Month: June 2024

Integration and Customer Support Emerge as Crucial Factors in Merchant Preferences for Payment Solutions

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A recent survey conducted by FreedomPay, a global leader in Next Level Commerce solutions, in collaboration with Toast, a leading cloud-based restaurant management software company, has unveiled crucial insights into the top priorities for enterprise hospitality leaders. The findings emphasize the importance of data security, system integration, and growth enablement in shaping merchant preferences and trust in payment solutions and point-of-sale (POS) providers.

Key Insights from the Survey:

• 53% of merchants face challenges in deciding where to allocate their technology budgets, highlighting the demand for integrated solutions that offer comprehensive value and support informed decision-making.
• The biggest factors that contribute to trust in a payment solution/point of sale (POS) provider are the quality of customer support (49%), user-friendliness (46%), reliability (44%), and integration capabilities (44%).
• Almost all merchants believe data security (100%) and data privacy (98%) are highly important when selecting a payment solution, while most believe growth enablement (82%) and speed (81%) are highly important.
• Organizations are already implementing a high level of integration between their payment/POS systems and other software systems. Most merchants say they have either fully integrated (15%) or have a very high level (70%) of integration between these systems. Almost all merchants (98%) place strong value on an integrated payment solution

“The survey with Toast highlights that integration, understanding customer behavior, and ensuring security are paramount for merchants,” said Nate Ware, SVP Sales & Digital Development at FreedomPay. “This also shows that most merchants are striving for a fully integrated ecosystem to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency. At FreedomPay, we are committed to providing the integration and security that merchants need to thrive and succeed.”

Understanding customer behavior, including shopping and purchasing patterns, is key to enhancing the customer experience and driving sales. Additionally, merchants are prioritizing security and minimal system downtime to safeguard operations and ensure business continuity. The availability of responsive and reliable customer support significantly contributes to fostering a sense of security and trust among merchants.

“The survey really underscores merchants’ need for seamless integration and a thorough understanding of customer behavior to fully enhance operational efficiency,” remarked Kelly Esten, GM of Enterprise at Toast. “For merchants, prioritizing robust data security and reliable customer support is crucial for fostering trust with customers.”

These insights highlight that seamless integration, robust data security, and reliable customer support are essential for merchants aiming to enhance operational efficiency, foster trust with customers, and drive sustained business growth in today’s competitive landscape. These factors form the cornerstone of strategic decision-making for enterprise hospitality leaders as they align their technology investments with long-term success and customer satisfaction.

To learn more, download the full report: The Security Tightrope: Balancing Innovation and Risk Management for Enterprise Brands

About FreedomPay:

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce platform transforms existing payment systems and processes from legacy to leading edge and enables merchants to unleash the power of pay. As the premier choice for many of the largest companies across the globe in retail, hospitality, lodging, gaming, sports and entertainment, foodservice, education, healthcare and financial services, FreedomPay’s technology has been purposely built to deliver rock solid performance in the highly complex environment of global commerce.

The company maintains a world-class security environment and was one of the first payment solution providers in North America to be validated by the PCI Security Standards Council. FreedomPay’s robust solutions across payments, security, identity, and data analytics are available in-store, online and on-mobile and are supported by rapid API adoption. The award winning FreedomPay Commerce Platform operates on a single, unified technology stack across multiple continents allowing enterprises to deliver an innovative Next Level experience on a global scale. www.freedompay.com 

About Toast:

Toast [NYSE: TOST] is a cloud-based, all-in-one digital technology platform purpose-built for the entire restaurant community. Toast provides a comprehensive platform of software as a service (SaaS) products and financial technology solutions that give restaurants everything they need to run their business across point of sale, payments, operations, digital ordering and delivery, marketing and loyalty, and team management. We serve as the restaurant operating system, connecting front of house and back of house operations across service models including dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and retail. Toast helps restaurants streamline operations, increase revenue, and deliver amazing guest experiences. For more information, visit www.toasttab.com.

Jennifer Tayebi
Hill & Knowlton for FreedomPay
+1 734 395 0780
jennifer.tayebi@hillandknowlton.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9168606

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The third and final day of the FII PRIORITY Rio de Janeiro Summit concluded with pivotal discussions on global economic growth and sustainability. Organised by the FII Institute, the summit attracted nearly 1,500 global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who participated in over 65 sessions. Delegates attended solution-focused conclaves, and observed FII Institute’s first Innovators Pitch, setting the stage for the final series at FII Institute’s 8th flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII) in October.

The day began with a fireside chat with His Excellency Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil, who addressed foreign direct investment and the global energy transition. He remarked, “Brazil received the second-highest foreign investment in the world during 2023, trailing only the United States. Our recent tax reforms are expected to enhance this further,” he told the audience, setting a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the day.

Another highlight was the session titled ‘Message to the G20’, featuring a thought-provoking discussion with five former Latin American leaders, moderated by FII Institute CEO Richard Attias. H.E. Felipe Calderon, Former President of Mexico; H.E. Laura Chinchilla, Former President of Costa Rica; H.E. Alberto Fernández, Former President of Argentina; H.E. Jorge Quiroga, Former President of Bolivia; and H.E. Juan Manuel Santos, Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, encouraged attendees to be the change they want to see in the world, emphasising the importance of collective effort in combating climate change and upholding the rule of law for a prosperous future for all.

Marcelo Claure of Claure Group and SHEIN emphasised the importance of equitable access to AI, noting, “AI is the great equaliser. We can bridge the divide between emerging and developed markets in education and healthcare.” Commenting on the future of AI and its integration within various industries, Claure added “with the internet, the cost of information went down to zero and disrupted the advertising business. Then, ecommerce disrupted the retail space. My vision of AI is that it will disrupt all, other untouched industries.”

In a session titled ‘Rulebreakers: What Global Megatrends Are Influencing the World’s Top Investors?’, Claure was joined by Sir Martin Sorrell of S4 Capital, who discussed the need for adaptation to technological advances, stating, “Henry Ford created the five-day working week. COVID-19 accelerated the shift to remote working. Now, technologies like AI and the Metaverse will push this evolution further.”

In keeping with Rio de Janeiro’s entrepreneurial spirit, the summit saw FII Institute’s first-ever Innovators Pitch Competition. Nine startups presented solutions to pressing global issues in AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability. Hera Health Solution emerged as the main winner, a startup focusing on an AI-enabled drug delivery platform, with Aravita securing the People’s Choice award. The startup offers an optimised fresh food ordering service with AI, reducing waste and stockouts to boost grocer profits.

Throughout the summit, FII Institute convened industry experts to address critical global issues in its conclave series, covering topics such as AI, ocean regeneration, energy transition, and ESG. Industry leaders advocated for a collaborative approach to sustainability, the deployment of AI in emerging markets, and ESG’s focus on climate resilience. Emphasis was placed on inclusive policies, targeted investment, and mentorship to empower entrepreneurs in developing regions.

With the closing of FII PRIORITY Rio de Janeiro Summit, FII Institute will now shift its focus to the forthcoming 8th FII in October, where the momentum generated in Rio will continue to drive impactful discussions and initiatives. The conference is slated for 29 to 31 October 2024, under the theme ‘Infinite Horizons’.

E-mail: media@fii-institute.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa4962dc-9bf3-47d8-987d-0ab8074d1f1b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000968187

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O terceiro e último dia do FII PRIORITY Summit no Rio de Janeiro foi concluído com discussões cruciais sobre crescimento econômico global e sustentabilidade. Organizado pelo FII Institute, o evento atraiu cerca de 1.500 líderes globais, inovadores e empreendedores que participaram de mais de 65 sessões. Os convidados fizeram parte de conclaves focados em soluções e observaram o primeiro Innovators Pitch do FII Institute, preparando o terreno para a série final no 8º Future Investment Initiative (FII) do FII Institute em outubro.

O dia começou com uma palestra de Sua Excelência Geraldo Alckmin, Vice-Presidente do Brasil, que abordou o investimento estrangeiro direto e a transição energética global. Ele comentou: “O Brasil recebeu o segundo maior volume de investimento estrangeiro do mundo em 2023, ficando atrás apenas dos Estados Unidos. Nossas recentes reformas tributárias devem melhorar ainda mais essa situação”, disse Alckmin ao público, estabelecendo um tom colaborativo e voltado para o futuro.

Outro destaque foi a sessão intitulada ‘Mensagem ao G20’, apresentando uma discussão instigante com cinco ex-líderes latino-americanos, moderada pelo CEO do FII Institute, Richard Attias. S.E. Felipe Calderón, ex-presidente do México; S.E. Laura Chinchilla, ex-presidente da Costa Rica; S.E. Alberto Fernández, ex-presidente da Argentina; S.E. Jorge Quiroga, ex-presidente da Bolívia; e S.E. Juan Manuel Santos, ex-presidente da Colômbia e vencedor do Prêmio Nobel da Paz, incentivaram os participantes a serem a mudança que desejam ver no mundo, enfatizando a importância do esforço coletivo no combate às mudanças climáticas e na defesa do estado de direito para um futuro próspero para todos.

Marcelo Claure do Claure Group e SHEIN ressaltou a importância do acesso igualitário à inteligência artificial, observando: “A IA é o grande equalizador. Podemos fechar a lacuna entre mercados emergentes e desenvolvidos na educação e na saúde.” Comentando sobre o futuro da IA e sua integração em várias indústrias, Claure acrescentou “com a internet, o custo da informação caiu para zero e houve uma disrupção no setor de publicidade. Depois, o comércio eletrônico trouxe disrupção ao espaço de varejo. Minha visão da IA é que ela vai levar à disrupção de todas as outras indústrias ainda intocadas.”

Em uma sessão intitulada ‘Quebradores de Regras: Quais Megatendências Globais Estão Influenciando os Principais Investidores do Mundo?’, Claure foi acompanhado por Sir Martin Sorrell da S4 Capital, que discutiu a necessidade de adaptação aos avanços tecnológicos, afirmando: “Henry Ford criou a semana de trabalho de cinco dias. A COVID-19 acelerou a mudança para o trabalho remoto. Agora, tecnologias como IA e o Metaverso vão impulsionar ainda mais essa evolução.”

Em sintonia com o espírito empreendedor do Rio de Janeiro, o evento recebeu a primeira competição Innovators Pitch do FII Institute. Nove startups apresentaram soluções para questões globais urgentes em IA e robótica, educação, saúde e sustentabilidade. Hera Health Solution emergiu como a principal vencedora, uma startup focada em uma plataforma de entrega de medicamentos habilitada por IA, com a Aravita garantindo o prêmio Escolha do Público. A startup oferece um serviço otimizado de pedidos de alimentos frescos com IA, reduzindo desperdícios e faltas de estoque para aumentar os lucros dos mercados.

Ao longo do evento, o FII Institute reuniu especialistas da indústria para abordar questões globais críticas em sua série de conclaves, cobrindo tópicos como IA, regeneração dos oceanos, transição energética e ESG. Líderes da indústria defenderam uma abordagem colaborativa para a sustentabilidade, o uso de IA em mercados emergentes e o foco do ESG na resiliência climática. A ênfase foi colocada em políticas inclusivas, investimentos direcionados e mentoria para capacitar empreendedores em regiões em desenvolvimento.

Com o encerramento do FII PRIORITY Summit no Rio de Janeiro, o FII Institute agora se concentrará no próximo 8º FII em outubro, onde o impulso gerado no Rio continuará a fomentar discussões e iniciativas impactantes. A conferência está marcada para os dias 29 a 31 de outubro de 2024, sob o tema ‘Horizontes Infinitos’.

E-mail: media@fii-institute.org

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa4962dc-9bf3-47d8-987d-0ab8074d1f1b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000968187

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The inaugural three-day Latin America FII PRIORITY Summit, powered by FII Institute, commenced on Tuesday at the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Convening global officials, along with business leaders from various sectors, the event will tackle pressing issues under the theme “Invest in Dignity.” The Summit welcomed over 1,500 delegates, who attended 66 sessions featuring more than 190 speakers.

The opening ceremony included remarks by the CEO of FII Institute, Richard Attias; His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund, Chairman of Saudi ARAMCO, and Chairman of the Board of FII Institute; and the President of the Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In his opening remarks, Attias said, “Today, we gather with a shared mission: to invest in dignity. Dignity is not just a concept; it is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to every individual, regardless of their background, economic status, or social standing.” He added, “In this room, we have the collective power to drive meaningful change. Our collaboration, innovation, and determination can transform lives and communities.”

A fireside chat with Al-Rumayyan highlighted the rising role of Brazil in global investment and economic growth. “There are 12,000 new start-ups, and 12 or 16 unicorns were created here. The potential in Brazil is really big,” he said. When asked about why FII Institute brought the summit to Rio, His Excellency said, “Why did we host the FII in Rio? The question is: Why not? This is one of the greatest cities not only in Brazil, but the world. At the same time, we will have the G20 and COP30.”

For his part, President Lula said, “We all want to make the world capable of welcoming all its inhabitants with dignity—and not just a privileged minority.” The President also highlighted Brazil’s evolving economic and investment landscapes, saying, “The choice to host FII in Rio shows that this is a sign of trust in our country from over 1,000 participants. I’m here to show that Brazil is worthy of this trust.”

The Summit’s flagship Board of Changemakers session featured several notable speakers, including H.R.H. Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States; Magda Chambriard of Petrobras; Marcelo Claure of Claure Group and SHEIN; Bernard Mensah of Bank of America and MLI; Secretary Mike Pompeo, 70th Secretary of State of the United States and Executive Chairman of Impact Investments; and Sir Martin Sorrell of S4 Capital Group.

During the session, Princess Reema stressed the importance of dignity as a collective responsibility, further underscoring the theme of the summit. She said, “We all have a responsibility for the way we speak, think, and engage with people. Dignity is an individual concept, but it is a collective responsibility.” For her part, Ms. Chambriard noted Brazil’s role in the broader global context in maintaining citizen dignity, saying, “The idea is to exercise the power of using all the Brazilian resources and investing based on the respect of the Brazilian society.”

Visionary Brazilian entrepreneur and media personality Luciano Huck and Cecilia Attias, who is Senior VP of Public Affairs and Board Member, RA&A, and Founder and President of the Cecilia Attias Foundation for Women, covered the intersection of media, politics, and responsibility towards both. During the Titan of Industry session, Huck stressed that “The privilege of speaking to 35 million people on global TV is the freedom of speech. I do not treat it as power, but a tremendous responsibility.”

Executives from Goldman Sachs, Franklin Templeton, Morgan Stanley, and Patria Investments set the tone for the rest of the day in a session tackling global market volatility and disruptions and the impact on investors. Exploring a range of approaches, from backing national champions to diversifying across asset classes, the discussion centred on ways to build resilient portfolios, with key insights shared by prominent industry leaders.

Among the notable announcements of the first day of FII PRIORITY Rio de Janeiro, Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute, announced the Institute’s latest flagship initiative, FII Institute TV. Set to launch fully in the coming months, FII Institute TV is a 24/7 platform offering enhanced content curation, in-depth interviews with global leaders, and expert analysis.

Furthermore, FII Institute’s strategic partner, THIQAH, made a significant announcement for BRICS+ countries, launching their “Certificate of Origin” platform in Brazil in collaboration with CICIBAS. The platform enables exporters and manufacturers to issue and track the status of certificates of origin for manufactured products through a single electronic platform, contributing to a transformation in the commercial and industrial sectors.

E-mail: media@fii-institute.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13c76081-cfa1-42b5-af6f-3edc96d21d1b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000968141

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O primeiro FII PRIORITY Summit da América Latina, evento de três dias promovido pelo Instituto FII, começou na terça-feira no Hotel Copacabana Palace, no Rio de Janeiro. Reunindo autoridades globais e líderes empresariais de vários setores, o evento abordará questões urgentes sob o tema “investir em dignidade”. Nesta quarta-feira, o evento recebeu mais de 1500 convidados que assistiram a 66 sessões com mais de 190 palestrantes.

A cerimônia de abertura contou com discursos de Richard Attias, CEO do FII Institute; da Sua Excelência Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governador do Fundo de Investimento Público da Arábia Saudita, Chairman da Saudi ARAMCO e Chairman do FII Institute; e do Presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Na sua mensagem de abertura, Attias disse “Hoje, nos reunimos com uma missão em comum: investir em dignidade. Dignidade não é apenas um conceito, é um direto humano fundamental que deveria ser acessível a cada indivíduo, independentemente de seu histórico, status econômico ou posição social”. E acrescentou que, “Nessa sala, temos o poder coletivo de impulsionar mudanças significativas. Nossa colaboração, inovação e determinação podem transformar vidas e comunidades”.

Em sua fala, Al-Rumayyan destacou o papel crescente do Brasil em investimentos globais e crescimento econômico. “Há mais de 12 mil novas startups, além de 12 a 16 unicórnios que foram criados aqui. O potencial do Brasil é enorme”, disse. Quando questionado sobre a razão pela qual o FII Institute trouxe o evento ao Rio de Janeiro, Sua Excelência disse, “Por que trazer o FII para o Rio? A questão é: Por que não? É uma das maiores cidades, não apenas no Brasil, mas no mundo. E logo teremos o G20 e a COP30”.

Já o Presidente Lula afirmou que “Queremos tornar o mundo capaz de receber todos os seus habitantes com dignidade – e não apenas uma minoria privilegiada”. O presidente também ressaltou a evolução econômica do Brasil e do cenário de investimentos, dizendo que “A escolha do Rio de Janeiro para receber esse evento sinaliza a confiança que os mais de mil participantes depositam em nosso país. Estou aqui hoje para mostrar que o Brasil é e merece ser digno dessa confiança.”

A primeira sessão, o “Board of Changemakers” incluiu convidados notáveis, como a Princesa Reema Bandar Al Saud, Embaixadora da Arábia Saudita nos Estados Unidos, Magda Chambriard, presidente da Petrobras, Marcelo Claure, do Claure Group e Shein, Bernard Mensah, do Bank of America e MLI; Mike Pompeo, 70° Secretário de Estado dos EUA e Chairman da Impact Investments; e Sir Martin Sorrell, do S4 Capital Group.

Durante a sessão, a Princesa Reema enfatizou a importância da dignidade como uma responsabilidade coletiva, ressaltando a importância do tema do evento. Ela afirmou que “Nós todos temos uma responsabilidade no jeito que falamos, pensamos e nos relacionamos com as pessoas. Dignidade é um conceito individual, mas é uma responsabilidade coletiva”. Em sua participação, Magda Chambriard observou o papel do Brasil em promover a dignidade das pessoas em um contexto global mais amplo, ressaltando que “A ideia é exercer o poder de usar todos os recursos brasileiros e investir com base no respeito à nossa sociedade.”

O apresentador de TV e empreendedor Luciano Huck e Cecilia Attias, Vice-presidente sênior de Relações Públicas, membro do Conselho da RA&A, e fundadora e presidente da Cecilia Attias Foundation for Women, abordaram a interseção entre mídia, política e responsabilidade. Durante a sessão “Titan of Industry”, Huck enfatizou que “O privilégio de falar para 35 milhões de pessoas na TV Globo é liberdade de expressão. Não trato isso como poder, mas como uma tremenda responsabilidade.”

Executivos do Goldman Sachs, Franklin Templeton, Morgan Stanley e Patria Investimentos deram o tom das conversas para o resto do dia, numa sessão que abordou a volatilidade e as perturbações do mercado global e o impacto sobre os investidores. Explorando uma série de abordagens, desde a política de apoio aos campeões nacionais até a diversificação entre classes de ativos, a discussão centrou-se em formas de construir carteiras resilientes, com insights importantes compartilhados pelos proeminentes líderes da indústria.

Entre os anúncios do primeiro dia do FII PRIORITY Rio de Janeiro, Richard Attias, CEO do FII Institute, anunciou a mais recente iniciativa da entidade, o FII Institute TV. Com lançamento previsto para os próximos meses, o FII Institute TV é uma plataforma que ficará no ar 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, com curadoria de conteúdo aprimorada, entrevistas aprofundadas com líderes globais e análises de especialistas.

Além disso, o parceiro estratégico do FII Institute, THIQAH, realizou um anúncio significativo para os países BRICS+, lançando no Brasil sua plataforma de “Certificado de Origem”, em colaboração com o CICIBAS. A plataforma permite que exportadores e fabricantes emitam e acompanhem o status dos certificados de origem dos produtos manufaturados, por meio de uma única plataforma eletrônica, contribuindo para uma transformação nos setores comercial e industrial.

E-mail: media@fii-institute.org

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13c76081-cfa1-42b5-af6f-3edc96d21d1b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000968141

London, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — June 24, 2024, London, UK – OPEN Health, a pre-eminent global provider of scientific communications, HEOR and market access, patient engagement, and consulting, today announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health. This alliance will see fusion’s market-leading AI capabilities deployed across OPEN Health’s extensive global client base, which includes 49 of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.

Mary McGregor, Founder of fusion, commented, “OPEN Health provides an unrivalled platform to expand the AI agenda globally in our sector. Our longstanding relationship with OPEN Health leadership facilitated early conversations, enabling us to quickly market-test joint solutions, which led to a swift and unanimous decision to formalize this collaboration. This partnership empowers us to redefine the boundaries of what AI can accomplish in healthcare.”

Margot Hannah,  Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Communications at OPEN Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We immediately recognized the need to expand our capabilities and started a dialog with fusion about an exclusive partnership to provide pioneering solutions that integrate OPEN Health’s capabilities with fusion’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML. Fusion’s expertise in this area is unparalleled, and we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients.”

Steve Duryee, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at OPEN Health, added, “We are committed to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, ML, robotic process automation, and data analytics, to drive higher value and improved outcomes for our clients. With the recent launch of our Solutions Innovation Center, and the addition of fusion to our extended team of elite-level technology partners, we are now in the pole position to deliver the most innovative, technologically advanced solutions to our biopharmaceutical partners.”

By integrating with fusion’s advanced technology, OPEN Health underscores its commitment to leading the AI agenda with socially beneficial innovations to drive innovation and efficiency for clients. Contact OPEN Health to set up an interactive demonstration at www.openhealthgroup.com/contact-us.

About OPEN Health
OPEN Health unites world-class scientific, strategic, and creative expertise to solve complex challenges for global biopharma. We are a flexible, global organization, creating high-performing strategic partnerships with our clients. We embrace our different perspectives and strengths to deliver innovative solutions that have a positive impact on commercial and patient outcomes. OPEN Health unlocks possibilities across consulting, HEOR and market access, scientific communications, and patient engagement. To learn more, visit www.openhealthgroup.com.

About fusion
fusion specializes in delivering AI and ML solutions. Known for its advanced technology and innovative approach, fusion aims to transform the pharmaceutical industry by integrating AI-first solutions. To learn more, visit www.fusionagency.solutions.

Attachment

• OPEN Health and fusion announce partnership to deliver AI-powered healthcare communications

Candice Subero
OPEN Health
candicesubero@openhealthgroup.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157597

Acino gains commercial rights for EXBLIFEP® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Africa. EXBLIFEP® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of severe infections earlier in 2024.

Saint-Louis, France and Weil am Rhein, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allecra Therapeutics (“Allecra”) and Acino today announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement under which Acino gains the rights to commercialise Allecra’s antibiotic drug EXBLIFEP^® (cefepime/enmetazobactam) within the Republic of South Africa and the member states of the GCC alliance, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, effective from 12 June 2024. In addition, the companies have signed a supply agreement under which Allecra will supply the cefepime/enmetazobactam finished product in the above territories.

“Acino has established itself as a leader in South Africa and the GCC region. They are an ideal partner to support us as we build towards commercialisation of EXBLIFEP^® following our regulatory approvals in the US and EU,” stated Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director at Allecra Therapeutics. “This agreement reflects the understanding that there remains a significant global need to address the dangerous increase of resistance to standard-of-care antibiotics, and we look forward to working with Acino to address this.”

“At Acino, we are dedicated to providing novel healthcare solutions to physicians and patients, aiming to alleviate the health burden in emerging markets. We are incredibly excited to partner with Allecra to offer access to this innovative product in two key geographic regions and, potentially, beyond,” said Andrew Bird, CEO (ai) at Acino. “We are committed to expediting the registration process in these designated markets to ensure hospitals’ swift access to EXBLIFEP^® as they continue to fight against high-risk infectious diseases in patients.”

About EXBLIFEP^® (cefepime/enmetazobactam)

EXBLIFEP^® is an intravenous antibiotic fixed-dose combination of enmetazobactam, a novel extended-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor belonging to the penicillanic acid sulfone class, with the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime. Enmetazobactam has been shown to restore the efficacy of cefepime against some multi-drug resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing pathogens alone or in combination with some resistant β-lactamase mutations as OXA-48 or AmpC, which are increasing in Europe and for which there are few therapeutic alternatives.

EXBLIFEP^® demonstrated statistically significant superior overall treatment success in Allecra’s pivotal Phase III ALLIUM trial, which compared 1034 randomized patients receiving either cefepime 2 g/enmetazobactam 0.5 g or piperacillin 4 g/tazobactam 0.5 g every 8 h as 2 h continuous intravenous infusion in a multi-centre, randomized, controlled, double-blind, global study in 112 sites within nineteen countries.

In February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EXBLIFEP^® as a treatment for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in patients 18 years and older. In March 2024 the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for EXBLIFEP^® for the treatment of adult patients with cUTI, including pyelonephritis; hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP); and bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with any of the infections listed previously.

About Allecra Therapeutics

Allecra Therapeutics, founded in 2013, is a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to combat antibiotic resistance by overcoming emergent resistance mechanisms. Lead product candidate EXBLIFEP^® (cefepime/enmetazobactam), has successfully completed a randomized, controlled, double-blind, global Phase 3 trial compared to standard of care in patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). Based on these results, the company has received FDA marketing approval in the U.S. and announced approval in the European Union for EXBLIFEP^® earlier this year.

Allecra has significant patent protection covering proprietary enmetazobactam in major territories. Allecra’s investors include Forbion, Andera Partners, Delos Capital, Xeraya Capital, EMBL Ventures, and BioMedPartners. Allecra’s wholly owned French subsidiary is a beneficiary of financial support from Bpifrance and the Région Alsace. Please visit www.allecra.com for further information.

About Acino

Acino is a Swiss pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zurich with a clear focus on selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine, the CIS Region, and Latin America. We deliver quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets and leverage our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies through contract manufacturing and out-licensing. For more information, please visit www.acino.swiss.

Acino is part of Arcera, a global company in the life sciences sector headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Arcera was established by ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, to build a global life sciences powerhouse poised to make significant contributions to realising the UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a frontrunner in science and technology. To learn more about Arcera, please visit www.arceralifesciences.com.

Attachments

• Allecra Therapeutics and Acino Sign Exclusive Licensing and Supply Agreement for Allecra’s Novel Antibiotic EXBLIFEP® in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and South Africa
• Acino and Allecra Therapeutics

For Allecra Therapeutics:
Andreas Kranzusch, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director
ir@allecra.com

Gretchen Schweitzer, Trophic Communications, +49 172 8618540
allecra@trophic.eu

For Acino: 
Larisa Bernstein, Global Head of Communications
larisa.bernstein@acino.swiss

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9157528