Lundbeck to showcase progress across its movement disorders pipeline with data in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease at MDS® 2026

- Late-breaking Phase III MASCOT oral presentation will characterize the clinical profile and diversity of participants in Lundbeck's ongoing global Phase III trial investigating amlenetug in multiple system atrophy (MSA)

- New research across clinical trial endpoints, biomarkers, diagnostic tools and healthcare burden underscores Lundbeck's expanding scientific program in MSA

- Exploratory Phase Ib data for Lu AF28996 investigating difficult-to-treat motor complications in people with advanced Parkinson's disease

VALBY, Denmark, 2 October 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) today announced that data from its movement disorders pipeline will be presented at the International Congress of Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders® (MDS) 2026, taking place in Seoul, South Korea (4-8 October).

The presentations span MSA, a rare and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease, and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), where motor complications remain difficult to control despite optimized treatment. Together, the data reflect Lundbeck's growing scientific focus in movement disorders and its commitment to advancing innovation in areas where significant unmet need remains.

A key highlight will be a late-breaking oral presentation describing the baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in MASCOT (NCT06706622), the ongoing Phase III trial of amlenetug in MSA. MASCOT enrolled 401 participants with clinically probable or clinically established MSA, including people with both MSA-C and MSA-P, representing a broad spectrum of people living with the disease. The trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of amlenetug versus placebo over a 72-week double-blind treatment period, with results expected in Q3 2027.

"Movement disorders such as MSA and Parkinson's disease remain among the most complex and high-need areas in neuroscience," said Tarek Samad, Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Lundbeck. "The breadth of research we are presenting at MDS reflects our commitment to advancing potential new medicines while strengthening the scientific understanding of the biomarkers and clinical tools needed to support progress for patients."

Lundbeck will present additional research addressing important challenges in MSA clinical development. These include analyses supporting the use of the modified Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale Part I, or mUMSARS Part I, as a clinical trial endpoint designed to measure functional decline in people with MSA; validation of the Chinese version of UMSARS for use in clinical trials; and research into cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers that may support disease detection, differential diagnosis and monitoring.

The MSA program also includes new data highlighting the broader burden of MSA. A US observational database study found significantly higher healthcare costs and healthcare resource utilization among people with MSA compared with people with Parkinson's disease, underscoring the intensive care requirements associated with this rapidly progressing disease.

Exploratory clinical data in advanced Parkinson's disease

Lundbeck will also present new Phase Ib data for Lu AF28996, an investigational, novel, oral D1-like/D2-like dopamine receptor agonist being developed for people with advanced Parkinson's disease experiencing motor complications.

The 18-week open-label Phase Ib trial evaluated safety, tolerability and clinical effects in people with inadequately controlled advanced PD experiencing motor fluctuations, with or without dyskinesia (involuntary movements).

The clinical findings will be complemented by preclinical data exploring the relationship between dose, motor efficacy and dyskinesia in a primate model of Parkinson's disease (MPTP-macaque).

Lu AF28996 and amlenetug are investigational compounds and have not been approved for use by any regulatory authority. Their efficacy and safety have not been established.

Lundbeck's scientific program at MDS:

About Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

MSA is a rapidly progressing rare condition that causes damage to nerve cells in the brain. In a person with MSA, an abnormal build-up of the protein α-synuclein is thought to be responsible for damaging the areas of the brain that control balance, movement, and the body's normal functions.1 MSA is seriously debilitating and places a high disease burden on patients. There is currently no cure for MSA and no available treatment to slow its clinical progression.2

Symptoms of MSA usually start between 55 and 60 years of age, and the typical time to death is 8.6 years after symptom onset.2 Although there are many different possible symptoms of MSA, not everyone who is affected will experience all of them. The symptoms of MSA are wide-ranging and include muscle control problems, similar to those of Parkinson's disease.2 Many different functions of the body can be affected, and symptoms including urinary incontinence, frequent falling, and unintelligible speech occur within 3 years of disease onset. MSA is accompanied by reduced capacity to live independently, and death is often due to respiratory problems.

About amlenetug 

Amlenetug is a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes and binds to all major forms of extracellular α-synuclein and thereby intended to prevent uptake and inhibit seeding of aggregation. Amlenetug is being developed by Lundbeck under a joint research and licensing agreement between Lundbeck and Genmab A/S.

About the MASCOT trial

MASCOT (NCT06706622) is a Phase III interventional, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, optional open-label extension trial that will be conducted in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.3

The trial comprises two parts: A double-blind period where participants are randomized to receive either high or low doses of amlenetug, or placebo for 72 weeks, followed by an open-label extension period where all participants enrolled in the trial are offered treatment with amlenetug. The aim of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of amlenetug in patients with MSA. Amlenetug is delivered as an intravenous infusion every four weeks.

About Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive and disabling neurological disease characterized by motor symptoms including slowness of movement, tremor and rigidity, as well as a range of non-motor symptoms.4,5

There are currently no established treatments that modify the progression of PD, and levodopa remains a cornerstone of symptomatic treatment.6 With long-term levodopa treatment, many people develop motor complications, including periods when symptoms return or worsen ("OFF-time") and dyskinesia (involuntary movements), which can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.4-7

PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease and the most common movement disorder.7-8 In 2021, an estimated 11.77 million people worldwide were living with PD, and its prevalence is projected to more than double by 2050.9 As PD progresses, functional independence can decline and reliance on caregivers and healthcare systems can increase, contributing to a substantial personal, societal and economic burden.

About Lu AF28996 

Lu AF28996 is an investigational, novel and oral prodrug of a D1-like/D2-like dopamine receptor agonist, with a pharmacologic profile that may enhance dopaminergic striatal signaling in a prolonged manner. It is being investigated for its potential to improve motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in people with Parkinson's disease. Concerted activation of D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors may play an important role in motor control.

Lu AF28996 is currently in Phase II clinical development. The DARE2 trial (NCT07514858) is evaluating its efficacy, safety and tolerability in adults with Parkinson's disease experiencing motor fluctuations despite optimized non-invasive symptomatic treatment.10

Contacts

About H. Lundbeck A/S

Lundbeck is a biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. With more than 70 years of experience in neuroscience, we are committed to improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Brain disorders affect a large part of the world's population, and the effects are felt throughout society. With the rapidly improving understanding of the biology of the brain, we hold ourselves accountable for advancing brain health by curiously exploring new opportunities for treatments.

As a focused innovator, we strive for our research and development programs to tackle some of the most complex neurological challenges. We develop transformative medicines targeting people for whom there are few or no treatments available, expanding into neuro-specialty and neuro-rare from our strong legacy within psychiatry and neurology.

We are committed to fighting stigma and we act to improve health equity. We strive to create long term value for our shareholders by making a positive contribution to patients, their families and society as a whole.

Lundbeck has more than 5,000 employees in more than 20 countries and our products are available in more than 80 countries. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site www.lundbeck.com and connect with us via LinkedIn.

References:

- Jellinger KA. J Alzheimers Dis. 2018;62:1141–79

- Palma JA, et al. Auton Neurosci. 2018;211:15–25

- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06706622?intr=Lu%20AF82422&rank=2

- Stocchi F, et al. Nat Rev Neurol 2024;20:695–707

- Heim B and Poewe W. J Parkinsons Dis 2025;23

- Cenci MA. Front Neurol 2014;5:242

- Kalia LV, Lang AE. Parkinson's disease. Lancet 2015;386:896–912

- GBD.

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AUTOCRYPT, a leading Physical AI security solutions provider, announced that it has successfully established a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system for Plug&Charge (PnC) services in South Korea, enabling diverse OEMs and charging point operators (CPOs) to connect through a common authentication framework. The infrastructure was validated across electric vehicles from six global automotive brands, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, KG Mobility, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.

Built on a public Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Root Certificate Authority (CA), the PKI system enables registered vehicles to automatically authenticate and charge at compatible chargers, with the potential to support future payment and settlement services. By providing a shared trust framework, it reduces the need for OEMs and CPOs to establish and manage separate authentication systems while supporting PnC deployment across diverse vehicle and charging environments.

"Scaling PnC services requires a trusted framework that securely connects vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service providers," said Duksoo Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of AUTOCRYPT. "As we enter the Physical AI era, this trust foundation will become increasingly important in enabling secure, automated charging with minimal human intervention."

Looking ahead, AUTOCRYPT is extending its PnC PKI infrastructure to additional OEMs and CPOs, with further PKI integrations involving global automotive partners underway.

To learn more, visit autocrypt.io

About AUTOCRYPT

AUTOCRYPT is a leading provider of Physical AI security solutions protecting autonomous and connected vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, robotics, defense, and bio-healthcare systems. Built on expertise in automotive cybersecurity engineering, penetration testing, security validation, and consulting, AUTOCRYPT delivers end-to-end cybersecurity throughout the system lifecycle. As the only designated automotive cybersecurity Technical Service (TS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region, the company supports OEMs and suppliers from development through post-production while enabling compliance with global standards. AUTOCRYPT is extending trusted security across vehicles, communications, and connected services to help shape the future of Physical AI security.

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The Anime "KAGURABACHI" Casts Yuichi Nakamura as Soshiro Azami; Cast Comments, Character Visual & Trailer Revealed!

TOKYO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The anime Kagurabachi, based on a next-generation flagship title from Weekly Shonen Jump, has announced that Yuichi Nakamura has been cast as Soshiro Azami. Alongside this announcement, a new character visual, trailer and comments from Nakamura have also been unveiled.

Kagurabachi (Original Author: Takeru Hokazono), currently serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump, has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4.5 million copies (including digital editions). A stellar team of creators has been assembled for the project. Production will be handled by CyberAgent group company animation studio, Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died), the anime boasts an all-star staff, including Director Tetsuya Takeuchi (Action Animation Director on Sword Art Online II, Battle Scene Storyboards/Episode Director/Animation Director on Heavenly Delusion) and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki (Blue Exorcist, The Seven Deadly Sins). The protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, is voiced by Taihi Kimura, winner of the Best New Actor award at the 2025 Seiyu Awards.

Yuichi Nakamura Cast as Soshiro Azami!

Yuichi Nakamura will play Soshiro Azami, a sorcerer affiliated with the Kamunabi. To commemorate the announcement, comments from Nakamura were also shared.

Full Comments from Yuichi Nakamura:

Q. What are your impressions of the character you voice, and what did you keep in mind while voicing them?

Although there are still relatively few characters, I paid close attention to how he balances with the others.

This should really pay off when a lot more characters start appearing later on...!

I approached the role viewing him as someone who is serious, yet carries a bit of a dry demeanor.

Q. How did you feel when you were cast, and what are your thoughts on the anime?

I read the manga when I auditioned for the role, and I felt like it really embodied the recent "spirit of Jump." I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, so I ended up reading every volume that had been released!

I'm incredibly excited to see all those memorable scenes brought to life in the anime.

Q. What were your thoughts when you first read the manga?

Although it starts off with a dark atmosphere, the protagonist's convictions and goals are clearly defined, making it really fun to read.

The action may be what catches people's attention first, but the worldbuilding, artistic sensibility, and unfolding story are equally captivating.

Q. What is Azami's greatest charm?

He strikes me as a realist who serves as a contrast to the romanticist Shiba.

He's compassionate, yet there's something interesting about how he stays slightly detached.

I think he's a character whose appeal will become increasingly apparent as the story progresses.

Q. How would you describe the appeal of the series in one phrase?

"Incandescent!"

Soshiro Azami Character Visual & Trailer Unveiled!

Soshiro Azami Character Introduction

A sorcerer affiliated with the Kamunabi. One of the few people who knows of Chihiro's existence, which had been kept secret. Possessing extraordinary physical strength that allows him to overwhelm his opponents with devastating blows, he stands out as one of the Kamunabi's most formidable members.

Soshiro Azami Character Trailer:

English: https://youtu.be/O7A5d4obyyo

Japanese: https://youtu.be/x3Y3UaoGW4I

About KAGURABACHI

View Teaser Trailer:

English: https://youtu.be/pC39732i1bA / Japanese: https://youtu.be/Ppmbg4IoL3g

Broadcasting and Streaming information

April 2027

Crunchyroll, MUSE, and SMG HOLDINGS, among others

Introduction

A single stroke opens a new era, cutting a path from Japan to the world—

Weekly Shonen Jump's Neo-Japanese Sword Action series begins here!

From day one, the Kagurabachi manga has captivated fans, weaving a blood-soaked tale of revenge through breathtaking sword-fight sequences.

And now, known for its uncompromising quality, animation studio Cypic brings the story to life with jaw-dropping visuals!

Story

Flames of resolve, kindled by hatred.

Chihiro Rokuhira is a boy who aspires to become a swordsmith, and took daily training under his father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith. Their days, once filled with laughter, are brutally torn apart by an attack from the mysterious sorcerer organization, the Hishaku.

What is stolen from them are the six Enchanted Blades—swords of immense power capable of shaping the fate of the nation—and the gentle, warm life they once shared.

From that day on, everything changed. In a world engulfed in darkness, Chihiro takes up Enten, the seventh Enchanted Blade left behind by his father, and sets out on a blood-soaked path of revenge.

Staff

Original Work: "Kagurabachi" by Takeru Hokazono (Serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump)

Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi

Character Design: Keigo Sasaki

Production: Cypic

Production Committee Leads: Shochiku & CyberAgent

Cast

Chihiro Rokuhira: Taihi Kimura

Kunishige Rokuhira: Tomokazu Seki

Togo Shiba: Katsuyuki Konishi

Soshiro Azami: Yuichi Nakamura

Hinao: Miku Ito

Char Kyonagi: Miyari Nemoto

Official Links

- Official Website: https://anime.kagurabachi.jp/

- Official X: ＠kb_anime_en（https://x.com/kb_anime_en）

- Official TikTok: @kb_anime_en（https://www.tiktok.com/@kb_anime_en）

- Official Instagram: @kb_anime_en（https://www.instagram.com/kb_anime_en/）

Original Work

Cumulative circulation has surpassed 4.5 million copies (including digital editions)!

Title: Kagurabachi

Author: Takeru Hokazono

Previously Published: Available online on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA and published in print and digitally by Viz Media (English Version).

Copyright Notices

*When featuring the cover art for Kagurabachi Volume 1 or the original illustration by Takeru Hokazono, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.

©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA

*When featuring anime image assets, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.

©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA,Project Kagurabachi

*Copyrights must be indicated when posting or using the images/materials

*Single space is needed between "Takeru" and "Hokazono," and between "Project" and "Kagurabachi."

*No space needed after "/(slash)" and ",(comma)."

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Skanska to replace U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Pier in Rhode Island, USA, for USD 271M, about SEK 2.5 billion

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic to construct a new homeport pier at Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. The contract is worth USD 271M, about SEK 2.5 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the third quarter of 2026.

The project will replace the existing Pier 1 with a modern facility designed to support the vessels and associated infrastructure at the active Navy installation. It includes the demolition of the existing approximately 30-meter by 482-meter (100-foot by 1,580-foot) Pier 1 and construction of a new approximately 24-meter by 305-meter (80-foot by 1,000-foot) pier capable of berthing four U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutters.

The new pier will include critical infrastructure to support the vessels while docked, including new substations, water and wastewater connections and a compressed air system. The project also includes construction of approximately 8 meters (290 feet) of new bulkhead, site improvements, dredging and underground utilities.

The project has begun and completion is anticipated in March 2030.

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Maritza Ferreira, Vice President of Communications, Skanska USA, tel +1 (678) 492 2003 

Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 76 870 75 51

Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com/group.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Skanska

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MIMARU Opens Osaka Namba Property with Six-person Apartments and Sky Garden Suite

TOKYO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MIMARU, Japan's leading apartment hotel brand for families and groups, operated by Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., opened MIMARU Osaka Namba Station Annex in Namba, Osaka, on Thursday, October 1. The property features 68 apartment-style guestrooms, with half accommodating up to six guests and half up to four. Every room includes a kitchen, dining area and in-room washer-dryer, while the 100-square-meter top-floor Sky Garden Three-Bedroom Suite offers six guests a private outdoor terrace above the city.

Image 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K0bvDmfnnSzOC4fXZ7F1Pt4y5wbX1dht/view?usp=sharing

About MIMARU: https://mimaruhotels.com/en/about/

Designed Around How Six People Use One Apartment

The property addresses a familiar challenge of family travel: being together is part of the experience, but not everyone wants to do the same thing at every moment. Within one apartment, one person might rest while another gets ready, someone else takes care of the laundry and others gather around the dining table. The design allows family members to follow different rhythms without having to book separate guestrooms.

The Sky Garden Three-Bedroom Suite is the property's largest accommodation, featuring a 100-square-meter apartment for six guests. It includes six single beds, three washbasins, two toilets, a bathroom, a separate shower room and a private terrace. The terrace gives guests another place to relax together or step away from the pace of the city, offering a calmer space above Osaka while keeping them connected to Namba's energy.

Image 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hq48Tv-zsncsQiqvkbqcHZ_I5KksGQvb/view?usp=drive_link

"The larger the group, the more practical challenges emerge -- from luggage and laundry to getting ready and sharing space," said Mao Mochizuki, International PR, Cosmos Hotel Management. "Drawing on our experience welcoming larger families, we looked beyond bed count to how several people actually use an apartment throughout the day. Families need the freedom to step back and come together within the same apartment. For a larger family, having that choice can be a true luxury."

Image 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19yZXa6mn8Q2eUlnST46KAkbtriVu80sA/view?usp=drive_link

Details of MIMARU Osaka Namba Station Annex

Opening: October 1, 2026

Location: Namba, Osaka, Japan

Guestrooms: 68

Room size: 39 - 100 square meters

Capacity: Four or six guests; children aged 7 and older count toward guest capacity

Key amenities in every room: Kitchen, dining area and in-room washer-dryer

Access: Five minutes from Nankai Namba Station; six minutes from Nippombashi Station; approximately 50 minutes by train from Kansai International Airport

For more information, please visit: https://mimaruhotels.com/hotel/namba-station-annex/

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Samfara completes acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis, Danish manufacturer of controlled-substance APIs

The acquisition is Samfara's first investment and is backed by a syndicate of European and North American institutional investors and family offices

LONDON, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samfara, a European life sciences investment firm, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis from Chr. Olesen and funds managed by Signet Healthcare Partners. Chief Executive Thomas Moestrup is investing alongside Samfara. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates, specialising in controlled substances, in particular those used to treat opioid use disorder (buprenorphine) and ADHD (lisdexamfetamine). Its cGMP-certified plant has been in commercial production since 2015 and supplies pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America and the Middle East. The business combines technical expertise and a high level of flexibility in serving pharmaceutical customers across its markets.

With Samfara's backing, Chr. Olesen Synthesis will continue to develop its capabilities, build on its existing customers and products and expand into new markets. Jean-François Hilaire, former CEO of Unither and former EVP at Recipharm, who advised Samfara on the acquisition, will join the board of Chr. Olesen Synthesis as Chair.

Helena Malchione and James Cocker, Partners of Samfara, said:

"Chr. Olesen Synthesis illustrates our strategy of finding winning companies in complex niches and backing them with capital and strategic support. It holds a strong position and an excellent reputation in a demanding part of the pharmaceutical market, and we look forward to working with Thomas and the team as they grow with existing customers and expand into new markets, both organically and through acquisitions."

Thomas Moestrup, Chief Executive of Chr. Olesen Synthesis, said:

"This is an exciting next step for Chr. Olesen Synthesis. With Samfara as our new owner, we have a partner who shares our ambitions and will support the continued development of the business. We look forward to building on our strong customer relationships, expanding the business and developing the opportunities ahead of us."

Mads C. Olesen, Chief Executive and owner of Chr. Olesen, said:

"In 2011, Chr. Olesen acquired Chr. Olesen Synthesis and, together with Signet Healthcare, has built it into a significant player in controlled-substance APIs. The time is right for new owners to take the business forward, and we are confident that we have entrusted the company to the right new owner. We extend our best wishes to Samfara and the management team of the company."

ADVISERS

Samfara was advised by Addleshaw Goddard (legal, UK), Connaught (capital formation), infotransactions (financial and tax due diligence), Lockton (W&I insurance), Nivaro Law (legal, Denmark) and RSM (tax structuring).

Chr. Olesen and Signet Healthcare Partners were advised by LEK (commercial), Moalem Weitemeyer (legal), Nielsen Nørager (legal), PwC (financial and tax), Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (legal), and Stifel (M&A).

ABOUT SAMFARA

Samfara is a London-based private equity firm focused on majority buyouts of European life sciences companies in the lower mid-market. The firm makes thesis-led investments in complex, international businesses whose performance can be accelerated and transformed through active ownership. Samfara aims to deliver attractive returns for investors while supporting European life sciences companies, the jobs they create and the patients they benefit.

Samfara LLP is an appointed representative of Suntera Advisers (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ABOUT CHR. OLESEN SYNTHESIS

Chr. Olesen Synthesis is a Danish developer and manufacturer of APIs and advanced intermediates, specialising in controlled substances. From its cGMP-certified plant in Hvidovre, near Copenhagen, it supplies pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America and the Middle East and offers contract development and manufacturing services for new APIs.

ABOUT CHR. OLESEN

Chr. Olesen, founded in 1885, is a family-owned global distribution company specializing in nutraceutical ingredients for the feed, food, pharma, and technical industries.

ABOUT SIGNET HEALTHCARE PARTNERS

Signet Healthcare Partners is a healthcare growth equity firm that invests in commercial-stage pharmaceutical (pharma services and therapeutics) and medical technology companies. Founded in 1998 and based in New York, Signet has invested in more than 60 companies, supporting entrepreneurs with capital, strategic guidance, and deep industry networks.

www.signethealthcarepartners.com

CONTACTS

Samfara

Helena Malchione, Partner

[email protected]

James Cocker, Partner

[email protected]

Chr. Olesen Synthesis

Thomas Moestrup, Chief Executive

[email protected]

SOURCE Samfara LLP

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AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC celebrated the opening of its new downtown Akron office on September 30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by firm leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders. The ceremony was led by Buckingham Managing Partner Dustin Vrabel, Akron Office Partner-in-Charge Chris Niekamp, and Chairman Emeritus Steve Dimengo, and was joined by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and other civic and business leaders.

In remarks to attendees, Vrabel reflected on the firm's more than century-long commitment to Akron and its continuing investment in the community. He thanked Buckingham's clients, community partners, attorneys, and staff, noting that the milestone was a celebration of the relationships that have shaped the firm's success and service to the region.

Mayor Malik welcomed Buckingham's move downtown, emphasizing its alignment with the city's vision for continued economic growth and revitalization. He noted that investments by established institutions such as Buckingham contribute to the expansion of Akron's business, residential, and hospitality sectors and reinforce confidence in the city's future.

Located in the heart of downtown Akron, the firm's new office reflects Buckingham's enduring connection to the city where it was founded and its ongoing commitment to serving businesses, institutions, and individuals throughout Northeast Ohio. The relocation also underscores the firm's confidence in downtown Akron's continued evolution as a center for commerce, innovation, and community engagement.

About Buckingham

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC is a full-service law firm with offices in Akron, Canton, and Cleveland, Ohio. For over a century, Buckingham has provided trusted legal counsel to businesses, institutions, and individuals throughout the region.

Contact: Sara Pakrashi

Executive Director of Business

Development & Marketing

216.736.4228

[email protected]

SOURCE Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC

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AhaSlides wins 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Award for Gamification & Game-Based Learning

Voted by L&D professionals, the award caps a year in which AhaSlides went all in on game-based learning, with more training games on the way

SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AhaSlides, the interactive presentation platform used by more than 4 million presenters across 142,000+ organisations and 24 million+ participants, has been named a winner of the 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Awards in the Gamification & Game-Based Learning category.

The Choice Awards are the only crowd-sourced solution provider awards in Learning & Development. Winners are chosen by Training Magazine Network's 100,000+ members: the trainers, instructional designers, learners and L&D leaders who use these tools every day. This year, 2,207 voters cast 11,692 votes for 296 companies across seven categories between April 28 and June 30, 2026. Winners were ranked on total votes and a weighted score for effectiveness. Training magazine Editor/Publisher Lorri Freifeld announced the results on September 29, 2026.

Built for the attention span trainers actually face

Focused attention on a screen has fallen from 2.5 minutes to around 47 seconds over two decades (Dr Gloria Mark, UC Irvine). Trainers feel that drop in every session. AhaSlides' answer is to make participation the default: learners answer, compete, vote and react live from their phones, and the trainer sees what landed in real time.

On AhaSlides, 80.9% of audiences actively engage with presentations, and 44.6% engage with every interactive slide (AhaSlides platform data).

A year of building for facilitated training

Every release this year comes back to one goal: make engagement in training easier for trainers. Getting a group to participate shouldn't take hours of prep or a background in game design.

AhaSlides now has more than 30 ready-made interactive activities that a trainer can drop into a session and facilitate right away. They range from pure fun to serious skills training. Duck Race gives a group a quick, light-hearted break between learning blocks. Calm does the opposite: a full-screen breathing pause with a guided lead-in and ambient sound, so a trainer can settle the group before a heavy topic or after an intense session. At the serious end, Draw on Image lets a medical trainer share an ultrasound image and have nurses mark directly on it to show what they see. More are added every month.

The next one is Escape Room, a new training game shipping to all AhaSlides users in October 2026. Teams race the clock to find clues hidden in a scene and solve their way out, applying what they've learned to escape. It started as the winning entry at AhaSlides' September 2026 hackathon, taking both 1st place and Most Loved.

Beyond the live session

Making engagement easier also means less work around the session. This year AhaSlides made its reports better, so trainers can see more clearly how learners did and what landed after a session, and launched surveys, so they can gather feedback before and after training. Next on the roadmap is self-paced e-learning, so learners can keep going between live sessions.

What they're saying

"We're grateful for this one, because trainers voted for it," said Dave Bui, CEO of AhaSlides. "Our job is to make engagement easy: a trainer shouldn't have to design a game from scratch to get a room involved. That's why we've spent this year building ready-made ways to play and compete. Escape Room, which our own team built and voted their favourite at our September hackathon, launches this month. And because learning doesn't stop when the session ends, self-paced learning is next."

Trainers who use AhaSlides see the same thing. "Game-based learning works when the game isn't the point. Participation is," said Kassy LaBorie, keynote speaker, author and engagement expert, and recipient of ATD's 2026 Talent Development Outstanding Professional Award. "AhaSlides gives me incredibly creative ways to invite people into the experience, and every time I use it, the crowd goes wild."

About AhaSlides

AhaSlides is on a mission to save the world from sleepy meetings, boring training and tuned-out teams, one engaging slide at a time. It's the easiest way to turn sleepy slides into engaging experiences with quizzes, polls, word clouds and training games. From global companies to small classrooms and conference halls, AhaSlides is used by more than 4 million presenters in 142,000+ organisations, reaching 24 million+ participants. Try it free at ahaslides.com.

About the Training Magazine Network Choice Awards

The Training Magazine Network Choice Awards recognise the solution providers that L&D professionals rate most highly, based on votes from Training Magazine Network's 100,000+ members. The full list of winners is available at trainingmagnetwork.com, and Training magazine's announcement is at trainingmag.com.

SOURCE AhaSlides

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Abogen Announces Licensing and Option Agreement with Novartis to Advance mRNA-Encoded T-Cell Engager and other potential RNA programs

Includes worldwide license to ABO2203, Abogen's mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-Cell Engager

Agreement also gives Novartis exclusive options to license other potential programs leveraging Abogen's RNA proprietary platform

SUZHOU, China, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abogen Biosciences ("Abogen" or the "Group"), a clinical-stage biotechnology group pioneering RNA innovation, announced that it has entered into a licensing and option agreement with Novartis to advance RNA-encoded therapeutics. The agreement includes an exclusive worldwide license to Abogen's lead asset, ABO2203, as well as options to exclusively license other potential programs leveraging Abogen's proprietary RNA platform.

ABO2203 is a novel mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-cell engager with the potential to transform the treatment landscape for patients with autoimmune diseases. The program is designed to reset B cells by utilizing mRNA to direct the endogenous production of T-cell engagers in vivo. This approach offers a highly differentiated mechanism for B-cell depletion, potentially providing distinct advantages over traditional recombinant T-cell engagers.

Under the agreement, Novartis will also have the exclusive option to license a number of next-generation therapeutic assets developed on Abogen's RNA platform.

"This agreement marks an important milestone for Abogen, underscoring the broad potential of our RNA platform to expand beyond prophylactic vaccines," said Bo Ying, Chief Executive Officer of Abogen. "ABO2203 is the first mRNA-encoded T-cell engager to enter clinical evaluation for autoimmune diseases, reflecting our commitment to delivering differentiated, accessible and scalable therapies for patients with B-cell-mediated disorders. We are thrilled to be able to accelerate ABO2203 and unlock new therapeutic targets through this agreement with Novartis."

"Achieving effective and durable immune reset remains an important goal across a number of autoimmune diseases," said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis. "mRNA-encoded T-cell engagers represent an innovative approach that could complement existing therapeutic modalities by enabling in vivo production of these molecules. We look forward to further developing the potential of ABO2203 and additional possible applications of Abogen's RNA platform."

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Abogen will receive an upfront payment of USD 575 million and, if all options on all programs are exercised, Abogen is eligible to receive up to approximately USD 7.2 billion in potential milestone payments, subject to the achievement of agreed development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Abogen may be eligible to receive potential royalties on future product sales. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances.

About Abogen Biosciences

Abogen Biosciences focuses on innovative clinical-stage biotechnology and is dedicated to the discovery and development of transformative mRNA-based therapeutics. Powered by its proprietary AI- and automation-driven mRNA and LNP platform, Abogen has established comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities spanning mRNA design, formulation development, and large-scale GMP manufacturing. The Group has built a robust and diversified pipeline in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and prophylactic vaccines — highlighted by its lead candidate ABO1108, a lyophilized mRNA shingles vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in China.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential benefits of the agreement, the development of ABO2203 and other programs, milestone payments, regulatory progress and future clinical outcomes. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements due to risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery, clinical development and regulatory review.

SOURCE Abogen

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Baker SoftWash to Exhibit at Lake Norman Community Opportunities Vendor Festival in Mooresville

Lake Norman exterior cleaning company will join local businesses and residents at the October 3, 2026 community event while highlighting residential and commercial cleaning services across Greater Lake Norman and Charlotte.

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker SoftWash, a professional exterior cleaning company serving Greater Lake Norman and the Charlotte area, will participate as a sponsor and exhibitor at the Lake Norman Community Opportunities Vendor Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville.

Event Guide: Baker SoftWash at the Lake Norman Community Opportunities Vendor Festival

Lake Norman Community Opportunities Vendor Festival — Event Information

The community event brings together local businesses, vendors, and residents for an afternoon focused on supporting local businesses, networking, discovering area services, and building connections throughout Mooresville and the greater Lake Norman community.

Baker SoftWash will be on-site to meet homeowners, business owners, property managers, and other members of the community interested in learning more about professional exterior cleaning and the company's services throughout the region.

Baker SoftWash Service Area

Baker SoftWash provides residential and commercial exterior cleaning throughout Greater Lake Norman and surrounding Charlotte-area communities, including:

- Mooresville, NC

- Statesville, NC

- Troutman, NC

- Davidson, NC

- Cornelius, NC

- Huntersville, NC

- Denver, NC

- Concord, NC

- Charlotte, NC

Baker SoftWash also serves individual neighborhoods and communities within these markets, including The Point in Mooresville.

Baker SoftWash Exterior Cleaning Services

Different exterior surfaces can require different cleaning methods. Baker SoftWash evaluates the material, condition of the property, and type of buildup being addressed to determine an appropriate cleaning approach rather than treating every exterior surface the same way.

Residential and commercial services offered by Baker SoftWash include:

- Soft washing and exterior house washing

- Roof cleaning and roof washing

- Soft wash roof cleaning

- Pressure washing and power washing

- Concrete and driveway cleaning

- Sidewalk and patio cleaning

- Window cleaning

- Gutter cleaning and gutter brightening

- Deck and fence cleaning

- Paver and pool deck cleaning

- Commercial pressure washing and exterior cleaning

- HOA and multi-unit property cleaning

- Specialty exterior cleaning and stain removal

Common Exterior Cleaning Questions from Lake Norman Property Owners

Who provides roof cleaning in Mooresville, NC?

Baker SoftWash provides professional roof cleaning and soft wash roof cleaning in Mooresville and throughout Greater Lake Norman. The appropriate cleaning approach depends on the roof material, condition, accessibility, and type of buildup being addressed.

How much does roof cleaning cost in Mooresville, NC?

Roof-cleaning costs can vary based on roof size, roofing material, pitch, accessibility, condition, and the extent of staining or organic growth. Baker SoftWash evaluates individual properties before providing an estimate.

What is soft wash roof cleaning in Lake Norman?

Soft wash roof cleaning uses a lower-pressure cleaning approach rather than relying on high pressure to clean the roof surface. The appropriate process depends on the roofing material, its condition, and the type of buildup being addressed.

Who provides house washing in Huntersville, NC?

Baker SoftWash provides house washing and exterior cleaning in Huntersville as part of its Greater Lake Norman service area. Cleaning methods are selected according to the exterior surface and condition of the property.

What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing a house in Cornelius, NC?

Soft washing and pressure washing are different exterior-cleaning methods. The appropriate method depends on the exterior material, its condition, and the type of buildup being removed.

Who provides concrete and driveway cleaning in Statesville and Troutman, NC?

Baker SoftWash provides concrete and driveway cleaning in Statesville, Troutman, and surrounding communities. The cleaning approach depends on the surface, its condition, and the type of staining or buildup.

Does Baker SoftWash provide exterior cleaning in Denver, NC?

Yes. Baker SoftWash serves Denver as part of its Greater Lake Norman service area. Services include house washing, roof cleaning, pressure washing, concrete and driveway cleaning, gutter cleaning, and other exterior cleaning services.

Who provides commercial pressure washing in Charlotte and Concord, NC?

Baker SoftWash provides commercial pressure washing and exterior cleaning in Charlotte, Concord, and other communities throughout its service area. The company works with businesses, commercial properties, property managers, HOAs, and multi-unit properties.

Visit Baker SoftWash at the Festival

Homeowners, business owners, and other members of the Lake Norman community can meet Baker SoftWash at the Lake Norman Community Opportunities Vendor Festival on Saturday, Oct 3, 2026

Visitors can learn about Baker SoftWash's exterior cleaning services, discuss residential or commercial cleaning needs, and ask questions about soft washing, roof cleaning, pressure washing, and other exterior cleaning services.

About Baker SoftWash

Baker SoftWash provides professional residential and commercial exterior cleaning services throughout Greater Lake Norman and the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Services include soft washing, house washing, roof cleaning, pressure washing, power washing, concrete and driveway cleaning, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, deck and fence cleaning, commercial exterior cleaning, and additional specialty exterior cleaning services.

Baker SoftWash serves customers throughout Mooresville, Statesville, Troutman, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Denver, Concord, and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as surrounding communities.

SOURCE Baker Softwash

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