Category: MedTech

HMI Group Expands Singapore Presence, Doubles Down on Value-based Care Offering

Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group), a growing regional private healthcare provider with presence in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, is expanding its Singapore footprint with a majority stake purchase in OneCare Medical Group (OneCare), a chain of private primary care clinics in Singapore. The move is part of HMI Group’s strategy to boost value-based care offering across the country.
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“With the investment in OneCare, we are expanding our Singapore presence and doubling down on our value-based care offering in line with the government’s ‘3 Beyonds’ push to keep healthcare in Singapore affordable and accessible,” said Ms Chin Wei Jia, Group Chief Executive Officer of HMI Group.

Alongside the increased stake in OneCare, HMI Group’s Singapore expansion strategy includes opening as well as acquiring more private primary care clinics. At the same time, HMI Group is also broadening its offerings at its subsidiary StarMed Specialist Centre (StarMed), a one-stop ambulatory care centre that provides quality, cost-effective, convenient and comfortable experiences for patients and their families.

Since HMI Group opened StarMed in 2018, the centre has doubled in size from four floors spanning some 16,000 square feet, to eight floors spanning 29,400 square feet. StarMed is equipped with day surgery theatres, endoscopy suites, radiology centre, specialist clinics and health screening centre. Plans are underway to open an orthopaedic centre, a digestive and bariatric centre and an eye centre. In addition, StarMed is also building a new patient ward floor, which includes an ICU-capable negative pressure room.

“Our goal is to build a value-based healthcare ecosystem that offers primary to specialist and ambulatory care in Singapore,” Ms Chin said.

With OneCare, HMI Group is bringing affordable and quality primary healthcare to the heartlands to better serve the population’s healthcare needs, including preventative

medicine to help avoid unnecessary hospitalisations. With StarMed, HMI Group is providing a quality alternative for people to access specialist healthcare and integrated services, without the long wait times or expense of traditional hospitals. This alternative access to specialist healthcare also means people may not need to defer elective surgeries due to limited hospital capacity, which occurs periodically when hospitals need to focus on Covid-patient care.

“Through StarMed, we want to help free up hospital beds for more urgent life-saving treatments. Especially since StarMed can handle 60% to 70% of healthcare procedures safely outside of hospitals, and also offers ambulatory care post-surgery,” Ms Chin said.

Making Private Healthcare Affordable and Accessible

In 2017, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the “3 Beyonds” strategy, which aims to ensure healthcare goes:

1. Beyond hospitals to communities so people can receive appropriate care in the community or at home, and avoid frequent hospital admissions
2. Beyond quality to value so people receive increased quality of care while ensuring value for money
3. Beyond healthcare to health to encourage people to take proactive measures to stay healthy

In December 2018, HMI Group made its initial investment in OneCare with the goal of accelerating the private primary care clinics’ growth to provide healthcare beyond hospitals and in heartland communities. Over the past three years, HMI Group has achieved that with OneCare’s management team, which includes co-founders Dr Jimmy Chew, CEO of OneCare, and Dr Kenneth Koh, Medical Director of OneCare.

“Since 2018, the number of clinics OneCare operates has more than doubled from 12 to 25. Pre-covid, our clinics saw close to 450,000 visits annually, with around 90% of patients from the heartlands,” Dr Chew said. “We plan to build on our achievements so far, and HMI Group’s increased stake will allow us to offer personalised interactions and better healthcare experiences for more patients as we grow more clinics across Singapore.”

Holistic Healthcare for All

Established in 2013, OneCare’s mission is to provide affordable private primary healthcare in Singapore through a hybrid of brick-and-mortar facilities and virtual care. OneCare clinics are Medisave and CHAS-accredited and most of the clinics are part of the various Primary Care Networks, which is the MOH’s plan to have better coordinated and holistic primary healthcare in the community.

“HMI Group and OneCare share the same vision of delivering value-based care that’s affordable and accessible,” Ms Chin said. “We appreciate that OneCare clinics are well located within Singapore heartlands. These relationships built over time earns the residents’ trust as important health partners providing holistic and accessible acute and chronic care serving the community’s needs.”

Founded in 2018 in partnership with a group of specialist doctors, StarMed offers specialist care such as cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, paediatrics, radiology and urology. The specialist centre offers competitive pricing and same-day appointments where patients could be referred from OneCare primary care clinics to receive specialist care such as scans, surgery and recovery all in one place. StarMed is on the panel for most Integrated Shield Plan and selected corporate insurance providers in Singapore. For example, StarMed is a specialist healthcare and day surgery partner on Prudential Singapore’s hospital partnership programme – PRUPanel Connect.

“HMI Group’s mission has always been to provide quality and accessible healthcare. With our Singapore expansion plans, we are looking forward to serving more people closer to their homes in the heartlands,” Ms. Chin said.

About Health Management International Pte Ltd

Health Management International Pte Ltd (“HMI” or the “Group”) is a growing regional private healthcare provider with presence in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Group owns and operates two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. In Singapore, the Group owns and operates a healthcare training centre, a primary care clinic chain with 25 locations, and Singapore’s first private one-stop ambulatory care centre. The Group also has a network of representative offices in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Established in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre (“Mahkota”) is HMI’s flagship hospital located in the heart of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for medical care and leisure. The 340-bed hospital is the largest private tertiary hospital in South Malaysia, offering a comprehensive suite of healthcare services and the first and only hospital in Malacca to offer nuclear medicine and kidney transplant services. It is also a leader in Malaysia medical tourism, serving close to 100,000 international patients per year and named the “Malaysia Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year” by Frost & Sullivan in 2015 and 2016.

The Group’s second hospital, Regency Specialist Hospital (“Regency”) was launched in 2009 and is one of the fastest growing private tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Strategically located within the fast developing and vibrant Iskandar Malaysia, the special economic zone in the state of Johor, the 218- bed Regency is easily accessible via land, sea or air from Singapore, Indonesia and the region. Regency is in the midst of building a major hospital extension block to increase capacity up to 500 beds. It is the only private hospital in Malaysia with a 24-hour Emergency & Trauma Centre, providing round the clock specialist attention and medical care to both local and international patients.

The Group holds a majority stake in StarMed Specialist Centre (“StarMed”), a one-stop day-surgery and multidisciplinary medical centre that offers quality clinical services at competitive private sector prices. The Group also holds a majority stake in OneCare Medical, fast-growing primary care clinic chain with 25 clinics across Singapore.

HMI’s healthcare training centre, the HMI Institute of Health Sciences, is a Skills Future Singapore accredited Continuing Education and Training Centre for the healthcare support sector. It has trained more than 4,500 healthcare professionals and 160,000 individuals in emergency life-saving skills to date.

For more information, please refer to www.hmi.com.sg.

About OneCare Medical

Established in 2013, OneCare Medical (“OneCare”) is a fast-growing primary care clinic chain with 25 clinics across Singapore. OneCare offers a full range of primary care services, health screening and medical examinations for its patients. OneCare remains committed in delivering Affordable, Accessible and Quality healthcare for all patients.

OneCare was named the 7th fastest growing company on the Straits Times’ list of Singapore’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2019. The Straits Times and Statista recognised OneCare as the 2nd fastest growing company in the healthcare sector in Singapore, and was the 158th fastest growing company in Asia-Pacific in 2020. It was also awarded the Most Trusted Preventative Healthcare Services provider 2021 by APAC Insider, recognising OneCare’s ongoing commitment to bring affordable, accessible and quality primary care.

For more information, please refer to www.onecaremedical.com.sg.

About StarMed Specialist Centre

Established in 2018, StarMed Specialist Centre (“StarMed”) is Singapore’s first private one-stop private ambulatory care centre. StarMed comprises of GP and health screening services, specialist clinics, operating theatres, endoscopy suites and radiology facilities. With more than 40 experienced doctors, StarMed’s specialties include cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, paediatrics, radiology and urology. The centre is conveniently situated above Farrer Park MRT station and co-located with the 300-room Holiday Inn Singapore Little India.
For more information, please refer to www.starmedspecialist.com/

Contact:
Chi-an Chang, Director, Financial PR Chi-an@FinancialPR.com.sg

Biolidics to Commence Commercial Production of its ClearEpi SARS-COV-2 Neutralising Antibody Rapid Test Kit

Biolidics Limited (“Biolidics” or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a medical technology company with a focus on innovative diagnostic solutions, is pleased to announce that it had on 8 December 2021: (i) entered into a definitive agreement with its contract manufacturer for the production of the ClearEpi NAB Test; and (ii) obtained the relevant product liability insurance for the ClearEpi NAB Test. The ClearEpi NAB Test was developed by Biolidics with technology licensed from A*STAR’s A*ccelerate.

Highlights:
– Biolidics has entered into a definitive manufacturing agreement for the production of its ClearEpi SARS-CoV-2 Neutralising Antibody Rapid Test Kit (the “ClearEpi NAB Test”) and obtained the relevant product liability insurance
– Unlike most commercially available COVID-19 serology tests which test for IgM/ IgG antibodies in patients, the ClearEpi NAB Test, developed by Biolidics with technology licensed from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (“A*STAR”)’s Accelerate Technologies Pte Ltd (“A*ccelerate”), provides results that may indicate an individual’s protective immunity against COVID-19
– Neutralising antibody levels are highly predictive of immune protection from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection(1)
– The ClearEpi NAB Test can potentially serve as an important tool to assist in the area of assessing vaccine efficacy, vaccine deployment and social activities management (such as air travel(2)), among others
– The commercialisation of ClearEpi NAB Test is another Singapore medical technology innovation that showcases the strong collaborative partnerships between Singapore public agencies and the private sector
– The ClearEpi NAB Test has obtained the CE marking that allows it to be marketed and sold in the European Union

The commercial production for the ClearEpi NAB Test by the Company is expected to commence in the current financial year ending 31 December 2021.

The clinical validation of the ClearEpi NAB Test was undertaken in Singapore. Biolidics engaged A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs (ID Labs) for the screening of the prototype, as part of the clinical validation of the ClearEpi NAB Test conducted by Biolidics. ID Labs is an A*STAR research institute set up in April 2021 to undertake disease-specific research efforts within A*STAR.

On 20 September 2021, the Group announced that it has developed the ClearEpi NAB Test that is intended for qualitative detection of neutralising antibodies in serum or plasma which provides an indication of the individual’s protective immunity against COVID-19 infection(1),(3).

Most commercially available serology tests against COVID-19, including the Company’s COVID-19 Antibody Test Kit launched on 30 March 2020, test for the presence of IgM/IgG antibodies. The presence of IgM/IgG antibodies indicates whether an individual has been previously infected. Not all antibodies have neutralising or “disarming” capacity.

Neutralising antibodies, on the other hand bind to regions of the virus that “disarm” or prevent infection directly. The presence of neutralising antibodies provides indications that an individual has protective immunity against infection1,3. Nonetheless, it is important to note that information is still emerging from researches in relation to the level of antibodies sufficient to confer protective immunity to an individual, and how long such protective immunity against COVID-19 may last in an individual.

In addition, the Group announced on 20 September 2021 that it had received confirmation for the CE marking for the ClearEpi NAB Test which enables the Company to market and sell the ClearEpi NAB Test in the European Union.

Mr. Song Tang Yih, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biolidics, said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic becomes endemic, we believe that our ClearEpi NAB Test can
become a vital tool in assessing vaccine candidates and formulate vaccine deployment strategies (such as the need for additional booster doses). With our ClearEpi NAB Test, the testing of neutralising antibodies may also serve as a guide for government agencies to accelerate the re-opening of the economy, social activities and global travel.”

This document is to be read in conjunction with Biolidics’ exchange filings on 8 December 2021, which can be downloaded via www.sgx.com.

About Biolidics Limited
(Bloomberg Code: BLD: Singapore / Reuters Code: BIOL.SI / SGX Code: 8YY)

Incorporated in 2009, Biolidics Limited is a precision medicine medical technology company with a focus in developing a portfolio of innovative diagnostic solutions to lower healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes.

Biolidics has developed and commercialised the ClearCell FX1 System, a fully automated CE- IVD medical device which relies on a novel, patented technology to separate and enrich cancer cells from blood, allowing users of the system to perform liquid biopsies to test for the presence of cancer cells (specifically circulating tumour cells, or CTCs) in blood samples or perform further analysis on cancer cells.

Liquid biopsies (i.e. analysis of the CTCs in blood samples) have many applications throughout the various stages of a patient’s cancer journey, from cancer screening and staging to personalised treatment, and post-cancer monitoring.

Biolidics also has a CAP accredited clinical laboratory in Singapore that offers a wide range of tests, which could potentially accelerate its revenue growth and execution of its business strategy in cancer diagnostics.

In addition, Biolidics has formed an infectious diseases division to develop certified test kits with various diagnostic partners.

Biolidics’ quality assurance capabilities have been recognised through its ISO 13485 certification, CE-IVD, US FDA Class I registration and NMPA Class I registration.

For additional information, please visit www.biolidics.com.

This press release has been prepared by Biolidics Limited (the “Company”) and has been reviewed by the Company’s sponsor, United Overseas Bank Limited (the “Sponsor”), for compliance with Rules 226(2)(b) and 753(2) of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) Listing Manual Section B: Rules of Catalist. This press release has not been examined or approved by the SGX- ST. The SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Lim Hoon Khiat, Director, Equity Capital Markets, who can be contacted at 80 Raffles Place, #03-03 UOB Plaza 1, Singapore 048624, telephone: +65 6533 9898.

(1) go.nature.com/31HbCSv
(2) bit.ly/3EEnO4G
(3) bit.ly/3oyqv26

Issued on behalf of Biolidics Limited by 8PR Asia Pte Ltd.
Media & Investor Contacts:
Mr. Alex TAN
Mobile: +65 9451 5252
Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com

Avantor Provides Critical Personal Protection Supplies to Vulnerable Populations through NGOs

Avantor, Inc. a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries, today announced a donation of 1.25 million non-surgical masks and 19,000 hand sanitizers to help protect our community from illness. This initiative, in collaboration with local charitable organizations, SATA CommHealth, HealthServe and Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), supports Avantor’s community engagement work to improve global access to healthcare as part of its Science for Goodness sustainability commitment.

Avantor in kind donation of masks and hand sanitizers to SATA CommHeath Singapore – Mr. Chia Boon Khiang(left) and Ms. Sook Yee Loh, General Manager – South East Asia & Taiwan (SEAT) (right)

Ms. Sook Yee Loh, General Manager – South East Asia & Taiwan (SEAT) at Avantor said, “With new COVID variants emerging around the world, we need be conscientious of protecting our communities. This includes those who may not be aware of the personal protective products that are available or are unable to afford them. While Avantor is supporting life sciences companies as they work to detect, research, and fast-track treatments, we also aim to support the people in our communities.”

In addition, Avantor donated proprietary research consumables to the Kyung Hee University Medical School and Kyung Hee University Medical Centre to support scientific research and STEM education. Earlier this year to aid COVID-19 relief work in India, the Company donated 30,000 N95 masks, 600 infrared thermometers and 600 pulse oximeters to the Indian Red Cross Society, and the Avantor Foundation provided a US$30,000 grant to Project HOPE.

Mr. Chia Boon Khiang, Director & Head of Strategic Partnerships & Branding at SATA CommHealth, an organization that provides programs and services to seniors with limited access to healthcare facilities, expressed, “We are very heartened by the donation and hope this will encourage our beneficiaries, especially the elderly, to take into consideration how important hygiene and protective equipment are in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The elderly is especially vulnerable in these times and are more prone to the virus.”

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 more information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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

Olympus Launches Venture Capital Fund to Strengthen Medtech Leadership

  • Initial fund targets medical devices, digital solutions, and diagnostics

Olympus Corporation (Tokyo: 7733), a global leader in medical technology, has announced the establishment of Olympus Innovation Ventures to invest in pioneering startups with innovative technologies that improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Olympus Innovation Ventures, a fully-owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, is a venture capital fund focused on startups poised to improve patient outcomes, radically advance the detection and treatment of disease, and transform the surgery suite. The new fund expands upon Olympus’ strategy to strengthen endoscopy and pioneer next-generation tools and procedures for minimally invasive surgery.

Olympus’ venture fund is stage-agnostic, prioritizing early- and growth-stage companies globally with solutions in therapeutic areas including gastroenterology, respiratory, and urology. Olympus has allocated $50 million for initial commitments and follow-on investments in portfolio companies. In addition to capital, Olympus will help its portfolio companies succeed by contributing its clinical and technical expertise, access to healthcare professionals and hospitals, and ability to launch and scale innovative solutions in the global market.

Olympus has been a leader in optical and medical innovation for over 100 years, introducing a mass-produced microscope to Japan in 1919 and the world’s first gastrocamera for practical use in 1950. Olympus’ tools have aided the minimally invasive surgery revolution and have evolved to detect and treat disease. Yasuo Takeuchi, CEO of Olympus Corporation, says “Our investment underscores our commitment to make people’s lives safer, healthier, and more fulfilling. Our goal is for this fund to continue our history of innovation and support our long-term growth and transformation.”

Touchdown Ventures, a firm specializing in corporate venture capital, will help manage the Olympus Innovation Ventures fund. Touchdown will work closely with senior executives of Olympus in all aspects of operating the fund.

“We are excited about what Olympus can bring to entrepreneurs through the company’s technical strengths, industry relationships, vast distribution, and deep subject matter expertise,” noted Scott Lenet, co-founder and President of Touchdown Ventures. “The entire Olympus Innovation Ventures team is working to be the partner of choice for innovators and create a competitive advantage for their startups.”

Nacho Abia, Chief Operating Officer of Olympus Corporation, said “This effort is another way Olympus is demonstrating its commitment to excellence and creating tangible value for providers and patients. We believe we will play a meaningful role in the advancement of minimally invasive care and new ways to detect, monitor and treat conditions and diseases.”

For more information, please visit http://olympusamerica.com/venture-capital. Olympus Innovation Ventures can be contacted at ventures@olympus.com.

For the contact:
Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Christos Monovoukas
Vice President, Global Business Development
Christos.Monovoukas@Olympus.com

Touchdown Ventures
Deborah Zajac
Director, Investments
deborah@touchdownvc.com

About Olympus
Olympus is passionate about creating customer-driven solutions for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries. For more than 100 years, Olympus has focused on making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling by helping to detect, prevent, and treat disease; furthering scientific research; and ensuring public safety. 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.

About Touchdown Ventures
Touchdown Ventures partners with corporations to manage their venture capital programs. Touchdown works closely with each corporation to achieve the financial and strategic benefits from venture capital investments. The firm is a Registered Investment Adviser and maintains offices in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. More information on Touchdown can be found at www.touchdownvc.com

Olympus Contact (Tokyo)
Yuka Horimoto
+81-90-2490-1071
yuka.horimoto@olympus.com

Olympus Contact (USA)
Susan Scerbo
+1-610-909-9153
sue.scerbo@olympus.com

Touchdown Ventures Contact
Deborah Zajac
Director, Investments
+1-917-558-4403
deborah@touchdownvc.com

Cryoviva Singapore Gets AABB Accreditation for Somatic Cells’ Processing, Storage, and Distribution

Family cord blood bank Cryoviva Singapore is pleased to announce that it has now been accredited by the Association of the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks, for both cord blood and somatic cells’ banking services. Cryoviva is the first family cord blood bank in Singapore to get accredited by AABB for Somatic Cells’ processing, storage, and distribution.

The company had already been accredited by AABB previously for Cord blood collection, storage, processing and distribution, an accreditation that has been successfully extended until September 30, 2023.

The news of the AABB accreditation for both cord blood and somatic cells’ services closely follows Cryoviva’s recent expansions into the Middle East. The company is now serving families in the UAE and Bahrain, enabling them to store their baby’s precious umbilical cord blood at Cryoviva’s world-class facilities in Singapore.

“We are indeed proud to get the AABB accreditations and being the first private cord blood bank to get it for somatic cells’ processing, storage and distribution. It has been our constant endeavour to offer families the greatest opportunities to benefit from the potential of umbilical cord stem cells,” said Rajesh Nair, CEO of Cryoviva Singapore. “Cord tissue storage- in addition to cord blood banking- is a significant step in this regard, which we believe will benefit a lot more families. We will continue to invest in the right technologies, processes and people to ensure we offer the very best service to our valued customers.”

“Since commencing our operations in Singapore 7 years ago, Cryoviva has made rapid progress in establishing itself in the family cord blood space. This is another important milestone for us. Besides the company’s management and investors, our team of medical experts and lab staff deserve credit for their commitment to quality and excellence,” said Dr.Toh Keng Kiat, Medical Director of Cryoviva Singapore and a reputed haematologist.

About Cryoviva Singapore

Established in 2014, Cryoviva (https://cryoviva.com.sg) is a reputed family cord blood bank in Singapore. The company is part of an international group that is backed by reputed multinational investor organisations. Cryoviva has successfully stored over 160,000 umbilical cord blood units from both local and expat clients at our state-of-the-art laboratory and storage facility in Singapore. This facility is MoH-licensed, AABB accredited and IS ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certified, testaments to the stringent processes and quality standards that we adhere to. Thanks to being centrally located and proximity to most major maternity hospitals in Singapore, cord blood samples reach our facilities very quickly and efficiently to ensure top quality maintenance upon storage.

Media Contact:
Krish Sharma, Sr.Manager, Marketing & Operations
Tel: +65-9651 7080
E-mail: krish@cryoviva.com.sg

Launch of world-first expert resource to foster best practice osteoporosis care in the Asia Pacific

More than 50 per cent of the world’s hip fractures are expected to occur in the Asia Pacific by the year 2050.

In a strong effort to stem the tide, and to promote quality care in osteoporosis, the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) has launched a world-first, interactive, educational osteoporosis resource – the APCO Health Care Professional (HCP) Peer to Peer Educational Modules – today, to mark World Osteoporosis Day (Wednesday, October 20).

The survival of those who sustain an osteoporotic fragility fracture is significantly compromised for up to six years, with patients facing twice the risk of death within the first year. Furthermore, a prior fracture at any site doubles a person’s risk of refracture. Yet despite these alarming statistics, more than 80 per cent of fragility fracture patients are neither assessed, nor treated, placing a substantial, but importantly, preventable burden on already strained healthcare systems. This is despite the extensive availability of safe and effective osteoporosis management strategies.

Minimum clinical standards for the assessment and management of osteoporosis are therefore urgently required in the Asia Pacific, to inform clinical practice guidelines, and improve osteoporosis care. It was with this aim in mind that APCO launched ‘The APCO Framework’ in January, 2021. ‘The Framework’ comprises 16 minimum clinical standards that serve as a benchmark for the provision of best practice osteoporosis care in the Asia Pacific.

The APCO HCP Peer to Peer Education Modules will offer physicians a comprehensive, evidence-based resource encouraging widescale implementation of the minimum clinical standards of care for osteoporosis advocated in The APCO Framework. This will enable the delivery of best practice osteoporosis care throughout the Asia Pacific – the world’s fastest ageing region.

According to APCO Chairperson, and Director of the Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Dr Manju Chandran, Singapore, there are significant inconsistencies in clinical practice guidelines in the Asia Pacific for the management and prevention of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. These guidelines vary extensively in scope and recommendations. There is also a lack of information available on adherence to national guidelines in daily clinical practice.

“It is to address this care gap, that APCO has developed an interactive, 17-module educational series today, to arm osteoporosis champions in the Asia Pacific, with information, supporting data, topical literature summaries, and best practice examples that support and emphasise each of The APCO Framework’s 16 minimum clinical standards and emerging themes in osteoporosis care.

“Increasing awareness and education among healthcare professionals in the Asia Pacific is imperative to bringing change to the real-world clinical practice of osteoporosis care and fracture prevention,” said Dr Chandran.

“The Asia Pacific is home to 4.5 billion people, rapidly ageing populations, and vastly different healthcare systems.

“An overwhelming 319 million people aged 50 years and over from the Asia Pacific are projected to be at high risk of osteoporotic fracture over the next two decades, while more than half of the world’s hip fractures are expected to occur in the region by 2050,” Dr Chandran said.

“Singapore, where I live, for instance, has one of the highest hip fracture rates in the world, with a four-to-five-fold increase in incidence noted over a recent 30-year period.

“The incidence of osteoporotic fractures in Singapore is projected to rise from more than 15,000 in 2017, to 24,100 by 2035, an increase of 57.9 per cent. The total economic burden (including both direct and indirect costs) associated with these fractures is projected to grow from SGD 183.5 million (USD 214 million) in 2017, to SGD 289.6 million (USD 136 million) by 2035.”

After one year, two in five people who sustain a hip fracture will be unable to walk independently, while two-thirds will encounter difficulty performing at least one essential daily task.

“Economically, the burden of current treatment of a single hip fracture in the Asia Pacific is extremely high, equating to approximately 19 per cent of our region’s per-head gross domestic product (GDP),” said APCO Committee member, Consultant in Endocrinology and Diabetes at Tun Wah Hospital, and Chairperson of the Guideline for the Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Hong Kong, Dr Ip Tai-Pang,Hong Kong SAR.

In Hong Kong SAR alone, the direct medical costs of hip fractures was an estimated USD 85 million in 2018, the costs for which are projected to increase to USD 243 million by 2050.

“Given the anticipated exponential growth in fragility fractures due to the region’s rapidly ageing population, mass urbanisation and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, we must act now,” Dr Ip said.

“Osteoporosis experts can use the new APCO HCP Education Modules either in full, or in part, to inspire and further inform their peers and professional communities on those at high-risk for fracture who require identification and assessment, based on their medical and fracture history, risk factors, co-occurring diseases, country-specific osteoporosis screening tool results, and falls risk.

“Supporting data on the administration, duration, monitoring of, and adherence to, various treatment interventions and their associated side-effects, as well as the critical need for long-term management plans, also feature in the APCO modules,” said Dr Ip.

Osteoporosis is vastly under-diagnosed and under-treated. Disturbingly, millions of people worldwide at high risk of fracture remain unaware of this underlying, silent disease. Championed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), World Osteoporosis Day is dedicated to raising global awareness of the importance of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal diseases.

“This World Osteoporosis Day, we encourage healthcare providers, policy makers, patients, members of the public, and the media on a global, regional and national stage, to recognise the monumental human and socio-economic burden of osteoporosis, and the severe impact of fractures on a patient’s independence and quality of life,” IOF Chief Executive Officer, and APCO Executive Committee member, Dr Philippe Halbout, Switzerland said.

“One of the emerging osteoporosis themes outlined in the APCO HCP Education Modules, is the importance of Asia Pacific-wide systemic integration of case identification and management at all levels of health systems, including acute care services, when patients present with fractures through Post Fracture Care Coordination Programs, such as Fracture Liaison Services (FLS).

“These coordinated systems of care aim to identify, treat and monitor patients presenting with a fragility fracture. Intervention can reduce fractures by up to 50 per cent, deliver substantial financial savings, and ultimately, save lives,” said Dr Halbout.

“Today’s launch of the APCO Education Modules demonstrates the organisation’s ongoing commitment to achieving greater consistency in national and regional clinical practice guidelines for the screening, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis in the Asia Pacific.”

To request access to The APCO Education Modules, head to: apcobonehealth.org/apco-education-modules.
To learn more, visit www.apcobonehealth.org or follow APCO on LinkedIn:asia-pacific-consortium-on-osteoporosis.

About APCO
The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) comprises osteoporosis experts from 19 countries in the Asia Pacific, charged with developing tangible solutions to the substantive challenges involving osteoporosis management and fracture prevention in this most populated and fastest growing part of the world. APCO’s mission is to engage with relevant stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policy makers and the public, to help develop and implement country and region-specific programs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and its complication of fragility fractures, in the Asia Pacific.

About osteoporosis in the Asia Pacific region
– Osteoporosis is estimated to account for nearly nine million fractures each year, noting more than 200 million people worldwide live with osteoporosis.
– Osteoporotic fractures among Asia-Pacific populations are expected to increase exponentially, due to the region’s rapidly aging population, mounting urbanisation, and subsequent increase in sedentary lifestyles.
– Osteoporosis is greatly under-diagnosed and under-treated in Asia, even among those at highest risk who have already fractured. In most developing countries of the Asia Pacific, especially in rural areas, DXA technology is not widely available.

About World Osteoporosis Day
Falling each year on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day raises awareness of bone health and osteoporosis prevention. This year’s campaign, under the banner of ‘Take Action for Bone Health’, calls for global action to fight osteoporosis and related fractures. See: www.worldosteoporosisday.org.

Topelia Australia launches US$25M Series A call for COVID-19 ATT Ziverdox

The company is raising USD$25 million from investors in Australia, Asia and USA.

Topelia Australia, a biotech company established to commercialise a novel ATT treatment for Australians in quarantine, has launched an investment program designed to keep the invention Australian owned – while rolling out treatment to the world.

Prof Thomas Borody
  • Topelia announces US$25 mil Series A capital raise to fund manufacture and clinical trials of the COVID-19 Antiviral Triple Therapy (ATT).
  • Topelia has secured exclusive global patent rights to COVID-19 Antiviral Triple Therapy from Prof Thomas Borody.
  • Borody’s track record includes effective treatment for Peptic Ulcers & Crohn’s Disease, recolonisation of bowel microbiome, and 3 FDA approved drugs on the market.
  • Based on current research, the ATT provides an inexpensive and medically efficacious treatment for the prevention and early treatment of COVID-19.

The company is raising USD$25 million from investors in Australia, Asia and USA. The company said: “Topelia proposes to offer the ATT treatment alongside the current vaccination program to treat and vaccinate our way out of this pandemic. As Australia comes out of lockdowns and countries around the world experience spikes in cases, it is vital to fast-track the production of a safe early antiviral medical treatment kit.

The novel Antiviral Triple Therapy, to be branded as Ziverdox, comprises TGA-approved medications prescribed for decades with exceptional safety profiles. COVID-19 will be with us for some time so even vaccinated people with breakthrough Covid-19 infections can benefit from ATT to prevent long-COVID associated lung, brain and organ damage.”

The company says it is pleased the Australian Government is supportive of early at-home treatments.
The Government has recently invested in an experimental early antiviral drug candidate which may be available early next year if the safety profile and clinical research allows for TGA approval.

Purpose of proposed Series A funding
The investment will finance:

  • Preparation of a Literature-Based Submission to the TGA to gain approval;
  • Clinical trials to prove efficacy of both treatment and prevention regimens;
  •  Sourcing of ATT components and manufacture of compliance enhancing packaging;
  • Liaison with the TGA for marketing approval including TGA fees, consultant fees, scale-up of manufacturing and distribution costs;
  • Following TGA approval, product launch costs for the ATT pack called Ziverdox.

About Topelia Aust Pty Ltd
Topelia Australia was founded based on the wealth of experience in commercialising the ground-breaking triple therapy cure for peptic ulcers which has saved over 18 thousand lives in Australia alone. This innovation has also saved the Australian Government more than $10 billion in medical costs associated with peptic ulcer surgery and hospitalisations. Professor Borody has more than 190 patents and applications, 3 FDA-approved drugs on the market, and more than 300 peer-reviewed papers published. Topelia Australia owns the patent rights to the novel Antiviral Triple Therapy. Visit https://TopeliaAustralia.com.

Media contact: Info@TopeliaAustralia.com
Investor contact: Investor@TopeliaAustralia.com

A*STAR and Local SME Work with Vaccination Centres to Deploy AVID System for Filling Syringes

  • System supports Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, could support Moderna Vaccine as well

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed an Automated Vaccine Inoculation Dispenser (AVID) system, which replaces the manual step of filling injection syringes with vaccine liquid. AVID is customised for vaccination centres set up by the Ministry of Health and operated by private healthcare providers.

Automated Vaccine Inoculation Dispenser (AVID) developed by A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) in collaboration with local systems integrator Sysmatic Global.

AVID was designed to address the labour-intensive steps of the vaccination process to reduce the workload of healthcare providers, increase accuracy and productivity, and enhance personal safety as well. AVID currently supports the management of vials containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, with potential to be customised for the Moderna Vaccine as well.

AVID was developed by researchers from A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), in collaboration with local systems integrator Sysmatic Global. The innovative HealthTech solution is the first of its kind to automate the extraction of vaccines from vials using a combination of robotic parts, smart sensors and digital technologies.

How it works:

  • After thawing of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, it is diluted in the vial.
  • Typically, healthcare providers would then have to extract individual doses of the vaccine (0.3 mL for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine) using syringes. One vial of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine contains six doses of vaccine after dilution(*).
  • AVID automates this step of extraction of the vaccine from the vial into six individual syringes, including the dispersing of bubbles inside the syringes.
  • AVID also automatically uncaps and recaps the syringes during the transfer of vaccine from vials to syringes.
  • It is easy to use at just the push of some buttons, only needing simple training without any special qualifications required.

Benefits:

  • Reduces workload of healthcare providers, by freeing them from the manual step of extracting vaccines from vials to syringes.
  • Allows more focused attention by healthcare providers on interacting and communicating with people receiving the vaccinations.
  • Increases productivity at vaccination centres via introduction of automated processes that are accurate, consistent, and fast.
  • Reduces risks of cross-contamination and vaccine wastage via safe handling by the machine.
  • Improves safety for healthcare providers by reducing the handling of sharp syringes during the extraction step.
  • The machine’s small footprint and low weight (less than 25kg) means it can be easily deployed to any vaccination centre.

Development and Deployment:

  •  AVID was developed within six weeks from conceptualisation. It is the result of a collaboration between A*STAR’s ARTC and SIMTech, which provided expertise in robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, and Sysmatic Global, which designed, integrated and constructed the machine.
  • AVID has been deployed in at least seven vaccination centres so far which administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Thomson Medical, a vaccination centre operator, also supported A*STAR in the development and trial of the machine.

(*) Health Sciences Authority, Singapore: fact sheet for healthcare providers administering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: https://bit.ly/3ikKZYt
** AVID fact sheet: www.acnnewswire.com/pdf/files/AVID_ASTAR_Sysmatic_FINAL.pdf

For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Mr Robin Chan
Head, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: +65 6826 6281
Mobile: +65 9830 2610
Email: robin_chan@hq.a-star.edu.sg

Mr Khoo Kiak Nee
Director, Sysmatic Global
Tel : +65 6246 6859
Mobile : +65 9688 2502
Email : knkhoo@sysmaticgpl.com

About A*STAR
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

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About Sysmatic Global
Sysmatic Global Pte Ltd was established in 2010 as an appointed agent & solution provider for Nitto Seiko, Japan, assembly products. Through the years, we had developed our own design team and evolved to a system integrator providing innovative automation solutions improving customer factory productivity and quality. Coupled with In-house Precision Machining & Sheetmetal fabrication facilities, we strive to provide a full turnkey solution to our customers. Please visit www.sysmaticgpl.com.

Olympus Strengthens Surgical Portfolio with the Launch of POWERSEAL Advanced Bipolar Surgical Energy Devices

  • POWERSEAL Family of Devices Completes the Olympus Energy Portfolio, Offers Physicians Improved Performance and Ergonomics

Olympus Corporation (Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced the launch of the first devices in the new POWERSEAL(TM) family of advanced bipolar surgical energy products. The POWERSEAL 5mm Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer and Divider, Double-Action devices meet the highest standards of clinical performance for advanced bipolar surgical energy devices by delivering consistent sealing reliability in an ergonomic, multifunctional design that promotes procedural efficiency.[i]

The POWERSEAL 5mm Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer and Divider, Double-Action

With the release of the POWERSEAL devices, Olympus is introducing a line of versatile advanced bipolar surgical energy devices that augment an extensive and differentiated surgical energy portfolio, which features the unique THUNDERBEAT(TM) hybrid energy devices and SONICBEAT(TM) ultrasonic dissectors. The POWERSEAL devices position Olympus competitively within the growing global market for advanced bipolar surgical energy devices, currently estimated at over $1.2B USD.[ii]

The POWERSEAL devices provide surgeons with state-of-the-art sealing, dissection, and grasping capabilities in laparoscopic or open surgery while greatly reducing the force required by the surgeon to close the jaws.[iii] The POWERSEAL devices can be used in numerous forms of surgical intervention including general surgery and gynecological, colorectal, bariatric, urological, thoracic, and vascular surgical procedures.

The POWERSEAL devices are single-use devices designed to optimize patient outcomes, with features including:
– Strong and efficient sealing of vessels up to and including 7mm in less than 3 seconds, on average, with proven vessel burst pressure reliability of 3x systolic blood pressure (>99% confidence)[i]
– Reduced reach distances to device landmarks (jaw lever, cut trigger, shaft rotation wheel), when compared to the predicate device, and reduced squeeze force requirements for the jaw lever, which may reduce hand strain and make the devices easier to use, particularly for those with smaller hands[iii]
– Multifunctional capabilities such as dissection via the curved and tapered, double-action jaw, which are designed to reduce instrument exchanges during surgery
– Minimal thermal spread with fast cool-down times and low exterior jaw temperatures, which can reduce risk of damage to adjacent tissue and structures[iv]

“Initial clinical experience has shown that the new 5mm POWERSEAL devices offer uniform tissue compression for consistently strong sealing,” said Justin A. Maykel, MD, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at UMass Memorial Health. “The product design makes the devices both intuitive and safe to use.”

“We are thrilled to expand our surgical energy product portfolio with best-in-class advanced bipolar energy solutions that were designed with surgeons’ needs and clinical outcomes as the primary drivers,” said Phil Roy, Global Vice President and General Manager for Surgical Devices in the Therapeutic Solutions Division of Olympus Corporation. “These POWERSEAL devices were developed with a core requirement of zero compromise in meeting our goals of strength, efficiency and physician comfort. Testing showed we exceeded our goals across the key measures of surgical energy device performance such as sealing speed, reliability and thermal profile, all while delivering a superior user experience.”[v]

The Olympus Energy platform, made up of the ESG-400(TM) and USG-400(TM) electrosurgical generators, offers hospitals a complete energy solution for any operating room and powers the full range of Olympus Energy systems: monopolar, bipolar (HiQ (TM), HICURA (TM), PK (TM) and Everest (TM) devices), ultrasonic (SONICBEAT devices), hybrid energy (THUNDERBEAT devices) and advanced bipolar (POWERSEAL devices). By operating from one energy platform, hospitals can reduce capital expenditures while meeting the other goals of the Quadruple aim,[vi] availing themselves of a range of surgical energy technologies that have been designed with both the patient and the physician in mind.

Advanced bipolar energy devices are distinguished from traditional bipolar energy devices through more efficient energy delivery, intuitive tissue monitoring, and uniform pressure applied to the tissue by the device jaws. These attributes enable Advanced Bipolar technologies to deliver more consistent and larger (7mm) vessel sealing than standard bipolar technology counterparts.[i]

The POWERSEAL devices are regulatory approved for sale in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Australia at this time, and are actively under review in numerous other global markets.

For more information about POWERSEAL, including usage and risks associated with use, visit medical.olympusamerica.com/products/powerseal or refer to the Instructions for Use.

The POWERSEAL devices are best-in-class advanced bipolar energy solutions providing consistent and strong tissue sealing, as well as dissection and grasping capabilities. With an ergonomic design, the POWERSEAL devices reduce the force needed to close the jaws and reduce the reach distances to the jaw lever, cut trigger, and shaft rotation wheel. The POWERSEAL devices can be used in laparoscopic or open surgery, including general surgery and gynecological, colorectal, bariatric, urological, thoracic, and vascular surgical procedures.

[i] Internal test report DN0043135
[ii] Global Market Forecast, Advanced Energy, 2021 – 2025. 2020 DRG Global Market Model; latest MedTech 360 Laparoscopic and Open Market Reports: US, EU, Asia Pac & Japan
[iii] Internal test report DN0046457
[iv] Based on internal tissue testing with Histology reports – DN0044287, DN0044290
[v] Based on GLP Acute & Chronic animal studies reports – DN0044705, DN0044706
[vi] Bodenheimer T, Sinsky C. From triple to quadruple aim: care of the patient requires care of the provider. Ann Fam Med. 2014;12(6):573-576. doi:10.1370/afm.1713

About Olympus
As a leading medical technology company, Olympus 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. 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 devices. For more information, visit www.medical.olympusamerica.com.

Cryoviva Singapore Expands Cord Blood Banking Services to Bahrain

Local family cord blood bank Cryoviva Singapore (https://cryoviva.com.sg) is continuing with its rapid geographic growth plans with an entry into the Bahrain market. This latest new market entry closely follows Cryoviva establishing a footprint in Dubai to serve couples in the UAE that are on the family way.

Rajesh Nair, CEO of Cryoviva Singapore

“It fills the entire Cryoviva team with a great sense of pride and satisfaction to help customers in Bahrain and add another nation to the list of countries we serve from Singapore. We are steadfastly focused on our goal to give every family the chance to benefit from the medical potential of cord component stem cells should they ever need it. Every new market we enter and serve successfully is another step closer to that goal,” says Rajesh Nair, CEO of Cryoviva Singapore.

“Our excellent credentials as a well-established cord blood bank with a proven track record, experienced medical and management teams and strong investor backing make us a reliable and trustworthy provider for young families in Bahrain. Equally importantly, I believe that customers in Bahrain get considerable confidence and reassurance from Singapore’s reputation for world-class facilities and strict adherence to high quality standards. We look forward to collaborating with healthcare providers in Bahrain offering maternity services to offer greater service to their valued patients.”

Rajesh believes that while Cryoviva continues with its expansion plans into more countries in the Middle East and ASEAN, Singapore continues to be extremely important for the company. “While we have made considerable progress in the relatively short span of 7 years here, we are striving hard to be the top family cord blood bank in Singapore. We strongly believe in the immense potential for growth in cord blood banking here and are confident that our expertise, experience and delivery of top-notch customer service will contribute to convincing more families on the long-term healthcare benefits of the services we offer.”

About Cryoviva Singapore

Established in 2014, Cryoviva (https://cryoviva.com.sg) is a reputed family cord blood bank in Singapore. The company is part of an international group that is backed by reputed multinational investor organisations. The Cryoviva group has successfully stored over 160,000 umbilical cord blood units. Cryoviva’s cord blood storage facility in Singapore is MoH-licensed, AABB accredited and IS ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certified, testaments to the stringent processes and quality standards that it adheres to. Thanks to being centrally located and proximity to most major maternity hospitals in Singapore, cord blood samples reach its facilities very quickly and efficiently to ensure top quality maintenance upon storage.

Media Contact:
Krish Sharma, General Manager, Cryoviva Singapore
Tel: +65-9651 7080
E-mail: krish@cryoviva.com.sg