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Alps Dx Accelerates Growth Ahead of SOFT-TIAFT 2026 with New Commercial Leadership, Headquarters, and Expanded Operations

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Appointment of diagnostics industry veteran Pam Lacock as vice president of sales and growing manufacturing capabilities reflect continued momentum as Alps Dx advances its connected approach to oral fluid testing

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of the SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Joint Meeting this month, Alps Dx today announced the expansion of its commercial leadership and operations, reflecting continued momentum as the company builds the people, infrastructure, and capabilities behind its connected approach to modernizing oral fluid testing workflows.

The company has appointed diagnostics industry veteran Pam Lacock as vice president of sales and opened a new headquarters and initial manufacturing facility in Richmond, Virginia. Together, these investments represent the next phase of growth for Alps Dx as it builds the scientific, operational, and commercial capabilities needed to advance connected technologies across the oral fluid testing continuum.

“Building Alps Dx has always been about more than developing individual products. We are building the team, infrastructure, and capabilities needed to address workflow challenges across the oral fluid testing continuum,” said Ali Safavi, president, CEO and co-founder of Alps Dx. “The addition of Pam to our leadership team, together with the expansion of our operations, gives us an even stronger foundation as we move from development toward broader commercialization.”

Lacock brings more than 26 years of diagnostics and healthcare sales and business development experience to Alps Dx, including extensive experience with laboratory customers, health systems, large physician groups, drug monitoring, substance use disorder testing and strategic accounts. Before joining Alps Dx, she spent more than three years as vice president of business development at CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, where she oversaw sales, marketing and business development and helped grow the organization’s outreach business by 40%. Prior to CompuNet, Lacock spent 14 years with Quest Diagnostics in roles spanning drug monitoring, health plans and strategic accounts. Earlier in her career, she held sales roles with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and Bayer HealthCare Diagnostics across laboratory automation, chemistry, immunoassay and hematology. She has also received multiple President’s Club and other sales performance awards throughout her career.

As vice president of sales, Lacock will lead commercial strategy and customer development as Alps Dx expands engagement with laboratories and other organizations across the oral fluid testing continuum.

The leadership appointment comes as Alps Dx expands its physical footprint and operational capabilities. The company’s new 2,030-square-foot headquarters at 1519 Summit Avenue in Richmond will serve as its operational headquarters and initial manufacturing hub, supporting product development, systems integration, workflow testing, assembly activities, and commercial growth.

The new facility is part of a broader strategy to build the infrastructure needed to support Alps Dx as its portfolio and commercial activities grow. The company is also evaluating opportunities to expand its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities as it advances additional technologies across the oral fluid testing continuum.

The expansion builds on a year of continued momentum for Alps Dx. Earlier this year, the company introduced Alps Dx® Atelier™ at SLAS 2026 in collaboration with Hamilton Company. Atelier was developed to help automate and standardize the preanalytical stage of oral fluid testing workflows.

Alps Dx is developing a broader portfolio of purpose-built instruments, consumables, workflow software, and applications designed to connect and modernize different stages of the oral fluid testing continuum. The company’s approach spans collection, preparation, automation, and workflow connectivity, with the goal of creating more accessible, connected, and scalable oral fluid workflows.

“For years, oral fluid testing has offered enormous potential, but many workflows have remained manual and difficult to scale efficiently,” said Les Edinboro, PhD, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Alps Dx. “As we grow, we are building the scientific and operational capabilities needed to continue developing technologies that improve workflow connectivity, operational continuity, and scalability across the oral fluid testing continuum.”

Members of the Alps Dx team will attend the SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Joint Meeting, September 19–24 at the Hilton Chicago, joining forensic toxicologists, laboratory leaders, researchers, and industry partners from around the world. The meeting brings together the Society of Forensic Toxicologists and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists for a rare joint gathering of the domestic and international forensic toxicology communities.

About Alps Dx

Alps Dx develops automated and connected technologies that modernize oral fluid workflows across laboratories, workplaces, and emerging decentralized collection environments. The company’s portfolio includes purpose-built instruments, consumables, workflow software, and applications designed to improve operational continuity, scalability and workflow efficiency across the oral fluid testing continuum. Alps Dx is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

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SOURCE Alps Dx

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ISPE Announces Keynote Speakers for its 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference

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The conference will take place 10–11 December in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference will feature three technical tracks covering digital enablement, compliant operations, and practical biopharma manufacturing transformation through Pharma 4.0™ principles.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) has announced its keynote speakers for the 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference, set for Thursday, 10 December, through Friday, 11 December, in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference is ISPE’s first international event to integrate Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma topics into a single program. Sessions will address digital transformation and advanced manufacturing across traditional pharmaceutical operations as well as biologics, cell and gene therapies, ATMPs, and mRNA technologies.

“This year’s keynote speakers represent a unique cross-section of expertise spanning pharmaceutical engineering, bioprocess innovation, digital manufacturing, and product development. Their perspectives will help attendees better understand the technologies, strategies, and leadership approaches shaping the future of Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma,” said Lineke Pelleboer, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair, Senior Business Developer at Bilthoven Biologicals.

ISPE has announced the following keynote speakers:

Chris Grail, Senior Vice President, Global Pharma Engineering and Maintenance Excellence Lead, Bayer AGJochen Maas, PhD, Former Managing Director, Research and Development, SanofiPeter Neubauer, PhD, Professor of Bioprocess Engineering, Technische Universität BerlinKerstin Seemann, Senior Vice President, Head of Global CMC Development, Merck KGaAAdrian Widmer, Global Head of Digital, AI, and Operational Excellence (Interim), RocheJan Wokittel, Director and Cluster Lead, Smart Manufacturing, Roche

“Across the conference tracks, attendees will explore practical approaches to digital transformation, from data readiness and AI enablement to smart manufacturing, compliance, and scalable biopharma operations, with real-world lessons from industry leaders,” said Markus Zeitz, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair and Head of Digital Quality with Takeda.

The conference comprises three technical tracks:

Pharma 4.0™ Enabling Digital FoundationsPharma 4.0™ Compliant by DesignPharma 4.0™ in Action: Biopharma Manufacturing Transformation

Learn more and register for the conference today: ISPE.org/26Pharma.

About ISPE
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a global nonprofit association serving its members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 25,000+ members of ISPE provide solutions to complex pharmaceutical industry challenges through innovation, member and workforce development, and technical, regulatory, and compliance collaborations in more than 120 countries worldwide. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida, USA. For more information, visit ISPE.org.

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SOURCE ISPE

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Echo Global Logistics Named One of Just 10 Non-Asset-Based 3PLs Nationwide to Earn CTPAT Validation

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Echo is among the first few providers admitted into U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT program, adding a new layer of supply chain security to its brokerage model

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (“Echo”), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, has achieved Validated status in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, one of only 10 non-asset-based 3PLs selected nationwide. Authorized by the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023, the pilot marks the first time CBP has opened CTPAT — previously reserved for asset-based carriers, importers, and customs brokers — to non-asset-based freight brokers. Following a comprehensive review, CBP confirmed that Echo’s supply chain security program meets CTPAT’s security criteria.

“CTPAT has historically focused on asset-based transportation providers, so Echo’s selection as one of the first non-asset-based 3PLs represents an important milestone for our company and our industry,” said Troy Ryley, President of Echo’s Mexico division. “In addition to our extensive network of CTPAT-certified carriers, Validation adds another layer of security to Echo’s truck brokerage model, giving our clients added confidence that security is embedded throughout their supply chain — even though Echo, like most freight brokers, has traditionally operated a non-asset-based model.”

For shippers, CTPAT-validated partners are recognized by CBP as lower-risk, which can translate to fewer cargo exams and more predictable transit times across the border. Echo maintains an extensive network of carrier partners, including CTPAT-certified carriers, while applying its own validated security processes to the management and protection of freight — creating a layered security approach that now extends from the carrier to the broker itself.

Echo provides clients with cross-border, customs brokerage, and intra-Mexico solutions, creating a comprehensive Mexico offering for all supply chain needs. Operating within an intricate cross-border trade environment, additional security protocols support the protection of freight. Echo’s security strategy and tools are aligned with CTPAT criteria, supporting a more secure and seamless transportation process across the region. Learn more about Echo’s Mexico operations: Mexico Cross-Border Shipping Solutions | Echo Global Logistics.

“For our clients and business partners, this achievement provides added confidence that freight is supported by a logistics provider whose security program has been independently validated by CBP,” said Gabriel Guajardo, Director, Southern Border at Echo. “Combined with our extensive network of CTPAT carriers, Validation status strengthens our layered approach to cargo security and supply chain risk management, helping us deliver secure and reliable transportation solutions across North America.”

About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and full-service supply chain solutions. Headquartered in Chicago with 65 locations across North America, Echo helps organizations simplify complex supply chains through one integrated network of transportation, warehousing, distribution and fulfillment services. Echo’s capabilities span Truckload, Partial Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, Cross-Border & Intra-Mexico, Managed Transportation, Drop-Trailer and Trailer Pool, Container Management and Drayage, Food-Grade and Temperature-Controlled shipping, warehousing, warehousing services, parcel, and distribution and fulfillment. Powered by Echo’s proprietary technology platform—including automation, machine learning, and AI-enabled decision support—customers gain greater visibility, optimize transportation performance, and improve efficiency across every stage of the supply chain. For more information, visit www.echo.com.

ECHO: Corporate 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Clemmensen
EVP of Marketing
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2132

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SOURCE Echo Global Logistics

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FP Markets wins three awards at the Global Forex Awards 2026

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LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Forex and CFD broker FP Markets has been recognised with three prestigious distinctions at the Global Forex Awards 2026, earning: ‘Best Value Broker – Global’, ‘Most Transparent Broker – Asia’, and ‘Most Transparent Broker – Latam’.

The awards ceremony took place on 15 September 2026 at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together leading companies and industry professionals from across the global trading and fintech industry. Now in their eighth year, the Global Forex Awards recognise brokers and trading providers that deliver exceptional service, innovation, and trusted solutions.

The triple win highlights FP Markets’ global reach, competitive trading conditions, and commitment to delivering a reliable trading experience to traders across markets.

John Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer at FP Markets, said: “In an industry where competition is intense, being voted Best Value Broker globally, alongside Most Transparent Broker in both Asia and Latam, is a reflection of what our clients experience day to day.” He added: “These wins showcase the dedication of our teams across every region we operate in, and our commitment to delivering value for our clients with the transparency they rely on.”

With over two decades of industry experience and more than 80 awards earned to date, FP Markets continues to strengthen its global presence, investing in advanced trading technologies and broadening its product offering. Looking ahead, the company continues to prioritise innovation and the client-focussed approach that has been at the core of its philosophy since inception.

About FP Markets

FP Markets is a global, multi-regulated, award-winning broker established in Sydney, Australia in 2005 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. The broker offers 10,000+ CFD instruments across seven asset classes, available on industry-leading platforms including MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView, and cTrader.

FP Markets’ regulatory presence includes, among others, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information, visit www.fpmarkets.com

 

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SOURCE FP Markets

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