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NueCell Bio Joins CIRM’s Industry Resource Partner Program to Support California’s Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Innovators

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NueCell Bio, a translational development partner that helps advance cell therapies from scientific discovery to GMP readiness, announced today it has joined the Industry Resource Partnership (IRP) Program of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a state agency. The designation, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations, makes NueCell Bio a resource for CIRM-funded researchers and companies advancing programs from discovery toward translational and clinical-stage development.

California voters created CIRM to accelerate stem cell and gene therapies for people with unmet medical need. Since 2004, Californians have entrusted CIRM with $8.5 billion to support promising discoveries through clinical trials, as well as train a regenerative medicine workforce, strengthen the state’s biotechnology economy, and expand access to transformative treatment. According to the agency’s own figures, CIRM has funded more than 1,400 projects, attracted more than $38 billion in follow-on industry investment into those programs, and counts more than 50 companies with roots in CIRM-funded work.

Through the IRP Program, NueCell Bio will bring biology-led bioprocessing expertise to CIRM-funded programs at the translational stage between the research lab and the GMP suite, where many of a program’s critical design decisions are made, building in manufacturability, analytics and quality while those decisions are still open. The company’s 26,300-square-foot Sorrento Valley location supports autologous and allogeneic programs using unmodified cells, or cells genetically modified by viral or non-viral methods, across immune cell (CAR-T, NK, myeloid), stem cell (HSC, MSC, NSC) and pluripotent stem cell (ESC, iPSC) derived therapies, as well as tissue engineering programs. NueCell Bio sits at the center of California’s cell and gene therapy community and supports programs both inside and outside the state.

A substantial share of the work sits in complex cell therapy programs, from iPSC-derived products to other advanced modalities. NueCell Bio supports development from cell line selection and characterization through cell banking, process development and analytics, aligning methods with emerging regulatory guidance. That includes moving from 2D to 3D culture and scaling in bioreactors to expand cells while preserving their biology and differentiation, with each lineage’s requirements captured accurately. Choices made at the source determine whether a program can be manufactured consistently at scale.

“The question that decides a program’s future is no longer just who manufactures it. It’s whether it can get to manufacturing at all,” said Michael Wourms, Chief Executive Officer of NueCell Bio. “That depends on the quality of the science and on the judgment applied to it long before GMP. NueStack™ turns that judgment into a repeatable foundation, so every program, whether it is immune cell, stem cell, pluripotent or tissue engineering, builds on years of development experience rather than starting from scratch. We’re glad to be doing this alongside CIRM and its awardees.”

NueCell Bio’s proprietary technology stack platform, NueStack™, combines integrated technology layers from iPSC development and gene editing to analytics, manufacturing readiness and technology transfer, tailored to each program needs rather than a fixed sequence.

About NueCell Bio

NueCell Bio is a San Diego-based translational development company that partners with academic institutions, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical companies to advance cell therapies from early research into clinical development. Its team combines deep expertise in pluripotent stem cell and cell biology, cell engineering and bioprocessing with NueStack, its modular development framework. The company works on a fee-for-service model, from design and development through CMC and technology transfer to GMP manufacturing. It holds no downstream manufacturing capacity of its own, so its advice on manufacturing strategy carries no commercial interest in the answer. For more information, visit www.NueCellBio.com.

About the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is a state agency created by California voters to accelerate stem cell and gene therapies for people with unmet medical needs. Since 2004, Californians have entrusted CIRM with $8.5 billion to accelerate promising discoveries through clinical trials, train a regenerative medicine workforce, strengthen the state’s biotechnology economy, and expand access to transformative treatments. Today, CIRM is pioneering new models of therapy development and accelerating medical breakthroughs that change lives — in California and around the world. For more information, visit www.cirm.ca.gov.

Media Contact
Connor Halverson
Tel: +1 212 366 4455
Email: connor@thatsnice.com

Business Inquiries
Email: info@nuecellbio.com

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Widex Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost Now Available in the U.S. and Major European Countries, Redefining How AI Supports Natural Hearing

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Expansion into 15 additional countries brings Widex natural sound and on-demand AI support to more wearers worldwide5x more wearers preferred Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost over key competitors with AI-based denoising in real world listening situations1; Clarity Boost delivers up to 20% better speech understanding in conversations2Latest Widex Compass Cloud release reintroduces Zen Therapy, making personalized tinnitus support easier to deliver and incorporate into everyday life

LYNGE, Denmark, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Widex, the leading brand in natural sound and part of WSA, today announced the availability of Widex Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost in 15 additional countries, including the U.S. and major European markets. Building on strong demand and positive feedback from hearing care professionals, the expansion brings Widex’s unique approach to artificial intelligence to more wearers worldwide – preserving Widex’s signature natural sound for everyday listening while giving wearers direct access to added clarity in noise when they need it.

First introduced in May, Widex Allure AI RIC reflects a shift in how AI is applied in hearing technology. It maintains the Widex foundation of natural sound while delivering on-demand AI support through a dedicated co-processor that wearers can activate with a single tap when they want added support in noisy situations.

Alongside the expansion, Widex is reintroducing Zen Therapy in the latest Widex Compass Cloud release, making its established tinnitus support available to hearing care professionals and their Widex Allure patients.

“The reception to Allure AI RIC has been exceptional. Hearing care professionals have responded enthusiastically to our approach, and strong demand has reinforced the opportunity to bring it to more markets,” said Ngozi Amobi, Head of Widex. “Natural sound is at the heart of the Widex experience. Clarity Boost builds on that foundation, putting added AI support in the wearer’s hands when they want it. We’re excited for more hearing care professionals and their patients to experience the value of that approach firsthand.”

Natural Sound as the Foundation, On-Demand AI for Clarity in Noise

At its foundation, the Widex Allure AI delivers a natural balance of focus and awareness, powered by the W1 chip and Precision Hearing Technology.

When listening environments become more complex, the Clarity Boost program activates a dedicated AI co-processor, giving wearers direct control over enhanced noise management. Using an audio-specific neural network designed to preserve sound quality, Clarity Boost reduces noise while maintaining awareness of surrounding sounds. A single tap activates Clarity Boost, putting wearers in control of when they access additional support.

Comparative research shows that 5x more wearers preferred Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost over key competitors with AI-based denoising, in real world listening situations.1 Clarity Boost also delivers up to 20% better speech understanding and up to 13% less listening effort compared with key competitors with AI-based denoising, measured in a conversation with two alternating talkers.2

Zen Therapy Expands Tinnitus Support in Widex Compass Cloud

The latest Widex Compass Cloud release reintroduces integrated Zen Therapy support. Through Zen listening programs in Compass Cloud, support in the Widex Allure app, and online counseling tools, Widex Tinnitus Solutions make it easier for hearing care professionals to personalize tinnitus support and for wearers to incorporate it into everyday life.

“Widex has long been a leader in tinnitus management, and Zen Therapy has been one of the most sought-after additions to Compass Cloud,” concluded Amobi. “Our HCP partners know the value of Zen and have been eager to bring it to their Allure patients. With Zen now integrated into Compass Cloud and Allure AI RIC reaching more markets, we’re giving more hearing care professionals the tools to deliver what sets Widex apart – natural sound, AI support when wearers want it, and personalized tinnitus care.”

Additional Zen features will be introduced in upcoming Compass Cloud releases, adding fitting flexibility and further personalization.

Widex Allure AI RIC is coming to the U.S. beginning in October 2026. Hearing care professionals should contact their local Widex sales manager for specific availability dates.

For more information on WIDEX Allure AI RIC, click here. For more information on Widex Compass Cloud, click here. For hi-res imagery, click here.

About Widex

Widex, the leading brand in natural sound and part of WSA, was founded in Denmark in 1956. Since our beginning, our ambition has been to create the absolute best hearing aids to deliver the most natural sound. The pursuit of natural sound guides everything we do. Leading audiological research, quality craftsmanship, intuitive design, and exceptional support all play essential roles. Yet, it is the unique technology behind natural sound that truly sets us apart. With each technical advancement, we get closer to the ultimate achievement – sound so natural you can forget about your hearing loss. Sound like no other, naturally perfect.

1Bianchi et al. 2026 (WidexPress 65). Allure AI RIC was preferred by five times more users than key competitors with AI-based denoising.
2Bianchi et al. 2026 (WidexPress 65). Key competitors are two premium hearing aids using AI-based denoising, measured in a conversation with two alternating talkers.

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MOD extends Leidos LCST contract, continuing critical logistics support to UK defence

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LONDON , Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) has received a one-year extension to its Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), continuing its critical logistics support to the UK Armed Forces through June 2029.

The extension builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Leidos, the MOD and Team Leidos partners and suppliers to strengthen the UK defence supply chain. During the extension, Leidos will continue to protect service continuity while advancing supply chain resilience, inventory visibility, digital capability, operational support and value for money.

Since 2015, Leidos has served as the prime contractor for LCST, providing end-to-end logistics support, including:

Managing more than 70,000 commodity NATO Stock NumbersSupporting distribution to more than 600 locations worldwideDelivering an estimated £400 million in benefits to the MODManaging the £83 million Defence Fulfilment Centre at MOD Donnington

LCST has helped modernise defence logistics by improving inventory visibility and expanding the use of data across the supply chain. The programme has also supported the MOD through periods of significant demand, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruption and urgent operational requirements related to Ukraine.

Adam Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Leidos UK & Europe, said:

“LCST plays an important role in providing reliable and resilient logistics support, helping ensure the UK Armed Forces have the supplies they need to operate with confidence at home and overseas.”

“Our focus remains on dependable day-to-day delivery while continuing to improve the defence supply chain. This extension also recognises the commitment of colleagues across Leidos, the MOD, Team Leidos partners and the wider supplier base whose work supports defence readiness every day.”

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Leidos UK & Europe is a leading partner to the UK and Scottish governments, supporting national security, defence and logistics programmes, as well as clients in transportation and energy. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos has approximately 50,000 employees globally and reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Leidos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Media Contact

Vicki Cordon
+44 7812 406 306
vicki.cordon@uk.leidos.com
 

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Bracco Imaging and Genera New Energy Inaugurate Biomethane Facility to Support Industrial Emissions Reduction

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Project brings together complementary energy expertise and industrial commitment to advance long-term sustainability objectives

MILAN, Oct 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Genera New Energy and Bracco Imaging today announced the inauguration of a biomethane production facility in Tuscany, Italy. The project represents one of the key initiatives in Bracco’s long-term emissions reduction strategy and combines Bracco’s direct involvement with Genera New Energy’s investment, development and operational capabilities in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Under a Biomethane Purchase Agreement, Bracco will secure access to the renewable gas attributes associated with the facility’s full biomethane production through certified Guarantees of Origin.

The annual production is equivalent to approximately 35% of the natural gas currently consumed by the thermal power plant at Bracco’s Ceriano Laghetto site to generate steam for manufacturing processes.

Based on the certified renewable gas attributes secured through the Biomethane Purchase Agreement, the project is expected to contribute to the avoidance of approximately 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year associated with steam generation activities over the next 15 years.

Bracco included biomethane in its 2024 emissions reduction roadmap as a solution expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with steam generation. In March 2025, the company entered into a co-development and co-investment agreement with Genera New Energy to convert the existing Greenway facility. Conversion work began in March 2025 and was completed in September 2026.

Genera Group is the industrial and majority investment partner in the project, combining financial, development and operational capabilities across the biomethane value chain. Through Genera New Energy S.p.A. Società Benefit, the Group has invested alongside Bracco in the conversion of the facility and led its development, while Greenway Srl is responsible for its operation.

“This project is an important step in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with our manufacturing, turning our sustainability strategy into concrete action while advancing the transformation of our industrial operations. Our direct involvement in the development of the facility from the beginning of the project and the fruitful collaboration with our partner Genera New Energy enabled us to successfully match our targets in terms of cost and timing,” said Marco Lupi, Head of Global Technical Operations, Bracco Imaging.

“This achievement reflects the extensive and long-term collaboration between multidisciplinary teams across both companies in a pioneering sector shaped by an evolving regulatory framework,” added Emiliano Di Penta, Energy Management Director, Bracco Imaging.

The project builds on Bracco’s broader sustainability program, which includes many initiatives to improve energy generation and to reduce energy consumption and emissions across all its operations. In July 2026, Bracco Imaging received its second consecutive EcoVadis Platinum Medal, the highest level of recognition awarded by EcoVadis, placing the company among the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis over the assessment period (12 months).

“This project embodies Genera’s mission: actively supporting our clients in their reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy security and long-term cost competitiveness. We are proud to have invested in and developed this project alongside Bracco, and grateful to them for choosing Genera as their long-term partner,” said Paolo Potenza, Chief Executive Officer, Genera New Energy. 

“Following the completion of the facility, we are now entering the operational phase, ensuring reliable, efficient and long-lasting performance while creating value for the local area. This is our way of making a tangible contribution to Bracco’s forward-looking emissions reduction strategy,” said Valentina Crivellari, Chief Operating Officer, Genera New Energy.

In accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, the facility uses agricultural by-products, livestock manure and energy crops as feedstocks. Digestate produced through the process is intended for agricultural applications, supporting more efficient use of local resources.

This milestone reflects Bracco’s continued commitment to emissions reduction across its industrial operations.

About Bracco
Bracco group, founded in 1927, is a global leader in diagnostic imaging, committed to advancing healthcare and improving people’s lives by shaping the future of prevention and precision medicine.

The company operates in the healthcare sector across more than 100 countries with a workforce of over 4,000 employees and consolidated annual revenues of approximately €2 billion, 88% generated by international markets.

With a strong commitment to innovation – investing around 9% of its reference turnover in Research & Development – Bracco develops and provides a broad portfolio of pharmaceutical products for diagnostic imaging, including contrast agents for X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as well as microbubbles for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Molecular Imaging through radioactive tracers and novel PET imaging agents, alongside AI-based solutions. It is also a global market leader in advanced contrast management technologies for cardiovascular angiography and radiology imaging.

Discover more at www.bracco.com.

About Genera New Energy S.p.A. Società Benefit
Genera is an Italian energy services company operating in the energy transition sector, specializing in the development, construction, and management of energy infrastructure. The Group takes a long-term industrial approach, combining financial, technical, and operational expertise with the goal of contributing to energy transition and emissions reduction through investments in sustainable energy solutions.

The Genera Group is owned by the SUSI Energy Transition Fund (OECD), an investment fund managed by Gresham House, a UK-based manager specializing in alternative assets.

Biomethane production and management complement the energy solutions that Genera offers to industrial and residential customers—both public and private—in support of the decarbonization, sustainability, and energy security goals that are at the heart of the Group’s mission.

Discover more at www.generagroup.it.

Media Contacts:
Bracco Press Contact
Alessandra Vulpiani
Bracco Imaging, Senior Marketing Communication Manager
Alessandra.Vulpiani@bracco.com

Genera Group Press Contact
Tiziana Del Colle
Genera, Marketing & Communication Manager
t.delcolle@generagroup.it

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