Curia Receives 2024 CDMO Leadership Award

Curia recognized for its Service in the CDMO industry

2024 CDMO Leadership Award
Curia Receives 2024 CDMO Leadership Award in the Service category.

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization, today announced it has been awarded a 2024 CDMO Leadership Award in the Service category, Small Pharma group. In its 13th year, the awards are presented by Outsourced Pharma and Life Science Leader.

“Curia is honored to receive this award,” said Philip Macnabb, CEO, Curia. “This distinction underscores our commitment to creating value for our customers across all of our R&D and manufacturing offerings, and we are especially appreciative to be acknowledged by the partners we support for that commitment.”

Winners of CDMO Leadership Awards are selected based on market research by Industry Standard Research (“ISR”) to distinguish CDMOs that meet or exceed customer expectations. For the 2024 awards, 98 contract manufacturers were evaluated by 23 performance metrics in ISR’s annual Contract Manufacturing Quality Benchmarking survey. Respondents to the survey only evaluate companies with which they have worked on an outsourced project within the past 18 months. Curia was awarded based on the feedback of respondents in the Small Pharma category.

“Congratulations to our 2024 CDMO Leadership Award winners. By vote of your customers, you are recognized as the best in the global outsourcing development and manufacturing sector of the biopharma industry,” says Louis Garguilo, Chief Editor and Conference Chair, Outsourced Pharma. “Award winners maintained and expanded capabilities and expertise to meet the needs of a diverse customer base; provided the additional quality and reliability so crucial to novel processes and products; and forged the closest relationships with customers. 2023 rang in with many unsettled questions. The 2024 CDMO Leadership Award winners are the support companies that best answered the bell over the past year.”

About Curia
Curia is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience, an integrated network of 27 global sites and over 3,500 employees partnering with Biopharmaceutical customers to bring life-changing therapies to market. Our biologics and small molecules offering spans discovery through commercialization, with integrated regulatory and analytical capabilities. Our scientific and process experts and state-of-the-art facilities deliver best-in-class experience across drug substance and drug product manufacturing. From curiosity to cure, we deliver every step to improve patients’ lives. Visit us at curiaglobal.com.

Corporate Contact:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

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Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain

Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major scientific breakthrough, a research team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), working alongside researchers from the UK, the US, and India, discovered a vital gene instrumental in combating malaria. This gene, termed PfAP2-MRP, is essential in the replication process of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most lethal strain of malaria.

Advanced laboratory techniques enabled the researchers to inhibit the PfAP2-MRP gene, revealing its critical role in the malaria parasite’s life cycle within red blood cells. This inhibition significantly disrupts the parasite’s ability to reproduce, reducing the severity of the disease’s symptoms and curbing its spread. This discovery is particularly impactful as it addresses Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which claims over half a million lives annually.

Dr. Ashraf Dada, Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah and the lead researcher, stated: “This discovery paves the way for the development of more effective treatments for the deadliest malaria strain, Plasmodium falciparum.” Also, this study enhances the scientific community’s understanding of the disease’s progression and its interaction with the human immune system, thereby strengthening efforts to combat this widespread malaria parasite prevalent in Africa.

Furthermore, the research demonstrated that the PfAP2-MRP gene regulates the production of genetically diverse protein receptors, allowing the parasite to evade the host’s immune system. This mechanism plays a significant role in the global spread of malaria and underscores the gene’s importance in developing future therapeutic strategies.

Published in the prestigious journal “Nature” this noteworthy study is part of a close collaboration between KFSH&RC and KAUST to engage in innovative research activities aimed at not only improving the diagnosis of microbes, bacteria, and parasites, but also underscores a global effort to combat pathogens and improve human health.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced medical research and education hub. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2023, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38b3fbef-fece-4a76-b326-2d57ab1b16ba

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

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‫باحثون في “التخصصي” وجامعة “كاوست” يكتشفون جينًا مسؤولاً عن تكاثر أخطر أنواع الملاريا

Researchers at KFSH&RC & KAUST Discover Gene Responsible for Reproduction of the Most Dangerous Malaria Strain
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Riyadh

الرياض, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

اكتشف باحثون بمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث، بالتعاون مع جامعة الملك عبدالله للعلوم والتقنية “كاوست”، وباحثون من بريطانيا وأمريكا والهند؛ جيناً مسؤولا عن تكاثر طفيليات الملاريا المتصورة المنجلية داخل كريات الدم الحمراء، وبتعطيل عمله تتوقف الطفيليات عن التكاثر بالشكل المعتاد، مما يؤدي إلى تخفيف أعراض المرض والحد من انتشار عدوى أشرس أنواع الملاريا التي تفتك بأكثر من نصف مليون إنسان سنويا.

وتمكن الباحثون من تحقيق هذا الاكتشاف باستخدام تقنيات مخبرية متقدمة في فحص وتحديد جزيئات وجينات البروتينات المشاركة في دورة طُفيل المتصور المنجلي، حيث تم من خلالها إيقاف عمل جين يُدعى PfAP2-MRP، وهو ما أسهم في إثبات أن طفيليات الملاريا لا تستطيع التكاثر داخل خلايا الدم الحمراء بالشكل المعتاد، كما يتعطل نشاطها وخروجها بشكل ملحوظ من داخل خلية الدم الحمراء المصابة جرّاء تعطل عمل هذا الجين، الأمر الذي يقلل بشكل كبير من اختراق خلايا بشرية جديدة في الدم، مما يسهم في تقليل أعراض المرض وكذلك الحد من انتشار العدوى بين الأفراد.

وقال الدكتور أشرف دادا، رئيس قسم علم الأمراض والطب المخبري في مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث بجدة، والباحث الرئيسي” إن الاكتشاف يمهد الطريق لابتكار أدوية ذات فعالية أكبر لعلاج الملاريا المتصورة المنجلية الذي يُعد الأخطر بين أقرانه“، موضحاً أن البحث يُقدم للمجتمع العلمي فهماً أعمق لكيفية تطور المرض، وآلية تجاوبه مع الجهاز المناعي البشري، مما يُعزز جهود مكافحة نوع الطفيليات المسببة للملاريا الأشد فتكاً والأكثر انتشاراً في القارة الأفريقية.

كما أثبت الباحثون أن الجين PfAP2-MRP يتحكم في الجينات التي تستخدمها طفيليات المتصورة المنجلية في تكوين مستقبلات بروتينية جديدة مختلفة في تركيبها الجيني تتحايل على الأجسام المضادة التي كوّنها الجهاز المناعي لجسم المصاب، لتصبح عديمة الجدوى، ما يتسبب بمعضلة مسؤولة عن انتشار الملاريا في العالم.

وجاءت هذه الدراسة المنشورة بمجلة نيتشر “Nature” الرائدة في مجال العلوم، ضمن تعاون بين “التخصصي” و “كاوست”؛ لإجراء أبحاث تسهم في اكتشاف وسائل مبتكرة لتحسين طريقة تشخيص الميكروبات والجراثيم والطفليات بشكل عام، وكذلك الوقاية والعلاج من الأمراض التي تسبب بها؛ بهدف محاربة الأمراض المعدية والحد من انتشارها.

ويُعد مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث من بين الأبرز عالميًا في تقديم الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، ورائدًا في الابتكار، ومركزًا متقدمًا في البحوث والتعليم الطبي، كما يسعى لتطوير التقنيات الطبية، والارتقاء بمستوى الرعاية الصحية على مستوى العالم، وذلك بالشراكة مع كبرى المؤسسات المحلية والإقليمية والدولية لتحقيق خدمة عالمية المستوى في المجالات السريرية والبحثية والتعليمية.

نبذة عن مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث:

يُعد مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث (KFSH&RC) أحد المؤسسات الصحية في الشرق الأوسط، وتتمثل رؤيته في أن يكون الخيار الأمثل لكل مريض في مجال تقديم الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، حيث يمتلك المستشفى تاريخاً حافلاً في علاج الأورام وأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، وزراعة الأعضاء، علوم الأعصاب، وعلم الوراثة.

وخلال العام 2023، صنفت منظمة “Brand Finance” مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث المركز الطبي الأكاديمي الأفضل في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا، ومن بين أفضل 20 مركزًا عالميًا. كما صُنف في العام 2022، ضمن مقدمي الرعاية الصحية الرائدين في جميع أنحاء العالم من قبل مجلة نيوزويك.

كجزء من رؤية السعودية 2030 وبرامجها، صدر في 21 ديسمبر 2021 أمر ملكي يقضي بتحويل المستشفى إلى مؤسسة مستقلة ذات طبيعة خاصة غير هادفة للربح ومملوكة للحكومة، في خطوة مهدت لانطلاق برنامج تحول شامل يستهدف تحقيق الريادة في مجال الرعاية الصحية على الصعيد العالمي من خلال التميز والابتكار.

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لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى التواصل مع مدير الشؤون الإعلامية في المستشفى الأستاذ عصام الزهراني جوال: 0555254429 للتنسيقات الإعلامية، يرجى التواصل مع مسؤول التنسيقات الإعلامية الأستاذ عبدالله العون جوال: 0556294232

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Blue California completes groundbreaking human clinical trial on ErgoActive® ergothioneine intervention for cognitive function, memory, and sleep

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue California, an industry leader in science-driven ingredient development, announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking human clinical trial of ergothioneine. A double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial sponsored by Blue California has shown that ErgoActive® ergothioneine supports aspects of cognitive function, memory, and sleep in healthy elderly subjects with subjective memory complaints.

“Blue California is proud to have sponsored such an important human study,” said Linda May-Zhang, Ph.D., VP of Science and Innovation at Blue California. “We are pleased by the results showing improvements of cognitive function and ability to get to sleep in subjects consuming ErgoActive for four months.”

Research has suggested that inadequate levels of ergothioneine are associated with a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, frailty, age-related cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, and dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Mushroom consumption and estimated dietary ergothioneine intake have previously been associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline and potentially longer lifespan.

Despite decades of preclinical research, association studies, and clinical studies conducted with mushrooms, it remained untested whether supplementation with pure ergothioneine can improve cognitive outcomes. Rigorous clinical studies were lacking. Today, Blue California has made a substantial advancement by sponsoring a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted at a national research institution.

Sharing his insights, Robert B. Beelman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Food Science and Director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health at Pennsylvania State University, stated, “The results of this study provide important clinical evidence supporting the idea that ergothioneine is a ‘longevity vitamin’ that can help mitigate cognitive decline and sleep issues commonly associated with aging.”

Blue California is a proud gold sponsor for the National University of Singapore’s Center of Healthy Longevity global conference on Supplements for Healthy Longevity, held Feb. 29 – Mar. 2, 2024.

ErgoActive ergothioneine is made by precision fermentation with FDA-reviewed safety of GRAS. This ingredient is easy to formulate for dietary supplements, functional food and beverages, pet supplements, and cosmetics.

About Blue California Ingredients

Blue California is a science-driven, nature-inspired ingredient company dedicated to developing innovative solutions for health and well-being. We provide and manufacture clean, natural, and sustainable ingredients used in food, beverage, flavor, fragrance, dietary supplements, personal care, and cosmetic products.

With a commitment to rigorous scientific research, the company aims to address pressing concerns related to aging and healthspan.  For more information, visit https://bluecal-ingredients.com/ergothioneine.

ErgoActive® is a registered trademark of Blue California, Inc.

Ergothioneine is also referred to as L-Ergothioneine, (ET) and (ERG).

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Blue California ingredients
+1-949-635-1991
ana@bluecal-ingredients.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9031565

Democracy evolving in Pakistan: Caretaker PM

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said democracy is evolving in Pakistan.

In an interview with a private television, he said the caretaker government would be leaving and the new government would be formed after the elections on February 8, putting behind all the speculation and conspiracy theories of the past months.

The Prime Minister said that the caretaker government performed its duties according to the constitutional mandate and he would take responsibility for all the decisions taken during its tenure.

Source: Radio Pakistan

ECP successfully completes printing of 260 million ballot papers

The Election Commission of Pakistan has successfully completed printing of 260 million ballot papers for all constituencies in the country.

According to ECP spokesman, National Assembly ballots are identifiable by green paper, whereas Provincial Assembly ballots are printed on white paper.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan is set to conclude the ongoing distribution of 260 million ballot papers to the Returning Officers of 859 constituencies on Monday.

An ECP spokesperson said in a statement that the Commission has concluded the printing of ballot papers in three government printing presses.

Reprinting of ballot papers in particular controversial constituencies has been finalized, following the directives of the superior judiciary in specific court cases.

The commission’s spokesperson said despite all hurdles and limited time, the commission fulfilled its responsibility to print the papers.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Death anniversary of National Anthem’s composer Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla observed

Death anniversary of composer of National Anthem Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla was observed on Monday.

Ghulam Ali Chagla was born on May 31, 1902 in Karachi. He studied from Sindh Madrasatul Islam Karachi. He was student of Maharaj Swami Das, who was renowned musician of Karachi.

Chagla also studied musicology at Trinity College of Music England. Before creation of Pakistan, he worked as a musician in Ajanta, a film company in Bombay.

After creation, the government of Pakistan appointed him as a member of the committee for preparing music of the national anthem. It was his luck that he got the honor of composing this tune. On August 21, 1949, the government approved the tune prepared by him as the national anthem of Pakistan.

Ahmad Ali Ghulam Ali Chagla passed away on this day in 1953. After 43 years of his death, government of Pakistan announced to award him the Presidential Medal for Excellence in 1996.

He is buried in Karachi.

Source: Radio Pakistan

10 policemen martyred in attack on police station in D.I.Khan

Ten police personnel were martyred while six others were injured in a late-night terrorist attack on the Chodwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan.

According to the Police, terrorists attacked the police station located in Tehsil Daraban of the District with heavy arms and ammunitions.

Injured police persons have been shifted to District Headquarter Hospital Dera Ismail Khan.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a police station in Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan.

In a statement, he said such cowardly acts cannot shake our resolve against terrorism. He commended the police personnel for thwarting the attack on the police station.

Paying tributes to the martyrs, he said the entire nation stands with the security forces.

The Prime Minister directed to provide every possible medical treatment to those injured in the attack. Condoling with the bereaved families, he prayed for the departed souls.

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mu
rtaza Solangi has denounced the attack on a police station in Dera Ismail Khan.

In a statement, he paid tributes to the sacrifices of security personnel for the security of the motherland.

The Information Minister said the terrorists are enemies of peace and stability of the country. He said the cowardly acts of terrorism cannot dampen our spirits.

He said the nation stands side by side with police and security forces to eliminate terrorism. He said any attempt to harm national security will be dealt with iron hands.

Source: Radio Pakistan