BioTech Archives - Page 11 of 52

Chiron AS in Trondheim, Norway, Has Developed The World’s First Commercial Microplastic Reference Materials

Chiron AS, now part of ZeptoMetrix®, has developed the world’s very first commercially available microplastic reference materials. This revolutionary new product range, called MicroPRefs®, was developed in close collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and was made possible by grants from the EU project EUROqCHARM and Innovation Norway.

Microplastic particles are found in large quantities in water, soil, and in the air. Plastic pollution of various kinds breaks down in nature into tiny particles. These range in size from macro- to nano-sized particles. Microplastics are also carriers of various environmental toxins such as PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and brominated flame retardants, and cause significant environmental and health risks to communities around the world.

“In order to measure the quantity and type of microplastic substances present, there is a need for a yardstick or a ‘reference material,’ which is a material developed in the laboratory that can be used for comparison. ZeptoMetrix’s Chiron AS business has now developed the very first commercially available microplastic reference materials for the six most abundant plastics in nature. New variants will follow successively throughout this year,” stated Huiling Liu, Ph.D., Senior Director, R&D Analytical Reference Materials.

MicroPRefs® microplastic reference materials feature a novel tablet format containing a defined number of particles. The particles produced are of known plastic type and were designed to provide sizes and shapes that mimic microplastics found in nature. The tablets are dissolved in water and then analyzed using various methods and in parallel with real samples from nature.

The first single polymer tablets produced contain microplastic particles ranging in size between 50 and 300 micron. Multi-polymer tablets contain a mixture of three different plastic types. Further variants containing different size, quantity and combinations of plastics are planned to support researchers in their endeavors.

“The need to monitor microplastics in our surroundings is paramount to protecting the ongoing health of our communities. ZeptoMetrix is committed to fostering innovations that will help solve real-world issues as laboratories around the world can now deliver microplastics test results with greater confidence,” stated Evangeline Gonzalez, President of ZeptoMetrix. “In addition, our scientists are partnering with industry organizations and leading laboratories to incorporate microplastics into our innovative proficiency testing programs.”

About ZeptoMetrix
Chiron AS is part of ZeptoMetrix®, an Antylia Scientific company. ZeptoMetrix is the industry leader and manufacturer for innovative solutions solving challenges in the evolving Diagnostic Microbiology, Infectious Disease, and Oncology markets, as well as Analytical Reference Materials for the Applied Markets. We focus on our customers’ success by providing premium product quality, reliability, and expert technical knowledge, enabling our customers to develop and advance many applications across diagnostics, pharmaceutical, environmental, food and beverage industries. From in-stock solutions to custom control and panel development, our scientific teams provide our customers with comprehensive, performance-oriented, and cost-effective products and services that positively impact the field of clinical diagnostics, analytical testing and contribute to a healthier world. ZeptoMetrix is a division of Antylia Scientific, an operating company of premier life science and diagnostic brands, including Cole-Parmer, Environmental Express and ZeptoMetrix.

Contact Information
Nancie Geddings
Global Business Development Leader
nancie.geddings@antylia.com
1-843-277-5230

SOURCE: ZeptoMetrix

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Avance Clinical at World Vaccine Congress to Share Latest Vaccine Clinical Trial News Including an HIV-1 Study

Avance Clinical, the award-winning Australian and North American market-leading CRO for biotechs, will attend World Vaccine Congress in Washington DC (April 1-4, 2024) and share the latest clinical trial client news including the Uvax Bio announcement. (Booth #267)

Avance Clinical CEO, Yvonne Lungershausen said the World Vaccine Congress was an important event for the company’s US and Australian teams as they continue to excel in biotech vaccine CRO services.

Lungershausen said Avance Clinical is a mid-sized, agile, and responsive CRO with a proven track record of swiftly advancing high-quality clinical programs. “This makes us an ideal CRO partner for vaccine focussed biotechs,” she said. Lungershausen said the company has had significant vaccine client successes in infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and RSV, as well as other diseases such as Hypertension and Psoriasis.

She said Avance Clinical is proud to be working with many innovative vaccine biotech companies including Uvax Bio who have just announced another milestone in their Phase I HIV study. Mary Giffear, Uvax Bio’s Director of Clinical Operations reported, “we have completed enrollment in our Phase 1 study of the Company’s HIV-1 vaccine candidates, UVAX-1107 and UVAX-1197, and the Australia-based trial is on schedule.”

Lungershausen said Avance Clinical is focussed on accelerating drug development for its biotech clients, from preclinical stages through to Phase III.

“This is our GlobalReady program and we have more than 90 biotech clients leveraging this unique, streamlined multi-region process. With a globalized strategy, we ensure efficiency every step of the way,” she said.

“Biotechs are looking for a partner that can seamlessly help transition them with the ability to start fast with high-quality data that is readily accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies. Our in-house global regulatory affairs team assists biotechs to navigate regulatory complexities with confidence and work to support our clients with FDA, EMA and TGA submissions,” she said.

“In addition, our GlobalReady Site Partnership Network of over 1,250 highly qualified sites across the United States ensures maximum efficiency and effectiveness in our biotech’s clinical trials,” she said.

Another key advantage for vaccine biotechs is that Avance Clinical is accredited as a gene technology CRO which allows it to manage pre-clinical and clinical trials for vaccines and GMO therapies.

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has developed globally compliant regulations and accreditations which are in line with international guidelines.

Avance Clinical’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Gabriel Kremmidiotis said: “This means that as an OGTR accredited CRO we can support our international biotech clients with extensive OGTR knowledge and experience to accelerate their clinical research. Indeed, we would argue the clarity around the OGTR regulations makes Australia one of the most attractive destinations for Cell and Gene Technology research,” he said.

Find out more:

Learn about the GlobalReady model
For more information about the benefits of running your next study with Avance Clinical contact us
Request a Proposal here

Media Contact:
Avance Clinical
media@avancecro.com
Kate Thompson

About Avance Clinical

Avance Clinical is the largest premium full-service Australian and North American CRO delivering quality clinical trials, with globally accepted data, in Australia, New Zealand and the US for international biotechs. The company’s clients are biotechs completing Phase I to Phase III of their drug development program that requires fast, agile, and adaptive solution-oriented clinical research services.

Frost & Sullivan Awards
Avance Clinical, a Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific CRO Market Leadership Award recipient for the past four years, has been providing CRO services in the region for more than 26 years.

Pre-clinical through to mid to late phase
Avance Clinical offers pre-clinical services with their experienced ClinicReady team right from pre-clinical through to Phase III clinical services leveraging significant Australian Government incentive rebates of up to 43.5% and rapid start-up regulatory processes.

With experience across more than 120 indications, the CRO can deliver world-class results and high-quality internationally accepted data for FDA and EMA review.

Technology
Avance Clinical uses state-of-the-art technology and gold standard systems across all functional areas to provide clients with the most effective processes. Medidata, Oracle, TrialHub, Certinia, Salesforce, Zelta and Medrio are just some of the technology partners.

www.avancecro.com

Moderna Achieves Positive Interim Results from Phase 3 Trial of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine

mRNA-1283 induced a more robust immune response compared to Spikevax® COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273.222
Next-generation mRNA vaccine design offers the potential of longer shelf life and storage advantages, and paves the way for combination vaccine against influenza and COVID-19, mRNA-1083

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today announced that mRNA-1283, the Company’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, has successfully met the primary endpoints of its Phase 3 clinical trial, demonstrating a higher immune response against SARS-CoV-2 when compared to mRNA-1273.222, Moderna’s licensed COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are excited to announce our fourth infectious disease vaccine program with positive Phase 3 data, further validating our robust mRNA platform,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. “mRNA-1283 is a critical component of our combination vaccine against flu and COVID-19, mRNA-1083, and this milestone gives us confidence in our ability to bring this much needed vaccine to market.”

In the NextCOVE (NCT05815498) Phase 3 pivotal trial, mRNA-1283 was shown to elicit a higher immune response against both the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and original virus strains of SARS-CoV-2, compared to mRNA-1273.222. Importantly, this benefit was most acutely seen in participants over the age of 65 years, the population that remains at highest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. The most common solicited local adverse event was injection site pain. The most common solicited systemic adverse events included headache, fatigue, myalgia and chills.

The NEXTCove clinical trial is a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled study of approximately 11,400 individuals aged 12 years and older in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. mRNA-1283 was found to have a similar safety profile to Moderna’s approved COVID-19 vaccines.

The storage, shelf life and pre-filled syringe presentation of mRNA-1283 could alleviate healthcare provider burden and potentially increase access into new settings to serve public health. A detailed analysis of the Phase 3 clinical trial data for mRNA-1283 will be shared at the Company’s Vaccines Day event on March 27 and presented at upcoming scientific conferences.

About Moderna
Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna’s mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit modernatx.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Spikevax®is a registered trademark of Moderna.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding: the potential longer refrigerator shelf life and storage advantages of mRNA-1283 compared to Spikevax; and the ability of mRNA-1283 to maintain effectiveness compared to Spikevax. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Moderna’s control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Moderna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in subsequent filings made by Moderna with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, Moderna disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Moderna’s current expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release.

Moderna Contacts
Media:
Elise Meyer
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
+1 617-852-7041
Elise.Meyer@modernatx.com

Investors:
Lavina Talukdar
Senior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations
+1 617-209-5834
Lavina.Talukdar@modernatx.com

SOURCE: Moderna, Inc.

DC Healthcare Continues Growth Momentum with Second DC Body Outlet Opening in USJ Taipan

Group’s Expansion Reflects Growing Demand for Aesthetic and Wellness Services

DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad (DC Healthcare or the Group), an aesthetic medical services provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, continues the Group’s growth momentum to announcing the opening of the latest DC Body outlet in USJ Taipan. This opening mark a significant stride in DC Healthcare’s mission to make superior aesthetic and wellness services more accessible while continuing to cater to the diverse needs of its growing clientele.

Managing Director of DC Healthcare, Dr. Chong Tze Sheng

DC Body – USJ Taipan represent an innovative leap for DC Healthcare, extending the Group’s offerings into specialised weight management, personalised nutrition counselling and body contouring. DC Body – USJ Taipan is designed in harmony with the Group’s philosophy of personalised, holistic care, developed in collaboration with esteemed medical professionals from Dr. Chong Clinic and certified nutritionists. By integrating cutting-edge technology with tailor-made wellness programs, DC Body aims to redefine the wellness journey for individuals seeking comprehensive body care and transformative health solutions.

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare expressed his enthusiasm for the Group’s expansion, “We are thrilled to introduce our DC Body centres, broadening our spectrum of health and aesthetic services. This expansion into USJ Taipan not only demonstrates our commitment to excellence and innovation but also signifies our response to the growing demand for holistic aesthetic and wellness solutions. We believe in empowering our clients on their journey to wellness and aesthetic, and the new outlet is a testament to our dedication to providing comprehensive, client-centered care.”

As DC Healthcare continues to extend its geographical reach, the strategic placement of new outlets is anticipated to significantly contribute to the Group’s growth trajectory. With a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and patient satisfaction, DC Healthcare is well-equipped to lead in the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine and wellness, promising a future where aesthetic and health go hand in hand.

Avantor Wins Five Prestigious Awards at Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024

Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences advanced technologies industries, has secured five prestigious awards at the esteemed Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) 2024. The ABEA event, held in conjunction with the 11th Annual Biologics Manufacturing Asia 2024, 8th BioLogistics World Asia 2024, and 2nd Annual Clinical Trials Festival Asia 2024, underscores Avantor’s exceptional achievements in bioprocessing, logistics, and supply chain management, as well as its leadership in the biopharma sector.

Avantor sweeps 5 Biopharma Award at the Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 in Singapore.

(Right) Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Bioscience Production, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor receiving the Bioprocessing Leadership Award

Avantor is honored with five ABEA awards, including three excellence recognitions and two individual accolades:

Overall Downstream Bioprocessing Supplier Award
Best Aseptic Fill-Finish and Packaging Supplier Award for Formulation Development
Best Bioprocessing Supplier Award for Single-use Systems
Bioprocessing Leadership Award presented to Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Bioscience Production, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor
Supply Chain Management Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Yee Seng Ng, Vice President, Operations, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Rao said, “We are honored to receive these awards, which represent our steadfast commitment to providing indispensable support to the biopharma industry across the AMEA region. I am proud of Avantor’s commitment to advancing manufacturing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality while supporting our customers at every stage of their innovation lifecycle, from discovery to commercialization. I also would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Avantor for supporting the growth and development of our team.”

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Avantor team,” remarked Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President of AMEA, Avantor. “At Avantor, we understand the critical importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains to enabling progress across the biopharma sector and we are committed to empowering our customers to optimize their bioprocessing operations.”

As a trusted global partner to the biopharma industry, Avantor supports customers across the AMEA region in navigating operational challenges such as productivity constraints providing unwavering support and driving innovation to accelerate life-changing innovation.

The Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) recognizes exceptional Asian bioprocessing, biologistic, clinical trials and aseptic fill and finish experts, organizations and technologies. It celebrates outstanding achievements and innovations in the bioprocessing industry across the Asia Pacific region. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, and winners are selected based on their contributions to the advancement of the bioprocessing industry.

About Avantor®

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries. From discovery to delivery, we work side-by-side with scientists around the world to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology at scale. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries.

For more information, visit avantorsciences.com, newsroom and find us on LinkedIn, X(Twitter) and Facebook.

Regional Media Contact:
Christina KohDirector, Communications – AMEA
Avantor
M: +65 9720 0169
Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com

CGFNS International and The DAISY Foundation Honor Outstanding International Nurse Recruiters

CGFNS International and The DAISY Foundation(TM) this evening honored two nurses for their contributions to ethical international recruitment practices with the first-ever CGFNS DAISY Award for Outstanding International Nurse Recruiter. The presentation was made at a ceremony in New York City.

Sinead Carbery, President of International Staffing Solutions for AMN Healthcare, and Christy Craft, a quality improvement nurse manager at Health Carousel, were selected as honorees from more than 140 submitted nominations.

Both honorees are registered nurses working at health professional recruitment firms and were recognized for their commitment to helping foreign-educated nurses cope with the challenges they face as they navigate their way to employment in the U.S. health system.

Carbery, herself an immigrant nurse from Ireland, has helped thousands of other migrating nurses over her nearly three decades in international recruitment. She is noted for her commitment to ethical recruitment practices and her compassion for migrating nurses and their families during their journey.

Craft leads a team whose effort resulted in more than 500 nurse assignment placements in 2023 alone. Under her guidance, the team also runs transition-to-practice and clinical residency programs that prepare migrating nurses for their duties as RNs in the U.S.

The CGFNS DAISY Award for Outstanding International Nurse Recruiter is open to individual nurses actively engaged, either directly or indirectly, in international nurse recruitment efforts. With a focus on “nurses helping nurses,” the award honors those who have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of nurse migrants through their compassion, empathy, and embodying the principles of the recruitment code from the CGFNS Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices.

The award was presented by CGFNS International President and CEO Dr. Peter Preziosi and Dr. Deb Zimmermann, CEO of The DAISY Foundation.

About CGFNS International, Inc.
Founded in 1977 and based in Philadelphia, CGFNS International is an immigration-neutral not-for-profit organization proudly serving as the world’s largest credentials evaluation organization for the nursing and allied health professions. CGFNS International is an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is a member of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO).

About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from Nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award(R) for Extraordinary Nurses, an evidenced-based means of providing Nurse recognition and thanking Nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award(R) for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 6,500 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition programs for nurses wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers – from nursing student through lifetime achievement, and through several lines of research grant and evidence-based practice projects funding. More information is available at https://DAISYfoundation.org.

Contact Information
David St. John
dstjohn@cgfns.org

SOURCE: CGFNS International

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Q&M Dental Group recorded growth in both Revenue and Net Profit after tax attributable to parent of S$182.7 million and S$11.5 million respectively for FY2023

Mainboard listed Q & M Dental Group Limited (“ the Group” or “the company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) reported total revenue of S$182.7 million and profit after tax attributable to parent of S$11.5 million for the 12 months ended 31 December 2023 (“FY2023”).

Dr Ng Chin Siau, Group Chief Executive Officer of Q & M, said, “We are heartened by the improvement in the numbers overall for FY2023 despite the macroenvironment impact of relatively high inflation rate, high interest rates and a generally challenging business environment. The resilience of Q&M’s Core Healthcare Business is once again being well-demonstrated and is a testament to strategies and processes we have put in place. We will continue to focus on organic growth within the Group’s strong network in Singapore and Malaysia and also optimising our existing clinics to obtain better outcomes in service and overall productivity.

FY2023 Financials

Core Healthcare Business Revenue increased from S$172.1 million for FY2022 to S$176.2 million for FY2023, mainly from higher revenue contribution from Singapore dental clinics that was offset by lower revenue contribution from Singapore medical clinics, deconsolidation of the Shanghai Chuangyi in June 2023 and the impact of the weakening Malaysian Ringgit for the Group’s operations in Malaysia. The Group’s medical laboratory business was also impacted by lower demand for Covid-19 testing now that the Covid-19 virus has entered the endemic stage.

Aoxin Q & M Dental Limited (“Aoxin Q &M”), a 32.8% owned associate’ company of Q & M reversed from a loss in second half of 2022 to a profit in second half financial year of 2023 (“2H2023”), resulting in Q & M recording a share of profit from equity-accounted associate of S$0.1 million in 2H2023. Comparing FY2023 with FY2022, share of loss in Aoxin Q & M, decreased by S$0.5 million for the same reason give above.

Net cash flow generated from operating activities was S$33.5 million for FY2023. This is mainly attributable to operating cash flow before changes in working capital offset by increase on working capital. Net cash used in investing activities in FY2023 amounted to S$7.2 million, mainly due to purchase of plant and equipment for the existing dental clinics and cost of developing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided clinical decision support system. Net cash used in financing activities in FY2023 was S$32.0 million, mainly due to repayment of lease liabilities arising from right-of-use assets, repayment of bank loans, dividend payment to shareholders.

As at 31 December 2023, Q & M has cash and cash equivalents of S$34.0 million and bank borrowings plus finance leases amounting to S$80.3 million.

Net Aset Value attributable to owners of parent is S$99.1 million as at 31 December 2023 compared to S$96.5 million a year ago, an increase of 3%. Net assets value per ordinary share increased to 10.5 Singapore cents as at 31 December 2023 from 10.2 cents a year ago.

Dividend

The Board of Directors of Q & M declared a second interim dividend of 0.53 Singapore cent per ordinary share for 2H2023. The Group paid a 0.16 Singapore cent dividend for 1H2023. The total dividend thus works out to 0.69 Singapore cents for FY2023, with a payout ratio of 57%. The dividend will be paid on 26 March 2024.

Recent Developments

Investment by EM2AI Professionals Holdco Pte. Ltd. Into EM2AI Pte. Ltd. as an Interested Person Transaction

On 25 January 2024, Q & M entered into a joint venture agreement with EM2AI Professional Holdco Pte. Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, EM2AI Pte Ltd., in which EM2AI Professional Holdco Pte. Ltd. has agreed to invest S$1.6 million of fresh funds into EM2AI for an effective shareholding interest of 51% in EM2AI. In additional, EM2AI Professional Holdco Pte. Ltd. has also agreed to provide an interest free loan of S$3.7 million to EM2AI Pte Ltd.

The investment was undertaken to derive the following benefits for the Group:

a) Strengthen the Group’s financial position and improve its cash flow as EM2AI is a loss-making company and its activities require significant capital investment, specifically in the area of research and development (R&D). With this investment, the primary responsibility for providing cash flow to EM2AI will be shifted to the EM2AI Professional HoldCo Pte Ltd. Funds saved by the Company in respect of further funding requirements of EM2AI can be deployed by the Group to its core activities;

b) By divesting majority control of EM2AI, the Group will effectively minimise its capital investment in EM2AI during its growth stage. The Group, with its minority stake, will benefit from the growth of EM2AI without having to invest substantially into EM2AI;

c) There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with AI-empowered solutions and businesses along with intensive working capital requirements. It is thus difficult to estimate when the business will become ultimately profitable. The investment will allow the Group to mitigate some of the associated risks and at the same time continue to participate in the growth of EM2AI.

Looking ahead

While we are focused on sustainable growth for the Group, we are also mindful of the values and philosophy by which the organisation abides by. Fundamental to this is a responsibility to be the very best in all we do when it comes to the care we offer and the smiles that we create because of our commitment to our stakeholders to the saying:

We strive to build a strong and holistic platform upon which our future growth can be firmly established with particular emphasis on the following strategic thrusts:

1. Strengthening the basics

The Group has always placed strong emphasis on conducting business based on the long term outlook that is ethical and sustainable for both our patients and the Group.

2. Improving efficiency- reducing costs and wastage

Starting in 2023, Q&M is now organised with area management teams that include dentists, nurses, operations and finance personnel to improve overall cost and operational efficiencies, reduce overlaps while also empowering Area Managers to make improvements on the ground. We believe this will improve staff motivation and morale throughout the organisation.

3. Q&M College

As of 4th quarter of 2023, the Group has made it mandatory to attend certain technical training courses for our dentists at the Q.& M College as part of our continuous effort to always maintain the highest standards of skill and expertise and at the same time, refresh the skills of our dentists to improve the overall standard of care throughout the organisation.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Dentistry 3.0

In the dynamic landscape of dentistry, embracing the ethos of a learning organization is paramount for continued growth and innovation. Q & M is a learning organisation made up of employees skilled at creating, acquiring, and transferring knowledge. This is very much part of our Company DNA since day one. With technological advances alongside a fast-changing world, any firm that remains stationary is doomed to oblivion.

Just as Dentistry 3.0 heralds a new era of patient-centric care and technological advancement, so too must our organisation evolve into a hub of continuous learning and adaptation. Imagine a collaborative ecosystem where dental professionals engage in interdisciplinary dialogues, harnessing the latest research and technological breakthroughs to refine their craft and elevate patient outcomes. In this vision, our company becomes not merely a provider of dental healthcare, but a catalyst for industry-wide transformation. By fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and knowledge-sharing, we not only stay ahead of the curve but actively shape its trajectory.

Our investment in Artificial Intelligence is not merely paying lip-service to an emerging trend but yields real world benefits in terms of ethical dentistry that will ultimately result in positive outcomes and experiences both for the dentists and also our patients. Patients armed with more knowledge can also make better informed decisions in consultation with their dentists and dentists can leverage on the data-centric recommendations for the most appropriate treatment plans every time.

5. Expanding our brand- Singapore and Southeast Asia

Q & M is embarking on an intensive strategy for organic growth in our network of dental clinics, bolstering its team of dentists to support future operations in Singapore and Malaysia. Concurrently, we will enhance our digital clinical decision support system to deliver ethical and optimal treatment plans for patients.

With rising standards of living and increased expectations for dental healthcare, particularly in Singapore, the Group is poised to meet the growing demand for both primary and specialised dental services.

Expanding beyond Singapore, the Group seeks to establish a sustainable growth pillar through organic expansion within the burgeoning private dental healthcare market of Southeast Asia. We aim to extend the reach of the Q & M brand and expertise beyond current borders, leveraging our premium reputation and brand for quality products and services. This expansion will be executed with careful and decisive precision, positioning us to export our proficiency regionally.

6. Giving Back through serving the community- Free Dental Clinic @Chai Chee

The Free Dental Clinic which was launched in July 2023 has become a tremendous platform for Q & M to give back to the community, serving to cement the bond between dentists and nurses with the community from all over Singapore. The Group is heartened by the willingness of so many to step up to volunteer their time and expertise to help and benefit those who might otherwise have limited access to good quality dental healthcare.

Since its opening in July 2023 to 31 Dec 2023, the Free Dental Clinic has had the privilege of serving around 220 patients in the community. Of these, more than 90 patients were over 60 years old as well as young children under 12 years of age. We look forward with excitement to serving a larger number of our community in the year ahead.

This press release is read in conjunction with Q & M’s FY2023 results release on SGXNET.

Footnotes:

1. Core Healthcare Business excludes contributions from the Group’s medical laboratory, other gains, other losses and expenses incurred on the development of the Group’s digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided clinical decision support system as well as rental rebates received from the Singapore Government.

2. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.

3. PATMI refers to profit after tax and minority interest (aka Profit attributable to parent).

About Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI)

Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI) (“Q & M” or together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is a leading private dental healthcare group in Asia.

The Group owns the largest network of private dental outlets in Singapore, operating 105 dental outlets across the country. Underpinned by about 270 experienced dentists and over 350 supporting staff, the Group sees an average of 40,000 patient visits a month in Singapore. The Group also operates 5 medical clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company.

Outside of Singapore, the Group has 44 dental clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company in Malaysia. Q & M is also the substantial shareholder of Aoxin Q & M Dental Group Limited, a dental Group listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange that operates dental clinics and hospitals primarily in the north-eastern region of the PRC. The Group aims to expand its operations geographically and vertically through the value chain in Malaysia, the PRC and within the ASEAN region.

The Q & M College of Dentistry was established in 2019 to offer postgraduate dental education as part of its commitment to continual education and professional development of dentists. It offers Singapore’s first private postgraduate diploma programme in clinical dentistry.

In 2020, the Group expanded into the medical laboratories and research industry with the strategic investment into Acumen Diagnostics Pte. Ltd. (“Acumen”). Currently, Acumen focuses on developing its range of medical research, tests and solutions to secure viable patents and to achieve successful commercialisation of the medical products in the near future.

The Group was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX- ST”) on 26 November 2009.

For more information on the Group, please visit www.QandMDental.com.sg

Media queries, please contact:
Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Wayne Koo: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg (+65) 9338-8166
Derek Yeo: derek@waterbrooks.com.sg (+65) 9791-4707
General: query@waterbrooks.com.sg

Proud Investor Relations partner: https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/ and https://www.shareinvestorholdings.com

DC Healthcare Further Expands into Perai, Pulau Pinang with Two New Outlets, and Introduces DC Body

Group Continues to Expand in Major Cities

DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad (DC Healthcare or the Group), an aesthetic medical services provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, is pleased to announce the opening of two new outlets: Dr Chong Clinic and DC Body, both located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City). These new establishments underscore the Group’s commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing the accessibility of the Group’s top-tier aesthetic and wellness services.

DC Body located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City)

Dr Chong Clinic – Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City) continues the Group’s offering of premier aesthetic services, building on the reputation of excellence that DC Healthcare has established. Meanwhile, DC Body – Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City) represents a new frontier for the Group, focusing on beauty, wellness, and weight management. Developed in collaboration with medical professionals from Dr. Chong Clinic and certified nutritionists, DC Body is set to revolutionise the approach to wellness with the Group’s comprehensive, personalised treatment plans and state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare, shared his excitement about the new outlets, stating, “The opening of Dr Chong Clinic and DC Body in Perai, Pulau Pinang is a landmark moment for us, broadening our horizons in the realms of health and beauty. These outlets embody our commitment to delivering a wide spectrum of services that cater to the diverse needs of our clients. With a unique blend of aesthetic expertise and wellness solutions, we’re set to offer Perai transformative experiences rooted in excellence and innovation. This expansion is more than just growth; it’s a testament to our vision of integrating beauty with well-being, ensuring our clients receive the best care possible.”

He added, “I’m immensely proud of our team for making this vision a reality and eagerly anticipate the positive impact we’ll bring to the Perai community.” The introduction of these new outlets comes at a time when the demand for aesthetic and wellness services is experiencing robust growth. With an emphasis on creating a serene and rejuvenating environment.”

DC Body is poised to become a sanctuary for those seeking to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant self. The center’s focus on weight management nutrition, body contouring and delivered by a team of dedicated specialists in ensuring a holistic approach to wellness.

As DC Healthcare continues to expand the Group’s geographical footprint, the strategic locations of these new outlets in Perai are expected to play a pivotal role in the Group’s growth trajectory. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, DC Healthcare is well-positioned to lead the charge in the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine and wellness, promising a brighter, healthier future for its clients.

Dr Chong Clinic located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City)

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare

AsiaMedic achieves record revenue of S$23.5 million for FY2023 amid expansion of its medical imaging and aesthetics businesses

SGX Catalist-listed AsiaMedic Limited (the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (“FY2023”).

The Group’s FY2023 revenue increased by S$4.6 million or 25% from S$18.9 million for FY2022 to S$23.5 million due to the increase in revenue from the imaging and aesthetic businesses. The Group’s other income also increased by 71% to S$0.7 million due mainly to higher interest income from short- term investments and sub-lease income.

The Group’s EBITDA held steady at S$3.4 million for FY2023.

Mr Arifin Kwek, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaMedic Limited, said, “We are encouraged by the record high revenue achieved for FY2023 following three consecutive years of revenue growth.

The growing referrals from specialist clinics and hospitals reflect the Group’s position as a preferred provider of diagnostic imaging and radiology services. We will continue to invest in the latest technology to enhance the patient experience.”

In September 2023, the Group became the first in Asia Pacific to commence operations of the SIGNA™ Hero 3T MRI scanner which delivers higher image quality with improved efficiency, comfort, and productivity. In February 2024, the Group replaced its CT scanner with a new cutting-edge platform with best-in-class technology.

“Our immediate priorities are to ensure the smooth integration of the Group’s newly acquired medical aesthetics business, strengthening the operations of our primary healthcare services and intensify our collaboration with insurance companies to open new opportunities for the Group’s medical wellness and health screening services,” he added.

FY2023 Income Statement

With the increase in revenue, the Group’s consumables expenses increased by 12% to S$1.7 million, personnel expenses increased by 22% to S$12.2 million, laboratory and consultancy fees increased by 55% to S$3.6 million, and other operating expenses increased by 17% to S$2.8 million.

Depreciation of plant and equipment increased by 232% to S$0.9 million due to equipment purchased in FY2022 and FY2023, as well as depreciation charge with the reversal of impairment for equipment in 2H2022.

Depreciation of right-of-use assets increased due to the depreciation charge with the reversal of impairment of right-of-use assets in 2H2022, and the leasing of new clinic space at Orchard Building.

Finance costs increased by 75% to S$0.4 million due mainly to a higher interest rate applied for the lease modification recognised in 2H2022, the leasing of new clinic space at Orchard Building, and the bank financing obtained for the purchase of the MRI scanner in September 2023.

As a result of the above, the Group registered a net profit of S$1.9 million for FY2023, translating to a net margin of 8.2%.

Financial Position and Cashflow

The Group’s balance sheet remained resilient, with net assets increasing from S$10.9 million as at 31 December 2022 to S$13.3 million as at 31 December 2023.

For FY2023, the Group achieved strong net cash flow from operations of S$3.4 million, more than double compared with S$1.2 million recorded in FY2022 due to the improved performance of the imaging business and a lower working capital requirement in FY2023.

The Group continues to explore potential opportunities for further expansion and long-term growth.

This press release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements announcement for FY2023 uploaded on SGXNet.

For media and analysts’ queries, please contact:
Waterbrooks Consultants
Wayne Koo
T: (65) 9338 8166
E: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

About AsiaMedic Limited

AsiaMedic Limited together with its subsidiaries (“AsiaMedic” or the “Group”) is a leading healthcare provider in Singapore which provides holistic solutions through integrated application of the latest medical technologies to prevent and detect early illnesses to achieve positive experiences and clinical outcomes for patients.

The Group is committed to helping clients through practical and personalised solutions delivered with the highest professional standards of service and expertise in a timely, safe and consistent manner. Conveniently located at Orchard Road, AsiaMedic is a preferred one-stop centre for:

· Diagnostic imaging and radiology services
· Medical wellness and health screening services
· Primary healthcare services
· Medical aesthetic services and products

For more information, please visit www.asiamedic.com.sg

LYC Healthcare Reports Strong Q3 FY2024 Results of RM36.0 Million

Group’s Enhanced Performance in Nutraceutical Business and Strategic Gains Drive Margin Improvement

LYC Healthcare Berhad (LYC Healthcare or the Group), a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare and specialist in mother and child care services, is pleased to announce the financial results for the third quarter ended 31 December 2023 (Q3 FY2024), demonstrating significant revenue growth and an improvement in operational results.

In Q3 FY2024, LYC Healthcare achieved a robust revenue of RM35.9 million, a notable increase from RM23.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year (“Q3 FY2023”). This growth is primarily attributed to the Group’s strategic focus on nutraceutical business and beneficial outcomes from lease modifications. Despite facing industry-wide challenges, LYC Healthcare successfully narrowed Loss Before Tax (“LBT”) to RM1.2 million, down from RM1.8 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, underscoring the effectiveness of the Group’s operational and strategic initiatives.

On a regional basis, Malaysia segment continues to contribute significantly to the Group’s performance, generating RM24.0 million in revenue for the quarter, up from RM13.4 million in the previous year’s quarter. The LBT in this segment decreased to RM2.0 million from RM3.2 million, reflecting improved outcomes from the nutraceutical business.

In Singapore, the healthcare operations continued to excel, generating revenue of RM11.9 million and a profit before tax of RM0.8 million. This performance is an improvement in revenue compared to the previous year, although there was a slight decrease in profit before tax from RM1.5 million, attributed to strategic investments in the region’s healthcare sector for future growth plans.

Cumulatively, for the nine months ended 31 December 2023 (“9M FY2024”), LYC Healthcare posted a revenue of RM95.0 million, up from RM66.6 million in the same period last year. The Group’s LBT improved significantly to RM2.9 million from RM6.4 million, driven by contributions from profit guarantee contributions, gains on lease modifications, and robust performance in both the Singapore healthcare businesses and the nutraceutical sector.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, LYC Healthcare’s revenue increased from RM32.4 million in the preceding quarter to RM35.9 million, with LBT narrowing to RM1.2 million from RM2.0 million, further evidencing the Group’s strong performance momentum.

Mr. Sui Dong Hoe, Managing Director cum Group Chief Executive Officer of LYC Healthcare expressed optimism about the Group’s direction, stating, “The positive trends we are observing in Q3 FY2024 are a clear indication that LYC Healthcare is on the right trajectory towards profitability and sustained growth. Our strategic investments, particularly in T&T Medical Group Pte Ltd (“T&T”) and HC Orthopedic Surgery Pte Ltd (“HCOS”), and operational enhancements are beginning to bear fruit. The full acquisition of T&T and HCOS, coupled with our plans to list these entities under LYC Medicare (Singapore) Pte Ltd on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange (“SGX”), showcases our commitment to capitalizing on these opportunities. These steps are pivotal in further strengthening our market position and delivering value to our stakeholders.”