UK Names Blaise Metreweli as First Woman to Head MI6 Spy Service
The UK appointed the first woman to lead its secret intelligence service MI6 as Prime Minster Keir Starmer warned of the increasing threats Britain faces from its adversaries.
Blaise Metreweli, 47, will succeed Richard Moore as MI6 chief in the autumn, the premier's office announced Sunday. She is currently director general of technology and innovation - a role known as 'Q' that was made globally famous in the James Bond movie franchise.
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Prothena's Partner Roche to Advance Prasinezumab into Phase III Development for Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease
Data from Phase IIb PADOVA study and longer term follow-up data suggest clinical benefit on top of symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease Prasinezumab is a potential first-in-class anti-alpha-synuclein antibody, targeting a known biological driver of Parkinson's disease progression Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people globally and significant unmet need remains DUBLIN, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prothena Corporation plc (NASDAQ:PRTA) today announced partner Roche will advance prasinezumab, an investigational anti-alpha-synuclein antibody, into Phase III development in early-stage Parkinson's disease. This decision is informed by data from the Phase IIb PADOVA study and ongoing open-label extensions (OLE) from both PADOVA and the Phase II PASADENA study. "As pioneers in developing the first anti-alpha-synuclein targeting antibody, we are excited to see Roche advancing prasinezumab into Phase III development, with the potential to deliver the first disease-modifying treatment option to the millions of individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their families," stated Gene Kinney, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Prothena. Multiple endpoints from the PADOVA and OLE studies suggest a potential clinical benefit of prasinezumab when added to effective symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression, although missed statistical significance. Positive trends towards reduced motor progression at 104 weeks (two years) were observed; these effects appear to be sustained over longer treatment periods based on additional OLE data. The PADOVA study also provided the first biomarker evidence of prasinezumab impacting the underlying disease biology. The PASADENA and PADOVA OLE studies, which are evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of prasinezumab in over 750 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, are ongoing. About Prasinezumab Prasinezumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to bind aggregated alpha-synuclein and thereby reduce neuronal toxicity. By reducing the build-up of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, prasinezumab can potentially prevent further accumulation and spreading between cells, which may slow progression of the disease. Data from the Phase IIb PADOVA study suggest the possible clinical benefit of prasinezumab on top of effective symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease. PADOVA investigated prasinezumab in 586 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, treated for a minimum of 18 months while on stable symptomatic treatment. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression with a HR=0.84 [0.69-1.01], although the study missed statistical significance (p=0.0657). In a pre-specified analysis, the effect of prasinezumab was more pronounced in the population treated with levodopa (75% of participants), HR=0.79 [0.63-0.99], p=0.0431 (nominal). Consistent positive trends across multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints were also observed. Trends towards reduced motor progression at 104 weeks (two years) were observed, showing 30-40% relative reduction versus placebo across the overall and levodopa-treated populations. Prasinezumab continues to be well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed in the study. The safety database for prasinezumab consists of data from more than 900 Parkinson's disease study participants that have been treated with the investigational medicine, of which more than 750 remain in open label treatment with over 500 treated for 1.5-5 years. In December 2013, Prothena and Roche entered into a worldwide collaboration to develop and commercialize antibodies that target alpha-synuclein, including prasinezumab. Roche has sole responsibility for developing and commercializing prasinezumab and has agreed to pay Prothena up to double-digit teen royalties on net sales. To date, Prothena has earned $135 million with up to $620 million in additional milestone payments that include regulatory and sales milestones. In addition, Prothena has an option to co-promote prasinezumab in the U.S. About Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of neurons that make dopamine and other nerve cells. Today, Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people worldwide. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is increasing, and it has become one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders. Currently, symptomatic treatments that effectively alleviate motor symptoms are available. However, no therapies slow down or stop the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease. About Prothena Prothena Corporation plc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with expertise in protein dysregulation and a pipeline of investigational therapeutics with the potential to change the course of devastating neurodegenerative and rare peripheral amyloid diseases. Fueled by its deep scientific expertise built over decades of research, Prothena is advancing a pipeline of therapeutic candidates for a number of indications and novel targets for which its ability to integrate scientific insights around neurological dysfunction and the biology of misfolded proteins can be leveraged. Prothena's pipeline includes both wholly-owned and partnered programs being developed for the potential treatment of diseases including ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and a number of other neurodegenerative diseases. For more information, please visit the Company's website at and follow the Company on X (formerly Twitter) @ProthenaCorp. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to, among other things, the treatment potential, design, and proposed mechanism of action prasinezumab; plans for ongoing and future clinical trials of prasinezumab; and amounts we might receive under our collaboration with Roche. These statements are based on estimates, projections and assumptions that may prove not to be accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" sections of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 8, 2025, and discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events, or changes in our expectations. View source version on Contacts MediaMichael Bachner, Senior Director, Corporate Communications609-664-7308, InvestorsMark Johnson, CFA, Vice President, Investor Relations650-417-1974, Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Roche to advance prasinezumab into Phase III development for early-stage Parkinson's disease
Results from Phase IIb PADOVA and longer term follow-up data suggest clinical benefit on top of symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease Prasinezumab is a potential first-in-class anti-alpha-synuclein antibody, targeting a known biological driver of Parkinson's disease progression Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people globally and significant unmet need remains Basel, 16 June 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today its decision to proceed with Phase III development of prasinezumab, an investigational anti-alpha-synuclein antibody, in early-stage Parkinson's disease. This decision is informed by data from the Phase IIb PADOVA study and ongoing open-label extensions (OLEs) of PADOVA and Phase II PASADENA studies. "We are encouraged by the efficacy signals observed across the two phase II trials and their open-label extensions, combined with the favourable safety and tolerability profile of prasinezumab," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development at Roche. "We also recognise the substantial need for new treatment options, and the totality of data suggest that prasinezumab may have the potential to become the first disease-modifying treatment for people with Parkinson's disease." Multiple endpoints from the PADOVA and OLE studies suggest a potential clinical benefit of prasinezumab when added to effective symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression, although missed statistical significance. Positive trends towards reduced motor progression at 104 weeks (two years) were observed; these effects appear to be sustained over longer treatment periods based on additional OLE data. The PADOVA study also provided the first biomarker evidence of prasinezumab impacting the underlying disease biology. The PASADENA and PADOVA OLE studies, which are evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of prasinezumab in over 750 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, are ongoing. About prasinezumabPrasinezumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to bind aggregated alpha-synuclein and thereby reduce neuronal toxicity. By reducing the build-up of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, prasinezumab can potentially prevent further accumulation and spreading between cells, which may slow progression of the disease. Data from the Phase IIb PADOVA study suggest the possible clinical benefit of prasinezumab on top of effective symptomatic treatment in early-stage Parkinson's disease. PADOVA investigated prasinezumab in 586 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, treated for a minimum of 18 months while on stable symptomatic treatment. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression with a HR=0.84 [0.69-1.01], although the study missed statistical significance (p=0.0657). In a pre-specified analysis, the effect of prasinezumab was more pronounced in the population treated with levodopa (75% of participants), HR=0.79 [0.63-0.99], p=0.0431 (nominal). Consistent positive trends across multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints were also observed. Trends towards reduced motor progression at 104 weeks (two years) were observed, showing 30-40% relative reduction versus placebo across the overall and levodopa-treated populations. Prasinezumab continues to be well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed in the study. The safety database for prasinezumab consists of data from more than 900 Parkinson's disease study participants that have been treated with the investigational medicine, of which more than 750 remain in open label treatment with over 500 treated for 1.5-5 years. Roche entered into a Licensing, Development, and Commercialisation agreement with Prothena in December 2013 to develop and commercialise monoclonal antibodies targeting aggregated alpha-synuclein, such as prasinezumab, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. About Roche in Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterised by the gradual loss of neurons that make dopamine and other nerve cells. Today, Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people worldwide. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is increasing, and it has become one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders. Currently, symptomatic treatments that effectively alleviate motor symptoms are available. However, there are no therapies that slow down or stop the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease. Roche is evaluating multiple approaches to stop or slow disease progression and potentially prevent Parkinson's disease by targeting underlying disease processes such as the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein production, lysosomal dysfunction and neuroinflammation. About Roche in NeurologyNeurology is a major focus of research and development at Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new diagnostic solutions and treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases. Roche is committed to using its diagnostic and pharmaceutical capabilities in an effort to better detect and treat neurological diseases as early as possible, and working toward preventing them altogether. Roche is investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and Huntington's disease. Roche diagnostics offers one of the broadest portfolio of solutions, including approved and investigational tools, such as digital and blood-based tests and CSF assays, aiming to more effectively detect, diagnose and monitor the disease. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neurology today. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. Roche Global Media RelationsPhone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: Hans Trees, PhDPhone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia UrechPhone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie AltermattPhone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena CorfasPhone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon GoldsboroughPhone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten KleinePhone: +41 79 461 86 83 Nina MählitzPhone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti PandeyPhone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette PetillonPhone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka SchnellPhone: +41 79 205 27 03 Roche Investor Relations Dr Bruno EschliPhone: +41 61 68-75284e-mail: Dr Sabine BorngräberPhone: +41 61 68-88027e-mail: Dr Birgit MasjostPhone: +41 61 68-84814e-mail: Investor Relations North America Loren KalmPhone: +1 650 225 3217e-mail: Attachment Media Investor Release prasinezumab Phase IIb PADOVA study English
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Which countries have the highest and lowest pensions in Europe?
Pensions are the main source of income for older people in Europe, according to the OECD's Pension at a Glance 2023 report. In many European countries, public transfers—such as state pensions and benefits—account for over 70% of older adults' total equivalised gross household income, exceeding 80% in some cases. So, how much do Europeans receive in old-age pensions? What is the average pension expenditure per beneficiary? And how do pension levels compare across Europe when adjusted for purchasing power? According to Eurostat, in 2022, the average pension expenditure per beneficiary for old-age pensions was €16,138 in the EU. This equals approximately €1,345 per month when divided over 12 months. It ranged from €3,611 in Bulgaria to €31,385 in Luxembourg within the EU. When EFTA and EU candidate countries are included, the range widens—from €1,648 in Albania to €35,959 in Iceland. The average old-age pension per beneficiary also exceeded €30,000 in two Nordic countries: Norway and Denmark. It was also significantly above the EU average in Sweden (€22,436) and Finland (€21,085). Related Eurozone inflation falls below ECB 2% target in May: Rate cut in sight Besides Albania, EU candidate countries have the lowest average pensions. These include Turkey (€2,942), Bosnia and Herzegovina (€3,041), Serbia (€3,486), and Montenegro (€3,962). Montenegro ranks just above Bulgaria, but only by a small margin. These are annual figures, not monthly, demonstrating the wide gap between the lowest and highest pension levels in Europe. The EU's 'Big Four' economies ranked consecutively, all above the EU average. Italy had the highest average pension among them at €19,589, followed by France (€18,855), Spain (€18,100), and Germany (€17,926). Related Meet the CEO trying to 'increase the net worth of an entire generation' Average pension figures show that: There's a strong East-West divide, with Western and Nordic Europe offering much higher pension benefits. The Southern European countries generally fare better than Eastern ones but still trail behind Northern Europe. The poorest performers are concentrated in the Balkans and Eastern EU, particularly among EU candidate countries. Inequalities in average pensions are significantly narrower when measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) compared to nominal terms. For example, within the EU, the ratio between the highest and lowest average pension is 8.8 in nominal terms, but it drops to 3.5 in PPS, reflecting differences in living costs. In the EU, average pension expenditure per beneficiary ranged from 5,978 PPS in Slovakia to 21,162 PPS in Austria. When non-EU countries are included, Albania had the lowest figure at 3,019 PPS. Turkey ranked significantly higher in PPS terms, with 8,128 PPS—placing it above several EU member states. All Nordic countries are above the EU average in pension spending, with some ranking among the highest in Europe. Related Living in debt? Savings expert shares secret to 'spring clean your finances' Where in Europe are workers losing ground as taxes rise faster than wages? In euro terms, the average pension fell in only three countries in 2022 compared to 2021—and by less than 5%. These were Turkey, Ireland, and Greece. In Turkey, the decline was primarily due to a sharp depreciation of the national currency, which affected the euro value of pensions. In contrast, Bulgaria saw the largest increase at 33%, followed by Czechia with 16%. Pension growth also exceeded 10% in Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, and Romania. Old-age pensions are periodic payments intended to i) maintain the income of the beneficiary after retirement from paid employment at the legal or standard age or ii) support the income of elderly people. According to the 2024 Pension Adequacy Report, jointly prepared by the European Commission and the Social Protection Committee, EU countries are taking further steps to safeguard adequacy, but future adequacy remains under pressure. Pension replacement rates for a given career are projected to decline over the next four decades. The risk of poverty and social exclusion among older people has continued to rise since 2019, mainly driven by increasing relative income poverty. In 2022, more than one in five people aged 65 and over in the EU—about 18.5 million individuals—were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This number is growing due to both the rising poverty rate and the ageing population. Across much of Europe, pension income falls well below pre-retirement earnings. This gap makes it hard for many older adults to maintain their standard of living after they stop working. Related From gross pay to take-home: The real salary picture across Europe The report shows that older women face higher poverty risks than men in every EU country. On average, women in the EU receive 26.1% less pension income than men, and 5.3% of women receive no pension at all. These gaps are rooted in gender pay disparities, shorter or interrupted careers, and a higher incidence of part-time work among women. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
