Latest news with #OGA


Business Upturn
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Ferrer Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for FNP-223 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Barcelona, Spain: Ferrer, a B Corp-certified international pharmaceutical company, has announced that FNP-223, a novel therapy in-licensed from Asceneuron and aimed at slowing the development of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), has received Fast Track designation from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). FNP-223, a new molecular entity in active development for PSP, is in an ongoing Phase 2 study to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in adult patients with possible or probable PSP-Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS), the most common clinical variant of this neurodegenerative disease1. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Ferrer's pharmaceutical production plant in Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain. 'We are thrilled to receive Fast Track designation from the FDA for FNP-223 in the treatment of PSP. Consistent with our purpose of using business to fight for social justice, we are committed to advancing this promising therapy as quickly as possible to benefit as many patients as possible,' said Mario Rovirosa, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrer. Fast Track designation is a significant milestone in the drug development process. It is a program that offers the possibility of having more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the drug's development, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review if relevant criteria are met. 'This designation underscores the importance of expediting the development and review of FNP-223 to address critical unmet needs in patients with this rare and devastating disease,' said Marta Parmar, Ferrer's Chief Quality, Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance Officer. Progressive supranuclear palsy manifests in patients with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, imbalance, changes in gait, cognitive problems2-4. PSP has a prevalence of approximately 5 cases per 100,000 people and primarily affects individuals over the age of 603. The disease's etiology is believed to be related to the abnormal accumulation of tau proteins in certain areas of the brain, leading to neurodegeneration3,4. Preclinical models have demonstrated that FNP-223 can prevent the abnormal accumulation of tau proteins in neurons5. Ferrer now aims to show that this molecule is safe and effective in patients with PSP. Oscar Pérez, Chief Scientific Officer of Ferrer, also expressed his enthusiasm: 'Receiving Fast Track designation is a significant milestone in our journey to provide a transformative treatment for PSP. We are excited to advance our research and hopefully offer a new therapeutic option earlier for patients living with this challenging condition.' About FNP-223 FNP-223 is a new orally administered chemical compound that functions as a reversible and substrate-competitive inhibitor of the O-GlcNAcase (OGA) enzyme5. Mechanistically, FNP-223 binds to the active site of OGA enzyme. As a result, the inhibitor prevents the substrate from accessing the catalytic pocket, thereby impeding the removal of O-GlcNAc modifications from natural client proteins such as the tau protein. Inhibiting O-GlcNAcase is expected to cause a rapid increase of O-GlcNAcylated (glycosylated) tau proteins, ultimately leading to a reduction in abnormal aggregated tau as neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) over a certain period5. Bibliography: 1. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 2 Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of FNP-223 (Oral Formulation) to Slow the Disease Progression of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) (PROSPER). [Internet]. Available from: . 2. Coughlin DG, Litvan I. Progressive supranuclear palsy: Advances in diagnosis and management. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020 Apr;73:105-116. doi: 10.1016/ Epub 2020 May 25. 3. Agarwal S, Gilbert R. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: . 4. Rowe JB, Holland N, Rittman T. Progressive supranuclear palsy: diagnosis and management. Pract Neurol. 2021;21(5):376-383. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2020-002794. 5. Permanne B, Sand A, Ousson S, Nény M, Hantson J, Schubert R, et al. D. O-GlcNAcase Inhibitor ASN90 is a Multimodal Drug Candidate for Tau and α-Synuclein Proteinopathies. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2022 Apr 20;13(8):1296-1314. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00057. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash


Business Wire
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Ferrer Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for FNP-223 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ferrer, a B Corp-certified international pharmaceutical company, has announced that FNP-223, a novel therapy in-licensed from Asceneuron and aimed at slowing the development of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), has received Fast Track designation from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). FNP-223, a new molecular entity in active development for PSP, is in an ongoing Phase 2 study to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in adult patients with possible or probable PSP-Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS), the most common clinical variant of this neurodegenerative disease 1. We are thrilled to receive Fast Track designation from the FDA for FNP-223 in the treatment of PSP. Consistent with our purpose of using business to fight for social justice, we are committed to advancing this promising therapy to patients. Share 'We are thrilled to receive Fast Track designation from the FDA for FNP-223 in the treatment of PSP. Consistent with our purpose of using business to fight for social justice, we are committed to advancing this promising therapy as quickly as possible to benefit as many patients as possible,' said Mario Rovirosa, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrer. Fast Track designation is a significant milestone in the drug development process. It is a program that offers the possibility of having more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the drug's development, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review if relevant criteria are met. 'This designation underscores the importance of expediting the development and review of FNP-223 to address critical unmet needs in patients with this rare and devastating disease,' said Marta Parmar, Ferrer's Chief Quality, Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance Officer. Progressive supranuclear palsy manifests in patients with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, imbalance, changes in gait, cognitive problems 2-4. PSP has a prevalence of approximately 5 cases per 100,000 people and primarily affects individuals over the age of 60 3. The disease's etiology is believed to be related to the abnormal accumulation of tau proteins in certain areas of the brain, leading to neurodegeneration 3,4. Preclinical models have demonstrated that FNP-223 can prevent the abnormal accumulation of tau proteins in neurons 5. Ferrer now aims to show that this molecule is safe and effective in patients with PSP. Oscar Pérez, Chief Scientific Officer of Ferrer, also expressed his enthusiasm: "Receiving Fast Track designation is a significant milestone in our journey to provide a transformative treatment for PSP. We are excited to advance our research and hopefully offer a new therapeutic option earlier for patients living with this challenging condition." About FNP-223 FNP-223 is a new orally administered chemical compound that functions as a reversible and substrate-competitive inhibitor of the O-GlcNAcase (OGA) enzyme 5. Mechanistically, FNP-223 binds to the active site of OGA enzyme. As a result, the inhibitor prevents the substrate from accessing the catalytic pocket, thereby impeding the removal of O-GlcNAc modifications from natural client proteins such as the tau protein. Inhibiting O-GlcNAcase is expected to cause a rapid increase of O-GlcNAcylated (glycosylated) tau proteins, ultimately leading to a reduction in abnormal aggregated tau as neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) over a certain period 5. Bibliography: 1. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 2 Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of FNP-223 (Oral Formulation) to Slow the Disease Progression of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) (PROSPER). [Internet]. Available from: 2. Coughlin DG, Litvan I. Progressive supranuclear palsy: Advances in diagnosis and management. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020 Apr;73:105-116. doi: 10.1016/ Epub 2020 May 25. 3. Agarwal S, Gilbert R. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: 4. Rowe JB, Holland N, Rittman T. Progressive supranuclear palsy: diagnosis and management. Pract Neurol. 2021;21(5):376-383. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2020-002794. 5. Permanne B, Sand A, Ousson S, Nény M, Hantson J, Schubert R, et al. D. O-GlcNAcase Inhibitor ASN90 is a Multimodal Drug Candidate for Tau and α-Synuclein Proteinopathies. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2022 Apr 20;13(8):1296-1314. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00057.


The Star
01-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Funds needed for KGV school hall
IT is not often we hear of students who left school decades ago coming forward to help their alma mater, either financially or in kind. Former students of SMK King George V (KGV) in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, had planned to build a clubhouse like what the Old Paulians did for St Paul's Institution, but decided to build a multipurpose hall instead. Old Georgian Association (OGA), led by their former president and state police chief Datuk Osman Salleh, had dropped plans for a clubhouse in place of a multipurpose hall about 10 years ago. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who is also a former student, performed the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2016 and, at the same time, urged former students to contribute. OGA carried out several fundraising activities over the years and managed to raise more than RM1mil for the project. But the association is still short of funds, as the cost has since increased to an estimated RM2.5mil. Abdul Aziz showing an artist's impression of the new school hall. OGA committee member Abdul Aziz Hamzah said the project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and inability to raise the targeted amount. Abdul Aziz, who has been the school's Parent-Teacher Association chairman since 2018, said efforts were now underway to raise the funds as the project's piling work started in February. 'The school desperately needs a bigger hall, as the current one, which used to have only one badminton court and where legend Datuk Punch Gunalan used to train, can only accommodate some 300 students. 'The new hall will, among other things, have four badminton halls, a stage, toilets and changing rooms, and it will be able to accommodate up to 800 students,' he said, adding that the present hall could not be expanded as it was a heritage building. The school currently holds its assemblies and other events that require the attendance of all students in an open area. KGV, established in 1923, was initially known as the Government English School. In 1928, its name was changed. Today, it has some 870 students in forms one to five. Abdul Aziz said OGA, which has some 1,000 members, was bent on building the hall as a mark of gratitude. 'We Old Georgians would like to leave behind a legacy and to be forever connected to the school. 'But to make it happen, we need to raise more funds so that the hall can be completed on schedule by September next year,' he said, adding that the date was also significant as it would mark a century of the renaming of the school. He said once completed, the hall could also be used to hold examinations, teaching and learning activities as well as sporting events. Abdul Aziz said the new hall, which was being built near the school's famous Georgian Green field, could also be used during sports festivals or tournaments such as rugby, cricket and softball, which KGV was known for. 'OGA will hand over the hall, which we plan to call Georgians Hall, to the school once it is completed. 'We are hoping former students will come forward and support us financially and even make contributions in instalments if they wish to,' he said, adding that the PTA would also be roped in to help. Those wishing to contribute can call 018-979 7455 (Aziz), 019-660 7288 (OGA secretary Eric Lee) or deposit their donation to the association's RHB Bank account (2550 4700 0002 91).


Observer
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman blank Iran to claim second Asian beach handball title
MUSCAT: Oman blanked Iran 2-0 in the final summit clash of the 10th edition of AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship in Muscat on Thursday night to claim their second Asian title after 21 years from the first title which they won in 2004. Oman's Asaad al Hasani and his teammates delivered solid performance and managed to end both match sets for their side as the opening half concluded at 21-18 while the deciding half finished at 14-10 to seal their victory and lift the Asian title. Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi became the man of the match following his top show. Both Oman and Iran confirmed their attendance in the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships which will take place next year in Morocco while Pakistan claimed bronze medal following their thrilling win over Jordan in the third and fourth play-off on Thursday at the sands court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Oman player makes a goal attempt. In the women's category, Vietnam emerged winners after finishing top in the group following their last match win against Philippines 2-0 as both teams clinched the two tickets to the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships for Women. India ended in third place despite their 2-1 defeat against Hong Kong. At the end of the final match, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of the Oman Golf Association (OGA), the chief guest, delivered the medals and trophies to the top winning teams in both men and women categories. Oman team captain Said al Hasani received the trophy from the chief guest and the celebration started in the sand court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The final ceremony of the Asian event attended by Dr Hassan Moustafa, International Handball Federation (IHF) President, in presence of Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA), officials from both Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and top dignitaries. Iran players with runners-up medals. DREAM COME TRUE Oman head coach Hamood al Hasani said it was a historic moment for him as they managed to earn the title after many years from their first title. 'I am very pleased with the players performance in all the matches specially from the last game against Jordan in semifinals and against defending champions Iran in the final. Winning this title was a dream for us in this edition as we were fighting for it and it became true in Muscat. Special thanks to the players for their outstanding show despite the lack of preparations prior to the Asian tournament,' he said. 'Since last April, the players were in a busy schedule as they had played in the GCC Beach Games and then in domestic camps until the Asian event. I am very proud of them and now our focus will shift to have a proper plan for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships,' he concluded. Oman captain Said al Hasani receives the trophy. Oman's star player Asaad al Hasani said all the team members had affirmed prior to the final for delivering their tremendous efforts. 'I am very glad with our achievement of winning this Asian title against the defending champions. This year is a special season for us as we ended as champions of Gulf and Asia. This will motivate us to do much better in the forthcoming participation at the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships. Our team is a mixture of young and experienced players and this will give us good chance to deliver our best in the global event,' he added.


Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Olive Green Academy launches from The Sustainable City
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A new media academy is making waves in the UAE with a mission to reshape the influencer landscape through education, innovation, and sustainability. OGA (Olive Green Academy) has officially launched at the prestigious SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai, becoming the region's first influencer academy focused on environmental advocacy and powered by the fusion of artificial intelligence and sustainability. OGA merges cutting-edge AI technologies with real-world sustainability expertise, helping creators build authentic, purpose-driven brands. As AI continues to evolve, many people remain uncertain about its potential. OGA is leading the conversation on how to harness AI for the greater good, ensuring that it works in harmony with humanity's best interests. With responsible use, AI can amplify efforts to address global challenges such as climate change. The launch of OGA was accompanied by a dynamic panel discussion featuring some of the UAE's leading voices in the influencer industry. The session explored the evolving role of digital creators in promoting environmental awareness, and how content can be used as a force for good in an era shaped by climate urgency and artificial intelligence. Identifying a critical gap in the influencer space, OGA pioneers a unique model that combines networking opportunities, specialized training courses, and hands-on initiatives to equip content creators with the knowledge and tools to use their platforms responsibly and drive meaningful impact. 'At OGA, we believe influencers and content creators hold the power to inspire true environmental action,' said Nadeen Ayoub, co-founder of OGA. 'Our academy is not just focusing on growing audiences, but growing impact—and now, with the rise of AI, we can harness it to help create positive change in the world.' OGA offers a range of professional courses, certified by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), designed for both seasoned professionals and aspiring influencers. Programs include the Certified Sustainability Content Creator and the Professional Certificate in Sustainability Communication. The academy empowers participants to transform sustainability topics into compelling content, leverage AI tools to improve production and reach, and develop reports aligned with GRI and ESG standards. With its launch, OGA sets a new benchmark for how media, technology, and advocacy can converge—reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for innovation and climate leadership. *Source: AETOSWire