Latest news with #CulverCity-based
Los Angeles Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
‘Pokémon Go' sells to Culver City-based Scopely in $3.5 billion deal
Scopely, a Culver City-based mobile game developer and publisher, will acquire the games portfolio of developer Niantic, including 'Pokémon Go,' 'Pikmin Bloom' and 'Monster Hunter Now,' in a deal valued at $3.5 billion, the companies said Wednesday. Niantic's games generated $1 billion in revenue in 2024, and 'Pokémon Go' has remained a top 10 mobile game since its launch in 2016, according to Scopely. Players — also called trainers, who capture and battle monsters by walking around in the real world with a digital overlay, called augmented reality — have logged 30 billion miles in the app. The game, a sensation when it debuted, counts 20 million weekly active players. Last month, over 253,000 people in Los Angeles and Orange counties attended a virtual 'Pokémon Go' event, nearly ten years after its release. People playing mobile games spent $82 billion on in-app purchases globally in 2024, according to a report from Sensor Tower, an increase of 4% from 2023. While less people are downloading gaming apps, the report said, they're spending more time and money on them. 'We look forward to further accelerating the team's creativity through our partnership,' Scopely chief revenue officer Tim O'Brien said in a statement. 'Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of 'Pokémon GO.'' The development team working on 'Pokémon Go,' led by Ed Wu, is staying together under Scopely, according to a Wednesday blog post. Wu said the new ownership would be a positive step for the game, which he called his 'life's work.' Other games acquired by Scopely include 'Campfire' and 'Wayfarer.' Scopely already has 'Monopoly Go,' 'Marvel Strike Force' and others in its portfolio. 'Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration, and I am confident they will continue to do both as part of Scopely,' John Hanke, founder and chief executive of Niantic, said in the Wednesday release. San Francisco-based Niantic will retain its technology and spin it into a new company called Niantic Spatial Inc., according to a release on its website, which will help machines learn to interact with the real world using artificial intelligence. The company will keep its other games that use the augmented reality tech, 'Ingress Prime' and 'Peridot.'
Los Angeles Times
05-03-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
ImmunityBio Receives FDA RMAT Designation for ANKTIVA and CAR-NK (PD-L1 t-haNK) to Achieve Reversal of Lymphopenia in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Culver City-based ImmunityBio, Inc., a leading immunotherapy company, has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for the company's ANKTIVA and CAR-NK (PD-L1 t-haNK) for the reversal of Lymphopenia in patients receiving standard-of-care chemotherapy/radiotherapy and in multiply relapsed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. The complete blood count (CBC) is a standard assay widely used by oncologists to assess the status of the immune system following chemotherapy and radiation. To date, information on the cellular elements in the CBC assay provides information to the physician for the treatment of anemia, neutropenia and reduced platelet counts associated with the adverse events of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Anemia, neutropenia and reduced platelet counts can be treated with currently approved therapies, including EPOGEN, NEUPOGEN and platelet transfusion, respectively. However, chemotherapy and radiation have also caused a reduction in the very cells necessary to kill cancer cells. This reduction in the lymphocytes by the standard of care also inhibits the induction of T cell memory in the absence of specific (CD4+, CD8+) T cells. A treatment for the reversal of these adverse events of lymphopenia, induced by current standard of care, has eluded the industry for the past 50 years. ImmunityBio and its founder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong developed a vision over the past decades that activation and proliferation of these key lymphocytes was necessary to win the war against cancer and indeed even prevent cancer in subjects at high risk. 'With the clinical results of the QUILT trials across multiple tumor types from 2017 to 2024, validating the hypothesis that high-dose chemotherapy and radiation induces lymphopenia and can be reversed by ANKTIVA together with off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells (PD-L1 t-haNK) resulting in prolongation of overall survival, and enabling ImmunityBio to reapply for RMAT in 2025,' said Dr. Soon-Shiong. 'I am so grateful for the FDA to have recognized the evolution of science and the need for adoption of 21st-century medicine and cell therapy, particularly the role of NK cell therapy in our war against cancer as a universal therapy in cancer, and in the potential treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV, HPV and COVID. Today's designation of ANKTIVA and the first CAR-NK (PD-L1 T-haNK), both first-in-class molecules to activate lymphocytes within the body (via subcutaneous injection of ANKTIVA) and via ex-vivo infusion of off-the-shelf PD-L1 NK cells, is an inflection point and a paradigm change of how we could treat patients with cancer and viral infections. The absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) which has been largely ignored by physicians, since no therapy existed to address lymphopenia, could now be both a prognostic biomarker and more importantly, the potential as a therapeutic biomarker.' 'Multiple publications in the last five years have shown that patients with low lymphocyte counts, especially those with severe lymphopenia, have a statistically lower survival rate regardless of the tumor types,' added Dr. Soon-Shiong. 'With this RMAT designation and the attributes of an RMAT designation including all Breakthrough Therapy Designation features and statutory ways to support Accelerated Approval, we will move rapidly to file the BLA for these authorized indications provided by the RMAT designation. In addition, per the requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, ImmunityBio will make publicly available the Expanded Access Policy of ANKTIVA and PD-L1 t-haNK in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy/radiotherapy within 15 days.' In the authorization letter, the FDA has committed to work closely with ImmunityBio to provide guidance and advice on generating the evidence needed to 'support approval' of the indication 'in an efficient manner.'
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Culver City, Los Angeles Fine Artist Paal Anand Awarded 2025 Artist of the Year
Fondazione Effetto Arte awards Culver City, Los Angeles-based Fine Artist, Paal Anand, Artist of the Year 2025 LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, January 29, 2025 / / -- The Fondazione Effetto Arte has named Culver City-based artist Paal Anand as their 2025 Artist of the Year. The award ceremony will take place at the historic Palazzo Pucci, an architectural masterpiece owned by one of Florence's most distinguished families since the 12th century. The International Prize 'Artist of the Year 2025" recognizes exceptional achievement across multiple artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, performance, fashion design, and other creative fields. Curated by Dr. Salvatore Russo and Dr. Francesco Saverio Russo, the award identifies and celebrates artists who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to contemporary art. 'This recognition from the Fondazione Effetto Arte is truly humbling,' said Anand. 'I'm honored to represent Culver City's vibrant art scene and excited to receive the award in a city with such rich artistic heritage.' Anand, known for his groundbreaking work combining traditional darkroom techniques with contemporary digital art, was selected from an elite group of international artists. His innovative approach to merging cultural traditions with modern technology has garnered significant attention in the global art community. 'The selection reflects our commitment to recognizing artists who push the boundaries of contemporary creative expression,' said Dr. Salvatore Russo, co-curator of the award. The award ceremony will be held in the magnificent Palazzo Pucci, whose walls have witnessed centuries of Florentine art patronage. The palace, restored to the Pucci family by Cosimo I de' Medici himself after a historical conspiracy in 1560, received its current grand appearance through renovations designed by Paolo Falconieri in 1681. This historic setting, in the heart of Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance – provides a fitting backdrop for celebrating contemporary artistic excellence. About Fondazione Effetto Arte The Fondazione Effetto Arte is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and fostering international cultural exchange. The Foundation's Artist of the Year program has become one of the most prestigious recognitions in the contemporary art world. About Paal Anand Based in Culver City, Los Angeles, Paal Anand has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary art over the past year. His work has previously been recognized with Graphis Gold Photography Awards and featured in the Arte Laguna Prize international exhibition during the Biennale in Venice, Italy. About Florence Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, stands as a living museum of Renaissance art and architecture. Home to the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, and the historic Ponte Vecchio, the city continues its centuries-old tradition of nurturing and celebrating artistic excellence. PA Fineart +1 4246259655 Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sony Corp. Shake Up: Hiroki Totoki Named Corporate CEO, Hideaki Nishino Elevated to Solo CEO Role at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Corp. is shaking up its leadership ranks in Tokyo and San Mateo, elevating Hiroki Totoki to the top CEO post while Hideaki Nishino takes the reins of Sony Interactive Entertainment as the solo CEO of the unit that houses PlayStation. The corporate shuffle, effective April 1, was approved late Tuesday by the electronics and entertainment giant's board of directors in Tokyo. Totoki, a 38-year Sony veteran who most recently served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, will succeed Kenichiro Yoshida as leader of the company that is a cornerstone of the business landscape in Japan. Totoki will serve as president and CEO of Sony Corp. The handoff from Yoshida to Totoki also comes with a restructuring of the senior business ranks. Sony Pictures Entertainment, the company's Hollywood outpost, saw a leadership transition earlier this month when Ravi Ahuja took over CEO duties from Tony Vinciquerra. Sony Corp. in total has about 110,000 employees and is a powerhouse in manufacturing cameras and imaging devices and as well as TV sets, PlayStation devices and movies and TV shows through the Culver City-based Sony Pictures Entertainment. 'I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the important role of President and CEO,' Totoki said. 'My predecessors as CEO, Kazuo Hirai and Kenichiro Yoshida, have greatly enhanced Sony's value, and I will do my utmost to further build on this success and pass on an even better Sony to the next generation. At our Corporate Strategy Meeting in May of last year, we newly announced our `Creative Entertainment Vision,' which outlines where we want Sony to be in 10 years, with our Purpose as the guiding principle. Our greatest driver in achieving this is the diversity of our businesses and people, which is part of Sony's DNA, and our boundary spanners that transcend organizational barriers and organically connect that diversity to create new value. Together with our employees, creators, partners, and our new leadership team, I will work to create a bright future filled with a boundless sense of Kando (emotion).' Nishino was elevated to CEO of Sony Interactive's Platform Business Group in May 2024. He shared oversight of the PlayStation maker with Herman Hulst, who was CEO of the division's studio business group. Those appointments were made in the wake of the departure of CEO Jim Ryan. The elevation of Nishino to the top post overseeing all of SIE caught industry observers by surprise. 'I am truly honored to take the helm at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Technology and creativity are two of our biggest strengths as we continue to focus on developing experiences that deliver entertainment for everyone. We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation,' Nishino said. 'I want to thank Hermen for his expertise and leadership as he continues his role as CEO, Studio Business Group. I am deeply grateful for the PlayStation community and their continued support and I am very excited for what the future holds,' said Hideaki Nishino, CEO, Platform Business Group. Nishino will serve as president and CEO Sony Interactive Entertainment in addition to serving as CEO of the Platform Business Group and CEO of the Studio Business Group. Sony said that Hulst will continue to 'lead the development, publishing and business operations of SIE's first party-content.' He will also be tasked with driving Sony's push for SIE to work with Sony Pictures in developing adaptations of its gaming franchises as TV shows, movies and other mediums through PlayStation Productions. Other changes unveiled by Sony include the appointment of Lin Tao as the first female CFO in the company's 80-plus year history. Shinji Sashida was named head of the Imaging and Sensing Solutions division, a key growth area in hardware for the company. Tao is a 20-year Sony veteran who was previously senior VP of finance, corporate strategy and development for Sony Interactive Entertainment. Yoshida has been at the top of Sony since 2018. During his tenure, he streamlined the company's operations and furthered its focus on high-margin hardware — such as cameras and video tools — and galvanized the company to put its energy into activities revolving around creativity and entertainment, meaning that its traditional core business of hardware was the foundation but not the focus. Yoshida also upped Sony's investment in content and entertainment assets, starting one month into his tenure when he expanded Sony Music with the acquisition of EMI for more than $3.5 billion. In his public remarks, Yoshida frequently expressed that the company had honed its mission and purpose to 'fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology.' Yoshida has been with Sony since 1983. Yoshida emphasized that Tuesday's announcement had been in the works and that it was his decision to hand the baton to Totoki. 'Based on Hiroki Totoki's contributions to Sony, including his achievements since being appointed as President and COO in April 2023, I proposed to them that he succeed me as CEO this April,' Yoshida said. 'I am grateful to the Nominating Committee and the Board for their support of this proposal. Totoki has been a key member of the management team ever since I became President and CEO in April 2018. He spearheaded growth strategies for the Sony Group, such as our investments in content IP and semiconductors, and is a leader capable of shaping our vision and strategy for future growth. Going forward, I will support Totoki as he leads his new management team.' (Pictured top: Hiroki Totoki and Hideaki Nishino) Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in February 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
