By Sahil Pandey
Sept 2 (Reuters) - AI company Owkin said on Wednesday it has signed ‌a licensing deal with Germany's Boehringer ‌Ingelheim, giving the drugmaker access to its AI research platform and patient data to speed up discovery of drugs for cancer and immunity-related diseases.
The deal adds Boehringer to a growing ‌list of drugmakers ⁠using Owkin's AI technology, "K Pro". AstraZeneca licensed it in May, while ⁠Sanofi expanded its partnership with a five-year agreement in June.
Here are some more details:
• The deal builds on the companies' pilot project in ‌2025, in which Owkin used its patient tumor samples and related biological datasets to help Boehringer prioritize potential drug targets, the AI company's CEO, Thomas Clozel, told Reuters.

#patient

Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested in March for yet another vehicular accident. Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but he refused a urine test and showed signs of impairment during the ordeal.
Officers found two painkiller pills in his pocket, and he told deputies he had taken "a few" prescription medications earlier that day. Later, Woods pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to testing.
Recently, Woods announced he planned to change his not guilty plea, according to court documents filed Tuesday. Woods was scheduled to appear in court on September 8th but is now expected on Wednesday morning for a plea conference.
The golf legend has been involved in a few other crashes over the years, all of which have stunted his illustrious career. In 2021, he survived a crash in Los Angeles so severe that doctors considered amputating his leg. Woods was not charged with any crimes as authorities determined the crash was caused by excessive speed and not impairment. On the other hand, in 2009, Woods crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree outside of his residence around 2:00 a.m. Police suspected Woods was under the influence or impaired by medication, but no actual charges followed.
Woods has had to bow out of golf due to several back surgeries and lower-body injuries that have affected his mobility. As a result, Woods has battled with prescribed substance dependency. As of June, he formally stepped away from the game and traveled outside of the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment facility.

#golf #signs #charges

By Karen Roman
Inventiva S.A. (Nasdaq: IVA) said it designated Chris Benecchi as Chief Operating Officer, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Motric Bio (an Aditum Bio company).
Mr. Benecchi will lead the company's operational side as Inventiva comes close to its NATiV3 Phase 3 study results of lanifibranor in MASH, expected for the last quarter of 2026, and also prepare for potential commercialization, it stated.
"As we approach our Phase 3 readout, we are preparing the company for the next stage of its evolution," said Andrew Obenshain, Inventiva's CEO. "Chris brings a valuable combination of commercial, operational and launch experience, with a proven track record of helping organizations bring promising medicines to patients."
Mr. Benecchi has 30 years of biopharmaceutical leadership experience across commercial, operational and enterprise roles, with a record of building organizations, preparing investigational medicines for launch, and leading cross-functional execution in competitive and access-challenged markets, Inventiva said.

#chris #chief #commercial

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Despite being on pace for the first 100-loss season in franchise history, there may have never been more hope and optimism surrounding the future of the Angels than there is right now.
The Angels have seen sweeping changes to the organization over the last four months. A new team president, a new interim general manager, a new draft strategy, a change in approach at the trade deadline and other coaching and scouting department changes have already given fans hope for a better tomorrow.
But on Tuesday morning, the news that a large portion of Angels fans have been impatiently waiting for finally dropped.
Arte Moreno sold a majority ownership stake to Stan Kroenke.
"When I first came here, I spoke with Arte and he had mentioned that this was a possibility," interim general manager John Mozeliak said. "But to learn it this morning from (Angels president Molly Jolly), I was definitely surprised, but it wasn't a shocker. I think it's exciting news for everybody. I think change is what I came in to try to start doing, and I wasn't thinking that it would be at the very top, but we've certainly been working our way through the organization."

#changes #president #manager

Sept 1 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth's insurance unit said on Tuesday that a broad range of conditions will no ‌longer need prior approval, effective October 1, as ‌it aims to eliminate prior authorization for 30% of healthcare services by the end of this year.
Here are the details:
• The reduction spans a broad mix of services across multiple clinical specialties, including cardiology, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic care, physical, occupational ‌and speech therapy, orthopedic ⁠and musculoskeletal procedures, among others.
• The prior authorization requirements are being eliminated across its commercial ⁠plans, Medicare Advantage for older adults and individual insurance under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and some other types of plans.
• Health insurers have been taking measures to ‌simplify their requirements for prior authorization on medicines and medical services after complaints from patients and doctors over excessive paperwork that can delay or even deny needed care.

#prior

First Eagle Investment Management, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor update for "First Eagle Global Fund". The letter can be downloaded here. Easing tensions in the Middle East led to a strong rally in risk markets in Q2. The S&P 500 Index rose 15.2%, while the MSCI EAFE Index gained 10.8%. Growth stocks outperformed, with the MSCI World Growth Index significantly exceeding value returns. A notable shift in U.S. interest rate expectations followed Kevin Warsh's appointment as chair of the Federal Open Market Committee, pushing Treasury yields higher and strengthening the dollar. Despite the optimistic market environment, concerns about fiscal constraints and limited policy flexibility remain. Tighter credit spreads and elevated equity valuations reflect strong demand for financial ******* ets, with household wealth in equities at a post-WWII high. Earnings expectations are buoyant, driven by AI infrastructure developments. Against this backdrop, Global Fund A Shares returned 2.86% in Q2 2026, with emerging markets and developed Europe as the primary contributors. Developed Asia (excluding ******* an) was the only detractor, and ******* an lagged. Information technology and financials led among equity sectors, while materials and energy detracted. The fund underperformed relative to the MSCI World Index during this period. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, First Eagle Global Fund highlighted HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA). HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) owns and operates hospitals and related healthcare entities. On August 31, 2026, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) closed at $414.45 per share. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) returned 3.42% over the past month, and its shares are up 2.05% over the past year. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) has a market capitalization of $89.72 billion.
First Eagle Global Fund stated the following regarding HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"The leading detractors in the quarter were gold bullion, Charter Communications, Inc. Class A, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), Exxon Mobil Corporation and Salesforce.com, Inc. HCA Healthcare is the largest for-profit hospital operator in the US, with a difficult-to-replicate network of large urban hospitals. Although the company reported sales and profit growth for its most recent growth, HCA reported that patient volumes grew at the low end of guidance, driven partially by declines in respiratory-related emergency room visits, inpatient surgeries and outpatient surgeries. A decrease in enrollment in both Medicaid and Affordable Care Act exchanges was also a headwind. We continue to view HCA's management as an effective steward of both operations and the balance sheet as it continues to return capital to shareholders through share buybacks."

#healthcare #NYSE #index

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A cancer diagnosis is never something anyone is ready for, but when it happens, the effects can go well beyond the physical and emotional traumas that turn lives upside down.
There are financial aspects that, if not addressed, can affect quality of life and even survival rates. Having a financial planner in their corner can help patients organize, ensure they're getting the most from their benefits and prepare as much as possible for whatever comes next. "With cancer, you get diagnosed, and then there is this few-week window before they start treatment," said Dr. Carolyn McClanahan, a physician and financial planner. That's a critical time for putting a plan in place, as "once you start treatment, it can be a drain on your physical and mental health."
The National Cancer Institute has a term for devastating financial consequences resulting from the high costs of medical care patients and their families face: financial toxicity. While it's inherently financial in nature, the stress it causes has real medical implications. That makes financial planning incredibly important, especially for those struggling with the high costs of care:
A pilot study of 107 patients being treated for blood cancers found that comprehensive planning resulted in higher mental and physical quality of life, among those experiencing financial toxicity.

#physical #start

Patient fans have been waiting nearly three decades for a follow-up to "Practical Magic." Based on a best-selling book by Alice Hoffman, the 1998 fantasy rom-com starred Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witch sisters, trying to dispel a curse that threatens their love lives. Now the wait is almost over, as "Practical Magic 2" is set to release in September 2026. The stars have been promoting the film in recent weeks, and we're wondering if they used a little magic of their own for their enchanting beauty.
Appearing in London for the European premiere of the sequel on August 26, 2026, Kidman, doing better than ever since her recent divorce from Keith Urban, stunned in a custom sequin Chanel gown that flattered her height and figure. Bullock also defied the outdated "wisdom" that women over 40 should dress demurely; her leopard-print Givenchy number was anything but sedate. Both actresses' dresses also featured high slits to better show off their legs.
John Phillips/Getty
Style-wise, the women easily outshone their Gen Z costars as they posed for press photos. Joey King and Maisie Williams play Bullock's adult daughters, Kylie and Antonia Owens. Williams paid homage to a red dress Bullock wore in 1999; her Ellie Misner gown was gorgeous, but perhaps just a bit aging on a young woman. King went the daring route with an ultra-sheer floor-length dress that seemed more sleepwear than red-carpet.
Read more: Male Celebrities Who Were Unrecognizable After Plastic Surgery

#dress

For committed, patient long-term income investors, some of the best opportunities, in terms of both yield and payout growth, can be found in the energy patch.
The sector's status as a payout haven encompasses a broad range of names, from pipeline stocks to some of the world's largest oil companies. Many market participants opt for familiarity and reliability, which helps explain why ExxonMobil and Chevron are hits with dividend investors. The two largest U.S. domestic oil companies have dividend increase streaks of 43 and 39 years, respectively.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
To be sure, those are impressive runs, but barring any surprises, those companies are likely to continue raising their payouts at low-single-digit percentages. Income-hungry investors seeking rapid dividend growth should look to the midstream segment, home to Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN). Indeed, this pipeline company has sunny dividend potential.
First, a housekeeping item. Sunoco LP is not the same as SunocoCorp LLC (NYSE: SUNC). However, the latter "owns a direct limited partner interest in Sunoco LP." Interestingly, Sunoco LP's general partner is owned by Energy Transfer, one of the most beloved large-cap names in the midstream income ******* e.

#Dividend #Companies #energy

Nursing home bills can wipe out the tax on a Roth conversion when both occur in the same year, because deductible medical costs above 7.5% of AGI offset conversion income.
The strategy requires itemizing deductions and works only when the IRA owner and the patient are the same person, a spouse, or a qualifying dependent.
Each converted dollar raises AGI, lifting the 7.5% deduction floor, and a larger MAGI can trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges two years later.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
If you have a traditional IRA and someone in your household faces catastrophic nursing home bills, a tax interaction exists. A Roth conversion executed in the same year as enormous deductible medical costs can move IRA dollars into a Roth at a fraction of their normal tax cost, because the medical expense itemized deduction absorbs the taxable income the conversion generates. The strategy pairs two ordinary tools most people use separately, and the window closes at year-end.

#deductible

Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) touched an all-time high above $224 on August 27, 2026, following FDA approval of Rasonque (daraxonrasib) – the first broad RAS-targeted therapy cleared for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Creating a milestone, the approval came roughly five weeks after filing under the agency's national priority voucher. The pivotal RASolute 302 trial nearly doubled median overall survival, to 13.2 months from 6.7 on chemotherapy. While the clinical benefit is substantial, a $47 billion valuation suggests the market had already priced in this success.
RVMD carries essentially no product revenue yet. Its price rests entirely on the future. Evercore ISI has raised the next-year sales estimate for Rasonque to ~$2.4 billion. Additionally, the $47 billion valuation discounts much of a long-term pancreatic opportunity which the Evercore **** yst estimates Rasonque could generate about $15.1 billion in pancreatic-cancer sales by 2034. However, a few details complicate this math. First, the approved label applies strictly to second-line or multiagent-ineligible patients. The front-line indication represents the larger market opportunity but remains pending, meaning a notable portion of the TAM is not yet accessible. Second, RVMD's current valuation also sits well above the $28 billion–$32 billion takeover valuation reportedly discussed with Merck earlier this year. Bulls argue lung and colorectal trials justify the $47 billion beyond pancreatic cancer, though that pipeline potential remains unproven.
That matters because Revolution Medicines must now execute its first commercial launch independently in one of oncology's most challenging indications characterized by short survival, high patient frailty, and a U.S. list price of $39,800 for a 30-day supply. Commercialization will require heavy spending. The second-quarter net loss widened to $644 million, and full-year operating expense guidance increased to between $2.1 and $2.2 billion. While a $3.9 billion cash balance and up to $1.5 billion in committed royalty financing fund the launch, operational execution remains the primary risk.
Insiders were net sellers of roughly $21.5 million over the past 90 days with zero buying. Hedge fund data on the stock is flat. As per the Insider Monkey database, 105 funds held RVMD in the second quarter of 2026, modestly down from 106 in the first, indicating strong conviction among institutional investors. Short interest sits near 6% of float, representing a modest level of bets against the stock.

#first

On the August 26 episode of Mad Money, a caller mentioned that they had purchased 1,000 shares of Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) at $54 a couple of weeks prior, watched the price go up to $150, and asked what they should do. Jim Cramer replied:
Here's what I would do: I think that you have to take a little bit off. But I have also, because of my daughter who had melanoma and fortunately beat it, done a huge amount of work on the vaccine, and I got to tell you, I would hold on to this stock because I think the vaccine is very for real.
Moderna shares surged 177% on August 19 after the company and Merck & Co. announced that their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, met the primary and key secondary endpoints in a Phase 3 melanoma trial involving 1,137 patients. The result gives Moderna its strongest late-stage evidence yet that its mRNA platform can work as a therapeutic cancer treatment. However, the detailed Phase 3 data have not been released, and investors should not confuse the new results with the 49% reduction in recurrence or death and 59% reduction in distant metastasis or death reported in the earlier Phase 2b study.
The clinical breakthrough arrived well before Moderna, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MRNA) financial turnaround. The company generated $145 million of second-quarter 2026 revenue and reported a $782 million GAAP net loss, while continuing to target cash breakeven in 2028. It ended June with $6.9 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, although it subsequently paid $950 million related to a litigation settlement.
The bear argument is that Moderna, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MRNA) stock has repriced faster than the fundamental business has been proven. Its market value increased by tens of billions of dollars following the announcement of a trial whose detailed Phase 3 data remain outstanding. Regulatory approval is still required, while personalized cancer vaccines must overcome significant manufacturing and logistical challenges. Success in melanoma also does not guarantee comparable results in lung, bladder, kidney, or other cancers.

#mrna

The Seattle Seahawks have put pen to paper. On Saturday afternoon, following their preseason finale with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Seahawks officially signed embattled former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold. This news came via NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
News broke in mid August that Seattle was planning to sign Arnold, who is currently charged with eight felony counts of armed robbery and kidnapping. The signing was delayed as the team was awaiting word of whether or not Arnold would be immediately placed on the commissioner's exempt list. Well, that question became reality, as it was announced a few days later that he would receive that special designation while the NFL conducted its own investigation.
Arnold's status with the league has apparently not deterred the Seahawks in their desire to improve their cornerback room. Arnold is on the team, but he cannot play or even practice with his new teammates while on the commissioner's exempt list. We saw on HBO's "Hard Knocks" that general manager John Schneider sees this signing as a long term investment, hoping he can provide some much-needed reinforcements to the secondary during the playoff push.
For now, the 12th Man must be patient. Arnold's next scheduled court proceeding won't be until October 5th in Tampa, Florida. That's already a long time to wait to get a better idea when... or if... Arnold will take the field as a Seahawk.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks officially sign CB Terrion Arnold

#arnold #cornerback #sign

BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) rallied following the first positive interim Phase 3 topline result for a personalized mRNA cancer therapy. Moderna and Merck said intismeran, combined with Keytruda, significantly improved recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival in patients with surgically removed high-risk melanoma. The result lifted other mRNA developers because it provided the strongest evidence yet that the technology can work against cancer in a large late-stage trial. For BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX), however, the rally raises a harder question: does validation of the therapeutic class meaningfully improve the odds for its own candidates, or has the market moved ahead of company-specific evidence?
The distinction matters. Moderna's intismeran is individually designed around mutations found in each patient's tumor. BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) is awaiting an interim ******* ysis from the Phase 3 portion of AHEAD-MERIT, which tests BNT113 with pembrolizumab in first-line unresectable recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive, PD-L1-positive head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. BNT113 is an off-the-shelf FixVac therapy encoding the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Different antigens, manufacturing approaches, cancer types and treatment settings prevent Moderna's result from functioning as a direct clinical read-through.
Still, BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) has more than one attempt at building an oncology franchise. The company has 14 ongoing pivotal trials across mRNA immunotherapies, immunomodulators and antibody-drug conjugates. It expects three late-stage readouts during 2026, including the BNT113 interim ******* ysis, and ended June with €16.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents and security investments.
The bull case for BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) is that Moderna and Merck have reduced skepticism around the broader platform. Their trial enrolled 1,137 patients and met its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival and a secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival, with no new safety concerns reported. The result shows that an mRNA therapy can add meaningful benefit to a checkpoint inhibitor in Phase 3.
BioNTech also has a personalized program that more closely resembles intismeran. Autogene cevumeran, partnered with Genentech, is being studied in randomized Phase 2 trials in pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, BNT113 has FDA Fast Track designation and could provide BioNTech's own pivotal mRNA evidence. The company's cash position gives it room to fund these programs and absorb failures elsewhere in the portfolio.

#biontech

The FDA approved Pasatru, whose generic name is garetosmab, of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) for adults with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. FOP is an ultra-rare genetic disorder in which bone forms inside muscles, tendons, and ligaments, progressively restricting movement. In a 56-week Phase 3 trial involving 63 adults, the approved 3-milligram-per-kilogram dose reduced the number of new abnormal bone lesions by 94% compared with placebo. The decision completed an unusual clinical recovery. Regeneron paused an earlier study in 2020 after five patients died during its open-label portion, when all participants were receiving active treatment. The published ****** ysis later considered a relationship to treatment unlikely, although causality could not be ruled out. For Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN), Pasatru is a regulatory and scientific victory whose earnings potential is constrained by an exceptionally small market.
The company's existing scale makes that limitation difficult to ignore. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) generated second-quarter revenue of $4.29 billion, up 17%, while company-defined non-GAAP diluted EPS reached $14.29. Global Dupixent sales, recorded by partner Sanofi, increased 38% to approximately $6 billion, and U.S. Eylea HD sales rose 52% to $596 million. Against those franchises, even a successful Pasatru launch would have limited influence on consolidated results.
The approval demonstrates that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) can recover a program after a major clinical setback. Following the 2020 dosing pause, the company worked with regulators to design a late-stage study that produced a statistically significant reduction in new bone lesions. Pasatru also validates research into Activin A, which activates the mutant ACVR1/ALK2 receptor and triggers abnormal bone formation in FOP.
That platform value may matter more than initial sales. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) plans to begin a pediatric trial later in 2026, which could eventually expand the eligible population. The regulatory recovery may also strengthen confidence in the company's ability to advance other rare-disease programs from internally discovered biology.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) is entering an exceptionally small pharmaceutical market. Published prevalence estimates generally range from approximately one case per one million to one per two million people. Only approximately 800 to 900 known or confirmed cases have been identified globally, although additional patients may remain undiagnosed. Pasatru is currently approved only for adults, further narrowing its immediate market.

#regeneron #pasatru #adults #market

Aug 28 (Reuters) - BioNTech SE said on Friday it has decided to ‌terminate the mid-stage trial of ‌its experimental mRNA-based cancer vaccine for patients with a type of colorectal cancer, sending the German firm's U.S.-listed shares down nearly 9%.
An independent data safety monitoring board, responsible ‌for overseeing the ⁠safety and integrity of the trial, recommended discontinuing treatment of ⁠patients and terminating the study.
The immunotherapy, autogene cevumeran, is being jointly developed by BioNTech and Roche's Genentech. The trial was evaluating ‌it as an adjuvant monotherapy in patients with high-risk stage II or stage III colorectal cancer whose tumors had been surgically removed but who remained ctDNA-positive.
In ‌its most recent review of the available data of this trial, the board identified a ‌numerical imbalance in overall survival between treatment arms in this specific patient population and noted that further trial continuation was ‌unlikely to change the efficacy outcome.
(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)

#patients #colorectal

On August 13, Celcuity (NASDAQ:CELC) walked investors through a quarter unlike any in the company's history. The clinical-stage biotech is no longer just clinical: its breast cancer drug Revtopik won FDA approval on July 14, and the call was built around how the company plans to turn that approval into an actual business. The tone was confident, but the numbers underneath told a more complicated story about what launching a first drug really costs.
The regulatory news alone stood out. The FDA approved Revtopik on July 14 for patients with HR positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer without a PIK3CA mutation who had progressed on prior endocrine therapy. Less than three weeks later, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended both the Revtopik triplet and doublet as preferred Category 1 options for second-line treatment, a fast endorsement suggesting oncologists see real value here.
That value shows up in the data. In the PIK3CA mutant cohort of the VIKTORIA-1 trial, the gedatolisib triplet produced a median progression-free survival of 11.1 months versus 5.6 months for alpelisib plus fulvestrant, cutting the risk of progression or death in half. Just 5.2% of triplet patients and 3.8% of doublet patients stopped treatment due to side effects, compared to 19% on alpelisib. CEO Sullivan said that 4% to 5% range "best represents what we expect to see in a real world setting," a detail that matters because patients who stay on a drug longer generate more revenue over time.
Celcuity is not stopping at second-line treatment either. The VIKTORIA-2 trial has been expanded to test gedatolisib in treatment-naive, endocrine-sensitive patients, a group that makes up roughly two-thirds of newly diagnosed advanced breast cancer cases each year. That bet is backed by earlier Phase 1b data showing a median progression-free survival of 48.6 months, nearly double the roughly 25 months typical of current standard of care. Commercially, the company says its 80-person oncology sales team, averaging 24 years of experience, is fully built, backed by $754 million in cash management expects to last into 2029.
Turning that approval into revenue has been expensive. Net loss widened to $78.9 million, or $1.44 per share, for the quarter, compared to a loss of $45.3 million a year earlier. Selling, general, and administrative expenses jumped $27.4 million to $35 million, driven mostly by hiring the commercial team needed to support the launch. Celcuity has not shipped a single vial yet, with shipments not expected to begin until late in the third quarter of 2026.

#cancer #months #quarter

The previous Rainbow Wahine volleyball coaching staff knew exactly what they had with incoming freshman hitter Cha'lei Reid.
A terminator of the volleyball on either side, the Kahuku High alumna gave Hawaii an immediate offensive threat who could compete against anybody right out of the gate.
The rest of her game would eventually come around, but for at least the beginning of her college career, the plan was to keep things simple, be patient, and let Reid slowly get used to the rigors of Division I volleyball.
Ten matches into the season, that patience went right out the door. The team lost its two most experienced hitters — Tali Hakas and Stella Adeyemi — to injury, leaving Reid to carry most of the offensive load.
She never once complained in the public eye. Entering Year 2, where she will likely have much more help on the outside, the experience has only made her stronger.

#rainbow

On August 19, 2026, Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) said that their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, combined with Merck's Keytruda, met its main goals in a first-ever Phase 3 trial for melanoma. The news sent Moderna shares up as much as 177%, adding $44 billion to its market value, while Merck shares rose more than 12% to an all-time high.
This is the first personalized cancer vaccine to succeed at the late-stage trial level, a milestone Moderna has pursued for years after its Covid-19 vaccine business faded. The stock became the most shorted in the S&P 500.
Does this trial genuinely validate personalized cancer vaccines as a new class of medicine, or is the market's reaction running ahead of data the companies haven't even fully released yet?
Breakthrough Results vs. Unreleased Data: The Moderna Debate
The combination, involving Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)'s vaccine intismeran autogene and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)'s Keytruda, extended the time patients lived without their melanoma returning. It reduced the risk of cancer spreading, building on earlier data showing a 49% reduction in recurrence or death risk and a 59% reduction in distant metastasis risk compared with Keytruda alone. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel called it validation of "an entirely new class of medicine." TD Cowen ******* ysts called it "a landmark moment" and expect regulatory approval as soon as next year. Even after the surge, Moderna trades at less than a third of its 2021 peak. Rezilient Health's Dr. Danish Nagda argued the platform remains undervalued given the potential to extend the approach to other cancers.

#vaccine #personalized #trial

On August 14, 2026, Reuters reported that Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) disclosed that its stake in ******* e Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX) was worth about $94 billion as of June 30, 2026, more than 100 times its original $900 million investment from 2015. It is making Alphabet by far ******* eX's largest single institutional shareholder following the company's June initial public offering.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s ******* eX stake is now one of the most lucrative early-stage bets in tech history. A $900 million check from 2015 is worth roughly $94 billion, a gain that dwarfs Alphabet's next-largest disclosed rival holder, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, whose 154.1 million shares were worth $26.3 billion at the same date. That scale validates Alphabet's willingness to make patient, outsized bets outside its core search business, a track record that could matter the next time Alphabet weighs a similarly bold bet.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX)'s trading action suggests institutional demand is holding up despite the pullback. The stock got "a fresh jolt of buying" when fears about its first lockup expiry proved unfounded, Interactive Brokers strategist Steve Sosnick told Reuters. It remains one of the most actively traded names among the firm's customers. That kind of resilience right after a lockup, often a moment when early holders dump shares, signals ******* eX's shareholder base isn't rushing for the exits.
SpaceX's ownership base extends well beyond Alphabet, which reduces reliance on any single backer's continued conviction. Reuters' filing review found Fidelity, Saudi Arabia's PIF, Hancock Prospecting, Brookfield, and other major institutions all disclosing sizable stakes. That breadth shows professional investors broadly, not just Alphabet, are underwriting ******* eX's valuation.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s headline number is already stale and shrinking. The stake would be worth about $77.9 billion at ******* eX's August 13 price, Reuters reported, roughly $16 billion below the June 30 figure used in the disclosure, since regulatory filings run on a 45-day lag. Now that ******* eX is public, Alphabet's stake must be marked to market. It means ******* eX's own stock swings could show up as real volatility in Alphabet's reported earnings going forward, a new risk that did not exist while the investment sat private.

#reuters #worth #public

On August 19, 2026, Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) said their personalized melanoma vaccine, intismeran, combined with Merck's Keytruda, met its goals in a Phase 3 trial of 1,137 patients. It reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and spread compared with Keytruda alone, Reuters reported.
It is the first positive late-stage trial result for an mRNA cancer vaccine. Merck's Jane Healy called the result a "clinically meaningful improvement," and said it was well tolerated, CNBC reported.
Both companies' shares rose on the news. Full data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting alongside regulatory filing discussions. The companies are already running additional trials of the same vaccine-Keytruda combination in lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.
For Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA), this is proof that its mRNA platform works beyond vaccines for infectious disease. A positive Phase 3 readout validates years of personalized cancer vaccine development. It gives Moderna a genuine second growth pillar alongside its COVID business, one built on technology the company already knows how to manufacture and scale.
For Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), the result extends Keytruda's competitive life at a critical moment. Pairing Keytruda with a personalized vaccine gives Merck a differentiated, harder-to-copy combination therapy just as Keytruda itself approaches patent expiration later this decade. Hence, it protects franchise revenue through a next-generation product rather than the drug alone.

#result #NYSE

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says there is a chance either Georginio Rutter or Jack Hinshelwood could return to the squad for Sunday's clash with Chelsea, although he admitted the latter is less likely to be ready.
Both players have been nursing injuries, but Hurzeler is hopeful Rutter can make the squad.
"With both, we will have to be patient," Hurzeler said. "There might be a chance for one of them to be in the squad [against Chelsea].
"With Gini, I see a higher chance. With Hinshelwood, for the weekend it might be too close, but we will find good solutions."
Hurzeler was also asked about Yankuba Minteh's future amid speculation over a possible move away from the club, with Liverpool keen.

#georginio

Spyre Therapeutics (SYRE) took a hit Wednesday after its experimental rheumatoid arthritis treatment failed to pass muster in midstage testing.
But **** ysts are far more interested in Spyre's inflammatory bowel disease drugs. These conditions include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
"Even excluding all non-UC (ulcerative colitis) indications, our PT (price target) would remain at ~$115, well above current trading levels," Wedbush **** yst David Nierengarten said in a client note. "While we view the RS (rheumatoid arthritis) results as disappointing, we see limited impact to our core IBD-driven (inflammatory bowel disease) thesis."
Still, Spyre stock fell 1.8%, closing at 93.61. Shares are highly rated with a strong IBD Digital Relative Strength Rating of 98, putting the stock's 12-month performance in the leading 2% of all stocks.
Spyre's drug, dubbed SPY072, actually showed some effectiveness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But the results didn't pass the company's internal bar for advancement. Spyre is still testing SPY072 in other rheumatology indications, including psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

#arthritis #testing #bowel

As Week 1 nears, star cornerback Christian Gonzalez remains without a contract extension, and when speaking with reporters earlier this week, he did admit that he was frustrated by the way things have been going.
"I mean, it's frustrating, but I mean, I'm focused on the season," Gonzalez said on Tuesday. "I'm focused on here now and doing what I got to do, and I'm out here to compete and get better."
Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Gonzalez's comments, saying that he had no reaction to him being frustrated, but said he understands where he might be coming from.
"I have conversations with Christian, and I understand that this is probably something that's difficult," he said after the Patriots' preseason finale loss to the Browns. "I've never been in that position to this extent. Try to treat it with class, but he and I communicate, and our players are always free to feel how they feel. They just have to stay patient and just hope that we can work toward some kind of agreement."
Gonzalez is seeking a contract that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in the league, but a concerning update from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday ahead of the preseason game detailed how the team hasn't offered him a deal that matches the $33 million annually Seattle is giving corner Devon Witherspoon.

#christian #week

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: With the handshake looming, Shubman Gill introduced himself into the attack. Judging by their body language, India had already checked out of the fixture with Sri Lanka's lead over 200 runs and little time remaining. A result in India's favour was almost out of the equation and the visitors were waiting for the formalities to be completed. Yashasvi Jaiswal was introduced from the other end, and even Dhruv Jurel rolled his arm over as the writing was on the cards. India would rue drawing a Test they were in a very good position of winning, squandering the opportunity to bolster their World Test Championship (WTC) final chances.

Sometimes, draws feel like wins and Sri Lanka must have a similar feeling in Colombo. With chips down and backs to the wall, Sonal Dinusha produced a performance for the ages, who had an equally stubborn lower-order for company. He has been the rockstar for the hosts in this series and made India dance to his tunes when he battled for close to two days to eke out a hard-fought draw. The 25-year-old's sequence of scores in the series read 100, 84, 103 and 133*, and across the four innings his compact technique, composure and solid temperament stood out.

It wasn't easy; whenever he came out to bat, the team was in a spot of bother and he mostly had the lower-order and tail for company. In the second Test alone, he spent nearly 147 overs out in the middle, facing 71 overs, frustrating the visitors and keeping the win out of their reach.

It didn't help that Mohammed Siraj wasn't running in with the steam he would have liked and the pitch offered turn but not enough threat. The tone was set by the pair of Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha for over 40 overs and the former ended up playing 150 deliveries in the process. Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando followed the drill and India just carried on in hopes of things miraculously falling into place.

The 116th over of the Sri Lankan innings was significant in more ways than one. Siraj patiently waited to bowl as Sarfaraz Khan suggested field changes to Shubman Gill before the fast bowler began. The short-ball trap was set. After trying it for two deliveries, which Sonal Dinusha ducked safely, the bowler walked up to the stumps and flipped the bails. This was India's second attempt, followed by a very creative field setting, likely the first of its kind that day.
The entire field moved towards the off-side, placing enough men in catching positions for a miscued drive. Dinusha had been pushed back for most of the over and here Siraj was trying to induce a false shot from the most consistent batter of the series. The plan didn't work but India's attempt to finally make things happen brought success when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed in the very next over while driving against Ravindra Jadeja. India, even after picking up two wickets in the first hour after Lunch, were still two wickets away from beginning their chase but that 12-ball perio

If you're looking for a well-proven dividend stock, consumer goods name Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is about as good as they come, with 70 consecutive years of annual dividend hikes to its credit. Indeed, only one other company has a longer track record of uninterrupted yearly dividend increases. That streak isn't apt to end anytime soon, if ever.
But reliable dividend growth is only half the story. How much are income investors actually making with their positions in P&G?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Procter & Gamble's forward-looking dividend yield currently stands at 3%, based on a quarterly payment of $1.0885 per share. A $25,000 position in the stock -- about 172 shares -- would produce just over $187 in dividend income per quarter, or just under $750 per year. That's not earth-shattering, but it's not bad either.
But those numbers arguably understate the total long-term potential that Procter & Gamble offers to patient investors. This company also boasts one of the better rates of dividend growth among blue chip dividend payers. Over the past 10 completed fiscal years, Procter's annual dividend payout has grown from $2.66 to $4.26 per share, and is currently running at an annualized pace of $4.35 per share. That's annualized growth of right around 4.8%, easily outpacing inflation as well as most other Dividend Kings' payment increase rates.

#Dividend #signal #Growth #flashing

On August 13, Capricor Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CAPR) held its second-quarter earnings call, just over two weeks after an FDA advisory committee voted 3 to 9 against the company's bid to treat cardiomyopathy in ****** nne muscular dystrophy patients on July 29. That rejection forced a strategic pivot. Management now plans to amend its Biologics License Application to pursue a narrower upper limb skeletal muscle indication, the same measure that carried the HOPE-3 trial's primary endpoint. The shift extends the regulatory timeline, but it also puts the spotlight back on the data that held up best.
Deramiocel's case still rests on real numbers. The HOPE-3 primary endpoint showed a statistically significant slowing of upper limb disease progression, with a 4.5% mean difference favoring the drug and a p-value of 0.029. During a separate advisory committee discussion, feedback on upper limb function was described as directionally supportive of that evidence. The cardiomyopathy subgroup's ejection fraction data held too, showing a 2.8 percentage point treatment difference at a p-value of 0.02, unchanged from the original ****** ysis.
Safety data spans more than 1,300 intravenous infusions across over 200 patients in three clinical trials, with more than 80 patients enrolled in open-label extension studies, some receiving infusions for over five years. The full HOPE-3 data set was published in The Lancet in July following independent peer review. The FDA has indicated it will review the coming BLA amendment and extend the PDUFA date accordingly, and Capricor has already opened regulatory conversations in Europe and ****** an while its manufacturing facility in San Diego remains operational for a potential launch.
The financial picture moved the other direction. Cash and marketable securities fell to $237.9 million as of June 30, 2026, down from $318.1 million at the end of 2025. Second quarter net loss widened to $40.7 million, or $0.70 per share, compared to $25.9 million, or $0.57 per share, a year earlier, as operating expenses climbed to $42.9 million from $27.7 million. Research and development spending rose to $28.9 million and general and administrative costs jumped to $14.1 million from $5.7 million. The company booked zero revenue again.
Complicating matters, the left ventricular ejection fraction result across all patients was revised under the prespecified statistical model from a 2.4 percentage point difference at p=0.04 down to 1.8 percentage points at p=0.09, weakening a key secondary measure. An FDA Bioresearch Monitoring inspection in July produced a Form 483 with one observation. Non-Deramiocel pipeline work remains on hold, and the company's arbitration with NS Pharma over their distribution agreement isn't expected to begin until fall 2026.

#limb

On August 13, Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) held its second-quarter earnings call and laid out where its lead drug candidate stands after years of development. Rezpegaldesleukin, known as rezpeg, is now enrolling patients in Phase 3 trials for two separate autoimmune conditions, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. Management framed the quarter around two numbers that matter most to investors right now: a $1.02 billion cash balance that provides a runway into 2028, and a drug program that finally has late-stage data on the calendar.
Nektar's Phase 3 program for atopic dermatitis, called ZENITH AD, began randomizing patients in July 2026 across two pivotal studies, each enrolling 510 adolescent and adult patients. A third study in patients who have already tried other treatments is set to start by the end of September 2026. Management expects top-line data from the first studies in mid-2028, with a Biologics License Application submission to follow in 2029 if results hold up. After an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, Nektar also finalized a single registrational Phase 3 study for alopecia areata, called ZENITH AA, which will enroll 850 patients and use a SALT score of 20 or less at week 52, meaning 80% or more scalp hair coverage, as its primary endpoint.
The case for rezpeg goes beyond trial design. CEO Howard Robin noted that roughly 15 million people in the U.S. have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and fewer than 10% currently get a systemic therapy, leaving room for the market itself to grow. He also pointed out that about half of patients on IL-13 drugs such as Dupixent either stop responding or never respond at all. In alopecia areata, where JAK inhibitors carry boxed warnings that keep many dermatologists away, the market for approved treatments is still projected to reach $5 billion by 2033. Nektar's own market research found that 150 of 151 physicians surveyed preferred rezpeg's short-lived injection site reactions over the longer-lasting conjunctivitis tied to current options, a result management used to argue rezpeg could compete across first, second, and third-line patients.
None of this comes cheap. Nektar's operating loss widened to $42.3 million in the second quarter, up from $36.2 million a year earlier, and the net loss came in at $40.6 million, or $1.23 per share. Research and development spending is set to climb further, with full-year guidance now at $210 million to $230 million as the Phase 3 programs and manufacturing activities ramp up. The company's only revenue right now is $10.1 million in noncash royalty income, down from $11.2 million a year ago, and full-year revenue guidance tops out at $45 million. That gap between spending and revenue is why Nektar leaned on a public stock offering that raised $373.8 million in gross proceeds in April 2026, a move that keeps the lights on but also dilutes existing shareholders.

#quarter

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:RARE) was up 7.5% in after-hours trading as of approximately 5:33 p.m. ET Wednesday after the FDA approved Genglycos for glycogen storage disease type Ia, or GSDIa. The one-time gene therapy is the first approved treatment designed to address the disorder's underlying cause. It will carry a U.S. list price of approximately $2.7 million per patient and is expected to become available through qualified treatment centers within 30 to 60 days.
The approval gives Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:RARE) first-mover status in a disease the company estimates affects only 1,500 to 2,500 Americans. The commercial question is whether a high-priced treatment for an ultra-rare population can produce meaningful revenue after diagnosis, reimbursement, and treatment-center constraints.
GSDIa prevents the liver from releasing glucose properly, leaving patients dependent on frequent raw-cornstarch doses to avoid potentially life-threatening hypoglycemia. In the Phase 3 GlucoGene trial, Genglycos reduced mean daily cornstarch intake by 41% at Week 48, compared with 10% for placebo, while maintaining glucose control. For Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:RARE), reducing that daily burden creates a clear argument for premium pricing.
Longer-term data also support the treatment's potential durability. At Week 96, the original-treatment group reported a 61% mean reduction from baseline, while the crossover group reported a 61% reduction from Week 48, when it began treatment. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:RARE) will manufacture the therapy at its Bedford, Massachusetts, facility, giving the company direct control over an important part of the supply chain.
The launch will also test infrastructure that could support future gene therapies. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:RARE) already sells rare-disease products including Crysvita, Dojolvi, Evkeeza and Mepsevii. Second-quarter revenue reached $214 million, while cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $436 million as of June 30. Genglycos therefore enters a functioning commercial organization rather than a first-time launch platform.

#rare #pharmaceutical

The sticker price on the world's most important chipmaker is high, but the multiple you are actually paying two years from now is another story entirely.
With its data center revenue growing 92% year-over-year, it is no surprise that NVIDIA (NVDA) commands a premium. The stock trades at about 30.7 times its last twelve months of earnings, a multiple that gives many investors pause. But that headline figure is not the price a patient holder is really paying.
The Discount That Time Delivers
Look two years out, and the picture changes completely. Based on the earnings **** ysts expect by fiscal year 2028, today's share price of about $208.48 is only about 16.2 times those future earnings. That is a 47% lower multiple than the trailing one, a discount that materializes as earnings grow into the price. A small part of this drop comes from comparing trailing adjusted earnings to forward consensus estimates, which are not defined identically, but the bulk of it reflects expected growth. For an investor with a multi-year horizon, you are effectively buying the business at that lower future multiple.
And NVIDIA is far from alone: which 10 S&P 500 stocks carry the biggest hidden forward discount? Our rankings sort the entire index by how little you are really paying for each name's growth once the out-year earnings land.

#year