L’Institut des États-Unis pour la paix annonce les finalistes du prix Women Building Peace Award 2021 à l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la paix

WASHINGTON, 21 septembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — L’Institut américain pour la paix (USIP) est fier d’annoncer les finalistes du prix Women Building Peace Award 2021 à l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la paix.

Ce prestigieux prix international est décerné chaque année à une femme pacificatrice qui a apporté une contribution majeure à la paix dans son pays.

Cette année, l’USIP a reçu des nominations de plus de 30 pays.

Après un examen minutieux, un conseil d’experts et de dirigeants distingués a sélectionné les finalistes suivantes : Tabassum Adnan du Pakistan, Josephine Ekiru du Kenya, Teresita Gaviria de Colombie, Waldistrudis Hurtado de Colombie, Tatiana Mukanirede la République démocratique du Congo, Esther Omam du Cameroun, Nyachangkouth Tai du Sud-Soudan, Jayne W. Waithitu du Kenya et Rani Yan Yan du Bangladesh.

Le nom de la lauréate de cette année sera annoncé lors d’une cérémonie qui se tiendra le 20 octobre 2021 sur le campus emblématique de l’USIP, sur le National Mall à Washington D.C.

« Dans le monde entier, les femmes jouent un rôle primordial visant à prévenir les conflits, à lutter contre la violence et à mettre fin aux guerres », a déclaré Lise Grande, présidente et directrice générale de l’USIP. « C’est notre chance de célébrer et d’élever les femmes qui font la différence. »

« Ces femmes font face à d’énormes difficultés au quotidien, risquant souvent leur vie pour la paix », a déclaré Megan Beyer, coprésidente du conseil de sélection. « Nous sommes profondément impressionnés par leur courage. »

« Chacune des femmes que nous avons sélectionnées comme finalistes incarne la bravoure, le leadership et l’engagement envers la communauté et le pays que ce prix récompense », a déclaré Marcia Carlucci, coprésidente du conseil.

« Lire les histoires de ces femmes est une source d’humilité, d’inspiration et d’énergie », a déclaré Nancy Lindborg, présidente d’honneur. « Leurs actions inspireront des générations de femmes pacificatrices. »

Le Congrès a fondé l’USIP en 1984 en tant qu’institut national indépendant, non partisan, afin de prévenir et de mettre fin aux conflits violents à l’étranger et de défendre l’engagement fondamental des États-Unis en faveur de la paix.

Pour plus d’informations sur le prix, veuillez consulter le site Web suivant : www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace.

Pour plus d’informations sur l’USIP, veuillez consulter le site Web suivant : https://www.usip.org/about.

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United States Institute of Peace Announces Finalists for 2021 Women Building Peace Award on the International Day of Peace

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2021 Women Building Peace Award on the International Day of Peace.

This prestigious global award is given each year to a woman peacebuilder who has made a major contribution to peace in her country.

This year, USIP received nominations from over 30 countries.

After careful review and consideration, a council of distinguished experts and leaders has selected the following finalists: Tabassum Adnan from Pakistan, Josephine Ekiru from Kenya, Teresita Gaviria from Colombia, Waldistrudis Hurtado from Colombia, Tatiana Mukanire from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Esther Omam from Cameroon, Nyachangkouth Tai from South Sudan, Jayne W. Waithitu from Kenya, and Rani Yan Yan from Bangladesh.

The recipient of this year’s award will be announced at a ceremony on October 20, 2021, at USIP’s iconic campus on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

“Throughout the world, women play leading roles in preventing conflict, reducing violence and ending wars,” said Lise Grande, USIP’s president and CEO. “This is our chance to celebrate and elevate women who make the difference.”

“These women face enormous odds on a daily basis, often risking their lives for peace,” said Megan Beyer, co-chair of the selection council. “We stand in profound awe of their courage.”

“Each of the women we have selected as finalists embodies the bravery, leadership and commitment to community and country that this award recognizes,” said Marcia Carlucci, co-chair of the council.

“Reading the stories of these women is humbling, inspiring and energizing,” said Nancy Lindborg, honorary chair. “Their efforts will inspire generations of women peacebuilders.”

Congress founded USIP in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, national institute to prevent and end violent conflict abroad and uphold the United States’ fundamental commitment to peace.

For information on the award, visit: www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace

For information on USIP, visit: https://www.usip.org/about

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Honors Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Executive Director of UN Women, With 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award

Foundation also recognizes three additional Goalkeepers Global Goals award winners who are taking action to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals

SEATTLE, Sept. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former United Nations under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women, as the winner of the 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award. As part of its annual Goalkeepers campaign, the foundation also announced the winners of three additional Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards.

“By shining a light on the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women and girls, former Under-Secretary-General Mlambo-Ngcuka has ensured that global and local efforts to battle COVID-19 must take into account the acute disparities they face,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “She exemplifies the leadership we need in the fight for gender equality around the world.”

The 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award recognizes a leader who has driven progress on a global scale toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s award is being presented to Mlambo-Ngcuka for her unwavering global leadership on gender equality and continued advocacy to address the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women and girls. Mlambo-Ngcuka, a former deputy president of South Africa, has dedicated her life to advancing social justice and working with civil society organizations. During her tenure as executive director of UN Women, she led work to strengthen and expand partnerships with government, male allies, and the media, all in service of advancing SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Mlambo-Ngcuka played a vital role in helping to spearhead and deliver the Generation Equality Forum in July 2021, which helped mobilize more than $40 billion in commitments from member states, the private sector, philanthropies, and civil society to drive transformative change for women and girls around the world.

This year’s three additional Goalkeepers Global Goals awards were given to Fairooz Faizah Beether of Bangladesh, Jenifer Colpas of Colombia, and Satta Sheriff of Liberia. Each awardee was recognized for their work supporting the Global Goals in their local communities.

The 2021 Changemaker Award, which celebrates an individual who has inspired change using personal experience or from a position of leadership, recognizes Fairooz Faizah Beether of Bangladesh for her work promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3). Beether is the co-founder of the Moner School, an online platform that aims to raise awareness around mental health and ensure equal access to mental health care across the country.

The 2021 Progress Award, which celebrates an individual who supports progress via a science, technology, digital, or business initiative, recognizes Jenifer Colpas of Colombia for her work to improve access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). Colpas is the co-founder and executive director of Tierra Grata, a social enterprise that develops low-cost, easy-to-install solutions providing access to clean energy, safe water, and sanitation services to rural communities in Colombia.

The 2021 Campaign Award, which celebrates a campaign that has raised awareness or built a community by inspiring action and creating change, recognizes Satta Sheriff of Liberia for her work to promote gender equality (SDG 5). Sheriff is the founder and executive director of Action for Justice and Human Rights (AJHR), a youth-led NGO founded to advocate and ensure access to justice and respect for human rights in Liberia, focusing particularly on helping women and girls.

“Disparities everywhere continue to worsen due to the impacts of COVID-19,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “This year, we are especially honored to recognize four leaders whose work demonstrates that progress is possible, even in the most difficult of times.”

“These award winners show how women are leading the way in coming up with the innovative solutions needed to rebuild our communities and nations,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “This year’s winners continue to inspire us as they work tirelessly to create a more equal, resilient, and compassionate world.”

The announcement of the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards winners follows last week’s release of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s fifth annual Goalkeepers Report. This year’s report, co-authored by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, shows that disparities caused by COVID-19 remain stark, and those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic will be the slowest to recover. Fortunately, amidst the challenges of the past year, the world stepped up to avert some of the worst-case scenarios. In the report, the co-chairs highlight the “breathtaking innovation” that was only possible because of global collaboration, commitment, and investments over decades. They acknowledge that averting the worst-case scenarios is commendable, yet they note it’s not enough. To ensure a truly equitable recovery from the pandemic, they call for long-term investments in health and economies—like the ones that led to the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine—to propel recovery efforts and get the world back on track to meet the Global Goals.

Biographies, images, and a film of the Goalkeepers Global Goals award winners can be downloaded at: www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/about-event/awards

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.

About Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers is the foundation’s campaign to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). By sharing stories and data behind the Global Goals through an annual report, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders—Goalkeepers who raise awareness of progress, hold their leaders accountable, and drive action to achieve the Global Goals.

About the Global Goals
On September 25, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, 193 world leaders committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). These are a series of ambitious objectives and targets to achieve three extraordinary things by 2030: end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change.

Project Everyone, co-creators of Goalkeepers, was founded by writer, director, and SDG Advocate Richard Curtis with the ambition to help achieve the Global Goals through raising awareness, holding leaders accountable, and driving action. Find out more at www.project-everyone.org.

Media Contact: media@gatesfoundation.org

La Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates honore Mme Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, ancienne directrice exécutive d’ONU Femmes, avec le prix mondial 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award

La Fondation décerne également le prix Goalkeepers Global Goals à trois autres lauréates,  qui prennent des mesures pour aider à atteindre les Objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies

SEATTLE, 21 septembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — La Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates a annoncé aujourd’hui que Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, ancienne secrétaire générale adjointe des Nations Unies et directrice exécutive d’ONU Femmes, a remporté le prix 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award. Dans le cadre de sa campagne annuelle Goalkeepers, la Fondation a également annoncé les gagnants de trois autres prix Goalkeepers Global Goals Award.

« En mettant en lumière l’impact disproportionné de la pandémie sur les femmes et les filles, l’ancienne Secrétaire générale adjointe Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka a veillé à ce que les efforts mondiaux et locaux pour lutter contre la COVID-19 prennent en compte les disparités aiguës auxquelles elles sont confrontées », a déclaré Melinda French Gates, coprésidente de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates. Elle incarne le leadership dont nous avons besoin dans la lutte pour l’égalité des sexes dans le monde. »

Le prix 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award récompense un leader qui a fait progresser les Objectifs de développement durable (ODD) à l’échelle mondiale. Le prix de cette année est remis à Mme Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka pour son leadership mondial indéfectible en matière d’égalité des sexes et son plaidoyer continu visant à contrer l’impact disproportionné de la pandémie sur les femmes et les filles. Mme Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, ancienne vice-présidente de l’Afrique du Sud, a consacré sa vie à promouvoir la justice sociale et à travailler avec les organisations de la société civile. Au cours de son mandat de directrice exécutive d’ONU Femmes, elle a dirigé des travaux visant à renforcer et à élargir les partenariats avec le gouvernement, les alliés masculins et les médias, afin de faire progresser l’ODD 5, qui vise à atteindre l’égalité des sexes et à permettre à toutes les femmes et filles de bénéficier d’une autonomie. Mme Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka a joué un rôle essentiel dans l’organisation et la direction du Generation Equality Forum en juillet 2021, qui a permis de mobiliser plus de 40 milliards de dollars d’engagements des États membres, du secteur privé, des philanthropes et de la société civile afin de favoriser un changement transformateur pour les femmes et les filles du monde entier.

Cette année, les trois autres prix Goalkeepers Global Goals Award ont été remis à Fairooz Faizah Beether du Bangladesh, Jenifer Colpas de Colombie et Satta Sheriff du Libéria. Chaque lauréate a été reconnue pour son travail en faveur des Objectifs mondiaux dans sa communauté locale.

Le prix 2021 Changemaker Award, qui rend hommage à une personne qui a inspiré le changement grâce à son expérience personnelle ou à un poste de direction, récompense Fairooz Faizah Beether du Bangladesh pour son travail de promotion de la santé et du bien-être (ODD 3). Fairooz Faizah Beether est la cofondatrice de Moner School, une plateforme en ligne qui vise à sensibiliser la population à la santé mentale et à assurer un accès égal aux soins de santé mentale partout au pays.

Le prix 2021 Progress Award, qui rend hommage à une personne qui soutient le progrès au moyen d’une initiative scientifique, technologique, numérique ou commerciale, récompense le travail de Jenifer Colpas de Colombie pour améliorer l’accès à l’eau potable et à l’assainissement (ODD 6). Jenifer Colpas est la cofondatrice et directrice générale de Tierra Grata, une entreprise sociale qui développe des solutions peu coûteuses et faciles à installer offrant un accès à l’énergie propre, à l’eau potable et aux services d’assainissement aux communautés rurales de Colombie.

Le prix 2021 Campaign Award, qui célèbre une campagne qui a permis de sensibiliser la population ou de bâtir une communauté en incitant à la prise de mesures et en générant des changements, rend hommage à Satta Sheriff du Libéria pour son travail en faveur de l’égalité des sexes (ODD 5). Satta Sheriff est la fondatrice et la directrice exécutive d’une ONG dirigée par des jeunes gens : Action for Justice and Human Rights (AJHR). Fondée pour promouvoir et garantir l’accès à la justice et le respect des droits de l’homme au Libéria, cette ONG cible en particulier les femmes et les filles, et tente de leur apporter son soutien.

« Les disparités continuent de s’aggraver partout en raison des répercussions de la COVID-19 », a déclaré Bill Gates, coprésident de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates. « Cette année, nous sommes particulièrement fiers de récompenser quatre leaders dont le travail démontre que des progrès sont possibles, même dans les moments les plus difficiles. »

« Les lauréates de ces prix montrent que les femmes sont des leaders dans l’élaboration de solutions novatrices pour rebâtir nos collectivités et nos nations », a déclaré Mark Suzman, PDG de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates. Les lauréates de cette année continuent de nous inspirer alors qu’elles travaillent sans relâche pour créer un monde plus équitable, plus résilient et plus compatissant. »

L’annonce des lauréates des Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards fait suite à la publication, la semaine dernière, du cinquième rapport annuel de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates sur les gardiens de but : le Goalkeepers Report. Le rapport de cette année, rédigé conjointement par Bill Gates et Melinda French Gates, montre que les disparités causées par la COVID-19 demeurent criantes et que les personnes les plus durement touchées par la pandémie seront les plus lents à se rétablir. Heureusement, confronté aux défis de l’année passée, le monde s’est mobilisé pour éviter certains des scénarios les plus catastrophiques. Dans le rapport, les coprésidents soulignent « l’innovation spectaculaire » qui n’aurait pas été possible sans les efforts de collaboration et d’engagement et les investissements mondiaux réalisés au fil des décennies. Les auteurs du rapport, s’ils reconnaissent qu’il est louable d’avoir évité les pires scénarios, font remarquer que cela n’est pas suffisant. Les coprésidents appellent à des investissements à long terme dans la santé et les économies, comme ceux qui ont mené au développement rapide du vaccin contre la COVID-19, afin de s’assurer que les pays se rétablissent de la pandémie de manière véritablement équitable, de stimuler les efforts de rétablissement et de remettre le monde sur la bonne voie pour atteindre les Objectifs mondiaux.

Les biographies, les images et un film des lauréates du prix Goalkeepers Global Goals Award peuvent être téléchargés à l’adresse suivante : www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/about-event/awards

À propos de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates
Guidée par la conviction que chaque vie a une valeur égale, la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates s’efforce d’aider tous les individus à mener une vie saine et productive. Dans les pays en développement, elle vise à améliorer la santé des populations et à leur donner la possibilité de se sortir de la faim et de l’extrême pauvreté. Aux États-Unis, elle cherche à faire en sorte que tous les individus, en particulier ceux qui ont le moins de ressources, aient accès aux opportunités dont ils ont besoin pour réussir à l’école et dans la vie. Basée à Seattle, dans l’État de Washington, la Fondation est dirigée par le PDG Mark Suzman, sous la direction de Bill Gates et de Melinda French Gates.

À propos de Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers est la campagne de la Fondation pour accélérer les progrès vers les objectifs de développement durable (Objectifs mondiaux). En partageant les histoires et les données qui sous-tendent les Objectifs mondiaux par le biais d’un rapport annuel, nous espérons inspirer une nouvelle génération de dirigeants – des Goalkeepers qui sensibilisent au progrès, tiennent leurs dirigeants responsables et incitent à l’action pour atteindre les objectifs mondiaux.

À propos des Objectifs mondiaux
Le 25 septembre 2015, au siège des Nations unies à New York, 193 dirigeants du monde entier se sont engagés à atteindre 17 objectifs de développement durable (Objectifs mondiaux). Il s’agit d’une série d’objectifs et de buts ambitieux visant à réaliser trois choses extraordinaires d’ici 2030 : mettre fin à la pauvreté, lutter contre les inégalités et l’injustice, et remédier au changement climatique.

L’agence Project Everyone, co-créatrice de Goalkeepers, a été fondée par le scénariste, réalisateur et défenseur des Objectifs de développement durable, Richard Curtis, avec l’ambition de contribuer à la réalisation des Objectifs mondiaux par la sensibilisation, la responsabilisation des dirigeants et la conduite d’actions. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le site www.project-everyone.org.

Contact pour les média : media@gatesfoundation.org

Adagio Therapeutics Provides COVID-19 Antibody Program Updates as well as Business Highlights and Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

New Data Supporting Potential of ADG20 for Both the Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19 to be Presented at IDWeek 2021

Patient Population in Global EVADE Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of ADG20 Expanded following IDMC Assessment

$355.8 Million IPO Completed to Fund Continued Advancement of Portfolio of Antibody-based Solutions for Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: ADGI) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, today reported updates on its lead COVID-19 antibody program, ADG20, as well as recent business highlights and second quarter 2021 financial results.

“Across the globe, COVID-19 continues to be a significant health crisis affecting nearly every age group. With the continued emergence of new variants, broadly neutralizing therapies that can be used for both the treatment and prevention of the disease are critical to address the current endemic as well as potential future outbreaks,” said Tillman Gerngross, Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of Adagio. “Our team is working closely with our global CRO partners on the execution of our ongoing global clinical trials of ADG20, STAMP and EVADE, while also preparing for the anticipated worldwide commercialization of ADG20, if approved.

“ADG20 is a highly differentiated antibody that we are advancing through pivotal trials for both the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. We are pleased by the recent assessment of unblinded data by the IDMC for the EVADE trial, and their support of our plans to expand enrollment to include adolescents and pregnant or nursing women,” said Lynn Connolly, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Adagio. “To date, we have generated a compelling data package for ADG20 that includes broad neutralization of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the known variants of concerns in in vitro models as well as a favorable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile in our Phase 1 trial. Further, at this year’s IDWeek, we will release additional data from our Phase 1 trial as well as details regarding our dose selection process for treatment and prevention, which we believe further support the important role this novel antibody can play in combatting the ongoing pandemic.”

ADG20 COVID-19 Program Highlights

  • New ADG20 Data to be Presented in Multiple Posters during IDWeek: At the IDWeek 2021 Virtual Conference, Adagio plans to present additional data highlighting the potential for ADG20 to provide protection from COVID-19 for up to one year based on its extended half-life in humans combined with its broad and potent neutralizing ability demonstrated in laboratory testing. In addition, the data support the evaluation of a 300mg dose, delivered as a single intramuscular injection, in the ongoing Phase 2/3 STAMP (treatment) and EVADE (prevention) global clinical trials. The data will be presented in multiple posters, which will be available to registered attendees on the virtual platform throughout the duration of the conference, being held from September 29 – October 3, 2021. The presentations include:
    • 1086: A Whole-Body Quantitative System Pharmacology Physicologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (QSP/PBPK) Model that a priori Predicts Intramuscular (IM) Pharmacokinetics of ADG20: an Extended Half-life Monoclonal Antibody Being Developed for the Treatment and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
    • 633: Preliminary Results from a Phase 1 Single Ascending-Dose Study Assessing Safety, Serum Viral Neutralizing Antibody Titers (sVNA), and Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profile of ADG20: an Extended Half-Life Monoclonal Antibody Being Developed for the Treatment and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
    • 1089: Use of a Whole-Body Quantitative System Pharmacology Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (QSP/PBPK) Model to Support Dose Selection of ADG20: an Extended Half-Life Monoclonal Antibody Being Developed for the Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
    • 1088: A Whole-Body Quantitative System Pharmacology Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (QSP/PBPK) Model to Support Dose Selection of ADG20: an Extended Half-Life Monoclonal Antibody Being Developed for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • Patient Population Expanded in EVADE following IDMC Data Assessment: The independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) for the EVADE Phase 2/3 trial of ADG20 for the prevention of COVID-19 recently provided a recommendation to expand Phase 3 trial enrollment to include adolescents 12 years and older and pregnant or nursing women, as well as a decrease in the protocol-specified, in-clinic post injection monitoring time. The IDMC’s recommendations were based on their review of unblinded safety and tolerability data through the Day 28 post-treatment visit from 200 participants enrolled in the Phase 2 lead-in portion of the trial.
  • Partnership with Biocon Biologics Expands the Reach of a Potent and Broadly Neutralizing COVID-19 Antibody Treatment to Patients in India and Select Emerging Markets: In the second quarter of 2021, Adagio partnered with Biocon Biologics Ltd. to combat the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in southern Asia. The partnership provides Biocon rights to manufacture and commercialize an antibody therapy based on ADG20 in India and additional select emerging markets based on the commercial manufacturing process developed for ADG20. As part of the agreement, Biocon will be granted access to data from Adagio’s Phase 2/3 clinical trials as well as its anticipated Emergency Use Authorization package and other regulatory submissions to support approval or emergency authorization in India and other select emerging markets.

Recent Business Highlights

  • David Hering, Global COVID-19 Vaccine Expert, Appointed as Chief Operating Officer: Adagio recently appointed David Hering as the company’s chief operating officer. Mr. Hering joins Adagio from Pfizer, where he most recently served as the global mRNA business lead, a business specifically created to manage global COVID-19 efforts as well as future vaccines utilizing mRNA technology, and led the launch of the first-ever COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. Prior to his most recent role at Pfizer, Mr. Hering was president, North America at Pfizer, where he led a 700-person organization across a portfolio of vaccine products for COVID-19 and meningococcal and pneumococcal diseases.
  • $355.8 Million Initial Public Offering (IPO) Successfully Completed: In August 2021, Adagio sold 20,930,000 shares of common stock, including the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional 2,730,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $17.00 per share. The gross proceeds of the offering, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Adagio, were approximately $355.8 million.
  • Collaboration with Scripps: Adagio entered into an exclusive research agreement with The Scripps Research Institute to identify broadly protective vaccine candidates for the prevention of influenza and beta coronaviruses.
  • Board of Directors Expanded with Industry Leaders to Support Future Growth: Adagio recently announced appointments of three industry veterans and area experts to its board of directors:
    • Tom Heyman, former president of the Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation (JJDC);
    • Anand Shah, M.D., former deputy commissioner for medical and scientific affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and
    • Michael S. Wyzga, president of MSW Consulting, Inc. and former CFO of Genzyme

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

  • As of June 30, 2021, Adagio had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $392.5 million, which includes net proceeds from its Series C financing completed in April. Pro forma cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2021 is $719.6 million after giving effect to our initial public offering which closed on August 10, 2021.
  • Research & development expenses including in-process research and development for the second quarter of 2021 were $37.6 million.
  • Selling, general & administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $7.1 million.
  • Net Loss for the second quarter was $44.7 million, or $0.18 per share.

About ADG20
ADG20, a monoclonal antibody targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, is being developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. ADG20 was designed and engineered to possess high potency and broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 and additional clade 1 sarbecoviruses, by targeting a highly conserved epitope in the receptor binding domain. ADG20 displays potent neutralizing activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as all known variants of concern. ADG20 has the potential to impact viral replication and subsequent disease through multiple mechanisms of action, including direct blocking of viral entry into the host cell (neutralization) and elimination of infected host cells through Fc-mediated innate immune effector activity. ADG20 is administered by a single intramuscular injection, and was engineered to have a long half-life, with a goal of providing both rapid and durable protection. Adagio is advancing ADG20 through multiple clinical trials on a global basis.

About Adagio Therapeutics

Adagio (Nasdaq: ADGI) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The company’s portfolio of antibodies has been optimized using Adimab’s industry-leading antibody engineering capabilities and is designed to provide patients and clinicians with a powerful combination of potency, breadth, durable protection (via half-life extension), manufacturability and affordability. Adagio’s portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies includes multiple, non-competing broadly neutralizing antibodies with distinct binding epitopes, led by ADG20. Adagio has secured manufacturing capacity for the production of ADG20 with third-party contract manufacturers through the completion of clinical trials and, if approved by regulatory authorities, through initial commercial launch. For more information, please visit www.adagiotx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “projects,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning, among other things, the timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and clinical trials of ADG20, including the timing of our planned IND submissions, initiation and completion of studies or trials and related preparatory work, the period during which the results of the trials will become available and our research and development programs; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for, our product candidates; our ability to identify patients with the diseases treated by our product candidates and to enroll these patients in our clinical trials; our manufacturing capabilities and strategy; and our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Adagio’s prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 6, 2021 and in Adagio’s future reports to be filed with the SEC, including Adagio’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Such risks may be amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Adagio undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:

Media Contact:
Dan Budwick, 1AB
Dan@1abmedia.com

Investor Contact:
Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
monique@thrustsc.com

ADAGIO THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

June 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents(1) $ 392,509 $ 114,988
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,550 2,394
Total current assets 396,059 117,382
Deferred offering costs 1,933
Total assets $ 397,992 $ 117,382
Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 10,716 $ 8,153
Accrued expenses 27,181 4,919
Total current liabilities 37,897 13,072
Early-exercise liability 8 11
Total liabilities 37,905 13,083
Commitments and contingencies
Convertible preferred stock (Series A, B and C) $0.0001 par value; 16,944,484 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021; 12,647,934 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020; aggregate liquidation preference of $505,399 and $169,900 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 504,711 169,548
Stockholders’ deficit:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 5,599,240 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021; 28,193,240 shares issued and 5,593,240 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 1 1
Treasury stock, at cost; 0 shares and 22,600,000 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (85 )
Additional paid-in capital 4,067 154
Accumulated deficit (148,692 ) (65,319 )
Total stockholders’ deficit (144,624 ) (65,249 )
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit $ 397,992 $ 117,382

(1)     Pro forma cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2021 is $719.6 million after giving effect to our issuance and sale of 20,930,000 shares of our common stock in our initial public offering at the price of $17.00 per share after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated offering costs which closed on August 10, 2021.

ADAGIO THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
Period from
June 3, 2020
(Inception) to
June 30,
2021 2021 2020 (3)
Operating expenses:
Research and development(1) $ 35,067 $ 69,204 $ 48
Acquired in-process research and development(2) 2,500 3,500
Selling, general and administrative 7,124 10,695 50
Total operating expenses 44,691 83,399 98
Loss from operations (44,691 ) (83,399 ) (98 )
Other income (expense):
Interest income 23 32
Other expense (5 ) (6 )
Total other income (expense), net 18 26
Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (44,673 ) $ (83,373 ) $ (98 )
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and
diluted
$ (0.18 ) $ (0.66 ) $
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted 249,769 125,574 21,250,000

(1)   Includes related-party amounts of $247 for the three months ended June 30, 2021, $435 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $0 for the period from June 3, 2020 (inception) to June 30, 2020.
(2)   Includes related-party amounts of $2,500 for the three months ended June 30, 2021, $3,500 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $0 for the period from June 3, 2020 (inception) to June 30, 2020.
(3)   The results for the period from June 3, 2020 (inception) to June 30, 2020 are the same for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

Sweegen Delights China’s Consumers With Premiumization of Low-Calorie Confectionery Chocolate

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Sept. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Asia-Pacific’s chocolate market diversifies and consumer tastes gravitate to sophistication, Sweegen has expanded its footprint into China by formulating premium low-calorie confectionery chocolate for the brand TeChoco.“Sweegen has demonstrated the near-impossible task of formulating low-calorie great-tasting confectionery chocolate products with low to no sugar,” said SVP, Head of Global Innovation, Shari Mahon. “Now, consumers can enjoy premium chocolates with high-quality and health-conscious ingredients without the guilt and negative health benefits from sugar.”

Formulating chocolate confectionery products is complex. In addition to innovating around interesting textures, desirable flavors, and attractive colors, the biggest challenge in formulating confectionery chocolate is bitterness. The higher percentage of cocoa in products is typically met with more bitterness and less sugar, but healthier.

“Taste modulation is an ideal option for product developers specializing in health and wellness confectionery chocolate to resolve the impression of bitter off-notes and controlling sweetness and lingering after-tastes,” said Mahon. “Texture can improve mouthfeel and help to elevate the indulgent appeal of chocolate.”

According to Mintel, more than half of Chinese consumers buy confectionery chocolate to treat themselves. Even though consumers in China seek to experience indulgence in their sweet snacks, they are mindful of maintaining a good weight, health, and wellness. Sugar intake is anticipated to decrease as a health and wellness goal in the “Healthy China 2030” initiative is to reduce sugar consumption by at least 17 percent. Yet, health problems linked to obesity and diabetes are of concern to government health officials because China consumes approximately 15 million tons of sugar annually.

TeChoco confectionery chocolate sales are skyrocketing at more than 2000 retail stores, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops, including powerhouse e-commerce giants TaoBao and DMall, and convenience stores Bianlifeng, and Japan’s Lawson for China. Lawson alone has more than 3,000 stores in China, which are found in and around five major cities.

“TeChoco is on the forefront of innovating better-for-you confections with higher levels of cacao content,” said Mahon. “They are a brand example of health and wellness products for sugar reduction in China, focusing on full solutions for using natural sweeteners in conjunction with taste modulation to drive consumer acceptance on products to mimic the indulgent products they prefer and desire.”

As TeChoco sales continue, the products are promising for other Asia-Pacific countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, where Sweegen has its Signature Reb M stevia approval. Sweegen will establish an Asia-Pacific Innovation Studio in Singapore within the next 12 months, where brands can leverage local tastes and explore solutions to create delicious zero-sugar products.

Sweegen anticipates the approval of Reb M in China. With the arrival of a better-tasting natural sweetener, the company foresees the China market developing more products with reduced sugar and consumer-preferred tastes.

Sweegen offers brands cost-effective and rapid innovation sugar reduction solutions. Its robust Taste Modulation portfolio is essential for helping to block bitterness, boost the perception of sweetness, manage a lingering note, enhance mouthfeel, or reduce astringency in confectionery, beverage, dairy, savory, and bakery products.

###

About SweeGen

Sweegen provides sweet taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce the sugar and artificial sweeteners in our global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best Signature Stevia sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer.

For more information, please contact info@sweegen.com and visit Sweegen’s website, www.sweegen.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of Sweegen, Inc.

Relevant risks and uncertainties include those referenced in the historic filings of Sweegen, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, and therefore should be carefully considered. Sweegen, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements due to new information or future events or developments.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of Sweegen, Inc.

Relevant risks and uncertainties include those referenced in the historic filings of Sweegen, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking state.

 

Attachments

Ana Arakelian
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

New research finds USD billions to coal power projects in Africa, Asia jeopardizing energy access, climate agendas

Coal Finance in High-Impact Countries

Finance Commitments for Grid-Connected Coal in High-Impact Countries (USD Million)

Chinese state-owned institutions, world’s largest banks continue to finance coal power in countries with greatest needs for electricity access; USD 42 billion committed to grid-connected coal power plants between 2013-2019 in 18 countries studied

VIENNA, Austria, Sept. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New research published today by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) highlights a troubling trend in the fight against climate change and push to deliver universal electricity access: despite environmental, economic and many other challenges facing coal, pockets of funders continue to finance additional coal-fired generation capacity in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Coal Power Finance in High-Impact Countries knowledge brief, part of SEforALL’s Energizing Finance research series, analyses 18 countries with the largest electricity access gaps (i.e. high-impact countries) to identify those receiving finance for coal-fired power, the sources of this investment, its key drivers and the risks attached.

“The idea of a coal phase-out does not hold true everywhere,” said Olivia Coldrey, Head of Energy Finance and Clean Cooking at SEforALL. “We continue to see significant investment in coal-fired power generation in countries with high rates of energy poverty. These countries need affordable, reliable and clean energy to support their socio-economic development and to mitigate climate change. Financing new coal projects is inconsistent with these objectives and holds back the energy transition.”

From 2013 to 2019, USD 42 billion was committed to grid-connected coal power plants in the 18 countries studied. Among them, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan received the majority of finance commitments to new coal plants, while in Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Niger and Tanzania all host active coal plant development.

International finance accounted for the majority of the USD 42 billion, with Chinese financial institutions accounting for 40 percent of the total.

With South Korea and Japan recently announcing they will stop financing new coal plants overseas, China remains the last major source of international public coal finance not to have committed to ending finance for overseas coal plants. This stands in contrast with China’s domestic energy policy, which is prioritizing a transition to renewable energy, peak emissions before 2030 and a net-zero economy by 2060.

Of course, China is not the only culprit. Commercial financial institutions worldwide continue to support coal power plant development indirectly, despite having implemented policies to exclude direct financing of new coal-fired generation assets. From 2016 to 2020, the 38 banks that exclude direct finance for coal-fired power plants have nonetheless provided over USD 52 billion in finance to companies engaged in coal projects (Rainforest Action Network 2021).

In addition to hampering global efforts to curb carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050, coal power finance carries substantial socio-economic risks for the countries that host projects, leading increasingly to stranded assets. The brief demonstrates how infrastructure constraints and lower than expected demand in Bangladesh and Pakistan have resulted in underutilization and, in some cases, switching off of newly commissioned coal-fired power plants.

The world’s 20 least-electrified countries by percentage of population without electricity are all in Sub-Saharan Africa. Should Sub-Saharan African nations continue to develop new coal-fired power generation capacity, they are likely to face similar challenges and costs to those seen in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The long development timelines associated with coal plants and their supporting infrastructure will further slow the closing of electricity access gaps.

The brief makes the case that distributed renewable energy generation provides the fastest and most efficient path to increased electricity access in the near-term. It recommends a paradigm shift from centralized coal to distributed renewable energy generation to rapidly expand electricity access in high-impact countries, not only for residential household use, but at access tiers that support economic growth.

Ahead of this year’s UN High-level Dialogue on Energy and COP26, the brief recommends a reevaluation of the current geography-based carbon accounting system, which allocates emissions to countries based on their physical origin. Instead, implementing a finance-based carbon accounting regime would force policymakers to consider the impact of domestic capital on cross-border emissions and push private investors to align their portfolios with the net-zero ambitions they support.

The full knowledge brief is available here.

Contact:

For further details on the reports or any interview requests, please contact: Sherry Kennedy, Sustainable Energy for All: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org / Media@SEforALL.org | +43 676 846 727 237

About Sustainable Energy for All

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 – in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential.

SEforALL is led by Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. Follow her on Twitter @DamilolaSDG7. For more information, follow @SEforALLorg.

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