Nordic Nanovector ASA: Results for the Third Quarter 2020

PR Newswire

OSLO, Norway, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Nanovector ASA (OSE: NANO) announces its results for the third quarter 2020. A live webcast presentation by Nordic Nanovector’s management team will take place today in Oslo at 08.30 CET, see details below. A link to the webcast and the presentation is available from the company’s homepage (www.nordicnanovector.com).

Lars Nieba, Interim CEO of Nordic Nanovector, said:
“Following the successful interim analysis in August and completion of our private placement in September, we are progressing towards the major value inflection point of three-month top-line data from the PARADIGME clinical study, which is targeted for H2 2021. Generating these data will require us to successfully navigate the latest challenges of increased COVID-19 restrictions. We remain confident in our ability to achieve this goal, aided by the protocol amendments, the possibility to reduce the patient sample, and all the other measures we are actively implementing to drive patient recruitment into PARADIGME.”

Q3’2020 Highlights

  • Result of PARADIGME Interim Analysis: Independent Review Committee recommendation to focus on single arm investigating the “40/15” dosing regimen
    • Target set to report three-month top-line data in H2’2021
  • Approval of amendments to PARADIGME protocol is proceeding as planned and completed in the best-recruiting countries
    • Designed to enlarge the eligible patient population and increase the rate of enrolment into the trial
  • Pivotal Phase 2b PARADIGME trial of Betalutin® progressing in 3rd-line relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (3L R/R FL)
    • COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on PARADIGME patient recruitment – the target patient population is a high-risk group for COVID-19
    • 59 patients enrolled as of 18 November 2020
  • Private placement was oversubscribed and successfully completed raising approximately NOK 231 million (approximately USD 25 million) in gross proceeds, extending cash runway into Q3’2021
    • Funds to be used to advance PARADIGME study and conduct other essential activities to enable a timely filing pending top-line data
  • Dr Christine Wilkinson Blanc appointed Chief Medical Officer

Events after Q3’2020

  •  Final two patients enrolled into Archer-1 Phase 1 safety trial of Betalutin® plus rituximab in 2L R/R FL
    • Preliminary data readout expected in H1’2021
    • Trial to be paused pending analysis of data and evaluation of plans for further development
  • Results of preclinical studies demonstrating Betalutin® reverses tumour resistance to rituximab in NHL disease models published in Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Financial Highlights

(Figures in brackets = same period 2019 unless otherwise stated)

  • Revenues for the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2020 amounted to NOK 0.0 million (NOK 0.0 million)
  • Total operating expenses for the third quarter were NOK 88.1 million (NOK 100.2 million); total operating expenses for the first nine months of 2020 were NOK 327.3 million (NOK 301.1 million)
  • Comprehensive loss for the third quarter amounted to NOK 88.2 million (loss of NOK 93.6 million); comprehensive loss for the first nine months of 2020 was NOK 305.4 (NOK 295.6 million)
  • Cash and cash equivalents amounted to NOK 380.7 million at the end of September 2020, compared to NOK 470.8 million at the end of December 2019

Outlook

The company continues to target the readout of three-month top line data from PARADIGME in H2’2021. Approval of protocol amendments is proceeding as planned and completed in the best-recruiting countries, and other initiatives to increase the rate of enrolment are underway. The company also targets the readout of three-month top line data from the second cohort of the Archer-1 trial in H1’2021.

However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient recruitment has worsened in light of the emergence of a second wave resulting in severe travel restrictions being implemented in the various countries where we are executing our clinical studies. These restrictions and uncertainty around the duration, severity and geographic scope of the COVID-19 outbreak are projected to slow down the enrolment of patients due to re-prioritisation of hospital activities towards COVID-19 patients and away from clinical studies such as PARADIGME.  In addition, travel restrictions could create logistical challenges for the shipment of clinical supplies. Several proactive actions have been taken to minimize the impact of these travel restrictions which could blunt further delays in completing enrolment and delivering preliminary results as targeted.

The company has taken steps to conserve cash and following the recent successful private placement, Nordic Nanovector has a cash runway that extends into Q3’2021.

Despite the challenging times, the many positive actions the company has made in the last nine months have improved the prospects of delivering pivotal results from PARADIGME in H2’2021.

The company continues to believe that, if positive, these trial data could represent a significant value inflection point for the company and its shareholders, confirming Betalutin® as a highly promising new targeted therapy that can address the unmet needs of R/R FL patients.

Presentation and live webcast – Q3 2020 results

A presentation and live webcast by Nordic Nanovector’s management team will take place today at 8:30 am CET.

The webcast can be accessed from www.nordicnanovector.com in the section: Investors & Media and a recording will also be available on this page after the event.

The results report and the presentation is available at www.nordicnanovector.com in the section: Investors & Media/Reports and Presentation/Interim Reports/2020.

For further information, please contact:

IR enquiries

Malene Brondberg, CFO

Cell: +44 7561 431 762

Email: [email protected]  

Media Enquiries

Mark Swallow/Frazer Hall/David Dible (Citigate Dewe Rogerson)

Tel: +44 203 926 8535

Email: [email protected]  

About Nordic Nanovector:

Nordic Nanovector is committed to develop and deliver innovative therapies to patients to address major unmet medical needs and advance cancer care. The Company aspires to become a leader in the development of targeted therapies for haematological cancers. Nordic Nanovector’s lead clinical-stage candidate is Betalutin®, a novel CD37-targeting antibody-radionuclide-conjugate designed to advance the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). NHL is an indication with substantial unmet medical need, representing a growing market forecast to be worth nearly USD 29 billion by 2026. Nordic Nanovector retains global marketing rights to Betalutin® and intends to actively participate in the commercialisation of Betalutin® in the US and other major markets.

Further information can be found at www.nordicnanovector.com .

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances, since they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and which, by their nature, will have an impact on Nordic Nanovector’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The terms “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “can”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plans”, “should”, “projects”, “targets”, “will”, “would” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology are used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historic facts. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with implementation of Nordic Nanovector’s strategy, risks and uncertainties associated with the development and/or approval of Nordic Nanovector’s product candidates, ongoing and future clinical trials and expected trial results, the ability to commercialise Betalutin®, technology changes and new products in Nordic Nanovector’s potential market and industry, Nordic Nanovector’s freedom to operate (competitors patents) in respect of the products it develops, the ability to develop new products and enhance existing products, the impact of competition, changes in general economy and industry conditions, and legislative, regulatory and political factors. No assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Nordic Nanovector disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This information is subject to a duty of disclosure pursuant to Sections 4-2 and 5-12 of the Securities Trading Act.

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SOURCE Nordic Nanovector

Nordic Nanovector completes enrolment into second safety cohort of follicular lymphoma patients in Archer-1 Phase 1b Betalutin®/rituximab combination trial

PR Newswire

OSLA, Norway, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Nanovector ASA (OSE: NANO) announces that it enrolled the final two patients into the second safety cohort of its Phase 1 Archer-1 (LYMRIT 37-07) trial investigating safety and preliminary efficacy of Betalutin® (177Lu lilotomab satetraxetan) in combination with rituximab in 2nd-line follicular lymphoma (2L FL).  

The dosing regimen in this cohort is a single administration of 15 MBq/kg Betalutin® preceded by 40mg lilotomab, followed by 375 mg/m2 rituximab once per week for four weeks.

Data from this cohort is expected in H1’2021 and will be analysed alongside the data generated from the first cohort of patients receiving 10 MBq/kg Betalutin®/40mg lilotomab.

As announced in April 2020, Archer-1 is expected to be paused pending this analysis, which is expected to inform plans for the further development of Betalutin® development in 2L FL. The Company’s primary focus for its resources is on the timely completion of the pivotal Phase 2b PARADIGME trial of Betalutin® in 3rd-line FL (3L FL).


Christine Wilkinson Blanc, Chief Medical Officer of Nordic Nanovector, said:
“We are pleased to complete patient enrolment into the second safety cohort of Archer-1. We look forward to the results from this cohort in H1’2021, which will add to our understanding of Betalutin® use in FL patients. The data will also inform our thinking towards further development strategies for Betalutin® in broader FL populations than that being investigated in our PARADIGME trial in 3L FL.”

About Archer-1

Archer-1 is a Phase 1b open-label, single-arm, multi-centre dose-escalation trial designed to assess the safety and preliminary activity of combining the CD37-targeted radioimmunoconjugate Betalutin® with the CD20-targeted immunotherapy rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory (2L) FL who have received one or more prior therapies.

Rituximab was approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), including FL, more than 20 years ago and is the current standard of care. It is administered to patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed FL as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Over time, patients may develop resistance to rituximab, thus alternative targets and new treatments are important.

For further information, please contact:

IR enquiries
Malene Brondberg, CFO
Cell: +44 7561 431 762
Email: [email protected]

Media Enquiries

Mark Swallow/Frazer Hall/David Dible (Citigate Dewe Rogerson)
Tel: +44 203 926 8535
Email: [email protected]

About Nordic Nanovector:

Nordic Nanovector is committed to develop and deliver innovative therapies to patients to address major unmet medical needs and advance cancer care. The Company aspires to become a leader in the development of targeted therapies for haematological cancers. Nordic Nanovector’s lead clinical-stage candidate is Betalutin®, a novel CD37-targeting antibody-radionuclide-conjugate designed to advance the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). NHL is an indication with substantial unmet medical need, representing a growing market forecast to be worth nearly USD 29 billion by 2026. Nordic Nanovector retains global marketing rights to Betalutin® and intends to actively participate in the commercialisation of Betalutin® in the US and other major markets.

Further information can be found at www.nordicnanovector.com


Forward-looking statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances, since they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and which, by their nature, will have an impact on Nordic Nanovector’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The terms “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “can”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plans”, “should”, “projects”, “targets”, “will”, “would” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology are used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historic facts. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with implementation of Nordic Nanovector’s strategy, risks and uncertainties associated with the development and/or approval of Nordic Nanovector’s product candidates, ongoing and future clinical trials and expected trial results, the ability to commercialise Betalutin®, technology changes and new products in Nordic Nanovector’s potential market and industry, Nordic Nanovector’s freedom to operate (competitors patents) in respect of the products it develops, the ability to develop new products and enhance existing products, the impact of competition, changes in general economy and industry conditions, and legislative, regulatory and political factors. No assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Nordic Nanovector disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This information is subject to a duty of disclosure pursuant to Sections 4-2 and 5-12 of the Securities Trading Act.

 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SOURCE Nordic Nanovector

M5Stack Black Friday Deals 2020: M5StickC, M5StickV, M5stickT, M5GO

Make some great savings with these M5Stack Black Friday deals.

Shenzhen, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Black Friday 2020 is right around the corner. Get ready, M5Stack Black Friday Deals 2020! Coming soon! Keep in mind M5Stack deals are not live yet–here are the key dates you should know about for Black Friday 2020:

M5Stack 2020 Black Friday sale starts Nov. 23 and lasts through Nov. 27. Missed a deal on Prime Day? Expect to see steeper discounts on M5Stack. 

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In addition to some released items, M5Stack is bringing a new item M5PAPER that figures a touchscreen e-ink display. If you’re looking for more Black Friday game deals, subscribe M5Stack Newsletter you’ll receive a weekly email from M5Stack along with a number of the special newsletter-only offers.

About M5Stack

M5Stack focuses on creating all-in-one, stackable, and modular open-source IoT Development kits, based on ESP32.

M5Stack has developed a brand’s word of mouth in the development board space in the world over the last few years. Especially, its products are beloved by most of the fans in Japan. M5Stack products are sold in more than 100 countries such as Japan, the United States, UK, Germany, Australia, Belgium, and so on. Its products are widely used in various application scenarios such as Smart Home, Smart Office, STEM Education, AI, Robotics, Industry4.0, and etc..

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Diana Tian
utiful.com
15029787955
[email protected]

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Announces Investment in Solid State Battery Material Pilot Plant to Complement its State-of-the-Art Battery Materials Laboratory Located in Frankfurt, Germany


Amsterdam, 19 November 2020

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) announces AMG Lithium GmbH, Frankfurt, has invested in a solid state battery (SSB) pilot plant to complement its state-of-the-art battery materials laboratory located in Frankfurt, Germany. 

SSBs are on the verge of revolutionizing the lithium battery market for electric vehicles by enabling an increase in energy density on the battery cell level. In addition, compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, SSBs have better safety characteristics due to their utilization of solid electrolytes.  Our team of experts has developed a unique proprietary process to manufacture customized sulfidic solid electrolyte materials.

AMG has started technical discussions and sampling, and is prepared to develop this cutting-edge technology together with its customers.

About AMG

AMG is a global critical materials company at the forefront of CO2 reduction trends. AMG produces highly engineered specialty metals and mineral products and provides related vacuum furnace systems and services to the transportation, infrastructure, energy, and specialty metals & chemicals end markets.

AMG Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal. AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,000 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:

Michele Fischer
Vice President Investor Relations
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
+1 610 975 4979
[email protected]

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this press release are not historical facts and are “forward looking”.  Forward looking statements include statements concerning AMG’s plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans and intentions relating to acquisitions, AMG’s competitive strengths and weaknesses, plans or goals relating to forecasted production, reserves, financial position and future operations and development, AMG’s business strategy and the trends AMG anticipates in the industries and the political and legal environment in which it operates and other information that is not historical information.  When used in this press release, the words “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward looking statements.  By their very nature, forward looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward looking statements will not be achieved.  These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.  AMG expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in AMG’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any forward looking statement is based.

 

Attachment



WISeKey completes the first phase of the acquisition of arago by taking controlling interest

WISeKey completes the first phase of the acquisition of arago by taking controlling interest

Zug/Geneva, Switzerland – November 19, 2020 – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN), a leading cybersecurity company and arago GmbH (“arago”), a leading German technology company that provides Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) to enterprises globally through Knowledge Automation, announced today that they reached a binding agreement for WISeKey to acquire, through conversion of loan commitments and guaranteeing the arago existing indebtedness, a majority interest of 51% in arago. Previous transactions involving shares in arago have determined arago’s net value at around CHF 100 million.

The acquisition of a controlling interest in arago is the initial step in an overall transaction which would lead to a combination of the businesses of WISeKey and arago. As set out in the non-binding term sheet previously announced, the combination would be completed through the issuance by WISeKey of new Class B shares to arago’s remaining minority shareholder against contribution by arago’s minority shareholder of the remaining arago shares to WISeKey. arago’s remaining shareholder would then hold a significant minority stake in WISeKey. The transaction is subject to the parties agreeing on definitive agreements, including the respective relative valuations. The subsequent completion of definitive agreements would, among other things, be conditional upon obtaining the required regulatory and other standard authorizations, including the listing of the new WISeKey Class B shares.

arago has a large recurring customer base and licensing model which is expected to bring significant synergies to WISeKey and strengthen WISeKey’s position in the fast-growing Artificial Intelligence of Things (“AIoT”) market. The ability to authenticate and remotely manage millions of networked, automated devices and equipment is becoming pervasive: from the factory floor, to the hospital operating room, to the residential home, everything from refrigerators, watches and wearables, to wine bottles, is connecting and communicating via the Internet. The Internet of Things (“IoT”) security market is expected to reach nearly USD 29 billion in 2020 according to ‘Markets and Markets’, growing at an annual rate of 35%. These massively deployed connected objects are facing regular attacks, hence generating a large need for trusted end-to-end cybersecurity solutions. The increasing AI and IoT convergence is one of the primary factors that is driving the growth of the market. Over the past five years, a rapid surge in the adoption of AIoT cloud services has been witnessed. It is driven by its capabilities to provide enterprise-wide array of resources they can utilize to scale, orchestrate, and support their operations.

About arago:

arago GmbH, Frankfurt am Main (AG Frankfurt, HRB 100909), is a German technology private company which aim is to provide the benefits of Artificial Intelligence to enterprise customers globally through Knowledge Automation. Founded in 1995, the company develops and uses modern technologies such as inference and machine learning in order to automatically operate any business process.

About WISeKey:

WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems for people and objects using Blockchain, AI and IoT respecting the Human as the Fulcrum of the Internet. WISeKey microprocessors secure the pervasive computing shaping today’s Internet of Everything. WISeKey IoT has an install base of over 1.5 billion microchips in virtually all IoT sectors (connected cars, smart cities, drones, agricultural sensors, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, computers, mobile phones, crypto tokens etc.). WISeKey is uniquely positioned to be at the edge of IoT as our semiconductors produce a huge amount of Big Data that, when analyzed with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can help industrial applications to predict the failure of their equipment before it happens.

WISeKeys’ technology is trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey’s Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust (“RoT”) and provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com.

Press and investor contacts:

WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
[email protected]
  WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
Contact: Lena Cati
The Equity Group Inc.
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
[email protected]

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA, or within the meaning of any other securities regulation. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

The securities offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of said Act.



VFMCRP and Fresenius Kabi expand collaboration in nephrology in China with Veltassa® agreement

VFMCRP and Fresenius Kabi expand collaboration in nephrology in China with Veltassa® agreement

  • Veltassa® is a well-tolerated1 and effective2 oral calcium potassium binder for the treatment of hyperkalemia supported by 12 month clinical data
  • Veltassa® will benefit from Fresenius Kabi’s market-leading nephrology patient access in China alongside Velphoro® and Venofer®
  • China shows high prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and heart failure3 

ST GALLEN, Switzerland & BAD HOMBURG, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201118005914/en/

Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (VFMCRP) and Fresenius Kabi today announced an agreement to develop, register and distribute Veltassa® for the treatment of hyperkalemia in the People’s Republic of China. Under the agreement, Fresenius Kabi will have the exclusive right to distribute and sell Veltassa® across China.

Stefan Schulze, CEO of Vifor Pharma Group comments, “We are delighted to expand VFMCRP’s collaboration with Fresenius Kabi. There is a high prevalence of CKD and heart failure in China3 and hyperkalemia is one of the most common complications associated with these two conditions. As a result there is a high demand for an effective, proven hyperkalemia treatment. The excellent commercial infrastructure, the well established relationships in nephrology and our existing successful collaboration make Fresenius Kabi our partner of choice to provide Veltassa® to patients.”

Oskar Haszonits, President Region Asia Pacific of Fresenius Kabi said, “This agreement is an important step in intensifying our collaboration and relationship with VFMCRP in nephrology. We believe Veltassa® has the potential to provide many benefits to patients across the country, and we look forward to adding it to our portfolio and working with VFMCRP.”

Hyperkalemia is a serious medical condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood and can be associated with life-threatening consequences. Patients with CKD and heart failure, especially those treated with RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) inhibitors are at particular risk of developing hyperkalemia. As a consequence, RAASi therapy, the cornerstone of treatment for CKD and heart failure, is often reduced or discontinued, compromising cardio-renal protection. By bringing Veltassa® to China, VFMCRP and Fresenius Kabi will deliver a treatment that will enable patients to remain on RAASi therapy by managing their chronic hyperkalemia.

Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. In China, the company is among the top 10 multinational pharmaceutical companies, being a market leader in clinical nutrition, anesthesia and nephrology. Fresenius Kabi has around 6,000 employees in China.

Both parties have agreed to not disclose financial terms of the collaboration.

Vifor Pharma Group is a global pharmaceuticals company. It aims to become the global leader in iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies. The company is a partner of choice for pharmaceuticals and innovative patient-focused solutions. Vifor Pharma Group strives to help patients around the world with severe and chronic diseases lead better, healthier lives. The company develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products for precision patient care. Vifor Pharma Group holds a leading position in all its core business activities and consists of the following companies: Vifor Pharma and Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (a joint company with Fresenius Medical Care). Vifor Pharma Group is headquartered in Switzerland, and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX Swiss Exchange, VIFN, ISIN: CH0364749348).

For more information, please visit viforpharma.com

Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. The company’s products and services are used to help care for critically and chronically ill patients. Fresenius Kabi’s product portfolio comprises a comprehensive range of I.V. generic drugs, infusion therapies and clinical nutrition products as well as the devices for administering these products. In the field of biosimilars, Fresenius Kabi focuses on autoimmune diseases and oncology. In 2019, the first biosimilar product by Fresenius Kabi was launched. Within transfusion medicine and cell therapies, Fresenius Kabi offers products for collection of blood components and extracorporeal therapies.

With its corporate philosophy of “caring for life”, the company is committed to putting essential medicines and technologies in the hands of people who help patients and finding the best answers to the challenges they face.

For more information, please visit www.fresenius-kabi.com.

About Hyperkalemia

Approximately 73% of advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and 40% of chronic heart failure patients may be at risk of elevated blood potassium levels4. Hyperkalemia can cause abnormal heart rhythms and even sudden death5. There are often no warning signs, meaning a person can unknowingly experience spikes in potassium levels recurrently and be at risk for these cardiac events. Some medicines that are often prescribed to people with CKD and heart failure to help delay progression of their underlying disease and reduce mortality can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect. These may include RAASi such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), aldosterone antagonists (AAs) and angiotensin converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors as well as angiotensin II receptor/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI).

About Veltassa®

Veltassa® is a potassium binder approved for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Veltassa® was specially designed to exchange calcium rather than sodium for potassium ions, ensuring suitability for patients who cannot tolerate even small increases in sodium.Veltassa® should not replace emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia. Made in powder form, Veltassa® is mixed with water and taken once a day with or without food. Veltassa® is consisting of smooth, spherical, uniform microbeads too large to be absorbed, thus protecting the gastrointestinal tract. Veltassa® works primarily in the lumen of the colon where potassium concentration is highest, and the residence time of the polymer is the longest. The potassium is then excreted from the body through the normal excretion process.


1 Veltassa® EU SmPC 2019

2 Agarwal R, et al. Lancet 2019;394:1540–50.

3 Zhang et al. Lancet. 2012 Mar 3;379(9818):815-22; Guo et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13: E770. Guo et al. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2013 May; 9(2): 112–122.

4 Rosano GCM, et al. Expert consensus document on the management of hyperkalaemia in patients with cardiovascular disease treated with renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors: coordinated by the Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 2018;4:180-188.

5 Rastegar A, Soleimani M. Hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia. Postgrad Med J. 2001;77:759-764.

Media Relations

Nathalie Ponnier

Global Head Corporate Communications

+41 79 957 96 73

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Julien Vignot

Head of Investor Relations

+41 58 851 66 90

[email protected]

Fresenius Contact:

Media Relations

Martin Kunze

Corporate Communications

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Else-Kröner-Str. 1

61352 Bad Homburg, Germany

+49 6172 60 82 115

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Asia Pacific Switzerland Europe China Germany

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Hospitals Pharmaceutical Health Cardiology

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Jobs That Pay Well Require More Than Degrees: Communication, Teamwork, Sales/Customer Service, Leadership, and Problem Solving/Complex Thinking Are the 5 Most In-Demand Competencies, Georgetown University Report Says

Communication skills are most valued competency across occupations, boosting earnings as much as 20%

Washington, DC, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Workers need more than just their education credentials to qualify for jobs that pay well, keep those jobs, secure promotions, and boost their earnings on the job. A new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) finds that a set of general cognitive competencies yields the highest economic rewards, while physical competencies are less valuable in the labor market. Workplace Basics: The Competencies Employers Want shows that communication, teamwork, sales and customer service, leadership, and problem solving and complex thinking are the five most in-demand competencies across the labor market, while strength and coordination are the least in demand.

The CEW report explores how 120 knowledge areas, skills, and abilities are demanded across the workforce and within specific occupations—and how the intensity with which workers use these competencies, along with their education level, can affect their earnings. The findings are based on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database, which includes information on competencies for more than 1,000 occupations.

The jobs in which cognitive competencies are used most intensively tend to be held by workers with higher levels of education. In fact, 77% of the workers who use communication most intensively have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 10% of workers who use strength and coordination abilities most intensively. While formal education is not the only way for workers to acquire competencies demanded across the labor market, postsecondary degrees may be a way for workers to provide information about their likely cognitive competencies to potential employers.

“When it comes to earnings, education matters, but so do general competencies,” lead author and CEW Director Dr. Anthony P. Carnevale said. “Workers need to focus not just on college degrees, but on the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to reach high earnings in their occupations.”

Competencies like communication that are in high demand across the workforce are associated with higher earnings in jobs in which they are used most intensively. A one-quartile increase in the intensity with which workers use this competency within a job is associated with an average earnings premium of 20%. Similarly, a one-quartile increase in the intensity with which workers use problem solving and complex thinking is associated with an average earnings premium of 19%. However, the competencies that are in the highest demand are not always the ones that produce the highest earnings. Sales and customer service competencies, though widely required across occupations, are not as likely to boost workers’ earnings.

Competencies that are in lower demand overall, such as engineering and mathematics, often still yield high earnings for workers in the occupations in which they are in high demand. For example, STEM occupations have the highest median earnings of all occupation groups, at $81,600, in part because they compensate workers for high levels of educational attainment—73% of STEM workers have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The high earnings are also associated with mastery of competencies used intensively in STEM occupations, including digital technology, mathematics and computer science, and engineering and physical sciences.

Intensive use of in-demand competencies can enable workers with lower levels of formal education to earn more than those with higher levels of formal education. For example, high school-educated workers who use communication most intensively in healthcare professional and technical occupations have higher median earnings ($52,300 per year) than the median for workers with some college or an associate’s degree ($49,200 per year) in the same occupational group. Likewise, for workers in blue-collar occupations, higher levels of formal education only lead to a slight earnings premium, but using competencies at the highest intensity can enable those with less education to earn more than their counterparts with more education. 

“To compete in the modern economy, workers need a mix of general competencies valued across the labor market and the specific competencies valued in their occupations,” said Megan Fasules, co-author and assistant research professor and research economist at CEW. “The right mix of education and competencies for an occupation can lead to high economic rewards.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and recession may hasten changes to the mix of competencies required of workers in the labor market. Workers in services and support occupations saw the largest initial drop in employment across occupational groups. Meanwhile, workers in professional and technical occupations were more protected from pandemic-related unemployment initially, in part because their roles are better suited to working from home. 

Automation may play a role in affecting which occupations will exist in the future and the mix of competencies that workers will need for their jobs. CEW researchers estimate that, on average, 28% of tasks within all occupations are at risk of automation, and find that physical and low-level cognitive tasks are particularly susceptible to automation. General competencies that are transferable across occupations are a good bet for workers amid this uncertainty. 

Other Findings:

  • The most intensive use of problem solving and complex thinking among blue-collar occupations is associated with an average earnings premium of 89% above the median.
  • The top five competencies in demand for managerial and professional office occupations are all general competencies: communication, teamwork, sales and customer service, leadership, and problem solving and complex thinking. 
  • In food and personal services occupations, few workers need the most intensive use of problem solving and complex thinking, but those who do receive an average earnings premium of 130% above the median.
  • Community services and the arts is the only major occupational group in which workers appear to suffer an earnings penalty for more intensive use of almost all of the most in-demand competencies.

To view the full report, visit cew.georgetown.edu/competencies.

###

 

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) is an independent, nonprofit research and policy institute that studies the link among individual goals, education and training curricula, and career pathways. CEW is affiliated with the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. For more information, visit cew.georgetown.edu. Follow CEW on Twitter @GeorgetownCEW, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Medium.

Megan L. Fasules occasionally serves as a paid consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Kathryn Peltier Campbell occasionally serves as a paid consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. All three foundations are study sponsors.



Hilary Strahota
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
240-427-1483
[email protected]

ABB Capital Markets Day 2020

ABB Capital Markets Day 2020

ZURICH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
ABB will be hosting its Capital Markets Day today, November 19, starting 11.30 am CET, at which CEO, Björn Rosengren, and CFO, Timo Ihamuotila, as well as the four business area Presidents, will give an update on the recent strategic and operational developments, including:

  • Improving performance under ABB Way
  • Review of business portfolio
  • ABB’s digital strategy
  • Updated financial framework and long-term sustainability targets

“ABB is a leading technology company, now and in the future. We have the global R&D capabilities, digital solutions and innovation focus to support our customers. The COVID-19 pandemic still weighs on the near-term outlook, but the long-term market trends of electrification, automation, digitalization and energy efficiency remain intact. At the same time, we are taking additional steps to improve performance in order to drive value creation for all stakeholders going forward,” said CEO Björn Rosengren.

Improved performance in the making

Since the start of this year, ABB has further decentralized its organization to bring operating decisions closer to the customer and successfully rolled out its new operating model called ABB Way, including the introduction of a scorecard-based performance management system reinforced through incentivization. This creates a clear focus on stability and profitability before growth in order to strengthen underperforming divisions.

Furthermore, ABB has carried out a portfolio review of its divisions to ascertain whether it is ultimately the best owner. As a result, ABB has decided to explore all options to exit three divisions:

  • Turbocharging (Industrial Automation)
  • Mechanical Power Transmission (Motion)
  • Power Conversion (Electrification)

These divisions represent roughly $1.75 billion of combined annual revenues or approximately six percent of ABB’s total revenues.

“All three divisions are high-quality businesses, with Operational EBITA margins above the group’s target margin corridor. In this process, we will seek the best value-accretive solution for ABB and those businesses and not put ourselves under time pressure,” said Rosengren. “Furthermore, portfolio reviews will continue to be a key element of the ABB Way.”

ABB will increase the number of divisions to 20 as of January 1, 2021, due to a split in the Motion business area portfolio, while Industrial Automation will be renamed Process Automation to better reflect its customer base.

CFO Timo Ihamuotila will highlight in his presentation that ABB has delivered on sustainable cost reductions: “Due to the reorganization of the Group, the ABB-OS target of $500 million net savings has been reached one year ahead of plan.”

ABB’s digital strategy

ABB has recently carried out a review of its digital strategy under the ABB Ability™ brand, which is comprised of software-enabled products and systems, as well as software and digital services. The company intends to accelerate the expansion of its digital offering that is tailored to specific sectors or applications based on ABB’s domain expertise. This will be done through increasing R&D and investments to about 5 percent of revenues per year and will be led by the business. This approach creates superior value for customers and drives a higher quality of revenues for the company. ABB will also continue to pursue select strategic partnerships in the digital sphere, as well as synergetic bolt-on acquisitions.

Updated financial framework

ABB is retaining its financial framework with modifications to certain targets in order to align with the ABB Way.

 

 

Guidance

 

Medium term ambitions

Revenue growth

 

3-5% annual average through economic cycle1

 

~2/3 comparable, ~1/3 inorganic

Operational EBITA margin corridor

 

Group 13-16%

 

Upper half of range as from 2023

 

 

Electrification 15-19%

Industrial Automation 12-16%

Motion 15-19% (previously 14-18%)

Robotics & Discrete Automation 13-17%

 

 

ROCE

 

15-20%

 

Steady improvement

FCF conversion to net income

 

~100%

 

Maintain solid track record

Basic EPS growth

 

EPS growth > revenue growth

 

Effective tax rate ~25% as from 2023

EPS rising strongly due to capital structure optimization program

ABB’s capital allocation priorities remain unchanged, including funding organic growth, a rising sustainable dividend per share and value-creating acquisitions. As previously announced, ABB intends to return to shareholders net cash proceeds from the Power Grids divestment of $7.6-7.8 billion.

“ABB aims to deliver attractive returns to shareholders and retain a ‘single A’ credit rating,” said CFO Timo Ihamuotila. “We also aim to complete most of our capital structure optimization program by the end of the year in order to further de-risk our balance sheet and further improve performance.”

Long-term sustainability targets

ABB is announcing the launch of its new sustainability strategy and targets for 2030, which is rooted in ABB’s Purpose and centered on an intensive stakeholder listening phase comprised of interviews and analyzed feedback. Based on this, the company has created a comprehensive sustainability strategy that combines ABB’s higher ambition, impact, measurability and accountability across its value chain of operations, customers, suppliers and society at large.

We enable a low carbon society

 

We preserve resources

 

We promote social progress

Carbon neutrality in own operations

 

80% of ABB products and solutions covered by circularity approach

 

Zero harm to our people and contractors

Support our customers in reducing annual CO2 emissions by >100 Mt2

 

Zero waste to landfill3

 

Comprehensive D&I framework4; 25% women among ABB leaders

Supply chain emissions reduction

 

Supplier sustainability framework

 

Top-tier employee engagement score in our industry

 

 

 

 

Impactful support for community-building initiatives

Integrity and transparency across our value chain

Further details available at go.abb/sustainability

“ABB is embedding sustainability in everything we do in order to create long-term value. Foremost, we are enabling customers to reduce their emissions and preserve resources because this is where ABB’s technology can have the greatest impact. Furthermore, our new targets will be tied to employee incentive plans thus driving performance and culture within our group, while we are proud to be contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rosengren.

Note to editors: The Capital Markets Day, CEO/CFO presentation, as well as presentations from Business Areas and Divisions, can be followed under: https://global.abb/group/en/investors/strategy-events/capital-markets-day-2020 from 11.30 am to 5.15 pm CET.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements which are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may affect our future performance, including the economic conditions of the regions and industries that are major markets for ABB. These expectations, estimates and projections are generally identifiable by statements containing words such as “anticipates”, “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans”, “targets”, “aims” or similar expressions. However, there are many risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information and statements made in this press release and which could affect our ability to achieve any or all of our stated targets. The important factors that could cause such differences include, among others, business risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the volatile global economic environment and political conditions, costs associated with compliance activities, market acceptance of new products and services, changes in governmental regulations and currency exchange rates and such other factors as may be discussed from time to time in ABB Ltd’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on Form 20-F. Although ABB Ltd believes that its expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statement are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will be achieved.

_____________________

1
Calculated to exclude FX impacts and transformational acquisitions and divestments, includes bolt-on acquisitions and divestments within divisions.

2 Annual savings in the year 2030 from all solutions provided to customers 2021-30

3 Wherever local conditions allow

4 Diversity & Inclusion framework

ABB Ltd

Affolternstrasse 44

8050 Zurich

Switzerland

Media Relations

+41 43 317 71 11

[email protected]

Investor Relations

+41 43 317 71 11

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Switzerland Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Electronic Design Automation Engineering Technology Manufacturing Other Technology Software Other Manufacturing

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Liberty Broadband Corporation Prices Upsized Private Offering of $750 Million of 1.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2050

Liberty Broadband Corporation Prices Upsized Private Offering of $750 Million of 1.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2050

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK) announced today that it has priced and agreed to sell to initial purchasers in an upsized private offering $750 million aggregate original principal amount of its 1.25% exchangeable senior debentures due 2050 (the “Debentures”) exchangeable for Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) Class A common stock. Liberty Broadband has also granted the initial purchasers an option to purchase additional Debentures in an aggregate original principal amount of up to $75 million.

Upon an exchange of Debentures, Liberty Broadband, at its option, may deliver shares of Charter Class A common stock or the value thereof in cash or any combination of shares of Charter Class A common stock and cash. Initially, 1.1111 shares of Charter Class A common stock are attributable to each $1,000 original principal amount of Debentures, representing an initial exchange price of approximately $900.00 for each share of Charter Class A common stock. A total of approximately 833,325 shares of Charter Class A common stock are attributable to the Debentures (assuming the initial purchasers do not exercise their option to purchase additional Debentures). Interest will be payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing March 31, 2021. The Debentures may be redeemed by Liberty Broadband, in whole or in part, on or after October 5, 2023. Holders of Debentures also have the right to require Liberty Broadband to purchase their Debentures on October 5, 2023. The redemption and purchase price will generally equal 100% of the adjusted principal amount of the Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus any final period distribution.

The offering is expected to close on November 23, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Liberty Broadband intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness and repurchases of shares of Liberty Broadband common stock.

The offering of the Debentures has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Debentures are being offered by means of an offering memorandum solely to “Qualified Institutional Buyers” pursuant to, and as that term is defined in, Rule 144A of the Securities Act.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Debentures nor shall there be any sale of Debentures in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the offering of Debentures and the use of proceeds therefrom. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, general market conditions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Liberty Broadband expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Broadband’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Broadband, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Broadband which may affect the statements made in this press release.

About Liberty Broadband

Liberty Broadband Corporation’s (NASDAQ: LBRDA, LBRDK) businesses consist of its interest in Charter and its subsidiary Skyhook.

Liberty Broadband Corporation

Courtnee Chun, 720-875-5420

 

KEYWORDS: United States North America Colorado

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Communications Telecommunications Public Relations/Investor Relations

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Apple Announces Second Annual Apple Music Awards

Apple Announces Second Annual Apple Music Awards

Lil Baby wins top award of global Artist of the Year; Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, and Roddy Ricch also honored

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Apple® today announced the winners of the second annual Apple Music® Awards, recognizing the best and boldest musicians of 2020 and their enormous impact on global culture. The Apple Music Awards honor achievements in music across five distinct categories, and winners are chosen through a process that reflects both Apple Music’s editorial perspective and what customers around the world are loving most. The winners for global Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year were hand-selected by Apple Music’s global editorial team of world-class experts and tastemakers, and the awards for Top Song of the Year and Top Album of the Year are based on streaming data that is reflective of what Apple Music subscribers have been listening to this year.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201118006174/en/

The second annual Apple Music Awards recognizes the best and boldest musicians of 2020. (Photo: Business Wire)

The second annual Apple Music Awards recognizes the best and boldest musicians of 2020. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Apple Music Awards celebration kicks off Monday, December 14, 2020, with a week of special performances, fan events, interviews, and more, streaming worldwide on Apple Music, Apple Music TV, and the Apple TV® app. Fans who are not already subscribed to Apple Music can sign up for a three-month free trial at apple.com/apple-music.

“The Apple Music Awards is our opportunity to recognize and honor the incredible artists who we feel have deeply impacted and inspired the world and our customers, and helped us feel connected through music this year,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats®. “We have an exciting week of music planned in December and are very much looking forward to celebrating together with these artists and their fans.”

And the winners are…

Artist of the Year: Lil Baby

In 2020, Lil Baby fully arrived as one of hip-hop’s biggest names, with billions of global streams and multiple tracks from “My Turn” topping the Apple Music charts. With his deeply moving and timely release, “The Bigger Picture,” he cemented his place as the indisputable, authentic voice of youth culture. His performance of the track at Apple Music’s Rap Life Live event was in itself a standout moment of 2020. Lil Baby has been an intriguing voice since his debut mixtape in 2017 — but 2020 is the year he became an undeniable global star.

Lil Baby said: “This year has changed me a lot. Now that I’m an artist, I feel like my voice can get heard through my music and I needed to say something. And my fans listened. So thank you to my fans and thank you to Apple Music for giving me a special way to connect to my fans.”

Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Megan Thee Stallion

With two No. 1 singles and a highly anticipated debut album on the way, it is safe to say Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion is owning 2020. Her collaboration with Cardi B on “WAP” and with Beyoncé on the “Savage” remix have collectively been played on Apple Music more than 300 million times globally. The Apple Music Up Next alum is experiencing the kind of breakthrough year that defines the distinction, and she is just getting started.

Megan Thee Stallion said: “I am so excited to be the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This is a really big accomplishment for me. Apple Music has been rocking with me for so long, even before making me an Up Next artist, and I am just very appreciative and very grateful. I will forever love ya’ll as much as ya’ll love me.”

Songwriter of the Year: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is without a doubt one of music’s preeminent and most decorated songwriters, and “folklore” is no exception. Written and recorded in isolation during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, “folklore”instantly topped the Apple Music albums chart and set the record for the most streamed pop album on release day. With its wistful third-person stories about love triangles, ghosts, and trauma, “folklore” is a lyrical masterpiece.

Taylor Swift said: “Winning Songwriter of the Year in any capacity in any year would be so exciting, but I think it’s really special this particular year because songwriting was the one thing that kept me connected to my fans. It means a lot to me because the way that fans respond to the songs I write, and the emotional exchange, is what has really kept me going this year. So I really want to say thank you to the fans for that, and to everyone at Apple Music, thank you for everything that you do.”

Top Song of the Year: “The Box” by Roddy Ricch

Roddy Ricch’s breakout, “The Box,” was the year’s biggest and most popular single, accumulating more than 460 million Apple Music streams worldwide to date, launching countless memes, and topping the charts for more weeks than any other song in 2020.

Top Album of the Year: “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial” by Roddy Ricch

Following the success of “The Box,” the Compton rapper’s debut album, “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial,” has run up more than 1.5 billion Apple Music streams worldwide since its release.

Roddy Ricch said: “My first phone was the iPhone®. It’s crazy making music could get me to the point where a platform like Apple could honor me or put me on a pedestal. I just appreciate Apple Music to the farthest extent. Winning this award motivates me to work even harder. This is confirmation that I am on the right track and doing what I gotta do to be the greatest in my own right.”

About the Apple Music Awards

Apple has designed a series of physical awards that represent the extraordinary craftsmanship integral to creating music. Each award features Apple’s custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass and a machined and anodized aluminum body. The result of this multi-month process, before it is sliced into hundreds of individual chips, is stunning and distinctive. In a symbolic gesture, the same chips that power the devices that put the world’s music at our fingertips sit at the very heart of the Apple Music Awards.

About Apple Music

Apple loves music. With iPod® and iTunes®, Apple revolutionized the music experience by putting a thousand songs in your pocket. Today, Apple Music takes this to the ultimate with over 70 million songs, thousands of playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting daily across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live streams. Since 2015, Apple Music has welcomed tens of millions of subscribers in 167 countries. Streaming seamlessly to iPhone, iPad®, iPod®, Apple Watch®, Apple TV, Mac®, HomePod®, and CarPlay®, Apple Music is the most complete music experience on the planet. Apple Music is also available on popular smart TVs, smart speakers, Android and Windows devices, and more — as well as online at music.apple.com.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom (www.apple.com/newsroom), or call Apple’s Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

© 2020 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Music, Apple TV, Beats, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, HomePod, and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple

Jessica Bass, (424) 326-7534

[email protected]

Brian Bumbery, (424) 326-4156

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Entertainment Online Mobile Entertainment Software Audio/Video Internet Celebrity Music Consumer Electronics

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The second annual Apple Music Awards recognizes the best and boldest musicians of 2020. (Photo: Business Wire)