HYDERABAD, India, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Astreya, a global leader in IT managed services and digital transformation, proudly celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Hyderabad facility. Over the past year, this strategic hub has driven breakthroughs in cloud computing, automation, and enterprise IT solutions, strengthening Astreya’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and talent development.

A Year of Unparalleled Growth

In just 12 months, the Hyderabad office has established itself as a center of excellence, delivering next-generation IT solutions while fostering a world-class work environment. Key achievements include:

• Cutting-Edge Innovation Hub – Certified as an Offshore Development Center (ODC), the Hyderabad facility meets global standards for security, scalability, and seamless IT operations.
• Advanced Security & Employee Well-Being – A 24/7 security infrastructure, ergonomic workspaces, and employee-first facilities ensure a dynamic, secure, and high-performance workplace.
• Global Partnerships & Industry Leadership – Strengthened collaborations with technology giants, positioning Astreya at the forefront of AI-driven IT services.
• Empowering Top Talent – Career growth initiatives, leadership training, and a workplace culture rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
• Expanding Opportunities for All – Accessibility upgrades, flexible policies, and engagement programs that support a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment.

A Vision for the Future

As Astreya continues to expand its global reach and technological footprint, the Hyderabad facility remains a cornerstone of its growth strategy.

Romil Bahl, CEO of Astreya, reflected on this milestone:

“Our Hyderabad team has been nothing short of extraordinary. The passion, innovation, and technical expertise here continue to fuel our global success. This facility is an engine for digital transformation, automation, and enterprise IT excellence. As we move forward, we are doubling down on our commitment to talent, technology, and the future of IT services.”

Celebrating One Year of Impact

To commemorate this achievement, Astreya hosted a two-day anniversary event on February 17-18, 2025, featuring:

• Leadership Town Hall – Executives shared insights on Astreya’s growth trajectory and future innovation plans.
• Employee Recognition & Team-Building – Honoring top performers through awards, interactive workshops, and networking sessions.
• Cross-Team Collaborations – Strengthening synergy across global teams, accelerating AI and cloud-driven IT advancements.

About Astreya

Astreya is a global IT managed service provider, delivering technology solutions that help businesses scale, drive innovation, and streamline operations. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Jose, California, operating in over 35 countries, supporting some of the world’s most recognized companies. Astreya provides solutions across public, private, and hybrid clouds, data centers, and the modern workplace while leveraging AI automation across it all. Our mission is to empower organizations to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape by transforming the way they leverage technology to support their customers, empower their employees, and grow their business.

Learn more at www.astreya.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

• Mars announces intention to undertake world’s largest international study program into the human-animal bond and the role of cats and dogs in human mental health and wellbeing
• The multi-year research program in partnership with leading academics will span over 35,000 people across more than 20 countries. It launches at a time of growing awareness of the global mental health crisis affecting millions^1,2
• Mars also unveils unique research and content partnership with Calm, a leading mental health company, to shine a light on pets and their role in human mental health and wellbeing

BRUSSELS, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mars, Incorporated – the leading pet care business – has announced the launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program. PAWS is set to become the world’s largest, multi-year research program exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing, deepening our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond.

Pet owner and their cat bonding: Mars launches landmark global study into the human-animal bond

Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, PAWS will examine the connection between pets and human mental health and wellbeing (including stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing). The multi-disciplinary research program will engage over 35,000 people across 20+ countries in the initial phase and will continue to build over time. The program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the life of pets.

Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, said: “As a pet owner, I know firsthand the joy and comfort pets bring to our lives and there is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. We’re aiming to deliver on our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, because we believe pets make our lives better, and through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets.”

Over the lifetime of the study program the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, with the aim to deliver novel research and new insights.

Dr Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine said: “Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel – that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience. We are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work.”

As part of the program, Mars is also partnering with Calm, a leading mental health company. The collaboration combines Calm’s expertise in mental wellness with Mars’ leading research into the human-animal bond and will encompass research and content through 2025.

Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer, Calm said: “Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources.”

Wellbeing has become an increasingly vital priority with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern.² At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide.¹ A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.^3,4 With 56% of people worldwide owning pets and a global pet population of 1 billion, understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important.³

Mars advocates for the essential role companion animals play in our lives and is committed to tackling issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and people together. Over the next five years, Mars aims to support millions of vulnerable pets worldwide alongside a coalition of dedicated partners and believes a deeper understanding of the role pets play in people’s lives will contribute to improving the lives of pets and the people who care for them.

Mars is a global leader in pet care, spanning comprehensive veterinary care (including: AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™), nutrition (including PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®), breakthrough programs in veterinary diagnostics (ANTECH®), wearable health monitoring and pet parent platforms. With over 100,000 Associates helping pets, their owners and pet professionals in more than 130 countries.

For more information on PAWS program, visit: www.mars-petsandwellbeing.com

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. 

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com.

Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About Waltham Petcare Science Institute

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people.

For more information, visit: www.waltham.com. Join us on LinkedIn.

About Calm

Calm is a consumer mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. With the #1 app to help you sleep more, stress less and live mindfully as well as a growing library of digital, evidence-based mental health programs, Calm offers trusted support for individuals and organizations alike. Our flagship consumer app provides personalized content and activities – featuring a range of experts and beloved celebrity voices. Our workplace and healthcare solutions take a consumer-friendly approach to mental health support delivered on a HIPAA-compliant platform to drive positive health and business outcomes. Named a TIME100 Most Influential Company, Calm has more than 150 million downloads and supports more than 3,500 organizations across seven languages and 190 countries.

To learn more, visit calm.com.

References

1. World Health Organization, Anxiety Disorders, 2023
2. IPSOS, Ipsos Health Service Report 2024: Mental Health seen as the biggest Health issue, 2024
3. Mars, Mars Global Pet Parent Study, 2024
4. Gitanjali E. Gnanadesikan et al. Glucocorticoid response to naturalistic interactions between children and dogs. Hormones and Behavior. Volume 161, May 2024

Pet owner and their dog: Mars announces plans for world’s largest international study program into the role of cats and dogs in human mental health and wellbeing

Funding will accelerate Together AI’s leadership as the preferred AI Cloud for building modern AI applications with open source models, and for training frontier models with its large-scale deployment of NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Together AI, the leading AI Acceleration Cloud, today announced a $305 million Series B investment led by General Catalyst and co-led by Prosperity7. The round saw participation from a distinguished group of global institutional and strategic investors including Salesforce Ventures, DAMAC Capital, NVIDIA, Kleiner Perkins, March Capital, Emergence Capital, Lux Capital, SE Ventures, Greycroft, Coatue, Definition, Cadenza Ventures, Long Journey Ventures, Brave Capital, Scott Banister, and technology pioneer John Chambers.

The funding round, which values the company at $3.3 billion, arrives as Together AI unveils plans for an unprecedented expansion of its AI Acceleration Cloud, with plans for large deployment of NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs. This strategic investment will further accelerate Together AI’s position as the leading end-to-end platform for building with open source models. Together AI’s enterprise-grade inference and fine-tuning capabilities have already transformed how over 450,000 AI developers, AI-native companies, and global enterprises like Salesforce, Zoom, SK Telecom, Hedra, Cognition, Zomato, Krea, Cartesia, and The Washington Post build modern AI applications.

“Vipul and team have built an incredible tech platform and business, emerging as a dominant player in AI infrastructure in less than two years. I was introduced to them when I invested in their first angel round and have witnessed firsthand the evolution of a product that, today, many Fortune 100 clients use to train, finetune, and run inference on models at scale,” said Marc Bhargava, managing director at General Catalyst. “Together AI’s mission to be the full stack AI cloud is truly inspiring, and General Catalyst brings the go-to-market expertise and ambition to supercharge this goal.”

Open source models like DeepSeek-R1 and Meta’s Llama have emerged as formidable alternatives to proprietary solutions, marking a decisive shift in the AI landscape. Together AI has established itself as the definitive platform powering this transformation for developers, AI-native companies, and global enterprises to leverage open source AI with unrivaled speed and efficiency. Together AI delivers the fastest DeepSeek-R1 and Llama inference at production scale through its secure, private infrastructure and research innovations.

“AI is transforming every industry, creating unprecedented efficiencies and enabling entirely new classes of products. We have built a cloud company for this AI-first world — combining state-of-the-art open source models and high performance infrastructure, with frontier research in AI efficiency and scalability,” said Together AI CEO Vipul Ved Prakash. “Our AI Acceleration Cloud uniquely provides organizations with the performance, security, and functionality required to train frontier models and build production-scale AI applications with incredible cost efficiency. With this investment, we will accelerate our mission to make open source AI accessible for AI developers and customers globally.”

Together AI’s platform uniquely spans the entire AI lifecycle, delivering enterprise-grade inference solutions; training and fine-tuning for frontier foundational models; agentic workflows with built-in code interpretation; and synthetic data generation. It enables organizations to build complete AI applications with the performance, security, accuracy, and model ownership that enterprises demand. Supporting over 200 open source models across all modalities — chat, image, audio, vision, code, and embeddings — the platform is powered by Together AI’s proprietary Inference engine and built on research innovations including FlashAttention-3 kernels and advanced quantization techniques. It delivers 2-3x faster inference than today’s hyperscaler solutions.

The company continues to reshape the AI infrastructure landscape with 200 MW of secured power capacity and is deploying optimized clusters of NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs across multiple data centers in North America. Together AI’s partnership with Hypertec to co-build a cluster of 36,000 NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 GPUs further cements its position at the forefront of AI Cloud providers. At the heart of this infrastructure lies the Together Kernel Collection, a breakthrough in AI system optimization developed under the leadership of Chief Scientist Tri Dao, creator of FlashAttention. This proprietary technology stack delivers 24% faster training operations while significantly reducing costs for customers like Pika Labs.

“Recent developments in open source AI illustrate the importance of Together AI’s work in making access to models like these secure, accessible, and powerful for organizations here in the U.S. and around the world,” said Prosperity7 Ventures Managing Director Abhishek Shukla. “Together AI’s ability to do this while accelerating the process, increasing efficiencies and reducing costs makes Together AI an exceptional resource for even large, global businesses.”

Together AI’s research lab continues to pioneer breakthrough methods at the intersection of AI and systems research, with open source contributions like Mixture of Agents, Medusa, Sequoia, Hyena, and Mamba driving innovation across the industry.

The company’s leadership position has been reinforced by milestone achievements at an extraordinary pace. In 2024 alone, Together AI grew its user base to over 450,000 AI developers, and has collaborated with Dell, Hypertec, NVIDIA and Meta. It deployed DeepSeek models in North American data centers with full opt-out privacy controls, launched the Together Enterprise Platform and AWS Marketplace availability, and partnered with Cartesia to enable ultra-low latency voice AI through Sonic model integration. Together AI recently acquired CodeSandbox with plans to integrate its capabilities directly into Together AI for built-in code interpretation – an industry first. The company also strengthened its leadership team with key hires, including go-to-market veteran Kai Mak as CRO, and research pioneer James Zou.

About Together AI

Together AI, the leading AI Acceleration Cloud, empowers developers and enterprises to train, fine-tune and run inference for generative AI models — delivering unparalleled performance, control, and cost-efficiency. The Together AI Platform supports a comprehensive range of top open source and custom models across multiple modalities, while offering flexible deployment options with the highest levels of privacy and security. Committed to advancing the frontier of AI through open collaboration, innovation and transparency, Together AI ensures that powerful AI systems remain accessible and flexible while creating optimal outcomes for society. To start fine-tuning and running the world’s best open source models, visit together.ai.

Media Contact
Rajan Sheth, CMO, Together AI
press@together.ai

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a recent announcement, Bestqool is upgrading both the Pro100 and Pro200 to the four-wavelength configuration (630 nm, 660 nm, 850 nm, 940 nm) as the Pro 300, without increasing the price. Apart from this upgrade, Bestqool has also introduced a second-gen light mobile stand that is more controllable and powerful than its predecessor.

Bestqool is one of the earliest brands in the red light therapy industry, pursuing innovation in product development to meet the emerging needs in health and wellness. These new products further demonstrate how Bestqool is committed to transforming lives by ensuring people have access to high-quality red light therapy at home.

Two New Wavelengths Unlocking Diverse Medical Benefits

The Pro100 and Pro200 were initially available with two wavelengths, 660 nm and 850 nm, which assist in inflammation reduction and blood circulation. Two new wavelengths have been added with the recent upgrade —630 nm and 940 nm. These new additions stretch the spectrum and make the devices more versatile and able to cater to a wider range of consumer needs.

• The red light of 630 nm has a better effect on super shallow skin layers, can promote skin repair, and improve skin quality.
• 940 nm near-infrared light has better penetrating ability, which can penetrate deep tissues, relieve chronic pain, and improve joint function.

For users, the availability of these two wavelengths adds more effective therapies targeting multiple pain points and conditions. From mood improvement to ocular fatigue relief, hair growth support, cognitive function aid, and energy and immunity boosting, Bestqool’s professional-grade apparatus allows users to physically and mentally lead a healthier, more powerful existence that enables them to live with greater enjoyment in today’s speedily changing world.

Upgraded mobile stand and powerful panel light ≠ heavy and clumsy

Bestqool is dedicated to improving user experience, which is evident from their second-generation mobile stand. This stand provides easy adjustment for large-volume red light devices during home therapy sessions, enhancing safety and comfort while performing therapy. 

Key Upgrades:

• Less weight: Easy to handle and carry.
• More Robust: Designed to withstand the rigors of commercial use.
• Customer friendly: Better coordination between the customer and the mounted equipment.

The 2nd Gen mobile stand is also compatible with 99% of the red light therapy products available today; with its help, even users of other brands devices can have a higher level of use experience. The refined stand facilitates the setup of multiple devices, producing an enjoyable and flexible experience for users.

Cost Effectiveness: Major Benefit for Customers

One of the standout features of the Pro Series upgrade is that despite adding two other wavelengths, Bestqool has not increased the price of the Pro100 and Pro200. The upgrade ensures that consumers can access cutting-edge, multi-band therapy at the same price level, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions in the world of red light therapy.

Also, users don’t have to buy multiple devices for their needs. With the updated Pro Series, one device can meet a variety of needs, spanning post-workout recovery, muscle and joint pain relief, skin repair, and enhanced cognitive function. This flexibility allows individuals to explore their health with greater accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

The Ingenious Technology Behind the Upgrade

The upgraded Pro100 and Pro200 are designed to produce the best results possible, according to the R&D team at Bestqool, who has reportedly left no stone unturned. The following improvements were done:

• Optimized Spectrum Ratio: The spectrum ratio of 630 nm, 660 nm, 850 nm and 940 nm has been finely tuned to achieve optimal synergy of the four wavelengths. This maintains that each of the wavelengths is colluding to provide maximum therapeutic effects without wasting any energy. This results in a more powerful and efficient device.
• Dual-Chip Lamp Beads: The Pro100 and Pro200 now employ an innovative dual-chip lamp bead design. This enables the devices to work at the new wavelengths while still providing stable, reliable output. This improves performance without sacrificing longevity or power efficiency of the device.
• Upgraded Circuit / Improved Heat Dissipation: The devices now feature two additional wavelengths, which require higher power input, leading to excessive heat generation. To ensure the devices stay safe and efficient even at high output conditions, Bestqool has adopted an upgraded version of the circuit design and heat dissipation system. With this upgrade, it ensures smooth and durable performance of Pro Series products for users.
• Increased Device Longevity: The technical features of the Pro Series contribute to the longevity of the devices. Optimized parts in addition to increased heat dissipation give users the reassurance that these new models will provide safe and effective operation for many years with no performance degradation.

About Bestqool

With a commitment to providing high-quality red light therapy solutions that are affordable and accessible to all, Bestqool invests significantly in R&D to ensure each product meets the highest standards of both quality and performance. This dedication to constant development and service quality has earned them countless loyal customers as the franchise continues to set the standard in the wellness industry.

Market impact and availability

There are two main purchasing channels for the products: Amazon and the official website of Bestqool. With warehouses in Europe, America, and Asia, Bestqool assures effective and reliable services to all its customers globally. Additionally, Bestqool offers up to a three-year warranty on its products. This commitment to after-sales service reflects the company’s confidence in its quality and helps strengthen relationships with customers.

Contact
For media contact and inquiries, please contact
Giselle
Email: marketing@Bestqool.com 

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — INMOTION Technologies Co., Ltd., a global leader in intelligent personal mobility, has officially launched the V9, a groundbreaking electric unicycle that sets a new industry standard. Designed to enhance safety, intelligence, and entertainment, the V9 aims to accelerate the adoption of electric unicycles and further drive the industry’s growth.  

Enhanced Safety and Intelligence: Redefining Industry Standards

The INMOTION V9 is the world’s first electric unicycle to receive TÜV Rheinland UL2272 certification, ensuring compliance with stringent North American safety standards. Additionally, it is the first unicycle equipped with the RideConnect function, featuring 4G remote locking, ride tracking, and 24/7 online monitoring—even when the device is powered off. With app-based remote access, users can check battery health, adjust ride modes, and enjoy a safer, more convenient riding experience.

Unparalleled Riding Experience: Lightweight and High-Performance

Built for both comfort and performance, the V9 features the Nimbus Air suspension system, providing smooth rides on various terrains. It is powered by high-end Samsung battery cells, rigorously tested under extreme temperatures, and managed by an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure safety and longevity. The Raptor M controller, combined with the Ultra-Control balance system, delivers precise, stable power output for optimal ride control.

Entertainment on the Go: Music, Lights, and More

Beyond performance, the V9 enhances the riding experience with Light-Pulse ambient lighting, offering 256 colors and customizable lighting effects to match any mood or style. The built-in high-fidelity stereo dual speakers support group ride audio sync, allowing riders to enjoy music with your friends together and create an immersive outdoor concert-like experience.

Driving Industry Growth: Making Electric Unicycles More Accessible

As a pioneer in the electric unicycle industry, INMOTION is committed to expanding market adoption and educating consumers.
“The V9 is not just a product—it’s a major step toward making electric unicycles a mainstream mode of transportation,” said INMOTION’s CEO, WangYu. “We aim to break down barriers and make this technology more accessible. To achieve this, we have prioritized industry promotion, user education, and market expansion over short-term profits.”

Shaping the Future of Micro-Mobility

With its cutting-edge technology, superior quality, and user-centric design, INMOTION continues to redefine industry standards for electric unicycles. The launch of the V9 is not just an innovation—it’s a commitment to driving the future of micro-mobility and enabling more riders to experience the freedom and excitement of electric unicycles.

Watch the launch event: https://www.youtube.com/@INMOTIONSCV

Know more about INMOTION V9: https://bit.ly/4b70Gga

About INMOTION

Founded in 2012, INMOTION Technologies Co., Ltd. is a global leader in short-distance transportation, specializing in electric unicycles, e-scooters, and micro-mobility solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, INMOTION is dedicated to transforming personal transportation and providing users with smarter, more convenient ways to move.

Samueli Transformed How Society Communicates, Connects, and Does Business Through His Pioneering Research and Commercialization of Broadband Communication and Networking Technologies

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization advancing technology for humanity, today announced that Henry Samueli is the 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor Laureate and the first recipient of its $2 million monetary prize. This highest of IEEE awards is bestowed on Samueli, an IEEE Fellow, in recognition of his pioneering research and advances in developing and commercializing analog and mixed signal communications systems circuits, which led to the explosive growth of broadband communication, wired and wireless networking technologies used today. A prominent philanthropist, Samueli is also honored for his significant support for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

“IEEE Medal of Honor Laureate Henry Samueli’s vision and communications technology innovations spurred the development of products used by nearly every person around the world,” said 2025 IEEE President and CEO Kathleen Kramer. “From the billions of consumer smart phones, set-top boxes and tablets to laptops, and IoT devices, Samueli created new and novel ways to power connections and unite humanity.”

As a UCLA electrical engineering professor, Samueli used his knowledge to conceive digital signal processing architectures for broadband communications chips, and after founding Broadcom, built the world’s first digital cable set-top-box modem chipset. This laid the foundation for delivering UltraHD, HDTV and high quality video streaming to the home, and today, the company is a global leader in semiconductor technologies for wired and wireless communications.

“Through broadband, Henry Samueli helped revolutionize how the world is connected, fostered cultural and economic paradigm shifts of countless industries, and positively changed how we do everything today,” added K. J. Ray Liu, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Raising the Prestige of IEEE Awards and 2022 IEEE President and CEO. “In addition, his prolific philanthropy has deeply impacted many lives for the better – from generous support of STEM education to a pledge to give away the majority of his money during his lifetime. These contributions are exemplary for technologists, modeling the impact they can have not just on the world they live in, but for those who follow them.”

Additional information about the 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor Laureate Henry Samueli, as well as the history of the prize can be found at:

• IEEE Medal of Honor page
• Press conference livestream replay (on demand starting February 21, 2025)
  https://ieeetv.ieee.org/2025MedalofHonor 
• History of the IEEE Medal of Honor

The 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor, as well as additional high-profile IEEE awards, will be presented at the 2025 IEEE Honors Ceremony on April 24, 2025, which will for the first time be held in Tokyo, Japan.

About IEEE Awards
For more than a century, the IEEE Awards Program has served as the world’s top peer-recognition program, acknowledging preeminent leaders and visionaries in science, technology, and engineering advancement. Through the program, IEEE recognizes pivotal contributions in fields of interest to IEEE that advance technology for the benefit of humanity.

For more information, please visit, or follow IEEE Awards on X|Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About IEEE
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.

Contact:
Monika Stickel
+1 732 562 6027
m.stickel@ieee.org 

Francine Tardo
+1 732 465 5865
f.tardo@ieee.org

• YORVIPATH^® (palopegteriparatide) is now registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults¹
• First-in-class novel PTH replacement therapy
• Australia becomes the first country to obtain Marketing Authorisation for YORVIPATH since FDA approval

SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Independent biopharmaceutical company Specialised Therapeutics (ST) welcomes the registration of YORVIPATH^® (palopegteriparatide) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), “for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults”.^1,2 YORVIPATH was granted an Orphan Drug Designation and assessed through the TGA’s Priority Review pathway.^3,4 It is the first and only medicine to be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare, complex endocrine disease, affecting an estimated 6.4-37 per 100,000 people globally.^5,6 It is an endocrine disorder in which the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands is abnormally low or absent, causing low levels of calcium (hypocalcaemia) and high levels of phosphorous (hyperphosphataemia) in the blood.^7,8 This impacts proper functioning of nerves and muscles, leading to weakness, muscle spasms or cramps, headaches, hair loss, numbness or tingling, and memory problems.^8,9 Individuals with hypoparathyroidism may experience a range of severe and potentially life-threatening short-term and long-term complications, including neuromuscular irritability, renal complications, extraskeletal calcifications, and cognitive impairment.¹⁰

Leading Australian Endocrinologist and Head of the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Professor Peter Ebeling AO, applauded the TGA approval of YORVIPATH in addressing an unmet medical need for Australian adults diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism.

“Until now, the only treatment option for adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism has been conventional therapy with calcium and active vitamin D supplementation to keep blood calcium levels normal,” said Professor Ebeling. “While these treatments help to manage the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, they do not address the underlying deficiency of PTH and contribute to the significant pill burden for patients.”

“The lack of effective therapeutic options has been an urgent medical need in this area, and the local approval of YORVIPATH represents an important advance in the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism in Australia,” said Professor Ebeling. 

YORVIPATH is a first-in-class PTH replacement therapy. A prodrug of parathyroid hormone (PTH [1-34]), YORVIPATH is administered subcutaneously once daily, with sustained release of active PTH designed to provide PTH levels in the physiological range for 24 hours/day.¹¹

YORVIPATH’s approval in Australia was supported by the results of Ascendis Pharma’s Phase 3 PaTHway trial, a 26-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a 156-week open-label extension, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.¹² Involving 84 adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism, the clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of YORVIPATH as a once-daily PTH replacement therapy.

Data from the pivotal trial showed 93% (57/61) of YORVIPATH-treated patients achieved independence from both active vitamin D and therapeutic doses of elemental calcium, which was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in their daily pill burden.¹²

The safety analysis demonstrated YORVIPATH was generally well-tolerated, with the most frequently reported adverse reactions being injection site reactions (21.6%), headache (18.7%), and paraesthesia (13.7%).²

In addition to the significant short-term and long-term medical complications of chronic hypoparathyroidism, individuals diagnosed with the condition also experience reduced health-related quality of life, including the negative impact of symptoms on their daily life and work productivity.¹²

Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF), Beverley Garside, acknowledged the significance of the TGA approval in offering adults living with chronic hypoparathyroidism the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing. However, she reinforced that this is not the time for complacency, as it is just the first step towards securing subsidised access to an important new treatment option for this community.

“As the leading national voice for good thyroid health in Australia, the ATF recognises the importance of the TGA registration of YORVIPATH as a new treatment option for the hypoparathyroid community. While this is positive news, it is only the first step,” said Ms Garside. “For adults diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism to truly benefit from this new treatment, it is essential they have the option of subsidised and affordable access to YORVIPATH through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as quickly as possible.”

YORVIPATH is being made available in Australia by Specialised Therapeutics (ST), under an exclusive distribution agreement with global biopharmaceutical company Ascendis Pharma A/S that covers Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Australian registration of YORVIPATH follows approvals issued to Ascendis Pharma by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA)¹³ in August 2024 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA)¹⁴ in November 2023.

“The Australian approval of YORVIPATH reflects our values and dedication to applying science to help address the significant unmet medical needs expressed by the hypoparathyroidism community,” said Roy Khoury, Vice President, Head of International Markets at Ascendis Pharma. “We are pleased to partner with Specialised Therapeutics to broaden access to this innovative therapy, based on our TransCon technology, which offers a new approach to the treatment of this often-debilitating rare disease.”

ST Chief Executive Officer, Mr Carlo Montagner, said the approval of YORVIPATH was a meaningful milestone, but the company would not stop until it achieved reimbursement for eligible Australians with hypoparathyroidism through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

“We are proud to have brought the first and only TGA-registered treatment for chronic hypoparathyroidism to Australians living with the condition so rapidly following the recent FDA and EMA approvals,” said Mr Montagner. “Chronic hypoparathyroidism has considerable and life-long wide-ranging impacts on these individuals and we are committed to working with the local hypoparathyroidism community and the Australian Government to ensure YORVIPATH is accessible to eligible patients through the PBS at the earliest opportunity.”

YORVIPATH will be reviewed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) at its first meeting of the year, to be held from 12-14 March 2025. YORVIPATH will be made available for prescribing in Australia once it has been listed on the PBS.

About Specialised Therapeutics

Founded in 2007, Specialised Therapeutics is the region’s largest independent specialty pharmaceutical company, providing new therapies and technologies to patients in Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ST partners with global pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostic companies to bring novel healthcare opportunities to patients who are impacted by a range of diseases. ST has built a strong track record of success, navigating complex regulatory, reimbursement and commercialisation environments in its diverse regions. The ST mission is to provide specialty therapies where there is an unmet need. The company’s broad therapeutic portfolio currently includes novel agents in oncology, haematology, CNS, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology and supportive care, although it is not confined to these areas. ST is a member of the World Orphan Drug Alliance (WODA).

Additional information can be found at www.stbiopharma.com

About Ascendis Pharma

Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, the company uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. Please visit: ascendispharma.com to learn more.

About Hypoparathyroidism¹⁰

Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disease caused by insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), the primary regulator of calcium and phosphate balance in the body, acting directly on bone and kidneys and indirectly on the intestines. Individuals with hypoparathyroidism may experience a range of severe and potentially life-threatening short-term and long-term complications, including neuromuscular irritability, renal complications, extra-skeletal calcifications, and cognitive impairment. Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism accounts for the majority of cases (70-80%), while other etiologies include autoimmune and idiopathic causes.

About PaTHway¹²

The PaTHway trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 26-week, Phase 3 study that assessed the efficacy and safety of PTH replacement therapy with palopegteriparatide for individuals with hypoparathyroidism. Participants (n=84) were randomised 3:1 to once-daily palopegteriparatide (initially 18 μg/d) or placebo, both co-administered with conventional therapy.

The study drug and conventional therapy were titrated according to a dosing algorithm guided by serum calcium. The composite primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants at week 26 who achieved normal albumin-adjusted serum calcium levels (8.3–10.6 mg/dL), independence from conventional therapy (requiring no active vitamin D and ≤600 mg/d of calcium), and no increase in study drug over 4 weeks before week 26. At week 26, 79% (48/61) of participants treated with palopegteriparatide versus 5% (1/21) with placebo met the composite primary efficacy endpoint (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 93% (57/61) of participants treated with palopegteriparatide achieved independence from conventional therapy. Palopegteriparatide treatment normalised mean 24-hour urine calcium. Overall, 82% (50/61) treated with palopegteriparatide and 100% (21/21) with placebo experienced adverse events; most were mild (46%) or moderate (46%). No study drug-related withdrawals occurred.

About YORVIPATH^® (palopegteriparatide)

YORVIPATH^® (palopegteriparatide, developed as TransCon™ PTH) is a once-daily prodrug providing sustained release of active PTH. It was approved by the European Union as a parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement therapy for the treatment of adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism¹⁵ and the United States for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in adults^13. Treatment should be initiated and monitored by physicians or qualified healthcare professionals experienced in the diagnosis and management of patients with hypoparathyroidism.

Yorvipath^® is a registered trademark of Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ: ASND).

References:

1. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/australian-register-therapeutic-goods. [Accessed Dec 2024].
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