Month: September 2026

Corporate Announcement no. 32/2026: Half-Year Report 1 January 2026  – 30 June 2026

Copenhagen, 18 September 2026

The Board of Directors and the Management have today discussed and approved the Half-Year Report of Ress Life Investments A/S for the period 1 January 2026 – 30 June 2026:

• Ress Life Investments A/S realised a net profit after tax of USD 6,655,829 for the period 1 January 2026 – 30 June 2026. The net profit for the period corresponds to a net return on equity of 3.2%, an earnings per share of USD 57.34 and an increase in net asset value of USD 83.69 per share.
• The period’s return was mainly driven by life expectancy updates, changes in discount rates, performance in the Legacy Portfolio, as well as the ageing of insureds and the resulting shortening of life expectancies, partly offset by administrative and staff costs. Profit for the 6-month period was on target.
• The Company has entered into an agreement, through which a majority of policies are being sold to a market counterparty. The Company is entitled to a share of the future payouts of the disposed policies in an earnout agreement. The earnout agreement, valued at around 129 million USD as at June 30 2026, is included in the Company’s financial assets. The Company refers to corporate announcement no. 31/2026 with regard to a dispute arisen between the Company and the purchaser.
• Equity stands at USD 225,446,310 as of 30 June 2026, corresponding to a net asset value of USD 2,722 per share compared with a net asset value of USD 2,639 at 31 December 2025.
• During the period, 3,099 new ordinary shares were issued.
• Management expects that the life settlements market will continue to offer attractive, diversified returns for the medium term.
• The target net return for the Company is 7.0% in USD for 2026 and 10% for 2027 onwards. It is reasonable to assume that the yield on the underlying assets is sufficient to reach the target over the medium term.

Questions related to this announcement can be made to the Company’s AIF-manager, Finserve Nordic AB, Gustaf Hagerud, Gustaf.hagerud@finserve.se, telephone: +46 73 612 72 42 or to the Company’s Chairman Søren Andersen, email: soan@norli.dk.

Yours sincerely

Ress Life Investments A/S The Board of Directors

Attachments

• Ress Life Investments AS – Corporate Announcement 32-2026
• Ress Life Investments AS – Half Year Report 2026

• If approved, Cosentyx (secukinumab) will be first IL-17A inhibitor licensed in Europe for adults with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), providing new treatment option after steroids¹
• Recommendation based on data showing Cosentyx doubled sustained remission rates and delivered steroid sparing effects vs placebo; safety was consistent with established Cosentyx profile²
• Despite being a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in people over 50, there are limited advanced treatments for PMR; extended use of steroids is associated with poor outcomes³⁻⁷

Basel, September 18, 2026 – Novartis announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization for Cosentyx^® (secukinumab) in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).⁸ The opinion supports Cosentyx use for treatment of PMR in adults who have had an inadequate response to steroids or who experience relapse during steroid taper.⁸ If approved, Cosentyx would be the first interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor approved in Europe for people living with PMR, a disease with very limited advanced treatment options.¹˒³⁻⁷

“The introduction of Cosentyx to the PMR space represents a major advancement for patients and clinicians, providing an effective treatment option while also reducing reliance on steroids – which can present challenges with long-term use,” said Prof Christian Dejaco, Director, Dept of Rheumatology, South Tyrol Health Trust, Bruneck, Italy. “I am encouraged by this positive CHMP opinion for a treatment which could both reduce flares and lower patients’ steroid exposure.”

The positive CHMP opinion is supported by results from the pivotal REPLENISH Phase III trial in which all primary and secondary endpoints were met across both Cosentyx 300mg and 150mg treatment arms, including complete sustained remission and time until patients needed additional treatment through week 52.² No new safety signals were identified in PMR patients receiving Cosentyx. The data were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and simultaneously presented at the 2026 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress on June 3, 2026.²˒⁹

“People living with PMR need treatments that provide lasting remission, prevent relapses and are well-tolerated, in order to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes,” said Patrick Horber, M.D., President, International, Novartis. “Cosentyx is the first and only anti-IL-17A shown to provide sustained remission in patients with PMR, and its approval would represent an important step in transforming care for those living with this disease. Today’s positive opinion builds on the well-established impact of Cosentyx in autoimmune disease and could help establish a new standard of care for PMR in Europe.”

Following the CHMP recommendation for approval, the European Commission (EC) is expected to issue a final decision within approximately two months.

About Cosentyx
Cosentyx is a fully human biologic that directly inhibits interleukin-17A, an important cytokine involved in the inflammation underlying multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. It is approved for use in adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)¹⁰⁻¹². Cosentyx is also approved for use in pediatric patients, including those with PsO, juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes such as juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), and in the U.S. for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with moderate to severe HS and juvenile AS.¹⁰⁻¹⁷

About REPLENISH trial
The REPLENISH trial (NCT05767034) is a global Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study conducted across 27 countries, evaluating the efficacy and safety of Cosentyx in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Patients were randomized into three treatment arms: Cosentyx 300mg, Cosentyx 150mg, or placebo, all in combination with a 24-week steroid taper regimen. The primary endpoint of the trial was to assess whether Cosentyx 300mg s.c. plus a 24-week steroid taper is superior to placebo plus a 24-week steroid taper in achieving sustained remission at week 52. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving complete sustained remission at week 52, the adjusted annual cumulative steroid dose, and the time to first use of escape or rescue treatment through week 52.¹⁸

About polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in adults aged 50 years and older, typically characterized by acute pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips.³ Relapses are frequent, affecting up to 40% of patients in the first year.⁵ Long-term steroid use is the current standard of care and carries significant risks, including osteoporosis and diabetes.¹⁹ Beyond physical complications, PMR substantially impairs quality of life through pain, fatigue, restricted mobility, and fear of relapse.⁵˒²⁰˒²¹

About Novartis Immunology
At Novartis, we’re advancing bold science with the goal of bringing relief and a renewed sense of hope to people living with complex, and often overlooked autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, so they can reclaim their lives. Building on our legacy of first-in-class innovation across rheumatology, dermatology and allergy, and a diverse industry-leading pipeline, we’re committed to shaping what’s next in Immunology.

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

References

1. European Medicines Agency. Search results for “polymyalgia rheumatica.” European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/search?search_api_fulltext=polymyalgia%20rheumatica. Accessed September 11, 2026.
2. Stone JH, Buttgereit F, Saraux A, et al. Secukinumab in polymyalgia rheumatica. New England Journal of Medicine. 2026. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2602567. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2602567.
3. Espígol-Frigolé G, Dejaco C, Mackie SL, Salvarani C, Matteson EL, Cid MC. Polymyalgia rheumatica. The Lancet. 2023;402(10411):1459–1472. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01310-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01310-7.
4. Gabriel SE, Sunku J, Salvarani C, O’Fallon WM, Hunder GG. Adverse outcomes of antiinflammatory therapy among patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 1997;40(10):1873-1878.
5. Floris A, Piga M, Chessa E, et al. Long-term glucocorticoid treatment and high relapse rate remain unresolved issues in the real-life management of polymyalgia rheumatica: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2022;41(1):19-31. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05819-z.
6. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Sanofi. Kevzara® (sarilumab) injection, for subcutaneous use: US prescribing information. Revised June 2024. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761037s013lbl.pdf. Accessed September 11, 2026.
7. European Medicines Agency. Kevzara: EPAR product information [April 25, 2022]. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/kevzara-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Accessed September 11, 2026.
8. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Cosentyx, INN-secukinumab: CHMP post-authorisation summary of positive opinion. European Medicines Agency; 2026. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/smop/chmp-post-authorisation-summary-positive-opinion-cosentyx-vr-0000326984_en.pdf. Accessed September 18, 2026.
9. Dejaco C, et al. Secukinumab in polymyalgia rheumatica: Results of the phase 3 REPLENISH trial. Oral Presentation #OP0116. Presented at: European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2026; June 3-6, 2026; London, UK.
10. Novartis Europharm Limited. Cosentyx® (secukinumab): Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: Cosentyx, INN-secukinumab [Last accessed: May 2026].
11. Girolomoni G, Mrowietz U, Paul C. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17. British Journal of Dermatology. 2012;167(4):717-724. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11099.x.
12. Novartis Cosentyx shows clinically meaningful symptom improvements in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-shows-clinically-meaningful-symptom-improvements-patients-hidradenitis-suppurativa-pivotal-phase-iii-trials [Last accessed: May 2026].
13. Novartis Cosentyx receives FDA approval for treatment of children and adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [Press release]. Available at:  https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-receives-fda-approval-treatment-children-and-adolescents-moderate-severe-plaque-psoriasis [Last accessed: May 2026].
14. Novartis Cosentyx receives FDA approval for the treatment of children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-receives-fda-approval-treatment-children-and-adolescents-enthesitis-related-arthritis-and-psoriatic-arthritis [Last accessed: May 2026].
15. Novartis Cosentyx receives positive CHMP opinion for expanded use in childhood arthritic conditions. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-secukinumab-receives-positive-chmp-opinion-expanded-use-childhood-arthritic-conditions [Last accessed: May 2026].
16. Novartis Cosentyx® receives FDA approval for pediatric patients aged 12+ with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. [Press release]. Available at:https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-receives-fda-approval-pediatric-patients-aged-12-moderate-severe-hidradenitis-suppurativa [Last accessed: May 2026].
17. Cosentyx. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
18. ClinicalTrials.gov. Phase III Study of Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab Versus Placebo, in Combination With Glucocorticoid Taper Regimen, in Patients With Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) (REPLENISH). Identifier NCT05767034 [June 22, 2026]. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05767034. Accessed September 11, 2026
19. Mazzantini M, Torre C, Miccoli M, Baggiani A, Talarico R, Bombardieri S, Di Munno O. Adverse Events During Longterm Low-dose Glucocorticoid Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Retrospective Study. Journal of Rheumatology. 2012;39(3):552-557. doi:10.3899/jrheum.110851.
20. Hutchings A, Hollywood J, Lamping DL, Pease CT, Chakravarty K, Silverman B, Choy EHS, Scott DGI, Hazleman BL, Bourke B, Gendi N, Dasgupta B. Clinical Outcomes, Quality of Life, and Diagnostic Uncertainty in the First Year of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2007;57(5):803-809.
21. Mackie SL, Arun P, Padmanabhan V, Arjona A, Kullman JA. Patient perspectives on life impact and unmet needs in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: insights from social media. Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2026;10(1):rkaf140. doi:10.1093/rap/rkaf140.

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Novartis Investor Relations Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

Zurich, Friday, September 18, 2026 – Lufthansa has been named “World’s Best First Class Onboard Dining” at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, underscoring the strength of its partnership with gategourmet Germany and the successful launch of its groundbreaking Future Onboard Experience (FOX) program.

As Lufthansa’s strategic catering and hospitality partner, gategourmet Germany played a central role in developing and implementing the award-winning First Class dining experience, working side-by-side with Lufthansa and renowned two-Michelin-star chef Christoph Kunz over more than two years to create a new benchmark for fine dining at 35,000 feet.

“Congratulations to Lufthansa on this prestigious recognition in its centenary year. We are proud to have partnered with Lufthansa on the Future Onboard Experience (FOX), helping bring a bold vision for premium hospitality to life. This award reflects Lufthansa’s commitment to excellence and the dedication of the Lufthansa and gategourmet Germany teams, supported by 2-Michelin Star chef Christoph Kunz, creating a new benchmark for First Class dining. We look forward to continuing our journey together to elevate the travel experience for guests around the world.” said Herman Anbeek, President Europe, gategroup.

Olaf Mauthe, Senior Director Hospitality & Catering Management, Lufthansa Airlines, said: “The success of our new First Class culinary concept is the result of a true partnership. Together with gategourmet Germany and Chef Christoph Kunz, we challenged conventional approaches to inflight dining and developed a concept that brings two-Michelin-star restaurant-quality hospitality to 35,000 feet. We are proud to see this effort recognized by travelers around the world.”

From Michelin-Starred Restaurant to 35,000 Feet

As part of Lufthansa’s Future Onboard Experience (FOX), the airline’s transformation of its onboard experience, gategourmet Germany introduced Chef Christoph Kunz as a culinary partner for Lufthansa’s new First Class concept and helped translate his Michelin-starred philosophy into an award-winning inflight dining experience.

The development process brought together Lufthansa’s culinary team, Chef Kunz, and gategourmet experts led by Christoph Brandstätter, Regional Executive Chef Central Europe and Max Herzog, Senior Executive Chef for the Lufthansa Group. Through culinary workshops, tastings, and numerous test flights, the teams refined and optimized the concept before its launch across Lufthansa’s First Class network.

A Culinary Center of Excellence in Germany

To support the new First Class concept, gategourmet Germany established a dedicated team of chefs with backgrounds in Michelin-starred and fine-dining restaurants.

Today, Lufthansa First Class departures from Frankfurt and Munich benefit from highly trained culinary teams and rigorous quality controls that ensure consistency, precision, and product excellence.

The result is a dining experience that successfully translates two-star gastronomy into a large-scale airline operation while maintaining the standards expected by Lufthansa’s most discerning guests.

Raising the Standard of Airline Dining

Introduced in March 2026, the new First Class dining concept was built around greater choice, personalization, and elevated presentation. The collaboration encompassed the full spectrum of the onboard culinary experience, including menu development, service concepts, operational processes, customer testing and onboard equipment. Complementing the culinary offering, deSter, a gategroup brand, developed the FOX serviceware and equipment concept, balancing premium design, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

The recognition highlights the strength of the partnership between Lufthansa and gategroup and reinforces gategroup’s role as a trusted innovation partner for leading airlines worldwide.

About gategroup

gategroup is the leading global provider of airline catering, retail-on-board, and hospitality products and services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the company serves millions of passengers through a network of nearly 300 locations in more than 68 countries. By leveraging innovation and operational expertise, gategroup partners with the world’s leading airlines to create exceptional travel experiences. Learn more at www.gategroup.com

mediacontact@gategroup.com