Journal articles on the topic 'Israel Aircraft Industries, ltd'

Abstract This paper describes results of tests dedicated to studying – in simulated environmental conditions – operation of a battery pack designed for powering unmanned aircraft systems. In particular, the tests concerned determining the electrical parameters of battery packs, with and without radiators, during their operation in changing environmental conditions and resistance to large temperature fluctuations. Amicell, a high density lithium polymer battery manufactured by the Israeli Amit Industries ltd., was selected for testing. The test results present characteristics of the batteries tested in different temperatures and allow for designing and trying out proper battery protections against environmental conditions, with the intention to attain continuous and correct operation. The tests have been carried out in the accredited Environmental Test Laboratory which is part of the Department of Avionics of the Institute of Aviation in Poland.

The ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd., predecessor, Kawanishi Aircraft Ltd., was famed for its high-performance World War II planes, including the Type II Flying Boat, codenamed “Emily” by the Allied Forces, and the Interceptor Siden-Kai, codenamed “George.” Following defeat, Kawanishi Aircraft Ltd. was renamed ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd., founded officially in 1949. The new company, which started out producing dump trucks, but resumed aircraft manufacture in 1960. ShinMaywa now holds a high market share among Special Purpose Trucks such as dump trucks and in aircraft business exemplified by the STOL (Short Take Off Landing) Amphibian. It also manufactures Automatic Wire Terminating Machines, Thin Film Coating System, Aircraft Passenger Boarding Bridges, Car Parking System, and Water Treatment Equipment. In fiscal 2008 business, industrial machinery accounted for 37%, special purpose truck 35%, aircraft 19%, and others 9% in the company’s ¥127.7 billion sales (US$1.277 billion). Current employees based on consolidated accounts number 3,883. The enterprise philosophy is “contributing to society through outstanding technology and service.” Concretely, harmonization with society should be achieved in daily activities of an enterprise, and enterprise value should be raised by management taking stake holders into account.

In Korea, the KC-100, which is a small scale piston propeller general aviation aircraft, has been developed to establish a domestic certificate infrastructure and system through the BASA(Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement) program by KAI(Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.). This aircraft adopted the whole composite structure concept for an environmental friendly aircraft through low fuel consumption due to structure weight reduction. However the carbon/epoxy composite structure, which is mainly used for this aircraft, is very weak against foreign object damage. Therefore the purpose of the damage tolerance design philosophy is to ensure that the aircraft can operate safely for a period of time with damage present within the airframe. This study is to investigate the residual compressive strength of the carbon/epoxy UD and fabric laminate due to impact damages. Through investigation on compressive strength, design allowable of carbon/epoxy laminate is determined by the experiment to address design criteria of the composite structure.

The article reviews the current clinical data on the use of one of the modern pharmacological drugs torasemide (Diuver, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Israel) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in conditions of comorbidity. Presents a comprehensive view of the problem identified and a reasoned approach to the choice of diuretic therapy with clinico-pathophysiological substantiation of the use of a loop diuretic torasemid. Conceptually formed of a number of provisions on the application of one of the modern diuretic drugs in therapeutic practice in patients with arterial hypertension and heart failure.

There has recently been renewed interest in magnesium alloys from both the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to the low density (approximately 35% lower than aluminium) and high specific strength, these alloys can introduce significant weight savings, and consequently fuel savings, to both vehicles and aircraft. Elektron™ 675 is a new alloy based on the magnesium-yttrium-gadolinium ternary system, developed by Magnesium Elektron Ltd. for wrought applications. Elektron™ 675 has superior mechanical properties relative to the current commercially available wrought alloys AZ31B, WE43, and ZK60.

LVD Company NV and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, ltd. developed the cutting-edge, high performance CNC press brake [1] for high accuracy/precision bending of approx.10m (L) by 2.5m (W) size aircraft skins. Those skin sheets have complex shapes which include mainly machine milled thickness reduction area called pockets, thickness tapers, cutouts for the windows and doors. Due to those characters, the materials have large thickness variation between less than 2 mm and more than 11 mm in a single skin sheet. Here in this paper, the overview of this intelligence press brake equipment and its forming process are described. The materials with complex shapes described above can be bent accurately including material edges with the features of the press brake which are the synchronized material handling system, 210 numbers of variable punches, the special die suitable for the variable punches, the curvature measurement devices, and an automated bending mechanism with curvature feedback /feedforward. In addition, cardboard-like-filler jigs which are used to make thickness variations flat in a traditional bending process and shims to adjust regional press strokes can be eliminated, which reduce significant process time and product quality without worker’s superior skills. As a result, full automation of accurate bending process of aircraft skins have been achieved.

Titanium alloys sheets have many attractions for the aerospace industry owing to their high strength, low density, heat resistance and other useful properties. Many of the sheet metal structures in airframes have complex shapes and compound curvatures with intricate details. Superplastic forming (SPF), a most recent advancement in titanium sheet forming technology, exploits the excellent characteristic of >1000% elongation potential for the fabrication of complex configurations not achievable by conventional methods. SPF technology can also reduce manufacturing cost by shortening the preparation time, eliminating the need for extensive welding or other joining methods and by reducing the number of manufacturing steps. Consequently, high profit margins may be achieved in serial aircraft production. This paper outlines the research at Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) of SPF technology and its application in producing complex-shape Ti sheet parts for the new IAI commercial aircrafts, models “G-150” and “G-200”. Examples of both actual and experimental parts are given, together with details of the manufacturing parameters employed. An economical analysis is also included.

Purpose The flexible automatic transportation and manual assembly jobs for large aircraft components demand an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system with heavy-duty capacity and omnidirectional movability. This paper aims to propose a four driving-steering wheels-four supporting-steering wheels (4DSW-4SSW) layout plan to enhance the controllability and moving stability of AGV. Design/methodology/approach The anti-vibration structure of DS wheels and high-torque steering mechanism of SS wheels with tapered rolling bearings are rigorously designed to meet the functional requirements. Based on the specific wheel layout and vehicle dynamics, the rotational kinematic model as well as the straight and rotational dynamic models of AGV are established by the authors. To well verify the motion characteristics of wheels under heavy load in three motion states including straight motion, self-rotation and rotation around a certain point, the simulations in ADAMS and factory experiments have all been conducted. Findings Simulation results indicate that normal and friction forces of DS wheels and SS wheels are very stable except for some small oscillations, which are caused by non-center load distribution on AGV. Experimental results on driving speed of AGV have directly demonstrated that its positioning accuracy is enough for use in real aircraft assembly lines. Practical implications The designed AGV system has been applied to the final assembly line of a certain aircraft in Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd, whose assembly efficiency and flexibility have been significantly improved. Originality/value A new layout plan of wheels for an omnidirectional heavy-duty AGV is proposed, which enhances the operating and moving capacity of AGV. A function of human-machine collaboration is also offered by the AGV for transporting large workpieces intelligently and economically in aerospace and other heavy industries.

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of the Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned entrepreneur regarding the evolution, commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market. Design/methodology/approach – The interviewee is Professor Moshe Shoham, Director of the Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. Professor Shoham is also the Founder of Mazor Robotics Ltd. and the co-founder of Microbot Medical. As a pioneer of new and developing fields in medical robotics, Shoham describes his major advancements and innovative approaches. Findings – Professor Moshe Shoham has BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, MSc and DSc in Mechanical Engineering from Technion, where he has been teaching for the past nearly 30 years, and is currently the Tamara and Harry Handelsman Academic Chair in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The Technion is renowned for the ingenuity of its graduates, who comprise 70 per cent of Israel’s founders and managers of high-tech industries, making Israel the greatest concentration of high-tech start-up companies anywhere outside of Silicon Valley, California, USA. Along with Technion’s expert faculty, students and facilities, Professor Shoham founded Mazor Robotics in 2001 and co-founded Microbot Medical Ltd. in 2010. Originality/value – Professor Shoham, a worldwide acclaimed authority in the field of robotics whose life work is dedicated to developing technologies that improve patient care, is the inventor of the first commercially available mechanical guidance system for spine surgery, the Mazor Robotics Renaissance™ Guidance System. He is also the visionary and creator of the unprecedented Microbot ViRob, an Autonomous Advancing Micro Robot, <1 mm in diameter, which has the ability to crawl within cavities/lumens, allowing physicians to target a disease site with exquisite precision. His latest work includes a revolutionary swimming Micro Robot and the new Mazor Renaissance® Brain Surgery. Professor Shoham holds 30 patents and more than a dozen awards, including the recent prestigious 2013 Thomas A. Edison Patent Award and the election into the National Academy of Engineering.

Context Developments in the use of remote aircraft, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), for ecological study have been rapid. Helicopter surveys have proven to be a reliable, repeatable method for broad-scale monitoring of harvested kangaroo populations in Australia’s rangelands, but the recent availability of long-range UAS may offer improvements in detectability and cost efficiency. Aims We aimed to test the ability of a long-range UAS (Spylite, Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd, Kadima, Israel) to survey macropod populations at a landscape scale, and validate the results against those from the current best-practice helicopter surveys. Methods Four 80-km transects in south-western Queensland were surveyed using a helicopter and UAS. Two observers, occupying the rear seats of the helicopter, recorded animals observed in distance classes perpendicular to either side of the aircraft. Continuous electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) video from the UAS were recorded for later processing. Animal densities were calculated using line-transect methods for both techniques. The efficiency and cost effectiveness of each survey technique were also assessed using the flight and data processing times. Key results The encounter rate for macropods during the UAS was significantly lower compared with the helicopter survey, resulting in low estimates of macropod density (3.2 versus 53.8 animals km–2 respectively). The UAS technique recorded between 2.9 and 12.7% of the macropod density observed on each transect during the helicopter survey. The helicopter surveys were less expensive and more efficient and cost effective, requiring less flight and data processing time than the UAS surveys. Conclusions Utilising long-range UAS to detect and count groups of wild animals for landscape-scale wildlife monitoring has potential, but improvements in detection and identification technology are needed to match or exceed the accuracy of the conventional aerial survey technique for kangaroos. Implications Recent advances in camera technology and methodological refinements are encouraging for aerial survey of wildlife using UAS. However, significant improvements are required to survey for kangaroos and new technology should again be tested against current benchmarks.

Introduction. Governments around the world seek to reduce rapidly rising health care costs. Using the same high quality and often cheaper than the original brands, generics greatly reduces costs while providing an adequate quality of care. Therefore the development of generic medicines is an important task. The purpose of the study - the reproduction of the pharmaceutical dosage form for creation of national drug-generic epirubicin. Materials and methods. The study used a substance epirubicin (Ph. Eur current edition, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Israel); “Farmorubicin”, production “Pfizer Italia Srl” for “Pfizer Inc.”, Italy / US and excipients conforming to with relevant regulatory documents. Mice transplanted tumor: lymphocytic leukemia P388. Methods: technological, pharmaco-analytical, biological and pharmacological. Results. Pharmaceutical analysis of reproduced generic-drug “Epirubicin-RONC®” showed that itfully meets the requirements of manufacturer’s monograph. The results of “acute” toxicity study in rats and observations of the experimental animals within 30 days after a single administration suggest that both drugs have similar toxicological properties and are almost identical. Generic “Epirubicin RONC®” and “Farmorubicin” in lyophilized dosage form for injection 10.0 mg/vial, administered once, shows equal antitumor effect at two administration routes in mice with transplantable tumor: lymphocytic leukemia P-388. Conclusion. N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center Ministry of Health of Russia has been reproduced generic - “Epirubi-cin-RONC®”, which is fully conform to the imported drug.

AbstractBackgroundTardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder that is more prevalent in older patients. However, there is limited information on TD treatment for this population. In two 12-week pivotal trials (ARM-TD and AIM-TD), TD patients demonstrated significant improvements in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score with deutetrabenazine versus placebo.MethodsPatients who completed ARM-TD or AIM-TD enrolled in an open-label extension (OLE) study. This post hoc analysis assessed change and percent change from baseline in AIMS score, response rates for ≥50% AIMS improvement, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and safety in younger (<55 years) and older (≥55 years) patients.ResultsThis analysis included 119 younger and 218 older patients enrolled in the OLE. Data presented at Week 145 (mean±SE): total deutetrabenazine dose was 39.4±1.39mg/day and 39.5±1.04mg/day in younger and older patients, respectively. Changes from baseline in AIMS score were –6.7±0.62 and –6.5±0.47, respectively (percent changes of –61.4%±4.10% and –54.6%±3.01%). The majority of younger and older patients achieved treatment success per CGIC (67% and 76%) and PGIC (64% and 63%) and achieved ≥50% AIMS response (76% and 62%). Deutetrabenazine was generally well tolerated in both groups. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates (incidence/patient-years) were <0.01 and 0.02 for akathisia, 0.07 (both) for somnolence and sedation, 0.04 and 0.11 for parkinson-like events, and 0.06 and 0.09 for depression in younger and older patients, respectively.ConclusionsDeutetrabenazine treatment was associated with sustained improvements in AIMS score and was well tolerated in both younger and older TD patients.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundThe 12-week ARM-TD and AIM-TD studies in tardive dyskinesia (TD) patients showed statistically significant improvements in TD symptoms with deutetrabenazine. The completed open-label extension (OLE) study (SD-809-C−20) evaluated long-term efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine in TD.MethodsPatients who completed ARM-TD or AIM-TD enrolled in the OLE study, with deutetrabenazine dose titrated based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. Change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score was assessed by local site raters. Treatment success was evaluated locally as patients being “much improved” or “very much improved” on Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC).Results343 patients enrolled in the OLE study; 6 patients were excluded from analyses. At Week 54 (n=249; dose [mean±SE]: 38.7±0.66mg/day), mean change from baseline in AIMS score was –4.8±0.28; 66% of patients experienced treatment success. At Week 106 (n=194; dose: 39.3±0.75mg/day), mean change from baseline in AIMS score was –5.4±0.33; 65% of patients experienced treatment success. At Week 145 (n=160; dose: 39.4±0.83mg/day), mean change from baseline in AIMS score was –6.6±0.37; 73% of patients experienced treatment success. Treatment was generally well tolerated across 723 patient-years of exposure through Week 158, and exposure-adjusted incidence rates (incidence/patient-years) for akathisia/restlessness were 0.01, somnolence/sedation were 0.07, and symptoms which may represent parkinsonism or depression were 0.08 each.ConclusionsPatients who received long-term treatment with deutetrabenazine achieved sustained improvement in AIMS scores. Findings from this open-label trial with response-driven dosing suggest the possibility of increasing benefit over time.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundThere are no established treatment guidelines for tardive dyskinesia (TD) based on movement severity. The 12-week ARM-TD and AIM-TD studies in TD patients with baseline Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total score (items 1–7) ≥6 showed clinically significant improvements in AIMS score with deutetrabenazine versus placebo. Patients who completed these studies were eligible for the open-label extension (OLE) trial. This post-hoc analysis evaluated deutetrabenazine in TD patients with severe movements.MethodsSubgroups were defined by upper quartile of baseline total AIMS score (local rating). Endpoints were: change and percent change from baseline in AIMS score, and percent of patients achieving ≥50% AIMS reduction from baseline.Results337 patients were analyzed. The upper quartile of baseline total AIMS score was 14. Subgroups were defined as >14 and ≤14 at baseline, respectively (n=64 vs 273); data are presented at Week 145 (n=40 vs 120). Mean treatment duration was 880.5 and 760.8 days. Mean±SE daily doses were 41.1±1.6mg and 38.9±1.0mg. Mean±SE change from baseline in AIMS score was –11.0±0.8 versus –5.1±0.3; percent change from baseline was –60.1%±3.6% versus –55.9%±3.0%. More patients with AIMS score >14 had ≥50% AIMS reduction (73% vs 65%). Less patients discontinued (38% vs 51%); reasons included withdrawal by subject (16% vs 25%), adverse event (3% vs 11%), and lost to follow-up (6% vs 7%). Withdrawal due to lack of efficacy was uncommon (5% vs 2%).ConclusionsPatients with baseline total AIMS score >14 had clinically meaningful reductions in AIMS score, suggesting deutetrabenazine has long-term benefit in these patients.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractIntroductionTardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder that can result from exposure to dopamine-receptor antagonists (DRAs). Deutetrabenazine demonstrated significant improvements in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) scores in the 12-week pivotal trials (ARM-TD/AIM-TD). This post hoc analysis assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine by baseline DRA use.MethodsPatients who completed ARM-TD or AIM-TD enrolled in the 3-year, open-label extension (OLE) study, with deutetrabenazine dose titrated based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. Change from baseline in total motor AIMS score, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and adverse event (AE) rates were analyzed in subgroups by baseline DRA use.ResultsOf 337 patients in the OLE study, 254 were taking DRAs at baseline (mean age, 56 years; 48% male; 6.0 years since diagnosis) and 83 were not (mean age, 60 years; 31% male; 4.9 years since diagnosis). Mean ± SE dose at week 145 was 39.9 ± 1.0 mg/day in patients taking DRAs (n = 108) and 38.5 ± 1.5 mg/day in patients not taking DRAs (n = 53). At week 145, mean ± SE change from baseline in AIMS score was −6.1 ± 0.43 and −7.5 ± 0.71; 64% and 62% achieved PGIC treatment success; and 69% and 81% achieved CGIC treatment success, respectively. Overall AE incidence was low (exposure-adjusted incidence rates [incidence/patient-years]: any, 1.08 and 1.97; serious, 0.10 and 0.12; leading to discontinuation, 0.06 and 0.05).ConclusionThis analysis suggests that deutetrabenazine for long-term treatment of TD is beneficial, with a favorable safety profile, regardless of concomitant DRA use.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundDeutetrabenazine is approved to treat tardive dyskinesia (TD) in adults and is titrated weekly by 6 mg/day, from 12 to 48 mg/day, based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. This analysis compared the safety of deutetrabenazine during titration versus maintenance.MethodsSafety was assessed during titration versus maintenance using integrated data from two 12-week placebo-controlled studies (ARM-TD and AIM-TD) and the open-label extension study. Rates were compared for overall and serious adverse events (AEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, treatment-related AEs, common AEs (≥4%), and specific AEs (parkinsonism, suicidal ideation, akathisia, restlessness).ResultsIn titration versus maintenance, AE rates with placebo (n=130) were: overall, 43.1% vs 25.4%; serious, 4.6% vs 2.3%; leading to discontinuation, 3.1% vs 0; treatment-related, 26.9% vs 10.0%. For placebo, common AEs during titration were somnolence, headache, nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth; none occurred during maintenance. In titration versus maintenance, AE rates in fixed-dose deutetrabenazine 12–36 mg (n=216) were: overall, 33.3–38.9% vs 22.2–29.2%; serious, 2.8–6.9% vs 0–1.4%; leading to discontinuation, 2.8–5.6% vs 0; treatment-related, 8.3–16.7% vs 8.3–13.9%. For fixed-dose deutetrabenazine, common AEs during titration were headache, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, depression, hypertension, and dry mouth; headache was the only common AE during maintenance. In titration versus maintenance, AE rates with flexible-dose deutetrabenazine (n=168) were: overall, 49.4% vs 32.7%; serious, 3.6% vs 2.4%; leading to discontinuation, 2.4% vs 0.6%. For flexible-dose deutetrabenazine, the only common AE during titration was somnolence; none occurred during maintenance. Rates of parkinsonism, suicidal ideation, akathisia, and restlessness were low and comparable in titration and maintenance.ConclusionsDeutetrabenazine was well-tolerated, with AE rates similar to placebo during both phases; AE rates were higher during titration and decreased during maintenance.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundDeutetrabenazine is FDA approved for tardive dyskinesia (TD) based on two 12-week, placebo-controlled studies evaluating safety and efficacy in patients with baseline Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score ≥6. Deutetrabenazine reduced overall AIMS scores compared with placebo in ARM-TD (–3.0 vs –1.6, P=0.019) and AIM-TD (24 mg/day, –3.2 vs –1.4, P=0.003; 36 mg/day, –3.3 vs –1.4, P=0.001). This analysis assessed Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in AIMS score in patients with TD treated with deutetrabenazine.MethodsMCID is the smallest change from baseline in AIMS score that is meaningful for patients. MCID analyses were performed based on Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) as anchors described by Hauser et al., where MCID is the difference between patients treated with deutetrabenazine who were minimally improved and patients treated with placebo who were unchanged. Additional MCID definitions were explored: difference between patients who demonstrated treatment improvement versus those who did not (Method 2); difference between patients who demonstrated treatment success versus those who did not (Method 3).Results295 patients were analyzed. Based on PGIC, the suggested MCID was –2.8. Results were similar for Method 2 (75% of patients had treatment improvement; MCID = –2.8) and Method 3 (38% of patients had treatment success; MCID = –2.6). Based on CGIC, the suggested MCID was –2.6. Results were similar for Method 2 (76% of patients had treatment improvement; MCID = –2.8) and Method 3 (41% of patients had treatment success; MCID = –3.0). Therefore, the suggested MCID for deutetrabenazine is –3.ConclusionsThe MCID for change in AIMS score based on PGIC and CGIC for deutetrabenazine was –3 regardless of the analytical method. Findings suggest an AIMS score reduction of ~3 is associated with clinically meaningful improvement in TD symptoms.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractIntroductionDeutetrabenazine is FDA-approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in adults. In two 12-week pivotal trials (ARM-TD/AIM-TD), deutetrabenazine significantly improved Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) scores and was well-tolerated. This post hoc analysis examined the efficacy and safety of long-term deutetrabenazine treatment in TD patients with comorbid psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and mood disorders (bipolar/depression/other).MethodsPatients who completed ARM-TD or AIM-TD enrolled in the 3-year, open-label extension (OLE) study. Deutetrabenazine was titrated based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. Change from baseline in total motor AIMS score, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed in subgroups by comorbid psychiatric illness.ResultsA total of 337 patients in the OLE study were included in the analysis: 205 patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (mean age, 55 years; 50% male; 6.4 years since diagnosis; 92% taking DRA) and 131 patients with mood disorders (mean age, 60 years; 35% male; 4.6 years since diagnosis; 50% taking DRA). At week 145, mean ± SE dose was 40.4 ± 1.1 mg/day for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (n = 88) and 38.5 ± 1.2 mg/day for mood disorders (n = 72). Mean ± SE change from baseline in AIMS score at week 145 was −6.3 ± 0.49 and −7.1 ± 0.58, 56% and 72% achieved PGIC treatment success, and 66% and 82% achieved CGIC treatment success in schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder patients, respectively. Overall AE incidence (exposure-adjusted incidence rates [incidence/patient-years]) was low: any, 1.02 and 1.71; serious, 0.10 and 0.12; leading to discontinuation, 0.07 and 0.05).ConclusionLong-term deutetrabenazine treatment provided clinically meaningful improvements in TD-related movements, with a favorable safety profile, regardless of underlying comorbid psychiatric illness.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundIn the First-HD pivotal trial, the maximum deutetrabenazine dose evaluated to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease (HD chorea) was 48 mg/d, which is the approved maximum dose for this population. In ARC-HD, an open-label extension study evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine to treat HD chorea, dosage ranged from 6 mg/d to 72 mg/d, with doses ≥12 mg/d administered twice daily. Doses in ARC-HD were increased by 6 mg/d per week in a response-driven manner based on efficacy and tolerability until 48 mg/d (Week 8). At the investigator’s discretion, further increases were permitted by 12 mg/d per week to a maximum of 72 mg/d. This post-hoc analysis evaluates the safety and tolerability of deutetrabenazine >48 mg/d compared to ≤48 mg/d to treat HD chorea in ARC-HD.MethodsPatient counts and safety assessments were attributed to patients when they received a dose of either ≤48 mg/d or >48 mg/d. For 9 selected adverse events (AEs), we compared AE rates adjusted for duration of drug exposure (as number of AEs/year) at ≤48 mg/d or >48 mg/d. The AE rates were determined after titration when participants were on stable doses of deutetrabenazine.ResultsAll 113 patients were exposed to doses ≤48 mg/d (177.1 patient-years) and 49 patients were ever exposed to doses >48 mg/d (74.1 patient-years). In patients taking deutetrabenazine >48 mg/d compared to ≤48 mg/d after the titration period, there were no apparent differences in exposure-adjusted AE rates.ConclusionsBased on clinical experience, some patients with HD may benefit from doses higher than 48 mg/d to adequately control chorea. These doses were tolerated without apparent increase in the exposure-adjusted rates of selected AEs after titration. This analysis does not address the occurrence of other AEs or whether adequate efficacy was achieved at lower doses, factors that may have influenced dose increases.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundDeutetrabenazine, a novel vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, is approved by the FDA for treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in adults. Dopamine-receptor antagonists (DRAs) are associated with worsening of metabolic parameters, including weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and elevated blood glucose. This post hoc analysis assessed the short- and long-term effects of deutetrabenazine treatment on weight and metabolic parameters in individuals treated for TD.MethodsTwo 12-week, randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of deutetrabenazine for patients with TD evaluated either fixed dosing (AIM-TD; 12, 24, or 36 mg) or dose titration (ARM-TD; max dose, 48 mg/day). Patients completing ARM-TD or AIM-TD were included in an open-label extension (OLE) study, in which all patients underwent response-driven titration of deutetrabenazine from 12 mg/day up to a maximum total dose of 48 mg/day. Weight, body mass index (BMI), serum glucose, serum total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides were evaluated at baseline and during treatment in the RCTs and in the OLE.ResultsIn the RCTs, 282 and 133 patients received deutetrabenazine or placebo. At baseline, 77% of patients used DRAs. At Week 12, no meaningful changes in weight were observed, with mean (standard error) weight changes of 0.9–1.2 (0.3–0.5) and 0.2 (0.3) kg in the deutetrabenazine and placebo groups, respectively, and mean BMI changes of 0.3–0.5 (0.1–0.2) and 0.1 (0.1) kg/m2. 337 patients were included in the analysis of the OLE study. No meaningful changes were observed in weight (mean change: 0.4 [0.4] kg at Week 54, –0.5 [0.6] kg at Week 106, and –1.1 [0.6] kg at Week 145) or BMI (mean change: 0.1 [0.2] kg/m2 at Week 54, –0.2 [0.2] kg/m2 at Week 106, and –0.3 [0.2] kg/m2 at Week 145). Across the studies, no meaningful changes were observed in triglyceride, cholesterol, or glucose levels.ConclusionDeutetrabenazine does not affect common metabolic parameters in patients with TD, even during long-term exposure.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

AbstractBackgroundChorea is a prominent motor dysfunction in Huntington’s disease (HD). Deutetrabenazine, a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, is FDA-approved for the treatment of chorea in HD. In the pivotal, 12-week First-HD trial, deutetrabenazine treatment reduced the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) total maximal chorea (TMC) score versus placebo. ARC-HD, an open-label extension study, evaluated long-term safety and efficacy of deutetrabenazine dosed in a response-driven manner for treatment of HD chorea.MethodsPatients who completed First-HD (Rollover) and patients who converted overnight from a stable dose of tetrabenazine (Switch) were included. Safety was assessed over the entire treatment period; exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs; adverse events [AEs] per person-year) were calculated. A stable, post-titration time point of 8 weeks was chosen for efficacy analyses.ResultsOf 119 patients enrolled (Rollover, n=82; Switch, n=37), 100 (84%) completed ≥1 year of treatment (mean [SD] follow-up, 119 [48] weeks). End of study EAIRs for patients in the Rollover and Switch cohorts, respectively, were: any AE, 2.6 and 4.3; serious AEs, 0.13 and 0.14; AEs leading to dose suspension, 0.05 and 0.04. Overall, 68% and 73% of patients in Rollover and Switch, respectively, experienced a study drug–related AE. Most common AEs possibly related to study drug were somnolence (17% Rollover; 27% Switch), depression (23%; 19%), anxiety (9%; 11%), insomnia (10%; 8%), and akathisia (9%; 14%). Rates of AEs of interest include suicidality (9%; 3%) and parkinsonism (6%; 11%). In both cohorts, mean UHDRS TMC score and total motor score (TMS) decreased from baseline to Week 8; mean (SD) change in TMC score (units) was –4.4 (3.1) and –2.1 (3.3) and change in TMS was –7.1 (7.3) and –2.4 (8.7) in Rollover and Switch, respectively. While receiving stable dosing from Week 8 to 132 (or end of treatment), patients showed minimal change in TMC score (0.9 [5.0]), but TMS increased compared to Week 8 (9.0 [11.3]). Upon drug withdrawal, there were no remarkable AEs and TMC scores increased 4.4 (3.7) units compared to end of treatment.ConclusionsThe type and severity of AEs observed in long-term deutetrabenazine exposure are consistent with the previous study. Efficacy in reducing chorea persisted over time. There was no unexpected worsening of HD or chorea associated with HD upon deutetrabenazine withdrawal.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

The POLYCHAR 16: World Forum on Advanced Materials, organized by the University of Lucknow, was held from 17 to 21 February 2008 in the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The annual POLYCHAR conferences have been sponsored by IUPAC for several years and are known for combining the broad field of materials sciences with a clear focus on polymeric materials (the name "POLYCHAR" is derived from the term "polymer characterization"). POLYCHAR 16 was supported by many scientific associations and industries such as IUPAC, Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) (Trieste, Italy), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (India), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (India), Reliance Industries Ltd. (India), Department of Science and Technology (India), Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Uttar Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (UPCST) (India), Lucknow Chapter, Materials Research Society of India (MRSI), and University of Lucknow.As in past years, POLYCHAR puts emphasis on the quality of research presented - in contrast to maximizing the number of participants. The areas covered include nanomaterials and smart materials; natural and biodegradable materials and recycling; materials synthesis; polymers for energy; rheology, solutions, and processing; mechanical properties and performance; characterization and structure-property relationships; biomaterials and tissue engineering; dielectric and electrical properties; surfaces, interfaces, and tribology; and predictive methods. Symptomatically, the number of papers on "green" science was higher than at POLYCHAR 15 last year in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro.There were a total of 292 registered participants from 35 countries (Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Fiji, UK, France, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mauritius, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, South Africa, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela). This reflects the philosophy of POLYCHAR to provide an international forum to encourage young scientists and advanced students to present their scientific work and give them the opportunity to meet with colleagues and well-known scientists to discuss their results, exchange experiences, and make new contacts, in particular, international ones. Many industrial contacts and much international cooperation with exchange of students and scientists have resulted from this and earlier POLYCHAR meetings.This conference volume represents only a small fraction of the multitude of contributions from different parts of materials science - 48 oral contributions and 170 posters. Many of the contributions have review character, some represent excellent original contributions. Only a small number could be selected for this volume because of the limited space that is available. All this was possible with the sponsorship of IUPAC. Highlights of the conference were the Paul J. Flory Research Award (ex aequo) to Prof. Jiasong He, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; the International Materials Research Award to Dr. Rameshvar Adhikari, Tribhuvan University, Katmandu, Nepal; and numerous awards for young scientists and students, including the IUPAC Poster Award. Special Prof. Brar's 60th Birthday Celebration Awards were given to IUPAC poster prize winners.The next POLYCHAR will be hosted by Jean-Marc Saiter, University of Rouen, Rouen, France in April 2009.Poonam TandonConference Executive Secretary and Co-editor

Increasing incidence of chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, allergic conditions, cancer, multiple sclerosis), unmet clinical needs for the treatment of immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, increasing number of post-covid diseases are driving the growth of the immunomodulator market. The global CAGR of the immunomodulator market is expected to be 5.4% during 2022–2027. That is why immunomodulators (immunostimulators and immunosuppressants) are a promising segment of the pharmaceutical market. The aim of the work was to study the range of immunomodulators (in terms of immunostimulators and immunosuppressants) on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in wartime conditions and their price conjuncture and economic availability using the example of immunostimulators. The algorithm of our research included 3 stages. The first provided an analysis of the current nomenclature of immunostimulators registered in Ukraine as of February 1, 2023. The second – a study of the price conjuncture of the retail segment of the market and the economic availability of immunostimulators. The third - a study of the marketing characteristics of immunosuppressants. At the first stage of the research, the results of which are presented in this article, the methods of information search, content analysis, data systematization and generalization have been used. The object of study was the data of the information fund «State Register of Drugs of Ukraine» regarding immunostimulators available on the domestic pharmaceutical market. It has been established that as of February 1, 2023, 12 INN immunostimulators in the form of 114 drugs were registered in Ukraine. At the same time, the most numerous group of the assortment is interferon alfa-2b drugs (35.96%), and by type of ALP – injectable ALP (52.63%). It has been found that almost two-thirds (61.41%) of registered drugs from the group of immunostimulators are represented by Ukraine, the rest (38.59%) – by 24 foreign producing countries. At the same time, it was shown for the first time that 9 or 12.86% of Ukrainian-made pharmaceuticals and 24 or 54.55% of foreign-made pharmaceuticals are the result of production cooperation of several enterprises. Among Ukrainian manufacturers, the largest number of drugs (27.14% of the range of individual production and 7.14% of the range in cooperation with other enterprises) was registered by Scientific Production Company «Interpharmbiotek» LLC. Among foreign countries, the largest number of immunostimulators on the Ukrainian market is represented by Germany – 12 German manufacturing companies are involved in the production of 16 of them. Three foreign manufacturers (Accord Helskea Limited, Great Britain, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Israel and Sanum-Kelbeck GmbH & Co. KG, Germany) produce 4 drugs each, and other foreign enterprises are involved in the production of one to three drugs. The results of the study can be used in the formation of the assortment policy of pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers and pharmacies.

AbstractIntroductionThe mechanism of tardive dyskinesia (TD) is complex and not well understood. Dopamine-receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway may lead to a hyperdopaminergic state that can interfere with mechanisms of movement control, leading to TD. Medications for the treatment of movement disorders, including TD, typically require fine-tuning of doses to optimize control of abnormal movements; however, doses are often not titrated sufficiently. The vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor deutetrabenazine is an FDA-approved treatment for TD in adults. This post hoc analysis examined dosing patterns in patients with TD according to baseline Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) item 8 score, a clinician-rated global judgment of the overall severity of abnormal movements.MethodsPatients who completed the pivotal 12-week studies, ARM-TD and AIM-TD, were eligible to enroll in the 3-year, open-label extension study. Deutetrabenazine was initiated at 12 mg/day and titrated in a response-driven manner on a weekly basis in intervals of 6 mg/day for 6 weeks, up to a maximum dose of 48 mg/day, based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. Further dose adjustments during the long-term maintenance period were permitted on a weekly basis. Subgroups were defined by AIMS item 8 scores of either 0/1/2 or 3/4 at baseline. Total daily dose categories and treatment exposure over time were evaluated in each subgroup.ResultsA total of 336 patients were included in the analysis (baseline AIMS item 8 scores 0/1/2, n = 117; scores 3/4, n = 219). At week 15, the proportions of patients by deutetrabenazine total daily dose (mg) for scores 0/1/2 and 3/4, respectively, were: <24, 10% and 3%; ≥24 to ≤36, 41% and 48%; >36 to ≤48, 49% and 49%. At week 54, proportions by total daily dose (mg) for scores 0/1/2 and 3/4, respectively, were: <24, 11% and 4%; ≥24 to ≤36, 42% and 41%; >36 to ≤48, 46% and 55%; >48, 1% and 0. Similar patterns were observed at weeks 106 and 145 across total daily dose categories. For scores 0/1/2, mean ± SE total daily dose (mg) at weeks 15, 54, 106, and 145, respectively, was 36.9 ± 1.04 (n = 108), 37.1 ± 1.22 (n = 90), 37.7 ± 1.32 (n = 76), and 37.9 ± 1.44 (n = 64). For scores 3/4, mean ± SE total daily dose (mg) at weeks 15, 54, 106, and 145, respectively, was 39.2 ± 0.65 (n = 186), 39.8 ± 0.75 (n = 150), 40.3 ± 0.88 (n = 112), and 40.5 ± 0.99 (n = 97).ConclusionDosing decisions in the treatment of TD are individualized, as treatment response is likely driven by complex factors. Findings from this analysis suggest that in order to achieve adequate control of TD symptoms, patients benefit from response-driven titration of deutetrabenazine to doses >24 mg/day, regardless of the baseline severity of abnormal movements assessed by AIMS item 8. These results highlight the importance of patient-driven titration of deutetrabenazine until adequate movement control is achieved, while maintaining safety/tolerability in the treatment of TD.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

Background Medications that modify the renin–angiotensin system may reduce Alzheimer’s disease pathology and reduce the rate of disease progression. Objective This study investigated whether taking the antihypertensive drug losartan, in addition to normal care, would slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease when compared with a placebo. Design A double-blind multicentre randomised controlled trial, after a 4-week open-label phase, with follow-up at 14 days and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome was based on measured imaging differences in brain volume between baseline and 12 months. Setting Twenty-three NHS hospital trusts across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Participants Patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease were eligible to participate if they met the following criteria: (1) aged ≥ 55 years; (2) a Mini Mental State Examination score of 15–28; (3) a modified Hachinski Ischaemic Score of ≤ 5; (4) a previous computerised tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan consistent with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; (5) a study companion who was willing to participate in the study; and (6) capacity to consent for themselves. Patients were ineligible if they were (1) taking or intolerant to renin–angiotensin system-related medications, (2) unlikely to undergo magnetic resonance imaging or (3) unlikely to complete the trial protocol. People who had blood pressure outside the normal ranges, defined cardiovascular issues, impaired liver or renal function, or a primary neurodegenerative disease that was not Alzheimer’s disease were also excluded, as were women who had not reached menopause and were unwilling to take relevant protocol-specific safety precautions. Intervention The intervention was either 100 mg of overencapsulated losartan (Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel) daily or a matched placebo for 12 months. Main outcome measures Difference in brain atrophy, represented by measurement of whole-brain volume before and following 12 months of treatment post randomisation, was measured using volumetric MRI and determined by boundary shift interval analysis. Secondary outcomes included changes in rates of Alzheimer’s disease progression (as assessed using the ADAS-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination and Neuropsychiatric Inventory), the volume of white matter hyperintensities, cerebral blood flow (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging), blood pressure, magnetic resonance imaging measures of atrophy and association with measures of cognitive decline, and drug compliance and tolerability. Results A total of 261 participants entered the open-label phase, of whom 211 were randomised to the intervention (n = 105) or placebo (n = 106) arms. Of the 197 people (93%) who completed the study, 81% (n = 171) had a valid primary outcome. The difference in brain volume between arms was consistent with chance (–2.79 ml, 95% confidence interval –6.46 to 0.89 ml; p = 0.19), and there was no evidence of benefit for any of the secondary outcome measures. Limitations Our study had 82% power to detect treatment-based changes and, as a result, may have been underpowered or, more likely, the intervention, which may not have crossed the blood–brain barrier as much as expected, may have been given too late or for an insufficient amount of time in the disease process to influence the outcomes. Conclusions Losartan administered over 12 months did not alter brain atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease. Future work Other related ‘sartans’ could be tested in patient groups with mild cognitive impairment and for longer to fully test this hypothesis. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN93682878 and EudraCT 2012-003641-15. Funding This project was funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme, a Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partnership. This will be published in full in Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation; Vol. 8, No. 19. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Eni Starts Area 1 Production off Mexico via MODEC FPSO MODEC said first oil has flowed through FPSO MIAMTE MV34 operating in the Offshore Area 1 block in the Bay of Campeche off Mexico. The contractor was appointed by Eni Mexico for the supply, charter, and operation of the FPSO in the Eni-operated Offshore Area 1 block in 2018. The charter contract will run for an initial 15 years, with options for extension every year thereafter up to 5 additional years. Moored in a water depth of approximately 32 m some 10 km off Mexico’s coast, the FPSO is capable of handling 90,000 B/D of oil, 75 MMcf/D of gas, and 120,000 B/D of water injection with a storage capacity of 700,000 bbl of oil. The FPSO boasts a disconnectable tower yoke mooring system, a first-of-its-kind design in the industry. The system was developed to moor the FPSO in shallow water, while also allowing the unit to disconnect its mooring and depart the area to avoid winter storms and hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. The mooring system was developed by MODEC subsidiary SOFEC Inc. The mooring jacket was fabricated in Altamira, Mexico. Eni Starts Production from Ndungu EP Development Italy’s Eni has started production from the Ndungu Early Production (EP) development in Block 15/06 of the Angolan deep offshore, via the Ngoma FPSO. With an expected production rate in the range of 20,000 B/D, the project will sustain the plateau of the Ngoma, a 100,000-B/D, zero-discharge, and zero-process-flaring FPSO, upgraded in 2021 to minimize emissions. A further exploration and delineation campaign will be performed in Q2 2022 to assess the full potential of the overall assets of Ndungu. Ndungu EP is the third startup achieved by Eni Angola in Block 15/06 in the past 7 months, after Cuica Early Production and the Cabaca North Development Project. Block 15/06 is operated by Eni Angola with a 36.84% share. Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção (36.84%) and SSI Fifteen Ltd. (26.32%) comprise the rest of the joint venture. Aramco Discovers Natural Gas in Four Regions Saudi Aramco has discovered natural gas fields in four regions of the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The fields were found in the Empty Quarter desert located in the central area of the kingdom, near its northern border and in the eastern region, he said, according to SPA. Saudi Arabia wants to increase gas production and boost the share of natural gas in its energy mix to meet growing electricity consumption and to make more crude available for export. The minister said an unspecified number of fields were discovered and he mentioned five by name: Shadoon, in the central region; Shehab and Shurfa, in the Empty Quarter in the southeastern region; Umm Khansar, near the northern border with Iraq; and Samna in the eastern region. Two of the gas fields, Samna and Umm Khansar, were said to be “nonconventional” and possibly shale finds. Lukoil Completes Area 4 Deal in Mexico Russian producer Lukoil has completed a deal to become a lead stakeholder in an Area 4 shallow-water asset adjacent to Tabasco and Campeche in Mexico. Under the deal, Lukoil has acquired a 50% stake in the asset from US independent Fieldwood Energy, which filed for US bankruptcy protection in August 2020, for $685 million. The original deal was priced at $435 million; the additional $250 million is related to expenditures Fieldwood incurred since 1 January 2021. Fieldwood committed to invest $477 million to increase oil production from the Ichalkil and Pokoch fields from the current level of 25,000 B/D to a plateau level of 115,000 B/D. Situated in water depths between 35 and 45 m, the fields’ recoverable hydrocarbon reserves amount to 564 million BOE, more than 80% of which is crude oil. Production started in Q4 2021; current average oil production has exceeded 25,000 B/D. The approved work program includes drilling three development wells (two on Ichalkil and one on Pokoch), upgrading three production platforms, and performing seismic reprocessing and petrophysical studies. The remaining 50% stake in Area 4 is held by operator PetroBal, a subsidiary of Mexico’s GrupoBal. Petrobras Sells Polo Norte Capixaba Field Cluster In line with its strategy to concentrate resources on deepwater and ultradeepwater assets, Brazil’s Petrobras has sold 100% of its interest in Norte Capixaba cluster to Seacrest Exploração e Produção de Petróleo Ltda for $544 million, including a $66-million contingent payment. The cluster comprises four producing fields—Cancã, Fazenda Alegre, Fazenda São Rafael, and Fazenda Santa Luzia—and produced 6,470 BOE/D in 2021. The deal also includes the Norte Capixaba Terminal (TNC) and all production facilities. NewMed Targets Morocco Market Entry Israel-based NewMed Energy, formerly Delek Drilling, has identified Morocco as “a country with enormous geological and commercial potential,” in particular the Moroccan coastal areas in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. The announcement comes a day after the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and his Israeli counterpart, Orna Barbivai, signed an MOU aimed at promoting investments and exchanges between the two countries in the digital design, food, automotive, aviation, textile, water technologies and renewable energies, medical equipment, and the pharmaceutical industries. In September 2021, the Israeli oil and gas exploration company obtained from the Moroccan ministry the exploration and study rights of the Dakhla Atlantic Block, which has an area of about 109000 km2. ExxonMobil Sells Nigerian Assets to Seplat ExxonMobil has agreed to sell its shallow-water assets in Nigeria to Seplat Energy for $1.28 billion plus a contingent consideration of $300 million. Seplat said it is acquiring a 40% operating stake in four oil leases to nearly triple its annual net production to 146,000 BOE/D. The deal also includes the Qua Iboe export terminal and a 51% interest in the Bonny River Terminal and natural gas liquids recovery plants at EAP and Oso. It does not include any of ExxonMobil’s deepwater fields in Nigeria. TotalEnergies Discovers Large Oil Field off Namibia TotalEnergies has made a significant discovery of light oil with associated gas on the Venus prospect, located in block 2913B in the Orange Basin, offshore southern Namibia. The Venus 1-X well encountered approximately 84 m of net oil pay in a good-quality Lower Cretaceous reservoir. The find’s potential reserves are estimated at 2 billion bbl of oil. “This discovery offshore Namibia and the very promising initial results prove the potential of this play in the Orange Basin, on which TotalEnergies owns an important position both in Namibia and South Africa,” said Kevin McLachlan, senior vice president exploration at TotalEnergies. “A comprehensive coring and logging program has been completed. This will enable the preparation of appraisal operations designed to assess the commerciality of this discovery.” Block 2913B covers approximately 8215 km2 in deep offshore Namibia. TotalEnergies is the operator with a 40% working interest, alongside QatarEnergy (30%), Impact Oil and Gas (20%), and NAMCOR (10%). CNPC Scoops Ishpingo Drilling Contract The first drilling contract at the Ishpingo oil field near Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park has been awarded to China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), Energy Minister Juan Carlos Bermeo told Reuters. Following the approval of a new hydrocarbon law and legislation, Ecuador plans to move forward with auctions and competitive processes for securing foreign and domestic capital for oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, and refining projects. The first drilling campaign to start after an environmental license was granted for the sensitive area will involve 40 wells over the next 18 months. It will focus on the field’s allowed zone without touching an area protected by a court ruling that has prevented extending drilling. Ishpingo is the latest part of the ITT-43 oil field in Ecuador’s Amazonia region to start drilling after Tambococha and Tiputini. It is expected to produce heavy oil to be added to the nation’s output of flagship Napo crude, Bermeo said. BP Brings Hershel Expansion Project On Line in US GOM BP has successfully started production from the Herschel Expansion project in the Gulf of Mexico—the first of four major projects scheduled to be delivered globally in 2022. Phase 1 comprises development of a new subsea production system and the first of up to three wells tied to the Na Kika platform in the Mississippi Canyon area. At its peak, this first well is expected to increase platform annual gross production by an estimated 10,600 BOE/D. The BP-operated well was drilled to a depth of approximately 19,000 ft and is located southeast of the Na Kika platform, approximately 140 miles off the coast of New Orleans. The project provides infrastructure for future well tie-in opportunities. BP and Shell each hold a 50% working interest in the development. Petrobras Kicks off Gulf of Mexico Asset Sales Petrobras has begun an asset sale program in the Gulf of Mexico, in line with the company’s strategy of debt reduction and pivot toward Brazilian deepwater production. The package for sale includes the company’s 20% stake in MP Gulf of Mexico (MPGoM) which holds ownership stakes in 15 fields in partnership with Murphy Oil. In addition to partnership-operated fields, MPGoM owns nonoperated interests in Occidental’s Lucius, Kosmos’ Kodiak, Shell’s Habanero, and Chevron’s St. Malo fields. During the first half of 2021, Petrobras’ share of production was 11,300 BOE/D. ExxonMobil Liza Phase 2 Underway off Guyana ExxonMobil started production of Liza Phase 2, Guyana’s second offshore oil development on the Stabroek Block; total production capacity is now more than 340,000 B/D in the 7 years since the country’s first discovery. Production at the Liza Unity FPSO is expected to reach its target of 220,000 bbl of oil later this year. The Stabroek Block’s recoverable resource base is estimated at more than 10 billion BOE. The current resource has the potential to support up to 10 projects. ExxonMobil anticipates that four FPSOs with a capacity of more than 800,000 B/D will be in operation on the block by year-end 2025. Payara, the third project in the block, is expected to produce approximately 220,000 BOPD using the Prosperity FPSO vessel, currently under construction. The field development plan and application for environmental authorization for the Yellowtail project, the fourth project in the block, have been submitted for government and regulatory approvals. The Liza Unity arrived in Guyana in October 2021. It is moored in water depth of about 1650 m and will store around 2 million bbl of crude. ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. is the operator and holds 45% interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Ltd. holds 25%. Dragon Finds Oil in Gulf of Suez UAE’s Dragon Oil has discovered oil in the Gulf of Suez, according to a statement from the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. The field contains potential reserves of around 100 million bbl inside the northeastern region of Ramadan. That estimate makes it one of the largest oil finds in the region over the past 2 decades. Development plans were not reported but reserve numbers could expand, the ministry said. The oil field is the first discovery by Dragon Oil since it acquired 100% of BP’s Gulf of Suez Petroleum assets in 2019. Dragon Oil, wholly owned by Emirates National Oil Co., holds 100% interest in East Zeit Bay off the southern Gulf of Suez region. The 93-km2 block lies in shallow waters of 10 to 40 m.

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of business aircraft. IAI has developed and introduced to the market several biz-jets (Westwind I and II, Astra-AKA Gulfstream G-100, and Galaxy- AKA Gulfstream G-200). All these aircraft have been in the midsize and recently "super-midsize" category. During the last two years, IAI has been evaluating a new aircraft design, the ProJet that belongs to the new, emerging category of "very-light jets" (VLJ). This lightweight twin turbofan aircraft is characterized by its small size and low target price, compared to existing IAI designs. The ProJet will be certificated to FAR23 normal category requirements, including single pilot operation. The ProJet exploits newly developed technologies and capabilities, such as: new, small and efficient turbofan engines; advanced low cost and sophisticated avionic systems; advanced low cost mechanical and electrical systems; rapid and efficient development and production methods. All these attributes will provide the capability of introducing a very low cost aircraft into the emerging new VLJ market sector. The ProJet is a twin turbofan, low wing, T-tail airplane utilizing an all-metal airframe; designed in accordance with damage tolerance requirements. It features a comfortable pressurized cabin with optimized seating for 6 occupants, including 2 pilots, and excellent performance. The ProJet will have a VFR range of 1200nm, a cruise ceiling of 41,000ft, and a cruise speed of 365kt. It will take-off and land on runways shorter than 3000ft. Generous allowance for baggage stowage is provided in the pressurized internal baggage compartment, and in the external rear baggage compartment. The ProJet flight deck features an all-glass cockpit with an integrated avionics package, designed for ease of operation and reduced workload. Composite materials are utilized in flight control surfaces and secondary structures. Two FADEC controlled turbofan engines mounted on the upper aft fuselage supply the ProJet power. Each engine generates about 1300 pounds static installed thrust at ISA +10°C.

The Red Sea, a vital trading route for India, is disrupted by the ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and Israel. This study aims to investigate how the dispute affects India’s supply chain in several different industries. The possible repercussions include restricted access to raw materials, delays and higher prices in maritime transportation, and concerns of energy scrutiny from disruptions in gas and oil. To lessen the impact on the economy we examine alternate trade routes and assess the potential effects on investors’ confidence. This study aims to examine and assess the diverse repercussions of the Red Sea War on the Indian supply chain offering insights on strategic planning, policy decisions and risk mitigation measures for the Indian government, businesses and stakeholders. The Red Sea crisis has had a multifaceted impact on different sectors of the Indian economy. In the healthcare sector, a huge number of medical supplies and prescription drugs which are transported via sea have seen a spike in the shipping cost due to rerouting which has disrupted the medical supply chain. On the other hand, there is no direct impact on the consumer sector; however, the increased freight prices and geopolitical concerns impact the wholesale price index which is expected to hike and influence the food grain prices and exports of basmati rice in particular owing to the well-established domestic supply chain. The FMCG industry is comparatively protected from the adverse effects of the crisis in contrast to industries such as agricultural and maritime foods. This crucial route, particularly affecting goods moving between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, historically used for nearly half of India's exports and a third of imports, is now deemed unsafe. Ships are being rerouted around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, leading to a 30% increase in transit times and a surge in shipping costs. Indian companies are feeling the heat – Arvind Ltd. faces lost revenue due to order backlogs, while exporters like Euro Fruits grapple with quadrupled freight costs and declining grape quality. The auto industry is also impacted, with companies like MG Motor India experiencing delays and rising logistics expenses. India’s energy, resources and industrial sectors have all been severely disrupted by the Red Sea crisis with critical exports including chemicals and petroleum products being heavily impacted. Since the Suez Canal handles a significant amount of India’s import of crude oil, rerouting owing to continual conflicts presents logistical difficulties and possible inflationary pressures. The government is actively engaging in efforts to mitigate these impacts by looking into alternative shipping lanes and providing assistance to affected exports. The possibility of delays and financial costs is still a major issue for businesses navigating obstacles relating to insurance premiums and logistical difficulties. To navigate these challenges, the Indian government is exploring a multi-pronged approach. Financial support in the form of direct subsidies, soft loans, and government-backed cargo insurance could help businesses offset increased costs and mitigate risks associated with delays and rerouting. Additionally, India is looking to diversify its trade routes by exploring alternative sources for crude oil and LNG imports, along with utilizing ports outside the conflict zone. Long-term solutions are also being considered, such as investing in the Northern Sea Route and expanding land transport infrastructure. Renewed focus on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project could offer a comprehensive network connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. By implementing these strategies, India can build a more resilient supply chain and minimize the long-term impact of the Red Sea conflict on its trade.