Day: May 4, 2023

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Envision Pharma Group Appoints Healthcare Industry Expert and Experienced Leader Dr. Jennifer Costello, PharmD, BCPS, CMPP, as Chief Medical Officer

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2023 / Envision Pharma Group (Envision) has appointed Dr. Jennifer Costello, PharmD, BCPS, CMPP, to the role of Chief Medical Officer. Jennifer will be responsible for progressing work across all sectors of Envision’s business, including Technology, Medical, Commercial, Public Affairs, and Value & Access and Data Analytics.

Meg Heim, CEO of Envision Pharma Group, adds, “I am so excited to welcome Jennifer to the Envision team as Chief Medical Officer. Jennifer’s deep expertise in science and commercialization in the life sciences industry, in addition to her extensive pharmaceutical understanding and experience will further support the acceleration of our business expansion, mission, and commitment to our vision as a technology-enabled partner to the life sciences industry.”

Jennifer is an accomplished pharmaceutical and healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience across the healthcare sector. She brings to this role extensive cardiovascular, medical, and patient care-related focused expertise, with a successful track record of leading high-performing cross-matrix teams with global impact.

Prior to joining Envision, Jennifer held multiple leadership roles in global medical affairs and publications, US HEOR publications, and global scientific content. She developed a reputation for leading successful partnerships with cross-functional colleagues, advocacy partners, and academic groups that resulted in building innovative programs that foster healthcare transformation.

Jennifer joins Envision from Bristol Myers Squibb, where she most recently led cardiovascular (CV) patient advocacy across its CV portfolio (early phase assets to marketed products). She drove the development and execution of global and US strategies for a successful launch of a first-in-class CV asset, working across early asset development, commercial, and medical affairs teams. For her work in this space, she was awarded the coveted “Innovation Award” from BMS.

Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, her 16 years of experience as a practicing clinical pharmacist was within the academic medical-teaching hospital. Jennifer served in numerous roles as a pediatric critical care specialist, adult ambulatory clinical care specialist, hospital administrator, and as a Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services. Under a collaborative practice agreement, she also led outpatient care optimization, directly co-managing heart failure, antithrombotic, and diabetic patients.

Jennifer received her PharmD from Northeastern University, completed her ASHP PGY-1 residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center, and received her board certification as a pharmacotherapy specialist from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. She served in adjunct teaching positions with Rutgers University and the University of Florida. She has authored over 50 publications and posters and served as a pharmacy national thought leader within the heart failure, antithrombotic, and diabetes management space.

Jennifer adds, “I am delighted and humbled to join the Envision team during this transformative time. I am looking forward to meeting and working with our Envision family, customers, and partners. This is an exciting period for our industry at large, and I am privileged to build upon our company vision, award-winning technology, and innovation as medical affairs and global healthcare communication leaders.”

About Envision Pharma Group
Founded in 2001, Envision Pharma Group is a leading global technology-enabled strategic solutions partner for the life sciences industry, working with over 200 pharma and biotech companies, including 18 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies. Envision supports clients across the product life cycle through a comprehensive suite of services and industry-leading technology solutions that include artificial intelligence and natural language processing, commercialization and integrated strategic consulting, evidence-based scientific communications and engagement, HEOR/market access and data analytics, medical capabilities, and omnichannel solutions. Learn more at www.envisionpharmagroup.com.

Contact Information

Colleen Carter
Associate Director, Communications, Office of the CEO
colleen.carter@envisionpharma.com
1 (508) 505 8856

SOURCE: Envision Pharma Group

 

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Global Chauffeur Service Blacklane Names Ebony S. Morczinek as Chief Financial Officer

Ebony S. Morczinek – Blacklane Chief Financial Officer
Ebony S. Morczinek - Chief Financial Officer (2)

Ebony S. Morczinek – Blacklane Chief Financial Officer

Morczinek will accelerate the continuous scaling of Blacklane by driving growth through capacity optimization and the use of finance to drive strategy and localisation.

BERLIN, May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, global chauffeur service Blacklane announced that it has appointed Ebony S. Morczinek as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. She will report to Blacklane CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Jens Wohltorf, and is charged with optimizing the finance functions with a focus on enabling global and local operational management to drive Blacklane’s growth. With more than 20 years of experience directing all facets of economics, operations, and executive-level business administration for top-tier organizations, Morczinek brings proven leadership and valuable insights to the Blacklane team.

Most recently, Morczinek served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Europe for global meal kit provider Marley Spoon, where she was recognized for doubling gross revenue while leading integrated operations across six countries in Europe. Before that, she was the Chief Financial Officer of the Global Services division at Likewize (formerly Brightstar Corporation), where she spearheaded IPO readiness for the global telecommunications company. Stations at companies such as Citigroup and Lufthansa complement her career, giving her experience in working with large organizations as well as start-ups.

“I am thrilled to join the Blacklane team and further establish our leadership position in the premium mobility and travel industry,” said Ebony S. Morczinek. “My goal is to support Blacklane’s growth trajectory in a sustainable way, while having a keen eye on the business opportunities which will come through markets and our investor community. My thanks go to Jens and the Board for the trust they have placed in me as we drive Blacklane’s success story based on a common mission to create true peace of mind by delivering perfect experiences around the world to inspire a better future.”

“We are continuing to grow Blacklane’s executive team and it fills me with great pleasure to welcome Ebony to our group,” says Dr. Jens Wohltorf, Co-Founder And CEO of Blacklane. “Coming out of a highly successful period where we quadrupled revenue in 2022 year-over-year and won a significant investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, in 2023 we plan to introduce innovative products as well as expand and open markets. Ebony’s expertise in a wide range of strategic operational and financial tasks will bring Blacklane to the next level as it continues to revolutionize our industry.”

Press Materials

ABOUT BLACKLANE
Blacklane’s global chauffeur service brings peace of mind to travelers moving through a fast-paced world. The crew’s dedication to safety, reliability, and smart technology places Blacklane at the forefront of a new era of stress-free travel. Since 2017, the company has been carbon-neutral, combining a five-star guest experience with care for the planet. Upgrade your travels on Blacklane’s mobile apps or website.

For Blacklane global media inquiries, please contact:
Blacklane GmbH

Radmila Palová

press@blacklane.com

+49 157 80 67 4435

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4536f7bf-c270-42da-abde-ac36d5f5ebd6

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8831916

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FEMA GRAS status for Sweegen’s sweet protein brazzein technology

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its highly sought-after sweet protein Ultratia™ brazzein technology received the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA).

“Our customers and the industry have eagerly anticipated our brazzein FEMA GRAS status, and now we are excited to offer it as the star sweet protein in our Sweetensify Flavors Collection,” said Luca Giannone, SVP of Sales. “We’re pleased to demonstrate our Ultratia brazzein in the newly launched Sweetensify Flavors Collection at the IFT First trade show in Chicago July 17-19, 2023.”

Brands are encouraged to visit Sweegen’s food and beverage application team at IFT First, the Sweegen booth, located at the South Building — S1619 — IFT, for a sensory experience and learn how it can easily fit into their food and beverage products.

Sweegen is the first to attain FEMA GRAS status and to produce brazzein commercially globally. The designation is important because it allows manufacturers to use Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors confidently, including the novel sweet protein brazzein in their product formulations.

Brazzein’s unique characteristics make it special, and its commercialization and scaling have been challenging until now. Brazzein is a rare sweet protein that originates from the fruit of the West African climbing plant, oubli. To produce brazzein sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, which creates clean high-purity ingredients.

“This important milestone in food and beverage creation symbolizes Sweegen delivering on its promise to brands for opening doors to scalable state-of-the-art technology for creating better-for-everyone food and beverages,” said Hadi Omrani, VP of technical and regulatory affairs. “The FEMA GRAS status is a testament to the safety of brazzein as a flavor modifier that our customers can trust to explore new and exciting taste-modulating solutions.”

Sweetensify Flavors for taste modulation improves and modulates a variety of taste attributes, which can help brands push the boundaries of healthier product innovation. Brazzein’s exceptional formulation qualities inspired Sweegen to launch Sweentisify Flavors in April 2023. It is the newest flavor tool starring its novel sweet protein Ultratia brazzein, which also features thaumatin II and other unique proteins.

“Sweegen’s product development teams have discovered remarkable synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and our Signature Stevia systems,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to maintain the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness while reducing the amount of sugar they use in products.

“Sweegen’s Ultratia brazzein has received great feedback from our customers during the initial formulations phase and tastings,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation. “Now, the timing of the FEMA GRAS status perfectly coincides with the launch of Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors, which offers the best sensory experience in better-for-everyone products.”

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for thaumatin II, a sweet protein complementary to brazzein. With the addition of brazzein, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations, but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and therefore should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8831913

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Hit by multiple crises, tens of thousands of Somalis flock to refugee camps in Kenya

Jamilla Hassan’s family once lived off rich farmland in the Lower Juba region of south-west Somalia. But a severe drought from five poor rainy seasons left them staring at empty grain stores and dusty fields littered with carcasses of livestock, once their source of meat and milk.

“We haven’t been able to harvest enough grain to feed ourselves for the past two years,” says Jamilla. “The land is bare and even the hardy sorghum – our staple crop – could no longer survive the dry spells.”

Last October, with skies showing no signs of rain and nothing left to feed their six children, she and her husband abandoned their home to make a perilous journey through conflict-hit parts of Somalia, in search of humanitarian assistance.

Like tens of thousands of other Somalis, they found it in northeastern Kenya’s overcrowded Dadaab refugee camps.

“We rode in the back of a truck for four days and nights, crossing roadblocks manned by armed people,” recalls Jamilla. “It was a terrifying trip, but we knew that staying would mean facing hunger and escaping meant braving a risky journey.”

Today, she and her family count among more than 350,000 Somalis living in Dadaab – including those who arrived in earlier waves – who have fled a toxic mix of searing drought and conflict that have devastated their homeland. Together, they account for more than half the roughly 600,000 refugees the World Food Programme (WFP) assists across Kenya.

The climate factor

While heavy rains have finally arrived in Somalia and other countries in the Horn of Africa, the damage has been done. The region’s worst drought in more than four decades has killed millions of livestock and tens of thousands of people – and left an estimated 22 million others facing severe hunger.

A new study suggests the drought would likely not have happened without human-caused climate change, with higher temperatures making the soil and pasture in the region much drier than normal.

At Dadaab, WFP’s support to new refugees like Jamilla comprises cereals, pulses and vegetable oil. Through our partners, we are also treating malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as children under 5 – including Jamilla’s youngest – using fortified supplements.

But as more Somalis pour into Dadaab, their numbers are further stretching WFP’s already underfunded refugee response in Kenya. Thanks to support from the United States, we have so far avoided deep cuts; Dadaab’s residents currently receive about 80 percent of the usual food rations.

Without new resources, however, avoiding further cuts will be a struggle. Already, Dadaab’s latest influx will increase WFP’s operational costs by an additional US$3 million over the next six months.

“We are doing everything we can to continue providing food assistance to all refugees, including the nearly 100,000 who have come to Dadaab since last September,“ says WFP’s Dadaab Office Head Sarah Borchers. “But if we don’t secure new resources to meet the increased needs, food will run out much sooner.”

Filled to the brim

Already, Dadaab’s three camps (Dagahaley, Hagadera, and Ifo) are filled to the brim, home to nearly twice the population they were designed for.

New families are either crammed with relatives into tiny mud homes with tin roofs, or constructing makeshift shelters on the outskirts of the camps out of sticks, plastic tarp, cartons or rags. These colourful dome-shaped structures randomly dot the scrubland. Newly constructed communal latrines and water points line the only access road to the sprawling shanty settlements.

Under a searing sun and unrelenting heat, women, children and men huddle for shade under temporary canopies. There is little to do here, yet Jamilla is optimistic, despite the harsh conditions.

“I feel relieved as we have food and the children will have the opportunity to attend school here,” she says.

But there is little reprieve from the weather. After months of drought, heavy rains and flash floods have swept across Somalia and Kenya in recent weeks, killing more livestock, destroying homes and further imperiling fragile communities.

“Extreme weather events are not slowing down – the population is exhausted from battling a debilitating drought, and now wading through life-threatening flood waters,” says WFP’s Borchers. “Now, more than ever, we need donors to step up and support people like Jamilla, who are enduring a climate crisis they did not create.”

Source: EMM/ SAVING LIVES CHANGING LIVES

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Somali shock as Mogadishu mayor Madale filmed beating partygoers

The mayor of Mogadishu is taking no prisoners when it comes to his recent crackdown on drugs in the Somali capital – literally.

Instead Yusuf Hussein Jimale has taken to the whip – as evidenced by a video in which he is seen lashing a group of young men and women.

They flinch away as he hits them with a long stick, accused of smoking cannabis, shisha – the sweet-smelling herbal tobacco – and drinking alcohol in a nightclub on the city’s famous Lido Beach.

Mogadishu, one of the most dangerous cities in the world with daily dangers of attacks by Islamist militants, is now facing increasing problems with organised gangs.

The authorities believe this is leading to substance abuse – especially among young people – which is why the mayor has set his sights on tackling the problem.

For months there have been raids on restaurants and entertainment venues.

This week the mayor, known more widely by his nickname “Madale”, meaning “energetic”, banned all traders in the city from selling tobacco and shisha – as well as substances already outlawed in the Muslim country like alcohol.

Madale has defended his stance – and his use of the lash, saying young people need to be disciplined, and a stick is better than a gun.

“Since they were drunk, some of them tried to fight with us and we whipped them. Morally we cannot allow the behaviours we have witnessed and no-one can tolerate that,” he said 10 days ago.

Some have been angered by what they deem the mayor’s vigilantism – wanting to see evidence of his victims’ alleged misdemeanours and demanding due process.

“The mayor took the law into his own hands instead of leaving it to the relevant agencies. The person who commits a crime should be addressed through the prosecution and the judicial system,” Muna Hassan, a social affairs activist in Mogadishu, told the BBC.

‘Parental discipline’

Others see nothing wrong in the mayor’s use of corporal punishment in a country where smacking children is an accepted form of discipline.

Mogadishu resident Mohamed Noor tweeted that he regarded Madale’s behaviour akin to that of a parent.

This kind of discipline was better than harsher methods such as arrest and incarceration, which “would turn people into life-long criminals”, he posted.

Mogadishu municipality spokesman said the main thrust of the anti-drug policy was to revoke the licences of bar and restaurants where drugs were found on the premises.

“We are committed to prevent anything that goes against our beliefs, culture and the moral standard of our society,” Salah Deere told the BBC Somali service.

However, Manar Ma’lim, whose bar is among those that have been closed, denies these allegations.

“I don’t see it as anti-cultural behaviour but rather a move to destroy my business,” she told the BBC.

Her belief is that the raid was a ploy to take over her venue, which has been profitable over the last nine years as it is popular with young people. So angry is she about the move that she said in a Facebook post she planned to leave the country.

The authorities deny anything untoward about the crackdown, saying the mayor’s focus is just about flushing out drugs for good.

Though some question why the narcotic leaf khat is not on his agenda, given its massive popularity.

After fresh khat shipments arrive in Mogadishu by plane each day, many men go to chew the leaf for hours – it acts as a mild stimulant, making chewers initially talkative and social. It is especially popular with those serving in the security forces.

Some Somalis believe its long-term effects – dramatic mood changes and depression amongst them – are destroying families and would like to see it banned.

Source: BBC

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Chancellor of Germany Arrives in Addis Ababa for Official Working Visit to Ethiopia

Addis Ababa May 4/2023 (ENA)The Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz has arrived in Addis Ababa this afternoon for a working visit to Ethiopia.

Up on arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the chancellor was warmly welcomed by Foreign Affairs State Minister, Birtukan Ayana.

Chancellor Scholz is also accompanied by several representatives of German companies.

He is expected to discuss with higher government officials on national, regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ethiopia and Germany have been enjoying a long standing relations and the visit would further strengthen this ties to higher level.

Germany is a country that stood alongside Ethiopia during difficult times; the Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Meles Alem told journalist today.

According to the Spokesperson, Ethiopia and Germany have strong bilateral relationships, especially in the area of development and capacity building.

Germany is known for its huge development support to Ethiopia in addition the cooperation in the field of vocational education.

The trade relations between the two countries are also strong as Ethiopia imports various products from Germany.

Foreign Affairs Ministry said frequent high-level visits to Ethiopia will contribute to strengthening relations between Ethiopia and Germany.

During his stay in Ethiopia, Scholz has also plan to visit the African Union, it was learned.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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PM Abiy Holds Discussions with Special Envoy of Sudanese Sovereign Council President

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussion with the Special Envoy of the President of the Sovereign Council of Sudan this afternoon.

During the occasion the premier called up on the conflicting parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.

” I reiterated Ethiopia’s belief that Sudan will emerge from its current situation within a short time by utilizing wisdom of its children and cordial engagement. I have called up on the conflicting parties to resolve their differences through dialogue,” Abiy twitted.

It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy had held phone discussions last week with both General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on the need to settle differences amicably and bring stability to Sudan.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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PM Abiy Confers with Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has discussed with Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz today. During the occasion, PM Abiy and Chancellor Olaf Scholz exchanged views on enhanced Ethio-German partnership in addition to regional and multilateral issues. “Pleased to receive Chancellor Olaf Scholz this evening where we discussed enhanced Ethio-German partnership in addition to regional and multilateral issues,” the premier twitted. It is to be recalled that Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Addis Ababa today for a one day official visit to Ethiopia.

The Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz has concluded his visit to Ethiopia. Olaf Scholz was seen off at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport this evening by Foreign Affairs State Minister Birtukan Ayano. The Chancellor is expected to travel to Kenya for similar visit, it was indicated. Chancellor Scholz was accompanied by several representatives of German companies. Ethiopia and Germany have a long standing bilateral cooperation in various development areas. Germany is a country that stood alongside Ethiopia during difficult times; the Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs said.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency