Category: BioTech

Hygeia Healthcare Successfully Listed on Main Board of SEHK, Further Strengthen Its Leading Market Position

The largest oncology healthcare group in China, Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co., Limited (“Hygeia Healthcare” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, stock code: 6078), is officially listed and commenced trading on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“SEHK”) at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Hygeia Healthcare opened at HKD22.80 per share on the first trading day and the highest share price recorded throughout the day was HKD27.70 per share, an increase of 21.49%. The closing price was HKD26.00 per share, which was about 40.54% higher than the offer price; the trading volume was about 78.68 million shares, with a total turnover of approximately HKD1,913 million, and total market value amounted to HKD15.6 billion.

Mr. Fang Min, Chairman of the Board and Non-executive Director of Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co., Limited, said, “Today marks an important milestone in Hygeia Healthcare’s development. The official listing on the SEHK is a great recognition of our business strategy and philosophy, providing us enough momentum to further accelerate our development. At the same time, by stepping into the international capital market, it will be more conducive for us to expand diversified financing channels, strengthen our financial position and enhance the brand image of Hygeia Healthcare. We are honored to receive enthusiastic support from our investors. As an oncology-focused healthcare group, Hygeia Healthcare has always endeavored to make healthcare services more accessible and affordable, addressing unmet demand of oncology patients in China. Looking forward, we will expand our network of oncology-focused hospitals and radiotherapy centers to broaden our business scale and enlarge market share; upgrade our existing in-network hospitals to improve our service capacity and widen our service offering; continue to improve the quality of healthcare services provided by our in-network hospitals and further enhance our brand awareness; and further optimize the oncology healthcare service industry chain to continuously strengthen our leading edges and enhance our core competitiveness, striving to create great investment returns for our shareholders and investors.”

Morgan Stanley Asia Limited and Haitong International Capital Limited are the Joint Sponsors. Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Haitong International Securities Company Limited, and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited are the Joint Global Coordinators; Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (in relation to the Hong Kong Public Offering), Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc (in relation to the International Offering), Haitong International Securities Company Limited, and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited are the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers.

About Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co., Limited
Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co., Limited (stock code: 6078), as an oncology-focused healthcare group, endeavors to make healthcare services more accessible and affordable, addressing the unmet demand of oncology patients in China. According to Frost & Sullivan, Hygeia Healthcare is the largest oncology healthcare group in China in terms of revenue generated from radiotherapy-related services in 2019 and number of radiotherapy equipment installed in in-network hospitals and radiotherapy centers as of December 31, 2019. Since the start of its business in 2009, Hygeia Healthcare has built a nationwide footprint of oncology-focused hospitals and radiotherapy centers through a combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and cooperation with hospital partners.

Impact Biomedical Achieves COVID-19 Success with Equivir and 3F Biofragrance

Singapore eDevelopment Limited’s (SeD; SGX:40V) wholly owned subsidiary Impact Biomedical Inc. has announced proven in vitro success with Equivir and 3F Biofragrance against COVID-19 in independent laboratory testing. Impact Biomedical and Global Research and Discovery Group Sciences (GRDG), in independent Biosafety Level 3 containment facilities, challenged its compounds with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Equivir proved successful as a treatment, as well as a prophylactic protecting the cells from infection by the virus. Currently, there are no COVID-19 prophylactics.

3F Biofragrance proved successful as a surface disinfectant, killing the virus in concentrations as low as 1/5000 after 15 seconds. These in vitro results confirm the predictions of advanced computational molecular docking in which Equivir and Linebacker bind with a high affinity to the COVID-19 helicase and protease. Equivir and Linebacker also caused transformational change in the host ACE-2 receptor, interfering with the virus’ ability to interact and infect the host cell. The binding affinity of components of 3F Biofragrance were also observed during molecular docking.

Equivir is designed and patented as a prophylactic to be deployed in a manner similar to a vitamin. It works by impeding virulence while also blocking multiple methods used by viruses to infect and replicate in host cells. Equivir treats and protects against diseases caused by not only SARS-CoV-2 but also other dangerous pathogens. Equivir has broad antiviral efficacy against multiple types of Influenza, Rhinovirus, Cholera, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Linebacker was created to shadow the Panacea Project, a US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program to provide novel, multi-target therapeutics for unmet physiological needs. Linebacker is under continuing research against COVID-19 as it showed efficacy against SARS and MERS in previous laboratory testing. Linebacker is a patented universal therapeutic medication with demonstrated effectiveness in neurological diseases including Parkinson’s, many types of cancer, and multiple pathogens such as MRSA, E. coli, Cholera, A. baumannii, Influenza, SARS, MERS, Malaria, and Ebola.

3F Biofragrance was designed for the Open Air Defense Initiative, a strategy to protect large numbers of people where they gather such as containment areas, ports of entry, train stations, airports, convention centers, offices, schools, and hospitals. 3F Biofragrance technology also provides protection against mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Malaria and Dengue fever and is 10-fold more effective than DEET. 3F Antiviral Biofragrance is effective against E. coli, MRSA, Influenza, Rhinovirus, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19.

3F Biofragrance was developed in collaboration with Chemia Corporation (Chemia), world-renowned for the development of fragrances and flavors for personal, household, and industrial applications. The combination of GRDG’s advanced scientific research and Chemia’s expert formulation and global production infrastructure make this patent pending technology powerful and effective in protecting people from deadly pathogens and insects. “Chemia is proud to partner with GRDG to pioneer functional fragrances to not only enrich peoples’ lives, but save them as well,” said Thomas A. Meyer, Vice-President of Innovation and Sustainability at Chemia.

GRDG’s Chief Scientific Advisor is Dr. Roscoe M. Moore, Jr., the former United States Assistant Surgeon General and former Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC. Dr. Moore said, “GRDG’s novel strategy of attacking diseases in multiple different ways is the future of effective pandemic response.”

GRDG’s Chief Strategy Advisor is Lieutenant Colonel William H. Lyerly Jr., retired Career Senior Executive/Scientific Professional from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Lyerly also served as a senior official in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Executive Office of the President (White House). Lieutenant Colonel Lyerly said, “The validation of these solutions demonstrates GRDG’s skill in providing comprehensive solutions to global health threats.”

Daryl Thompson, Director of Scientific Initiatives and founder of GRDG said, “I am happy to see that the 3F and Equivir biological countermeasures are performing as expected in independent efficacy testing. These positive results against the SARS-COV-2 virus now allow us to expeditiously move Equivir to clinical trials which we expect to be completed within the year. The 3F technology is ready for deployment in consumer products now.”

Impact Biomedical’s technology solutions have been developed in strategic partnership with GRDG. Mr. Chan Heng Fai. “I am greatly encouraged by the results and the team’s contribution to this cause. We hope this will eventually prove to be beneficial for everyone, and we look forward to further exciting discoveries,” said Mr. Chan.

GRDG is actively engaging with large global corporations to position the technologies for rapid integration into multiple distribution routes, to deploy these life-saving solutions worldwide. The intention in regards to the COVID-19 situation is to establish strong novel research data which can be further developed and licensed to a major pharmaceutical company for integration and eventual deployment as treatment for diseases. Shareholders and potential investors in SeD are advised to read this Press Release and any further announcements made by SeD carefully.

Shareholders and potential investors of SeD are advised to refrain from taking any action with respect to their securities in SeD which may be prejudicial to their interests, and to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of SeD. Shareholders and potential investors of SeD should consult their stockbrokers, bank managers, solicitors or other professional advisers if they have any doubt about the actions they should take.

About Singapore eDevelopment Limited
Incorporated on 9 September 2009 and listed on the Singapore Exchange in July 2010, Singapore eDevelopment Limited is involved in (i) property development and investments primarily in the United States and Western Australia; (ii) information technology-related businesses; (iii) development, research, testing, manufacturing, licensing and distribution of biomedical products; and (iv) investment activities. For more information, please visit: www.SeD.com.sg or email contact@sed.com.sg.

About Impact BioMedical, Inc.
Impact BioMedical, Inc. (“Impact BioMedical”) is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Global BioMedical Pte. Ltd., which in turn is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Singapore eDevelopment Limited, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange.

Impact BioMedical strives to leverage its scientific know-how and intellectual property rights to provide solutions that have been plaguing the biomedical field for decades. By tapping into the scientific expertise of GRDG Sciences, LLC. and Australian Exchange-listed Holista CollTech Limited, Impact BioMedical pledges to undertake a concerted effort in the R&D, drug discovery and development for the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological and immuno related diseases.

About GRDG Sciences, LLC.
GRDG Sciences, LLC is an advanced research team formed in Florida by natural products discovery drug research scientist, Daryl Thompson. For more information, please visit: http://www.globalrdg.com.

Launch of EIU report showing lack of integrated follow up care can increase risk of subsequent heart attack or stroke in APAC economies

Amgen2

Rehabilitation services designed to keep patients well and prevent their hospital readmission is key to reducing the incidence and cost of recurring (secondary) heart attacks or strokes (2). However, these services across the region remain underdeveloped (1).

This is according to a white paper “The cost of inaction: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Asia-Pacific”, released today by leading public policy commentator The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and sponsored by Amgen. (https://bit.ly/costofinactionamgen).

The report included a Scorecard which assessed the policy response to cardiovascular disease (CVD) across eight Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. It follows the 2018 EIU report, “The cost of silence: Cardiovascular disease in Asia”, which examined the prevalence and costs of the top four modifiable risk factors that contribute to CVD across the same eight markets.

An estimated 80% of CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable (3]. For example, lowering
LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) reduces cardiovascular events (4), yet patients in Asia-Pacific are routinely not meeting guideline-defined LDL-C goals (5-8), due to lack of medication adherence (5).

Due to the high risk of recurrence of heart attacks and stroke (9), the two deadliest forms of CVD (10), secondary prevention through quality follow up care once patients leave hospital, is important to help to minimize the CVD economic burden (11).

“Patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke carry a 30% higher risk of another event over the ensuing four year (9). Furthermore, two in three stroke survivors experience disabilities, such as paralysis or loss of vision (12). As a result, survivors may be unable to work or study, and may require the support of family members. This can pull family caregivers away from employment, training or education. As such, CVD-related disability can disrupt households and threaten family stability (13),” said Mr. Vernon Kang, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation. “CVD already accounts for approximately 18 million deaths each year worldwide (10). The findings from ‘The cost of inaction: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Asia-Pacific’ confirms more can be done to ensure patients are supported to comply with their treatment and rehabilitation needs, and to reduce their risk of secondary disease, for which they are at high risk (4,5,14).”

Key findings from the report include (1):
– Heart attacks are rising among younger people across the Asia-Pacific markets examined.
– Heart disease is costing the Asia-Pacific markets USD 46.3 billion (estimated across Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand).
– CVD policies do exist in some form in all economies studied, however there is substantial room for improvement.
– Policies on modifiable risk factors exist, but the success of translating these into legislation and action, along with measuring impact, remains to be defined.
– Only one market (Australia) has implemented a comprehensive secondary prevention of CVD public health awareness campaign.
– Clinical practice guidelines for CVD secondary prevention, heart attack and stroke, vary substantially across economies.
– Government audits are lacking. Only two study economies have any form of audit in place.
– Integrated primary care systems are still emerging in many Asian economies, and in many cases, patient uptake of services remains low.

“Empowering patients through education and awareness may help to overcome the various barriers to attendance at, and participation in, cardiac rehabilitation across the region. Cardiac rehabilitation involves multidisciplinary CVD management plans combining exercise, education and behaviour modification. Although they have been shown to significantly improve patient outcomes (15,16), the white paper revealed participation rates across Asia-Pacific were as low as 6% in some economies,” Mr Kang said.

Commenting on the findings, Amgen Vice President and regional General Manager, Penny Wan, said now more than ever, avoiding re-hospitalization from Cardiovascular disease, was imperative. “In many countries, good emergency care stops people dying from a heart attack or stroke. However, these patients are at higher risk of having another attack, which is compounded by lack of follow-up care, making future events more difficult to manage.”

“Amgen is committed to working as part of a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to shift healthcare models from ‘Break It Fix It’, to one that seeks to ‘Predict and Prevent’ to support patients and health care systems to become more resilient to health care shocks such as a pandemic,” Ms. Wan said.

The Economist Intelligence Unit managing editor, Thought Leadership, Asia, Mr. Jesse Quigley Jones said “The cost of inaction: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Asia-Pacific” white paper found that despite the availability of effective interventions and proven care models for CVD, these were inconsistently implemented across the eight economies studied. “For instance, although each had policies for controlling CVD risk factors, such as obesity and tobacco use, few make explicit provision for preventing recurrent cardiovascular events. Furthermore, lack of government audits against quality care standards and poor compatibility of electronic health and medical records, makes it difficult to track the application of guidelines, referral to rehabilitation services, treatment adherence and outcomes.”

“Healthcare systems that integrate patient-centric intervention, education and empowerment, such as electronic reminders and health records, may help to increase adherence, and subsequently improve overall patient outcomes,” Mr Quigley Jones said.

Available for interview
– Ms Penny Wan, Amgen Regional Vice-President and General Manager, JAPAC, HONG KONG
– Jesse Quigley Jones, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Managing Editor, Thought Leadership, Asia, HONG KONG
– Dr. Chan Ngai-Yin, President, Hong Kong College of Cardiology, HONG KONG
– Dr Saikiran Leekha, Amgen Regional Medical Director, JAPAC, HONG KONG
– Prof. Carolyn Lam, Senior Consultant, National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), Professor of Duke-NUS Cardiovascular Academic Clinical Programme, SINGAPORE
– Mr Vernon Kang, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation, SINGAPORE
– Edwin, 29, financial adviser & former hip-hop dancer who survived a heart attack last year, SINGAPORE

Media contacts:
Kirsten Bruce and Julia Slater, VIVA! Communications, AUSTRALIA
+61 401 717 566 / +61 422 074 354
kirstenbruce@vivacommunications.com.au / julia@vivacommunications.com.au

Eleanor Ng, Amgen, JAPAC, HONG KONG
+852 9469 3000 / eng03@amgen.com

About cardiovascular disease (CVD)
As the world’s leading cause of premature death (10,17) CVD claims the lives of 26,000 people a day in Asia alone (18). In fact, Asia currently bears half the global CVD burden (19) as the world’s fastest ageing region (20,21). The elderly are on track to cost the region* an estimated USD 20 trillion in healthcare expenses between 2015 and 2030 (20). Based on findings of the GBD Study 2016, ischemic heart disease and stroke are forecast to be the top two causes of early death in 2040, not only on a global basis, but also for the regions of East Asia and Southeast Asia. The rising incidence and CVD-related cost-of-illness will challenge the sustainability of health and financial systems worldwide. Therefore, health systems will need to apply primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce healthcare costs, increase economic productivity, and improve quality of life.
* Includes the 14 economies of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

About the research
The Amgen-sponsored “The Cost of Inaction: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Asia-Pacific” is an Economist Intelligence Unit and EIU Healthcare report. The report describes the EIU Healthcare-created Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Asia-Pacific Scorecard findings, together with 11 in-depth interviews featuring global CVD experts. The scorecard was developed to assess the burden and health system response to secondary cardiovascular events in eight Asia-Pacific economies: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The report follows the 2018 EIU report, “The Cost of Silence: Cardiovascular disease in Asia”, which examined the prevalence and costs arising from the top four modifiable risk factors that contribute to CVDs across the same eight economies.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics, to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world, and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

References
1. Economist Intelligence Unit, “The cost of inaction: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Asia-Pacific” 2020. https://bit.ly/costofinactionamgen.
2. Secondary prevention and rehabilitation after coronary events or stroke: a review of monitoring issues. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Editor. 2003, AIHW Cat. No. CVD 25: Canberra.
3. American Heart Association. CDC Prevention Programs. 2018 February 2020; Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/advocate/federal-priorities/ cdc-prevention-programs.
4. Chan, M.Y., et al., Acute coronary syndrome in the Asia-Pacific region. Int J Cardiol, 2016. 202: p. 861-9.
5. Poh, K.K., et al., Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target attainment in patients with stable or acute coronary heart disease in the Asia-Pacific region: results from the Dyslipidemia International Study II. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 2018. 25(18): p. 1950-1963.
6. Mach, F., et al., 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. Eur Heart J, 2020. 41(1): p. 111-188.
7. Kim, H.S., et al., Current status of cholesterol goal attainment after statin therapy among patients with hypercholesterolemia in Asian countries and region: the Return on Expenditure Achieved for Lipid Therapy in Asia (REALITY-Asia) study. Curr Med Res Opin, 2008. 24(7): p. 1951-63.
8. Park, J.E., et al., Lipid-lowering treatment in hypercholesterolaemic patients: the CEPHEUS Pan-Asian survey. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 2012. 19(4): p. 781-94.
9. Bhatt, D.L., et al., Comparative Determinants of 4-Year Cardiovascular Event Rates in Stable Outpatients at Risk of or With Atherothrombosis. JAMA, 2010. 304(12): p. 1350-1357.
10. G. B. D. Causes of Death Collaborators, Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality for 282 causes of death in 195 countries and territories, 1980-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet, 2018. 392(10159): p. 1736-1788.
11. Notara, V., D.B. Panagiotakos, and C.E. Pitsavos, Secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome. Socio-economic and lifestyle determinants: a literature review. Cent Eur J Public Health, 2014. 22(3): p. 175-82.
12. Deloitte Access Economics, The economic impact of stroke in Australia. 2013, National Stroke Foundation.
13. Harikrishnan, S., et al., A race against time: The Challenge of Cardiovascular Diseases in Developing Economies. Centre for Chronic Disease Control, 2014.
14. Yusuf, S., et al., Cardiovascular risk and events in 17 low-, middle-, and high-income countries. N Engl J Med, 2014. 371(9): p. 818-27.
15. Piepoli, M.F., et al., Challenges in secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction: A call for action. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 2016. 23(18): p. 1994-2006.
16. Briffa, T.G., et al., An integrated and coordinated approach to preventing recurrent coronary heart disease events in Australia. 2009. 190(12): p. 683-686.
17. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. 2018: Seattle.
18. Roth, G.A., et al., Global, Regional, and National Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases for 10 Causes, 1990 to 2015. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2017. 70(1): p. 1-25.
19. Ohira, T. and H. Iso, Cardiovascular disease epidemiology in Asia: an overview. Circ J, 2013. 77(7): p. 1646-52.
20. Asia Pacific Risk Centre, Advancing into the Golden Years: Cost of Healthcare for Asia Pacific’s Elderly. 2016.
21. Deloitte, Voice of Asia. 2017: p. 25.

Hua Medicine Successfully Completes SEED (HMM0301), Dorzagliatin’s Phase III Monotherapy Trial

Figure 1
Figure 1
HbA1c Reduction *p<0.001 compared with baseline at 52 week
HbA1c Reduction *p

Hua Medicine (the “Company”, Stock Code: 2552.HK), a leading innovative drug development company focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of diabetes, today announced topline results from SEED (also known as HMM0301), the first Phase III trial with dorzagliatin. Dorzagliatin is a first-in-class glucokinase activator administered orally, twice daily. The 52-week trial investigated the efficacy and safety of 75mg BID dorzagliatin in 463 patients with Type 2 diabetes, with an initial 24-week double blinded, placebo-controlled treatment, followed by an open label 28-week treatment. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were evaluated at 24 weeks.

In November 2019, Hua Medicine announced the trial had achieved its primary efficacy and safety endpoints over the initial 24-week double blinded period. For the 52-week treatment period, the efficacy and safety profiles were sustained based on the topline data analysis. During the 28-week open-label period, patients initially receiving a placebo (i.e., the placebo group) were administered dorzagliatin for the first time. Figure 1 below illustrates the efficacy (as measured by HbA1c reduction) for the two-cohort groups for the entire 52-week period.

In the 28-week open-label treatment period, dorzagliatin continued to exhibit a safe and well-tolerated clinical profile. A safety analysis based on study safety population demonstrated that dorzagliatin was well tolerated and had a good safety profile. The incidence of adverse events was similar between the dorzagliatin-treated and placebo groups. There was less than 1% hypoglycemia with blood glucose < 3 mmol/L during the 52-week treatment period. During the 28-week open-label treatment, patients also saw a continued reduction of insulin resistance (insulin resistance is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes).

“We are incredibly proud of our accomplishment. The Hua Medicine team and our partners have worked closely together over the last decade to advance the development of dorzagliatin,” said Dr. Li Chen, CEO and founder of Hua Medicine. “With the successful completion of SEED, we become the first company globally to advance a glucokinase activator through clinical development. This is an incredible achievement for the Hua Medicine team, Chinese investigators, Hua’s partners and supporters, and most importantly, for Type 2 diabetes patients globally.” On Sunday, June 14th, 2020, Dr Chen presented more comprehensive data of the 24-week double blinded, placebo-controlled period of SEED study at the ADA 2020 80th Scientific Sessions. In addition to reduced glucose levels, the data presented at the ADA indicated improved beta cell function for the dorzagliatin-treatment group (as measured by the clinically meaningful biomarker HOMA2-beta). In contrast, the placebo group experienced reduced beta cell function during the same period. Dr. Chen added: “Hua Medicine will continue its efforts to develop a potential disease modifying therapy to treat diabetes.”

SEED (Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Dorzagliatin) study design
SEED is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study in 463 drug naive type 2 diabetes patients. Patients are treated with twice-daily doses of dorzagliatin (75 mg) or placebo, randomized 2:1. The clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dorzagliatin during 24 weeks of double-blinded treatment, followed by a subsequent 28-week open-label treatment period, for a total of 52 weeks. During the 28-week open-label period, both patient groups were treated with twice-daily doses of dorzagliatin (75 mg). The trial was conducted in compliance with the guidelines of the Chinese Society of Endocrinology, which require physicians to educate patients and strictly enforce improved exercise and dietary control, as well as continuous self-monitoring, in treating Type 2 diabetes. The trial was conducted at 40 clinical sites across China led by Professor Dalong Zhu, President of the Chinese Diabetes Society.

About Dorzagliatin
Dorzagliatin is an investigational first-in-class, dual-acting glucokinase activator, designed to control the progressive degenerative nature of diabetes by restoring glucose homeostasis in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. By addressing the defect of the glucose sensor function of glucokinase, dorzagliatin has the potential to restore the impaired glucose homeostasis state of patients with Type 2 Diabetes and serve as a first-line standard-of-care therapy for the treatment of the disease, or as a cornerstone therapy when taken in combination with currently approved anti-diabetes drugs.

About Hua Medicine
Hua is a leading, clinical-stage innovative drug development company in China focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of diabetes. Founded by an experienced group of entrepreneurs and international investment firms, Hua advanced a first-in-class oral drug for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes into NDA-enabling stage and is currently evaluating the therapy in adults with diabetes in two Phase III trials in China and various earlier stage clinical trials in China and the United States. Dorzagliatin has achieved its first primary endpoint in a Phase III monotherapy trial. The Company has initiated product life-cycle management studies of this novel diabetes therapy and advanced its use in personalized diabetes care. Hua Medicine is working closely with disease experts and regulatory agencies in China and across the world to advance diabetes care solutions for patients worldwide.

For more information
Hua Medicine
Website: www.huamedicine.com
Investors
Email: ir@huamedicine.com
Media
Email: pr@huamedicine.com

VerifyMe and Gohar Group’s Techind Form Strategic Relationship to Address Product Authentication and Brand Protection in India’s Large and Emerging Pharmaceutical Market

VerifyMe, Inc. (OTCQB:VRME), a digital technology solutions provider specializing in counterfeit prevention, authentication, serialization, data mining, track and trace, features for labels, packaging and products, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic relationship with Techind Engineers & Consultants-Impex (“Techind”), part of the Gohar Group, of India.

Techind has experience in serialization and track and trace, having sold and installed more than 100 production line serialization systems for 10 clients in the Pharmaceutical industry over the past few years.

VerifyMe and Techind will work together in providing the VeriPAS(TM) serialization and track and trace solution to the broad range of industries and clients of Techind, with specific focus on the Pharmaceutical industry. Other project areas of Techind include: Bio-technology, Processed Food, Chemicals and Allied Packaging up to tertiary stage, on a turnkey basis. With 35+ years of presence in the market, Techind has earned its position, trust and goodwill in the region.

Techind’s CEO A.J.S Gohar stated, “We have experience in serialization and track and trace over the past 9 years as our clients have asked for product authentication and brand protection solutions. VerifyMe’s VeriPAS is an upgrade from what we were previously doing and something we believe our existing clients can integrate with and new clients will desire. We have already highlighted the areas of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and consumer products, where we have clients and relationships that seek serialization and track and trace solutions. This partnership is particularly timely given our experience in the pharma industry and recent avenues to serialize and authenticate COVID-19 test kits. This will be an immediate area of focus. We look forward to rolling out VeriPAS to our client base in India, the SAARC region, and worldwide.”

VerifyMe Chief Executive Officer Patrick White commented, “According to the World Health Organization, people are dying in the tens of thousands from the scourge of counterfeit drugs. See https://pr.report/ylAwH8q9. People want comfort that the drugs and medications they are taking are authentic. Our technologies allow both users and brand inspectors to perform a simple instant effective authentication test with their smart phone. We are thrilled to have our technologies chosen by the Gohar Group and Techind. Combining our counterfeit protection technologies with their expertise in building pharmaceutical manufacturing systems is a win not only for their pharmaceutical clients but for the people that need to be protected from harmful and deadly counterfeit drugs. Their business success and impeccable reputation, not only in India and the SAARC region, but worldwide, represent an opportunity for our serialization and track and trace solution, VeriPAS. Their client list is extremely impressive and particularly in pharma, represents great opportunity for us potentially with the likes of Sun Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Panacea Biotec, Wockhardt, Intas, Apotex, Hospira, Johnson & Johnson, Daiichi Sankyo, Sanofi Aventis, Glaxo Smithkline, Novartis, Merck, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. We also look forward to working with Mr. Adhinayak Gohar – Director Technical of Techind in making our world a safer place.”

For a list of highlight clients of Gohar Group, please visit: http://www.gohargroup.in/clients.php.

About Gohar Group and Techind Engineers & Consultants-Impex

Gohar Group was founded in 1945 and operates in a diverse range of activities with a broad spectrum of exclusive services, into various promising areas such as manufacturing. Information technology & telecommunications, healthcare, energy/oil & gas, banking & insurance, infrastructure & construction, education and environment conservation & re-cycling. For additional information, please visit: http://www.gohargroup.in.

Techind, with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, is carrying out the business of Turnkey Project Engineering & Consultancy, rendering services in the SAARC (The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. Its member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) region. Techind is also engaged in the representation of foreign principals, from Europe and the U.S., to market their machinery, equipment and know-how to various clients worldwide.

About VerifyMe, Inc.

VerifyMe, Inc., is a technology solutions company that markets products supported by patents, patent applications and trade secrets which provides identifiers and serialization for authenticating, tracking and tracing functions for labels, packaging and products. VerifyMe’s technology authenticates packaging, labels and documents with a suite of proprietary security inks and pigments, which work in conjunction with serialization and track-and-trace software known as “VeriPAS(TM)” that allows both consumers and brand inspectors to verify authenticity with their smart phones. VeriPAS(TM) is a serialization software system that brand owners access thru a web portal to monitor, control and protect their products complete “Life cycle”. To learn more, visit www.verifyme.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding revenue opportunities, the use of our products in additional presses and locations, the results of ongoing tests, and roll-out of our products and authentication devices which involve uncertainty and risk. The words “believe,” “may”, “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the company’s ability to work with partners in selling its technologies to businesses, production difficulties, our inability to enter into contracts and deals with future partners, and issues which may affect the reluctance of large companies to change their purchasing of products, acceptance of our technologies, the efficiency of our authenticators in the field, our patents including potential litigation, and the ongoing novel COVID-19 pandemic. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

For Licensing or Other Information Contact:
Company: VerifyMe, Inc.
Email: IR@verifyme.com
Website: http://www.verifyme.com

Investors:
ClearThink
nyc@clearthink.capital

SOURCE: VerifyMe

Agilex Biolabs Encourages Biotechs to Move Delayed Trials to Australia at BIO Digital 2020

Adelaide, AUS, June 11, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Agilex Biolabs, Australia’s largest specialist bioanalytical laboratory for clinical trials, encouraged biotechs to consider Australia for their clinical trials during a presentation at BIO Digital 2020.

Watch the BIO Digital 2020 presentation here:
https://www.bio.org/events/bio-digital/sessions/search?name=Agilex

The presentation by CEO Jason Valentine and moderated by VP Business Development Julia Jones details the current trials landscape in Australia and why biotechs wanting to avoid delays caused by COVID-19, can move their trials to Australia.

Australia’s impressive COVID-19 management and the world’s most attractive rebate on clinical trials costs are just a few of the reasons that make it an ideal location to restart delayed trials, according to Agilex Biolabs.

CEO Jason Valentine said:

“Australia has a group of proven top-tier trial providers that regularly work together so are fully engaged and in sync with processes and each other’s requirements and capabilities. We have worked with all the trials service provider companies so can advise on which ones are the best fit for each study.

“The Agilex Biolabs team can offer an unbiased approach and advice depending on specific trial requirements. Our world-class bioanalytical facilities have OECD GLP Recognition with NATA (Australian Government OECD GLP Compliance monitoring authority) and ISO 17025 Accreditation for global recognition.”

Please Book a Briefing with us before you start your next clinical trial. https://calendly.com/agilexbiolabs/15min

Australia: +61 8 8302 8777 | China: +86 21 8036 9483 | South Korea: +82 80 812 1255 | USA: +1 800 247 1909

Agilex Biolabs has launched a News Video Update about COVID-19 and clinical trials in Australia. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/vZuHAYZ-GiE

About Agilex Biolabs https://www.agilexbiolabs.com

Agilex Biolabs, Australia’s leading bioanalytical laboratory, has more than 20 years’ experience in performing regulated bioanalysis, including quality method development, method validation and sample analysis services. We have successfully supported hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials around the world where customers choose Australia for the streamlined regulatory process and access to the world’s most attractive R&D rebate of more than 40% on clinical trial work conducted in Australia.

Agilex Biolabs specialises in bioanalysis of small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity, biomarkers and immunological pharmacodynamics assessments utilising LC-MS/MS, immunoassay (Mesoscale, Gurolab, Luminex) and flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony A3, 20 colour cell analyser). Agilex offers pharmacodynamics services including immunobiology services using the latest state-of-the-art technology to support immunology, cell biology and mode of action assays, incuding Immunophenotyping, Receptor occupancy, and Cytokine release assays (whole blood or PBMC stimulation assays) and cytokine/biomarker profiling PBMC assays and cellular mechanism of action assays (ie ADCC).

Agilex Biolabs, the only FDA-inspected lab of its type in the region, is located in Adelaide, South Australia in a science and biotech specialist hub. The biolabs has more than 65 dedicated laboratory staff, and annually support more than 80 clinical trials. This year they will analyse more than 60,000 samples for pharma/biotechs from US, Europe and APAC.
The company has just expanded its labs by more than 30% to accommodate biotech demand from APAC and the USA.

See us featured in Endpoints https://tinyurl.com/uqmkzcu

Media Contact:
Kate Newton
Media@AgilexBiolabs.com

SinoMab Announces Clinical Results on its First-in-target SM03 at EULAR 2020 Congress

Pipeline of Drug Candidates Has Vast Potential in the Future

SinoMab BioScience Limited (“SinoMab” or the “Company”, stock code: 3681.HK), a Hong Kong-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases, made an oral presentation titled “Efficacy and safety of SM03, a Recombinant Anti-human CD22 Monoclonal Antibody in Chinese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Phase II randomized, double-blind, multi-dose, placebo-controlled study” in the evening on 5th June, 2020 at the European League Against Rheumatology (“EULAR”) 2020 Congress(the “Congress”). Professor Zhang Fengchun, the head of Internal Medicine Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and the leading principal investigator of the Phase II clinical study of SM03, reported the results of the study as the keynote speaker.

Professor Zhang said that SM03 has shown significant efficacy for the treatment for RA without increase in adverse events. Been invited to announce the clinical results at the Congress showed the great emphasis and expectation worldwide for SM03. Professor Zhang also expressed his confidence in SM03’s next stage study and marketing in the future. Moreover, Professor Zhang said B cells play an important role in immunological diseases. The positive results of SM03 for the treatment for RA will benefit the exploration of potential indications against other B cells-related diseases.

As a potential global first-in-target anti-CD22 mAb for the treatment of RA, SM03 has been recognized by the PRC’s Ministry of Science and Technology as one of the significant special projects of Significant New Drugs Development of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Five-Year Plan Period for two consecutive times. SM03 has completed its Phase II clinical study for the treatment of RA led by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, aiming to evaluate its efficacy and safety for patients with moderate to severe active RA. Phase II clinical study took a period of 24 weeks and enrolled 156 patients with a history of MTX treatment failure, who were randomly divided into three groups, namely Placebo, Low dose and High dose. The study design followed international standards for clinical trials of new drugs and conducted regular evaluation on efficacy and safety according to the requirements of international new drug applications. Statistics related to the oral presentation are as follow: the enrolled Chinese patients with active RA, SM03 in combination with methotrexate, demonstrated a good safety and tolerance, throughout 24 weeks of treatment, especially in terms of infusion-related reactions and treatment-related infections. No patient reported severe treatment-emergent infections or any secondary malignancies, during the study. Moreover, SM03 has demonstrated a good safety profile, especially in terms of treatment-related infection, secondary malignancy and low immunogenicity. (EULAR abstract number: OP0210)

Dr. Shui On Leung, the Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SinoMab, said in the video interview, that SM03 is currently in Phase III clinical trials. Although the timeframe is extended due to the uncertainties brought by COVID-19, the enrolment is expected to be completed by the end of this year and the Biologics Licence Application is estimated to be filed by the end of 2021. Another drug developed by SinoMab, SN1011, which is one of the only two BTK inhibitor in clinical trials worldwide, is in Phase I clinical trial in Australia. The single arising dose study has completed and shown satisfying safety evaluation. The submission of Investigational New Drug(“IND”) in China is in preparation as well. Furthermore, SM17, SinoMab’s first-in-class mAb against the receptor IL17BR, is developed for the treatment of potential indications including allergic asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is expected to file IND in America or the European region. Dr. Leung said that SinoMab strives to become a global leader in the innovation of therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Focusing on the development of novel drugs, in addition to the treatment of immunological diseases, SinoMab is also exploring therapeutics for cancers and other rare diseases in both domestic and overseas markets. To strengthen innovative R&D capability, the Company plans to introduce a target screening platform. And two to three drugs are estimated to initiate clinical trials in the next two years. At this stage, numerous international pharmaceutical giants have expressed cooperative intentions.

Professor Zhang added, SinoMab has found numerous targets for the treatment of immunological diseases and obtained the potential to develop more innovative therapeutics to contribute to the therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases.

About European League Against Rheumatology 2020 Congress

European League Against Rheumatology 2020 Congress is hosted by European League Against Rheumatology (EULAR) and enjoys an important role in global rheumatology research. The EULAR Congress initiated in 2000. Physicians, scientist and arthritis/rheumatism patients, health professionals and representatives from pharmaceutical industry from all over the world are gathered to share the cutting-edge research results in rheumatology field. Nowadays, the EULAR Congress has become an important platform for scientific and clinical information in Europe and a well-known forum for the communication between global rheumatologists. The scientific program of EULAR Congress covers topics including clinical innovation, clinical, transformation and fundamental science, dedicating to improving health condition of people suffering from rheumatic musculoskeletal disease.

About SinoMab BioScience Limited
SinoMab BioScience Limited (“SinoMab” or the “Company”, stock code: 3681.HK) is dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases. The Company’s flagship product SM03 is a potential global first-in-target mAb against CD22 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is currently in Phase III clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis in China, which has been recognized as one of the significant special projects of Significant New Drugs Development of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan Period and the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan Period. In addition, the Company possesses other potential first-in-target and first-in-class drug candidates, some of which are already in clinical stage, with their indications covering rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, asthma, and other diseases with major unmet clinical needs.

TrialTrove Data Shows Australia is Open for Business says Avance Clinical at BIO Digital 2020

The leading Australian CRO for biotechs, Avance Clinical announced at BIO Digital today that Australia currently has 2,413 trials planned or ongoing. Importantly in Australia, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, no healthy volunteer studies have been suspended, and only 27 Phase 1 or 2 studies were temporarily put on hold for various reasons (TrialTrove, 9 June 2020).

Avance Clinical commended the Australian industry for exceptional COVID-19 management which has meant Australia leads the world in maintaining clinical trials business as usual.

Avance Clinical’s Chief Strategy Officer, Ben Edwards presented at BIO Digital 2020 today on the many benefits of running trials in Australia.

Watch the Avance Clinical BIO Digital presentation On Demand here.
https://www.bio.org/events/bio-digital/sessions/search?name=Avance%20Clinical

Mr Edwards said: “Approximately 96% of our work is supporting small to medium-sized biotechnology companies executing Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. Our client base currently extends across North America, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.

Australia is a well-established location for international clinical trials and our management of the COVID-19 crisis has made it an even more attractive trials destination.”

Avance Clinical is a medium-sized full-service CRO known for its nimble and collaborative approach, with more than 20-years of experience in managing early phase trials.

In addition to the impressive COVID-19 management, a key factor in sponsor demand is the speed, access to high quality sites and attractive cost of running trials in Australia including:

– The Australian Government financial rebate of 43.5% on clinical trial spend
– No IND required for clinical trials and streamlined regulatory processes
– Advanced medical, research & scientific community, leading investigators & KOLs, modern medical facilities

Watch the video: How we work during the COVID-19 pandemic here. https://tinyurl.com/yc2z6kjj

Australia’s reputation for FDA compliant scientific and research excellence, its advanced healthcare, and the opportunity to access patients in a less clinical trial competitive environment further reinforces its advantage as a destination for clinical trials.

For more information about the benefits of running your next study with Avance Clinical contact us: https://www.avancecro.com/contact-us/

About Avance Clinical

Australia’s Avance Clinical has more than 20-years of experience and is now one of Australia’s leading Contract Research Organisations. Avance Clinical facilitates quality drug development by aligning people, skills, and expertise in the pursuit of drug development for a healthier world.

Avance Clinical is committed to providing high-quality clinical research services with its highly-experienced team. The collective pool of knowledge and experience at Avance Clinical continually grows through the careful selection of experts who also demonstrate passion in their chosen field.

Avance Clinical offers high quality services in an established clinical trial ecosystem, that includes world-class Investigators and Sites able to access specialised patient groups. Other benefits include:

1. The Government R&D grant means up to 43.5% rebate on clinical trial spend
2. Telehealth pivot during COVID-19 pandemic – speed and continuity
3. Site Initiation Visit (SIV) and Study Start achieved in 5 – 6 weeks
4. No IND required for clinical trials
5. Full GMP material is not mandated for Phase I clinical trials
6. Established clinical trial environment with world-class Investigators and sites
7. Established healthy subject databases and specialised patient populations
8. Five independent Phase 1 facilities across Australia including hospital-based units for critical care
9. Major hospitals with world class infrastructures and dedicated Clinical Trial Units with a long track-record in FDA compliant research
10. Seasonal studies: Northern hemisphere Sponsors can conduct their studies year-round by taking advantage of Australia’s counter-flu and allergy seasons

Media Contact:
media@avancecro.com
Chris Thompson

Joonghun Pharmaceutical of Korea Targets Overseas Markets for Coronavirus Diagnostic Kits

With the worldwide spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), orders for Korean diagnostic kits continue to roll in. As part of the effort to combat COVID-19, Joonghun Pharmaceutical announced that it was accelerating efforts to provide its JD COVID-19 qRT-PCR Kit for in vitro diagnostics internationally.


The JD COVID-19 qRT-PCR Kit uses Real-time RT-PCR (Real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction), currently the main testing method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19, because of its excellent sensitivity and specificity.

Joonghun Pharmaceutical’s diagnostic qRT-PCR Kit targets a single gene (N gene) of the coronavirus, based on the FDA and CDC response to COVID-19. Targeting the single gene accords with FDA Test Validation FAQs which note recent evidence suggesting appropriately validated single gene detection (single viral target SARS-CoV-2 assay) provides acceptable performance. Joonghun’s targeting the N gene is based on the US CDC diagnostic kit ‘CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel’ which targets N genes as well.

According to Joonghun Pharmaceutical, “We successfully conducted clinical trials using U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) clinical guidelines, in cooperation with university research institutes and government agencies.” Furthermore, “Based on these clinical results, on April 17 we obtained an export license from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and received a European in vitro diagnostic (CE-IVD) certification, providing us with a foothold for meeting various needs around the world.”

Joonghun Pharmaceutical is currently attending results of its FDA EUA application, submitted May 4th, 2020. The FDA approval process is expected to proceed smoothly as the product was verified in clinical trials. A spokesperson for Joonghun Pharmaceutical said requests for the supply of diagnostic kits are constantly coming from South America, Europe and parts of Asia where COVID-19 is still spreading, and obtaining EUA approval would provide another source of validation for these markets.

The company also produces the Joonghun Ribavirin capsule, one of 35 medicines recognized by the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service as a COVID-19 treatment. “Inquiries regarding Joonghun Ribavirin capsules surged from public institutions and distributors in countries across Europe and South America, and in March, at the request of Luxembourg, a total of 42,000 capsules were urgently exported.”

“In order to contribute and help stabilize the global impact of COVID-19, we will increase the production of medicines, in order to respond quickly to urgent requests from domestic and international entities. Joonghun’s JD COVID-19 qRT-PCR Kit is produced in a GMP facility for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, so we will be able to provide a stable supply.” Joonghun Pharmaceutical also added, “In order to actively respond to the worldwide demand for diagnostic kits, we are also planning to release a rapid test kit in June.”

Media contact
Joonghun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
T: +82-2-2138-8114
E: COVID-19TF@joonghun.com
U: www.joonghun.com

Blockchain Holdings Ltd. subsidiary TraceSafe and Toronto Wolfpack Sign Contract for Wearable Technology to Safely Reopen Lamport Stadium

Blockchain Holdings Ltd. (Canadian Securities Exchange: BCX) (“BCX” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, TraceSafe Technologies, Inc. (“TraceSafe”) has executed a contract with Toronto Wolfpack Rugby League Football Club (“Toronto Wolfpack”) to deploy its wearable tracking products and services to help safely reopen Lamport Stadium for training and future games, whether played behind closed doors or with fans, as and when the season resumes.

Under the terms of the agreement, TraceSafe has an exclusive contract for the 2020-2021 season to supply wearable tracing products for any staff and fans attending the Toronto Wolfpack’s home games at Lamport Stadium while social distancing restrictions are in place.

Why Tracesafe’s Wearable Technology can be Utilized to Improve Safety at Sports Stadiums during COVID-19

TraceSafe’s iMSafe wristbands help ensure that each person is protected by having the smart wireless wristbands always on the person. Furthermore, while privacy is protected, there is no personal information stored on the wristbands. The wristbands effectively act as two-way radios that enable public health directives such as contact-tracing and social-distancing to be applied at large scale events such as at Lamport Stadium. It also enables other location-based services, such as guidance to seating areas, access control and loyalty programs, to be personalized and location-aware, that further enhances the enjoyment and safety for all fans. It does not require the use of the fans’ mobile phones, thereby eliminating privacy concerns and any technical issues related to mobile phones’ capabilities.

How it Works

The iMSafe wristbands transmit and receive signals from each other so that nearby contacts can be logged and data is seamlessly retrieved in the background via infrastructure local to the stadiums. Data can then be used for contact-tracing should it be required, to help ensure the health and safety of fans in a stadium. Potential exposures to a confirmed case can be traced and isolated to the area or the groups of individuals in contact with particular persons. Real-time monitoring of social-distancing violations can also be enabled so that the individuals concerned may be informed or authority alerted.

What Happens to the Data Collected?

Data can be automatically deleted after a predetermined time, for example 14 days after each game day. Individuals can be identified by a login ID created by the fans themselves, and any notifications can be sent anonymously to the persons involved without personal information involved.

“We are delighted to partner with Toronto Wolfpack to work on safely reopening Lamport Stadium and bringing back rugby to Toronto. This agreement is a testimony to the leading position of TraceSafe in the category of wearable safety tech,” stated James Passin, Executive Chairman, BCX.

“TraceSafe products & software will greatly improve our re-opening operating procedures for Lamport Stadium by adding a verifiable, easy to use and affordable method to assist with social distancing. It is important that as we re-start our lives, this technology aids in re-opening stadiums, avoiding tracking apps loaded onto our mobile phones,” stated Toronto Wolfpack Chairman & CEO, Robert Hunter.

About TraceSafe

TraceSafe is a full suite of real-time location management services and contact tracing solutions enabled through advanced bluetooth beacons in a variety of form factors. TraceSafe’s leading cloud management solution ensures both user privacy and comprehensive administrative control. TraceSafe is deployed in mission critical quarantine applications around the world in partnership with leading governments. In addition to their government work, TraceSafe is developing leading edge solutions for Enterprise, Healthcare, and large-scale venue management. For more information visit tracesafe.io

For further information, please contact:
Malcolm Burke
+1 604 220 2000
mpb@primarycapital.net

Alan Tam, CFO
+1 604 377-7575
alantamca@gmail.com

Wayne Lloyd, CEO
+1 604 629-9975
wayne@blockchainholdingsltd.com

TraceSafe Media Inquiries:
Trey Ditto
trey@dittopr.co
+1 512 619-1343

About Toronto Wolfpack

Toronto Wolfpack is a professional Rugby team competing in the European Super League. It is the first North American team to play in the RFL and the world’s first transatlantic professional sports team. The Wolfpack organization is driven by the belief that the world is a better place with more rugby balls in kids’ hands. Toronto Wolfpack is committed to enriching the lives of the people who value proper care of their bodies. Toronto Wolfpack also aspires to create a global centre for rugby excellence in Toronto, to showcase the best of Ontario and Canada by supporting family run local businesses to actively promote transatlantic trade between North American and UK partners. Learn more about the Toronto Wolfpack at: www.torontowolfpack.com

Toronto Wolfpack UK Media Inquiries:
Martin Vickers +44 7808 556315 / martin@torontowolfpack.com

Toronto Wolfpack North America/Global Media Inquiries:
Jon Pallet +1 (647) 675-6301 / jon@torontowolfpack.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved or disapproved the contents of this press release.

Statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on Blockchain’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business, operations, assets and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to expectations regarding the TRACEsafe technology, future developments in respect of COVID-19 and adoption of the Tracesafe technology by governments and orders of product therefrom. Although Blockchain believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict, including the spread or containment of COVID-19, government responses thereto and the ability of the Tracesafe technology to assist government containment and monitoring programs. Therefore, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Blockchain undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law.