BELLESE TECHNOLOGIES: Founded in 2009, Bellese Technologies is a human-centered service design company in the Baltimore metro area. Bellese partners with health and human services clients in the public and private sectors. The firm leverages modern technology, human-centered design, and silo-busting collaboration to help its clients expand and accelerate the positive impact they have on society. Currently, Bellese works with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, supporting price transparency, Medicare payment system modernization, and quality of care initiatives.Bellese holds the GSA IT 70 Schedule and two CMS agile blanket purchase agreements (BPA) — the Medicare Payment System Modernization (MPSM) BPA and the Agile Delivery to Execute Legislative Endeavors-Quality Related Initiatives (ADELE-QRI) BPA. Bellese was recently recognized as a “Top Workplace” by the Baltimore Sun for the third year in a row. Visit bellese.io/careers for more information on careers at Bellese. Contact Details Mark Adkins +1 202-335-0065 press@bellese.io Company Website https://bellese.io/

June 28, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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