October 19, 2023

Sabin Vaccine Institute Begins Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Marburg Vaccine in Uganda

Clinical Trial Preparation

Staff at Makerere University Walter Reed Project preparing for Sabin’s Phase 2 Marburg vaccine clinical trial.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Sabin Vaccine Institute has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial for its vaccine candidate against the lethal Marburg virus. Healthy volunteers received the single-dose vaccine at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) in Kampala, Uganda today.

There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat Marburg virus disease. Marburg is a filovirus, in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. Like Ebola, Marburg virus disease spreads between people via direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people, is highly virulent, and causes hemorrhagic fever. The disease has a fatality rate of up to 88%.

Based on the ChAd3 platform, Sabin’s single-dose investigational Marburg vaccine was found to be promising in Phase 1 clinical and non-clinical studies, with results showing it to be safe, while eliciting rapid and robust immune responses.

Dr. Betty Mwesigwa, deputy executive director of MUWRP, is the principal investigator for the Kampala portion of the Sabin-sponsored trial. Participants will also be enrolled a few weeks later at a second site at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Siaya, Kenya, with Dr. Videlis Nduba as principal investigator. In all, 125 volunteers will participate in the trial.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity here to improve our preparedness to save lives and protect people from a deadly and unforgiving disease that typically strikes under-resourced countries first and most,” says Amy Finan, Sabin’s Chief Executive Officer. “Sabin’s Phase 2 clinical trial builds on a solid safety and immunogenicity foundation and we are hoping it will generate the information needed to move the vaccine toward licensure.”

The number of Marburg outbreaks in Africa has climbed steadily in recent years. Two outbreaks of Marburg virus disease have occurred already this year: Equatorial Guinea reported its first ever documented Marburg outbreak, which killed 12 people, followed by Tanzania, where six people succumbed to the virus. Communities in Uganda and Kenya are familiar with Marburg virus disease, having been ravaged by outbreaks over multiple years in the last few decades.

“Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is delighted to partner with the Sabin Vaccine Institute to launch the clinical testing for a preventive Marburg vaccine,” says Dr. Mwesigwa. “Most Marburg virus disease outbreaks have originated in Africa. Uganda alone has registered 4 outbreaks of the disease. We urgently need a vaccine against Marburg because of its potential to cause epidemics with significant death rates. It is imperative for us to test candidate vaccines in Uganda, a country prone to these outbreaks. This work will contribute new knowledge to inform the scientific discovery for an effective vaccine against the deadly Marburg virus.”

The Phase 2 clinical trial for Sabin’s Marburg vaccine will continue to evaluate safety and immunogenicity for the vaccine, this time among a larger group of individuals. This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers will know whether trial participants receive a vaccine dose or a placebo dose until after the trial is over, an approach used to help reduce experimental bias.

Participants in the clinical trial will be monitored for a full year and will include both younger (18-50 years) and older age groups (51-70 years). Interim results are expected next year. In addition to the current trial in Uganda and Kenya, Sabin plans to conduct a similar Phase 2 clinical trial for Marburg in the U.S.

The Marburg vaccine trials are supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under multi-year contracts between the organizations, including most recently a $36.4 million award for vaccine development and production.

Similarly, BARDA has invested in Sabin for advancing ChAd3 Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate, including awarding $28 million this August for Phase 2 clinical trials in the U.S.

To date, Sabin has received around $215 million in contract awards from BARDA for furthering vaccine research and development against Sudan ebolavirus and Marburg virus diseases.

BARDA and Sabin began working together in September 2019 to develop the two monovalent vaccine candidates. Sabin’s Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate was the first to arrive in Uganda last year during the disease outbreak that left 55 people dead. Sabin has also initiated plans for a Phase 2 Sudan ebolavirus vaccine clinical trial in Uganda and Kenya.

This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract numbers 75A50119C00055 and 75A50123C00010.

About the Sabin Vaccine Institute

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with three decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit www.sabin.org and follow us on X, @SabinVaccine.About Sabin’s Vaccine R&D Using the ChAd3 Platform.

About Sabin’s Vaccine R&D Using the ChAd3 Platform

In August 2019, Sabin announced exclusive agreements with GSK for Sabin to advance the development of the prophylactic candidate vaccines against the deadly Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan and Marburg virus. The three candidate vaccines were initially developed collaboratively by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Okairos, which was acquired by GSK in 2013. The candidate vaccines, based on GSK’s proprietary ChAd3 platform, were further developed by GSK, including the Phase II development for the Ebola Zaire vaccine. Under the agreements between GSK and Sabin, Sabin exclusively licensed the technology for all three candidate vaccines and acquired certain patent rights specific to these vaccines.

About the Makerere University Walter Reed Project

MUWRP is a non-profit biomedical research organization with a mission to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. The project’s scope includes among others; clinical research in infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, Ebola, Marburg, COVID-19, Influenza and Influenza-like illnesses, and neglected tropical diseases such as Schistosomiasis, among others. A major part of the clinical research are clinical trials, where the MUWRP has conducted more than 12 phase I and II vaccine clinical trials including the first Ebola vaccine trial in Africa.

Media Contact:
Monika Guttman
Media Relations Specialist
Sabin Vaccine Institute
+1 (202) 662-1841
press@sabin.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ecbc982-493a-4ecf-9393-e203708aa3ea

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October 19, 2023

Steel decarbonisation to redefine supply chains by 2050

Wood Mackenzie report says new metallic hubs will emerge as steel industry accelerates carbon abatement efforts

LONDON and HOUSTON and SINGAPORE, Oct. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the latest Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie, the steel industry is set to undergo a significant transformation as decarbonisation efforts accelerate. Titled Metalmorphosis: how decarbonisation is transforming the iron and steel industry the report highlights the emergence of new metallic hubs and the reshaping of steel production and global trade patterns.

Wood Mackenzie’s latest report says electric-arc furnace (EAF) technology, increased use of green feedstock, and evolving carbon policies will play a crucial role in this transformation. Low-carbon intensive EAF production accounts for 28% of global steel output, projected to rise to 50% by 2050. An investment of US$130 billion will be required to achieve this goal.

The shift towards less carbon-intensive steel will drive the demand for greener feedstocks such as DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) and high-grade scrap. Wood Mackenzie predicts that the share of these feedstocks in total metals demand will increase from 36% to 54% by 2050, leading to new production, processing, and trading hubs for low-carbon iron and scrap.

DRI production and trade rise will create investment and revenue generation opportunities across the value chain. Wood Mackenzie forecasts a doubling DRI capacity within 30 years, requiring an estimated US$80 billion investment. This projection does not include potential investments in green hydrogen, smelters for low-grade DRI, pellet hubs, and shipping.

Wood Mackenzie indicates that the location of new green Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) centres will be determined based on their proximity to low-carbon hydrogen production. This is particularly important given the uncertainties surrounding the transportation and storage of traded hydrogen. The Middle East and Australia are well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, and the number of projects in these regions is increasing.

Quality will take precedence over quantity as the cost of lower-carbon steel rises. In markets with high carbon prices, importing green DRI to manufacture low-carbon steel using EAFs will become more favourable than importing finished steel from emissions-intensive producers like China and India.

Decarbonising the iron and steel industry, which currently accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, is a challenging but achievable goal. With the right levels of investment and policy support, this transformation has the potential to redefine trade patterns and the value chain.

Editor’s notes:
Read more information here. To request the report and arrange an interview with the authors, please contact Wood Mackenzie’s media relations team.

About Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience in natural resources.

Contacts:
Hla Myat Mon
PR Manager – APAC
hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864826

October 19, 2023

L’édition 2023 de la Semaine du Climat de la région Moyen-Orient/Afrique du Nord ou la mise en lumière du rôle capital du Forum sur les Minéraux du Futur dans la création de chaînes de valeur minières responsables pour une transition énergétique saine

RIYAD, Arabie Saoudite, 18 oct. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — La Semaine 2023 du Climat de la région MOAN organisée à Riyad a mis en évidence le rôle déterminant du Forum sur les Minéraux du Futur (ci-après « FMF ») dans la conception de solutions d’avenir dédiées au monde minéral.

Animé par Aldo Pennini, directeur de la stratégie, des programmes et du contenu du FMF, le panel rassemblait d’éminents experts, parmi lesquels Son Excellence Abdulrahman Al Belushi, sous-ministre adjoint chargé du développement minier au ministère de l’industrie et des ressources minérales, Monsieur l’ingénieur Saud Al-Mandil, vice-président du département technologie et R&D chez Ma’aden, le Docteur Thamer Aldaajani, directeur général de la recherche minière et des hydrocarbures à la Cité du roi Abdulaziz pour la science et la technologie ; Ali Al-Mutairi, directeur exécutif du FMF, le Docteur Abdullah Al-Nabhan, directeur principal de l’enquête et de l’exploration à la Commission géologique saoudienne, et le Professeur Jim Skie, président du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC).

« Les minéraux représentent une source essentielle à de nombreuses industries et projets », a déclaré Son Excellence Abdulrahman Al Belushi, en soulignant particulièrement la nécessité d’adopter des politiques durables permettant de minimiser l’impact environnemental au bénéfice de la communauté.

Saud Al Mandil a pointé l’engagement de Ma’aden en faveur de la durabilité dans le secteur minier. Ma’aden se donne pour vocation de réduire l’impact environnemental par une gestion responsable des ressources naturelles, conformément à l’engagement du Royaume envers l’Accord de Paris sur le climat.

Thamer Aldaajani a mis en relief le rôle central de la recherche dans la compréhension de l’impact économique et environnemental sur les ressources minérales, et dans l’amélioration de leurs chaînes de valeur. Il a reconnu les enjeux du secteur minier face à la difficulté d’équilibrage entre extraction des minéraux et préservation de l’environnement.

Ali Al-Mutairi a résumé la mission du FMF en déclarant : « Le FMF vise à façonner l’avenir des minéraux dans un contexte de transition énergétique en ouvrant la voie au dialogue et à la collaboration multipartites. Le Forum sert de plateforme internationale et permet aux acteurs du secteur minier d’explorer de nouvelles terres d’opportunités dans une super région minière qui s’étend de l’Afrique à l’Asie occidentale et centrale ».

Abdullah Al-Nabhan a développé la formation géologique du bouclier arabo-nubien, en soulignant l’importance de ses riches ressources minérales vertes dans la transition énergétique. En parallèle, le Professeur Jim Skea a annoncé la toute première intégration du rôle des minéraux dans la transition énergétique dans le prochain rapport pluriannuel du GIEC.

La troisième édition du FMF, sous mécénat du Gardien des deux Saintes Mosquées, Sa Majesté le Roi Salmane ben Abdelaziz d’Arabie saoudite, se tiendra du 9 au 11 janvier 2024 au Centre international de conférences du Roi Abdulaziz de Riyad.

Une photo accompagnant cette annonce est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7249c16-1580-4825-bd81-b2946880f9f4

Omar Shereen
Tél. : +966 50 663 0489
E-mail : Omar.shereen@fleishman.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864807

October 19, 2023

MENACW 2023 destaca o papel crucial do Future Minerals Forum na formação de cadeias sustentáveis de valor mineral na transição para energias limpas

RIAD, Arábia Saudita, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) 2023, sediada em Riad, enfatizou o papel crucial do Future Minerals Forum (FMF) na definição do futuro dos minerais.

O painel moderado por Aldo Pennini, Diretor de Estratégia, Programa e Conteúdo do FMF, contou com painelistas notáveis, incluindo Abdulrahman Al Belushi, Vice-Ministro Assistente de Capacitação em Mineração do Ministério da Indústria e Recursos Minerais; Eng. Saud Al Mandil, Vice-Presidente de Tecnologia, P&D e Inovação na Ma’aden; Dr. Thamer Aldaajani, Gerente Geral de Pesquisa em Mineração e Hidrocarbonetos na King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; Ali Al-Mutairi, Diretor Executivo do FMF; Dr. Abdullah Al-Nabhan, Diretor Sênior de Pesquisa Geológica e Exploração na Pesquisa Geológica da Arábia Saudita; e Professor Jim Skie, Presidente do Painel Intergovernamental sobre Mudanças Climáticas.

“Os minerais representam um pilar crucial para impulsionar inúmeras indústrias e projetos”, afirmou Abdulrahman Al Belushi. Ele enfatizou a necessidade de operações sustentáveis que minimizem o impacto ambiental e garantam benefícios para a comunidade.

Saud Al Mandil destacou o compromisso da Ma’aden com a sustentabilidade no setor de mineração. A empresa está empenhada em minimizar o impacto ambiental e gerenciar responsavelmente os recursos naturais, alinhando-se ao compromisso do Reino com o Acordo de Paris sobre o clima.

Thamer Aldaajani ressaltou o papel crucial da pesquisa na compreensão do impacto econômico e ambiental dos recursos minerais e no aprimoramento de suas cadeias de valor. Ele reconheceu os desafios enfrentados pelo setor de mineração ao equilibrar a extração de minerais necessários com a preservação ambiental.

Ali Al-Mutairi delineou a missão do FMF, afirmando: “O FMF visa moldar o futuro dos minerais no contexto da transição energética por meio do diálogo e colaboração entre várias partes interessadas. O Fórum serve como uma plataforma internacional, fomentando oportunidades para entidades envolvidas no setor de mineração explorarem possíveis oportunidades na super-região mineral, que se estende da África à Ásia Ocidental e Central”.

Abdullah Al-Nabhan falou sobre as características geológicas do Escudo Árabe, destacando seus abundantes recursos minerais essenciais na transição para energias verdes. Enquanto isso, o professor Jim Skea anunciou que, pela primeira vez, o IPCC incorporará o papel dos minerais na transição energética como parte de seu próximo relatório plurianual.

A terceira edição do FMF, sob o patrocínio do Guardião das Duas Mesquitas Sagradas, Rei Salman bin Abdulaziz, será realizada de 9 a 11 de janeiro de 2024, no King Abdulaziz International Conference Center em Riad.

Uma foto acompanhando este anúncio está disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7249c16-1580-4825-bd81-b2946880f9f4

Omar Shereen
Telefone: +966 50 663 0489
E-mail: Omar.shereen@fleishman.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864807

October 19, 2023

MBN urges farmers to update producer numbers before 31 October

OMUTHIYA: Meat Board of Namibia (MBN) spokesperson Desmond Cloete is urging livestock farmers to update their stock brands and herd details before the end of October 2023.

Cloete in an interview with Nampa on Thursday said every livestock producer in Namibia is required to register with MBN by law to get a producer number.

“This producer number is their ticket that they get from us to partake in the formal market, which means they can take their cattle to a local auction or expo,” said Cloete.

He added that the producer number is a part of the traceability, to get hold of the cattle intake and to trace where cattle are coming from and where they are going.

Cloete also said that you can import and export livestock using the producer number.

“The consequences of not reregistering your producer number means that it will become inactive and you might not partake in the formal market,” Cloete said.

He added that if you do not update your producer number now, the system will suspend or deactivate it or give it to someone else after some time.

“This applies to all livestock producers with a registered stock brand and the forms can be obtained on the MBN website or at all State Veterinary offices countrywide,” said Cloete.

He is overwhelmed by hundreds of livestock producers that are recorded per day but he wants every farmer to update their producer number before the due date.

He said this campaign end is approaching fast as it was first launched on 28 June 2023 and runs until 31 October 2023.

Cloete described a producer number as a number that is generated by their computer system and it appears on the card and the certificate that makes you the rightful owners of the livestock.

“The card is a simple one you can carry around in your wallet,” said Cloete.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

October 19, 2023

Mushelenga launches national symbols campaign in Hardap

WINDHOEK: Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Peya Mushelenga on Wednesday launched the regional activation of the National Symbols Campaign in the Hardap Region.

Mushelenga said at the launch that the campaign underscores the need to respect and honour the protocols related to Namibia’s national symbols, particularly the national flag and the national anthem.

“When we seek the meanings behind our national symbols, we uncover valuable information that brings them to prominence and relevance. Our national flag tells a story of the country’s sea, green vegetation, peace among nationals and the heroic struggle of our people. When generations hear about these, they become proud of their history and grow to become patriotic,” Mushelenga said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

October 19, 2023

Efforts Being Exerted to Tackle Challenges in Wildlife Conservation Activities: Lead Executive Officer

Various efforts are being made to tackle challenges in wildlife conservation activities, according to the division of conservation at the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority.

Authority Lead Executive Officer Desta Bedaso told ENA that incompatible development activities such as agriculture, road construction and mining through National parks, illegal domestic animals deployment in parks, illegal hunting and smuggling of wildlife, and climate change are among the challenges the sector faces.

To tackle these problems, Environmental Crime Unit comprised of the pertinent stakeholders, including the Federal police, prosecutors, financial institutions and other security bodies has been established to enforce the law in protecting wildlife.

A Joint Task Force is also established in respective regions of the country that consists of personnel from the sector and regional leaderships to enhance the effort of wildlife conservation, it was learned.

Noting the lack of awareness about the significance of wildlife in the economy, Desta pointed out that awareness creation campaign is being carried out in collaboration with local respective media and others.

Indicating the multiple challenges in the sector, he stressed the need for concerted efforts not only from local but also international stakeholders.

In this respect, Ethiopia has signed different international agreements that enable it to work together in conserving and protecting wildlife, the lead executive said, adding that efforts are being made to implement the agreements.

He also called on the general public as well as the pertinent bodies to meet their responsibilities in supporting the effort in the conservation of wildlife.

Recall that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority is taking part in a month-long exhibition that will remain open until November 9 at the Science Museum.

Ethiopia has over 87 wild life protected areas, out of which 29 are national parks, 4 wildlife reserves, 4 sanctuary, 5 biosphere reserves, 7 community conservation areas, 33 control hunting areas, and 5 open hunting areas.

The Simien Mountains National Park and the Bale Mountains National Park are registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

And most of the wild life protected areas are registered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as they have fulfilled the criteria of registration.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency