October 19, 2023 – L' Observateur Burundi

October 19, 2023

Sabin Vaccine Institute Begins Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Marburg Vaccine in Uganda

Clinical Trial Preparation

Staff at Makerere University Walter Reed Project preparing for Sabin’s Phase 2 Marburg vaccine clinical trial.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Sabin Vaccine Institute has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial for its vaccine candidate against the lethal Marburg virus. Healthy volunteers received the single-dose vaccine at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) in Kampala, Uganda today.

There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat Marburg virus disease. Marburg is a filovirus, in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. Like Ebola, Marburg virus disease spreads between people via direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people, is highly virulent, and causes hemorrhagic fever. The disease has a fatality rate of up to 88%.

Based on the ChAd3 platform, Sabin’s single-dose investigational Marburg vaccine was found to be promising in Phase 1 clinical and non-clinical studies, with results showing it to be safe, while eliciting rapid and robust immune responses.

Dr. Betty Mwesigwa, deputy executive director of MUWRP, is the principal investigator for the Kampala portion of the Sabin-sponsored trial. Participants will also be enrolled a few weeks later at a second site at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Siaya, Kenya, with Dr. Videlis Nduba as principal investigator. In all, 125 volunteers will participate in the trial.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity here to improve our preparedness to save lives and protect people from a deadly and unforgiving disease that typically strikes under-resourced countries first and most,” says Amy Finan, Sabin’s Chief Executive Officer. “Sabin’s Phase 2 clinical trial builds on a solid safety and immunogenicity foundation and we are hoping it will generate the information needed to move the vaccine toward licensure.”

The number of Marburg outbreaks in Africa has climbed steadily in recent years. Two outbreaks of Marburg virus disease have occurred already this year: Equatorial Guinea reported its first ever documented Marburg outbreak, which killed 12 people, followed by Tanzania, where six people succumbed to the virus. Communities in Uganda and Kenya are familiar with Marburg virus disease, having been ravaged by outbreaks over multiple years in the last few decades.

“Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is delighted to partner with the Sabin Vaccine Institute to launch the clinical testing for a preventive Marburg vaccine,” says Dr. Mwesigwa. “Most Marburg virus disease outbreaks have originated in Africa. Uganda alone has registered 4 outbreaks of the disease. We urgently need a vaccine against Marburg because of its potential to cause epidemics with significant death rates. It is imperative for us to test candidate vaccines in Uganda, a country prone to these outbreaks. This work will contribute new knowledge to inform the scientific discovery for an effective vaccine against the deadly Marburg virus.”

The Phase 2 clinical trial for Sabin’s Marburg vaccine will continue to evaluate safety and immunogenicity for the vaccine, this time among a larger group of individuals. This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers will know whether trial participants receive a vaccine dose or a placebo dose until after the trial is over, an approach used to help reduce experimental bias.

Participants in the clinical trial will be monitored for a full year and will include both younger (18-50 years) and older age groups (51-70 years). Interim results are expected next year. In addition to the current trial in Uganda and Kenya, Sabin plans to conduct a similar Phase 2 clinical trial for Marburg in the U.S.

The Marburg vaccine trials are supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under multi-year contracts between the organizations, including most recently a $36.4 million award for vaccine development and production.

Similarly, BARDA has invested in Sabin for advancing ChAd3 Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate, including awarding $28 million this August for Phase 2 clinical trials in the U.S.

To date, Sabin has received around $215 million in contract awards from BARDA for furthering vaccine research and development against Sudan ebolavirus and Marburg virus diseases.

BARDA and Sabin began working together in September 2019 to develop the two monovalent vaccine candidates. Sabin’s Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate was the first to arrive in Uganda last year during the disease outbreak that left 55 people dead. Sabin has also initiated plans for a Phase 2 Sudan ebolavirus vaccine clinical trial in Uganda and Kenya.

This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract numbers 75A50119C00055 and 75A50123C00010.

About the Sabin Vaccine Institute

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with three decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit www.sabin.org and follow us on X, @SabinVaccine.About Sabin’s Vaccine R&D Using the ChAd3 Platform.

About Sabin’s Vaccine R&D Using the ChAd3 Platform

In August 2019, Sabin announced exclusive agreements with GSK for Sabin to advance the development of the prophylactic candidate vaccines against the deadly Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan and Marburg virus. The three candidate vaccines were initially developed collaboratively by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Okairos, which was acquired by GSK in 2013. The candidate vaccines, based on GSK’s proprietary ChAd3 platform, were further developed by GSK, including the Phase II development for the Ebola Zaire vaccine. Under the agreements between GSK and Sabin, Sabin exclusively licensed the technology for all three candidate vaccines and acquired certain patent rights specific to these vaccines.

About the Makerere University Walter Reed Project

MUWRP is a non-profit biomedical research organization with a mission to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. The project’s scope includes among others; clinical research in infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, Ebola, Marburg, COVID-19, Influenza and Influenza-like illnesses, and neglected tropical diseases such as Schistosomiasis, among others. A major part of the clinical research are clinical trials, where the MUWRP has conducted more than 12 phase I and II vaccine clinical trials including the first Ebola vaccine trial in Africa.

Media Contact:
Monika Guttman
Media Relations Specialist
Sabin Vaccine Institute
+1 (202) 662-1841
press@sabin.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ecbc982-493a-4ecf-9393-e203708aa3ea

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October 19, 2023

Steel decarbonisation to redefine supply chains by 2050

Wood Mackenzie report says new metallic hubs will emerge as steel industry accelerates carbon abatement efforts

LONDON and HOUSTON and SINGAPORE, Oct. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the latest Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie, the steel industry is set to undergo a significant transformation as decarbonisation efforts accelerate. Titled Metalmorphosis: how decarbonisation is transforming the iron and steel industry the report highlights the emergence of new metallic hubs and the reshaping of steel production and global trade patterns.

Wood Mackenzie’s latest report says electric-arc furnace (EAF) technology, increased use of green feedstock, and evolving carbon policies will play a crucial role in this transformation. Low-carbon intensive EAF production accounts for 28% of global steel output, projected to rise to 50% by 2050. An investment of US$130 billion will be required to achieve this goal.

The shift towards less carbon-intensive steel will drive the demand for greener feedstocks such as DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) and high-grade scrap. Wood Mackenzie predicts that the share of these feedstocks in total metals demand will increase from 36% to 54% by 2050, leading to new production, processing, and trading hubs for low-carbon iron and scrap.

DRI production and trade rise will create investment and revenue generation opportunities across the value chain. Wood Mackenzie forecasts a doubling DRI capacity within 30 years, requiring an estimated US$80 billion investment. This projection does not include potential investments in green hydrogen, smelters for low-grade DRI, pellet hubs, and shipping.

Wood Mackenzie indicates that the location of new green Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) centres will be determined based on their proximity to low-carbon hydrogen production. This is particularly important given the uncertainties surrounding the transportation and storage of traded hydrogen. The Middle East and Australia are well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, and the number of projects in these regions is increasing.

Quality will take precedence over quantity as the cost of lower-carbon steel rises. In markets with high carbon prices, importing green DRI to manufacture low-carbon steel using EAFs will become more favourable than importing finished steel from emissions-intensive producers like China and India.

Decarbonising the iron and steel industry, which currently accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, is a challenging but achievable goal. With the right levels of investment and policy support, this transformation has the potential to redefine trade patterns and the value chain.

Editor’s notes:
Read more information here. To request the report and arrange an interview with the authors, please contact Wood Mackenzie’s media relations team.

About Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience in natural resources.

Contacts:
Hla Myat Mon
PR Manager – APAC
hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864826

October 19, 2023

L’édition 2023 de la Semaine du Climat de la région Moyen-Orient/Afrique du Nord ou la mise en lumière du rôle capital du Forum sur les Minéraux du Futur dans la création de chaînes de valeur minières responsables pour une transition énergétique saine

RIYAD, Arabie Saoudite, 18 oct. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — La Semaine 2023 du Climat de la région MOAN organisée à Riyad a mis en évidence le rôle déterminant du Forum sur les Minéraux du Futur (ci-après « FMF ») dans la conception de solutions d’avenir dédiées au monde minéral.

Animé par Aldo Pennini, directeur de la stratégie, des programmes et du contenu du FMF, le panel rassemblait d’éminents experts, parmi lesquels Son Excellence Abdulrahman Al Belushi, sous-ministre adjoint chargé du développement minier au ministère de l’industrie et des ressources minérales, Monsieur l’ingénieur Saud Al-Mandil, vice-président du département technologie et R&D chez Ma’aden, le Docteur Thamer Aldaajani, directeur général de la recherche minière et des hydrocarbures à la Cité du roi Abdulaziz pour la science et la technologie ; Ali Al-Mutairi, directeur exécutif du FMF, le Docteur Abdullah Al-Nabhan, directeur principal de l’enquête et de l’exploration à la Commission géologique saoudienne, et le Professeur Jim Skie, président du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC).

« Les minéraux représentent une source essentielle à de nombreuses industries et projets », a déclaré Son Excellence Abdulrahman Al Belushi, en soulignant particulièrement la nécessité d’adopter des politiques durables permettant de minimiser l’impact environnemental au bénéfice de la communauté.

Saud Al Mandil a pointé l’engagement de Ma’aden en faveur de la durabilité dans le secteur minier. Ma’aden se donne pour vocation de réduire l’impact environnemental par une gestion responsable des ressources naturelles, conformément à l’engagement du Royaume envers l’Accord de Paris sur le climat.

Thamer Aldaajani a mis en relief le rôle central de la recherche dans la compréhension de l’impact économique et environnemental sur les ressources minérales, et dans l’amélioration de leurs chaînes de valeur. Il a reconnu les enjeux du secteur minier face à la difficulté d’équilibrage entre extraction des minéraux et préservation de l’environnement.

Ali Al-Mutairi a résumé la mission du FMF en déclarant : « Le FMF vise à façonner l’avenir des minéraux dans un contexte de transition énergétique en ouvrant la voie au dialogue et à la collaboration multipartites. Le Forum sert de plateforme internationale et permet aux acteurs du secteur minier d’explorer de nouvelles terres d’opportunités dans une super région minière qui s’étend de l’Afrique à l’Asie occidentale et centrale ».

Abdullah Al-Nabhan a développé la formation géologique du bouclier arabo-nubien, en soulignant l’importance de ses riches ressources minérales vertes dans la transition énergétique. En parallèle, le Professeur Jim Skea a annoncé la toute première intégration du rôle des minéraux dans la transition énergétique dans le prochain rapport pluriannuel du GIEC.

La troisième édition du FMF, sous mécénat du Gardien des deux Saintes Mosquées, Sa Majesté le Roi Salmane ben Abdelaziz d’Arabie saoudite, se tiendra du 9 au 11 janvier 2024 au Centre international de conférences du Roi Abdulaziz de Riyad.

Une photo accompagnant cette annonce est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7249c16-1580-4825-bd81-b2946880f9f4

Omar Shereen
Tél. : +966 50 663 0489
E-mail : Omar.shereen@fleishman.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864807

October 19, 2023

MENACW 2023 destaca o papel crucial do Future Minerals Forum na formação de cadeias sustentáveis de valor mineral na transição para energias limpas

RIAD, Arábia Saudita, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) 2023, sediada em Riad, enfatizou o papel crucial do Future Minerals Forum (FMF) na definição do futuro dos minerais.

O painel moderado por Aldo Pennini, Diretor de Estratégia, Programa e Conteúdo do FMF, contou com painelistas notáveis, incluindo Abdulrahman Al Belushi, Vice-Ministro Assistente de Capacitação em Mineração do Ministério da Indústria e Recursos Minerais; Eng. Saud Al Mandil, Vice-Presidente de Tecnologia, P&D e Inovação na Ma’aden; Dr. Thamer Aldaajani, Gerente Geral de Pesquisa em Mineração e Hidrocarbonetos na King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; Ali Al-Mutairi, Diretor Executivo do FMF; Dr. Abdullah Al-Nabhan, Diretor Sênior de Pesquisa Geológica e Exploração na Pesquisa Geológica da Arábia Saudita; e Professor Jim Skie, Presidente do Painel Intergovernamental sobre Mudanças Climáticas.

“Os minerais representam um pilar crucial para impulsionar inúmeras indústrias e projetos”, afirmou Abdulrahman Al Belushi. Ele enfatizou a necessidade de operações sustentáveis que minimizem o impacto ambiental e garantam benefícios para a comunidade.

Saud Al Mandil destacou o compromisso da Ma’aden com a sustentabilidade no setor de mineração. A empresa está empenhada em minimizar o impacto ambiental e gerenciar responsavelmente os recursos naturais, alinhando-se ao compromisso do Reino com o Acordo de Paris sobre o clima.

Thamer Aldaajani ressaltou o papel crucial da pesquisa na compreensão do impacto econômico e ambiental dos recursos minerais e no aprimoramento de suas cadeias de valor. Ele reconheceu os desafios enfrentados pelo setor de mineração ao equilibrar a extração de minerais necessários com a preservação ambiental.

Ali Al-Mutairi delineou a missão do FMF, afirmando: “O FMF visa moldar o futuro dos minerais no contexto da transição energética por meio do diálogo e colaboração entre várias partes interessadas. O Fórum serve como uma plataforma internacional, fomentando oportunidades para entidades envolvidas no setor de mineração explorarem possíveis oportunidades na super-região mineral, que se estende da África à Ásia Ocidental e Central”.

Abdullah Al-Nabhan falou sobre as características geológicas do Escudo Árabe, destacando seus abundantes recursos minerais essenciais na transição para energias verdes. Enquanto isso, o professor Jim Skea anunciou que, pela primeira vez, o IPCC incorporará o papel dos minerais na transição energética como parte de seu próximo relatório plurianual.

A terceira edição do FMF, sob o patrocínio do Guardião das Duas Mesquitas Sagradas, Rei Salman bin Abdulaziz, será realizada de 9 a 11 de janeiro de 2024, no King Abdulaziz International Conference Center em Riad.

Uma foto acompanhando este anúncio está disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7249c16-1580-4825-bd81-b2946880f9f4

Omar Shereen
Telefone: +966 50 663 0489
E-mail: Omar.shereen@fleishman.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864807

October 19, 2023

Origin fraud is a challenge confronting trade facilitation on the African continent – Mr Ntiri

Mr Charles Arthur Ntiri, Head of Export at the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), says origin fraud is one of the challenges confronting trade facilitation on the African continent. Origin fraud refers to the practice of intentionally misrepresenting the source of goods in international trade. It involves providing false information or documents that incorrectly declare the country of origin for the purpose of obtaining preferential treatment or circumventing trade barriers. Mr Ntiri was speaking at the 8th Media Seminar for selected media organisations organised by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) in Accra on the theme: ‘Contemporary Trends and Developments in Ghana’s Shipping and Logistics Industry.’ THE Seminar served as a platform for the Authority to engage and educate the media on pertinent developments within the Shipping and Logistics sector and it also contributed to the ongoing industry-wide interventions aimed at enhancing the media’s appreciation of their role in advancing the interest of the sector. He said the origin fraud could be done in making false documentation, Transshipment, and tariff engineering. The Head of Exports speaking on the significance African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Certificate of Origin said countries may suffer substantial revenue losses when goods were wrongly declared as originating from countries with lower or zero tariff rates, resulting in a decrease in customs duties collected. He said origin fraud could lead to unfair competition for legitimate exporters who comply with rules and accurately declare the origin of their goods, as fraudulent traders might enjoy advantages such as lower costs or preferential treatment. ‘Origin fraud can undermine the integrity of trade agreements and erode trust among trading partners, potentially leading to disputes and destabilizing the international trading system and it is illegal and can result in legal action, penalties, fines, or sanctions against those involved in the fraudulent practice,’ he added. Mr Ntiri said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Certificate of Origin (CoO) played a vital role in facilitating trade, ensuring transparency, promoting harmonization, and fostering economic integration among member states within the AfCFTA. He said the Certificate of Origin played a crucial role in facilitating international trade and this was used to determine the origin of the product and how much duties or taxes to pay on imported goods. He said there were two main types of CoO, each serving different purposes in international trade; non-preferential Certificate of Origin and preferred Certificate of Origin. He said with the non-preferred Certificate of Origin, it was used for goods that did not qualify for preferential treatment under trade agreements or Countries without trade agreements with the exporting country, while the preferred Certificate of Origin was used for goods that qualify for preferential treatment under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements or customs unions. Ms. Benonita Bismarck, the Chief Executive Officer, GSA, said the Authority recognized the Media as an indispensable stakeholder in its Mission to effectively protect and promote the interest of shippers in Ghana. She said to discharge this duty aptly required the dissemination of critical information to engage the shipping community meaningfully and this could not be achieved without the distinct professional services of the media. ‘We appreciate you for your yeoman’s role of keeping shippers and the public informed about the shipping and logistics industry,’ she said. She said the theme was aimed at bringing to the fore the speedy evolvement of the Shipping and Logistics sector which is one of the key drivers of the socio-economic development of our country, given its very wide scope, reach and impact on its varied stakeholders, most importantly the numerous indirect beneficiaries of its output. ‘It is our intent that by the end of our interactions today, you will be equipped and empowered to take the story of the numerous positive developments in the sector to the world and you would particularly highlight the facilitating role of the GSA to ensure that the sector remained a viable propeller of socio-economic well-being for shippers (importers and exporters), the government as well as the citizenry of the country,’ she added. Some of the topics discussed include the impact of negotiated freight rates on the shipping and logistics Industry, the relevance of Certificates of Origin in the implementation of AfCFTA and payment of marine cargo insurance locally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

October 19, 2023

Valley View University wins 2023 National Cyber Quiz

Valley View University (VVU) has emerged winners of this year’s National Cyber Quiz organised by the Institute of Compliance and Cyber Studies (ICCS) in partnership with Lancaster University Ghana. The quiz tested students’ knowledge in cybersecurity issues and its applicability to everyday life. The VVU emerged winners of the competition polling 58 points, followed by Ghana Christian University College with 44 points and host Lancaster University Ghana with 21 points. The winners were presented with GHS 5,000 cash prize, a trophy and gold medals for the contestants. The second place had GHS 2,000 and silver medals for the contestants. The contestants from VVU would also be offered free scholarships by the ICCS to enroll in their Chartered Compliance and Cyber Analyst tuition programme. All the participating contestants were presented with certificates of participation. Mr Theophilus Odjer-Bio, Executive Director of ICCS, said the competition aimed to build cyber security awareness among the students. ‘We have observed that most people are not cybersecurity conscious and there is the need to intensify awareness and education on the emerging area,’ he said. Mr Odjer-Bio said the competition would be extended to the Senior High Schools and basic education levels to increase awareness on cybersecurity. ‘By opening up the space to the public, they would become aware of the opportunities the sector offers, including employment opportunities. ‘Ghana at the moment needs a lot of cybersecurity entrepreneurs to protect the country’s cyber space against threats and dangers,’ he said. Mr Patrick Amedo, one of the winning contestants from VVU, a final year Computer Science Student at the University, said the competition had inspired his dream of being a cybersecurity analyst.

Source: Ghana News Agency