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Dengue spreads fast in Brazil prompting emergency health measures

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Dengue spreads fast in Brazil prompting emergency health measures
© Reuters. A health worker sprays insecticide to kill the Aedes aegypti mosquito to help mitigate a dengue outbreak in the Ceilandia neighborhood of Brasilia, Brazil February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

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By Ricardo Brito and Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Dengue fever has surged in Brazil’s hot rainy season, forcing health authorities to take emergency measures and start mass vaccination against the mosquito-borne illness.

In the first five weeks of this year 364,855 cases of infection have been reported, the Health Ministry said, four times more than dengue cases in the same period of 2023.

The rapid spread of dengue has caused 40 confirmed deaths, the ministry said, and a further 265 are being investigated.

Brazil has bought 5.2 million doses of the dengue vaccine Qdenga developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda’s, with another 1.32 million doses provided at no cost to the government, a ministry statement said.

Three Brazilian states have declared emergencies, including the second most populous state Minas Gerais, and the Federal District, where the capital Brasilia is located and is facing an unprecedented rise in infections.

Brasilia will start vaccinating children aged 10-14 on Friday with Qdenga, the local government said on Wednesday.

Cases of dengue in Brasilia since the start of the year have exceeded the total for the whole of 2023, with a rate of infection of 1,625 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of just 170.

Army troops have been deployed in the capital to help track breeding spots of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries and spreads the dengue virus in homes and backyards wherever there is stagnant water.

On Monday, the Brazilian Air Force set up a field hospital in preparation for a surge in cases needing hospital care Ceilandia, a densely-populated poor suburb of Brasilia.

Cities such as Rio de Janeiro that are preparing to celebrate Carnival (NYSE:) starting on Saturday have taken measures to prevent an epidemic.

The Health Ministry has set up an emergency center to coordinate operations against dengue across Brazil.

World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom, visiting Brasilia on Wednesday, said this dengue outbreak has been fueled by the El Niño phenomenon that brought increased rainfall in Brazil.

“This current dengue outbreak is part of a large global increase in dengue fever with over 500 million cases and over 5,000 deaths reported last year from 80 countries in every region of the world except Europe,” he said at a ministry event.

South America is seeing a surge in cases of dengue during the southern hemisphere summer, exacerbated by rising temperatures and the El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific that contribute to prolonged dengue seasons and spread of infections, scientists say.

Dengue fever symptoms include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and an itching skin rash. In some cases, the disease can cause a more severe hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding that can lead to death.

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Five9 stock hits 52-week low at $28.74 amid market challenges

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In a turbulent market environment, Five9 (NASDAQ:) Inc’s stock has touched a 52-week low, reaching a price level of $28.74. This significant downturn reflects a broader trend for the cloud software company, which has seen its shares plummet by -58.79% over the past year. Investors are closely monitoring Five9’s performance as it navigates through a period of heightened volatility and shifting industry dynamics, which have contributed to the stock’s current valuation at this low point. The company’s efforts to rebound from this position will be under scrutiny in the coming quarters as market participants look for signs of a strategic turnaround or further indications of market pressures.

In other recent news, Five9 Inc . has achieved an annual revenue run rate exceeding $1 billion in Q2, a significant milestone despite lowering its annual revenue guidance by 3.8% due to customer budget constraints. The company’s adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 17% of revenue, contributing to a strong operating cash flow of $126 million. The company also confirmed plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 7% by the end of 2024, a strategic move projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million.

Five9’s recent acquisition of Acqueon, a firm specializing in proactive outbound omnichannel customer engagement, aims to expand its AI offerings and bolster its growth. This move is in line with the company’s focus on managing expenses and improving profitability, with initiatives like FedRAMP and expansion into India anticipated to improve gross margins.

In their analysis, Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating for Five9, with a steady price target of $47.00, while Needham and BTIG both maintained a Buy rating with price targets of $48.00 and $45.00 respectively. These ratings reflect the firms’ confidence in Five9’s strategic positioning and potential for growth, despite the current challenges and workforce reduction.

InvestingPro Insights

Amid the current market conditions, Five9 Inc’s recent performance can be put into perspective with select data from InvestingPro. The company’s market capitalization stands at roughly $2.15 billion, indicating the size and scale of the business amidst its challenges. Despite the stock’s decline, analysts are showing a hint of optimism, with 20 analysts having revised their earnings estimates upwards for the upcoming period. This could signal a potential turnaround in sentiment or underlying business performance.

Importantly, Five9’s liquid assets are reported to surpass short-term obligations, suggesting that the company maintains a degree of financial flexibility to navigate its current difficulties. Furthermore, while the stock is trading near its 52-week low, it’s worth noting that the relative strength index (RSI) suggests the stock is in oversold territory, which can sometimes precede a rebound in share price. Investors looking for comprehensive analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips on Five9 can find more insights, including 14 other tips, at https://www.investing.com/pro/FIVN.

In terms of financial health, the company operates with a moderate level of debt and is expected to become profitable this year, according to analysts’ predictions. These elements may offer some solace to investors considering the stock’s substantial price fall over the last year. For those seeking a deeper dive into Five9’s valuation and future prospects, the InvestingPro platform provides a fair value estimate of $45.04, which is considerably higher than the current trading price, suggesting potential undervaluation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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TD Cowen maintains Buy on Terns Pharmaceuticals

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TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating on shares of Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN), following the company’s investor call. The call was held to manage expectations for the upcoming Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study data for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The firm noted the challenges in measuring the efficacy endpoint (EP) due to disease progression and the absence of treatment switch guidelines, which makes major molecular response (MMR) a challenging efficacy endpoint for Phase 1/2 trials.

The interim Phase 1/2 data aims to evaluate descriptive efficacy signals, considering patients’ baseline BCR-ABL levels and treatment history. The analyst highlighted that the once-daily (QD) dosing and the lack of food effect could potentially enhance the quality of life for patients compared to other allosteric tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Terns Pharmaceuticals has been focusing on the development of improved treatment options for CML. The company’s approach to dosing, which does not require food intake, may offer a more convenient alternative for patients, potentially leading to better adherence and outcomes.

The topline data from the 6-month Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study is anticipated to be available in 2025. This data will provide further insights into the treatment’s efficacy and safety, which are critical factors in the ongoing development and potential approval process.

Investors and stakeholders in Terns Pharmaceuticals are expected to closely monitor the progress of the CARDINAL study, as it could have a significant impact on the company’s future prospects and position in the CML treatment landscape.

In other recent news, Terns Pharmaceuticals has experienced significant developments. The biopharmaceutical company reported robust earnings and revenue results, with Mizuho Securities maintaining an Outperform rating on Terns shares, citing strong enthusiasm for the company’s drug, TERN-701, a potential treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.

The firm expects the first interim Phase 1 CARDINAL study data for TERN-701 in December.

Terns also announced the appointment of Elona Kogan as its new chief legal officer, a move that underscores the company’s strategic development and pipeline advancement.

The company also secured an extension of its office lease in Foster City, California, through 2027, reflecting Terns Pharmaceuticals’ operational stability and long-term planning.

In terms of clinical trials, Terns has made progress in its ongoing Phase 1 study of TERN-701, with interim findings suggesting the drug can be administered once daily with or without food.

This development, coupled with the forthcoming Phase 1 data for another of Terns’ drugs, TERN-601—an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity—expected next month, underscores the company’s commitment to innovative therapies.

These recent developments, from financial performance to executive appointments and clinical trials, highlight Terns Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing efforts to advance its strategic objectives and deliver on its mission. The company’s activities are closely watched by investors and industry analysts, including those from Mizuho Securities, who continue to support the company’s potential.

InvestingPro Insights

As Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN) navigates the complexities of its Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study, investors are keeping a keen eye on the company’s financial health and stock performance. According to InvestingPro, Terns holds more cash than debt, which is a positive signal for financial stability. Additionally, with five analysts revising their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, there is a sense of optimism about the company’s potential performance.

However, it’s important to note that Terns is not currently profitable and has been quickly burning through cash, which may raise concerns about long-term sustainability. The company’s P/E Ratio stands at -5.71, reflecting these profitability challenges. Despite these hurdles, Terns has managed a 1 Year Price Total Return of 45.42%, indicating some investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects. The anticipated fair value from analysts stands at 15 USD, while the InvestingPro Fair Value is calculated at 5.8 USD, highlighting a divergence in valuation perspectives.

For those looking for more in-depth analysis, additional InvestingPro Tips on Terns Pharmaceuticals can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/TERN, offering a comprehensive look at the company’s financial details and stock performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Macron discussed support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire with Germany’s Scholz

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© Reuters. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz shake hands as they meet during the 33rd Evian Annual Meeting to promote economic co-operation at Evian in the French Alps, France, September 6, 2024.     Olivier Chassignole/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza during talks on Friday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the French presidency.

Regarding Ukraine, the two leaders expressed their determination to support the country “for as long and as intensively as necessary” in its war against Russia, the Elysee said.

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