Latest news with #MRD
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
East Malaita Constituency Retires 2024 CDF, Submits 2025 Annual Work Plan
The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has formally submitted its 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with the reporting obligations outlined in Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023. The submitted report details the disbursement of about $3.88 million in CDF funds allocated to each constituency for the 2024 financial year. The presentation was made by the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable Manasseh Maelanga. During the submission, Hon. Maelanga also presented the constituency's 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), which outlines community development programs and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth within the constituency. Representing the MRD, PS John Misite'e acknowledged the submission as a positive step forward. He emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure proper administration of constituency programs within this legal framework. PS Misite'e highlighted the importance of annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as critical documents for organizational accountability and transparency, especially when public resources are involved. 'These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,' he said. He also commended Hon. Maelanga and his constituency officers for their diligent efforts in fulfilling their reporting obligations. He also thanked other constituencies that have already submitted their 2024 CDF reports. PS Misite'e called on remaining constituencies to submit their reports by July 31st, reiterating the urgency and importance of compliance. 'I urge all constituencies to come forward with their reports soon,' he emphasized. Hon. Maelanga, on behalf of the people of East Malaita and his constituency officers, expressed his happiness in submitting the report and pledged ongoing support to the MRD to ensure annual compliance with legal reporting requirements. He noted that most of the EMC 2024 budget was allocated to road infrastructure, education support, medical assistance, administration, and other sectors vital to community development. Hon. Maelanga reaffirmed EMC's commitment to its mandate and continued support and purpose to collaborate with MRD, other government agencies, and stakeholders to implement effective development initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of his constituents. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry, his constituency officers, stakeholders, communities, and all supporters of development initiatives undertaken under his leadership. The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and came into effect on January 5, 2024. This legislation makes it clear that any offences committed by recipients of the CDF after this commencement date are subject to penalties. Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as: Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations. With the new CDF legislation in place, it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to adhere to the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding legal penalties. We should view this legislation not as a threat but as a guide to conduct and accountability in managing development funds or public resources. The primary purposes of the CDF Act 2023 are: To strengthen good governance; To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development. Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their respective constituency offices should they need to get more information about how their constituency offices implement their Constituency Development Program (CDP). Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Historic Aufasu–Namoia Road Officially Opens, Unlocks Economic Opportunities For Kwaibaita Communities
8 July 2025 The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), in partnership with the East Malaita Constituency (EMC) Office and communities, on the 4th of July celebrated the grand opening and official handover of the highly anticipated Aufasu-Namoia road infrastructure project. This road historically connects the East Kwara'ae to the East Kwaio Communities along the Kwaibaita River. This transformative road development poised to boost connectivity, economic development and improve community livelihoods within the previously landlocked Kwaibaita region. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Namoia Community High School under the theme: 'Successful Partnerships & Cooperation Bring Successes.' This development marks a significant milestone in the region's progressive journey—transforming one of East Malaita's high agricultural and livestock productive zones with connectivity to markets in other surrounding areas including Auki and Honiara. Spanning nearly seven (7) kilometers, the road was funded by the national government through the East Malaita Constituency Office with $1.5 million of Constituency Development Funds under its Constituency Development Program. The achievement brings to the Kwaibaita residents much relief; ending over 50 years of struggle filled with hardship and unfulfilled dreams. Pastor Machael Mamania of Tasisi Village, East Kwaio, described the road as a game-changer, saying, 'This new road is like cutting the rope of struggles that held us back all these years — lifting the burdens of hardship from our backs.' He emphasized that inaccessibility had long deprived the people of Kwaibaita valley of meaningful participation in socio-economic initiatives. 'I truly express my gratitude to the national government through Honourable Manasseh Maelanga and his Constituency Office for finally cutting the ropes that kept us trapped in hardships. This brings us closer to a renewed hope and opportunity,' Pastor Mamania expressed emotionally. Echoing the same sentiment, Chief Kenley Kena of Namoia village, said the wider Kwaibaita communities are overjoyed to finally receive the new road — something that has been a long-standing dream and a heartfelt cry of their great-grannies, fathers and mothers many of whom have since passed on. 'This new road has improved access to Auki, enabling residents and visitors to travel more conveniently. With this development, individuals can now travel from their homes to Auki and return within the same day, a feat that was previously impossible until this road is developed today. This development is poised to facilitate economic growth, and promote greater connectivity,' Chief Kena added. Ellen Maefiri, a dedicated Community Health Worker from Afetakataka village, East kwara'ae highlighted the road's impact on health services. 'This road represents a milestone for better health and brighter futures. It significantly improves (people) access to health services and clinics in the constituency including Namolaelae clinic on the other side of the river on East Kwaio, and as far as Kilu'ufi hospital, allowing our people to reach vital health services more quickly and safely,' she stated. 'In emergencies, maternal health cases, or patients requiring continuous medical attention, this infrastructure facilitates timely transportation and supply of medicines, leading to improved health outcomes,' Mrs. Maefiri added. Chief Sale Kwakwae of Darisaia village expressed profound gratitude to the national government, Honourable Maelanga, and the MRD for making this vision a reality. 'Accessible roads are more than pathways; they are the backbone of our safety and progress. They enable police to respond swiftly, facilitate effective patrols, and help maintain peace. Investing in infrastructure is essentially investing in our collective security and resilience,' he said. Former Malaita Provincial Member for Ward 16 and local transport operator, Finley Fiumae of Namoia Village, East Kwara'ae called the road a 'dream come true' for Kwaibaita communities. 'For decades, our people had to travel long distances with loads of goods on their backs to reach markets and homes. They travelled muddy banks, climbed mountains 'For decades, our people had to travel long distances with loads of goods on their backs to reach markets and homes. They travelled muddy banks, climbed mountains and walk dangerous paths, but thanks to Hon. Maelanga's vision and dedication, for fulfilling our dreams through this road, providing much-needed access and economic opportunity,' he said. He also praised the positive impact on transportation services and thanked all stakeholders involved in making the project a success. Mr. Fiumae anticipated to see the public transport providers in this region to grow their businesses. In his remarks, Guest of Honor, Honourable Maelanga, MP for East Malaita underscored the importance of infrastructure for national and regional development and the need for continued collaboration and partnership. 'We must work together, share ideas, and strive toward our common goals for the benefit of all,' Hon. Maelanga stated. While acknowledging the challenges of such projects, Hon. Maelanga expressed gratitude to the national government, tribal landowning groups, communities of Kwaibaita, stakeholders, and development partners for their unwavering support. 'This road project demonstrates the power of partnership and shared vision in transforming communities and fostering sustainable growth. 'It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, cooperation, and steadfast commitment,' Hon. Maelanga, highlighted. Similarly, Permanent Secretary of MRD John Misite'e congratulated EMC and constituents for the successful completion of the road project, stating, 'Investing Similarly, Permanent Secretary of MRD John Misite'e congratulated EMC and constituents for the successful completion of the road project, stating, 'Investing CDF in infrastructure like this is not merely about building roads - it's about investing in fulfilling social and economic opportunities, fostering economic development, and building a better quality of life for rural Solomon Islanders. 'Infrastructure is the backbone of development. Every paved road is a bridge to better futures for our people. 'When we pave new roads, we create new opportunities, connecting communities, opening access to education and healthcare, and empowering our people to reach their full potential,' Mr. Misite'e underscored. PS Misite'e also reaffirmed MRD's continuous commitment to supporting constituency offices to ensure such tangible developments are facilitated to improve social and economic livelihoods of rural communities across the country. He also extended special thanks to Hon. Maelanga, communities, stakeholders, and tribal landowners for their cooperation, particularly for opening their land to enable access and fulfill the dreams of the Kwaibaita region. The Kwaibaita region includes East Kwaio and East Kwara'ae communities, and are only separated by the Kwaibaita River which is also the political boundary for East Kwaio and East Malaita Constituencies. This boundary spans along the Kwaibaita River from the coast up through the inland communities along the river. Known as one of the agricultural hubs in the Malaita Eastern Region and for its fertile plain; communities along the Kwaibaita River basin involved heavily in key agricultural activities such as copra, kava, cocoa and livestock production. For so long road infrastructure remains the biggest challenge for the hard-working people in this region. Despite this limitation, rural dwellers along the river basin continues to take extra efforts in agriculture and livestock production. With this road, communities can now enjoy the improved connectivity, bringing relief and opening up new economic opportunities for the people. A direct drive from Namoia to Auki town can now take about 2 hours. Previously, this trip might have taken a villager from 8 to 48 hours to eventually reach one's home village along the Kwaibaita river from Auki or vice versa. This road project equally benefits the people of East Kwara'ae along the river and that of East Kwaio who are only a few meters on the other side of the Kwaibaita River. The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) office under the leadership of the Hon. Maelanga funded the road project through its CDF 2023-2024 allocation provided by the national government through MRD. Discussions are now underway between the East Malaita Constituency office and landowners for further road connections from East to Central Kwara'ae on shorter routes to Auki town. The road works for this road was undertaken by Eastern Esteem Construction. The program for the road opening concludes with entertainment and feasting.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Exact Sciences Announces Medicare Coverage for Oncodetect™ Molecular Residual Disease Test in Colorectal Cancer
MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exact Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: EXAS), a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, today announced that its Oncodetect™ molecular residual disease (MRD) test has received Medicare coverage through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Molecular Diagnostic Services Program (MolDX) for serial use in patients with stage II, III and resectable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) in the adjuvant and recurrence monitoring settings over a five-year period. The final LCD can be found here, and the billing and coding article here, from CMS. This marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to transform cancer treatment through earlier detection and more personalized care. Exact Sciences' Medicare coverage for its Oncodetect™ molecular residual disease (MRD) test in colorectal cancer marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to transform cancer care through earlier detection and more personalized treatment. Share Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer is a step forward to address the more than three million Americans eligible for MRD testing across multiple solid tumors. 1 The highly sensitive, tumor-informed assay empowers oncologists and patients with insights during critical moments throughout treatment. The Oncodetect test tracks up to 200 ctDNA variants and can identify signs of cancer recurrence up to two years earlier than imaging alone. 2 "Gaining Medicare coverage for the Oncodetect test is a meaningful step forward in expanding access to earlier, more personalized insights for patients with colorectal cancer,' said Brian Baranick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Precision Oncology at Exact Sciences. 'This decision underscores the clinical value of our MRD test and reinforces Exact Sciences' leadership in advancing tools that support timely, informed treatment decisions." The Oncodetect test is supported by robust clinical validation studies, including Beta-CORRECT —Exact Sciences' largest MRD clinical study to date—which confirms the test's prognostic power across stages II-IV CRC 3, and Alpha-CORRECT, one of the longest-followed MRD cohorts for CRC recurrence. Its integration with the ExactNexus™ technology platform enables seamless ordering alongside other Exact Sciences Precision Oncology solutions. Exact Sciences is pursuing additional Medicare coverage across other solid tumor indications, building on this momentum to bring the benefits of MRD testing to more patients. For more information, visit About the Oncodetect test Developed by Exact Sciences, the Oncodetect test is a tumor-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) test designed to provide a personalized approach to detecting and monitoring residual cancer in patients with solid tumors. By leveraging the company's expertise in whole exome sequencing, the Oncodetect test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed into the bloodstream by tumors, offering critical insights into changes in ctDNA levels over time. This quantitative assessment of ctDNA (measured as MTM/mL) helps healthcare providers better understand a patient's MRD status and make informed treatment decisions 4. About Exact Sciences Corp. A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS) helps patients and health care providers make timely, informed decisions before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. The company's growing portfolio includes well-established brands such as Cologuard® and Oncotype DX®, along with innovative solutions like Oncodetect™ for molecular residual disease and recurrence monitoring. Exact Sciences continues to invest in a robust pipeline of advanced cancer diagnostics aimed at improving outcomes. For more information, visit follow @ExactSciences on X, or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook. Oncodetect and Oncotype DX are trademarks of Genomic Health, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exact Sciences. Cologuard and Exact Sciences are trademarks of Exact Sciences Corporation. Oncodetect is only available in the United States. References Data source on file. Diergaarde B, Young G, Hall DW, Mazloom A, Costa G, Subramaniam S, Palomares M, Garces J, Baehner FL, Schoen RE; and other members of the Exact Sciences MRD Group. Circulating tumor DNA as a marker of recurrence risk in Stage III colorectal cancer: The α‐CORRECT study. Journal of Surgical Oncology. Hashimoto et. al: The Association of ctDNA with Recurrence in Patients with Stage II-IV Colorectal Cancer: The ꞵ-CORRECT study. Presented at ASCO 2025. Internal product profile of the Oncodetect test. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding our expectations for the commercialization of the Oncodetect test and the performance of the Oncodetect test in a commercial setting. Risks and uncertainties that may affect our forward-looking statements are described in the Risk Factors sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
National Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Invivoscribe Expands Flow Cytometry Services to Accelerate CAR-T Immunotherapy Development and Regulatory Readiness with the Initiation of CERo Therapeutics Phase 1 Clinical Trial
Article content SAN DIEGO — Invivoscribe Inc., a global leader in precision diagnostics and measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, is proud to support CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., an innovative immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms. Article content Through this collaboration, LabPMM (Invivoscribe's global reference laboratories) have customized their multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) services and implemented their sensitive MFC AML MRD assay to support CERo's clinical trial of its lead compound, CER-1236. The trial targets Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in patients who are relapsed/refractory, in remission with MRD, or newly diagnosed with TP53-mutated MDS/AML. Article content AML is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid accumulation of abnormal myeloid cells in the bone marrow and blood, disrupting normal hematopoiesis. 1 Treating AML is especially complex due to its genetic heterogeneity and the high risk of relapse. CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cells) and Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T-cells ('CER-T') therapies, which involve engineering a patient's own T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells, have shown promise in other hematologic malignancies and are now being explored for AML. However, because these therapies are manufactured from patient-derived cells, it's critical to confirm that leukemic blasts are not inadvertently included in the final therapeutic product – underscoring the need for sensitive, validated assays like those offered by Invivoscribe and its global accredited regional laboratories, LabPMM. Article content LabPMM's CAP/CLIA-Validated AML MRD MFC assay, which was designed to quantify residual leukemic cells in patients undergoing treatment, was customized to meet two critical needs in CERo's drug development program: (1) assessing the purity of the manufactured T-cell product by detecting residual AML blasts prior to infusion, and (2) evaluating therapeutic response to CER-1236 during the trial. Article content Kristen Pierce, Ph.D., CERo Chief Development Officer, commented, 'Invivoscribe has played an integral role in the execution of this clinical trial. Its technology and expertise have facilitated our advancement into the clinic by helping to ensure the purity of our investigational product, and now we are reaping the benefits of our collaboration as the trial is underway and we seek to assess therapeutic response.' Article content This collaborative effort was instrumental in advancing CER-1236, which recently received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of AML 2. The designation highlights the growing urgency of integrated diagnostic support in the advancement of personalized immunotherapies and reflects Invivoscribe's commitment to driving innovation and standardization across the oncology treatment landscape – now helping bring immunotherapies to patients faster. Article content For more information about LabPMM's flow cytometry and molecular testing services, please visit or contact us at inquiry@ and follow us on LinkedIn. Article content About Invivoscribe Inc. Article content Invivoscribe ® is a global, vertically integrated biotechnology company dedicated to Improving Lives with Precision Diagnostics ®. For thirty years, Invivoscribe has improved the quality of healthcare worldwide by providing high quality standardized reagents, tests, and bioinformatics tools to advance the field of precision medicine. Invivoscribe has a successful track record of partnerships with pharmaceutical companies interested in clinical trial testing via our global lab network located in the U.S., Germany, Japan and China, and in developing and commercializing companion diagnostics, with our rigorous expertise in both regulatory and laboratory services. Providing distributable kits, as well as clinical trial services through its globally located clinical lab subsidiaries (LabPMM ®), Invivoscribe is an ideal partner from diagnostic development, through clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. Article content About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. Article content CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body's full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells ('CER-T'). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor ('CAR-T') cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo has commenced clinical trials for its lead product candidate CER-1236 for hematological malignancies. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Invivoscribe Expands Flow Cytometry Services to Accelerate CAR-T Immunotherapy Development and Regulatory Readiness with the Initiation of CERo Therapeutics Phase 1 Clinical Trial
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Invivoscribe Inc., a global leader in precision diagnostics and measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, is proud to support CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., an innovative immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms. Through this collaboration, LabPMM (Invivoscribe's global reference laboratories) have customized their multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) services and implemented their sensitive MFC AML MRD assay to support CERo's clinical trial of its lead compound, CER-1236. The trial targets Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in patients who are relapsed/refractory, in remission with MRD, or newly diagnosed with TP53-mutated MDS/AML. AML is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid accumulation of abnormal myeloid cells in the bone marrow and blood, disrupting normal hematopoiesis. 1 Treating AML is especially complex due to its genetic heterogeneity and the high risk of relapse. CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cells) and Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T-cells ('CER-T') therapies, which involve engineering a patient's own T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells, have shown promise in other hematologic malignancies and are now being explored for AML. However, because these therapies are manufactured from patient-derived cells, it's critical to confirm that leukemic blasts are not inadvertently included in the final therapeutic product – underscoring the need for sensitive, validated assays like those offered by Invivoscribe and its global accredited regional laboratories, LabPMM. LabPMM's CAP/CLIA-Validated AML MRD MFC assay, which was designed to quantify residual leukemic cells in patients undergoing treatment, was customized to meet two critical needs in CERo's drug development program: (1) assessing the purity of the manufactured T-cell product by detecting residual AML blasts prior to infusion, and (2) evaluating therapeutic response to CER-1236 during the trial. Kristen Pierce, Ph.D., CERo Chief Development Officer, commented, 'Invivoscribe has played an integral role in the execution of this clinical trial. Its technology and expertise have facilitated our advancement into the clinic by helping to ensure the purity of our investigational product, and now we are reaping the benefits of our collaboration as the trial is underway and we seek to assess therapeutic response.' This collaborative effort was instrumental in advancing CER-1236, which recently received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of AML 2. The designation highlights the growing urgency of integrated diagnostic support in the advancement of personalized immunotherapies and reflects Invivoscribe's commitment to driving innovation and standardization across the oncology treatment landscape – now helping bring immunotherapies to patients faster. For more information about LabPMM's flow cytometry and molecular testing services, please visit or contact us at inquiry@ and follow us on LinkedIn. About Invivoscribe Inc. Invivoscribe ® is a global, vertically integrated biotechnology company dedicated to Improving Lives with Precision Diagnostics ®. For thirty years, Invivoscribe has improved the quality of healthcare worldwide by providing high quality standardized reagents, tests, and bioinformatics tools to advance the field of precision medicine. Invivoscribe has a successful track record of partnerships with pharmaceutical companies interested in clinical trial testing via our global lab network located in the U.S., Germany, Japan and China, and in developing and commercializing companion diagnostics, with our rigorous expertise in both regulatory and laboratory services. Providing distributable kits, as well as clinical trial services through its globally located clinical lab subsidiaries (LabPMM ®), Invivoscribe is an ideal partner from diagnostic development, through clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body's full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells ('CER-T'). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor ('CAR-T') cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo has commenced clinical trials for its lead product candidate CER-1236 for hematological malignancies.
