Latest news with #MTM
Business Wire
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics Partners with Promega to Combine Complementary Offerings for Enhanced Sample Collection, Transport and Analysis
BETHESDA, Md. & GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics, a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, today announced a strategic co-marketing agreement with Promega Corporation to deliver integrated molecular testing solutions designed to enhance safety, efficiency and flexibility across a wide range of diagnostic settings. This collaboration brings together Longhorn's validated PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) and Promega's Maxwell® automated nucleic acid extraction platform, delivering a powerful, end-to-end workflow to support an all-in-one solution for safer and enhanced virus sample collection, transportation and analysis. Longhorn's PrimeStore® MTM is an inactivating molecular transport medium for both RNA and DNA. The device delivers nucleic acid samples in a time-efficient manner with Promega's Maxwell® instruments and reagent kits, designed for the automated extraction of viral total nucleic acid from a range of sample types. 'The accuracy of molecular diagnostics, PCR and sequencing, starts with high quality nucleic acid,' said Longhorn Vaccine and Diagnostics President Jeff Fischer. 'Promega has proven that PrimeStore® MTM does just that with validation testing on their Maxwell® platform. Samples are safe to handle outside of containment, speeding up the testing time and therefore speeding up the accurate treatment of patients. The Maxwell® platform and nucleic acid extraction kits are now being added to our Instructions for Use.' 'Together, these technologies streamline the workflow from sample collection to high-quality nucleic acid purification without compromising on safety or performance,' said Promega Director of Applied Markets Julie Yang. Longhorn and Promega will showcase their combined technologies at the upcoming Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine conference (ADLM 2025) in Chicago from July 29-31, 2025. Visit booth #3757 to learn more about PrimeStore® MTM and booth #3655 to learn more about the Maxwell® instruments and nucleic acid purification kits. A joint poster showcasing how these technologies work together was presented at the May 2025 Association of Public Health Laboratories annual conference in Portland, Oregon, titled ' Validation of a Novel Sample Collection-to-Detection Workflow Using PrimeStore® MTM, Pathogen Total Nucleic Acid Kit, and PrimeMix® MTB.' A second joint poster was presented at the June 2025 International Symposium of the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians conference in Calgary, Alberta, titled ' Novel Biosafe and Scalable Detection of Influenza A (H5N1, H3N2, H1N1) for Veterinary and One Health Applications.' For more information about Longhorn, visit About Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics is a closely held One Health company based in Maryland that is developing broad coverage vaccines and diagnostic tools for worldwide public health concerns such as anti-microbial resistance, sepsis and to prevent future pandemics. Since its inception in 2006, Longhorn has focused on developing broad coverage vaccines and diagnostic tools that can impact a pandemic on a global scale and at all socio-economic levels. Since pandemics flow between humans and animals, Longhorn products play a significant role to surveil, diagnose, prevent and treat the next infectious disease. Longhorn's core diagnostic product, PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium (MTM), is a patented, FDA cleared, state-of-the-art ambient temperature molecular diagnostic collection and transport device that can help governments, global health organizations, and drug manufacturers improve the diagnosis and treatment of highly infectious diseases such as Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Unlike standard devices for collecting and transporting virus samples, PrimeStore® MTM is the first molecular transport device that can safely deactivate pathogens and stabilize RNA and DNA, allowing enhanced point of care and ambient temperature transport for laboratory based molecular testing and characterization. About Promega Corporation Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company's portfolio of over 4,000 products supports a range of life science work across areas such as cell biology; DNA, RNA and protein analysis; drug development; human identification and molecular diagnostics. These tools and technologies have grown in their application over the last 45 years and are used today by scientists and technicians in labs for academic and government research, forensics, pharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics and agricultural and environmental testing. Promega is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches in 16 countries and over 50 global distributors.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, beneficial to lowest income groups, has severe lacunae in system
A bed-ridden former ward member's wife S. Vasanthi, 70, of Sakkimangalam, a Narikuravar community habitat in Madurai east taluk, lives on the diabetic medicines supplied by the Women Health Volunteers (WHVs) of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM), a novel initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. For the widow, who lives in a shanty house made of plastic and torn bedsheets, if not for the two-months of medicines supply by MTM volunteers, her sugar level would shoot up endangering her life. The MTM scheme has saved her life and penny; however, it has failed to identify any new diabetic person in the same locality. Chinapaapa, 75, who lives alone in her hut in the same locality, says she was not tested nor has any health volunteer visited her to identify any health problems. Her other neighbours, recollecting a health camp which was arranged at the village mid-point near a ration shop about a year ago, say they could not walk up to the camp as most of them were not informed or alerted earlier. The prime aim of the MTM scheme started in 2021 was to enable home-based screening and drug delivery at the doorsteps of beneficiaries. Though the scheme through its 20,000 workforce reportedly reached 5.50 crore individuals through screening - one crore first-time beneficiaries and 3.20 crore repeat - service beneficiaries – the actual follow-ups would be lesser, as per World Health Organization (WHO) data. By focusing on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, high blood pressure, psychological problems, mouth and breast cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the WHV, under the scheme, were mandated to visit every household falling under their jurisdiction and carry out the tests required for identification. According to the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission's survey report on the MTM scheme, the scheme has halved the out-of-pocket medical expenditure for the lowest income groups. The report added, 'Before the scheme started operating, the poorest income group in the survey had to spend over 10% of their monthly family income on treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Once the scheme rolled out, spending on the treatment has more than halved.' Though the scheme has recorded remarkable achievements like bringing the low-income population with diabetes and hypertension under the ambit of government record, keeping them in the government medication records, slowdown of the works owing to insufficient volunteers and irregular medicine supply have derailed the system in certain areas, if not all. A WHV at Keelavalavu, requesting anonymity, pointed out the practical difficulties in achieving the assigned duty like dispensing hypertension, diabetes and other essential medications in colour coded paper bags and checking BP and blood glucose at the time of drug delivery at the households. 'Many a times, due to the workload coupled with the absence of essential drugs and devices, people will be asked to visit nearby health centres like PHC, Health Sub-Centre or Community Health Centre for getting their monthly medical supply and routine check-up,' she adds. Barring a few, many fail to visit the hospital due to several reasons, she notes. A differently abled person named R. Rajasekar, residing in Malaipatti panchayat, falling under Madurai West Panchayat Union, says that a year ago, a medical camp was conducted near his village and he too took the test and learnt that he had diabetes at its initial stage. 'Tablets were given, and I was given diet instructions to keep the blood glucose level under control. I also receive the monthly tablets through a volunteer or a neighbour, who visits the nearby hospital for their routine check up,' he adds. As the volunteers would not visit his house for monthly check-up and he would be asked to visit the hospital, he has not undergone the blood glucose level test for more than a year, he says. It is the lacuna in the system that obstructs the otherwise achievable result of the scheme, says a PHC doctor near Melur. The ground-level difficulties for the WHVs, who are paid close to ₹5,000 per month, were that they would be asked to screen at least 50 people per day in their region, the doctor adds. 'In addition to screening, they should also update their data and deliver medicines according to the public needs every day. This much is expected from the volunteers with just a bare minimum payment,' the doctor states. Resonating with the doctor, the Keelavalavu WHV says, at times when the device to screen patients gets repaired or the battery drains off, they had to spend their own money to buy new batteries or to repair it. 'As there is no travel allowance, that also goes out of our pockets,' she adds. Moreover, the doctor says that the on-ground issues like non-availability of the working population in the households and unavailability of men in houses for screening or periodical checking leave them out of the cycle. An interim report of the State government intended to address the gaps specified carrying out campaign mode of screening for early detection and increased screening in the industries through collaboration with labour department to cover the working population, the doctor notes. Such far-reaching aims of the scheme, in the absence of a vigorous working plan and scheduled supply of medicines and equipment, cannot be achieved, the doctor observes. A. Veronica Mary, a health activist based in Madurai, says: 'Though the scheme gives a perception that it is a success, it could only be for a short term.' 'Our State's rural health system, which is structured around a network of PHCs, CHCs and hospitals, is already well-connected and is robust enough to cover the villages,' she adds. As the 1,700 plus PHCs and more than 8,500 HSCs in the State were based on the 2011 population census, only doubling it would enhance the overall coverage of healthcare. 'The MTM scheme linked with the PHCs will fail if the PHCs workforce is not enhanced and monitoring is not improved,' she notes. PHCs, which are already reeling under an acute shortage of doctors, nurses and health workers, were additionally burdened with documenting and data recording works. In this situation, MTM scheme may not be successful in a year or so, if the PHCs and CHCs are not strengthened with necessary staff and resources, he notes. 'The government should review its performance and release a white paper on the scheme. Only through it, the reach of the programme could be studied and improved,' Ms. Mary states. Many of the villages and rural households were still untouched by the scheme and covering it all would require self-evaluation and introspection, she adds.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actress Hyeri's incredible journey: From contest contestant to K-Pop star
The Power Look That Stole the Show Korean actress Hyeri recently turned heads with her stunning all-black ensemble that transformed any ordinary venue into her personal runway. She nailed the minimalist-chic vibe by pairing a sleeveless tube-top style upper with wide black pants, creating a confident and effortlessly cool look that screams sophistication. Her slicked-back ponytail and sharp heels added that extra edge to her silhouette, while simple jewelry following her neckline provided just the right amount of subtle glamour. Every step she took seemed to flow with an almost liquid grace, perfectly embodying what we'd call "Hyeri's signature chic". The way she carried herself in black was refreshingly light and breezy, giving off those urban vibes that fashion enthusiasts absolutely love - think of how our Bollywood stars rock monochrome looks at airport spotting! This kind of effortless styling has become increasingly popular among young professionals who want to look put-together without trying too hard. The all-black aesthetic is particularly appealing because it's versatile enough for both casual outings and semi-formal events - perfect for the multi-tasking lifestyle of today's youth. The Contest That Changed Everything Here's where Hyeri's story gets really interesting - and honestly, quite relatable for anyone who's ever stumbled into their destiny by accident. Back in the day, Hyeri participated in the 'May Queen' contest organized by a major acting academy called MTM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo This wasn't just any regular competition - it was a proper talent hunt with camera tests, dancing, and singing, offering substantial prize money that would be worth around ₹2-3 lakhs in today's currency. What started as a quest for prize money turned into something much bigger. At this academy, Hyeri befriended someone who later became her ticket to stardom. When her friend mentioned that an entertainment company was looking for new members, Hyeri tagged along just to make up the numbers - you know, like when you accompany your friend to an interview for moral support, except this time it was a Girl's Day audition! The beauty of this story lies in its authenticity. Unlike many manufactured celebrity origin stories, Hyeri's journey began with genuine financial motivation and friendship loyalty. Many young people today can relate to entering competitions for the prize money, especially when you're trying to make ends meet or support your dreams. The Face That Launched a Career Now here's the part that'll make you laugh and maybe feel a tiny bit envious. During the audition, Hyeri did her usual routine - danced a bit, sang a bit - but none of that really mattered. The agency CEO later revealed the real reason he picked her_ "Out of all the people I've met in my life, your face is the smallest". Can you imagine? While most of us are out here contouring our faces to look slimmer, Hyeri just naturally had what K-pop agencies consider the golden standard. It's giving major "effortlessly beautiful" energy that we see in our own stars like Alia Bhatt or Ananya Panday - that natural, camera-ready look that doesn't need much enhancement. This revelation also highlights the unique beauty standards in the Korean entertainment industry, where a small face is considered highly desirable because it photographs well and creates better proportions on camera. It's fascinating how different cultures have varying ideals of beauty - while some regions value fuller faces as signs of health and prosperity, Korean pop culture has made the "small face" a coveted feature. From Accidental Audition to Stardom What makes Hyeri's story so endearing is how unplanned it all was. She literally went to "fill up the headcount" and ended up joining an already-debuted group. This would be like casually showing up to support a friend at a singing reality show audition and ending up in the next season of a major talent hunt! Her journey from a contest participant looking for prize money to becoming one of Korea's most beloved actresses through "Reply 1988" is the kind of plot twist that could happen in a K-drama itself. It's that beautiful reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when you're just being a good friend and showing up for people you care about. The transition from Girl's Day member to acclaimed actress wasn't immediate either. Hyeri had to prove herself in a completely different field, moving from the highly choreographed world of K-pop to the nuanced realm of acting. Her breakout role in "Reply 1988" showcased her natural acting ability and relatable charm, earning her recognition far beyond her idol career. This story resonates deeply with youth culture where family connections, friend networks, and those "I know someone who knows someone" moments often lead to unexpected opportunities. Just like how our film industry has countless stories of people who came to drop off a friend and ended up getting discovered themselves! It's a reminder that success often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes the journey is more important than the destination you originally planned.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘American Idol' Family Mourns Death of Show's Music Supervisor, Robin Kaye
The extended American Idol family is in mourning today at the shocking loss of the series' longtime music supervisor, Robin Kaye, who was found murdered along with her husband Thomas DeLuca in their Encino home on Monday (July 15). With a long history of working at record labels like MTM, MCA and PolyGram, including positions where she licensed music for film and TV, Kaye joined the series in 2009 and is the longest tenured music supervisor in the show's 24-year run. Credited with working on some 300 episodes, she was responsible for clearing thousands of songs for broadcast — from performances by finalists to group numbers to 'home week' themes. More from The Hollywood Reporter Former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada Launches Global Venture Nebula17 'American Idol' Music Supervisor Robin Kaye and Her Husband Die in Double Homicide; Arrest Made Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Compete Against Each Other for an Emmy This Year Indeed, Kaye was instrumental in convincing Led Zeppelin to allow a cover of 'Whole Lotta Love' to be performed by Adam Lambert on Season 8 — a first for the classic rock band. In a 2009 interview, Kaye shared how she convinced the band's representatives to approve use of the song. 'I said, 'This is the time to consider it. If you're ever going to try it, this is the time.' I don't know if Robert Plant knew, but his manager did because his kids were big Adam fans. They watched the show in England.' Kaye was still working on the coming season of Idol at the time of her death. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to many of the contestants who were guided by Kaye during the 16 seasons she served as a member of the production staff. Here are their heartfelt statements – the words 'kind' and 'calm' show up many times in these tributes from those contestants who are devastated by her death. 'Robin was such a huge part of my success on the show. She's the reason I was able to perform 'Falling Slowly' and 'Heartless.' She fought for getting what song I would feel comfortable singing that week cleared. But more than that she was always so understanding and kind. Going through that show was stressful and the people that were understanding and kind behind the scenes made it all OK. Robin was at the top of that list. And it was the same every time I saw her afterward. My heart goes out to her and her husbands' families.' – Kris Allen, Season 8 winner 'I met many amazing people during my time on American Idol, but Robin always stood out as someone I immediately bonded with. She treated me like a son almost immediately. She was caring and understanding of the stresses of the show, especially with choosing a song. She made each conversation with me feel important. I'm so lucky to have been able to return to Idol last year to promote the Broadway Show A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Robin was the first person to text me to tell me how happy she was to have me back, and she went right to work to figure out what songs I would be doing. She will be missed. This is truly an unthinkable tragedy.' – Nick Fradiani, Season 14 winner and star of 'I had the absolute pleasure of working closely with Robin during my time on American Idol. It felt like we spoke almost daily, as she was such a key part of the experience. We used to laugh because she'd always catch me trying to dodge her for a few extra minutes after a performance, especially when she was already asking what I was going to sing next week, sometimes just moments after finding out I made it through to the next round. That was Robin: sharp, quick, always 10 steps ahead, but always leading with care and doing everything she could to guide and support us through such a wild, life-changing time. Robin was such an impactful part of my Idol journey, and I credit so much of my growth on the show to her. She pushed me, motivated me, and helped shape me into the artist I am today. She was a real advocate, especially for artists like me who didn't always fit the typical mold. She made you feel seen and respected while always keeping it real. I feel really grateful I saw Robin recently at this past season's Idol finale and was able to tell her I loved and missed her. We hugged, caught up, and celebrated the historic win of Jamal, the first black male winner since Ruben Studdard. As a black singer myself, I'll always remember how Robin treated me with respect, love, and unwavering encouragement. She played a huge role in my journey, and I'll forever be thankful for her kindness and support. My heart breaks knowing her husband was also taken in this senseless tragedy. I'm sending my deepest condolences to their family, their loved ones, and my Idol family. Hollywood will feel a little dimmer without her.' – Rayvon Owen, Season 14 'I am incredibly saddened to hear the horrific news about Robin Kaye and her husband's tragic murder. Working with Robin on the show was a true pleasure. She had a calming spirit with such kind and compassionate eyes. She talked to me as if she were a friend or family member that I'd known my whole life. She worked hard to help make my dreams (and so many others) come true by getting approval of songs that I deeply connected with so that I could perform them on Idol. (Including getting full approval from Robert Plant and Jimmy Page to do Led Zeppelin's 'What Is and What Should Never Be.' I remember the feeling of being in her presence like it was yesterday. I'm so grateful to have shared that special time with her. May she and her husband rest in peace.' – Haley Reinhart, Season 10 'My family and I are heartbroken over the loss of Robin Kaye. She was a genuine advocate for the artists, someone who truly cared. Her heart was always in the right place, and she remained a friend long after the show ended. Robin championed me all the way through the top 10, and her belief in my artistry helped bring my performance of so many songs, including [Katy Perry's] 'Unconditionally,' to life. That moment was powerful, not just because of the song, but because Robin stood behind it. J-Lo loved how I arranged the song and Robin supported that. That memory means the world to me, and I owe it in large part to Robin's vision and support. She wasn't just a remarkable music supervisor, but a quiet force behind some of Idol's most iconic moments, and a truly beautiful soul. Robin had that rare ability to make artists feel seen and valued, not just as performers, but as people. Her kindness, her insight, and her steadfast encouragement shaped careers and lifted spirits. She will be missed more than words can say. Thank you, Robin, for believing. For caring. For giving so much of yourself. Your legacy lives on in the music, and in all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.' – Olivia Rox, Season 15 'Although we haven't been in touch in recent years, I remember Robin as being incredibly kind and supportive during my time on Idol. She worked tirelessly to help us get our songs cleared and was such an essential part of the show behind the scenes. Her presence and dedication will be deeply missed.' – Pia Toscano, Season 10 'Every week when we went to the producers to sing our song choice for the next show, Robin was our shining light. You'd look around the room singing your heart out and meet the eyes of these legendary producers who've heard every contestant from Carrie Underwood to Adam Lambert. You were giving your best and it was their job to punch holes in it. You couldn't help but feel intimidated. It was necessary, but terrifying! And then you'd meet Robin's eyes. This beautiful beacon of light sitting near the door with her notepad. No matter what, she would always be smiling, and her eyebrows lifted as if to say, 'You're doing great! Keep going! I love this song!' Although she's gone, that smile will live with me forever.' – Clark Beckham, Season 14 'Robin wasn't just a music supervisor, but a friend. While she suggested song choices and gave advice to me on American Idol, what I appreciated even more about her was that she took the time to schedule calls with me long after I was on the show. We would text, and we talked about different paths I could potentially take to remain in the music world while establishing a sustainable career. She didn't have to do that, but she took the time for me and did it anyway. I always had musical conversations with her while on Idol. Several times, it was her song suggestion that kept me on the show during major elimination rounds. There need to be more people like Robin, and I'm truly shocked to hear this news. I can't fathom the amount of hatred in your heart you have to have to take the lives of such sweet people.' – Jessica Meuse, Season 13 'I'm absolutely devastated to hear the news about my friend Robin. Though I shouldn't play favorites, Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted. She helped make my time on the show an unforgettable experience.' – Colton Dixon, Season 11 'I will always remember Robin as one of the calmest, kindest presences on set. She was a true master of music clearance – thoughtful, persistent and deeply respected in her field. I'll never forget that she got [Fleetwood Mac's] 'Rhiannon' cleared for me – a song that had never been approved on American Idol before. That moment was incredibly special to me, and it wouldn't have happened without her. Years after the show, I had dinner with Robin and her husband at their old house in Toluca Lake. It was a beautiful, peaceful place, and they were such warm, gracious hosts. I remember how much they both loved music, how Robin lit up when we met their parrot, and how easy it was to feel at home in their presence. It was one of those evenings that stays with you. I'm in shock, gutted, and utterly heartbroken. Robin and her husband were gentle, good souls — the kind of people who wouldn't hurt anyone. They didn't deserve this. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones, and I truly hope justice is found.' – Didi Benami, Season 9 'Robin was great at her job. As a blind person, there were always some extra considerations for me to work through when I needed to get a hold of music or quickly research new songs to perform. Robin made that process as easy as possible for me and was always willing to go the extra mile. She helped me and a lot of others on our musical journeys.' – Scott MacIntyre, Season 8 'Robin was such a sweet woman. I remember being touched by her calm voice and warmth. We talked on a weekly basis during my time on Idol. Because of Robin I was able to showcase one of my favorite songs, 'Somos Novios' [the Spanish version of the Perry Como hit 'It's Impossible'], which wasn't originally on the list of cleared songs. But she fought for that and made it happen. Had it not been for Robin, I wouldn't have been able to take the risk of singing Beyoncé in Spanish. But Robin found a way to clear 'Oye,' the Spanish version of 'Listen' from the movie Dreamgirls. After going years without speaking, I had the pleasure of working with her last year when I was asked to be a vocal coach for the most stressful part of the audition process – Hollywood Week. Robin still had the same calm and warm energy our team needed to make sure we could do our jobs smoothly, so the contestants could showcase the songs they wanted. I'm grateful for knowing her and hope to leave an impression like she did. I don't know anyone that could say anything bad about her or her character. She will be missed and she will be celebrated for the ways in which she encouraged those around her.' – Devin Velez, Season 12 'Most of our interactions were about the songs I wanted to sing on the show. She was always really sweet, accommodating and humble. She always tried her best to get the songs that we wanted to sing cleared, but if she got a 'no,' she would work quickly to find alternatives for us. I'm shocked by her passing. It is a tragic loss for the entire Idol family.' – Danny Gokey, Season 8 Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were executive producers of American Idol when Kaye joined the production staff. 'Robin was a joy to work with,' Lythgoe tells The Hollywood Reporter. 'If there was a piece of music that she couldn't get permission to use she would have numerous other ideas to offer the contestant.'Adds Warwick: 'Robin was a pleasure to work with. She always kept a cool head in a job that was difficult and manic. She never ceased to deliver and no matter what the stress of a weekly live television show, and she always had a friendly and pleasant demeanor. My heart goes out to her family, she will be truly missed.'The ABC-TV series issued an official statement about Kaye's death: 'We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband Tom's passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.' With additional reporting by Michele Angermiller Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to MTM Assurance Ltd.
BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'bbb+' (Good) to MTM Assurance Ltd. (MTM) (Barbados). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect MTM's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. MTM is a niche insurer operating out of Barbados where it provides revenue loss reinsurance for a limited number of financial services industry partners, which are primarily located in the Canadian market. AM Best's balance sheet strength assessment of very strong is supported by the company's risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). MTM's capital is accreted through its retained earnings with an offset to its projected growth of modest dividends paid up to its shareholders. The company has good liquidity with approximately one fifth of its invested assets held in cash and short-term fixed investments. However, about two thirds of investments are private loans, which elevates balance sheet asset risk. With its limited claims experience, MTM's operating results have been robust for fiscal-year 2024 and near-term results indicate a continuation of this trend. Management maintains strong oversight of operations and has extensive knowledge of its business segment, which contributes to the company's operating stability. In coordination with a third party, the company has developed a process for risk identification, documentation and reporting, as well as for modeling and pricing risk management. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.
