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AST Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in Innovation and Looks to the Future of Drug Product Manufacturing

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This milestone celebration sets the stage for AST’s next phase of strategic growth, anchored by its revitalized Mission, Vision, and Purpose statements

TACOMA, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AST marked the launch of its 60th anniversary year at INTERPHEX 2025, using the prestigious industry event as a springboard to highlight six decades of innovation. Building on the momentum of being named “Best in Show” at INTERPHEX 2024, AST entered its 60th anniversary receiving another reputable honor: the INTERPHEX Efficiency Champion award. This back-to-back recognition highlights not only AST’s legacy of innovation but also its forward-looking approach to advancing excellence across the industry.

AST was founded in Tacoma, Washington, in 1965. From the beginning, the company pursued a clear vision: provide advanced automated manufacturing solutions driven by a commitment to quality engineering, American ingenuity, and a customer-first approach. Now, for six decades, AST has been a leader in the advanced manufacturing space, and in 2004, the company leveraged its combined expertise and experience to begin providing flexible automation for life science applications.   

AST’s initial success was found in innovative manufacturing solutions designed and built by a small team of engineers, including prototypes and first-of-its-kind technologies that would set new standards in what was possible with automation. These early solutions would serve as the foundation for the later technologies that AST would become recognized for. AST continued to grow over the years, and the advanced solutions they provided gained a reputation for excellence across multiple industries, including hygiene, carbon fiber, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.   

A Timeline of Life Science Innovation.
AST has steadily evolved into a pioneer in aseptic manufacturing automation, marked by a series of industry-first innovations. In 2004, AST served its first life science customer, laying the foundation for what would become a legacy of excellence. By 2010, the company redefined industry standards with the launch of the ASEPTiCell®—the industry’s first robotic multiformat machine capable of processing RTU vials, syringes, and cartridges on a single line. Building on this momentum, AST introduced the GENiSYS® product family, starting with the GENiSYS C solution in 2016, followed by the GENiSYS Lab in 2017 and the fully robotic GENiSYS R in 2018.

In 2019, AST debuted its first isolated GENiSYS C line, reinforcing its leadership in integrated aseptic solutions. Most recently, with the 2024 launch of the Atmos™ isolator, AST became the only US-based manufacturer of integrated aseptic filling lines with isolator technology, underscoring its commitment to continued innovation and turnkey solutions. Now in 2025, AST is marking the next chapter in its mission to support the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing by expanding its portfolio with the introduction of the Shield™ glove integrity testing system and its digital suite of products and services with the launch of its digital twin tool—a preview of AST’s’ advanced solutions dedicated to digital and data integration.

AST’s Most Trusted Partners.
One of the cornerstones of AST’s strategic framework is providing innovative, customer-centric solutions for numerous stakeholders throughout the industry, comprising leading CDMOs, commercial pharmaceutical companies of every size, 503 entities, and biotech ventures. AST solutions support the broad scope of sterile product manufacturing applications, including advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), vaccine development, compounded products for hospital and health care settings, and breakthrough research and development initiatives.  

AST customers have been at the forefront of delivering innovative parenteral treatments that have advanced patient-centered medicine and have led to significant progress in the treatment of rare diseases, cancers, autoimmune, and other highly targeted conditions.

“As I reflect on this significant anniversary for AST, I think of the many customers that we’ve been privileged to serve, the A&Es and consultants we’ve worked with and alongside, and the exceptional AST Team that have made this journey possible – so many of whom have become close friends,” commented AST President and CEO Joe Hoff. “In marking our 60th year, AST is looking towards the future with optimism and intention. Our industry continues to move towards advanced technologies with improved, integrated processes that produce higher standards of quality and efficiency.”

Looking Towards the Future: AST Revitalizes Its Mission.
As AST reflects on six decades of innovation and impact, the company remains firmly focused on the future. In alignment with this forward momentum—and to support its next phase of strategic growth—AST is proud to introduce its revitalized Mission, Vision, and Purpose statements, thoughtfully crafted to guide the company’s continued evolution and long-term success.

These statements reinforce the company’s core values while aligning its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer partnership—ensuring AST remains a trusted leader in the life science industry for decades to come.

Mission
AST develops intelligent, intuitive, and innovative solutions that minimize (and where possible eliminate) process, efficacy, and safety risks associated with drug product manufacturing. We will consider all format applications, including but not limited to vials, syringes, cartridges, infusion bags, inhalers, bottles, and devices. 

Vision
AST strives to be one of our customers’ most trusted partners for drug product manufacturing. 

Purpose
The solutions AST delivers today enable life-changing therapies to reach more patients, in a race against time, where every day matters. 

“This revitalized mission statement sets a bold course for AST’s future. As we continue to lead in aseptic fill-finish solutions, we are also expanding to meet the growing demand for integrated and downstream technologies — prioritizing product efficacy, safety, and, most importantly, the long-term success of our customers,” said Joe Hoff.

ABOUT AST 
AST is a pioneering force in aseptic fill-finish processing technology, committed to pushing the boundaries of industry standards. With a rich history of innovation, AST delivers cutting-edge solutions that enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to achieve optimal efficiency and product quality. To learn more about AST, visit https://www.ast-inc.com/

To keep up with AST’s latest anniversary initiatives and highlights throughout the year, please visit: https://www.ast-inc.com/the-ast-story-60-years-of-innovation/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Brittany Cooksey
Marketing Manager
marketing@ast-inc.com

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SOURCE AST

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Tucker Medical selects GE HealthCare MRI technology to advance personalized preventive care in Singapore

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Collaboration will explore clinical education, knowledge exchange and imaging excellence across Southeast Asia

Tucker Medical has installed a SIGNA™ 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system at its Novena Specialist Center in Singapore to support its personalized, risk-informed approach to assessment and screening.Through a memorandum of understanding, Tucker Medical and GE HealthCare intend to explore clinical education, knowledge exchange, research support and opportunities to advance imaging practices across Southeast Asia.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) and Tucker Medical today announced a new relationship centered on advanced magnetic resonance imaging and a shared interest in supporting personalized, preventive healthcare. Tucker Medical has installed a GE HealthCare SIGNA™ 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at its Novena Specialist Center in Singapore, adding advanced imaging capabilities to its precision prevention model.

Founded by medical oncologist Dr. Steven Tucker, Tucker Medical applies its “ASAP” (Assessment, Screening And Prevention) framework to personalize care based on individual risk, including genetics, family and personal history, prior cancer treatment, and metabolic and cardiovascular factors. Particular focus includes hereditary cancer risk, adult survivors of childhood cancer, long-term cancer survivors, and others requiring individualized long-term surveillance.

The installed system includes GE HealthCare’s AIR™ Recon DL deep-learning image reconstruction technology, Sonic DL™ for accelerated MRI acquisition, AIR™ Coil technology and Digital Expert capabilities. These technologies are designed to support high-quality imaging, workflow efficiency and the patient experience across MRI examinations.

“At Tucker Medical, we believe prevention becomes more meaningful when it is informed by a deeper understanding of each individual’s risk and health trajectory,” said Dr. Steven Tucker, Founder and Medical Director, Tucker Medical. “This applies both to individuals with increased risk who have never had cancer and cancer survivors whose disease and prior treatment may create health risks that persist for decades. Imaging is an important part of that picture. The addition of MRI allows us to further integrate imaging into our broader assessment, screening and longitudinal surveillance approach and to continue developing our model of personalized preventive care in Singapore and across the region.”

“Healthcare is increasingly moving toward more personalized approaches that bring together clinical information across the patient journey, and imaging has an important role to play in supporting that shift,” said Dede Yan, Zone General Manager, SEA6 (Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos), GE HealthCare. “We are pleased to support Tucker Medical as it expands its imaging capabilities and to explore opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen clinical education and help advance imaging practices across Southeast Asia.”

Through a memorandum of understanding, GE HealthCare and Tucker Medical are establishing a framework to explore clinical education, knowledge exchange, research support and imaging excellence.

The organizations also intend to explore establishing Tucker Medical as a regional immersion training centre. The initiative could provide healthcare professionals with opportunities to experience MRI technologies in a clinical setting through activities such as workflow demonstrations, case reviews, clinical observations and peer-to-peer education.

In addition, the organizations plan to explore opportunities to gather product feedback and clinical insights and to support future educational activities, professional forums and knowledge-sharing initiatives in medical imaging and oncology.

About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.

GE HealthCare is a leading global healthcare solutions provider of advanced medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and AI, cloud and software solutions that help clinicians tackle the world’s most complex diseases. Serving patients and providers for 130 years, GE HealthCare is delivering bold innovations designed for the next era of medicine across its Advanced Imaging Solutions, Patient Care Solutions, and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segments to help clinicians deliver more personalized, precise patient care. We are a $20.6 billion business with approximately 54,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits.

GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2026 Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™.

Follow us on LinkedIn, FacebookInstagram, or visit our website for our latest news and perspectives

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tucker-medical-selects-ge-healthcare-mri-technology-to-advance-personalized-preventive-care-in-singapore-302868805.html

SOURCE GE HealthCare

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Minor Hotels partners with Checkout.com to power high-performance payments across global hospitality

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Checkout.com will support Minor Hotels’ global expansion through its global acquiring network, powering high performance payments across international marketsAI-powered payment optimization will help Minor Hotels improve acceptance rates and deliver more seamless, secure checkout experiences for guestsA global payments partner with local acquiring and expertise will help simplify operations and reduce lost revenue from failed payments

SINGAPORE, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Checkout.com, a leading global digital payments company, today announced its partnership with Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with more than 640 hotels across 67 countries.

Minor Hotels operates a diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts, alongside food and beverage businesses and luxury transportation services. As the group continues to expand across markets, it is consolidating its payments infrastructure to create a consistent foundation for growth and ensure high quality digital payment experiences for guests.

Through the partnership, Checkout.com will provide global acquiring and payment optimization capabilities for Minor Hotels’ resort properties across multiple markets worldwide. Minor Hotels selected Checkout.com for its global reach and local expertise, and its ability to deliver payment performance across multiple international markets while adapting to local requirements. Checkout.com’s domestic acquiring capabilities improve authorization rates and reduce processing costs through local transaction routing. Where possible, like-for-like settlement in local currencies reduce unnecessary foreign exchange conversions and simplify treasury and reconciliation as Minor Hotels scales.

The partnership will also bring together Checkout.com’s Intelligent Acceptance and Dynamic 3DS Authentication capabilities. Intelligent Acceptance is Checkout.com’s AI-driven optimization engine that enhances the performance of every transaction and is powered by global network intelligence. It maximizes first-attempt approvals and reduces failed transactions, helping to drive revenue across complex cross-border and multi-currency payment flows. Dynamic application of 3DS authentication is based on issuer preferences and local regulatory requirements, reducing unnecessary friction for guests.

Anthony Green, Global Head of Digital Marketing and Ecommerce at Minor Hotels, said: “As our portfolio continues to grow across markets, we need payment infrastructure that is reliable, flexible and able to support a premium experience for our guests. Checkout.com’s global acquiring capabilities and payments expertise will help us simplify complexity, improve performance and build a stronger foundation for our next phase of growth.”

Yao Xiang, Head of Commercial, Greater China and Southeast Asia at Checkout.com, said: “Hospitality businesses operate across complex payment flows, markets and currencies, while guests expect every payment to be simple and secure. We’re proud to partner with Minor Hotels as it continues to grow globally, bringing together our local acquiring capabilities, payment optimization technology and dedicated expertise to help its team improve performance and deliver better guest experiences.”

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually. In 2025, Checkout.com processed more than $300bn in ecommerce payments volume.

We help enterprise merchants boost acceptance rates, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 19 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Spotify, HelloFresh, eBay, Uber, Pinterest, Vinted, Klarna, Financial Times, and Sony.

Checkout.com. Where the world checks out.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 67 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/minor-hotels-partners-with-checkoutcom-to-power-high-performance-payments-across-global-hospitality-302868813.html

SOURCE Checkout.com

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AWOL Vision Debuts LuxVision at IFA 2026: World’s First 4K 120Hz UST with Optical Shift

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Engineered for premium home entertainment, AWOL Vision’s new flagship ultra-short-throw projector delivers 4K 120Hz performance, 6,000 ISO lumens of brightness, optical lens shift, and intelligent setup.

BERLIN, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AWOL Vision, a global home entertainment brand delivering immersive audiovisual experiences through large-format displays, home cinema technology, and connected entertainment—makes its first appearance following a refreshed global brand identity unveiled in June 2026. Centered around its new vision, “Bring Wonder Home,” this milestone unites the AWOL Aetherion UST series and AWOL Valerion long-throw series under one cohesive AWOL Vision brand framework.

Nothing between you and the moment
At the heart of the LuxVision is 4K at 120 frames per second. It processes nearly one billion pixels per second to display fast-paced scenes with sharp, smooth, and rich detail. Gamers also benefit from an input lag of just 1 ms, ALLM, VRR, and Dolby Vision Gaming. Three HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort, and 4-channel HDMI Multiview allow you to connect multiple screens and sources simultaneously.

Maximum Flexibility and Design
A throw ratio of 0.18:1 transforms a surface into a cinema screen of up to 200 inches even at extremely short distances, while vertical optical lens shift enables precise image positioning at the touch of a button—while fully preserving true 4K detail sharpness. A motorized lens cover and a stray-light-free lens ensure a pure, precise, and distortion-free image. At the same time, customizable CMF options (color, material, finish) allow for elegant integration into any living space.

Brilliant Image Quality and Laser Technology
With 6,000 ISO lumens (RGB triple laser), the projector ensures vivid images even in bright daylight or during a movie night at home (110% Rec. 2020). Dynamic tone mapping, a 7-step iris, and support for Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, and 3D guarantee a true cinematic experience. AWOL’s 2nd-generation Anti-RBE technology minimizes rainbow effects and visual fatigue.

True immersion removes every distraction. With LuxVision, there is Nothing Between You and the Moment.

Price and Availability

MSRP: $5,999 / €5,999 / £4,999
Launch Time: Around October
Booth: H22-113

Check out more photos of the AWOL LuxVision here.

About AWOL Vision

Founded in 2020, AWOL Vision is a home entertainment brand focused on delivering immersive audiovisual experiences through large-format display solutions, home theater technologies, and connected entertainment products. For more information, visit  www.awolvision.com.

PR contact: pr@awolvision.us 

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