Day: September 10, 2021

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Wiseasy Partners with UnionPay International to Boost Digital Banking and QR Payment in Ghana and Nigeria

ACCRA, Ghana, Sept. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wiseasy Group, a leading global digital banking and payment builder, jointly announced a collaborative partnership with UnionPay International (UPI) today, to accelerate digital banking and QR payment in Ghana and Nigeria in supporting the global digital transformation trend.

In response to the rapid changing of customer payment needs and the increasingly competitive global financial arena, the two entities collaboratively implement a comprehensive solution, bridging the gaps with their advanced core competencies. This solution provides a unified mobile payment standard and facilitates the management of financial institutions’ mobile payment businesses. Rapid diffusion by Smartphones and QR open new prospects for the development of innovative payment methods and enable customers to carry out banking operations while on the move.

“Wiseasy Group is pleased to be part of this exciting collaboration with UPI to launch a secured, seamless and innovative solution that meets the new expectations of retailers and customers,” stated Mr. Rachid Oulad Akdim, VP Group and President of Wiseasy France.

“We are honoured to partner with Wiseasy Group to further accelerate the brand reach in Ghana and Nigeria”, said Mr. Luping Zhang, General Manager of UnionPay International Africa Branch. “UnionPay continues to offer high quality, cost-effective, innovative payment services through shared growth with our partners in the region”.

Wiseasy Group is a leading global digital banking and payment builder, operating in 114 countries and regions worldwide, covering dozens of industries. The company aims to promote the innovation, development, and application of digital banking solutions and payment technology worldwide by offering smart fintech terminals and rich payment technology services that can reach wider demographics with more convenience.

With over 1.6 billion UnionPay cards issued in 70 countries and regions globally, UnionPay has expanded its acceptance network to 180 countries and regions in recent years. At present, UnionPay cards are widely accepted in Africa across all sectors, effectively meeting the diverse purchasing needs of UnionPay cardholders visiting and living on the continent. UnionPay cards are issued in over 10 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius. The Nilson Report (Issue 1154) shows that UnionPay ranks first among all card schemes in card issuance and transaction volume worldwide. UnionPay has launched various innovative payment products in Africa in response to the worldwide digital transformation and financial inclusion.

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Adagio Therapeutics Announces Expansion of Patient Population in Global Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of ADG20 for the Prevention of COVID-19

Independent Data Monitoring Committee Supports Expansion to Adolescents and Pregnant and Nursing Women Based on Safety and Tolerability Data from Phase 2 Lead-In

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, today announced that the independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) for the EVADE Phase 2/3 trial of ADG20 for the prevention of COVID-19 has provided a recommendation to expand Phase 3 trial enrollment to include adolescents and pregnant or nursing women, as well as to decrease the protocol-specified, post injection monitoring time. The IDMC’s assessments are based on their review of unblinded safety and tolerability data from 200 participants enrolled in the Phase 2 lead-in portion of the trial. Adagio remains blinded to the data and plans to implement the IDMC recommendations for the Phase 3 portion of the trial. EVADE is being conducted globally, including in regions where there is a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, to evaluate the ability of a single, intramuscular dose of ADG20 to prevent COVID-19 in both pre- and post-exposure settings.

“Given the urgent need for additional treatment and preventative options for COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable populations, we are pleased that an independent assessment of the safety data from the lead-in portion of EVADE supported inclusion of adolescents and pregnant or nursing women in the next phase of the study,” said Lynn Connolly, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Adagio. “Based on the potent and broad activity of ADG20 in non-clinical studies, as well as its extended half-life and ease of administration, we believe this antibody has the potential to become a preferred prophylactic option for COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the immunocompromised, for whom there are currently limited or no available options.”

The EVADE trial is a global, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating ADG20 in two independent cohorts. The first cohort (post-exposure prophylaxis) is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of ADG20 compared to placebo for the prevention of COVID-19 after exposure to an individual with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The second cohort (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ADG20 compared to placebo in individuals who are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to occupational, housing or recreational situations, and in individuals who are at increased risk of poor vaccine response, including individuals with compromised immune systems or other co-morbidities. The primary efficacy endpoint in both cohorts is the prevention of laboratory confirmed, symptomatic COVID-19. For more information on the EVADE trial, please visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04859517.

The clinical development program for ADG20 includes two additional trials: the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of ADG20 in healthy volunteers and the ongoing STAMP trial evaluating ADG20 as a treatment for high-risk individuals with mild or moderate COVID-19 (see clinicaltrials.gov).

About ADG20
ADG20, a monoclonal antibody targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, is being developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. ADG20 was designed and engineered to possess high potency and broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 and additional clade 1 sarbecoviruses, by targeting a highly conserved epitope in the receptor binding domain. ADG20 displays potent neutralizing activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as all known variants of concern. ADG20 has the potential to impact viral replication and subsequent disease through multiple mechanisms of action, including direct blocking of viral entry into the host cell (neutralization) and elimination of infected host cells through Fc-mediated innate immune effector activity. ADG20 is formulated at high concentrations, enabling intramuscular administration, and was engineered to have a long half-life, with a goal of providing both rapid and durable protection. Adagio is advancing ADG20 through multiple clinical trials on a global basis.

About Adagio Therapeutics
Adagio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The company’s portfolio of antibodies has been optimized using Adimab’s industry-leading antibody engineering capabilities and is designed to provide patients and clinicians with a powerful combination of potency, breadth, durable protection (via half-life extension), manufacturability and affordability. Adagio’s portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies includes multiple, non-competing broadly neutralizing antibodies with distinct binding epitopes, led by ADG20. Adagio has secured manufacturing capacity for the production of ADG20 with third-party contract manufacturers through the completion of clinical trials and, if approved by regulatory authorities, through initial commercial launch. For more information, please visit www.adagiotx.com.

Contacts:
Media Contact:
Dan Budwick, 1AB
[email protected]

Investor Contact:
Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
[email protected]


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Disruptive.Asia constate que les fabricants chinois de puces tirent parti de l’innovation et de l’appui aux politiques pour atteindre la maturité en 14 nm

LONDRES, 10 septembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Disruptive.Asia constate que la quête d’autosuffisance de la Chine en matière de fabrication de puces permet non seulement de doper les capacités de fabrication de puces de 14 nm en vue de leur pleine maturité, mais aussi de positionner le pays comme un partenaire mondial clé dans le secteur des chipsets, au moment où la chaîne d’approvisionnement se déplace vers la région Asie-Pacifique.

Selon Cai Yimao, vice-doyen de l’École d’ingénierie électronique et d’informatique de l’Université de Pékin, les entreprises chinoises ont surmonté bon nombre des difficultés techniques inhérentes à la conception de puces de 14 nm, ce qui a permis d’accélérer les capacités de la Chine en matière de puces de 14 nm au cours des deux dernières années. Le secteur chinois des puces en 28 nm devrait atteindre sa pleine maturité cette année et les puces en 14 nm devraient suivre d’ici 2022.

Les fabricants de puces en Chine bénéficient d’un appui aux politiques et d’investissements importants. M. Cai estime que la promulgation de politiques pertinentes a clairement montré que la Chine continue de soutenir l’industrie des circuits intégrés en tant qu’industrie phare. La Chine accorde une grande importance au développement de l’industrie des circuits intégrés et renforce continuellement l’appui aux politiques et les investissements.

Actuellement, la chaîne d’approvisionnement se déplace vers la Chine et l’Asie du Sud-Est. On pense que cela stimulera également la R&D nationale en matière de technologies avancées et favorisera un développement rapide des entreprises locales en Chine à mesure qu’elles accumuleront des compétences technologiques et une expérience de gestion. En outre, l’achèvement progressif de la construction de nouvelles usines de production de plaquettes en Chine continentale apporte un nouveau soutien à l’industrie des puces en termes de réduction des coûts, de renforcement des capacités de production et de commodité géographique. Le nombre et la proportion des lignes de production de circuits intégrés en Chine ne cessent d’augmenter. Plus de 20 300 mm de lignes de production ont été mis en service, et plusieurs sont en cours de construction.

Disruptive.Asia convient que la Chine a déjà maîtrisé la technologie de la production de masse des puces de 14 nm. Comme l’a mentionné M. Cai, les puces chinoises en 14 nm seront produites en masse l’année prochaine, avec un meilleur équilibre entre performances, consommation d’énergie et coût comme jamais auparavant.

À propos de Disruptive.Asia

Disruptive.Asia  assure la couverture de l’état actuel de la révolution numérique dans les secteurs des télécoms, des fintechs et de l’Internet dans la région Asie-Pacifique – son origine, ce qui la fait avancer, l’impact qu’elle a sur chaque industrie, comment les acteurs clés y répondent et ce que nous réserve l’avenir.

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Motherwell detectives apprehend alleged business robber

GQEBERHA – Determination and commitment towards their vocation paid off when dedicated detectives from SAPS Motherwell followed up on various leads, which led them to the successful apprehension of an alleged business robbery suspect.

It is alleged that the suspect was involved in a business robbery at PEP Stores, at NU9, Motherwell during July 2021. During the robbery more than 60 cellphones and cash were stolen. Detectives worked tirelessly and finally made a breakthrough when they obtained sufficient evidence to link the suspect to the scene. On Friday, 10 September 2021 at about 00:10, detectives pounced on the suspect and arrested him at a residence in Motherwell. Detectives also confiscated cash that was allegedly stolen during the robbery.

The 29-year-old suspect is due to appear in the Motherwell magistrate’s court on Monday, 13 September 2021 on a charge of business robbery. More arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Source: South African Police Service

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Experts, State agencies investigate Justice dept IT breach

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says it is working with State agencies to investigate a ransomware attack on the department’s Information Technology systems.

Ransomware is often in the form of infectious software unwittingly downloaded by a user, which blocks access to a computer usually until a ransom is paid.

In a statement, the department said its IT systems were compromised following a security breach on Tuesday evening.

“This has led to all information systems being encrypted and unavailable to both internal employees, as well as members of the public. As a result, all electronic services provided by the department are affected, including the issuing of letters of authority, bail services, email and the departmental website.

“Child maintenance payments for month-end have already been processed and will therefore not be impacted by the current system outage,” the department said.

The department said that so far, no data has been compromised. It assured the public that its IT teams are working to restore electronic services.

“The department has activated its Business Continuity Plan and put contingency measures in place to ensure that the IT system challenges do not affect court operations around the country. Manual recording equipment will be used to ensure that court sittings continue as scheduled.

“The Office of the Chief Master is currently using a manual process to provide bereaved families with the necessary documentation that they need to bury their loved ones,” the statement said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Public urged to participate in pre-Budget consultations

National Treasury has invited the public to participate in pre-Budget consultations.

South Africa is one of the five pilot countries that are participating in the Fiscal Openness Accelerator (FOA) project that was launched in 2019 by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT), Treasury said in a statement on Friday.

“The project’s overall objective is to build the technical capacity of selected governments, enhance fiscal transparency and to support the implementation of a public participation pilot in the national budget cycle,” it said.

The purpose of the initiative is to, among other things, “enrich the national budget process and/or policy/ies with inputs from non-government stakeholders, and other relevant sectors towards better alignment of national government fiscal policies with citizens’ needs and concerns”.

The department said the initiative is also aimed at improving government practice and policy/ies on public participation and closing the feedback loop on the budget process and increased government responsiveness and public accountability.

Budget 2021, said Treasury, “confirmed government’s fiscal strategy of returning public finances to a sustainable position through ongoing restraint in expenditure growth and implementation of structural reforms to support economic growth”.

In this context, the fiscal strategy aims to narrow the deficit and stabilise the debt-to-GDP ratio, primarily by controlling non-interest expenditure growth.

The strategy also seeks to provide continued support to the economy and public health services in the short-term without adding to long-term spending pressures.

“[It also seeks to] improve the composition of spending, by reducing growth in compensation while protecting capital investment,” Treasury said.

The 2021 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, Treasury said, allows for the opportunity to review this policy position.

National Treasury said it is soliciting the public’s views on South Africa’s Fiscal Policy on what improvements can be made to the Budget to deal with the challenge of long-term fiscal sustainability, and in light of limited resources, how should South Africa finance key priorities.

Written submissions, of not more than three pages, may be made on line.

The Treasury will also host a one-day virtual public consultation meeting to discuss the ideas put forward.

The online format for making submissions may be found on: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jzRFGrQCmk-nqHeG9t0yRTqZ86WzI7JHvRvFVz0vJUhUMDZERUtNMVgyVDI3S0VYQkdYVlJGOE40Ny4u

The department said while it is its wish to respond to each submission in writing, this is not practically possible, and a summary report will be published. All submissions will be published via the Vulekamali online portal, where they may be viewed.

The outcomes from the public consultation meeting are intended to inform National Treasury’s proposed budget strategy to be considered by Cabinet in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which is an important step in the planning phase of the budget process.

The deadline for written submissions is 17 September 2021. The registration for the online public consultation will be opened prior to the meeting, which will be held in the fourth week of September 2021.

Source: South African Government News Agency