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Amgen Joins American Kidney Fund’s Corporate Membership Program at ‘Champion’ Level

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) today announced that Amgen has joined the 2021 class in its Corporate Membership Program as a Champion-level member, helping to support AKF’s broad range of programs and services that fight kidney disease on all fronts and help people live healthier lives. “We are thankful to Amgen for once again joining us as a Champion-level member in the AKF Corporate Membership Program,” said LaVarne A. Burton AKF President and CEO. “Amgen’s generous support of our lifesaving initiatives helps AKF raise awareness of kidney disease, support clinical research that improves the quality of care for kidney patients and directly assist one out of every six U.S. dialysis patients with health care expenses.” Amgen’s membership will help to fund AKF’s work to advance kidney disease awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment and research. With 97 cents of every donated dollar spent on patients and programs, not overhead, AKF directly touches the lives of more people with kidney disease than any other nonprofit. AKF and Amgen have a long history of partnership in the fight against kidney disease. For more than three decades, Amgen has been a strong supporter of AKF’s patient-focused programming. Most recently, Amgen has supported AKF’s education initiative on secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT ), which is commonly caused by kidney failure. Over the years, Amgen has also provided significant support for AKF’s Disaster Relief Program, which provides emergency grants to dialysis patients affected by natural disasters. Amgen’s membership will also support AKF’s programs for kidney health care professionals. Recently, Amgen supported AKF’s dietitian roundtable discussions about navigating healthy eating for kidney disease patients. “Amgen is pleased to join the American Kidney Fund’s Corporate Membership Program at the Champion level and help AKF enable all people with kidney disease to live their healthiest lives,” said Ned Endler, Executive Director at Amgen. “We are proud to support AKF’s meaningful programs and resources, including kidney disease management education, award-winning public and professional materials, accredited continuing education courses and webinars.” The Corporate Membership Program is open to institutional partners that support AKF’s mission of fighting kidney disease and helping people live healthier lives. For more information, contact Daniel Green, corporate engagement manager, at dgreen@kidneyfund.org or 301-984-6675. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck +1 202-470-1797 +1 978-390-1394 AKF@jpa.com Company Website http://www.kidneyfund.org/

July 29, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Code 1 Supply Now Offering COVID-19 and Influenza Combination Testing Kits per CDC Recommendation

Code 1 Supply

Code 1 Supply, a leading distributor of best-in-class medical diagnostics, brand-name supplies and equipment and provider of CPR training equipment and student materials, is responding to the Centers For Disease Control’s (CDC) call for laboratories to consider adopting a multiplexed method that can facilitate detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses by offering the LifeSign Status™ COVID-19 Flu A&B rapid combo test to laboratories and medical offices as flu season approaches. The LifeSign Status™ COVID-19 Flu A&B rapid test is a qualitative assay for the simultaneous detection of influenza A&B antigen and SARS CoV-2 antigen from nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from patients with respiratory symptoms. The LifeSign Status™ COVID-19 Flu A&B rapid test is the only EUA authorized visual-read COVID-19/Flu rapid combo test on the market. Such assays can facilitate continued testing for both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and can save both time and resources as testing for both viruses increases. “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many scientific innovations that continue to help detect and monitor the virus in our communities," said Matt Regan, CEO at Code 1 Supply. “As we get closer to flu season, it’s important for doctor’s offices, clinics and laboratories to prepare for an influx in testing that the CDC expects for both COVID-19 and influenza. Offering combination tests to authorized purchasers helps cut down on the number of tests being ordered and allows providers to test more patients in a timely manner.” The LifeSign Status™ COVID-19 Flu A&B rapid test is available now for purchase through Code 1 Supply. Representing the most trusted and respected manufacturers of medical diagnostics, supplies and equipment, Code 1 Supply offers next-day shipping for all orders and free shipping on orders over $750. To learn more about how Code 1 Supply can support your COVID-19 and influenza testing needs, please visit www.code1supply.com. About Code1Supply Code 1 Supply is a national distributor of best-in-class medical diagnostics, brand-name supplies and equipment and a leading provider of CPR training equipment and student materials. Representing the most trusted and respected manufacturers of medical diagnostics, supplies and equipment, Code 1 Supply is committed to providing innovative products and outstanding services at the best prices. We are proud to be the medical supply partner for healthcare providers, hospitals, urgent care centers, businesses and communities nationwide. For more information, visit www.code1supply.com. # # # Contact Details Rita Murphy +1 774-454-1516 rita.murphy@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.code1supply.com/

July 27, 2021 03:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

American Kidney Fund Releases Roadmap for Addressing the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) today announced the Roadmap for Addressing the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease, a comprehensive guide that outlines how to improve diagnosis of the root causes of kidney disease. The Roadmap summarizes the barriers to identifying the causes of kidney disease; the challenges that not having a clear diagnosis cause in patients’ lives; and the potential solutions that can improve diagnoses, ultimately improving care and slowing the progression of kidney disease. Identifying the root cause of patients’ kidney disease is often important for making treatment decisions, but studies suggest the cause of kidney failure is unknown for between 5% and 20% of patients. To address this challenge, AKF developed the Roadmap, identifying four areas that are critical to improving diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease: Improving access to genetic testing for people with kidney disease to increase the number of clear diagnoses; Developing national standards related to genetic testing through a consensus-driven process leveraging best practices; Expanding provider education and realigning financial incentives to prioritize definitive diagnosis of the cause of kidney disease; and Educating patients about kidney disease and testing in an effective, culturally competent manner. “Each step along the kidney care journey can be overwhelming and complicated, particularly for people who know they have kidney disease, but do not know why. Discovering the root cause of a patient’s kidney disease can provide clinical insights for the provider and have life-saving implications for the individual,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. “We’re eager to continue leading the kidney community in reducing the number of patients unaware of the origins of their kidney disease.” The Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Project is supported by Leadership Sponsors Natera, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Sanofi Genzyme and Vertex, and Champion Sponsors Alexion and Travere. The Roadmap builds off the growing body of research that suggests a sizable portion of undiagnosed causes of kidney disease could be identified through genetic testing and screening. The research highlights the importance of increasing access and coverage for genetic testing and diagnostic tools, like biopsies and imaging, while also ensuring that national standards are established. To implement the Roadmap’s recommended strategies, AKF will work with providers and other stakeholders to develop accessible resources for providers, patients and caregivers to pursue a diagnosis for the root causes of kidney disease or failure and to have clear conversations about genetic testing. These comprehensive and inclusive resources will help patients with their kidney care journey, while also empowering them to seek critical answers when they are confronted with kidney disease or failure with an unknown cause. “Currently there is a lack of standards, best practices and uniform data collection for genetic testing for kidney disease of unknown cause,” said Dr. Ali Gharavi, AKF Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Project steering committee member. “It is our hope that by following this Roadmap, we can start initiatives that can improve quality of care for patients regardless of where they may reside or seek treatment.” The Roadmap was developed based on expert insights that were discussed during AKF’s Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Summit in December 2020. By following the Roadmap, AKF and the broader kidney community can promote systemic change in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. The Roadmap can be viewed at KidneyFund.org/summit. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck +1 202-470-1797 AKF@jpa.com Company Website http://www.kidneyfund.org/

July 27, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Distinguished Cannabis Industry Expert Joins Phase 4 Services as VP of Business Development

Phase 4 Services

Hemp and cannabis testing laboratory management and consulting firm Phase 4 Services has tapped Jonathan Wani of MCR Labs as their latest VP addition and leader of the group’s business development consulting team. As VP of Business Development, Wani will draw on his 7 years of experience in the cannabis testing space as well as more than a decade’s worth of knowledge and connections gathered advocating for medical marijuana and fighting against cannabis prohibition. He will assist Phase 4 clients with establishing footholds in new and expanding markets. “We knew how to figure out the science and chemistry we needed to start MCR Labs, but Jon was the x-factor that got us real traction in the industry,” said Michael Kahn, founder and CEO of MCR Labs, a cannabis testing lab operating in several legal cannabis markets. “He knew about the products we’d be testing, and he could talk the talk with all the growers we needed to be testing for.” Wani is known in the cannabis space for his awareness of industry shifts and knowledge of production processes and product lineages. His connections with influencers, cannabis cup organizers, and prominent growers and extractors have enabled him to establish strong relationships with some of the largest multistate operators in the expanding cannabis industry. He is also a sought-after speaker for educational and industry-focused events. Adding Wani to the team allows Phase 4 Services to offer their clients valuable industry insights and networking opportunities that guide strategy implementation and facilitate expansion initiatives. About Phase 4 Services: Phase 4 Services is a scientific consulting and laboratory management firm dedicated to growing, supporting, and enhancing hemp and cannabis testing laboratories. Founded by experts in analytical testing, pharmaceutical chemistry, business administration, and development strategy, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure partner laboratories are successful in their pursuit of advancing public health and safety for cannabis patients and consumers. For more information visit http://phase4services.com. Contact Details Phase 4 Services Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 PR@phase4services.com Company Website https://phase4services.com/

July 27, 2021 10:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AS&K Group Sets Science Based Targets for Emissions Reduction

AS&K Group

Medical communications group AS&K has set ambitious emissions reduction goals using the Science Based Target initiative’s (SBTi) framework for SMEs. This global organization provides companies with a clearly defined pathway to future-proof growth by specifying how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By joining more than 1,000 visionary businesses from all industries including major pharmaceutical companies, AS&K is leading the way in the medical communication sector in this important worldwide effort to tackle the climate crisis. AS&K has set a group-wide goal of 50% reduction in GHG emissions, which is in line with the most stringent goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming to 1.5C and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. “AS&K understands the urgent need for companies to take action to address the climate crisis. We’re absolutely committed to doing all that we can, and will also work with our clients to reduce the climate impact of their medical communication activities,” said Simon Gee, AS&K Agency Head. As well as reducing emissions, AS&K is aiming to become net zero before 2030 by supporting programs that mitigate the effects of their remaining emissions. “The climate crisis is one of the most important issues of our times and we’re passionate about taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Joining the SBTi and setting emissions reduction goals is a critical first step in getting to net-zero as soon as we can,” added Katherine Vik, Senior Digital Project Manager and Chair of AS&K’s Climate Committee. “We are also running a number of workstreams to help our clients reduce the environmental impact of their medical communications.” More information about AS&K’s commitment is available on the SBTi website. About AS&K Group: The AS&K Group is an independently owned group of medical communications agencies who collaborate with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As strategic partners and subject matter experts, the AS&K Group transforms complex scientific information into compelling programs that inform and educate healthcare professionals. The AS&K Group comprises three innovative companies: Remedica, AS&K Communications and The Corpus. Follow our journey on Twitter @asandkgroup and Linkedin Contact Details AS&K Group Alana Zdinak +44 7766 706656 alana.zdinak@asandk.com Remedica Alejandro Potes +44 20 7428 2996 alejandro.potes@remedica.com Company Website https://asandk.com/

July 27, 2021 10:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NextFerm Technologies Announces First Commercial Purchase Order of ProteVin™ in the US

NextFerm Technologies Ltd.

NextFerm Technologies (TASE:NXFR), a food-tech company developing ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-based, non-GMO protein alternative and other innovative yeast-based nutrients, announced that it has received first commercial Purchase Order for ProteVin™ from a US customer. The Purchase Order, of $70K, was received from PrimaLife Nutrition, a new brand aiming to be the first to launch a vegan sports protein powder based on ProteVin™ in the US and to provide athletes for the first time with a vegan formula with nutritional value similar to whey protein powder and excellent taste. This Purchase Order marks the achievement of a second out of three milestones set by the company for 2021 according to its strategic plan for commercialization of ProteVin™ in 2022. In light of the progress with a number of potential customers, the company expects to receive additional Purchase Orders for ProteVin™ by the end of 2021. On the production side, the company is currently in dialogues with several potential subcontractors in the food industry and is progressing as planned towards engagement with a subcontractor by the end of 2021. Boaz Noy, Chief Executive Officer of NextFerm, said, “ We are happy to announce of the receipt of first commercial Purchase Order for Protevin™ by PrimaLife Nutrition LLC, an emerging vegan-based sports’ nutrition brand from Florida. This order represents the achievement of yet another important milestone for commercialization Protevin™ by 2022, earlier than anticipated, and serves as a great vote of confidence in our technology and the benefits it has to the end consumers. In light of our progress with other potential customers, we expect to receive additional orders in the coming months as we advance towards engagement with manufacturing sub-contractor before the end of this year.” Walter Ross, Owner of PrimaLife Nutrition, said, “ I intend to promote Protevin™ through multiple channels, including digital campaigns as well as traditional brick and mortar stores. As someone who has received education and certifications in Sports Nutrition and Personal Training, I see great value in Protevin™ due to its high degree of sustainability and complete amino acid profile. Having a single-ingredient, environmentally friendly, and complete protein, with digestibility comparable to whey, makes Protevin™ a perfect solution. I also believe its flavor-neutral profile and a shelf-life similar to current market categories make implementing the technology and creating a demand feasible,” Mr. Ross concluded. About NextFerm Technologies NextFerm Technologies, traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:NXFR) is a food-tech company engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, functional and vegan yeast-derived, non-GMO protein alternatives for various applications in the food and food supplement markets and the growing market for animal-derived protein alternatives. NextFerm's flagship product is ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-derived protein alternative with nutritional value that is similar to animal-derived protein and a neutral flavor, with no aftertastes that are typical of plant-based protein. ProteVin™ is designed for a variety of categories in the alternative protein market, which is estimated at $13 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10%, including milk and dairy substitutes, meat substitutes and additional categories such as infant nutrition, adult nutrition, and sports nutrition. NextFerm is gearing up for commercialization of the product in the US in 2022. Another product currently being sold is Astaferm®, an innovative astaxanthin-based antioxidant derived from yeast that has been sold in the US since the end of 2020 through well-established and leading brands in the food supplement market in the US. The company has additional products which have been licensed to Lallemand, a global giant focused on yeast. For more information, visit the NextFerm website at: www.nextferm.com Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This announcement also includes forecasts, projections, assessments, estimates and other information which refer to future events and matters, the realization of which is uncertain and not exclusively under the Company’s control (forward-looking information). The main facts and data used to support this information are facts and data regarding the current position of the Company and its businesses (including the scope of sales and levels of profitability, manpower, commercial engagements and more), facts and data regarding the current global position of the Company’s operating segments (including industry-specific financial developments, environmental regulatory developments, the competitive environment, technological developments, the reinsurance market and more), and macro-economic facts and data (including the economic situation both in Israel and around the world, yields in the capital markets, social and state developments and more), all as known by the Company when publishing this announcement. The forward-looking information included above in this announcement is significantly based upon, in addition to the existing information held by the Company, on the Company’s current assessments and expectations of future developments vis-a-vis each one of the aforementioned parameters, and the interconnectedness of each one of these developments. The Company has no certainty that its forecasts and assessments will indeed eventuate, and the Company’s operating results may be materially different than the results assessed or implicit based on that set forth above, inter alia, as a result of a change in any of the aforementioned factors. Contact Details Nextferm Technologies Ltd. Yossi Ohana - Chief Financial Officer +972 54-771-5893 yossio@nextferm.com Investor and Media contact Meirav Gomeh-Bauer +972 54-476-4979 meirav@bauerg.com Company Website https://www.nextferm.com/

July 26, 2021 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Elsevier partners with American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics to publish Genetics in Medicine

Elsevier

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the only nationally recognized US medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics, and Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics, are delighted to announce a new partnership to publish ACMG’s official journal, Genetics in Medicine ( GIM ). The journal will also offer authors an open access option and will be hosted on Elsevier’s leading online platform, ScienceDirect, beginning January 2022. ACMG was founded in 1991 and currently has a membership of more than 2,300 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors, and other healthcare professionals. ACMG’s decision to partner with Elsevier directly supports its mission to improve personal and public health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics; advocacy, education, and clinical research programs; and the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare. ACMG Chief Executive Officer Maximilian Muenke, MD, FACMG, said: “We welcome Elsevier as our new publisher and look forward to taking advantage of their publishing expertise and commitment to innovation, as we continue to increase the visibility and influence of Genetics in Medicine together. “Medical, scientific and research professionals in a broad range of specialties turn to ACMG’s official journal for the very latest research and clinical practice in medical and laboratory genetics. Together with our new trusted partner, we will continue to publish cutting edge original research, appropriate reviews, as well as recommendations and guidelines from our ACMG committees.” Medical genetics is becoming increasingly important in the wider medical practice. GIM ’s eminent editorial board under the continued leadership of Editor-in-Chief Robert D. Steiner, MD, FAAP, FACMG, ensures that this high quality, peer-reviewed journal will continue to be an authoritative resource for the dissemination of medical genetic knowledge to providers both within and outside of the genetics community. “We are tremendously excited for the opportunity to partner with Elsevier to publish ACMG’s official journal, Genetics in Medicine beginning in 2022,” said Dr. Steiner. “Elsevier is one of the worldwide premier publishers of journals devoted to biomedical research. It is clear from our early interactions with Elsevier staff and leadership that this will be a partnership in the truest sense of the word. “I have every confidence that support from the Elsevier team will foster even greater success in our ongoing efforts to publish novel, transformative, and clinically relevant genetic and genomic science. On behalf of GIM ’s editors, editorial staff, reviewers, and authors, I want to welcome our trusted and capable new partner, Elsevier.” Elsevier is committed to the continuity of the journal’s rigorous editorial process and accessibility of content, and further solidifying GIM ’s reputation for publishing papers based on the quality of the science and its substantial contributions to advancements in the field. “We are delighted ACMG has selected Elsevier as its publishing partner. By combining their expertise in medical genetics with Elsevier’s outstanding author, editor, and reader outcomes, we will ensure the best possible support for ACMG’s mission and community,” stated Neil Appleton, Senior Vice President, Society Business Development, Elsevier. About Genetics in Medicine ( GIM ) Genetics in Medicine is the official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The mission of the journal is to enhance the knowledge, understanding, and practice of medical genetics and genomics through publications in clinical and laboratory genetics and genomics, including ethical, legal, and social issues as well as public health. As genetics and genomics continue to increase in importance and relevance in medical practice, the journal will continue to be an accessible and authoritative resource for the dissemination of medical genetic knowledge to all medical providers through appropriate reviews, discussions, commentaries, recommendations, standards, and guidelines. About American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics, and the only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization. The ACMG is the largest membership organization specifically for medical geneticists, providing education, resources and a voice for more than 2,300 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80 percent of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. ACMG’s mission is to improve health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education and clinical research, and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health. www.acmg.net About the Editor-in-Chief Robert D. Steiner, MD, FAAP, FACMG, served as a section editor for GIM beginning in 2006, became deputy editor in 2011, and took charge as Editor-in-Chief starting in 2019. He is Professor (Clinical) of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health and chief medical officer for PreventionGenetics. He is also medical consultant for the Newborn Screening Program for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. After obtaining his MD from UW, he completed a residency in pediatrics at The University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. Following residency, Dr. Steiner trained in medical genetics at The University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center. He is board certified in Pediatrics, Clinical Genetics and Clinical Biochemical Genetics. About Elsevier and society partnerships Elsevier has long partnership records with over 600 learned scientific societies, working in partnership to realize societies’ missions and inspire and support their communities. Our own mission is to help deliver outstanding publishing outcomes, widespread use of research, reliable finances, embracing Open Science and Open Access and championing you and your community. www.elsevier.com/societies About Elsevier As a global leader in information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. In everything we publish, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. We bring that same rigor to our information analytics solutions for researchers, health professionals, institutions and funders. Elsevier employs 8,100 people worldwide. We have supported the work of our research and health partners for more than 140 years. Growing from our roots in publishing, we offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive societal progress. Digital solutions such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath support strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and health education. Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our 2,500+ digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our 40,000 eBook titles; and our iconic reference works, such as Gray's Anatomy. With the Elsevier Foundation and our external Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Board, we work in partnership with diverse stakeholders to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.elsevier.com Contact Details Kathy Moran, Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics kmoran@acmg.net Jonathan Davis, Elsevier Communications, Europe j.davis.1@elsevier.com newsroom@elsevier.com

July 26, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Transplant equity efforts presented to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine

United Network for Organ Sharing

Increasing equity in the national transplant system was the focus of remarks made recently by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) CEO Brian Shepard and Board President-Elect Jerry McCauley, M.D. at a meeting organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Shepard and McCauley both spoke before the Committee on A Fairer and More Equitable, Cost-Effective, and Transparent System of Donor Organ Procurement, Allocation, and Distribution about the ongoing work UNOS is doing to ensure every transplant candidate has equitable access to life-saving organs through policy making and data. “UNOS is acutely attuned to issues of equity,” said Shepard, “Committees of experts from professional and patient communities review the anticipated impact on equity of new policies before they are approved, and once implemented, routinely monitor data to ensure that the policies have their intended effects and are not disadvantaging any candidates.” McCauley, chief of nephrology at Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, spoke in particular about the efforts of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network’s Minority Affairs Committee (MAC), and their charge to monitor, identify, and help correct racial and ethnic disparities in transplantation. UNOS is the mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves as the OPTN under federal contract. “As [organ allocation] policies are being developed, those policies come to the [Minority Affairs Committee] and we get to look at whether or not there are obvious disparities,” McCauley said. “These things are being vetted before the policy is rolled out.” He also referenced how the committee has championed changes to kidney allocation policy in recent years, leading to policies that, once on the waiting list, have made access for Black kidney transplant candidates equitable. A wide variety of this data is publicly available on the UNOS and OPTN websites. Additionally, UNOS researchers developed and launched the Equity in Access to Transplant Dashboard, which allows users to explore how different factors impact waitlist candidates. According to the dashboard, where a patient is listed has the highest impact on access. In his remarks, Shepard went on to stress the need to expand equitable access, and emphasized UNOS’ commitment to ongoing improvement as the high-performing, mission-driven non-profit serving as the nation’s transplant system. “The ultimate form of equity that is UNOS’ goal and the goal of the entire organ donation and transplant community, is to provide a transplant for every single patient that needs one,” he said. “We are looking for continuous improvement of what is already the world’s best donation and transplant system.” Learn more about our ongoing equity work: Workgroup to examine use of race-based adjustment to kidney calculation Data dashboard monitors equity in access to transplant The road to racial equity in kidney transplantation New kidney and pancreas allocation system will increase equity ### About United Network for Organ Sharing United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the mission-driven nonprofit serving as the nation’s transplant system under contract with the federal government. We lead the network of transplant hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and thousands of volunteers who are dedicated to honoring the gifts of life entrusted to us and to making lifesaving transplants possible for patients in need. Working together, we leverage data and advances in science and technology to continuously strengthen the system, increase the number of organs recovered and the number of transplants performed, and ensure patients across the nation have equitable access to transplant. Contact Details Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Company Website https://unos.org

July 22, 2021 01:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Vietnam Government supports T&T Group in purchase of 40 million Sputnik V vaccine doses

T&T Group

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach - 22 July 2021 - On July 12, the Government of Vietnam issued Resolution No. 73/NQ-CP allowing T&T Group to purchase Sputnik V vaccines from the Russian Federation without using funds from the State budget or Vietnam's COVID-19 Vaccine Fund. The Government's resolution stated that, at the request of the vaccine manufacturer, the Government agreed to a proposal from the Ministry of Health to sign an agreement that relinquishes liability for the use of the Sputnik V vaccine. The agreement is similar to the agreement signed by the Ministry of Health when Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) purchased a supply of the BNT162 vaccine from Pfizer and AZD1222 vaccine produced by AstraZeneca. Vietnamese authorities will be responsible for licensing import, inspection, and quality control of vaccines, organize free injection of all 40 million doses of vaccines mentioned above under regulations. Implementing the Government's resolution, the Ministry of Health sent an official dispatch to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to introduce them to the T&T Group to negotiate to buy 40 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. In the document, the Ministry of Health proposed RDIF give favourable conditions to T&T Group to purchase the Sputnik V vaccine in July 2021 to meet the urgent need to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Vietnam. Mr Do Quang Hien, Chairman and General Director of T&T Group, shared: "Being socially responsible and with the desire to bring a safer and better life to the Vietnamese people, we were very honoured and proud when the Government agreed to allow us to negotiate to buy 40 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine from the Russian Federation.” "With 28 years of experience, a strong reputation, and great financial potential, along with many member units that have been operating in the field of health and pharmaceuticals for many years, T&T Group will make every effort to implement this great mission successfully.” “At the same time, we look forward to a long-term, strategic relationship with the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations not only in importing vaccines but also in receiving and transferring vaccine production technology to Vietnam. " Established in 1993, T&T Group is one of the leading private multi-sector economic groups in Vietnam. It has over 80,000 employees working in Vietnam and representative offices in many countries such as the US, Russia, Germany, and Australia. Currently, T&T Group operates in several key sectors: Finance and investment, real estate, industry and trade, logistics, traffic infrastructure, seaports, energy, environment and minerals, agriculture, forestry and fishery, health, education, and sports. With outstanding business achievements and contributions to the community, T&T Group has been honoured twice to be awarded the First-class Labor Medal and many other noble awards. Mr Do Quang Hien was also honoured to receive the First Class Labor Medal in 2019 awarded by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Asian Entrepreneur Award in 2017 awarded by Enterprise Asia - Asia's leading NGO. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, T&T Group and its member units have donated over $21.7 million for COVID-19 prevention and control activities in Vietnam. #T&TGroup Contact Details International Trade and Investment Promotion Department Ms. Nguyen Van Huong huongnv@ttgroup.com.vn

July 22, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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