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Strong Recommendation for Pyronaridine-Artesunate in Revised World Health Organization (WHO) Malaria Treatment Guidelines

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2 years ago

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Malaria

Inclusion in the latest version of the WHO Guidelines for malaria is a key step towards broader use of the medicine

GENEVA, Switzerland, November 25, 2022/APO Group/ — 

MMV (http://www.MMV.org) and Shin Poong Pharm. Co., Ltd. welcome the formal inclusion of Pyramax® (pyronaridine-artesunate) in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for Malaria (http://bit.ly/3EZSJep) following an extensive review process.

The WHO’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Malaria are the standard reference which guide country-level policies for managing malaria. New medicines are only recommended for inclusion following a robust and in-depth evaluation of evidence using the GRADE (http://bit.ly/3XuGnSy) framework, which provides a systematic approach for making clinical practice recommendations. Following this review – which included one of the largest clinical studies to evaluate real-world efficacy and safety of any antimalarial – the Guideline Development Committee recommended the formal inclusion of Pyramax in the guidelines with a “STRONG” recommendation – the highest level of confidence.

Pyramax is a fixed dose artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and the only one to be specifically indicated for the blood-stage treatment of the two dominant species of malaria parasite: P. falciparum and P. vivax. The medicine is also available in a child-friendly granule formulation to ensure palatability and therefore correct dosage in this vulnerable population.

Both Pyramax tablets and Pyramax granules received European Medicines Agency (EMA) positive scientific opinions from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) through Article 58, based on a robust development programme.  To date, over 2.9 million malaria patients have been treated with the medicine, including children under the age of 1.

Both formulations are currently registered for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in 29 countries in Africa and Asia.  

Following the positive scientific opinions for use, a large Cohort Event Monitoring study was implemented in 5 African countries [1] under the supervision of the CANTAM Network [2] to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Pyramax under conditions similar to everyday clinical practice. This study, which reported high effectiveness (D28 PCR-adjusted cure rate of 98.6%), included over 8,500 acute malaria episodes in 7,154 patients, and has recently been published in PLoS Medicine [3].

Pyramax was included in the WHO’s list of pre-qualified medicines in 2012, and in the WHO’s Essential Medicines Lists for both adults and children in 2017. Pyramax has subsequently undergone a positive review by the WHO’s Advisory Committee on the Safety of Medicinal Products in 2019, which included a review of interim data from the CANTAM study.

The addition of Pyramax to the WHO Guidelines for malaria is an achievement that we are proud to have reached with our long-standing partner Shin Poong Pharm. Co., Ltd.

Following this review in October 2019 and pending the next revision of their Guidelines for Malaria, the WHO published an Information Note supporting the use of Pyramax at country level, stating that “artesunate-pyronaridine can be considered a safe and efficacious ACT for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in adults and children weighing 5 kg and over in all malaria-endemic areas….countries can consider including this medicine in their national treatment guidelines for the treatment of malaria”.

“The addition of Pyramax to the WHO Guidelines for malaria is an achievement that we are proud to have reached with our long-standing partner Shin Poong Pharm. Co., Ltd.,” said Dr David Reddy, MMV’s CEO. “We ventured into the Pyramax project to help save the lives of adults and children with malaria. Therefore, we will continue to work with Shin Poong to register both the tablets and granules of Pyramax in more malaria-endemic countries, facilitating equitable access to this important new addition to the malaria treatment toolkit.”
 

“The official inclusion of Pyramax into WHO’s Guidelines for malaria is a crucial step allowing malaria endemic countries to choose Pyramax as a first line ACT with confidence. The managerial decision to commence the Pyramax project was based on Shin Poong’s core values and company policies, which have guided us for over half a century. We will continue to produce qualified products to supply potent, reliable, simple treatment to patients”, said Shin Poong Pharm. Co., Ltd.

[1] Gabon: Albert Schweitzer Hospital (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Côte d’Ivoire: Health Center of Azaguié & Health Center of Agboville, Cameroon: Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé & Mfou District Hospital, Congo: Congo foundation for the Medical Research, Brazzaville, Makélélé Hospital, Health Center of Madibou, DR of Congo: Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Mont-Amba Hospital, Kinshasa, Evangelic Medical Institute of Kimpesé 

[2] For more information about CANTAM, please visit: http://bit.ly/3GGf9CE

[3] To read the CANTAM study, please visit: http://bit.ly/3u4n6tD

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Medicines for Malaria Venture.

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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” Strengthen Partnership 

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5 hours ago

on

March 6, 2025

By

Islamic Corporation

Asia Alliance Bank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2013 and has previously received three line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 30 million

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

  • The Fourth Line: ICD and Asia Alliance Bank announce a USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility to bolster Uzbekistan’s private sector development.
  • Empowering Entrepreneurs: The new facility is designed to accelerate SME growth and foster economic development in Uzbekistan.
  • Strengthened Collaboration: This initiative reaffirms the long-standing partnership between ICD and Asia Alliance Bank, aligning with ICD’s mission to support private sector growth.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” have taken a significant step to enhance Uzbekistan’s private sector development. A USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility has been signed, marking a milestone in their collaborative efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the broader economic landscape.

This new financing facility, channeled through Asia Alliance Bank, is dedicated to empowering private sector projects in Uzbekistan. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with vital financial resources to launch and expand their ventures, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and contributing to the nation’s economic resilience.

Asia Alliance Bank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2013 and has previously received three line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 30 million. The newly proposed facility highlights the strength of their enduring partnership and underscores a shared commitment to fostering private sector development in Uzbekistan.

This initiative is closely aligned with ICD’s Private Sector Development Strategy, which focuses on enabling economic dynamism and resilience by empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

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Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech Announces Three Finalists Competing for US $1 Million Grand Prize

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5 hours ago

on

March 6, 2025

By

Milken-Motsepe Prize

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, supports the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase access to capital and financial services for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide

By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation are pleased to announce the three teams advancing to the final round of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/). These innovators are competing for the prestigious US$1 million Grand Prize. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech aims to recognise groundbreaking solutions for expanding financial inclusion for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, supports the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase access to capital and financial services for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide. The three finalist teams were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and will now have the opportunity to attend the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles, California, in May, where the Grand Prize winner will be announced.

Finalist Teams: 

  • Chumz, Kenya (https://apo-opa.co/3DmBdD4)
    Chumz is a gamified savings product that leverages behavioural psychology to help individuals save money in an engaging and cost-effective manner.
  • Oze, Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/3XvWFMF)
    Oze is a digital lending platform bridging Africa’s credit gap by providing banks with an SME-focused app that digitises financial data, enabling better risk assessment and improved lending opportunities for small businesses.
  • Verto, United Kingdom (https://apo-opa.co/4ilCutv)
    Verto is a business-to-business cross-border payments platform designed for businesses in emerging markets. Its unified network eliminates intermediary fees, supports 49 currencies, and facilitates faster transaction settlements.

Emily Musil, Managing Director at the Milken Institute, emphasised the significance of the competition in fostering financial inclusion, saying: “By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech highlights the power of innovation to address financial challenges in emerging markets, and we are excited to see these finalists bring their groundbreaking solutions to life.”

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech launched in May 2024 at the Milken Institute Global Conference to award innovative companies that best demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. The Grand Prize winner will be selected based on the impact, scalability, and sustainability of their solutions.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers $2 million in total prizes, including the $1 million Grand Prize. Beyond the financial award, finalist teams benefit from invaluable networking and pitching opportunities, helping them accelerate the implementation of their solutions in high-impact markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.

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iSON Xperiences and Aistra Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Customer Experience (CX) Transformation

Published

7 hours ago

on

March 6, 2025

By

iSON Xperiences

The global collaboration aims to revolutionize customer experience through AI-led automation, predictive analytics, and next-generation digital solutions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —iSON Xperiences (www.iSONXperiences.com), a global leader in AI- driven customer experience (CX) solutions with a presence in 22 countries, has announced a strategic partnership with Aistra, an AI Adoption company, focusing on automation and transformation solutions built around its proprietary AI Agents, MicroApps, and Process Acceleration technologies.

This collaboration will enable iSON Xperiences to leverage Aistra’s advanced AI capabilities to accelerate digital transformation initiatives for their clients worldwide. The partnership spans multiple industries, including Telecom, BFSI, Fintech, Retail, E-commerce, Travel, Consumer Services, and Energy, among others.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership: 

Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency

  • AI-driven automation to enhance customer interactions and engagement
  • Advanced predictive analytics for data-driven decision-making
  • Seamless AI integration across industry-specific solutions

“At iSON Xperiences, we are committed to redefining customer experience through innovation,” said Vitul Kwatra, CEO, iSON Xperiences. “Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency.” 

With its deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital intelligence, Aistra will collaborate with iSON Xperiences to develop AI-driven solutions that elevate customer engagement, reduce service friction, drive business growth, and enhance digital maturity to ensure long-term competitiveness.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in AI-led CX transformation,” said Eric Selvadurai, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Aistra. “By combining our AI capabilities with iSON’s extensive client base and industry expertise, we are setting new benchmarks for AI-led and data-driven customer experiences.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSON Xperiences.

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