Latest news with #AH
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Umrah 2025: Over 1.2 million pilgrims from 109 countries have arrived in Saudi Arabia since June
The 1.2 million pilgrims that have arrived since June represent a 30% increase in Umrah arrivals compared to the same period last year/ Image: Hajj& S ince the start of the 2025 Umrah season on June 11, Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 1.2 million pilgrims from 109 countries, marking a significant surge compared to last year. Backed by improved digital platforms, strict accommodation rules, and enhanced safety measures, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is delivering a more seamless, secure, and spiritually focused pilgrimage experience than ever before. Surge in Pilgrim Arrivals Signals Growing Global Interest The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported on Thursday that this year's Umrah season, which began officially on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), has already attracted a substantial influx of pilgrims. Over 1.2 million visitors have arrived since the season's start on Wednesday, June 11 (15 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), representing a 30% increase in arrivals on Umrah visas compared to the same period in 2024. — Spa_Eng (@Spa_Eng) This growth spans pilgrims from 109 countries worldwide, highlighting Saudi Arabia's successful efforts to expand and enhance its religious tourism sector. Visa issuance also rose by 27%, reflecting the heightened demand and efficiency in processing applications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo To support this surge, more than 4,200 contracts have been finalized between Saudi Umrah companies and international travel agents, ensuring well-coordinated services including accommodation, transportation, and on-the-ground guidance. These agreements were required to be completed by May 27, 2025 (29 Dhu al-Qadah 1446 AH), ahead of the official visa release date on June 10. Streamlined Visa Issuance and Administrative Preparations The Umrah visa issuance cycle for 2025 officially opened on June 10, aligning with the start of the new Umrah season that will extend into 2026 (1447 AH). This date marked a key milestone in the Kingdom's preparations to handle the growing number of pilgrims efficiently. The Ministry utilized the Nusuk platform—a unified digital gateway for pilgrims' services—to facilitate visa issuance and appointment bookings beginning June 11. The platform offers multi-language support, allowing pilgrims to access a wide range of services including permit applications, appointment scheduling, and educational materials. Service providers and travel companies were instructed to meet the May 27 deadline for finalizing their contracts, helping to guarantee a smooth arrival and stay experience. This requirement supports the Kingdom's broader vision of integrating operations, infrastructure, and technology to improve the overall pilgrim journey. Over 89 New Initiatives Enhance Safety, Comfort, and Spiritual Experience For the 2025 Umrah season, Saudi authorities have rolled out an impressive suite of over 89 new initiatives aimed at improving the safety, convenience, and spiritual focus of pilgrims. Key highlights include: 'Rushd' App: Launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this app offers pilgrims Quran access, prayer times, Qibla direction, VR-guided Umrah tutorials, and an Islamic e-library in multiple languages, enhancing spiritual engagement through technology. Smart Safety Bracelets: Designed for children, elderly, and visually impaired pilgrims, these bracelets store emergency contact information and allow rapid response in case of distress or emergencies. Madinah Infrastructure Upgrades: Sixteen projects including AI-driven crowd management systems, improved road access near religious sites, upgraded staff training, and faster emergency response protocols have been implemented. Prophet's Mosque Service Centers: Two multilingual centers provided assistance to over 188,000 visitors with mobility aids, wristbands, and navigational support. Hotel Compliance and Safety: The Ministry of Tourism closed 25 hotels in Makkah for violations such as poor maintenance and fire risks, while encouraging pilgrims to report concerns via the 930 hotline. These improvements reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to a safe, comfortable, and enriching Umrah experience, with a strong focus on integrating advanced technology and human-centered service. Nusuk Masar Platform: New Regulations on Accommodation Booking Starting June 10, 2025, the Kingdom has mandated that no Umrah visa will be issued without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings through the 'Nusuk Masar' platform. This policy aims to: Protect pilgrims' rights Eliminate unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices Prevent hotel overbooking Maintain high accommodation standards Streamline the overall pilgrimage journey The Nusuk Masar platform serves as the official digital hub for managing pilgrimage-related services, allowing pilgrims and service providers to book and confirm stays in Ministry-approved hotels, upload housing contracts, and manage permits. It also offers educational content in multiple languages to support pilgrims' preparations. The Ministry has issued strict advisories to all licensed Umrah companies, authorized establishments, and international agents, warning that failure to comply with the new housing documentation rules could result in visa rejection, processing delays, or penalties.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Bumrah is fit to bowl as per his workload
London, Jul 29 (PTI) India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak did not rule out Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the series deciding fifth Test against England, saying 'he is fit as per his load." Injury-prone pace spearhead Bumrah was earmarked for three Tests on the tour as part of his workload management but with the series on the line, he could play a fourth one. After a dramatic draw at Manchester, head coach Gautam Gambhir also did not rule out the possibility of Bumrah featuring in the crunch game. Kotak reiterated that on Tuesday. 'Bumrah is fit now according to his load. He has bowled one inning in the last match. So that obviously head coach, our physio and captain they will have a discussion and decide. There has been no discussion," Kotak said two days before the game. At Old Trafford, Gambhir had also confirmed that all his pacers were fit, meaning that Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep have recovered from injuries. Asked about the workload of Mohammed Siraj, who is the only Indian pacer to play all games, Kotak gave a detailed answer. 'So, I don't know what you guys think about the actual workload. So, if I tell you quickly, before the Test series, if a bowler puts in a certain amount of overs per week, that if he's preparing for T20 and putting in 20 overs, 25 overs, 6 overs every day, or putting in 6 overs for five days, that is good enough workload for T20. 'They have a GPS. It shows the record of how many overs the bowler has put in throughout the week. And they're in constant touch with the bowling coach. So, the build-up of the last 4-5 weeks, you need to determine if that there's no spike in it. 'So, what's the spike? If a bowler is putting in 30 overs per week, and suddenly, in the first innings, he's put in 35 overs, then that's the spike in his load. So, the number of overs that Siraj is putting in every week, it's not necessary that it's due to practice. 'That load is due to the match as well. So, then, another thing depends on whether Siraj himself, or the physios, or his body feels that, no, I'm tired. Then, they will think about the load. Otherwise, his bowling load is very high, is very good. So, there's no chance of a spike in it," added Kotak. PTI BS AH AH view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 20:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bausch Health to Acquire DURECT Corporation, Strengthening Commitment to Developing Innovative Solutions for Patients with Liver Disease
DURECT's lead asset, Larsucosterol, is an epigenetic modulator with FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation Potential to be the first FDA-approved therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with alcoholic hepatitis Proposed acquisition strengthens Bausch Health's commitment to hepatology and patients suffering with liver disease complications globally LAVAL, QC and CUPERTINO, Calif., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC) (TSX: BHC), a global, diversified pharmaceutical company, and DURECT Corporation (NASDAQ: DRRX) today announced a definitive agreement under which Bausch Health will indirectly acquire DURECT Corporation, including a novel therapeutic molecule, larsucosterol, which can harness the power of epigenetic modulation. Larsucosterol, an endogenous sulfated oxysterol and an epigenetic modulator, has demonstrated promising results for the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) in Phase 2 trials. Bausch Health's hepatology development and commercial capabilities are well-suited to support the clinical development and potential commercialization of larsucosterol. AH is a life-threatening form of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which can occur in individuals who chronically misuse alcohol. It is characterized by severe inflammation and destruction of liver tissue (i.e., necrosis). AH accounted for roughly 164,000 hospital admissions in the U.S. in 2021. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved treatment for AH, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve patient survival. "This announcement is fundamental progress on our Strategic Priority - Innovation, which is to intensify focus and operating rigor behind R&D and business development and demonstrates our commitment to hepatology and finding new ways to address unmet medical needs, living our purpose of enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes for patients." said Thomas J. Appio, Chief Executive Officer, Bausch Health. "There is a significant unmet need in the treatment of patients with AH given the high mortality rate and that there are no currently approved treatments. We are very excited to add larsucosterol, an asset which has FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, to our pipeline, particularly as it builds on our existing expertise within the hepatology space. It is complementary to our ongoing Phase 3 program of soluble solid dispersion of rifaximin (rifaximin SSD) being studied in cirrhotic patients globally," stated Jonathan Sadeh M.D., as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Head of R&D at Bausch Health. "AH, by our estimates, is responsible for about 100 deaths per day in the US and billions of dollars in healthcare costs," stated James E. Brown, D.V.M., President and CEO of DURECT. "Since we reported results from our Phase 2b AHFIRM clinical trial for larsucosterol in AH, our primary focus has been advancing larsucosterol towards the completion of clinical development. We chose this transaction with Bausch Health because we believe it provides significant value for our stakeholders, both immediately and in the long term, should larsucosterol be approved and achieve commercial success. We view Bausch Health as the right partner to advance larsucosterol due to their expertise in hepatology, commercial success with Xifaxan and experienced development team. We look forward to the potential impact larsucosterol could have for patients with AH and the medical community that cares for them. Thank you to our team at DURECT and our partners that have helped advance larsucosterol to this point." A registrational Phase 3 program to evaluate the safety and efficacy of larsucosterol for the treatment of patients with severe AH is being planned. The trial will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study. The primary endpoint will be 90-day survival. The trial design will incorporate feedback received from the FDA during a Type B meeting under Breakthrough Therapy Designation as well as learnings from the prior Phase 2b AHFIRM trial in AH. The acquisition of the clinical development program for larsucosterol in AH compliments the ongoing Bausch Health RED-C clinical program which is designed to assess the efficacy of a next generation therapeutic, rifaximin SSD, to delay onset of first overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) hospitalization and all-cause mortality. There are no medications globally approved for the primary prophylaxis and delay in decompensation to first episode of OHE in cirrhosis. Patient enrollment in two global Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies is now complete with efficacy and safety results expected to be announced in early 2026. "The addition of larsucosterol to our pipeline is a strategic fit with our focus in hepatology and underscores our continued dedication to exploring and identifying new treatments for individuals who are suffering with liver disease and its complications," stated Aimee Lenar, Executive Vice President of US Pharma at Bausch Health. "We are excited to continue investment in bringing these breakthrough options to market, not just in the US, but also globally." Transaction Terms and Financial Considerations Under the terms of the definitive agreement, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bausch Health will commence a tender offer for all outstanding shares of DURECT Corporation. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Bausch Health will pay $1.75 per share in an all-cash transaction for an upfront consideration of approximately $63 million at closing, with the potential for two additional net sales milestone payments of up to $350 million in the aggregate (subject to certain adjustments in respect of a retention plan) if the milestone is achieved before the earlier of the 10 year anniversary of the first commercial sale in the United States and December 31, 2045. The purchase price payable at closing represents a premium of approximately 191% to the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price of DURECT's common stock ended on July 28, 2025, the last trading day before the announcement of the transaction. This upfront consideration represents a premium of approximately 217% to the trading price of DURECT's common stock ended on July 28, 2025. The transaction is conditioned on a majority of the outstanding shares of DURECT Corporation's common stock being tendered into the tender offer and not withdrawn, as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Assuming the closing of the tender offer, Bausch Health will acquire any shares of DURECT not tendered into the tender offer through a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary with and into DURECT for the same per share consideration payable in the tender offer. Advisors Centerview Partners LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal advisor to Bausch Health. Locust Walk is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Orrick, Herington and Sutcliffe LLP is serving as legal advisor to DURECT. About Bausch HealthBausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC) (TSX: BHC), is a global, diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, dentistry, aesthetics, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. Our gastroenterology business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, is one of the largest specialty pharmaceutical businesses in the world and has licensed, developed and marketed innovative products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases for more than 30 years. For more information about Salix, visit and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information about Bausch Health, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn. About DURECT CorporationDURECT Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX) is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of epigenetic therapies that target dysregulated DNA methylation to transform the treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions, including acute organ injury. Larsucosterol, DURECT's lead drug candidate, binds to and inhibits the activity of DNA methyltransferases, epigenetic enzymes that are elevated and associated with hypermethylation found in AH patients. Larsucosterol is in clinical development for the potential treatment of AH, for which the FDA has granted a Fast Track and a Breakthrough Therapy designation; MASH is also being explored. For more information about DURECT, please visit and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at Forward Looking StatementsThis news release may contain forward-looking statements about the proposed transaction with DURECT (the "Transaction") and the future performance of Bausch Health (Bausch Health and DURECT, collectively, "the Parties"), which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to the Parties' overall businesses, including those more fully described in the Parties' most recent annual reports on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in the Parties' other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and, in the case of Bausch Health, the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: uncertainties relating to the timing of the consummation of the proposed Transaction; the possibility that any or all of the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction may not be satisfied or waived; the failure to obtain requisite stockholder approval of DURECT, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Transaction on Parties' ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and other business partners; the impact of the Transaction if consummated on Bausch's business, financial position and results of operations, including with respect to expectations regarding margin expansion, accretion and deleveraging; and risks relating to potential diversion of management attention away from the Parties' ongoing business operations. There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing the Transaction will be satisfied or that the tender offer and the Transaction will be consummated. Additional information regarding certain of these material factors and assumptions may be found in the Parties' filings described above as well as the filings made in connection with the Transaction described below. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Parties undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. Additional InformationThis news release is for information purposes only and not intended to be a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and does not constitute an offer for the sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction, including the United States. At the time the tender offer is commenced, we will file, or will cause to be filed, tender offer materials on Schedule TO with the SEC and DURECT will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC, in each case with respect to the tender offer. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND CONSIDERED BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER. Those materials and all other documents filed by, or caused to be filed by, BHC and DURECT with the SEC will be available at no charge on the SEC's website at The tender offer materials and related materials also may be obtained for free (when available) under the "Corporate Governance—SEC Filings" section of our investor website at and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement and such other documents also may be obtained for free (when available) from DURECT under the "SEC Filings" section of DURECT's investor website at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DURECT Corporation 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
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia's New Rule: Expired Visit Visa holders now have 30 days to exit without penalty
TL;DR A 30-day grace period is now available for all types of expired visit visas in Saudi Arabia. The grace period starts from Safar 1, 1447 AH (July 26, 2025). Visitors must pay any required fees/fines and apply through Tawasul on Absher. Saudi Arabia has announced a new grace period for visitors whose visit visas have expired. The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Kingdom to improve compliance with its residency and immigration rules, while also giving overstaying visitors a legal way to exit without additional penalties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a statement posted on X, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) stated that starting Saturday, July 26, 2025 (1 Safar 1447 AH), visitors who stayed beyond their visa validity will get a 30-day window to leave the country. This applies to all types of visit visas, regardless of category. The initiative was first introduced in June and now extended by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), which is overseeing the process. It aims to help individuals regularize their status and leave the country without facing escalated fines or legal issues. To use this grace period, individuals must follow a few steps, including paying any applicable fees and submitting their request online. Who Can Benefit? Anyone in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa that has already expired can apply for the 30-day exit grace period. This includes: Family visit visa holders Business visit visa holders Multiple-entry or single-entry visit visas There is no restriction on visa type, as long as it's a visit visa and has expired before the grace period starts. What You Need to Do To take advantage of this grace period, here's what's required: Pay the necessary fees and fines: This includes any penalties for overstaying before the grace period was announced. This includes any penalties for overstaying before the grace period was announced. Apply through Absher: Use the Ministry of Interior's digital platform, Absher, and access the Tawasul service. Submit a request for visa extension or final exit based on your situation. Use the Ministry of Interior's digital platform, Absher, and access the Tawasul service. Submit a request for visa extension or final exit based on your situation. Act within the 30-day window: The grace period begins July 26, 2025 and is valid for 30 days only. There will be no extensions beyond this period. The Jawazat has urged all eligible individuals to make use of this time and not delay. Ignoring the grace period could lead to more fines, possible deportation bans, or other legal consequences. Why This Matters Saudi Arabia's move shows a push for better immigration control, but it also offers a practical solution for visitors who may have overstayed for personal or financial reasons. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instead of facing harsh legal actions, people now have a clear path to exit the country in a legal and organized way. This also helps reduce congestion in the system, ensuring that overstayers aren't stuck or forced into desperate choices. How to Access the Tawasul Service on Absher Log into your Absher account Navigate to 'Tawasul' under services Submit your request with required documents Wait for the response and further instructions Make sure your contact information on Absher is correct so you don't miss important updates. FAQs 1. What happens if I miss the 30-day grace period? You may face higher fines, possible entry bans, or other legal action. It's best to act now. 2. Can I extend my visit visa through this initiative? No, this is strictly for final departure. It's not an extension to stay longer. 3. I have dependents with me, can we apply together? Yes, but each person must be included in the application. Make sure their details are submitted properly.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Barnama
Saudi Arabia Announces 30-Day Initiative To Extend All Types Of Expired Visit Visas
RIYADH, July 28 (Bernama-SPA) -- The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has announced an initiative to extend all types of expired visit visas for final departure. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the initiative provides a 30-day grace period effective from Safar 1, 1447 AH after payment of the prescribed fees and fines. The directorate stated that individuals can benefit from this initiative during the specified period by applying through the "Tawasul" service on the Ministry of Interior's electronic services platform, "Absher."
