ISG Recognises Wipro’s Cybersecurity For Comprehensive Threat Detection, Response Services

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Wipro Limited (Wipro), a technology services and consulting company, has been recognised as a ‘Leader’ by ISG Provider Lens in Cybersecurity – Solutions and Services report for Singapore and Malaysia.

In the report, ISG acknowledges Wipro's Cybersecurity strengths for offering comprehensive threat detection and response services which reduces security threats for enterprises in Singapore and Malaysia.

According to the report, leaders have a comprehensive product and service offering, a strong market presence and their competitive strategy is strongly positioned to win business in the Asian market.

Wipro in a statement said the report evaluated global service providers and software vendors across several key dimensions focused on cybersecurity, while also assessed the cybersecurity capabilities of 81 providers across six quadrants.

“Cybersecurity is fundamental to every single digital technology initiative that our clients undertake. Our portfolio of integrated offerings across the cybersecurity value chain, with flexible engagement models, is gaining traction with our clients.

“Wipro’s leadership positioning in the study by ISG is also an acknowledgement of our commitment to driving value through digital transformation for our clients,” said Wipro Business Head – India & Southeast Asia, Badri Srinivasan.

Meanwhile, ISG Director and Head of Asia, Deepraj Emmanuel said: “Wipro’s holistic approach of addressing client cybersecurity needs has fuelled Wipro's role as a trusted partner to improve the client cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk significantly.”

The number of cyber-attacks and threats in Singapore & Malaysia is rising with increased digitalisation during the pandemic. ISG has cited Wipro’s strong play in advanced technical security service offerings which include IAM solutions, data and cloud security, and forensic services.

Wipro has been present in Southeast Asia for over two decades, having partnered with leading public and private sector enterprises across multiple industry verticals in their business transformation and digital journeys.

-- BERNAMA

ZENAS BIOPHARMA ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF PHASE 2 STUDY OF OBEXELIMAB, AN INVESTIGATIONAL TREATMENT FOR IGG4-RELATED DISEASE (IGG4-RD), IN THE LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY

Study found obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete clinical remission, in most patients with active IgG4-RD

Results support the continued development of obexelimab for the treatment of IgG4-RD and potentially other B cell-mediated autoimmune conditions

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies, announces The Lancet Rheumatology has published findings from a Phase 2 study evaluating obexelimab for the treatment of patients with IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD). Based on the results of this study, a Phase 3 study in patients with IgG4-RD is ongoing to further investigate the efficacy and safety of obexelimab administered as a subcutaneous injection.

IgG4-RD is a chronic, immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs including the major salivary glands, orbits, lacrimal glands, pancreas, biliary tree, lungs, kidneys, and retroperitoneum. Approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with IgG4-RD in the United States alone. Despite its increasing recognition, there remains a need for further research and effective therapeutic options for individuals living with this debilitating disease.

Across the world, the use of glucocorticoids is widely considered to be the standard of care for treating IgG4-RD. There are no approved treatment options for this condition. While commonly used, glucocorticoids and available B cell depleting therapies rarely lead to long-term, treatment-free remissions, and are associated with a high risk of toxicity in these patients. Such therapies also impair vaccine responses, including those for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

In a prospective, open-label, single arm, single-center pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of obexelimab in the treatment of patients with IgG4-RD (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT02725476), obexelimab demonstrated strong improvement in the IgG4-RD Responder Index, a measure of disease activity, by inhibiting B cell function, without depleting B cells.

The published manuscript, titled “Obexelimab for the Treatment of Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Pilot Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanism of Action,” is available online and will appear in the August issue of The Lancet Rheumatology 2023;5(8) [E428-E429].

The following are the key findings in the paper:

• Obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete remission (IgG4-RD Responder Index score of 0), in most patients with active IgG4-RD.
• During obexelimab treatment, reductions in circulating B cells, including plasmablasts, were observed without evidence of cell death.
• Additionally, reduction of circulating B cells and rapid return to near normal levels after treatment discontinuation suggests that obexelimab may lead to B cell sequestration in lymphoid organs or the bone marrow.
• Obexelimab was well tolerated. The majority of treatment-related adverse events were grades 1 or 2, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal infusion-related events, most of which were mild.

“Our findings are a significant step forward in understanding the underlying mechanisms of IgG4-Related Disease; paving the way for more targeted treatment strategies,” said John Stone, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Edward A. Fox Chair in Medicine at Mass General Hospital. “Our team is honored to have our research recognized by The Lancet Rheumatology, and we are immensely grateful to the patients who participated in this groundbreaking study.”

About Obexelimab

Obexelimab is an investigational Phase 3-stage, bifunctional, non-cytolytic, humanized monoclonal antibody that mimics the action of antigen-antibody complexes by binding CD19 and FcγRIIb to inhibit B-lineage cell activity. In several early-stage clinical studies in various autoimmune diseases, 198 subjects were treated with obexelimab. In these clinical studies, obexelimab demonstrated effective inhibition of B cell function without depleting the cells, resulting in encouraging treatment effect in patients with various autoimmune diseases. Zenas acquired exclusive worldwide rights to obexelimab from Xencor, Inc.

More information on the Phase 3 (INDIGO) study for the treatment of IgG4 Related Disease is available at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05662241.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies for patients around the world. With clinical development and operations globally, Zenas is advancing a deep and balanced global portfolio of potential first- and best-in-class autoimmune therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need while meeting the value requirements of the dynamic global healthcare environment. The company’s pipeline continues to grow through our successful business development strategy. Our experienced leadership team and network of business partners drive operational excellence to deliver potentially transformative therapies to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on Twitter at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn. 

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RAYVATEK USES SLM SOLUTIONS' TECHNOLOGY TO ACHIEVE DEVELOPMENT IN AEROSPACE PRODUCTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Rayvatek has collaborated with SLM Solutions, the industrial metal 3D printing machines provider, in developing aerospace materials solutions to overcome technical constraints associated with traditional manufacturing methods, and deliver high-performance products with lower cost and greater efficiency.

The aerospace industry was one of the earliest to adopt 3D printing technology and continues to be one of the fastest-growing fields for the application of 3D printing globally.

It is also a key focus sector for SLM Solutions as its metal 3D printing technology is ideally suited to producing materials that meet the strict requirements of aircraft engine manufacturers for metallurgical and mechanical performance, enabling efficient manufacturing processes, superior product quality, and lower production costs.

In a statement, Rayvatek emphasised the value of SLM Solutions technology in developing high-performance products and overcoming common pain points in aerospace materials manufacturing.

In addition, 3D printing technology helps to overcome other constraints associated with traditional manufacturing methods, therefore by using the SLM280 3D printer, Rayvatek is able to manufacture injectors of different sizes via a single manufacturing process.

The SLM280 can fabricate hollow parts for impellers, reducing the weight and the moment of inertia of the product, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

It also help Rayvatek to improve quality control and follow-up testing in the production process, and greatly shorten processing time to achieve cost reduction and efficiency increase.

Rayvatek is an innovative metal additive manufacturing technology and service company, with a presence across Asia Pacific.

-- BERNAMA

CONAGEN AND SUMITOMO CHEMICAL JOINTLY DEVELOP A NEW ERA OF RENEWABLE CARBON MATERIALS

Bedford, Mass., Aug 1 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conagen, the bioplatform innovator and biomanufacturer, and Sumitomo Chemical, Japan's leading chemical company, have announced to jointly develop p-hydroxystyrene (HS) and its polymer, poly p-hydroxystyrene (PHS), using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization. The monomer and the polymer are 100% renewable carbon, marking a new era of sustainable production.

Developing PHS using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable material production. Efforts to reduce reliance on petroleum and transition towards renewable and sustainable alternatives have gained momentum in recent years. With renewable biomass as the starting material, this joint devolvement between Conagen and Sumitomo Chemical creates an environmentally friendly and cost-effective product. The partnership is in the lead position of active global initiatives to reduce petroleum-based products' consumption and environmental impact.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in developing sustainable materials, and this approach to PHS production is expected to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional chemical synthesis methods. It is a crucial step towards more sustainable manufacturing processes with a positive impact.

The Conagen-Sumitomo partnership leverages Conagen's expertise in microbial strain design and development with Sumitomo Chemical's proficiency in chemical production and commercialization. The collaboration aims to create a platform that enables the production of sustainable chemicals to replace petrochemicals in an extended range of many applications.

PHS is used to produce polymers, resins, and other chemicals. The monomer HS can also be used as an input for the synthesis of other substances, such as pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The applications of HS and PHS are limitless and can span uses from electronics to personal care and other consumer products.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in pursuing green chemicals for sustainable material production," said J. McNamara, Ph.D., V.P. of chemical applications at Conagen. "Our commitment is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of combining our technologies with synthetic and polymer chemistries to create innovative, sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce petroleum-based products in the environment," McNamara stated. “Together, we’re marking a new era of carbon-neutral material production efforts."

The monomer HS, with the chemical formula C₈H₈O, is a derivative of styrene in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the aromatic ring's para position (carbon atom 4). The HS and PHS are examples of green chemistry for minimizing waste, reducing hazardous chemicals, and using catalysts that can be easily separated and reused. This joint development project promises to potentially pave the way for developing novel renewable and sustainable materials. “Similar technology can be used to produce other key chemical ingredients by fermentation at industrial scale, such as cinnamic acid, monohydroxy-benzoic acid, and dihydroxy-benzoic acid,” said McNamara.

###

About Conagen

Conagen is making the impossible possible. It is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing service capabilities. Its proprietary strain development, fermentation, and scale-up technologies enhance our partners' sales, production, and profitability across a broad spectrum of current and developing markets in food, beverage, nutrition, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials.

About Sumitomo Chemical

Sumitomo Chemical is Japan's leading chemical company, with a global presence in the chemicals, petrochemicals, and plastics industries. The company is committed to sustainability and has a product portfolio contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Top of Form 

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AKWEL Records Revenue Of €545.8 Mln In First Half, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- AKWEL, the automotive and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) equipment and systems manufacturer, has posted consolidated revenue of €545.8 million in the first half of 2023, an increase of 11.8 per cent from the same period last year. (€1=RM5.01)

With the global automotive market once again experiencing growth, AKWEL recorded an 11.9 per cent increase in reported revenue in the second quarter of this year and a 17.7 per cent increase comparing like-for-like figures.

According to a statement, the group posted a fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

The consolidated net cash position excluding lease obligations and after the dividend payout progressed to €101.1 million at June 30, with €23.8 million in investments made over the half-year period.

Given the performance achieved in the first half of the year and the more favourable business outlook for the automotive and HGV sector worldwide, AKWEL expects around 10 per cent revenue growth in the 2023 financial year.

In connection with the implementation of the share buyback programme, authorised by the General Meeting of May 25, AKWEL has signed a share buyback agreement. The purpose of the programme is to cancel the shares thus redeemed, under the conditions provided for by law.

-- BERNAMA

Avia Solutions Group Chairman Highlights Challenges Of Factory Freighters Compared To P2F

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Avia Solutions Group Chairman, Gediminas Ziemelis highlighted the challenges of factory freighters compared to passenger-to-freighter (P2F) as airlines and air cargo providers are pursuing different strategies when it comes to building up their freighter fleets.

According to KPMG's latest report, last year, 35 orders were made for new 777-200F aircraft, 33 were made for new 777-8Fs, and 20 providers bought new A350Fs. These orders were made by both dedicated air cargo providers and airlines.

Meanwhile, annual P2F conversions have reached historic highs with volume estimated to peak at 180 per year by 2025, and then settle at around 160 aircraft per year. This compares to 70 units per year before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of factors are affecting the choice of purchasing either new freighters or P2F conversions in which naturally, cost is a major one, taking into account variables like total order number, fuel burn and maintenance as well as the upfront production costs.

Ziemelis in a statement, highlighted that leasing costs has a massive difference in the baseline costs for new versus converter freighters. The upfront price for a brand new 777-200F or A350F is roughly US$170 to US$185 million, or a monthly lease rate of between US$1.2 and US$1.3 million. (US$1=RM4.54)

By contrast, leasing a 777-300 P2F conversion will cost US$0.6 million per month, or roughly US$65 million to purchase outright. This aircraft is likely to compare well with its production rivals, but at a fraction of the cost.

He further explained that airlines will make savings on P2Fs when it comes to maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), following access to the second hand market for parts, maintaining these aircraft will be considerably less expensive than keeping new planes in operation.

Airbus estimates that an additional 1,040 freighters will need to be added to the global cargo fleet by 2041, as Boeing's forecasts are even more confident. Buying new cargo freighters to meet this need carries significant risk for airlines.

Ziemelis explained that there is little to be gained in performance and capacity from purchasing a new freighter as P2F conversions are capable of matching new production freighters in terms of volume, and they have notable advantages when it comes to maintenance and production.

Ultimately, conversions represent a much lower financial risk, enabling airlines to sustainably ramp up their air cargo capacity, which is why significant growth in P2F conversions can be seen, while the delivery of new freight aircraft has stagnated.

Ziemelis is an accomplished Lithuanian entrepreneur, business consultant, and the founder and current Chairman of the Board of Avia Solutions Group, one of the largest global Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) providers, operating a fleet of 180 aircraft.

-- BERNAMA

ANOTHER THREE RAIL TRANSIT LINES IN CHINA OPERATE WITH HYTERA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

 

Nanjing-Chuzhou Rail Transit Line (Chuzhou Section) (Photo: Business Wire)

SHENZHEN, China, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hytera Communications (SZSE: 002583), a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions, has completed the delivery of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) systems to multiple rail transit lines, three of which began operation at the end of June. TETRA systems were adopted by rail transit operators to ensure the timely and safe running of trains; PDT systems were adopted to facilitate the police patrol at stations along the lines.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230726332692/en/ 

The Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan Intercity Metro Xihuan Line Phase I started operation on June 28. Hytera delivered an 800MHz TETRA system to facilitate instant communication among various work groups of train dispatching, maintenance, disaster prevention, environmental control, etc. The 350MHz PDT system deployed in the stations is interconnected with the police and fire departments’ PDT systems to ensure a fast and coordinated response to emergencies.

On June 28, Nanjing-Chuzhou Rail Transit Line (Chuzhou Section) officially opened for operation; it became the first intercity rail transit line across provinces in China. The line is 49.66 kilometers long and has a design speed of 120 kilometers per hour, linking Chuzhou in Anhui Province and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province. It fulfills a smooth connection to Nanjing Metro. Hytera supplied 800Mhz TETRA systems and devices, which have been used by the operation dispatcher, train driver, and maintenance staff.

On June 24, Suzhou Metro Line 11 began operation. Hytera deployed 350MHz PDT systems to ensure coverage along the line and stations for the police. The metro PDT system is connected to the citywide police PDT network and became an integral part of the city’s public safety communications and dispatching system.
 

Learn more about Hytera transportation solutions: https://www.hytera.com/en/industries/transportation.html. 

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