February 21, 2024

Fortrea Increases Patient Access Capabilities and Cold Chain Expertise with FortreaRx™ Expansion

Fortrea’s non-commercial specialty pharmacy expansion delivers flexible, scalable solutions to customers and life-changing medications direct to patients

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced the opening of its expanded non-commercial specialty pharmacy, FortreaRx, located in Lake Mary, Florida, which offers advanced patient access solutions across the United States, including ambient and cold-chain distribution capabilities and expertise.

Licensed in all 50 states and U.S. territories, FortreaRx delivers flexible, scalable solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers while providing medications to patients who may otherwise not have access to them. Non-commercial specialty pharmacies, like FortreaRx, provide these solutions on behalf of their pharmaceutical manufacturer customers and are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients who meet the manufacturer requirements for prescription assistance.

Since FortreaRx’s inception in late 2008, Fortrea has pioneered non-commercial specialty pharmacy services, focusing exclusively on the distribution of free-goods products as an integrated component of pharmaceutical manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs (PAP) designed to expand access to therapy for qualified patients with no health insurance or those who are underinsured. The FortreaRx 40,000-square-foot facility doubles its operational space and bolsters its capabilities, delivering:

1,800 square feet of ambient storage
6,000+ square feet of cold chain storage with more than 85 percent of prescriptions filled by FortreaRx requiring this unique handling
Greater processing and fulfillment space for up to 18,000 prescriptions daily
Enhanced shipping solutions with options for overnight, expedited and 2-day deliveries

“Fortrea’s well-established patient services offerings, combined with the expanded capabilities of FortreaRx, deliver an end-to-end approach, from early clinical stages to post-market delivery, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized experience for patients,” said Bill Nolan, vice president and global head of Patient Access at Fortrea. “From our expertise in broad-range disease states to our unwavering commitment to patient assistance, Fortrea excels at delivering timely and impactful solutions to our pharmaceutical sponsors that strive to reduce patient and provider challenges by streamlining enrollment processes and by offering full integration with broader patient support initiatives.”

FortreaRx’s call center hub of case managers seamlessly manages patient inquiries, counseling and data verification of prescriptions. Fortrea’s patient access team helps patients and providers understand and navigate the complexities of coverage while removing obstacles to get medication to patients.

FortreaRx delivers efficient, consultative and cost-effective solutions for manufacturer prescription programs typically resulting in significant yearly savings for patients.

For more information about FortreaRx and its services, please visit Fortrea.com.

About Fortrea

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team of about 19,000 people working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) @Fortrea.

Fortrea Contacts:
Fortrea Media: Galen Wilson – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Fortrea Media: Kate Dillon – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9040223

February 21, 2024

Axi Select hailed as the future of prop trading as multiple demo account firms close doors due to pressures from regulators, brokers, and tech providers

Axi Select

Axi Select hailed as the future of prop trading as multiple demo account firms close doors due to pressures from regulators, brokers, and tech providers

SYDNEY, Australia, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bucking the trend of recent negative developments in the prop firm industry, leading global CFD and FX broker Axi, which launched Axi Select – their unique capital allocation programme for talented traders – has been hailed by many industry experts as the future of the industry.

Recent issues experienced in the prop trading industry have resulted in multiple firms having to pause or close down their service due to pressure from regulators, partner brokers or tech providers.

Axi Select is completely different to the industry, and as a result has legitimised the prop firm model by offering a live trading account programme, with real controls in terms of execution, transparency, and fair market conditions. Since its launch in mid-2023, Axi Select has witnessed an incredible 40% month-on-month increase in the number of active clients on their platforms.

Axi believes their Select programme is revolutionary, sustainable and is the future of the prop firm model. Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select, stated “In the last week the prop trading industry has been turned on its head completely with multiple firms having to suspend their services due to external pressures.

“We foresaw this, which is why we’ve developed a capital allocation programme which is built on our live trading account model and has been available in over 100 countries for more than 16 years. This has given us the confidence that Axi Select is a long-term solution to the prop trading community, and not subject to the issues now faced by prop firms who offer the demo account registration fee model and are under constant pressure from regulators and their tech partners.”

He continued “We genuinely empathise with the thousands of talented traders who will now be denied access to their allocated funds, and we encourage anyone using the demo trading registration model to question whether their prop firm partner will be able to continue as an ongoing concern given recent events. Unfortunately, this could be the beginning of the end for the demo account prop firm model.”

Axi Select offers a very attractive funding model – $1 million USD top allocation and clients can keep up to 90% of their profits – that’s one of the top allocation offerings worldwide, from an award-winning globally recognised, respected, and trusted broker.

By joining Axi you don’t need to pay a registration fee. Yes, you need to fund your trading account, but that money is yours to withdraw at any time and any profits you make on your funded account, you keep in addition to funds allocated by Axi.

“We believe passionately that Axi Select is the best allocation programme globally” said Rajesh Yohannan, Group CEO of Axi.

“By using a live trading account, with real money and the emotions that accompany this, we believe you are more likely to be profitable longer term and make money from your own live account as well as the funded proportion. Our Axi Select account has all the controls we offer to our live account holders globally. This includes access to our award-winning fast, transparent, and fair-trade execution.”

He added “If you are a talented trader and are looking for a legitimate funding programme which is designed to truly help you succeed and profit from the financial markets, and you want the stability of an account model which has been in market for 16 years, then Axi Select is the place for you to find your Edge.”

About Axi Select*

Axi Select* is a unique capital allocation programme that was specifically designed to help you succeed as a professional trader. Axi Select* offers a generous funding of up to $1 million USD as part of a structured and fair pathway to help you meet your long-term and most ambitious trading aspirations. Solidify your trading skills, knowledge and understanding of the markets and embark on your biggest trading journey ever with Axi through Axi Select.

Why Axi Select*?

100% Free to join – No registration fees
Earn 90% of profits on $1,000,000 USD of our funds
Unrestrictive trading conditions & a structured pathway that provides a fair & real opportunity for traders to become professional traders
Trading score (Edge score) to assess & assist with trading performance
Dashboard with analytics, advanced stats, and a leader board
Exclusive online trading room with live analysis and learning videos from professional traders. Ability to interact with fellow traders and share analysis/trading ideas.
Trustworthy broker with over 35+ industry awards.

Axi

How is Axi Select* different from other programmes?

Programme	Axi Select	Industry Standard
Registration fee	No	Yes
Pass Evaluation	No	Yes
Restrictive Trading Conditions	No	Varies
Number of Attempts	3	1
Leverage	100:1	Varies, majority less than 100:1
Account Type	Real Trading Account	Demo
Additional Tools	Dashboard/Leaderboard, Edge Score, Trading Room	Varies

Learn more & switch to Axi Select: https://www.axi.com/select

* The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available for AU, NZ, EU, and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Other fees and minimum deposit apply.

About Axi

Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, trusted by thousands of ambitious customers in 100+ countries around the world. We help all types of traders, trading businesses, banks and financial organizations find the edge they need to achieve their financial goals through informed transactions made on the world’s financial markets. Axi offers a wide range of assets including CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Silver, Oil, Coffee, Indices, and other commodities.

At Axi, we are proud of our reputation as an honest, fair, and trusted broker. Our many awards and ‘Great’ Trustpilot reviews prove we have earned the confidence of customers who value our outstanding service, fast execution, secure payments, segregated funds, and easy withdrawals.

For further enquiries contact service@axi.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b7f4608-f090-471c-995d-de6c0f23438e

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000914826

February 21, 2024

Over 250 malaria cases reported in Oshikoto

OMUTHIYA: The Ministry of Health and Social Services Director in the Oshikoto Region, Joshua Nghipangelwa has encouraged community members to seek early treatment against the outbreak of malaria in the region.

Nghipangelwa said this in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday after he reported 256 malaria cases between January 2024 and 18 February 2024.

He said epidemic monitoring data indicates that the Oshikoto Region has surpassed epidemic thresholds, and is thus experiencing malaria outbreaks.

‘The regional rapid response team and the district response team have started to respond to the outbreak,’ said Nghipangelwa.

He added that the team has investigated most of the cases and visited the most affected areas for risk communication and community engagements and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.

‘We have also started new methods to curb the increasing cases of malaria in the region by larviciding breeding sites and spraying of houses that reported cases,’ reported Nghipangelwa.

He fu
rther said they are testing and treating cases both at health facilities and also in the community, which is being done by community healthcare workers.

‘These cases are sporadic. The whole region is affected but the most affected constituency is Okankolo,’ Nghipangelwa said.

Nghipangelwa said the Onandjokwe District Hospital recorded the most cases with 92 and most of these cases emanated from the Okankolo Constituency, while Tsumeb Hospital has 84 cases and the Omuthiya District Hospital recorded 80 cases during the period of January 2024 up to 18 February 2024.

‘Everyone is at risk of getting malaria so no one is safe. Children and pregnant women used to be at risk in the past but nowadays everyone is at risk,’ said Nghipangelwa.

He also urged cattle herders and marginalised communities to wear clothes with long sleeves to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

He further encouraged residents of the Oshikoto Region to protect themselves from mosquito bites both while outside and inside their bedrooms.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

February 21, 2024

Nangombe calls on public not to be alarmed by recent COVID-19 cases

WINDHOEK: Health and Social Services Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, on Tuesday called on members of the public not to be alarmed by the COVID-19 cases reported at Rehoboth in the Hardap Region.

Nangombe, in an interview with Nampa, said the cases discovered in Rehoboth last week are only in Rehoboth and all affected individuals are under proper supervision.

He however urged the public to take precautions.

‘Although the COVID-19 protocols have been repelled since 2022, the public must maintain the basics of wearing masks when in crowded areas, washing their hands regularly, and sanitising,’ Nangombe said.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s spokesperson, Walter Kamaya told Nampa that the government has not yet enforced mandatory measures to curb COVID-19 should it start spreading again.

‘For now, the public should just maintain the basic protocols, and go for individual testing if they wish to know their status,’ he said, adding that if the number of COVID-19 cases rises, necessary measures will be put in place
and the public will be updated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

February 21, 2024

Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Confers with Korean Counterpart

Addis Ababa: Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga and Korea Political Affairs Deputy Minister Chung Byung-Won have held talks on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern today.

The officials discussed the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit to be held this coming June, economic cooperation, trade and people-to-people relations, among other things, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking about the upcoming summit, State Minister Mesganu said the occasion will provide opportunities to review and further strengthen the already existing symbolic Ethio-Korea diplomatic ties.Mesganu also said the symbolic relation must be transformed into visible, practical development achievements, trade, investment, and overall enhanced economic cooperation.

Deputy Minister Chung Byung-Won also stressed the need for more practical steps towards making the special relation of the two countries yield practical economic development. He said that the upcoming summit will provide opportunities to formulat
e win-win partnerships with African countries, scale up the bilateral relations into long-term strategic partnerships and usher in a substantial practical development cooperation.

Chung Byung-Won finally called on the Ethiopian side to come up with necessary frameworks in various areas of cooperation to be signed during the summit in order to achieve those practical strides in bilateral relations

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

February 21, 2024

Ethiopia, Kenya Sign MoUs that Strengthen Partnership & Chart New Course for Enhanced Cooperation

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and Kenya have inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that solidify their longstanding partnership and chart a new course for enhanced cooperation across crucial sectors.

In a ceremony marking a renewed commitment, the two sides signed memoranda at the conclusion of the 36th Meeting of the Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission today.

The MoUs encompass three key pillars: Foreign affairs and security, economy, trade, and social affairs.

Foreign Minister Taye Atske Sellasie highlighted on the occasion the need for a united front against threats, emphasizing the importance of addressing common challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, unemployment, climate change, and pandemics through joint efforts and cooperation.

Taye also called for collaboration in regional and multilateral forums on international financial reform.

Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, on his part expressed commitment to expanding Ken
ya-Ethiopia relations in various areas and emphasized the importance of ongoing consultations, supporting each other’s candidature, and building special status relations with Ethiopia.

He also expressed a firm commitment to expanding the scope and depth of Kenya-Ethiopia relations.

The 36th Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission has expressed satisfaction with the excellent relationship between the two countries and reviewed the status of bilateral relations.

Both countries acknowledged the need for coordination in addressing regional challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to peace, development, and prosperity in the region.

The signing of the MOUs in various areas is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared progress between Ethiopia and Kenya.

It is also anticipated to foster good-neighboring relations and set the stage for further collaboration

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

February 21, 2024

IGAD Predicts Higher Probability of Wetter Than Normal Conditions in Horn Region

Addis Ababa: The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has predicted that there will be a higher probability of wetter-than-normal conditions in the upcoming March to May 2024, across most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa.

In its press release sent to ENA, ICPAC said that notably, the areas expected to experience these wetter conditions include Kenya, Somalia, southern Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and north-western Tanzania.

The highest probabilities for wetter than usual conditions are indicated in central to western Kenya and in the cross-border areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

The expected enhanced rainfall is likely to positively impact agriculture, water resources, and overall livelihoods, according to the center.

The press release also added that an early to normal rainfall onset is expected in several parts of the region.

These include parts of northern Tanzania, eastern Rwanda, Southern and Western Uganda, Western Kenya, South-western Somalia, and pa
rts of South-central Ethiopia.

” Due to the increased rainfall recorded in the October to December 2023 period, along with the forecast of wetter-than-normal conditions from March to May, there is an elevated risk of flooding in areas prone to floods,’ the ICPAC director Dr. Guleid Artan noted.

The director added the forecast underscores the urgency for coordinated action and preparedness, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the forecast rainfall.

He also stressed the need for uniting in our commitment to leveraging climate information for resilient and sustainable development across our region.

Artan further added that, ‘while the food security situation may improve with wetter than usual conditions, it is important to remember the multiple challenges faced by the region, including the historic 2020-2022 drought, conflict in various parts of the region such as Sudan, and the El Nino-induced floods at the end of 2023.

T
his has weakened communities’ coping capacity, making them highly susceptible to food insecurity. The likelihood of flooding during the 2024 MAM season in parts of the region could lead to a deterioration in food security in localized areas.’

The objective temperature forecast indicates an increased likelihood of warmer than normal surface temperatures over the entire region.

Probabilities for warmer than normal temperatures are most enhanced over Sudan, northern South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and southern parts of Tanzania.

In line with the World Meteorological Organization’s guidelines and recommendations, ICPAC has adopted an objective seasonal forecast method to generate climate forecasts for the Greater Horn of Africa.

February 2024 initialized seasonal forecasts from nine Global Producing Centres (GPCs) were utilized and processed using three calibration techniques to develop the MAM 2024 seasonal climate outlook

Source: Ethiopian News Agency