Vision, Low

SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma, today announced the release of a 48-minute audiobook version of their flagship 40-page educational booklet "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma." Continue Reading Narrated by Orange County actress, advocate, and glaucoma patient Bianca Beach, the audiobook project is a collaboration with Braille Institute of America, a nonprofit organization that provides free programs, seminars, and one-on-one instruction for the visually impaired community. "It's so important to have this type of resource available to patients with glaucoma," Beach said, "because if you're not able to read the booklet, you need to be able to hear it." The free glaucoma audiobook narrated by Bianca Beach is available for patients to listen, download, and share. Post this Thomas Brunner, president and CEO of Glaucoma Research Foundation said, "One of the pillars of our mission is to empower people affected by glaucoma with knowledge, insight, resources, and inspiration. Making our flagship publication 'Understanding and Living with Glaucoma' available as an audio book in collaboration with Braille Institute helps to make this educational resource accessible by anyone including those with visual impairment. The free educational booklet is edited by glaucoma specialists and recommended by eye doctors as a wonderfully understandable introduction to glaucoma." Andrew Iwach, MD, GRF board chair, added: "We believe in treating patients and their families with respect and dignity. We're always seeking ways to educate patients to help them understand and manage their condition in collaboration with their doctor. The audio book version of 'Understanding and Living with Glaucoma' will help those with low vision to access key information about glaucoma including symptoms, types, diagnostic exams, treatments, questions to ask your doctor, and more." In a statement, Lisa Lepore, Director of Library Services at Braille Institute said, "Thanks to our supporters, our award-winning library was transformed last year to include a state-of-the-art recording studio that offers new opportunities to produce audiobooks and other materials. Collaborations like this allow Braille Institute to expand our reach in the low vision community and ensure access to additional resources that help maximize independence and quality of life for those living with vision loss." The free audio book for "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma" is available to listen and download from Glaucoma Research Foundation's SoundCloud page, and on the glaucoma.org website at . SOURCE Glaucoma Research Foundation

ROCKVILLIE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced that the primary endpoint has been met in the second Phase 2 clinical study of efdamrofusp alfa high-dose, a recombinant human VEGFR-Fc-Human CR1 fusion protein injection (R&D code: IBI302), in Chinese subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). According to the results of the two Phase 2 clinical studies conducted in more than 360 subjects of nAMD, compared with Aflibercept, IBI302 can be administrated in long-interval (every 12 weeks), while providing a stable and robust visual benefit and anatomic improvements, as well as potential inhibition effect in macular atrophy. Based on those results, Innovent advanced IBI302 8mg into a Phase 3 clinical study STAR in October 2023. This was a randomized, double-masked, active-controlled Phase 2 clinical study (NCT05403749), evaluating the longer interval of intravitreal injection of high-dose IBI302 in subjects with nAMD. A total of 132 subjects were randomized 1: 1: 1 to IBI302 6.4 mg group, IBI302 8.0 mg group, or Aflibercept 2.0 mg group. After the loading therapy, subjects in IBI302 6.4 mg group and 8.0 mg group were dosed with adjusted intervals of every 8 weeks (Q8W) or every 12 weeks (Q12W), depending on response to loading therapy. Subjects in Aflibercept 2.0 mg group were dosed Q8W after the loading therapy. The primary endpoint was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the study eye from baseline to week 40. The study lasted for 52 weeks. The results showed that the primary endpoint was successfully met: at week 40, the IBI302 6.4 mg and 8.0 mg groups showed non-inferior BCVA gains to the Aflibercept 2.0 mg group. The mean BCVA improvement from baseline was 10.5 ETDRS letters for the IBI302 6.4 mg group, 11.0 ETDRS letters for the IBI302 8.0 mg group, and 9.8 ETDRS letters for the Aflibercept 2.0 mg group at week 40. The mean change from baseline in central subfield thickness (CST) was -163.19 μm for the IBI302 6.4 mg group, -184.46 μm for the IBI302 8.0 mg group, and -108.23 μm for the Aflibercept 2.0 mg group at week 40. In addition, approximately 81%, 88% of subjects in 6.4 mg IBI302 groups and 8.0mg IBI302 groups respectively were able to extend dosing interval to Q12W, similar to that in the proportion of subjects dosed Q12W or longer with Aflibercept 8.0 mg (83% in PULSAR trial)1 or Faricimab (TENAYA & LUCERNE trial, with 79.7% and 77.8% respectively)2 by indirect comparison. Based on the excellent long-interval dosing performance in the Phase 2 studies, the Phase 3 study STAR added Q16W dosing interval regimen for IBI302. The overall safety profile of IBI302 was favorable, comparable to Aflibercept 2.0 mg, and consistent with previous studies. No new safety signals were identified. Detailed study data will be further analyzed and published in the near future. Professor Xiaodong Sun, Principal Investigator of the Study, Head of National Center for Clinical Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, stated: "Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs is currently the first-line treatment for nAMD, but there are still unmet clinical needs given their frequent intravitreal injection and gradual loss of visual benefits. Exploring longer interval dosing and anti-macular atrophy are necessary and urgent. IBI302 is a global first-in-class anti-VEGF-anti-complement bispecific molecule. As the principal investigator for IBI302 trials, I am very pleased to see that this Phase 2 study met the primary endpoint and demonstrated the potential for long-interval dosing. These results will be further validated in the pivotal trial of IBI302. I look forward to providing a new treatment option for nAMD patients." Dr. Lei Qian, Vice President of Clinical Development of Innovent, stated: "There are two major trends in drug development for nAMD: extending dosing intervals and reducing the occurrence of macular atrophy. In the results of two Phase 2 studies, which enrolled over 360 subjects, IBI302 improved BCVA and macular edema in patients with nAMD significantly, extended dosing intervals, and had the potential to prevent the development of macular atrophy. Next, we will further investigate the long-interval dosing efficacy and safety of high-dose IBI302 in the Phase 3 STAR trial, hoping to bring a new generation of anti-VEGF agents to patients with nAMD." About neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive ocular disease involving the macular retina, leading to central visual impairment, the incidence of which increases with age. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the major forms of AMD, accounting for 15% to 20% of all AMD patients and is the leading cause of central vision loss in AMD patients over 65 years3. The incidence of AMD is increasing year by year in China, and it has become the third leading cause of blindness in China. The pathogenesis of nAMD has not been fully elucidated. It is generally accepted that angiogenesis induced by increased expression of VEGF is the main cause of nAMD, and inflammatory reaction mediated by abnormal activation of complement is also considered to be an important cause of AMD. Ocular anti-VEGF agents have led to significant visual benefits and changed the course of nAMD, but the frequent dosing (every 4 or 8 weeks) currently places a heavy burden on patients, families and society. In addition, the visual benefits of anti-VEGF drug therapy are gradually diminished year by year. In approximately two thirds of nAMD patients with a follow-up for over 7 years, the visual gains from anti-VEGF treatment significantly diminish4. Macular atrophy or retinal fibrosis are important causes of vision loss after long-term anti-VEGF therapy. Currently, drug development for nAMD is mainly focusing on extending the dosing intervals, and there are few drugs under investigation for macular atrophy or retinal fibrosis. Two drugs targeting complement have been approved by the US FDA in 20235,6 for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to dry AMD. About Efdamrofusp Alfa (IBI302) IBI302 is a recombinant fully human bispecific fusion protein of Innovent Biologics with global proprietary rights. The N-terminus is a VEGF domain that can bind to the VEGF family, block VEGF-mediated signaling pathway, inhibit vascular epithelium proliferation and angiogenesis, and improve vasopermeability and reduce leakage. The C-terminus of IBI302 is the complement binding domain that can inhibit the activation of the classic pathway and alternative pathway of complement through the specific binding of C3b and C4b, and reduce the inflammatory response mediated by the complement. IBI302 may exert its therapeutic effect by inhibiting both VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and complement activation pathways. About Innovent Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to provide high-quality biologics that are affordable to all. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that treat some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies to treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has 10 products in the market, 3 new drug applications under the NMPA review, 5 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 18 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare leaders, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Sanofi, Adimab, Incyte and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit , or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn. Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s). Forward-looking statement This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics ("Innovent"), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly. These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or is otherwise inaccurate. SOURCE Innovent Biologics

SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Group ("Sony") announced today that it will have an exhibit at the world's largest international conference on accessibility, the "CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2024" March 18 to 22 in Anaheim, California. Based on its Purpose, to "fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology," Sony aims to help build an inclusive future where everyone can share the moment, promoting accessibility with the theme of "Delivering innovation for an accessible future." Towards this goal, Sony intends to implement inclusive design that incorporates this perspective into their product commercialization processes by fiscal 2025. The exhibit will showcase Sony's accessible products and various inclusive design initiatives, including Access™ controller for the PlayStation® 5 (PS5®) console, which can be customized to suit each player's needs, and Float Run off-ear headphones, which is designed with speakers floating in front of the ear to allow users to enjoy music and other audio entertainment while hearing ambient sounds around them naturally. Main Exhibits PlayStation 5 Console The PS5 console features display and customization options like zoom, color correction and text size adjustments, a screen reader feature, closed captions, and chat transcription. In addition, PlayStation Studios creates a variety of industry-defining software titles with an array of vision, hearing, and motor accessibility settings. On the PlayStation Store on the PS5 console, players can explore Accessibility Tags to get detailed insight on supported accessibility features in PS5 and PS4 games. Access Controller for the PlayStation 5 Console Developed in collaboration with the accessibility community, the Access controller features an expansive array of hardware and software customization options. It allows players with disabilities to create personalized control configurations using interchangeable button and stick caps, enabling longer and more comfortable gaming sessions. This customization caters to each player's unique strength, range of motion, and physical needs. Float Run Off-Ear Wireless Headphones Float Run has a novel headphone style that positions the speaker near, but without touching, the ear canal, while leaving the ear safely uncovered while still delivering a rich sound experience. The off-ear design of Float Run provides a comfortable fit and high sound quality without needing to insert anything in the ear and keeps you in touch with your surroundings. For extended comfort, a pressure-free design sits on the ears of the wearer, so runners can enjoy comfort for longer, and without disruption. LinkBuds® Truly Wireless Earbuds LinkBuds have been created with a unique open-ring design that lets users tune into the outside world whenever they want, without compromising the listening experience. The ring driver unit features an open central diaphragm for audio transparency, so chatting with friends and connecting to surroundings is easy. Because the earbuds are small, light and do not block ears, users can keep them in all the time, confident they will not miss ambient sounds from the environment even while listening to music or participating in online meetings. With Wide Area Tap*1, users can double or triple tap in front of either of their ears to adjust playback. BRAVIA™ 4K OLED TV BRAVIA offers a variety of accessibility features based on feedback from people with disabilities who want to use the TV more independently, including the TalkBack screen reader for initial settings, a menu timeout function that allows users to keep menus on the screen longer, and color inversion and grayscale modes for people with low vision or visual sensitivities. Digital Cameras A selection of Sony's digital cameras carry a Screen Reader Function*2 and an Enlarge Screen Function*3. Users can confirm menus and operation screens audibly instead of visually and can easily change the magnification of the screen display with the simple press of a button operation. Retina Projection Camera kit Sony created the retina projection camera kit "DSC-HX99 RNV kit" with a laser retinal projection technology that is less affected by eye's focusing ability. By combining Cyber-shot® "DSC-HX99" and QD Laser Co., Ltd.'s viewfinder "RETISSA NEOVIEWER" *4, a digital image from the camera is directly projected to the retina, allowing people with difficulty using a conventional viewfinder a new, sharper way to view and photograph the world. Xperia 1 V Since 2021, Sony's software team has been playing a central role in improving a selection of original applications with input from employees with disabilities at Sony/Taiyo Corporation. For example, when the user engages the photo shooting feature, Photography Pro, it can inform them of the horizontal orientation information of the screen through sound cues. Self-fitting Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids (only in the U.S. market) Sony launched two self-fitting OTC hearing aids*5 in the U.S. market in October 2022 with a different appearance from conventional hearing aids, which were developed while considering user feedback before and during development in collaboration with WS Audiology. The CRE-C10, with a sleek and discreet design that is virtually invisible, and the CRE-E10, which has a rechargeable battery and is Bluetooth® compatible*6 letting users easily connect to streaming audio or music (iOS only). *7A dedicated smartphone application allows users to easily setup their OTC hearing aids and customize to their hearing needs. Accessible Retail Display Sony will showcase a storefront display with Braille and audio product description capabilities, created in cooperation with the Braille Institute, a non-profit organization that supports the lives of people with visual impairment. The retail display with audio description capability has been installed in 10 stores in the U.S., and the Braille printing feature will be added in the near future. In addition to the above exhibits, Sony will hold Conference Sessions to showcase a selection of accessibility initiatives. Delivering Innovation for an Accessible Future Shiro Kambe, Senior Executive Vice President, Sony Group Corporation, and Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics North America, will share video messages regarding accessibility at Sony. Sony's ongoing accessibility initiatives will be introduced, such as collaboration with organizations for people with disabilities and the latest accessible products. Designing Tactile Dots for Sony's BRAVIA Products From the Home Entertainment area, Sony will introduce inclusive design initiatives that the position of terminals on TVs and soundbars that can be identified by touch when connecting cables, based on the concept of "Possible to do by myself", "Possible to do everything" and "Possible to enjoy together." In addition, Sony will share how its inclusive design approach not only solves issues for users with disabilities but also provides ease of use for a diverse range of users. Sony's Solutions to Accessible Imaging From the Imaging area, Sony will introduce initiatives that enable diverse users to express their creativity. In addition, Sony host a panel discussion about the importance of accessible content creation available for all creators with Sean Dougherty, a Director of Accessible User Experience Services at a non-profit organization Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., and James Rath, a YouTuber with low vision. Accessibility Innovations from Sony Interactive Entertainment Sony Interactive Entertainment, the company behind the PlayStation brand of products, will introduce their latest efforts in accessibility, including the Access controller for the PlayStation 5 console. For further details on Sony's exhibit, please refer to the website. *1 To adjust the operation of your LinkBuds, tap between the beginning of the ear (fovea) and earlobe, and from the top of the ear (auricle) to below the earlobe. *2 Currently available on Alpha 7C II, Alpha 7CR, Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7 IV, Alpha 9 III, ILX-LR1, FX3, FX30, and Vlog camera ZV-1F, ZV-E1, ZV-1 II sold in North America. Supported languages vary depending on models and regions/countries where sold. *3 Available on Alpha 7C II, Alpha 7CR, Alpha 9 III. *4 The RETISSA NEOVIEWER is not medical equipment and is not intended to treat or assist in specific diseases or to correct vision. It may be difficult to recognize images depending on the part and degree of impairment (such as when the function of the retina is degraded). *5 FDA cleared as OTC self-fitting hearing aid intended to amplify sound for individuals 18 years of age or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. *6 Interoperability and compatibility among Bluetooth® devices vary. *7 Sony | Hearing control app – Use app on smartphone to personalize settings. Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require registration. "Sony," "SONY" logo and any other product names, service names or logo marks used in this website are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates. Other product names, service names, company names or logo marks are trademarked and copyrighted properties of their respective owners and/or licensors. SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.