Month: January 2024

Takeda Will Be Protagonist’s Co-Development, U.S. Co-Commercialization Partner With 50:50 Profit Share, and With Exclusive Ex-U.S. Global Rights to Commercialize Rusfertide, Protagonist’s Investigational Injectable Hepcidin Mimetic Currently in Development for the Treatment of Polycythemia Vera (PV)

Takeda Will Make an Upfront Payment of $300 Million at Closing

Partnership Combines Protagonist’s Leadership in Pharmaceutical Peptide Drug Development With Takeda’s Commercial Expertise and 70-Plus Year Legacy of Driving Innovation Within the Rare Hematology Community

Protagonist to Host Conference Call and Webcast Today at 4:30 PM ET

OSAKA, JAPAN, CAMBRIDGE, MA, and NEWARK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) and Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq:PTGX) today announced the signing of a worldwide license and collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of rusfertide, an investigational injectable hepcidin mimetic peptide of the natural hormone hepcidin, currently in a pivotal Phase 3 trial, VERIFY, for the treatment of Polycythemia Vera (PV).

PV is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by excessive production of red blood cells that affects as many as 160,000 patients in the U.S.[i], with a similar prevalence in Europe[ii][iii]. The hallmark manifestations of PV are increased red blood cell count and iron deficiency[iv], putting patients at higher risk of cardiovascular and thrombotic events, such as heart attack and stroke[v][vi], often impacting quality-of-life with symptoms such as fatigue and confusion[vii].

Under the terms of the agreement, Protagonist will receive an upfront payment of $300 million and is eligible to receive additional worldwide development and regulatory milestone payments, as well as commercial milestones and tiered royalties on ex-U.S. net sales. Protagonist will remain responsible for research and development through the completion of the Phase 3 clinical trial and U.S. regulatory approval. Takeda has rights for ex-U.S. development and is responsible for leading global commercialization activities.

"As pioneers in the field of pharmaceutical peptide drug discovery and development, we believe that the maximum impact from our innovation and development acumen can be best achieved with the right partner at the right time," said Dinesh V. Patel, Ph.D., President and CEO of Protagonist Therapeutics. "This transformational deal allows Protagonist to focus on completion of Phase 3, while leveraging Takeda’s exceptional global commercialization capabilities to immediately commence pre-commercial activities with a first-in-class new chemical entity. As we progress towards a fully integrated pharmaceutical company, this deal mitigates the inherent execution risks of a first-time commercial launch, optimizes the timing and enhances the scope for peak potential sales of rusfertide, while still allowing us to actively participate in the commercial experience and economics with a 50:50 profit split in the U.S. market."

"The agreement with Protagonist represents an important step forward in our strategy of acquiring late-stage assets in the rare disease space to leverage our existing infrastructure and expertise. It combines the strength of their science with the reach of our commercial organization, understanding of rare diseases, and most importantly, our focus on supporting patients through their journey," said Julie Kim, president, U.S. Business Unit and U.S. country head, Takeda. "This is an exciting opportunity to leverage our more than 70 years of innovation and commitment to rare diseases and hematology to deliver a first-in-class therapy to Polycythemia Vera patients, helping to address significant needs in the community. We look forward to working closely with Protagonist as rusfertide completes its registrational clinical program."

Discovered through Protagonist’s peptide technology platform, rusfertide’s mechanism of action is thought to regulate iron homeostasis and control the absorption, storage and distribution of iron in the body. The randomized portion of the Phase 2 REVIVE study of rusfertide in Polycythemia Vera achieved its primary endpoint. The long-term follow-up data from the 2-year open label extension were presented at the American Society of Hematology 2023 Annual Meeting in early December, which showed durable hematocrit control, decreased phlebotomy use, long-term tolerability and no new safety signals in patients with PV.

Today’s announcement builds upon Takeda’s heritage in Rare Hematology and follows the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ADZYNMA, Takeda’s treatment for congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP), an ultra-rare blood clotting disorder.

Following U.S. regulatory filing, Takeda will lead commercialization of rusfertide with Protagonist holding an option to co-detail in the U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, Protagonist has the right to opt-out of the 50:50 profit share. In that event, Protagonist would be eligible to receive opt-out payments and enhanced milestone and royalty payments. Takeda would maintain full ex-U.S. rights under either scenario.

Further details related to the agreement are available on the Form 8-K filed today by Protagonist Therapeutics with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The effectiveness of the agreement is subject to the termination or expiration of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

PJT Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Protagonist.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Protagonist management will host a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET to provide a brief overview of the co-commercialization agreement.

Wednesday, January 31 at 4:30 PM ET

Domestic: (877) 704-4390 (U.S./Canada)

International: (201) 389-0920

Conference ID: 13744228

Participants can use Guest dial-in #s above and be answered by an operator OR click the Call me link for instant telephone access to the event. Call me link will be made active 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time.

Call me:

https://callme.viavid.com/viavid/?callme=true&passcode=13744228&h=true&info=company-email&r=true&B=6

Webcast:

https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1654841&tp_key=6b0a844538

A live and archived webcast will also be accessible in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.protagonist-inc.com.

ABOUT ADZYNMA

ADZYNMA (ADAMTS13, recombinant-krhn) is a human recombinant "A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 13" ADAMTS13 (rADAMTS13) indicated for prophylactic or on-demand enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adult and pediatric patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP).

ADZYNMA was previously granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and by the U.S. FDA for the treatment and prevention of TTP, including its acquired idiopathic and secondary forms, as well as Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation. The U.S. FDA granted Takeda a Rare Pediatric Disease Voucher for the approval of ADZYNMA. ADZYNMA has also been granted ODD by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the treatment of TTP.

Important Safety Information

ADZYNMA is contraindicated in patients who have experienced life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to ADZYNMA or its components.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic-type hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic reactions, may occur with ADZYNMA. Patients should be educated about early signs of hypersensitivity such as tachycardia, chest tightness, wheezing and/or acute respiratory distress, hypotension, generalized urticaria, pruritus, rhinoconjunctivitis, angioedema, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, paresthesia, and restlessness. If signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions occur, immediately discontinue administration of ADZYNMA and provide appropriate supportive care.

Immunogenicity: There is a potential for immunogenicity with ADZYNMA. Patients may develop neutralizing antibodies to ADAMTS13, which could potentially result in a decreased or lack of response to ADAMTS13. Patients may develop antibodies to host cell proteins which could potentially result in adverse reactions. There are no data on immunogenicity with ADZYNMA or to host cell proteins in previously untreated patients (subjects naïve to plasma-based products).

Adverse Reactions: The most commonly observed adverse reactions (>5% of subjects) associated with ADZYNMA are headache, diarrhea, migraine, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness and vomiting.

Use in Specific Populations: The safety of ADZYNMA for use during pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials. Limited data are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. There is no information regarding the presence of ADZYNMA in human milk, its effects on milk production, or the breastfed infant.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc. at 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including information for patients.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

About Protagonist

Protagonist Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company with peptide-based new chemical entities (NCEs) rusfertide and JNJ-2113 (formerly PN-235) in advanced stages of clinical development, both derived from the Company’s proprietary peptide technology platform. Protagonist and Janssen scientists jointly discovered oral peptide PN-235 (now known as JNJ-2113) as part of Protagonist’s Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) collaboration with Janssen and followed it through IND-enabling pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies, with Janssen assuming responsibility for further clinical development. Rusfertide, a peptide-mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is currently in a global Phase 3 development program.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates and clinical studies can be found on the Company’s website at www.protagonist-inc.com.

[i] Mehta J, Wang H, Iqbal SU, Mesa R. Epidemiology of myeloproliferative neoplasms in the United States. Leuk Lymphoma 2014; 55:595-600.

[ii] Orphanet: https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/Disease_Search.php?lng=EN&data_id=8747&Disease_Disease_Search_diseaseGroup=polycythemia-vera&Disease_Disease_Search_diseaseType=Pat&Disease(s)/group%20of%20diseases=Polycythemia-vera&title=Polycythemia%20vera&search=Disease_Search_Simple

[iii] RareCare EU: https://www.esmo.org/policy/rare-cancers-working-group/events/rare-cancers-europe-webinar-on-rare-cancers-in-all-policies

[iv] Verstovsek S, et al. Leuk Res. 2017;56:52-59. doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2017.01.032

[v] Marchioli R, et al. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:22-33

[vi] Spivak JL. Ann Hematol 2018; 19(2):1-14.

[vii] Mesa R, et al. BMC Cancer. 2016;16,167.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, "press release" means this document, any oral presentation, any question-and-answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, "Takeda" is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Takeda Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as "targets", "plans", "believes", "hopes", "continues", "expects", "aims", "intends", "ensures", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

Medical Information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

Protagonist Therapeutics Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential benefits of JNJ-2113, our expectations regarding the anticipated benefits of rusfertide, the Agreement and our collaboration with Takeda. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "may," "will," "expect," or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates, our ability to earn milestone payments under our collaboration agreements with Janssen and Takeda, our ability to use and expand our programs to build a pipeline of product candidates, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, our ability to operate in a competitive industry and compete successfully against competitors that have greater resources than we do, and our ability to obtain and adequately protect intellectual property rights for our product candidates. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting our business can be found in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in our most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date

SOURCE: Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

LEAWOOD, KS / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / This notice provides stockholders of Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TPZ) with information regarding the distribution paid on January 31, 2024, and cumulative distribution paid fiscal year-to-date.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution, paid on January 31, 2024, and the cumulative distribution paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital. All amounts are expressed per common share.

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

You should not draw any conclusions about TPZ’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of TPZ’s distribution policies.

TPZ estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in TPZ is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect TPZ’s investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon TPZ’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. TPZ will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Tortoise Capital Advisors is the Adviser to the Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

For additional information on this fund, please visit cef.tortoiseadvisors.com.

About Tortoise

Tortoise focuses on energy and power infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy. Tortoise’s solid track record of energy value chain investment experience and research dates back more than 20 years. As an early investor in midstream energy, Tortoise believes it is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the global energy evolution that is underway. With a steady wins approach and a long-term perspective, Tortoise strives to make a positive impact on clients and communities. To learn more, visit www.TortoiseAdvisors.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Although the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the fund’s reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors do not assume a duty to update this forward-looking statement.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Contact Information:

For more information contact Eva Lipner at (913) 981-1020 or info@tortoiseadvisors.com

SOURCE: Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

Delano’s position has evolved from contractor to Creative Director, to Partner.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / Digital advertising firm oakpool has brought Creative Director Alex Delano on as a Partner. Delano initially joined the firm, which is 100% founder & partner-owned, as a contributor in 2020. She has worked her way up to Creative Director and Partner through continued success on projects with clients ranging from Fortune 500s to Independent films. Delano’s CV, both with oakpool, and elsewhere in her career, includes brands such as GORE-TEX, Asics, HOKA, Salomon, Vans, and Goslings Rum. Alex also serves as a producer on MEKO, oakpool’s upcoming film project in partnership with Pandion Creative. She has also been featured on HGTV through her work at Astek in the Los Angeles entertainment industry.

Delano and founders James Hamilton & Alex Ford first met in 2017, prior to Oakpool’s inception, through a shared client, Boston’s custom ski manufacturer Parlor Skis.

Delano says of the partnership, "My relationship with oakpool is unique in that it’s completely symbiotic – we have common interests, similar business approaches, and are able to help fill in the gaps that the other has. Everyone looks out for each other, while also maintaining their own voice and independent creative decisions. It’s an exciting and natural next step for all of us. I couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate, create, and grow together."

A Boston native now living in Los Angeles, California, Delano is an avid skier, yogi, plant-enthusiast, and artist, who loves bringing creative energy into her home decor, fashion, and hobbies.

Since Adding Alex to the team, oakpool has significantly expanded its design and creative offerings.

Co-Founder James Hamilton says of the move, "We are thrilled to welcome Alex Delano to our partnership at oakpool. From the very first project we collaborated on to today, Alex has consistently shown up as a diligent, creative, and communicative team member. I can’t wait to see what we create together."

In the partnership, Alex will bring her existing book of independent design and marketing clients over to the firm.

ABOUT OAKPOOL

Founded by James Hamilton & Alex Ford in 2018, oakpool is a globally distributed firm with a track record of delivering results for organizations ranging from Caesar’s Entertainment, GORE-TEX, and Goslings Rum to boutique fly fishing lodges and tour operators worldwide. The firm operates by plugging into clients with the accessibility of a full-time team and the resources and flexibility of a global network. Specializing in growth marketing, content, design, and business intelligence services, oakpool is 100% founder & partner-owned. The company comprises a full-time team of 8 and a broader network of 40+ regular contributors.

oakpool gets its name from a stretch of water on the Musconetcong River in Western New Jersey. It was after an evening of fly fishing on this deep, slow, stretch of the river that Ford and Hamilton agreed to go into business together.

Contact Information

James Hamilton
Co-Founder, Partner
james@fordhamilton.com

Alex Ford
Co-Founder, Partner
alex@fordhamilton.com

SOURCE: oakpool

View the original press release on newswire.com.

IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / Global Vision Holdings Inc. (OTCQB), announces the naming of their new CEO, George England Jr. For the last 4 years, Mr. England has served as CEO and founder of 909 Healthcare, Inc. Mr. England has 30 plus years of experience as a successful healthcare entrepreneur and executive. He has consulted with national start-up companies in the healthcare vertical with a focus on healthcare IT, clinical outcome data and ancillary services.

"My passion is creating collaborative digital health solutions by utilizing the latest technology including AI, Data Analysis, and Health Risk Predictive Modeling." explained George England. "Identifying and resolving disruptive patterns in healthcare services and delivery has proven to bring significant increases in financial and clinical outcomes" he continued. "I look forward to bringing these proven technology solutions to Global Vision Holdings, Inc," Mr. England concluded.

About Global Vision Holdings, Inc.

About 909 Healthcare, Inc.

Healthcare is a technology company that develops SaaS applications. Their expertise is to identify and resolve undesirable medical conditions by utilizing AI driven, collaborative digital health and wellness experiences that promote connection, collaboration and mitigate risk.

Their stated mission is to eliminate the overwhelming complexity, waste and unsustainable costs that are prevalent in the delivery of healthcare. The 909 Healthcare digital technology solution has proven to produce better financial and clinical outcomes.

visit: https://909healthcare.com/
visit: https://medtechdx.com/

Disclaimer

Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. 909 Healthcare and George Mason University does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will 909 Healthcare and George Mason University and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.

SOURCE: Global Vision Holdings, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

BURBANK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / Today, The Walt Disney Company and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) announced the 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars, representing high-achieving students from four-year institutions across the country, including many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The scholars will receive financial support, mentorship, and internship opportunities.

Since 2015, Disney has worked with UNCF to provide a voice to diverse storytellers and innovators, building a pipeline of Black talent that will shape the future of the entertainment industry. In 2021, Disney created the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program and has since expanded it to include additional financial contributions as well as extended pathways that focus on specific fields and skills that students may be interested in.

"The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program continues to provide talented college students an opportunity to expand their personal and professional skills," said Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company. "We sincerely hope this experience helps every student excel, hone their craft, and go on to achieve great success in their chosen careers."

In 2023, Disney incorporated new and existing scholarships into the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program to provide a more tailored experience to students with specific interests within the industry, including journalism, film and television, and factual entertainment. In conjunction with Andscape, National Geographic, and FX, students will be able to follow in the legacy of renowned storytellers and start their own journey with Disney’s global platforms. The four industry-aligned pathways include:

• Rhoden Fellowship: Founded in 2017, this one-year sports journalism internship with Andscape focuses on training aspiring African American journalists from HBCUs. The fellowship is named after award-winning sports columnist William C. Rhoden.
• National Geographic Content Scholarship Program: Founded in 2021, this program aims to foster and support the next generation of factual storytellers attending HBCUs through access, opportunity, and exposure to the National Geographic brand and its numerous content platforms. As part of the six-month program, the scholars are each paired with a National Geographic mentor as well as participate in a one-week immersive experience at the Washington, D.C. Headquarters where they will be exposed to how content is developed, produced, published, and marketed.
• FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of the legendary director and producer John Singleton, these scholarships are to encourage and empower the next generation of fearless storytellers following John’s footsteps by pursuing a career in film or television production, directing, or screenwriting.
• The Walt Disney Company / UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars Program: Along with the opportunity to apply for internships, the program also provides professional development and mentorship during students’ academic journeys.

Scholars will be awarded a renewable annual scholarship and an opportunity to apply for paid internships at The Walt Disney Company. The scholars are rising juniors and seniors pursuing a degree related to the field of entertainment including business, communications, creative writing, journalism, film/media, and science. Additional opportunities for the UNCF scholars include mentorship, professional development, career exploration workshops, and consideration for a possible full-time role with Disney upon graduation. As a way to inspire the students and ignite their passion for storytelling, Disney also frequently provides guest speakers for UNCF events and invites UNCF scholars and staff to advanced screenings of Disney films. Several past scholars have also successfully transitioned into full-time roles within the company, starting on their own journey and building on the skills they learned during their time in the program.

Ashley Meeks from the 2021 Disney UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars cohort details how the program has led her to her current job as a Talent Relations Coordinator for Disney Entertainment Television. "The Walt Disney Company/UNCF Corporate Scholars program has been a transformative force in my life, infusing my professional path with a profound sense of purpose and community. Through unwavering support, mentorship, and a network that has always felt like family, the program has not only propelled my professional dreams but has left an impact that will resonate throughout my career," said Meeks.

The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program is part of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, the company’s commitment to empower the next generation of storytellers and innovators from underrepresented communities.

The 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars are:

About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three business segments: Entertainment, Sports and Experiences. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenue of $88.9 billion in its Fiscal Year 2023.

About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste."^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

Contact:
Bruce Lam
bruce.lam@disney.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Walt Disney Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: The Walt Disney Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/walt-disney-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Walt Disney Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2024 / The Dallas Winter Boat Show is coming back bigger than ever from March 7-10, 2024 at Dallas Market Hall. "We are inviting guests to trade in the winter blues for dreams of life on the water," says Bron Beal, Executive Director of the Dallas Boat Show.

The Winter Boat Show is an indoor playground for boating enthusiasts, boat owners, soon-to-be boat owners, and those who are curious about the boating lifestyle. This year, guests can explore an extensive array of the newest marine accessories among the aisles and aisles of boats. "Manufacturers are focused on continuing to deliver innovative new products and dealers will showcase emerging technologies throughout the fun-filled weekend at Dallas Market Hall, " says Beal.

The record-breaking show offers the unique opportunity to browse and compare various brands all in one place, from runabouts and family cruisers to fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons, and sailboats, allowing attendees to secure deals on exciting items from vendors. The dealers simplify the process of finding everything families require to enhance their time on the water with some of the best prices ever seen.

"With jumps in interest rates and inflation in 2023, we saw more boating consumers being price sensitive and deciding to wait things out before buying their next boat and in the meantime, picking up a personal watercraft to enrich their time spent on the water," said Frank Hugelmeyer, the National Marine Manufacturers Association president. "The nearly 1 million people who purchased a boat for the first time during the height of the pandemic continued to spend record time on the water in 2023, helping drive an economic impact of $230 billion. As we enter 2024, we expect Americans’ desire to be near water to continue as more people seek ways to prioritize health and wellness and enhance their quality of life, which has the industry focused on continued innovation and ensuring greater access to our public waters."

"Boating provides transformational experiences that offer relaxation, fun and freedom in our busy lives, which is why we’re committed to sharing the ease of the boating lifestyle with North Texans for generations to come," said Beal. With complimentary and convenient on-site parking, the Dallas Boat Show is a nautical dream for both passionate boaters and fun-seekers alike.

www.dallasboatexpo.com

When: Thursday- Sunday, March 7-10, 2024

Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207

Show Schedule:

Thursday, March 7^th, 2024 from 3-8 pm

Friday, March 8^th, 2024 from 12-8 pm

Saturday, March 9^th from, 10 am- 8 pm

Sunday, March 10^th from 10 am -5 pm

Cost & Ticket Information:

Adults: $15

Children (ages 5-13): $8

Children under 5: Free

Parking is free of charge

Boating Dealers and Exhibitors include:

Plano Marine, Whittle Boats, Carey and Sons Marine, NXTLVL Eagle Marine, Buxton Marine, Tommy’s Lewisville, MarineMax, North Texas Marine, Eisenhower Yacht Club, Ridenow Powersports, Action Watersports, Massimo Marine, Big Water Marine, The Slalom Shop, TXP Boats, POP Board Co, Lone Star Yamaha, Boaters World Marine Centers, Ventura Texas Marine, Texoma Boathouse and Big Fish Kayaks.

Media Resources (Photos, Logos, etc):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gpfl7m3t60qzithxunf32/h?dl=0&rlkey=q6mmk3zn7u0o87p37q3mfmcic

Social Media Handles:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallasboatshow
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dallas_boatshow
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasboatshow/

Media Contact:

Dana Cobb
Mobile: 972-955-9747
dana@thebarbershopmarketing.com

SOURCE: Dallas Boat Show

View the original press release on accesswire.com