Energy Vault Announces Energy Storage Agreement with DG Fuels to Provide 1.6 GWh of Energy Storage Capacity In Support of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Projects

 Deployment of the innovative EVx™ platform expected to generate up to $520 million in revenue

LUGANO, Switzerland & WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.-Saturday 30 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

-(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Energy Vault, Inc. (“Energy Vault”), the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions with its proprietary technology, today announced that it has entered into an energy storage system agreement with DG Fuels LLC (“DG Fuels”), an emerging leader in renewable hydrogen and biogenic based, synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (”SAF”) and diesel fuel.

Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Vault agreed to provide 1.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy storage to support DG Fuels across multiple projects, with the first project slated for 500 megawatt hours (MWh) in Louisiana. This initial project will be followed by additional projects in British Columbia and Ohio. DG Fuels has developed a carbon conversion fuel production process that is targeting a 93% carbon conversion efficiency, which reduces the amount of feedstock required to produce SAF and lowers cost of production.

DG Fuels will deploy Energy Vault’s gravity storage systems to provide green electricity in conjunction with photovoltaic solar to firm and shape the renewable energy to match the demand load of the green hydrogen production. The renewable power will be used to power HydrogenPro water electrolysis for both hydrogen and oxygen feedstock production.

Energy Vault’s advanced gravity energy storage solutions are based on the proven physics and mechanical engineering fundamentals of pumped hydroelectric energy storage, but replace water with custom-made composite blocks, or “mobile masses”, which do not lose storage capacity over time. The composite blocks can be made from low-cost and locally sourced materials, including the excavated soil at the construction site, but can also utilize waste materials such as mine tailings, coal combustion residuals (coal ash), and fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades.

Additionally, the Energy Vault systems are intended to minimize environmental and supply chain risks, which was a critical factor in the final selection by DG Fuels. The systems are automated with advanced computer control and machine vision software that orchestrate the charging and discharging cycles while meeting a broad set of storage durations starting from 2 hours and continuing to 12 hours, or more.

Energy Vault expects this agreement to provide up to $520 million in revenue across the three projects, the first of which expected to commence in mid-2022.

Robert Piconi, CEO and Co-Founder of Energy Vault, commented, “We are proud to collaborate with DG Fuels and its partners to economically enable 24/7 renewable power, supporting DG Fuels to execute against their plans to efficiently deliver green fuel to the aviation industry. Our energy storage systems are designed to maximize the use of local materials and stimulate local job creation, thus amplifying the sustainability benefits of DG Fuels’ deployment plans. These projects will play a critical role in reducing our reliance on fossil-based fuels while further advancing our country’s decarbonization goals.”

Michael C. Darcy, CEO of DG Fuels said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Rob and the Energy Vault team to deploy their innovative energy storage system which best meets our needs for reliable, cost effective, safe and sustainable energy storage. Energy Vault’s system will play a critical role within our technology and vendor ecosystem to efficiently deliver SAF to the transportation industry.”

About Energy Vault

Energy Vault develops sustainable energy storage solutions that are transforming the world’s approach to utility-scale energy storage for grid resiliency. Our proprietary Energy Management System software and Gravity-based Energy Storage Technology are intended to help utilities, independent power producers and large industrial energy users to significantly reduce their levelized cost of energy while maintaining power reliability. Utilizing eco-friendly materials with the ability to integrate waste materials for beneficial re-use , Energy Vault is accelerating the shift to a circular economy and a fully renewable world. Learn more at www.energyvault.com.

Energy Vault previously announced an agreement for a business combination with Novus Capital Corporation II (NYSE: NXU, NXU.U, NXU WS), which is expected to result in Energy Vault becoming a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

About DG Fuels

DG Fuels is building a zero-CO2 life cycle emissions synthetic fuel system based on high carbon conversion technology reaching 93% efficiency. The DG Fuels’ technology does not require the development of new engines or an expanded hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure. DG Fuels’ innovative technology produces a hydrogen via water electrolysis and biomass derived carbon replacement fuel for aircraft, and potentially for locomotives, vessels and trucks as well.

DG Fuels delivers a significant value proposition to end-customers, including meaningful environmental benefits and the ability to materially address sustainability goals. If successful, DG Fuel’s carbon efficient solution will tie together all critical elements to power, fuel, and provide SAF to its customers. Learn more at www.dgfuels.com.

About Novus Capital Corporation II

Novus raised approximately $287.5 million in its February 2021 IPO and its securities are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbols “NYSE: NXU, NXU.U, NXU WS.” Novus is a special purpose acquisition company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Novus Capital is led by Robert J. Laikin, Jeff Foster, Hersch Klaff, Larry Paulson, Heather Goodman, Ron Sznaider and Vince Donargo, who have significant hands-on experience helping high-tech companies optimize their existing and new growth initiatives by exploiting insights from rich data assets and intellectual property that already exist within most high-tech companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “designed,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity, expectations and timing related to the rollout of Energy Vault’s business and timing of deployments, including with respect to the agreement with DG Fuels and the associated projects, expectations with respect to revenue generated under the agreement with DG Fuels, the consummation of the agreement with DG Fuels, the proposed features and designs of the EVx and the Energy Vault Resiliency Center (EVRC) platforms, the availability of low-cost and locally sourced materials to produce “mobile masses,” customer growth and other business milestones, potential benefits of the proposed business combination and PIPE investment (the “Proposed Transactions”), and expectations related to the timing of the Proposed Transactions.

These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Energy Vault’s and Novus’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Energy Vault and Novus.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the Proposed Transactions, including the risk that any regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the Proposed Transactions or that the approval of the stockholders of Novus or Energy Vault is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Energy Vault; risks related to the rollout of Energy Vault’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks related to the inability or unwillingness of Energy Vault’s customers to perform under sales agreements; risks related to Energy Vault’s ability to obtain and maintain a performance bond; risks related to Energy Vault’s receiving partial payment in the form of subordinated debt; risks related to timing delays that impact the sales price due to Energy Vault under its announced agreement with DG Fuels; demand for renewable energy; ability to commercialize and sell its solution; ability to negotiate definitive contractual arrangements with potential customers, including a purchase and sale agreement with DG Fuels that is contemplated by the announced agreement; the impact of competitive technologies; ability to obtain sufficient supply of materials; the impact of Covid-19; global economic conditions; ability to meet installation schedules; construction and permitting delays and related increases in costs; risks related to the performance of systems delivered to DG Fuels; the effects of competition on Energy Vault’s future business; the amount of redemption requests made by Novus’ public shareholders; and those factors discussed in the Registration Statement and in Novus’ Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the business combination under the caption “Risk Factors”, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents of Novus filed, or to be filed, with the SEC.

Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving Novus and Energy Vault. Novus has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Novus, and certain related documents, to be used at the meeting of stockholders to approve the proposed business combination and related matters. Investors and security holders of Novus are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as any amendments thereto and other relevant documents that will be filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety because they contain important information about Energy Vault, Novus and the business combination. The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to stockholders of Novus as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement and other documents containing important information about each of the companies once such documents are filed with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

Novus and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Novus’ shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Energy Vault and its executive officers and directors may also be deemed participants in such solicitation. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Novus’ executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading Novus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents and other materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Novus’ participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination when it becomes available.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027005554/en/

Contacts

Investors

energyvaultIR@icrinc.com

Media

energyvaultPR@icrinc.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/energy-vault-announces-energy-storage-agreement-with-dg-fuels-to-provide-16-gwh-of-energy-storage-capacity-in-support-of-sustainable-aviation-fuel-projects/en

Takeda Delivers Strong H1 FY2021 Results; Further Growth Momentum Expected Through Fiscal Year-End Driven by 14 Global Brands

 OSAKA, Japan -Saturday 30 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

Delivered H1 Year-Over-Year Growth in Reported Revenue of +12.8% and Underlying Revenue of +6.8%

14 Global Brands Represent 42% of Total Core Revenue with +11.4% Underlying Growth in H1; Further Acceleration Expected through H2

Highly Innovative Pipeline Poised to Deliver Over the Short- and Long-term

Confirmed Full Year Management Guidance, On Track for Underlying Core Operating Profit Margin Target of Approximately 30%

Announces Share Buyback of Up to 100B Yen

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TOKYO:4502/NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) today announced financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2021 (period ended September 30, 2021). Based on the strong first half results, the company also confirmed its fiscal year 2021 management guidance.

Fiscal year 2021, ending in March 31, 2022, continues to be a year of growth with anticipated topline acceleration driven by the company’s 14 global brands. In addition, the company is committed to the potential of its highly innovative R&D strategy built on a combination of in-house innovation and strategic partnerships that tap cutting-edge science at the source. Recent key pipeline wins, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of EXKIVITY™ and unanimous recommendation for approval of maribavir by a U.S. FDA Advisory Committee further underscore its promise and potential. The company also announced today the intent to buy back shares up to 100B yen, underscoring confidence in its business strategy and commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

Christophe Weber, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“Our strategic vision to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments will be realized by the strength of our leading products and our innovative pipeline. Takeda’s Q2 and first-half results are evidence of progress and conviction in our strategy while consistently delivering on our fundamentals. As a result, we are confirming full-year FY2021 guidance as we track toward topline growth and strong core operating profit margins.”

“Takeda’s growth continues to be driven by our 14 Global Brands, which will remain our primary growth driver for the coming years. In addition, our ambitious pipeline is starting to deliver results, including the recent U.S. FDA approval of EXKIVITY. This underscores the potential of the pipeline to transform lives and our business.”

“The announcement of our new share buyback program, approved by Takeda’s Board of Directors, further demonstrates commitment to delivering shareholder value and our confidence in our business strategy.”

“Takeda’s strong commercial portfolio and R&D pipeline are diversified across four core therapeutic areas and represent innovative and potentially transformative benefits for patients. Altogether, we believe that the combination of these growth drivers will continue to propel our business forward and help to ensure our future growth is resilient, for not just the next quarter but the next decade.”

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Results for H1 FY2021 Ended September 30, 2021

(billion yen, except

percentages and per

share amounts)

REPORTED

CORE

(Non-IFRS)(a)

UNDERLYING(b)

(Non-IFRS)(a)

H1 FY2021

vs. PRIOR YEAR

H1 FY2021

vs. PRIOR YEAR

 

Revenue

1,794.4

+12.8%

1,661.4

+4.4%

+6.8%

Operating Profit

346.0

+60.5%

485.7

-4.3%

+6.4%

Margin

19.3%

+ 5.7pp

29.2%

-2.7pp

29.1%

Net Profit

183.6

+112.2%

335.9

-2.8%

 

EPS (JPY)

117 yen

+111.2%

214 yen

-3.3%

+9.1%

Operating Cash Flow

400.0

+2.0%

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow (Non-IFRS)(a)(d)

315.6

-25.8%

 

 

 

(a) Further information on certain of Takeda’s Non-IFRS measures is posted on Takeda’s investor relations website at https://www.takeda.com/investors/financial-results/.

(b) Underlying growth compares two periods (quarters or years) of financial results under a common basis and is used by management to assess the business. These financial results are calculated on a constant currency basis and excluding the impact of divestitures and other amounts that are unusual, non-recurring items or unrelated to our ongoing operations.

(c) Core Operating Profit represents net profit adjusted to exclude income tax expenses, the share of profit or loss of investments accounted for using the equity method, finance expenses and income, other operating expenses and income, amortization and impairment losses on acquired intangible assets and other items unrelated to Takeda’s core operations, such as non-recurring items, purchase accounting effects and transaction related costs.

(d) Free Cash Flow represents cash flows from operating activities, excluding acquisition of plant, property and equipment, intangible assets and investments, and any other cash that is not available to Takeda’s immediate or general business use, and including proceeds from sales of property, plant, sales and redemption of investments and businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents divested.

https://www.takeda.com/investors/financial-results/

Reported Revenue increased +12.8%, Underlying Core Revenue increased +6.8% vs H1 FY2020, driven by 14 global brands

Takeda’s 14 global brands, with an aggregate reported revenue of 692.2 billion yen ($6.2B), posted year-over-year underlying revenue growth of +11.4% and now represent 42% of total core revenue, with further acceleration expected in H2.

Takeda’s 5 key business areas with 1,434.6 billion yen ($12.9B) in reported revenue.

GI with 429.1 billion yen ($3.85B) in reported revenue, with underlying revenue growth of +8% spearheaded by gut-selective ENTYVIO.

Rare Diseases with 300.1 billion yen ($2.69B) in reported revenue declined -2% on an underlying basis with rare hematology decline in line with expectations due to competition and HAE growth being impacted by phasing dynamics; remain on track toward full year forecast.

Plasma Derived Therapy (PDT) Immunology with 238.0 billion yen ($2.13B) in reported revenue, with underlying revenue growth +11% driven by Immunoglobulin and ALBUMIN/FLEXBUMIN.

Oncology with 233.7 billion yen ($2.09B) in reported revenue, with underlying revenue growth of +8% driven by indication expansion across portfolio.

Neuroscience with 233.7 billion yen ($2.09B) in reported revenue, with underlying revenue growth of +9% driven by strong rebound of VYVANSE following impact of COVID-19 in prior year.

Reported Operating Profit increased +60.5%; Underlying Core Operating Profit Margin was 29.1% for H1

Reported operating profit increased +60.5% to 346.0 billion yen ($3.1B) compared to H1 FY2020, reflecting a gain on the sales of the diabetes portfolio in Japan and declining purchase price accounting and integration costs.

Core operating profit for the current period decreased -4.3% due to divestitures and increased R&D investment. On track towards full year forecast of 930.0 billion yen ($8.34B)

Important R&D Milestones as Innovative Pipeline Begins to Deliver

Received U.S. FDA approval for EXKIVITY (mobocertinib) as the first and only approved oral therapy specifically designed for patients with EGFR Exon20 insertion mutations+ NSCLC, with filing under review in China and other countries.

Received unanimous recommendation from a U.S. FDA Advisory Committee for maribavir as a treatment for post-transplant recipients with refractory CMV infection with or without resistance. A decision is expected by next month (PDUFA November 23, 2021).

Partnership with Novavax in Japan for development, manufacturing (250 million doses per year) and commercialization of TAK-019, their COVID-19 vaccine candidate with distribution in Japan expected to begin in early calendar year 2022, subject to regulatory approval.

Received approval from the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Alofisel (darvadstrocel) to be manufactured and marketed for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in patients with non-active or mildly active luminal Crohn’s disease.

Announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with JCR Pharmaceuticals to commercialize JR-141 (INN: pabinafusp alfa) for the treatment of Hunter syndrome (also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis type II or MPS II).

Announced intent to acquire Gamma Delta Therapeutics to accelerate the development of allogeneic gamma delta T-cell therapies with the intention to finalize deal in Q1 FY22. Closing of the transaction is contingent on completion of review under antitrust laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the U.S.

Entered into three next generation gene therapy collaborations, including with Selecta Biosciences, Poseida Therapeutics and Immusoft.

Additional Pipeline Developments

Suspended dosing of patients in two Phase 2 studies of TAK-994, an investigational oral orexin agonist for the treatment of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), after a liver toxicity signal emerged in two clinical studies. Takeda, as well as many experts and regulatory authorities, remain excited and optimistic about the potential of orexin agonists given the transformative efficacy demonstrated by TAK-994 in NT1 patients, and Takeda has a number of differentiated molecules in the pipeline that are part of its orexin franchise.

Announced that the Phase 3 PANTHER (pevonedistat-3001) study did not achieve statistical significance for the primary endpoint of event-free survival.

Other Important Developments in H1

Broke ground in Woodlands, Singapore for company’s first building to follow the Singapore Green Mark Zero Energy certification scheme as the first ‘net zero carbon emissions’ building in its global network and first-of-its-kind investment within the biotechnology industry in Singapore.

Selected four new partners for the annual global Corporate Social Responsibility program to help strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries.

FY2021 GUIDANCE

On Track Towards Full-Year FY2021 Guidance

(billion yen)

FY2021 CURRENT

FORECAST

Underlying

Management Guidance

Revenue

3,370.0

Mid-single-digit growth

R&D Expenses

-522.0

 

Reported Operating Profit

488.0

 

Core Operating Profit

930.0

Mid-single-digit growth

~30% margin

Reported EPS (Yen)

117(a)

 

Core EPS (Yen)

394

Mid-single-digit growth

Free Cash Flow

600-700

 

Annual Dividend per Share (Yen)

180

 

 

(a) Previously 160 yen per Share. This change reflects the recording of a tax provision involving Irish taxation of the break fee Shire received from AbbVie in connection with the terminated offer to acquire Shire made by AbbVie in 2014. This change reflects an update to Takeda’s forecasted net income attributable to owners of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022 filed today with the Tokyo Stock Exchange. See the release entitled “Summary of Financial Statements for the Six-month Period Ended September 30, 2021 (IFRS, Consolidated)” for additional information.

Key Assumptions in FY2021 Forecast

Company guidance reflects management’s expectations for continued business momentum across Takeda’s five key business areas and underlying revenue growth of its 14 global brands, while also increasing investment in R&D.

FY2021 guidance reflects key assumptions, including (1) Takeda expects at least one 505(b)2 competitor for subcutaneous VELCADE to launch in the U.S. around mid FY2021; (2) Takeda does not expect to restart sales of NATPARA in the U.S. market in FY2021; and (3) FY2021 guidance does not include the impact of any potential further divestitures beyond what has already been disclosed by Takeda.

To date, Takeda has not experienced a material effect on its financial results as a result of the global spread of the novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). Based on currently available information, Takeda believes that its financial results for FY2021 will not be materially affected by COVID-19 and, accordingly, Takeda's FY2021 forecast reflects this belief. However, the situation surrounding COVID-19 remains highly fluid, and future COVID-19-related developments in FY2021, including new or additional COVID-19 outbreaks and additional or extended lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders or other government action in major markets, could result in further or more serious disruptions to Takeda’s business, such as slowdowns in demand for Takeda’s products, supply chain related issues or significant delays in its clinical trial programs. These events, if they occur, could result in an additional impact on Takeda’s business, results of operations or financial condition, as well as result in significant deviations from Takeda’s FY2021 forecast.

For more details on Takeda's H1 FY2021 results and other financial information, please visit: https://www.takeda.com/investors/financial-results/

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TOKYO: 4502/NYSE: TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people’s lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

The product names appearing in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by Takeda, or their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could” “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

Financial Information

Takeda’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Convenience translations of JPY figures into USD are included for reference and have been calculated at a rate of JPY/USD of 111.5.

Certain Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This press release and materials distributed in connection with this press release include certain IFRS financial measures not presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), such as Underlying Revenue, Core Operating Profit, Underlying Core Operating Profit, Core Net Profit, Underlying Core EPS, Net Debt, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. Takeda’s management evaluates results and makes operating and investment decisions using both IFRS and non-IFRS measures included in this press release. These non-IFRS measures exclude certain income, cost and cash flow items which are included in, or are calculated differently from, the most closely comparable measures presented in accordance with IFRS. By including these non-IFRS measures, management intends to provide investors with additional information to further analyze Takeda’s performance, core results and underlying trends. Takeda’s non-IFRS measures are not prepared in accordance with IFRS and such non-IFRS measures should be considered a supplement to, and not a substitute for, measures prepared in accordance with IFRS (which we sometimes refer to as “reported” measures). Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures to their most directly comparable IFRS measures.

Further information on certain of Takeda’s Non-IFRS measures is posted on Takeda’s investor relations website at https://www.takeda.com/investors/financial-results/

Medical information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027006259/en/

Contacts

Investor Relations

Christopher O’Reilly, +81 (0) 3-3278-2543

christopher.oreilly@takeda.com

Media Relations

Christina Beckerman, +1 (908) 581-4133

christina.beckerman@takeda.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/takeda-delivers-strong-h1-fy2021-results-further-growth-momentum-expected-through-fiscal-year-end-driven-by-14-global-brands/en

The International Telecom Community Awarded Nexign Microservices Platform Twice in a Week

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia & DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-Thursday 28 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nexign (part of ICS Holding), an international provider of business support systems (BSS), has announced it won the MEA Technology Achievement Award and was shortlisted for another prestigious international award for the telecom industry, Glotel.

The MEA Tech Award was introduced by the MEA Business magazine, one of the business's top publications in the Middle East and Africa, while the Global Telecom Award brings together the top players in telecom from around the world recognizing innovation and excellence.

The prize and the nomination were awarded the same week for the Nexign Microservices Platform and the Microservices Factory project based on it.

Nexign Microservices Platform supports the whole cycle of development and delivery based on cloud-native microservices architecture, which lays the foundation for continuous creation of new digital services. The framework leverages CI/CD automation and facilitates partner collaboration through standardised APIs. This solution enabled the launch of Microservices Factory at MegaFon and allowed the company to reduce TTM for internal innovations. Nexign Microservices Framework empowered MegaFon to roll out 100+ new services, bring to market a multi-subscription digital services platform MegaFon Plus, and generally slash TTM from 3-4 months up to 2 weeks.

The project resulted in building the Open Ecosystem, constantly expanding with the new partners enriching MegaFon’s portfolio with the new product offerings. Nexign Microservices Platform enables telecom operators to always stay at the forefront of market changes and steadily cater to the ever-changing needs of its customers.

Both the development project and the final product have garnered recognition from the international telecom industry, to which the MEA Tech Award and the Glotel nomination are a token.

“The award and the nomination are not just a huge honour for Nexign. They signify the professional community’s recognition and appreciation of our projects. We strongly believe the Microservices Platform is a solution the world of telecom really needs these days. It would allow CSPs to swiftly react to any challenges the market can throw at them,” says Dmitry Antipov, the Customer Relations Director at Nexign.

About Nexign

Nexign (a part of Intellectual Computer Systems Holding (ICS Holding) is a major supplier of BSS solutions for telecom operators across 17 countries. The company focuses on modernising CSP’s IT systems to boost their profitability and slash TTM for new products.

Over 30 years on the market, Nexign has created an extensive suite of technological solutions to support and sustain transformation of telecom operators. Nexign’s products range from convergent BSS systems to elaborate optimisation solutions for subordinate software. Nexign boasts its comprehensive approach to reorganising all kinds of processes in the telecom industry, which offers a fresh impetus to the customer business and encourages innovations.

For more information, please visit the website and follow the latest news from Nexign on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About ICS Holding

Intellectual Computer Systems Holding (https://x-holding.ru/) is a multidisciplinary Russian IT group, which holds a leading position in the technology and IT services development market. ICS Holding is the largest IT provider for telecom operators and one of the fastest growing IT holdings in the Russian market. ICS Holding is among Russia’s top three largest IT development companies, top ten IT companies and top ten suppliers of equipment for the industrial sector. The holding brings together more than 30 companies united in five subholdings: YADRO, Nexign, Citadel, Kryptonit and Forpost.

ICS Holding’s top priorities include the digital transformation of enterprise companies, information security, data storage systems, cryptography and quantum computing, machine learning and artificial neural networks, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI). In terms of geographical reach, the business covers all regions of Russia, as well as several countries in the CIS and further afield.

ICS Holding companies employ in excess of 6,000 people. More than 120 global projects have been implemented in Russia and worldwide. More than 1000 of ICS Holding’s customers work in more than 20 countries.

The total revenue of ICS Holding companies in 2020 reached 85 billion rubles. The partner network of ICS Holding includes more than 50 companies in Russia and beyond.

15.09.2020 ICS Holding became a part of USM Telecom.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211026005212/en/

Contacts

Galiya Sayfutdinova
Marketing Communications Team Lead, Nexign
galiya.sayfutdinova@nexign.com


 

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/the-international-telecom-community-awarded-nexign-microservices-platform-twice-in-a-week/en

Vifor Pharma and Angion report topline results from phase-III registration trial of ANG-3777 in kidney transplant patients at risk for delayed graft function

  • Phase-III trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference from placebo on the primary endpoint of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) at 12 months in patients at risk for delayed graft function (DGF)

• Safety profile of ANG-3777 consistent with overall experience

• Further data analysis ongoing to determine next steps


ST. GALLEN, Switzerland & UNIONDALE, NY-Wednesday 27 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Regulatory News:

AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR

Vifor Pharma and Angion Biomedica Corp. (NASDAQ: ANGN) today announced that the phase-III trial of Angion’s ANG-3777 did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference from placebo on the primary endpoint (eGFR at 12 months) in the population of deceased donor kidney transplant patients who were at risk for developing DGF.

ANG-3777 showed a modest but not statistically significant difference in eGFR of 53.3mL/min/1.73m2 versus 50.4mL/min/1.73m2 for placebo (2.9 mL/min/1.73m2 (p=0.33)). In addition, ANG-3777 demonstrated an inconsistent benefit on key secondary endpoints. Based upon these data, it is not expected there is sufficient evidence to support an indication in the studied DGF population.

The statistical analysis plan also included an analysis of only those people who completed the trial, without using a multiple imputation method to account for missing data and intercurrent events. Under this analysis, ANG-3777 showed a difference on 12 month eGFR of 57.1mL/min/1.73m2 versus 52.2mL/min/1.73m2 (4.9mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.06) for placebo. These data are potentially indicative of biologic activity of ANG-3777.

The overall safety profile of ANG-3777 in this trial was consistent with the overall experience in its clinical development program and consistent with the published literature in this patient population.

“Unfortunately, the results of the phase-III registrational trial did not confirm as strong of an effect as we hoped for in the interests of patients experiencing DGF after kidney transplantation”, said Dr. Klaus Henning Jensen, Chief Medical Officer of Vifor Pharma. “These kinds of challenges are part of clinical development activities. Our collaboration with Angion and the development of ANG-3777 in cardiac-surgery associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) continues unchanged, with topline data expected later this year.”

“We are disappointed in the outcome of this trial. While we saw signals of activity for ANG‑3777, we hoped ANG-3777 would robustly demonstrate a benefit for transplant recipients who have no treatment options when their transplants have DGF,” stated Jay Venkatesan, M.D., Angion’s President and CEO. “The totality of the DGF data, together with the CSA-AKI data expected later this year, will inform our clinical strategy with respect to ANG-3777 going forward. I want to extend my special thanks to the patients, their families, and the investigators and their staff members who participated and worked diligently on this trial.”

This multi-center, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled phase-III trial randomized 253 patients 1:1 to receive ANG-3777 or a placebo treatment dosed once per day for three days. Eligible patients received a deceased donor transplant and were determined to be at risk for delayed graft function by having low urine output (oliguria) for more than 8 consecutive hours post-transplant, reflecting potential graft injury. Twenty-five transplant centers in the U.S. enrolled patients in this phase-III registration trial. The primary endpoint was renal function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with a primary analysis time point of eGFR at twelve months using a pre-specified multiple imputation method.

About Vifor Pharma Group

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.

About Angion

Angion is committed to transforming the treatment paradigm for patients suffering from acute organ injuries and fibrotic diseases for which there are no approved medicines or where existing approved medicines have limitations. Angion’s lead product candidate, ANG-3777, is a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic. An exploratory Phase 2 trial of ANG-3777 for the treatment of acute kidney injury associated with cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is ongoing with data expected in the fourth quarter of 2021. Angion is scheduled to begin a Phase 2 trial evaluating ANG-3070, an oral tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor for the treatment of fibrotic disease, in patients with primary proteinuric kidney diseases. Additionally, Angion has preclinical programs for a rho kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor and a CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) inhibitor. For more information, please visit www.angion.com.

Angion expects to report cash and cash equivalents as of 30 September 2021 totaling approximately $100 million, when it reports quarterly earnings in November 2021.

About ANG-3777

ANG-3777 is a small molecule designed to mimic the biological activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which activates the c-Met cascade of pathways involved in tissue repair and organ repair. ANG-3777 has a substantially longer half-life than HGF. An exploratory phase-II trial for the treatment of acute kidney injury associated with cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CSA-AKI) is ongoing with data expected in the fourth quarter of 2021. In November 2020, Vifor Pharma and Angion signed a license agreement for global rights outside Greater China to commercialize ANG-3777 in nephrology indications only.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that may occur in the future are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements in this press release regarding Angion’s expectations that release of topline data from the ANG-3777 Phase 2 exploratory trial for the treatment of acute kidney injury associated with cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass surgery will be in the fourth quarter of 2021, a global Phase 2 trial of ANG-3070 in patients with primary proteinuric kidney diseases will begin enrolling patients this year, and Angion expects to report cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2021 totaling approximately $100 million. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: reporting of trial results or commencing enrollment in clinical trials could be delayed for reasons outside of Angion’s control, including the effects of COVID-19 on Angion’s clinical programs and business operations; and Angion’s September 30, 2021 estimated cash is preliminary and is subject to review and adjustment during the financial review process. For a description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in forward-looking statements, see Angion’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2021, particularly the information under the caption “Risk Factors,” as well as other documents that may be filed by Angion from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Angion undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by law.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211026006150/en/

 

Contacts

Media Relations
Nathalie Ponnier
Global Head Corporate Communications
+41 79 957 96 73
media@viforpharma.com

Investor Relations
Julien Vignot
Head of Investor Relations
+41 58 851 66 90
investors@viforpharma.com

Angion contact:
Daniel Ferry
LifeSci Advisors
617-430-7576
daniel@lifesciadvisors.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/vifor-pharma-and-angion-report-topline-results-from-phase-iii-registration-trial-of-ang-3777-in-kidney-transplant-patients-at-risk-for-delayed-graft-function/en

Fluence Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

  ARLINGTON, Va.--Friday 29 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fluence, a leading global provider of energy storage products and services and digital applications for renewables and storage, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 31,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price to the public of $28.00 per share. The shares of Class A common stock are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on October 28, 2021, under the ticker symbol “FLNC.” The initial public offering is expected to close on November 1, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

In addition, Fluence has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,650,000 shares of its Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley, Barclays Capital Inc., and BofA Securities are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, UBS Securities, LLC, Evercore Group L.L.C., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Nomura Securities International, Inc., Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Seaport Global Securities LLC, Penserra Securities LLC, and Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC are acting as co-managers for the offering.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained from: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmorganchase.com; Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014; Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by email at barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com or by telephone at (888) 603-5847; BofA Securities, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.

A registration statement relating to this offering was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2021. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Fluence

Fluence, a Siemens and AES company, is a global market leader in energy storage products and services and digital applications for renewables and storage. We have more than 3.4 GW of energy storage deployed or contracted in 29 markets globally, and more than 4.5 GW of wind, solar and storage assets optimized or contracted in Australia and California. Through our products, services and AI-enabled Fluence IQ platform, we are helping customers around the world drive more resilient electric grids and a more sustainable future.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027006241/en/

Contacts

Media

Edelman for Fluence

Julia Fisher

FluenceMedia@edelman.com

Investors

Samuel Chong

samuel.chong@fluenceenergy.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/fluence-announces-pricing-of-initial-public-offering/en

Announcement at kENUP Roundtable: BioNTech Plans mRNA Facility in Africa in Mid-2022

 • BioNTech signs Memorandum of Understanding with Rwandan Government and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar. Construction is planned to be initiated of the first mRNA manufacturing facility in Africa in mid-2022

• First manufacturing facility will become a node in a decentralized and robust African end-to-end manufacturing network

• Development and implementation of a scalable regional manufacturing network to enable an annual manufacturing capacity of several hundreds of million mRNA vaccine doses

KIGALI, Rwanda-Thursday 28 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- BioNTech SE today announced that the Company plans to initiate the construction of the first state-of-the-art manufacturing site for mRNA-based vaccines in the African Union in mid-2022. This is the next step in BioNTech’s efforts to implement sustainable end-to-end vaccine supply solutions on the African continent. The decision is the result of a meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr Daniel M. Ngamije, Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Aïssata Tall Sall, Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech and Sierk Poetting, COO of BioNTech as well as Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Director-General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre and Dr Amadou Alpha Sall, Directeur-General of Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting occurred upon the invitation of the kENUP Foundation and took place as a side-event of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the African Union and the European Union and resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This comes after the parties signed a Joint Communiqué at a previous meeting in Berlin on August 27, 2021.

“I would like to thank all participants of today’s meeting for the support and trust to establish the first mRNA manufacturing facility within the African Union. Together, we will work on developing a regional manufacturing network to support the access to vaccines manufactured in Africa, for Africa,” said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech. “Our goal is to develop vaccines in the African Union and to establish sustainable vaccine production capabilities to jointly improve medical care in Africa. We have made great progress in the past few weeks, which will help us on our way to turn these plans into reality.”

Sierk Poetting, COO of BioNTech added: “We aim to accelerate the building of a GMP-certified manufacturing facility and plan to begin the construction on site in mid-2022. The MoU underlines that time is a critical success factor in the development of sustainable vaccine production for the African Union. We have finalized the planning and initial assets for the new facility have already been ordered.”

The parties agree to jointly establish end-to-end manufacturing capacities for mRNA-based vaccines in Africa starting immediately. BioNTech has finalized the construction plans and ordered the assets, which will be delivered by mid-2022. The new manufacturing facility could become the first node in a decentralized and robust African end-to-end manufacturing network enabling an annual manufacturing capacity of several hundreds of million mRNA vaccine doses.

BioNTech plans to develop and implement a scalable construction network based on the expertise and learnings from the ramp-up of the Company’s production facility in Marburg. To enable an expedient set-up of production capacities according to GMP standards, BioNTech will start with the construction and validation of a first production line enabling the manufacturing of drug product for about 50 million of e.g. COVID-19 vaccine doses per year, once fully operational. The capacity will be increased sequentially by adding further manufacturing lines and sites to the manufacturing network on the continent, supporting the production of several hundreds of millions of mRNA vaccine doses.

BioNTech will initially staff, own and operate the facility to support the safe and rapid initiation of the production of mRNA-based vaccine doses. BioNTech plans to transfer manufacturing capacities and the know-how to local partners. Therefore, BioNTech, Rwanda Development Board and Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal agreed to swiftly build-up the required human resources capacity and systems so that the partners can take over ownership and operational duties. In parallel, the Republic of Rwanda and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar have committed themselves to scale-up fill and finish capacities to complete the local end-to-end manufacturing process. In addition, BioNTech is in discussions about an expansion of the current partnership with Cape Town-based vaccine manufacturer Biovac, which is part of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing network.

Dr Daniel Ngamije, Minister of Health of the Republic of Rwanda: "Bringing end-to-end vaccine manufacturing of biologicals to Africa is essential for our continent’s health security and prosperity. Rwanda is committed to working with the African Union, the European Union, BioNTech, and other technology partners to make this a reality as quickly as possible.”

“The BioNTech partnership will not only build physical infrastructure but also strengthen human capacity in Africa to develop the most advanced vaccine technologies,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Aïssata Tall Sall. “With decades of experience manufacturing yellow fever vaccines, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar is ready to partner with BioNTech to rise to the challenge of developing mRNA vaccines for Africa.”

Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission: "By working together, in the spirit of this meeting, the African Union, the European Union, key technology partners, and other stakeholders, can make decisive contributions and effective coordination in the fight against this pandemic, and future health challenges."

Jutta Urpilainen, European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships: “I am proud to welcome this next, concrete step towards making mRNA-based vaccines in Africa, for Africa. Through our Team Europe Initiative on local manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and medical technologies, the European Union is committed to making this initiative a success.”

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa: “State-of-the-art facilities like this will be life-savers and game-changers for Africa and could lead to millions of cutting-edge vaccines being made for Africans, by Africans in Africa. This is also crucial for transferring knowledge and know-how, bringing in new jobs and skills and ultimately strengthening Africa’s health security. WHO is ready to work with countries to step up their commitment to vaccine manufacturing.”

Holm Keller, Executive Chairman of kENUP Foundation: “Global vaccine equity is key to accelerating the end of the pandemic. Today’s announcement is an important next step towards sustainable vaccine production in Africa. We are grateful to our partners for their decisive contribution and their relentlessness towards making swift Africa vaccine production a reality.”

The initiative is aligned with the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and medical technologies (MAV+) led by the European Commission in collaboration with the EU Member States and the European Investment Bank.

More information can be found at www.kenup.eu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211026005703/en/

Contacts

Tobias Mac-Lean, maclean@kenup.eu, +4915116744480

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/announcement-at-kenup-roundtable-biontech-plans-mrna-facility-in-africa-in-mid-2022/en

MSCI Makes Implied Temperature Rise Data of Over 2,900 Companies Publicly Available

  Underscores MSCI’s commitment to increase ESG transparency and data for investors globally



NEW YORK -Friday 29 October 2021 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the critical COP26 conference just around the corner, investors are seeking new levels of transparency into the alignment of listed companies with global climate goals. MSCI (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, announced today it has made the Implied Temperature Rise of over 2,900 companies (constituents of MSCI ACWI Index) publicly available on its website, to allow investors access to the data and transparency required to navigate their transition to net-zero.

Implied Temperature Rise provides clarity and transparency on the climate commitments of listed companies by assessing their commitments to net-zero emissions using a simplified and powerful forward-looking metric: companies’ alignment with global temperature targets, which is expressed in degrees Celsius. MSCI first announced the launch of this solution in September. The Temperature Rise solution was modelled to meet the design recommendations set out by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Portfolio Alignment Team for all segments of the financial sector to measure and disclose temperature alignment of portfolios as well as target-setting frameworks.

Implied Temperature Rise captures crucial benchmarks, such as the 2°C target set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as the 1.5°C limit, popularized through the Paris Agreement, as well as companies’ decarbonization plans. Implied Temperatures are calculated by comparing companies’ projected emissions with their allocation of the global remaining carbon budget, a figure that sets the upper limit on allowable carbon emissions to keep the planet below key temperature targets, a benchmark that is also referenced in MSCI’s quarterly Net-Zero Tracker.

Beginning today, global investors will be able to search a company’s name or ticker to access its Implied Temperature Rise, decarbonization target (through MSCI’s Target Scorecard), and its MSCI ESG Rating which has been available since 2019. The publicly available tools are available on MSCI’s website here.

Remy Briand, Global Head of ESG and Climate at MSCI, said: “At MSCI, we are staunch advocates of the need for greater transparency and consistent standards in ESG and Climate metrics. Publishing the Implied Temperature Rise data is a natural extension of the transparency work we started in 2019 when MSCI published our ESG Ratings. As COP26 fast approaches, we are confident this new data adds much-needed clarity to the discussion on the role of capital markets in combating climate change. We are proud to be a leader in driving ESG and Climate transparency, equipping investors with the data they need as they sharpen their focus on the financial impact of climate change, raising awareness of the value of ESG data and ratings, and improving disclosure standards.”

MSCI has and will continue to conduct proactive outreach to the nearly 10,000 publicly listed companies to call for increased climate disclosure by year end. MSCI invites all issuers to review and provide feedback on their climate targets and commitments through the MSCI ESG Issuer Communications Portal.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027005628/en/

Contacts

Media Inquiries
PR@msci.com
Sam Wang +1 212 804 5244
Melanie Blanco +1 212 981 1049
Laura Hudson +44 (0) 207 336 9653

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

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/msci-makes-implied-temperature-rise-data-of-over-2900-companies-publicly-available/en