Principal Statistical Methodologist

3 questions to adrian cuadra leon, general manager of UCB ALPS (austria & Switzerland). A part of your work focuses on rare diseases. In this field in particular, rapid access to innovative therapies is crucial. In your view, what role does patient access play in Switzerland's attractiveness as a pharmaceutical hub? Switzerland has built a strong reputation based on scientific excellence, a highly developed healthcare system, and a culture of innovation. But today, the real differentiator is not only the ability to discover new therapies, but it is also the ability to ensure that patients benefit from them quickly and predictably. When innovative medicines reach patients efficiently, it reinforces Switzerland's position as a country where innovation is fully realized. It also influences key decisions for companies: where to invest, where to conduct clinical trials, and where to scale new therapies across different therapeutic areas. Conversely, when access becomes slower or less predictable, there is a risk that innovation gradually shifts toward countries that are more agile. In today's global environment, this is not a theoretical risk, competition between countries to attract research, development, and launches is intensifying. Switzerland continues to have all the strengths to remain at the forefront but sustaining this leadership will require maintaining alignment between scientific progress and access frameworks ensuring that evaluation, pricing, and reimbursement processes reflect the speed and complexity of modern innovation. Patient access is part of UCB sustainability ambition and is a defining factor of a country's attractiveness as a pharmaceutical and innovation hub. It goes beyond healthcare performance as it reflects how effectively a system translates scientific progress into real-world outcomes for patients across all disease areas, from broad to rare conditions. Not all patients or populations experience disease or access to care in the same way. By continuously deepening its understanding of patients through richer data and insights, Interpharma can better inform its research and development until distribution and delivery. In this way, Interpharma strive to remove barriers to access, such as limited awareness, availability, affordability, accessibility and adoptability, so that patients who can benefit from new medicines are able to access them. You have worked in various European markets. Based on your international experience, how attractive is Switzerland as a location for innovative pharmaceutical companies? Having worked across several European markets, I can say that Switzerland remains an attractive location for innovative pharmaceutical companies, but it is increasingly competing in a more dynamic and demanding global environment. Switzerland has its own independent regulatory authority, which allows for high-quality and science-driven assessments. Combined with a strong and well-funded healthcare system, this creates a very solid foundation for innovation. Another key strength is the quality of collaboration between stakeholders, industry, academia, healthcare providers, and authorities. This spirit of partnership has historically been a major enabler of innovation and trust, and it remains one of Switzerland's defining advantages. At the same time, Interpharma need to be vigilant as over the years, Switzerland has gradually lost positions in international comparisons on patient access to innovative therapies. This is often linked to the fact that, while its system is rigorous, it can also be slower in enabling access and sometimes more restrictive in defining eligible patient populations. In a global environment where other countries are moving with speed and ambition to attract investment and accelerate access, this becomes a critical factor. Competitiveness today is not only about scientific excellence, but also about how quickly innovation can reach patients in practice. Switzerland is still well positioned but sustaining its attractiveness will require ensuring that collaboration remains at the center, and that the system continues to evolve, particularly in access timelines, regulatory efficiency, recognition of innovation and decision-making agility. The Life Sciences industry is a major contributor of economic growth in Switzerland. Taking the example of UCB, since 1996, the company has invested more than 750 million Swiss francs in its Bulle site (canton of Fribourg). According to the study carried out in 2024 by BAK Economics, life sciences is a major industry in the Fribourg economy, generating an added value of more than one and a half billion francs in 2023, this makes it the most productive branch of the canton of Fribourg. In October 2025, UCB announced that it will make an additional investment of more than 100 million CHF in the Bulle site for a new chemical compound manufacturing unit. By 2029-2030 UCB plans to create about 80 new jobs in Switzerland in addition to the already more than 800 employees. The UCB example is a testament to Switzerland's attractiveness for innovation and investment. However, maintaining this momentum will require policies that evolve at the same pace as science and global competition. The risk is that Switzerland could progressively lose momentum if it does not adapt with the same speed as the global innovation landscape. Other countries are already moving decisively to position innovation as a core enabler of health outcomes and system sustainability, not simply as a cost. For Switzerland, the urgency is in the need to continue evolving its frameworks to ensure that innovation is recognized not only for its budget impact, but for the value it brings to patients, to society, and to the healthcare system. With courageous decisions, Switzerland has the opportunity to reinforce its position as a global benchmark, combining scientific excellence with a clear commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients. The development of new therapies, particularly in fields such as neurology and rare diseases, requires close collaboration between different stakeholders. What role does policy play in this collaboration, and how do you plan to strengthen it further as an Interpharma member? Innovation in areas such as neurology, immunology, and rare diseases is, by nature, highly complex. It requires close alignment between multiple stakeholders: industry, academia, healthcare professionals, regulators, payers, and people living with these conditions. Policy plays a critical role in enabling this ecosystem to function effectively. Policy can do more than regulate; it creates the conditions for trust, collaboration, and speed. It shapes how Interpharma generate evidence, how Interpharma use data, how Interpharma conduct research, and ultimately how quickly patients can benefit from innovation. In that sense, policy is a strategic enabler of progress. Switzerland has strong foundations in this regard. There is a long tradition of constructive dialogue and partnership across stakeholders, which has supported high-quality research and innovation. But as science evolves and is becoming more personalized, more data-driven, and more complex, policy frameworks must evolve as well. Looking ahead, there are three areas where policy can further strengthen collaboration: * First, enabling faster and more integrated access to innovation. This requires continued alignment between regulatory approval, pricing, and reimbursement processes, with a shared focus on delivering value to patients quickly and predictably. * Second, unlocking the potential of data and digital health. Switzerland has tremendous assets, but greater clarity and connectivity are needed to fully leverage real-world evidence and support better, faster decision-making. * Third, reinforcing Switzerland's attractiveness for clinical research. Simplifying processes and reducing administrative complexity, while maintaining high standards, will be key to ensuring Switzerland remains a preferred location for innovation. As an Interpharma member, I see its role as an active and responsible partner in this evolution. That means engaging in open, solution-oriented dialogue, bringing evidence and international perspective, and contributing to a shared ambition: making Switzerland not only a place where innovation is discovered, but where it is effectively translated into better outcomes for people. At UCB, Interpharma is committed to ensuring that innovation reaches the people who need it most. Through close collaboration with authorities, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and payers, Interpharma work every day to help accelerate access to innovative medicines while supporting a sustainable healthcare system. This commitment reflects its broader belief that scientific innovation only achieves its full value when it translates into better outcomes for people. Ultimately, if Interpharma align around a common vision, Switzerland can continue to lead, not only through scientific excellence, but through its ability to collaborate, adapt, and deliver meaningful impact for patients and the society.

5 things Donald Trump said today while at Wheeler High School in Georgia. Augusta Chronicle Updated July 22, 2026, 8:48 p.m. ET School is a little over a week away at Wheeler High School in Marietta, but on Wednesday afternoon the gym was packed. State and national leaders joined many supporters and protesters in welcoming President Donald Trump to his first visit back in Georgia since his February visit to Rome. The speech was marketed as remarks on Trump Accounts, investments through the government for young kids, but it touched on much more. Here are some things you may have missed if you weren't there or didn't watch it online: Trump speech today. Trump talked about how Iran is getting hit "so hard" in this "skirmish," but that the country is "not ready to make a deal because every time they want to make a deal, they change it. They're not ready, but they will be soon." He went on to say Iran breaks every deal it makes and that, when it comes to oil and high gas prices, that they don't need the Strait of Hormuz as they will get it elsewhere. Trump Accounts One of the early-known topics the president was expected to talk about was "Trump Accounts" which basically give children investment accounts with a seed of $1,000. Trump called it "hot as a pistol," highlighting how anyone can invest up to $5,000 per year in an account when "for decades, Washington politicians gave our children absolutely nothing but debt." He also invited up a couple of families who are signed up for Trump Accounts, detailing what it meant to them and thanking the president. Business, Labor Trump talked a good bit about business and corporate investment, highlighting things like biopharmaceutical company UCB building a $2 billion manufacturing facility in Gwinnett County and Yamaha relocating its headquarters to Kennesaw. He also said more people are working now than they ever have been, however the unemployment rate is currently at 4.3%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported less than 4% under the Biden Administration and, according to Investopedia, there have been several years of lower unemployment overtime with the lowest being 1.2% in 1944. Trump found several opportunities to take shots at Democrats as a whole as well as individual Democrats. He said "The radical left is actively trying to destroy our children's future with the disaster known as communism." He also talked about how they want to give everything away shortly after discussing how the government will give all newborns $1,000 through Trump Accounts. Trump said of Georgia's Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff that he's "terrible," he reminds the president of "Pinky Herman" later correcting himself to Pee-wee Herman. Endorsements Trump also threw his whole-hearted support behind several Georgians running for office like gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, state senator Brian Strickland who is running for attorney general, state senator Greg Dolezal who is running for lieutenant governor, state rep. Tim Fleming who is running for secretary of state, and U.S. Rep. Houston Gaines who is running for re-election. Trump Accounts for kids. "Trump Accounts" are a program designed to give newborn Americans a stake in the stock market and help build wealth early on. They went live on July 4 with families of 6 million children claiming accounts. Accounts are owned by the children but administered by an adult until the child turns 18, according to Fidelity Investments. IRS rules say you can withdraw funds from a Trump Account on Jan. 1 of the year you turn 18, but that guidance may change. Parents or legal guardians have at least two options for opening an account. The latest, and easiest, is to file IRS Form 4547 online at trumpaccounts.gov. You can also file Form 4547 with a tax return. What did Rick Jackson say at Trump rally in Georgia? Trump eventually invited Rick Jackson onto the stage, at which point Jackson said, if elected, he would ensure the $1,000 in Trump Accounts are matched in Georgia. The healthcare CEO said he's sure it would be approved by the legislature, but if not, he'd personally donate the funds. Jackson, who was dressed identical to Trump, also praised the president and wished the "fake news media" would write more about his accomplishments in business. Who spoke with Donald Trump in Georgia? * U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach * U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon * U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent * U.S. Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler * Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson * Cobb County Superintendent Chris Ragsdale * State Sen. Greg Dolezal, who is running for lieutenant governor * Alveda King, former state representative and nice of Martin Luther King Jr. You can watch the full playback of Trump's rally below: Why was mike Collins not with Trump in Georgia? U.S. Rep. Mike Collins confirmed on X that he could not be at the Marietta event because he's working in Washington D.C. He posted a video saying how much he hates not being able to be there while also praising Trump and urging Georgians to continuing their fight. Trump in kind praised Collins and all of the work he's doing. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email [email protected].

Antengene announces receipt of USD 60 million upfront payment from UCB. * By Antengene Corporation Limited * 2 hrs ago SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biotech company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for autoimmune diseases, solid tumors and hematological malignancies, today announced that the company has received a USD 60 million upfront payment from UCB. This payment is made pursuant to the worldwide exclusive license agreement for ATG-201, a CD19/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) antibody, entered into between the parties in March 2026. ATG-201 is a CD19 targeting bispecific TCE incorporating steric hindrance masking technology, designed to eliminate CD19-expressing B cells. This bispecific interaction with T and B cells through CD3 and CD19 has demonstrated potential in treating B cell-driven diseases by leveraging the body's own immune system for precise and potent action. Under the agreement, Antengene grants UCB a worldwide exclusive license to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize ATG-201, along with access to its associated manufacturing technology. China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved in June this year the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the Phase I ATTRACT study of ATG-201 for the treatment of B cell related autoimmune diseases. Antengene is progressing the Phase I study of ATG-201 in China and concurrently preparing for its clinical development in Australia. The receipt of the upfront payment from this license agreement with UCB has further strengthened Antengene's cash position, providing robust financial support for the advancement of our innovative drug pipeline and accelerating benefits to more patients. Under the terms of the global exclusive license agreement Antengene is eligible for additional near-term milestone payments of USD 20 million subject to certain conditions. The agreement also includes the potential for future success-based development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales. About Antengene Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a global, R&D-driven, commercial-stage biotech company focused on developing first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Its pipeline spans from preclinical to commercial stages, with key investigational candidates including ATG-022 (CLDN18.2 ADC), ATG-037 (oral CD73 inhibitor), ATG-101 (PD-L1 x 4-1BB bispecific antibody), ATG-125 (B7-H3 x PD-L1 bispecific ADC), ATG-207 (αCD3-TGF-β bifunctional fusion protein), as well as T cell engager (TCE) programs developed using Antengene's proprietary AnTenGager(R) platform. AnTenGager(R), is Antengene's proprietary TCE 2.0 platform, featuring "2+1" bivalent binding for low expressing targets, steric hindrance masking, and proprietary CD3 sequences with fast on/off kinetics to minimize cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and enhance efficacy. These characteristics support the platform's broad applicability across autoimmune disease, solid tumors and hematological malignancies, with programs targeting CD19 x CD3 (ATG-201 for B cell-related autoimmune diseases; partnered with UCB), CDH6 x CD3 (ATG-106 for ovarian cancer and kidney cancer), ALPPL2 x CD3 (ATG-112 for gynecological tumors, digestive system malignancies, bladder cancer and NSCLC), LY6G6D x CD3 (ATG-110 for microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer), GPRC5D x CD3 (ATG-021 for multiple myeloma), LILRB4 x CD3 (ATG-102 for acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and FLT3 x CD3 (ATG-107 for acute myeloid leukemia). To date, Antengene has obtained 33 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and obtained new drug application (NDA) approvals in 10 Asia Pacific markets. Its lead commercial asset, XPOVIO(R)(selinexor), is approved in the Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia, and has been included in the national insurance schemes in five of these markets (Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Australia, South Korea and Singapore). Forward-looking statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Investor Contacts: Donald Lung BD Contacts: SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited