Month: August 2023

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Conflicts of interest and differences of opinion of various parties is behind environmental crisis (FTDES)

Conflicts of interest and disagreements between the various actors involved in the waste management process make the environmental issue “a subject of conflict that gradually leads to confrontation”, according to the Department of Environmental and Climate Justice of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES). In its recently published bi-annual report on environmental justice, the FTDES stressed that both conflicts of interest and differences are likely to deepen the environmental crisis in Tunisia. Speaking of “the divergent interests of the different actors”, the Forum explained that private companies in charge of managing controlled and semi-controlled landfills are putting pressure not only to maintain landfill methods, but also to delay the transition to waste recycling. “Their aim is to profit from the uncontrolled transport of all waste. These companies are working to get the maximum amount of waste into landfills because their income is calculated on the volume of waste,” the Forum added. For the organisation, the allocation of part of the waste management services to these companies through concessions granted by municipalities or the National Waste Management Agency (ANGED) reflects “the gradual move to privatise this sector.’ According to the same source, although the privatisation process is governed by precise legal frameworks and specifications, it remains the source of several problems and overruns that have affected the inhabitants of areas close to the landfills. An official discourse at odds with the reality on the ground In its report, the Forum also lamented the divergence of vision between the various stakeholders, including the authorities, the victims of pollution and civil society. For the FTDES, the authorities’ strategy is based on the centralisation of waste management, the adoption of landfill technologies, the construction of landfills for the most vulnerable social groups, and increased police presence during social environmental protests. On the other hand, vulnerable groups and civil society claim their right to a healthy environment. They called for the decentralisation of waste management and recycling. Finally, the forum called on the authorities to take action on the environment in line with the slogans they defend and to focus on the fight against corruption. Tunisia produces about 2.7 million tonnes of waste, according to ANGED. The rate of waste production per inhabitant is more than 0.815 kg per day in urban areas and almost 0.250 kg in rural areas. For the management of the waste, the municipalities contribute 40%. For waste management, the municipalities contribute almost 40%.

Source: EN – Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

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AJST to organise 31st Night of Stars on August 13, in Tunis

The Association Jeunes Sciences de Tunisie (AJST) is organising the 31st edition of the Night of the Stars 2023 on August 13. The event will take place on Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis from 7 p.m. The Night of the Stars offers the public a unique opportunity to experience a magnificent cosmic journey free of charge and to discover the secrets of the universe. Fourat Mansouri, AJST’s scientific coordinator, told TAP that the association’s scientific facilitators will explain the solar system to the public through a lecture and telescopic observations of the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn. Scientific conferences on astrophotography and the latest scientific developments will also be held. The programme also includes a conference on the simulation of astronomical phenomena using astronomical software and workshops on astronomy for children.

Source: EN – Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

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Working session at Health Ministry to accelerate completion of King Salman Hospital project in Kairouan

A working session held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health headquarters followed up the completion of the King Salman bin Abdul Aziz University Hospital project in the governorate of Kairouan. During the meeting, participants discussed the solutions that have been taken to speed up the procedures required to launch the construction in the shortest possible time. The working session was chaired by the chief of staff of the minister of Health Elham Karim and attended by governor of Kairouan Mohamed Bourguiba, regional and health ministry executives. The construction of the King Salman Abdulaziz University Hospital project comes within the framework of strengthening cooperation in the health field between the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Tunisia and is a donation from the Saudi fund for development.

Source: EN – Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

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Absa Group chairman very satisfied with Seychelles’ branch

The progress of Absa Bank Seychelles has been described as very satisfactory by the Absa Group Limited chairman who is on an official visit to Seychelles.

A delegation led by Sello Moloko, the group chairman, met with Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday.

“We are very satisfied with the performance that we are making as an institution in Seychelles and quite comfortable with the management team,” Moloko told reporters.

The two-day visit in Seychelles is the first time a high-level delegation from the Absa Group visit the island nation in the western Indian Ocean.

Moloko explained that the meeting with the President was to discuss the plans of the country and how the financial institution can play a role in ensuring that the country reaches its objective.

“It was also to show our commitment to Seychelles as the country. We are here for the long term and we obviously want to see the economy grow and in the process, grow with the economy,” he added.

One area he said that needs to be addressed is the human capital development around skills and “we are looking at ways in which can continue our role in ensuring that we develop skills in the banking space in Seychelles.”

Absa Bank Seychelles is a subsidiary of Absa Group Limited with its headquarters in South Africa and subsidiaries in 12 African countries.

The bank opened in the country in 1959 as a branch of Barclays of the United Kingdom until 2000, when Barclays Bank Seychelles Limited was incorporated.

Beginning in October 2019, Barclays Bank Seychelles began re-branding to Absa Bank Seychelles Limited until February 2020, when the legal and business names of the bank changed to Absa Bank Seychelles Limited.

“I have been chairperson of the group only since April and so I wanted to ensure that in my role I get to understand the franchise as much as I can,” said Moloko, who added that he has been visiting all of Absa Group’s banks, with Seychelles being the second to last of these countries that I am visiting,” said Moloko.

During their visit to Seychelles, the delegation also had the chance to interact with Absa Seychelles customers, staff and other local partners in a networking event held at Eden Bleu Hotel on Tuesday evening.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

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British government donates digital tech to Seychelles Police Force for better training and results

Donation of technical equipment made to the Seychelles Police Force by the British High Commission is set to boost the training capability of future officers.

The technical equipment will be used as part of the ongoing implementation of the Strategic Review of Policing launched in June 2022.

The donation consists of digital forensic technology, satellite phones, laptops, cameras, and new smart board training and operational planning equipment.

The Strategic Review of 2023-2025 exercise, which was conducted by the British experts, namely Sir George Hamilton, Philip Knox, and Raymond Murray, has 15 recommendations.

The training of staff, especially young officers, was among the recommendations as it was sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Young recruits for the police force are trained at the Seychelles Police Academy (SPA) based in the eastern Mahe district at Pointe Larue.

Speaking to SNA on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent Hendrika Marie said that the interactive panel smart boards, which can directly connect to the internet, will be placed in classes at the academy.

“This will facilitate the use of digital resources – videos, YouTube – to reinforce our training quality. It will also allow us to conduct mass training when doing virtual training,” said Marie.

She added that “other equipment will be placed in the computer rooms. At the moment, the computer rooms are only accessed by students, but we also want police officers to be able to use them to carry out research. The donations will help us achieve this aim.”

Marie told SNA that the British High Commission assisted the police force with the strategic review and “at the end of the year when they reviewed the funds that they had, they decided to assist us with the extras as they are fully engaged with the implementation of our strategic plans.”

According to a press release from the British High Commission on Tuesday, during the handing over of the equipment, the British High Commissioner, Patrick Lynch, said: “There have been many different elements to this support, with world-leading technical equipment being complemented by the presence of world-leading experts.”

“The UK is the supporting partner, with the change being led by local experts who are designing Seychellois solutions to Seychellois challenges. There is no doubt that the biggest threat to this country at the moment is heroin, with rates of use being worse than in any other country in the world,” added Lynch.

He said that “tragically, many lives have already been lost, and as the situation has deteriorated, we can see a huge risk to tourism, which drives the local economy. There is absolutely no reason that the heroin networks cannot be quickly dismantled.”

For security reasons, no further information was provided by the British High Commission on the digital forensic technology handed over to the Seychelles Police Force and how it will be used.

SNA was unable to reach an officer within the police force to get more details on the benefits of such technology.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

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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. 01, 2023 (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.

Investor and Media Contact:
Joe Farmer, President & COO
Zenas BioPharma
IR@zenasbio.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8884766

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Conagen and Sumitomo Chemical jointly develop a new era of renewable carbon materials

Bedford, Mass., Aug. 01, 2023 (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

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1-781-271-1588
ana.capretz@conagen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8884420

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Education Stakeholders Encouraged To Promote Teamwork

Education Stakeholders in Makueni County have been challenged to embrace teamwork in a bid to improve education standards in the area. Eastern Regional Director of Education (RDE), Mr. Fredrick Kiiru, underscored the need for the local education department to work closely with teachers and their trade unions, as well as parents, in a bid to avoid unnecessary conflicts that can negatively impact education. ‘Keep embracing the spirit of working together. Organise education days where the relevant stakeholders and leaders can converge and exchange ideas with a view to boosting education standards in the area,’ he said. Kiiru was speaking in a Wote town hotel Monday during a farewell party for the outgoing County Director of Education (CDE), Mr. James Gachungi, who has been transferred to Mombasa County in the same capacity. ‘Our lives are not about the number of cars or houses you have bought, but about the number of children’s lives you have positively impacted,’ he noted. Further, the RDE reminded the stakeholders present that their cardinal role was to prepare the next generation to be good citizens, saying that teamwork was not negotiable since it encompasses the sharing of views and getting solutions to emerging education problems. While welcoming the incoming CDE, Mr. Charles Nyakundi, the RDE described Gachungi as a humble servant of the people and a man of transformative leadership, who was duly dedicated to his work. He lauded the outgoing director for ensuring that education standards improved during his four-year tenure in Makueni, while urging him to do even better in his new station. At the same time, Kiiru challenged some of the education officers, school principals, and head teachers present to always uphold professionalism and follow the laid-down regulations while executing their mandate to avoid unnecessary conflicts. ‘Be a person of decorum and adhere to the law, as it will help you deliver efficient services to the citizens,’ he said. Speaking in the same function, the county KUPPET Executive Secretary, Mr. Justus Kimeu, lauded Gachungi for offering quality leadership and allowing wide consultations with stakeholders to ensure contentious issues were solved amicably. Others present at the occasion included the county Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Director Ms. Grace Mwangi, Makueni Sub County Director of Education Mr. Onduso Magara, local KNUT Executive Secretary Mr. Benson Ndambuki, area Chairperson for the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Mr. Julius Mutui, and his Kenya Primary Schools Teachers Association (KEPSHA) counterpart Mr. Pascal Mutunga, among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Turkana Develops Water Harvesting Infrastructure

The Turkana County Government is constructing water harvesting structures at Songot in Turkana West in a bid to collect enough water for crop production. The Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP), is reclaiming 200 acres for sorghum production in the Nanyang’akipi area of Songot Ward. Speaking Monday during a monitoring and evaluation tour of the projects that are set to benefit 680 households, the County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Ms. Janerose Tioko, commended the community for accepting to clear bushes to increase acreage as part of their contribution to the project and urged them to utilise the short rains to plant sorghum. On his part, ASDSP County Coordinator Mr. Boniface Okita said that the programme will support the construction of 40 water harvesting bunds in the next two weeks, as well as supply farm tools and sorghum seeds to the community. Acting Sub-County Agriculture Officer Mr. Vincent Cheruyot and Land Reclamation Officer Mr. James Longole were present.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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County, Alpharama Partner To Boost The Hide, Skin Industry

The Uasin Gishu County Government is embarking on an ambitious plan to establish a centre of training for the hide and skin industry. Last week, the County hosted Alpharama Limited, a prominent player in the hide and skin processing industry, who expressed their interest in improving the sector’s quality standards as mandated by the President. During the visit, County Executives for Agriculture, Mr. Edward Sawe, and his Trade and Industrialization counterpart, Marta Cheruto, emphasised the county’s commitment to supporting investors and providing training opportunities for the local workforce. The move will boost Uasin Gishu’s efforts to become a leading centre for hide and skin training, bolstering its local economy and contributing to the country’s leather industry. The visit by Alpharama Limited is a positive step towards realising the County’s vision of becoming a centre for training on hides and skins. The County Administration has been working tirelessly to improve the quality of the slaughterhouse in order to attract more investors in the sector. The upgrade of the Eldoret slaughterhouse is part of these efforts, aimed at improving the quality of hides and skins and boosting the local economy. This investment will not only benefit the county but also the entire country, as it aligns with President Dr. William Ruto’s directive to enhance the quality of hides and skins for export and also for industrial use. Sawe highlighted the need to provide training and capacity-building opportunities to the local workforce to ensure they have the necessary skills to handle hides and skins. ‘This will not only create employment opportunities for the local population but also promote the county as a hub for the leather industry,’ said Sawe. ‘The visit by Alpharama Limited is a testament to Uasin Gishu’s potential in the meat processing industry,’ he added In her remarks, Trade and Industrialization CECM Ms. Martha Cheruto pointed out that with the upgraded slaughterhouse and the support of investors like Alpharama Limited, the County is set to attract more investments and become a leading centre for training on hides and skins. She noted that the County is optimistic that these efforts will not only boost the local economy but also contribute to the growth of the national leather industry. ‘As Uasin Gishu takes steps towards becoming a centre of training on hides and skins, more opportunities will arise for the local population, creating a brighter future for the county and its residents,’ said Cheruto. On his part, Alpharama Limited Managing Director Sambasiva Rao expressed his company’s commitment and interest in investing in the County and working towards improving the quality of hides and skins while at the same time improving the livelihoods of locals through the provision of employment. Others present at the event were Chief Officers Mr. Nixon Cheplong (Livestock) and Mr. Geoffrey Tanui (Trade), among other county officers, and the Alpharama Limited team.

Source: Kenya News Agency