IHS Markit announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend in the first quarter of 2022, in the amount of 20c per share. The cash dividend is payable on February 11, 2022 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 28, 2022. The Markit Group Holdings Limited Employee Benefit Trust, has, subject to certain limited exceptions, waived its right to receive dividends with respect to common shares it holds and, as a result, it will not participate in the dividend payable on February 11, 2022.

Evelo Biosciences announced data for EDP1815, the company's lead product in inflammation, detailing its mechanism of action and supporting further clinical development in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The data were presented in two posters on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the 2022 Winter Clinical Dermatology Congress in Koloa, Hawaii. Preclinical data from the studies presented at the Winter Clinical Dermatology Congress confirm that EDP1815 modulates systemic inflammation through its initial interaction with innate immune receptors, including TLR2, leading to downstream changes in circulating immune-cell phenotypes. In addition, the data demonstrate that preclinical effects in Th17 models translate into signs of clinical benefit in psoriasis, and that preclinical effects in Th2 models translate into signs of clinical benefit in atopic dermatitis, supporting further clinical development of EDP1815 in these indications. A Phase 2 study of EDP1815 in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis is ongoing, and a Phase 2 study of EDP1815 in patients with mild, moderate, and severe atopic dermatitis is expected to initiate dosing in the first quarter of 2022.

Unilever (UN, UL) announced that it is "committed to accelerating the company's growth and repositioning the portfolio into higher growth categories." It added, "As a result of the reporting of Unilever's interest in GSK (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, we are today bringing forward a planned update, setting out the strategic direction that the company is pursuing." Unilever announced that its board has undertaken an "extensive process to review strategic pathways to reposition Unilever's portfolio into higher growth categories." This concluded that Unilever's future strategic direction "lies in materially expanding its presence in Health, Beauty, and Hygiene. These categories offer higher rates of sustainable market growth, with significant opportunities to drive growth through investment and innovation, and by leveraging Unilever's strong presence in emerging markets," the company said in a statement. The board also concluded "that major acquisitions should be accompanied by the accelerated divestment of intrinsically lower growth brands and businesses." It added, "Unilever is committed to strict financial discipline to ensure that acquisitions create value for shareholders. The company benefits from a strong balance sheet and cash generation, and remains committed to maintaining an A-band credit rating. Following any acquisition, the company would target a return to current levels of gearing over the short to medium term. Consumer Health is a highly complementary category for Unilever, with good potential for synergies and a number of routes to build scale. GSK Consumer Healthcare would be a strong strategic fit." Reference Link

Amazon.com (AMZN) has emailed its customers in the U.K. to say that a planned ban on Visa (V) credit cards will no longer take place, according to various news outlets. "We are working closely with Visa on a potential solution that will enable customers to continue using their Visa credit cards on Amazon.co.uk," Amazon said in the email, according to Bloomberg. The previously announced ban, which Amazon said was due to the rising costs of accepting credit card payments, was due to take place on January 19. "Amazon customers can continue to use Visa cards on Amazon.co.uk after January 19 while we work closely together to reach an agreement," a Visa spokesman told Bloomberg.