Femasys Appoints Dr. Kenneth D. Eichenbaum to Board of Directors




Femasys Appoints Dr. Kenneth D. Eichenbaum to Board of Directors

ATLANTA, March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Femasys Inc. (NASDAQ: FEMY), a leading biomedical innovator focused on making fertility and non-surgical permanent birth control more accessible and cost-effective for women worldwide, announced today the appointment of Kenneth D. Eichenbaum, M.D., M.S.E., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Eichenbaum is a board-certified anesthesiologist with clinical affiliations at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, bringing deep clinical expertise and strategic insight developed through more than 20 years of evaluating biotechnology and medical device companies and advising investment firms. He completed a fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center and earned his M.D. from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, with additional degrees in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and in finance from The Wharton School.

“As we continue advancing innovative solutions in women’s health, Dr. Eichenbaum brings a unique combination of clinical and technical expertise, along with deep financial insight, that will be invaluable to Femasys,” said Kathy Lee-Sepsick, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Femasys. “His experience evaluating and advising biotechnology and medical device companies adds an important strategic perspective to our Board, and we are thrilled to welcome him at this important stage in the Company’s growth.”

Dr. Eichenbaum commented, “Femasys is advancing innovative, non-surgical solutions designed to improve the patient experience while reducing cost and complexity in women’s reproductive care. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to support the Company’s continued growth and innovation.”

The Company also expresses its appreciation to Joshua Silverman for his service on the Board of Directors. His capital markets perspective and strategic counsel supported Femasys during a period of important growth and development.

About Femasys
Femasys is a leading biomedical innovator focused on making fertility and non-surgical permanent birth control more accessible and cost-effective for women worldwide through its broad, patent-protected portfolio of novel, in-office therapeutic and diagnostic products. As a U.S. manufacturer with global regulatory approvals, Femasys is actively commercializing its lead product innovations in the U.S. and key international markets. Femasys’ fertility portfolio includes FemaSeed^® Intratubal Insemination (ITI), a groundbreaking first-step infertility treatment; FemSperm^®, a CLIA waived sperm preparation and analysis product line; and FemVue^®, a companion diagnostic for fallopian tube assessment. Published clinical trial data demonstrate that FemaSeed achieved more than double the pregnancy rates of traditional IUI, with a comparable safety profile and high patient and practitioner satisfaction.¹

FemBloc^® permanent birth control is the first and only non-surgical, in-office alternative to centuries-old surgical sterilization that received full regulatory approval in Europe in June 2025, the UK in August 2025, and New Zealand in September 2025. Commercialization of this highly cost-effective, convenient and significantly safer approach will be completed through strategic partnerships in select European countries. Alongside FemBloc, the FemChec^®, diagnostic product provides an ultrasound-based test to confirm procedural success. Published data from initial clinical trials demonstrated compelling effectiveness, five-year safety, and high patient and practitioner satisfaction.² For U.S. FDA approval, enrollment in the FINALE pivotal trial (NCT05977751) is on-going.

Learn more at www.femasys.com, or follow us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

References
¹Liu, J. H., Glassner, M., Gracia, C. R., Johnstone, E. B., Schnell, V. L., Thomas, M. A., L. Morrison, Lee-Sepsick, K. (2024). FemaSeed Directional Intratubal Artificial Insemination for Couples with Male-Factor or Unexplained Infertility Associated with Low Male Sperm Count. J Gynecol Reprod Med, 8(2), 01-12. doi: 10.33140/JGRM.08.02.08.

²Liu, J. H., Blumenthal, P. D., Castaño, P. M., Chudnoff, S. C., Gawron, L. M., Johnstone, E. B., Lee-Sepsick, K. (2025). FemBloc Non-Surgical Permanent Contraception for Occlusion of the Fallopian Tubes. J Gynecol Reprod Med, 9(1), 01-12. doi: 10.33140/JGRM.09.01.05.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “pending,” “intend,” “believe,” “suggests,” “potential,” “hope,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control, difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from what we expect. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others: our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for our FemBloc product candidate; develop and advance our current FemBloc product candidate and successfully enroll and complete the clinical trial; the ability of our clinical trial to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of our product candidate and other positive results; estimates regarding the total addressable market for our products and product candidate; our ability to commercialize our products and product candidate, our ability to establish, maintain, grow or increase sales and revenues, or the effect of delays in commercializing our products, including FemaSeed; our business model and strategic plans for our products, technologies and business, including our implementation thereof; and those other risks and uncertainties described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other reports as filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Femasys undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts: 
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
Nathan Abler, Dresner Corporate Services, (714) 742-4180, nabler@dresnerco.com

Pliant Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Presentation of Phase 1 Clinical Trial of PLN-101095 in Patients with Solid Tumors at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting




Pliant Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Presentation of Phase 1 Clinical Trial of PLN-101095 in Patients with Solid Tumors at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting

Selected for oral presentation at Clinical Trials Mini Symposium

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics, today announced the presentation of data from the Phase 1 trial of PLN-101095 at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting taking place in San Diego, California from April 17-22, 2026.

The abstract was selected for oral presentation as part of the Clinical Trials Mini Symposium.

Oral Presentation

Title: First-in-human phase I study of PLN-101095, a first-in-class dual α_vβ₈/α_vβ₁integrin inhibitor, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)

Presenter: Timothy A. Yap, M.D., Ph.D., University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Session: CTMS01: Updates in Anticancer Immunotherapies
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Presentation Time: 10:21 a.m. – 10:31 a.m. Pacific Time
Location: Ballroom 6A – Upper Level – San Diego Convention Center

Oncology Program

PLN-101095 is an oral, small molecule, dual selective inhibitor of αvβ8 and αvβ1 integrins designed to overcome checkpoint resistance by blocking TGF-β activation in the tumor microenvironment. Pliant is currently conducting a Phase 1a/1b open-label, dose-escalation and indication expansion trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity of PLN-101095, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

About Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.

Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics. The Company’s lead program is PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins, that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. Pliant’s early-stage platform includes preclinical research focused on tissue-specific delivery and internalization of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. For additional information, please visit: www.PliantRx.com. Follow us on social media X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Investor and Media Contact:

Christopher Keenan
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.
ir@pliantrx.com

Red Light Holland Engages Kala Bio’s Researgency.AI Platform to Support Clinical Development of Filament’s Patented PEX010 Botanical Psilocybin Drug Candidate




Red Light Holland Engages Kala Bio’s Researgency.AI Platform to Support Clinical Development of Filament’s Patented PEX010 Botanical Psilocybin Drug Candidate

• AI-powered autonomous research agents to be deployed in support of PEX010 clinical development strategy, leveraging Kala Bio’s purpose-built agentic AI platform for the biotechnology industry

TORONTO and ARLINGTON, Mass., March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) (“Red Light” or the “Company”) and Kala Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: KALA) (“Kala Bio”) today announced that Red Light has engaged Kala Bio’s with its Researgency.ai agentic artificial intelligence platform under world wide license from Younet to support the clinical development strategy for PEX010, the patented botanical psilocybin drug candidate originated by Filament Health Corp. (“Filament”). The engagement will deploy Kala Bio’s purpose-built AI research agents to assist in clinical planning, protocol optimization and scenario modeling as Red Light advances PEX010 through its regulated drug development program.

Red Light recently announced a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Filament’s business, including its portfolio of 76 issued patents across 15 patent families, representing one of the largest intellectual property portfolios in botanical psilocybin drug development, as well as its lead drug candidate, PEX010.

Strategic Rationale

The engagement of the Kala’s Researgency.ai platform represents a key element of Red Light’s strategy to integrate advanced AI-driven research capabilities as it expands its regulated psychedelic drug development platform. By deploying custom purpose-built AI agents trained by Younet engineers in collaboration with Kala and under private cloud LLM infrastructure (supplied by Kala), Red Light intends to accelerate and enhance research planning, scenario simulation, and protocol optimization processes associated with advancing PEX010 through its clinical development program.

PEX010 is Filament’s patented botanical psilocybin drug candidate and is currently supplied to more than 70 clinical research sites worldwide, making it one of the most widely studied botanical psilocybin drug candidates in regulated clinical research. PEX010 is being studied across multiple indications, including alcohol use disorder, methamphetamine use disorder, treatment-resistant depression, cancer-related anxiety and depression, and cannabis use disorder, at leading research institutions including Johns Hopkins University and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, among others. These indications represent areas of growing clinical and commercial momentum, with programs from Compass Pathways and AtaiBeckley also advancing psilocybin and psychedelic candidates toward late-stage regulatory milestones, and Johnson & Johnson’s Spravato continuing to demonstrate strong commercial traction in treatment-resistant depression.

The drug candidate has received both Health Canada and U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization for clinical trials and has demonstrated positive Phase 2 clinical data in alcohol use disorder.

Researgency.ai is an agentic AI platform developed by Younet.ai with exclusive worldwide distribution/development license owned by Kala Bio, designed to deploy secure, on-premises AI agents purpose-built for biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D workflows. The platform enables autonomous research loops capable of generating, simulating, and optimizing study scenarios at scale — compressing timelines and expanding the number of viable options considered before execution. The approach mirrors a broader industry shift toward purpose-built AI infrastructure for drug development, an area where NVIDIA and Eli Lilly have also committed significant resources through dedicated computing partnerships and in-house platforms.

Management Commentary

“As we move to integrate Filament’s exceptional clinical assets and intellectual property, engaging Kala Bio’s Researgency.ai platform is a natural next step in building a best-in-class psychedelic drug development operation,” said Todd Shapiro, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Red Light Holland. “PEX010 is already one of the most widely studied botanical psilocybin drug candidates in the world. By applying autonomous AI-driven research capabilities to our clinical development planning, we believe we can accelerate timelines, strengthen study designs, and make smarter, faster decisions across PEX010’s extensive clinical program.”

“Filament’s focus from the beginning has been to build a strong scientific and intellectual property foundation for botanical psilocybin drug development,” said Ben Lightburn, Chief Executive Officer of Filament Health Corp. “With PEX010 already supporting a growing body of global clinical research, the application of advanced analytical tools such as Kala Bio’s Researgency.ai platform has the potential to further strengthen how clinical development strategies are evaluated as the program continues to evolve.”

“Red Light’s decision to deploy Researgency.ai in support of PEX010 underscores exactly the kind of high-value, data-intensive challenge our platform was built to address,” said Avi Minkowitz, Chief Executive Officer of Kala Bio. “Psychedelic drug development is a complex, rapidly evolving field where the ability to quickly simulate and evaluate clinical scenarios can make a meaningful difference. We are excited to work with the Red Light team as they advance one of the leading botanical psilocybin programs in the world.”

About Researgency.ai

Researgency.ai is an agentic AI platform under worldwide distribution/development license by Kala Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: KALA) launched by Younet.ai, designed to bring autonomous research-agent workflows to biotechnology R&D planning. The platform deploys purpose-built AI agents that can simulate scenarios, optimize protocols, and support evidence-driven decisions in a secure, on-premises environment built for pharmaceutical-grade compliance. For more information, visit www.Researgency.ai.

About PEX010

PEX010 is a patented botanical psilocybin drug candidate developed by Filament Health Corp. PEX010 is formulated as a capsule for oral administration and is protected by Filament’s portfolio of 76 issued patents across 15 patent families covering natural psilocybin extraction, purification, standardization, stabilization, and alternative delivery formulations. PEX010 is currently supplied to more than 70 clinical research sites worldwide and is being studied in multiple Health Canada and FDA-authorized clinical trials across a range of mental health indications.

About Red Light Holland

Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) is a Toronto-based company advancing a focused strategy within the legal psychedelic sector, centered on voluntary data collection and R&D initiatives designed to expand naturally occurring drug development and understanding of psilocybin use and consumer experiences. The Company operates commercial activities across Europe and North America, including psilocybin truffle sales in the Netherlands’ legal market and mushroom home grow kits offered through B2B and DTC channels, in compliance with applicable laws. Red Light has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Filament Health Corp., which is expected to expand the Company’s drug development platform with GMP manufacturing capabilities, comprehensive Health Canada licensing, FDA-authorized clinical programs, and a portfolio of 76 issued patents. For more information, visit www.RedLight.co.

About Filament Health

Filament Health is a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company. Filament believes that safe, standardized, naturally-derived psychedelic medicines can improve the lives of many, and its mission is to see them in the hands of everyone who needs them as soon as possible. Filament’s platform of proprietary intellectual property enables the discovery, development, and delivery of natural psychedelic medicines for clinical development. Filament is paving the way with the first-ever natural psychedelic drug candidates. 

About Kala Bio, Inc.

Kala Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: KALA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company building a dedicated, on-premises AI infrastructure platform for the biotechnology industry. The Company’s dual strategy combines a proprietary biologics pipeline, including its mesenchymal stem cell secretome (MSC-S) platform and FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designated product candidates, with a scalable AI platform-as-a-service business designed to deploy secure, purpose-built AI systems directly within biotech and pharmaceutical client environments. Through its exclusive worldwide license for the Researgency AI research platform from Younet, Kala intends to serve as the dedicated AI infrastructure partner for the biotechnology industry. For more information, visit www.kalarx.com.

For additional information on Red Light Holland:

Todd Shapiro 
Chief Executive Officer & Director 
Tel: 647-204-7129 
Email: todd@redlight.co 
Website: www.RedLight.co

For additional information on Filament:

Benjamin Lightburn
Chief Executive Officer & Director 
Email: ben@filament.health
Website: www.filament.health

For additional information on Kala Bio, Inc.:

Kala Bio, Inc.
Avi Minkowitz
Chief Executive Officer
Email: am@kalarx.com
Website: www.kalarx.com
www.Researgency.ai

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements regarding the expected benefits and applications of the Researgency.ai platform in connection with PEX010 and Red Light’s drug development programs; the anticipated impact of AI-driven research tools on clinical development timelines and decision-making; the expected completion of Red Light’s acquisition of Filament; and the future development and commercialization of PEX010. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, among others: the ability to develop, deploy, and integrate new AI technologies; the performance and reliability of AI models and simulations; data availability and quality; cybersecurity and privacy considerations; the regulatory environment for psychedelic substances and AI-driven tools in Canada, the United States, and internationally; the ability to complete the acquisition of Filament on the anticipated terms and timeline; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Filament transaction; the ability to retain key personnel; risks inherent in clinical drug development; and other risks described in Red Light’s and Kala Bio’s respective public filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Neither Red Light nor Kala Bio undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, except as required by law.

VIVUS Confirms QSIVA® Price Reduction Is Now Effective Across Nordics and Poland




VIVUS Confirms QSIVA® Price Reduction Is Now Effective Across Nordics and Poland

— The lowered pricing structure is now available for 101.82 EUR per bottle at pharmacies throughout Finland

AMSTERDAM, March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VIVUS BV, a subsidiary of VIVUS LLC, a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious medical conditions and life-limiting diseases, today announced the new price reduction of QSIVA® hard modified-release capsules phentermine/topiramate, is now in effect in Finland. The updated pricing reflects an average cost of 3.39 EUR per day, or considering the completer results on the top dose from the pivotal clinical trials, it is approximately 98 EUR per kilogram of weight loss. An individual’s results may vary.

“The price reduction of QSIVA is genuinely welcome. Too often, I see patients forced to stop a medication that is working for them simply because the cost is too high. Lowering the price is a step toward more equitable access to effective obesity care—regardless of income. Obesity is a chronic disease and, for many people, requires long-term treatment and follow-up. Medication can be an important and effective part of care, alongside lifestyle support. Just as importantly, patients benefit from structured, multidisciplinary follow-up so treatment can be individualized—choosing the right option, adjusting the dose when needed, and supporting sustainable health behaviours in the long run,” said Emilia Huvinen, Naistentautien ja synnytysten erikoislääkäri, LT.

According to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas, 22% of Finnish adults live with obesity, and 57% of adults have a high body mass index (BMI). Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes, which are among the leading causes of mortality. Effective treatment options such as QSIVA can support patients in achieving and maintaining clinically meaningful weight loss, helping to improve long-term health outcomes and overall well-being.

“Obesity remains a significant public health challenge in Finland, affecting millions of people and increasing the risk of serious, chronic diseases,” said John Amos, Chief Executive Officer at VIVUS LLC. “With this price reduction now in effect, we aim to improve access to QSIVA and support healthcare professionals and patients in addressing obesity through evidence-based treatment options.”

In the Phase III CONQUER trial, a 56-week clinical study, QSIVA demonstrated that subjects assigned to treatment achieved 7.8 – 10.9 percent weight reduction (ITT analysis) and 7.6 – 10.9 cm reduction of waist circumference after 56 weeks of treatment. Subjects who were treated with QSIVA for the full 56-week study period (completer on drug analysis) achieved 9.6 – 14.4 percent weight reduction and 9.4 – 13.6cm reduction of waist circumference after completion of treatment. These clinical trials also demonstrated that phentermine/topiramate in combination with a weight-loss diet and exercise program resulted in statistically significant and clinically important reductions vs. placebo in weight and waist circumference, coupled with improvements in important risk markers indicative of weight-related comorbidities, such as systolic and diastolic BP, triglycerides, fasting glucose and progression towards type 2 diabetes. QSIVA is available in the mid and top dose strengths evaluated in the Phase III CONQUER trial along with 2 other dose strengths. Dose selection should be individualized and determined by the treating physician based on patient characteristics, treatment response, and tolerability, in accordance with the approved prescribing information.

About VIVUS
VIVUS is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious unmet medical needs. For more information about the Company, please visit https://vivus.com/.

About QSIVA
QSIVA (the European brand name for QSYMIA) is approved in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Poland. QSIVA is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The effect of QSIVA on reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established. The safety and effectiveness of QSIVA in combination with other products intended for weight loss, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal preparations, have not been established. For more information on QSIVA, please visit QSIVA.eu. The website is accessible for healthcare professionals only through registration.

Important Safety Information for QSIVA

QSIVA® hard modified-release capsules phentermine/topiramate is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using highly effective contraception; in patients with glaucoma; in hyperthyroidism; in patients receiving treatment or within 14 days following treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); in patients with hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, to the active substances, or to any of the excipients in QSIVA.

QSIVA can cause foetal harm. It is recommended that patients who can become pregnant obtain a negative pregnancy test result before starting QSIVA treatment, perform monthly pregnancy testing, and use highly effective contraception while taking QSIVA. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking QSIVA, treatment should be discontinued immediately, and the patient should consult promptly with their doctor. The most common adverse reactions in adults are paraesthesia, dizziness, an altered or impaired sense of taste, insomnia, depression, constipation, and dry mouth.

Forward-Looking Statements

Important Information and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and/or covered by the “Bespeaks Caution” doctrine applied by the courts under the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, and other applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by the Company’s management. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “will,” “shall,” “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “should,” “plan,” “likely,” “opportunity,” “estimated,” and “potential,” and/or the negative use of these words or other similar words. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on the Company’s current expectations, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements except to the extent otherwise required by law.

Forward-looking information about QSIVA, including statements regarding its clinical efficacy, safety profile, the anticipated impact of the price reduction on patient access and commercial performance, and its role in long-term obesity management, involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release.

Risks related to QSIVA include the potential benefits of the price reduction on patient access and uptake, the impact of revised pricing strategies on revenue and commercial performance, the continued success of pharmacy partnerships across the Nordics and Poland, competitive developments in the weight management market including injectable medications, and whether QSIVA will continue to be commercially successful in approved markets.

General risks include the ability to successfully manage commercial programs across multiple international markets; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of QSIVA; supply chain challenges; and competitive developments in the obesity and weight management therapeutic area.

The above factors, risks, and uncertainties are difficult to predict, contain uncertainties that may materially affect actual results, and may be beyond the Company’s control. New factors, risks, and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, risks, and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore any of these statements may prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that the Company’s objectives and plans will be achieved. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made or any earlier date indicated, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in underlying assumptions, or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law. This announcement is made in accordance with applicable securities regulations including the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Contacts

VIVUS BV
T: +31 20 262 0959

Media – FINN Partners
Julian Tyndale-Biscoe
julian.tyndale-biscoe@finnpartners.com
T: +44 20 7046 8280

Global survey reveals pet owners lack awareness of parasite risks and seek clearer prevention advice




Global survey reveals pet owners lack awareness of parasite risks and seek clearer prevention advice

• 43% of pet owners report that their pets experienced parasite infections, with 75% looking for clearer parasite prevention advice.
• Veterinarians are seen as the most trusted source of pet health advice.
• “Small acts of love. Big moments of life” campaign is launching on World Parasite Awareness Day to increase understanding of how a simple act such as preventing parasites can have a big impact on keeping our cats and dogs healthy. 

World Parasite Awareness Day, held annually on March 20, is an important reminder that parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms are among the most common health threats for pets around the world, yet they can easily be prevented.   

 A global survey among 6,500 pet owners¹ shows that, despite frequent exposure to parasites, there is a significant need for greater awareness, clearer guidance and education, and stronger preventative habits among pet owners worldwide. 27% state that they are only slightly familiar with parasite risks or not familiar at all, and a large majority of respondents (75%) said they would value clearer advice on prevention. At the same time, 43% report that their pet had already experienced a parasite infection, with one in five cases occurring within the last year. These findings expose a critical gap between experience and understanding and demonstrate the need for stronger awareness and more consistent preventative action.

In the United States alone, more than 1.2 million dogs are estimated to be heartworm-positive². In Europe, the same disease has spread to new countries, while in parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, heartworm prevalence remains high due to regional conditions. Among external parasites, ticks are commonly found in pets worldwide. For instance, a recent survey in Italy showed that more than 47% of dogs could be infested³, while in a similar study across Southeast Asia up to 67% of owned dogs were found with at least one tick⁴. These blood-feeding parasites can transmit severe and in some cases life‑threatening diseases such as Lyme borreliosis (causing joint pain and in some cases kidney damage), babesiosis (a protozoan infection that destroys red blood cells) or ehrlichiosis (a bacterial infection that leads to fever and bleeding tendencies).   

Beyond causing discomfort and illness in pets, some parasites can also infest or spread infections to people. As parasites show up in more places due to warmer temperatures and increased travel, prevention has never been more relevant.  

Veterinarians can play a central role in assessing risk, recommending appropriate protection and supporting responsible care. They remain the most trusted source of pet health information, with 70% of pet owners identifying them as their primary reference for guidance. Because parasite risk varies depending on location, season and lifestyle, tailored advice, regular monitoring and responsible use of preventative solutions are essential to protecting pets and people.  

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, is marking World Parasite Awareness Day with the launch of “Small acts of love. Big moments of life”, a global campaign aiming to raise awareness about how parasites can easily be prevented. “Parasite prevention is a simple yet meaningful way for pet owners to show how they care for the animals they love, but our survey shows that awareness does not always translate into consistent action,” said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing for Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Through this campaign, we want to encourage pet owners to see prevention as one of the small acts of care that help protect their pets and allow them to enjoy more happy and healthy moments together.”   

As a company dedicated to advancing preventative care, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to invest in research, collaborate closely with veterinarians and support educational initiatives that empower pet owners to make informed decisions. Launched around World Parasite Awareness Day at the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, its awareness campaign coincides with a time when parasite activity begins to rise in many regions. By encouraging simple habits of care that help protect the health of pets and strengthen the bond they share with their owners, the campaign puts consumer insights into action.

¹Pet owner survey: The survey was conducted among 6,500 pet owners across the UK, the US, France, Germany, Turkey, China, Japan, Mexico and Brazil. The interviews were conducted online by Sapio Research in January 2026 using an email invitation and an online survey.   

²American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Heartworm incidence climbs despite preventive efforts. Published October 08, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/heartworm-incidence-climbs-despite-preventive-efforts  

³Maurelli, M.P., Pepe, P., Colombo, L. et al. A national survey of Ixodidae ticks on privately owned dogs in Italy. Parasites Vectors 11, 420 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2994-2  

⁴Colella V, Nguyen VL, Tan DY, Lu N, Fang F, Zhijuan Y, et al. Zoonotic Vectorborne Pathogens and Ectoparasites of Dogs and Cats in Eastern and Southeast Asia. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(6):1221-1233. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.191832  

About Boehringer Ingelheim 

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.   

About Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business  

Boehringer Ingelheim provides first-in-class innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health. For more information, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.  

About World Parasite Awareness Day   

World Parasite Awareness Day is held each year on March 20 to highlight the risk that parasites pose to pets and the people around them. Fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites can lead to discomfort, illness, and in some cases life-threatening disease in pets, while certain parasitic infections can also spread to people. The day brings together veterinary associations, animal health organizations, and other groups to promote awareness of parasites and the importance of prevention. It is coordinated through www.parasiteawarenessday.com. 

Peace through well-being: Orion and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation announce partnership




Peace through well-being: Orion and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation announce partnership

ORION CORPORATION
PRESS RELEASE
18 March 2026 at 10:00 EET
      

Peace through well-being: Orion and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation announce partnership

Orion Corporation (“Orion Pharma”) and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (“CMI”) have entered a strategic content partnership for 2026. The partnership channels insights from CMI’s peace mediation experts, turning decades of peace process experience into clear and accessible content for a broad audience.

“At Orion Pharma, we believe that building health is building peace. We continue to strengthen resilient healthcare systems in Europe and beyond, with a strong focus on research and development, and our medicines reaching patients in more than a hundred countries. These are long-term commitments to health and, ultimately, investments in peace for future generations,” says Liisa Hurme, President & CEO of Orion Pharma.

The partnership aims to inspire public discussion about peacebuilding and emphasises that societal health and well-being is fundamental to lasting peace. Instead of focusing on peace only after crises emerge, the cooperation highlights peace as a long-term, everyday practice rooted in skills such as dialogue, mediation and trust.

“We share CMI’s ambition for a more stable, just and healthy future for all, and see the core tenets of peacebuilding as an important part of our work and the broader societal discussion around health. We’re proud to start this partnership with them,” Hurme adds.

Prescriptions for Peace

A central part of the partnership is a nine-part video series titled Prescriptions for Peace. Drawing on insights from CMI’s peace mediation experts, the series distils their experience into short and accessible videos. Each episode focuses on one key condition for sustainable peace, such as trust, dialogue, inclusion, ownership and compromise.

As with effective medical treatments, sustainable peace requires commitment, responsibility and long-term effort. The series encourages reflection rather than offering ready-made answers, presenting peace as a conscious choice and a continuous process. The concept of prescriptions is used metaphorically to refer to expert-informed guidance rather than quick fixes.

“Sustainable peace is about much more than just ending violence and getting to a deal. In mediation processes, we see how trust and dialogue gradually create the foundations for more stable societies. Through the Prescriptions for Peace series, we want to share some of these lessons from peace processes with a wider audience,” says Hanna Klinge, Deputy CEO of CMI.

Read more about the collaboration and watch the Prescriptions for Peace videos: prescriptionsforpeace.fi

About Orion Pharma

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years. We develop, manufacture and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients, combining our trusted expertise with continuous innovation. We have an extensive portfolio of proprietary and generic medicines and consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by us are used to treat cancer, respiratory diseases and neurological diseases, among others. In 2025 our net sales amounted to EUR 1,890 million, and we employ about 4,000 professionals worldwide, dedicated to building well-being.

About CMI
CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation is an independent, non-profit Finnish organisation dedicated to advancing peace through conflict resolution, dialogue, and mediation. The organisation was founded 25 years ago by Nobel Peace Prize laureate President Martti Ahtisaari. CMI is one of the world’s leading peace mediation organisations and has been involved in more than 50 peace processes across the globe.

Orion Corporation
  
Contact person Orion:
Terhi Ormio, Vice President Communications

tel. +358 10 426 4646

Contact person CMI:
Kaisa Raitio, Head, Communications and Private Fundraising

tel. +358 50 338 92 60
                                         

Publisher:
Orion Corporation
Communications
Orionintie 1A, FI-02200 Espoo, Finland
http://www.orionpharma.com