Education · Nonprofits
Aiken Corporation Logo Amentum furnishes the space; NetPlanner and Suds in a Bucket provide services; Aiken’s Teen After School Center offers hands-on student training. Aiken Commons will give nonprofits a shared place to connect, collaborate, and dedicate more resources to the people they serve.” — Megan Pruitt, Executive Director, Aiken Corporation AIKEN, SC, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / --
Oct 23 · 18:13·EIN Presswire
Healthcare · Biotech & pharma
Sefaxersen achieved a statistically significant 43.1% reduction in proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney damage, relative to placebo at 37 weeks with consistent treatment effects across all prespecified patient subgroups1
As the first antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) evaluated in IgAN, sefaxersen inhibits complement factor B production and has the potential to slow IgAN disease progression by reducing kidney inflammation2
Investigational sefaxersen is intended to be a once-monthly subcutaneous injection and designed to enable convenient self-administration at home3
Despite recent advances, many people with IgAN remain at risk of disease progression and kidney failure, highlighting the need for additional targeted treatment options for those who do not respond to initial therapy4,5
Basel, 23 October 2026 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today late-breaking oral presentation data from the ongoing phase III IMAgINATION study in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) receiving optimised standard of care, demonstrating that investigational sefaxersen achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 43.1% reduction in proteinuria (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.5 - 52.0, P<0.0001), relative to placebo at 37 weeks, as measured by 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR).1 Proteinuria is a key indicator of kidney damage and a reduction in UPCR is strongly associated with the preservation of long-term kidney function.6,7 Results presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2026 also showed that, among patients with baseline haematuria (blood in urine), a greater proportion of patients achieved haematuria resolution at Week 37 with sefaxersen versus placebo.1
“These phase III results demonstrate the potential for sefaxersen to meaningfully reduce protein in the urine, a key indicator of kidney damage, in people with IgA nephropathy,” said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “By inhibiting complement factor B in the liver, sefaxersen may offer a novel approach to slow disease progression in IgAN, potentially helping patients delay or avoid long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation.”
The treatment effect in all prespecified subgroups was consistent with the clinically meaningful reductions in proteinuria shown in the primary endpoint results.1 Sefaxersen was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with the previously reported phase II study, exhibiting no new safety signals.1,2
Sefaxersen is an investigational once-monthly subcutaneous injection designed to enable convenient self-administration for people with IgAN.3 The IMAgINATION study will continue as a blinded study to evaluate the change in kidney function over two years, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at week 105. Data will be shared with health authorities, with the goal of bringing this treatment to patients as soon as possible.
Typically diagnosed before the age of 40, IgAN affects at least 25 adults per million worldwide each year.8,9 IgAN, also known as Berger’s disease, is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease that leads to end-stage kidney disease in up to 50% of patients within 20 years of diagnosis.5,10 It is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the tiny filters, glomeruli, in the kidneys) and is a major cause of chronic kidney disease as well as kidney failure.8
About sefaxersen
Investigational sefaxersen is the first highly specific liver-directed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibitor of factor B production being evaluated in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).2 Serum complement factor B levels are elevated in people with IgAN. When we reduce these levels, it in turn reduces the level of protein in urine, which is a key indicator of improved kidney function.11,12
Sefaxersen is designed to provide sustained control of the alternative complement pathway, an important pathway in IgAN, enabling once-monthly subcutaneous dosing and is intended for self-administration in people with IgAN.3 In phase I and II trials, sefaxersen was shown to be generally well tolerated in healthy volunteers and people with IgAN who were at high risk of progression, and reduced proteinuria and plasma complement factor B.2,13
Roche licensed sefaxersen from Ionis Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of complement mediated diseases.
About the IMAgINATION study
IMAgINATION [NCT05797610] is a phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous sefaxersen, an investigational antisense inhibitor of complement factor B, in patients with primary IgA nephropathy at high risk of progression.1,14 The study enrolled 459 people, who are randomised 1:1 to receive sefaxersen or placebo for 105 weeks.1,14 Participants may switch to open-label treatment after week 105 at the investigator's discretion or after the common-close timepoint, whichever occurs first.1,14 The primary endpoint of the study is the change from baseline in the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at 37 weeks.1,14
About primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN)
IgAN, also known as Berger’s disease, is a serious, chronic and progressive autoimmune kidney disease affecting at least 25 adults per million worldwide each year and is typically diagnosed before the age of 40 years.8-10 In IgAN, immune complexes deposit in the kidneys, which activates the complement system’s alternative pathway, leading to inflammation and subsequent kidney damage.15 It is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney glomeruli) and remains a leading cause of kidney failure, with up to 50% of patients experiencing end-stage kidney disease within 20 years of diagnosis.5,8 Many current therapies aim to reduce protein levels in the urine and control blood pressure to slow progression of the disease.16
Updated KDIGO 2025 guidelines* highlight the need to address both the underlying immune-mediated causes of IgAN and the downstream consequences of kidney damage.4 While new therapies have expanded treatment options, important unmet needs remain, including improved long-term preservation of kidney function and more targeted approaches that address key drivers of disease progression.4,16
About Roche in Immunology
For over two decades, Roche has advanced immune system research, creating groundbreaking targeted treatments that have transformed care for people with blood disorders, neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases. With a development pipeline exploring more than 20 medical approaches, we are targeting widespread, complex conditions like chronic lung disease (COPD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside lupus and autoimmune kidney diseases. Our ultimate goal is to lessen the burden of chronic immune disorders on patients, healthcare systems, and society.
About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.
Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries around the world. It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems. Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focuses on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.
Genentech in the United States is a fully owned subsidiary in the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a major innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.
For more information, please visit www.roche.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
*KDIGO guidelines serve as the foundational framework for healthcare organisations, policymakers, and clinicians worldwide to standardise kidney disease diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
References
[1] Barratt J., et al. Sefaxersen, a Novel mRNA-Targeted Therapy for IgA Nephropathy: Interim Analysis of the Phase 3 IMAgINATION Trial. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week; 2026 Oct 20-26; Denver, CO, USA. Abstract #FR-OR104.
[2] Barbour SJ, et al. A single-arm phase 2 trial of an investigational RNA therapeutic to complement factor B sefaxersen for treatment of IgA nephropathy. Kidney Int. 2026;109:592-601.
[3] Barratt J, et al. IMAGINATION: a global phase 3 trial of RO7434656, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of complement factor B, in IgA nephropathy. Kidney Int Rep. 2024;9 Suppl. WCN24-912.
[4] Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) IgAN and IgAV Work Group. KDIGO 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) and Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV). Kidney Int. 2025;108(4S):S1–S71.
[5] Caster DJ, et al. Clinicopathological characteristics of adult IgA nephropathy in the United States. Kidney Int Rep. 2023;8:1792-1800.
[6] Longhitano E, et al. Proteinuria and Progression of Renal Damage: The Main Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Pharmacological Approach. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Nov 6;60(11):1821.
[7] Qin X, et al. Association Between Urinary Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study. Front. Med. 2022; 9:854300.
[8] Pitcher D, et al. Long-term outcomes in IgA nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023;18:727-738.
[9] McGrogan A, Franssen CF and de Vries CS. The incidence of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide: a systematic review of the literature. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 26: 414-430.
[10] Cleveland Clinic. IgA Nephropathy [Internet; cited 2026 October 15]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5990-iga-nephropathy.
[11] Chiu YL, et al. Alternative complement pathway is activated and associated with galactose-deficient IgA. Front Immunol 2021; 12: 638309.
[12] Marques F, et al. Impact of early proteinuria reduction in glomerular disease and decline of kidney function: a retrospective cohort. J Clin Med. 2022;11(19):5968.
[13] McCaleb ML, et al. Inhibiting the alternative pathway of complement by reducing systemic complement factor B: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 studies with Sefaxersen. Immunobiology. 2025 Mar;230(2):152876.
[14] ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate RO7434656 in Participants With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) (IMAGINATION) (NCT05797610) [Internet; cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05797610.
[15] Wu MY, et al. The emerging role of pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. J Clin Med. 2018;7:225.
[16] Floege J, et al. Current treatment of IgA nephropathy. Semin Immunopathol. 2021;43:717-728.
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Attachment
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Oct 23 · 17:30·Roche
Crypto · Healthcare
With the message “Health Is Wealth,” the Unicoin Foundation today launched RISE IN PINK, a Crypto for Good fundraising campaign to support breast cancer early detection, education and patient services. Running through Nov. 15, the initiative invites individuals, businesses and community leaders to turn awareness into action by donating directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). - - Launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RISE IN PINK invites individuals, businesses and...
Read the full story at https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=363286
Oct 23 · 17:08·WebWire
Nonprofits
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., October 23, 2026--Pilot is proud to honor veterans and active-duty service members with a free meal on Veterans Day and invites guests to round up purchases to help veterans transition to civilian careers. As part of Pilot's Miles of Good giving program, the annual fundraising campaig
Oct 23 · 17:00·Business Wire
Travel · Food & drink
The October 25 event at Zafferano, held with Nargis Fund, combines dining and family entertainment with support for awareness initiatives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Four Seasons Hotel Baku will host a special Sunday brunch on October 25, 2026, at Zafferano restaurant. The event is organised with Nargis Fund in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion... Read the full news article
Oct 23 · 16:37·Travel PR News
Nonprofits
Rising leaders from across New York City's business and professional communities gathered for a special evening and raised nearly $700,000 in support of children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses NEW YORK, October 23, 2026--Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at the Edison B
Oct 23 · 15:35·Business Wire
AI · SaaS
Pipe Creek, TX Friday Oct 23, 2026 @ 10:20 AM Central —
The Building Texas Show's latest episode, New Texas State Park Near Boerne: Why It Isn't a Park | ABK, hosted by Justin McKenzie and published October 21, 2026, delivers an on-the-ground preview of the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area (ABK), the 3,814-acre site straddling Bandera County and Kendall County along Highway 46 between Boerne and Bandera. New site superintendent Stephanie Kwiatkowski, who stepped into the role in June, explains why Texas Parks and Wildlife is targeting late fall 2026 to open the gates, and why the agency classified ABK as a state natural area rather than a state park.
The conversation is a return visit for the show, which previously hosted founding superintendent James Rice while the land was still in survey and planning. Kwiatkowski walks listeners through several specific threads:
The legal and operational distinction between a state park and a state natural area under the Texas Admin Code, with comparisons to Government Canyon, Lost Maples, Inks Lake, and McKinney Falls.
The 28 miles of multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, joggers, and strollers.
Operational lessons from the July 2026 flooding event, which washed out landscaping, trails, and campsites before any public visitation.
Kwiatkowski frames the park-versus-natural-area question as a spectrum between recreation and conservation, and she is candid about the stakes of protecting the ABK viewshed. Standing in a UTV above the canyons during her first weeks on site, she described the moment this way:
"The site owns both sides of those canyons. And so that view, that viewshed, it is safeguarded for, um, forever."
She also credits the volunteer corps assembled by James Rice, a former biologist, calling the relationships "integral to our success as a site."
The episode digs into the ecological specifics that justify ABK's protective designation: bigtooth maples that rival those at Lost Maples State Natural Area, the riparian corridors along Red Bluff Creek and Pipe Creek, and the transition zones between ash juniper woodlands and creek bottoms. Kwiatkowski traces her own path from a childhood of camping in a pop-up trailer, through an environmental science degree with a minor in environmental sociology, GIS and consulting work, a formative seasonal job with the City of New Braunfels parks, the park operations trainee role at the Lost Pines Complex (Bastrop and Buescher State Parks), and an assistant superintendent stint at Pedernales Falls State Park before her June promotion. Construction crews, subcontractors, and a six-person site team are now preparing cabins, screened shelters, tent sites, backcountry camping, and hike-and-bike infrastructure for public access.
About The Building Texas Show
The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, spotlights the people, places, and projects shaping Texas communities, from Hill Country conservation to small-business entrepreneurship. New episodes publish weekly across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, with sponsorship support from Chisos Boots. The ABK episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
Oct 23 · 15:20·Newsworthy.ai
Finance · SaaS
Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2026 - International real estate firm Savills Hong Kong hosted a grand reception today at Cloud 39, the spectacular rooftop event venue at The Henderson in Central, to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The reception brought together more than 300 business partners, industry leaders and key stakeholders to mark the company’s significant milestone of 40 years in Hong Kong, celebrate Savills Hong Kong’s remarkable achievements over the years and explore its vision for the future.
Mr Simon Shaw (right), Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills, and
Mr Raymond Lee (left), Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills
Since establishing its presence in Hong Kong in 1986, Savills has witnessed and played a part in the city's dynamic growth and transformation over the decades. The management expressed its gratitude to business partners, clients and colleagues for their steadfast support over the years, reaffirming the Company’s commitment to professionalism and to moving forward together with the Hong Kong community.
Mr Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills
Mr Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills, said in his opening remarks, “Thank you for joining us to celebrate our 40th anniversary in Hong Kong. Over the past four decades, Hong Kong has experienced periods of rapid growth as well as challenging economic and property market cycles. Throughout each cycle, the property market has demonstrated its ability to adapt, recover and move forward, and our business has followed the same trajectory. None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of our clients over the years. Your confidence and loyalty have enabled us to continue to grow and thrive. Looking ahead, we will further develop across the Asia-Pacific region, while strengthening and expanding our expertise and capabilities. This region is central to Savills’ future, just as it has long been an integral part of our history. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success. Together, we look to the future with confidence.”
Mr Raymond Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills
Mr Raymond Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills, said, “Many of our partners have stood alongside us for decades, and over time, those business ties have grown into lasting friendships. Thank you for entrusting us with your important projects. For us, completing a transaction is always rewarding, but the greatest recognition of our team’s efforts comes when clients choose to work with us again or recommend us to others. The strength of our Hong Kong team lies in its deep understanding of the local market, combined with its global connections. By drawing on the Group’s resources and worldwide network, we are able to offer clients a broader perspective and a more comprehensive range of services. Looking ahead, markets and technologies will continue to evolve, but our commitment to professionalism, integrity and putting our clients’ interests first will remain unchanged.”
Guests gather to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Savills Hong Kong.
Official Launch of the “Savills Volunteer Team” to Give Back to the Community Through Action
To mark the significant milestone of its 40th anniversary, Savills Hong Kong announced the establishment of the Savills Volunteer Team, reflecting the Company’s collective commitment to turn its corporate culture of “caring for the community and giving back to society” into sustained and meaningful action. The Company firmly believes that corporate success is measured not only by business achievements, but also by its commitment to and care for society. Soon after its establishment, the volunteer team launched a series of community service initiatives. Its first initiative was a collaboration with MercyHK to support people experiencing homelessness and those in drug rehabilitation. The team subsequently visited House of Joy and Mercy to care for abandoned and stray cats, and they also partnered with Love 21 Foundation to offer care and support to people with Down syndrome and autism.
The 40th anniversary reception was not only an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, but also provided a chance to look ahead to future developments. The Company will continue to leverage its international network and local expertise to provide clients with exceptional real estate advisory services, while actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and growing alongside Hong Kong.
Appendix: Key Milestones in Savills Hong Kong’s 40-Year History
Year
Milestone
1986
First Pacific Company Limited acquired 100% of Hongkew Davies Properties Limited and renamed the company First Pacific Davies Properties Limited, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
1990
First Pacific Davies expanded its footprint by acquiring a 100% interest in Guardian Group, strengthening its service capabilities across the region.
1997
First Pacific Davies formed an alliance with Savills PLC and was renamed FPDSavills.
2001
Savills PLC acquired FPDSavills Asia Pacific Limited, making FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Savills PLC and reinforcing its global presence.
2003
- Mr Raymond Lee was appointed Managing Director of FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited, leading the Hong Kong agency business to new heights.
2005
- FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited officially rebranded as Savills (Hong Kong) Limited, aligning all global businesses with the brand identity of the parent company.
- The entire Valuation and Professional Services team from Chesterton Petty was recruited to form Savills Valuation and Professional Services Limited, further expanding the Company’s professional services offerings.
2015
- Brokered the sale of Ho Tung Gardens for HK$5.1 billion, setting a record for the most expensive residential plot sold by private tender in Hong Kong. The property was also listed among “The World’s Top 10 Most Expensive Exclusive Streets” in a survey released by Billionaire.com.
2018
- Achieved record-breaking results by facilitating the sale of the majority ownership interests in Cityplaza 3 & 4 majority portion) for HK$15 billion, as well as the HK$5.93 billion transaction of 39 Shouson Hill Road, further reinforcing its market leadership.
- Savills Hong Kong’s Agency and Valuation Group recorded revenue of HK$1.066 billion and profit before tax of HK$410 million, achieving record-high results.
2021
- Concluded another property transaction exceeding HK$10 billion — KITEC was sold for HK$10.5 billion, showcasing its expertise in major deals.
2026
- Savills announced the acquisition of Eastdil Secured LLC, a leading global real estate investment bank, for US$1.1125 billion, thereby becoming the world’s second-largest advisory firm specialising in prime commercial real estate transactions above US$100 million.
- Savills (Hong Kong) Limited is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the Hong Kong property market and will continue to demonstrate its professional expertise, business versatility, and market leadership in the years ahead.
About Savills
For over 170 years, Savills has been helping people thrive through places and spaces. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, we have more than 42,000 professionals collaborating across over 70 countries, delivering unrivalled coverage and expertise to the world of commercial and prime residential real estate. By applying world research data and trends to local and global settings, we’re able to empower our clients with insights from the forefront of the industry – bringing their aspirations to life through innovative, tailor-made solutions. Whether we are working with a global corporate looking to expand, an investor seeking to sustainably optimise their portfolio, or a family trying to find a new home, we help our clients make better property decisions.
Oct 23 · 14:43·ACN Newswire
Banking · Nonprofits
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Oct 23 · 14:14·EIN Presswire
Government & policy · Nonprofits
Stand Up for Science logo is a trademark of Stand Up for Science, non-profit organization, and it may only be used with prior written permission. Copyright © 2026 Stand Up for Science, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Endorsements promote candidates who will protect science and democracy, replace anti-science members of Congress in 2027 We need these kinds of politicians in Congress to not only challenge Trump lo
Oct 23 · 14:06·EIN Presswire
Finance · Food & drink
NORTHAMPTON, MA / October 23, 2026 / The KeyBank Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant to Food Bank of Alaska to help strengthen the nonprofit's disaster response capabilities across the state. The funding will support the creation of emergency reserves of shelf-stable food, water and transportation re
Oct 23 · 13:30·ACCESS Newswire
Finance · Nonprofits
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Oct 23 · 13:15·EIN Presswire