Taconic Biosciences Adds New Humanized Immune System (HIS) Model to Its Portfolio For Immuno-Oncology Research

New huNOG-EXL EA Model Extends Study Windows Significantly

RENSSELAER, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, announces the launch of the huNOG-EXL EA (Early Access) humanized immune system (HIS) mouse. This product expands Taconic’s widely used HIS portfolio. huNOG-EXL EA significantly lengthens the study window during which a myeloid-lineage HIS mouse model can be used successfully.

Taconic’s huNOG-EXL models support human myeloid and lymphoid cells, making these mice especially useful for immuno-oncology research and other immune-related applications. With the longest lifespan of any myeloid-supportive HIS model, the original huNOG-EXL model (now called huNOG-EXL SA, or Standard Access) has been successfully applied in preclinical drug discovery research since 2016. The huNOG-EXL SA model is provided after a quality control step at 10 weeks post-engraftment. Feedback from users suggests research applications requiring particularly long study timelines or importation into regions with long quarantine periods present experimental and logistical hurdles that can limit the utility of the Standard Access (SA) model.

The new huNOG-EXL EA model removes those challenges by providing access to huNOG-EXL mice soon after engraftment, extending the useful study window. This makes the huNOG-EXL EA ideal for engraftment of slow-growing tumors, longer treatment paradigms, or various study customizations. Early access to an extended myeloid lineage model is also advantageous to researchers who face model importation quarantines, which would otherwise consume a significant portion of the useful study window for these mice. Because the huNOG-EXL EA model is shipped before an engraftment QC step is possible, it is made using cells from donors previously validated to engraft well so as to reduce the risk of engraftment failures.

“The huNOG-EXL EA model meets critical scientific needs for investigators performing immuno-oncology research or studying other immune-related diseases,” said Dr. Michael Seiler, vice president of commercial products at Taconic. “After conducting extensive research and development, along with rigorous beta testing with several industry partners, Taconic is excited to now offer the new model and expand the usefulness of this unique humanized mouse.”

To learn more about Taconic’s huNOG-EXL EA model, please contact us at 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com.

About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Taconic Biosciences is a fully licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom-generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, microbiome, immuno-oncology mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.

Media Contact:

Nancy J Sandy

CEO

608-332-6320

Nancy.Sandy@taconic.com

Dr. Aijaz Fatima Memorial Lectures 

Karachi, January 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Ziauddin University has initiated a series of “Dr. Aijaz Fatima Memorial Lectures” on 12th of January, a lecture on Common Psychiatric Ailments was given by Dr. Pia Ghosh, Dr. Rubina Hussain, Dr. Sumbul Sohail and Dr. Afzal Siddiqui.

For more information, contact:
Ziauddin University
4/B, Shahrah-e-Ghalib, Block 6,
Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35862937-9
Email: info@zu.edu.pk
Website: https://zu.edu.pk

Public Defense of PhD Electrical Engineering Thesis: Hafiz Saad Khaliq (PHDEE17003) 

Lahore, January 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Hafiz Saad Khaliq (PHDEE17003) from the 2nd batch of PhD in Electrical Engineering Department at Information Technology University of the Punjab is set to defend his thesis.

The public PhD defense will be held at LT-1, 6th Floor, Information Technology University (ITU) of the Punjab, Arfa Software Technology Park, 346-B, Ferozepur Road, Lahore on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 02:00 PM.

The title of Saad’s Ph.D. thesis is “Unique Nano-Surfaces Manifesting Strong Chiro-Optical Effects for Advanced Holographic Displays”.

For smooth entry into Information Technology University (ITU) of the Punjab, Arfa Software Technology Park, Lahore, prior registration is required to attend the public PhD defense. Registrations will be closed on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 2:00 PM.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/kvtL9Pyy7xU73X9P8

For more information, contact:
Information Technology University (ITU)
6th Floor, Arfa Software Technology Park,
346-B, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, Pakistan-54000
Tell: +92-42-35880062
Email: queries@itu.edu.pk
Website: www.itu.edu.pk

Celebrating Convocation 2020 and 2021

Lahore, January 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):LUMS’ first in-person Convocation ceremonies since 2019 were held on two days. Pro Chancellor LUMS, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, officiated the convocation for the Class of 2020 on Saturday, January 15, 2022, and the ceremony for the Class of 2021 on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the LUMS campus in Lahore. Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali and member, LUMS Board of Trustees, Dr. Pervez Hassan were also present on both commencement ceremonies.

Students felt overwhelmed and involved in rejoicing the celebration together as a community, noticing and marking its various aspects that they missed since the start of the pandemic two years ago. A warm address by the Registrar, Ms. Zara Fateh Qizilbash, welcomed students and their families on both days followed by exclusive talks by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, and the keynote speakers.

During his address, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, recalled notable moments from LUMS’ journey through 2020-21, calling them as the years of strength and resilience. While we are still emerging from the grip of this pandemic, the Vice Chancellor paid exemplary homage to all members of the LUMS community including the students, staff, faculty members, and parents who stayed connected through these challenging times and maintained uninterrupted learning through technology and innovation. He inspired the students to embrace the idea of quality and apply it in every aspect of their life. To propel growth, he advised the students to adopt the values of merit, integrity, and empathy. He also urged the students to serve society through research and purpose and recognise the power of change that has been vested within them through their academic endeavours at LUMS.

Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, educationist, public intellectual, culture expert, gender specialist and human rights activist, addressed the Class of 2020 as a keynote speaker. She advised the students to look for possibilities in every aspect of life and while doing so embody the values of tolerance and compassion. According to Dr. Zehra, education is a force that triggers ingenuity and inspires new thinking. She also mentioned that empathy should drive the quest towards unveiling new prospects, since the true potential of one’s natural abilities can only be unlocked through good education and ethical values.

Mr. Shahid Abdulla, an acclaimed architect and Director, Arshad Shahid Abdulla (Pvt.) Ltd., addressed the Class of 2021 as a keynote speaker on the second day. He inspired the students to acquire practical skills and work towards realising their dreams through creativity and passion. He urged them to step out of their comfort zone and achieve their vision through bold and innovative thinking. He concluded his address on the importance of serving society and doing good to expect the same in return.

The above addresses during both convocations were followed by the award of degrees to all graduating students, robing of PhD graduates, and the presentation of the National Management Foundation awards and corporate medals to high performing students.

For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk

Senate transacts 92 percent agenda

Islamabad, January 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Senate transacted 92 percent agenda on Tuesday and referred two legislative proposals to the relevant standing committees, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet.

Following are key observations of the proceedings during the seventh sitting of 317th session:

Members’ Participation

The Senate met for an hour and 47 minutes.

The sitting started at the scheduled time of 10:30 am.

The chairman presided over the entire proceedings.

The deputy chairman was not present.

The leader of the house attended the entire sitting.

The leader of the opposition was present for an hour and 11 minutes.

The Prime Minister was not present.

As many as 10 lawmakers (10%) were present at the outset and 25 (25%) at the adjournment of sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of PTI, PML-N, JUI-F, PkMAP and JI attended the sitting.

Three out of four minority lawmaker was present.

Output

Minister of state for parliamentary affairs presented the Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oath and Fees) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Trust (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021. Both ordinances were referred to the relevant committees.

Representation and Responsiveness

The House took up six out of 21 starred questions while lawmakers asked 25 supplementary questions as well.

The House passed nine motions under rule 194 (1) and granted extension to various standing committees for presentation of reports on matters referred to them.

Four lawmakers spoke on points of public importance for 12 minutes.

Order and Institutionalization

The House was adjourned to meet again on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:30 am.

Transparency

Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.

Attendance of lawmakers was available to the media and observers.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

Chairman Rehmatulil Alameen Authority, IIU President discuss Role of Varsities in promotion of Seerah

Islamabad, January 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chairman of the National Rehmatulil Alameen Authority, Ejaz Akram and President, International Islamic University (IIU), Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi had a meeting on Tuesday here at the new campus of the university. During the meeting, the role of educational institutions in promoting teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and the importance of research in the light of Seerah were discussed.

IIU President apprised the Chairman of the National Rehmatulil Alameen Authority about the university’s role in promotion of Islamic research and values in the form of collaborations, research and training. He also briefed him about the research and training projects at constituent units of the university as well as he also talked about the service of the scholars of the university.

Mr. Ejaz Akram said that universities are vital institutions to promote the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in society. He emphasized that universities must conduct research regarding the true message of Islam in light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He also appreciated the efforts and vision of IIUI.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk