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One Launches New Service Connecting Charleston, S.C., India

Publix Pharmacy Now Connect Customers With Virtual Care Service

Publix customers now have access to a virtual care service powered by WellSync.

By filling out an online health questionnaire, customers can seek medical care from a licensed provider with no appointment needed and from the comfort of their home.

“Publix Pharmacy continues to remove barriers so our customers can receive convenient health care services,” said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk.

WellSync is available to anyone 18 or older for common health conditions like allergies, sinus infections, hair loss and more. Patients may also use the service to refill certain medications. The service is $25 per consultation, and no insurance is needed.

To get started, customers can visit publix.com/easycare. They are then directed to the WellSync site to select their medical condition, complete a questionnaire about their symptoms and submit it for review by a licensed medical provider.

Providers will be able to respond to submissions in as little as an hour during their operating hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday and Sunday.

Response times outside of these hours and on holidays may not be as timely. If prescriptions are issued, customers can fill their medication at their Publix Pharmacy.

Avallano Strengthens Leadership with New Chief Strategy Officer

Greenville, South Carolina-based Avallano, an AI-enabled clinical research company, announced the appointment of Michael A. Ibara, Pharm.D., as chief strategy officer.

Officials said Ibara will lead the company’s global strategic initiatives to transform the clinical trial sector with leading-edge technology solutions.

Ibara will lead the launch of Avallano’s generative AI technologies, aimed at enhancing clinical research by addressing the challenges faced by patients, sites, and sponsors in executing clinical trials.

Avallano’s solutions include personalized patient chat services, AI-driven medical information processing, founded on a market-leading approach to global privacy and patient empowerment.

Officials said he will guide the company in balancing regulatory compliance requirements with the capabilities of explainable AI.

“Michael’s extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and his innovative approach to data and clinical operations make him the perfect fit for Avallano,” said Paul Della Maggiora, co-founder and CEO.

Prior to joining Avallano, Ibara served as chief data officer at Elligo Health Solutions, where officials say he created an innovative approach to utilize electronic health record (EHR) data for clinical trial feasibilities and operations.

In addition to developing the first-ever effort to automate the collection of adverse events directly from EHRs, he has held senior leadership positions in large biopharmaceutical and CRO organizations.

Ibara holds a Pharm.D. from the University of Michigan and a Fellowship from the University of North Carolina and Burroughs Wellcome Co.

American Airlines Commits to Conditional Purchase of 100 ZeroAvia Hydrogen-Powered Engines

American Airlines, which serves airports in South Carolina, said it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement with clean aviation innovator ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines intended to power regional jet aircraft with zero inflight emissions save for water vapor.

In addition, American has increased its investment in ZeroAvia. American made its first investment in ZeroAvia in 2022 and has also now participated in the company’s Series C financing round.

The engine agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding the companies announced in 2022.

ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engines for commercial aircraft, which offer the potential for close to zero inflight emissions.

The company is flight testing a prototype for a 20-seat plane and designing an engine for larger aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ700, which American operates on certain regional routes.

“Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom.

Isom added, “This announcement will help accelerate the development of technologies needed to power our industry and uphold our commitment to make American a sustainable airline so we can continue to deliver for customers for decades to come.”

Officials said the investment and conditional commitment to purchase novel engine technology contributes to American’s aggressive goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In recent years, American said it has undertaken the most extensive fleet renewal effort in the history of commercial aviation, which currently gives it the youngest mainline fleet of any major U.S. network carrier and improves fuel efficiency.

American has made industry-leading investments in sustainability, including finalizing an offtake agreement with Infinium, a producer of next-generation low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel, and becoming the first customer of Graphyte’s innovative and permanent carbon removal process.

ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers.

The only inflight emission is low-temperature water vapor, and the lower intensity electrical systems have the potential to offer significant cost savings.

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