Day: May 4, 2023

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ACCESSWIRE MENA Press Releases

Protector Training for First RAF Cohort Begins at GA-ASI’s FTTC

MQ-9B Training at FTTC Will Become Benchmark for Future Training

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2023 / On May 1, 2023, the Royal Air Force (RAF) began training its first cohort of pilots, sensor operators, and mission intelligence coordinators on operating its new Protector Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at the Flight Test & Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, N.D. The FTTC is owned and operated by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), which has begun deliveries of Protector RPAS to the RAF. Protector is a derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and is initially being flown in the USA for training.

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GA-ASI is training the first four Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), each comprising eight crews, including pilots, sensor operators (SOs), and mission intelligence coordinators (MICs). Upon completion, the crews will operate the Protector Air system as part of 31, 54 or 56 Sqn. Training for the pilots and SOs is scheduled to run for 12 weeks; six weeks for MICs.

The scope of the training is focused on foundational skills required to operate the Protector air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC).

The training includes simulation and live flight of the air vehicle. The synthetic training includes a desktop procedural trainer and a mission trainer.

“The training services performed at our Grand Forks center for the RAF represent an important benchmark for future MQ-9B training for other partners,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. After the UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its Protector program, the Belgian Ministry of Defence signed a contract for SkyGuardian. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B in the SeaGuardian® configuration, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also recently selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project that began in April. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) signed a contract for three MQ-9B SkyGuardians, becoming the first U.S. customer for those aircraft.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Contact Information

GA-ASI Media Relations
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
+1 (858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics

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Africa GLOBE-NEWSWIRE MENA Pakistan Press Releases South Africa

Government of India Grants Pan India Unified Licenses to Zoom

Zoom aims to empower the India workforce with the rollout of Zoom Phone

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM) announced that it has received the Unified License with Access – All/PAN India, NLD National Long Distance, and ILD – International Long Distance from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. With these licenses, the company will be able to offer Zoom Phone, its industry leading cloud PBX service, to multinational corporations (MNCs) and businesses operating in India.

Zoom Phone is a global cloud PBX application service, enabling MNCs and businesses in India to have a single communication platform for their global workforce. Zoom partners with international telecommunication providers and offers phone numbers and calling plans in 47 countries and territories bundled with cloud PBX service, making it simple for customers to deploy and manage their phone services.

Zoom Phone offers a robust set of features for the modern workforce, including intelligent call routing, auto attendants, interactive voice response, shared line appearance, call queuing, call analytics, voicemail, recordings and transcriptions, desktop/mobile app experience optimized for business users and integrations with CRM applications.

“We are thrilled and proud to receive the unified licenses from the Department of Telecommunications. With Zoom Phone, India businesses and multinational corporations can support hybrid work environments, foster greater collaboration among employees and elevate the customer experience,” said Abe Smith, Head of International, Zoom. “This important milestone underscores our continued focus in countries like India, a strategic growth market for Zoom, and our commitment to bringing new and innovative collaboration solutions to our customers.”

Zoom Phone grew more than 100% year over year globally in fiscal year 2023, surpassing 5.5 million seats in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. This is a testament to Zoom Phone’s ability to meet customer requirements for simplicity and flexibility and help businesses transition to a modern cloud communications platform.

In the coming months, Zoom will be working with regulators and partners in India to offer a complete telecommunications service bundled with its Zoom Phone PBX service.

“Feeling the pinch to produce more with less, Indian multinationals are increasingly turning to collaboration platforms including video communications to streamline workflows and engage employees, partners as well as their customers. The launch of Zoom Phone will offer a competitive edge to the collaboration solution vendor in targeting the Indian enterprise customers,” said Nikhil Batra, Research Director, Telecom at IDC. “Collaboration solutions have been highlighted by Indian enterprises as their top ICT investment priority through the course of 2023 and Zoom Phone, along with the broader Zoom collaboration portfolio, could help organizations accelerate this move to support and empower an increasingly mobile and connected workforce.”

About Zoom
Zoom is an all-in-one intelligent collaboration platform that makes connecting easier, more immersive, and more dynamic for businesses and individuals. Zoom technology puts people at the center, enabling meaningful connections, facilitating modern collaboration, and driving human innovation through solutions like team chat, phone, meetings, omnichannel cloud contact center, smart recordings, whiteboard, and more, in one offering. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more info at zoom.com.

Public Relations
Colleen Rodriguez
Head of Global PR for Zoom
press@zoom.us

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8831836

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Africa GLOBE-NEWSWIRE MENA Pakistan Press Releases South Africa

Hitachi Energy, the partner of choice for largest-ever HVDC wind energy project in U.S.

The SunZia Transmission Project, enabled by HVDC Light®, links New Mexico’s wind farms to Arizona’s grid, increasing renewable energy to the Western States.

Zurich, Switzerland, May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zurich, Switzerland, May 4, 2023 – Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has been selected by Pattern Energy to supply its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and other advanced technologies for the SunZia Transmission Project. It will connect the 3,500-megawatt (MW) SunZia Wind project in New Mexico to the power grid in Arizona and Southern California, which will be among the world’s largest transmission links delivering renewable energy.

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light® technology will efficiently transfer and integrate huge volumes of wind power over more than 885 kilometers (550 miles) into the regional power grid. This will significantly increase the availability of sustainable energy for homes and businesses throughout the region.

When complete, SunZia Wind will have a total power capacity of 3,500 MW, enough clean, renewable electricity to provide power to approximately three million Americans.1 The HVDC link will efficiently transmit up to 3,000 MW of this power west to Arizona. The HVDC Light® system will be the largest voltage source converter (VSC) installation in the United States, one of the largest worldwide, and one of the country’s longest HVDC connections.

“We are proud to be advancing a sustainable energy future for all in the southwestern United States, enabling Pattern Energy to integrate emission-free electricity into the regional grid serving Arizona and Southern California,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Our market-leading HVDC technologies combined with our execution expertise makes us the partner of choice to help the U.S. achieve its carbon-neutral targets by efficiently and reliably maximizing its renewable energy resources.”

“Our collaboration with Hitachi Energy is an important milestone for the SunZia Transmission Project and will enable us to harness and carry this great energy potential to the areas where there is a high demand for renewable energy,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. “The use of HVDC technology will enhance power grid reliability and resilience and play a vital role in delivering clean energy and deploying a sustainable energy system in the U.S.”

The SunZia Transmission project is a 3,000 MW HVDC link between Corona, New Mexico and Pinal County, Arizona. Hitachi Energy has already started work on designing and engineering the two HVDC Light® converter stations, one at either end of the link. The transmitting station converts the power from AC to DC for transport in the overhead lines, then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid.

Hitachi Energy has partnered with Quanta Services, Inc. (Quanta) to provide a turnkey project solution for the SunZia project, including managing the HVDC construction and building installation at the associated project sites. Quanta is an industry leader providing specialized infrastructure solutions to the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline, and energy industries. The collaboration with Quanta is designed to leverage the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution for the project. The HVDC converter stations are expected to be in-service by the end of 2025 to support final testing and commissioning of the SunZia Wind facilities in 2026.

To find the optimal solution that considers the impact of the new facility on the existing grid, a system study and a comprehensive interconnection and system impact analysis were conducted by Hitachi Energy´s expert consultants.

Hitachi Energy will also supply ‘alternating current (AC) chopper’ technology to help restore power if the power flow on the DC line or in the AC grid in Arizona is temporarily interrupted by weather and other contingency events.

Hitachi Energy has delivered more than half of the HVDC projects in North America. These include the Pacific Intertie transmission system, which transfers electricity from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles, the Quebec-New England link, which was the first large-scale multi-terminal HVDC transmission system in the world, and the Maritime link, which connects the Islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid stability. The company has also recently announced new HVDC projects including Champlain Hudson Power Express, the Châteauguay converter station modernization with Hydro Quebec, and the InterMountain Power Project.2

Note to editors

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves, the MACH™ digital control platform3 converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear, as well as in system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light® is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

1 https://sunzia.net/impact/
2 Hitachi Energy HVDC references North America
3 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH™)

HVDC website:
https://www.hitachienergy.com/offering/product-and-system/hvdc

                                                                                                                                                – END –

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachments

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8832144

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ACCESSWIRE MENA Press Releases

NovaSight CureSight (TM) Wins 2023 MedTech Breakthrough Award

CureSight™ Amblyopia treatment device named “Best New Technology Solution for Ophthalmology” for its innovation, impact, and market potential

LOD, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2023 / NovaSight, a pediatric-focused eyecare MedTech company, announced today that its CureSight binocular digital treatment system for amblyopia (lazy eye) has been named “Best New Technology Solution for Ophthalmology” in the 7th annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards program. The award program is conducted by MedTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global health and medical technology market.

NovaSight provides pediatric patients with eye-tracking based digital vision care solutions by focusing on three major verticals: treatment, diagnostics, and prevention of visual health impairments.

CureSight is an FDA-cleared and CE marked eye-tracking based amblyopia treatment system, designed to replace the traditional eye patching. The treatment is carried out while the patient watches his favorite streamed content from the comfort of his home. By tracking the gaze position of the dominant eye in real-time, the CureSight system blurs its center of vision, while keeping the rest of the image sharp – and providing the amblyopic eye with a normal, high contrast image. This stimulates the brain to complete the blurred image from the amblyopic eye, improving its acuity and developing stereoacuity as the eyes learn to work together.

“Amblyopia, or what’s known as ‘lazy-eye’ affects three percent of the population and puts the patients at risk for eventual vision loss. The gold standard treatment for lazy eye has so far consisted of placing a patch over the strong eye – an old-fashioned solution which suffers from very low compliance,” said James Johnson, managing director, MedTech Breakthrough. “With the breakthrough of CureSight’s binocular treatment from NovaSight, children develop stereoscopic vision, which is difficult to achieve with the monocular nature of the traditional patching treatment. This breakthrough technology helps to shift treatment into the digital age and we are thrilled to congratulate the NovaSight team for taking home a well-deserved 2023 MedTech Breakthrough Award.”

The mission of the MedTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of health and medical technology categories, including Telehealth, Clinical Administration, Patient Engagement, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Virtual Care, Medical Devices, Medical Data and many more. This year’s program attracted more than 4,000 nominations from over 17 different countries throughout the world.

“We are proud to be named ‘Best New Technology Solution for Ophthalmology’ acknowledging our mission to prevent vision impairments among pediatric patients by developing solutions that are specifically designed for the unique needs and attention span of children” said Ran Yam, NovaSight co-founder and CEO. “In a recent pivotal trial which was the basis for our FDA approval, we compared the improvement in visual outcomes (visual acuity and stereoacuity) achieved by CureSight versus the traditional eye patch. This is the first ever pivotal trial where a digital device was shown to be non-inferior to eye patching for amblyopia treatment in children. We will continue to strive to change the lives of millions of children by introducing eye tracking based vision care solutions.”

Additionally, the CureSight system is connected to a dedicated cloud platform which allows the physician to monitor treatment progress and compliance remotely. The eye care provider receives a comprehensive patient vision summary, and progress reports and real-time monitoring of the child’s treatment are easily accessible.

CureSight was officially launched in the US and Italy earlier this year with exceptional early adoption by the pediatric ophthalmology community and their patients. Equipped with 3 unique CPT codes in the US assigned by the American Medical Association (AMA) last year, NovaSight is pursuing broad coverage with the aim of making CureSight easily accessible to patients whose future vision and eye health depend on the treatment that they receive in their early years.

About NovaSight
NovaSight is an Israeli MedTech company that focuses on bringing pediatric vision care into the digital age. Founded in 2016, NovaSight has experienced rapid growth by delivering complete end-to-end eye-tracking-based solutions for accurate assessment and treatment of early vision disorders.

NovaSight offers two flagship products, both ideally positioned for remote diagnostics and home treatment: The CureSight™ system is an eye tracking-based treatment for lazy eye designed to replace traditional eye patching. The EyeSwift®PRO system is a comprehensive vision assessment device that accurately and objectively screens for multiple vision impairments within seconds. Additional pipeline products include the TrackSight™ digital solution for myopia (short-sightedness) control, targeted to provide an affordable and accessible solution to help in combating the myopia global epidemic, which is growing at an alarming rate.

NovaSight’s management and advisory board is composed of accomplished executives, physicians, researchers, and key opinion leaders in the field of vision care.

About MedTech Breakthrough
Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the MedTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence and innovation in medical & health technology companies, products, services and people. The MedTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough healthcare and medical companies and products in categories that include Patient Experience & Engagement, Health & Fitness, Medical Devices, Clinical Administration, Connected Healthcare, Medical Data, Healthcare Cybersecurity and more. For more information visit MedTechBreakthrough.com.

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Contact Information

Jenny Goldman 
Marketing manager 
jenny@nova-sight.com 
+972 50 9123235 

SOURCE: NovaSight Ltd.

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ACCESSWIRE MENA Press Releases

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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GLOBE-NEWSWIRE MENA Press Releases

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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Africa GLOBE-NEWSWIRE MENA Pakistan Press Releases South Africa

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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General

BERRI MEETS ARAB CLANS’ SHEIKHS’ DELEGATION: WE STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER IN THE FACE OF STRIFE BETWEEN THE SONS OF ONE NATION

HOUSE SPEAKER, NABIH BERRI, ON THURSDAY RECEIVED AT THE SECOND PRESIDENCY IN AIN EL-TINEH, A DELEGATION OF SHEIKHS OF THE ARAB CLANS FROM THE VARIOUS LEBANESE REGIONS, AND FROM THE ARAB TRIBES OF KHALDEH, IN THE PRESENCE OF MPS MOHAMMED SULEIMAN AND MOHAMMED KHAWAJA. The delegation presented Speaker Berri with the ‘abaya’ of the Arab clans, as a token of recognition and appreciation for his positions and efforts in national reunification, calling on the Speaker to intervene and exert further efforts in order to achieve reconciliation in the Khaldeh events. Speaker Berri hailed “the high sense of national and patriotic responsibility embodied by the Arab clans in warding off the strife that some tried to awaken in Khaldeh.” Berri concluded by stressing that Amal Movement stands shoulder to shoulder with the Arab clans and those with goodwill in confronting strife between the sons of the one nation.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

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General

GS’S BAISSARI MEETS BELGIAN AMBASSADOR, BISHOP OF MARONITE EPARCHY OF LATAKIA

Acting Director General of General Security, Brigadier General Elias Baissari, on Thursday received in his office, Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon, Koen Vervaeke. Discussions reportedly touched on issues of common interest. Brigadier General Baissari also received Bishop of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Latakia, Rev. Antoine Chbeir, with whom he discussed the general situation.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

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Support to Jordan’s industry contributes to slashing unemployment-ACI

Chairman of Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI), Fathi Jaghbir, said supporting the local industry contributes to reducing unemployment, as the industrial sector is the highest employer of Jordanian workforce. During a meeting held on Wednesday evening, at the ACI headquarters to introduce the output-based incentive program of Industry Development and Support Fund and mechanisms to benefit from its assistance, Jaghbir noted the fund’s four programs replaced Export Support Program that was suspended. According to an ACI statement on Thursday, Jaghbir said the fund is “more comprehensive” than previous programs, and would provide support to industrial companies in the form of grants, and reflects the “true” partnership between the public and private sectors. Jaghbir also expressed hope that the fund would contribute to alleviating burden of production costs facing national industry, thus enhancing its competitiveness to enter new markets. For his part, the fund’s director, Rami Hammad, said JD30 million are allocated annually, as a fund budget, which includes the manufacturing sectors, regardless of region and business size. The fund includes 4 support programs, and a ceiling has been set to benefit from its grants, as a platform was launched to receive assistance requests, he said. Noting the fund’s output-based incentive program, Hammad said financial incentives will be provided to small industrial establishments at a cap of JD150,000, while ceiling to medium and large businesses is JD300,000, and JD500,000, respectively. This assistance is disbursed in exchange for achieving specific targets, primarily increasing sales, production, exports and employment for Jordanians, and improving water, energy efficiency and management waste, he added.

Source: Jordan News Agency