OPEN Health and fusion announce partnership to deliver AI-powered healthcare communications

London, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — June 24, 2024, London, UK – OPEN Health, a pre-eminent global provider of scientific communicationsHEOR and market accesspatient engagement, and consulting, today announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health. This alliance will see fusion’s market-leading AI capabilities deployed across OPEN Health’s extensive global client base, which includes 49 of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.

Mary McGregor, Founder of fusion, commented, “OPEN Health provides an unrivalled platform to expand the AI agenda globally in our sector. Our longstanding relationship with OPEN Health leadership facilitated early conversations, enabling us to quickly market-test joint solutions, which led to a swift and unanimous decision to formalize this collaboration. This partnership empowers us to redefine the boundaries of what AI can accomplish in healthcare.”

Margot Hannah,  Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Communications at OPEN Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We immediately recognized the need to expand our capabilities and started a dialog with fusion about an exclusive partnership to provide pioneering solutions that integrate OPEN Health’s capabilities with fusion’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML. Fusion’s expertise in this area is unparalleled, and we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients.”

Steve Duryee, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at OPEN Health, added, “We are committed to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, ML, robotic process automation, and data analytics, to drive higher value and improved outcomes for our clients. With the recent launch of our Solutions Innovation Center, and the addition of fusion to our extended team of elite-level technology partners, we are now in the pole position to deliver the most innovative, technologically advanced solutions to our biopharmaceutical partners.”

By integrating with fusion’s advanced technology, OPEN Health underscores its commitment to leading the AI agenda with socially beneficial innovations to drive innovation and efficiency for clients. Contact OPEN Health to set up an interactive demonstration at www.openhealthgroup.com/contact-us.

About OPEN Health
OPEN Health unites world-class scientific, strategic, and creative expertise to solve complex challenges for global biopharma. We are a flexible, global organization, creating high-performing strategic partnerships with our clients. We embrace our different perspectives and strengths to deliver innovative solutions that have a positive impact on commercial and patient outcomes. OPEN Health unlocks possibilities across consulting, HEOR and market access, scientific communications, and patient engagement. To learn more, visit www.openhealthgroup.com.

About fusion
fusion specializes in delivering AI and ML solutions. Known for its advanced technology and innovative approach, fusion aims to transform the pharmaceutical industry by integrating AI-first solutions. To learn more, visit www.fusionagency.solutions.

Attachment

Candice Subero
OPEN Health
candicesubero@openhealthgroup.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157597

OPEN Health and fusion announce partnership to deliver AI-powered healthcare communications

London, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — June 24, 2024, London, UK – OPEN Health, a pre-eminent global provider of scientific communicationsHEOR and market accesspatient engagement, and consulting, today announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health. This alliance will see fusion’s market-leading AI capabilities deployed across OPEN Health’s extensive global client base, which includes 49 of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.

Mary McGregor, Founder of fusion, commented, “OPEN Health provides an unrivalled platform to expand the AI agenda globally in our sector. Our longstanding relationship with OPEN Health leadership facilitated early conversations, enabling us to quickly market-test joint solutions, which led to a swift and unanimous decision to formalize this collaboration. This partnership empowers us to redefine the boundaries of what AI can accomplish in healthcare.”

Margot Hannah,  Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Communications at OPEN Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We immediately recognized the need to expand our capabilities and started a dialog with fusion about an exclusive partnership to provide pioneering solutions that integrate OPEN Health’s capabilities with fusion’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML. Fusion’s expertise in this area is unparalleled, and we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients.”

Steve Duryee, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at OPEN Health, added, “We are committed to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, ML, robotic process automation, and data analytics, to drive higher value and improved outcomes for our clients. With the recent launch of our Solutions Innovation Center, and the addition of fusion to our extended team of elite-level technology partners, we are now in the pole position to deliver the most innovative, technologically advanced solutions to our biopharmaceutical partners.”

By integrating with fusion’s advanced technology, OPEN Health underscores its commitment to leading the AI agenda with socially beneficial innovations to drive innovation and efficiency for clients. Contact OPEN Health to set up an interactive demonstration at www.openhealthgroup.com/contact-us.

About OPEN Health
OPEN Health unites world-class scientific, strategic, and creative expertise to solve complex challenges for global biopharma. We are a flexible, global organization, creating high-performing strategic partnerships with our clients. We embrace our different perspectives and strengths to deliver innovative solutions that have a positive impact on commercial and patient outcomes. OPEN Health unlocks possibilities across consulting, HEOR and market access, scientific communications, and patient engagement. To learn more, visit www.openhealthgroup.com.

About fusion
fusion specializes in delivering AI and ML solutions. Known for its advanced technology and innovative approach, fusion aims to transform the pharmaceutical industry by integrating AI-first solutions. To learn more, visit www.fusionagency.solutions.

Attachment

Candice Subero
OPEN Health
candicesubero@openhealthgroup.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157597

Allecra Therapeutics and Acino Sign Exclusive Licensing and Supply Agreement for Allecra’s Novel Antibiotic EXBLIFEP® in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and South Africa

Acino gains commercial rights for EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Africa. EXBLIFEP® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of severe infections earlier in 2024.

Saint-Louis, France and Weil am Rhein, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allecra Therapeutics (“Allecra”) and Acino today announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement under which Acino gains the rights to commercialise Allecra’s antibiotic drug EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the Republic of South Africa and the member states of the GCC alliance, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, effective from 12 June 2024. In addition, the companies have signed a supply agreement under which Allecra will supply the cefepime/enmetazobactam finished product in the above territories.

“Acino has established itself as a leader in South Africa and the GCC region. They are an ideal partner to support us as we build towards commercialisation of EXBLIFEP® following our regulatory approvals in the US and EU,” stated Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director at Allecra Therapeutics. “This agreement reflects the understanding that there remains a significant global need to address the dangerous increase of resistance to standard-of-care antibiotics, and we look forward to working with Acino to address this.”

“At Acino, we are dedicated to providing novel healthcare solutions to physicians and patients, aiming to alleviate the health burden in emerging markets. We are incredibly excited to partner with Allecra to offer access to this innovative product in two key geographic regions and, potentially, beyond,” said Andrew Bird, CEO (ai) at Acino. “We are committed to expediting the registration process in these designated markets to ensure hospitals’ swift access to EXBLIFEP® as they continue to fight against high-risk infectious diseases in patients.”

About EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam)

EXBLIFEP® is an intravenous antibiotic fixed-dose combination of enmetazobactam, a novel extended-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor belonging to the penicillanic acid sulfone class, with the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime. Enmetazobactam has been shown to restore the efficacy of cefepime against some multi-drug resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing pathogens alone or in combination with some resistant β-lactamase mutations as OXA-48 or AmpC, which are increasing in Europe and for which there are few therapeutic alternatives.

EXBLIFEP® demonstrated statistically significant superior overall treatment success in Allecra’s pivotal Phase III ALLIUM trial, which compared 1034 randomized patients receiving either cefepime 2 g/enmetazobactam 0.5 g or piperacillin 4 g/tazobactam 0.5 g every 8 h as 2 h continuous intravenous infusion in a multi-centre, randomized, controlled, double-blind, global study in 112 sites within nineteen countries.

In February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EXBLIFEP® as a treatment for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in patients 18 years and older. In March 2024 the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for EXBLIFEP® for the treatment of adult patients with cUTI, including pyelonephritis; hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP); and bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with any of the infections listed previously.

About Allecra Therapeutics

Allecra Therapeutics, founded in 2013, is a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to combat antibiotic resistance by overcoming emergent resistance mechanisms. Lead product candidate EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam), has successfully completed a randomized, controlled, double-blind, global Phase 3 trial compared to standard of care in patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). Based on these results, the company has received FDA marketing approval in the U.S. and announced approval in the European Union for EXBLIFEP® earlier this year.

Allecra has significant patent protection covering proprietary enmetazobactam in major territories. Allecra’s investors include Forbion, Andera Partners, Delos Capital, Xeraya Capital, EMBL Ventures, and BioMedPartners. Allecra’s wholly owned French subsidiary is a beneficiary of financial support from Bpifrance and the Région Alsace. Please visit www.allecra.com for further information.

About Acino

Acino is a Swiss pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zurich with a clear focus on selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine, the CIS Region, and Latin America. We deliver quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets and leverage our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies through contract manufacturing and out-licensing. For more information, please visit www.acino.swiss.

Acino is part of Arcera, a global company in the life sciences sector headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Arcera was established by ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, to build a global life sciences powerhouse poised to make significant contributions to realising the UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a frontrunner in science and technology. To learn more about Arcera, please visit www.arceralifesciences.com.

Attachments

For Allecra Therapeutics:
Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director
ir@allecra.com

Gretchen Schweitzer, Trophic Communications, +49 172 8618540
allecra@trophic.eu

For Acino: 
Larisa Bernstein, Global Head of Communications
larisa.bernstein@acino.swiss

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157528

Health Min.: keen on bolstering health cooperation with Bahrain

Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi praised historical and close ties between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain on Sunday, expressing wishes to achieve more fruitful cooperation that contributes to developing health services and raising the standards of health care for citizens of the two countries. In a statement to KUNA, Al-Awadhi made his remarks on the occasion of his visit to the Kingdom, which is within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations and continuous coordination between the two countries in the health and medical fields. The minister added that during his meeting with a number of Bahraini health officials, led by the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Lieutenant General Dr. Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, and the Bahraini Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila bint Al-Sayid, discussion focused on health issues of common interest. The minister noted that the meetings emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the fields of health care and exchang ing expertise, including successful experiences in addressing health challenges. The minister expressed his thanks to the Kingdom, represented by its leadership and people for the warm welcome, wishing it further progress and prosperity. He also expressed his admiration for the academic and educational level provided by the Arabian Gulf University, during his visit to the university, where he met with the university's president, Dr. Saad Al-Fuhaid, a number of faculty members, and a group of Kuwaiti students studying there. Source: Kuwait News Agency

CENTCOM: Humanitarian temporary pier for Gaza halted for maintenance

US Central Command (US CENTCOM) personnel continued on Monday to support the multinational, USAID-led mission to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. A statement by the US Department of Defense (DOD) said their "operations have continued uninterrupted since re-anchoring the temporary pier to the beach in Gaza on June 19." "Today, operations at the pier will pause for scheduled maintenance activities," the statement added. The statement said, "over the past weekend, US CENTCOM delivered 1,384 metric tons (3.04 million pounds) of aid to the beach in Gaza." "This includes the offloading of 720 metric tons (1.58 million pounds) of aid on Sunday, the largest single-day delivery of aid to date. Since May 17, more than 6,206 metric tons (13.6 million pounds) of humanitarian aid has been delivered from the pier to the marshaling area where it can be collected by humanitarian organizations for onward distribution," the statement said. "This humanitarian operation is made possible by our c ontinued partnership with the United Nations and many international and regional partners," the statement added. Source: Kuwait News Agency

Health Min.: we collected 85,000 blood bags, 8,000 platelets in ’23

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced on Monday that in 2023, Kuwait has collected 85,000 bags of blood and 8,000 units of platelets. Minister Al-Awadhi statement came during the ceremony held by the ministry to mark the World Blood Donor Day. Al-Awadhi confirmed that the Ministry of Health uses the latest scientific methods to ensure the safety and purity of the collected blood. The stated that 55 percent of the donors were Kuwaiti citizens, while the remaining 45 percent came from 75 different nationalities. The Central Blood Bank of Kuwait is the first Arab bank ever to win the recognition of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Al-Awadhi said. Doctor Reem Al-Radhwan, Chief of the Ministry's Blood Transfusion Service, said that Kuwait participates annually in the World Health Organization (WHO) event for blood donors held in June. This year, the event is entitled "20 Years of Giving, for Blood Donors." Source: Kuwait News Agency