Category: 3. Business

Samsung R&D Institute Bangladesh (SRBD) has concluded the April 2025 batch of its Junior Software Academy, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young minds and building Bangladesh’s future technology leaders. This flagship CSR programme equips school-aged children with essential ICT skills, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Nurturing Future-Ready Skills

From April 18 to June 27, 2025, 30 students from schools affiliated with Jaago Bangladesh and Nari Maitree participated in the three-month programme at SRBD’s campus. Under the guidance of experienced Samsung mentors, participants mastered a spectrum of ICT skills—ranging from basic computer operations and MS Office proficiency to Photoshop design, introductory programming, Android development, and coding. These hands-on lessons offered both theoretical grounding and practical experience, encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and confidence in using technology.

Celebrating Young Achievers

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony on June 27, where each student received a certificate in recognition of their dedication and progress. Many participants shared that the experience sparked a deeper interest in ICT, with several expressing pride in learning from a global technology leader like Samsung.  Addressing the graduates, Wonmo Ku, Managing Director, SBRD highlighted the career value of mastering MS Office and the power of coding to strengthen logical and analytical thinking. He urged the students to remain curious, keep building their skills, and believe in their potential to shape the future.

Samsung’s Vision for Youth Empowerment

Through initiatives like the Junior Software Academy, Samsung is not only teaching technical skills—it is investing in the next generation’s capacity to innovate, lead, and transform their communities. By equipping young people with practical ICT knowledge, Samsung is helping create a digitally empowered youth workforce ready to contribute to Bangladesh’s growth in the global digital economy.

Relationship of E2-hCG levels with pregnancy outcomes under antagonist protocol

From October 2020 to July 2024, 3192 fresh ET cycles following antagonist protocol were included. The relationship between E2-hCG level with pregnancy outcomes was detected by multivariate regression using the generalized additive models (GAM) adjusted with confounders. The adjusted confounding factors included female age, transferred embryo phase, number of embryos transferred, number of good embryos transferred, endometrial thickness on hCG day, progesterone levels on hCG day, and total dose of GnRH antagonist. GAM and loess smooth line showed that the E2-hCG level has a curved inverted U-shaped relationship with biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR) (Fig. 1A, C) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (Fig. 1B, D). The loess smooth line shows the BPR and CPR changing with E2-hCG levels, with a peaked pregnancy rate at about 2400 pg/mL (Fig. 1C and D, green vertical line). Segmented regression further validated the turning point of E2-hCG to be about 2400 pg/mL (Fig. 1E and F), BPR increased 2% (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01 ~ 1.03, p-value < 0.001) and CPR increased 2% (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01 ~ 1.03, p-value < 0.001) with every 200 pg/ml of E2-hCG increase when E2-hCG < 2400 pg/ml (Table 1), while BPR decreased 3% (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.96 ~ 0.99, p-value < 0.001) and CPR decreased 2% (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 ~ 0.99, p-value < 0.001) with every 200 pg/ml of E2-hCG increase when E2-hCG ≥ 2400 pg/ml (Table 1). The above results collectively indicate that the relationship between E2-hCG and pregnancy rates peaked at the turning point of 2400 pg/ml. Below this turning point, the pregnancy rates increase with E2-hCG levels rise. Conversely, above this turning point, the pregnancy rates show a descending trend with E2 levels rising.

Characteristics and pregnancy outcomes across different E2-hCG range groups

Based on the loess smooth curves and expected pregnancy rates depicted in our above figures (Fig. 1C, red horizontal line, the expected BPR is set as 60%, and Fig. 1D, red horizontal line, the expected BPR is set as 50%), E2-hCG levels have been categorized into three groups: E2-hCG < 1500 pg/mL, 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL, and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/mL. Among the 3192 fresh ET cycles, 736 cycles had an E2-hCG level of < 1500, 2261 cycles had a level of 1500–4000, and 195 cycles had a level of > 4000. The baseline characteristics stratified by groups of different E2-hCG levels are shown in Table 2. The female age, BMI, AMH, infertile type, Gn start dose, Gn total dose, Gn total day, number of oocytes, number of MII oocytes, number of ET, P4 on hCG day, embryo phase, and number of good embryos, and total dose of GnRH antagonist were significantly different between the groups. The endometrial thickness on hCG day and infertile year were not significantly different between the three groups. The biochemical pregnancy rates and clinical pregnancy rates for each group are presented in Table 3. The BPR in the E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml, 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL, and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups was 57.20%, 64.26%, and 57.95%, the BPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is significantly higher than that in the < 1500 pg/ml group (64.26% vs 57.20%, p-value = 0.001), the BPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group was higher than that of E2-hCG > 4000 group with marginal significance (64.26% vs 57.95%, p-value = 0.09), the BPR was not statistically different between the other two groups. The CPR in the E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml, 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL, and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups was 47.42%, 54.71%, and 47.18%, the CPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is significantly higher than that in the < 1500 pg/ml group (54.71% vs 47.42%, p-value = 0.001), the CPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group was significantly higher than that of E2-hCG > 4000 group (54.71% vs 47.18%, p-value = 0.05), the CPR was not statistically different between the other two groups. The miscarriage rates between the three groups were not significantly different.

Independent relationship between different E2-hCG ranges with pregnancy outcomes

As Table 2 shows some baseline characteristics between the three groups were significantly different. We further investigate the independent relationship between different E2-hCG ranges with pregnancy outcomes by multi-regression models adjusted with confounding factors. The results showed that 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL significantly increased 30% BPR (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.07 ~ 1.56, p-value = 0.007) (Table 4) and 28% CPR (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.07 ~ 1.54, p-value = 0.008) (Table 5) compared to E2-hCG < 1500 pg/mL. However, E2-hCG > 4000 pg/mL did not significantly increase BPR (OR 1.13, 95%CI 0.80 ~ 1.60, p-value = 0.50) (Table 4) and CPR (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.76 ~ 1.50 p-value = 0.71) compared to E2-hCG < 1500 pg/mL. In the multi-regression regression, female age was transformed into two groups of < 33 years and ≥ 33 years, because BPR and CPR start to decline after 33 years old, the GAM model founding the turning point of female age on pregnancy outcomes to be 33 (Supplementary Fig. 1).

Subgroup analysis

In consideration of confounding factors such as female age and embryo phase on pregnancy outcomes, we further performed subgroup analysis based on female age and embryo phases. We divided female age into two subgroups including age <33 and age ≥33 years. In subgroup of female age <33 years, the BPR in the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml, 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL, and E2-hCG>4000 pg/ml groups was 63.40%, 67.76%, and 58.70%, the BPR in 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL group is higher than that in the >4000 pg/ml group with statistical significance (67.76% vs 58.70%, p-value=0.04), the BPR was not statistically different between the other two comparisons. The CPR in the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml, 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL, and E2-hCG>4000 pg/ml groups was 53.58%, 59.00%, and 49.28%, the CPR in 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL group is significantly higher than that in the >4000 pg/ml group (59.00% vs 49.28%, p-value=0.03), the CPR in 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL group was higher than that in the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml group with marginal significance (59.00% vs 53.58%, p-value=0.07), the CPR was not statistically different between the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml and E2-hCG>4000 pg/ml groups. In subgroup of female age ≥33 years, the BPR in the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml, 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL, and E2-hCG>4000 pg/ml groups was 50.70%, 58.53%, and 56.14%, the BPR in 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL group is significantly higher than that in the <1500 pg/ml group (58.53% vs 50.70%, p-value=0.01), the BPR was not statistically different between the other two comparisons. The CPR in the E2-hCG<1500 pg/ml, 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL, and E2-hCG>4000 pg/ml groups was 40.95%, 47.66%, and 42.11%, the CPR in 1500≤E2-hCG≤4000pg/mL group is significantly higher than that in the <1500 pg/ml group (47.66% vs 40.95%, p-value=0.04), the CPR was not statistically different between the other two comparisons. The results indicate that pregnancy rates were lower in the elder group. In the younger population (female age <33 years), pregnancy outcomes were more likely to be impacted in the higher E2-hCG group (>4000 pg/ml). In elder population (female age ≥33 years), pregnancy outcomes were more likely to be impacted in the lower E2-hCG group (<1500 pg/ml) (Table 6).

More than 95% of patients transferred with cleavages, therefore, we performed subgroup analysis in patients transferred with cleavages only, a subgroup of blastocyst was not analyzed due to a very small sample size. In subgroup of patients transferred with cleavages, the BPR in E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml, 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL, and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups was 57.30%, 64.59%, 57.46%, the BPR in the 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is higher than that in the < 1500 pg/ml group with statistical significance (64.59% vs 57.30%, p-value = 0.001), the BPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is higher than that in the > 4000 pg/ml group with marginal significance (64.59% vs 57.46%, p-value = 0.07), the BPR was not statistically different between the E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups. The CPR in E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml, 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL, and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups was 47.47%, 55.03%, 47.51%, the CPR in the 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is higher than that in the < 1500 pg/ml group with statistical significance (55.03% vs 47.47%, p-value = 0.001), the CPR in 1500 ≤ E2-hCG ≤ 4000 pg/mL group is higher than that in the > 4000 pg/ml group with marginal significance (55.03% vs 47.51%, p-value = 0.07), the BPR was not statistically different between the E2-hCG < 1500 pg/ml and E2-hCG > 4000 pg/ml groups. The miscarriage rate was not significantly different between the three groups in each subgroup. The baseline characteristics between the three groups in each subgroup were shown in supplementary tables.

• Ianalumab prolonged the duration of safe platelet levels during and after treatment in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) previously treated with corticosteroids^1,2
• Patients treated with ianalumab also experienced a significantly higher rate of sustained improvements in platelet count, the key secondary endpoint of the study¹
• Ianalumab, administered as four once-monthly doses in the ITP setting, could offer long-term disease control through a short course of treatment and potentially allow patients extended time off treatment, if approved
• Data expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and included in future regulatory submissions in 2027 along with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1

Basel, August 12, 2025 – Novartis today announced positive top-line results from VAYHIT2, a Phase III trial evaluating ianalumab plus eltrombopag in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) previously treated with corticosteroids^1,2. Ianalumab plus eltrombopag, compared to placebo plus eltrombopag, significantly prolonged the time to treatment failure (TTF), the primary endpoint that assesses how long patients maintain safe platelet levels during and after the treatment period^1,2. Ianalumab is being investigated in other B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including ongoing Phase III trials in first-line ITP and in second and later lines of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with readouts expected in 2026^3,4.

In VAYHIT2, patients treated with ianalumab plus eltrombopag experienced a significantly higher rate of sustained improvements in platelet count at six months, the key secondary endpoint of the study¹. The safety profile of ianalumab was consistent with what was previously observed in clinical studies, with no new safety signals¹.

“While current treatments for ITP are generally effective in raising platelet counts, many patients require life-long treatment to maintain safe levels, which can create a lasting treatment burden,” said Adam Cuker, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chief, Section of Hematology, University of Pennsylvania. “The results from VAYHIT2 are encouraging, as they suggest that ianalumab may support longer periods of disease control and reduce the need for continuous treatment.”

ITP is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts leading to an increased risk of bleeding, bruising and chronic fatigue^5-7. Many people living with ITP cycle through multiple therapies, unable to achieve long-term disease control⁷. There is a need for other treatment options with novel mechanisms of action that offer durable responses while reducing the burden of long-term treatment⁸.

“For many people living with ITP, chronic treatment can disrupt their daily life due to the burden of regular dosing, dose adjustments and side effects,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “These positive top-line results from the Phase III study highlight the potential of ianalumab, if approved, to deliver long-term disease control with four once-monthly doses and enable extended time off treatment.”

Data is expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and included in future regulatory submissions in 2027 along with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1. Ianalumab has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency^9,10. Recently, Novartis announced positive top-line results for ianalumab in adults with active Sjögren’s disease.

About ianalumab 
Ianalumab (VAY736) is a novel fully human monoclonal antibody being investigated for its potential to treat various B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s disease, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc)^2,4,11-16. Its mechanism of action targets B cells in two ways, namely combining B cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and interruption of BAFF-R mediated signals of B cell function and survival¹¹. In clinical trials, ianalumab showed promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia^17-19. Ianalumab originates from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, a company which Novartis later acquired in 2024²⁰.

About primary immune thrombocytopenia 
Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets, the cells essential for blood clotting⁵. This can lead to symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, easy bruising and chronic fatigue, which can significantly impact daily life^5,6. 

Despite available treatments, many people living with ITP cycle through multiple therapies, unable to achieve long-term disease control⁷. Current options often focus on maintaining safe platelet levels and preventing bleeding complications and may require ongoing use^7,21. The burden of chronic treatment and unpredictability of relapses can significantly impact quality of life^6,22. There is a need for therapies that offer durable response while reducing the burden of long-term treatment⁸. 

About VAYHIT2  
VAYHIT2 (NCT05653219) is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind study evaluating the efficacy and safety of two different doses of ianalumab versus placebo, in addition to eltrombopag, in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (platelet count <30 G/L) who failed previous first-line treatment with corticosteroids². Alongside eltrombopag, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive four once-monthly intravenous infusions of ianalumab at 3 mg/kg, ianalumab at 9 mg/kg or placebo². The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure, which is defined as the time from randomization until either: a platelet count of less than 30 G/L later than 8 weeks from randomization; the need for rescue therapy later than 8 weeks from randomization; initiation of a new ITP treatment at any time; ineligibility or inability to taper/discontinue eltrombopag; or death². The key secondary endpoint is the percentage of patients with a stable platelet count response at Month 6². Other secondary endpoints include measures of depth and duration of platelet response as well as patient-reported outcomes that measure quality of life and fatigue, among other endpoints².

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

References

1. Novartis. Data on file.
2. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05653219. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab Versus Placebo in Addition to Eltrombopag in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients Who Failed Steroids (VAYHIT2). Accessed July 21, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05653219
3. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05653349. Study of Ianalumab Versus Placebo in Addition to First-line Corticosteroids in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) (VAYHIT1). Accessed July 21, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05653349
4. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05648968. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab in Previously Treated Patients With Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (VAYHIA) Accessed July 21, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05648968
5. Rodeghiero F, Stasi R, Gernsheimer T, et al. Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children: report from an international working group. Blood. 2009;113(11):2386-2393. doi:10.1182/blood-2008-07-162503
6. Kuter DJ, Mathias SD, Rummel M, et al. Health-related quality of life in nonsplenectomized immune thrombocytopenia patients receiving romiplostim or medical standard of care. Am J Hematol. 2012;87:558-61
7. Kuter DJ. The treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)—focus on thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Ann Blood. 2021;6:27. doi:10.21037/aob-2021-itp-04
8. Mingot-Castellano ME, Bastida JM, Caballero-Navarro G, et al. Novel therapies to address unmet needs in ITP. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(7):779. doi:10.3390/ph15070779
9. US Food and Drug Administration. Orphan drug designation: ianalumab—treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Published February 13, 2025. Accessed August 9, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=1018924
10. European Commission. Community register of orphan medicinal products: ianalumab. Updated June 30, 2025. Accessed August 9, 2025. https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/o3036.htm
11. Dörner T, Bowman SJ, Fox R, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Ianalumab in Patients With Sjögren’s Disease: 52-Week Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2025;77(5):560-570. doi:10.1002/art.43059
12. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05350072. Two-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren’s Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1). Accessed August 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05350072
13. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05349214. Three-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren’s Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-2). Accessed August 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05349214
14. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05639114. Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Two Regimens of Ianalumab on Top of Standard-of-care Therapy in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SIRIUS-SLE 1) (SIRIUS-SLE 1). Accessed August 9, 2025. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05639114
15. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05126277. Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Ianalumab Versus Placebo, Combination With SoC Therapy, in Participants With Active Lupus Nephritis (SIRIUS-LN). Accessed August 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05126277
16. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT06470048. A Clinical Study to Evaluate Ianalumab in Participants With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Accessed August 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06470048
17. Bowman SJ, Fox R, Dörner T, et al. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ianalumab (VAY736) in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-finding trial. Lancet. 2022;399(10320):161-171. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02251-0
18. Shen N, Ignatenko S, Gordienko A, et al. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (s.c.) Dose Ianalumab (VAY736; Anti-BAFFR mAb) Administered Monthly over 28 Weeks in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of Moderate-to-Severe Activity [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023; 75 (suppl 9). Accessed August 9, 2025. https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/phase-2-safety-and-efficacy-of-subcutaneous-s-c-dose-ianalumab-vay736-anti-baffr-mab-administered-monthly-over-28-weeks-in-patients-with-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-of-moderate-to-severe/
19. Bradbury C, Elverdi T, Trautmann K, et al. A phase 2 study of ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia previously treated with at least two lines of therapy (VAYHIT3). HemaSphere. 2025;9(Suppl 1):Abstract S238. Presented at European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, June 12‑15, 2025. Milan, Italy. Accessed August 9, 2025. https://library.ehaweb.org/eha/2025/eha2025-congress/4159389/charlotte.bradbury.a.phase.2.study.of.ianalumab.in.patients.with.primary.html
20. Novartis. Press release. Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG for EUR 68 per share or an aggregate of EUR 2.7bn in cash. February 5, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2025. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-strengthen-oncology-pipeline-agreement-acquire-morphosys-ag-eur-68-share-or-aggregate-eur-27bn-cash
21. Provan D, Newland AC. Current management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Adv Ther. 2015;32(10):875-887. doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0240-z
22. Cooper N, Kruse A, Kruse C, et al. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) World Impact Survey (I-WISh): impact of ITP on health-related quality of life. Am J Hematol. 2021;96(2):199-207. doi:10.1002/ajh.26083

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This collaboration applies the latest earth observation data and techniques to map changes in land cover that are relevant to water-related management issues including flood and drought risk reduction, soil and water conservation, and forest protection and restoration.

On 15-17 July 2025, IUCN and Hatfield conducted a field visit to Song Ma District, Son La Province to evaluate the pilot remote sensing toolkit to monitor land cover change in steeply sloped areas, with an emphasis on detecting:

• Agricultural expansion
• Transition from annual to perennial crops and agroforestry
• Canopy cover recovery through natural regeneration or agroforestry development

Prior to the field visit, the research team collected and processed satellite images from multiple sources, including: Land Cover and Forest Monitoring (LCFM), Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (2020), Tree Cover Disturbance Monitoring (TCDM-radar, 2017–2024), JRC Pan-tropical 10 m Tree Cover Density (2020).

These data were combined with analytical methods such as Seasonal Sen’s Slope and Spectral Recovery to assess vegetation trends and recovery, using indicators like deltaIR, R80P and Y2R in 19 demonstration sites in Song Ma District.

During the field trip, the team did on-site assessments and household interviews to verify land cover conditions, agricultural practices, and forest protection and restoration efforts. This helped align remote observations and field realities, and improved accuracy and reliability of the toolkit.

Ground true images at the field used to validate the remote sensing toolkit © IUCN Viet Nam

In addition, the team gathered insights into the drivers of land cover change in mountainous areas, including:

1. Policy-induced agricultural transitions promoted by local authorities, encouraging a shift from annual crops to perennial crops and agroforestry systems.
2. Continued cultivation of corn and cassava on steep hillsides immediately below remaining forest patches to meet local food and livestock feed demand.
3. Persistence of traditional crop cultivation on slopes due to economic necessity by households that cannot adopt alternative agricultural practices, such as longan or coffee.

4. The causes of current forest loss may stem from both traditional agriculture (corn, cassava) and the shift to perennial crops (longan, coffee, fruit trees).

    

   

   Coffee plantation replaced by corn or cassava on a steep slope, squeezing the forest in Song Ma District © IUCN Viet Nam

   

   Forest clearing for corn and cassava on steep slopes poses a high risk of flash floods in Song Ma District © IUCN Viet Nam