Pearson Acquires Workera, a Pioneer in AI-Native Enterprise Assessment and Skills Verification

Pearson strengthens enterprise offering with adaptive assessment and skills intelligence to meet growing demand for workforce transformation in the era of AI

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announced it has agreed to acquire Workera, the AI-native skills intelligence platform used by leading enterprises to verify what their workforce can actually do.

Workera combines agentic AI, psychometrics and adaptive assessment to measure demonstrated proficiency through role-specific scenarios and simulations. Its proven technology and top tier talent will accelerate Pearson's ability to help enterprises build the workforce they need for AI-driven transformation, reflecting Pearson's continued investment in enterprise skilling.

Workera's technology gives business leaders:

- A live baseline of workforce capability, including AI fluency

- Targeted development, sending each employee to the specific learning that closes their gaps

- Verified outcomes that show whether skills actually improved, giving leaders defensible ROI on AI and learning investments

- Better talent decisions across hiring, internal mobility, redeployment and strategic workforce planning

Vishaal Gupta, President, Enterprise Learning & Skills at Pearson, said: "In the era of AI, an organization's ability to assess and develop skills will be key. Workera has pioneered a new approach to continuously measuring and validating workforce capabilities, giving organizations an accurate understanding of the skills they have today and what they will need in the future. Combining Workera's talented workforce and technology, with Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment, strengthens our ability to help enterprises close skills gaps faster and build more agile and capable workforces."

Kian Katanforoosh, founder and CEO, Workera, said: "The future will require all of us to develop new skills and learn faster than ever. We built Workera to harness AI so people can discover what they're capable of, organizations can recognize talent they might otherwise overlook, and learning can lead to progress you can actually see. Pearson has helped people learn and grow around the world for generations. Together, we'll bring Workera's AI and Pearson's deep expertise in learning and assessment to a shared ambition: building the gold standard for workforce readiness and helping people achieve more than they thought possible."

Workera serves blue-chip enterprises, including leaders such as ServiceNow, Accenture, and the United States Space Force. Upon completion, Workera will become part of Pearson's Enterprise Learning & Skills business unit, and Workera co-founder and CEO Kian Katanforoosh will join its leadership team.

Workera was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA. The company serves enterprise and government customers and has a team of approximately 60 people.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to occur in H2 2026 subject to regular closing conditions, including any required regulatory filings or approvals.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital learning and assessments experiences, verified skills, and credentials. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.

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Taiwan's ORing Advances Onboard Connectivity for Global Rail

TAIPEI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ORing Industrial Networking, a Taiwan-based industrial networking specialist with 20 years of market experience, showcased its next-generation IRoN railway Ethernet switch portfolio at InnoTrans 2026. Drawing on extensive product development and practical deployment experience, ORing helps railway operators and system integrators build reliable, secure onboard networks for increasingly connected rail systems.

ORing's networking products have been deployed in passenger and freight rail projects across Europe, the United States, and Asia. That track record shapes how the company approaches railway networking, where reliability over an extended vehicle lifecycle, interoperability across vendors, and ease of integration are not optional considerations.

As trains carry more connected devices and data-intensive services, onboard networks must handle critical control communications alongside video surveillance and passenger information, frequently on the same infrastructure. The IRoN Series addresses these demands with selected models offering Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), 10GbE connectivity, or PoE++, depending on configuration. These options simplify cabling and device management while maintaining the performance and determinism that time-sensitive railway communications require. Operators can select configurations suited to their applications, with room to accommodate additional services and devices as operational needs evolve.

Security is built into the design rather than added on. The IRoN Series is being developed to meet IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 requirements, with certification planned. Development also takes the EU Cyber Resilience Act into account, addressing device-level protection and helping customers stay ahead of tightening regulatory expectations. At the exhibition, ORing also demonstrated an ignition-controlled power device that responds to vehicle start-up and shutdown signals.

With an expanding EN 50155 portfolio and a proven deployment track record, ORing brings the technical depth that rail programs increasingly demand.

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Nuvoton Introduces KA85010UA, Gen 6 26-Cell EIS-enabled Battery Monitoring IC

KYOTO, Japan, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan (hereinafter "NTCJ") announced on September 29 that it will begin providing samples of the KA85010UA, a 26-cell battery monitoring IC equipped with EIS functionality, in January 2027.

The company's proprietary inductor method reduces the PCB temperature rise during EIS measurements by approximately 93% compared with conventional methods, enabling battery degradation diagnosis, lifetime prediction, and early detection of signs of cell abnormalities. NTCJ also supports integration into applications by providing EIS analysis algorithms.

Key visual: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI1fl_nk51DWnH.png

Image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI2fl_QiCl1nS4.png

In addition to battery monitoring functions, this product integrates EIS-based impedance measurement into a single chip. EIS is a technique that superimposes an AC current on a battery and calculates impedance from the resulting voltage and current responses. This makes it possible to perform EIS measurements within the system, without the dedicated measurement equipment previously required, enabling continuous monitoring and diagnosis of internal battery conditions.

By quantitatively assessing internal battery conditions that are difficult to determine from conventional voltage, current, and temperature measurements alone, EIS can estimate SOH and internal temperature, predict battery lifetime, and provide early detection of signs of cell abnormalities, contributing to improved battery safety in vehicles and energy storage systems.

Figure1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI3fl_ykSZBCV1.png

This product uses the company's proprietary inductor method instead of the conventional resistor method, significantly reducing energy loss. Company evaluations confirmed that both power loss and PCB temperature rise could be reduced by approximately 93% compared with the conventional resistor method (Figures 2 and 3).

These low-power and low-heat characteristics facilitate implementation of EIS functionality in automotive batteries and energy storage systems. They also enable stable acquisition of EIS measurement data during operation, charging, and rest, contributing to advanced battery condition monitoring and diagnostics.

Figure2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI4fl_Dx245Ttn.png

Figure3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI5fl_Eq73rE80.png

Drawing on EIS data-analysis expertise gained through verification with automakers and research institutions, NTCJ provides end-to-end support, from setting up the EIS measurement environment to implementing estimation and abnormality-detection functions and integrating them into applications (Figure 4).

This support allows even customers who are just beginning to use EIS functionality to build battery diagnostic systems more easily and shorten development cycles.

Figure4: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108245/202609176157/_prw_PI6fl_m1fCt0nW.png

For more information about the product, please visit: https://nuvoton.co.jp/semi-spt/apl/rd/?id=1100-0446

Official website: https://www.nuvoton.co.jp/en/

SOURCE Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan

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Valmet confirms the key dates for its second dividend instalment: EUR 0.67 per share to be paid out on October 7, 2026

Valmet Oyj's stock exchange release on September 29, 2026 at 09:00. a.m. EEST

ESPOO, Finland, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Valmet's Board of Directors has confirmed that the second instalment of the dividend for the 2025 financial year, EUR 0.67 per share, will be paid on October 7, 2026.

The dividend will be paid to shareholders who are registered in Valmet's shareholders' register held by Euroclear Finland Oy on the dividend record date, which is October 1, 2026.

As decided by Valmet's AGM 2026, Valmet is paying a total dividend of EUR 1.35 per share for 2025 in two instalments. The first instalment of EUR 0.68 per share was paid on April 9, 2026.

Valmet's dividend policy is to pay out at least 50% of the profit for the period as dividend. The dividend payout ratio for 2025 is 89%.

Further information, please contact:

Pekka Rouhiainen, VP, Investor Relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0020

VALMET

Katri Hokkanen

CFO

Pekka Rouhiainen

VP, Investor Relations

DISTRIBUTION:

Nasdaq Helsinki

Major media

www.valmet.com

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet's net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Follow us on valmet.com | X | X (IR) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram |

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i2Cool Launches Smart Fabrics That Actively Cool Umbrellas and Shading Structures Without Power

As global demand for sustainable cooling accelerates, i2Cool, a pioneer in electricity-free passive radiative cooling technology, announced the expansion of its functional fabric portfolio with two new solutions: i2Umbrella Fabric-Hyber and i2Tarpaulin. Going beyond conventional shading, these fabrics are engineered to reflect incoming solar radiation while continuously dissipating trapped heat, actively lowering surface temperatures without electricity.

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- i2Cool, a technology company specializing in electricity-free passive radiative cooling materials, has expanded its functional fabric portfolio with two outdoor cooling solutions: i2Umbrella Fabric-Hyber and i2Tarpaulin.

Designed for different application scales but built around the same thermal-management principle, the two fabric solutions go beyond conventional shading. Instead of simply blocking sunlight, they are engineered to reflect a significant portion of incoming solar radiation while releasing accumulated heat through mid-infrared radiation, helping reduce heat gain without electricity or refrigerants.

This common cooling mechanism allows i2Cool to extend its passive radiative cooling technology across a broad range of textile-based applications—from portable sun umbrellas and golf umbrellas to outdoor canopies, tents, greenhouse shading systems and membrane structures.

From Blocking Sunlight to Managing Heat

Conventional shading materials primarily reduce direct light exposure but often trap rising heat underneath. i2Cool's reflective cooling fabrics are designed to address both sunlight and thermal build-up. The fabrics integrate an electricity-free cooling nanoparticle layer alongside durable protective and blackout structures. By combining high solar reflectivity with exceptional mid-infrared emissivity, the materials prevent solar heat absorption while continuously radiating thermal energy outward. This breakthrough builds upon i2Cool's proprietary passive radiative cooling research, previously published in Science, adapting laboratory-grade cooling into flexible, weather-resistant textiles.

i2Umbrella Fabric-Hyber: Cooling for Everyday Outdoor Shade

i2Umbrella Fabric-Hyber is tailored for lightweight outdoor products, including sun umbrellas, golf umbrellas, patio shades and outdoor canopies. The fabric achieves solar reflectivity of up to 76% and mid-infrared emissivity of up to 96%, alongside a 99% UV-blocking rate, full blackout capabilities, and high water repellency.

In a controlled outdoor comparative test, i2Cool fabric recorded an internal ambient temperature 5.2°C cooler than an unshaded area and 2.4°C cooler than conventional silver-coated sun-protection fabrics

The product range includes lightweight umbrella fabrics as well as heavier configurations for golf umbrellas and outdoor canopies, allowing the same cooling principle to be adapted to different shading products.

i2Tarpaulin: Cooling for Heavy-Duty Outdoor and Industrial Applications

For larger-scale applications, i2Tarpaulin extends the electricity-free cooling concept to heavy-duty structural covers.

Delivering solar reflectivity of up to 85% and mid-infrared emissivity of up to 95%, the materials are ideal for greenhouse roof, parking canopies, temporary and recreational shelters, balcony sunshades and membrane-structure pavilions.

Field deployment in an agricultural greenhouse in Kashgar, Xinjiang demonstrated a peak internal temperature reduction of up to 8.3°C (averaging 5.4°C lower), yielding an estimated facility cooling energy-saving rate of 28.7%. Designed for rigorous environmental exposure, i2Tarpaulin offers an outdoor operational lifespan of over 10 years and complies with China B1 and Europe M2 fire-retardant standards.

A Partner in Sustainable Cooling

"Partnering with i2Cool allowed us to significantly reduce cooling expenses across our greenhouses while safeguarding crop yields during peak summer heat," said a representative of the greenhouse project in Kashgar, Xinjiang "The internal temperature dropped immediately upon installation, providing a reliable, electricity-free solution that fundamentally transforms agricultural thermal control."

One Cooling Principle, Scalable Applications

Although umbrella fabrics and tarpaulins address different markets, both embody i2Cool's unified materials strategy: mitigating solar absorption while accelerating outward radiative heat dissipation without energy input. By scaling this principle from portable consumer goods to commercial infrastructure and smart agriculture, i2Cool is establishing an adaptable materials platform ready for seamless integration into diverse outdoor products.

About i2Cool

i2Cool is a technology company specializing in electricity-free passive radiative cooling materials. Founded by researchers from the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, the company develops commercial applications based on advanced radiative cooling research published in Science. Its product portfolio spans coatings, films, textiles and other functional materials for applications across buildings, industry, agriculture and outdoor environments.

Media Contact:

i2Cool PR Team

Email: [[email protected]]

Website: [www.i2cool.com]

SOURCE i2Cool

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Implantica's RefluxStop® U.S. market launch kicked off at the 2026 American Foregut Society Meeting, receiving an outstanding reception

VADUZ, Liechtenstein, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Implantica AG (publ.), a medtech company at the forefront of introducing advanced technology into the body, announces RefluxStop® received an enthusiastic reception from leading surgeons and gastroenterologists at the American Foregut Society (AFS) 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., marking an important milestone in the U.S. launch of RefluxStop®.

Following the recent FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) for RefluxStop®, the U.S. launch kicked off at the AFS Annual Meeting, bringing the Implantica team together with many of the most esteemed U.S. surgeons and gastroenterologists (GIs) specializing in foregut disease. Attendees showed strong interest in RefluxStop® and its unique mechanism of action and non-encircling approach to treating GERD, a chronic disease affecting approximately 78 million Americans. Unlike traditional anti-reflux surgical procedures that "wrap" around the esophagus, the RefluxStop® procedure is designed to restore and maintain the body's natural anatomy and physiology to prevent reflux without encircling the esophagus. This innovative approach minimizes common post-surgical side effects like swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or the inability to belch or vomit.

Building on four consecutive years of extensive scientific engagement, the RefluxStop® panel discussion at AFS drew an over-booked crowd of 120+ surgeons, GIs, and other experts, all eager to learn about this innovative surgical treatment for GERD.

The panel was moderated by AFS past President, Dr. John Lipham, Chief of the Division of Upper GI and General Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC (University of Southern California). Dr. Lipham comments:

"FDA PMA approval of RefluxStop represents a significant milestone and inflection point in the evolution of GERD treatment over the past 70+ years. Supported by compelling 5-year clinical study results and extensive real-world experience across more than 60 centers from Europe, RefluxStop brings a disruptive, non-encircling approach to millions of GERD patients in the U.S., many of whom were not ideal candidates for traditional treatments." Dr. Lipham sums it up, "The RefluxStop procedure is a major advancement with great potential to transform the field of anti-reflux surgery. It was a pleasure to witness the strong interest and growing engagement of my peer experts as RefluxStop enters the U.S. healthcare system."

The additional distinguished RefluxStop panelists at the AFS symposium included doctors from both the U.S. and Europe:

- Dr. Christy Dunst, AFS President, Medical Director, Heartburn and Foregut Center of Excellence, Hoag Digestive Health Institute, Newport Beach, California

- Dr. Peter Kahrilas, Past AFS President, Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois

- Dr. Tripp Buckley, Director of the Center for Heartburn & Esophageal Disorders, Surgeon, and Professor of Surgery at University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

- Dr Prakash Gyawali, Professor of Medicine Director, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri

- Dr. Walter Chan, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Director, Center for Gastrointestinal Motility, Director, Clinical Research Education, Director, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

- Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, Past AFS President, Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, New York-Presbyterian & Weill Cornell Medicine, New York

- Dr. Ahmed Ahmed, Clinical Associate Professor in Metabolic Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Honorary Consultant, Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, Clinical Lead, Bariatric Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

- Professor of Surgery, Sebastian Schoppmann, MD, F.A.C.S., Head, Upper GI Service, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, EFS Chairman

- Dr. Joerg Zehetner, Professor (USC), Specialist, Surgical Director Swiss1Chirgurgie, Hirslanden Clinic Beau-Site, Bern, Switzerland

- Dr. Thorsten Lehmann, Center Director & Chief Physician, Clinics for General and Visceral Surgery, Friedrichshafen & Tettnangis, Friedrichshafen, Germany

- Dr. Moustafa Elshafei, Chief, Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Marienhaus Klinikum Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany

Also, a recently published paper on the RefluxStop surgical approach, "How I do it?," written by the two largest users of RefluxStop in Germany and Switzerland, published in the Journal of the American Foregut Society (Foregut), was among the top trending papers at the meeting.

Dr. Peter Forsell, Founder and CEO of Implantica stated, "The level of interest and enthusiasm in RefluxStop® from leading U.S. surgeons, GIs and foregut experts at AFS 2026 was truly remarkable. Our RefluxStop® symposium, featuring several past and present AFS Presidents alongside other leading experts, reached over-capacity at 120+ attendees, requiring us to close the doors and turn away additional participants. This was followed by nearly 30 one-on-one meetings with me personally and top surgeons and GIs interested in introducing RefluxStop® at their institutions."

Dr. Forsell continued, "The exceptional reception at our first major U.S. launch meeting following FDA approval is very encouraging, and we believe reflects the significant unmet need in GERD treatment. With more than 40% of U.S. patients continuing to experience symptoms despite daily medication1, we believe RefluxStop® is perfectly positioned and timed to fill this massive treatment gap and create a new treatment standard for GERD. We are now focused on the systematic U.S. roll-out and partnering with leading medical institutions and physicians as they introduce RefluxStop® into clinical practice."

- Delshad, S.D., et al., Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Proton Pump Inhibitor-Refractory Symptoms. Gastroenterology, 2020. 158(5): p. 1250-1261.e2.

For further information, please contact:

Nicole Pehrsson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Telephone (CH): +41 (0)43 505 2057

[email protected]

Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm.

The company's Certified Adviser is FNCA Sweden AB, [email protected]

The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, on September 29, 2026, at 08:00 a.m. (CEST).

About Implantica

Implantica is a medtech company focused on bringing advanced implantable technologies into the body designed to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The company's lead product, RefluxStop®, is an FDA approved and CE-marked implant for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the potential to transform the standard of care in anti-reflux surgery, supported by strong long-term clinical outcomes.

In addition to RefluxStop®, Implantica has developed a broad, patent-protected product pipeline partly incorporating two platform technologies: an eHealth platform designed to enable communication with and remote monitoring and control of implants inside the body, and a wireless energizing platform designed to wirelessly power implantable devices through intact skin. These investigational devices are intended to facilitate remote changes to treatment, potentially saving cost for society.

Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ticker: IMP A SDB). Visit www.implantica.com for further information.

About RefluxStop®

RefluxStop® is a treatment for GERD designed to address the root cause of acid reflux. Conventional anti-reflux surgical procedures typically rely on encircling the esophagus and are often associated with side effects such as swallowing difficulties, inability to belch or vomit, and gas bloating. RefluxStop is different and aims to restore and maintain the lower esophageal sphincter in its natural anatomical position without encircling or applying pressure on the food passageway. Commercial performance from a multitude of centers supports the clinical study data collected and shows that the RefluxStop® device can successfully treat GERD without wrapping or constricting the esophageal sphincter, thereby avoiding the side effects commonly seen with the other current treatment approaches. Long-term 5-year clinical outcomes on RefluxStop® have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and support that a significant portion of the patient population will achieve clinically meaningful results, with minimal risks, when used in accordance with the indications for use.

Indications for Use: RefluxStop® is an implantable sterile medical device intended to treat acid and non-acid reflux in patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The device ensures maintenance of a normal physiological situation for the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in a defined intra-abdominal position, allowing natural physiological function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), thereby reducing or eliminating acid and non-acid reflux. The RefluxStop® Deployment Tool is indicated for patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), defined by abnormal impedance pH and/or pH testing, and indicated for RefluxStop® implantation.

Newsroom

https://www.implantica.com/media/media-kit

Community

https://ch.linkedin.com/company/implantica

https://www.twitter.com/implantica

Media Contact:

Implantica AG

Juanita Eberhart, VP Marketing & Advocacy

[email protected] 

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Sectra signs partner agreement to bring enterprise imaging to Brazil

LINKÖPING, Sweden, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- International medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO: SECT B) has signed a partner agreement with S&S Partners, marking Sectra's entry into Latin America's largest healthcare market. The initial commercial focus will be on Sectra's enterprise imaging platform Sectra One Cloud, providing Brazilian hospitals access to a unified imaging environment that reduces operational complexity and supports improved diagnostic care.

"Brazil's leading hospitals have signaled interest in a unified, cloud-based imaging platform, and we see a clear opportunity in a market where the transition from on-premise to cloud is gaining momentum. Partnering with S&S Partners gives us access to the relationships and local knowledge needed for a successful market entry," says Torbjörn Kronander, President and CEO at Sectra.

Brazil has approximately 7,100 hospitals, with the private sector accounting for the majority of advanced imaging investment. The market is shifting away from on-premise capital purchases toward cloud-based platforms with subscription economics, driven by demand from major private hospital groups for more scalable and operationally efficient imaging solutions.

"Brazil's leading hospital groups have been looking for a scalable, cloud-based imaging platform that consolidates multiple specialties in a single system. With Sectra, we can offer that. The transition toward cloud subscription models is already underway in the market, and we see a clear opportunity to support hospitals in making that shift effectively," says Daurio Speranzini, CEO, S&S Partners.

S&S Partners brings executive-level experience from the medical technology sector in Latin America, with established relationships across Brazil's leading private hospital groups and a track record of building healthcare technology businesses in the region. The company has already initiated commercial activity, including marketing activity ahead of the Brazilian Radiology Congress that reached approximately 3,000 users across Brazil's top hospital accounts.

Sectra's enterprise imaging solution provides a unified strategy for all imaging needs while lowering operational costs. The scalable and modular solution, with a VNA at its core, allows healthcare providers to grow from ology to ology and from enterprise to enterprise. Visit Sectra's website to read more about Sectra and why it's top-ranked in "Best in KLAS".

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President Sectra AB, 46 (0) 705 23 52 27

Marie Ekström Trägårdh, Executive Vice President Sectra AB and President Sectra Imaging IT Solutions, 46 (0)708 23 56 10

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Foundayo 17.2 mg was associated with 1.5% greater weight loss and 0.3% greater A1C reduction than oral semaglutide 25 mg at 52 weeks

These additional analyses build on findings of the ACHIEVE-3 head-to-head study, where Foundayo 9 mg and 17.2 mg delivered greater A1C and weight reductions than oral semaglutide 14 mg

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), the maker of Zepbound (tirzepatide), today announced results from a new analysis showing that Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2 mg was associated with significantly greater weight loss and better blood sugar control than oral semaglutide 25 mg in adults with type 2 diabetes. The findings are based on an indirect treatment comparison of Foundayo 17.2 mg against oral semaglutide 25 mg, drawing on data from ACHIEVE-3 and PIONEER PLUS.1,2,3,4 Presented at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy, these results add to a growing body of evidence supporting Foundayo's efficacy.

"For someone managing type 2 diabetes, the choice between treatments is a decision that impacts their life every day," said Deborah Horn, D.O., director of the Center for Obesity Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. "Having data to help us compare available medications provides clinicians the opportunity to make informed treatment choices that fit each patient's needs."

In an indirect treatment comparison using data from ACHIEVE-3 and PIONEER PLUS, Foundayo 17.2 mg showed significantly greater weight loss and A1C reduction compared to oral semaglutide 25 mg at 52 weeks.5 On average, participants taking Foundayo 17.2 mg lost 1.5% more of their body weight compared to oral semaglutide 25 mg (95% CI -2.7%, -0.2%). Additionally, Foundayo lowered A1C by 0.3% more than oral semaglutide 25 mg (95% CI -0.6%, -0.1%). This analysis was covariate-adjusted for gender, age, baseline A1C and baseline weight. Analyses using different statistical methods produced consistent results, with Foundayo 17.2 mg showing 1.5% to 2.4% greater weight loss and 0.3% to 0.6% greater A1C reduction compared to oral semaglutide 25 mg.

"Head-to-head trials ultimately provide the best comparison of two medicines, but when we don't yet have those data, then other approaches can provide informative data points," said Rachel Batterham, OBE, MBBS, Ph.D., FRCP, senior vice president of medical innovation and external engagement, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. "Results from this indirect treatment comparison suggest that Foundayo may deliver A1C and weight lowering that is similar to the 25 mg dose of oral semaglutide. These results, paired with simple administration free of fasting or water restrictions, are what make Foundayo a potentially foundational therapy for adults managing type 2 diabetes around the world."

About Foundayo (orforglipron)

Foundayo (orforglipron) is FDA-approved for adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Foundayo is a once-daily small molecule (non-peptide) oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that can be taken any time of the day without restrictions on food and water intake. Orforglipron was discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and licensed by Lilly in 2018. Orforglipron is being studied as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis knee pain, hypertension, peripheral artery disease and stress urinary incontinence. 

About ACHIEVE-3 and ACHIEVE clinical trial program

ACHIEVE-3 (NCT06045221) is a Phase 3, 52-week, randomized, open-label trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin. The trial randomized 1,698 participants across the U.S., Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico and Puerto Rico to receive either 9 mg or 17.2 mg orforglipron or 7 mg or 14 mg oral semaglutide in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate that orforglipron is non-inferior in A1C reduction from baseline after 52 weeks compared with oral semaglutide when comparing the lower and higher doses.

In ACHIEVE-3, Foundayo lowered A1C by an average of 1.9% (9 mg) and 2.2% (17.2 mg) compared to 1.1% (7 mg) and 1.4% (14 mg) with oral semaglutide at 52 weeks. Foundayo also delivered greater weight loss, with participants losing an average of 14.6 lbs (6.7%; 9 mg) and 19.7 lbs (9.2%; 17.2 mg) compared to 7.9 lbs (3.7%; 7 mg) and 11.0 lbs (5.3%; 14 mg) with oral semaglutide.

The ACHIEVE Phase 3 global clinical development program for orforglipron enrolled more than 6,000 people with type 2 diabetes across five global registration trials.

Endnotes and References

- Rosenstock J, Yabe D, Cox D, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily oral orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes (ACHIEVE-3): a multinational, multicentre, non-inferiority, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2026 Mar 21;407(10534):1147-1160. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00202-3. Epub 2026 Feb 26. PMID: 41765029.

- Aroda V, Aberle J, Bardtrum L, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily oral semaglutide 25 mg and 50 mg compared with 14 mg in adults with type 2 diabetes (PIONEER PLUS): a multicentre, randomised, phase 3b trial. The Lancet, 2023; 402, 693-704. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01127-3

- Cheng A, Jacobi D, Mojdami D, Li J, Li J, Zhao Y, Terrell K, Liu-Seifert H. Oral orforglipron 17.2 mg versus oral semaglutide 25 mg in adults with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥25kg/m2: an indirect treatment comparison.

- A 25 mg once-daily dose of oral semaglutide is not approved in the United States for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk has submitted an application to the FDA seeking approval of that dose.

- All data referenced in this press release are based on the efficacy estimand. In ACHIEVE-3, the efficacy estimand represents treatment efficacy had all randomized participants remained on study intervention (with possible dose interruptions and/or dose modifications) for 52 weeks without initiating additional antihyperglycemic medications (>14 days of use). In PIONEER PLUS, the corresponding estimand is termed as the trial product estimand in the manuscript.

U.S. FOUNDAYO INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS 

Foundayo (fown-DAY-oh) is a prescription medicine used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. 

- Foundayo should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.

- It is not known if Foundayo is safe and effective for use in children.

Warnings – Foundayo may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.

- Do not use Foundayo if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

- Do not use Foundayo if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

- Do not use Foundayo if you have had a serious allergic reaction to orforglipron or any of the ingredients in Foundayo.

Foundayo may cause serious side effects, including:

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop taking Foundayo and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. Sometimes you may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Foundayo. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.

Dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Foundayo with medicines that can cause low blood sugar, such as an insulin or sulfonylurea. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, hunger, weakness, or feeling jittery.

Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Foundayo and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, or very rapid heartbeat.

Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Foundayo.

Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Foundayo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Foundayo may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell your healthcare providers that you are taking Foundayo before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

-Experienced biopharmaceutical executive brings decades of leadership in corporate strategy, finance and business development to support ARTHEx's next phase of growth-

VALENCIA, Spain, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthex Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing RNA-based therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders, today announced the appointment of Glenn Sblendorio, M.B.A., as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Sblendorio is a seasoned biotechnology executive and board member with more than three decades of experience leading corporate strategy, finance, business development and capital markets initiatives. Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer of IVERIC bio, Inc. (acquired by Astellas Pharma, Inc.) and was previously President and Chief Financial Officer of The Medicines Company (acquired by Novartis). Throughout his career, he has helped build and grow innovative biotechnology companies through pivotal stages of development.

"We are thrilled to welcome Glenn as Chairman of our Board during this exciting period for ARTHEx," said Frédéric Legros, CEO of ARTHEx Biotech. "As we advance ATX-01 through clinical development and continue to expand the potential of our proprietary BOOST-ON™ platform, Glenn's deep operational expertise, strategic insight and proven track record of creating value across the biotechnology industry will be instrumental in helping guide our next phase of growth. We look forward to benefiting from his leadership as we work to bring transformative RNA therapeutics to patients."

Mr. Sblendorio is an accomplished biotechnology executive with extensive experience in executive and board leadership, finance, accounting and business development. Prior to IVERIC bio, Inc. and The Medicines Company, Mr. Sblendorio was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. until it was acquired by OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to that, he served as a Managing Director of MPM Capital Advisors. Mr. Sblendorio currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc., and a member of the Board of Directors of Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (acquired by Biomarin) and ARTHEx. Mr. Sblendorio received his B.B.A. from Pace University, his M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

"I am excited to join ARTHEx as Chairman at such an important stage in the company's evolution," said Mr. Sblendorio. "ARTHEx has built a differentiated RNA therapeutics platform with the potential to address the underlying biology of serious diseases, and the company is making meaningful progress with ATX-01. I was drawn to ARTHEx by the strength of its science, the quality of its leadership team, and the opportunity to help shape the future of a company that is well positioned to become a leader in RNA therapeutics. I look forward to working closely with Fred, the Board and the entire team as the company continues to execute on its vision."

About BOOST-ON™

BOOST-ON™ is ARTHEx's proprietary platform for the development of next-generation RNA therapeutics. By combining selective oligonucleotides with optimized tissue delivery, BOOST-ON™ is designed to reach skeletal muscle, heart, and brain—supporting the development of therapies that address the multisystem nature of diseases such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Previously published preclinical data showed demonstration of functional improvement in the muscle in a DM1 model, and these new preclinical data highlight the effects seen in the CNS, and the platform's potential to address both muscle and CNS diseases.

About ARTHEx Biotech

ARTHEx Biotech is a clinical-stage company developing targeted RNA medicines designed to precisely modulate gene expression. Its proprietary platform, BOOST-ON™ pairs selective oligonucleotides with enhanced tissue delivery to reach skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. Its lead program, ATX-01, is in clinical evaluation for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare neuromuscular disorder, in the Phase I/IIa ArthemiR™ trial. Building on this foundation, ARTHEx is advancing a pipeline of therapies for additional areas of high unmet need across muscular, CNS and cardiac diseases.

The Company headquarters are in Valencia, Spain.

For more information on ArthemiR™, please visit https://www.arthemir.com or https://clintrials.gov. 

For more information, please visit www.arthexbiotech.com and engage with us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE ARTHEx Biotech

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Nel ASA: Receives purchase order from Collins Aerospace for US Navy stacks

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nel Hydrogen US, a subsidiary of Nel ASA (Nel) (OSE: NEL) has received a new purchase order from Collins Aerospace for PEM electrolyser stacks. The equipment will be used to generate oxygen for life-support systems used on US submarines. The purchase order has a value of approximately USD 12 million.

"We are pleased to receive another order from Collins Aerospace. It extends a long-standing cooperation built around reliable oxygen generation for demanding submarine applications," says Nel's Chief Commercial Officer, Todd Cartwright. "Our Wallingford team has supplied this specialized application over many years. This order confirms the continued relevance of our PEM technology and manufacturing capabilities," he says.

The order reflects growing momentum for Nel's technology in defence applications, where reliability, operational resilience and a long service life are paramount. In environments where failure is not an option, the continued trust from Collins Aerospace underscores the company's engineering track record and confirms Nel's position as a dependable partner for critical life support systems.

Deliveries are expected to take place throughout 2027 and 2028. The stacks will be manufactured at Nel's facility in Wallingford, Connecticut.

About Nel ASA | www.nelhydrogen.com

Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in PEM and Alkaline electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen. Nel's product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia.

This information is subject to a duty of disclosure pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This information was issued as inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, and was published by Wilhelm Flinder, Head of Investor Relations, Communications and Marketing, at Nel ASA on the date and time provided.

For additional information, please contact:

Kjell Christian Bjørnsen, CFO, +47 917 02 097

Wilhelm Flinder, Head of Investor Relations, Communications & Marketing +47 936 11 350

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