Thursday, April 30, 2015
The Good and the Evil of Time Tracking
A recent article featured in Harper’s Magazine is making some waves for its take on time tracking and workplace monitoring. The article in question, entitled “The Spy Who Fired Me,” makes the case that time tracking and workplace monitoring software “has taken on a life of its own.”
The author, Esther Kaplan, makes some valid arguments about the dangers of work monitoring software.
The Good and the Evil of Time Tracking
Former Controller of Greenwich Hedge Fund Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Embezzling More Than $9 Million
FBI New Haven Division Press Release:
Former Controller of Greenwich Hedge Fund Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Embezzling More Than $9 Million
Former Controller of Greenwich Hedge Fund Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Embezzling More Than $9 Million
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeApril 27, 2015 |
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 24, 2015, LAWRENCE J. HERZING, 45, of Greenwich, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $9 million from the hedge fund where he was employed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, HERZING was employed as the controller of Greenwich-based Contrarian Capital Management, L.L.C. On 32 occasions between 2004 and 2013, HERZING used his position to wire $9,202,417.54 from his employer to accounts that he controlled.
Judge Meyer ordered HERZING to pay full restitution. HERZING has forfeited his residence and funds seized from his accounts, totaling more than $5 million. HERZING was arrested on October 29, 2014. On January 29, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Jonathan Francis.
This content has been reproduced from its original source.
Alcoa Board Approves Quarterly Dividends
Alcoa #News Release:
April 30, 2015
Alcoa Board Approves Quarterly Dividends
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today declared (a) a quarterly common stock dividend of 3 cents per share payable May 25, 2015 to holders of record of the common stock at the close of business on May 11, 2015; (b) a dividend of 93.75 cents per share on Alcoa’s $3.75 cumulative preferred stock (“Class A Stock”) payable July 1, 2015 to holders of record of the Class A Stock at the close of business on June 12, 2015; and (c) a dividend of $6.71875 per share on Alcoa’s 5.375% Class B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (“Class B Stock”) payable July 1, 2015 to holders of record of the Class B Stock at the close of business on June 15, 2015. The dividend on the Class B Stock is equivalent to a dividend of $0.671875 per Depositary Share (each Depositary Share representing a 1/10th interest in a share of Class B Stock).
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals technology, 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 approximately 59,000 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, visit www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/Alcoa and follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/Alcoa.
April 30, 2015
Alcoa Board Approves Quarterly Dividends
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today declared (a) a quarterly common stock dividend of 3 cents per share payable May 25, 2015 to holders of record of the common stock at the close of business on May 11, 2015; (b) a dividend of 93.75 cents per share on Alcoa’s $3.75 cumulative preferred stock (“Class A Stock”) payable July 1, 2015 to holders of record of the Class A Stock at the close of business on June 12, 2015; and (c) a dividend of $6.71875 per share on Alcoa’s 5.375% Class B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (“Class B Stock”) payable July 1, 2015 to holders of record of the Class B Stock at the close of business on June 15, 2015. The dividend on the Class B Stock is equivalent to a dividend of $0.671875 per Depositary Share (each Depositary Share representing a 1/10th interest in a share of Class B Stock).
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals technology, 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 approximately 59,000 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, visit www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/Alcoa and follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/Alcoa.
How the Baltimore Riots are Impacting Small Businesses
Baltimore businesses are dealing with riots, looting and violence — as well as a citywide curfew imposed on April 28 — following civil unrest stemming from the suspicious death of a 25-year-old black man while in police custody.
Because of the curfew, enforced within the city between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., restaurants and other businesses need to close earlier than usual. In addition, some business owners have chosen to temporarily close down — either as a precautionary measure or in response to vandalism — until the curfew’s end, slated for this coming Monday.
How the Baltimore Riots are Impacting Small Businesses
45 Baltimore CVS workers are still getting paid after riots shut down stores - Apr. 30, 2015
Forty-five Baltimore CVS workers who saw their stores burned down in the riots earlier this week are still getting paid.
Two CVS locations sustained such heavy damage that they remain closed Thursday.
45 Baltimore CVS workers are still getting paid after riots shut down stores - Apr. 30, 2015
Two CVS locations sustained such heavy damage that they remain closed Thursday.
45 Baltimore CVS workers are still getting paid after riots shut down stores - Apr. 30, 2015
Fashion Revolution Calls for More Ethical, Sustainable Manufacturing
There’s a revolution happening within the fashion industry. And big brands and high-profile designers aren’t the ones leading the way. Instead it’s a series of startups and independent designers with quality, sustainably, and ethical manufacturing on their minds.
Fashion Revolution Day, which started last year, is a special day set aside for these goals. Designers Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro started the initiative, which encourages consumers to ask their favorite clothing brands one simple question: “Who made my clothes?”
Fashion Revolution Calls for More Ethical, Sustainable Manufacturing
UPS Innovations Win Gold at Edison Awards - UPS Pressroom
The UPS Access Point™ network and UPS My Choice® took home the Gold award for innovative services in customer service during the 2015 Edison Awards in New York City.
UPS Innovations Win Gold at Edison Awards - UPS Pressroom
UPS Innovations Win Gold at Edison Awards - UPS Pressroom
UnitedHealthcare Covers Virtual Care Physician Visits, Expanding Consumers’ Access to Affordable Health Care Options
UnitedHealth Group #News Release:
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 30, 2015) —
UnitedHealthcare Covers Virtual Care Physician Visits, Expanding Consumers’ Access to Affordable Health Care Options
- Partnership with Doctor On Demand, Optum’s NowClinic® and American Well offers convenient, cost-effective virtual visits for UnitedHealthcare plan participants
- Expanded choice from a network of virtual-care physicians
- Virtual visits covered as an in-network benefit
- Available to self-funded employer customers now; expanding to additional employer-sponsored and individual plan participants in 2016
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 30, 2015) —
UnitedHealthcare is expanding coverage options for virtual physician visits, giving people enrolled in self-funded employer health plans secure, online access to a physician via mobile phone, tablet or computer 24 hours a day.
A new network of care providers offering video-based virtual visits enables UnitedHealthcare plan participants across the country to choose from in-network virtual care provider groups, then see and speak with a doctor using real-time audio and video technology to obtain a diagnosis and any necessary prescriptions for minor medical needs including allergies, sinus and bladder infections, bronchitis and other conditions.
Coverage for virtual care provider visits is now available to self-funded employer customers and will expand to UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored and individual plan participants in 2016, giving more people expanded in-network care options.
There is a shortage of 45,000 primary care physicians in meeting the needs of patients nationwide, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. The issue is especially challenging for the 25 percent of the U.S. population that lives in rural areas, where access to health care, particularly subspecialty care, is often lacking.
More than 10 million consumers directly benefited from using telemedicine last year, according to the American Telemedicine Association, and a recent Harris Poll survey found that more than a quarter of consumers (27 percent) would choose a telehealth visit if the option was available to them. The ability to leverage telehealth technology and enable virtual visits improves access to critical health services.
“UnitedHealthcare is developing innovative telemedicine solutions that enable consumers, especially people who live in rural areas of the country, to access quality, cost-effective health care, whether at home or on the go,” said Jeff Alter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s Commercial Group business. “Consumers can save time and money choosing among quality physician groups from the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or home computer at any time of the day.”
“UnitedHealthcare is developing innovative telemedicine solutions that enable consumers, especially people who live in rural areas of the country, to access quality, cost-effective health care, whether at home or on the go,” said Jeff Alter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s Commercial Group business. “Consumers can save time and money choosing among quality physician groups from the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or home computer at any time of the day.”
People can access a list of participating virtual-visit care providers through UnitedHealthcare’s Health4Me™ mobile app. From the “Find and Price Care” page, Health4Me users can review the in-network provider groups and the cost of a virtual visit with each contracted provider group. From there, users can connect directly to the provider group of their choice. UnitedHealthcare’s primary member portal, myuhc.com, also provides information about and access to the virtual-visit care providers.
The cost of a video-based virtual visit is less than $50 and provides significant savings when compared to costs for similar minor medical needs treated at a doctor’s office ($80), urgent care facility ($160) or emergency room ($650). UnitedHealthcare plan participants pay a portion of the cost for the virtual visit, subject to deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket expenses based on their specific benefit plan.
UnitedHealthcare is partnering with Doctor On Demand, Optum’s NowClinic and American Well’s Amwell to provide video-based virtual visits in 47 states and Washington, D.C. UnitedHealthcare will add network care providers in the future to further expand choice and access for plan participants.
“We are grateful that UnitedHealthcare has chosen Doctor On Demand as an inaugural video visit provider,” said Adam Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Doctor On Demand. “We built Doctor On Demand to provide the easiest, most convenient access to some of the best physicians in the country. In partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we can now help even more Americans get the care they need. Starting immediately, our highly rated service will be available to eligible UnitedHealthcare employer customers.”
“It’s easy to consult with a NowClinic doctor,” said Mike Weissel, executive vice president, Optum Consumer Solutions Group. “We are bringing convenient and quality, cost-effective health care directly to consumers, who can access board-certified physicians through our mobile application whenever and wherever they may need care.”
“It’s easy to consult with a NowClinic doctor,” said Mike Weissel, executive vice president, Optum Consumer Solutions Group. “We are bringing convenient and quality, cost-effective health care directly to consumers, who can access board-certified physicians through our mobile application whenever and wherever they may need care.”
“The nation’s top health systems and health plans trust American Well to deliver an excellent patient experience,” said Ido Schoenberg, M.D., CEO of American Well. “We are delighted that patients served by UnitedHealthcare will now have Amwell as a covered benefit – giving them dependable and affordable access to medical care anytime.”
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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
About Doctor On Demand
Doctor On Demand is a healthcare service that provides Video Visits with Board Certified Physicians, Psychologists, and Lactation Consultants via smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Doctor On Demand delivers services through employers, health systems, health plans, and directly to consumers. Patients simply download the Doctor On Demand app or visit www.doctorondemand.com, provide a list of their symptoms, and are instantly connected for a Video Visit. Consumers rate Doctor On Demand as the best Video Visit provider. The company has more 5 star App Store reviews than every other telemedicine app combined. 87% of patients love Doctor On Demand so much they have recommended it to their family and friends. Entrepreneurs Dr. Phil McGraw, Jay McGraw and Adam Jackson founded the company in 2012 to provide fast, easy, and cost-effective access to high quality medical and behavioral health care. To learn more, please visitwww.doctorondemand.com.
About NowClinic
Optum’s NowClinic is a telemedicine service that is helping transform the health care delivery system – moving from a condition-centered to a consumer-centered model – offering innovations in technology and breadth of provider network and clinical expertise. NowClinic connects people with board certified, licensed health care providers whenever and however it’s convenient for them – online, by phone or mobile device through our popular app. NowClinic has proven to help consumers avoid expensive and time-consuming visits to the emergency room or urgent care – 95 percent of NowClinic users say they would “definitely” use us again. NowClinic is available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia. For additional information, please visit www.nowclinic.com.
Doctor On Demand is a healthcare service that provides Video Visits with Board Certified Physicians, Psychologists, and Lactation Consultants via smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Doctor On Demand delivers services through employers, health systems, health plans, and directly to consumers. Patients simply download the Doctor On Demand app or visit www.doctorondemand.com, provide a list of their symptoms, and are instantly connected for a Video Visit. Consumers rate Doctor On Demand as the best Video Visit provider. The company has more 5 star App Store reviews than every other telemedicine app combined. 87% of patients love Doctor On Demand so much they have recommended it to their family and friends. Entrepreneurs Dr. Phil McGraw, Jay McGraw and Adam Jackson founded the company in 2012 to provide fast, easy, and cost-effective access to high quality medical and behavioral health care. To learn more, please visitwww.doctorondemand.com.
About NowClinic
Optum’s NowClinic is a telemedicine service that is helping transform the health care delivery system – moving from a condition-centered to a consumer-centered model – offering innovations in technology and breadth of provider network and clinical expertise. NowClinic connects people with board certified, licensed health care providers whenever and however it’s convenient for them – online, by phone or mobile device through our popular app. NowClinic has proven to help consumers avoid expensive and time-consuming visits to the emergency room or urgent care – 95 percent of NowClinic users say they would “definitely” use us again. NowClinic is available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia. For additional information, please visit www.nowclinic.com.
About American Well
American Well, the nation’s largest telehealth service, has delivered healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients for close to a decade. Serving the nation’s top health systems, health plans, as well as hundreds of national employers, American Well provides a modern healthcare experience by connecting consumers with board-certified healthcare professionals via video over web or mobile. American Well has the most downloaded telehealth app and became the first company to receive accreditation by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) earlier this year. American Well, Amwell, and Amwell Therapy Associates are trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. For more information, visit AmericanWell.com or follow American Well on Facebook andTwitter.
American Well, the nation’s largest telehealth service, has delivered healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients for close to a decade. Serving the nation’s top health systems, health plans, as well as hundreds of national employers, American Well provides a modern healthcare experience by connecting consumers with board-certified healthcare professionals via video over web or mobile. American Well has the most downloaded telehealth app and became the first company to receive accreditation by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) earlier this year. American Well, Amwell, and Amwell Therapy Associates are trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. For more information, visit AmericanWell.com or follow American Well on Facebook andTwitter.
Social Media Recruiting, Hiring with the LinkedIn Job Feature
Many small business owners I know, myself included, don’t think of social media as a source of hiring. That’s the realm of big business with big budgets. The reality, however, is that we’re missing out on some large opportunities.
Social Media Recruiting, Hiring with the LinkedIn Job Feature
Social Media Recruiting, Hiring with the LinkedIn Job Feature
Wall Street Journal Launches 'WSJ Logistics Report' - UPS Pressroom
The Wall Street Journal today launched a new digital news product, WSJ Logistics Report, which will delve into one of the most dynamic sectors in business today.
Wall Street Journal Launches 'WSJ Logistics Report' - UPS Pressroom
Wall Street Journal Launches 'WSJ Logistics Report' - UPS Pressroom
Sutter Health’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation and UnitedHealthcare Collaborate to Improve Patient Care in Northern California
UnitedHealth Group #News Release:
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2015) —
Sutter Health’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation and UnitedHealthcare Collaborate to Improve Patient Care in Northern California
- More than 63,000 UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored health plan participants in Northern California will benefit from improved care coordination and enhanced health services
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2015) —
Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) and UnitedHealthcare have launched an accountable care organization (ACO) to improve how patient care is coordinated and delivered for more than 63,000 Northern California residents enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s employer-sponsored health plans.
The ACO will help shift California’s health care system to one that rewards quality and value instead of the volume of procedures performed. Specifically, the ACO will transition PAMF from a fee-for-service compensation model to a value-based approach in which the organization is rewarded for achieving certain evidence-based measures – such as hospital readmission rates, disease management and prevention, and patient safety — as well as total cost savings.
PAMF and UnitedHealthcare’s partnership is one of 250 new accountable care programs UnitedHealthcare has committed to in 2015 as it engages in deeper, more collaborative relationships with physicians and hospitals across the country.
PAMF and UnitedHealthcare’s partnership is one of 250 new accountable care programs UnitedHealthcare has committed to in 2015 as it engages in deeper, more collaborative relationships with physicians and hospitals across the country.
PAMF is part of Sutter Health, a family of not-for-profit hospitals and physician organizations that share resources and expertise to advance health care quality throughout Northern California. PAMF has approximately 50 locations in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
“The Sutter Health network of care providers places a high value on coordinating care,” said Jeffrey Burnich, M.D., senior vice president of Medical and Market Networks at Sutter Health. “We’re excited about the potential for this new partnership to improve patient care.”
Through this collaboration, UnitedHealthcare will complement PAMF’s own data by providing additional support to manage overall population health, including technology and information that will help the group’s more than 500 primary care physicians take specific actions that improve quality and lower costs. Actionable data may include patient profiles, specific HEDIS performance measures on care and service, and real-time notification of ER and inpatient admissions. Patient navigators may also be used to support community-based care coordination, such as helping with transition plans after an individual is discharged from the hospital. This approach will enable physicians to identify best practices for overall patient wellness and disease management.
“We have long partnered with UnitedHealthcare to apply our expertise in health care innovation and care coordination to improve the health of our patients,” said PAMF CEO Richard Slavin, M.D. “Together, we can continue to achieve better health outcomes and improve patient satisfaction, while reducing the overall cost of care.”
UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plan participants who currently receive care from PAMF-affiliated care providers will not have to do anything differently to benefit from this new relationship.
“UnitedHealthcare is building more collaborative relationships with the physicians caring for our plan participants so we can help enhance their health in meaningful ways,” said Brandon Cuevas, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California. “Our collaboration with Palo Alto Medical Foundation is the latest in a series of value-based initiatives we’re launching in California that will help connect the people we collectively serve to the right, most effective care, place a greater focus on the quality of their care, and compensate care providers for improving patients’ health.”
Care providers nationwide are showing strong interest in a shift to value-based care. UnitedHealthcare’s total payments to physicians and hospitals that are tied to value-based arrangements have nearly tripled in the last three years to $38 billion. By the end of 2018, UnitedHealthcare expects that figure to reach $65 billion.
UnitedHealthcare has more than 520 active accountable care programs today. For more information about UnitedHealthcare’s full spectrum of value-based initiatives, visit www.AccountableCareAnswers.com.
UnitedHealthcare serves more than 3.2 million people in California with a care provider network of more than 320 hospitals and 60,000 physicians statewide.
About Palo Alto Medical Foundation
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) for Health Care, Research and Education, is part of the Sutter Healthnetwork of care. Founded in 1930, PAMF is a not-for-profit health care organization that is a pioneer in the multispecialty group practice of medicine, health innovation and patient-centered care. PAMF's more than 1,200 affiliated physicians and 5,400 employees serve nearly 850,000 patients at its medical centers and clinics in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) for Health Care, Research and Education, is part of the Sutter Healthnetwork of care. Founded in 1930, PAMF is a not-for-profit health care organization that is a pioneer in the multispecialty group practice of medicine, health innovation and patient-centered care. PAMF's more than 1,200 affiliated physicians and 5,400 employees serve nearly 850,000 patients at its medical centers and clinics in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the healthcare 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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the healthcare 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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
UnitedHealthcare Delivers Replacement Bikes Stolen from Local Veterans Organization
UnitedHealth Group #News Release:
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2015) —
[+enlarge]
At a ceremony this morning on the U.S.S. Midway Flight Deck, UnitedHealthcare presented the Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO Balboa veterans organization with 16 bikes to replace those stolen earlier this month from a storage unit in San Diego. (PHOTO: Wally Nell)
[+enlarge]
Dr. John Mateczun, president, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, presents a bike to Retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alex Victorino. UnitedHealthcare presented 16 replacement bikes to Project HERO Balboa group of which Victorino has been a participant since 2013. To his left is Jamie Rihn, Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO Balboa coordinator. (PHOTO: Wally Nell)
UnitedHealthcare Delivers Replacement Bikes Stolen from Local Veterans Organization
- Veterans with Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO at Balboa Naval Medical Center embark on inaugural ride with new bikes
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2015) —
[+enlarge] At a ceremony this morning on the U.S.S. Midway Flight Deck, UnitedHealthcare presented the Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO Balboa veterans organization with 16 bikes to replace those stolen earlier this month from a storage unit in San Diego. (PHOTO: Wally Nell)
[+enlarge] Dr. John Mateczun, president, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, presents a bike to Retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alex Victorino. UnitedHealthcare presented 16 replacement bikes to Project HERO Balboa group of which Victorino has been a participant since 2013. To his left is Jamie Rihn, Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO Balboa coordinator. (PHOTO: Wally Nell)
UnitedHealthcare presented Ride 2 Recovery with a new fleet of bikes at a ceremony this morning on the U.S.S. Midway Flight Deck. Earlier this month, UnitedHealthcare donated $50,000 to the non-profit veterans organization after learning 16 bikes were stolen from a storage unit in San Diego.
The replacement adaptive bikes will be used by Ride 2 Recovery’s Project HERO program at Balboa. Ride 2 Recovery is a ground breaking Veterans program that restores hope and purpose providing a way FOR life with Vets helping Vets. Their participation provides hope, renewed life and a sense of camaraderie. The organization provides impactful and life-changing experiences through cycling that have proven to improve the mental and physical health and wellness of veterans. Project HERO (Health Exercise Rehabilitation Opportunity) programs are community based at local VAs or military installations, and provide injured veterans with cycling training year-round with other veterans. There are 70 Project HERO programs across the country.
Attending today’s ceremony were leadership from Ride 2 Recovery and UnitedHealthcare, along with participants of the Ride 2 Recovery Project HERO program, including retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alex Victorino. Victorino served 16 years in the Marine Corps, and was injured in Afghanistan. He lives with combat PTSD and has been a member of Project HERO Balboa since 2013.
This is the sixth year UnitedHealthcare is serving as Ride 2 Recovery's title sponsor, providing financial, in-kind and volunteer support to help America's injured veterans.
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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare atwww.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare atwww.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans is 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, including more than 796,000 in California.
About Ride 2 Recovery
Ride 2 Recovery is a unique mental and physical rehabilitation and recovery program for veterans. The veterans
are able to adapt, improvise and overcome the issues they face. From outdoor training at military installations to multi-day, long distance rides, Ride 2 Recovery helps injured veterans heal through the challenge of cycling using custom adapted bicycles, hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.
Ride 2 Recovery is a unique mental and physical rehabilitation and recovery program for veterans. The veterans
are able to adapt, improvise and overcome the issues they face. From outdoor training at military installations to multi-day, long distance rides, Ride 2 Recovery helps injured veterans heal through the challenge of cycling using custom adapted bicycles, hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.
Study Finds Parents Worry a Large Inheritance Can Do More Harm Than Good | Bank of America Newsroom
Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group Explores When, Why and How the Wealthy Pass on Assets and How Much Is Too Much to Give
Study Finds Parents Worry a Large Inheritance Can Do More Harm Than Good | Bank of America Newsroom
Study Finds Parents Worry a Large Inheritance Can Do More Harm Than Good | Bank of America Newsroom
Marissa Mayer docked $13 million and still made $42 million - Apr. 30, 2015
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer made $42 million last year. She could have made a whole lot more if Yahoo were doing well.
Mayer was docked $900,000 from her bonus and $12.4 million from her stock awards due to the company's less-than-stellar 2014 financial performance.
Marissa Mayer docked $13 million and still made $42 million - Apr. 30, 2015
Mayer was docked $900,000 from her bonus and $12.4 million from her stock awards due to the company's less-than-stellar 2014 financial performance.
Marissa Mayer docked $13 million and still made $42 million - Apr. 30, 2015
Lumber Liquidators braces for criminal charges - Apr. 30, 2015
Lumber Liquidators is facing the possibility of criminal charges by U.S. authorities over its imports of wood flooring.
Lumber Liquidators (LL) disclosed on Wednesday that the Justice Department is seeking criminal charges against the company for violations under the Lacy Act, which bars imports of illegally logged wood, among other things.
Lumber Liquidators braces for criminal charges - Apr. 30, 2015
Lumber Liquidators (LL) disclosed on Wednesday that the Justice Department is seeking criminal charges against the company for violations under the Lacy Act, which bars imports of illegally logged wood, among other things.
Lumber Liquidators braces for criminal charges - Apr. 30, 2015
How Old Is Old? Centenarians Say It Starts in Your 80s; Kids Say Your 40s
From UnitedHealth Group:
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 30, 2015) —
How Old Is Old? Centenarians Say It Starts in Your 80s; Kids Say Your 40s
- Tenth annual 100@100 survey polls 10-year-olds in addition to 100-year-olds, finds disagreement on aging but surprising common ground on the importance of family, role models and going to the dentist
- More than half of centenarians do not “feel old;” on average, they feel more than two decades younger than they are, and 25 percent say a positive attitude is the most important factor for staying healthy
- Betty White tops centenarians’ list as most desired dinner guest; 10-year-olds prefer Taylor Swift
MINNETONKA, Minn. (Apr. 30, 2015) —
As the “graying of America” continues in the United States with nearly 84 million Americans expected to reach age 65 or older by 2050, new data from UnitedHealthcare shows that the definition of “old” depends on who you ask. The 10th annual UnitedHealthcare 100@100 survey finds that 60 percent of centenarians say they do not feel old — and those who do, say they did not start feeling old until age 87, on average. Ten-year-olds, however, say people start to get old at age 46, on average.
UnitedHealthcare’s annual 100@100 survey polls 100 centenarians each year to examine their attitudes and opinions on health, family, likes and dislikes, and more. This year, to mark the 10th anniversary of the survey, UnitedHealthcare also polled 100 10-year-olds to offer a comparison between younger and older Americans. UnitedHealthcare is the nation’s largest business dedicated to the health and well-being needs of seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, serving more than 15,500 of the more than 50,000 centenarians nationwide through its portfolio of Medicare plans.
When asked what age they truly feel, more than half (52 percent) of 100-year-olds say they feel younger than their actual age. On average, centenarians report feeling more than two decades younger at 79 years old. Reflecting back, on average centenarians felt:
- the most attractive at age 31;
- the most energetic at age 34;
- the happiest at age 44;
- the healthiest at age 46;
- the wisest at age 49; and
- the most content at age 56.
Come On, Get Happy: Centenarians Say a Positive Attitude and Health are Linked
Keeping a positive attitude is the most important factor in staying healthy, according to a quarter of the centenarians surveyed. The next most popular answers are eating healthy (21 percent), exercising regularly (10 percent), and keeping busy (9 percent).
Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of 100-year-olds say they see themselves as being very positive people — which makes them more optimistic than the 10-year-olds surveyed. Just 44 percent of 10-year-olds say they are very positive people, but the younger generation may catch up: nearly half of centenarians (47 percent) say it gets easier to maintain a positive attitude with age.
“Year after year, we hear from centenarians that there is a correlation between healthy aging and a healthy mindset,” said Rhonda Randall, D.O., chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. “It’s a good reminder for us all to take care of our mental, emotional and social health — in addition to our physical health.”
Family is Top Priority for Young and Old
When it comes to fueling positivity, many centenarians and 10-year-olds look no further than their closest connections: 11 percent of centenarians and 31 percent of 10-year-olds say their friends and family are key to maintaining a positive attitude. Almost half of centenarians (45 percent) and 40 percent of 10-year-olds say they would rather spend time with their family more than anyone else in the world.
Both groups also make sure to keep in touch with family members that live outside their homes, as 83 percent of centenarians and 84 percent of 10-year-olds speak with extended family on a daily or weekly basis.
When asked who they thought of as a role model growing up, nearly half of centenarians (46 percent) chose their parents over other family members, friends, teachers and celebrities. Today’s 10-year-olds also cite their parents as role models, with 71 percent placing their parents at the top of the list. Mom is most popular, as each group is twice as likely to name their mother rather than their father as a role model.
Agree to Disagree: Betty vs. Taylor, the Value of Money and Going to the Dentist
For the seventh straight year, centenarians were asked which celebrity or public figure with whom they would most like to have dinner. This year, Betty White is back on top: more than 6 in 10 centenarians (63 percent) prefer the Golden Girl, who fell behind President Obama last year, and are least likely to invite Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence (9 percent each), as most centenarians don’t know who they are (66 percent and 75 percent, respectively). Swift, however, is the most popular dinner guest choice for 10-year-olds, with more than two-thirds (67 percent) citing her as their top pick.
The survey posed a number of questions on childhood to both centenarians and 10-year-olds, and found some of the greatest differences between the two groups related to their experiences with money. More than 8 in 10 centenarians (81 percent) did not have an allowance as a kid, and of those who did (18 percent), more than half (56 percent) earned a dollar or less per week. Turns out, pockets are deeper for today’s youth, as 48 percent of 10-year-olds receive a weekly allowance, and more than two-thirds of them (80 percent) say they earn between $5 and $20. Similarly, going out to eat with family was either a nonexistent or rare occasion for centenarians when they were young (67 percent), compared to more than half of 10-year-olds (56 percent) who go out to eat with their family at least once a week.
When it comes to similarities between the two age groups — it turns out going to the dentist is a timeless ordeal for children. Centenarians’ greatest dislike as a kid was going to the dentist (24 percent), and their younger counterparts still feel the same way: 22 percent of 10-year-olds dislike most going to the dentist today.
For more information, including a video and executive summary of the survey results, visit www.uhc.com/100.
About the Survey
Penn Schoen Berland interviewed 100 centenarians (U.S. residents 100 years old or older, or who will be turning 100 years old this year) by phone and 100 10-year-olds (U.S. residents currently 10 years old) online, with the permission of their parents, between Feb. 19 and Mar. 4, 2015. Centenarians were identified using a list of pre-identified respondents in that age category. Ten-year-olds were selected via a randomly populated sample of parents derived from probability methods, with pre-identified age preferences (for their children). 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 10-year-olds 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 is higher and varies for results based on sub-samples.
Penn Schoen Berland interviewed 100 centenarians (U.S. residents 100 years old or older, or who will be turning 100 years old this year) by phone and 100 10-year-olds (U.S. residents currently 10 years old) online, with the permission of their parents, between Feb. 19 and Mar. 4, 2015. Centenarians were identified using a list of pre-identified respondents in that age category. Ten-year-olds were selected via a randomly populated sample of parents derived from probability methods, with pre-identified age preferences (for their children). 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 10-year-olds 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 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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
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, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 850,000 physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
5 Payroll Filings That Will Keep Your Business in Tax Compliance
So you’ve expanded your small business, you’ve hired a few people and are generating an inkling of revenue.
You need to put a payroll system in place, whether you have one employee or 50. Amazingly, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that about three-quarters of all U.S. business firms have no payroll. And most of these are small business owners like yourself.
5 Payroll Filings That Will Keep Your Business in Tax Compliance
AmerisourceBergen Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2015 Results
Raises Expectations for Fiscal 2015 Adjusted Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations to be in the range of $4.85 to $4.95
RSS Feeds - AmerisourceBergen
RSS Feeds - AmerisourceBergen
Have You Thought About Politics of Hiring New Employees?
Imagine this — you need to hire for a position in your company because one of your employees is retiring.
What do you do when hiring new employees? Do you think about what would set them apart or do you consider what you need for the position? Do you think about your company culture and look for a good fit?
Have You Thought About Politics of Hiring New Employees?
Bristol-Myers Squibb Prices €1.15 Billion of Senior Notes
Bristol-Myers Squibb #News Release:
Bristol-Myers Squibb Prices €1.15 Billion of Senior Notes
Category:
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 6:30 pm EDT
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) announced today that it has agreed to sell €1.15 billion of senior unsecured notes: €575,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 1.000% notes due 2025 and €575,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 1.750% notes due 2035, in an underwritten public offering.
BNP Paribas, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch International and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc are acting as joint book-running managers of the underwriters.
Bristol-Myers Squibb intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to fund the redemption of €500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2016 and €500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021. The offering is expected to close on May 5, 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.
The final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, when available, may be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, the underwriters or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus and prospectus supplement if you request it by calling BNP Paribas at 1-800-854-5674, Goldman, Sachs & Co. at 1-866-471-2526, Merrill Lynch International at 1-800-294-1322 or Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc at 1-866-718-1649.
These securities are offered pursuant to a registration statement that has become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities are only offered by means of the prospectus supplement and prospectus relating to the offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction, where the offer, solicitation or sale of these securities would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact they use words such as “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “target,” “may,” “project,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and others words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from current expectations. These statements are likely to relate to, among other things, the Company’s goals, plans and projections regarding its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, market position, product development, product approvals, sales efforts, expenses, performance or results of current and anticipated products and the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and financial results, which are based on current expectations that involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years. Such events and factors include, but are not limited to, those listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, that the Company believes could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Google for Retail is Now Ready for Business
For a small business, it can be intimidating trying to compete with larger companies. Since your brand isn’t as recognizable as others, it can be easy to get lost.
That’s why Google is furthering its efforts to help small businesses attract new customers online with the launch of Google for Retail.
Google for Retail is Now Ready for Business
The death of the 40-hour workweek - Apr. 30, 2015
My subscription service shows that this article is trending, but I have to ask myself, "This is news?" From what I have seen, the points made in this article have been true for a long time. Why is an article like this doing well now? See what you think:
When you're hired for a full-time job, the understanding is that you'll put in at least a 40-hour workweek.
The expectation -- especially for salaried employees who don't qualify for overtime -- is that you'll put in more to ensure your projects get done.
The death of the 40-hour workweek - Apr. 30, 2015
When you're hired for a full-time job, the understanding is that you'll put in at least a 40-hour workweek.
The expectation -- especially for salaried employees who don't qualify for overtime -- is that you'll put in more to ensure your projects get done.
The death of the 40-hour workweek - Apr. 30, 2015
Husband and Wife Sentenced in Multi-Million-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
FBI Houston Division #News Release:
Husband and Wife Sentenced in Multi-Million-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
Husband and Wife Sentenced in Multi-Million-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeApril 27, 2015 |
HOUSTON—William Owuama, 56, and Marla Owuama, 47, have been sentenced following their convictions related to a healthcare fraud scheme in which Mr. Owuama’s Company billed Medicare and Medicaid for more than $9 million, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Both pleaded guilty Feb. 2, 2015. A third defendant—Florida Holiday Island, 65—is set to be sentenced on Wednesday. All are from Houston.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas sentenced William Owuama to a total of 60 months in federal prison for his conviction of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and violate the anti-kickback statute. Mr. Owuama must also serve a three-year-term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence. Marla Owuama was convicted of misprision of a felony for helping to conceal the crime and was ordered to serve a 12-month-term of probation with a condition of home confinement to be followed by one year of supervised release. In addition to their sentences, the Owuamas were ordered to pay $3,951,019.89 in restitution. In handing down the sentences, Judge Atlas noted the massive size of the scheme.
William Owuama was the owner of Wilmar Healthcare Systems and his wife was a registered nurse who helped run the clinic. William Owuama violated the anti-kickback statute by participating in the scheme which paid Medicare beneficiaries for visiting the clinic. He also billed Medicare and Medicaid for vestibular testing that was never performed and, for part of the conspiracy, billed under the provider number of a local doctor while that doctor was incarcerated on unrelated charges. From January 2006 through October 2009, Medicare and Medicaid paid Wilmar more than $4.7 million based on the fraudulent claims.
Previously released on bond, all were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The investigation leading to the charges in this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, FBI and the Texas Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Leuchtmann, John Pearson and Adrienne Frazior prosecuted the case.
This content has been reproduced from its original source.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Susan G. Komen® and Bank of America Renew Long-standing Partnership for Another Five Years | Bank of America Newsroom
National Presenting Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure Also Contributing $3 Million Through Pink Ribbon Banking Products
Susan G. Komen® and Bank of America Renew Long-standing Partnership for Another Five Years | Bank of America Newsroom
Susan G. Komen® and Bank of America Renew Long-standing Partnership for Another Five Years | Bank of America Newsroom
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Supplemental Biologics License Application for Opdivo (nivolumab) in Patients with Previously Untreated Advanced Melanoma
Bristol-Myers Squibb #News Release:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Supplemental Biologics License Application for Opdivo (nivolumab) in Patients with Previously Untreated Advanced Melanoma
Application includes CheckMate -066, a clinical trial of Opdivo vs. dacarbazine chemotherapy in patients who had not received prior therapy
CheckMate -066 marked the first time that a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor demonstrated survival in a Phase III clinical trial
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 5:00 pm EDT
"We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA to ensure cancer patients are provided the latest clinical advances that have the potential for improved responses and long-term survival."
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing and review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Opdivo (nivolumab) for the treatment of previously untreated patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The FDA also granted Priority Review for this application. The projected FDA action date is August 27, 2015.
Opdivo was first approved by the FDA in December 2014 for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following Yervoy (ipilimumab) and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This initial indication was approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response from CheckMate -037 clinical trial results. This new sBLA accepted by the FDA includes data from CheckMate -066, which evaluated Opdivo in treatment naïve patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma as compared to dacarbazine chemotherapy (DTIC). In the trial, safety and tolerability were well-characterized with fewer treatment-related Grade 3/4 adverse events observed with Opdivo than dacarbazine.
“The CheckMate -066 trial marked the first time that a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor showed a survival benefit in a randomized Phase III trial,” said Michael Giordano, senior vice president, Head of Development, Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA to ensure cancer patients are provided the latest clinical advances that have the potential for improved responses and long-term survival.”
About Advanced Melanoma
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease, and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the surface of the skin to the other organs, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, brain or other areas of the body. The incidence of melanoma has been increasing for at least 30 years. In 2015, an estimated 73,870 melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. Melanoma is mostly curable when treated in its early stages. However, in its late stages, the average survival rate is just 6 months with a 1-year survival of 25.5%, making it one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that has received approval from the U.S. FDA as a monotherapy in two cancer indications. On March 5, 2015, Opdivo received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.
In the U.S., Opdivo is also indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following Yervoy (ipilimumab) and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. Opdivo became the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world on July 4, 2014 when Ono Pharmaceutical Co. announced that it received manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan for the treatment of patients with unresectable melanoma.
Bristol-Myers Squibb has a broad, global development program to study Opdivo in multiple tumor types consisting of more than 50 trials – as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies – in which more than 7,000 patients have been enrolled worldwide.
Immuno-Oncology at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Surgery, radiation, cytotoxic or targeted therapies have represented the mainstay of cancer treatment over the last several decades, but long-term survival and a positive quality of life have remained elusive for many patients with advanced disease.
To address this unmet medical need, Bristol-Myers Squibb is leading research in an innovative field of cancer research and treatment known as immuno-oncology, which involves agents whose primary mechanism is to work directly with the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The company is exploring a variety of compounds and immunotherapeutic approaches for patients with different types of cancer, including researching the potential of combining immuno-oncology agents that target different pathways in the treatment of cancer.
Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to advancing the science of immuno-oncology, with the goal of changing survival expectations and the way patients live with cancer.
About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration
In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical, Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
- Severe pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease, including fatal cases, occurred with OPDIVO treatment. Across the clinical trial experience in 691 patients with solid tumors, fatal immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 0.7% (5/691) of patients receiving OPDIVO; no cases occurred in Trial 1. In Trial 1, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 3.4% (9/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO and none of the 102 patients receiving chemotherapy. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.2% (6/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO; one with Grade 3 and five with Grade 2. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold OPDIVO until resolution for Grade 2.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
- In Trial 1, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 21% (57/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 18% (18/102) of patients receiving chemotherapy. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.2% (6/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO; five with Grade 3 and one with Grade 2. Monitor patients for immune-mediated colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 4 colitis or recurrent colitis upon restarting OPDIVO.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
- In Trial 1, there was an increased incidence of liver test abnormalities in the OPDIVO-treated group as compared to the chemotherapy-treated group, with increases in AST (28% vs 12%), alkaline phosphatase (22% vs 13%), ALT (16% vs 5%), and total bilirubin (9% vs 0). Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.1% (3/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO; two with Grade 3 and one with Grade 2. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction
- In Trial 1, there was an increased incidence of elevated creatinine in the OPDIVO-treated group as compared to the chemotherapy-treated group (13% vs 9%). Grade 2 or 3 immune-mediated nephritis or renal dysfunction occurred in 0.7% (2/268) of patients. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. For Grade 2 or 3 serum creatinine elevation, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids; if worsening or no improvement occurs, permanently discontinue OPDIVO. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 4 serum creatinine elevation and permanently discontinue OPDIVO.
Immune-Mediated Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
- In Trial 1, Grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (21/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO and none of the 102 patients receiving chemotherapy. Grade 1 or 2 hyperthyroidism occurred in 3% (8/268) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 1% (1/102) of patients receiving chemotherapy. Monitor thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
- The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 2% of OPDIVO-treated patients: adrenal insufficiency, uveitis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, autoimmune neuropathy, motor dysfunction, and vasculitis. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO administered at doses 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, additional clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions were identified: hypophysitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypopituitarism, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenic syndrome. Based on the severity of adverse reaction, withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone- replacement therapy.
Embryofetal Toxicity
- Based on its mechanism of action, OPDIVO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with OPDIVO and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.
Lactation
- It is not known whether OPDIVO is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from OPDIVO, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment.
Serious Adverse Reactions
- Serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase.
Common Adverse Reactions
- The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO was rash (21%).
Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visitwww.bms.com, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bmsnews
Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that Opdivo will receive regulatory approval for this new indication or, if approved, that it will become a commercially successful product. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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