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Leaders in Luxury: Automobili Pininfarina Recognised With Three International Awards

  • Automobili Pininfarina begins 2024 with multiple award wins for its design
  • PURA Vision awarded Silver in Conceptual Products / Automotive & Transport Product Design category at The International Design Awards
  • Automobili Pininfarina named ‘Luxury Electric Performance Car Manufacturer of the Year 2024’ by LUXlife Magazine
  • Battista Edizione Nino Farina crowned Best Electric Hypercar at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur Car of the Year 2024
  • Full suite of assets to support the news can be found here

CAMBIANO, Italy, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Automobili Pininfarina has kicked off 2024 with three award wins, as it continues to build on the success of a record–breaking previous year.

LUXlife Magazine named Automobili Pininfarina ‘Luxury Electric Performance Car Manufacturer of the Year 2024’ at its annual awards.

Celebrating the unparalleled achievements and exceptional creativity in the realm of luxury, LUXlife awards honour the leaders and pioneers who redefine excellence within the industry, setting higher standards of sophistication and elegance. Automobili Pininfarina was a winner within the ‘Leaders in Luxury’ category.

This was followed by another win for the PURA Vision design concept, which was awarded Silver in Conceptual Products / Automotive & Transport Product Design at the 2024 International Design Awards.

PURA Vision represents the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking era for electric luxury vehicles and was penned by Chief Design Officer, Dave Amantea. It was unveiled at 2023 Monterey Car Week.

Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer, commented: “Our PURA design philosophy is all about simplicity and timeless beauty, which is designed into every Automobili Pininfarina model. The elegant silhouette and dramatic proportions express this language on PURA Vision, envisioned here as a first–of–its–kind electric Luxury Utility Vehicle (e–LUV).”

The principles of the PURA philosophy, established by Automobili Pininfarina, transform the DNA of iconic models from Pininfarina SpA's past to define the future, balancing inspiration from iconic classic cars with futuristic elements.

Inspired by classic proportions and exquisite detailing, PURA Vision presents an elegant silhouette with bold cab–rear proportions that combine timeless beauty with exquisite detailing to create a dynamic identity with unmistakable presence. Show–stopping features include its narrow glasshouse and tri–opening pillarless doors, which provide supreme access to its sophisticated cabin.

Most recently, the Automobili Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina was named Best Electric Hypercar at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur Car of the Year 2024. Introduced at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, it is a tribute to racing legend Nino Farina – nephew of company founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina and the first Formula One World Champion.

Each of the five unique examples features an exquisite detail that references a different milestone in Nino’s racing career. Finished in a bespoke Rosso Nino paint complemented by a special livery on the lower body, finished in Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu, the exterior design is completed by the Satin Gold 10–spoke forged aluminium Glorioso alloy wheels.

Press Contacts

Duncan Forrester 
Chief Communications Officer 
(M) +49 (0) 171 265 4094         
d.forrester@automobili–pininfarina.com		 Akira Shinonuma
Communications Manager
(M) +49 (0) 1511 0949270
a.shinonuma@automobili–pininfarina.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
https://automobili–pininfarina.com/media–hub

EDITOR'S NOTES

ABOUT AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA
Automobili Pininfarina is based in operational headquarters in Munich, Germany, with a team of experienced automotive executives from luxury and premium car brands. Designed, engineered and produced by hand in Italy, the Battista hyper GT and all future models will be sold in all major global markets under the brand name Pininfarina. The company aims to design experiences for the world’s foremost taste makers. Automobili Pininfarina GmbH is a 100 per cent Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd investment following the signing of a trademark licence agreement between Pininfarina S.p.A. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Pininfarina S.p.A. has an influential role in supporting design and production capacities based on its unique 94–year experience of producing many of the world’s most iconic cars.

Photos accompanying this announcement is available at: 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/666e6473–ad48–44a4–b8b4–63370c5905ba
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e3f2da6–e216–479c–97fd–4f672a1d3e87
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5528a50f–f9b1–44f9–8a6f–486535076509


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000912151)

Curia reçoit le CDMO Leadership Award 2024

ALBANY, New York, 05 févr. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, une organisation de développement et de fabrication sous contrat (CDMO) de premier plan, a annoncé aujourd’hui qu’elle avait reçu le CDMO Leadership Award 2024 dans la catégorie Service, groupe Small Pharma. Dans leur 13e année, les prix sont décernés par Outsourced Pharma et Life Science Leader.

« C’est un honneur pour Curia de recevoir ce prix », a déclaré Philip Macnabb, PDG de Curia. « Cette récompense souligne notre engagement à créer de la valeur pour nos clients dans l’ensemble de notre offre de R&D et de fabrication, et nous sommes particulièrement heureux de voir cet engagement reconnu par les partenaires que nous soutenons ».

Les lauréats des CDMO Leadership Awards sont sélectionnés sur la base d’une étude de marché réalisée par Industry Standard Research (« ISR ») afin de reconnaître les CDMO qui répondent aux attentes des clients, ou les dépassent. Pour le prix 2024, 98 fabricants sous contrat ont été évalués selon 23 indicateurs de performance dans l’enquête annuelle d’évaluation comparative de la qualité de la fabrication sous contrat menée par ISR. Les participants à l’enquête ont uniquement évalué les entreprises avec lesquelles ils ont travaillé sur un projet externalisé au cours des 18 derniers mois. Curia a été récompensée sur la base des commentaires des participants dans la catégorie Small Pharma.

« Félicitations aux lauréats du CDMO Leadership Award 2024. Par le vote de vos clients, vous êtes reconnus comme les meilleurs dans le secteur de l’externalisation du développement et de la fabrication de l’industrie biopharmaceutique », déclare Louis Garguilo, rédacteur en chef et président de la conférence, Outsourced Pharma. « Les lauréats ont maintenu et développé leurs capacités et leur expertise afin de répondre aux besoins d’une clientèle diverse ; ils ont fourni la qualité et la fiabilité supplémentaires si cruciales pour les nouveaux processus et produits ; et ils ont forgé les relations les plus étroites avec leurs clients. L’année 2023 a débuté par de nombreuses questions non résolues. Les lauréats du CDMO Leadership Award 2024 sont les entreprises sous–traitantes qui ont le mieux répondu à ces questions au cours de l’année écoulée ».

À propos de Curia
Curia est une organisation de développement et de fabrication sous contrat (CDMO) avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience, un réseau intégré de 27 sites dans le monde et plus de 3 500 collaborateurs travaillant en partenariat avec les clients biopharmaceutiques pour mettre sur le marché des thérapies qui changent la vie. Notre offre de produits biologiques et de petites molécules couvre le cycle complet de la découverte jusqu’à la commercialisation, avec des capacités réglementaires et analytiques intégrées. Nos scientifiques, nos experts en processus et nos installations de pointe apportent une expérience de premier ordre dans la fabrication de substances et de produits pharmaceutiques. De la curiosité au traitement, nous exécutons toutes les étapes pour améliorer la vie des patients. Consultez notre site à l’adresse www.curiaglobal.com.

Contact de l’entreprise :
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/328a3a12–3a66–4a34–bdc8–e5de362efb85


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9031542)

Curia Receives 2024 CDMO Leadership Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/328a3a12–3a66–4a34–bdc8–e5de362efb85


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9031149)

Curia erhält CDMO Leadership Award 2024

ALBANY, New York, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, ein führendes Auftragsforschungs–, Entwicklungs– und Produktionsunternehmen, gab heute bekannt, dass es mit dem CDMO Leadership Award 2024 in der Kategorie „Service, Small Pharma Group“, ausgezeichnet wurde. Die Preise werden bereits zum 13. Mal von Outsourced Pharma und Life Science Leader verliehen.

„Curia fühlt sich geehrt, diese Auszeichnung zu erhalten“, so Philip Macnabb, CEO von Curia. „Diese Auszeichnung unterstreicht unser Engagement für die Schaffung von Mehrwert für unsere Kunden in allen unseren F&E– und Produktionsangeboten, und wir freuen uns ganz besonders, von den Partnern, die wir unterstützen, für dieses Engagement gewürdigt zu werden.“

Die Gewinner der CDMO Leadership Awards werden auf der Grundlage einer Marktforschung von Industry Standard Research („ISR“) ausgewählt, um CDMOs auszuzeichnen, die die Erwartungen ihrer Kunden erfüllen oder übertreffen. Für die diesjährige Preisverleihung wurden 98 Auftragsfertiger im Rahmen der jährlichen ISR–Umfrage zum Qualitätsbenchmarking in der Auftragsfertigung anhand von 23 Leistungskennzahlen bewertet. Die Teilnehmer an der Umfrage bewerten nur Unternehmen, mit denen sie in den letzten 18 Monaten an einem ausgelagerten Projekt gearbeitet haben. Curia wurde auf der Grundlage des Feedbacks der Befragten in der Kategorie „Small Pharma“ ausgezeichnet.

„Herzlichen Glückwunsch an unsere Gewinner des CDMO Leadership Award 2024. Durch das Votum Ihrer Kunden werden Sie als die Besten im weltweiten Outsourcing der Entwicklung und Fertigung in der Biopharmabranche anerkannt“, so Louis Garguilo, Chief Editor und Conference Chair von Outsourced Pharma. „Die Preisträger haben ihre Fähigkeiten und ihr Fachwissen beibehalten und erweitert, um die Anforderungen eines vielfältigen Kundenstamms zu erfüllen; sie haben die zusätzliche Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit geliefert, die für neuartige Prozesse und Produkte so wichtig sind, und sie haben die engsten Beziehungen zu ihren Kunden aufgebaut. Das Jahr 2023 wurde mit vielen ungeklärten Fragen eingeläutet. Die Gewinner des CDMO Leadership Award 2024 sind jene Unterstützungsunternehmen, die die Herausforderungen im vergangenen Jahr am erfolgreichsten gemeistert haben.“

Über Curia
Curia ist ein Auftragsentwicklungs– und –fertigungsunternehmen (CDMO) mit über 30 Jahren Erfahrung, einem integrierten Netzwerk von 27 globalen Standorten und über 3.500 Mitarbeitenden, das gemeinsam mit seinen Kunden aus dem Bereich der Biopharmazie lebensverändernde Therapien auf den Markt bringt. Unser Angebot an Biologika und kleinen Molekülen reicht von der Entdeckung bis zur Vermarktung und umfasst integrierte regulatorische und analytische Fähigkeiten. Unsere wissenschaftlichen und verfahrenstechnischen Experten sowie unsere hochmodernen Anlagen bieten erstklassige Erfahrung in der Herstellung von Wirkstoffen und Arzneimitteln. Von der Neugierde bis zur Heilung leisten wir jeden Schritt, um das Leben der Patienten zu verbessern. Besuchen Sie uns unter curiaglobal.com.

Kontakt zum Unternehmen:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Ein Foto zu dieser Mitteilung ist verfügbar unter https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/328a3a12–3a66–4a34–bdc8–e5de362efb85


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9031542)

Curia recebe CDMO Leadership Award de 2024

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Curia, uma organização líder em pesquisa, desenvolvimento e fabricação por contrato, anunciou hoje que recebeu um Prêmio de Liderança CDMO 2024 na categoria de Serviços do grupo Small Pharma. No seu 13º ano, os prêmios são apresentados pela Outsourced Pharma e Life Science Leader.

“A Curia recebe este prêmio com muita honra”, disse Philip Macnabb, CEO da Curia. “Essa distinção ressalta o nosso compromisso de criar valor para nossos clientes em todas as nossas ofertas de P&D e fabricação, e somos especialmente gratos por sermos reconhecidos pelos parceiros que apoiamos com a nossa dedicação.”

Os vencedores do CDMO Leadership Awards são selecionados com base nas pesquisas de mercado da Industry Standard Research (“ISR”) para homenagear as CDMOs que atendam ou excedam as expectativas dos clientes. Para as premiações de 2024, 98 fabricantes contratados foram avaliados com 23 métricas de desempenho na pesquisa anual de Benchmarking de Qualidade de Fabricação por Contrato da ISR. Os participantes da pesquisa avaliam apenas as empresas com as quais trabalharam em um projeto terceirizado nos últimos 18 meses. A Curia foi premiada com base no feedback dos participantes na categoria Small Pharma.

“Parabéns aos vencedores do Prêmio de Liderança CDMO 2024. Com o voto dos seus clientes, vocês foram reconhecidos como o melhor no setor global de desenvolvimento e fabricação terceirizada da indústria biofarmacêutica”, disse Louis Garguilo, Editor–Chefe e Presidente de Conferência da Outsourced Pharma. “Os vencedores do prêmio mantiveram e expandiram sua capacidade e conhecimento para atender às necessidades de uma base de clientes diversificada; forneceram a qualidade e confiabilidade adicionais tão cruciais para os novos processos e produtos; e estabeleceram relações mais próximas com os clientes. 2023 trouxe à tona muitas questões não resolvidas. Os vencedores do CDMO Leadership Award de 2024 são as empresas que mais deram suporte no ano passado.”

Sobre a Curia
A Curia é uma Organização de Desenvolvimento e Fabricação por Contratos (CDMO) com mais de 30 anos de experiência, uma rede integrada de 27 locais em todo o mundo e mais de 3.500 funcionários em parcerias com clientes biofarmacêuticos para lançar no mercado terapias que mudam a vida. Nossa oferta de produtos biológicos e pequenas moléculas abrange a descoberta através da comercialização, com capacidades regulatórias e analíticas integradas. Nossos especialistas científicos e de processos, e instalações de última geração oferecem a melhor experiência em fabricação de medicamentos e produtos farmacêuticos. Da curiosidade à cura, proporcionamos todas as etapas para a melhoria da vida dos pacientes. Visite–nos em curiaglobal.com.

Contato Corporativo:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 (518) 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/328a3a12–3a66–4a34–bdc8–e5de362efb85


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9031542)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9031968)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

نبذة عن مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Blue California Ingredients

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

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

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

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

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Unlocking India’s Potential with AI

A new UN Advisory Body is expected to make recommendations on international governance of AI. The members of the AI Advisory Body – launched October 2023 by Secretary-General António Guterres – will examine the risks, opportunities and international governance of these technologies. Credit: Unsplash/Steve Johnson

By Nandan Nilekani and Tanuj Bhojwani
BANGALORE, India, Feb 5 2024 – India is on the brink of a transformation that could change its economic and social future.

Before the end of this decade, more Indians will use AI every day than in any other country in the world. What’s more, people in advanced economies will be surprised by the ways the country will use AI.

India is on the cusp of a technological revolution that could alter the trajectory of its social and economic future, and in this revolution. there are lessons for the rest of the world.

Our prediction hinges on three facts: India needs it, India is ready for it, and India will do it.

India needs it

The concept of “China plus one” has been gaining traction, with its admonition that global companies should not depend inordinately on China for their manufacturing and software needs.

India, with its growing infrastructure investments, favorable policies, and young working population, is the most likely beneficiary of this shift. It is perhaps the only country poised to match the scale of China.

With 1.4 billion people, India is closer to a continent than a country. Its population is almost twice that of Europe. But the average age in India is 28, compared with Europe’s 44, which means a higher share of the population is of working age. This is the starting point: India is a very large country of very young people.

This demographic dividend, favorable global trends, and the unlocking of decades of suppressed potential are starting to show returns. Even as the macroeconomic projections for most of the world seem modest or bleak, India remains a bright spot. These young Indians are aspirational and motivated to use every opportunity to better their lives.

What really sets India apart from the West are its unique challenges and needs. India’s diverse population and complex socioeconomic concerns mean that AI there is not just about developing cutting-edge technology. It’s about finding innovative solutions to address pressing problems in health care, education, agriculture, and sustainability.

Though our population is just double the size of Europe’s, we are much more diverse. Indians, like Europeans, are often bi- or multilingual. India recognizes 19,500 dialects spoken by at least 10,000 people. Based on data from the Indian census, two Indians selected at random have only a 36 percent chance of speaking a common language.

This language barrier is complicated by the fact that the official literacy rate in the country hovers near 77 percent, varying vastly between states. This means that roughly 1 in 4 people can’t read or write. Even though the government tries to provide welfare assistance for its most vulnerable, it’s hard to spread awareness about the service and reach the last mile.

Filling out a simple form to access welfare can be daunting for someone who is illiterate. Determining eligibility for assistance means depending on someone who can read, write, and navigate the bureaucracy.

Actually. receiving services means assistance seekers must have an agent helping them who is not misinformed—or worse, corrupt. These barriers disproportionately affect those who need government assistance the most.

We have the ability to solve a lot of problems for our population, but the hard part has always been in the distribution, not the solution. In India, we believe that AI can help bridge this access gap.

AI enables people to access services directly with their voice using natural language, empowering them to help themselves. As Canadian writer William Gibson aptly said, “The future is already here—it’s just not evenly distributed.” Nowhere is this more glaringly evident than in India.

The rest of the world has been eyeing AI with curiosity, waiting for real-use cases. In India, we see potential today. While this may be true of many other developing economies, the other important factor is that.

The rest of the world has been eyeing AI with curiosity, waiting for real-use cases. In India, we see potential today.

India is ready for it

India’s population isn’t just young, it is connected. According to the country’s telecommunications sector regulator, India has more than 790 million mobile broadband users. Internet penetration continues to increase, and with the availability of affordable data plans, more and more people are online. This has created a massive user base for AI applications and services.

But where India has surpassed all others is in its digital public infrastructure. Today, nearly every Indian has a digital identity under the Aadhaar system. The Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number with an option for users to authenticate themselves digitally—that is, to prove they are who they claim to be.

Further, India set up a low-cost, real-time, interoperable payment system. This means that any user of any bank can pay any other person or merchant using any other bank instantly and at no cost.

This system—the Unified Payments Interface—handles more than 10 billion transactions a month. It is the largest real-time payment system in the world and handles about 60 percent of real-time payment transactions worldwide.

With the success of these models, India is embracing innovation in open networks as digital public infrastructure. Take the example of Namma Yatri, a ride-hailing network built in collaboration with the union of auto-rickshaw drivers in Bangalore and launched in November 2022.

These drivers have their own app, with a flat fee to use it, no percentage commission and no middleman. The app has facilitated close to 90,000 rides a day, almost as many as ride-hailing companies in the city.

Unlike Western countries, which have legacy systems to overhaul, India’s tabula rasa means that AI-first systems can be built from the ground up. The quick adoption of digital public infrastructure is the bedrock for these technologies.

Such infrastructure generates enormous amounts of data, and thanks to India’s Account Aggregator framework, the data remain under the citizens’ control, further encouraging public trust and utilization. With this solid footing, India is well positioned to lead the charge in AI adoption.

India will do it

In September 2023, the Indian government, in collaboration with the EkStep foundation, launched the PM-Kisan chatbot. This AI chatbot works with PM-Kisan, India’s direct benefit transfer program for farmers, initiated in 2019 to extend financial help to farmers who own their own land.

Access to the program, getting relevant information, and resolving grievances was always a problem for the farmers. The new chatbot gives farmers the ability to know their eligibility and the status of their application and payments using just their voice. On launch day more than 500,000 users chatted with the bot, and features are being released slowly to ensure a safe and risk-managed rollout.

These steps are part of an encouraging trend of early adoption of new technology by the Indian government. But the trend extends beyond the government. India’s vibrant tech ecosystem has taken off as well, a direct offshoot of its booming IT exports—currently at nearly $250 billion a year.

Next to those from the US, the largest number of developers on GitHub, a cloud-based service for software development, are from India. This sector not only innovates but also widely adopts digital public infrastructure.

The effect is cyclical: start-ups feed the growing tech culture and, in turn, leverage the data to build more precise and beneficial AI tools. India’s dynamic start-up ecosystem, moreover, is actively working on AI solutions to address various challenges.

AI can be a game changer in education as well, helping close the literacy gap. AI technologies are uniquely positioned to help students learn in their native languages, as well as learn English. AI’s applications are useful not only for students; they extend to teachers, who are often overwhelmed by administrative tasks that detract from teaching.

As AI takes over routine tasks in government and start-ups, the roles of teachers and students evolve, and they form dynamic partnerships focused on deep learning and meaningful human interaction.

What India needs is a strategic plan to chase down the most important opportunities for AI to help. The trick is not to look too hard at the technology but to look at the problems people face that existing technology has been unable to solve.

And organizations such as EkStep have stepped up with a mission called People+AI. Instead of putting AI first, they focus on the problems of people. This has led to surprising new uses unique to India.

India’s emerging status as a technological powerhouse, combined with its unique socioeconomic landscape, puts it in a favorable position to be the world’s most extensive user of AI by the end of this decade.

From streamlining education to aiding in social protection programs, AI has the potential to deeply penetrate Indian society, effecting broad and meaningful change.

Nandan Nilekani is the chairman and cofounder of Infosys and founding chairman of UIDAI (Aadhaar); Tanuj Bhojwani is head of People+AI

Source: IMF Finance & Development

Opinions expressed in articles and other materials are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect IMF policy.

IPS UN Bureau

 


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