Category: BioTech

Revolutionizing Drug Development: Novigenix Unveils AI-Powered RNA Analysis for Immune Response Profiling

With cancer projected to escalate to 29 million cases by 2040[1], Novigenix, a pioneer in AI healthcare solutions, is rewriting the rules of cancer care. Their newest innovation, LITOSeek™, is primed to reshape drug development, offering a transformative leap forward.

From left: Dr. Brian Hashemi, Novigenix’s CEO and Chairman, Dr. Sahar Hosseinian, Co-founder & CTO, and Dr. Pedro Romero, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer

Personalized Cancer Treatment: Breaking Barriers
Every cancer is as unique as the person it affects. Tumors are in continuous dynamic interplay with the patient’s immune defenses and are adept at subverting and escaping immune control. Novigenix is on a mission to improve the cancer treatment landscape, leveraging advanced AI and RNA analysis from a routine blood draw to provide more precise insights into patient immune responses to cancer treatments, compared to conventional DNA liquid biopsies that evaluate tumor evolution through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Insights into the precise dynamic of patient immune response thus pave the way for superior therapeutic discoveries in the field.

Empowering Biopharma: Unveiling LITOSeek™ at Precision Medicine World Conference
On January 24th at the Precision Medicine World Conference in Silicon Valley, Novigenix will debut LITOSeek™, a groundbreaking solution designed to expedite drug development for biopharma companies.

AI and RNA Analysis: Pioneering Healthcare Transformation
With a decade-long track record, Novigenix successfully launched Colox® blood test in Switzerland, powered by AI and RNA analysis to detect early-stage colon cancer, marking a significant departure from invasive colonoscopy procedures. By aggregating data from diverse colon cancer patients, Novigenix identified immune system biomarkers crucial for early-stage detection, enhancing treatment outcomes.

Dr. Brian Hashemi, Novigenix’s CEO and Chairman, emphasized, “Our experience with Colox® underscores the potential of AI RNA analysis. Ongoing studies across various cancer types have fuelled our Knowledge Base to uncover comprehensive sets of biomarkers via liquid biopsy and AI RNA analysis. Our validated immunotherapy response biomarkers provide early prediction of patient response and we invite biopharma companies to leverage our platform for more efficient and effective drug development.”

Professor Pedro Romero, M.D. Chief Medical & Scientific Officer of Novigenix, and Founding Chief Editor of the Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer, highlights the importance of patient immune response in the development of novel therapies: “AI RNA analysis is poised to revolutionize healthcare, accelerating conventional experimental drug development with data-driven precision immune response prediction. By swiftly analyzing systemic immune responses, AI compresses analysis times, expediting traditional drug development and powering discovery of novel therapy targets.”

A Team Dedicated to the Future of Cancer Care
With over 20 Ph.D.-level scientists focused on the development of the LITOSeek™ platform and advancing next-generation liquid biopsy solutions, Novigenix is pioneering precision immunology to help transform cancer treatment paradigms for better patient outcomes.

[1] https://canceratlas.cancer.org/the-burden/the-burden-of-cancer/

Contact Information
Edwin Shankar
edwin.shankar@leidar.com

SOURCE: Novigenix

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View the original press release on newswire.com.

Envision Pharma Group Appoints Life Sciences Industry Veteran Alice Choi as President, Integrated Medical Capabilities and Solutions (IMC)

  • Alice will lead the organization’s IMC division made up of experts in medical strategy, medical communications, publications planning and delivery, patient engagement, and more to deliver smarter, faster outcomes for life sciences clients.

Envision Pharma Group (Envision) has appointed Alice Choi as President, Integrated Medical Capabilities and Solutions (IMC) and a member of its Executive Leadership Team. In her new role, Alice will lead the organization’s IMC division made up of experts in medical strategy, medical communications, publications planning and delivery, patient engagement, and more to deliver smarter, faster outcomes for life sciences clients.

“I am so pleased to welcome Alice to the Envision team and her invaluable experience as a global life sciences industry leader,” shares Howard Miller, CEO of Envision Pharma Group. “Alice brings a depth of strategic expertise, knowledge, and insight in the medical communications, scientific research, and publications field that will be instrumental in propelling our vision forward for our people and serving the needs of our clients.”

Alice joins Envision from IPG Health where she most recently served as EVP, Managing Director, Client Solutions, APAC. Prior to this, the bulk of her career was in IPG Health Medical Communications – latterly as Chief Operating Officer for the group and formerly, as Head of Complete Medical Communications. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in establishing and fulfilling long-term business goals while focusing on building upon key client relationships to foster sustained business growth, development, and operational excellence across several global teams. 

Alice is committed to best practices and standards in medical communications, as demonstrated in her current role as Chair of the Healthcare Communications Association and through her success at IPG Health Medical Communications and former tenure as Chair of the International Society of Medical Publications Professionals (ISMPP).

Alice adds, “I have long admired the work done by Envision and am excited to be joining such a stellar team. Medical communications continue to move at a rapid pace, and I look forward to ensuring that we continue leading the field in terms of our people, our quality, and our innovative patient-centric services.”

About Envision Pharma Group
Founded in 2001, Envision Pharma Group is a leading global technology-enabled strategic solutions partner for the life sciences industry, working with over 200 pharma and biotech companies, including 19 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies. Envision supports clients across the product life cycle through a comprehensive suite of services and industry-leading technology solutions that include artificial intelligence and natural language processing, commercialization and integrated strategic consulting, evidence-based scientific communications and engagement, HEOR/market access and data analytics, medical capabilities, and omnichannel solutions. Learn more at www.envisionpharmagroup.com.

CONTACTS
Colleen Carter
Associate Director, Communications, Office of CEO
colleen.carter@envisionpharma.com
1 (508) 505 8856

Prota Therapeutics US $21 Million Financing Led by SPRIM Global Investments

  • Financing advances development of Prota’s peanut allergy remission therapy in preparation for a Phase 3 clinical trial

Prota Therapeutics Pty Ltd (Prota), an Australian biotechnology company focused on the development of novel oral immunotherapy treatments that induce remission of allergy, today announced financing of US$21 million in equity and debt financing. The round, led by Singapore-based SPRIM Global Investments (SGI), will help the company prepare for a Phase 3 clinical investigation of the company’s PRT120 oral therapy for peanut allergy.

“SPRIM brings valuable expertise, capabilities and an international investment network to Prota’s technology and clinical program,” said Prota Executive Chairman Kelly Constable. “This partnership and funding will accelerate Prota’s drug development plans and clinical trial program, and we look forward to this strategic collaboration as Prota moves toward its Phase 3 trial.”

“Closing financing in the current market validates the potential of Professor Mimi Tang’s technology to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients with peanut allergy, where there is a persistent unmet need,” said Dr. Paul Kelly, founding partner and director, OneVentures, one of Australia’s leading Venture Capital firms with more than AU$800 million under management. “Prota’s treatment offers the promise of an induction of remission of allergy, allowing patients to eat peanuts freely and enjoy an improved quality of life.”

The new investment will advance the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC), accelerate the path to an Investigational New Drug Application (IND), and expand Prota’s executive management team to bring on board critical expertise in late-stage drug development and commercialization.

The peanut allergy therapeutics market is projected to reach US$1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 10%, in part due to the increasing incidence of peanut allergy globally. In the US, peanut allergy is the most prevalent food allergy in children, affecting 2.5% of children. The most significant impact of food allergy on both patients and their families is a reduced quality-of-life and psychological distress, caused by the lifestyle and dietary restrictions of allergen avoidance and the unpredictability of reactions to accidental exposures.

Prota’s technology is based on over 15 years of research led by Professor Mimi Tang at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI).

“Our Phase 2b[1] multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted by MCRI showed that PRT120 is highly effective at inducing remission of allergy, and more importantly, leads to significant and clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life, compared with standard care (placebo treatment),” said Prota founder Professor Tang. “Long-term follow-up data further shows that children in remission have fewer reactions, less rescue epinephrine use, and far greater improvement in quality of life than children who are only desensitized, validating remission as the patient-preferred outcome.”

“The food immunotherapy market is expanding rapidly with a range of therapies currently in early- through late-stage development. We are excited to support Prota in its journey to deliver a solution that can potentially transform the treatment of peanut allergy by releasing patients from the shackles of life-long maintenance dosing and allergen avoidance,” said Michael Shleifer, managing partner and co-founder of SGI, a leading health sciences venture capital firm with deep industry expertise and decades of operating experience across 17 countries.

About SPRIM Global Investments (SGI)
SPRIM Global Investments (SGI) is a leading health sciences venture capital firm with deep industry expertise and decades of operating experience across 17 countries. SGI invests in biotechnology, digital health and R&D service companies to commercialize the newest technologies and accelerate innovations that are the future of health around the world. For more information, visit: www.sprim.net.

About Prota Therapeutics
Prota Therapeutics is an Australian proprietary limited, privately-held biotech company established in 2016 to develop and commercialize novel oral immunotherapy treatments for food allergy. Prota holds intellectual property covering the proprietary food immunotherapy technology developed at the MCRI. The company is, in part, a OneVentures’ Healthcare Fund III investment. This fund was established with investment in part from the Australian Commonwealth Government through the BioMedical Translation Fund initiative. Prota Therapeutics has its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. For more information please visit: https://protatherapeutics.com/.

Media Contact:
Edna Kaplan
KOGS Communication
kaplan@kogspr.com
+1 617-974-8659

—[1] Loke, PaxtonO’Sullivan, Molly et al. Probiotic peanut oral immunotherapy versus oral immunotherapy and placebo in children with peanut allergy in Australia (PPOIT-003): a multicentre, randomised, phase 2b trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, Volume 6, Issue 3, 171 – 184, 2022

Hyris Fulfils Its Integration Into Ulisse Biomed to Give Birth to a New International Group Ready to Make Its Mark in the Global Biotech Market

  • Following the first official announcement at the beginning of December last year, Hyris completed the transfer of its shares into Ulisse Biomed via a reverse take-over transaction. The new group, strong of flawless interoperability between its leading technologies, aims to become a new benchmark of innovation in the national and international biotech market.

A new international biotech group was born from the integration of Hyris Ltd, an innovative biotech company renowned worldwide for its disruptive genetic testing platform, and Ulisse Biomed S.p.A., also known as UBM Group or “UBM” only, an Italian-based publicly traded biotech company appreciated for its innovative testing platforms. 

Hyris Ulisse Corporate Integration - A new benchmark in the biotech market
Hyris Ulisse Corporate Integration – A new benchmark in the biotech market

As anticipated on December 4th, the integration between Hyris and Ulisse Biomed was officially ratified on December 21st by completing a reverse take-over operation and following the shareholders’ meeting of Ulisse Biomed held earlier on that same day, which also deliberated an increase of capital in option. The overarching goal is to give life to a new Italian segment of excellence in genetic analysis based on strong innovation competencies and ready to address international markets at scale.

The new Group, with strong roots in diagnostics, teranosis and healthcare, aims to create a strong actor operating as a leader in the in-vitro diagnostics industry, particularly molecular biology, thanks to flawless interoperability between its leading technologies. 

Matteo Petti, CEO of Ulisse Biomed, who will keep his role of managing director in the new corporate structure, is very positive about the whole operation, highlighting how its implications go way beyond a mere financial transaction: “We are excited to announce the integration with Hyris. By joining forces, we will enhance our product offering, combining our experience and development capabilities with Hyris’ unique mix of competencies. This integration aims to capitalise on the synergies between the two companies, maximising value for our shareholders and offering unprecedented integrated diagnostic solutions to our customers.” He concludes: “The success of this operation projects us towards new horizons, and the joint management will work immediately to leverage the new strategic synergies.”

The new structure aims to provide an integrated array of high-end performance products at a competitive cost to meet a diverse industry demand across various markets, defining a new portfolio of distinctive analytical capabilities at a global level. 

Stefano Lo Priore, founder of Hyris and former CEO and recently appointed Chairman of UBM Group, agrees: “We are proud of this integration between Ulisse Biomed and Hyris. We have a joint industrial project with a strong vision and have already received excellent feedback from the market regarding the joint proposition of our solutions. As a united company, we will be able to implement the project in a synergic manner and create a unique and distinctive offer on the global and, even more so, on the Italian biotech scene.” Priore is confident about the positive outcome of this operation: “Hyris and Ulisse Biomed are now officially part of the same team, united by common values and vision and a unique industrial. We are ready for the challenges that await us, strong of the competencies that the two companies will be able to pool together.”

In the next months, the new management will put into action a strategic plan to accelerate team and resource integration, leveraging the two companies’ similar cultures and shared values. 

For more information, feel free to write an email to info@hyris.net

Contact Information
Gabriele Salaris
Global Experience Manager
gabriele.salaris@hyris.net
+39 345 555 3379 

Source: Hyris

Avance Clinical: Latest Analysis Reveals 65% of US Biotechs Struggle to Identify Suitable CRO Partner

  • Affecting Drug Development Schedules and Financial Plans

Avance Clinical, the leading Australian and North American CRO for biotechs announced today that new industry analysis shows 60-65% of US biotechs face challenges identifying the right sized CRO partner that can deliver at every phase of their drug development program. The report found this directly affected clinical programs and budgets.

View the report here

The report also found that 50% of biotechs engaged with more than one CRO over the course of their clinical program potentially impacting knowledge transfer, timelines and budget.

The new analyst report from Frost & Sullivan examined the challenges biotechs face during the CRO selection process saying “biotechs are increasingly wanting to partner with mid-sized, agile, and responsive CROs with a proven ability to rapidly advance quality clinical programs”.

“There is a perception among biotechs that large multinational CROs are less responsive and unable to adapt to the fast-paced nature of biotech demands,” according to the report.

Additionally, it noted that biotechs currently faced multiple challenges including a decline in biotech funding, a rise in drug development complexity, evolving FDA regulatory review processes, and costly delays caused by slow patient recruitment.

The report concluded that biotechs, especially those aiming to meet investor milestones, need to select the right CRO from the start.

The report outlined the key criteria US-biotechs use to identify the right CRO including:

1.    Established site relationships
2.    Scientific excellence
3.    Quality compliance and data excellence
4.    Cost competitive
5.    Patient recruitment solutions
6.    Agile and responsive
7.    Accelerated timelines
8.    Regulatory approval track-record
9.    Ability to expand to multi-regional global phases
10.    Access to latest technologies (including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning)

The report emphasized that biotechs were seeking CROs with established site relationships and highlighted that Avance Clinical now has more than 1,250 US-based sites in their GlobalReady Site Partnership Program to support US biotechs accelerate their clinical trials.

Each site has been accredited by Avance Clinical for data quality, patient centricity, and streamlined processes designed meet rigorous clinical timelines.

In addition, the report found a regulatory affairs track-record was a key selection criteria saying in-house regulatory expertise was the most attractive option for biotechs. It found that Avance Clinical is one of the only Australian/US mid-sized CRO with an inhouse regulatory affairs team experienced in FDA, EMA and China FDA approval processes.

Avance Clinical presented the report at JPM and Biotech Showcase 2024 where the team is taking meetings.

Avance Clinical has been recognised by Frost & Sullivan for the past 4 years with the prestigious Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific CRO Best Practices Leadership Award.

CEO Yvonne Lungershausen said “We have shown, with our high growth and industry-leading repeat business rates that our focus on gold standard technology paired with solution-orientated clinical experts is the mix our biotech clients need for clinical success”.

“Avance Clinical’s GlobalReady model is designed to extend biotechs’ investments so they can achieve greater clinical development milestones with reduced spend, all with the assurance of FDA accepted data,” she said.

GlobalReady gives our biotech clients conducting their early phase studies in Australia and New Zealand a seamless journey into the US to continue their clinical development programs, retaining the same high-quality CRO, which reduces time and cost and delivers quality FDA accepted data.

GlobalReady also enables US biotechs to conduct their mid to late phase studies in the US and expand to multi-regional locations.

In addition, the attractive 43.5% rebate on clinical spend in Australia, offers clients the opportunity to utilize our North American operations expertise and team, whilst maintaining services in Australia to maximise their rebate potential.

Find out more:

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

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

Spiden Announces Breakthrough in Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring, Adds Key Executive Hires and Secures $15m in Additional Funding

Spiden, a pioneer in non-invasive biomarker monitoring technology, is thrilled to announce a significant scientific milestone, key additions to its executive team and an oversubscribed convertible note.

Spiden's latest non-invasive glucose measurement campaign

Spiden’s latest non-invasive glucose measurement campaignSpiden’s latest glucose measurement data comparing its non-invasive portable device (y-axis) with the invasive gold-standard (x-axis), illustrated in the Clarke Error Grid.

Spiden has achieved remarkable scientific progress in non-invasive glucose sensing. Utilizing advanced spectroscopy techniques in a portable device, its team has attained a 9% MARD with individual calibration (Mean Absolute Relative Difference – the average difference to the gold-standard measurement). This achievement is the latest important step towards a calibration-free and miniaturized device for non-invasive glucose monitoring. Now, as the final step on its development path, Spiden has commenced measurements in diabetes centers in multiple countries, before aiming to launch its Spiden wearable that can automatically calibrate to its customers without any needle involved.

“This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to launching our own glucose monitoring wearable by the end of 2025, followed by expanding to additional biomarkers,” says Leo Grünstein Spiden’s Founder & CEO. “We aim to help customers around the world take control of their health through non-invasive access to real-time biomarker data and actionable, evidence-based insights to improve their well-being and longevity.”

On entering this new phase towards product launch, the following key executives are joining the Spiden leadership team, bolstering its capabilities in design and product development.

– Chester Chipperfield, joining as Chief Design Officer, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Head of Special Projects at Apple and Global Creative Director at Tesla. Chester’s expertise in innovative design and launching category defining products will be instrumental in shaping Spiden’s wearable into something that is both highly functional and desirable.

– Ismene Grohmann, has been appointed as Chief Product Officer. With her background as Head of Product for Abbott’s Consumer Biowearables and Global Innovation Director Personal Health, Ismene will lead Spiden’s product vision, strategy and execution, ensuring that Spiden’s solutions meet the highest standards of product-market fit, user-centricity and efficacy for its customers.

– Prof. Fernando Perez-Cruz, will be joining Spiden full time as Head of Machine Learning Research & AI. His background as Chief Data Scientist at the Swiss Data Science Center (joint venture between EPFL and ETH Zurich) uniquely positions him to shape Spiden’s advanced data analysis and AI capabilities.

Furthermore, Spiden has finished 2023 with a successfully secured $15 million convertible note, surpassing its initial target of $10 million, and bringing Spiden’s total funding since inception to >$40m. This achievement reflects the strong support from its existing investors and Board members, as well as new investors. This funding will help Spiden finalize its initial, now 6-year long phase of R&D, aimed at cracking complete calibration-free monitoring, as well as securing a pathway to miniaturization of its portable product to a wearable format. A larger funding round is planned for H2 in 2024, which will provide Spiden with sufficient capital to bring its product to market and become profitable.

About Spiden:

Founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur Leo Grünstein, Spiden is a Swiss deep-tech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the field of personalized health monitoring. It employs a team of >70 staff, including >50 PhDs and university professors, operating out of its lab facilities in Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland. Its unique approach combines advanced spectroscopy techniques and machine learning to achieve real-time, non-invasive monitoring of various biomarkers. Spiden’s mission is to forge a future where continuous health monitoring, using a Spiden wrist-worn wearable, becomes the norm, facilitating prevention and early detection, by empowering users with personalized control over their health and longevity.

Contact Information
Leo Grünstein
Founder & CEO
press@spiden.com

Spiden's latest non-invasive glucose measurement campaign

Related Images

Spiden’s latest non-invasive glucose measurement campaignSpiden’s latest glucose measurement data comparing its non-invasive portable device (y-axis) with the invasive gold-standard (x-axis), illustrated in the Clarke Error Grid.

Spiden’s Founder & CEO Leo Grünstein using Spiden’s demo product to measure his glucose fully non-invasively through his wrist.

SOURCE: Spiden AG

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View the original press release on newswire.com.

ChemPartner Unveils Highly Anticipated Biology Database

  • Newly-launched database offers easier access to diverse tumor models and unveils the path to pharmaceutical breakthroughs

ChemPartner, a global leader in drug discovery and development services, today announced the launch of its long-awaited Biology Database. This innovative platform serves as a centralized hub, empowering ChemPartner’s clientele with seamless access to a wealth of information on the organization’s cutting-edge preclinical platforms. The database includes 800+ tumor models, 30+ cancer types, 20,000 genes, 2,300+ pathways, 1,800 SoC data from literature (500 internal), and 30+ analytic modules.

ChemPartner Biology Database - Screenshot of the online Biology Database from ChemPartner
ChemPartner Biology Database – Screenshot of the online Biology Database from ChemPartner

ChemPartner’s renowned biology and pharmacology department, known for its vanguard oncology, immunology, CNS, and metabolic services, has curated an extensive collection of in vitro and in vivo models. The database boasts over 2,000 biochemistry assays, 800 cell lines, 500 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, 350 cell-derived xenograft (CDX) models, and 50 syngeneic models. Each model is meticulously characterized with comprehensive data encompassing genomics, pharmacology, histopathology, and relevant clinical information.

Cell Line Models – ChemPartner Biology Database
To ensure a smooth and efficient rollout of this substantial volume of data, the database will be introduced in stages. We are delighted to announce that the first stage, featuring cell line data, is now live on https://database.chempartner.com. Subsequent stages will include CDX, syngeneic, and PDX models, followed by biochemistry data.

The Biology Database, a flagship online collaborative platform, prominently features the Tumor Model Database. This revolutionary resource offers an array of features, including:

  • Unified Data Hub: Integration of dispersed tumor model data into a centralized database for efficient management and retrieval, simplifying user access to diverse tumor models.
  • Detailed Annotations: Each model is accompanied by intricate annotations including genomics, pathology, and pharmacology data, enabling rapid understanding of model characteristics and suitability for specific research needs.
  • Rapid Search and Filtering: Multidimensional search and filtering capabilities empower researchers to swiftly locate models based on cancer type, genomic features, drug sensitivity, and more.
  • Data Analysis and Mining: Robust tools facilitate tasks like drug mechanism analysis and biomarker discovery through differential gene expression and drug sensitivity analyses, supporting informed research decisions.
  • Data Visualization: Intuitive charts, statistics, and visualization tools present complex data clearly and concisely, aiding in model selection and analysis.

Dr. Lilly Xu, President of Shanghai ChemPartner, expressed enthusiasm about the launch saying, “We are excited to provide our customers with access to this powerful new resource. This comprehensive database will make it easier for our customers to find and use the right models for their research, propelling drug development towards new heights with better precision, efficacy, and efficiency.”

About ChemPartner
ChemPartner is a leading global CRO and CDMO providing drug discovery, development, and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With a team of over 2,000 scientists across multiple countries, ChemPartner offers a comprehensive range of services including preclinical pharmacology, toxicology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, chemistry development, and biologics development. For more information, please visit https://chempartner.com and connect with ChemPartner on LinkedIn, X,  and YouTube.

Contact Information
Sarah Stapleton
Marketing Director
news@chempartner.com 
6504199974 

Related Images
ChemPartner Biology Database
Screenshot of the online Biology Database from ChemPartner

Cell Line Models
Pie chart of cell line models available on the Biology Database from ChemPartner

SOURCE: ChemPartner

View the original press release on newswire.com.

BioMed X Institute and Ono Pharmaceutical Launch New Collaboration in Cancer Research

  • German research institute BioMed X and Ono Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, started a new joint research project on cancer immunotherapies.

BioMed X announced today a new joint research project with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, marking the start of the collaboration between the German biomedical research institute and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Japan. The project entitled New Strategies to Engage Neutrophils in Solid Tumors will be hosted by the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg, Germany. The goal of this research project is to design next-generation immunotherapies by leveraging the antitumor effects of neutrophils.

Developing immunotherapies that target T cells has proved highly effective, and it is still a rapidly evolving research area. However, many patients remain resistant to these therapies, necessitating the development of novel immunological strategies. The presence of neutrophils in solid tumors has been well-documented, albeit their role in the tumor microenvironment seems to be paradoxical according to the data accumulated thus far. By uncovering novel neutrophil biology, this project aims to leverage their functions to design novel immunotherapies.

The new research team will join nine other research groups at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg, Germany. Researchers who are interested in becoming part of this new research group are invited to respond to this international call for application by submitting a project proposal via the BioMed X Career Space at https://career.bio.mx/call/2023-BMX-C03 before February 18, 2024.

Christian Tidona, Founder and Managing Director of the BioMed X Institute: “Oncology and immunology, including tumor immunology, are key areas of expertise at BioMed X. We are proud and honored that Ono has chosen our institute to develop new strategies for engaging neutrophils in cancer therapy”.

Toichi Takino, Senior Executive Officer/Executive Director, Discovery & Research at Ono Pharmaceutical: “We are very pleased to form a partnership with BioMed X in our mission dedicated to overcoming cancer. This innovative research collaboration will engage us with highly talented scientists around the world who possess unique ideas for immunotherapy utilizing neutrophils. We believe that the research team established through this collaboration will lead to the discovery of the next generation of immunotherapy with us”.

About BioMed X
BioMed X is an independent research institute with sites in Heidelberg, Germany, New Haven, Connecticut, XSeed Labs in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a worldwide network of partner locations. Together with our partners, we identify big biomedical research challenges and provide creative solutions by combining global crowdsourcing with local incubation of the world’s brightest early-career research talents. Each of the highly diverse research teams at BioMed X has access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and is continuously guided by experienced mentors from academia and industry. At BioMed X, we combine the best of two worlds – academia and industry – and enable breakthrough innovation by making biomedical research more efficient, more agile, and more fun.

About Ono
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is an R&D-oriented pharmaceutical company committed to creating innovative medicines in specific areas. Ono focuses its research on oncology, immunology, neurology and specialty research with high medical needs as priority areas for discovery and development of innovative medicines. For further information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.ono-pharma.com/en.

Contact Information
Flavia-Bianca Cristian
Recruiting & Communications Manager
fbc@bio.mx
+49 6221 426 11 706

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Acrometa Signs Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement to Develop Co-Working Lab Space in China

ACROMETA Group Limited (“ACROMETA”, or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), an established specialist engineering service provider in the field of controlled environments serving mainly the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia sectors, today announced that its 70% owned subsidiary Life Science Incubator Holdings Pte Ltd (“LSI”) signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement (“Agreement”) with its partner Fenglin Healthcare Industry Development (Group) Co. Ltd. (“Fenglin Group”).

(3rd from Right) Fenglin Group Deputy General Manager Mr Pan Taishen and (2nd from Right) AcroMeta Executive Chairman Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng at the signing ceremony
(3rd from Right) Fenglin Group Deputy General Manager Mr Pan Taishen and (2nd from Right) AcroMeta Executive Chairman Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng at the signing ceremony

The Agreement follows an earlier MOU signed in November 2023 to further deepen their collaboration for the co-working laboratory space business in the People’s Republic of China.

The signing ceremony, which was held at the German Center Singapore, was part of a corporate access event which featured a presentation on the co-working laboratory space business, followed by a tour of the facilities for a first-hand look at the laboratory that is fully fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

Representatives from AcroMeta, LSI and Fenglin Group present at the event held at the German Centre Singapore
Representatives from AcroMeta, LSI and Fenglin Group present at the event held at the German Centre Singapore

China-incorporated Fenglin Group, the administrative arm of the Shanghai Xuhui government in charge of Life Sciences, aims to establish an integrated ecosystem of local and international stakeholders in Shanghai’s Xuhui District to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation and development.

Fenglin Group will promote the co-working laboratory space with a focus on overseas biomedical science startups and SMEs planning to develop their business in China. On its part, LSI will use its existing business networks to recommend to Fenglin Group, Singapore and other overseas biomedical sciences companies that intend to have a business foothold in China and need co-working laboratory space.

Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng, ACROMETA’s Executive Chairman, said,

“We extend a warm welcome to all our honoured guests, including the top Management of Fenglin Group. LSI and Fenglin will work closely together to fulfil the goals of our strategic cooperation in the co-working laboratory business.

China’s life sciences industry is an important part of China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ strategy and its rapid growth has seen the birth of thousands of start- ups and SMEs in biotech, agritech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices doing research and development to bring innovative products into the market. Our co-working laboratory space business will enable them to conduct their R&D without incurring high CAPEX to build the facilities.”

About ACROMETA Group Limited (SGX Stock Code:43F)

ACROMETA (Previously known as ACROMEC Limited) is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments.

The Group has, over the years, acquired expertise in the design and construction of facilities requiring controlled environments such as laboratories, medical and sterile facilities, and cleanrooms.

ACROMETA’s business is divided into three main business segments: (i) Engineering, procurement, and construction services, specialising in architectural, and mechanical, electrical, and process works within controlled environments; (ii) Maintenance and repair services of facilities and equipment of controlled environments and their supporting infrastructure. (iii) Co-Working Laboratory business; currently operates 6,500 square feet of co-working laboratory space at The German Centre in Singapore, serving SMEs and startups.

The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA’s customers include hospitals and medical centres, government agencies, research and development companies or agencies, research and development units of multinational corporations, tertiary educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturing companies, and multinational engineering companies.

The Company has been listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange since 2016. For more information, please visit www.acrometa.com.

Media and Analysts Contact:
ACROMETA Group Limited
Ms. Cheah Lai Min
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +65 6415 0574
Email: laimin.cheah@acrometa.com                                                            

Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Mr. Wayne Koo
Tel: +65 6958 8008 / +65 9338 8166
Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg
Email: query@waterbrooks.com.sg

This media release has been reviewed by the Company’s Sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (the “Sponsor”). It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “Exchange”), and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this document.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Jerry Chua, 138 Robinson Road, #13-02 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906, jerrychua@evolvecapitalasia.com.

Moderna Reviews its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Progress and Ambitions at Second ESG Investor Event

  • The Company’s ESG strategy demonstrates its efforts to advance global health and environmental sustainability, as well as its commitments to employees and communities

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today will provide an update on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy at its second ESG Investor Event. Building off its inaugural ESG Day in November 2022, the Company will highlight the year’s progress on its ESG journey and future work to further impact global health and protect the environment.

“Our mRNA platform science has benefited patients around the world and with that comes great responsibility as science alone will not solve the world’s greatest health challenges,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. “We are committed to moving beyond the power of our technology – tackling enduring health disparities, engaging with our communities, and recognizing that human health and planetary health are intricately linked. We look forward to building on our substantial ESG progress to become the best version of Moderna.”

Moderna’s ESG strategy is articulated around five areas:
Medicines for Patients: Moderna is leveraging its platform for many medicines, from vaccines to protect hundreds of millions of people from common viruses for which no vaccines are available today, to several rare disease therapies with tremendous opportunity for impact. Within its clinical trials, Moderna believes a committed approach to offering equal healthcare accessibility is achievable and necessary. The Company is also committed to using its platform to help rapidly respond to the greatest public health threats, pursuing a pipeline of priority programs relevant for outbreak response and pandemic preparedness. Moderna has long prioritized strategic collaborations to benefit global health, including its partnership with The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Moderna’s mRNA Access program, a collaborative effort that enables researchers around the world to utilize Moderna’s mRNA technology.

Environment: Moderna is progressing on its journey toward net-zero carbon emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) by 2030. The Company has advanced its overall environmental sustainability program, including through implementing its sustainability strategy, enhancing its disclosure of key performance indicators, submitting its first CDP Climate Change questionnaire, and initiating a climate risk and scenario analysis. These efforts support internal and external stakeholder expectations for sustainable operations and Moderna’s adaptation to a low-carbon economy.

Employees & Culture: Moderna consistently ranks as a top employer and achieves above benchmark scores on engagement, culture and belonging. Moderna continues to foster a culture where every employee can meaningfully contribute to the Company’s mission, an effort that serves to attract and retain the best talent. By living the Company’s values and mindsets every day, the Moderna team is not only advancing mRNA science, but also building an organization that cares deeply for patients, employees, the environment, and the community.

Community: Moderna is committed to having a positive impact on communities around the world. Moderna’s purpose-driven employees continue to exemplify the Company’s mission, with nearly two out of three employees participating in volunteering activities or contributing as part of Moderna’s newly instituted employee matching program. The Moderna Charitable Foundation continues to provide financial support to organizations and causes that promote public health, advance scientific education, and advocate for belonging, inclusion, and diversity.

Governance & Ethics: Moderna prioritizes accountability and transparency around its ESG efforts, including through the publication of its second annual ESG report and continued commitment to disclosing key metrics. Moderna has initiated an ESG materiality assessment, which includes broad stakeholder surveys, and is also leveraging AI to build a dynamic analysis of material topics.

“Delivering on our ESG ambitions is made possible by a strong culture that embeds the values of transparency, accountability and ownership at all levels of the organization,” said Shannon Thyme Klinger, Moderna’s Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and President of the Moderna Foundation. “The same determination that goes into our innovation carries over into our commitment to positively impact the communities in which we work and live.”

Webcast Information
To register for the live webcast of Moderna’s ESG Investor Event, visit https://moderna-esg-day-2023.open-exchange.net/registration. The archived webcast will be available under “Events and Presentations” in the Investors section of the Moderna website for one year following the call: https://investors.modernatx.com.

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.

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: Moderna’s ability to leverage its mRNA platform for pandemic preparedness; Moderna’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in its global operations for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030; the potential of Moderna’s mRNA platform for addressing rare diseases and common viruses for which no vaccines are available today; and Moderna’s implementation of its environmental sustainability program. 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, 2022, 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:
Chris Ridley
Vice President, Communications
617-800-3651
Chris.Ridley@modernatx.com

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