Hyperlapse showing the setup of the 56,000 square foot Lockheed Martin exhibit before the start of the 2014 Science and Engineering Festival on April 26-27, 2014.
Setup of 2014 Lockheed Martin SciFest Exhibit - YouTube
Saturday, April 26, 2014
CEO Alex Gorsky discusses J&J Partnership with USO & ACP - YouTube
During the Annual Shareholders Meeting on April 24, 2014, Johnson & Johnson Chairman & CEO Alex Gorsky discussed our company's commitment to caring for U.S. military veterans through our partnership with the USO and American Corporate Partners.
CEO Alex Gorsky discusses J&J Partnership with USO & ACP - YouTube
CEO Alex Gorsky discusses J&J Partnership with USO & ACP - YouTube
Inside Story: How Corine LaFont Leveraged Her Small Business Book Award
I’m a firm believer that even being nominated for an award is “toot-your-horn” worthy, but many people simply don’t know how to leverage it.
I recently spoke to Certified Virtual Author Assistant Corine LaFont, who was a 2013 Small Business Book Award winner, to find out how she took advantage of her award.
Inside Story: How Corine LaFont Leveraged Her Small Business Book Award
Top Officials Visit FedEx
FedEx News Release:
Top Officials Visit FedEx
April 25 2014
Friday April 25
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, and Mayor AC Wharton visited the FedEx Memphis Hub on Friday to learn more about the new FedEx Cold Chain Center, a state of the art facility set to open in Spring 2015.
The new FedEx Cold Chain Center is designed primarily for high-value, temperature-sensitive goods, like healthcare shipments and will also accommodate other perishables, including flowers and food products.
The government officials toured various facilities in Memphis, as airport area development is a key factor in the support from the interagency partnership of HUD, DOT and EPA’s Sustainable Communities program.
Injured Veterans To Cycle 450 Miles From Covington, Ky., To Nashville, Tenn., For The 2014 UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery Bluegrass Challenge
UnitedHealth Group News Release:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 24, 2014) —
Injured Veterans To Cycle 450 Miles From Covington, Ky., To Nashville, Tenn., For The 2014 UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery Bluegrass Challenge
- Veterans to ride hand cycles, tandems and recumbents through Kentucky and Tennessee
- Ride 2 Recovery provides cycling programs for America's injured veterans
- Communities encouraged to gather along the daily routes to support and cheer riders
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 24, 2014) —
More than 150 injured veterans and their supporters will set off Sunday, April 27, on the UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery Bluegrass Challenge, a weeklong, 450-mile rehabilitative bicycle ride from Covington, Ky., to Nashville, Tenn.
Bluegrass Challenge cyclists will start their journey at the Embassy Suites (10 East Rivercenter Blvd.) in Covington and ride through central Kentucky into Tennessee with overnight stops in Carrollton, Louisville, Fort Knox/Elizabethtown, Bowling Green and Oak Grove, Ky. The ride will conclude in Nashville on Friday, May 2. There will be a one-day local ride in the Music City on Saturday, May 3.
To see daily stops and events along the route, or to sign up for the Bluegrass Challenge, visithttps://www.ride2recovery.com/event.php?ID=541.
Ride 2 Recovery supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, featuring cycling as the core activity. From indoor spinning training at military installations to multiday, long-distance rides, Ride 2 Recovery helps injured veterans heal through the challenge of cycling long distances using hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.
"The more I ride with Ride 2 Recovery, the more it helps me both physically and mentally," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (ret.) Omar Romney, who was based at Fort Campbell before he medically retired. "It gives me hope that the more I ride, the more I get out of it, and I would like to be a role model or mentor to others who are having similar struggles."
"It's an honor to support Ride 2 Recovery and its work for the physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation of the men and women who have sacrificed their health in service to our country," said Paul Brophy, COO, UnitedHealthcare of Kentucky. "Ride 2 Recovery is making a critical difference in helping these veterans in their journey to lifelong health and well-being."
This is the fifth year UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is serving as Ride 2 Recovery's presenting sponsor, providing financial, in-kind and volunteer support to assist in the rehabilitation of America's injured veterans.
Ride 2 Recovery is one of many ways UnitedHealth Group supports veterans and their families. UnitedHealth Group is a member of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, a coalition of major U.S. corporations that share the goal of hiring 100,000 transitioning service members and military veterans by 2020, a goal that has already been exceeded. UnitedHealth Group partners with a variety of organizations to help source military and veteran candidates such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, RecruitMilitary and the Wounded Warrior Project. Last year, UnitedHealthcare became the managed care support contractor for the West Region of the U.S. Defense Department's TRICARE program, serving nearly 2.9 million military service members, retirees and their families in 21 states.
"In the UnitedHealthcare Challenge Series, about 60 percent of the participating injured veterans come through our feeder program, Project HERO," said John Wordin, president and founder, Ride 2 Recovery. "There are 43 Project HERO programs at military bases and VA facilities across the country. Our medical personnel and R2R onsite coordinators help prepare these healing heroes for the week-long challenge of riding a bike hundreds of miles. For these men and women, cycling becomes a life-changing addition to their physical and mental rehabilitation."
About Ride 2 Recovery
Ride 2 Recovery, a 501(c) 3, helps injured veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. Cycling has proven to be a catalyst in the recovery process by providing a new physical challenge while concurrently helping to cope with the mental challenges. Ride 2 Recovery benefits military mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. Bikes are often custom-fitted to the physical needs of each rider. There are 43 Ride 2 Recovery Project HERO programs at military installations and VA facilities that provide training, fitting and bikes to prepare riders for the long-distance Challenges.
Ride 2 Recovery, a 501(c) 3, helps injured veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. Cycling has proven to be a catalyst in the recovery process by providing a new physical challenge while concurrently helping to cope with the mental challenges. Ride 2 Recovery benefits military mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. Bikes are often custom-fitted to the physical needs of each rider. There are 43 Ride 2 Recovery Project HERO programs at military installations and VA facilities that provide training, fitting and bikes to prepare riders for the long-distance Challenges.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 800,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 800,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
Verizon Officially Opens New Finance Center Building in Lake Mary, Fla., and Plans to Bring an Additional 350 New Jobs to Area
220,000 Square-Foot, $50 Million Building and Additional Jobs Boost Economic Impact of 750 New Jobs Announced by Verizon in 2013
Verizon Officially Opens New Finance Center Building in Lake Mary, Fla., and Plans to Bring an Additional 350 New Jobs to Area
Verizon Officially Opens New Finance Center Building in Lake Mary, Fla., and Plans to Bring an Additional 350 New Jobs to Area
National Small Business Week Starts May 12th In the US
National Small Business Week has been announced for May 12-16, 2014.
The week-long, cross-country series of events including forums on entrepreneurship, start-up and growth.
National Small Business Week Starts May 12th In the US
Raytheon Chairman William H. Swanson inducted into U.S. News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame
Raytheon Press Release:
Recognized for advancing science, technology, engineering and math education
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) Chairman William H. Swanson was inducted into the U.S. News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame today for his leadership in advancing STEM education and preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists. He was honored at a special ceremony during the 2014 U.S. News STEM Solutions National Leadership Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
"As someone who benefitted from STEM mentorship as a young man, I have tremendous passion for inspiring students to pursue STEM subjects," said William H. Swanson, Chairman of Raytheon Company. "STEM education is critical to our nation's competitiveness and position of leadership. For nearly a decade, Raytheon's MathMovesU initiative has inspired students to develop a genuine interest in math and science, one that opens up a world of career possibilities. We need to show by example how rewarding STEM careers can be."
Swanson and three other leaders were chosen from a group of industry, academic and nonprofit leaders for achieving measurable results in STEM fields, challenging conventional wisdom and motivating future STEM professionals. The other honorees included:
- Anousheh Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO, Prodea Systems
- Norman R. Augustine, Former Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
- Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
"Tomorrow's workforce requires STEM preparation," said Brian Kelly, U.S. News editor and chief content officer. "The STEM Leadership Hall of Fame recognizes pioneers in their own fields who are also instrumental in leading national efforts to better prepare students and workers in STEM."
About MathMovesU
Raytheon's MathMovesU® program is an initiative committed to increasing middle and elementary school students' interest in math and science education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. The innovative programs of MathMovesU include the traveling interactive experience MathAlive!™; Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills™ experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals; the "In the Numbers" game, a partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon; the company's ongoing sponsorship of the MATHCOUNTS® National Competition; and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program. Follow MathMovesU and other Raytheon community outreach programs on Facebook and on Twitter @MathMovesU.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Raytheon enhances malicious insider threat and privileged user abuse detection with new SureView release
Raytheon News Release:
DULLES, Va., April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) today announced the latest developments found in their new SureView™ release, which include new policy support features that enhance product capability for continuous monitoring and network auditing against insider threat and privileged user abuse.
With this release, commercial and federal organizations now have access to a Privileged User Monitoring and Auditing (PUMA) Policy Pack specifically designed to enable SureView to detect malicious acts and policy violations by privileged users that often go undetected. Additionally, this latest release includes SureView Spotlight™, a software development kit that allows integration with best-of-breed analytic solutions.
"For more than a decade, customers have relied on SureView to detect and stop malicious activity inside their networks. SureView is a proven solution specifically built to address human behavior and provide the insight necessary to recognize both malicious and non-malicious insider threats," said Ed Hammersla, managing director of Raytheon Cyber Products at Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "The latest enhancements to SureView are the result of customer inputs and lessons learned from long-term deployment. In fact, the PUMA Policy Pack was developed to meet requirements specifically articulated by our customers to mitigate the privileged user threat."
Additional New features of SureView include:
- Host-based Network Traffic Monitoring and Collection: Because many network incidents can be attributable to simple negligence, SureView's new network collector monitors and captures the actual network traffic. If connections or ports are found open, leaving them vulnerable to attack, an alert is sent that includes the user who left the connections open.
- Simplified Policy Creation: Now policies can be created with a simple right click and by leveraging Window's event logs.
- New Collection Capability: Monitors and collects data published to Windows event log providing easy integration with other technologies such as third party Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.
- Enterprise Application Suite Enhancements: This release supports large scale deployments with enhanced user, agent and group management. It also provides the ability to generate contextual reports with a simple "right click" and export data to a file that is printer friendly.
About SureView As a policy-based cyber audit solution, SureView monitors employees' activities, including the accessing of classified networks, while safeguarding privacy and legally protected whistleblower communications. It provides irrefutable and unambiguous attribution of end-user activity, providing context to rapidly discern malicious activity from benign actions. SureView also integrates with best of breed SIEM tools. Visit www.raytheon.com to learn more about SureView's enhancements.
About Raytheon Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Novartis' INSTEAD study for Onbrez® Breezhaler® in patients with moderate COPD meets primary objective
Novartis News Release:
April 25, 2014 07:15 CET
Novartis' INSTEAD study for Onbrez® Breezhaler® in patients with moderate COPD meets primary objective
- Results confirm non-inferiority of Onbrez® Breezhaler® (indacaterol) in lung function compared to Seretide®* (salmeterol/fluticasone) in the studied population
- In INSTEAD study, patients with moderate COPD and no exacerbations in the past year were switched from salmeterol/fluticasone to Onbrez Breezhaler
- Study showed similar symptomatic benefits in terms of shortness of breath and health status in patients treated with Onbrez Breezhaler compared to those on salmeterol/fluticasone
Basel, April 25, 2014 - Novartis announced today top-line results from the Phase IV INSTEAD switch study in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which met its primary objective. Once-daily Onbrez® Breezhaler® (indacaterol) 150 mcg demonstrated non-inferiority in lung function at week 12 to twice-daily Seretide®* (salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (SFC)) 50/500 mcg in patients with moderate COPD and no exacerbations in the previous year.
The INSTEAD switch study also showed similar symptomatic benefits in terms of shortness of breath and health status after 12 and 26 weeks in patients treated with Onbrez Breezhaler compared to those on SFC. The safety profile of Onbrez Breezhalerobserved in this study was consistent with previously reported results from Phase III studies.
"These positive results help inform the switch from salmeterol/fluticasone to Onbrez Breezhaler in patients with moderate COPD and who are at low risk of exacerbations. This confirms that Onbrez Breezhalerprovides an effective maintenance treatment option for these patients," said Tim Wright, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "In addition, these results support international guidelines, which advise against the use of inhaled corticosteroids due to long-term risks in COPD patients at low risk of exacerbations[1]".
COPD affects an estimated 210 million people worldwide[2] and is projected to be the third leading cause of death by 2020[1]. Treatments that effectively control the symptoms of COPD and allow patients to continue with their daily activities are very important in helping address the unmet needs in the management of COPD[3],[4].
INSTEAD was a global, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 26-week study. This study randomized 581 patients with moderate COPD who had been taking SFC* for at least three months to either continue on SFC* or switch to indacaterol. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of indacaterolversus SFC* in lung function (trough FEV1) after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with moderate COPD who had experienced no exacerbations in the previous year. Data from this study are expected to be presented at major medical congresses later this year.
About Onbrez Breezhaler
Onbrez Breezhaler (indacaterol) is a once-daily inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that offers clinically relevant 24 hour bronchodilation combined with a rapid onset of action within five minutes at first dose, as demonstrated in the INERGIZE Phase III trial program[5]-[18]. Onbrez Breezhaler 150 mcg provided greater clinical benefit in terms of reduced shortness of breath, lower use of rescue medication and improved health status, compared with blinded tiotropium 18 mcg[16]. Onbrez Breezhalerwas first approved and launched in the EU (150 mcg and 300 mcg once-daily doses) for maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in adult patients with COPD[19]. It has now received approvals in more than 100 countries around the world and is available in Japan (as OnbrezInhalation Capsules 150 mcg once-daily) and in the USA (as ArcaptaTM NeohalerTM 75 mcg once-daily).
Onbrez Breezhaler (indacaterol) is a once-daily inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that offers clinically relevant 24 hour bronchodilation combined with a rapid onset of action within five minutes at first dose, as demonstrated in the INERGIZE Phase III trial program[5]-[18]. Onbrez Breezhaler 150 mcg provided greater clinical benefit in terms of reduced shortness of breath, lower use of rescue medication and improved health status, compared with blinded tiotropium 18 mcg[16]. Onbrez Breezhalerwas first approved and launched in the EU (150 mcg and 300 mcg once-daily doses) for maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in adult patients with COPD[19]. It has now received approvals in more than 100 countries around the world and is available in Japan (as OnbrezInhalation Capsules 150 mcg once-daily) and in the USA (as ArcaptaTM NeohalerTM 75 mcg once-daily).
About the Novartis COPD portfolio
Novartis is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of COPD patients and improving their quality of life by providing innovative medicines and devices. The Novartis COPD portfolio includes Onbrez® Breezhaler® / Arcapta® Neohaler®(indacaterol), Seebri® Breezhaler® (glycopyrronium bromide) and Ultibro® Breezhaler®(indacaterol / glycopyrronium bromide), which are all indicated as maintenance treatments for COPD patients. Glycopyrronium bromide was exclusively licensed to Novartis in April 2005 by Vectura and its co-development partner Sosei.
Novartis is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of COPD patients and improving their quality of life by providing innovative medicines and devices. The Novartis COPD portfolio includes Onbrez® Breezhaler® / Arcapta® Neohaler®(indacaterol), Seebri® Breezhaler® (glycopyrronium bromide) and Ultibro® Breezhaler®(indacaterol / glycopyrronium bromide), which are all indicated as maintenance treatments for COPD patients. Glycopyrronium bromide was exclusively licensed to Novartis in April 2005 by Vectura and its co-development partner Sosei.
Novartis continues development of respiratory products for delivery via the low resistance Breezhaler® inhalation device, which makes it suitable for patients with different severities of airflow limitation[20]. The Breezhaler device allows patients to hear, feel and see that they have taken the full dose correctly[19],[20].
About COPD
COPD is a progressive life-threatening disease that makes it hard to breathe, with symptoms that have a destructive impact on patients' function and quality of life[1],[21]. COPD is often considered to be a disease of later years, but estimates suggest that 50% of those with COPD are now less than 65 years old, resulting in increases in absenteeism, premature retirement and reductions in workforce participation[3],[4].
COPD is a progressive life-threatening disease that makes it hard to breathe, with symptoms that have a destructive impact on patients' function and quality of life[1],[21]. COPD is often considered to be a disease of later years, but estimates suggest that 50% of those with COPD are now less than 65 years old, resulting in increases in absenteeism, premature retirement and reductions in workforce participation[3],[4].
*In some countries, Seretide®(salmeterol/fluticasone) 50/500 mcg is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of patients with COPD, with a FEV1 <60% predicted normal (prebronchodilator) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy. The patient population in the INSTEAD study who received salmeterol/fluticasone were moderate COPD patients who had not exacerbated twelve months prior to entry. The INSTEAD study used the Accuhaler® dry powder inhaler, also known as Diskus®. Seretide®, Diskus®and Accuhaler® are registered trademarks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "projected," "expected," "later this year," "committed," "continues," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Onbrez Breezhaler, or regarding potential future revenues from any or all of the products in the Novartis COPD portfolio, including Onbrez Breezhaler. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Onbrez Breezhaler will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that any of the products in the Novartis COPD portfolio will receive additional regulatory approvals or be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding these products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "projected," "expected," "later this year," "committed," "continues," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Onbrez Breezhaler, or regarding potential future revenues from any or all of the products in the Novartis COPD portfolio, including Onbrez Breezhaler. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Onbrez Breezhaler will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that any of the products in the Novartis COPD portfolio will receive additional regulatory approvals or be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding these products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visithttp://www.novartis.com.
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visithttp://www.novartis.com.
Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis.
References
[1] Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Updated 2014.http://www.goldcopd.org/uploads/users/files/GOLD_Report2014_Feb07.pdf. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[2] Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD). Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach. Available at: http://www.who.int/gard/publications/GARD_Manual/en/. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[3] Fletcher MJ et al. COPD Uncovered: An International survey on the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a working age population. BMC Public Health 2011;11:612.
[4] daCosta M et al. The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among employed adults. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2012;7:211-219. Published online 2012 March 19. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S29280. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[5] Vogelmeier C et al. Indacaterol provides 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD: a placebo-controlled blinded comparison with tiotropium. Respir Res 2010;11:135.
[6] Balint B et al. Onset of action of indacaterol in patients with COPD: comparison with salbutamol and salmeterol- fluticasone. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis2010;5:311-318.
[7] La Force C et al. Sustained 24-hour efficacy of once-daily indacaterol (300 µg) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, crossover study.Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2011;24:162-168.
[8] Beeh KM, Wagner F, Khindri S, Drollmann AF. Effect of indacaterol on dynamic lung hyperinflation and breathlessness in hyperinflated patients with COPD. COPD 2011;8(5):340-345.
[9] O' Donnell DE et al. Effect of indacaterol on exercise endurance and lung hyperinflation in COPD. Respir Med 2011; 105(7):1030-1036.
[10] Magnussen H et al. Indacaterol once-daily is equally effective dosed in the evening or morning in COPD. Respir Med 2010;104:1869-1876.
[11] Feldman G et al. Efficacy and safety of indacaterol 150 µg once-daily in COPD: a double-blind, randomised, 12-week study. BMC Pulm Med 2010;10:11.
[12] Barnes PJ et al. Integrating indacaterol dose selection in a clinical study in COPD using an adaptive seamless design. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2010;23:165-171.
[13] Donohue JF et al. Once-daily bronchodilators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: indacaterol versus tiotropium. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010;182:155-162.
[14] Kornmann O et al. Once-daily indacaterol vs twice-daily salmeterol for COPD: a placebo-controlled comparison. Eur Respir J 2011;37:273-279.
[15] Dahl R et al. Efficacy of a new once-daily long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist, indacaterol, versus twice-daily formoterol in COPD. Thorax 2010;65:473-479.
[16] Buhl R et al. Blinded 12-week comparison of once-daily indacaterol and tiotropium in COPD. Eur Respir J 2011; 38:797-803.
[17] Chapman KR et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of indacaterol, a novel long-acting ß2-agonist, in subjects with COPD: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.Chest 2011;140;68-75.
[18] Korn S et al. Indacaterol once-daily provides superior efficacy to salmeterol twice-daily in COPD: a 12-week study. Respir Med 2011;105:719-726.
[19] EMA, 2012. Onbrez® Breezhaler® (indacaterol) EU Summary of Product Characteristics. [Online] July 26, 2012 Available at:http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001114/WC500053732.pdf. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[20] Pavkov R et al. Characteristics of a capsule based dry powder inhaler for the delivery of indacaterol. CMRO 2010; 26; 11:2527-2533. doi:10.1185/03007995.2010.518916.
[21] Joshi M et al. Symptom burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Obstructive, occupational and environmental diseases. 2012;18(2).
[1] Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Updated 2014.http://www.goldcopd.org/uploads/users/files/GOLD_Report2014_Feb07.pdf. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[2] Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD). Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach. Available at: http://www.who.int/gard/publications/GARD_Manual/en/. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[3] Fletcher MJ et al. COPD Uncovered: An International survey on the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a working age population. BMC Public Health 2011;11:612.
[4] daCosta M et al. The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among employed adults. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2012;7:211-219. Published online 2012 March 19. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S29280. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[5] Vogelmeier C et al. Indacaterol provides 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD: a placebo-controlled blinded comparison with tiotropium. Respir Res 2010;11:135.
[6] Balint B et al. Onset of action of indacaterol in patients with COPD: comparison with salbutamol and salmeterol- fluticasone. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis2010;5:311-318.
[7] La Force C et al. Sustained 24-hour efficacy of once-daily indacaterol (300 µg) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, crossover study.Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2011;24:162-168.
[8] Beeh KM, Wagner F, Khindri S, Drollmann AF. Effect of indacaterol on dynamic lung hyperinflation and breathlessness in hyperinflated patients with COPD. COPD 2011;8(5):340-345.
[9] O' Donnell DE et al. Effect of indacaterol on exercise endurance and lung hyperinflation in COPD. Respir Med 2011; 105(7):1030-1036.
[10] Magnussen H et al. Indacaterol once-daily is equally effective dosed in the evening or morning in COPD. Respir Med 2010;104:1869-1876.
[11] Feldman G et al. Efficacy and safety of indacaterol 150 µg once-daily in COPD: a double-blind, randomised, 12-week study. BMC Pulm Med 2010;10:11.
[12] Barnes PJ et al. Integrating indacaterol dose selection in a clinical study in COPD using an adaptive seamless design. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2010;23:165-171.
[13] Donohue JF et al. Once-daily bronchodilators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: indacaterol versus tiotropium. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010;182:155-162.
[14] Kornmann O et al. Once-daily indacaterol vs twice-daily salmeterol for COPD: a placebo-controlled comparison. Eur Respir J 2011;37:273-279.
[15] Dahl R et al. Efficacy of a new once-daily long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist, indacaterol, versus twice-daily formoterol in COPD. Thorax 2010;65:473-479.
[16] Buhl R et al. Blinded 12-week comparison of once-daily indacaterol and tiotropium in COPD. Eur Respir J 2011; 38:797-803.
[17] Chapman KR et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of indacaterol, a novel long-acting ß2-agonist, in subjects with COPD: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.Chest 2011;140;68-75.
[18] Korn S et al. Indacaterol once-daily provides superior efficacy to salmeterol twice-daily in COPD: a 12-week study. Respir Med 2011;105:719-726.
[19] EMA, 2012. Onbrez® Breezhaler® (indacaterol) EU Summary of Product Characteristics. [Online] July 26, 2012 Available at:http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001114/WC500053732.pdf. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[20] Pavkov R et al. Characteristics of a capsule based dry powder inhaler for the delivery of indacaterol. CMRO 2010; 26; 11:2527-2533. doi:10.1185/03007995.2010.518916.
[21] Joshi M et al. Symptom burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Obstructive, occupational and environmental diseases. 2012;18(2).
# # #
Monsanto Named One of CR Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2014 | Monsanto Newsroom
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CR Magazine named Monsanto Company to its “100 Best Corporate Citizens” for 2014. This is the fifth time Monsanto has been included on the magazine’s ranking of corporate responsibility performance of major U.S. companies.
Monsanto Named One of CR Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2014 | Monsanto Newsroom
Monsanto Named One of CR Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2014 | Monsanto Newsroom
Five Regional Winners Selected in Monsanto’s America’s Farmers “Mom of the Year” Contest | Monsanto Newsroom
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Monsanto and the American Agri-Women today are pleased to announce the regional winners in the 2014 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year Contest. These amazing farm moms have significantly and positively impacted their communities. Now they need America’s support through online voting to determine who will be named “National Farm Mom of the Year.”
Five Regional Winners Selected in Monsanto’s America’s Farmers “Mom of the Year” Contest | Monsanto Newsroom
Five Regional Winners Selected in Monsanto’s America’s Farmers “Mom of the Year” Contest | Monsanto Newsroom
Orion’s Exploration Design Challenge Winner Announced · Lockheed Martin
WASHINGTON, DC, April 25, 2014 – After a year-long competition among the nation’s high schools, evaluators from NASA, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) have selected Team ARES from the Governor’s School for Science and Technology in Hampton, Va. as the winner of the Exploration Design Challenge. The winner was chosen from a group of five finalist teams announced in March 2014.
Orion’s Exploration Design Challenge Winner Announced · Lockheed Martin
Orion’s Exploration Design Challenge Winner Announced · Lockheed Martin
VOKANAMET® (canagliflozin and immediate release metformin hydrochloride fixed dose combination) approved in the European Union for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes [1] | Johnson & Johnson
BEERSE, April 25 2014 – Janssen-Cilag International NV (Janssen) announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved VOKANAMET® (a fixed-dose therapy combining canagliflozin and immediate release metformin hydrochloride in a single tablet) in the European Union, for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control.[1] Canagliflozin as a single agent was approved as INVOKANA® in the European Union in November 2013.[2]
VOKANAMET® (canagliflozin and immediate release metformin hydrochloride fixed dose combination) approved in the European Union for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes [1] | Johnson & Johnson
VOKANAMET® (canagliflozin and immediate release metformin hydrochloride fixed dose combination) approved in the European Union for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes [1] | Johnson & Johnson
Friday, April 25, 2014
Neither Old Nor Lonesome: New Research Finds US Centenarians Feel Younger Than Their Years, Blessed To Have Lived So Long
UnitedHealth Group News Release:
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 24, 2014) —
1 Population data source: https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-09.pdf
Neither Old Nor Lonesome: New Research Finds US Centenarians Feel Younger Than Their Years, Blessed To Have Lived So Long
- America's 100-year-olds feel like they are 83 "years young" on average, and more than half live independently, according to the ninth annual UnitedHealthcare 100@100 survey
- More than half of 65-year-old baby boomers (58 percent) also report feeling younger than their age
- President Obama, Betty White, Tom Hanks and Pope Francis among most desired dinner guests for older Americans
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 24, 2014) —
Centenarians and baby boomers both report feeling younger than their years, according to a new UnitedHealthcare survey. On average, the centenarians surveyed say they feel just 83 years old, while 65-year-old baby boomers say they feel 55 years old on average.
When asked how they feel about living to 100, centenarians' top three answers are "blessed" (36 percent), "happy" (31 percent) and "surprised" (12 percent). Not one reports feeling sad or burdened; only 3 percent say they feel lonely. And more than half (53 percent) live independently, without the support of a caregiver to help them with their daily activities.
In reflecting back on their lives, more than half of centenarians (53 percent) say they have accomplished everything they would like to do in life, but nearly a third feel that 100 years just wasn't enough. More than 1 in 5 (22 percent) say they would like just a few more years; only 8 percent say it would take many more years to accomplish all of their life goals.
The ninth annual UnitedHealthcare 100@100 survey polled 65-year-old baby boomers in addition to 100-year-olds to examine how the attitudes and lifestyles of Americans entering their retirement years compare to those who hit that same age 35 years ago. UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, the nation's largest business dedicated to the health and well-being needs of seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, serves more than 14,600 of the estimated 53,000 centenarians nationwide through its portfolio of Medicare plans.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects the centenarian population will grow to more than 600,000 by 2050. This year's 100@100 survey finds nearly 3 in 10 baby boomers (29 percent) say they expect to hit the century mark. If their expectations hold true, there could be more than 3.6 million centenarians in 35 years' time.1
Centenarians' and Boomers' Keys to Staying Well in Body and Spirit
For centenarians, the keys to healthy aging are staying close to friends and family (91 percent), maintaining a sense of independence (88 percent) and eating right (86 percent). Baby boomers' top three keys to healthy aging all have to do with mindset: They rank maintaining a sense of independence first (87 percent), tied with laughing/having a sense of humor. Staying close to family and friends (84 percent) comes in third for the 65-year-olds.
For centenarians, the keys to healthy aging are staying close to friends and family (91 percent), maintaining a sense of independence (88 percent) and eating right (86 percent). Baby boomers' top three keys to healthy aging all have to do with mindset: They rank maintaining a sense of independence first (87 percent), tied with laughing/having a sense of humor. Staying close to family and friends (84 percent) comes in third for the 65-year-olds.
Both groups report actively managing their physical health. Nearly 9 in 10 see their primary care physician for an annual exam (87 percent of centenarians and 89 percent of baby boomers). More than 7 in 10 keep up with their vaccines, such as flu shots and shingles vaccinations (73 percent of centenarians and 72 percent of baby boomers); similar majorities also report getting their eyes examined regularly (71 percent of centenarians and 76 percent of baby boomers).
"This year's 100@100 survey paints an encouraging and exciting view of longevity in the United States, which is especially significant since the number of centenarians in this country is expected to swell in the coming years," said Rhonda Randall, D.O., chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. "Both centenarians and baby boomers report feeling more youthful than the number of birthdays they've had, which is in part due to the proactive measures they're taking to monitor and improve their health. This is a good reminder for all Americans to take charge of their health now so that they can enjoy life for many years to come."
In addition to getting preventive care, both centenarians and baby boomers are staying active. The majority of centenarians and baby boomers say they walk or hike at least once per week (56 percent and 74 percent, respectively). Approximately one-third of centenarians and baby boomers say they do strength-training exercises every week (32 percent and 37 percent, respectively). Other top physical activities include indoor cardio exercise (23 percent of centenarians and 39 percent of baby boomers) and gardening (21 percent of centenarians and 47 percent of baby boomers).
Centenarians vs. Boomers on Nostalgia, Milestones and "Turning Into Your Mother"
When asked what stage in life they remember most fondly, both centenarians and baby boomers express the most nostalgia for their 30s (20 percent and 24 percent, respectively). Baby boomers also reflect fondly on their 20s (20 percent). But for some, life only got better with age. Nearly 1 in 10 centenarians (9 percent) express the most fondness for ages 70 and up, with 3 percent saying the best time in their life is now.
When asked what stage in life they remember most fondly, both centenarians and baby boomers express the most nostalgia for their 30s (20 percent and 24 percent, respectively). Baby boomers also reflect fondly on their 20s (20 percent). But for some, life only got better with age. Nearly 1 in 10 centenarians (9 percent) express the most fondness for ages 70 and up, with 3 percent saying the best time in their life is now.
Both centenarians and baby boomers say getting married and the birth of a child are the two life milestones they remember most warmly, but they prioritize the two differently. Baby boomers are more likely to choose the birth of a child (32 percent) over getting married (20 percent), as opposed to centenarians, who chose getting married (27 percent) over the birth of a child (14 percent). Baby boomers' next-favorite milestone is the birth of a grandchild (12 percent); for centenarians, it is completing their education and securing their first job (5 percent each).
Many Americans can relate to the concept of "turning into" their mother or father with age – but that is not the case for the baby boomers and centenarians surveyed. When asked at what age they first felt like they "turned into" or "became" their mother or father, respondents' most popular answer is: It never happened (39 percent of centenarians and 48 percent of baby boomers). Of those who say they eventually "became" their mother or father, centenarians are most likely to say it happened in their 20s (15 percent), while baby boomers say it happened in their 50s (13 percent).
Baby Boomers More Pessimistic Than Centenarians about America's Future
More than half of baby boomers (58 percent) say the United States is headed in the wrong direction, but just 36 percent of centenarians agree. Baby boomers are also more likely than centenarians to say Americans' values have worsened during their lifetime (76 percent compared with 45 percent of centenarians).
More than half of baby boomers (58 percent) say the United States is headed in the wrong direction, but just 36 percent of centenarians agree. Baby boomers are also more likely than centenarians to say Americans' values have worsened during their lifetime (76 percent compared with 45 percent of centenarians).
One thing that both groups agree on: The country seems to be in more discord than ever. Despite having lived through several tense time periods in the nation's history, including the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, more than half of centenarians (59 percent) and nearly three-fourths of baby boomers (73 percent) believe now is the most politically divided the country has been in their lifetime.
More than half of centenarians (56 percent) and more than one-third of baby boomers (39 percent) did not expect to see a black president in their lifetime, but both groups anticipate another historic first in our nation's leadership: A majority of centenarians and baby boomers expect to see a woman president in their lifetime (60 percent and 85 percent, respectively).
For Centenarians, President Obama Unseats Betty White at the Dinner Table
Betty White has been ousted from her long-time perch at the top of centenarians' list of favorite dinner guests. When asked which famous people they would invite to a dinner party, the most popular choice for centenarians is President Obama (71 percent). White topped centenarians' lists for four years in a row – but this year, she comes in second with 66 percent of centenarians wanting to extend an invitation to her. Hillary Clinton rounds out the top three, with 56 percent. The least likely celebrity to get a dinner invitation from centenarians is Kanye West (4 percent).
Betty White has been ousted from her long-time perch at the top of centenarians' list of favorite dinner guests. When asked which famous people they would invite to a dinner party, the most popular choice for centenarians is President Obama (71 percent). White topped centenarians' lists for four years in a row – but this year, she comes in second with 66 percent of centenarians wanting to extend an invitation to her. Hillary Clinton rounds out the top three, with 56 percent. The least likely celebrity to get a dinner invitation from centenarians is Kanye West (4 percent).
Betty White is baby boomers' most sought-after dinner guest for the third year in a row, with 83 percent saying they would invite her to a dinner party. The next most popular choice is Tom Hanks (79 percent), followed by Pope Francis (73 percent). Least likely to get an invite from baby boomers: Miley Cyrus (12 percent) and Kanye West's fiancée, Kim Kardashian (10 percent).
For complete survey results, visit the news room on www.UHC.com.
About the Survey
Penn Schoen Berland interviewed 104 centenarians (U.S. residents who are at least 100 years old, or who will turn 100 this year) and 302 baby boomers (U.S. residents currently 65 years old, or who will turn 65 this year) by telephone between Feb. 6 and Feb. 24, 2014. Centenarians were identified using a list of pre-identified respondents in that age category. Baby boomers were selected via a randomly dialed sample derived from probability methods, with pre-identified age ranges. The margin of sampling error for centenarians is plus or minus 9.8 percentage points for a result of 50 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The margin of sampling error for baby boomers is plus or minus 5.66 percentage points for a result of 50 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The margin of sampling error is higher and varies for results based on sub-samples.
Penn Schoen Berland interviewed 104 centenarians (U.S. residents who are at least 100 years old, or who will turn 100 this year) and 302 baby boomers (U.S. residents currently 65 years old, or who will turn 65 this year) by telephone between Feb. 6 and Feb. 24, 2014. Centenarians were identified using a list of pre-identified respondents in that age category. Baby boomers were selected via a randomly dialed sample derived from probability methods, with pre-identified age ranges. The margin of sampling error for centenarians is plus or minus 9.8 percentage points for a result of 50 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The margin of sampling error for baby boomers is plus or minus 5.66 percentage points for a result of 50 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The margin of sampling error is higher and varies for results based on sub-samples.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 800,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 800,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. Globally, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 45 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
Alcoa to Host Webcast of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Alcoa News Release:
Alcoa to Host Webcast of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) will host a live webcast of its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, May 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Registration for the webcast is required. To register, go to www.alcoa.com/annualmeeting. Presentation materials will be available online. A replay of the webcast will be available by close of business on Friday, May 2, at this same website.
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Our technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. We enable smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. We pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, our 60,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products. For more information, visitwww.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoaand follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
Alcoa to Host Webcast of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) will host a live webcast of its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, May 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Registration for the webcast is required. To register, go to www.alcoa.com/annualmeeting. Presentation materials will be available online. A replay of the webcast will be available by close of business on Friday, May 2, at this same website.
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Our technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. We enable smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. We pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, our 60,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products. For more information, visitwww.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoaand follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
Ford's Alan Mulally will leave with nearly $300 million nest egg - Apr. 25, 2014
Ford CEO Alan Mulally, expected to announce his retirement this year, has amassed nearly $300 million worth of Ford shares and options in his eight years at the automaker.
Ford's Alan Mulally will leave with nearly $300 million nest egg - Apr. 25, 2014
GSK receives positive CHMP opinion for Mekinist™ (trametinib) in metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation
GSK News Release:
GSK receives positive CHMP opinion for Mekinist™ (trametinib) in metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation
Issued: Friday 25 April 2014, London UK
GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive opinion recommending marketing authorisation for Mekinist™ (trametinib) as a single agent in the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation. Trametinib as a single agent has not demonstrated clinical activity in patients who have progressed on a prior BRAF inhibitor therapy. Before taking trametinib, patients must have confirmation of BRAF V600 mutation using a validated test.
Dr Rafael Amado, Head of Oncology R&D at GSK said: “This CHMP opinion brings us a step closer to making another personalised medicine available for patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma in Europe.”
The CHMP recommendation for trametinib monotherapy is based on a randomised open label phase III study comparing trametinib to chemotherapy in 322 patients with BRAF mutant melanoma (V600E and V600K) and a non-randomised phase II study in 97 patients with BRAF mutant melanoma split in two cohorts: previously treated or not treated with a BRAF inhibitor.
A CHMP positive opinion is one of the final steps before marketing authorisation is granted by the European Commission (EC), but does not always result in marketing authorisation. A final decision by the EC is anticipated during the second quarter of 2014.
About Mekinist
Mekinist is a MEK inhibitor that targets the MAPK pathway, which regulates the normal growth and death of cells, including skin cells and plays a role in metastatic melanoma development.
Mekinist is approved as a single agent and in combination with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) in the US and Australia. Mekinist is also approved as monotherapy in Canada. Detailed prescribing information, which may differ between the countries, can be accessed:
Canada
US
Mekinist was in-licensed by GSK in 2006. GSK holds the worldwide exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise Mekinist, while Japan Tobacco retains co-promotion rights in Japan.
Safety information for Mekinist (trametinib)
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20 %) for Mekinist include rash, diarrhoea, fatigue, oedema peripheral, nausea, and dermatitis acneiform. Special warnings and precautions for use of trametinib include:
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction/Left ventricular dysfunction (cardiac disorders)
Trametinib has been reported to decrease LVEF.
Hypertension
Elevations in blood pressure have been reported in association with trametinib in patients with or without pre-existing hypertension.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis
In a Phase 3 trial, 2.4 % (5/211) of patients treated with trametinib developed ILD or pneumonitis; all five patients required hospitalisation.
Haemorrhage (symptomatic bleeding in a critical area or organ)
Haemorrhagic events, including major haemorrhagic events (defined as symptomatic bleeding in a critical area or organ), have occurred in patients taking trametinib. The risk of haemorrhage may be increased with concomitant use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.
Rhabdomyolysis (damage of skeletal muscle tissue)
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients taking trametinib. In some cases, patients were able to continue trametinib. In more severe cases hospitalisation, interruption or permanent discontinuation of trametinib was required.
Visual impairment
Disorders associated with visual disturbance, including retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), have been observed with trametinib. Symptoms such as blurred vision, decreased acuity, and other visual phenomena have been reported in the clinical trials with trametinib.
Rash
In clinical studies with trametinib, rash has been observed in about 60 % of patients.
Hepatic events (liver-related)
Hepatic adverse events have been reported in clinical trials with trametinib
Hepatic impairment
As metabolism and biliary excretion are the primary routes of elimination of trametinib, administration of trametinib should be undertaken with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
Elon Musk's SpaceX will sue U.S. over rocket contract - Apr. 25, 2014
Entrepreneur Elon Musk is taking on the federal government, saying his rocket launch startup SpaceX has been unfairly shut out of big aerospace contracts.
Elon Musk's SpaceX will sue U.S. over rocket contract - Apr. 25, 2014
Taco Bell tests new restaurant aimed at Chipotle crowd - Apr. 25, 2014
You can't get a Mexican Car Bomb at your local Taco Bell. But you will at a new restaurant the fast-food chain is testing in a bid to reach new customers.
Taco Bell tests new restaurant aimed at Chipotle crowd - Apr. 25, 2014
Raytheon ranked on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens List
Raytheon News Release:
Company recognized for standout performance in the areas of corporate governance, environment and philanthropy
WALTHAM, Mass., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has once again been named to CR Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens List, ranking 42. The annual list analyzes the performance of Russell 1000 companies, recognizing those that demonstrated outstanding corporate responsibility programs in 2013. The list documents 298 data points of disclosure and performance measures harvested from publicly-available information in seven categories: environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance, and philanthropy.
"Raytheon has a strong commitment to corporate citizenship," said Jay Stephens, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Raytheon Company. "Our global reach demands global responsibility, and we foster that every day by engaging with our communities, supporting a diverse culture, protecting our environment, and ensuring strong corporate governance. It is an honor to be recognized for these efforts by CR Magazine."
Raytheon was recognized in the top one percent of Russell 1000 companies in the area of corporate governance, as well as in the top ten percent in the areas of environment, climate change, and philanthropy.
"CR Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens is the only ranking that doesn't rely on self-reporting," said Elliot Clark, CEO of CR Magazine. "Each year, we measure the most transparent companies who report on their responsible practices. We congratulate those honored on this year's 100 Best Corporate Citizens List for their commitment to corporate responsibility."
To learn more about Raytheon's commitment to corporate responsibility, please visitwww.raytheon.com/responsibility.
For access to the full 100 Best Corporate Citizens List, visit: http://www.thecro.com/.
About RaytheonRaytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Northrop Grumman Ranked 28th on DiversityInc's 2014 Top 50 Companies for Diversity List (NYSE:NOC)
Top rated aerospace and defense company; moves up from 29th in 2013
Northrop Grumman Ranked 28th on DiversityInc's 2014 Top 50 Companies for Diversity List (NYSE:NOC)
Northrop Grumman Completes Preliminary Design Review for B-2 Bomber Software Upgrade (NYSE:NOC)
New approach promises reduced maintenance costs, increased mission flexibility
Northrop Grumman Completes Preliminary Design Review for B-2 Bomber Software Upgrade (NYSE:NOC)
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy Contract for Next-Generation Mission Computer (NYSE:NOC)
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – April 24, 2014 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a low-rate initial production contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver FlightPro™ Gen III mission computers in support of AH-1Z and UH-1Y Marine Corps helicopters.
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy Contract for Next-Generation Mission Computer (NYSE:NOC)
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy Contract for Next-Generation Mission Computer (NYSE:NOC)
Tesla finds friends in the FTC - Apr. 24, 2014
Tesla has found some friends in the Federal Trade Commission.
Tesla finds friends in the FTC - Apr. 24, 2014
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