Daily Archives: December 22, 2021

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore., Dec. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's report includes new data on the carbon reduction that results from renewing products as compared to making new ones.

TRW Leading Circular 2021 - The Climate Crisis, Carbon and Circular

Brands can achieve an average reduction of 51.5% in carbon emissions by renewing an existing product instead of producing a new one.

Renewal is the process TRW created to restore apparel, bags and home goods to standardized conditions enabling more uses over longer periods of time with a lower carbon impact than new ones.

Equally important, this year's Leading Circular highlights the voices of activists who are cutting through the noise on what the industry should be paying attention to when it comes to carbon and circularity.

Dominique Drakeford's essay states how the current approach to circular continues "the colonial control of power dynamics while keeping the veil of 'Doing good for people and planet' as a facade of noble action."

Liz Ricketts essay, She Can No Longer Carry Us, is a first person account of the impact in Ghana of US over production. Her concluding words must be heard. "Just because you do not see and feel the weight of fashion's excess does not mean it is not there closing in on us and destroying the industry we love."

re/make authors Ayesha Barenblat, Elizabeth Cline and Chelsey Grasso address the myth that we can recycle our way out of the climate crisis. "In general, brands have to stop taking the low-hanging fruit of recycling and work towards the reuse and product life extension aspects of circularity."

"Climate change is the largest existential crisis facing humanity. It is this urgency that frames the Leading Circular 2021 report on Carbon and Circularity." Says Co Founders Nicole Bassett and Jeff Denby. "We are calling on every apparel and textile brand to commit to displacing 10% of new production over the next 5 years and invest those resources into renewal."

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About The Renewal WorkshopThe Renewal Workshop is the leading provider of circular solutions for apparel and textile brands. We help brands to decouple revenue growth from resource use and expand their businesses by adopting circular practices. We offer apparel and textile renewal, sales channels for renewed products including white-labeled recommerce sites, circular mapping, data collection, and circular education.

The Renewal Workshop (PRNewsfoto/The Renewal Workshop)

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The Renewal Workshop (TRW), the leading provider of circular solutions for the apparel and textile industry, releases Leading Circular - The Climate...

Technology has carried coal miners far from needing to rely on canaries. Unfortunately, black lung is still a reality they work with as they do the dirty work that keeps our lights on. Bidens Build Back Better infrastructure looked like a light at the end of the tunnel. But unfortunately Sen. Joe Manchins sooty. You know what? Ill stop with the coal-mining puns, but I want you to appreciate that an effort was made. The takeaway is that this thing is damned important.

The labor union noted that the bill includes an extension of a fund that provides benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease, which expires at the end of the year. The [United Mine Workers of America] also touted tax incentives that encourage manufacturers to build facilities in coalfields that would employ thousands of miners who lost their jobs.

This is a spit in the face, considering that Mr. Manchin owns stock in a coal brokerage firm, pushed for provisions in the bill that would land coal workers clean energy gigs, and was named an honorary member of the UMWA last year. For whatever reason, it looks like Manchin is flip-flopping on his support of the bill. This wouldnt usually be that big of a deal politicians flip flop like flapjacks but Manchins vote is likely the one that would end a 50/50 deadlock, so he matters.

My hope is that Manchin falls back into the vein UMWA is familiar with him in supporting workers. Christmas is coming up, and while there are a few kids who deserve to be on the naughty list, no kid deserves a Christmas without mom or dad because they caught the black lung.

Coal miners Union Urges Manchin To Reconsider Opposition To Biden Plan [The Hill]

Chris Williams became a social media manager and assistant editor for Above the Law in June 2021. Prior to joining the staff, he moonlighted as a minor Memelord in the Facebook groupLaw School Memes for Edgy T14s. He endured Missouri long enough to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is a former boatbuilder who cannot swim,a published author on critical race theory, philosophy, and humor, and has a love for cycling that occasionally annoys his peers. You can reach him by email atcwilliams@abovethelaw.comand by tweet at@WritesForRent.

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For Some, Manchin's Sign Off Is A Matter Of Life And Breath - Above the Law

Ben Silliman, professor and youth development extension specialist, is an expert in family life, youth development, and program evaluation. Prior to serving in his current position at NC State, Silliman taught undergraduate and graduate courses in human development and family life at Louisiana Tech University for six years and was an associate professor and family life specialist for eight years through University of Wyoming Extension. At the University of Wyoming, he contributed to the launch of The Wyoming Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk program.

Silliman joined the Wolfpack in 2001 and has worked on diverse, interdisciplinary projects in the realm of youth development and program evaluation over the last two decades. One of his first projects was helping coordinate afterschool programs statewide, providing training to afterschool staff and support to county programs to promote positive youth development in afterschool settings. Soon after, Silliman became involved in extension evaluation efforts at the county, state and national levels, including managing the North Carolina component of the National Study of Positive Youth Development a national study that illustrated how 4-H promoted positive youth development from elementary to middle school and into high school. This was just one of a long list of projects focused on evaluating extension youth development programs that Silliman contributed to. He also contributed to the first study on the impacts of 4-H public speaking programs and a study on 4-H camping programs that used experiential learning as a tool for evaluation.

In addition to evaluating youth programs themselves, Silliman has also been dedicated to studying the ways in which extension professionals can better implement evaluation for those programs.

For one project, Silliman helped demonstrate how 4-H agents could learn-by-doing evaluation in their programs. And as part of the eXtension Evaluation Team, says Silliman, I led a study of extension professionals in four states that documented how they became engaged and enthusiastic about program evaluation in their diverse program areasand reported on their perceived needs for training and support. The results of that study, which focused on those evaluation champions, was published in the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension in 2016.

Growing demand for evidence of extension program value and effectiveness in recent years was the catalyst for another one of Sillimans key projects: serving as editor for a special edition of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension in 2019 titled Credible and Actionable Evidence in Extension Practice: Framing Issues, Contexts and Principles.

My co-editor, Dr. Scott Cummings at Texas A&M, and I were privileged to work with some of the best minds in extension to highlight how extension makes its case for making a difference that is both scientifically sound and publicly credible, notes Silliman. We hope that our talented authors provided both key insights on how to work smarter in evaluation as well as profound challenges to the status quo in thinking about the public value of extension.

One of Sillimans key projects in recent years has been conducting evaluation research for Project YES, a college student internship program for youth from military families led by Harriett Edwards and J.C. Johnson. In addition to publishing a literature review and program rationale in Marriage and Family Review, the program model and initial outcomes in the Journal of Youth Development, and a follow-up study of long-term program impact in Child and Youth Care Review, Silliman was also involved in an in-depth interview study with program participants to assess program impact. Interviews for that study revealed how Project YES alumni from the programs first cohort were applying program development, problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills learned in the program in their personal and professional lives, and that the program supported alumni in their transition into careers via cultivating a professional identity, familiarity with work conditions and responsibilities, specialized training such as working with military youth and virtual learning, as well as 2-3 years of repeated practice in diverse team and leadership roles. In both cases, Project YES alumni credited the programs training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities as key to their growth and application of life skills in early career. I feel extremely privileged to hear and interpret their stories for the extension and youth development communities,notes Silliman.

I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences over the past 20 years, says Silliman. Theres still more to be done, so Ill continue to look for opportunities to teach, encourage and grow, and wish those who follow me similar rewarding experiences along that way.

His advice for students entering the field: Think about the people who plant or pick the crops that end up on your kitchen table; those who depend on you to show them how to make ends meet when the ends are pretty short; those who share their precious children with you, eager to learn and serve and grow. Think about how their hard-earned tax dollars or program fees support your comfortable lifestyle. Respect them and give them the time of day when you meet them and work as hard and creatively for them as they do for their families and employers. And God will bless you in your work.

Silliman says that his family has been blessed to be part of 4-H and getting to know some of his colleagues in their roles as youth professionals. As I retire, I look forward to perhaps using a few of the insights and lessons from my extraordinary experience to bless others who work with childrenand adults, says Silliman.

My dad worked briefly for extension and always dreamed of getting an Ag degree and going into farming but could not afford college. I am humbled to have had an experience of learning and serving in an Ag-related field and hope I have made himand CALS proud.

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Extension Specialist Silliman on 20 Years Serving NC Cooperative Extension | Agricultural and Human Sciences | NC State University - NC State CALS

MUNICH & SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), a public research organization and international leader in the field of nuclear science and technology, today announced the extension of their partnership by entering into a further long-term licensing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, ANSTO will continue producing n.c.a. 177Lu for the Australian and New Zealand markets by utilizing ITMs unique production technology, continuing to address the needs of patients, clinicians and partners alike. ITM retains all intellectual property rights to the medical radioisotope. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

N.c.a. 177Lu is used as a radiopharmaceutical precursor in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy, a novel treatment regimen in precision oncology. Due to the rise of Targeted Radionuclide Therapy, the global demand for medical radioisotopes is growing significantly. The agreement between ITM and ANSTO directly addresses this demand and further solidifies ITMs established global network, which ensures clinics and patients around the world have reliable, timely access to high value medical radioisotopes.

One of our goals as a leading radiopharmaceutical company with long-standing expertise in the production and distribution of high-grade medical radioisotopes is to serve patients around the world. We continue delivering on this promise by extending our agreement with ANSTO for Australia and New Zealand, commented Steffen Schuster, Chief Executive Officer of ITM. By sharing our technical know-how with ANSTO, we further ensure quality and supply, especially as the need for medical radioisotopes continues to grow.

We deeply value the opportunity to extend our partnership with ITM as we combine their technical know-how with our renowned facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of patients, added Mr. Shaun Jenkinson, Chief Executive Officer of ANSTO. Targeted Radionuclide Therapy is a growing treatment approach in our region, and it is important for Australia to have local manufacturing capabilities to support the demand from local patients in our region. Our international collaboration with ITM enables us to continue supplying no-carrier-added Lutetium-177 as successfully as we have over the past ten years.

ITMs highly pure version of the beta-emitting radioisotope, Lutetium-177, can be linked to a variety of tumor-specific targeting molecules for precise treatment of various cancer indications and has already demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects. ITM is further exploring the potential of the medical radioisotope in late-stage clinical trials for indications with high unmet medical need in its wide-reaching pipeline of targeted radiopharmaceuticals, including two phase III trials.

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About Targeted Radionuclide TherapyTargeted Radionuclide Therapy is an emerging class of cancer therapeutics, which seeks to deliver radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissue. Targeted radiopharmaceuticals are created by linking a therapeutic radioisotope to a targeting molecule (e.g., peptide, antibody, small molecule) that can precisely recognize tumor cells and bind to tumor-specific characteristics, like receptors on the tumor cell surface. As a result, the radioisotope accumulates at the tumor site and decays, releasing a small amount of ionizing radiation, thereby destroying the tumor. The highly precise localization enables targeted treatment with minimal impact to healthy surrounding tissue.

About n.c.a. Lutetium-177 / EndolucinBetaNo carrier-added Lutetium-177 (n.c.a. 177Lu) chloride, is a radiopharmaceutical precursor used in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy for the treatment of various diseases, like cancer. When labeled with a tumor-specific targeting molecule (e. g. peptide or antibody), the targeted radiopharmaceutical binds to a tumor-specific receptor, according to the lock and key principle. N.c.a. 177Lu has a half-life of 6.647 days and provides the highest specific activity of more than 3,000 GBq/mg at Activity Reference Time (ART). Optimal preconditions for efficient radiolabeling of biomolecules over its entire shelf-life of 9 days after production are ensured. N.c.a. 177Lu exhibits an extraordinary level of radionuclidic purity and does not contain metastable Lutetium-177m circumventing cost intensive clinical disposal management.

ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SEITM, a radiopharmaceutical biotech company, is dedicated to providing the most precise cancer radiotherapeutics and diagnostics to meet the needs of patients, clinicians and our partners through excellence in development, production and global supply. With patient benefit as the driving principle for all we do, ITM is advancing a broad pipeline combining its high-quality radioisotopes with targeting molecules to develop precision oncology treatments. ITM is leveraging its leadership and nearly two decades of radiopharma expertise combined with its worldwide network to enable nuclear medicine to reach its full potential for helping patients live longer and better. For more information please visit: http://www.itm-radiopharma.com.

ANSTOANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with a broad range of industry partners to apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australias most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year. For more information visit http://www.ansto.gov.au

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ITM and ANSTO Announce Extension of Licensing Agreement for the Production and Supply of the Medical Radioisotope n.c.a. Lutetium-177 - Business Wire

- VRDN-001 targets and blocks IGF-1R, the only mechanism of action proven to deliver efficacy in TED -- Trial is on track to deliver top line proof of concept clinical data in 2Q 2022 -

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRDN), a biotechnology company advancing new treatments for patients suffering from serious diseases underserved by current therapies, today announced the first subject was dosed in a Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept clinical trial for VRDN-001, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the IGF-1 receptor with sub-nanomolar potency. IGF-1R blockade is a clinically validated mechanism of action for the treatment of TED.

The Phase 1/2 trial is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy of VRDN-001. The trial includes both healthy volunteers and randomized, placebo-controlled cohorts of TED patients and will assess multiple measures of the signs and symptoms of TED, including proptosis the bulging of eyes characteristic of TED. The Company expects to announce top line data from the proof-of-concept portion of the trial in the second quarter of 2022. The trial protocol allows for additional TED patient cohorts to assess differing treatment paradigms that may offer advantages over currently available therapies and may reduce the burden of patient treatment.

We are excited to initiate our first clinical trial of VRDN-001. This trial is designed to quickly assess the potential of VRDN-001 to offer a new option for patients suffering from TED, and to inform how we can optimize VRDN-001 development to best meet patients needs, stated Jonathan Violin, Ph.D., Viridian Therapeutics President and CEO. VRDN-001 exemplifies Viridians patient-centric model of innovation that leverages proven biology and technology to efficiently craft medicines to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers.

The clinical development plan for VRDN-001 was informed by safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data from more than 100 oncology patients who were previously administered this antibody under the name AVE1642.

About Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

Viridian Therapeutics is a biotechnology company advancing new treatments for patients suffering from serious diseases but underserved by todays therapies. Viridians most advanced program, VRDN-001, is a differentiated monoclonal antibody targeting insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a clinically and commercially validated target for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). Viridians second product candidate, VRDN-002, is a distinct anti-IGF-1R antibody that incorporates half-life extension technology and is designed to support administration as a convenient, low-volume, subcutaneous injection.TED is a debilitating autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis within the orbit of the eye which can cause double vision, pain, and potential blindness. Patients with severe disease often require multiple remedial surgeries to the orbit, eye muscles and eyelids. Viridian is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," or "would" or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, plans and intentions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys expectations and guidance regarding its clinical trial plans for VRDN-001, the timing and nature of the initial results from such trials, and the therapeutic potential of VRDN-001, as compared to other therapies. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to: uncertainty and potential delays related to clinical drug development; the duration and impact of regulatory delays in our clinical programs; manufacturing risks; competition from other therapies or products; the timing of and clinical trial activities and reporting results from same; the effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on the companys research, development and business activities and operating results, including those risks set forth under the caption Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 5, 2021 and other subsequent disclosure documents filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither we, nor our affiliates, advisors, or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

Investor and Media Contact:John JordanViridian TherapeuticsVice President, Investor Relations& Corporate Communications617-272-4691IR@viridiantherapeutics.com

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Viridian Therapeutics Announces First Subject Dosed in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of VRDN-001 for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) - GlobeNewswire