Category: Press Releases

June 3, 2021

Results show that first-of-its-kind device has a sustained treatment effect and a positive impact on quality of life

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced positive two-year results from the Tack Optimized Ballon Angioplasty (TOBA) II below-the-knee (BTK) clinical trial. The data show the Philips Tack Endovascular System (4F), a first-of-its kind dissection repair device, provides a sustained treatment effect and positive impact on quality of life for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) patients at two years. The data was presented by Co-Principal Investigator George Adams, MD, Interventional Cardiologist at Rex Hospital affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at the 2021 New Cardiovascular Horizons (NCVH) conference (June 1-4).

Across all patients in the TOBA II BTK clinical trial at two years, 73.6% had freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and did not require a repeat procedure for the treated artery segment. CD-TLR is a commonly used indicator of treatment efficacy durability. In the more complex CLI patient population, which is typically associated with high rates of amputation and mortality, the data showed 94.7% target limb salvage (freedom from major amputation).

“The global endovascular community is diligently working to better understand how to restore blood flow in small limb vessels, promote healing and ultimately preserve limbs for people with CLI, one of the most vulnerable and critical patient populations,” said Dr. Adams. “These positive two-year data reiterate the clinical importance of below-the-knee dissection repair and validates the sustained durability of Tack-optimized interventions.”

The Tack Endovascular System is a unique specialized implantable device to optimize the treatment of dissections in patients with PAD and its more advanced stage, CLI. CLI occurs when an obstruction in an artery severely reduces blood flow, causing painful wounds, debilitating rest pain, recurring ulcers and life-threatening infection. If left untreated, 50% of patients with CLI will undergo an amputation or die within the first year [1].

The two-year TOBA II BTK data also show sustained improvement in patients’ quality of life. In a patient questionnaire that assesses activity, pain and overall health, patients report having more control of their health and increased improvement in mobility.

“This new data further demonstrates the value of the Tack Endovascular System for repairing dissections and optimizing post-angioplasty outcomes in a challenging patient population,” said Chris Landon, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Image Guided Therapy Devices at Philips. “Dissection repair following balloon angioplasty has a positive, long-term value for both clinicians and patients alike. The implant is an important part of our complete procedural solutions to improve existing procedures and expand treatment options for PAD and CLI patients.”

The Tack Endovascular System is a first-of-its kind dissection repair device that is purpose-built to provide precision treatment of peripheral arterial dissections following balloon angioplasty in either above- or below-the-knee therapeutic interventions. The minimal-metal implant is designed to minimize vessel inflammation, promote healing, improve outcomes, preserve future treatment options for PAD and CLI patients and – ultimately – limbs. The Tack Endovascular System (4F) is the only vascular implant to receive U.S. Food and Drug (FDA) pre-market approval for BTK interventions, and TOBA II BTK is the first BTK investigational device exemption (IDE) study to enroll 100% dissected vessels.

The Tack Endovascular System is the most recent addition to Philips’ market-leading peripheral vascular portfolio, which includes advanced interventional imaging systems for precision guidance including Vascular Suite on its Image Guided Therapy System – Azurion; intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters to assess the location of the disease and lesion morphology and guide and confirm the treatment; peripheral atherectomy devices to remove blockages; and peripheral therapy devices, such as Philips’ drug-coated balloon – Stellarex – to treat lesions.

The Tack Endovascular System is currently available for sale in the U.S. and some EU countries. Further information, including safety information, is available here.

[1] Hirsh AT, Jaskal ZJ, Hertzer , et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guidelines for the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease (lower extremity, renal, mesenteric, and abdominal aortic): executive summary a collaborative report from the American Association for Vascular Surgery/Society for Vascular Surgery, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, Society of Interventional Radiology, and the ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease) endorsed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Society for Vascular Nursing; TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus; and Vascular Disease Foundation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Mar 21;113(11):e463-654.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Groves
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: +31 631 639 916
E-mail: mark.groves@philips.com

Fabienne van der Feer
Philips Image Guided Therapy
Tel: + 31 622 698 001
E-mail: fabienne.van.der.feer@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

• Philips Tack Endovascular System 4F
• Philips Tack Endovascular System 4F img 2

Americas board director elevated to Chair, as three new board members are elected

NEW YORK, June 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries, announces the election of Craig Stevens to a two-year term as Chair of Boyden’s Board of Directors. Effective immediately, Stevens succeeds Jörg Kasten, Managing Partner, Germany.

Three new board members have also been elected: Dina Akimova, Managing Partner, Russia; Kathleen Dunton, Managing Partner, Germany and EMEA Leader, Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice; and Kristen Smit, Managing Partner, France. Jim Harmon, Managing Partner, Canada, was re-elected. Board members completing their service are Ulrich Schumann, Managing Partner, Germany and Kjetil Haug-Nodeland, Managing Partner, Norway.

Commenting on his election, Stevens said, “It is an honor to serve Boyden as Chair of the Board. My predecessor, Jörg Kasten, and our esteemed President & CEO, Trina Gordon, were exceptional leaders in navigating the pandemic recession. I am energized to work with the Board to support our partners, as they collaborate with our clients across the globe to build high performing executive teams that are prepared to address rapidly evolving challenges.”

Stevens, who had previously served as Americas Director on the board is also Managing Partner, United States and a member of the firm’s global Technology, CEO & Board Services, Professional Services and Social Impact practices.

Dina Akimova is Managing Partner and leader of Boyden’s Russia office. She focuses on C-level searches and provides clients with broad industry expertise, particularly in industry and financial services. Dina holds a Bachelor’s degree from Maxim Gorky Literature Institute and studied leadership at Harvard Business School.

Kathleen Dunton is Managing Partner, Germany and EMEA Leader of Boyden’s Private Equity and Venture Capital practice. A member of Boyden’s global Industrial practice, she has expertise in the professional services, industrial machinery and chemical sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics and geography from the University of Massachusetts, US.

Kristen Smit is Managing Partner, France. She is a member of Boyden’s global Healthcare & Life Sciences and Industrial practices, and provides board services and leadership development expertise to clients. Kristen is a former member of Boyden’s board. She holds a degree in international business administration from The American University of Paris.

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solution. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes’ Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2021. For further information, visit www.boyden.com.

Contacts:

Chris Swee Global Head of Marketing T: +1 914 747 0172 E: cswee@boyden.com

Craig Stevens Chair of Board of Directors Managing Partner, United States E: cstevens@boyden.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/274d6f36-e734-4023-a4df-2c9bad41d028

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c4cbbd8-b0c4-4595-b31e-d1d25d634a08

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dae58c9b-c414-48d3-99c2-304a9b3bbe1f

New Informa Pharma Intelligence report shows that while vaccine hesitancy creates an uphill battle for herd immunity, virus manageability may be possible as the U.S. marches toward July 4 deadline of 70% of American adults partially vaccinated

NEW YORK, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Informa Pharma Intelligence, the global business intelligence provider for the biopharma industry, released its “Q2 2021 Clinical Trials and the COVID-19 Vaccine Pulse Report,” revealing an uphill battle for the United States as nearly a quarter of Americans remain hesitant around taking a COVID-19 vaccine.

The study, conducted online with the third-party research firm YouGov, uncovered not only the American public’s sentiment around available COVID-19 vaccines, but also how their trust in pharmaceutical companies and understanding of clinical trials have changed following sentiments captured in Informa Pharma Intelligence’s 2020 Pulse Report when the first vaccines were still awaiting authorization for emergency use in the United States.

Vaccine Hesitancy Remains as U.S. Shifts Goal from Herd Immunity to Virus Manageability

Following the U.S. surpassing a huge milestone of 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations, achieving the next 100 million will be even more challenging as vaccine hesitancy remains among the American people.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans say they would choose none of the three vaccines currently available from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson based on Phase III clinical trial results. However, over three-quarters (77%) say they would choose one of the vaccines available, with Pfizer-BioNTech the preference by far (with 42% selecting it). With the previous goal of herd immunity shifting toward virus manageability, President Biden’s new aim of ensuring 70% of American adults have received at least one shot by July 4 could be attainable if current attitudes don’t worsen.

Americans reported their top choice of COVID-19 vaccines based on Phase III clinical trial results:

• Pfizer-BioNTech – 42%
• Moderna – 25%
• Johnson & Johnson – 9%
• None of these – 23%

Understanding of Clinical Trials Up Among Americans

Although vaccine hesitancy remains, levels of understanding have improved nearly two-fold following sentiments captured in Informa Pharma Intelligence’s 2020 Pulse Report when the COVID-19 vaccines had yet to be made available in the United States.¹

In fact, the percentage of Americans saying they’d be more likely to take a COVID-19 vaccine if they had more information on the clinical trials has dropped by half since 2020 (14% from 28%). Furthermore, the number of Americans saying they’d be more likely to participate in a clinical trial doubled from 7% in 2020 to 13% in 2021. This may show that Americans are far more versed on vaccine clinical trial data due to the U.S. government and vaccine makers communicating this information more effectively since fall 2020.

Americans report additional attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, pharmaceutical companies and clinical trials, revealing further drops in negative perception:

• 18% don’t trust how quickly the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials are moving (down from 35% in 2020)
• 16% don’t think pharma companies have consumers’ best interests in mind during clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine (down from 23% in 2020)

The Future of COVID-19 Vaccine Development

As pharma looks to the future of vaccine development, Americans report the following clinical trial factors as critical for them to be more likely to take a vaccine:

• More than one in five (22%) Americans would be more likely to take a COVID-19 vaccine if the clinical trials showed sufficient results of working against new variants
• Over a quarter (28%) of Americans with children under 18 would be more likely to have their child take a COVID-19 vaccine if they knew pediatric clinical trials showed sufficient safety and efficacy
• More than one in seven (13%) Americans would be more likely to take a COVID-19 vaccine if they knew the clinical trials were demographically diverse

“The U.S. is heading toward long-term management of COVID-19, but vaccine hesitancy is still a significant threat in terms of full mitigation,” said Karen Currie, MPH, Executive Director of Citeline at Informa Pharma Intelligence. “Transparency, consistency and accuracy in communication around the vaccines will be essential to turning the tide on the spread of the virus. This report reveals the importance of public health experts tailoring their outreach to specific groups, especially those that are reporting higher rates of hesitancy, with detailed information on safety and efficacy from clinical trials. Trust must continue to be built among the American people, government and pharmaceutical companies as we work together to save lives, effectively corner the virus and emerge from this pandemic.”

Research Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1327 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between April 21 and 22, 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

About Informa Pharma Intelligence
Informa Pharma Intelligence powers a full suite of analysis products – Datamonitor Healthcare™, Sitetrove™, Trialtrove™, Pharmaprojects™, Biomedtracker™, Scrip™, Pink Sheet™ and In Vivo™ – to deliver the data needed by the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry to make decisions and create real-world opportunities for growth.

With more than 400 analysts keeping their fingers on the pulse of the industry, no key disease, clinical trial, drug approval or R&D project isn’t covered through the breadth and depth of data available to customers. For more information, visit pharmaintelligence.informa.com

Informa Pharma Intelligence PR Contact
Diffusion PR for Informa Pharma Intelligence
informapharma@diffusionpr.com
(213) 318-4500

^{____________________________
1} New responses were added to comparative questions within the Q2 2021 survey that did not appear in the 2020 survey, including a “none of these” option.

• Newly released iTero Workflow 2.0 software features include faster scanning, improved visualization, and enhanced patient communication tools that help increase practice efficiency, support better clinical diagnosis, and drive patient engagement for treatment acceptance.
• Available in Q3’21 on the iTero Element 5D imaging system*, a new auto-upload feature will streamline Invisalign case submissions by enabling intraoral color scan images to be used in place of traditional intraoral photos.

TEMPE, Ariz. and YEHUDA, Israel, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”) (Nasdaq: ALGN) a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign system of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced the new iTero Workflow 2.0 software release with advanced features that provide enhanced intraoral image sharpness for clearer hard and soft tissue details to aid in treatment diagnosis, while also driving practice efficiency, patient engagement, and a more seamless end-to-end digital treatment experience for doctors and their patients.

“Align’s commitment to innovation in digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry reflects our $250 million annual investment in technology to develop products and services that provide doctors and their patients with a great treatment outcome and seamless experience through the Align digital platform,” said Yuval Shaked, Align SVP and MD of the iTero systems and services business. “Our new iTero Workflow 2.0 software features were developed to simplify and streamline a doctor’s daily routine and increase practice efficiency. From a faster, all-in-one scan with enhanced visualization capabilities to improved patient communication, including the ability to capture, annotate and then share Invisalign simulations or restorative treatment plans digitally, these new features provide doctors with the ability for better clinical diagnosis and help patients better understand their oral health conditions and the proposed treatment options.”

The newly released iTero Workflow 2.0 software features include:

• Faster scanning: Enables a faster and smoother all-in-one scan for maximum efficiency with 20% less waiting for processing time on the iTero Element Plus Series scanners¹ and 50% faster movement and 25% faster rotation during scanning² for efficient daily use and ease of learning on all iTero Element scanners.
• Improved visualization: The integrated 3D intraoral camera included in the iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system provides enhanced sharpness and improved image quality powered by advanced AI capabilities to deliver clearer soft and hard tissue details to support diagnosis³. In addition, the enhanced capabilities allow clinics to efficiently use intraoral scan images in place of traditional intraoral photos as they can capture multiple intraoral images at different angles automatically with one scan.
• Next level patient communication tools: The new Snapshot tool and iTero Scan Report provide doctors and their staff with the ability to capture information such as Invisalign Outcome Simulator projections and share it digitally with their patients, allowing patients to make more confident decisions – in the dental chair or at home – which may lead to higher treatment acceptance.

“I am already experiencing meaningful differences with the new iTero software features and have seen significantly reduced scan times,” said Dr. Olivier Boujenah, a dentist in France who participated in the limited market release. “The intraoral images are much sharper, and my patients are impressed by the details and clarity, which leads them to ask more questions about treatment options. Being able to send digital files with patients when they leave the office through the iTero Scan Report keeps our conversation going even after they are home and I already see this capability helping with patient acceptance.”

iTero Workflow 2.0 software features are being rolled out regionally and are expected to be available in all markets where the iTero Element Plus imaging systems are available by the end of Q2’21. Software features will vary by scanner. Discover more at https://bit.ly/2ROw0fD.

New iTero Element 5D imaging system auto-upload functionality
The company also announced that new iTero Element 5D imaging system auto-upload of intraoral photos for Invisalign case submissions will be available in the third quarter of 2021. This new functionality will eliminate steps and streamline Invisalign case submissions with intraoral color scan images that can be used in place of traditional intraoral photos.

The iTero Element 5D imaging system wands are designed with advanced technology, including an intraoral camera, that enables the doctor to scan, capture and auto convert the scan into 2D color photos. This enhanced capability provides doctors the option to automatically populate the five required images in the prescription form in the Invisalign Doctor Site (IDS) with 2D color scan photos. Currently, the Invisalign prescription form requires at least five intraoral photos upon submission, taken with Invisalign Photo Uploader (IPU) or a digital camera. This new auto upload functionality will be available in all markets where the iTero Element 5D imaging systems are sold.

“I am excited to hear about the new iTero Element 5D auto-upload feature,” said Dr. Heather Stone Hopkins, an orthodontist in Lexington, South Carolina and an Align North America faculty member. “Digital technology such as the iTero scanner has been a game changer for my practice. In addition to eliminating goopy PVS impressions, the iTero Element 5D also simultaneously records 3D, intraoral color and NIRI images — eliminating the need for multiple devices. With this new iTero Element 5D feature, intraoral color scan images can be used in place of the required intraoral photos for Invisalign case submissions, and without the discomfort of cheek retractors for a better patient experience.  Automatic intraoral image capture and auto-upload to the Invisalign Doctor Site is an enhancement that will drastically improve our workflow, saving my team members and patients invaluable time for our Invisalign case submissions.”

1. Data on file, as of December 22, 2020.
2. Compared with previous software versions. Data on file at Align Technology, as of March 29, 2021.
3. Only available on iTero Element 5D Plus imaging systems (full and Lite software configurations).

*iTero Element 5D Imaging systems include iTero Element 5D and iTero Element 5D Plus series scanners.

About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and offers the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 200 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 500 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Align has helped doctors treat over 10.2 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit http://www.exocad.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including quotations and expectations regarding product and services development and spending, the capabilities of new features and functionalities, and our expectations for our new products, features, and accessories and their availability. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release relating to expectations about future events or results are based upon information available to Align as of the date hereof. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

• the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and safety of our employees, customers, patients, and our suppliers, as well as the physical and economic impacts of the various recommendations, orders, and protocols issued by local and national governmental agencies in light of continual evolution of the pandemic, including any periodic reimplementation of preventative measures in various global locations;
• unexpected or rapid changes in the growth or decline of our domestic and/or international markets;
• increasing competition from existing and new competitors;
• rapidly evolving and groundbreaking advances that fundamentally alter the dental industry or the way new and existing customers market and provide products and services to consumers;
• the ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
• continued compliance with regulatory requirements;
• declines in, or the slowing of the growth of, sales of our intra-oral scanners domestically and/or internationally and the impact either would have on the adoption of Invisalign products;
• the willingness and ability of our customers to maintain and/or increase product utilization in sufficient numbers;
• the possibility that the development and release of new products or enhancements to existing products do not proceed in accordance with the anticipated timeline or may themselves contain bugs or errors requiring remediation and that the market for the sale of these new or enhanced products may not develop as expected;
• the risks relating to our ability to sustain or increase profitability or revenue growth in future periods (or minimize declines) while controlling expenses; and
• the loss of key personnel or work stoppages.

The foregoing and other risks are detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26, 2021. Align undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Align Investor Relations	Zeno Group
Madelyn Homick	Sarah Johnson
(408) 470-1180	(828) 551-4201
mhomick@aligntech.com	sarah.johnson@zenogroup.com

Energy Globe World Award at the EU-parliament

VIENNA, Austria, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Environmental protection and circular economy are the determinative topics for the future of our planet. These topics offer besides the creation of a livable future also great possibilities for economic development and successful business models in accordance with consumers and nature.

It is about time to create a global co-operation with access to innovative and sustainable projects, to introduce the best technologies and to establish optimal forms of financing.

This is the common goal of Global Chamber Platform and Energy Globe, today’s most renowned environmental prize that presents all winners of 187 participating countries, but also the nominees and category winners of the Energy Globe World Award on Saturday, June 5 2021, the global UN World Environment Day.

• Streaming of the Energy Globe World Award at www.energyglobe.info on June 5 at 5 pm (Central European Summer Time – UTC/GMT +2h)

• also on www.energyglobe.info:

– project details about nominees and winners.
– all national Energy Globe winners, videos included.

Facts:
• Energy Globe – The World Award for Sustainability is the most renowned environmental prize worldwide.
• Energy Globe has been awarded annually since 2000.
• Each year, between 2,000 and 3,000 environmental projects are submitted from almost every country of our world.
• The awardings are taking place every year on a national basis in all participating countries as well as in the form of the Energy Globe World Award.
• Maneka Gandhi, former Indian environmental minister, is the chairwoman of the jury.

PARTNERS of this unique event are:
UNIDO • BMK, Austria • CLUB of ROME • ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA • GLOBAL CHAMBER Platform • National Institutions.

Initiator and Founder of the Energy Globe, Wolfgang Neumann: “There are already best practice solutions for almost every environmental problem we have! To present, exchange & communicate these solutions to a global audience is the GOAL OF THE ENERGY GLOBE. Therefor we invite you to submit your projects and ideas, to network with the leading initiators for sustainability worldwide and to become part of the solution.”

www.energyglobe.info

www.instagram.com/energyglobe/          www.facebook.com/energyglobe        www.youtube.com/user/energyglobe01

Attachments

• EnergyGlobeWorldFinalists2020.pdf
• Energy Globe 2020_Facts.pdf

A video accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0adb99a-1217-49a2-81d5-f24a871ffa2c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b636866-1edd-4b11-984d-a6918e1a55db
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff6d087-ed40-4d75-b6d5-668ec8918efb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/281f1c44-c70b-48c4-9030-edf4e9786c1d
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2367ba6b-2796-4732-9097-5fda531ceddb

 

Press Contact: Wolfgang Neumann, Energy Globe 
Email: contact@energyglobe.info 
Tel: +43 664 18 26 580

  The service enables brands to have scalable conversations with their customers using Instagram DM’s or Stories, facilitating engaging user interaction and enhanced customer experience

STOCKHOLM and ATLANTA – June 2, 2021 – Sinch AB (publ), a global leader in cloud communications for mobile customer engagement, today launched a worldwide API for business messaging through Instagram to coincide with the availability of the Messenger API for Instagram announced by Messenger from Facebook during its F8 conference. The Messenger API for Instagram enables brands to have scalable conversations with their customers using Instagram DMs or Stories, facilitating engaging user interaction and enhanced customer support.

Businesses are now able to leverage the Messenger API for Instagram through Sinch’s Conversation API, a single API that lets businesses create rich and engaging conversations with their customers via a range of widely used consumer channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SMS, MMS, RCS, and more.

People and brands are exchanging messages with each other more than ever, and Instagram is an important channel for connecting customers and building long-term relationships. Instagram has more than 1 billion active accounts worldwide. According to Instagram, 81 percent of respondents said it helps them research products and services.

“Instagram is a powerful channel that lets businesses engage with their customers in a simple, secure and effective way,”, said Eduardo Henrique, Sinch’s Chief Business Development Officer. “The results from our early access trials are very encouraging as customers appreciate the faster responses and improved customer experience that the new offering entails.”

Sinch had early access to the functionality behind the Messenger API for Instagram. One of the first brands that Sinch enabled to leverage the Messenger API was Leiturinha, a Brazilian children’s book club with over 800,000 followers. By leveraging API-powered direct messaging through Instagram, Leiturinha recorded a 35 percent reduction in comments of customers requesting assistance by Instagram DM’s in the first 11 days.

In addition to facilitating processes, business messaging through Instagram also speeds up contact with users who name the brand through mentions of Stories, which makes communication even more dynamic and interactive. As a result, the response time to calls related to direct messages decreased by 42 percent, compared to the average of the last 6 months.

About Sinch

Sinch brings businesses and people closer with tools enabling personal engagement. Its leading cloud communications platform lets businesses reach every mobile phone on the planet, in seconds or less, through mobile messaging, voice and video. Sinch is a trusted software provider to mobile operators, and its platform powers business-critical communications for many of the world’s largest companies. Sinch has been profitable and fast-growing since its foundation in 2008. It is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has local presence in more than 40 countries. Shares are traded at NASDAQ Stockholm: XSTO:SINCH. Visit us at sinch.com.

For further information, please contact:

Jeff Hasen
Director of Content & Communications
jeff.hasen@sinch.com

Attachment

• Sinch

 

Fooditive Products

Having experienced scarce availability of food during his childhood in Jordan, founder and food scientist Moayad Abushokhedim vowed to create healthy and affordable food for all.

Packed with a strong food science and business background, he developed his own unique process of creating affordable plant-based ingredients, simply using the science of fermentation.

In recognition of his drive for success in the food and beverage industry, Abushokhedim was named as one of the Food100 2020, an award that celebrates changemakers who are working towards transitioning to a sustainable food system.

“For a Jordanian guy like me, who cannot believe he is living his dream of changing the world, receiving this award made me realise that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. And it reminded me that I am not alone in this endeavour because there are so many others in the world who believe in making a difference,” said Moayad Abushokhedim.

The innovation behind Fooditive’s products and its dedication to delivering what consumers deserve have led to the company being nominated for the Foodvalley Champions 2020 award in the category Food & Health. The new collaboration with Frutco AG in Switzerland, which will use Fooditive’s unique continuous fermentation process to produce a sweetener from banana side-streams, is the company’s latest step towards making the world greener and more sustainable.

As pioneers of healthy eating, Fooditive’s actions have also a-peel-ed to Gary Clarke, former general manager of Mars International Travel Retail. With more than 20 years of consumer packaged goods experience, Clarke felt that “as a next step, joining Fooditive as a partner seemed like such an obvious thing to do.”

“When I learned about Fooditive’s approach to developing a circular economy and producing foods that are better for you, I really thought they were leading the charge to evolve the food industry. I believe that Fooditive really can drive the industry to a new future for food. One that is not only good for people but also good for the planet, and should we be able to scale this idea then the difference can be enormous”, added Clarke.

Fooditive is currently funding up to €6.5M for the year of 2021 to revolutionize the plant-based food business and create healthy and affordable food for everyone.

Later this year, the company will share its exciting new products, a healthy fat replacer from avocado seeds and a vegan milk formation from peas, so be sure to keep an eye out for Fooditive.

Now that it is backed by even more committed partners and equipped with un-pear-alleled competitively priced ingredients, the Fooditive fever is catching on and inspiring others along the way to think more about what they eat.

About Fooditive BV

In 2018, the plant-based ingredient manufacturer Fooditive BV was established in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The company is committed to making healthy food available for all with its 100% natural ingredients. Since its launch, Fooditive has received several awards for its innovative ideas, sustainable approaches, and contributions to a circular economy, including being nominated for the Index Award 2021.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2b3b996-6320-474d-a1e0-5ee9f1081913

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a7837dc-22d9-48cb-a57b-4c6606055081

Contact:
Niki Karatza
niki@fooditive.nl
+31 10 3216167

A respected CEO and purpose-driven healthcare technology and services leader, Michalak brings deep knowledge of the rapid transformation taking place in healthcare and more than two decades of leadership experience spanning strategy, corporate development, operations, and talent development. His industry expertise and network, successful M&A experience, and proven record of diversifying and expanding into adjacent growth markets will allow Virgin Pulse to further accelerate its Homebase for Health^® strategy.

“The past 18 months have highlighted the critical need for employers and their people to proactively engage with their health and effectively utilize their benefits to ensure better health outcomes,” said Michalak. “As the global health and wellbeing market leader, Virgin Pulse has a significant opportunity to shape a better future for healthcare. I am humbled and honored to lead the company at such a pivotal time and look forward to building on Virgin Pulse’s momentum and solid foundation to create that future. I am particularly excited to help employers, health plans, government organizations, and higher education reimagine health, wellbeing, benefits and healthcare through the lens of Homebase for Health.”

As Virgin Pulse’s CEO, Michalak will lead the company’s growth initiatives and advance its position as a world-class employer, partner, and innovator with a mission to change lives for good through its Homebase for Health. Homebase for Health unifies, simplifies and personalizes member health and wellbeing while providing Virgin Pulse’s clients with a one-stop shop for managing and orchestrating third-party benefits and solutions and streamlining contracting, procurement, eligibility, reporting and billing.

Michalak joins Virgin Pulse from global benefits and payroll provider Alight Solutions, where as CEO, he led the company through significant growth while achieving consistently high client satisfaction and retention rates. During his tenure, Alight more than tripled its revenue growth rate, successfully integrated six acquisitions, and was certified as a Great Place to Work. Michalak was also recognized for his leadership in Software Report’s Top 50 Tech Services CEOs of 2020.

Prior to Alight Solutions, Michalak served as global chief commercial officer at Aon Hewitt, where he led global sales and accounts strategy and managed U.S. sales and accounts functions. He also led Aon Hewitt’s global Client Promise initiative, which established a clear set of commitments to all clients and put in place a methodology for assessing the company’s performance to ensure it met or exceeded client expectations. Michalak also previously served as CEO of global HR consulting firm, Buck Consultants.

About Virgin Pulse

Virgin Pulse is the global leader and premier provider of digital health and wellbeing SaaS solutions and services focused on driving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Featuring the industry’s only true Homebase for Health^® that unifies and simplifies the health journey, Virgin Pulse fuses high-tech, high-touch, predictive analytics, AI, and data to support clients and members across the entire health, wellbeing, and benefits lifecycle — from screening and risk assessment to activation, behavior change, and the adoption of sustainable, healthy habits to benefits navigation, condition management, gaps in care closure, and digital therapeutics guidance. Today, 14 million+ users in more than 190 countries rely on Virgin Pulse’s digital and live solutions to change their lives — and businesses — for good. To learn more, visit VirginPulse.com and follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Inquiries, please contact: Press@virginpulse.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f07e36f6-5b9e-4fe1-a86d-8482720e2c33

Speakers including the United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Alessandra Ambrosio, Sam Waterston, Nathalie Kelley, Danni Washington, Dona Bertarelli, Céline Semaan, Amanda Cerny, and more will address the 2021 theme The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods

NEW YORK, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Monday 8 June, the United Nations will launch its second-ever fully digital rendition of its annual World Oceans Day event in celebration of its 2021 theme, The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods. Produced in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, presented by Blancpain and supported by La Mer, United Nations World Oceans Day 2021 (UNWOD) will be a day-long event featuring keynote speeches, panels, and presentations kicked off by the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, with leading voices including: Dr. Sylvia Earle, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Alessandra Ambrosio, Sam Waterston, Nathalie Kelley, Danni Washington, Dona Bertarelli, Céline Semaan, Amanda Cerny, and more. While traditionally an in-person event at the UN Headquarters, due to COVID-19, UN WOD became fully virtual and open-to-the-public for the first time in 2020. This year’s celebration will again be open to the world by live stream from 10:00AM-5:00PM (EDT) on the United Nations World Oceans Day website (www.unworldoceansday.org/2021) with the content reshared on the social channels @unworldoceansday. [The UNWOD event will also incorporate a closing concert as part of the day’s programming from 4:30PM-5:30pm (EDT), featuring performances by international musicians including EARTHGANG, Angélique Kidjo, Bomba Estéreo, Little Dragon, Valerie June, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and Penguin Cafe.]

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, nourishes billions of people and employs millions worldwide. Humanity’s interconnectivity to the ocean is core to our identities, cultures, and ways of life. Since its inception in 2008, UN World Oceans Day has celebrated the ocean and its importance to our planet and our lives. Yet, over the course of the pandemic, the world saw more clearly than ever, just how reliant on the ocean we collectively are. The 2021 United Nations World Oceans Day theme The Ocean: Live and Livelihoods sheds light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our lifesource, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth. The event will convene scientists, explorers, experts, and coastal communities from around the world to deepen our understanding of the ocean, explore our connection to it, and discuss the need for building a new balance with the ocean that is inclusive, innovative and informed by those who depend on the it, as well as by lessons from the past.

UNWOD 2021 will start with opening remarks by the United Nations Secretary-General, followed by messages from the President of the General Assembly. Sessions throughout the day will include a video on “Our Underwater World,” with an original composition by Nitin Sawhney and narration by Jean-Michael Cousteau, “Faces of the Sea,” presented by Céline Semaan, “Oceanic Discoveries,” presented by actress Nathalie Kelley, “The Ocean Connecting Us Daily” presented by Actress Amanda Cerny, “Blue Economy and Private Sector Impact” moderated by The Economist’s Martin Koehring, “Our Changing Oceans” featuring science communicator Danni Washington, a panel hosted by the UN Oceans and more. Featured speakers throughout the day include: Actor and Activist Gael Garcia Bernal, Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, Surfer Dr. Easkey Britton, Youth Advocate Catarina Lorenzo, OceanX Science Program Lead Mattie Rodrigue, Actor and Oceana Board Chair Sam Waterston, Actress Amanda Cerny, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michael Cousteau, World-class Sailor Dona Bertarelli, Pacific Island Explorer Nicole Yamase, Underwater Photographer David Doubilet, and the CEO of Impact Advisory and Finance at Credit Suisse, Marisa Drew, to name a few. The winners of the Eighth Annual United Nations Photo Competition will also be announced by its 2021 Curator, Ellen Cuylaerts.

The annual United Nations World Oceans Day event marks the kick-off “World Ocean Week” (June 1- June 14th) during which subsequent events hosted by members of the Friends of UN World Oceans Day platform and other ocean enthusiasts from around the world will continue the conversation surrounding the official theme of UN World Oceans Day 2021- The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.

www.unworldoceansday.org
@unworldoceansday

MEDIA CONTACT:
Natasha Berg
natasha@oceanic.global
631-241-0398

A photo and a video accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3049eb4f-9cba-4bad-838b-508669d439ad

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5434ec8e-2008-4e03-a923-45b10715b020

June 2, 2021

Partnership leverages Philips’ latest Radiology Operations Command Center to improve the access, quality, and productivity of Akumin’s outpatient imaging center network

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Plantation, U.S. – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and Akumin Inc., a leading provider of outpatient diagnostic imaging services in the U.S., today announced a strategic collaboration to deploy Philips’ new Radiology Operations Command Center across Akumin’s outpatient imaging centers and co-create clinical standards for Akumin’s MR and CT imaging modalities.

Designed to centralize, virtualize, and standardize network-wide imaging operations while facilitating secure remote access, Philips’ vendor-agnostic command center broadens the scope of collaboration and expertise sharing between technologists, radiologists and imaging operations teams across multiple sites capabilities that fit perfectly into Akumin’s networked imaging center model. Akumin, which currently operates over 130 outpatient imaging centers across seven U.S. states, is Philips’ first large-scale commercial Radiology Operations Command Center customer in North America.

“We are very excited to partner with Philips on this important strategic initiative to standardize the delivery of clinical care to our patients, while ensuring business continuity, improving ‘first time’ image quality, and increasing our clinical personnel productivity”, said Riadh Zine, President & CEO of Akumin.

“Addressing radiology pain points such as operator variability, training, and the need to standardize and optimize image quality, Radiology Operations Command Center is Philips’ latest innovation in quality and productivity improvement,” said Kees Wesdorp, Chief Business Leader, Precision Diagnosis at Philips. “Deploying Philips Radiology Operations Command Center across Akumin’s center-of-excellence imaging network is the perfect opportunity to further drive radiology workflow efficiency to improve patient outcomes, enhance patient and staff experiences, and reduce the cost of care.”

Leveraging the capabilities of the command center, Philips and Akumin aim to establish best-practice clinical standards for Akumin’s MRI and CT modalities to enable a consistent approach to imaging procedures across the Akumin platform. It will also allow Akumin to implement centralized tailored support for individual imaging centers to improve their on-site clinical expertise.

Philips’ integrated, data-driven radiology workflow solutions connect people, data and technology to advance precision diagnosis and create clear care pathways that lead to predictable outcomes. For example, Philips Radiology Operations Command Center allows technologists and radiologists to have a real-time ‘virtual’ telepresence in any connected MR or CT console room to contribute expertise, guidance and training in acquiring right-first-time images. Its ability to centrally monitor every MR and CT scanner in a network from a single location and orchestrate workflows helps to maintain business continuity, increase enterprise-wide radiology productivity, minimize issues with image quality, and expand access to advanced MR- and CT-based diagnosis.

The Philips Radiology Operations Command Center is the latest addition to Philips’ end-to-end Radiology Workflow Suite, which helps drive clinical and operational efficiency across all phases of the diagnostic enterprise, including patient scheduling and preparation (Patient Management), image acquisition (Radiology Operations Command Center, Collaboration Live, MR Smart Workflow, Radiology Imaging Suite), image and data interpretation (Workflow Orchestrator, Advanced Visualization Workspace – IntelliSpace Portal), reporting (Clinical Collaboration Platform), decision-making, pathway selection and treatment (Tumor Multidisciplinary Team Orchestrator), and follow-up care (Enterprise Performance Suite). The Philips Radiology Operations Command Center supports legacy systems as well as state of the art technology including Philips newest innovation, the spectral detector-based Spectral Computed Tomography (CT) 7500, to expand access to novel imaging across the enterprise.

For further information, please contact:

Kathy O’Reilly
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +1 978-221-8919
E-mail: kathy.oreilly@philips.com

Twitter: @kathyoreilly

R. Jeffrey White
Akumin Inc.
Investor Relations
Tel.: +1 866-640-5222
E-mail: jeffrey.white@akumin.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About Akumin
Akumin is a leading provider of outpatient diagnostic imaging services in the United States, with freestanding centers located in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois and Kansas. Our centers provide physicians with imaging capabilities to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders, thereby reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures and contributing to lower costs and better outcomes for patients. Our imaging procedures include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, X-ray, mammography and other diagnostic or interventional radiology procedures.

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• ROCC Communication Collaboration

NEW YORK, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Realty Capital, a fully integrated real estate private equity firm focused on debt and equity investment strategies, today announced it has provided a $30 million first mortgage loan to Metropica Development for a luxury condominium tower and a ten-acre development site, which includes plans to develop a second 250-unit multifamily tower. The portfolio is part of Metropica, a four million-square-foot master planned community comprised of luxury residences, modern office towers and high-end retail offerings located in Sunrise, Florida.

Metropica Development, led by Joseph Kavana, began construction of the first 263-unit luxury condominium tower in 2017 and has sold 174 units to date. Madison’s loan will be used to support 89 units, representing 101,989 square feet on the upper floors of the first condominium tower as well as the adjacent 250-unit second condominium tower. In addition to the first tower, the Metropica master planned development will include 500 multifamily units, 550,000 square feet of commercial space for luxury retail, dining and entertainment destinations as well as 246 hotel keys.

“We are pleased to deliver a customized and flexible financing solution for the remaining condo inventory in the Metropica Development,” said Josh Zegen, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Madison Realty Capital. “Madison’s ability to finance residential projects through every stage of development was highly attractive to Metropica, an experienced local development firm, and we look forward to working with Joseph and his team to support this unique and ambitious project.”

Located at 2000 Metropica Way, adjacent to the Sawgrass Mills shopping mall and BB&T Center, the 28-story Metropica Tower offers luxury residences with an average of 1,034 square feet, top-of-the-line finishes and high-concept designs from Oppenheim Architecture and YOO Studio. The tower’s resort-style amenities consist of a saltwater swimming pool, lounges, movie theater, fitness center, massage and yoga centers, and a children’s playroom.

Melissa Rose of JLL Capital Markets arranged the financing from Madison Realty Capital.

 

About Madison Realty Capital

Madison Realty Capital is a New York City based real estate private equity firm focused on debt and equity investment strategies with regional offices in key markets including Los Angeles and Dallas. Founded in 2004, MRC has closed on approximately $14 billion of transactions in the multifamily, retail, office, industrial and hotel sectors nationwide. The firm manages investments in the United States on behalf of a global investor base. MRC is a fully integrated firm with over 60 employees across all real estate investment, development, and property management disciplines. Among other industry recognitions, MRC has been named to the Commercial Observer’s prestigious “Power 100” list of New York City real estate players and is consistently cited as one of the industry’s top construction lenders. To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.madisonrealtycapital.com.

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• Metropica

Nathaniel Garnick/Grace Cartwright
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170
madisonrealty@gasthalter.com