Latest news with #AFT
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
In an Era of Mistrust on Health Information, Employers Are Key
Regina Bell of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) speaks at the rally at the U.S. Capitol on April 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Credit - Jemal Countess—Getty Images/ Fair Share America In an era of growing mistrust, employers hold a unique position of influence. They remain among the most trusted institutions, particularly by their own employees. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, workers consider businesses to be twice as competent as the U.S. government in providing credible information—outpacing nonprofits and the media as well. People want to make informed decisions based on reliable information, and they're increasingly open to receiving that information from their employers. This trend is not new. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers stepped up to fill an information void. They provided accurate, timely health guidance on everything from indoor air quality to vaccine safety. For instance, Amazon—the nation's second-largest employer—invested heavily in direct employee engagement to promote vaccination. These efforts went beyond emails or posters; they included one-on-one outreach, peer-to-peer advocacy, and mobile vaccination units. Today, even as health concerns evolve, Amazon continues this model with daily wellness huddles and injury-prevention discussions across its warehouses. As we move beyond the pandemic, the need for trusted health communication remains urgent. Employers are well-positioned to continue this work, not just because of their trustworthiness, but because they have a vested interest in healthier, more informed employees. Healthy workers are more productive, miss fewer days, and contribute to lower healthcare costs—an ongoing concern for many companies. Likewise, educated employees are more likely to understand and make efficient use of increasingly expensive employer-sponsored health benefits. One survey conducted by UnitedHealthcare found that 56% of workers with access to effective employer health promotion programs reported fewer sick days, a finding that has been replicated in multiple geographies. Other evidence has shown that employers earn $3.27 back in direct medical costs more for every $1 spent on wellness programs, which directly increase employee knowledge and engagement in nutrition and health-related topics. While the need for effective health communication remains, many traditional sources are vanishing. Investments in public health campaigns at the federal, state, and local levels have shrunk—or are disappearing altogether. This void, combined with the rise of online misinformation, means that if employers don't speak up, employees may turn instead to social media algorithms, self-proclaimed wellness influencers, or podcasters. Read More: What the New 'Make America Healthy Again' Report Says About Children's Health Employers can't afford to be passive. They must actively identify the pressing health challenges their workforce faces—from mental health struggles and poor air quality due to wildfires, to new treatments such as GLP-1 weight-loss medications. With thoughtful, engaging strategies, they can ensure credible, science-based information reaches their workforce. It may feel like a daunting task in today's polarized climate, but many employers—and unions—are already rising to the challenge. Kim Thibodeaux, head of the Northeast Business Group on Health, which represents the health interests of nearly 80 of the nation's largest employers, is prioritizing investing in scalable ways to provide trusted health information content to employer partners. We are partnering with Kim and her team to provide timely, accurate, digestible health information on a range of topics in an omnichannel format. In a similar vein, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) with over 2 million members nationwide, has begun offering free, monthly national town halls to their membership and general public to discuss topics such as perimenopause, ADHD, youth mental health, and measles with topical national experts like the recent past American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Ben Hoffman. Social media is leveraged to the fullest extent, with 30-40 second, high-impact sound bites from town halls or Q&As shared widely across Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms to improve reach. As public trust erodes and traditional health communication channels falter, the workplace remains a widely trusted space. Employers and unions who embrace this responsibility can become powerful agents of public health—helping their people make informed decisions, combat misinformation, and feel seen and supported in the process. By investing in credible, creative, and consistent health messaging, employers have the power to not only improve health outcomes but also rebuild faith in science and institutions—and in each other. The question is no longer whether employers should play this role, but how quickly they can rise to meet it. Contact us at letters@
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
AFT And Hikma Extend US Maxigesic Cooperation
Press Release – AFT Pharmaceuticals The agreement will see Hikma take over all channels for Combogesic Rapid in the US apart from the license granted to Alexso for certain specific market categories allowing both forms of AFTs patented medicines to be marketed across the entire … AFT Pharmaceuticals (NZX:AFT, ASX:AFP) today announces it has extended its US Maxigesic® licensing agreement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals. The new agreement is aimed to maximise the commercial and patient care benefits that come with following the intravenous form of the pain relief medicine (marketed as Combogesic® IV in the US) in postoperative care with the tablet form of the medicine (Combogesic Rapid). The agreement will see Hikma take over all channels for Combogesic Rapid in the US — apart from the license granted to Alexso for certain specific market categories — allowing both forms of AFT's patented medicines to be marketed across the entire US market. The US is the world's largest market for pain relief1. AFT and Hikma have also agreed to a restructure of the profit share arrangements for Combogesic IV and tablets. The agreement amends the previous profit share which featured a fixed specified profit amount before sharing commenced, to now being a regular quarterly profit share payment. AFT will be more involved in the sales and marketing planning for Combogesic IV and Rapid, also making a contribution towards marketing. AFT sees potential for the new agreement to deliver greater commercial benefits than envisaged by the original agreements with Hikma2, one of the largest suppliers of injectable medications by volume in the US. AFT Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson said: 'We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Hikma. Since the launch of Maxigesic IV last year, feedback from the market is that clinicians wish to follow non-opioid intravenous relief of mild to moderate pain with the tablet therapy – an approach that offers non opioid relief through all stages of recovery. 'The extension of the agreement with Hikma will allow delivery of this therapeutic option more effectively across the US. In so doing, we can not only help clinicians to offer comprehensive non-opioid pain relief, but we can also maximise the opportunity we see for both medicines in this market.' Dr Atkinson said he looked forward to progress with the two medicines in the US. 'US healthcare costs associated with opioid abuse are estimated at US$11 billion a year3. With 6% of patients administered an opioid postoperatively going on to consume the medicine chronically4, the two forms of Combogesic offer clinicians an opportunity reduce the risks associated with the effective management of post operative pain.' Notes: 1) 2) The intravenous licensing agreement provided for upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments of up to US$18.8 million (of which US$6 million was received in 2024) for the commercialisation of Combogesic IV as well as a profit share from in market product sales. Milestones remain unchanged. These payments were to be shared with AFT and it development partner Hyloris Pharmaceuticals. AFT did not disclose commercial terms other than a profit share arrangement for the Combogesic Rapid agreement with Hikma. 3) annually 4) About AFT Pharmaceuticals AFT is a growing New Zealand based multinational pharmaceutical company that develops, markets, and distributes a broad portfolio of pharmaceutical products across a wide range of therapeutic categories which are distributed across all major pharmaceutical distribution channels: over the counter (OTC), prescription and hospital. Our product portfolio comprises both proprietary and in-licensed products, and includes patented, branded, and generic drugs5. Our business model is to develop and in-license products for in our markets of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, EU ex Ireland and UK, and to out license our products to local licensees and distributors to over 125 countries around the world. For more information about the company, visit our website
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
AFT And Hikma Extend US Maxigesic Cooperation
AFT Pharmaceuticals (NZX:AFT, ASX:AFP) today announces it has extended its US Maxigesic® licensing agreement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals. The new agreement is aimed to maximise the commercial and patient care benefits that come with following the intravenous form of the pain relief medicine (marketed as Combogesic® IV in the US) in postoperative care with the tablet form of the medicine (Combogesic Rapid). The agreement will see Hikma take over all channels for Combogesic Rapid in the US — apart from the license granted to Alexso for certain specific market categories — allowing both forms of AFT's patented medicines to be marketed across the entire US market. The US is the world's largest market for pain relief1. AFT and Hikma have also agreed to a restructure of the profit share arrangements for Combogesic IV and tablets. The agreement amends the previous profit share which featured a fixed specified profit amount before sharing commenced, to now being a regular quarterly profit share payment. AFT will be more involved in the sales and marketing planning for Combogesic IV and Rapid, also making a contribution towards marketing. AFT sees potential for the new agreement to deliver greater commercial benefits than envisaged by the original agreements with Hikma2, one of the largest suppliers of injectable medications by volume in the US. AFT Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson said: 'We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Hikma. Since the launch of Maxigesic IV last year, feedback from the market is that clinicians wish to follow non-opioid intravenous relief of mild to moderate pain with the tablet therapy – an approach that offers non opioid relief through all stages of recovery. 'The extension of the agreement with Hikma will allow delivery of this therapeutic option more effectively across the US. In so doing, we can not only help clinicians to offer comprehensive non-opioid pain relief, but we can also maximise the opportunity we see for both medicines in this market.' Dr Atkinson said he looked forward to progress with the two medicines in the US. 'US healthcare costs associated with opioid abuse are estimated at US$11 billion a year3. With 6% of patients administered an opioid postoperatively going on to consume the medicine chronically4, the two forms of Combogesic offer clinicians an opportunity reduce the risks associated with the effective management of post operative pain.' Notes: 1) 2) The intravenous licensing agreement provided for upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments of up to US$18.8 million (of which US$6 million was received in 2024) for the commercialisation of Combogesic IV as well as a profit share from in market product sales. Milestones remain unchanged. These payments were to be shared with AFT and it development partner Hyloris Pharmaceuticals. AFT did not disclose commercial terms other than a profit share arrangement for the Combogesic Rapid agreement with Hikma. 3) annually 4) About AFT Pharmaceuticals AFT is a growing New Zealand based multinational pharmaceutical company that develops, markets, and distributes a broad portfolio of pharmaceutical products across a wide range of therapeutic categories which are distributed across all major pharmaceutical distribution channels: over the counter (OTC), prescription and hospital. Our product portfolio comprises both proprietary and in-licensed products, and includes patented, branded, and generic drugs5. Our business model is to develop and in-license products for in our markets of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, EU ex Ireland and UK, and to out license our products to local licensees and distributors to over 125 countries around the world. For more information about the company, visit our website
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZSE:AFT) Annual Results Are Out And Analysts Have Published New Forecasts
AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZSE:AFT) missed earnings with its latest annual results, disappointing overly-optimistic forecasters. Results look to have been somewhat negative - revenue fell 3.2% short of analyst estimates at NZ$208m, and statutory earnings of NZ$0.11 per share missed forecasts by 3.3%. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. With this in mind, we've gathered the latest statutory forecasts to see what the analysts are expecting for next year. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus from AFT Pharmaceuticals' dual analysts is for revenues of NZ$245.5m in 2026. This would reflect a meaningful 18% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to jump 36% to NZ$0.16. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of NZ$255.9m and earnings per share (EPS) of NZ$0.18 in 2026. From this we can that sentiment has definitely become more bearish after the latest results, leading to lower revenue forecasts and a real cut to earnings per share estimates. Check out our latest analysis for AFT Pharmaceuticals The analysts made no major changes to their price target of NZ$3.70, suggesting the downgrades are not expected to have a long-term impact on AFT Pharmaceuticals' valuation. Another way we can view these estimates is in the context of the bigger picture, such as how the forecasts stack up against past performance, and whether forecasts are more or less bullish relative to other companies in the industry. We can infer from the latest estimates that forecasts expect a continuation of AFT Pharmaceuticals'historical trends, as the 18% annualised revenue growth to the end of 2026 is roughly in line with the 16% annual growth over the past five years. Compare this with the broader industry (in aggregate), which analyst estimates suggest will see revenues grow 30% annually. So although AFT Pharmaceuticals is expected to maintain its revenue growth rate, it's forecast to grow slower than the wider industry. The biggest concern is that the analysts reduced their earnings per share estimates, suggesting business headwinds could lay ahead for AFT Pharmaceuticals. On the negative side, they also downgraded their revenue estimates, and forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at NZ$3.70, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets. Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have analyst estimates for AFT Pharmaceuticals going out as far as 2028, and you can see them free on our platform here. You can also view our analysis of AFT Pharmaceuticals' balance sheet, and whether we think AFT Pharmaceuticals is carrying too much debt, for free on our platform here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Could you pass the Army's new physical fitness test?
The U.S. Army is rolling out a new fitness test from June 1 that will adopt new standards for all soldiers in combat roles. In a significant shift, the new fitness standards will be the same for men and women, said Army officials. The Army Fitness test is 'sex-neutral and age-normed,' and is 'designed to enhance soldier fitness, improve warfighting readiness, and increase the lethality of the force,' according to a news release. In a Frequently Asked Questions section about the new test, the Army said it is moving to a sex-neutral scoring standard for combat military occupational specialties because 'higher fitness standards are strictly aligned with the unique physical demands of specific roles, maintaining readiness, and mission effectiveness.' It noted that 'no administrative action will be taken regarding the AFT [Army Fitness Test] until January 1, 2026.' The Army FAQ also refers to President Donald Trump's executive order that states the federal government will only recognize two sexes — male and female — which campaigners say discriminates against transgender and non-binary people. It comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to eliminate 'wokeness' from the Pentagon. 'No More Trans @ DoD,' Hegseth wrote in a post on X earlier this month. The Supreme Court has cleared the path for the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender people from serving in the military. Transgender active service members can 'separate voluntarily' until June 6 and could be eligible for voluntary separation pay. The deadline is July 7 for reserve members. Some transgender service members are challenging the policy in the courts by arguing that the new policy is a violation of their constitutional rights and is discriminatory. Dr. Jason Perry, a Florida primary care sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, told Fox News that the challenge is 'not impossible for the average person with a basic fitness foundation.' 'Generally speaking, the AFT is challenging,' he said. 'But [it's] not impossible for the average person with a basic fitness foundation. It's designed to test full-body strength, muscular endurance, speed, agility and cardiovascular stamina — all elements essential for combat readiness, but also relevant to functional fitness for civilians.' There are five exercises in the test: Three-repetition maximum deadlifts, hand-release push-ups with arm extensions, a sprint-drag-carry exercise, holding the plank position, and finally, a two-mile run. In the first exercise, soldiers are required to deadlift the maximum weight possible three times, using a 60-pound hex bar and plates. Then, they must complete as many hand-release push-ups as possible in two minutes, completely lowering the body to the ground and extending the arms to the side before starting the next push-up. For the sprint-drag-carry exercise, they must perform 5 x 50-meter shuttles as quickly as possible with a 2 x 40-pound kettlebell and a 90-pound sled. Soldiers must then hold the plank position for as long as possible to assess muscular endurance, before finishing off with a two-mile run on a 'generally flat outdoor course.'
