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One in six women victims of physical or sexual violence by a partner

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The sad figures that paint a picture of physical, sexual and domestic violence in Australia. Reported by Brisbane Times 2 hours ago.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Selects Book4Time as Exclusive Spa Management Software for Global Deployment

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Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel management companies, has selected Book4Time as their exclusive Spa Management Software Provider for all Shangri-La Locations.

MARKHAM, Ontario, Feb. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- *Book4Time*, one of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies and the leading global provider of next-generation spa management software, today announced that *Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts*, one of the world's premier hotel management companies, with over 100 hotels in 22 countries, has selected Book4Time as its exclusive Spa Software Provider for all properties.

Shangri-La was looking for the best platform to manage all their spa locations around the globe to help them improve spa operations, customer experience, and retention. The Book4Time's Spa Management cloud-based software will provide a streamlined and integrated service, allowing the spa and hotel operations to work together seamlessly to manage spa reservations while helping the staff optimize workflow and increase guest experience and loyalty. "After reviewing and comparing several other spa software providers, we selected Book4Time due to the enterprise capabilities of its platform to meet our global requirements and 24/7 product support availability," said Todd Hewitt, Head of Spa, at Shangri-La.

According to Todd Hewitt, Book4Time was the best choice for several reasons:

· Book4Time offers a cloud-based System, easier to setup and maintain with lower up-front cost - compared to the competitors - making it easier for ALL properties to get on board regardless of their size.
· "It greatly improves visibility, because of the ease of access that comes with cloud-based systems, corporate can login to any property from anywhere at any time..." said Todd. Previously, they had no insight and had to rely on data being sent in by each individual spa.
· Book4Time's Online and Mobile Booking feature enhances the overall guest experience, improves staff efficiency and increases bookings overnight.
· The Streamline reports and SOP's across all locations, SSO (Single Sign-on) allows corporate more control and security into each property.
· The platform's extensive reporting and accuracy/reliability of reports… we wanted to ensure that our reports were accurate and reliable.
· Thinking of the future… Book4Time's is always innovating, payment support for WeChat or Alipay will be a big win for the Asia market.
· International and multi-language support is key for us. Book4Time already supports over 60 countries and 11 languages.

This strategic collaboration comes to Book4Time and Shangri-La in a timely moment, since the software's Q2 release will incorporate additional language capability for the front desk staff to use the system in a preferred language. This facilitates not only the navigation and usability of the software but will improve the customer experience even more. Another feature of the upcoming release that also attracted Shangri-La was the Mobile Check-out option, which will save time to the customer and the employees, thus allowing tech-savvy clients to self-checkout right from the luxury of their mobile phone.

"We are excited to welcome Shangri-La to the Book4Time family," said Roger Sholanki, Founder and CEO of Book4Time. "I'm confident Shangri-La will benefit from our unique innovations and the think different approach to Spa Management that have helped 1000's of other Spa brands on a global scale reach their true potential."

Book4Time has increasingly served top luxury hotels' spas from all over the globe since 2004 and continues to expand its customer base, always innovating and one step ahead of the rest of Spa Management software providers.

*About Book4Time
*Book4Time is a global provider of cloud-based all-in-one management solutions for Spa and Wellness businesses in over 60 countries. Founded in 2004 by Roger Sholanki, and named one of PROFIT 500 Canada's Fastest Growing Companies, Book4Time is a privately funded Canadian company and the preferred solution to several of the world's largest and most prestigious beauty and wellness brands on a global scale, with a market reach of over 20 million consumers, managing more than $1.5 billion in annual transaction volume. The company base its state of the art product on innovation, with this in mind, Book4Time was the first in the industry to offer a cloud-based solution, starting with spa booking software, they quickly built out an entire all-in-one solution that runs businesses from anywhere and continually adds new innovative features.

For more information, visit https://book4time.com/.

*About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts*

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel management companies, currently operates over 100 hotels in 22 countries and 76 destinations under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands.  Prominently positioned in Asia, the group has established its brand hallmark of "hospitality from the heart" over four decades in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Indian Ocean. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. 

For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.  

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For further information: Book4Time Media Contact: Yeniffer Padrino, Tel: +1.905.752.2588, media@book4time.com Reported by PR Newswire Asia 2 hours ago.

Roger Federer wins Sportsman of the Year at Laureus awards

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Roger Federer wins Sportsman of the Year at Laureus awards The Swiss icon won in Australia again this year, becoming the first man to reach the milestone of 20 Grand Slam singles titles and has reclaimed the world No 1 spot at the age of 36. Reported by MailOnline 2 hours ago.

Amazon offers delivery service in Australia ahead of Prime launch

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Amazon.com Inc. has rolled out the next phase of its Australian operations by offering merchants who sell on its site access to the company’s fulfillment and delivery service. The move likely signals that Amazon will be looking to expand its warehouse footprint in Australia, where it operates only one fulfillment center on the population-dense east coast outside its second biggest city Melbourne. Marc Wulfraat, president of Montreal-based logistics consultancy MWPVL International Inc, told Reuters… Reported by bizjournals 1 hour ago.

Sport24.co.za | Lyon: We want to challenge the Proteas

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Australia spinner Nathan Lyon says they are in a "better place" since the last time the Proteas beat them in a series Down Under in 2016. Reported by News24 1 hour ago.

American Airlines, Qantas seek Trump administration nod for more U.S.-Australia flights

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American Airlines Group Inc. and Qantas Airways Ltd. are making another run at regulatory approval for a venture that would allow them to coordinate prices and schedules. Fort Worth-based American (Nasdaq: AAL) and Australia-based Qantas filed an application for antitrust immunity for a joint venture with the Department of Transportation on Monday, starting an extended review period that will take several months or more. If the joint venture is not approved, American and Qantas could decrease offerings… Reported by bizjournals 1 hour ago.

Medibio continues to grow its client base in helping employers to monitor mental health

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Medibio Ltd (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF) recorded a loss of $5.6 million in the six months to December 31, 2017. However, the focus is likely to be on opportunities for its mental health products that could emerge in 2018. The company is a mental health technology group that has pioneered the use of objective biometrics. Biometric data assists in the screening, diagnosing, monitoring and managing depression and other mental health conditions. Its point of difference lies in using technology rather than relying solely on the personal opinion of general practitioners or psychiatrists to predict/diagnose mental health issues. Early intervention important While the underlying medical analysis is somewhat complex, it combines data as basic as heart rates and sleeping patterns and matches these against workplace scenarios. The key to its success has been the regularity of measurements which indicates where there are marked changes in a person’s responses, allowing early intervention. The wearing of devices developed by Medibio assists in regular monitoring. Working with industry With mental health increasingly under the microscope, Medibio’s timing in bringing products to market that assist employers in monitoring mental health has worked favourably. The company has a partnership with Vital Conversations through the Implementation of Australia’s Biggest Mental Health Check-in, facilitating regular diagnostic analysis. Medibio has partnered with Vital Conversations over the past three years with a focus on reducing the $11 billion annual cost of mental health issues to Australian businesses. Tangible diagnosis and measurable outcomes The group has introduced programs that increase employee awareness and engagement in mental health by utilizing the Australia’s Biggest Mental Health Check-in. This is a large-scale corporate health program that uses a technology-driven approach to engage the workplace in discussing and assessing mental wellness. The Check-in delivers a corporate wellness initiative utilising wearable technology and online psychological health software. Contract extensions and new clients Engagement from companies has increased year on year with continued involvement from prior year participants and new companies showing strong interest in the program. The last Check-in was completed at the end of calendar year 2017. In conjunction with Vital Conversations, Medibio will release the results of the Check-in in the fourth quarter of financial year 2018. Reported by Proactive Investors 47 minutes ago.

Alexa integration for Sonos One is now available in Canada

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Alexa integration for Sonos One is now available in Canada Sonos One with Amazon Alexa integration is now available in Canada, as reported by 9to5Mac. The push comes just after the launch of Apple’s HomePod, which is available in the United States, UK, and Australia, but not Canada.

The Sonos One originally launched globally last year, but at the time, it only had Amazon Alexa support for the US, UK, and Germany. The integration allows for smart home controls, Alexa skills, and audio controls for streaming services (although with Apple Music, voice controls are limited to just playback and volume).

Starting today, Canadian customers can get Alexa in the Sonos One speaker via a free software update. Apple has not mentioned when HomePod will be introduced in Canada but said that it will be... Reported by The Verge 54 minutes ago.

S&P/ASX 200 set to break its winning streak as US rate hike concerns rise

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S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) (ASX:XJO) is unlikely to have a sixth consecutive day in the black with futures pointing to a lower start. The Dow Jones (INDEXDJX:DJI) gave back some of its recent gains last night, down 300 points or 1.17% to 25,409. US markets were pushed lower after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted the strengthening economy during his testimony in front of lawmakers. Powell’s comments appeared to turn investors cautious as they considered the possibility of faster pace of rate increases. The AUDUSD is lower by 0.9% over the past 24 hours to 0.7783. Gold was down over 1% or US$13.70 to US$1,319 while WTI Crude Oil gave up some of its recent gains, down 1.60%, to US$62.89 per barrel. Last day of reporting season: ABC, BUB, AC8, RHC, MQA, HVN and GSW Companies of note reporting results today include: • Adelaide Brighton Ltd. (ASX:ABC); • Bubs Australia Limited (ASX:BUB); • Auscann Group Holdings Limited (ASX:AC8) • Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX:RHC) • Macquarie Atlas Roads (ASX:MQA); • Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX:HVN); and • GetSwift Ltd (ASX:GSW). Upcoming economic data: monthly private sector credit, US GDP tonight At 11.30am AEST the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will release the monthly data for private sector credit. It measures the change in the total value of new credit issued to consumers and businesses. Borrowing and spending are positively correlated, consumers and businesses tend to seek credit when they are confident in their future financial position and feel comfortable spending money. This will be followed at midday by the Chinese manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMI data. Important data points being released in the US tonight include preliminary quarterly GDP and crude oil inventories. Reported by Proactive Investors 13 minutes ago.

Mesoblast Operational Highlights and Financial Results for the Half-Year Ended December 31, 2017

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MELBOURNE, Australia and NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) (Nasdaq:MESO) today provided the market with an update on its operational highlights and consolidated financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2017 (the half-year of FY2018). Revenues in the half-year of FY2018 were significantly increased to US$14.6 million, compared with US$0.9 million in the corresponding period in 2017, an increase of US$13.7 million. Net cash outflows from operating activities for the half-year were reduced by US$11.2 million (24%), compared with the half-year of FY2017. The Company recorded a profit after tax of US$6.7 million, compared with a loss after tax of US$39.8 million for the comparative period.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had cash reserves of US$47.4 million. Mesoblast is in advanced discussions with certain potential strategic partners to strengthen its cash position to support ramp-up of its commercial activities.

*Operational Highlights *

This has been a landmark period for Mesoblast. The Company’s first Phase 3 trial reported the successful achievement of its primary endpoint of Day 28 overall response for remestemcel-L (MSC-100-IV) in steroid-refractory acute Graft Versus Host Disease (aGVHD).

This cell therapy is now well positioned to be Mesoblast’s first approved product in the United States.

Based on interactions with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mesoblast believes that successful results from the completed Phase 3 trial through Day 100, together with Day 180 safety and quality of life parameters in these patients, may provide sufficient clinical evidence for filing for MSC-100-IV in the United States under an accelerated approval pathway.

In December 2017, Mesoblast received a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation from the FDA for MPC-150-IM in end-stage heart failure patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). The RMAT designation under the 21st Century Cures Act aims to expedite the development of regenerative medicine therapies intended for the treatment of serious diseases and life-threatening conditions. This trial completed enrollment in the reporting period and the 12 month data readout will occur in Q3 CY2018.

Enrollment in Mesoblast’s Phase 3 trial evaluating its proprietary allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cell (MPC) product candidate MPC-06-ID for chronic low back pain is expected to complete imminently.

Full 52-week results in Mesoblast’s Phase 2 trial of MPC-300-IV in biologic refractory rheumatoid arthritis showed an early and durable effect from a single infusion.

The strength of Mesoblast’s intellectual property portfolio and its strategy to protect its commercial rights were highlighted with the license to TiGenix NV (TiGenix) of certain of our patents.  This license supports the global commercialization of their adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell product Cx601 for the local treatment of fistulae by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. Mesoblast will receive up to €20 million (approximately US$24 million) in payments, as well as single digit royalties on net sales of Cx601.

When consistent with its strategic objectives, Mesoblast may consider providing other third parties developing mesenchymal lineage cell products in areas outside of Mesoblast’s core product focus with commercial access to its valuable patent portfolio.

*MSC-100-IV for Acute Graft Versus Host Disease (aGVHD):*

The Company’s GVHD strategy is to:

· leverage extensive clinical safety and efficacy data generated and published with MSC-100-IV in children with this life-threatening condition;
· take advantage of a potentially shortened FDA approval pathway due to the existing fast-track designation for MSC-100-IV;
· use a targeted product launch strategy; and
· seek label extension to adults with high-risk steroid refractory aGVHD (liver/gut disease) and product lifecycle management to include chronic GVHD.

The Phase 3 trial evaluating MSC-100-IV in children with aGVHD successfully met the primary endpoint of Day 28 overall response. The study results were presented at the 2018 tandem annual scientific meetings of the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) and the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT).

In the 55 children enrolled in Mesoblast’s open-label Phase 3 trial conducted across 32 sites in the United States, the Day 28 OR rate was 69%, a statistically significant increase compared to the protocol-defined historical control rate of 45% (p=0.0003).

Among patients who received at least one treatment infusion and were followed up for 100 days (n=50), the mortality rate was 22%.  This is in contrast to Day 100 mortality rates as high as 70% in patients who fail to respond to initial steroid therapy.

The treatment regimen of MSC-100-IV was well tolerated and the incidence of adverse events was consistent with that expected from the underlying disease state and in line with previous use.  These safety and efficacy results are consistent with Mesoblast’s prior experience in 241 children treated under an expanded access protocol, where Day 28 OR correlated with Day 100 survival.

There are currently no products approved in the United States for treatment of steroid-refractory aGVHD. Given the serious nature of this condition, in 2017 the FDA granted Mesoblast Fast Track designation for the use of MSC-100-IV to achieve improved overall response rate in children with aGVHD.

Based on interactions with the FDA, Mesoblast believes that successful results from the completed Phase 3 trial through Day 100, together with Day 180 safety and quality of life parameters in these patients, may provide sufficient clinical evidence for filing for remestemcel-L in the United States under an accelerated approval pathway. The Phase 3 trial is being conducted under a FDA Investigational New Drug Application (NCT#02336230).
              
*MPC-150-IM for Advanced and End-Stage Heart Failure (CHF):*

The Company’s CHF strategy is to:

· leverage data for potential near term market entry opportunity for MPC-150-IM in end-stage heart failure patients with LVADs, using the RMAT designation;
· use a targeted product launch strategy for use with LVADs;
· broaden market potential to Bridge to Recovery (BTR) market, representing a high-growth market opportunity for temporary LVAD use and possible explantation in end-stage, Class IV heart failure patients; and
· seek label extension through completion of Phase 3 program in Class III heart failure patients

MPC-150-IM is in late-stage clinical development for advanced heart failure (Class III). This Phase 3 trial continues to recruit across multiple sites in North America, with completion of enrollment expected to occur in 2018.

During this reporting period, the FDA granted RMAT designation for the Company’s MPC therapy in the treatment of heart failure patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and LVADs. The RMAT designation under the 21st Century Cures Act aims to expedite the development of regenerative medicine therapies intended for the treatment of serious diseases and life-threatening conditions.

This RMAT designation allows for multi-disciplinary, comprehensive interactions with the FDA to support the efficient development of and potential accelerated approval pathway for Mesoblast’s allogeneic MPCs in the treatment of heart failure patients with LVADs. The RMAT designation also offers eligibility for priority review. Once the biologics license application (BLA) for a product is approved, the FDA can require various post-approval confirmatory commitments.

The basis of this RMAT designation grant came from the completed study data set of a 30-patient randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial of Mesoblast’s MPCs at a dose of 25 million cells in heart failure patients with LVADs, and related analyses.

These preliminary clinical data suggest that Mesoblast’s MPC product improved native heart function, prolonged the time post LVAD implantation of a first hospitalization for a non-surgical major gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding event, and improved early survival rates in these LVAD recipients. The results of the pilot study were published in the American Heart Association Journal Circulation.

The Phase 2b trial of MPCs at a dose of 150 million cells in 159 patients with heart failure and LVADs completed enrollment during the reporting period. This trial is being funded by the United States National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institute of Health Research. 

*MPC-06-ID for Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP):*

Mesoblast's Phase 3 trial in patients with CLBP who have failed conservative measures is on track to complete enrollment in Q1 CY18.

If the Phase 2 results, which showed durable improvement in pain and function from a single intra-discal injection are confirmed in the Phase 3 trial, the Company believes that MPC-06-ID may be evaluable as a potential non-opioid, non-surgical alternative for patients suffering from CLBP who have failed conservative measures.
            
*MPC-300-IV for Systemic, Immune-mediated Diseases:*

MPC-300-IV responds to inflammatory signals with release of counter-inflammatory factors and has the potential as shown in preclinical studies to treat multiple immune-mediated diseases, including biologic-refractory rheumatoid arthritis. 

MPC-300-IV has generated positive clinical data across three randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trials in disease states associated with inflammation; type 2 diabetes with inadequate glucose control, diabetic kidney disease, and biologic-refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

During the reporting period, results from a 48-patient randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in patients with biologic refractory RA over 52 weeks were presented at the 2017 American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate safety and tolerability of a single intravenous infusion in biologic refractory RA patients through a 12-week primary endpoint. Additional objectives were to evaluate clinical efficacy at the 12-week endpoint and to assess the durability of effects and safety profile over the full 52-week study.

The results showed an early and durable effect from a single infusion of MPC-300-IV in biologic-refractory RA patients. Specifically:

· Infusions were well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported during the 52-week period, and a safety profile over 52 weeks comparable among the placebo and two MPC treatment groups.
· A single intravenous MPC infusion in biologic refractory RA patients resulted in dose-related improvements in clinical symptoms, function, disease activity and patient-reported outcomes. Efficacy signals were observed for each of ACR 20/50/70, ACR-N, HAQ-DI, SF-36 and DAS-28 disease activity score.
· The 2 million MPC/kg dose showed the greatest overall treatment responses. Onset of treatment responses occurred as early as 4 weeks, peaked at 12 weeks, were maintained through 39 weeks, and waned by 52 weeks.
· Greatest benefits over 52 weeks were seen in patients who had failed less than three biologics (1-2 biologic sub-group) prior to MPC treatment, identifying this as a potentially optimal target population.

The results of this Phase 2 trial identified a dose-related treatment effect, the earliest onset of the effect, and a level of durability from a single dose. Given the safety profile, the Company intends to evaluate whether higher MPC doses can achieve even greater rates of low disease activity or remission within the first 12 weeks and beyond. The Company also plans to evaluate whether the observed durable treatment responses can be maintained for the longer term using repeat dose therapy.

*Upcoming Milestones*

The Company expects multiple key inflection points over the remainder of 2018, including:

· Remestemcel-L (MSC-100-IV) for Pediatric Steroid-refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease

· Day 100 survival data (Q2 CY18)
· Day 180 safety data (Q3 CY18)
 

· MPC-06-ID for Chronic Low Back Pain

· Phase 3 trial expected to complete enrollment imminently (Q1 CY18)
 

· MPC-150-IM for Advanced and End-Stage Heart Failure

· Phase 2B trial for Class IV; 12 month data read-out (Q3 CY18)
· Phase 3 trial for Class II/III; targeted enrollment completion (H2 CY18).

*Financial Highlights*

At December 31, 2017, the Company had cash reserves of US$47.4 million. Revenues in the half-year of FY2018 were significantly increased to US$14.6 million, compared with US$0.9 million in the corresponding period in 2017, an increase of US$13.7 million. Revenues for the period included US$11.8 million in connection with the Company’s patent license agreement with TiGenix which was signed in the reporting period (including the upfront receipt of US$5.9 million upon execution of our patent license agreement as well as a further US$5.9 million recognized in the period but due within 12 months), and milestone and royalties of US$2.6 million in connection with sales of TEMCELL HS. Inj.^1 by our licensee in Japan, JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd (JCR).

Net cash outflows from operating activities for the half-year were reduced by US$11.2m (24%), compared with the half-year of FY2017, primarily as a result of a reduction of US$4.7 million in payments to suppliers and employees and increased inflows of US$6.5 million relating to the receipts from TiGenix and JCR.

The Company recorded a profit after tax of US$6.7 million, compared with a loss after tax of US$39.8 million for the comparative period.

A non-cash income tax benefit of US$26.2 million was recognized in the half-year FY2018 as a result of changes in tax rates. On December 22, 2017, the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), which changed many aspects of U.S. corporate income taxation, including a reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.

Mesoblast retains an equity facility for up to A$120 million/US$90 million, to be used at its discretion over the next 18 months to provide additional funds as required.

*Financial Results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 (the half-year) (in U.S. Dollars)*

Revenues were US$14.6 million in the half-year of FY2018 compared with US$0.9 million in the half-year of FY2017, an increase of US$13.7 million.

In addition to increasing revenues, the Company contained spend whilst increasing its R&D investment in Tier 1 clinical programs by deferring manufacturing production and constraining management and administration costs. Research and development expenses increased by US$2.6 million (9%) and management and administration costs increased by US$0.3 million (3%), these increases were offset by cost savings of US$5.4 million (76%) for manufacturing for the half-year of FY2018, compared with the half-year of FY2017.

There was a decrease of US$26.5 million (58%) in the loss before income tax for the half-year of FY2018, compared with the half-year of FY2017.

The main items which impacted the loss before income tax movement were:

· *Revenues:* the Company recognized milestone revenue of US$12.8 million in the half-year of FY2018 compared to US$Nil in the half-year of FY2017, an increase of US$12.8 million.  Milestone revenue of US$12.8 million in the half-year of FY2018 comprised: US$5.9 million (€5.0 million) upfront payments received upon execution of the Company’s patent license agreement with TiGenix; a further US$5.9 million (€5.0 million) of milestone revenue was recognized in relation to product Cx601 under the terms of the TiGenix patent license agreement; and US$1.0 million in sales milestones on achievement of cumulative sales milestones on TEMCELL by our licensee in Japan, JCR.

The Company recognized commercialization revenues from royalties on sales of TEMCELL by JCR of US$1.6 million in the half-year of FY2018 compared with US$0.7 million in the half-year of FY2017, an increase of US$0.9 million (139%).

· *Research and Development *expenses were US$31.6 million for the half-year of FY2018, compared with US$29.0 million for the half-year of FY2017, an increase of US$2.6 million (9%) as the Company invested in Tier 1 clinical programs.· *Manufacturing *expenses were US$1.7 million for the half-year of FY2018, compared with US$7.1 million for the half-year of FY2017, a decrease of US$5.4 million (76%) due to a reduction in manufacturing activity because sufficient quantities of clinical grade product were previously manufactured for all ongoing clinical trials.
 
· *Management and Administration* expenses were US$10.6 million for the half-year FY2018, compared with US$10.3 million for the half-year of FY2017, an increase of US$0.3 million (3%) due to increased labour costs for non-cash share based payments partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead expenses such as rent, IT costs and professional service fees.

The overall decrease in loss before income tax also includes movements in other items which did not impact current cash reserves, such as: fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration, and foreign exchange movements within other operating income and expenses.

A non-cash income tax benefit of US$26.2 million and was recognized in the half-year FY2018 in relation to the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized on the balance sheet during the period, primarily due to a revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized as a result of changes in tax rates. On December 22, 2017, the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), which changed many aspects of United States corporate income taxation, including a reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Company recognized the tax effects of the Tax Act in the half-year FY2018, the most significant of which was a tax benefit resulting from the remeasurement of deferred tax balances to 21%.

A non-cash income tax benefit of US$6.2 million was recognized in the half-year FY2017 in relation to the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized on the balance sheet during the period.

The net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was US$6.7 million, or 1.46 cents earnings per share, for the half-year of FY2018, compared with a net loss of US$39.8 million, or 10.41 cents loss per share, for the half-year of FY2017.

*Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 (second quarter) (in U.S. Dollars)*

Revenues were US$13.4 million in the second quarter of FY2018 compared with US$0.6 million in the second quarter of FY2017, an increase of US$12.8 million.

In addition to increasing revenues the Company contained spend whilst increasing its R&D investment in Tier 1 clinical programs by deferring manufacturing production and constraining management and administration costs. Research and development expenses increased by US$1.2 million (8%) and management and administration costs increased by US$0.7 million (16%), these increases were offset by cost savings of US$3.0 million (79%) for manufacturing for the second quarter of FY2018, compared with the second quarter of FY2017.

There was a decrease of US$13.5 million (58%) in the loss before income tax for the second quarter of FY2018, compared with the second quarter of FY2017.

The main items which impacted the loss before income tax movement were:

· *Revenues:* the Company recognized milestone revenue of US$12.3 million in the second quarter of FY2018 compared to US$Nil in the second quarter of FY2017, an increase of US$12.3 million. Milestone revenue of US$12.3 million in the second quarter of FY2018 comprised: US$5.9 million (€5.0 million) upfront payments received upon execution of the Company’s patent license agreement with TiGenix; a further US$5.9 million (€5.0 million) of milestone revenue was recognized in relation to product Cx601 under the terms of the TiGenix patent license agreement; and US$0.5 million in sales milestones on achievement of cumulative sales milestones on TEMCELL by our licensee in in Japan.

The Company recognized commercialization revenues from royalties on sales of TEMCELL by our licensee in Japan, JCR, of US$0.9 million in the second quarter of FY2018 compared with US$0.4 million in the second quarter of FY2017, an increase of US$0.5 million (119%).

· *Research and Development *expenses were US$16.2 million for the second quarter of FY2018, compared with US$15.0 million for the second quarter of FY2017, an increase of US$1.2 million (8%) as the Company invested in Tier 1 clinical programs.
 
· *Manufacturing *expenses were US$0.8 million for the second quarter of FY2018, compared with US$3.8 million for the second quarter of FY2017, a decrease of US$3.0 million (79%) due to a reduction in manufacturing activity because sufficient quantities of clinical grade product were previously manufactured for all ongoing clinical trials.
 
· *Management and Administration* expenses were US$5.6 million for the second quarter FY2018, compared with US$4.9 million for the second quarter of FY2017, an increase of US$0.7 million (16%) due to increased labour costs for non-cash share based payments partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead expenses such as rent, IT costs and professional service fees.

The overall decrease in loss before income tax also includes movements in other items which did not impact current cash reserves, such as: fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration, and foreign exchange movements within other operating income and expenses.

A non-cash income tax benefit of US$23.3 million and was recognized in the second quarter FY2018 in relation to the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized on the balance sheet during the period, primarily due to a revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized as a result of changes in tax rates.  On December 22, 2017, the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), which changed many aspects of U.S. corporate income taxation, including a reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.  The Company recognized the tax effects of the Tax Act in the second quarter FY2018, the most significant of which was a tax benefit resulting from the remeasurement of deferred tax balances to 21%.

A non-cash income tax benefit of US$3.1 million was recognized in the second quarter FY2017 in relation to the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized on the balance sheet during the period.

The net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was US$13.7 million, or 2.91 cents earnings per share, for the second quarter of FY2018, compared with a net loss of US$20.1 million, or 5.22 cents loss per share, for the second quarter of FY2017.

*Conference Call Details*

There will be a webcast on the financial results for the first half ended December 31, 2017 beginning at 4:30 pm EST on Tuesday, February 27, 2018; 8:30 am Wednesday, February 28, 2018 AEDT. 

The live webcast, including a slide presentation, can be accessed via
http://webcasting.brrmedia.com/broadcast/5a6ffa22271b41638bdc2f22

To access the call only, dial 1 855 881 1339 (U.S.), 1 800 558 698 (toll-free Australia) or +61 2 9007 3187 (outside of the U.S. and Australia). The conference identification code is 882151.

The archived webcast will be available on the Investor page of the Company’s website – www.mesoblast.com

*Forward-Looking Statements*
This press release includes forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and actual results may differ from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material and adverse. Forward- looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Mesoblast’s preclinical and clinical studies, and Mesoblast’s research and development programs; Mesoblast’s ability to advance product candidates into, enroll and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; Mesoblast’s ability to advance its manufacturing capabilities; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities, if any; the commercialization of Mesoblast’s product candidates, if approved; regulatory or public perceptions and market acceptance surrounding the use of stem-cell based therapies; the potential for Mesoblast’s product candidates, if any are approved, to be withdrawn from the market due to patient adverse events or deaths; the potential benefits of strategic collaboration agreements and Mesoblast’s ability to enter into and maintain established strategic collaborations; Mesoblast’s ability to establish and maintain intellectual property on its product candidates and Mesoblast’s ability to successfully defend these in cases of alleged infringement; the scope of protection Mesoblast is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its product candidates and technology; estimates of Mesoblast’s expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and its needs for additional financing; Mesoblast’s financial performance; developments relating to Mesoblast’s competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Mesoblast’s product candidates, if approved. You should read this press release together with our risk factors, in our most recently filed reports with the SEC or on our website. Uncertainties and risks that may cause Mesoblast’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

                                                     
Julie Meldrum
Corporate Communications
Mesoblast
T: +61 3 9639 6036
E: julie.meldrum@mesoblast.com
  Schond Greenway
Investor Relations
Mesoblast
T: + 1 212 880 2060
E: schond.greenway@mesoblast.com
     

Consolidated Income Statement  * * *Three Months Ended* * * * * *Six Months Ended* * *
* * * * *December 31,* * * * * *December 31,* * *
*(in U.S. dollars, in thousands, except per share amount)* * * *2017* * * * * *2016* * * * * *2017* * * * * *2016* * *
Revenue     13,397       550       14,571       945  
Research & development     (16,222 )     (15,043 )     (31,590 )     (29,047 )
Manufacturing commercialization     (801 )     (3,790 )     (1,678 )     (7,085 )
Management and administration     (5,643 )     (4,879 )     (10,655 )     (10,338 )
Fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration     (793 )     (326 )     8,702       (1,339 )
Other operating income and expenses     423       311       1,091       784  
*Loss before income tax*   * * *(9,639* *)* * * * * *(23,177* *)* * * * * *(19,559* *)* * * * * *(46,080* *)*
Income tax benefit/(expense)     23,342       3,126       26,240       6,231  
*Profit/(loss) attributable to the owners of Mesoblast Limited*   * * *13,703* * * * * * * *(20,051* *)* * * * * *6,681* * * * * * * *(39,849* *)*
                                 
*Earnings/(losses) per share from continuing operations attributable*
*  to the ordinary equity holders of the Group:*   *Cents* * * * * *Cents* * * * * *Cents* * * * * *Cents* * *
Basic - earnings/(losses) per share     2.91       (5.22 )     1.46       (10.41 )
Diluted - earnings/(losses) per share     2.91       (5.22 )     1.46       (10.41 )
                                 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

  * * *Three Months Ended*
*December 31,* * * * * *Six Months Ended*
*December 31,* * * * *
*(in U.S. dollars, in thousands)* * * *2017* * * * * *2016* * * * * *2017* * * * * *2016* * * * *
*Profit/(loss) for the year* * * * * *13,703* * * * * * * *(20,051* *)* * * * * *6,681* * * * * * * *(39,849* *)* * *
*Other comprehensive (loss)/income* * *                                
Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss                                  
Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial
  assets     47       (1 )     67       31    
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations     (385 )     (1,277 )     (500 )     (574 )  
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period,
  net of tax   * * *(338* *)* * * * * *(1,278* *)* * * * * *(433* *)* * * * * *(543* *)* * *
*Total comprehensive income/(losses) attributable to the*
*  owners of Mesoblast Limited*   * * *13,365* * * * * * * *(21,329* *)* * * * * *6,248* * * * * * * *(40,392* *)* * *
                                   

Consolidated Statement of Balance Sheet* (in U.S. dollars, in thousands)*   *As of*
*December 31, 2017* * * * * *As of*
*June 30, 2017* * *
*Assets* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Current Assets* * *              
Cash & cash equivalents     47,386       45,761  
Trade & other receivables     12,236       3,743  
Prepayments     12,650       14,105  
*Total Current Assets* * * * * *72,272* * * * * * * *63,609* * *
                 
*Non-Current Assets* * *              
Property, plant and equipment     1,453       1,814  
Available-for-sale financial assets     2,065       1,997  
Other non-current assets     3,399       1,916  
Intangible assets     585,622       586,350  
*Total Non-Current Assets* * * * * *592,539* * * * * * * *592,077* * *
*Total Assets* * * * * *664,811* * * * * * * *655,686* * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Liabilities* * *              
*Current Liabilities* * *              
Trade and other payables     18,121       21,805  
Provisions     3,470       14,865  
*Total Current Liabilities* * * * * *21,591* * * * * * * *36,670* * *
* * * *              
*Non-Current Liabilities* * *              
Deferred tax liability     23,912       49,293  
Provisions     43,703       52,957  
*Total Non-Current Liabilities* * * * * *67,615* * * * * * * *102,250* * *
*Total Liabilities* * * * * *89,206* * * * * * * *138,920* * *
*Net Assets* * * * * *575,605* * * * * * * *516,766* * *
                 
*Equity* * *              
Issued Capital     878,989       830,425  
Reserves     34,837       31,243  
(Accumulated losses)/retained earnings     (338,221 )     (344,902 )
*Total Equity* * * * * *575,605* * * * * * * *516,766* * *
                 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  * * *Six months ended*
*December 31,* * *
*(in U.S. dollars, in thousands)* * * *2017* * * * * *2016* * *
*Cash flows from operating activities* * *              
Commercialization revenue received     1,080       579  
Milestone payment received     6,125       —  
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of goods and
  services tax)     (42,593 )     (47,252 )
Interest received     192       309  
Income taxes (paid)/refunded     (25 ) * *   —  
*Net cash (outflows) in operating activities* * * * * *(35,221* *)* * * * * *(46,364* *)*
* * * *              
*Cash flows from investing activities* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Payments for contingent consideration     (543 )     —  
Investment in fixed assets     (137 )     (292 )
*Net cash (outflows) in investing activities* * * * * *(680* *)* * * * * *(292* *)*
* * * *              
*Cash flows from financing activities* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Proceeds from issue of shares     40,532       —  
Payments for share issue costs     (2,603 )     (60 )
*Net cash inflows/(outflows) by financing activities* * * * * *37,929* * * * * * * *(60* *)*
* * * *              
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     2,028       (46,716 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     45,761       80,937  
FX (losses)/gains on the translation of foreign bank accounts     (403 )     (319 )
*Cash and cash equivalents at end of period* * * * * *47,386* * * * * * * *33,902* * *
                  Reported by GlobeNewswire 11 minutes ago.

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Feb. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ebix, Inc. (NASDAQ:EBIX), a leading international supplier of on-demand software and e-commerce services to the insurance, financial, e-governance and healthcare industries, announced today that the Company will report its fourth quarter and full year 2017 results on March 1^st, 2018 and will host an investor conference call at 11:00 a.m on Friday, March 2^nd ET to discuss the Company's performance. The call is open to the public.*Conference Call, Webcast and Replay Details:*
*Call Date/Time:*               Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. ET
*Call Dial-In Toll Free:*     +1 (877) 837-3909
*International Dial-In:*      +1 (973) 409-9690
*Call ID:                                 *# 1064759

*Live Audio Webcast: www.ebix.com/webcast*

*Audio Replay URL:*       http://www.ebix.com/result_17_q4 after 2:00 p.m.

*About Ebix
*A leading international supplier of On-Demand software and E-commerce services to the insurance, financial, e-governance and healthcare industries, Ebix, Inc. provides end-to-end on-Demand solutions ranging from infrastructure exchanges, front end & back end enterprise systems, outsourced administrative & custom software development solutions, and risk compliance solutions for various entities involved in these industries.

With 50+ offices across Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, the US and the UK, Ebix powers multiple exchanges across the world in the field of life, annuity, health and property & casualty insurance while conducting in excess of $100 billion in insurance premiums annually on its platforms. Through its various SaaS-based software platforms, Ebix employs hundreds of domain specific business and technology professionals to provide products, support and consultancy to thousands of customers on six continents. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.ebix.com.

CONTACT: CONTACT:
Darren Joseph
678-281-2020
djoseph@ebix.com

David Collins or Chris Eddy
Catalyst IR
212-924-9800
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Euler Hermes Group: Further proposed simplified cash tender offer for Euler Hermes Group shares followed by a squeeze-out

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*          *
Not for distribution in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa, or Italy
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase any securities

*Further proposed simplified cash tender offer for Euler Hermes Group shares *
*followed by a squeeze-out*
       
       
       
*PARIS - 28 FEBRUARY 2018 - *Following Allianz' initial tender offer for Euler Hermes Group shares and additional purchases by Allianz of Euler Hermes Group shares, Allianz announced on 23 February 2018 its intention to file in the coming weeks a further simplified cash tender offer at a price of 122 euros per share (in cash). This simplified cash tender offer will be followed by a squeeze-out, for the remaining 1,998,131 Euler Hermes Group shares held by minority shareholders which represent 4.69% of the share capital and voting rights of Euler Hermes Group.^[1]

The Supervisory Board of Euler Hermes Group convened on 28 February 2018 and asked Mr Olivier Péronnet (Finexsi), as an independent expert, to prepare a further fairness opinion (attestation complémentaire) regarding the financial terms of the offer and the subsequent squeeze-out in accordance with Article 261-1 I and II of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

Disclaimer: This press release is not an offer to purchase securities. The offer will be made only pursuant to the offer documentation which will contain the full terms and conditions of the offer. The offer documentation will be subject to review by the AMF and the offer will only be opened once the AMF has granted its clearance. Any decision in respect of the offer should be made only on the basis of the information contained in such offer documentation.

This press release was prepared for informational purpose only. The diffusion of this press release, the offer and its acceptance may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. The offer is not made for persons subject to such restrictions, neither directly nor indirectly, and may not be accepted in any way from a country where the offer would be subject to such restrictions. Consequently, persons in possession of this press release shall inquire about potential applicable local restrictions and comply with them.

Euler Hermes Group excludes all liability in the event of any breach of the applicable legal restrictions by any person.

*Euler Hermes Group*
Jean-Baptiste Mounier +33 (0)1 84 11 51 14

jean-baptiste.mounier@eulerhermes.com *Footprint Consultants *
Cécile Jacquet +33 (0)1 80 48 14 80

cjacquet@footprintconsultants.fr
Quentin Giudicelli +33 (0)1 80 48 14 80

qgiudicelli@footprintconsultants.fr

*Euler Hermes** is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of bonding, guarantees and collections. With more than 100 years of experience, the company offers business-to-business (B2B) clients financial services to support cash and trade receivables management. Its proprietary intelligence network tracks and analyzes daily changes in corporate solvency among small, medium and multinational companies active in markets representing 92% of global GDP. Headquartered in Paris, the company is present in 52 countries with 6,050 employees. Euler Hermes is a subsidiary of Allianz, listed on Euronext Paris (ELE.PA) and rated AA by Standard & Poor's. The company posted a consolidated turnover of €2.6 billion in 2017 and insured global business transactions for €894 billion in exposure at the end of 2017. Further information: *www.eulerhermes.com*, *LinkedIn* or Twitter *@eulerhermes

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words "may", "will", "should", "expects", "plans", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential", or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (i) general economic conditions, including in particular economic conditions in the Euler Hermes Group's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, and including market volatility, liquidity and credit events (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, including from natural catastrophes and including the development of loss expenses, (iv) persistency levels, (v) the extent of credit defaults, (vi) interest rate levels, (vii) currency exchange rates including the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate, (viii) changing levels of competition, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including monetary convergence and the European Monetary Union, (x) changes in the policies of central banks and/or foreign governments, (xi) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, (xii) reorganization measures, and (xiii) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement
^[1]       Excluding the 619,189 treasury shares and on the basis of a total of 42,641,635 shares and voting rights. On this basis, Allianz Group currently holds 40,024,315 Euler Hermes Group shares (excluding the treasury shares), representing 93.86% of the share capital and voting rights of Euler Hermes Group.

Attachment:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c3a1ca6-825a-4517-8c75-e1ba28e348e0 Reported by GlobeNewswire 5 hours ago.

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