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Old Mutual Completes All-In Migration to AWS

Old Mutual Completes All-In Migration to AWS

The premier pan-African financial services group is establishing a foundation for digital transformation on AWS—accelerating innovation, reducing IT infrastructure costs, and harnessing machine learning to deliver more personalized customer experiences

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that Old Mutual has closed its on-premises data centers and migrated its entire information technology (IT) infrastructure, including its banking, insurance, and wealth management systems, to AWS. The migration represents a significant step in Old Mutual’s digital transformation. Old Mutual is using AWS’s proven, secure, and highly performant infrastructure to decrease financial transaction processing time by two-thirds, reduce downtime by 50%, streamline the development of new and more relevant insurance products, and drive innovation across its business with machine learning (ML).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230621435504/en/

The full migration to AWS involved moving more than 2,000 on-premises servers, 215 applications, 1,786 databases, and more than 500 websites. The move will accelerate innovation, at a time of global economic uncertainty, by reducing the time required for new application testing from months to minutes.

With its cloud migration complete, Old Mutual will use AWS capabilities to better anticipate customer needs and develop the next generation of financial products and experiences. The company will leverage AWS ML and generative artificial intelligence (AI) services—including Amazon SageMaker, a fully managed service to build, train, and deploy ML models—to generate real-time, personalized financial forecasting and recommendations for customers. Examples of benefits include the ability to anticipate changing savings needs as customers approach retirement, recommend insurance products based on changing income levels and life stages, and help entrepreneurs plan for investing their incomes as their businesses grow. The personalization services are made possible by the expansion of Information Fabric, the data lake that Old Mutual established on AWS. The single, consistent view of customers provided by Information Fabric enables individualized recommendations and more seamless, intuitive customer experiences, including combined client rewards programs that enable points earned in one area of the business to be redeemed through another.

Old Mutual is also incorporating AWS training into management courses to help senior managers and leaders across the business to adopt a cloud-first mindset and product development strategy. Since 2019, 50% of the financial group’s business and technical leaders have earned at least one AWS Certification. Cloud-first thinking is informing Old Mutual’s expansion strategy across the 14 countries its pan-African operations serve. Innovative partnerships with cloud-first vendors, such as the API management platform Kong Konnect and the data management platform Tamr Cloud, will help to improve financial accessibility in these markets through innovative banking as a service (BaaS) solutions.

“Daily server outages. Disconnected financial products. Ballooning on-premises costs. Those are all challenges we leave behind as we go all-in on AWS,” said May Govender, acting chief information officer for Old Mutual Limited. “Our AWS digital infrastructure has become the backbone of reliable service—a launchpad for future growth. AWS is helping us imagine new possibilities at every level, providing us with a suite of innovative services like generative AI that will spur new customer experiences that can differentiate Old Mutual in the future.”

“The completion of Old Mutual’s all-in migration to AWS represents the next chapter of their digital transformation, and we’re excited to help them harness their momentum in the cloud to unlock new innovations,” said Chris Erasmus, country manager at AWS. “Old Mutual is using our leading infrastructure to increase performance, reduce processing times, streamline operations, simplify customer experiences, and reduce costs. AWS will continue to collaborate with Old Mutual as they deliver the next generation of financial products.”

Since 2014, Old Mutual has leveraged AWS’s broad portfolio of cloud services, including compute, storage, analytics, and databases, to digitally transform the business and unlock innovation for customers. In 2019, the company selected AWS as its preferred cloud provider and launched its ambitious migration project.

About Amazon Web Services

Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload, and it now has more than 200 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 99 Availability Zones within 31 geographic regions, with announced plans for 15 more Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in Canada, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About Old Mutual Limited

Old Mutual is a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key markets segments in 14 countries. Old Mutual’s primary operations are on the African continent, and it has a niche business in Asia. With almost 178 years of heritage across sub-Saharan Africa, Old Mutual continues to play a crucial part of the communities it serves as well as in broader society. For further information on Old Mutual, and its underlying businesses, please visit the corporate website at www.oldmutual.com.

Amazon.com, Inc.

Media Hotline

[email protected]

www.amazon.com/pr

KEYWORDS: Africa United States North America Washington

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Data Management Banking Education Technology Professional Services Training Software Artificial Intelligence Internet Insurance Finance

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VIDEO: CNH Industrial supports coastline clean-up  

We are resolved to care for our coastlines and want to inspire others to do 
the same.
Find the full story on

cnhindustrial.com

London, June 21, 2023

Meet Barry Palmer, Secretary of the Canvey Bay Watch in the United Kingdom. They are part of a European Beach Care initiative wherein CNH Industrial, through our CASE Construction Equipment brand, works to keep some of the EU’s coastlines clean.

The Beach Care Project raises awareness of the damaging impact plastic has on the marine environment, promotes the preservation of beach ecosystems and organizes beach clean-up operations. The video takes you to France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, showing how the multi-generational project has inspired young children right though to retirees.

Hear from experts, including an ecologist, marine researcher, and coastguard, who explain the environmental, social, touristic, and economic importance of beaches.

This project further demonstrates CNH Industrial’s commitment to sound, progressive environmental stewardship through concrete actions that deliver real results.

Watch our film at bit.ly/BreakingNewGround_en


CNH Industrial

(NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) is a world-class equipment and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally,

Case IH

and

New Holland Agriculture

supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and

CASE

and

New Holland Construction Equipment

deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company’s regionally focused Brands include:

STEYR

, for agricultural tractors;

Raven

, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems;

Flexi-Coil

, specializing in tillage and seeding systems;

Miller

, manufacturing application equipment;

Kongskilde

, providing tillage, seeding and hay & forage implements; and

Eurocomach,

producing a wide range of
mini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH Industrial has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH Industrial’s
40
,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit:

cnhindustrial.com

For news from CNH Industrial and its Brands visit:

media.cnhindustrial.com

Media contacts:

Rebecca Fabian         Anna Angelini
North America United Kingdom
Tel. +1 312 515 2249 Tel. +44 (0)7725 826 007

[email protected]

 

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MSCI Launches Portfolio Customization Solution to Enable Portfolio Managers to Personalize SMAs for Clients

MSCI Launches Portfolio Customization Solution to Enable Portfolio Managers to Personalize SMAs for Clients

Quantitative Investment Solutions enable investment advisers to meet growing investor demand for cost-effective tax management, tailored strategies

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, today announced the launch of Quantitative Investment Solutions (QIS) – a new set of tools to help portfolio managers customize separately managed account (SMA) portfolios efficiently and at scale.

Using MSCI QIS, managers can tailor portfolios to their clients’ specific values and investment goals quickly and efficiently. In addition to tax requirements, managers that offer SMAs can implement customization requests spanning single company exclusions, industry exclusions, ESG and style preferences.

The QIS toolkit includes a portfolio construction service for separate account management that enables equity portfolio managers at asset managers and other investment advisers to manage tax implications for their clients across different scenarios, – such as close model tracking, tax neutral, or tax loss maximization, – in addition to providing daily updates that show proposed trades for different accounts based on the clients’ investment objectives.

MSCI QIS gives portfolio managers access to unique tax strategy templates, enabling them to select and apply a variety of constraints and objectives that match their client’s current tax and exposure considerations.

Through cloud-based technology, QIS links the MSCI tax optimization tool to MSCI’s indexes, ESG ratings, carbon emissions and factor models to allow portfolio managers to implement unique portfolio requests from clients in an efficient manner.

Asset managers are challenged to meet the growing demand for SMAs across their client base. The implementation of custom requirements for SMAs is highly labor intensive and requires integrations of various technological systems and teams in such ways that create operational risks.

Mark Carver, Head of Equity Portfolio Management and Equity Factors at MSCI, said: “In an age where customization is in demand in every facet of business, portfolio managers are constantly being faced with the challenge of balancing multiple investment objectives to address an individual client’s needs. Whether it’s reflecting their personal preferences with respect to investment strategies in their portfolios, or managing their ongoing tax liabilities, MSCI QIS is designed to not only allow portfolio managers to gauge their clients’ needs, but also compete more effectively for assets by meeting a wider range of custom requirements in a shorter period.”

About MSCI Inc.

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and involve risks that may cause actual results or performance differ materially and you should not place undue reliance on them. Risks that could affect results or performance are in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended on December 31 that is filed with the SEC. MSCI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. No information herein constitutes investment advice or should be relied on as such. MSCI grants no right or license to use its products or services without an appropriate license. MSCI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

Media Inquiries

[email protected]

Melanie Blanco +1 212 981 1049

Julie Mansmann +1 917 815 6375

Calum MacDougall +44 7876 836 759

Tina Tan +852 2844 9320

MSCI Global Client Services

EMEA Client Service + 44 20 7618.2222

Americas Client Service +1 888 588 4567 (toll free)

Asia Pacific Client Service + 852 2844 9333

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Other Professional Services Data Analytics Finance Consulting Banking

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Dexcom G6 Strengthens Its Position as World’s Most Connected CGM System

Dexcom G6 Strengthens Its Position as World’s Most Connected CGM System

The world’s most connected continuous glucose monitoring system,† Dexcom G6, is now the first and only CGM to connect with the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System in the United Kingdom.

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DexCom, Inc. (Nasdaq: DXCM), the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, today announced the Dexcom G6 Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (rt-CGM) is the first and only CGM to connect to the Omnipod® 5 AID System, helping users to protect against high and low glucose levels1,2.

“For over a decade, Dexcom has been the sensor of choice for the development of AID systems. Dexcom has supported more than 50 studies around the world ranging from early academic projects to increasingly sophisticated trials in collaboration with industry partners, safely powering AID systems for over 1 million patient-years of cumulative use. Our CGM systems were the first to enable industry-leading connectivity and we now link with over 60 connected partners worldwide,” said Teri Lawver, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Dexcom.

By adding another AID product to its CGM ecosystem, Dexcom has both strengthened its position as the world’s most connected CGM, with the Dexcom G6, and offered yet another AID choice to those living with type 1 diabetes in the U.K.

“At Dexcom we believe that diabetes technology should be built to celebrate and support the diabetes community. This launch gives Dexcom users in the U.K. another choice in automated insulin delivery systems, adding to the company’s existing insulin delivery collaborations with Tandem, Ypsomed and CamDiab. We are delighted to see years of close collaboration with industry partners result in giving people with diabetes unparalleled choice, peace of mind and better clinical outcomes,” said Ben Byrne, Country Director for the U.K. and Ireland at Dexcom.

Emphasising Dexcom’s position as a leader in integrating connected systems, Dexcom G6 was exclusively used in the clinical trials that led to the regulatory approval of Omnipod 5® in Europe and the United States.1,2 As a result, the clinically meaningful health outcomes resulting from the use of Omnipod 5® are only proven when the system is connected to Dexcom CGM. In a study published in Diabetes Care,1 Dexcom G6 with Omnipod 5® significantly improved time in range and reduced HbA1c and time in hypoglycaemia (<70 mg/dL) in very young children (aged 2 – 5.9 years) with Type 1 diabetes.

As the world’s most connected CGM†, Dexcom is committed to providing users with choice and flexibility when it comes to how they view their glucose data and deliver insulin 2-8. Dexcom CGM is also integrated with the Tandem t:slim X2 and YpsoMed mylife YpsoPump insulin pumps; digital health apps including Glooko, nudg, Happy Bob and Sugarmate, and most recently, lifestyle devices from Garmin.

To learn more about how Dexcom G6 offers the widest range of AID solutions for users and HCPs, visit Dexcom.com.

About Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6 uses a small, wearable sensor and transmitter to continuously measure and send glucose levels wirelessly to a smart device* or receiver, giving patients real-time glucose data without the need to scan or prick their finger.‡ The system has customisable and predictive alerts and alarms to help avoid potentially dangerous low and high blood sugar events and a function that allows patients to share their glucose data in real time with up to 10 followers. § Dexcom G6 also offers industry-leading connectivity through integrations with leading insulin delivery systems and digital health apps.

About DexCom, Inc.

DexCom, Inc. empowers people to take real-time control of health through innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., and with operations across Europe and select parts of Asia/Oceania, Dexcom has emerged as a leader of diabetes care technology. By listening to the needs of users, caregivers, and providers, Dexcom works to simplify and improve diabetes management around the world. For more information about Dexcom CGM, visit www.dexcom.com.

*Smart devices sold separately.For a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibilityand omnipod.com/compatibility.† Data on file 2022. ‡ Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings. §Separate Follow app and internet connection required. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 app or receiver before making treatment decisions.

1 Sherr J, et al. Diabetes Care 2022;45(8):1907–1910. 2 Brown, S, et al. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(7):1630–1640. 3 Peacock S, et al. Diabetes Ther. 2023;14(5):839-855. 4 Boughton CK, et al. Lancet Healthy Longevity. 2022(3):E135–42. 5 Ware J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;386:209–19. 6 Sheng T, et al. American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Emerging Science Poster, 2019. 7 Sheng T, et al. Diabetes 2020;69(Supplement_1):861–P. 8. Ringenberger K, et al. J Endocrine Soc. 2021;5(Supp 1):A32.

Dexcom, Dexcom CGM, Dexcom G6 and any related logos and design marks are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. ©2023 Dexcom, Inc. All rights reserved.

Media Contacts

United Kingdom

Gemma McDonald

+44 (0) 7552 368398

[email protected]

United States

James McIntosh

+1 (619) 884-2118

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California North America United States Ireland United Kingdom Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Apps/Applications Technology Mobile/Wireless Medical Devices Diabetes Health Technology Software Biometrics Health

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Premium EV Manufacturer XPENG Chooses ACCESS To Provide In-Vehicle Infotainment

Premium EV Manufacturer XPENG Chooses ACCESS To Provide In-Vehicle Infotainment

OBERHAUSEN, Germany & GUANGZHOU, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
XPENG (NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), today announces that it has selected the ACCESS Twine™ for Car (Twine4Car) in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) solution to provide apps and games—including prominent streaming services— for its new range of electric vehicles. This will start with the all-electric XPENG P7 sedan, with European deliveries commencing this summer. Moving forward, existing XPENG drivers will also have the option to upgrade their cars to include Access’ Twine4Car IVI through an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230621200023/en/

XPENG and ACCESS Twine4Car jointly create an intuitive and enjoyable mobility experience (Photo: Business Wire)

XPENG and ACCESS Twine4Car jointly create an intuitive and enjoyable mobility experience (Photo: Business Wire)

“We want to provide our drivers in Europe with a new level of sophistication and ease by using a more thoughtful approach to mobility,” says Eric Xu, VP International Markets, XPENG. “We selected ACCESS Twine4Car as our in-vehicle infotainment provider to create a mobility experience that’s more intuitive and enjoyable—our vehicles are designed to move people emotionally as well as physically.”

The Twine4Car Platform is an industry-leading automotive content and app service solution for connected car infotainment, enabling OEMs to provide branded entertainment services. The Twine4Car app store includes some of the most used and easily recognizable social and productivity apps, making it possible for drivers and passengers to work and play from their cars while parked or charging. ACCESS is also providing XPENG with a new game portal that includes console-class games with the latest high-compression streaming technology, enabling users to play even with low-speed connections.

“Our unique ability to provide an IVI system designed for next-generation cars combined with a dedicated app store featuring awesome games, must-have apps, and leading video services, enables XPENG to provide infotainment experiences that will delight its drivers,” says Masahiro Aono, CEO, ACCESS Europe. “Whether its drivers wanting to stream their favorite songs and podcasts, or passengers looking to watch their favorite videos and access their favorite social media platforms, we look forward to enabling connected infotainment experiences that match the beauty and quality of XPENG’s exciting new electric vehicles.”

As the next generation of IVI platforms is deployed, vehicles need more than just audio services and navigation. Twine4Car acts as a central hub for all in-vehicle services and brings content from global media partners, providing a wide range of apps, TV services, games, and VOD offerings for XPENG’s electric vehicles. Features include:

  • Twine App Store: A dedicated hybrid in-car app store (HTML5 and native) enables XPENG to make a wide selection of apps available to drivers and passengers within their own branded in-car platform.

  • Native Android App Support: Allows the seamless integration of native applications, creating an immersive user experience via the OEM-branded IVI interface. This enables XPENG to create an ideal UX for native apps and embedded or API-based services.

  • Sync Play: Enables multiple devices to synchronize playback, allowing passengers to enjoy content on the screen in front of them at the same time as others in the car.

  • Parental/Remote Control: Along with content-related control from any screen in the vehicle, Twine4Car can put parents in charge of the type and length of content consumed by their children.

Note to editors: If you would like to know more about how ACCESS is bringing industry leading IVI experiences to XPENG’s new EV’s, please contact [email protected].

About ACCESS

Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Index, 4813) has been providing advanced IT solutions centred on mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by more than 350 companies. Utilising its network virtualisation technology expertise and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialisation of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company maintains subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com.

© 2023 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved. ACCESS, the ACCESS logo and ACCESS Twine are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

About XPENG Inc.

XPeng is a leading Chinese Smart EV company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers. Its mission is to drive Smart EV transformation with technology and data, shaping the mobility experience of the future. In order to optimize its customers’ mobility experience, XPeng develops in-house its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrical/electronic architecture. XPeng is headquartered in Guangzhou, China. In 2021, the Company established its European headquarters in Amsterdam, along with other dedicated offices in Copenhagen, Munich, Oslo, and Stockholm. The Company’s Smart EVs are mainly manufactured at its plant in Zhaoqing, Guangdong province. For more information, please visit https://heyxpeng.com.

Head Office (Japan)

ACCESS CO., LTD.

Miyuki Hanzawa

+81-3-5853-9087

[email protected]

Europe

Azhar Uddin/ David Bramley/ Reece Hainesborough

Platform Communications

+44 (0)20 7486 4900 / +44 (0)7711 239 062

[email protected]

For Media Enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Germany China Europe Asia Pacific

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software EV/Electric Vehicles Off-Road Trucks & SUVs Hardware Consumer Electronics Alternative Vehicles/Fuels Apps/Applications Technology Autonomous Driving/Vehicles Automotive Automotive Manufacturing Manufacturing

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XPENG and ACCESS Twine4Car jointly create an intuitive and enjoyable mobility experience (Photo: Business Wire)
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XPENG G9 flagship SUV (Photo: Business Wire)
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Draganfly Awarded Multi-Year Drone Training Contract by Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior for National Guard, National Police, State Border Guard, Emergency Services, and Special Forces Security

Los Angeles, CA., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions, and systems developer is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with HEAL-Corp, a Non-Government Organization (“NGO”), and the Ukrainian National Academy of Internal Affairs (the “National Academy”) regarding the development of a training program on the use of drones and their countermeasure systems.

Working in conjunction with the National Academy, Draganfly will implement a designed curriculum to be used within the training program. Recently, HEAL-Corp delivered Trauma Resuscitation and Evacuation Casualty Care training to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, showcasing their commitment to assisting in the teaming effort.

Drone training on Draganfly systems will be provided to new Ministry of Internal Affairs pilots each year, including but not limited to National Police, National Guard, State Border Guard, select Armed Forces, Special Forces Security, and Emergency Services.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is a governmental agency responsible for maintaining law enforcement and ensuring public security throughout Ukraine. It is one of the essential ministries within the Ukrainian government that holds significant responsibility in safeguarding the well-being and order of the nation.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has a broad range of responsibilities, including maintaining public order and safety, combating crime, ensuring border security, protecting human rights, and overseeing the activities of law enforcement agencies. Under the ministry’s jurisdiction, several central agencies including the National Police of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and the National Guard of Ukraine, work together in upholding public safety and security across the country.

“Draganfly has been providing drone systems and drone pilot training since the beginning of the war in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Cherniei, Rector of the National Academy, Police General of the first rank. “Their essential training will help to solidify and scale the essential drone pilot training required to increase operational effectiveness across the Ministry’s jurisdictions.” The General further stated that: “HEAL-Corp has provided much critical assistance to the people of Ukraine in providing life-saving medical training, humanitarian assistance, and medical resources. HEAL-Corp has stood with Ukraine from the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We are pleased to select the Draganfly and Heal-Corp teams for this important contract.”

“The use of drones for medical purposes and multiple other mission types during conflict has increasingly proven to be invaluable,” says Larry Mynar CEO of HEAL-Corp. “Critical for HEAL-Corp, is the delivery of blood products, diagnostics, therapeutic and medical supplies to the frontlines in a time-sensitive manner to decrease morbidity and mortality.”

“We are incredibly honoured that Draganfly has been selected to provide drone pilot training for the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine and all its agencies. Training and fielding up to a 1,000 new pilots per year will be extremely impactful for the Ministry’s capabilities in its service to Ukraine,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Draganfly’s experience and systems are well matched to provide and scale the training required for the vast number of missions and use cases.”

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations can do business and service their stakeholders. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 24 years, Draganfly is an award-winning industry leader serving the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity, and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money, and lives.

For more information on Draganfly, please visit us at www.draganfly.com.
For additional investor information, visit https://www.thecse.com/en/listings/technology/draganfly-inc, https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/dpro, or https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/equity/draganfly-inc-1.

Media Contact
Arian Hopkins
email: [email protected]

Company Contact
Email: [email protected]

About HEAL-Corp

HEAL-Corp is a faith-based 501(3)c NGO is currently providing humanitarian relief operations within Ukraine since the full-scale invasion February 24, 2022. HEAL-Corp is composed of Disaster medicine doctors, academics, trauma surgeons, emergency medicine trainers, alongside Ukrainian and international civilian-support. HEAL-Corp actively and regularly consults with the Ukrainian government Ministries and medical professionals, assisting with lifesaving front line support, delivering medical educational programs, as well as consistently moving large scale humanitarian aid.

HEAL-Corp – https://www.heal-corp.org
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as ‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can ‎generally be ‎identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎“estimate”, ‎‎“anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎and ‎information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These statements include, but may ‎not be limited to statements regarding the agreement between the Company, HEAL-Corp and the National Academy; the Company providing drone training to Ministry of Internal Affairs pilots, including but not limited to: National Police, National Guard, ‎State Border Guard, Special Forces Security, and Emergency Services; The Company and HEAL-Corp designing a curriculum to be used in the training program; statements made by the Minister relating to drove training program impact on operational effectiveness. Forward-looking statements and ‎information are subject to various known and ‎unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond ‎the ability of the Company to control or ‎predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, ‎performance or achievements to be materially ‎different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are ‎developed based on assumptions about ‎such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here-in, ‎including but not limited to: the potential ‎impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, ‎including the previous outbreak of the novel ‎coronavirus known as COVID-19 on the Company’s business, ‎operations and financial condition, the ‎successful integration of technology, the inherent risks involved in ‎the general securities markets; ‎uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in ‎the future; the inherent ‎uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and ‎expenses, currency ‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and ‎other related risks ‎and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors“ in the Company’s most ‎recent filings filed ‎with securities regulators in Canada on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. ‎Securities and Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. The ‎Company undertakes ‎no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by ‎applicable law. Such forward-‎looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. ‎No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results ‎may vary materially. ‎Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking ‎statements or ‎information.‎



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Avio S.p.A. Purchases Two Metal 3D Printers from Velo3D to Support the Development of its Propulsion Systems, Including a Sapphire XC 1MZ 3D Printer

Avio S.p.A. Purchases Two Metal 3D Printers from Velo3D to Support the Development of its Propulsion Systems, Including a Sapphire XC 1MZ 3D Printer

Italian Space Propulsion Innovator Will Install the Printers in its Colleferro, Italy, Headquarters to Produce Mission-critical Parts for Its Family of Rocket Engines

PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE: VLD), a top metal additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical parts, today announced that Avio S.p.A., a leading aerospace company listed on the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange, has purchased a Sapphire XC 1MZ printer and an original Sapphire printer to support the development and production of its propulsion systems and accelerate the advancement of the space industry. Velo3D’s solution was selected for its ability to produce quality parts with optimized geometries for the highest performance, and the large build volume of the Sapphire XC 1MZ. Both printers are calibrated to produce parts in nickel-based alloy that delivers strength and corrosion resistance at extreme temperatures.

Avio has been a leading innovator in the aerospace industry for more than 120 years. The company now focuses on making space more accessible and affordable. With a strong focus on propulsion systems, Avio has delivered competitive solutions for launching institutional, governmental, and commercial payloads into orbit through its Vega family of launch vehicles. By adopting Velo3D’s fully integrated solution, Avio aims to achieve new milestones in design quality, and time-to-market for its products.

With one of the largest build volumes for laser powder bed fusion 3D printers, the Sapphire XC 1MZ 3D printer has a print volume that is 600 mm in diameter and 1,000 mm in height. The original Sapphire has a print volume of 315 mm in diameter and 400 mm in height. Both printers enable Avio to overcome the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods, including conventional additive manufacturing solutions. The printers accomplish this by providing a wide breadth of geometric design freedom and a high degree of precision. The solution from Velo3D empowers Avio to optimize its designs and manufacture quality, high-performance components with intricate geometries that were previously unattainable. The result is improved performance, reduced weight, enhanced reliability, and ultimately, a more efficient and accessible space industry.

“Avio is one of the leading space companies in Europe and we are thrilled to partner with them in their pursuit of groundbreaking propulsion systems,” said Benny Buller, Founder and CEO of Velo3D. “They work with some of the most innovative companies and agencies in Europe and around the world to provide them with the technology they need to reach space. The Sapphire XC 1MZ will help Avio further accelerate the development of its propulsion systems and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the space industry.”

The cooperation between Avio and Velo3D comes at a pivotal moment in the growing space industry, which is witnessing transformative advancements. With the advent of 3D printing, the industry has gained momentum by enabling faster time-to-market, distributed supply chains, part consolidation, and enhanced performance capabilities. Velo3D is one of the leading 3D printing providers enabling NewSpace companies, with customers that include SpaceX, Launcher (a Vast company), and many other innovators.

About Velo3D:

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing (AM)—has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Honeywell, Honda, Chromalloy, and Lam Research. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn or Twitter.

About Avio:

Avio is a leading international group engaged in the construction and development of space launchers and solid and liquid propulsion systems for space travel. The experience and know-how built up over more than 50 years puts Avio at the cutting-edge of the space launcher sector, solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion and tactical propulsion. Avio operates in Italy, France, and French Guyana with 5 facilities, employing approx. 1,200 highly qualified personnel, of which approx. 30% involved in research and development. Avio is a prime contractor for the Vega programme and a sub-contractor for the Ariane programme, both financed by the European Space Agency (“ESA”), placing Italy among the limited number of countries capable of producing a complete spacecraft.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. The Company’s actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect”, “estimate”, “project”, “budget”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “believes”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s goals for 2023 and the Company’s other expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies for the future. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside the Company’s control and are difficult to predict. The Company cautions not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

VELO, VELO3D, SAPPHIRE, and INTELLIGENT FUSION, are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.; and WITHOUT COMPROMISE, FLOW and ASSURE are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. All Rights Reserved © Velo3D, Inc.

Media Contact:

Dan Sorensen, Senior Director of Public Relations

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Bob Okunski, VP Investor Relations

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Europe Italy France

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Machine Tools, Metalworking & Metallurgy Hardware Electronic Design Automation Technology Other Manufacturing Semiconductor Engineering Nanotechnology Chemicals/Plastics Other Technology Aerospace Manufacturing

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Kratos Successfully Static Test Fires the Zeus 1 Solid Propellant Rocket Motor at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden, Arkansas

Kratos’ new Zeus 1 rocket motor completes a successful static test at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden, Arkansas facility is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0040d0d-d78c-4d20-81bb-75a26462f2f8

SAN DIEGO, June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that its Space & Missile Defense Systems Business Unit (SMDS), a part of Kratos’ Defense & Rocket Systems Division (KDRS), successfully conducted the first static test firing of the Zeus 1 solid rocket motor (SRM) at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden, Arkansas facility. Kratos, responding to the need for new affordable commercial SRMs to operate as launch vehicle stages for Kratos’ research, hypersonic, ballistic missile target, and “other” vehicles, determined Zeus 1 and 2 motor requirements and standards, and through internal investments, funded the development of the Zeus SRM designs. The family of Zeus SRMs are designed and manufactured by Kratos’ key merchant supplier partner Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Prior to firing, the Kratos Zeus 1 motor was cooled to the lowest planned operating temperature to evaluate motor performance under the most stressing ignition conditions. The Kratos Zeus 1 motor performed nominally throughout the test and preliminary hardware and data inspection confirms the robustness of the motor design and its applicability for multiple customer applications. The Kratos Zeus 1 performance provides substantial improvement over similar legacy and heritage SRMs within the same relevant form factor, allowing existing payload designs and launch infrastructure to remain unchanged, while allowing rapid integration of new, technology leading systems and payloads, including those currently under development by Kratos. These key and other attributes will provide Kratos’ customers opportunities to fly more often, faster and farther, using fewer stages, at a substantially reduced cost.

The Kratos Zeus 1 is the first of two high-performance 32.5-inch diameter solid rocket motors internally developed and funded under the Kratos Zeus Program, with the larger Zeus 2 motor scheduled for static test later this year. The Kratos Zeus motors, designed with versatility and affordability in mind, complement Kratos’ investments in the Erinyes hypersonic “flyer” test vehicle that is expected to debut early next year, and Kratos’ follow-on Dark Fury hypersonic system, which nature and performance characteristics are highly confidential. These Kratos investments in the hypersonic and “other” areas create a versatile family of test, evaluation and “other” products that offer complete systems, SRMs, and flyers. Once complete, Kratos, with the Zeus SRMs, and the Erinyes, Dark Fury, and other Kratos “Flyers”, will be one of the only companies with both the Rocket System and “Flyer” systems under one entity, providing unmatched innovation, disruptive capabilities, mission responsiveness and affordability to the customer.

Dave Carter, President of KDRS, said, “I could not be more proud of our SMDS team and partner, Aerojet Rocketdyne, with this most recent example of our industry leading capability to rapidly design, develop, demonstrate, and bring to market affordable, relevant rocket systems, far ahead of competition. Kratos and our key rocket motor merchant supplier partner, Aerojet Rocketdyne, have demonstrated once again the value of the agile, middle tier technology and product companies for our country’s National Security requirements and system affordability.”

Eric DeMarco, President & CEO of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, said, “Kratos internally funded the development of the Zeus motors to enable rapid and affordable hypersonic testing and capabilities and to be ‘first to market’ with a highly relevant system, including as based on communications with the customer community. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and better is the enemy of good enough, and we continue to innovate using proven, existing, leading technology, systems, and Kratos’ intellectual property to rapidly bring relevant products to market to address the United States and our Allies’ National Security.”

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products, and solutions for United States National Security, our allies, and global commercial enterprises. At Kratos, Affordability is a Technology, and Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology is rapidly brought to market – at a low cost – with actual products, systems, and technologies rather than slide decks or renderings. Through proven commercial and venture capital-backed approaches, including proactive, internally funded research and streamlined development processes, Kratos is focused on being First to Market with our solutions well in advance of the competition. Kratos is the recognized Technology Disruptor in our core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR, and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 27, 2022, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact:

Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct

Investor Information:

877-934-4687
[email protected]



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Maxeon Solar Technologies Standardizes on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange to Secure Employees Across 100+ Countries

Global Leading Manufacturer of Solar Cells and Panels is Utilizing the Zscaler Cloud Security Platform to Accelerate its Digital Transformation Initiative

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today announced that Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd., a global leader in solar cell and panel manufacturing with sales operations in over 100 countries, is leveraging the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ cloud security platform to deliver seamless, secure access for its workforce and to accelerate its digital transformation initiatives.

Stemming from its divestiture from SunPower Corporation, a U.S.-based leading distributed generation storage and energy services provider, Maxeon required a future-ready integrated security services edge (SSE) platform to provide secure, direct access to critical business applications for its 5,000 global employees and seamlessly add new security services as their organization scaled.

“First and foremost, we had to make sure Maxeon maintained business continuity while ensuring our employees, applications and data remained secure. While we evaluated several big-name vendors, Zscaler came out as a clear winner because of its proven capabilities and position as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for 11 consecutive years,” said Stephen Gani, Chief Information Security Officer at Maxeon. “The divestiture was in progress during the pandemic, so our immediate concern was protecting our sensitive data and employees who were working from a variety of remote locations from the growing set of sophisticated threats – ransomware, zero-day malware, and other advanced attacks.”

As its initial steps in its zero trust and SSE journey, Maxeon deployed Zscaler Internet Access™ solution for fast direct-to-cloud web access, inline traffic inspection, and security that moves with users, regardless of where they work. The team also added Zscaler Cloud Data Loss Prevention™ solution into its security stack to gain visibility into data across all internet and encrypted SSL traffic and to enable data discovery across users, applications, content types, and file types.

To help ensure an optimal user experience regardless of location, Maxeon also implemented Zscaler Digital Experience™ solution, an integrated service in the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, across its global offices. With Zscaler Digital Experience, Maxeon’s IT team was able to quickly diagnose and remediate quality of service issues between users and applications at speed to maintain a seamless user experience and ensure business continuity.

With the portfolio of solutions on hand, Maxeon enabled safe and reliable access to the web and SaaS apps post-divestiture, eliminating the need for a high-maintenance data center and associated costs, as well as improving and securing the user experience for its global workforce of 5,000.

“Balancing cybersecurity, employee experience and cost efficiencies remains a challenge for most organizations. With a growing list of products and solutions available in the market, it can be a daunting task for IT teams to decipher what they truly need and implement the right solutions to achieve this balancing act,” shared Scott Robertson, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan at Zscaler. “It becomes pertinent for organizations to choose a partner that can help them navigate and implement a robust and seamless security architecture. We are especially delighted to support a company like Maxeon in achieving its workforce modernization and security transformation goals. We look forward to our continued partnership with the team as they continue to optimize their security infrastructure.”

Watch the keynote and breakout session from our annual Zenith Live summit in Las Vegas here to learn more about how Zscaler is helping companies secure their workforce and digital transformation journeys.

About Maxeon Solar Technologies

Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: MAXN) is Powering Positive Change™. Headquartered in Singapore, Maxeon designs and manufactures Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels, and has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. The company is a leader in solar innovation with access to over 1,000 patents and two best-in-class solar panel product lines. Maxeon products span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,400 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a 35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology. For more information about how Maxeon is Powering Positive Change™ visit us at www.maxeon.com, on LinkedIn and on Twitter @maxeonsolar.

About Zscaler

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across more than 150 data centers globally, the SSE-based Zero Trust Exchange™ is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

Zscaler™ and the other trademarks listed at


https://www.zscaler.com/legal/trademarks


are either (i) registered trademarks or service marks or (ii) trademarks or service marks of Zscaler, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Zscaler Public Relations
[email protected] 



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Arbutus Presents Preliminary AB-729 and Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Combination Data at the EASL Congress 2023

Treatment was generally well tolerated with continued HBsAg declines in some patients

WARMINSTER, Pa., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) (“Arbutus” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases, today announced that preliminary data from its on-going Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of the combination of AB-729, the Company’s lead RNAi therapeutic, and pegylated interferon alfa-2a (IFN) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) was presented today at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress. The preliminary data suggests that the addition of IFN to AB-729 treatment was generally well tolerated and appears to result in continued HBsAg declines in some patients.

William Collier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbutus, commented, “These data continue to support our strategy of utilizing AB-729 as a cornerstone in a combination therapeutic for patients with cHBV. In this trial, some patients that received 12 weeks or more of IFN after AB-729 treatment saw promising declines in surface antigen, which continues to reinforce our confidence in AB-729’s ability to effectively suppress HBsAg. While this is a small sample size and additional follow-up is needed, we believe that the combination of AB-729 and IFN is both safe and lowers surface antigen, which in turn, may allow the patient’s immune system to control the virus. We look forward to providing more data as patients continue to receive treatment.”

Forty-three virally suppressed, HBeAg negative cHBV patients were enrolled in the clinical trial and received a lead-in of AB-729 (60mg every 8 weeks) plus nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy for 24 weeks followed by 12 or 24 weeks of IFN with or without additional AB-729 doses. The preliminary data showed the following:

  • The mean HBsAg decline from baseline during the lead-in phase was 1.6 log10 at week 24 of treatment which is comparable to what was previously seen in other clinical trials with AB-729.
  • HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL were noted during the treatment period in 93% (38 of 41 randomized) of the patients.  
  • Four patients have reached HBsAg below the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) during IFN treatment, however, none of the patients have achieved sustained seroclearance to date.
  • AB-729 treatment alone or in combination with IFN was generally well tolerated. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs), discontinuations or AB-729 treatment discontinuations. IFN-related treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were consistent with the known safety profile. Five patients required IFN dose modifications due to laboratory abnormalities.

The clinical trial remains ongoing with most patients still in the early IFN treatment period continuing to be followed for on-treatment responses. After completion of the IFN treatment period, patients are followed for an additional 24 weeks on NA therapy alone, then assessed for NA discontinuation. Three patients have been evaluated to stop NA treatment to date, with one meeting the protocol-defined criteria to stop NA treatment.

The posters that were presented at EASL 2023 can be accessed through the Investors section of Arbutus’ website under Publications at https://www.arbutusbio.com/publications/.


About AB-729

AB-729 is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic specifically designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen, which is thought to be a key prerequisite to enable reawakening of a patient’s immune system to respond to the virus. AB-729 targets hepatocytes using Arbutus’ novel covalently conjugated N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology that enables subcutaneous delivery. Clinical data generated thus far has shown single- and multi-doses of AB-729 to be generally safe and well-tolerated while providing meaningful reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B DNA. AB-729 is currently in multiple Phase 2a clinical trials.


About HBV

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can cause chronic infection which leads to a higher risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection represents a significant unmet medical need. The World Health Organization estimates that over 290 million people worldwide suffer from chronic HBV infection, while other estimates indicate that approximately 2.4 million people in the United States suffer from chronic HBV infection. Approximately 820,000 people die every year from complications related to chronic HBV infection despite the availability of effective vaccines and current treatment options.


About Arbutus

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases. Our current focus areas include Hepatitis B virus (HBV), SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. To address HBV, we are developing a RNAi therapeutic, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor, and an oral RNA destabilizer to potentially identify a combination regimen with the aim of providing a functional cure for patients with chronic HBV by suppressing viral replication, reducing surface antigen and reawakening the immune system. We believe our lead compound, AB-729, is the only RNAi therapeutic with evidence of immune re-awakening. AB-729 is currently being evaluated in multiple phase 2 clinical trials. We also have an ongoing drug discovery and development program directed to identifying novel, orally active agents for treating coronaviruses, (including SARS-CoV-2), for which we have nominated a compound and have begun IND-enabling pre-clinical studies. In addition, we are also exploring oncology applications for our internal PD-L1 portfolio. For more information, visit www.arbutusbio.com.


Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about our future development plans for our product candidates; the expected cost, timing and results of our clinical development plans and clinical trials with respect to our product candidates; our expectations with respect to the release of data from our clinical trials and the expected timing thereof; our expectations and goals for our collaborations with third parties and any potential benefits related thereto; and the potential for our product candidates to achieve success in clinical trials.

With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Arbutus has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the effectiveness and timeliness of preclinical studies and clinical trials, and the usefulness of the data; the timeliness of regulatory approvals; the continued demand for Arbutus’ assets; and the stability of economic and market conditions. While Arbutus considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies, including uncertainties and contingencies related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and patent litigation matters.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Arbutus’ actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: anticipated pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may be more costly or take longer to complete than anticipated, and may never be initiated or completed, or may not generate results that warrant future development of the tested product candidate; Arbutus may elect to change its strategy regarding its product candidates and clinical development activities; Arbutus may not receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the clinical development of Arbutus’ products; economic and market conditions may worsen; uncertainties associated with litigation generally and patent litigation specifically; Arbutus and its collaborators may never realize the expected benefits of the collaborations; market shifts may require a change in strategic focus; and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt Arbutus’ clinical development programs.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Arbutus appears in Arbutus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, Arbutus’ Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Arbutus’ continuous and periodic disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Arbutus disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.


Contact Information

Investors and Media

Lisa Caperelli
Vice President, Investor Relations
Phone: 215-206-1822
Email: [email protected]