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Grünenthal presents Phase III results for Qutenza® in post-surgical neuropathic pain at IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain

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Late-breaking data from the Phase III RISE trial further strengthen the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®. Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a debilitating complication of surgery affecting millions of patients every year.1 

AACHEN, Germany, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and research, today announced new data from the Phase III RISE trial (NCT04967664), evaluating Qutenza® versus control in people with post-surgical neuropathic pain. These data were shared today as late-breaking poster presentations at the 2026 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand.

The trial (n=409) showed that Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in average pain intensity (API) than the control treatment over weeks 2-12, meeting one of its pre-specified primary endpoints. When evaluating API at week 12 specifically, at the point when patients would typically return for retreatment, the numerical difference favoured Qutenza® but did not reach statistical significance. In the extension phase of the trial, in which up to 4 retreatments were allowed, Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in API than the control treatment over weeks 2-42. Safety findings were consistent with previous Qutenza® trials and no new safety signals were observed. These data support the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®.2,3

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain can be difficult to manage with current treatment options, and there is an urgent need for patient-centred, effective solutions. The RISE trial provides encouraging evidence that Qutenza® can deliver clinically meaningful and sustained pain reduction for up to 42 weeks, having shown a greater reduction in average pain intensity than the control,” said Prof. Patrice Forget, MD, PhD, FFPMRCA, Clinical Chair (full professor) in Anaesthesia, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. “As IASP shines a global spotlight on neuropathic pain at this year’s congress, findings such as these are important to help improve outcomes for patients and reduce the burden of pain on families and healthcare systems.”

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain has been relatively understudied and continues to go under-recognised in clinical practice,” said Uli Brödl, Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal. “These results build on the robust body of evidence for Qutenza® and reinforce its potential to provide meaningful, long-lasting pain relief for people living with pain.”

Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a poorly recognised potential complication of surgery that can result in devastating outcomes. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months or years post-procedure.1 It can also have a significant mental health impact, with patients reporting feeling extremely depressed or anxious, and having problems with daily activities.4

Qutenza® is already approved in Europe for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5 It is also approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.6

About the RISE trial2,3
The RISE (AV-001) trial is a Phase III multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch versus a low-dose capsaicin control patch in people with moderate to severe post-surgical neuropathic pain.

It included eligible adults with a 24-hour average pain intensity (API) score of 4 or more, a pain duration of 6 to 60 months after index surgery and a DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) Interview score of 3 or more.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either a 60-minute Qutenza patch (8%) or a low-dose capsaicin control patch (0.04%).

The trial had two primary endpoints:

Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score of the entire period between Week 2 and Week 12.Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score at Week 12.

The primary sponsor of the trial is Averitas Pharma, Inc., Grünenthal’s U.S. subsidiary.

About post-surgical neuropathic pain
Post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) is defined as chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that develops or increases after surgery and persists beyond the normal healing process. It is thought to arise, at least in part, from nerve injury and pain sensitisation associated with surgery.7

The signs and symptoms of peri- and post-surgical pain can vary based on the person and the severity of the injury caused in surgery. Reported symptoms include pain caused by stimuli that are normally painless (allodynia), abnormally increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), tingling, numbness, phantom pain and scar pain.8,9,10 

About Qutenza®
In Europe, Qutenza® (capsaicin) is indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5

Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults. Important US safety information is available at www.qutenza.com.6

Qutenza® is a topical TRPV1 agonist, designed to provide neuropathic pain relief for up to three months through defunctionalisation of nociceptors and nerve fibre regeneration.

About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We focus all our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Our products are available in approx. 100 countries. In 2025, Grünenthal employed around 4,100 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

For further information, please contact:

Matt Crabb, Head of Global Communications (Interim) at Grünenthal

matt.crabb@grunenthal.com 

References

1 Gregory P & Settles K. Pract Pain Manag. 2013;13(9):1–6.
2 Wallace M et al. Efficacy of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
3 Wallace M et al. Safety and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
4 Santos MP, Lemos F, Gomes J, Romao JM, Veiga D. Br J Pain 2024;18(1):42–56.
5 European Medicines Agency. Qutenza 179 mg cutaneous patch SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/573/smpc
6 US Food and Drug Administration. Qutenza® Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022395s019lbl.pdf
7 Correl D. F1000Res. 2017;6:1054.
8 Werner MU & Kongsgaard UE. Br J Anaesth. 2014;113(1):1–4.
9 Macrae WA. Br J Anaesth. 2008;101:77–86.
10 Searle RD & Simpson KH. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2010;10:12–14.

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SOURCE Grünenthal Group

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Aker Solutions receives letter of award for engineering scope on the Maydan Mahzam project in Qatar

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November 5, 2026

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OSLO, Norway, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —  Aker Solutions has received a letter of award (LOA) from PTSC Mechanical and Construction Limited Company (PTSC M&C) for a sizeable1 contract for detail design work related to the redevelopment of the Maydan Mahzam oil field offshore Qatar.

The work will be executed by Aker Solutions’ engineering teams in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Mumbai, India.

The Maydan Mahzam oil field is located about 100 kilometres (km) northeast of the Qatari coastline and 28 km southeast of Halul Island, in water depths of about 40 metres. The oil field, along with the nearby Bul Hanine field, was discovered in the 1960s and has been in production since 1965. Operator QatarEnergy is now planning a major redevelopment project to upgrade and extend the operational life of the field. PTSC M&C has been selected by QatarEnergy for a key package in the redevelopment program.

Aker Solutions will provide detail design services for several offshore installations under PTSC M&C ‘s project scope, including three major topsides, four jackets and brownfield tie-in.

“This award reflects the strength of our engineering organization and our long track record of delivering complex offshore projects. Our team in Kuala Lumpur brings extensive offshore oil and gas experience, complemented by the capabilities of our office in Mumbai and the wider Aker Solutions organization. Together, we look forward to supporting the successful execution of the Maydan Mahzam project,” said Guro Rausand, Executive Vice President of New Build at Aker Solutions.

The LOA is subject to the signing of the final contract. Upon signing, Aker Solutions expects to book a sizeable1 order intake in the fourth quarter of 2026 in the Renewables and Field Development segment.

1Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as being between NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion. 

CONTACT: 

Preben Ørbeck
investor relations
preben.orbeck@akersolutions.com 
+47 470 10 611

Odd Naustdal
media contact
odd.naustdal@akersolutions.com 
+47 905 76 079

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-solutions-asa/r/aker-solutions-receives-letter-of-award-for-engineering-scope-on-the-maydan-mahzam-project-in-qatar,c4420299

 

 

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SOURCE Aker Solutions ASA

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Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch Wins Bronze Stevie Award, Advancing Digital Lending Innovation in Vietnam

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November 5, 2026

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Building on its award-winning digital innovation, CUBHCM continues to enhance the customer journey with “View Your Offers”

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch (CUBHCM) has been named a Bronze Stevie Award winner in the Financial Services/Banking category at the 23rd Annual International Business Awards, recognizing the success of its innovative digital lending platform, the CUB Vietnam App. The app was also the only Vietnam-based winner in the App Categories of this year’s awards, highlighting CUBHCM’s continued efforts to leverage digital innovation and deliver a more convenient, secure and responsible financial services.

“This award reflects our commitment to developing financial solutions around the everyday needs of our customers,” said Keng Yang Lin, General Manager of Cathay United Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch. “Since launching the CUB Vietnam App, we have continued to enhance the digital lending experience by making access to credit simpler, more transparent, and more convenient. Building on this progress, we introduced ‘View Your Offers’ in August this year to help customers better understand their potential credit options before formally applying for a loan.”

Launched in 2024, the CUB Vietnam App enables customers to complete the entire lending journey digitally, from identity verification and application to credit assessment, approval, and disbursement. Since its launch, up to October 2026, the platform has attracted more than 1.3 million registered users and surpassed 9.6 million downloads, demonstrating strong demand for convenient digital financial services in Vietnam.

A key feature of the app is its revolving credit model, which allows eligible customers to apply once and access an approved credit line multiple times for up to five years. Customers can obtain credit limits of up to VND 40 million, with the entire process completed online. The platform also integrates eKYC, automated credit assessment, NFC-enabled identity verification, and advanced security technologies to provide a secure and seamless borrowing experience.

Building on its digital lending capabilities, CUBHCM introduced “View Your Offers” in August 2026. The pre-screening feature allows prospective customers to check their estimated credit limit before formally applying for a loan. Without downloading the app or uploading documents at the initial stage, users can provide basic information and receive a preliminary credit offer in approximately two minutes. Those who wish to proceed can seamlessly continue their application through the CUB Vietnam App, providing greater transparency and convenience throughout the borrowing journey.

The Bronze Stevie Award adds to a series of international recognitions for the CUB Vietnam App in 2026. The platform was also named “Best Consumer Lending Technology in Vietnam” at The Asian Banker Financial Technology Innovation Vietnam Awards 2026 and received the “Customer Experience Solution Award – Vietnam” at the Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards 2026.Together, these recognitions demonstrate CUBHCM’s continued progress in digital innovation and customer experience.

With 21 years of operations in Vietnam, the country remains a cornerstone of Cathay United Bank’s “Second Home” strategy. Drawing on its deep local market experience and the financial and technological capabilities of Cathay Financial Holdings, CUBHCM will continue to advance digital innovation and financial inclusion, delivering responsible and customer-centric financial solutions that support Vietnam’s long-term economic development.

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SOURCE Cathay United Bank

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Pudu Robotics Unveils “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” Strategy and Showcases Full Portfolio in European First

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November 5, 2026

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Global commercial robotics leader showcased six product lines together for the first time at its 2026 European Partner Summit in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial robotics, yesterday set out the next phase of its global strategy in Amsterdam at its first European Partner Summit. At the event, which was themed “AI in Action: Scaling Impact Across Europe—Together,” Pudu unveiled its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy along with its full product ecosystem spanning six product lines for the very first time.

“The next stage of growth will depend not only on advancing robot capabilities, but also on making robots easier to deploy, more adaptable and commercially viable at scale,” said Felix Zhang, founder and CEO of Pudu Robotics. “With our ‘One Brain, Multiple Embodiments’ strategy, we are building a shared technological foundation across different robot forms—from specialized service robots to semi-humanoid and humanoid robots. By combining reusable AI capabilities with purpose-built hardware, we aim to accelerate innovation, improve development efficiency and bring robotics into more real-world applications.”

Unveiling the Robotics Portfolio Under the “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” Strategy

At the summit, Pudu debuted its full product ecosystem, guided by its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy and spanning six product lines: service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, general embodied AI, commercial lawn mowing and home lawn care. The home lawn care line includes the PUDU TOMO S Series, the company’s first consumer robotics product, announced on November 3. The debut of Pudu’s full product ecosystem marks the company’s expansion into a broader range of application scenarios, from indoor to outdoor environments and from commercial to home use.

“Under our ‘One Brain, Multiple Embodiments’ strategy, we will continue to invest in foundational technologies, including hardware, operating systems and embodied foundation models,” said Zhang.

At the core of the “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy is a shared technological architecture designed to support different robot forms. Built on Pudu’s proprietary technologies, including PuduFM, an Embodied Foundation Model, and PuduAgent OS, an Embodied AI Agent Platform, the architecture enables reusable AI capabilities, software modules and skills across different robotic platforms, while allowing hardware and motion-control systems to remain optimized for specific tasks. By sharing these underlying technologies across different robot forms, the strategy helps reduce R&D and deployment cycles and costs, bringing robotics into more industries and making adoption more practical for customers.

Strong Presence in Europe: 60% Annual growth, Footprint in 20+ Countries

The Pudu Robotics 2026 European Partner Summit marks the company’s first large-scale strategic brand event in Europe. Pudu chose Amsterdam to unveil its global “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy, reflecting Europe’s importance as a key market for the company’s next phase of strategic growth.

Pudu operates across more than 20 European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland. The company serves customers across a range of European industries including retail, food and beverage, hospitality, healthcare and transportation, such as EDEKA, Albert Heijn, Carrefour, Denner, Marriott, Van der Valk, Pizza Hut and Intermarché, as well as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

This footprint has been accompanied by strong business growth. Over the past two years, Pudu’s revenue in Europe has grown by an average of more than 60% annually, reflecting the strong momentum of its business across the region.

Pudu is also strengthening its local presence to support its continued expansion. On October 30, the company announced the establishment of its European headquarters in Germany. The multifunctional regional hub brings together offices, a showroom, warehousing, training, sales, after-sales support and repair services, strengthening Pudu’s ability to provide localized support, improve service responsiveness and work more closely with distributors and customers across Europe.

Expanding Pudu Robotics Across Every Scenario

Today, Pudu’s technologies serve 16 industries and more than 900 application scenarios, reflecting the breadth of environments in which its robotics solutions are being applied. Pudu’s full product portfolio was showcased at the summit, demonstrating the full-scenario range of Pudu’s innovative use cases. Among the robots on show were:

BellaBot Pro – An upgraded delivery and interactive service robot featuring multimodal interaction, enhanced mobility and Omni-Sense safety. With a 65 cm path clearance, it is designed to navigate tight and complex commercial environments while delivering an engaging service experience.PUDU CC1 Pro – An AI-powered 4-in-1 commercial cleaning robot that integrates sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming and dust mopping. Its AI capabilities include real-time cleaning performance detection and targeted spot cleaning, helping deliver more precise and efficient cleaning operations.PUDU MP2000 – An AI-native autonomous pallet handling robot with a 2,000 kg payload capacity. Featuring AI load-carrier recognition, adaptive fork alignment and 20-second fork insertion, it is designed to simplify pallet transport across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics environments.PUDU D5, D7 and D9 – Pudu’s general embodied AI portfolio spanning quadruped, semi-humanoid and humanoid robots. Combining embodied mobility, perception and manipulation capabilities, the portfolio reflects Pudu’s approach to advancing embodied intelligence across different robot forms.PUDU GT Series – A three-model lineup of commercial robotic mowers—GT3, GT5 and GT7—designed for professional grounds and turf management. With purpose-built mowing and collection systems, the series addresses the distinct needs of commercial properties, large turf areas and golf courses or professional sports fields.PUDU TOMO S Series – Pudu’s first consumer robotics product, bringing intelligent lawn care into the home. Featuring the proprietary SharpLoop™ Self-Sharpening System, TOMO S is designed to maintain blade sharpness automatically, supporting convenient and consistent lawn maintenance.

Looking Ahead: Innovating to Build Robots for Europe

Whether through its “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” strategy or its product ecosystem spanning a full range of application scenarios, Pudu’s goal remains the same: to use AI and robotics to improve the productivity and well-being of human society.

“We want Europe to be among the first markets where this strategy is put into practice,” said Bella Sun, Vice President and General Manager for Europe at Pudu Robotics. “This means not only bringing Pudu’s most advanced technologies and best talent to Europe, but also working more closely with our customers, distributors and other partners across the region to translate advances in robotics into practical value for commercial and household scenarios.”

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global commercial robotics leader dedicated to empowering easier work and better lives through AI and robotics, with a vision of building a global intelligent robotics infrastructure serving 10 billion people worldwide.

Pudu develops robotic solutions across commercial and home robotics, with a portfolio spanning service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, general embodied AI, commercial grounds care, and consumer lawn care.

With over 130,000 robots shipped and a presence in more than 85 countries and regions, Pudu serves customers across diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate and property services, education, entertainment and sport, and public services.

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