Category: Healthcare

Holista Signs Agreement with Costanzo’s to Launch World’s Lowest Glycaemic Index (GI) Clean Label Bread

  • 3-y deal for GI Lite™, low GI white bread for US, Canada & Mexico markets
  • 165 tons for US$1.9m 1st year, 220 tons for US$2.5m, 2nd, 3rd each year
  • The partners co-developed bread product, validation by University of Sydney

Holista Colltech Limited (ASX: HCT, “Holista”) and U.S. subsidiary, Holista Foods Inc., have entered into an agreement with leading U.S. breadmaker, Costanzo’s Bakery, Inc. (“Costanzo’s”), to manufacture the world’s lowest Glycaemic Index (GI) clean label white bread using all-natural ingredients.

Under the exclusive three-year Licence and Commercialisation agreement, Costanzo’s will purchase Holista’s GI Lite™ Bread Premix which will be used to produce a range of healthier breads for the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Costanzo’s, a third-generation Italian baker founded 87 years ago in New York City, produces and supplies bread products across the USA and Canada to supermarkets and other retail outlets.

The healthier bread was jointly developed by Holista and Constanzo’s. The University of Sydney tested and validated this bread in July 2020 to have a GI reading of 46, which compares with GI readings of over 70 for most white breads.

Holista believes this is the world’s lowest GI reading for clean-label (free of chemicals) white breads worldwide. This latest bread formula is significantly lower than the reading of 53 validated by the University of Sydney in 2016.

GI Lite™ is a patented formula made from a blend of okra, barley, lentils and fenugreek. When mixed with white flour, it lowers the GI reading of the final product without compromising taste, mouth-feel or food production methods.

Under the agreement, Holista will supply 165 tons of worth valued at US$1.9 million in the first year of the contract with Constanzo’s. Over the next two years, shipment will increase to 220 tons (valued at US$2.2 million) annually.

“There is a large and untapped market for clean-label, all-natural, low-GI white bread and we are pleased to be able to offer our customers such a unique and healthy product,” said Costanzo’s CEO, Angelo Costanzo III.

“We are confident about the success of the GI Lite™ breads due to its superior taste and mouthfeel, which cannot be matched by other low GI breads in the market as they use chemicals and other artificial ingredients.”

GI measures food products, ranking them between 0-100 according to the impact on blood sugar levels. The lower the GI, the more time it takes for glucose to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Higher GI causes a spike in blood sugar levels, contributing to diabetes.

Dr Rajen Manicka, CEO of Holista, an Australia Securities Exchange (“ASX”) listed company, commented:
“This is a breakthrough agreement for the North American market and we expect this to spur interest in other markets. We are excited to be bringing a healthier and better-tasting white bread product to the world, and we are currently pursuing opportunities in other countries.”

“Providing the world’s lowest low GI healthy clean label white bread has been our goal and vision,” said Nadja Piatka, CEO of Holista Foods which is based in Buffalo, New York. “Costanzo’s is a perfect partner to bring this important mission to fruition.”

Holista Foods won the Award of Excellence under “Low Glycaemic Pasta” category for its spaghetti and linguine in the 2019 U.S.A. Taste Championships. Holista has also developed low-GI versions of flat-breads such as chappatis and tortillas.

About Holista Colltech Limited

Holista Colltech Ltd (“Holista”) is a natural wellness company, that has the following main divisions:
– Dietary supplements
– Food Ingredients
– Ovine collagen
– Infection Control Solutions

Holista has a global collaboration with Global Infection Control Consultants LLC to use Path-Away®, a plant-based solution that is proven to kill a broad spectrum of microbes. The all-natural alcohol-free active ingredient is used in Holista’s range of sanitising products under the NatShield™ brand.

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), Holista researches, develops, manufactures and markets health style products. Holista’s suite of ingredients includes low GI baked products, reduced-sodium salts, low-fat fried foods and low-calorie sugar without compromising taste, odour and mouthfeel. Holista also produces sheep (ovine) collagen using patented extraction methods. For more information on Holista, please visit https://www.holistaco.com/

About Costanzo’s Bakery Inc.

Costanzo’s Bakery (“Costanzo”) started in a small shop in 1933 along the Niagara River delivering Italian breads to “mom and pop” grocery stores throughout Buffalo, NY. As the business grew, and with the advent of the Supermarket, Costanzo’s bread was soon found in every store throughout the region. In 1977, Angelo Costanzo’s sons took over the bakery and eventually moved into a new location. As the business grew, the natural progression was to expand into the national marketplace by developing a line of frozen, fully-baked sub rolls and round rolls. This was the beginning of Costanzo’s Bakery, Inc. Today, with the third generation of Costanzo’s at the helm, the bakery services retail outlets and local routes in the Buffalo/Niagara region, as well as a national distribution network in the Foodservice, Deli/Bakery, and Retail businesses, with all products being produced and delivered from its bakery in Cheektowaga, NY. For more information on Costanzo, please visit https://costanzosbakery.com

About Holista Foods, Inc.

Holista Foods is dedicated to developing and delivering clean label ingredients, finished food products and recipe development. The company specializes in next-generation food research and development for improved taste and nutritional value. Under the leadership of Nadja Piatka, Holista Foods is embracing a philosophy of providing great tasting, nutritional food products that will be readily available to all consumers. Nadja’s original passion for providing healthy food products to consumers has carried over to low GI food innovations for an even healthier nutritional outcome.

With the successful launch of the world’s first low glycaemic noodles, spaghetti and linguine and low glycaemic bread, the company is working on new low glycaemic products.

Holista Foods is 74%-owned by LiteFood Inc of US and 26%-owned by Nadja Piatka and Nadja Foods. LiteFoods Inc is 53%-owned by Holista. Holista Foods, Inc. is based in Buffalo, NY. For more information on Holista Foods, Inc., please visit www.holistafoods.com

For further information, please contact:
Corporate Affairs & Business Opportunities
Corporate Matters: investor@holistaco.com
General Enquiries: enquiries@holistaco.com

Global Investor relations and media enquiries:
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
E: holista@wer1.net
M: +65 673 74 844

Azelis releases first sustainability report as a testimony of global sustainability efforts

Azelis, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, is proud to release its first sustainability report as a testimony of its global sustainability efforts and actions. With this sustainability report, Azelis covers its 2019 group-wide sustainability performance and demonstrates how its commitments to sustainability are put into action, by creating shared value with our innovative and sustainable products and having a positive impact on the communities around the globe.

Highlights & rationale
– After its second and consecutive EcoVadis Gold rating and membership to Together for Sustainability as announced earlier this year, Azelis now releases its first sustainability report.
– The company is convinced that only innovation and sustainable business can provide long-term partnerships with customers and suppliers, as well as considerable benefits to society.
– Azelis’ strong focus on sustainability is in line with Azelis’ strategy to become the global benchmark for sustainability in the chemicals and food ingredients distribution industry.

Being a global service provider focused on the development of innovative formulations, sustainability has always been part of Azelis’ identity. Soon after initial commitments to Responsible Care(R) & Responsible Distribution(R), Azelis laid the groundwork for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program in 2015, following the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations. Azelis’ CSR program is based on the United Nations Global Compact initiative, ISO 26000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and is built on 25 KPIs within four main pillars: People, Sustainable procurement, Fair business practices and Resources & environment.

Dr. Hans Joachim Muller, Azelis Chief Executive Officer, comments: “Year 2020 marks a few important sustainability milestones for Azelis. After our second EcoVadis Gold rating and our membership to Together for Sustainability earlier this year, we are now excited to release our first sustainability report in which we bring Azelis’ global sustainability efforts to life. We hope that this report will influence and excite our partners about the ever-important sustainability journey, whilst also inspiring and exciting them about our transition to a sustainable business. We are confident that only a joint effort for more sustainable solutions will strengthen the relationships with our business partners who are equally responsible and equally dedicated, and will result in preservation of resources for future generations.”

Maria J. Almenar Martin, Group Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) and Sustainability Director, adds: “It’s our genuine belief that only innovation and sustainable business models can offer long-term partnerships with customers and suppliers, as well as considerable benefits to society. We’re continually investing in the development of a new generation of sustainable formulations through the work done in our network of laboratories, whilst also introducing new initiatives to develop strategies that mitigate business risks as a consequence of climate change and social unrest. We hope this sustainability report gives our partners a clear view of our ambitions and goals, and our colleagues another confirmation of how sustainability is deeply-rooted in all we do.”

Sustainability is a key pillar of Azelis’ strategy, next to digitalization and our aspiration to be the leading innovation service provider for the industries we serve. Azelis is actively working towards the transition to a sustainable future by being a progressive employer that fosters equal opportunities and embraces diversity across its business; by creating innovative sustainable formulations in its labs; by ensuring the sustainable use of resources whilst continually reducing the environmental impact of its business; and by conducting its business in a responsible way.

Contact information
Azelis
Marina Kaptein
Group Communications Director
T: +32 3 613 0125
E: marina.kaptein@azelis.com

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients present in over 50 countries across the globe with around 2,200 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to about 45,000 customers, creating a turnover of EUR 2.15 billion (2019).

Throughout our extensive network of more than 60 application laboratories, our award-winning technical staff help customers develop formulations. We combine a global reach with a local focus to offer a reliable, integrated service to local customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. And we believe in building and nurturing solid, honest and transparent relationships with our people and partners.

Impact through ideas. Innovation through formulation.

www.azelis.com

Theragen Bio analyzes Korea’s largest COVID-19 patient and coronavirus genomic data

Theragen Bio is conducting joint research on developing a new coronavirus (COVID-19) genomic big data in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Kyungpook National University Hospital, and the Daegu Metropolitan Government.

The study will analyze the full genome of each patient and the SARS-CoV-2 virus using samples from approximately 1,000 COVID-19 patients in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do provence, the largest coronavirus genomic analysis to be conducted in Korea.

Through this study, Theragen hopes to identify the infection correlation between patient genome and the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome, and apply it to future vaccine development. Theragen identified the genetic correlation while establishing big data for SARS-CoV-2 mutations.

Based on its own Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Theragen’s ultra-sensitive Covid-19 RNA analysis system can decode over 30,000 full-legnth RNA sequences per virus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates frequently, however the system can check RNA mutation, replication, and generation.

In addition, the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be traced back to understand the transmission mechanisms between humans and predict clinical patterns, identify high-risk groups, improve the efficiency of PCR-based diagnosis, and secure evidence for prevention and prevention strategies.

Hwang Tae-soon, the CEO of Theragen Bio, explains, “This research is the first attempt to analyze whether there are differences in infection susceptibility depending on the genetic predisposition of infected patients as well as mutations and the evolution of the virus. It will be applicable to various infectious diseases in the future, as well as clinical prediction and vaccine development.”

In April, Theragen Bio collaborated on research for a high-resolution genetic map of SARS-CoV-2, developed by Narry Kim, head of the RNA research group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Hyeshik Chang, a professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, in collaboration with Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH) within Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC).

This study found the location of the coronavirus gene and RNA variations, to identify the transcriptome composition and the proliferation principles of the virus. In May, Theragen Bio traced the Seoul Itaewon cluster infections by sequencing the genomic materials and RNA transcriptomes and found that this SARS-CoV-2 variation originated in the U.S.

Theragen Bio, formerly the genome division of Theragen Etex (Kosdaq:066700), was spun off in March, 2020 to actively pursue customized pharmaceutical & new drug development and other projects featuring genomic technology. For further iniformation, please visit www.theragenbio.com.

Contact: Hyun Kim
Theragen Bio Co., Ltd.
Tel: +82-31-888-9313
Email: ngssales@theragenetex.com
Website: www.theragenbio.com

Avance Clinical Contracted for Atossa Therapeutics AT-301 Nasal Spray Clinical Study, Atossa’s Second COVID-19 Therapeutic Development Program

 The leading Australian CRO for biotechs and Frost & Sullivan 2020 Asia-Pacific CRO Market Leadership Award winner Avance Clinical has been contracted to conduct a clinical study of Atossa Therapeutics’ proprietary drug candidate AT-301, to be administered by nasal spray. Avance has successfully completed multiple clinical studies of Atossa’s proprietary Endoxifen.

Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATOS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company seeking to discover and develop innovative medicines in areas of significant unmet medical need with a current focus on breast cancer and COVID-19.

Yvonne Lungerhausen, CEO, Avance Clinical said:

“Avance Clinical is very pleased to be working with Atossa Therapeutics again on their second COVID-19 Therapeutic Development Program. Atossa is a valued long-term client that clearly understands the excellence in clinical research available in Australia, and the many benefits of conducting studies in the region.”

According to Atossa Therapeutics:

AT-301 is Atossa’s proprietary formula intended for nasal administration in patients immediately following diagnosis of COVID-19 but who have not yet exhibited symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. It is intended for at-home use to proactively reduce symptoms of COVID-19 and to slow the infection rate so that a person’s immune system can more effectively fight SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). Atossa also intends to conduct testing to determine whether AT-301 can be used as a prophylaxis to prevent or mitigate SARS-CoV-2.

The study is a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled safety study of AT-301 nasal spray in 32 healthy adult subjects divided into two study groups. Part A consists of two single-dose cohorts receiving either active therapy, AT-301B, or the placebo comparator AT-301A. Part B is a multiple dose arm with cohorts receiving either AT-301A or AT-301B for 14 days. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single and multiple doses of AT-301 administered via nasal instillation to healthy volunteers. Secondary objectives are to assess the incidence and severity of local irritation and bronchospasm following administration of AT-301 via nasal instillation.

“Our AT-301 nasal spray program is being developed for COVID-19 patients who are not hospitalized, which complements our AT-H201 program being developed for COVID-19 patients on ventilators,” commented Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Atossa. “Many COVID-19 patients are infected via the nasal passage, which makes a nasal spray therapy potentially very attractive. Collectively, the components of AT-301 are believed to replicate a ‘vaccine-like mechanism’ to help maintain a protective mucosal barrier within the nasal cavity with anti-viral properties that may lead to lower infectivity and reduced symptoms in COVID-19 patients due to their interference with the spike protein of the virus in the nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract. We may eventually develop AT-301 as a prophylaxis to reduce risk of being infected with COVID-19. For example, it could be taken as a daily vaccine-like treatment for people at higher-risk, such as TSA workers, emergency medical professionals and hospital personnel,” concluded Dr. Quay.

An application to commence the study has been submitted to the relevant institutional review board (IRB) and local regulatory authority in Australia which must be approved before commencement of the study. Pending these approvals, Atossa expects that the study will commence this quarter. Adequate and well-controlled studies to demonstrate safety and efficacy must be successfully completed and regulatory approvals must be obtained before AT-301 may be commercialized. Atossa has filed provisional patent applications on AT-301 to treat patients diagnosed with, or to prevent, COVID-19 via nasal spray.

About Atossa Therapeutics

Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company seeking to discover and develop innovative medicines in areas of significant unmet medical need with a current focus on breast cancer and COVID-19. For more information, please visit www.atossatherapeutics.com.

See full announcement here https://tinyurl.com/y46rcp33

About Avance Clinical

Australia’s Avance Clinical has more than 20-years of experience and is now one of Australia’s leading Contract Research Organizations. 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 specialized patient groups. Visit http://www.avancecro.com for more information.

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 specialized 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

Dorsett Hospitality International partners with Prenetics to provide government-recognised Covid-19 testing to combat the third wave

– All hotels will offer COVID-19 tests for just HK$785

As part of Dorsett Hospitality International’s ongoing commitment to the local community under #DorsettCares, the Hong Kong-based hospitality group is the first hotel group to partner with leading global genetic testing and digital health company Prenetics to offer the local community, associates and hotels guests in Hong Kong a peace of mind with 24/7 access to the Project Screen by Circle COVID-19 test, recommended by the World Health Organisation and officially recognised by the Hong Kong government, as we collectively fight to contain the city’s third wave.

Hong Kong-based Prenetics is one of three laboratories who have been assigned by the government to help with mass community testing. Their ‘Do-It-Yourself’ test kit has an analytical accuracy of 99.9% based on validated studies by the National Health Commission and the US FDA. They also provide all the testing for the English Premier League and have carried out over 40,000 COVID-19 tests for players and coaches without which the season would not have resumed. The largest private laboratory in Hong Kong, Prenetics have boosted its capacity up from 5,580 to 22,000 tests in Hong Kong per day.

Dorsett has test kits available for purchase at its 9 hotels in Hong Kong for only HK$785 with results available within just one to two business days. Furthermore, the hotel group will be sponsoring over 50% off of each COVID-19 test for all their associates and in some instances, full sponsorships of COVID-19 test kits should testing be required from any hotel staff to ensure we continue to do everything we can to make our employees feel safe.

Since the first outbreak back in February, all nine of Dorsett Hospitality International’s hotels in Hong Kong – and worldwide – have implemented preventive and anti-epidemic control measures, including use of hospital-grade Ecolab disinfectant cleaner 2.0, increased cleaning and disinfection frequency of public areas and facilities every hour and temperature screening for those coming in and out of the hotels.

To date, Dorsett Hospitality International has provided accommodation for healthcare workers and frontliners in London, Hong Kong and China and donated supplies used in hospitals and quarantine centres in Malaysia. We will continue to support the communities in each city where we have a presence as part of our #DorsettCares’ commitment to our esteemed associates and guests around the world.

The COVID-19 test kit is being sold at HK$985, with the cost breakdown and features listed below:

– Prenetics PCR COVID-19 test: HK$785
– Sample Pick-Up to Laboratory Fee: HK$200
– Private, secure digital results provided within 24 to 48 hours of receipt in their laboratory
– Individuals with positive results will be provided a telehealth physician consultation

About Dorsett Hospitality International

Dorsett Hospitality International is one of Asia’s fastest-growing hotel groups. As a Hong Kong hospitality brand, we are proud to have an international footprint in 25 major cities worldwide with a total of 56 properties with our strategic partners TWH and AGORA Hospitality, including Dorsett Hospitality International’s 3 core brands: Dorsett Hotels & Resorts, d.Collection, and Silka, each with their own distinct identity and offerings to cater to diverse travel needs. Since the group’s establishment in Hong Kong in January 2007, we have grown by leaps and bounds with hotels across China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Continental Europe; more properties are planned in the development pipeline. For more information on Dorsett Hospitality International, visit: www.dorsett.com.

About Prenetics

Prenetics is a leading global genetic testing and digital health company. Prenetics operates its direct to consumer genomics business via its two brands, CircleDNA in Asia and DNAFit in Europe. The company has a team of over 150 people and is spread across ten offices in Asia, Europe and South Africa.

Prenetics has received over USD 50-million in strategic funding from Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Ping An and more. Prenetics’ mission is to help people lead healthier, more active lives by empowering them with personalised, predictive, and preventive measures in the form of the latest, proven innovations in DNA and mobile technology. For more information, visit www.prenetics.com and www.circledna.com.

Antengene Corporation Closes US$97 Million Series C Financing to Support Ongoing Drug Development and Preparations for Potential Commercialization

Antengene Corporation, a leading innovative hematology and oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing global first-in-class and best-in-class therapies, today announced that it has successfully closed US$97 million in Series C financing.

The financing was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC with additional support from new investors including GL Ventures (an affiliate of Hillhouse Capital), GIC, and a large, reputable long-term investor. Existing investors including Qiming Venture Partners and Boyu Capital also participated.

“We appreciate the recognition and trust from these prestigious investment institutions. This round of financing has drawn support from among the world’s largest asset managers, top-tier healthcare investors widely recognized in the capital markets, and strong continuous support from our existing investors. This is an important milestone to reinforce Antengene’s capabilities to bring cutting-edge therapies to help patients with life-threatening diseases in the Asia Pacific regions and around the world.” said Dr. Jay Mei, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Antengene.

Proceeds from the Series C financing will be primarily used to fund the continuing clinical development of Antengene’s robust pipeline of hematology and oncology therapies, expanding in-house research and development capabilities and strengthening the commercial infrastructures in APAC markets. To date, Antengene has made significant progress with its broad pipeline of six clinical-stage programs and six pre-clinical stage oncology assets:

– ATG-010 (selinexor) is the first and only oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound in the world. In July 2019, the U.S. FDA approved selinexor in combination with low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In June 2020, selinexor was approved by the U.S. FDA as a treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). Currently, the registration clinical trials of ATG-010 in RRMM and R/R DLBCL are ongoing in China. The compound is also in late clinical development for various other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (including KRAS mutant tumors). Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that inhibition of nuclear protein export through XPO1 can effectively treat tumors with such mutation.

– ATG-008 (onatasertib) is a second-generation dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor presently studied in multi-regional clinical trials for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gynecological malignancies and other cancers as a single agent or in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody.

– ATG-016 (eltanexor) is a second-generation oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export protein XPO1 presently studied in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as well as various types of solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and prostate cancer (PrC).

– ATG-019 is a first-in-class PAK4/NAMPT dual-target inhibitor presently studied in a number of clinical trials including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), colorectal cancer, NSCLC, and melanoma. In addition, pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that ATG-019 in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies can effectively improve the anti-tumor activity and is effective in treating patients that become resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy.

– ATG-527 (verdinexor) is an innovative compound in clinical studies as a potential treatment for anti-viral infection and autoimmune diseases – such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Phase I healthy volunteer study of the compound has been completed.

– ATG-017 is a potent and selective small molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of various solid tumors, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma.

In addition, the Antengene drug discovery team is focused on the research and pre-clinical development of innovative small molecules, monoclonal and bi-specific antibodies to treat cancer.

About Antengene

Antengene is a biopharmaceutical company with integrated drug discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization anchored in the Asia Pacific regions and with a global layout, aiming to provide the most advanced first-in-class/best-in-class anti-cancer drugs and other treatments for patients in China, the rest of Asia and around the world. In April 2017, Celgene (now officially acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and become the world’s top ten pharmaceutical company after the merger), a global leading innovative biopharmaceutical company became a founding partner and obtained an equity position as an investor in Antengene. Over the past 3 years, Antengene has built a product pipeline of 12 clinical and pre-clinical stage programs, obtained 7 IND approvals with 10 ongoing cross-regional clinical trials in the Asia Pacific regions. The vision of Antengene, “Treating Patients Beyond Borders”, is to meet the unmet medical needs of patients in the Asia Pacific regions and around the world through research & development and commercialization of first-in-class/best-in-class drugs. For more information, please visit www.antengene.com.

About Fidelity

Fidelity’s mission is to inspire better futures and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $8.1 trillion, including discretionary assets of $3.3 trillion as of May 31, 2020, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping more than 32 million people invest their own life savings, 22,000 businesses manage employee benefit programs, as well as providing more than 13,500 institutions with investment and technology solutions to invest their own clients’ money. Privately held for more than 70 years, Fidelity employs more than 40,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.

About GL Ventures (an affiliate of Hillhouse Capital)

GL Ventures focuses on innovative companies in healthcare, software services, consumer Internet, emerging consumer brands and services. The GL Ventures team is passionate about partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to create industry leaders that stand the test of time. GL Ventures is an affiliate of Hillhouse Capital, and we have been investing with innovators across the world since 2005. We were one of the earliest investors into some of the largest global companies today, including Beigene, Zoom, Meituan, JD, Woowa Brothers and many more.

About GIC

GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to manage Singapore’s foreign reserves. A disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including real estate, private equity, equities and fixed income. GIC has investments in over 40 countries and has been investing in emerging markets for more than two decades. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,500 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information about GIC, please visit www.gic.com.sg.

About Qiming Venture Partners

Founded in 2006, Qiming Venture Partners is a leading China venture capital firm with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Seattle, Boston and San Francisco Bay Area. Currently Qiming Venture Partners manages nine US Dollar funds and five RMB funds with $5.3 billion assets under management. Since our establishment, we have invested in outstanding companies in the TMT and healthcare industries at the early and growing stages.

Since our debut, we have backed over 350 fast-growing and innovative companies. Over 110 companies are already listed on NYSE, NASDAQ, HKEx, Gretai Securities Market, Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or achieved exit through M&A and other means. There are also over 30 portfolio companies that have achieved unicorn status. Many of our portfolio companies are today’s most influential firms in their respective sectors, including Xiaomi (SEHK:1810), Meituan Dianping (SEHK:3690), Bilibili (NASDAQ:BILI), Roborock (SHSE:688169), Gan & Lee (SHSE: 603087), Tigermed (SZSE:300347), Zai Lab (NASDAQ:ZLAB), Venus MedTech (SEHK:2500), CanSino (SEHK:6185), Schrodinger (NASDAQ:SDGR), Sanyou Medical (SHSE:688085), AmoyDx (SZSE:300685), Berry Genomics (SZSE:000710), SinocellTech (SHSE: 688520), WeDoctor Group, UBTech among many others.

About Boyu Capital

Boyu Capital is one of the largest private investment firms in China. With offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, Boyu has provided long-term capital and operational expertise to some of the best-managed and most innovative companies across the media/technology, healthcare, consumer/retail, and financial services industries.

Forward-looking Statement

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development.

Cariflex to Double its Polyisoprene Latex Capacity at the Paulinia Facility in Brazil

  • Cariflex Board of Directors approved the approximate $50 million capital project in April 2020
  • The new plant is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2021

Cariflex PTE. Ltd. (Cariflex) today announced that it will be constructing a new large-scale polyisoprene latex plant at its Paulinia, Brazil, facility to meet the strong market demand from its medical and consumer product customers.

“Cariflex is excited to be making a sizeable investment in the growth of the polyisoprene latex business. Cariflex polyisoprene latex is a unique synthetic alternative to natural rubber latex for dipped goods and various specialty products. With the current strong demand for medical protective equipment such as surgical gloves, we recognize our customers’ needs to have more material available,” said Philippe Henderson, Cariflex Sales & Marketing leader.

With Cariflex’s increased production capacity and unmatched global service network, its customers can be assured of secure supplies anywhere in the world. Following the addition of this polyisoprene latex unit, the new resulting capacity in Paulinia, Brazil, combined with the existing capacity in Himeji, Japan, will strengthen Cariflex’s position as the global leader of polyisoprene latex with unmatched quality and supply diversity. Customers will benefit from Cariflex IR0401 latex volumes sourced from four distinct production lines.

The addition of this new production line is replicating the technology of the current fully utilized unit and will double the polyisoprene latex capacity of the site.

Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd named Prakash Kolluri as Chief Executive Officer of Cariflex Pte Ltd, for the global business. Sean Kim, Chief Executive Officer for Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd, said, “We are delighted to have appointed Mr. Prakash Kolluri who is a huge asset to the company. We are confident Prakash will move Cariflex Pte Ltd forward and bring a wealth of experience which will be extremely valuable in driving our future growth globally.”

“Our strategic decision of capacity expansion, in support of organic growth, separates us from competition. Our industry-leading polyisoprene latex capacity acts as a catalyst for our valued customer base to make inroads in new geographies. Cariflex is strategically positioned and has a bright future serving medical and other high-value markets,” Prakash Kolluri, Chief Executive Officer mentioned.

ABOUT Cariflex

Cariflex is a global leader of isoprene rubber latex (“IR Latex”) and isoprene rubber (“IR”) for medical end markets and other high-value markets with strong growth drivers. Cariflex produces high value-added synthetic rubbers and latexes used for medical materials such as surgical gloves and rubber stoppers and seals for drug delivery devices. Cariflex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd.

For Press Inquiries
Sang-woo Ryu, Cariflex: sangwoo.ryu@cariflex.com
Eric Byun, KorCom Porter Novelli (Daelim Industrial’s PR agency): eric@korcom.com

Novotech Partners with South Korea’s Pusan National University Hospital

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA, June 18, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – The leading Asia-Pacific biotech specialist CRO Novotech has partnered with South Korea’s world-class Pusan National University Hospital (PNUH) based in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city.

The Partnership is designed to further support Novotech’s biotech clients run their clinical trials in the region.

Dr. Jeong Zoo Lee, the President of PNUH, said: “The PNUH site team and Novotech have worked together on a number of studies already. Based on our strong relationship, we have progressed to a formal agreement to support Novotech biotech clients across all clinical research and patient recruitment areas.

“We are pleased to partneri with a regional CRO leader with such an outstanding reputation internationally,” said Dr. Lee.

Dr. Yooni Kim, Executive Director, Asia Operations said: “Novotech was very pleased to establish a Partnership with PNUH which has completed more than 340 clinical trials and is ranked 7th in terms of number of clinical trials in South Korea (GlobalData).

“The PNUH site offers biotechs quality infrastructure, world-class medical and hospital facilities, as well as South Korea’s supportive rapid start-up environment. South Korea is the most active country in clinical research in Asia after China.

“The main therapeutic areas for clinical trials at PNUH have been oncology, infectious disease, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal,” said Dr. Kim.

Novotech now has over 20 significant Partnerships with some of the leading medical institutions in the region. The Partnership Program is strategically designed to deliver unparalleled access to quality investigators, KOLs, and up to 4 million patients for its international biotech clients.

About Novotech – https://novotech-cro.com

Novotech is internationally recognized as the leading regional full-service contract research organization (CRO) in Asia-Pacific. Novotech has been instrumental in the success of over a thousand Phase I – IV clinical trials for biotechnology companies. Novotech was established in 1996, with offices in 11 locations across the region, and site partnerships with major health institutions.

Novotech provides clinical development services across all clinical trial phases and therapeutic areas including: feasibility assessments; ethics committee and regulatory submissions, data management, statistical analysis, medical monitoring, safety services, central lab services, report write-up to ICH requirements, project and vendor management. Novotech obtained the ISO 27001 certification which is the best-known standard in the ISO family providing requirements for an Information Security Management System. Together with the ISO 9001 Quality Management system, Novotech aims at the highest IT security and quality standards for patients and biotechnology companies.

For RFP enquiries: Please fill out the form available at https://novotech-cro.com/talk-to-an-expert

Media contact:

David James

communications@novotech-cro.com

AU: +61 2 8218 2144

USA: +1 415 951 3228

Asia: +65 3159 3427

Impact Biomedical Announces Publication of COVID-19 Research in Peer-Reviewed Journal

SGX-listed Singapore eDevelopment Limited’s (SeD; SGX:40V) wholly owned subsidiary Impact Biomedical Inc. (“Impact Biomedical”) announced today that their COVID-19 research with Global Research and Discovery Group Sciences (“GRDG”), conducted in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and Vilotos Pharmaceutical, Inc. (“Vilotos”), was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Molecules on June 11, 2020. The research paper, titled “Potential of Flavonoid-Inspired Phytomedicines against COVID-19,” reports that in advanced computational molecular docking GRDG’s Equivir and Linebacker compounds and Vilotos’s Caflanone bind with high affinity to the spike protein, helicase, and protease sites on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor used by the SARS-CoV-2 to cause COVID-19. The paper reports that in vitro studies demonstrated Caflanone’s potential to inhibit multiple virus entry factors. Additionally, the use of smart nanoparticle drones to deliver these medicines is discussed in the journal.

The ACE2 receptor found in the lung and respiratory tract is used by the virus to infect cells and cause COVID-19. Molecular docking of Equivir, Linebacker and Caflanone demonstrated high binding affinity on the ACE2 receptor on spike protein, helicase, and protease sites on the ACE2 receptor causing conformational change to inhibit viral entry of the virus. The molecular docking results indicate that Equivir, Linebacker and Caflanone may bind to the ACE2 receptor equally or better than Chloroquine, a drug currently under evaluation in clinical trials against COVID-19.

Smart nanodrones can enhance the bioavailability of these phytomedicines and could allow the ability for image guided targeting and monitoring. The flavonoids can be encapsulated in the nanodrones using microfluidic approaches or can be conjugated as targeting moieties.

Equivir was created by GRDG as an OTC medication/vitamin that works by impeding virulence and blocking downstream factors to treat and protect against diseases caused by not only SARS-CoV-2 but also Rhinoviruses, Influenzas, and other dangerous pathogens. Equivir has broad antiviral efficacy against multiple types of Influenza, Rhinovirus, Cholera, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Linebacker was designed by GRDG 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 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, Ebola, Malaria, and COVID-19.

Clark Swanson, Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Vilotos said, “We are very pleased with the results from our joint antiviral studies. Caflanone holds great potential for the future development of a novel drug for the treatment of COVID-19.”

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, “The peer-review and publication of this research is significant and shows the potential of these compounds to be lifesaving tools in the fight against this and future pandemics.”

GRDG is also advised by 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, “These studies show that Equivir, Linebacker, and Caflanone may be the novel approaches to unique solutions the world is looking for to combat the health threats posed by pandemics such as COVID-19.”

“This collaborative effort endorses the direction we are heading towards and with the collective effort from the team, we can achieve great success to benefit everyone” said Mr. Chan Heng Fai, Chairman.

Daryl Thompson, Director of Scientific Initiatives and founder of GRDG said, “The findings of this study further support our collaborative efforts to identify, exploit and combat the infective nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”

This research indicates the strong potential for the development of these phytomedicines for use as prophylactics to prevent infection and as treatments to mitigate the disease saving many lives. The technologies can also be rapidly adapted to respond to future pandemics and emerging viral diseases.

Our intention in relation to the COVID-19 situation is to establish strong novel research data which will then be further developed and licensed to a major pharmaceutical company for integration and eventual deployment as treatments for diseases.

Shareholders and potential investors of 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.

About Vilotos Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Vilotos Pharmaceuticals is a Maryland based pharmaceutical company specialized in developing novel drugs for the prevention and treatment of endemic and emerging viruses. The company is currently focused on developing therapies against coronaviruses, hepatitis C, HIV and several other viruses. The lead molecule of the company is being developed to combat the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (www.vilotospharma.com)

Mainetti to launch M-care PPE Range

Mainetti Group is pleased to announce the launch of its new range of personal protective equipment (“PPE”) – M-care, which will be available to all customers to support them in mitigating the risks of COVID-19. Hong Kong will also serve as a regional distribution hub for all of its clients, ensuring rapid and reliable delivery as the world combats the pandemic.

The M-care product range features a “Made in Hong Kong” disposal mask, manufactured to EN14683 Type IIR and ASTM F2100 Level 2 standards – the quality specifications required by most global hospital organizations, ensuring that “Made in Hong Kong” continues to be associated with high product quality. The M-care suite of PPE products also includes anti-bacteria mask folders, protective gloves, safety goggles, gowns and hand sanitizers. Reusable masks and hi-tech smart devices such as portable air purifiers will be added to the range later this year.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Mainetti has been providing PPE to medical staff on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, as well as those in need, distributing masks, gloves and other essential gears to NGOs, food banks and hospitals in Italy, Spain, UK and Hong Kong, leveraging its global supply chain and global client network.

Roberto Peruzzo, CEO of Mainetti Group, said, “As the world adapts to a rapidly changing landscape due to the spread of COVID-19, Mainetti is working closely with our business partners within our global supply chain to minimize disruption and to navigate challenges. Our people are our most valuable asset and caring for our community is of critical importance to our group. In response to COVID-19, we have worked with local communities in Italy and Spain, as well as with charity partners and other relief organisations to supply PPE to healthcare professionals and those in need.”

Paul Tai, Global Head of M-care and Regional Director of Mainetti said, “As global businesses re-commence operations, having readily-available and high-quality PPE will be essential for staving off the return of COVID-19. M-care is well placed to meet this growing demand. Together, we will beat the virus.”

About Mainetti

Founded in 1961, Mainetti is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of packaging for the fashion industry and a leading provider of smart retail solutions, with a presence in 49 countries. Working in partnership with its clients, which include many of the world’s premier retail brands, Mainetti’s sustainable products and solutions accelerates and enhances the sales process while controlling business costs. For more information, please visit www.mainetti.com.

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