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First Ever Global Campaign to Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide

LifeLine International

Today, LifeLine International launched Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide, a new campaign advocating for legal changes in countries where suicide is either a crime or the law is unclear. Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined Lifeline International to give a keynote speech calling for communities around the world to unite against outdated and punitive laws exacerbating the isolation and stigma associated with suicide. According to new analysis from LifeLine International, suicide and attempted suicide is a crime in 25 countries, while the legality of both is unclear in a further 27 countries. Laws criminalising suicide are generally associated with higher suicide rates because they are ineffective deterrents and inhibit people in suicidal distress from seeking help. The analysis, completed with input from the International Bar Association, is the latest comprehensive audit of laws criminalising suicide undertaken. A population of 1.2 billion people live in the 52 countries where suicide is either a crime or laws are uncertain. The campaign advocates for legislative changes that will also help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development goal to decrease global suicide rates by 30% by 2030. Where we seek to change laws, LifeLine International will also work to either establish or enhance crisis line services. Decriminalisation has gathered positive momentum in the last five years, with legal reform completed in Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Singapore. LifeLine International has identified Malawi and Nigeria as initial focus countries for decriminalisation campaign support. In the 27 countries with unclear legal frameworks, LifeLine International will engage with governments and civil society organisations to seek clarity and request the removal of barriers preventing people from seeking help. The ambiguity comes from a lack of consistency in the respective legal systems. The official campaign launch at Australia House in London was attended by diplomats, representatives of major mental health organisations, service providers, charities, supporters and the media. Former Australian Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC, who gave the keynote speech at the event, said: “The power of coalition and influence has the potential to drive significant change in addressing suicide as a global public health crisis. Coming together to support decriminalising suicide holds the promise of saving hundreds of thousands of lives." LifeLine International President, Justin Chase, said: "Every day, more than 1,900 people lose their lives to suicide, and approximately 77% of these tragic events occur in low- and middle-income countries. Suicide is a global public health challenge, but LifeLine International's new campaign is committed to creating a world where individuals facing suicidal thoughts can seek help without fear of legal repercussions. Decriminalisation addresses a significant barrier to deploying crisis support services and tackling the social stigmas that discourage help-seeking.” As part of the campaign, two digital platforms were launched today: www.25crimes.org – A social change campaign platform serving as the public face of the campaign; and, www.suicide-decrim.network – A bespoke knowledge platform for experts, NGOs, civil society, and crisis support services to facilitate the formation of national decriminalisation. LifeLine CEO Thilini Perera said: "Through our knowledge platform, we are bridging the gap between countries to advocate for change. LifeLine International's commitment to using innovative technology and galvanising support will accelerate decriminalisation campaigns, allowing people living in countries where suicide remains a crime to receive the help they deserve. We are proud to open source our knowledge to support network participants. Our platform will enable us to track progress and move closer to a world where suicide is decriminalised, stigma is reduced, and help-seeking is both accessible and encouraged." About LifeLine International: LifeLine International is an Australian-registered international civil society organisation representing 27 Members, in 23 separate countries. Our Members collectively operate more than 200 suicide prevention and crisis support services across the world. Our shared mission is to create a world where quality suicide prevention support is available, accepted and encouraged. Our goal is to ensure that the life-saving work of our Members is fully recognised, valued and supported. We focus on supporting the expansion of community-based crisis support services, wholly operated by our Members and beyond. We believe that crisis support services must be accessible and widely promoted in all communities, regardless of location, cultural practice or legal frameworks. We fundamentally believe that crisis helplines play a critical role in the overall continuum of care for suicide prevention. Our ultimate beneficiaries are help seekers: individuals in distress, despair and at risk of suicide. Notes to Editors: Click here for the Campaign Brief Click here for Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide Factsheet For further information or interview requests, please contact LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Contact Details LifeLine International Jenny Wright +44 7786 567525 LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Company Website https://lifeline-intl.com/

October 23, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Cutting Through the AEP Clutter

YourUpdateTV

Millions of older Americans rely on Medicare as a crucial support for their health care. Yet, choosing a health plan that fits their needs can be overwhelming, particularly since nearly 90% of adults struggle with understanding health-related information. This can make the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – which runs from October 15 th to December 7 th – feel like an obstacle course Medicare beneficiaries must navigate every year. A video accompaying this release can be found here: https://youtu.be/F-MZ0L3t9Zw Recently, Terri Swanson, President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the annual enrollment period and tips for consumers on how to choose a plan. When selecting a plan, the first thing people should consider is their own health needs, which can help cut through the clutter of information and make a decision that’s right for you. Medicare decisions can be confusing, so it’s important to seek out trusted sources of information and ask yourself some basic questions before choosing a plan. The three main questions people should ask themselves are: Will this plan fit my budget? This includes the monthly premium, as well as out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance for doctors’ visits, hospital stays and other health services. Are my favorite doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in the plan’s network? Are my prescription drugs covered and what are they going to cost? With these three pieces of critical information, consumers can begin the process of narrowing down their plan options and finding the one that’s right for their budget and specific health needs. In addition to the basics, like coverage for doctors and prescription medications, most Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of additional benefits that can create further value. Examples include dental, vision, hearing, fitness membership, over-the-counter products, transportation to and from doctors’ visits and even healthy foods. To begin the process of selecting a plan, people should go to Medicare.gov. Once there, they can enter their zip code and see all the Medicare plans available in their area. To learn more about Aetna plans and find some resources to help you understand your Medicare options, visit AetnaMedicare.com. About Terri Swanson As President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, Terri oversees the sales, operations and business strategy for Aetna’s robust portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Terri is proud to lead a team that advocates for the older adult population, helping nearly 11 million Aetna Medicare members nationwide achieve their best health. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 23, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Delivra Health Brands sees 20% increase in revenue as company posts encouraging 2023 results

Delivra Health Brands Inc.

Delivra Health Brands CEO Gord Davey joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has posted its year end 2023 financial numbers that showed for the first time in company history, Delivra Health achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA. The positive Adjusted EBITDA is attributed to various factors, including increased net revenue driven by higher sales in the USA. The company saw a 20% increase in net revenue compared to the previous year, with a significant contribution from the US market. Davey emphasized that the company's focus moving forward is to continue increasing revenue and profitability across multiple markets, including Canada, the USA, international markets, and e-commerce channels. Delivra Health's portfolio includes innovative brands like Dream Water and LivRelief, offering relief from common health issues such as sleeplessness, chronic pain, and anxiety. Contact Details Proactive Studio +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

October 20, 2023 12:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Nurraysa Global Sdn Bhd Elevates its Position as the Wuduk-Friendly Cosmetics Brand with Fresh Packaging and Expanded Reach

Alarice International Limited

Nurraysa Global Sdn Bhd, a cosmetics manufacturer company, continues to maintain its position as the preferred option for women in Malaysia and abroad. Established in 2015, Nurraysa has introduced innovative products such as the Nurraysa Glowing DD Moist Cake (NGDDMC) and the Nurraysa Magic Lipstick, with sales exceeding 600,000 sets. Nurraysa's visionary founder, Nur Aini Zolkepli, has recently revealed a bold and transformative initiative. This initiative includes the introduction of a brand-new packaging design coupled with a revised and refreshed spelling for the Nurraysa brand. "We are dedicated to not only increasing demand and awareness of our brand but also showcasing our featured Set Panas (Hot Set). Our primary objective is to maintain our status as the leading wudu-friendly and halal cosmetics brand nationwide, extending our reach to countries like Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia. Additionally, we have introduced new packaging to avoid any confusion and ensure the correct spelling," commented Nur Aini. The Set Panas, a flagship product of Nurraysa Global Sdn Bhd, has become an accessory, catering to the needs of working women, homemakers, and teenagers alike. This product streamlines the grooming process, making it convenient for those who need to prepare quickly. Moreover, it facilitates the swift removal of makeup before prayer, addressing the needs of women who prioritize using halal cosmetics without any reservations. Whether it's for women in the government or private sectors who want to exude confidence in the workplace or individuals who wish to strike a balance between enhancing their beauty with makeup and preserving their skin's integrity, the Set Panas caters to a range of preferences. Notably, it also appeals to women who are eager to achieve a beautiful look without excessive adornment, in line with the concept of "tabarruj." To date, this hot set has garnered the approval and endorsement of various celebrities. Furthermore, Nurraysa has launched the "Build a Business with Nurraysa" campaign to empower 135,000 entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities to supplement their income. "We have already onboarded new entrepreneurs and are committed to sustaining this effort. Our driving force is the desire to contribute to economic growth by providing additional income opportunities, particularly in light of the current rise in prices," added Nur Aini. Nurraysa remains steadfast in its commitment to offering women cosmetics that align with their values and needs. For more information about Nurraysa Global Sdn Bhd and their products, please visit their website. About Nurraysa Global SDN BHD: Nurraysa Global SDN BHD is a cosmetics provider in Malaysia, dedicated to offering beauty products formulated with natural ingredients. With a commitment to customer well-being and a network of agents and stockists, Nurraysa is transforming the cosmetics industry. Contact Details Nurraysa Global Nur Aini Zolkepeli +60 9-570 1212 admin@nurraysa.com Company Website https://nurraysa.com

October 19, 2023 04:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM

Limak

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM Prishtine, October 18, 2023 - Global Engineer Girls (GEG), the international philanthropic initiative aiming to improve women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proudly announces the graduation of 20 young women from its flagship program in Kosovo. Implemented by Limak Group in partnership with the UNDP in Kosovo, GEG Kosovo empowers young women and girls enrolled in STEM education and provides them with opportunities to gain crucial experience in a male-dominated industry. The project aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers, and highlight the strides made towards gender equality in STEM education. The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a year-long journey of scholarships, training, mentorship, and internships, all provided by GEG Kosovo. The ceremony also highlighted the projects undertaken by the girls during their participation in the program, including digital communication, effective team management, personal brand-building, communication, and interpersonal skills. These projects serve as compelling evidence that extending opportunities to girls is a vital way to prepare them for successful futures in the STEM world. President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in her speech, mentioned, "We must ensure that all our bright minds have equal opportunities to pursue the education of their choice. We need these equal minds in order to address the critical issues of our time, such as climate change and AI. We cannot afford to exclude half of our population from the most pressing challenges of our era. It is imperative to collaborate and work together to achieve equality more swiftly. These young girls serve as clear examples of the potential within our youth. It is our duty to ensure that young women and girls feel empowered to pursue their dreams, regardless of the path they choose. They must harbour no fear or hesitation in stating, 'I want it, and I will make it.' Every girl holds a guaranteed place in our future. I encourage each girl to carry forward the legacy of GEG.” Chair of Limak Holding and Limak Foundation, Ebru Özdemir, said: “It's truly an important milestone for GEG and our vision at Limak. I’m thrilled to see the progress of the GEG Kosovo participants over the past year, and I am certain they all have a bright future ahead of them. Engineering isn’t a man’s world anymore, so it is our responsibility to continue to create opportunities for young women to succeed in STEM by supporting them in their studies and careers.” GEG Kosovo extends its gratitude to its supporters, mentors, parents, and volunteers, who have enabled the success of this program. Their collective efforts have empowered young girls to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. Moving forward, GEG Kosovo remains committed to expanding and enhancing its programs to reach even more young girls, empowering them to break down barriers and become leaders in STEM fields. About Global Engineer Girls Global Engineer Girls (GEG) is an international philanthropic initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers. The inception of GEG was driven by Limak Group of Companies' culture and its Chairperson's, Ebru Özdemir's, deep personal commitment to improving women's representation in STEM. GEG provides girls and women with education, mentorship and career opportunities in Turkey, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kuwait and beyond. GEG's predecessor, the Engineer Girls of Turkey (EGT), was launched in Turkey in 2015. Since its inception in 2015, the GEG university programme has benefited 710 young women by providing support for female students enrolled in chemical, civil, computer, electrical- electronic, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering departments in Turkish universities. This support has included funded scholarships and mentoring by hundreds of professional volunteers, as well as online training programs, soft skills and English language courses, internships, and employment opportunities at Limak's companies and partner companies. About Global Engineer Girls Kosovo Global Engineer Girls (GEG) Kosovo was established in 2022, in partnership with Limak Kosovo and United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo. GEG Kosovo currently operates in three public universities, covering bachelor and master's programs in engineering. UNIVERSITY OF PRISHTINA "HASAN PRISHTINA", UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES IN FERIZAJ, UNIVERSITY OF MITROVICA "ISA BOLETINI" Note to editors: High-resolution images from the graduation ceremony are available in the attachment. Contact Details Highgate Advisory Ltd. Iulia Trandafir +44 7516 787557 iulia@highgate.ltd

October 19, 2023 09:59 AM Central Daylight Time

PathAI Diagnostics Unveils World’s First AI-Assisted Laboratory Developed Test for MASLD and MASH

PathAI

PathAI Diagnostics, a leading laboratory services company, today announced the world's first AI-Assisted Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) for the histologic scoring and staging of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This pioneering advancement will be introduced at the American College of Gastroenterology 2023 (ACG2023) Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, from October 20-25. MASLD and MASH are posing an escalating healthcare challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 37.8% of the global adult population suffers from some form of MASLD, with 5-6% of the U.S. adult population at risk of progressing to MASH—a potential precursor to severe conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. 1-3 While the gold standard for MASLD/MASH scoring is liver biopsy, the scoring provided by pathologists can exhibit variability. 4-5 In fact, there can be as much as a 30% disagreement in MASH diagnosis between pathologists, and intra-observer variability can reach up to 41% for the same case. 6 Accurate scoring and staging are paramount, as each fibrosis stage corresponds to approximately a two-fold increase in liver-related mortality. 7 In order to better tackle this growing issue, PathAI Diagnostics developed AI.Dx MASH, a laboratory developed test, which provides AI-assisted histologic scoring that supports expert pathologists with enhanced insights for liver biopsy reporting. "We are excited to bring the world's first AI-assisted Laboratory Developed Test for MASH to market,” said Jim Sweeney, President of PathAI Diagnostics. “The tool uses our deep expertise in AI-powered pathology coupled with our world-class diagnostics laboratory to improve patient outcomes through AI-assisted histologic scoring for MASH." This groundbreaking tool utilizes an AI algorithm that has been proven to significantly reduce inter- and intra-operator variability in CRN scoring. Moreover, AI.Dx MASH reports include image overlays and quantitation, offering a comprehensive view of steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and fibrosis, thus facilitating more accurate diagnosis and staging. 8-11 “AI.Dx MASH provides a powerful tool for histologic MASH scoring by offering visual image overlays of key features to show how a score was reached,” said R. Shawn Kinsey, MD, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary pathologist at PathAI Diagnostics. “This addresses one of the key challenges that leads to variability when assessing progression of the disease for a more accurate summary of a patient’s condition to inform future treatment and intervention.” Learn more about AI.Dx MASH and PathAI Diagnostics at Booth 613 at the 2023 American College of Gastroenterologists Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, October 20-25. Alternatively, explore PathAI Diagnostic’s full range of anatomic and molecular pathology services, spanning gastroenterology, dermatology, urology, and women's health, at www.pathaidx.com. About PathAI Diagnostics PathAI Diagnostics, formerly Poplar Healthcare, is a leading laboratory services company based in Memphis, TN, pioneering digital pathology and serving a nationwide client base of gastroenterologists, dermatologists, oncologists, urologists and gynecologists. Contact Details SVM Public Relations and Marketing Communications Maggie Naples +1 401-490-9700 pathai@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.pathai.com/

October 19, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Stanford Blood Center Adopts New FDA Blood Donation Guidelines for Enhanced Inclusivity

Stanford Blood Center

Stanford Blood Center ( SBC ) is thrilled to announce the implementation of the updated FDA blood donation guidelines known as the Individual Donor Assessment, effective October 19, emphasizing a more equitable and inclusive donor assessment process. Dr. Suchi Pandey, Chief Medical Officer for SBC, stated, “This historic change in approach to donor eligibility is significant progress. By asking all potential donors the same questions about their sexual behavior, this change reflects the fact that infectious diseases like HIV can be contracted by anyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Although we recognize that FDA will continue to review if additional updates can be made, Stanford Blood Center enthusiastically supports this change. The revamped process underscores a data-centric approach that ensures blood safety. Ultimately, the blood supply is supported by multiple layers of safety, including rigorous testing of blood donors with highly sensitive tests as well as the donor health questionnaire. The data from countries that have already implemented this change – including Canada and the United Kingdom – have shown that making this change does not put the safety of the blood supply at risk. Previously, certain sexual behaviors led to donor deferrals, but under the new guidelines, an "individual donor risk assessment" approach is adopted, focusing on high-risk sexual behaviors. Notably, any donor reporting new or multiple partners in the last three months will undergo further assessment, with specific guidelines around deferral periods for those taking PrEP or PEP medications. SBC has played a pivotal role in advocating for this change over many years, contributing data to the FDA, participating in the ADVANCE Study, and supporting AABB efforts to revise the Universal Donor History Questionnaire (UDHQ). This dedicated effort underpins the FDA’s shift in guidance, ensuring a safe blood supply while extending the inclusivity of blood donation. Stanford Blood Center remains steadfast in its mission to further enhance the policy, continuing to provide valuable data to the FDA for future improvements. This initiative reflects the first steps towards repairing relationships with the broader LGBTQ+ community and invites everyone to participate in this life-saving mission. Further information about the changes to donor eligibility, resources, and FAQs can be found here. Donation appointments can be made at stanfordbloodcenter.org, via the SBC app, by calling 888-723-7831 or texting 999-777. Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms. Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids, and bring a photo ID. If donors have been deferred at Stanford Blood Center in the past based upon MSM (Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men) criteria, please reach out to the SBC Resource Nurse at 650-725-7336 to confirm your eligibility and begin the process of requalification prior to coming in to donate. Donors with general eligibility questions can contact an SBC team member for assistance at 888-723-7831, by email at givebloodSBC@stanford.edu, or by texting 999-777. ### Stanford Blood Center (SBC) is an independent, community blood center that supplies blood products and testing services to multiple Bay Area hospitals and is a recognized leader in the fields of transfusion and transplantation medicine. SBC was created at the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1978 to meet the complex transfusion and transplant needs of Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, as well as provide clinical trial services and specialized blood products for researchers. Today, the center remains locally focused, serving community hospitals, patients and donors, while contributing to research and advancement that impact the world at large. More information is available at stanfordbloodcenter.org. Contact Details Liza Batallones +1 415-766-0846 stanford@landispr.com

October 18, 2023 01:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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How the Worker Shortage in Healthcare Could Impact Your Health

YourUpdateTV

A recent Harris Poll found that 68% of Americans are worried that the worker shortage in healthcare could have an impact on their own health. Recently, spokespeople from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), participated in nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the impact of the worker shortage in healthcare and how physician associates, or PAs, can help increase access to care. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4XRJDYFt3R0 Healthcare workforce shortages are having a profound impact on patient access to care, with patients reporting feeling frustrated and anxious about their ability to get the care they need when they need it. The recent Harris Poll survey found that nearly three-fourths of all U.S. adults say the healthcare system isn’t meeting their needs, and more than 1 in 4 gave the healthcare system a failing grade. One of the most concerning ways provider shortages are impacting patients is the amount of time it is taking to get a needed health appointment. Patients are waiting an average of 3.9 weeks for a medical appointment. As one of the fastest growing medical professions in the country, PAs can make a positive and lasting impact on patient care. An overwhelming 91% of U.S. adults believe that PAs are part of the solution to addressing the shortage of healthcare providers and additionally, 90% of patients say that PAs increase access to care and make medical appointments easier to obtain. One significant issue is that PA practice laws vary by state across the country. The challenge here is that in far too many states, these laws haven't been updated to reflect the way medical care is delivered today. A resounding 91% of U.S. adults support updating PA practice laws and the mandate is clear: The public wants the healthcare system to be as efficient and accessible as possible and updating these laws is a win-win for patients and the entire healthcare system. For more information, please visit aapa.org/patientexperience. About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/physician assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. PA has been named one of the best jobs overall and one of the best healthcare jobs for the sixth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report The PA profession ranked number three this year in Best STEM jobs. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 18, 2023 02:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Redx Pharma has "a lot to be excited about" after successful fundraise

Redx Pharma PLC

Redx Pharma PLC (AIM:REDX) Chief Financial Officer Peter Collum speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the clinical-stage biotechnology company announced a £14.1mln fundraise from existing investors that will take its working capital to more than £28mln. Collum explains that the additional funding will extend the company's cash runway from early 2024 into the third quarter, enabling them to achieve critical milestones in their portfolio development plan. He says that one of the key highlights is the Phase 2a data release for their lead asset, the selective ROCK2 inhibitor known as Zelasudil, with a focus on treating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a severe lung condition with limited treatment options, making this development crucial for patients. Additionally, Redx Pharma is initiating a Phase 1 trial for their oral pan-ROCK inhibitor, RXC008, targeting Fibrostenosis in Crohn's disease patients. This innovative approach offers hope to patients facing invasive surgery as the only current treatment option. Collum emphasises Redx Pharma's strong track record of developing high-quality small molecule compounds, attracting collaborations with prominent pharmaceutical companies. With a pipeline of promising assets, he says that the company "has a lot going on and a lot to be excited about for the future." Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

October 18, 2023 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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