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Mainspring Recovery, a Virginia-based addiction treatment provider, says its clinical leadership is closely monitoring the evolving overdose landscape and will continue sharing insights on the issue as new public health data emerge. As providers working directly with individuals affected by substance use disorders, Mainspring professionals say the changes reflected in state and national data mirror many of the challenges they are observing in treatment settings.

Virginia enters 2026 with signs of measurable progress in overdose mortality, alongside continued strain across emergency and behavioral health systems. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports 1,403 overdose deaths among Virginia residents in 2024 (preliminary data as of January 2026), a 43% decrease compared to 2023. In 2023, the state recorded 2,463 overdose deaths, following several years of elevated mortality during the peak of the synthetic opioid surge.

State officials caution that overdose death data remain provisional until investigations and toxicology testing are finalized, a process that can take months. Recent-year counts may change as additional cases are certified. National data reflect a similar shift. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a substantial decline in provisional overdose deaths in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the first broad national downturn after years of increases. Public health experts describe the current moment as a potential turning point, though not a resolution.

Fentanyl Continues to Drive Risk

Despite the decline in total overdose deaths, fentanyl remains the dominant substance associated with fatal outcomes in Virginia. According to VDH, approximately 79% of overdose deaths in 2023 involved fentanyl or related synthetic opioids.

The continued presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply contributes to elevated overdose risk because of:

• High potency relative to heroin or prescription opioids
• Frequent mixing with other substances
• Variability in drug composition and strength

VDH notes that overdose deaths are often classified across multiple drug categories, meaning a single case may involve more than one substance. This polysubstance pattern complicates prevention and treatment efforts. Even with declining mortality, fentanyl’s dominance suggests that the underlying risk environment remains unstable.

Emergency Departments and EMS Activity Remain Elevated

Fatal overdoses represent one dimension of substance use impact. In 2023, VDH recorded 21,881 drug overdose-related emergency department visits across the state. That same year, emergency medical services responded to 31,360 substance use-related incidents. Emergency department surveillance is updated more frequently than finalized death data and can serve as an early indicator of changing trends. However, like mortality data, these figures are considered preliminary and subject to revision. Providers note that many individuals who survive an overdose require immediate follow-up care, particularly structured treatment options that can support stabilization and relapse prevention.

Dr. Nicole Erkfitz, LCSW the chief operating officer at Mainspring Recovery stated:

“An overdose is not just a medical emergency. It is a moment where the body, the brain, and a person’s life are all signaling that something must change. The period immediately following an overdose is one of the most critical opportunities for intervention. Physically, tolerance has shifted, which dramatically increases the risk of another and often fatal overdose. Emotionally and psychologically, many individuals are in a rare moment of clarity where they are more open to support and change. Structured treatment during this window can stabilize the person medically, address the underlying substance use disorder, and connect them to a recovery community before the cycle continues.”

Broader Health Consequences Persist

Substance use in Virginia continues to influence other public health indicators. VDH reports that injection drug use remains a documented risk factor in a portion of acute hepatitis C cases. Additionally, injection drug use accounted for approximately 6% of new HIV diagnoses in the state in recent reporting, underscoring the broader infectious disease implications of substance use. These secondary impacts highlight that even as overdose mortality trends improve, substance use disorders continue to intersect with chronic health conditions, behavioral health challenges, and community-level strain.

What Treatment Providers Are Observing in 2026

Across Virginia, treatment providers describe a clinical landscape characterized by increasing complexity rather than volume alone.

Common themes reported in 2026 include:

• Higher rates of co-occurring anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms
• Continued relapse vulnerability associated with fentanyl exposure
• Greater demand for outpatient models that allow individuals to maintain employment or family responsibilities

Structured outpatient programs, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services, have become central components of the treatment continuum in many communities. Providers indicate that continuity of care, particularly following emergency stabilization plays a significant role in sustaining recovery gains.

Yitzy Halon, co-founder of Mainspring Recovery says:

“In 2026, one of the realities providers are facing is that the clinical needs of patients often conflict with the practical demands of life. Many individuals would benefit from starting their recovery journey in a residential level of care, but responsibilities like employment, parenting, and financial pressures make stepping away for that length of time extremely difficult. At the same time, insurance pressures often require providers and clients to step down to lower levels of care before someone is fully stabilized, which can increase vulnerability to relapse."

"Because of this, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs have become essential parts of the treatment continuum. These models allow individuals to receive structured, clinically robust care while still maintaining critical life responsibilities. Providers across the field are becoming increasingly creative in how they deliver these services, offering virtual programming, evening treatment tracks, and even programs that include childcare, because the priority remains the same: removing barriers so that people can access the help they need and build a stronger foundation for recovery. Recovery does not happen in isolation from real life. Our job as providers is to build treatment models that meet people where they are so they can still receive the level of support they need.”

While provider observations offer on-the-ground perspective, public health authorities emphasize that long-term trend confirmation depends on finalized state and federal reporting.

A Cautious Turning Point

The decline in overdose deaths represents meaningful progress for Virginia after years of record-breaking mortality. At the same time, fentanyl’s continued presence, high emergency department utilization, and ongoing infectious disease risks suggest that sustained investment in prevention, harm reduction, and treatment access remains essential. As 2024 data is finalized and 2025 provisional figures mature, policymakers and providers alike will be watching whether current improvements reflect a durable shift or a temporary downturn within a complex and evolving public health challenge.

About Mainspring Recovery

Mainspring Recovery serves adults struggling with substance use disorders, including those facing co-occurring mental health challenges. It is a state-licensed and CARF accredited rehab with treatment centers in Dumfries and Triangle (NoVA) and Lynchburg (Central Virginia) offering compassionate, evidence-based care across VA. Our clients are seeking not just sobriety, but long-term healing, life skills, and a sense of purpose, and we’re here to walk that journey with them. For more information, visit www.mainspringrecovery.com.

Media Contact

Dr. Nicole Erkfitz
Mainspring Recovery
nerkfitz@mainspringrecovery.com

Enrollment is now open for the 2026–2027 school year at Virtual Prep Academy of Washington, a tuition-free online public charter school serving students in grades K-12 statewide.

Virtual Prep Academy of Washington offers families a flexible online learning option that combines rigorous academics with the structure and support of live instruction from certified teachers. The program brings a college-preparatory approach to virtual learning, helping students build strong academic foundations while learning from home.

A Rigorous Online Learning Experience

Students at Virtual Prep Academy of Washington benefit from a structured online environment designed to support both flexibility and academic accountability.

Students benefit from:

• Prep-school expectations with public school access: Students receive rigorous academics in a tuition-free online environment.
• Live instruction from certified teachers: Students participate in structured classes rather than self-paced worksheets.
• Flexible learning without sacrificing quality: Families get the benefits of online education with strong academic accountability.
• Opportunities to accelerate: Students can access advanced coursework and college-credit options.
• A partnership with families: Parents stay connected to their child’s learning while teachers lead instruction.

Enrollment Information

Enrollment is open to Washington students in grades K-12 who reside in the state. To enroll, families must complete a choice transfer request form as part of the application process. Families can learn more or apply at washington.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com/admissions or call (509) 866-4106.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online School

What makes online learning different from in-person schooling?

Students complete the same curriculum and meet the same academic standards required in traditional public schools. The key difference is that lessons take place online, giving families flexibility in where and how learning occurs.

Why might families choose online school?

Online learning appeals to families seeking flexibility, personalized support, safety, or a different learning environment. It can work well for students who need a different pace or a schedule that better aligns with their daily lives.

How can parents help their child succeed?

Parents can encourage success by helping establish consistent routines, celebrating effort, monitoring progress through the learning platform, and staying in communication with teachers.

What helps students stay engaged?

Clear expectations, regular encouragement, check-ins, and consistent routines can keep students motivated. Engagement often increases when students feel supported and recognize their own growth.

What equipment is needed for online school?

Most students need access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet space for schoolwork. Some schools may provide laptops for eligible families — contact the school directly to learn more.

Do online students interact with others?

Yes. Online schools offer social opportunities through live lessons, collaborative projects, clubs, and school activities, helping students connect with peers while learning.

What if our family decides to change schools later?

Online schools follow state standards, which helps ensure students stay academically aligned with other schools. If your needs change, staff can help guide your family through next steps.

About ACCEL Schools

ACCEL Schools is an educational service provider to more than 100 public charter schools serving K-12 students across the United States. The organization directly manages or supports brick-and-mortar, online, and hybrid schools tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. ACCEL Schools supports a range of innovative educational models, including college prep, career and technical, classical, dropout prevention, and other specialized academic pathways. For more information, visit accelschools.com.

About Virtual Preparatory Academy of Washington

Virtual Preparatory Academy of Washington is a tuition-free online public charter school that brings college-preparatory learning to families across Washington. Students learn through live instruction with certified teachers, high academic expectations, and personalized support. By combining the flexibility of online education with rigorous coursework and college-credit opportunities, Virtual Prep prepares students for success in college and beyond. For more information, visit washington.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com.

Media Contact

Warren Cohn
warren@rocketshippr.com

John J. Malm & Associates announced today that the firm has secured an out-of-court settlement for the policy limits of $300,000 on behalf of an Illinois woman who sustained severe and life-threatening injuries after being attacked by an American bulldog inside the dog owner’s home.

The incident occurred when the plaintiff was at the residence and, at the request of the dog’s owner, attempted to let the dog out of its crate. As she opened the crate door, the American bulldog suddenly lunged forward and attacked her without warning, biting her multiple times and causing extensive wounds to both hands, both arms, and her head. The most serious injury involved a large portion of skin being torn from her left elbow. Due to the violent and unprovoked nature of the incident, the dog was later euthanized.

At the hospital, the plaintiff’s lacerations caused her blood pressure to fall to a critical level, leading to hemorrhagic shock. She was admitted as a trauma patient for emergency stabilization. A few days later, she underwent surgery to repair the large elbow wound and remained under close medical monitoring.

“This was a terrifying and unexpected attack inside a home where our client had every reason to believe she was safe,” said Naperville dog bite attorney John J. Malm. “She was simply helping the dog’s owner by opening the crate when the bulldog suddenly and violently attacked her. We worked to ensure she received the full policy limits available to help her recover from these life-altering injuries.”

Case Overview and Investigation

The firm launched a comprehensive investigation to document the facts and circumstances surrounding the bulldog’s behavior and the attack. Witness accounts confirmed the dog had been whining inside its crate and that, the moment the plaintiff opened the door, it burst out and began biting her repeatedly.

Medical records, trauma reports, and surgical documentation detailed the severity of the wounds and the plaintiff’s rapid decline into hemorrhagic shock. Photographs and medical imaging captured the extent of the injuries, including the large deep-tissue wound on her left elbow.

Animal control documentation and veterinary records regarding the bulldog’s removal and euthanasia further underscored the severity of the attack.

Injury, Treatment, and Long-Term Impact

The plaintiff suffered deep bite wounds to her hands, arms, and head, including a significant avulsion injury to the left elbow that required surgical repair.

Her injuries triggered hemorrhagic shock, prompting immediate trauma admission. After stabilization and several days of inpatient care, she underwent surgery to address the severe elbow wound.

She continues to experience limited mobility, hypersensitivity, and pain in her left arm, along with emotional distress commonly experienced by victims of sudden, violent dog attacks.

Liability and Legal Issues

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, individuals who own or keep a dog are strictly liable when the animal injures a person who is lawfully present and has not provoked the attack.

In this case, the plaintiff was lawfully present in the home and was acting at the dog owner’s request when she attempted to let the dog out of its crate. The severity of the dog’s response, coupled with the need for trauma care and surgery, demonstrated the dangerous nature of the incident.

The firm’s legal analysis included documentation of medical damages, ongoing treatment needs, and non-economic harms, including disfigurement, emotional trauma, and the lasting impact on the plaintiff’s daily life.

Why Serious Dog Attacks Can Occur Inside the Home

Incidents like this highlight a pattern sometimes seen in severe dog attacks occurring in residential settings. Even dogs familiar to their owners may exhibit sudden aggression when stressed, confined, or anxious. When a dog is released from a crate or other confined space, that stress can escalate quickly.

“These cases are especially difficult because victims are often helping a friend, family member, or acquaintance when the attack occurs,” said Illinois dog bite litigation attorney John J. Malm. “But when a dog causes traumatic and life-altering injuries, the law is clear: the responsible parties must be held accountable.”

Damages and Policy-Limits Recovery

The $300,000 policy-limits settlement reflects the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and the extensive medical care required. The settlement covers trauma admission, surgery, imaging, pain management, and follow-up care, as well as long-term limitations, scarring, and other permanent effects.

“This attack was sudden and devastating, and the consequences will follow our client for years,” said Malm. “Our team ensured that every aspect of her recovery, physical, emotional, and financial, was represented in the damages claim. Securing the full policy limits was necessary and appropriate given the harm she endured.”

Insurance Coverage Issues in Residential Dog Attacks

Dog attacks that occur inside a residence often raise complicated insurance coverage questions, particularly when the injured person is visiting the home or assisting the dog’s owner.

Coverage may depend on how the homeowners policy defines who qualifies as an “insured” or what circumstances trigger liability coverage. Questions can arise regarding whether the injured person was a guest, a volunteer assisting the owner, or otherwise lawfully present on the property.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our attorneys regularly navigate these complex coverage issues to determine who is entitled to assert a claim, identify all available insurance policies, and ensure that injured clients receive the full benefits and protections the law affords.

Dog Safety and Owner Responsibility

Dog owners have a legal and moral responsibility to manage potential risks, particularly when a dog shows signs of stress or agitation. Situations involving confined dogs, such as animals inside crates or cages, can sometimes lead to unpredictable behavior if the animal is anxious or agitated.

“People often underestimate how quickly a dog’s behavior can escalate,” Malm noted. “Responsible handling and awareness of warning signs are critical to preventing violent incidents like this one.”

About John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers

John J. Malm & Associates is an Illinois personal injury firm that serves clients throughout the Chicagoland area and its western suburbs with offices in Naperville and St. Charles. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers represent injured victims of automobile accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, work injuries, nursing home abuse and neglect, dog attacks, slip and fall/premises liability, wrongful death, and other accident and injury claims. For more information, visit www.malmlegal.com.

Disclaimer

This press release was distributed by Law Firm Newswire.

Media Contact

John Malm
John J. Malm & Associates
marketing@malmlegal.com
+1 630-527-4177

Sea to Ski Property Management celebrates over 20 years of bringing excellence in second-home management. Led by principal owners Rufus Frost and Dave Kunz, the company positions itself as the ultimate solution for homeowners in Park City, Utah, seeking a reliable, trustworthy way to manage their premium vacation properties.

Rather than offering rudimentary maintenance, they deploy a tech‑enabled, systems‑driven approach to ensure that when owners arrive, whether for a holiday weekend or a full season, their home is ready, configured, secure, and turnkey.

 “Our clients don’t want to worry about filters, furnaces, or oxygen systems every time they fly in,” explained Frost. “We list serial numbers, track installation years, and set automated alerts to keep a vigilant eye across all systems. The home is ready before they ever step in.”

Founded in 2005, the company keeps this proactive systems oversight at the crux of its methodology. Frost notes that for large mountain residences with multiple boilers and multiple furnaces the margin for error is small. Sea to Ski documents each subsystem with exhaustive detail, logs maintenance via proprietary software, and triggers automated notifications for things like HVAC filter changes or snow‑removal readiness. 

“We understand the meticulous care that needs to be taken for a home,” said Frost. “So, we remain hyper-focused on proactive management and utilizing software to upkeep the basic functionality of the home, so the owner doesn’t have to be preoccupied with it, ever.”

Another pillar is their strategy with homeowners building custom homes. Rather than entering a property post‑handoff, Sea to Ski often works with homeowners during construction, mapping the layout, systems, and warranties from day one. “When the homeowner gets their keys, we’re already the home manager,” said Kunz. “This reduces friction, ensures continuity of data, and gives owners a single reference point for all home‑care matters.”

These turnkey concierge services can translate into trusted readiness for the owners. Whether the fridge is stocked with the preferred wine on arrival, the outdoor lights are timed, snow cleared, or the home is decorated for the holidays with trim and tree in place, the company orchestrates every move with precision and personalization.

Sea to Ski’s tiered service model — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — allows owners to select the level of engagement from essential maintenance to full lifestyle‑concierge support. This modularity, Frost noted, is aimed at fostering transparency and clarity.

Rather than reactive management, Sea to Ski upholds a long-view stewardship model that understands the distinct rhyme of second-home ownership. “Managing these homes requires a balance of hospitality and engineering, ensuring that aesthetic details meet the standards of mechanical systems,” added Frost. “We aim to keep homes performing at their best, no matter how often they’re used.”

As Sea to Ski looks beyond Park City toward other mountain‑resort markets in Colorado, Montana, and California, the underlying message lies in building trust by documenting every boiler, tracking every furnace, automating alerts, integrating with the homeowners, and delivering a home that simply ‘works’ the moment the homeowners arrive.

“For owners who may hover between continents or spend a few short weekends a year at the property, that operational reliability can become the value proposition rather than the property itself,” noted Frost.

After two decades of combining technology and transparency, guided by market expertise and a global perspective, Sea to Ski Property Management is defining the new benchmark for trusted care.

About Sea to Ski Property Management

Founded by Rufus Frost, Sea to Ski Property Management is a premier, boutique service provider specializing in the care of private, non-rental luxury vacation homes and homeowner associations in Park City, Utah. With over 20 years of local expertise, the company delivers a concierge-first approach, focusing on proactive, in-house maintenance and bespoke, high-end services. Consistently recognized for excellence, the firm prioritizes security and convenience for discerning homeowners. To learn more, visit www.seatoski.com.

Media Contact

David Kunz
dkunz@seatoski.com

Dr. Angela Zeng, founder of the St. Louis-based wellness beverage company Karviva, is partnering with Saint Louis University (SLU) to create new opportunities for collaboration between academia and local businesses, helping connect student learning with real entrepreneurial challenges.

The initiative brings together SLU’s Emerson Leadership Institute (ELI), the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship (CCE), and Karviva to provide students with direct exposure to the strategic decisions facing a growing company operating in a national market.

Over the past year, Dr. Zeng, an alum of SLU’s School of Medicine, has mentored aspiring entrepreneurs, shared internal company data with graduate student teams for strategic analysis, and worked with faculty members to develop teaching case studies based on real growth decisions facing Karviva.

For students, the collaboration offers a chance to analyze real business questions involving supply chain strategy, pricing models, revenue growth, and market expansion. For faculty members, it creates opportunities to build rigorous case studies rooted in an active St. Louis enterprise competing nationally. For Karviva, the partnership provides structured analysis and fresh perspectives during a period of expansion.

“As a founder, you are constantly making high-stakes decisions,” said Dr. Zeng. “Inviting students and faculty into that process brings valuable perspective, but it also strengthens the local ecosystem. When we develop talent here in St. Louis, we are investing in our shared future.”

The collaboration reflects a broader call from Saint Louis University leadership to strengthen connections between universities and the regional economy. In his January 21 address, “Great Cities, Great Universities: Leading With Hope to Strengthen Our Shared Community,” SLU President Ed Feser encouraged universities to take an active role in shaping regional growth through partnerships with local businesses.

Through programs such as the New Venture Accelerator, SLU Launch, and other experiential learning initiatives, the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship works to embed students directly within the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Dean Jackson Nickerson of the Chaifetz School of Business says these partnerships provide valuable real-world learning.

“Case studies place students inside consequential decisions,” Nickerson said. “When those cases are developed in partnership with local companies, the learning becomes immediate, and the benefits extend into the community.”

The partnership also contributes to academic scholarship by allowing faculty members to develop case studies based on real companies operating in St. Louis. These cases can then be shared within national academic networks, helping highlight regional innovation.

Dr. Jintong Tang, who leads both the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship and the Emerson Leadership Institute, believes the model could expand across industries.

“When local businesses trust us with real strategic challenges, students learn at a higher level, faculty produce more relevant scholarship, and companies benefit from thoughtful, data-informed analysis,” Tang said. “The next step is to make this kind of collaboration part of the fabric of St. Louis’ economic infrastructure.”

The collaboration will culminate on April 24 with a Case Study Symposium sponsored by SLU’s Office of the Vice President for Research and co-organized by the Emerson Leadership Institute and the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship. The event will feature faculty-developed cases, student insights, and perspectives from industry leaders, highlighting the potential for university-business partnerships to strengthen regional economic development.

Local entrepreneurs, small business owners, faculty members, and students are encouraged to explore how similar collaborations can be developed across industries to support innovation and long-term economic growth in St. Louis.

About Karviva

Karviva is a St. Louis–based wellness beverage company founded by Dr. Angela Zeng. The company develops plant-based functional drinks designed to support hydration, energy, and overall well-being. By combining modern nutritional science with principles inspired by traditional wellness practices, Karviva focuses on clean ingredients and thoughtful formulations while expanding its presence through retail and national partnerships. For more information, visit karviva.com.

Media Contact

Dr. Angela Zeng
angela@karviva.com

Yield.xyz powers Polygon (POL) staking via Ledger Wallet™, enabling users to participate in the Polygon staking ecosystem while maintaining full self-custody through Ledger’s hardware-backed security.

Through this integration, Ledger users will be able to authorize POL staking directly from the security of their Ledger signers, delegate across multiple validators, and manage their staking positions within Ledger’s secure environment. Yield.xyz provides the underlying API infrastructure that connects Ledger Wallet to Polygon staking, standardizing access while abstracting protocol-level complexity.

The integration reflects a broader effort across the ecosystem to embed staking functionality directly into self-custodial wallets, reducing reliance on external dashboards and simplifying participation in network security. By combining Ledger’s secure wallet infrastructure, Polygon’s staking model, and Yield.xyz’s yield abstraction layer, the integration delivers a cohesive staking experience designed for long-term use.

POL staking via Ledger Wallet allows users to engage with Polygon’s proof-of-stake network without transferring assets to third-party platforms or relinquishing control of their private keys. Validator discovery, delegation, reward tracking, and unstaking flows are all surfaced natively, while Yield.xyz manages protocol interactions behind the scenes using audited, production-grade infrastructure.

Polygon’s staking model relies on a decentralized validator set responsible for securing the network, validating transactions, and supporting governance. These validators underpin Polygon’s scalable infrastructure, which supports a growing ecosystem of applications across consumer, enterprise, and onchain financial use cases. Making staking accessible through Ledger Wallet helps broaden validator participation and reinforces the network’s long-term security.

“Embedding POL staking directly into Ledger ecosystem through Yield.xyz lowers the barrier to secure network participation while preserving the custody and risk standards users expect,” said Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs. “This integration expands access to staking in a way that is operationally sound, institutionally credible, and aligned with Polygon’s long-term security model.”

Yield.xyz serves as the infrastructure layer that allows Ledger Wallet users to participate in Polygon staking at scale. Its API standardizes staking access across validators while remaining flexible as Polygon’s validator ecosystem evolves. This approach allows wallet platforms to integrate staking functionality without embedding protocol-specific logic directly into their products.

Security and self-custody remain central to the experience. Users stake POL directly from their Ledger Wallet, ensuring private keys never leave the device. Ledger Wallet provides visibility into staking positions and rewards, while Yield.xyz handles validator interactions and staking lifecycle management to ensure consistency and reliability.

“Ledger Wallet is designed to give users secure access to the always growing opportunities of the onchain economy without compromising on self-custody,” said JF Rochet, EVP of Consumer Services at Ledger. “Yield.xyz added POL Staking to their offering to enable Ledger users to stake directly from their Ledger Wallet, secured by their Ledger signer, choose their preferred validator, and engage with the Polygon network while benefiting from Ledger’s uncompromising security standards.”

The integration also supports core staking lifecycle features, including reward accrual and unstaking flows, all managed through the Ledger Wallet UI. Yield.xyz coordinates protocol requirements to ensure a predictable experience while preserving the underlying mechanics of Polygon’s staking model.

As wallet-native staking continues to gain adoption, integrations like this demonstrate how standardized infrastructure can reduce fragmentation across the onchain ecosystem. Users benefit from direct access to network participation within secure environments, while networks gain broader distribution through trusted platforms.

POL staking continues to be supported via Ledger Wallet, powered by Yield.xyz, as part of an ongoing effort to make onchain participation more accessible without sacrificing security or control.

About Yield.xyz

Yield.xyz is the unified onchain yield infrastructure layer for Web3, enabling developers to integrate once and access over 2,800 yield opportunities across more than 80 networks spanning staking, lending, and liquidity provision strategies. Trusted by leading wallets and financial platforms including Ledger, DeBlock, Utila, Tuyo, Crossmint, Turnkey, Tangem, and Zerion, Yield.xyz powers production-grade yield products with built-in support for auto-compounding, reward conversion, and secure transaction verification. Yield.xyz abstracts complex strategy engineering into simple API calls and enables teams to launch scalable yield products with minimal overhead while unlocking new revenue streams through fee-customizable vaults. To learn more, visit yield.xyz.

About Polygon Labs

Polygon Labs is a global blockchain payments company building and operating infrastructure to move money instantly, reliably, and at internet scale, with the mission to move all money onchain. It is building the Polygon Open Money Stack, an open and integrated stack of services and technologies to instantly and reliably move money anywhere, and put it to work. Its infrastructure has facilitated trillions of dollars in onchain value transfer and supported millions of transactions daily for some of the globe's largest banks, fintechs, enterprises, and consumer applications. For more information, visit polygon.technology.

About Ledger

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2024, Ledger is the world leader in digital asset security for consumers and enterprises. Ledger offers connected devices and platforms, with more than 8 million devices sold to consumers in 165+ countries and supporting 10+ languages, as well as serving more than 100 financial institutions and commercial brands. Over 20% of the world’s crypto assets are secured by Ledger.

Ledger is a digital asset solution that is secure by design. The world’s most internationally respected offensive security team, Ledger Donjon, is relied upon as a crucial resource for securing the digital asset ecosystem. With over $14 billion hacked, scammed or mismanaged in 2023 alone, Ledger’s security provides peace of mind and uncompromising self-custody to its community.

Don’t buy “a hardware wallet.” Buy a LEDGER™ signer. To learn more, visit www.ledger.com.

Trademarks

LEDGER™, LEDGER WALLET™, LEDGER RECOVER™, LEDGER STAX™, LEDGER FLEX™ and LEDGER NANO™ are trademarks owned by Ledger SAS.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Ledger is under license.

E Ink® is a registered trademark of E Ink Corporation.

Media Contact

Apurv Mishra
apurv@yield.xyz

SimplyDepo, a provider of field sales software for distributors and consumer goods companies, has announced the launch of agentic AI capabilities embedded directly into its platform. The new system is designed to help field sales teams lower operating costs and serve more customers without increasing headcount.

The launch introduces a multi-agent AI architecture that analyzes live sales, order, customer, and inventory data to generate actionable recommendations for field teams. Unlike generic AI assistants, SimplyDepo’s AI system operates on company-specific data already inside the software, which allows it to support decisions around routing, stocking, and account prioritization.

Moving Beyond Reporting in Field Sales Software

Field sales organizations face growing pressure to do more with fewer resources. Route-based selling has become more complex as operating costs rise and product assortments grow. While most field sales software platforms focus on digitizing orders and visits, many still rely on managers and reps to manually interpret data and decide what to do next. SimplyDepo’s new agentic AI layer is intended to close that gap.

Instead of acting as a passive system of record, the software now evaluates patterns across orders, customers, and inventory to recommend concrete actions. These include which customers to visit next, which products are likely to stock out, and where routes can be adjusted to reduce travel time, along with analysis of order data to identify recurring sales patterns. 

How SimplyDepo’s Agentic AI System Works

At the center of the new system is a Main Agent that functions as an intelligent router. When a user asks a question or requests insight, the Main Agent determines which specialized agent should handle the task. Each request passes through input/output validation to ensure relevance. Responses are checked before delivery to reduce errors and hallucinations. 

Specialized Agents Built for Field Sales Workflows

SimplyDepo’s AI system currently includes four specialized agents, each focused on a core area of field sales execution.

• Customer Agent: The Customer Agent analyzes customer profiles and historical purchases to identify trends at the account level. It highlights changes in buying behavior and recommends products based on actual demand patterns. For reps, this supports more informed store visits and fewer missed sales opportunities.
• Orders Agent: The Orders Agent analyzes order data across all customers to identify recurring sales patterns, including commonly purchased product bundles. The insights help teams adjust sales strategies based on observed demand trends.
• Catalog Agent: The Catalog Agent tracks inventory levels and sales velocity for individual products. It flags items at risk of stockout and recommends reorders or promotions based on real movement data. The agent allows teams to plan stock more accurately and reduce excess inventory.
• FAQ Agent: The FAQ Agent acts as a built-in assistant trained on SimplyDepo’s documentation and best practices. It helps users understand platform features and navigate common sales scenarios. Its aim is to reduce reliance on support and shorten onboarding time.

Benefits of SimplyDepo’s Agentic AI

• Offers data-driven recommendations, not generic AI outputs: SimplyDepo emphasizes that the AI system is designed to work exclusively with user-specific operational data. Rather than relying on generalized models, the agents analyze each company’s actual orders, customers, routes, and catalog structure. This is a key differentiator from standalone AI tools that generate advice without understanding how a field sales operation actually runs.
• Reduces costs through smarter routes and planning: One of the most immediate impacts of the new AI system is route efficiency. By combining customer demand signals with historical visit data, the software can help teams plan routes that reduce unnecessary travel. Reps spend less time driving between low-priority stops and more time visiting customers who are ready to order. It can lead to lower fuel costs, more visits completed per day, and reduced physical strain on sales teams. Over time, organizations can cover more accounts with the same number of reps. These gains are relevant for distributors and CPG companies operating large territories where travel time directly affects profitability.
• Improves demand forecasting and inventory accuracy: Inventory planning remains a major challenge in field sales operations. Stockouts lead to missed revenue and damaged customer relationships, while overstock ties up cash and warehouse space. The Orders Agent and Catalog Agent work together to improve demand prediction. By analyzing order history and sales velocity, the system helps teams anticipate product needs earlier and plan replenishment more precisely. That way, teams can reduce last-minute restocking and support more stable supply chains. For companies managing large catalogs with varying demand patterns across regions, this system is especially useful.
• Scaling sales without increasing headcount: Hiring additional field reps is expensive and slow, more so in competitive labor markets. Many organizations are looking for ways to expand coverage without growing their teams. SimplyDepo’s agentic AI is designed to increase the capacity of existing reps.

With clearer priorities, optimized routes, better stock planning, and easy access to knowledge base, reps can manage more accounts without extending work hours. Managers gain clearer insight into how recommendations are formed, which supports more confident decision-making. Over time, the agentic AI is expected to reduce ad-hoc firefighting and keep teams focused on planned sales execution.

How SimplyDepo Supports Field Sales Today and How the Agentic AI Builds on It

Even before the agentic AI layer, SimplyDepo delivers the operational workflows field teams rely on: routing, inventory, order capture, and CRM in one system. The core functionalities include: 

• Retail execution: SimplyDepo provides tools to ensure perfect shelf presentation and verify in-store compliance. Field teams can conduct digital audits using customizable templates to track planogram compliance and capture photos of displays. The system offers real-time visibility into shelf conditions, so managers can identify stock shortages immediately and make data-driven decisions to optimize product placement.
• Route planning: The platform includes features to optimize logistics and reduce travel costs. It offers dynamic route planning with a drag-and-drop editor to adjust stops quickly and real-time traffic integration to avoid delays. Managers can automate route creation based on appointments and track driver locations live to ensure efficient territory coverage.
• Distribution management: SimplyDepo manages the entire distribution workflow by connecting inventory, orders, and fulfillment. It supports multi-warehouse management, so businesses can allocate stock based on demand and route efficiency. The system automates invoicing and payments. As a result, field sales teams can replace manual data entry and reduce errors in the delivery process.
• Field sales: SimplyDepo empowers sales reps with mobile tools that work offline. Reps can access real-time inventory, pricing, and customer history to place orders instantly from the field. Managers gain visibility into rep activities and performance through live tracking.
• B2B order management: Businesses can track and process orders from a single dashboard on SimplyDepo. The B2B customer portal lets clients place their own orders, view real-time inventory, and track shipment status. SimplyDepo also supports custom pricing tiers and automated reordering to speed up sales cycles.
• CRM for distributors: SimplyDepo also functions as a specialized CRM for the wholesale industry. It helps sales teams track customer interactions and use account context to guide ongoing sales engagement over time.

The Agentic AI Layer Extends SimplyDepo’s Operational Foundation

The addition of agentic AI expands SimplyDepo’s foundation by embedding decision intelligence directly into the daily workflows used by field teams and managers. Instead of isolating insights in dashboards or post-activity reports, the agentic AI system delivers recommendations directly within daily workflows, while reps are placing orders, planning routes, or managing store visits. Real-time guidance shifts SimplyDepo from a system that reports on field activity to one that actively supports field sales decisions.

iFLYTEK, a leading global AI company, showcased its full-stack AI hardware and software products and global solutions at MWC26, highlighting its progress in independent computing power, sovereign AI, global deployment, and practical AI applications.

In response to evolving global computing environments, iFLYTEK has built a fully independent computing system for its Spark LLM, collaborating with partners including Huawei to support end-to-end model training and inference using domestic chips. This self-reliant architecture ensures stability, security, and scalability. Spark LLM has been widely deployed in education, healthcare, office, and industrial sectors across China. For global markets, iFLYTEK currently integrates leading global models such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT to deliver localized experiences and plans to gradually launch Spark LLM overseas in a compliance-first way.

On sovereign AI, iFLYTEK defined the concept as data localization, on-premises model deployment and customized model training for enterprises and governments, in line with local data governance rules. The firm acts as a neutral technology provider, supporting digital transformation while fully respecting regional legal and security requirements.

iFLYTEK disclosed the U.S. market currently makes up about 30% to 40% of its international revenue, and this share is set to decline over time. It will accelerate expansion in the Middle East, Japan, South Korea, Europe and Southeast Asia, where demand for secure, compliant AI solutions is rising rapidly.

iFLYTEK differentiates itself by turning advanced AI into ready-to-use hardware and software products for consumers, businesses, and public sectors. At MWC 2026, it displayed dozens of scenario-based solutions, emphasizing that true AI value comes from real-world application, not just model capabilities.

At MWC2026, iFLYTEK reinforced its role as a responsible, reliable, and forward-thinking global AI partner, working with customers worldwide to build a smarter, more connected, and more trusted digital future.

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) today commended the Connecticut and the Connecticut General Assembly for passing legislation to expand and strengthen the state’s psychedelic-assisted therapy pilot program — a move that aligns Connecticut with emerging federal regulatory pathways and positions the state as a responsible contributor to the growing body of clinical research on psychedelic-assisted therapies. 

The measure, recently advanced by lawmakers, updates the existing framework to better align with emerging federal regulatory pathways and anticipated review processes at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. By refining eligibility criteria and extending the program’s operational timeline, Connecticut has positioned itself to contribute responsibly to the growing body of research surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapies.

SABER supports policies that encourage rigorous scientific evaluation while maintaining appropriate clinical safeguards. The expansion reflects a research-driven approach that recognizes the increasing volume of peer-reviewed literature on psychedelic-assisted interventions for serious mental health conditions while ensuring that patient safety and institutional oversight remain central.

“State-level pilot programs that are embedded within academic medical centers create an opportunity to generate high-quality clinical data under controlled conditions,” said Dr. Mary Hardy, a member of SABER’s Scientific Steering Committee. “When investigational therapies are studied within structured protocols that include defined dosing parameters, screening criteria, adverse event monitoring, and independent oversight, the resulting data can meaningfully inform both federal review processes and long-term public health policy. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that patients have access to safe, well-studied therapies grounded in real clinical evidence. High-quality scientific research in this field is essential for safe, effective clinical care and appropriate regulation to ensure access without sacrificing quality.”

About Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER)

Media Contact

Paloma Lehfeldt
info@saberscience.org

AI ethics researcher and governance expert Fabrizio Degni has introduced the PALO (Principled AI Lifecycle Orchestration) framework, a governance model designed to help organizations operationalize responsible artificial intelligence across the full AI lifecycle. The framework aims to translate ethical principles into measurable governance practices at a time when global conversations around AI accountability, transparency, and regulatory oversight are intensifying.

The worldwide discussion about AI is getting louder and louder, and Fabrizio Degni is positioned right at the crossroads of morality, administration, and technology, being one of the foremost opinion makers who influence the responsible march of AI towards a human-centered digital future. Guided by the principle, “Ask not if it can be done, nor how, but only if it should be done,” he advocates an approach in which technological advancement is always accompanied by transparency, accountability and integrity.

Degni's thoughts go much further than machines and data. He is the Chief AI Officer, AI Ethics and Governance Researcher, and President of the Italy Chapter for the Global Council for Responsible AI. His advanced credentials include ISO 42001:2023 AI System Management and ISO 9001 certifications, as well as designation as a Certified AI Ethics & Governance Professional (CAEGP). He is also an official member of the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA), contributing to multiple working groups, including P3474, P2834.1, P3454, the Data Privacy Process Standard, and P7014.1. Degni is also a member of UNINFO’s AI Working Group UNINFO AI UNI/CT 533. The newly introduced PALO framework reflects Degni’s broader effort to bridge the gap between high-level ethical principles and operational governance within organizations adopting AI technologies.

Operationalizing Responsible AI Through the PALO Framework

The PALO (Principled AI Lifecycle Orchestration) framework is Fabrizio Degni’s evidence-driven approach to Responsible AI governance, designed to embed accountability throughout the entire AI lifecycle. Instead of relying on isolated compliance reviews or static ethical guidelines,PALO integrates governance into each stage of AI development and deployment, including ideation, development, deployment, monitoring, and eventual system decommissioning.

The framework evaluates AI systems through five core dimensions:

• Ethical integrity
• Technical robustness and safety
• Business value
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Socio-environmental impact

PALO emphasizes measurable governance indicators, including bias detection scores, audit-trail coverage, harmful-output rates, and energy-per-query metrics. These measurable indicators are intended to help organizations align AI systems with emerging global governance standards, including ISO frameworks, OECD guidance, NIST principles, and the EU AI Act and ISO 42001:2023 AI Management Systems. Anchored in Degni’s philosophy that “what you can’t measure, you can’t improve,” the framework is designed to provide organizations with a continuous governance architecture intended to support transparent and accountable AI deployment.

Industry Engagement and Global Dialogue on Responsible AI

Fabrizio Degni has also contributed to the broader international conversation surrounding AI governance through several major industry events. He recently served as the Opening Keynote Speaker at theIDC AI Summit in Milan, one of Europe’s gatherings focused on digital transformation and emerging technologies. His speech examined ethical and social considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence, including cognitive bias, decision-making offloading, human-machine trust, and cultural changes driven by algorithmic systems.

Degni also participated as a speaker at the IEEE Digital Privacy Symposium on Privacy Expectations (ISOPE) 2025 in New York City, where he introduced the Dynamic Digital Privacy (DDP) framework, an adaptive governance model intended to address privacy challenges in AI-driven data environments. During the presentation, Degni examined the limitations of static privacy regulations and discussed the need for governance models capable of adapting to emerging technological risks such as deepfakes, AI inference attacks, brain-computer interfaces, and potential quantum computing threats.

Recognition for Contributions to Ethical AI

Degni’s work in responsible AI governance was also recognized at the AI Awards Italy 2025, where he received the Premio per l’Impegno Etico nella Cultura Algoritmica (Award for Ethical Commitment in Algorithmic Culture). The award acknowledges his contributions to promoting transparency in algorithmic systems and advancing public awareness of AI ethics. According to the organizers, the recognition reflects Degni’s efforts to encourage fairness in data-driven models, ethical oversight in AI systems, and broader public understanding of algorithmic accountability.

Ongoing Work in International AI Governance

Degni remains active in international AI governance initiatives. As President of the Italy Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI, he contributes to a network of more than 500 members across 71 countries working to advance responsible AI governance and policy dialogue. He also recently served as a panelist at AIFOD 2025 at the United Nations Palaces in Vienna, speaking during the “Data Quality” session about the role of transparency, accuracy, and accountability in managing modern data systems.

Research Contributions

In addition to his governance work, Degni contributes to academic and interdisciplinary research on AI ethics and digital identity. His research paper “The Afterlife in the Age of AI: A Psychological, Ethical, and Technological Analysis” (2025) explores how emerging technologies are reshaping discussions around digital identity, memory, and ethical boundaries in AI-mediated environments. Degni continues to publish work through academic platforms, including ResearchGate, where his research focuses on AI governance frameworks, sociotechnical systems, and ethical oversight mechanisms.

Education and Professional Development

A lifelong learner, Degni holds the AI CERTs™ AI+ Executive Certification (score 90/100, May 2025) along with advanced certifications from Stanford University, edX, Copenhagen Business School, Microsoft, and Politecnico di Milano. His professional qualifications, including ISO 42001:2023 AI System Management and ISO 9001 certifications, support his designation as a Certified AI Ethics & Governance Professional (CAEGP). Reflecting on the role of ethics in emerging technologies, Degni stated: “AI has to show our common values and not replace them. The future of AI is not only about what machines can do, but also about the values that humanity chooses to uphold.”

About Fabrizio Degni

Fabrizio Degni is Chief AI Officer, AI Ethics and Governance Researcher, and President of the Italy Chapter for the Global Council for Responsible AI. His credentials include ISO 42001:2023 AI System Management and ISO 9001 certifications and designation as a Certified AI Ethics & Governance Professional (CAEGP). He works at Webuild and is enrolled in the Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) Executive MBA, while also pursuing a Doctorate in Computer Science at EIMT. In recognition of his contributions to responsible AI and ethical innovation, Fabrizio Degni joined the Scientific Committee of the Human Economic Forum. He is a member of the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA), contributing to working groups including P3474 (H.I. AI Alignment in Autonomous Driving Agents), P2834.1 (Digital Forensics on Trusted Learning Systems), P3454 (Cloud Computing — Operational Resilience), the Data Privacy Process Standard, and P7014.1 (Ethical Design of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems). Degni is also a member of UNINFO’s AI Working Group (UNINFO AI UNI/CT 533) and is internationally recognized for his work advancing responsible and human-centered artificial intelligence governance. For more information, follow on LinkedIn. 

Media Contact

Fabrizio Degni
Global Council for Responsible AI
sev7en@gmail.com

Shipfinex FZCO, a digital platform dedicated to the democratization of the maritime economy, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for a broker-dealer license.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in Shipfinex’s mission to enable fractional ownership of ships through compliant, transparent, and regulated pathways. The In-Principle Approval validates that Shipfinex FZCO has met VARA’s rigorous initial requirements regarding compliance, security, and operational capability.

As the maritime industry seeks new avenues for capital and liquidity, Shipfinex utilizes distributed ledger technology to tokenize maritime assets, converting them into Maritime Asset Tokens (MATs). This process allows investors to hold fractional ownership rights in ships, providing access to an asset class traditionally reserved for institutional funds.

"Securing this In-Principle Approval from VARA is a testament to our commitment to building a fully regulated, secure, and transparent ecosystem for shipping finance," said Capt. Vikas Pandey, founder and CEO of Shipfinex. "Dubai is rapidly becoming a global hub for virtual assets, and we are proud to align our operational standards with VARA’s progressive regulatory framework to protect our investors."

"The maritime industry is one of the oldest and most vital pillars of the global economy, yet its financial structures have remained largely unchanged for decades," added Vivek Seth, chairman of Shipfinex. "This approval is a validation of our vision to integrate the reliability of traditional shipping with the efficiency of the digital economy."

Dipak Karki, CFO of Shipfinex, commented, "This is an evolutionary step for ship finance, impacting both debt and equity through technology. It allows the exchange to be an efficient, transparent platform for individuals and institutions to share economic ownership of a vessel, a model now validated by a world-class regulator."

Next Steps

Shipfinex FZCO will now proceed to satisfy the remaining conditions required to secure the full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. The platform offers investors a seamless, regulated environment to own fractional ownership in ships, with complete security, transparency, and professional governance.

About Shipfinex

Shipfinex is a regulated platform building the financial evolution of the maritime industry. By leveraging RWA tokenization and distributed ledger technology (DLT), Shipfinex enables ship owners to unlock liquidity and allows investors to participate in maritime assets. For more information, visit www.shipfinex.com.

R3 Bio announced the release of its 2026 research report outlining early-stage progress in developing integrated, stem cell-derived biological platforms designed to reduce reliance on animal testing in preclinical research.

The report details the company's focus on interconnected tissue systems that more closely replicate whole-organism biological dynamics, aiming to improve translational relevance in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. All research remains pre-commercial and exploratory.

Addressing Limitations in Preclinical Research

R3 Bio focuses on biologically interconnected systems and integrated tissue networks rather than isolated organ models. Traditional preclinical research models often examine single tissues under controlled laboratory conditions. In contrast, the company studies cross-tissue biological architectures that reflect biological interactions seen in living organisms.

The company's approach reflects growing recognition that reductionist in vitro systems and animal research capture only part of human biology. Single-model methodology can give a mechanistic understanding but can fail to capture feedback loops, metabolic interactions, and immune responses with effects on the outcome. Researchers increasingly favor strategies that assess interconnected systems of biological behavior.

Regulatory and Ethical Shifts in Research Standards

Regulations are also shifting toward humane research alternatives that maintain the same rigor while promoting ethical standards in biomedical research. Overseeing agencies are considering approved alternatives to animal testing as part of a broader initiative to promote more human-relevant research.

The debate over regulatory matters across international borders encourages sponsors to obtain more data on outcomes across different models, underscoring the importance of cross-system assessment.

Ethical Alignment and Systems Integration

R3 Bio positions its exploratory programs within the broader shift toward ethically driven life sciences. The company focuses on responsible model development and ethics-forward scientific innovation as part of its participation in morally responsible medical research.

The company also seeks to collaborate on therapeutic research with life-saving potential by creating multi-system regenerative platforms founded on lab-grown biological models as part of its efforts to provide alternatives to animal testing.

Within the broader regenerative medicine field, long-term scientific discussions include advanced tissue regeneration and other highly theoretical areas of investigation. These concepts remain complex and exploratory, including discussions around full-body replacement.

"The research economy is distorted by a gauntlet of complications that are directly downstream of animal testing; resolving those ethical issues resolves the primary impediments to progress," said Alice Gilman, chief operating officer of R3 Bio. "We are building platforms that reflect whole-body biological dynamics rather than studying isolated components which fail to reflect the most important full system interactions. Now the heaviest cost is no longer prohibitive. Unit price of insight will not be in lives."

R3 Bio continues to refine its approach to ethics-led regenerative science as part of its long-term contribution to life-preserving medical science and life-saving medical innovation, grounded in biomedical research and ethics-forward scientific innovation.

About R3 Bio

R3 Bio is a stealth-mode biotechnology company conducting exploratory research into systems-level biological platforms derived from stem cell research, reprogramming, and regenerative processes. The company focuses on developing integrated bio platform models designed to strengthen translational relevance and contribute to advancing life-saving therapies through responsible scientific design. The research is in its early stage, with no associated commercial product or clinical timeline. For more information, visit r3-bio.com. 

Media Contact

Alice Gilman
Chief Operating Officer, R3 Bio
alice@r3-bio.com
+1 510-660-5888

Korter.ge, a Georgian real estate marketplace, has introduced a set of digital tools aimed at increasing transparency in the country’s residential property sector, as international interest in Georgian housing continues to grow. The platform now provides structured construction progress tracking and historical pricing data across new residential developments, allowing buyers and investors to better assess projects and market conditions.

Georgia’s housing market has seen rising attention from foreign buyers and investors in recent years, driven by relatively affordable property prices, an expanding tourism sector and increasing interest in the country as a destination for relocation and long-term investment. However, access to standardized and comparable market information has remained limited, particularly in the segment of new residential developments.

Korter.ge’s newly introduced tools are designed to address this gap by consolidating fragmented property data into structured, accessible formats. The platform aggregates information on more than 500 residential developments in Tbilisi and other major Georgian cities, including Batumi, where it features data on more than 250 residential projects, enabling users to compare developments based on construction stage, price dynamics and location-specific benchmarks.

One of the key additions is a construction progress tracking system that provides visual and chronological updates on development stages. Buyers can view year-by-year construction progress, including photographic documentation and current project status, helping reduce uncertainty associated with off-plan property purchases.

In addition, the platform now offers historical pricing data that allows users to monitor how apartment prices have evolved over time within individual developments and across city districts. These tools provide district-level price benchmarks, price-per-square-meter comparisons and minimum price indicators, supporting more informed decision-making for both local and international buyers.

Interactive geographic mapping further enables users to explore residential projects spatially, compare nearby developments and evaluate infrastructure context. By combining construction timelines, price history and location data, Korter.ge aims to create a more transparent digital environment for property selection in an emerging market where reliable information is often dispersed across multiple sources.

Beyond market data tools, Korter.ge has also implemented artificial intelligence-powered solutions to improve the quality of property listings. The system automatically refines user-generated descriptions, correcting language issues and improving clarity while preserving the original meaning and writing style. The platform operates in three languages — Georgian, Russian and English — making these enhancements particularly valuable in a multilingual marketplace where listings are often created in one language but viewed by buyers from different regions, especially English-speaking audiences.

The AI layer also enhances translation accuracy, enabling more consistent and understandable listings for international audiences evaluating Georgian residential property. By improving the readability and structure of listings, the platform aims to reduce informational barriers that can complicate cross-border property searches.

“Transparent market data is becoming increasingly important as international interest in Georgian residential real estate grows,” said Stanislav Skliarovskyi, CEO of Korter. “Structured construction timelines and historical pricing visibility help buyers better understand project risks and market conditions, while AI tools improve how property information is presented to diverse audiences.”

The introduction of these features reflects broader digitalization trends in emerging real estate markets, where online platforms are evolving from listing aggregators into infrastructure providers for market analytics and risk assessment. Enhanced access to structured data may help reduce information asymmetry between developers and buyers and support more efficient market dynamics.

As Georgia continues to attract foreign capital into residential developments, technology-driven transparency tools may play an increasing role in improving investor confidence and facilitating cross-border property transactions.

About Korter

Korter is a real estate marketplace operating in multiple countries and focused on residential property platforms. The company provides digital tools for discovering new developments, comparing property prices and accessing structured market data. In Georgia, the platform operates through Korter.ge, offering buyers and investors access to residential project listings, construction progress information and market analytics. For more information, visit korter.ge.

Media Contact

Stanislav Skliarovskyi
CEO, Korter
support@korter.ge

The Health Management Academy (THMA), a membership-based executive healthcare community founded in 1998, announced its 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Forums take place May 6–8, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These two events are closed-door conferences designed to bring together senior executives from leading U.S. health systems and life sciences organizations at a moment of acute pressure on drug availability, supply-chain operations, and reimbursement policy.

The announcement comes as drug shortages in the United States reach historically high levels. A consensus statement from the Oncology Nursing Society documents more than 3,400 new drug shortages since 2000, with active shortages peaking at 323 in the first quarter of 2024, an all-time high. Cancer medications rank among the most vulnerable drug classes, and heavy reliance on foreign sources for active pharmaceutical ingredients continues to expose U.S. supply chains to structural risk. A Vizient analysis cited in the same statement found that U.S. hospitals spent approximately $894 million in labor costs and 20 million staff hours managing shortages in 2023 alone, with 74% of institutions exceeding their allocated budgets.

These pressures intersect with accelerating shifts in reimbursement policy. CMS's 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule expands site-neutral payment reforms and begins the full phase-out of the inpatient-only list by 2028, compelling health systems and manufacturers alike to reassess site-of-care strategies and distribution partnerships. Simultaneously, the 340B program faces compression from Medicare's Drug Price Negotiation Program and HRSA's rebate pilot, creating revenue pressures that affect covered entities' capacity to sustain patient-care programs.

THMA's 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Executive Convenings will address these converging challenges directly, with participation from senior executives representing major health systems and life sciences organizations. Topics scheduled for discussion include strategic sourcing and multi-supplier procurement, AI-driven supply forecasting, value-based contracting models aligned to performance outcomes, the policy implications of site-neutral payment and 340B reform, and cross-functional governance structures for clinical and commercial decision-making.

About the Executive Convening Format

THMA's Executive Convening model differs substantially from traditional healthcare conferences. Each forum is deliberately restricted in size, typically 25 to 80 senior executives, and structured to prioritize peer-led discussion over formal presentations. The model draws participation from C-suite leaders at major integrated delivery systems, including institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and Northwell Health, alongside chief executives, strategy officers, and commercial leaders from healthcare technology, medical device, pharmaceutical, and healthcare services organizations.

THMA maintains relationships with more than 2,000 health-system executives and approximately 600 C-suite members across its forums. The organization's convening structure is designed to enable candid conversation on operationally sensitive topics, including supply-chain vulnerability, contracting strategy, and reimbursement reform, in an environment governed by the organization's published guiding principles and code of conduct.

The 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Executive Convenings are scheduled for May 6–8, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Industry organizations interested in participation may request more information for each respective event below:

• 2026 THMA Spring Cardiovascular Forum
• 2026 THMA Spring Oncology Forum

About The Health Management Academy (THMA)

The Health Management Academy is a membership-based executive healthcare community founded in 1998. The organization convenes peer groups of health-system executives and industry leaders through its Executive Convening programs, supports leadership development through talent and professional growth initiatives, and delivers data-driven research and analysis on the challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system. THMA's community encompasses more than 2,000 senior healthcare leader relationships, 600 C-suite members, and 150 or more innovative industry members. To learn more, visit hmacademy.com.

Valetax, a leading global trading services provider, made a strong impact as a Titanium Sponsor at Money Expo Mexico 2026, held on 18–19 February 2026 at Centro Banamex. Recognized as one of the most influential financial gatherings in Latin America, the expo welcomed over 6,000 investors, traders, fintech professionals, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.

At Booth No. 11, Valetax engaged visitors through live demonstrations, strategic discussions, and partnership meetings. Attendees explored the company’s enterprise-grade trading technology, robust infrastructure, and tools designed to support informed and responsible trading. The team also shared insights into evolving global market conditions and explained how technology-driven solutions help traders navigate volatility with greater confidence and efficiency.

A major highlight at the booth was the Traders Instinct game, an interactive challenge simulating real-time market decision-making using live charts. Participants tested their instincts by choosing when to buy, sell, and exit trades under time pressure, aiming to maximize profits and climb the leaderboard. The activity drew strong engagement throughout the event and demonstrated Valetax’s commitment to combining education, innovation, and practical trading experience in a dynamic format.

Representing Valetax at the expo were CEO Viktor Karpinsky; Ariel, Regional Managing Director for LATAM and Official Regional Spokesperson; Manesh Patel, Global Market Analyst; and Jorge Gomez, Business Development Manager for LATAM. Their participation highlighted Valetax’s strategy of integrating global leadership with strong regional expertise.

Throughout the event, the leadership team met directly with traders, partners, and industry stakeholders to discuss sustainable growth, transparent operations, and long-term collaboration across Latin America. Booth No. 11 quickly became a hub for dialogue and relationship-building, reinforcing the company’s commitment to clarity, reliability, and client-focused service.

During the event, Valetax was honored with the “Business Excellence Award 2026,” recognizing its dedication to operational integrity, technological advancement, and consistent service standards. The award further strengthens Valetax’s reputation as a dependable brokerage focused on long-term value creation and high-performance trading environments.

“Participating as a Titanium Sponsor at Money Expo Mexico 2026 marks an important milestone in our global expansion strategy,” said CEO Viktor Karpinsky. “Latin America represents a dynamic and growing financial ecosystem. Our presence here reflects our long-term commitment to transparency, innovation, and building trusted partnerships that empower traders and support sustainable development.”

“Latin America is a key region for our long-term growth,” added Ariel, Regional Managing Director for LATAM. “Money Expo Mexico allowed us to connect directly with the trading community, better understand regional needs, and strengthen partnerships. Our focus remains on technology, clarity, and creating a stable trading environment that supports responsible and consistent growth.”

Valetax’s participation in Money Expo Mexico 2026 forms part of its broader LATAM strategy centered on regional expansion, education, and partnership excellence. As the company continues to grow its footprint across the region, it remains committed to supporting informed trading, advancing reliable technology, and building meaningful relationships that drive sustainable success across global markets.

About Valetax

Valetax is a leading international brokerage providing multi-asset trading solutions powered by advanced technology and stable infrastructure. Offering competitive trading conditions, flexible account types, and MetaTrader integration, Valetax supports traders with secure operations, reliable execution, and dedicated client support. The company remains focused on transparency, innovation, and building long-term partnerships across international financial markets. For more information, visit valetax.com. 

The Health Management Academy (THMA), a membership-based executive healthcare community founded in 1998, announced its 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Forums will take place May 6–8, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These forums are invitation-only conferences that will bring together chief executives and senior strategy leaders from major U.S. health systems and life sciences organizations to address the convergence of technology adoption, value-based care transformation, and pharmaceutical market evolution.

The announcement reflects growing demand among life sciences companies for structured access to health-system decision-makers at a moment when the commercial and clinical environments are shifting in tandem. A Deloitte 2026 outlook survey found that 43% of C-suite healthcare executives describe themselves as uncertain or neutral about the near-term market, and that 80% expect regulatory factors to significantly influence their strategic planning. The digital health technology sector is projected to exceed $300 billion in market value in 2026, driven by AI-powered clinical decision support and ambient documentation tools. Concurrently, GLP-1 therapies are being positioned by health systems and manufacturers as long-term investments in chronic disease management rather than short-cycle pharmaceutical products, raising consequential questions about reimbursement strategy, patient selection, and commercial distribution.

THMA's 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Executive Convenings will address the strategic, operational, and commercial dimensions of these developments through peer-led discussion among senior executives from health systems and industry organizations. Forum sessions will examine how health systems are evaluating AI adoption in clinical and administrative functions, how GLP-1 and cardiometabolic therapies are being integrated into population health and value-based programs, how manufacturers and health systems are renegotiating partnership and contracting models under alternative payment frameworks, and how data interoperability and technology infrastructure decisions are being made at the board and executive committee level.

What THMA Member Data Reveals

THMA's community of more than 2,000 health-system executive relationships and approximately 600 C-suite members provides a continuous signal on the priorities and concerns of the organizations that life sciences companies most need to understand. Across THMA's previous forum activity and its quarterly executive trend readouts, several consistent themes have emerged that will anchor the 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology program design.

Why the Cardiovascular and Oncology Service Lines

Cardiovascular disease and oncology represent two of the highest-volume, highest-cost service lines in the U.S. health system and two of the most actively contested commercial territories for life sciences companies. Both are subject to significant reimbursement redesign under advanced alternative payment models: the AHIP's 2025 APM Methodology Report found that 44.9% of U.S. healthcare payments across all lines of business now flow through advanced alternative payment model categories, with shared-risk episode payments identified as a primary area of anticipated growth over the next 24 months. Life sciences organizations operating in either service line face consequential decisions about where, and how, to invest in health-system partnerships.

THMA's 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Executive Convenings are structured to give life sciences leaders direct, unmediated access to the executives making those partnership, formulary, and technology decisions at the health-system level.

About the Executive Convening Format

THMA's Executive Convening programs are deliberately sized and structured to enable the kind of candid, strategy-level dialogue that large-format conferences cannot accommodate. Each forum brings together 25 to 80 senior executives in a retreat-style setting, with discussions shaped by member-identified priorities rather than vendor-determined agendas. Health-system representation draws from major integrated delivery systems across the country. Industry participation is structured to ensure balanced, peer-level dialogue rather than a buyer-seller dynamic.

Members also receive continuous insights between forums, including Quarterly Trends Readouts, Executive Edge weekly briefings, Forum Debriefs, and access to THMA's Healthcare Bootcamp learning modules, extending the value of participation across the calendar year.

The 2026 Cardiovascular and Oncology Executive Convenings are scheduled for May 6–8, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Life sciences organizations interested in participation may request more information for each respective event below:

• 2026 THMA Spring Cardiovascular Forum
• 2026 THMA Spring Oncology Forum

About The Health Management Academy (THMA)

The Health Management Academy is a membership-based executive healthcare community founded in 1998. The organization convenes peer groups of health-system executives and industry leaders through its Executive Convening programs, supports leadership development through talent and professional growth initiatives, and delivers data-driven research and analysis on the challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system. THMA's community encompasses more than 2,000 senior healthcare leader relationships, 600 C-suite members, and 150 or more innovative industry members. To learn more, visit hmacademy.com.

This March, Fanttik unveils its latest collection of over 20 innovative tools designed to simplify tasks and empower creativity across four key areas of home life: the Garage, the Yard, the Desktop DIY, and Furniture DIY. Fanttik’s Spring New Arrivals focus on compact, powerful, and versatile solutions that fit seamlessly into your routines, saving time, effort, and space.

Conquer Garage Chaos with On-the-Go Power

Tired of scrambling for the right tool or facing unexpected hiccups? Fanttik's garage lineup brings order and preparedness. Keep your vehicles and gear in peak condition without the clutter. The ultra-portable NB10 Fold pressure washer makes cleaning bikes or muddy gear a quick, store-anywhere task. For interior detailing, the Flip G10 Nano — AutoCare brush tackles grime effortlessly, while the V8 Mate Car Vacuum quickly cleans seats, floor mats, and hard-to-reach spots.

Never be stranded again — the Potent T10 jump starter is a powerhouse lifeline for your car and your devices. Precision matters, especially for adventure; the X10 Pro Max tire inflator's accurate fill-and-release function ensures optimal tire pressure for any terrain, from highway to trail, while the X10 Pro handles daily tire maintenance and emergency top-ups with reliable precision. From the mighty P10 Pro Polisher for a showroom shine after an NB10 Fold wash to the versatile X11 Ace for bike tires, Fanttik turns garage headaches into handled tasks.

Transform Yard Work into Yard Wins 

Reclaim your weekends and enjoy your outdoor space. Fanttik's yard tools are engineered for ease, turning tedious chores into simple, even enjoyable, activities. Give your patio furniture a refresh or wash down the deck in minutes with the adaptable NB10 Flip Water Gun. Tame your greenery with precision and minimal effort using the Z10 Pro Hedge Trimmer and Y10 Pro Electric Pruning Shears.

The ingenious Cruise V11 APEX is a 4-in-1 marvel — a portable cordless vacuum, blower, extractor, and inflator that seamlessly handles car, yard, home, and camping tasks. Its 180-degree rotating handle makes switching modes effortless, and 8 included accessories ensure you're ready for anything from cleaning debris to inflating pool floats. The Flip G10 Nano — HomeCare electric brush makes quick work of cleaning outdoor furniture, grills, and siding. Tighten a loose fence panel with the compact REX K2 Apex Impact Driver. Fanttik helps you maintain your oasis, so you have more time to relax in it.

Elevate Your Desktop DIY Craftsmanship

For creators, makers, and hobbyists, precision and clean workspaces are paramount. Fanttik's desktop solutions enhance your craft and streamline cleanup. The F2 Series Rotary Tool Kits (F2 Master Kit, F2 Pro Kit, F2 Master Pet, F2 Master Eng) offer the control needed for delicate tasks like smoothing 3D prints, detailed engraving, or even pet nail grinding. Keep your workspace dust-free with the lightweight V8 Mate handheld vacuum, perfect for suctioning away shavings and debris.

For electronics and deep-cleaning needs, the new B11 Pro Max electric air duster delivers professional performance with its 150,000 RPM motor, producing 160 g of force and 80 m/s wind speed to effortlessly clear dust from PC cases and keyboards. The MegaBoost One-Tap Booster provides instant deep-cleaning power, ideal for both everyday maintenance and professional applications. The versatile B11 Mix Blower rounds out the lineup as the perfect air duster for your desktop or, with its fan attachment, a personal cooling breeze in your daily life. Fanttik supports your passion from concept to finished product.

Simplify Furniture DIY and Home Repairs

Tackle home repairs and furniture projects with confidence, not complication. Fanttik’s furniture DIY tools are designed for the practical homeowner seeking professional results without professional complexity. The NEX S2 Pro Max Electric Screwdriver makes assembling flat-pack furniture or tightening wobbly chairs fast and wrist-friendly. Plan your next sewing or reupholstering project perfectly with the A11 Ultra Distance Measurer, whose unique wheel function accurately measures curved surfaces like sofa arms. For light cutting tasks on PVC, wood, or metal during small repairs or creations, the easy-to-handle R11 Pro Reciprocating Saw provides just the right power. Fanttik empowers you to fix, build, and customize — transforming “I wish I could” into “I just did.”

Fanttik’s Spring New Arrivals collection is available start from March 10, offering smarter, more adaptable tools for the hands-on American household. Discover how innovation meets everyday necessity at fanttik.com.

About Fanttik

Fanttik is a premier provider of innovative power tools. The brand is the Official Partner of the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 NBA season, and served as an Official Partner of UFC in 2025. Since 2022, Fanttik has been a primary partner for multiple NASCAR drivers such as Noah Gragson. The brand’s compelling digital content has amassed over 1.1 billion video views on TikTok, and its products are available in major retail channels including Walmart, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco. Guided by its brand slogan “Ideas for a Fantastic Life,” Fanttik continues to empower users to build their ideas simply. For more information, visit fanttik.com.

Media Contact

Fanttik Marketing Team
marketing@fanttik.com

Sakura of America, maker of Pigma Micron precision pens and Gelly Roll gel pens, today announced five new stationery innovations: color-shifting glitter ink, eco-friendly fineliners, pastel retractable pens, and premium notebooks and sketchbooks. The launch arrives along with a growth of a more off-line lifestyle that has people packing "analog bags" filled with pens and paper to reach for instead of their phones, junk journaling videos rack up billions of views on TikTok and bullet journaling search interest surpasses every other notebook trend.

The product lineup includes Gelly Roll Shimmer (completely new-to-market color-shifting glitter ink), Pigma Micron Eco (the first eco-friendly version of the brand's precision fineliner made with 75% recycled materials), Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel (opaque pastel ink in retractable format), and Sakura Notebooks & Sketchbooks (the company's U.S. debut of premium paper goods). All the products started shipping in February 2026.

"We're seeing a fundamental shift in how people spend their creative time," said Casey Roberts Singh, Associate Director of Innovation & Consumer Insights at Sakura of America. "Gen Z is hosting group craft nights instead of scrolling. Millennials are rediscovering hobbies they loved in middle school. Everyone's looking for ways to disconnect from screens and reconnect with tactile, hands-on making. These launches give them the tools to do exactly that."

Gelly Roll Shimmer: Color-Shifting Glitter Ink Technology

Sakura's Gelly Roll Shimmer introduces color-shifting glitter ink that reveals different hues depending on viewing angle and light, a technology that doesn't exist anywhere else in the stationery market.

Each of the six Shimmer colors contains multiple color shifts: copper to gold to green in a single pen, or baby pink to peach to rose gold in another. The semi-transparent, fade-resistant ink works on any color paper but delivers stunning results on black paper, making it ideal for handmade cards, scrapbooking, gift tags, and craft projects.

Key features:

• Six color-shifting glitter ink colors
• Works on black and white paper
• Fade-resistant and water-resistant
• Available in 6-pack and coordinated 3-packs

Pigma Micron Eco: Sustainable Precision Pen with 75% Recycled Materials

The Pigma Micron has been the professional standard for architects, illustrators, and technical artists for 40 years. Now, Pigma Micron Eco brings that same archival-quality precision in an eco-friendly pen made with 75% recycled materials.

The Mindful Green barrel is constructed from 100% recycled resin sourced specifically for its non-porous, airtight properties to protect ink integrity. Packaging is 100% recyclable paperboard made with 15% recycled content. Performance remains identical to the original: same airtight construction, same precision nibs, same archival pigment ink.

Key features:

• 75% recycled materials (100% recycled resin barrel)
• Available in black archival ink
• Five popular nib sizes: 005, 01, 03, 05, 08
• Ideal for drawing, illustration, journaling, and technical work

Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel: Opaque Pastel Ink in Convenient Format

Sakura expands its Gelly Roll Retractable family with Moonlight Pastel. The pens have an opaque, pastel-hued gel ink that works on both black and white paper in a convenient click-to-write format with no caps to lose.

The six pastel colors are offered in three configurations: a 6-pack, Bloom 3-pack (periwinkle, pink, yellow) and Garden 3-pack (orange, green, blue).

Key features:

• Opaque pastel ink works on dark and light paper
• Retractable design (no caps)
• Perfect for planners, bullet journals, and card-making

Sakura Notebooks & Sketchbooks: Japanese-Inspired Premium Paper Goods

For the first time in the U.S. market, Sakura introduces 25 notebooks and sketchbooks featuring Japanese craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Each hardcover notebook is designed to pair with Sakura's precision pens and creative inks.

Premium features include 140 GSM acid-free paper (thicker than standard notebooks), hardcovers in nine colors with Japanese cultural meanings, lay-flat stitch binding, elastic closure bands, and interior storage pockets. The collection includes ruled notebooks, dot-grid notebooks for bullet journaling, and sketchbooks with cream or black paper.

Each color carries a Japanese name and cultural story: Pine Needle (evergreen resilience and harmony with nature), Japanese Camellia (elegance and devotion), and Plum Blossom (hope and renewal), among others.

Key features:

• 140 GSM thick, acid-free paper
• Lay-flat binding for drawing and writing
• Nine colors with Japanese cultural meanings
• Ruled, dot-grid, and plain paper options
• A5 and pocket sizes available

Availability & Pricing

Where to buy:

• Amazon.com (starting early March 2026 for pens; April 2026 for notebooks and bundles)
• Michaels stores
• Blick Art Materials
• Specialty stationery retailers nationwide

Pricing:

• Gelly Roll Retractable Moonlight Pastel 6-pack: $17.49
• Gelly Roll Shimmer 6-pack: $12.69
• Pigma Micron Eco 5-pack: $18.42
• Pigma Micron Eco 3-pack: $11.05
• Sakura Notebooks: Starting at $7.99
• Sakura Sketchbooks: Starting at $7.99

About Sakura of America

Sakura of America has been a leader in writing instruments and art materials for over 40 years. The company invented the Gelly Roll gel ink pen (the world's first gel pen) and created the Pigma Micron precision fineliner — the professional standard for artists, architects, illustrators, and designers worldwide. Sakura is committed to innovation that serves creators at every level, from professional artists to bullet journalers to students. The company is headquartered in Hayward, California, and is a subsidiary of Sakura Color Products Corporation of Osaka, Japan. For more information, visit www.sakuraofamerica.com or follow @SakuraOfAmerica on Instagram.

Media Contact

Lisa Dini
lisa@lisadini.com

Smartling, the LanguageAI™ translation company, today announced the appointment of Lina Tonk as chief marketing officer. Tonk brings more than two decades of experience leading marketing for high-growth software companies and a proven track record of building the marketing organizations that help companies reach their next stage of scale.

As CMO, Tonk will lead Smartling’s global marketing strategy, shaping how the company brings its platform, innovation, and vision to market. She will focus on strengthening Smartling’s position as the leader in AI-powered translation while accelerating demand, elevating the brand, and deepening relationships with customers and partners around the world as enterprises increasingly rely on AI to power global experiences.

“Lina has a strong track record of helping software companies sharpen their story, elevate their brand, and translate marketing into real commercial growth,” said Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling. “She builds high-performing teams, connects deeply with customers, and brings the strategic clarity companies need at moments of scale. As our growth accelerates, I’m excited for the impact she will have as we continue helping global companies deliver meaningful experiences in every language.”

Tonk most recently served as CMO at Recurly, where she led marketing for one of the subscription industry’s most recognized platforms. Before that, she was CMO at isolved, a leader in human capital management software. Across both companies, she developed a reputation for building customer- and partner-centric teams and driving brand visibility and commercial growth at scale. Her work has led to recognition including Pavilion’s “50 CMOs to Watch in 2025” and The Chief Women Leaders Magazine’s “Influential 50: Female Executives in Business, 2026”, among other accolades.

“What drew me to Smartling is how long the company has been innovating in AI,” said Tonk. “AI is not new here. Smartling has been shaping this space for years, and the strength of the platform goes beyond speed to deliver translation quality that preserves meaning, brand voice, and compliance across markets. That combination is incredibly powerful for global companies today. What makes this opportunity even more exciting is the chance to help build something truly impactful alongside such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team.”

Tonk’s arrival comes on the heels of a strong year for Smartling. In January 2026, the company reported that AI and AI-human translation grew 218% in 2025, as enterprises moved from AI experimentation to production deployment at scale. The company also launched several new platform capabilities in 2025, including AI Hub, AI Post-Editing Agent, and automatic hallucination detection, with its LQA Agent set to follow later this year.

About Smartling

Smartling’s LanguageAI™ platform is revolutionizing digital content translation and localization. Recognized as the top translation management system by CSA Research and G2 users, Smartling uses AI and machine learning to eliminate manual tasks, integrate with existing techstacks, and deliver translation quality at scale — all at a fraction of the cost and turnaround time of traditional translation. For more information, visit www.smartling.com.

Media Contact

Sarah Lehman
Smartling
sarah@sixeastern.com

Shotsy, the most downloaded GLP-1 tracking app on the market, today announced the launch of Shotsy 3.0. The release introduces new oral GLP-1 pill-tracking options, estimated medication level charts to support personalized dosing, a first-of-its-kind Maintenance Mode for patients who have reached their goal weight, and a new multi-medication scheduling system designed for the growing complexity of modern GLP-1 therapy.

The update arrives at a pivotal moment for the nearly one in eight U.S. adults who have now used a GLP-1 medication and face mounting challenges in their journeys. Despite the explosive growth of GLP-1 therapy, up to 65% of patients discontinue within the first year, with side effects, rising costs, and lack of support listed among the leading reasons for terminating their use.

"GLP-1 therapy is evolving faster than the support systems around it, and patients are largely left to navigate that complexity on their own," said Aja Beckett, CEO and founder of Shotsy. "Shotsy 3.0 was designed to arm patients with the data and tools required to be active participants in their own care. By closing the support gap, we can give patients what they need to be informed, stay on track, and succeed long term."

As oral GLP-1 medications enter the market and combination therapy becomes more common, patients are navigating increasingly complex regimens with little structured support. Shotsy 3.0 was built to meet that evolving reality, and users can now expect the previously available features, as well as these new updates, bringing continued, evolving support for managing complex, multi-drug regimens.

What's New in Shotsy 3.0

Shotsy 3.0 gives patients the most complete GLP-1 tracking experience available, including:

• Oral GLP-1 tracking with Estimated Medication Level charts reflecting the latest clinical data for the Wegovy pill and other oral medications.
• Maintenance Mode, a first-of-its-kind feature that helps users transition from active weight loss to long-term maintenance after reaching their goal.
• Multi-medication scheduling with separate countdowns, reminders, and tracking for concurrent medication types.
• Expanded medication support, now including Trulicity, Saxenda, Victoza, and Rybelsus, in addition to Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®.

"We are in the early innings of a new era in metabolic disease management, and oral GLP-1 medications will significantly expand the population who can benefit from this drug class,” said Eric Perakslis, Chief Science Officer at Shotsy. “Shotsy 3.0 does ensure the patient-facing tools evolve at the same pace as the science, providing experienced and data-driven tracking that empowers patients to engage more meaningfully in their own care, from initiation through long-term maintenance."

To access Shotsy 3.0, visit the iOS or Android app store. The app is free to download, with premium features available via subscription.

About Shotsy

Shotsy is the most downloaded GLP-1 tracking app on the market, with nearly one million downloads across iOS and Android. Founded in 2024 by Aja Beckett, a software engineer and GLP-1 patient herself, Shotsy was built to close the support gap that leaves millions of patients navigating complex medication journeys largely on their own. The app provides a comprehensive, science-backed platform where patients can log injections, track side effects, monitor health metrics, and view detailed progress charts — all designed to make them active, informed participants in their own care. Shotsy supports all major GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®. Backed by investors including Coalition Operators, Adverb Ventures, and Springbank Collective, Shotsy is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at shotsyapp.com.

Disclaimer

Shotsy does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Media Contact

Abby McAdams
abby@asmcomms.com