Latest news with #UNITY
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Inspirational honorary graduates celebrated at Stirling University's summer graduation
Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees at next week's summer graduation at Stirling University. Margot, a Swedish parliamentarian who pioneered the world's first feminist foreign policy and is a passionate advocate for the environment, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to protecting the environment and championing women's rights at Wednesday's ceremony. Across her illustrious political career, Margot has held a number of senior roles including serving as the first ever Vice President of the European Commission, the first United Nations Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders Ministerial Initiative. The same day, Lynda Morrison, who has volunteered 20 years of her life to helping shape the delivery of social work and nursing education through the University of Stirling's Service User and Carer Group (UNITY), will receive an honorary Master of Arts degree. She will be recognised for her long and meritorious voluntary service to social work and social work education, and to improving the lives of service users nationally and internationally. The UNITY group, which Lynda was instrumental in setting up in 2005, has attracted national and international recognition for being one of the first to involve service users and carers in the design, development, and delivery of teaching to social work and nursing students. On Thursday, Paul Bush OBE, the former director of events for VisitScotland who played a vital role in bringing major spectacles including the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and UEFA Euro 2020 to Scotland, will receive an Honorary Doctorate. He will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to sport and to the events industry in the country. He is a previous chief executive of Scottish Swimming and, while in that role, worked closely with the University of Stirling in developing the state-of-the-art National Swimming Academy. Alongside the facility, he built a professional coaching and performance management structure for the sport which led to significant and continuing international success. Paul will be joined by Nicky Reid, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust, who will also be made a Doctor of the University for her outstanding contribution to charity and exceptional leadership qualities. Nicky achieved a Film, Media and Sociology degree from the University of Stirling in 2007 and went on to hold the position of Learning Centre Manager at Falkirk Football Club. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: 'Summer graduation is always a special highlight in the university calendar, and we are delighted that those celebrating next week will be joined by four inspiring role models. 'Each of our honorary graduates has made a lasting impact in their fields, contributing in powerful and enduring ways to society. We are proud to recognise their achievements and know that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the University.'
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Unity Foods Limited
Unity Foods Limited (PSX: UNITY) was incorporated in Pakistan as a private limited company in 1991 and was subsequently converted into a public limited company. The company was initially engaged in yarn manufacturing but then changed its principal business activity to edible oil extraction, refining and related businesses. Sunridge Foods (Private) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of UNITY and is engaged in the processing of food items. Pattern of shareholding As of June 30, 2024, UNITY has a total of 1,194 million shares outstanding which are held by 6347 shareholders. Associated companies, undertakings and related parties i.e. Wilmar Pakistan Holdings Pte. Limited and Unity Wilmar Agro (Private) Limited have the majority stake of 48.92 percent in the company followed by local general public accounting for 25.65 percent shares of UNITY. Directors, CEO, their spouse and minor children hold 13.34 percent shares of the company while joint stock companies have an ownership of 4.91 percent in UNITY. Around 2.19 percent of the company's shares are held by Insurance and Takaful companies. The remaining shares are held by other categories of shareholders. Financial Performance (2019-24) Except for a dip in 2024, UNITY's topline has shown remarkable growth over the years. However, its bottomline doesn't follow the suit and picked up only in 2019 and 2021. The company's bottomline shrank in the remaining years with net loss registered in 2024. UNITY's margins have shown an oscillating pattern over the period under consideration (see the graph of profitability ratios). The detailed performance review of the period under consideration is given below. In 2019, the company expanded its refining operation through acquisition of an oil refinery in Port Qasim which took the overall refining capacity of UNITY from 150 metric tons per day to 650 metric tons per day. This project was funded by a right issue of 221.83 percent which raised Rs. 3,750 million for the company. During the year, the company also introduced two new edible oil brands, Zauqeen and Ehtimam targeting the discount segment whose off-take was tremendous and contributed greatly to the overall sales of the company. 406.7 percent year-on-year topline growth during the year came on the back of both local and export sales, however, local sales constituted 93 percent of the overall sales mix of the company. UNITY's net sales clocked in at Rs. 14,097.24 million. Cost of sales grew by 405.90 percent year-on-year in 2019. This restricted the growth of GP margin which showed a minor uptick from 8.92 percent in 2018 to 9.06 percent in 2019 despite 414.85 percent growth in gross profit in absolute terms. Operating expense showed an unabated growth during the year mainly in the categories of salaries and wages, freight and forwarding expenses and fuel and power charges etc. Other expense also magnified by 714.95 percent in 2019 on the back of exchange loss as well as greater provisioning done for WWF and WPFF during the year. Operating profit grew by 276.20 percent over the year; however, OP margin succumbed to towering operating expense and dropped from 5.38 percent in 2018 to 4 percent in 2019. Finance also grew by 455.96 percent year-on-year in 2019 on the back of high discount rate, increased short-term borrowings and right issue expense incurred during the year. The bottomline grew by 109.91 percent during the year to clock in at Rs. 255.07 million. NP margin dropped to 1.81 percent in 2019 from NP margin of 4.37 percent posted in 2018. EPS dropped from Rs. 1.18 in 2018 to Rs. 1.03 percent in 2019 due to addition of 375 million shares in the outstanding share volume of the company. During 2020, the company made another right issue of 82.71 percent to fund its working capital requirements. The right issue was intended to control the finance cost of the company which was soaring on the back of upward revisions in discount rate. Another noteworthy development during the year was the acquisition of 69 percent shares of Sunridge Foods (Private) limited. The topline of UNITY grew by 111.90 percent to clock in at Rs. 29,872.02 million in 2020. The volumetric sales showed an improvement during the year as the company being an 'Essential services' provider was allowed to continue its operations while other sectors were grappling against production halt owing to global pandemic. UNITY gross profit enhanced by 58.55 percent in 2020, however, it GP margin slid to 6.78 percent in 2020 as edible oil prices crashed during the year owing to COVID-19. The rebound in sales also increased the operating expense particularly marketing and advertising expense as well as freight and forwarding expense in 2020. Exchange loss incurred during the year on the back of weakening local currency also pushed the other expense up by 117.95 percent in 2020. While Operating profit managed to bag 30.61 percent year-on-year growth, OP margin slipped to 2.46 percent in 2020. Despite company's effort to control its finance cost by issuing right shares, the finance cost grew by 87.60 percent year-on-year because of high discount rate during the first three quarters of FY20 coupled with increased short-term borrowings to meet working capital requirements. Not only this, UNITY also secured long-term financing facility under refinance scheme by SBP for the payment for salaries and wages during the year. The company also undertook lease liabilities during the year which further added to its finance cost. The increased borrowings are also evident in the massive hike in UNITY's gearing ratio in 2020 (see the ratio of gearing ratio & finance cost). The bottomline couldn't sustain the towering expense and plunged by 17.82 percent year-on-year to clock in at Rs.209.63 million in 2020. EPS stood at Rs.0.35 while NP margin hovered around 0.70 percent in 2020. In 2021, the company acquired the remaining 31 percent shares of Sunridge Foods (Private) Limited with the latter becoming the wholly owned subsidiary of UNITY. During the year, 122.3 percent year-on-year topline growth was the result of 75 percent year-on-year increase in sales volume and 45 percent year-on-year improvement in prices. UNITY's net sales were recorded at Rs.66,400.97 million in 2021. Increase in international commodity prices posed challenge for the company, however, with the upward revision in the selling prices, GP margin improved to 7.82 percent in 2021 with 156.38 percent year-on-year growth in Gross profit. Operating expenses grew in line with inflation; however, other expense showed some respite and plunged by 35.25 percent in 2021 as UNITY made exchange gain in 2021 as against exchange loss in the previous year. Other income did a marvelous job in 2021 as it grew by 3608.94 percent mainly on the back of profit on TDRs. This helped operating profit grow by 480.67 percent year-on-year in 2021. OP margin also escalated to 6.43 percent in 2021. Despite downtick in discount rate, finance cost continued to build up on the back of increased borrowings – both short-term and long-term – during the year which is eminent in UNITY's gearing ratio which climbed up to 52.39 percent in 2021. The bottomline grew by 1384.40 percent during the year to clock in at Rs. 3,111.74 million in 2021 with NP margin of 4.69 percent and EPS of Rs. Rs. 3.56. 2022 was a tough year for UNITY where topline growth couldn't trickle down to produce a healthy bottomline. In 2022, UNITY's topline managed to post 23.77 percent year-on-year growth to clock in at Rs.82,184.55 million. This was driven by price revisions as the off-take shrank by 32 percent year-on-year in 2022. The GP margin improved to 9.55 percent in 2022 with 51.12 percent year-on-year growth recorded in gross profit. While distribution expenses slid by 23.67 percent in 2022 on the heels of low sales volume during the year, administrative expenses continued to rise to the tune of 51.19 percent in 2022 owing to soaring inflation and increase in the number of employees from 486 in 2021 to 551 in 2022. Other income grew by 166.23 as the company made lofty income on TDRs amidst high discount rate. Moreover, the company also earned profit on the redemption of mutual funds units during the year. A heavy blow to the bottomline came on the back of a massive exchange loss of Rs.2,910.47 million recorded during the year owing to sharp depreciation of Pak Rupee. This squeezed the operating profit by 2.74 percent year-on-year with OP margin clocking in at 5.05 percent in 2022. Finance cost also continued to rise on the back of unprecedented increase in discount rate. This took its toll on the bottomline which fell by a drastic 21.70 percent in 2022 to clock in at Rs.2,436.42 million during the year with EPS of Rs.2.04. NP margin also dropped to 2.96 percent in 2022. In 2023, UNITY's topline posted a marginal 9.70 percent year-on-year rise to clock in at Rs. 90,158.19 million. This was on account of superior pricing strategy and favorable sales mix. Easing international crude palm oil prices enabled UNITY to attain 54.73 percent year-on-year rise in its gross profit in 2023 with GP margin reaching its optimum value of 13.46 percent. Higher freight and forwarding charges, payroll expense and distributor expense resulted in 34.96 percent spike in distribution expense in 2023. Administrative expense also surged by 37.53 percent in 2023 on the back of increased travelling & conveyance charges, donations and repair & maintenance charges incurred during the year. Decrease in profit related provisioning and no re-measurement loss incurred on investment in mutual funds resulted in 94.43 percent lesser other expense recorded by the company in 2023. Exchange loss magnified by 157.28 percent in 2023 due to sharp depreciation of local currency. All these factors trimmed down UNITY's operating profit by 14 percent in 2023 with OP margin eroding to 3.96 percent. Finance cost mounted by 104.78 percent in 2023 due to unprecedented level of discount rate and increased borrowings which pushed up the gearing ratio to 52.69 percent in 2023. UNITY's net profit plunged by 76.71 percent in 2023 to stand at Rs.567.46 million with EPS of Rs.0.48 and NP margin of 0.63 percent. In 2024, UNITY recorded 32.91 percent contraction in its topline which clocked in at Rs.60,488.68 million. This was on the back of lower sales of palm oil and its derivates. This resulted in 56.37 percent thinner gross profit recorded in 2024 with GP margin falling down to 8.76 percent. Distribution expense inched up by only 0.9 percent in 2024 due to depressed sales volume recorded during the year. Administrative expense dropped by 1.55 percent in 2024 due to lesser donations and fee & subscription charges incurred during the year. UNITY didn't do any profit related provisioning in 2024; hence no other expense was recorded. As against last year, the company also posted exchange gain of Rs.664.60 million in 2024. Other income strengthened by 31.92 percent in 2024 due to higher interest income, dividend income and gain on disposal of fixed assets recorded during the year. UNITY's operating profit improved by 40.13 percent in 2024 with OP margin mounting to 8.27 percent. Finance cost surged by 104.60 percent in 2024 on the back of high discount rate and increased short-term borrowings. The company's gearing ratio reached an unparalleled level of 60.59 percent in 2024. UNITY posted net loss of Rs.2532.65 million in 2024. This translated into loss per share of Rs.2.12 in 2024. Recent Performance (9MFY25) During 9MFY25, UNITY's net sales eroded by 0.34 percent to clock in at Rs.48,576.37 million. This was because the company shifted its focus on high-margin products, resulting in lower sales volume of low-margin products. This coupled with cost optimization measures resulted in 21 percent improvement in the company's gross profit in 9MFY25 with GP margin recorded at 10.60 percent versus GP margin of 8.73 percent recorded in 9MFY24. Distribution and administrative expenses slumped by 34.61 percent and 9.28 percent respectively in 9MFY25 as the company curtailed its operations related to low-margin products. Other income posted a staggering 202.86 percent growth in 9MFY25 seemingly on the back of higher income from financial assets. UNITY's operating profit picked up by 44.13 percent in 9MFY25 with OP margin clocking in at 11.98 percent versus OP margin of 8.28 percent recorded in 9MFY24. Finance cost slid by 7.62 percent in 9MFY25 due to lower discount rate and a downtick recorded in outstanding borrowings. All these factors enabled UNITY to post net profit of Rs.706.13 million in 9MFY25 with EPS of Rs.0.59 and NP margin of 1.45 percent. This was against the net loss of Rs.1556.894 million and loss per share of Rs.1.30 posted in 9MFY24 Future Outlook Improvement in macroeconomic indicators will bode well for the demand of UNITY products. Lowering discount rate will reduce the finance cost of the company, resulting in increased profitability and margins. The company has also announced to enter into long-term contract to export biofuel feedstock to global biofuel producers particularly, Sustainable Aviation fuel. This contract, if materializes will tremendously increase the export sales of UNITY to EU and Far East customers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet this week's Think Local/Buy Local business
Our Think Local/Buy Local business this week is Up The Garden Bath & Unity and here Dave Poulton Kez Hayes-Palmer tell us more. Do you want to take part in our Think Local/Buy Local campaign. (Image: Newsquest) What do you do? Up The Garden Bath is a not-for-profit community interest company that promotes sustainability, environmental education and community wellbeing by upcycling old bathtubs into garden planters and delivering educational workshops across schools and community spaces. UNITY is our collaborative community retail space based in Queensgate Shopping Centre, where we support more than 100 local crafters, artists and small businesses by offering them an affordable and central space to showcase and sell their products. UNITY also includes a free Create & Craft area where anyone can drop in, get creative and learn new skills. To date, we have helped generate more than £650,000 in sales revenue for our cacophony of small local businesses and delivered our free crafting activities to 20,000 people. Where are you based? 📍 UNITY Shop: Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT Contact Details: 📞 01733 900903 📧 info@ 🌐 Website: When did you set up the Business? Up The Garden Bath was founded in 2020. UNITY opened its doors in 2023. Why did you set up the Business? We saw a need to tackle both environmental issues and social isolation in our community. By combining upcycling with education, we are able to make a positive environmental impact while also creating inclusive spaces for learning and connection. UNITY was launched to give local creatives and micro-businesses a central, high-footfall location to reach new customers without the usual financial pressures of retail. How many people do you have working for you? We have a small core team of five staff members and a brilliant network of volunteers and collaborators who help bring our community projects and retail spaces to life. What do you consider to be your USP? Our unique combination of environmental education, creative upcycling and community engagement sets us apart. At UNITY, it's not just about shopping – it's about supporting local people, learning new skills, and connecting with your community. One of the Up The Garden Bath community campaigns. (Image: Up The Garden Bath) Why do you think it is important that people use local shops and businesses? Local businesses are the backbone of the community. When you support local, you're not just buying a product – you're supporting a dream, a family, and a network of passionate individuals. Shopping locally keeps money in the community, fosters creativity and builds a stronger, more connected city. Is there anything else you would like to add? We believe in 'Unity in the Community' – everything we do is rooted in collaboration, creativity and community spirit. Whether you're a customer, crafter or volunteer, there's a place for you in what we do. We welcome everyone to visit UNITY, explore local talent, ring the bell of gratitude and get involved in our free craft space Would you like your business to feature in our Think Local/Buy Local campaign? Contact: for more information.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
argenx Presents New Efgartigimod Data at EULAR 2025 Highlighting Positive Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Results in Myositis and Sjogren's Disease
ALKIVIA data demonstrate significant improvement in muscle strength and physical function in myositis patients treated with efgartigimod RHO data show efgartigimod achieved sustained reduction in autoantibodies and improved functional outcomes in patients with Sjogren's disease; program granted U.S. FDA Fast Track designation argenx committed to new therapeutic areas in rheumatology with ongoing Phase 3 studies in myositis (ALKIVIA) and Sjogren's disease (UNITY) June 11, 2025, 12:01 AM CET Amsterdam, the Netherlands – argenx SE (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, today announced the presentation of positive results from Phase 2 studies evaluating VYVGART® (IV: efgartigimod alfa-fcab and SC or Hytrulo: efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) in Sjogren's disease (SjD) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM or myositis) at the European Congress of Rheumatology, EULAR 2025, from June 11 – 14 in Barcelona, Spain. argenx also announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted efgartigimod Fast Track designation (FTD) for the treatment of primary Sjogren's disease. 'Our innovation model prioritizes strong biologic rationale and efficient clinical program design, which enables us to rapidly advance development in rheumatic diseases,' said Luc Truyen, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, argenx. 'The accumulating body of evidence about the role of IgG autoantibodies reinforces the therapeutic potential of efgartigimod as a new approach for treating several rheumatic diseases – aiming to go beyond symptom management by targeting the underlying disease. The data presented at EULAR highlight efgartigimod's potential as a precision therapy for patients living with myositis and Sjogren's disease, and we are hopeful this novel treatment will offer a new therapeutic option and lead to improved outcomes for patients.' ALKIVIA Data Show Efgartigimod Provides Functional Improvement in Patients with Myositis Consistent and statistically significant treatment effect: In the ongoing, seamless ALKIVIA Phase 2/3 study evaluating three myositis subtypes (IMNM, ASyS, DM), data from Phase 2 show that patients demonstrated significant improvement in muscle strength and physical function when treated with efgartigimod. The study's primary endpoint, mean Total Improvement Score (TIS) at 24 weeks, is a composite of six core measures of disease activity and muscle function. TIS improvement was observed in a majority of efgartigimod-treated patients across all six core measures, and the primary endpoint was met. Efgartigimod patients showed a significantly higher mean TIS of 50.45 compared to 35.65 in the placebo arm (2-sided P=0.0004). In addition, for patients treated with efgartigimod, 79% achieved a moderate improvement (TIS ≥40) and 34% achieved a major improvement (TIS ≥60), compared to 47% and 9.5% respectively of patients receiving placebo. Favorable Time to TIS and Safety Profile: Among the study's secondary endpoints, patients receiving efgartigimod improved significantly faster than patients receiving placebo, leading to a median time to minimal improvement (TIS ≥20) of 30 days and time to moderate improvement (TIS ≥40) of 16 weeks. Comparatively, patients in the placebo arm reached minimal improvement (TIS ≥20) in 72 days, while there was no majority of placebo patients reaching moderate improvement (TIS ≥40) at any point in the 24-week study. Efgartigimod was well-tolerated and the proportion of patients experiencing at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was similar in the efgartigimod and placebo arms. Evaluation of efgartigimod in myositis is ongoing in the Phase 3 portion of the ALKIVIA study. 'Myositis is a debilitating disease that can cause muscle weakness, affect multiple organs, and have a severe impact on patients' quality of life. Physicians struggle to treat it because current options are limited and have significant side effects,' said Hector Chinoy, Ph.D., ALKIVIA study investigator and Professor of Rheumatology and Neuromuscular Disease at The University of Manchester. 'Results from this study, the first of an FcRn inhibitor in myositis, demonstrate the potential of a transformative targeted treatment approach. Efgartigimod was well-tolerated and led to significant improvements compared to placebo, offering new hope for a treatment that targets autoantibodies as one of the potential key drivers of disease.' RHO Data Show Efgartigimod's Clinical Effect Across Endpoints in Sjogren's Disease Improved systemic disease activity and reduction in symptoms: In the Phase 2 proof-of-concept RHO study, efgartigimod showed significant improvement in systemic disease activity and patient symptoms. 45.5% of patients receiving efgartigimod achieved improved outcomes on the CRESS composite primary endpoint at Week 24 – including systemic disease activity, salivary and tear gland function – compared to 11.1% among patients treated with placebo. Improvements among patients treated with efgartigimod were achieved in 4 out of 5 CRESS measures. In addition, disease activity among patients treated with efgartigimod showed a median change in clinESSDAI total score of -7.0 versus -4.0 in the placebo arm. A key secondary endpoint is the cSTAR composite of five disease measures, which showed patients treated with efgartigimod achieved a 54.5% response versus 33.3% in the placebo arm. Potential for disease biology modulation: Biomarker response in RHO study also demonstrated rapid and sustained reduction of IgG with a ~60% reduction from Week 4 onwards. The efgartigimod group showed notable decreases in the disease-associated antibodies anti-Ro52 (-57% vs +13%) and Rheumatoid Factor (-26.6% vs -5.3%), as well as reduction in C1Q immune complexes (-4.5 vs -0.06 mc eq/mL) compared to placebo. Efgartigimod demonstrated a favorable safety profile among patients with Sjogren's disease. The observed safety and tolerability was consistent with other clinical trials, with no new safety signals observed. The Phase 3 UNITY trial is currently ongoing to assess efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in patients with moderate to severe Sjogren's disease. 'These data suggest that targeting FcRn and reducing IgGs has a meaningful impact on Sjogren's disease,' said Isabelle Peene M.D., Ph.D., study investigator, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital. 'The clinical and biomarker findings add to our growing understanding of IgG autoantibodies in Sjogren's disease and could inform future treatment strategies for this complex, progressive and underserved condition.' More information on the data presented at the EULAR 2025 meeting can be found for presentations are as follows: Title Presenter Presentation Efficacy and Safety of Efgartigimod PH20 SC in Adult Participants with Active Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: Phase 2 Results from the ALKIVIA Study Hector Chinoy Oral Presentation #OP0002Session: Abstract PlenaryWednesday, June 1116:40-16:50 CEST Treatment of Sjögren's disease by blocking FcRn: clinical and translational data from Rho, a phase 2 randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, proof-of-concept study with efgartigimod Isabelle Peene Oral Presentation #OP0041Session: Clinical AbstractWednesday, June 1116:30-16:40 CEST Efficacy and safety of efgartigimod PH20 subcutaneous by prefilled syringe in adults with Sjögren's disease: A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial with open-label extension (UNITY) Simon Bowman Poster #POS0844Poster View IIIThursday, June 1212:00-13:30 CEST Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of empasiprubart in adults with dermatomyositis (EMPACIFIC): A Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study Tetyana Storie Poster #POS1049Poster View VIFriday, June 1312:00-13:30 CEST ALKIVIA Study DesignThe ALKIVIA study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, operationally seamless Phase 2/3 study of efgartigimod SC for the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM or myositis) across three subtypes, including immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), and dermatomyositis (DM). The ALKIVIA study enrolled 240 patients in total and is being conducted in two phases, with an analysis of the Phase 2 portion of the clinical trial after the first 90 patients completed the study, followed by a Phase 3 portion if a signal is observed in the Phase 2 portion. The primary endpoint is the mean total improvement score (TIS) at the end of the treatment period (24 weeks in Phase 2 and 52 weeks in Phase 3) of all treated patients (IMNM, ASyS, DM) compared to placebo. Key secondary endpoints include response rates at the end of treatment, time to response, and duration of response in TIS, as well as change from baseline in individual TIS components. Other secondary endpoints include quality of life and other functional scores. About Idiopathic Inflammatory MyopathiesIdiopathic inflammatory myopathies (myositis) are a rare group of autoimmune diseases that can be muscle specific or affect multiple organs including the skin, joints, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and heart. Myositis can be very severe and disabling and have a material impact on quality of life. Initially, myositis was classified as either DM or polymyositis, but as the underlying pathophysiology of myositis has become better understood, including through the identification of characteristic autoantibodies, new polymyositis subtypes have emerged. Two of these subtypes are IMNM and ASyS. Proximal muscle weakness is a unifying feature of each subtype. IMNM is characterized by skeletal muscle weakness due to muscle cell necrosis. ASyS is characterized by muscle inflammation, inflammatory arthritis, interstitial lung disease, thickening and cracking of the hands ('mechanic's hands') and Raynaud's phenomenon. DM is characterized by muscle inflammation and degeneration and skin abnormalities, including heliotrope rash, Gottron's papules, erythematous, calcinosis and edema. RHO Study DesignThe Phase 2 RHO study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter proof of concept study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of efgartigimod in adults with Sjogren's Disease. In order to enter the study, patients needed to test positive for anti-Ro autoantibodies and maintain residual salivary flow. Thirty four patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either efgartigimod or placebo for up to 24 weeks. Multiple endpoints and biomarkers were evaluated in the signal-finding study, including the primary endpoint of CRESS (Composite of Relevant Endpoints for Sjogren's Syndrome). Within CRESS there are five components spanning: systemic disease activity as measured by the ESSDAI (EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Activity Index), patient reported outcomes as measured by the ESSPRI (EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index), tear and salivary gland function and serology. To be a CRESS responder, patients needed to demonstrate a clinically meaningful benefit in at least 3 of the 5 composite items. Additional datapoints were gathered including the clinESSDAI, STAR (Sjogren's Tool for Assessing Response), biomarker data, and the change in lymphocytic infiltrate levels through parotid biopsies. About Sjogren's DiseaseSjogren's Disease (SjD) is a chronic, slowly progressive inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of exocrine glands. SjD can be severely debilitating and have a negative impact on patient quality of life, with common symptoms reported as dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, and joint point. In addition, a substantial subset of patients suffer from extraglandular systemic disease. While the presence of anti-Ro and anti-La IgG autoantibodies are considered a hallmark of disease, the underlying cause of SjD is believed to be multi-factorial, triggered by environmental factors, leading to autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. SjD predominantly impacts women with a 9:1 female:male incidence ratio. Given the heterogeneous nature of the disease, the treatment journey can be challenging with long delays and high rates of misdiagnosis. There are no FDA- approved treatments targeting the disease itself, leaving current treatments to focus primarily on individual symptom management. About EfgartigimodEfgartigimod (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is a human IgG1 antibody fragment designed to reduce pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and blocking the IgG recycling process. Efgartigimod is the first-approved FcRn blocker globally and is marketed as VYVGART® and VYVGART® Hytrulo in the United States and China for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and as VYVDURA (Japan) or VYVGART SC for gMG in other regions globally. Efgartigimod is currently being evaluated in more than 15 severe autoimmune diseases where pathogenic IgGs are believed to be mediators of disease. About argenxargenx is a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. argenx developed and is commercializing the first approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker and is evaluating its broad potential in multiple serious autoimmune diseases while advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its therapeutic franchises. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. For further information, please contact: Media: Colin McBeancmcbean@ Investors: Alexandra Royaroy@ Forward-looking Statements The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements.' These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms 'aim,' 'are,' 'believe,' 'can,' 'commit,' and 'will' and include statements argenx makes concerning its commitment to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases and to new therapeutic areas in rheumatology; the discussion of its Phase 2 proof-of-concept results as well as the ongoing Phase 3 studies for efgartigimod in myositis and Sjogren's disease at EULAR 2025, including the planned agenda of such congress; its ability to rapidly advance development in rheumatic diseases; its goal to have efgartigimod not just manage symptoms but target the underlying disease and its potential as a precision therapy for myositis and Sjogren's patients; the potential for efgartigimod to be a transformative targeted treatment approach; and its hope that efgartigimod leads to improved outcomes and offer a new therapeutic options for such patients. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. argenx's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to, the results of argenx's clinical trials; expectations regarding the inherent uncertainties associated with the development of novel drug therapies; preclinical and clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements; the acceptance of its products and product candidates by its patients as safe, effective and cost-effective; the impact of governmental laws and regulations, including tariffs, export controls, sanctions and other regulations on its business; its reliance on third-party suppliers, service providers and manufacturers; inflation and deflation and the corresponding fluctuations in interest rates; and regional instability and conflicts. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in argenx's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in argenx's most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC as well as subsequent filings and reports filed by argenx with the SEC. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. argenx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the information in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New venture for Up the Garden Bath
Award winning Peterborough-based charity Up The Garden Bath says it is proud to introduce Goal2Grow, a new community focused fundraising initiative. Instead of asking for money, the innovative organisation is encouraging people to donate their pre-loved football kits. Whether it is outgrown, a spare or simply ready for a new team, your donation can help make sport more accessible for others. All donated items are carefully cleaned, sorted and sold through their UNITY store at affordable prices, providing access to quality sportswear for individuals and families on low incomes. But Goal2Grow is about more than raising funds. It champions sustainability by extending the life of valuable sportswear, reducing textile waste and removing financial barriers that can prevent young people from participating in sport. Recommended Reading: Latest planning applications submitted to Peterborough City Council It is about inclusion, wellbeing and giving everyone a fair chance to enjoy the game. Up The Garden Bath believe great things happen when people are given the space to grow creatively, socially and environmentally. With the Goal2Grow fundraiser they are blending the community's passion for nature and football to create meaningful and lasting change. All proceeds from sales will directly support Up The Garden Bath's wide range of educational and environmental community projects across Cambridgeshire. These include school based eco workshops, community gardening initiatives, sustainability education and the creation of public green spaces. Up The Garden Bath is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising environmental awareness, encouraging creativity and strengthening community connections through upcycling and practical learning experiences. Since launching, they have built a loyal following and continue to make a real difference across the region. Their UNITY store, opened in 2023, and is already a local success story, generating more than £600,000 in revenue for local crafters, makers, artists and small businesses. More than just a shop, UNITY is a thriving community hub, offering free workshops, a public crafting area and a welcoming space for people of all ages to come together to learn, create and grow. Dave and Kez said: "UNITY has shown us that when people are given the chance to grow both creatively and personally, amazing things happen. With Goal2Grow, we are bringing that spirit into new territory, combining our love for community, the environment and sport to deliver lasting impact. This is about inclusion, sustainability and giving everyone the opportunity to get involved." How to Donate: Drop off your old football kits at the award-winning collaborative community retail project UNITY in the Queensgate Shopping Centre. For more information and details about how to get involved, visit: or contact: info@ Do you have a story for Peterborough Matters? Send details to: newsdesk@
