Category: MedTech

Witness Twelve MedTech Startups showcasing latest HealthTech Innovations

  • Show Chwan x BE Demo Day 2021: Batch 5 – Sat, Aug 28, 14:00~16:30 P.M. UTC+8

SC Hospital (SCMH) and IRCAD Taiwan are collaborating with BE Accelerator, the largest healthcare accelerator in Asia, to present Batch 5, ‘DemoDay 2021: Applied Technologies for Minimally Invasive Surgery’. It’s the celebration of 12 brilliant startups x 24 intensive weeks, sharing their applied technologies and solutions for minimally invasive surgery, medical devices, and AI-based healthcare, shaping the future of the industry today.

Incubated for 24 weeks, the twelve startups and accelerator teams collaborated with mentors and partners to make this acceleration program remarkable. As the world marks a year and a half of intense disruption by the COVID pandemic, our teams demonstrated extraordinary resilience in coming up with significant innovative solutions through the digital transformation of our program.

We are excited to host this year’s Demo Day, live and online August 28, celebrating the progress of our twelve startups as they graduate from our 24-week Proof of Concept (POC) program, to explore opportunities for new programs or offering Health-Tech and further MedTech collaboration. [https://reurl.cc/EnAG9m].

Our 12 accomplished startups from Taiwan, Thailand, and Canada :
– EPED, Inc., Taiwan
A leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery, developing real-time, adaptive medical and dental navigation systems and solutions, with augmented reality AR-based technologies for precision medicine and education.

– Meticuly Co., Ltd., Thailand
Thailand based startup, provider of personalized, cutting-edge 3D printing implant solutions for bone-related surgeries. The end-to-end platform produces personalized bone implants with SLM 3D printing technology.

– Asia PathoGenomics, Inc., Taiwan
Startup providing high throughput, precision pathogen detection services called Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS). The non-culture based, hypothesis-free precision diagnosis of infectious diseases provides early identification of pathogens and allows for rapid adjustment of therapies.

– Dot Space Biotechnology, Taiwan
Startup involved in measuring intra-abdominal pressure for the clinical prevention of Acute Compartment Syndrome. The system consists of an abdominal capsulized pressure detector/sensor that can be swallowed by patients for continuous measurement of intra-abdominal pressure.

– INOPASE, Japan
Entrepreneurial concept with wireless miniaturized implant neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Fecal Incontinence (FI) treatment. Current implant neuromodulation requires multiple implantation surgeries and still has additional safety issues, INOPASE is closing the gap to improve the treatment efficacy.

– Medscope Biotech Co., Ltd., Taiwan
Brilliant startup that minimizes the risk during Minimally Invasive Surgery, or MIS. created a 15 degrees slope design for better visibility. Anti-drop jaw design helps ensure a surgeon won’t drop e,tra clips during operations (which happens occasionally..).

– Protect Biotech Co. Ltd., Taiwan
Committed to the research and development of companion animal immunotherapy drugs, to become the leader in pet disease immunotherapy in the Pan-Asia region. Protect Biotech currently has the world’s first broad-spectrum animal cancer treatment product PT001, ready to enter clinical trials.

– Wiseger Corp., Taiwan
Innovative concept that develops biochemical detecting systems with microfluidic technology. Wisergers is committed to supplying affordable, fast and convenient products for biochemical detection for food safety and blood tests.

– Smart Surgery Technology Co., Ltd., Taiwan
Startup that improves the quality of surgeries and records surgical procedures intensively. Smart Surgery’s visual computing AI model includes a surgery simulation system, automatic medical image labelling and a surgery assistance system to better facilitate education in surgical operations.

– Point Robotics MedTech, Inc., Taiwan
Operating room innovations and minimally invasive solutions that reduce variability in surgery, lower surgery risks, reduce medical costs, shorten recovery times and improve precision in surgeries.

– AltumView Systems, Canada
Canada-based AI startup that focuses on the development of smart vision technology for elderly care, rehabilitation, behavioral and cognitive health solutions. Seminare is a revolutionary smart activity sensor for senior care.

– HemoCath, Canada
Another Canada-based startup that guides diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of inpatients and outpatients with heart failure (HF). HemoCath Intelligent HF Monitoring Platform reduces hospital length of stay and rehospitalization.

Registration
All participants of the virtual demo day will have access to the event live and the recorded video. Moreover, we will have an exclusive campaign for registered VIPs in our mailing list, including VIP booklets files and the opportunity to attend 1-1 facilitated introductions with the founders.

Please RSVP to be included in the VIP mailing list at https://pse.is/3m2uu9
When ticket purchases are completed, you are able to enter the live stream directly from the ticket page.

Show Chwan x BE Demo Day 2021 : Sat, Aug 28 14:00~16:30 P.M. UTC+8
Batch 5 Agenda
14:00 – 14:05 Opening
14:05 – 14:08 Opening Remarks
14:08 – 14:18 SCMH x BE Introduction
14:18 – 14:25 David & Thomas
14:25 – 15:10 Pitch Session
15:10 – 15:20 Break
15:20 – 16:20 Pitch Session
16:20 – 16:30 Dr. Lee panel

An event by IRCAD Taiwan and BE Accelerator:
– https://www.beaccelerator.com.tw/
– https://www.facebook.com/beaccelerator/
– https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-accelerator/
– https://www.instagram.com/be_accelerator_tw/

About BE Accelerator
BE Accelerator is the leading biomedical venture capital fund and venture accelerator in Taiwan, focused on early-stage biomedical start-ups entering the Asian market, has nurtured 72 biomedical start-ups thru 5 editions (8/2021) and assisted teams to raise over US$70 million. We leverage the unique strengths of our thriving ecosystem to position as the “Gateway to Asia for HealthTech + MedTech, for Local and International Startups.”

BE Accelerator is expanding its local and international biomedical ecosystem, including hospitals, investors, R&D, manufacturing and government to help worthy startups, not only from Taiwan but from across the globe to break into the Asian market. Visit www.beaccelerator.com.tw.

About SCMH – Show Chwan Memorial Hospital
‘Show Chwan’ originated with the commemoration of President Huang Min-Ho’s late father. It represents an aspiration to show concern for the elderly, love for the young, and care for everyone’s health. Show Chwan is a hand-in-hand family healthcare system currently with eight hospitals. For medical and healthcare, President Huang advocates the spirit of Mayo Clinic in establishing a sound rural hospital system, allowing people in the most remote areas to enjoy the quality medical care found in cosmopolitan cities. Visit www.scmh.org.tw.

About IRCAD Taiwan
In 1994, IRCAD opened on the grounds of the University Hospital of Strasbourg, gaining renown over the years as a leading research, technology and surgical education institute. The Asian Institute of Telesurgery (AITS/IRCAD-Taiwan), created in 2008 under the guidance of IRCAD/EITS, is now an alliance with Show Chwan Health Care System, bringing 800 international experts affiliated with IRCAD/EITS into closer proximity with Asian surgeons, providing the same level of excellence in education while saving time and money in travelling. Tens of thousands of surgeons from the world over have come to IRCAD-Taiwan to obtain high-level skills, find cutting-edge technology and pioneering medical devices. Visit www.ircadtaiwan.com.

Contact:
BE Accelerator
Polly Chen
Polly@behealthventures.com
https://www.beaccelerator.com.tw

Avantor Named Best Company in Bioprocessing Excellence for Single-use Solutions and Best Bioprocessing Supplier for Upstream Processing at Biologics Manufacturing Korea 2021

Avantor, a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technologies and applied materials industries, was named best company in bioprocessing excellence for single-use solutions and best bioprocessing supplier for upstream processing at Biologics Manufacturing Korea (BMK) 2021.

This is the second consecutive year Avantor has been selected as the best company in the single-use category at BMK. As the development and supply of biopharmaceuticals, including COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, become more important than ever, Avantor has been actively supporting the discovery to delivery of biopharmaceutical therapies to both domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies. A key piece of this contribution is supplying differentiated upstream solutions such as high-purity materials.

Avantor also has been recognized for its ongoing efforts to develop single-use solutions, which are emerging as the preferred option to improving biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Avantor is responding to rapidly increasing needs for treatments and therapies by providing customized solutions to biopharma companies. Avantor closely analyzes manufacturing processes to support customers with increased yield and reduced resources when developing new therapeutics.

SK Lee, Sales Director of Avantor Korea & Japan, said, “We are extremely proud to be recognized by BMK for our leadership in bioprocessing development by providing solutions to biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Working closely with our customers, we play a critical role in enabling breakthroughs in life-changing biologics.”

Narayana Rao Rapolu, Vice President, Biopharma Asia Middle East & Africa for Avantor said, “Avantor’s continued investment in single-use solutions, including our recent acquisition of RIM Bio, with manufacturing capabilities in China, go a long way to demonstrate our commitment to delivering bioprocessing excellence. Our process development and optimization capabilities carried out by our dedicated expert researchers at our Korea Innovation Center is helping customers deliver on cost and time efficiencies.”

For more information on Avantor’s single-use solution for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, visit https://youtu.be/mfjZEfO_RVM.

About Avantor

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world. For information, visit and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About Biologics Manufacturing Korea Excellence Award 2021

The Biologics Manufacturing Korea Excellence Award seeks to give recognition to exceptional bioprocessing experts, organizations and technologies that facilitate biomanufacturing excellence with enhanced speed, reduced cost, and superior quality. 2021 marks the tenth year of ABEA. The BMK Awards is part of the Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards (ABEA) which seeks to recognize organizations within Korea who have engaged in substantial efforts to innovate, optimize processes and uphold a high level of efficacy, quality and safety in biological products manufacturing.

AMEA Media Contact
Christina Koh
Director – Communications, AMEA
Avantor
Phone: +65 9170 0169
Email: Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com

Genesis Medtech Group Raises Significant Growth Investment in Latest Round of Series B Financing

Genesis MedTech Group (Genesis), a leading medical device company, today announced it has completed its Series B round, raising significant growth financing.

General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, led the funding with participation from CITIC Capital and others. The majority of shareholders from Series A followed up with additional investments. Lefei Sun, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare for China at General Atlantic, will join the Genesis Board of Directors.

The funds will be used to drive the research and development of new products and the commercialization of existing products, as well as enable business expansion in emerging markets around the world. This acceleration in Genesis’ model is expected to enable patients and healthcare practitioners in emerging markets to access innovative medtech products that can address unmet needs faced day-to-day — Genesis’ mission since its inception in 2019.

Meeting Needs Where They Are
Genesis’ purpose was born to solve a growing healthcare issue within emerging markets, where increased health problems and demand for medtech solutions are not proportionally addressed by accessible products currently on the market. Despite rapid developments in medtech innovation globally, many of these products remain out of reach for patients and practitioners in these markets.

Genesis seeks to address this issue and has received significant support from innovators worldwide. Its vertically integrated business model, complete with a wide hospital and clinic network, allows for a deep understanding of patients’ and practitioners’ needs on the ground. Armed with this knowledge, Genesis collaborates with innovators worldwide through an open medtech platform that accelerates meaningful innovations that are cost-effective to meet healthcare needs in these markets.

Warren Wang, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Medtech Group, outlined the importance of collaboration with leading global partners and putting market needs first and foremost: “Our open platform is quintessential in enabling us to bring the world’s leading products and technologies to doctors and patients. We will also invest in adding premier talent, consolidating our R&D capabilities, incubating new technologies, and continuing to pursue solutions that answer the real needs of patients and healthcare practitioners — delivering impact where it is needed most.”

Lefei Sun, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare for China at General Atlantic, added, “We are excited to help propel the work that Genesis is doing to advance access to healthcare and innovative medical solutions in emerging markets. We believe Genesis’ capability set is highly differentiated through the combination of its technology, product and team, with a comprehensive portfolio underpinned by a scalable and integrated platform. This latest round of funding will enable Genesis to continue to tackle disparities in medtech accessibility across global markets. We look forward to partnering with Genesis in this next chapter of its growth.”

To date, Genesis’ product portfolio includes surgical, neurovascular, peripheral vascular and cardiovascular products. Genesis collaborated with medtech leaders in bringing multiple innovations into China as part of its commitment to making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible for emerging markets.

ABOUT GENESIS MEDTECH GROUP
Genesis MedTech Group is a medical device company headquartered in Singapore. Founded by a group of professionals and entrepreneurs with MedTech experience globally and in Asia, the company’s product portfolio focuses on value segment multi-therapy medical device products for emerging markets with sales and distribution through its established commercial network. Genesis MedTech Group covers the entire industry value chain of research and development, production, quality management, supply chain, marketing, and sales.
For more information, visit http://www.genesismedtech.com.

ABOUT GENERAL ATLANTIC
General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to build market-leading businesses worldwide. General Atlantic has more than 175 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Greenwich, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com.

For media queries, please contact:
In Singapore:
Karen Chng, Genesis MedTech Group
DID: +65 6865 9879, Email: karen.chng@gmedtech.com

Tracy Huang, Senior Manager, PR and Comms, Genesis MedTech Group
DID: +86 13764630248, Email: tracy.huang@gmedtech.com

Genesis MedTech Group
16 Science Park Drive, #04-03, DNV GL Technology Centre, Singapore 118227
Main Line: +65 68659879, Online: https://www.genesismedtech.com

Olympus Opens New Global HQ for Therapeutic Solutions Division and U.S. Medical Business

Olympus Corporation (“Olympus” – Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced today the opening of a new facility in Westborough, MA, to serve as the global headquarters for its Therapeutic Solutions Division (TSD) and its medical business in the United States

Olympus has identified TSD as a strategic focus for growth and shifted its global head of TSD from Tokyo to the U.S. to have better access to a key medical industry cluster and generate growth through stronger business opportunities. Since the Transform Olympus initiatives were unveiled in 2019, many U.S.-based executives have been leading TSD growth; Olympus has dramatically expanded the business with acquisitions, as well as through organic growth.

The new 150,000-square-foot facility in Westborough will accommodate both the U.S. TSD employees and those formerly reporting to Image Stream Medical (ISM) facility located in Littleton, MA, with the exception of the manufacturing employees who will remain in Littleton. The facility will serve as one of several R&D hubs for Olympus, while enabling coordinated and agile management processes to support a global medical technology enterprise. At Olympus Westborough, the Olympus Continuum Training and Education Center will offer hands-on learning opportunities led by top medical experts using advanced medical equipment in a wetlab setting, both in person and virtually via the MedPresence telecollaboration platform. For interactions with customers and prospects, the Olympus OR Innovation Center showroom, also outfitted with the MedPresence platform, will provide an immersive environment for in-person or virtual integrated OR demonstrations.

The new Westborough facility will also provide enhanced opportunities for Olympus to build relationships with potential future employees. Olympus will facilitate relationships with potential job candidates, as well as continued partnerships with universities, colleges, and technical schools in the greater Boston area to bring world-class skills and capabilities to the company.

Nacho Abia, Chief Operating Officer of Olympus Corporation, said, “The U.S. market continues to be the largest in the world because of growing demand for minimally invasive treatment and surgery and the need for remote collaboration under COVID-19, so it’s natural that we decided to combine all functions in Massachusetts in one place to facilitate agility and collaboration. This agile and globally-connected way of business will enhance our overall business competitiveness.”

About Olympus’ Medical business

As a leading medical technology company, our Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their safety. Olympus’ Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments for endoscopic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

United States
Jennifer Bannan
+1 412-403-8742
jennifer.bannan@olympus.com

Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 15142369420
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan and APAC
Yuka Horimoto
+81-90-2490-1071
yuka.horimoto@olympus.com

Agilex Biolabs acquires leading biolab TetraQ for APAC Expansion Plans

Agilex Biolabs, Australia’s largest and most technologically advanced specialist bioanalytical laboratory for clinical trials, today announced the acquisition of leading biolab TetraQ, based at the University of Queensland. Agilex Biolabs CEO Jason Valentine said they were very pleased with the purchase of the high-calibre bioanalytics company.

“TetraQ complements the Agilex Biolabs work in Australia and APAC with its expert staff and years of experience in regulated bioanalytical services,” he said. “The TetraQ purchase is part of our regional expansion plans. Agilex Biolabs is already the largest and most technologically advanced biolab in Australia, and the TetraQ addition to the business will further expand support for biotech clients running trials in Australia.” “We are also looking forward to introducing our clients to the well-established TetraQ toxicology capabilities for their discovery and pre-clinical work in Australia, which can also attract the 43.5% tax rebate. The clinical trials bioanalytics sector is one of the fastest-growing services globally with Australia and APAC a preferred location for conducting trials – especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

TetraQ Director Dr Peter Tapley said he was very pleased that TetraQ was now an Agilex Biolabs company. “They are the leader in the sector with 24 years of experience, and offer our clients a significantly expanded range of services and technologies,” he said.

“Agilex Biolabs is known globally for its comprehensive services, specialist scientists, and the very latest technology. So this is the ideal next step for TetraQ and its staff and clients. I am pleased to be working alongside Agilex Biolabs’ CEO Jason Valentine as we expand our offering and leverage the synergies that make our two companies leaders in the sector.”

Agilex Biolabs specialises in bioanalysis of small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity, biomarker and immunological pharmacodynamics assessments utilising LC-MS/MS, immunoassay (Mesoscale, Gyrolab, Luminex) and flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony A3, 20 colour cell analyser).

Agilex also offers pharmacodynamics services that include immunobiology services using the latest state-of-the-art technology to support immunology, cell biology and mode of action assays, including:

  • Immunophenotyping
  • Receptor occupancy
  • Cytokine release assays (whole blood or PBMC stimulation assays) and cytokine/biomarker profiling
  • PBMC assays and cellular mechanism of action assays (eg: ADCC)

Agilex Biolabs has 75 dedicated laboratory staff, and supports clinical research for biotech clients from US, Europe and APAC. The company recently launched a GALEXI client portal, and has taken delivery of two more Sciex API 6500+ LC-MS/MS systems. Key certifications include OECD GLP Recognition with NATA (Australian Government OECD GLP Compliance monitoring authority) and an ISO 17025 global accreditation.

About Agilex Biolabs — 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. We offer services for both small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity (PD) and biomarker bioanalysis utilising LC-MS/MS and Immunoassay platforms.

About TetraQ — www.tetraq.com.au.
TetraQ is a Brisbane-based provider of bioanalytical and rodent toxicology and pharmacokinetics services for new drug and vaccine products. Our facility has NATA recognition for compliance with the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Our bioanalytical facility is located at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and our in-life studies are run in a custom unit at the St Lucia campus of The University of Queensland. These two arms of TetraQ offer coordinated support for clients bringing pharmaceutical products to market.

TetraQ’s bioanalytical facility determines small molecule and protein concentrations in matrices including plasma, serum, urine and tissue homogenates. We can develop and validate methods to support pharmacokinetic (PK) sample analysis for both pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also offer pharmacodynamic (PD) analysis of biomarkers based on commercial ELISA kits or Meso Scale Discovery multiplex technology.

Agilex Biolabs media contact:
Kate Newton
Media@AgilexBiolabs.com

Avantor Named Best Bioprocessing Supplier in Single-Use Manufacturing at Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards 2021

Avantor Inc. (NYSE: AVTR), a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences, advanced technologies and applied materials industries, was named Best Bioprocessing Supplier in Single-Use Manufacturing at the Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards 2021 held recently.

The award recognizes Avantor’s contributions in facilitating biomanufacturing excellence with enhanced speed, reduced cost and superior quality, and reaffirms its critical role in biomanufacturing of biologics. Avantor was also awarded Best Company in Bioprocessing Excellence for Single-use Solutions at Biologics Manufacturing Korea 2020.

Narayana Rao Rapolu, Vice President, Biopharma Asia Middle East & Africa for the Company said, “Avantor has long been an open-architecture, single-use provider, offering complete design, manufacturing and logistics to support every stage of the biomanufacturing process. Our work in biopharma has never been more important. From the small-scale bench, to pilot plant and full commercial manufacturing, we enable our customers to reach the market with new treatments for patients – faster, safer and smarter.”

Significance of single-use technologies:
– Robust and scalable, enabling transformative treatments to reach more patients globally.
– According to BioPharm International, a publication that integrates the science and business of biopharmaceuticals, single-use technologies are used in nearly 85% of pre-commercial manufacturing of biologics.
– Applications of biologics include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used in therapeutic solutions for immune-oncology and immunotherapy and cell and gene therapies which help to treat challenging illnesses, such as some cancers and genetic diseases.

For more information about Avantor’s single-use solutions for biopharma manufacturing, watch this video: https://youtu.be/mfjZEfO_RVM.

About Avantor

Avantor, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. One of our greatest strengths comes from having a global infrastructure that is strategically located to support the needs of our customers. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world.

For information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avantorinc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Avantor_News
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Avantorinc/

About Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Award 2021 (ABEA)

The Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards seeks to give recognition to exceptional bioprocessing experts, organizations and technologies that facilitate biomanufacturing excellence with enhanced speed, reduced cost, and superior quality. 2021 marks the fifth year of ABEA, which was first established in 2017 and backed by industry requests.

AMEA Media Contact
Christina Koh
Director – Communications, AMEA
Avantor
Phone: +65 9170 0169
Email: Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com

Source: Avantor and Financial News

Maculus Therapeutix welcomes Privity FZ LLE and Prepares Capital Raise for Novel Drug Delivery Platform

Maculus Therapeutix, a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company which has developed a SINGLE injection delivery platform for diseases such as wet AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) and DME (Diabetic Macular Edema) instead of the standard 8-12 monthly injections, is pleased to welcome Privity FZ LLE as a partner and advisor for upcoming fundraising activities. Maculus plans to raise USD3 million with a USD8 million valuation for a 12-18 month period, including initial in-vivo animal studies and completion of in-vitro / in-vivo drug elution studies.

Maculus achieved the breakthrough using a patented novel tunable biodegradable proprietary product, MacuBloc, capable of delivering any FDA approved drugs for Wet AMD / DME to the site of the disease, with unique suitability for targeted and extended delivery of drugs to the back of the human eyes, MacuBloc offers significant benefits to Wet AMD patients: a single intravitreal injection that lasts a year rather than the current monthly injections, and a potential reduction in inflammation, infection, doctor visits and total cost of care, compared to current practice.

Syed H Askari, PhD, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and CTO of Maculus Therapeutix, said, “We are very excited to welcome Privity in developing this unique product, which can bring such transformative treatment to those suffering from wet AMD and DME. Our product is designed to solve each of the challenges while significantly reducing the total cost of care. More importantly, our product makes it possible to replace the 10 injections with ONE injection for any FDA approved drug, a leap ahead of the current standard of care.”

The approach will change the lives of 200 million patients worldwide who suffer from debilitating eye diseases. Current standards of care (8-12 monthly injections to the eyes for AMD and for DME) have numerous challenges: pain, inflammation, infection, loss of vision. Our product is designed to solve each of these challenges while significantly reducing the total cost of care. More importantly, our product makes it possible to replace the 10 injections by ONE injection for any FDA approved drug, a significant leap ahead of the current standard of care.

Sleem Hasan, Privity Founder and CEO, said, “Privity was founded to identify entrepreneurs with unique ideas and compelling value propositions, and Maculus fell right into this sweet spot, speaking straight at me as I had experienced diabetic retinopathy personally and amongst family members. Syed is a serial entrepreneur, his education and training in India, UK, Canada and the US, and professional career speak for themselves.”

About Maculus Therapeutix, Inc.
The Maculus Therapeutix team has been together in Silicon Valley for 15 years, building Medicus Biosciences Inc., a polymer-based medical device company with current operations in San Diego, CA., and developing the polymer drug delivery platform for various diseases. Our target markets include treatments for AMD and DME. Globally, the AMD market size is $10B, growing at 7% CAGR, and the DME market size is $4B, with 10% CAGR. For more information, please visit www.maculustherapeutix.com.

About Privity FZ LLE
Privity FZ LLE was founded in Dubai in 2004, an independent venture-focused advisory firm which seeks entrepreneurs with interesting and unique ideas and helps them to develop and grow. Privity is agnostic to geography and industry vertical; It focuses on the quality of the entrepreneur and the compelling value proposition of the idea. Privity draws upon its unique 4i methodology – ideas, intelligence, innovation, invention – to deliver insightful advisory and consulting services. For more information, please visit www.privitylle.com.

Contact information:
Syed H Askari, CEO
Maculus Therapeutix, Inc.
syed@maculustherapeutix.com

Sleem Hasan, CEO
Privity FZ LLE
sleem@privitylle.com

Olympus Supports Dissemination of Endoscopic Procedures for Colorectal Cancer in Russia

Olympus Corporation (Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced today that it has been selected(1) by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) to implement the Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project in the field of endoscopy for the fiscal year ending March, 2021. Under the project, Olympus will promulgate gastrointestinal endoscopic/laparoscopic techniques in support of a five-year oncology plan launched by the Russian government in 2019.(2)

As part of the project, Olympus will facilitate online training programs for gastrointestinal endoscopic/laparoscopic techniques taught by Japanese oncology specialists for Russian endoscopists and oncologists. The bilateral project is being carried out in cooperation with Russia’s two premier cancer centers, the N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center and the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute branch of the Russian National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) as well as Asian Medical Education and Training Support (AMETS).(3) As part of the project’s initiatives, Olympus commits to disseminate Japan’s world-leading technologies for early diagnosis and treatment in Russia, contributing to the improvement of oncology treatment and research in the region.

Objectives of the MHLW’s Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project in the Field of Endoscopy (April 2020 – March 2021):

1. To help advance the Russian government’s oncology plan by implementing cancer educational activities for facilities and doctors specializing in that branch of medicine. These activities will take place primarily at Russia’s two premier cancer centers, the N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center and the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute within the NMRRC.

2. To provide opportunities for training and knowledge sharing on the latest medical technologies by Japanese physicians, contributing to the improvement of gastrointestinal cancer measures, from diagnosis to treatment, particularly for colorectal cancer.

Program activities were unveiled at the Japan-Russia Symposium on Colorectal Cancer Management and at the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation among AMETS and the two Russian cancer centers, which were held on January 19. The signing ceremony was attended by Japanese and Russian government officials, including Mr. Sergey Muraviev, Director-General, International Cooperation and Public Relations Bureau, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Dr. Teiji Takei, MHLW Assistant Minister for Global Health and Welfare, and Mr. Takeshi Matsunaga, Embassy of Japan in Russia. In addition, 1167 healthcare professionals from all over Russia attended the symposium virtually.

Supported by the MHLW since 2017, Olympus has provided its endoscopic systems for the Endoscopic Training Center at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, in addition to supporting training activities with Japanese physicians serving as instructors. The Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project is one of such initiatives by Olympus that MHLW has supported. Moving forward, Olympus will continue to assist with the training of Russian endoscopists, aiming to spread the application of endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and surgery.

(1) Selection was made in June, 2020
(2) Preventive program centered around cancers in the Russian government’s national “Healthcare project” that aims to reform its healthcare system. The program, which is promoted by the directors from the two major cancer centers mentioned above, targets an early cancer detection rate of 63% or greater, 5-year survival rate of 60% or greater, and a mortality rate of 17.3% or less. Colorectal cancer is currently the second most prevalent type of cancer in Russia.
(3) A general incorporated institution whose mission is to help spread access to Japan’s world-class endoscopy and other medical technologies throughout Asia by providing human resource training support and medical-related education, and by contributing to the development of academic research. (Chairman: Seigo Kitano, President of Oita University)

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 4023773 5867
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan and Asia Pacific
Yuka Horimoto
+81-90-2490-1071
yuka.horimoto@olympus.com