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Rosalind Franklin University Helix 51 Incubator Company BLR Bio Presents Promising New Scleroderma Drug Data at International Rheumatology Meeting

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BLR-200 demonstrates unique mechanism blocking activation of scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis models

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science announced today that BLR Bio, a company in its Helix 51 incubator, presented new data this week at the 2026 British Society of Rheumatology conference in Glasgow, Scotland, highlighting the potential of its investigational drug BLR-200 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

“Our goal is to provide relief and healing to patients with this terrible disease,” said Dr. Bruce Riser, CEO of BLR Bio and adjunct professor at RFU’s Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection. “We are encouraged by BLR-200’s ability to interrupt key biological pathways that drive fibrosis, or tissue scarring, in scleroderma.”

Systemic sclerosis is a rare, chronic autoimmune-based disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities affecting the skin, joints and internal organs, especially the lungs, heart and kidneys, which account for most disease-related deaths. Early symptoms often include Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin thickening, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues. The disease disproportionately affects women (approximately 80% of patients) and can lead to significant disability, disfigurement, pain and fatigue. The World Scleroderma Foundation estimates that about 300,000 Americans are living with some form of scleroderma, with global figures ranging from 1.5 million to 2.5 million people. There are no FDA-approved therapies for scleroderma of the skin.

BLR Bio’s newly presented data serves to further elucidate both the mechanism of action and efficacy of BLR-200 in a bleomycin-induced in vivo model of systemic sclerosis. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and UMAP analysis of total skin fibroblasts — cells with the potential to drive scarring — bleomycin induced a unique population expressing profibrotic markers known as engrailed-1 and COL8A1. Treatment with BLR-200 effectively eliminated this cell population, with a corresponding absence of skin thickening and fibrosis in the treated preclinical models.

“It is exciting to learn that BLR-200’s downstream effect is prevention of activation of engrailed-1/COL8A1-expressing fibroblasts, a highly specific group of scar-forming cells,” Dr. Riser said. “Recent studies have shown that an equivalent skin fibroblast population is present in human scleroderma and is responsible for the overproduction of collagen that characterizes the disease. This further differentiates our therapy from that of others. Also, we know that BLR-200 modulates YAP nuclear translocation — a cellular response to stiff matrices (scarring). This continues to be a critical target in developing therapies for fibro-inflammatory disease.

The study was conducted in collaboration with leading researchers and their institutions, including: Dr Andrew Leask, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; Dr. Richard Stratton, Centre for Rheumatology, UCL Division of Medicine, Hampstead, London, UK; Dr James Varani, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and the BLR Bio laboratory at RFU. 

BLR Bio’s in vivo data aligns with recent published research showing that extracellular matrix deposition — the buildup of fibrotic tissue — in human scleroderma skin originates from myofibroblasts expressing these same markers. Together, the data help bridge preclinical models and human disease, supporting the treatment potential for BLR-200. 

BLR Bio also presented data on its research on CCN proteins — signaling modulators in development, wound healing, and tissue repair — as potential non-invasive biomarkers for systemic sclerosis. The studies revealed distinct serum patterns of CCN3 and CCN2 between early versus late-stage patients and healthy controls. Notably, CCN3 alone showed promise as a biomarker to differentiate scleroderma patients from healthy individuals.

The company continues to advance its research on novel peptide-based therapies targeting fibrotic diseases and cancer. Its primary laboratories are based in RFU’s Helix 51 incubator, with collaborations including RFU, the University of Michigan, University of Saskatchewan, and the Mario Negri Institute and others.

“Scleroderma is a devastating autoimmune disease with few treatment options,” said RFU Interim Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Janice Urban. “We are hopeful that Dr. Riser’s expertise and BLR Bio’s innovative approach will lead to meaningful advances that improve both quality and length of life for patients.”

About Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

About BLR Bio
Learn more at blrbio.com.

Office of Marketing and Communications
media@rosalindfranklin.edu

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Trimble for Government Achieves ‘Initial Implementation’ Status for FedRAMP Class C (Moderate) Certification

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October 20, 2026

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Milestone accelerates secure cloud adoption for federal, state and local entities managing infrastructure, spatial data and capital assets 

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble today announced that Trimble for Government is listed as ‘Initial Implementation’ status for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) Class C (Moderate) certification and is now listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace. In conjunction with seeking FedRAMP certification, Trimble is also pursuing GovRAMP authorization to support state, local and education (SLED) customers with reciprocal cybersecurity compliance standards.

This dual milestone marks a critical step forward in delivering a software as a service (SaaS) cloud environment built within a secure Government Community Cloud. Designed specifically for U.S. Federal Government departments, state and local agencies, and defense and civilian contractors, Trimble for Government provides a unified ecosystem for managing infrastructure, spatial data, capital projects, permitting and facility assets across their entire lifecycle.

Achieving FedRAMP Class C (Moderate) and GovRAMP alignment will enable public sector entities and Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to comply with stringent security mandates — including Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) alignment — while modernizing digital engineering and asset management.

“Federal, state and local agencies face the dual challenge of modernizing critical infrastructure while maintaining uncompromising cybersecurity standards,” said Mark Schwartz, group president, AECO at Trimble. “Achieving ‘Initial Assessment’ status reflects our commitment to delivering mission-critical spatial, capital project and asset management capabilities inside a secure, audit-ready cloud boundary across all levels of government.”

Integrated cloud solutions built for government operations

The in-scope environment brings together Trimble’s proven field execution, asset, project and permitting software into four modular packages designed to support specific public sector outcomes:

Trimble® Field Collaboration: Delivers field data services using foundational spatial database infrastructure and GIS integration to support high-security field operations, map assets, and enable seamless field-to-cloud workflows across Trimble’s core Field Systems portfolio.Trimble Project Management powered by Trimble ProjectSight® software: Connects design-to-build workflows in the field, providing precision data layout, project tracking, collaboration and quality assurance across construction projects.Trimble Asset Management powered by Trimble Unity™ Maintain software: Serves as a centralized facilities data core for federal, state, and local government agencies, military installations, and public infrastructure — such as public buildings, utilities, and transportation networks — to optimize maintenance and long-term capital planning.Trimble Permit Management powered by Trimble Unity Permit software: Streamlines end-to-end management of permitting, licensing, land use and infrastructure rights-of-way in a fully compliant cloud environment.

The unifying in-scope element across all four packages is the Trimble Connect® platform, providing collaboration and a common data environment (CDE) across the Trimble for Government platform.

With assessment processes underway, Trimble continues to advance toward full FedRAMP and GovRAMP authorizations to ensure public sector customers can innovate with confidence.

About Trimble
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it’s helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble, visit: www.trimble.com.

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Trimble for Government Achieves ‘Initial Implementation’ Status for FedRAMP Class C (Moderate) Certification

Published

7 minutes ago

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October 20, 2026

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Milestone accelerates secure cloud adoption for federal, state and local entities managing infrastructure, spatial data and capital assets 

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble today announced that Trimble for Government is listed as ‘Initial Implementation’ status for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) Class C (Moderate) certification and is now listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace. In conjunction with seeking FedRAMP certification, Trimble is also pursuing GovRAMP authorization to support state, local and education (SLED) customers with reciprocal cybersecurity compliance standards.

This dual milestone marks a critical step forward in delivering a software as a service (SaaS) cloud environment built within a secure Government Community Cloud. Designed specifically for U.S. Federal Government departments, state and local agencies, and defense and civilian contractors, Trimble for Government provides a unified ecosystem for managing infrastructure, spatial data, capital projects, permitting and facility assets across their entire lifecycle.

Achieving FedRAMP Class C (Moderate) and GovRAMP alignment will enable public sector entities and Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to comply with stringent security mandates — including Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) alignment — while modernizing digital engineering and asset management.

“Federal, state and local agencies face the dual challenge of modernizing critical infrastructure while maintaining uncompromising cybersecurity standards,” said Mark Schwartz, group president, AECO at Trimble. “Achieving ‘Initial Assessment’ status reflects our commitment to delivering mission-critical spatial, capital project and asset management capabilities inside a secure, audit-ready cloud boundary across all levels of government.”

Integrated cloud solutions built for government operations

The in-scope environment brings together Trimble’s proven field execution, asset, project and permitting software into four modular packages designed to support specific public sector outcomes:

Trimble® Field Collaboration: Delivers field data services using foundational spatial database infrastructure and GIS integration to support high-security field operations, map assets, and enable seamless field-to-cloud workflows across Trimble’s core Field Systems portfolio.Trimble Project Management powered by Trimble ProjectSight® software: Connects design-to-build workflows in the field, providing precision data layout, project tracking, collaboration and quality assurance across construction projects.Trimble Asset Management powered by Trimble Unity™ Maintain software: Serves as a centralized facilities data core for federal, state, and local government agencies, military installations, and public infrastructure — such as public buildings, utilities, and transportation networks — to optimize maintenance and long-term capital planning.Trimble Permit Management powered by Trimble Unity Permit software: Streamlines end-to-end management of permitting, licensing, land use and infrastructure rights-of-way in a fully compliant cloud environment.

The unifying in-scope element across all four packages is the Trimble Connect® platform, providing collaboration and a common data environment (CDE) across the Trimble for Government platform.

With assessment processes underway, Trimble continues to advance toward full FedRAMP and GovRAMP authorizations to ensure public sector customers can innovate with confidence.

About Trimble
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it’s helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble, visit: www.trimble.com.

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Delta Development Team and The Good Drone Company Awarded U.S. Army Contract for Aerial Blood Delivery

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October 20, 2026

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TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Development Team (DDT), a leader in prehospital blood storage and cold chain technology, and The Good Drone Company (GDC) have been awarded a U.S. Army contract to develop a drone-based blood delivery capability for the Army Blood Link (ABL) program.

The program is part of the broader Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), which supplies blood products to U.S. military forces worldwide. Army Blood Link is designed to support battlefield medical logistics through rapid, temperature-controlled delivery of lifesaving blood products to the field, providing an additional resupply option when traditional ground transportation is unavailable, delayed, or unsafe. Under the contract, The Good Drone Company will provide two U.S.-built prototypes of its hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo drone, each designed to transport up to six units of blood, while DDT will provide the temperature-controlled storage capability through its Delta ICE 2L Smart Blood Cooler.

The companies are combining commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies to create a U.S.-sourced aerial blood delivery system capable of transporting blood directly to the point of need.

To meet ABL program requirements, DDT will supply six Delta ICE 2L Smart Blood Coolers, each designed to maintain two units of blood within the required temperature range for three hours of aerial delivery in high-humidity environments with ambient temperatures ranging from 15°F to 120°F. Built-in temperature monitoring and data recording, along with Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, support cold-chain oversight and blood accountability. The program extends DDT’s blood storage and monitoring capabilities into aerial delivery.

“Getting blood to the point of need is only part of the challenge. It must also remain within the required temperature range throughout the journey,” said Montgomery Leija, CEO of Delta Development Team. “This program brings DDT’s experience in blood storage and cold chain management into a new operational environment, taking the blood supply chain from the ground to the air.”

The prototype system is designed to deliver blood within 10 meters of a designated target during both day and night operations. It will feature a communications range of up to 30 miles and semi-autonomous waypoint navigation. It is intended for single-person operation with minimal training and is built on GDC’s existing commercial cargo drone technology to accelerate development and fielding while meeting U.S.-sourcing requirements.

“We have seen strong interest in middle-mile drones in emerging markets for some time, from both public and private sector customers spanning healthcare to third-party logistics,” said Jake Vander Ploeg, CEO of The Good Drone Company. “This program is a great example of how the military is adopting commercial technology like our cargo drones to quickly test new ideas in the field without starting a full aircraft development program.”

The collaboration combines GDC’s expertise in commercial drone platforms and aerial delivery with DDT’s temperature-controlled blood storage and transport capabilities to support:

Rapid resupply: Delivering blood when conventional ground transportation is unavailable or unsafe.Cold chain protection: Maintaining required blood temperatures during aerial transport.U.S.-sourced capability: Supporting domestic defense supply chain objectives.Accelerated development: Combining GDC’s existing commercial cargo drone technology with DDT’s established blood storage solutions.

The ABL effort addresses the challenge of delivering critical medical supplies in contested and austere environments. When terrain, damaged infrastructure, or tactical conditions prevent conventional resupply, aerial delivery combined with temperature-controlled storage can expand options for getting lifesaving blood products to service members when and where they are needed.

About Delta Development Team

Delta Development Team (DDT) is a U.S.-based medical technology company headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in blood storage, transport, monitoring, and logistics solutions for military and prehospital environments. DDT develops technology designed to keep blood available, traceable, and mission-ready from the blood bank to the point of injury. Its portfolio includes the APRU 6L, Delta ICE 2L, TBS 40L, and BloodCOMM® blood management platform.

Media Contact: info@deltadevteam.com | www.deltadevteam.com

About The Good Drone Company

The Good Drone Company (GDC) is an aerospace company headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, that designs and builds autonomous hybrid VTOL cargo drones for middle-mile logistics. GDC’s aircraft take off and land vertically without a runway, carry up to 55 lb (25 kg) of payload, and fly more than 300 miles (500 km) at speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h). GDC is deploying in Kenya to close the middle-mile transportation gap for public and private sector customers, working closely with its local partner ThatcherX and the Kenyan government to change how goods move around the country.

Media Contact: info@thegooddronecompany.com | www.thegooddronecompany.com

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SOURCE Delta Development Team

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