Latest news with #Rapport
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Jake White no longer in favour at the Bulls? — report
It would appear that the Pretoria-based team have already identified a possible replacement. Jake White, Director of Rugby at the Bulls, has led the team to three URC finals. Picture:Is Jake White's head on the chopping block at the Bulls? According to Afrikaans Sunday publication Rapport, the 2007 World Cup-winning coach, who has guided the Bulls to three United Rugby Championship finals without winning the trophy, has fallen out of favour with several players and coaches at Loftus Versfeld. White joined the Bulls in 2020, initially until the end of 2023, but he extended his contract beyond his initial stay. He helped the team win the Super Rugby Unlocked competition during Covid and also coached the side to three URC finals, against the Stormers, Glasgow and Leinster. White also oversaw the side winning the Currie Cup in 2020 and 2021. Rapport revealed on Sunday several players and coaches in the Pretoria team's structures are unhappy with White's leadership. The publication also stated that former Lions coach Johan Ackermann could be next in line to take charge of the Bulls. Ackermann is currently employed by SA Rugby, working with the Junior Boks. The former Springbok lock previously coached the Lions in Super Rugby and guided the team to finals in 2016 and 2017. He then coached at Gloucester in England before taking up a position in Japan. Ackermann and current Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone worked together at the Lions, when the coach turned the team into South Africa's strongest Super Rugby side after they struggled for years to make an impact in the competition.
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Sport
- First Post
'It made my decision a lot easier': Heinrich Klaasen makes shocking revelation about his international retirement
South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has opened up about his emotional decision to retire from international cricket. He revealed the key reason why he stepped away from national duty. read more Heinrich Klaasen had quit Test cricket in 2024 and has now retired from white-ball cricket. Image: Reuters South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has revealed the emotional reason behind his decision to retire from international cricket. In a recent interview, Klaasen said he had not been enjoying the game for a while and that things behind the scenes made it easier for him to walk away. Speaking to Rapport, Klaasen admitted, 'I felt for a long time that I didn't really care about any of my performances and whether the team won or not. That's the wrong place to be.' Klaasen had been a part of the South African team since 2018 when he made his white-ball debut. He retired from Test cricket in January 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Klaasen reveals why he quit international cricket Klaasen explained that he had a long chat with former South Africa coach Rob Walter before the ICC Champions Trophy and shared how he was feeling. South Africa made it to the semi-finals of the 50-over event before getting knocked out by New Zealand. 'I told him I didn't feel good in my heart about what was going on. I wasn't enjoying it that much. So when he finished as coach and the [contract] negotiations [with CSA] didn't go as planned, it made my decision a lot easier,' Klaasen said. Walter stepped down as South Africa's coach in April this year. He joined the New Zealand team as their coach in all formats this month. After it was confirmed that Walter would leave, Klaasen wasted no time in calling it quits. 'Now I can spend six, seven months at home. My family needs it, it's been a long four years with a lot of travel. I need a little rest,' Klaasen said about his plans. Klaasen was last seen in action for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. His team failed to qualify for the playoffs after finishing runners-up in the previous edition. He is set to play in the Major League Cricket (MLC) next. After that, the Protea is expected to participate in the Hundred.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Heinrich Klaasen's Shocking Revelation On Sudden International Retirement: "Didn't Really Care..."
Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has made a sensational claim, days after announcing a shock retirement from Test cricket. Last week, Klaasen stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket. Klaasen played for the Proteas in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, before being overlooked by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for a central contract. Speaking on his decision to retire, Klaasen revealed that he was in a really bad headspace and he wasn't really enjoying playing for South Africa. "I felt for a long time that I didn't really care about any of my performances and whether the team won or not. That's the wrong place to be. I had a long conversation with Rob [Walter] before the Champions Trophy, and I told him I didn't feel good in my heart about what was going on. I wasn't enjoying it that much," Wisden quoted Klaasen as saying to Rapport. Klaasen said that he wanted to play till the 2027 ODI World Cup at least, he had a change in heart after head coach Rob Walter's resignation. "We talked nicely, we planned everything nicely up to and including the World Cup in 2027. So when he finished as coach and the [contract] negotiations [with CSA] didn't go as planned, it made my decision a lot easier," he added. Klaasen expressed his desire to spend time with his family after stepping away from international cricket. "Now I can spend six, seven months at home. My family needs it, it's been a long four years with a lot of travel. I need a little rest," said Klaasen," he pointed out. Klaasen's availability to play in the Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred would have kept him away from the Zimbabwe-New Zealand tri-nation series and white-ball tour to Australia, which caused the negotiations with CSA to fall short, as per the Rapport report. The batter, a father to a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, revealed that his desire to spend time with his family also contributed to his retirement: "Now I can spend six or seven months at home. My family needs it. It has been a long four years with a lot of travel. I need a little rest." Klaasen's iconic whip-pull off the spinners made him a dangerous prospect across the formats for South Africa. He was a member of the South Africa side that featured in the recent ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, and the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'Didn't care if South Africa won or lost': Heinrich Klaasen breaks silence on shock international retirement
South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen shocked the world last week when he announced his sudden retirement from international cricket. Klaasen, 33, played 4 Tests, 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is for the Proteas, scoring more than 3,000 runs across all three formats of the game. Klaasen has finally broken his silence regarding his decision to call it quits, saying for a long time, he didn't care if 'South Africa won or lost'. Klaasen also stated that he had the intention of continuing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the exit of head coach Rob Walter as the white-ball coach and his omission from the central contracts list forced him to bid adieu to international cricket. 'I felt for a long time that I didn't really care about any of my performances and whether the team won or not. That's the wrong place to be. I had a long conversation with Rob before the Champions Trophy, and I told him I didn't feel good in my heart about what was going on. I wasn't enjoying it that much,' Klaasen told Rapport. 'We talked nicely, we planned everything nicely up to and including the World Cup in 2027. So when he finished as a coach, and the negotiations with CSA over contracts didn't go as planned, it made my decision a lot easier,' added Klaasen. It must be mentioned that Klaasen had called time on his Test career in 2024 and right after the IPL this year, the wicketkeeper-batter called it quits in both the white-ball formats for South Africa. Klaasen amassed 2141 runs in the 60 ODIs he played in. The right-hander was known for his brute power, as he had a knack for taking down spinners in the middle overs. His best was displayed during an ODI against Australia where he played a knock of 174 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Also Read: Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa batter, announces shock retirement from international cricket at 33 He also registered 1000 T20I runs for the Proteas, striking the ball at a rate of 141.84. Klaasen announced his retirement via a lengthy Instagram statement: "It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision, but also one that I have absolute peace with." "To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so," he added. Klaasen was last seen in action for the SunRisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, where he scored 487 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 172.69.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rapport Therapeutics Hosts Investor and Analyst Day; Provides Corporate Updates
Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in refractory focal epilepsy fully enrolled and on track for topline results in September 2025 BOSTON and SAN DIEGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPP) ('Rapport' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of small molecule precision medicines for patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, today will host its inaugural Investor and Analyst Day, featuring presentations from Rapport's executive team on the Company's strategic priorities and updates from its clinical pipeline, including progress on the RAP-219 Phase 2a trial in focal epilepsy. The event's agenda also includes a fireside chat with key opinion leader and professor of Neurology at NYU Langone's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Jacqueline French, M.D., hosted by Rapport's Chief Medical Officer, Jeffrey Sevigny, M.D. A livestream of the event and presentation materials will be available starting at 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) today and can be accessed by visiting 'News & Events' in the Investors section of the Company's website: 'Our Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in refractory focal epilepsy is now fully enrolled, and we remain on track to report topline results in September 2025,' said Abraham N. Ceesay, Chief Executive Officer of Rapport Therapeutics. 'This will mark a major milestone for our lead program and an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our precision neuroscience approach. We're excited to share additional details about the trial ahead of the readout and honored to be joined by Dr. French, principal investigator of our RAP-219 epilepsy trial, who will provide valuable expert insight on the trial design and unmet need in focal epilepsy. Today's event allows us to further underscore the potential of RAP-219 as a differentiated therapeutic with broad clinical and commercial potential.' Highlights of Rapport's Investor and Analyst Day event include the following: Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in refractory focal epilepsy The Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in refractory focal epilepsy is now fully enrolled. This proof-of-concept trial, designed with input from leading epilepsy experts, uses intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data from the RNS System to access RAP-219's potential effect on long episodes (LEs), an objective biomarker shown to correlate with clinical seizures (CSs). Enrolled patients' baseline characteristicsPreliminary baseline characteristics of the first 14 patients enrolled—those for whom baseline data are available—indicate that the trial population is representative of patients historically enrolled in registrational refractory focal epilepsy trials. Baseline Characteristics of First 14 Patients Enrolled Median(range) Median(1st to 4th quartile range) Age 37 (20-61) CS frequency per 28 days in 4-week prospective baseline 10 (4.25-18.25) Sex (n) 7F/7M LE frequency per 28 days in 12-week baseline (8-week retrospective + 4-week prospective) 51 (21-194) Age at first seizure 19 (0.5-31) Concordance between LEs and electrographic seizure (rated by an independent reviewer) 92% (71-96) Years since RNS implantation 4.4 (1.4-10.2) Concomitant antiseizure medications 3 Anticipated analysis of Phase 2a topline dataThe Company expects to provide the following data analysis when topline results are reported in September 2025: Primary endpoint analysis: Proportion of patients achieving ≥30% reduction in LEs compared with 12-week baseline period Median percent change in LE frequency compared with 12-week baseline period Key secondary endpoint analysis: Median percent change in CS frequency compared with 4-week prospective baseline Proportion of patients achieving ≥50% reduction in CSs compared with 4-week prospective baseline Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) incidence and grade RAP-219 Phase 1 development update Consolidated Phase 1 safety summary As disclosed in January, a total of four Phase 1 trials have been conducted—a single ascending dose trial, two multiple ascending dose trials, and a multiple ascending dose human positron emission tomography (PET) trial. Across these trials, 100 healthy volunteers have been exposed to RAP-219. The Company's update includes data from the three completed Phase 1 multiple dose trials, including the PET trial from which final data were not available at the time of the Company's January disclosure. Final aggregate data (n=64) across the multiple dose trails continue to reinforce RAP-219's differentiated tolerability: All TEAEs were Grade 1 or 2 No serious adverse events (SAEs), nor clinically significant laboratory, vital signs, or electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities TEAEs occurred early in dosing and resolved without further action Most common TEAEs: headache (n=12), dry mouth (n=5), brain fog (n=5), and fatigue (n=5) Three discontinuations Upcoming catalysts September 2025: RAP-219 Phase 2a topline readout in focal epilepsy Q3 2025: Initiation of RAP-219 Phase 2a trial in bipolar mania 2H 2025: Update on the Company's diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain program 1H 2027: RAP-219 Phase 2a topline readout in bipolar mania Cash runway guidance As of March 31, 2025, Rapport reported $285.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, excluding restricted cash. These funds are expected to support operations through the end of 2026. About RAP-219RAP-219 is a clinical-stage AMPA receptor (AMPAR) negative allosteric modulator (NAM) designed to achieve neuroanatomical specificity through its selective targeting of a receptor associated protein (RAP) known as TARPγ8, which is associated with neuronal AMPARs. Whereas AMPARs are distributed widely in the central nervous system, TARPγ8 is expressed only in discrete regions, including the hippocampus and neocortex, where focal seizures often originate. By contrast, TARPγ8 has minimal expression in the hindbrain, where drug effects are often associated with intolerable adverse events. With this precision approach, the Company believes RAP-219 has the potential to provide a differentiated profile as compared to traditional neuroscience medications. Due to the role of AMPA biology in various neurological disorders and the selective targeting of TARPγ8, the Company believes RAP-219 has pipeline-in-a-product potential and is evaluating the compound as a transformational treatment for patients with focal epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and peripheral neuropathic pain. Availability of Other Information About Rapport TherapeuticsRapport Therapeutics uses and intends to continue to use its Investor Relations website and LinkedIn (Rapport Therapeutics) as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company's Investor Relations website and LinkedIn, in addition to following the Company's press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations, and webcasts. The contents of the Company's website or social media shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. About Rapport TherapeuticsRapport Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing small molecule precision medicines for patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders. The Company's founders have made pioneering discoveries related to the function of receptor associated proteins (RAPs) in the brain. Their findings form the basis of Rapport's RAP technology platform, which enables a differentiated approach to generate precision small molecule product candidates with the potential to overcome many limitations of conventional neurology drug discovery. Rapport's precision neuroscience pipeline includes the Company's lead investigational drug, RAP-219, designed to achieve neuroanatomical specificity through its selective targeting of a RAP expressed in only discrete regions of the brain. The Company is currently pursuing RAP-219 as a potential treatment for refractory focal epilepsy, bipolar mania and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Additional preclinical and late-stage discovery stage programs are also underway, including targeting chronic pain and hearing disorders. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding: the clinical development of RAP-219 for the treatment of refractory focal epilepsy, bipolar mania and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, including the initiation, timing, progress and results of our ongoing and planned clinical trials; expectations for the activity, tolerability, and commercial potential of RAP-219; the potential of Rapport's RAP technology platform; and expectations for Rapport's uses of capital, expenses and financial results, including its cash runway through the end of 2026. Forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect Rapport's business, operating results, financial condition and stock value. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include: risks relating to the Company's research and development activities; Rapport's ability to execute on its strategy including obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals on the expected timeline, if at all; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical development activities; the Company's dependence on third parties to conduct clinical trials, manufacture its product candidates and develop and commercialize its product candidates, if approved; Rapport's ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; risks related to the Company's financial condition and need for substantial additional funds in order to complete development activities and commercialize a product candidate, if approved; risks related to regulatory developments and approval processes of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and comparable foreign regulatory authorities; risks related to establishing and maintaining Rapport's intellectual property protections; and risks related to the competitive landscape for Rapport's product candidates; as well as other risks described in 'Risk Factors,' in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Rapport's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements represent Rapport's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rapport expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law, and claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ContactJulie DiCarloHead of Communications & IRRapport Therapeuticsjdicarlo@
