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See - Sada Elbalad
14 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
KOICA Holds WFK Program Partner Organization Workshop in Cairo
Rana Atef The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), South Korea's official development assistance agency, held the 'Annual WFK (World Friends Korea) Volunteer Program Partner Organizations Workshop' on May 29, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Maadi Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. The event was attended by 30 participants, including representatives from the KOICA Egypt Office and its partner ministries and organizations where KOICA volunteers are actively serving in various fields. The purpose of the workshop was to promote the understanding of the KOICA Egypt Office's WFK Volunteer Program among newly partnering organizations and to share best practices and recommendations from current organizations. This event took place in line with the KOICA Egypt Office's initiative to expand the cooperation in areas such as Korean Language education, physical education, music and art, and computer skills development through Korean volunteers in local communities across the Egyptian governorates. Participants included representatives from Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS), Helwan University, Sadat City University, Luxor university, Beni Suef Technological University, the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH) in Luxor, the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels in 6th of October City, Misr public libraries of Cairo and Luxor, and Taekwondo Training Center in Aswan. Notably, Dr. Abdullah El Batesh, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, attended to offer congratulations and to strengthen the collaboration for this program. At the higher education level, university leaders also took part in exploring and discussing the comprehensive collaboration of Korean language education in the context of tourism development at the higher education level. The workshop started with welcoming remarks from KOICA Egypt Office Country Director Ms. Jinyoung Kim and Dr. Abdullah El Batesh, followed by a comprehensive presentation covering KOICA's volunteer program framework, volunteer demand request/dispatch process, activity outlines, and participating organizations' undertakings. The Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels in Luxor (EGOTH), a long-standing partner organization, presented its vivid experiences and benefits from working with KOICA volunteers on the campus, and two currently serving KOICA volunteers, Mr. Oh Young Yu (MODLI, Cairo) and Mrs. Hyeryeong Kim (MISR Public Library, Cairo), shared their on-site experiences and program outcomes, offering firsthand insights on volunteer activities. A group discussion followed, where participants reflected on collaboration experiences, shared expectations from new partners, and proposed actionable ideas for strengthening cooperation. The exchange helped build mutual understanding and synergy among participants. Dr. Abdullah El Batesh stated, 'We look forward to applying KOICA's educational models in our youth centers. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity to align with our goals.' Dr. Ghada Tosson, Director of the University-Industry Cooperation Center of Beni-Suef Technological University, commented, "We have been cooperating with KOICA volunteers to offer students practical job skills opportunities for Korean language education and computing skills. We hope to strengthen our partnership to further enhance access to job markets for students in the Upper Egypt Region.' Beni-Suef Technological University was established in 2019 with the support of the KOICA grant program (2016~2028/14 million USD) and provides bachelor's degree programs in mechatronics, autotronics, ICT and rail way technology. For her part, KOICA's Egypt Office Country Director, expressed her gratitude to all partner institutions, stating, 'Today's workshop was a meaningful occasion for planning our shared future and reinforcing our partnership,' mentioning that active communication among stakeholders and diversified volunteer fields/activities are key to enhancing youth empowerment through the program. KOICA Egypt Office plans to continue working with educational and public institutions across Egypt to nurture young talent, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to sustainable community development. More than 20 volunteers are expected to be dispatched and work with youths across Egypt as of 2025. KOICA is a Korean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implements grant aid programs aiming to combat poverty and support sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries. The KOICA Egypt Office, established in 1998, provides technical education for youths, supports the digitalization of government services and systems, and carries out programs to address gender-based violence, strengthen women's empowerment, and support vulnerable groups read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
CORRECTING and REPLACING New XOFIGO ® (radium-223 dichloride) Data in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer from Phase III PEACE III Trial Published in Annals of Oncology
WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reissuing release to remove eighth paragraph. The updated release reads: XOFIGO ® (radium-223 dichloride) in combination with enzalutamide significantly increased radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastases, with a 31% reduction in the risk of progression or death compared to enzalutamide alone (HR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54-0.87; p=0.0009) At the pre-planned interim analysis, patients treated with XOFIGO in combination with enzalutamide also demonstrated statistically significant overall survival (OS), with a 31% reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52-0.90; p=0.0031), and a median OS of 42.3 months (95% CI 36.8-49.1) for XOFIGO plus enzalutamide compared to 35.0 months (95% CI 28.8-38.9) in the enzalutamide arm Results were previously presented as a late-breaking abstract during the Presidential Symposium at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2024 Annual Meeting Annals of Oncology published full results from the pivotal investigational Phase III PEACE III trial, evaluating XOFIGO ® (radium-223 dichloride) in combination with enzalutamide, an AR pathway inhibitor (ARPI), versus enzalutamide alone in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastases. 1 XOFIGO is indicated for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastatic disease. 2 Initially presented as a late-breaking abstract during the Presidential Symposium at ESMO 2024, results demonstrated that the addition of XOFIGO to enzalutamide significantly increased radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) for patients with mCRPC with bone metastases, with a 31% reduction in the risk of progression or death (HR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54-0.87; p=0.0009) compared to enzalutamide alone. 1,3 Patients receiving XOFIGO in combination with enzalutamide had a median rPFS of 19.4 months (95% CI, 17.1-25.3 months) compared to 16.4 months (95% CI, 13.8-19.2 months) with enzalutamide, a 3-month difference in median rPFS. 1,3 The trial was a collaboration between the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Clinical Trial Ireland (CTI), the Canadian Urological Oncology Group (CUOG), the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), and French UNICANCER Urogenital Tumor Study Group (GETUG). Additionally, at a preplanned interim analysis the results demonstrated statistically significant overall survival (OS), with a 31% reduction in the risk of death (HR=0.69; 95% CI 0.52-0.90; p=0.0031), with a median OS of 35.0 months (95% CI 28.8-38.9) in the enzalutamide arm compared to 42.3 months (95% CI 36.8-49.1) for XOFIGO plus enzalutamide. 1 The study will continue to the final OS analysis. XOFIGO is the first and only alpha emitting radiopharmaceutical that treats bone metastases in mCRPC approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 'PEACE III is the first major Phase III trial to combine an ARPI with radiopharmaceutical that showed statistical significance in meeting the primary endpoint,' said Denis Lacombe, Chief Executive Officer, EORTC. 'The EORTC is proud to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking trial, helping to redefine the development of clinical trials and supporting patient care for difficult to treat diseases.' The results were consistent with the established safety profile of XOFIGO, although authors noted the importance of administering bone protective agents (BPAs) to avoid fractures. Following the release of the ERA-223 results, the PEACE III study was amended in March 2018 making BPAs mandatory at the monthly skeletal-related-event dose. The observed reduction in fractures following this amendment underlined the importance of using a BPA in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastasis also in the era of ARPI's. 4 Grade 3 or higher treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) were recorded in 65.6% of patients in the combination arm compared to 55.8% of patients who received enzalutamide alone. 1 The most frequent Grade 3 or higher TEAEs were hypertension (34%), fatigue (6%), fracture (5%), anemia (5%), and neutropenia (5%). 1 Fractures (either treatment-emergent or post-treatment, symptomatic or pathologic, or with or without BPA use) were reported in 24.3% of patients in the combination arm and 13.4% of patients in the enzalutamide arm. 1 These results demonstrate the potential for this combination to be a new treatment option for patients with mCRPC and bone metastases who have experienced disease progression on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). 'There remains an unmet patient need for people living with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have bone metastases,' said Christine Roth, Global Head of Product Strategy and Commercialization at Bayer's Pharmaceuticals Division. 'The PEACE III trial underscores our dedication to advancing therapies for patients with prostate cancer and exploring the full potential of XOFIGO.' The trial is supported by Astellas and Pfizer who manufacture enzalutamide (Xtandi) in collaboration with Bayer. About PEACE III (EORTC GUCG-1333) The PEACE III trial is an international, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of XOFIGO in combination with enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastases. A total of 446 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either XOFIGO 55 kBq/kg as an intravenous injection monthly for six cycles in combination with enzalutamide 160mg orally daily or enzalutamide 160mg orally daily. The primary endpoint was radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) by investigator assessment. Key secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), time to subsequent systemic treatment, pain progression, and symptomatic skeletal event. This trial was a collaboration with several cancer cooperative groups: EORTC, CTI, CUOG, LACOG, and GETUG. About Xofigo ® (radium-223 dichloride) Injection 2 Xofigo is indicated for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastatic disease. Important Safety Information for Xofigo ® (radium-223 dichloride) Injection Warnings and Precautions: Bone Marrow Suppression: In the phase 3 ALSYMPCA trial, 2% of patients in the Xofigo arm experienced bone marrow failure or ongoing pancytopenia, compared to no patients treated with placebo. There were two deaths due to bone marrow failure. For 7 of 13 patients treated with Xofigo bone marrow failure was ongoing at the time of death. Among the 13 patients who experienced bone marrow failure, 54% required blood transfusions. Four percent (4%) of patients in the Xofigo arm and 2% in the placebo arm permanently discontinued therapy due to bone marrow suppression. In the randomized trial, deaths related to vascular hemorrhage in association with myelosuppression were observed in 1% of Xofigo-treated patients compared to 0.3% of patients treated with placebo. The incidence of infection-related deaths (2%), serious infections (10%), and febrile neutropenia (<1%) was similar for patients treated with Xofigo and placebo. Myelosuppression–notably thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and leukopenia–has been reported in patients treated with Xofigo. Monitor patients with evidence of compromised bone marrow reserve closely and provide supportive care measures when clinically indicated. Discontinue Xofigo in patients who experience life-threatening complications despite supportive care for bone marrow failure Hematological Evaluation: Monitor blood counts at baseline and prior to every dose of Xofigo. Prior to first administering Xofigo, the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be ≥1.5 × 109/L, the platelet count ≥100 × 109/L, and hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL. Prior to subsequent administrations, the ANC should be ≥1 × 109/L and the platelet count ≥50 × 109/L. Discontinue Xofigo if hematologic values do not recover within 6 to 8 weeks after the last administration despite receiving supportive care Concomitant Use With Chemotherapy: Safety and efficacy of concomitant chemotherapy with Xofigo have not been established. Outside of a clinical trial, concomitant use of Xofigo in patients on chemotherapy is not recommended due to the potential for additive myelosuppression. If chemotherapy, other systemic radioisotopes, or hemibody external radiotherapy are administered during the treatment period, Xofigo should be discontinued Increased Fractures and Mortality in Combination With Abiraterone Plus Prednisone/Prednisolone: Xofigo is not recommended for use in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone outside of clinical trials. At the primary analysis of the Phase 3 ERA-223 study that evaluated concurrent initiation of Xofigo in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone in 806 asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC patients, an increased incidence of fractures (28.6% vs 11.4%) and deaths (38.5% vs 35.5%) have been observed in patients who received Xofigo in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone compared to patients who received placebo in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone. Safety and efficacy with the combination of Xofigo and agents other than gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues have not been established Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: The safety and efficacy of Xofigo have not been established in females. Xofigo can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Advise pregnant females and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise male patients to use condoms and their female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 6 months after completing treatment with Xofigo Administration and Radiation Protection: Xofigo should be received, used, and administered only by authorized persons in designated clinical settings. The administration of Xofigo is associated with potential risks to other persons from radiation or contamination from spills of bodily fluids such as urine, feces, or vomit. Therefore, radiation protection precautions must be taken in accordance with national and local regulations Fluid Status: Dehydration occurred in 3% of patients on Xofigo and 1% of patients on placebo. Xofigo increases adverse reactions such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which may result in dehydration. Monitor patients' oral intake and fluid status carefully and promptly treat patients who display signs or symptoms of dehydration or hypovolemia Injection Site Reactions: Erythema, pain, and edema at the injection site were reported in 1% of patients on Xofigo Secondary Malignant Neoplasms: Xofigo contributes to a patient's overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure may be associated with an increased risk of cancer and hereditary defects. Due to its mechanism of action and neoplastic changes, including osteosarcomas, in rats following administration of radium-223 dichloride, Xofigo may increase the risk of osteosarcoma or other secondary malignant neoplasms. However, the overall incidence of new malignancies in the randomized trial was lower on the Xofigo arm compared to placebo (<1% vs 2%; respectively), but the expected latency period for the development of secondary malignancies exceeds the duration of follow-up for patients on the trial Subsequent Treatment With Cytotoxic Chemotherapy: In the randomized clinical trial, 16% of patients in the Xofigo group and 18% of patients in the placebo group received cytotoxic chemotherapy after completion of study treatments. Adequate safety monitoring and laboratory testing was not performed to assess how patients treated with Xofigo will tolerate subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in the Xofigo arm vs the placebo arm, respectively, were nausea (36% vs 35%), diarrhea (25% vs 15%), vomiting (19% vs 14%), and peripheral edema (13% vs 10%). Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were reported in 57% of Xofigo-treated patients and 63% of placebo-treated patients. The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities in the Xofigo arm (≥10%) vs the placebo arm, respectively, were anemia (93% vs 88%), lymphocytopenia (72% vs 53%), leukopenia (35% vs 10%), thrombocytopenia (31% vs 22%), and neutropenia (18% vs 5%). Please see the full Prescribing Information for Xofigo (radium Ra 223 dichloride). About Oncology at Bayer Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer includes six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company's approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, 'Health for all, Hunger for none,' the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to © 2025 Bayer BAYER, the Bayer Cross and XOFIGO are registered trademarks of Bayer. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. References Tombal. B., et al. Enzalutamide plus Radium-223 in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Results of the EORTC 1333/PEACE-3 trial. Annals of Oncology. May 30, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/ Gillessen, S., et al. A randomized multicenter open label phase III trial comparing enzalutamide vs a combination of Radium-223 (Ra223) and enzalutamide in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): First results of EORTC-GUCG 1333/PEACE-3. European Society of Medical Oncology 2025 (ESMO) LBA1. September 9, 2024. Xofigo ® (radium-223 dichloride) Injection [Prescribing Information]. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, December 2019. Gillessen S, et al. Decrease in Fracture Rate with Mandatory Bone-protecting Agents in the EORTC 1333/PEACE-3 Trial Comparing Radium-223 Combined with Enzalutamide Versus Enzalutamide Alone: A Safety Analysis. Eur Urol. 2025 Mar;87(3):285-288.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Spirit of Africa shows how competition 4x4-ing should be
The 21st running of the event, and third sponsored by Nissan, came with the added task of restoring the author's take on four-wheel-drive battle events. Annual Spirit of Africa this year saw new the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior being the vehicle of use. Image: Charl Bosch Off-roading, whether as a passenger or behind the wheel, has been part of my life for more than 25 years. Having spent a great deal of my formative years, post-2000, in the back of a single cab Isuzu KB, two double cab Mitsubishi Colt Rodeo V6s and a Nissan Pathfinder with my father, late mother and brother criss-crossing Southern Africa from Swaziland to the Caprivi strip, the passion and appreciation for what these vehicles can do remains undiminished to this day. Not the best memory An invite nine years ago to attend an off-road jamboree in fully kitted-out short wheelbase Mitsubishi Pajero came with the same then enthusiasm, but ended in complete distrain. ALSO READ: Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior stakes claim in off-road bakkie fight Being a competition environment, the event was anything but enjoyable and ultimately descended into an ego trip filled with unsavoury post-results behaviour and remarks. I was, therefore, apprehensive to say 'yes' to the annual Spirit of Africa media event this week, as the competition aspect of off-roading has left a resounding bitter taste in my mouth. Celebrating a milestone Marking its 21st anniversary this year, and the third to be sponsored by Nissan, I decided to tick the 'yes' box as, unlike last time, I was to compete with my colleagues and not self-image driven individuals keener to belittle others than enjoying what had been set-up. Spirit of Africa this year celebrated its 21st running. Image: Charl Bosch The brainchild of 11-times South African rally champion and motorsport legend Sarel van der Merwe, the event this year took place at the Sandwani Game Lodge outside Cullinan, and saw the media and Nissan representatives use the newly launched Navara Pro-4X Warrior on 16 stages varying from high speed to slow and technical. Supposed to be as testing as possible, but within each driver and the car's limits, the 15 competing Navara Pro-4X Warriors made for an evocative sight standing next to each other. Spirit of Africa yes' and no's Confidence was something I had nothing of. Unlike some of my colleagues who were taking part in their third or fifth event, I was the rookie and under illusion that this won't be easy first time out. The Spirt of Africa fundamentals are, in fact, easy: each team starts out with 100 points and lose points for reversing (30), hitting the marker poles (10), the red flag indicators (30) and for every second over the stipulated time each stage would normally take. The devised stages were tight and confined in some places. Image: Nissan What's more, warnings and being disqualified for being unnecessarily silly – speeding in between stages for example – are also applicable, with the very real outcome of being thrown-out completely if damage to the car is recorded. Gaining points though comes via the speed sections, completing the stage within or faster than the mandated time, and not hitting any of the mentioned poles. Welcome Pro-4X Warrior There was the topic of who the Australian-developed Navara Pro-4X Warrior would perform first time around. The work of Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar, the Pro-4X Warrior, as its name points out, uses the 'normal' Pro-4X as a base, but receives a redesigned front bumper with a steel bashplate, wider front and rear tracks, uprated springs and dampers, and a lift-kit that raises ground clearance from 221 mm to 232 mm. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior showed no let-up in its maiden Spirit of Africa. Image: Nissan Completing the upgrades are 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, side-steps, 'riveted' wheel arch cladding, red accents, Pro-4X Warrior decals on the side of the loadbox, black mirror caps and a black grille with a red Nissan badge. Besides red Warrior embroidery work on the headrests of the front seats, the interior is otherwise identical to the Pro-4X, with the same applying to the standard features sheet. Underneath its bonnet, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine has not undergone any changes and as such, delivers 140kW/450Nm to the rear or all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Action commences Pre-event rule briefing over, I decided to sideline the happenings of almost a decade ago and try to enjoy my time with the Pro-4X Warrior rather than worrying about the scorecard. But, as my colleague Willem van de Putte famously put it, once behind the wheel and into the stage, the competitive aspect takes over as simply having fun turns into a desire to win, not being silly and completing the stage with one's race-face on. The first stage involved a simple speed test, but through a tunnel of poles and flags on either side. My driving partner, Naresh Maharaj, acquitted himself brilliantly and we finished it relatively trouble-free. Navara Pro-4X Warrior should its worth going up and down. Image: Charl Bosch Knowing that the slow and technical sections tend to suit me better, I took the wheel for the second stage, which became a disaster not long after. Tight and twisty it was, precision was the key and unfortunately, a few poles got touched – some disappearing underneath the Pro-4X Warrior – as I simply to get into a rhythm with the clock ticking. As disappointed as I was, the driver swap for the next speed section went according to plan with a clean run. Stage four, named Blood, Sweat and Gears, had everything I loved about off-roading; rocky outcrops, tight corners, a few downhill section, blind crests and a steep descent at the end. Stages demand patience, precession and not hitting any of the placed market poles. Image: Charl Bosch Again though, a few wrong lines saw poles being touched, yet I was starting to get into the swing of things and, admittedly, taking it very seriously. Another well executed speed section later, the second section of the event, a slalom and then a an uphill park in reverse, went completely array as both Naresh and I copped a 'DQ' for different infringements that had departed our minds in the heat of battle. Admittedly, this resulted in memories of the past event flaring back up. However, I knew I couldn't let it keep me downhearted as I made peace with the fact that our #10 Navara Pro-4X Warrior had probably dropped to the back of the field. The final technical and twisty section, despite appearing anything but difficult, proved to be the most enjoyable. Third last stage came with a water crossing. Image: Charl Bosch Again, all about being precise, smooth and accurate, it also included a river crossing and a tight uphill turn to the left and the right. Dropping downhill at the finish, less poles were clipped and more points gained, though we still had no idea where we ranked overall. For the final pair of speed tests, Sandwani's version of the Mulsanne straight had been laid out. But, unlike the famous stretch of public French road that forms part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there would be slipstreaming. Instead, the stage was a side-by-side drag race, on gravel. Penultimate stage consisted of a high speed drag race. Image: Charl Bosch Having kept the Navara in 4L or high range four-wheel-drive throughout the event, thoughts of possibly switching back to the default 2H came up for discussion as we prepared to blast off. Concerns, however, of traction being lost settled the argument and instead, an impromptu launch control method was settled upon. With 4L still selected, dabbing the throttle while keeping my left foot on the brake saw the Pro-4X Warrior accelerate quicker than I had expected when the 'go' call crackled over the handheld radio. Feeling stable and undramatic, we crossed the line well ahead of our competition and at close to 120 km/h. The second run was just as faultless and once again, Naresh and I won our battle, albeit with a slightly narrower margin than before. While supposed to have taken place over the mentioned 16 stages time constraints meant only 12 could be completed, the final being a figure-of-eight with each car starting at the opposite end based on their number. A stage that balances speed with smoothness into the corners, I knew I had to do well after what had been a much better second half of the event than the first. Badly cut-up in places by the time we arrived, the stage was testing but fun, and while two poles we touched, I exited with a smile in complete contrast to how it started a few hours before. Top 10 finish At the end of it all, we didn't place 15th, but rather scored a top 10 finish, aptly in 10th place as per our vehicle number. From L-R: Naresh Maharaj, Sarel van der Merwe and The Citizen's Charl Bosch at the end of the event. Image: Nissan An event that ended on a high despite my pre-conceived notions, no egos arose and became thoroughly enjoyable as a discipline of this type should be. What's more, it also showcased the capability of the Navara Pro-4X Warrior as no vehicle developed issues or sustained damage throughout the day. NOW READ: Nissan Navara traverses Africa without a single squeak or rattle
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Landmark Cars drops after Q4 PAT slumps 87% YoY to Rs 1 cr
Landmark Cars fell 5.79% to Rs 455.95 after the company's consolidated net profit declined 86.6% YoY to Rs 1.42 crore despite a 26.3% jump in revenue from operations to Rs 1,091.22 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Profit before tax (PBT) declined 73.9% YoY to Rs 4.03 crore in Q4 FY25. EBITDA increased 8.19% to Rs 60.8 crore in Q4 FY25, recording the growth of 8.19% compared with Rs 56.2 crore posted in corresponding quarter last year, while EBITDA margin reduced at 5.6% in Q4 FY25 as against 6.5% in Q4 FY24. Proforma revenues climbed 17.43% to Rs 1,526 crore in Q4 FY25 from Rs 1,299.5 crore in Q4 FY24. For full year, the companys consolidated net profit declined 71.6% to Rs 15.93 crore despite of 22.4% jump in revenue from operations to Rs 4025.50 crore in FY25 over FY24. Meanwhile, the companys board recommended a final dividend of Re 50 paise per equity share with a face value of Rs 5 each for financial year 2024-25, subject to approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company. Landmark Cars is the leading premium automotive retail business in India with dealerships for Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Jeep, Volkswagen, Citroen, BYD, Renault, Mahindra & Mahindra, KIA and MG Motors. The company has its presence across the automotive retail value chain, including sales of new vehicles, after-sales service and repairs, sales of pre-owned passenger vehicles and facilitation of the sales of third party financial and insurance products.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Debiopharm Ignites Oncology Innovation With Clinical and Translational Data on Debio 0123 at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago
LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2025-- Debiopharm ( ), a privately-owned, Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company aiming to establish tomorrow's standard-of-care to cure cancer and infectious diseases, today unveiled its upcoming contributions to the 2025 Annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The contributions feature three clinical poster presentations and one translational research abstract publication, highlighting Debio 0123's potential across solid tumors. Among them is new data from the Debio 0123-SCLC-104 trial in small-cell lung cancer, offering insights into the candidate's therapeutic potential in this difficult-to-treat disease. A Trial in Progress (TiP) poster from the investigator-initiated MedSir study—co-authored by Debiopharm—will present the design and methodology of the study investigating the combination of Debio 0123 with Trodelvy® in breast cancer patients. In parallel, a separate TiP poster for the Debio 0123-102 monotherapy study will outline the framework and objectives of the ongoing dose expansion phase. 'Presenting our latest data on Debio 0123 at ASCO 2025 is a proud milestone for our team,' said Angela Zubel, Chief Development Officer at Debiopharm. 'This research highlights the promise of WEE1 inhibition as a precision strategy to target the vulnerabilities of aggressive cancers. Our goal is to push the boundaries of innovation to bring transformative therapies to patients who urgently need new options.' Session Title: Developmental Therapeutics—Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology Session Title: Gynecologic Cancer Session Title: Lung Cancer—Non–Small Cell Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other Thoracic Cancers About DNA-Damage Repair (DDR) When cells have damaged DNA, they need to undergo a repair process called DDR to be able to survive. Cancer cells rely heavily on DDR as they divide and grow uncontrollably. Inhibition of DDR, particularly in combination with other anticancer agents, prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which ultimately activates a self-destruction program in cancer cells. DDR inhibitors such as Debiopharm's WEE1 inhibitor Debio 0123 are being tested in clinical and preclinical studies. Debiopharm's commitment to patients Debiopharm aims to develop innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs primarily in oncology and bacterial infections. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy, and then hand stewardship to large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally. For more information, please visit Follow us on LinkedIn: View source version on CONTACT: Debiopharm Contact Dawn Bonine Head of Communications [email protected] Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11 KEYWORD: ILLINOIS EUROPE SWITZERLAND UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ONCOLOGY HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH SCIENCE PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Debiopharm Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/29/2025 08:00 AM/DISC: 05/29/2025 07:59 AM
