Latest news with #biomarkers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Next-Generation Sequencing Enhancing Accuracy, Precision Medicine Advancements Propel Growth
The global companion diagnostics market is set to surge from USD 7.03 Billion in 2024 to USD 22.83 Billion by 2034, driven by rising cancer prevalence and precision medicine advancements. Key trends include enhanced diagnostic technologies like NGS and PCR, regulatory approvals, and growing targeted therapies demand. Companion Diagnostics Market Dublin, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Companion Diagnostics Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to global companion diagnostics market was valued at USD 7.03 Billion in 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of cancer across the globe. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to achieve a value of USD 22.83 Billion by 2034. Companion diagnostic tests help in the diagnosis of diseases and determines the most effective drug for a specific patient. These tests are crucial in cancer treatment, identifying biomarkers that indicate a patient's suitability for individualised treatment. Pharmaceutical companies integrate companion diagnostics into drug development to enhance efficacy, ensuring that only patients most likely to benefit receive targeted global companion diagnostics market is witnessing robust growth due to advancements in precision medicine and increasing demand for targeted therapies. Rising cancer prevalence, the need for biomarker-based diagnostics, and regulatory support for new test approvals drive market expansion. Moreover, the growing adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies further enhances diagnostic accuracy, enabling personalised treatment Drivers and Adoption TrendsThe companion diagnostic market is expanding due to rising demand for precision cancer treatments. Companies like Foundation Medicine lead innovations with products like FOUNDATIONONE CDx, which analyses cancer-related genes in solid tumors. Increasing regulatory approvals and advancements in companion diagnostic tests further support market growth. The rising prevalence of cancer has prompted greater adoption of companion diagnostics, ensuring effective treatment Approvals and COVID-19 ImpactThe U.S. FDA is approving novel companion diagnostic (CDx) tests, such as the Oncomine Dx Target Test by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., designed to detect HER2 (ERBB2) activating mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the COVID-19 pandemic initially reduced demand for companion diagnostics products, delaying novel diagnostic tests. Despite this, the global companion diagnostics market is expected to recover and expand significantly during the forecast Companion Diagnostics Market TrendsExpanding IndicationsThe market is broadening beyond oncology to include neurological, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. Regulatory approvals for new indications enable the development of biomarker-driven therapies, improving patient outcomes. This trend enhances diagnostic applications, supporting pharmaceutical innovations and expanding the market's potential across diverse therapeutic on Precision MedicineThe shift towards precision medicine is driving the demand for companion diagnostics, ensuring targeted drug selection. Advances in genomic profiling allow for personalised treatment plans, reducing adverse reactions and enhancing efficacy. Pharmaceutical companies increasingly integrate biomarker-based diagnostics to develop tailored therapies, improving patient care and optimising treatment Healthcare ExpendituresIncreasing healthcare investments globally support the growth of companion diagnostics, with governments and private entities funding research and development. The demand for early disease detection and advanced diagnostics drives higher spending, ensuring improved diagnostic capabilities and expanding access to innovative treatments, particularly in emerging in TechnologiesCutting-edge technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital pathology enhance the efficiency of companion diagnostics. Automated platforms enable faster, more accurate biomarker detection, supporting precision medicine. Continuous innovation in diagnostic tools strengthens the market, improving patient outcomes through highly specialised, data-driven Diagnostics Market Growth Factors Rising Cancer Incidence to Drive the Demand for Companion DiagnosticsThe increasing global burden of cancer is a key factor propelling the growth of the companion diagnostics market. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer cases are projected to reach 35 million by 2050, primarily due to population growth and ageing demographics. This surge in cases necessitates advanced diagnostic solutions for early detection, effective treatment, and improved patient outcomes. Companion diagnostics play a crucial role in guiding targeted therapies, ensuring personalised treatment strategies, and enhancing the efficacy of cancer technological advancements such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy techniques have further bolstered market expansion. These innovations facilitate rapid genetic profiling, helping oncologists identify specific biomarkers associated with different cancer types. The rising adoption of precision medicine by healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies is also a significant growth driver. As demand for customised cancer treatments increases, the market for companion diagnostics is expected to expand Approvals for Novel Diagnostic Tests to Fuel Market ExpansionThe approval of new companion diagnostic tests for various indications is another critical factor driving market growth. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other global health authorities continue to approve innovative diagnostic solutions for targeted therapies. These approvals validate the clinical efficacy of companion diagnostics, increasing their adoption across healthcare facilities. The expanding pipeline of biomarker-driven therapies further encourages diagnostic companies to develop novel tests, contributing to overall market regulatory support ensures that new diagnostics meet stringent safety and accuracy standards, enhancing physician confidence in their effectiveness. Recent approvals of companion diagnostic assays for lung, breast, and colorectal cancers have provided patients with access to personalised treatment options. As pharmaceutical firms continue to collaborate with diagnostic developers, the market is poised for sustained growth, driven by innovation and regulatory Factors Challenges in Reimbursement Policies and Strict Regulatory Requirements Hindering Market GrowthThe companion diagnostics market faces significant challenges due to complex reimbursement policies. Many healthcare systems lack well-defined reimbursement frameworks for companion diagnostic tests, making it difficult for patients and healthcare providers to afford these tests. The high cost of developing and validating these diagnostics further complicates accessibility, limiting their widespread adoption. Additionally, variations in reimbursement policies across different countries create inconsistencies in market regulatory requirements act as another major barrier, as companion diagnostics must undergo rigorous approval processes to ensure accuracy and efficacy. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA, EMA, and other global agencies enforce strict guidelines, leading to prolonged approval timelines. Compliance with these complex regulations requires substantial investment and expertise, delaying market entry for new high cost of companion diagnostics is another critical factor restricting market expansion. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies involve expensive equipment and specialised expertise, making these diagnostics unaffordable for many healthcare institutions. The financial burden on smaller laboratories and emerging markets further limits accessibility, restricting the overall growth of the limited awareness and adoption rates in developing regions pose additional challenges. A lack of trained professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and limited integration of precision medicine hinder the widespread implementation of companion diagnostics. Addressing these barriers requires increased investment in education, regulatory simplifications, and improved reimbursement models to unlock the market's full potential. Key Industry Developments In October 2024, Roche secured FDA approval for its VENTANA Claudin 18 (43-14A) RxDx Assay, making it the first immunohistochemistry (IHC) companion diagnostic for CLDN18 protein expression in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma patients. This breakthrough enabled eligible patients to receive Astellas' targeted therapy VYLOY (zolbetuximab), enhancing treatment precision in gastrointestinal cancers. In August 2024, Illumina, Inc. announced FDA approval of its TruSightT Oncology (TSO) Comprehensive test, a single in vitro diagnostic (IVD) that can profile over 500 genes in solid tumors. This test is designed to identify both adult and pediatric patients with solid tumors that have neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions. If the test detects this, the patient may benefit from Bayer's VITRAKVI (larotrectinib). The test is also approved for identifying adult patients with advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has rearranged during transfection (RET) gene fusions. These patients may benefit from treatment with Lilly's RETEVMO (selpercatinib). In August 2024, QIAGEN expanded its collaboration with AstraZeneca to develop companion diagnostics (CDx) for chronic diseases. Using QIAGEN's QIAstat-Dx platform, the partnership aimed at create a genotyping assay that facilitates real-time patient screening, helping healthcare providers determine patient eligibility for AstraZeneca's genomically targeted medicines, ultimately improving treatment accessibility and clinical decision-making. In July 2024, BD and Quest Diagnostics entered a global collaboration to develop flow cytometry-based companion diagnostics (CDx) for cancer and other diseases. This partnership aimed at providing an end-to-end CDx solution pharmaceutical companies. It ranged from exploratory panel development to FDA-approved diagnostic kit distribution, so as to advance precision medicine for better treatment selection. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 400 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $7.03 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $22.83 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.5% Regions Covered Global Supplier Landscape Abbott F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Agilent Technologies, Inc. Illumina, Inc. Guardant Health Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. BIOMERIEUX QIAGEN Myriad Genetics, Inc. Global Companion Diagnostics Market SegmentationMarket Breakup by Offerings Products Assays, Kits and Reagents Instruments & Systems Software Services Market Breakup by Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction Immunohistochemistry In Situ Hybridization Next-Generation Sequencing Others Market Breakup by Indication Cancer Neurological Diseases Infectious Diseases Others Market Breakup by End User Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies Reference Laboratories Contract Research Organizations Others Market Breakup by Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Companion Diagnostics Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NewAmsterdam Pharma to Present Alzheimer's Biomarker Data from BROADWAY Trial at AAIC 2025
– NewAmsterdam to host conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 30th – NAARDEN, the Netherlands and MIAMI, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewAmsterdam Pharma Company N.V. (Nasdaq: NAMS or 'NewAmsterdam' or the 'Company'), a late-stage, clinical biopharmaceutical company developing oral, non-statin medicines for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), for whom existing therapies are not sufficiently effective or well-tolerated, today announced that it will present full data from the prespecified Alzheimer's Disease (AD) biomarker analyses in the BROADWAY clinical trial (NCT05142722) in a late-breaking oral presentation at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), being held July 30, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. Details of the presentation are as follows: Presentation Title: Effects of Obicetrapib, a Potent Oral CETP Inhibitor, on Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers in 1727 Patients with Cardiovascular DiseaseSession Title: Developing Topics on Innovative Therapeutic ApproachesPresentation Date and Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 8:21-8:28 AM ETPresenter: Philip Scheltens M.D., Room 718 Conference Call and Webcast Information NewAmsterdam will host a live webcast and conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET on July 30, 2025 to review the full AD biomarker data presented at AAIC. The call will include remarks from featured speakers including: Philip Scheltens, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Neurology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and partner and head of EQT Life Sciences Dementia Fund; Kellyann Niotis, M.D., director of Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia Research at The Institute for Neurogenerative Diseases - Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Research Education Foundation; and Nathaniel Chin, M.D., medical director and Clinical Core Co-Leader for the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) and medical director for the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP). To access the live webcast, participants may register here. The live webcast will be available under the 'Events & Presentations' section of the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at To participate via telephone, please register in advance here. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call. While not required, it is recommended that participants join the call ten minutes prior to the scheduled start. An archived replay of the webcast will be available on NewAmsterdam's website following the live event. About ObicetrapibObicetrapib is a novel, oral, low-dose CETP inhibitor that NewAmsterdam is developing to overcome the limitations of current LDL-lowering treatments. In each of the Company's Phase 2 trials, ROSE2, TULIP, ROSE, and OCEAN, as well as the Company's Phase 3 BROOKLYN, BROADWAY and TANDEM trials, evaluating obicetrapib as monotherapy or combination therapy, the Company observed statistically significant LDL-lowering combined with a side effect profile similar to that of placebo. The Company commenced the Phase 3 PREVAIL cardiovascular outcomes trial in March 2022, which is designed to assess the potential of obicetrapib to reduce occurrences of MACE. The Company completed enrollment of PREVAIL in April 2024 and randomized over 9,500 patients. Commercialization rights of obicetrapib in Europe, either as a monotherapy or as part of a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe, have been exclusively granted to the Menarini Group, an Italy-based, leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company. About NewAmsterdamNewAmsterdam Pharma (Nasdaq: NAMS) is a late-stage, clinical biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to improve patient care in populations with metabolic diseases where currently approved therapies have not been adequate or well tolerated. We seek to fill a significant unmet need for a safe, well-tolerated and convenient LDL-lowering therapy. In multiple Phase 3 trials, NewAmsterdam is investigating obicetrapib, an oral, low-dose and once-daily CETP inhibitor, alone or as a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe, as LDL-C lowering therapies to be used as an adjunct to statin therapy for patients at risk of CVD with elevated LDL-C, for whom existing therapies are not sufficiently effective or well tolerated. Company ContactMatthew PhilippeP: Media ContactReal Chemistry on behalf of NewAmsterdamChristian EdgingtonP: 1-513-310-6410cedgington@ Investor ContactPrecision AQ on behalf of NewAmsterdamAustin MurtaghP: 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
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Key Market Players Paving the Way for Advancements in Exosome-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics
The global exosome research market is anticipated to expand from USD 214.4 million in 2025 to USD 480.6 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 17.5%. This growth is driven by the rising need for advanced diagnostics due to the prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Exosomes, serving as biomarkers and therapeutic delivery agents, fulfill this demand. The kits & reagents segment is expected to lead growth, aligning with the increased demand for efficient exosome research tools. North America is projected to experience the highest growth, thanks to significant government investments supporting research initiatives. Key players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bio-Techne are profiled. Exosome Research Market Dublin, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Exosome Research Market by Offering (Kits, Reagents (Antibodies, Isolation, Purification), Instruments, Services), Indication (Cancer, Infectious Diseases), Application (Biomarkers, Vaccines), Manufacturing Services (Stem Cell) - Global Forecast to 2030" report has been added to global exosome research market is projected to reach USD 480.6 million by 2030 from USD 214.4 million in 2025, at a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period. The report will help market leaders and new entrants by providing them with the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall exosome research market and its subsegments. It will also help stakeholders better understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and make suitable go-to-market strategies. This report will enable stakeholders to understand the market's pulse and provide them with information on the key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. The expansion of the exosome research market is primarily fueled by the escalating incidence of chronic diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and CVDs; this trend underscores the urgent need for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Exosomes, due to their properties as potential biomarkers and their capacity to facilitate targeted therapeutic delivery, are uniquely positioned to address the increasing demand for advanced disease diagnostics and treatment modalities. The kits & reagents segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the study academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and diagnostic developers delve deeper into the multifaceted roles of exosomes in disease diagnostics and therapeutic interventions, there has been a notable increase in the demand for standardized, user-friendly kits & reagents. These specialized tools play a crucial role in simplifying and expediting the workflows associated with exosome isolation, purification, labeling, and downstream analysis. Exosomes, nano-sized vesicles secreted by cells, have emerged as significant biomarkers in various diseases, necessitating precise handling and standardization offered by commercially available kits helps ensure that researchers can perform these tasks with consistency and reliability, which is vital in both translational research and preclinical development. In particular, reproducibility is critical in scientific research; utilizing validated kits ensures consistent protocols that minimize variability and enhance overall research outcomes. This reliability is particularly pertinent in biomarker discovery and liquid biopsy research, where the identification of accurate biomarkers is paramount for early disease detection and the growing interest in exosome-based diagnostics - especially within oncology for cancer detection and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's - laboratories are increasingly opting for ready-to-use reagent systems. These systems facilitate sample preparation, RNA and DNA extraction, and comprehensive cargo profiling, thereby supporting a range of downstream molecular applications. The integration of such standardized tools not only streamlines the research process but also enhances the quality of data generated, ultimately contributing to the advancement of exosome research in clinical settings. As the landscape of diagnostics continues to evolve, the role of such reliable and efficient kits will become even more pronounced, paving the way for breakthroughs in personalized medicine and targeted America is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the global exosome research market from 2025 to America maintains its leading position in the global exosome research market, primarily due to substantial government investment and support mechanisms. Key organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States are pivotal, channeling significant funding into biomedical research, specifically targeting projects centered on exosomes. This financial endorsement empowers researchers to explore novel applications of exosomes in both diagnostics and therapeutics. For example, in June 2024, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) renewed a USD 12 million Program Project Grant (PPG) to support researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple investigation focuses on heart cell-derived exosomes and their involvement in cardiac injury and repair processes. This funding facilitates a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which exosomes contribute to myocardial tissue regeneration, potentially leading to groundbreaking therapeutic strategies. Likewise, in August 2023, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) allocated USD 2.5 million to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to advance research on exosome-based biomarkers for prostate cancer detection through urine and blood assays. Such robust government backing not only propels scientific exploration but also fosters collaboration between academic institutions and industry, thereby cultivating a dynamic research ecosystem. This well-capitalized environment accelerates innovation and reinforces North America's status as a frontrunner in exosome research. As a result, the region continues to draw in investments and talent, driving ongoing growth within the exosome research report provides insights on the following pointers: Analysis of key drivers (increasing investment in pharmaceutical & life sciences research, rising cancer prevalence, and increasing interest in exosome-based procedures), restraints (technical complexity of exosome isolation, and regulatory uncertainty in exosome research), opportunities (rising investments in emerging countries for exosome research, growing interest in exosome-based therapeutics, and increasing demand for personalized medicines), and Challenges (lack of gold standard protocols for exosome development and production and limited understanding of cargo loading). Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming products, research and development activities, and new product approvals/launches in the exosome research market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets; the report analyses the market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the exosome research market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and product offerings of leading players. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into their key strategies, product launches/ approvals, acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, other recent developments, investment and funding activities, brand/product comparative analysis, and vendor valuation and financial metrics of the exosome research market. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 325 Forecast Period 2025 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $214.4 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $480.6 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 17.5% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Qiagen Lonza Danaher Bio-Techne System Biosciences, LLC Amsbio Roosterbio, Inc. Miltenyi Biotec Norgen Biotek Corp. Aethlon Medical, Inc. Creative Medical Technologies Holdings, Inc. Spectris Nanofcm, Inc. Izon Science Limited Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. Anjarium Biosciences AG Ciloa Innovaprep Ilias Biologics Inc. Unchained Labs Rion Inc. Cell Guidance System LLC Inoviq Nx Pharmagen Exopharm Everzom Nanosomix Creative Biolabs For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Exosome Research Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
The Independent
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Biological changes linked to Alzheimer's begin decades before symptoms appear, study says
A Finnish study indicates that signs of Alzheimer's disease, specifically elevated brain-related biomarkers, may be detectable in blood from middle age. The research, involving 2,051 individuals, found these biological changes in adults aged 41 to 56, suggesting they begin decades before typical symptom onset. The study also identified a potential hereditary component, with a parent's biomarker levels, particularly mothers, possibly linked to similar patterns in their children. Factors such as increasing age and kidney disease were associated with higher biomarker levels, and the APOE ε4 gene was linked to higher levels in older individuals. Researchers cautioned that while promising, these blood tests are not yet suitable for routine diagnosis and require further research for standardization.
The Independent
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Blood tests could reveal early signs of Alzheimer's disease, research suggests
Signs of Alzheimer's disease could be detectable in the blood as early as middle age, a study has found, raising hopes that routine tests could eventually help identify those at risk of the condition long before memory problems appear. A large Finnish project, which is part of the long-term 'Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns' study, found elevated levels of brain-related biomarkers in adults aged 41 to 56, suggesting that biological changes linked to Alzheimer's begin decades before symptoms usually arise. The study also reported that a parent's biomarker levels, particularly in mothers, may be associated with similar patterns in their children, highlighting a potential hereditary component. A total of 2,051 individuals took part in the study: 1,237 were middle-aged adults aged 41 to 56, and 814 were their parents aged 59 to 90. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Turku and published in The Lancet 's 'Healthy Longevity'. 'In clinical practice, detecting beta-amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease currently requires imaging studies or cerebrospinal fluid sampling,' said Suvi Rovio, senior researcher at the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Turku. 'However, recently developed ultrasensitive measurement technologies now allow the detection of Alzheimer's disease-related brain biomarkers from blood samples.' Researchers found that certain factors, such as increasing age and kidney disease, were associated with higher levels of biomarkers even before cognitive decline set in. They also found that the APOE ε4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's, was linked to higher biomarker levels in older individuals - although it did not yet appear to influence levels in those under the age of 60. But the researchers cautioned that blood tests are not yet suitable for diagnosis. 'In order to reliably use blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in the future, more research is needed across different populations and age groups to standardise reference values,' Ms Rovio said. Marja Heiskanen, another senior researcher involved in the project, said the findings offer new insight into brain health from middle age onwards. 'Until now, brain biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease have mainly been studied in older individuals. Our study provides new insights into biomarker levels and associated factors starting from middle age,' she said.
