DARMSTADT, Germany, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

Not intended for distribution in the USA, Canada or UK 

ESMO Abstract #

Avelumab: LBA6_PR, 659P, 1290P, 1291P, 1282P, 877P; M7824 (TGF β-trap/anti-PD-L1):1048O, 1463P, 1931P, 757P, 643P, 642P, 661P; tepotinib (MET kinase inhibitor): 1377O, 621PD, 698P; M6620: 1437P; M3814: 1845P; M7583: 1014PD; abituzumab: 487P; Erbitux®(cetuximab): 124P, 484P, 509P, 493P, 521P, 510P, 481P, 486P, 1057P, 1108P, 1068P, 1064P, 1293P

• First presentation of Phase III data for avelumab (plus axitinib) in previously untreated, advanced kidney cancer
• New and updated data for bifunctional immunotherapy M7824  
• Results from Phase II trials for tepotinib, including in EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC  
• Additional pipeline data feature abstracts for a further four innovative agents across multiple tumor types with a significant patient need 

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced that new data from a variety of high-priority clinical development programs will be presented at the ESMO 2018 Congress (European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Meeting), October 19-23, 2018, Munich, Germany.

In the year that Merck celebrates its 350-year anniversary, abstracts at the congress represent a company record with eight therapeutic agents across 14 tumor types, reinforcing Merck’s position at the forefront of clinical development in oncology.

“Our data at this year’s European Society for Medical Oncology Congress expand our understanding of avelumab in renal cell carcinoma and other tumors, and demonstrate the headway we are making with our pipeline, including bifunctional immunotherapy M7824 and tepotinib,” said Luciano Rossetti, Global Head of Research & Development for the Biopharma business of Merck. “We look forward to many more years of real and significant progress towards our vision of transforming the management and treatment of cancer.”

Data from the Phase III study JAVELIN Renal 101, evaluating avelumab* in combination with axitinib, compared with sunitinib as initial therapy for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), will be presented for the first time during the Presidential Symposium at ESMO on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 5:20 PM – 5:35 PM CEST. Avelumab is being jointly developed and commercialized with Pfizer. The results represent the first positive Phase III immunotherapy trial in combination with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in any tumor type, supporting Merck’s interest in the potential use of avelumab in combination with currently approved therapies and novel agents. These results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Other updates include new avelumab data in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

New data for M7824 will be presented from expansion cohorts of two ongoing Phase I clinical trials, including the first tumor-specific data for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), biliary tract cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition, updated data for M7824 in patients with gastric cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will be shared. M7824, discovered in-house at Merck, is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy designed to combine a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) trap by ‘fusing’ it with the anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) mechanism. To date more than 650 patients with various types of solid tumors have been treated across the program with M7824 and the safety profile is consistent with that observed with other PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and previously described skin lesions (keratoacanthomas, SCC, hyperkeratosis) associated with TGF-β-inhibiting therapies.

Data for tepotinib** include results from three Phase II trials in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) TKI-resistant NSCLC and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, providing further evidence of this precision medicine’s potential clinical activity in a range of tumors. Tepotinib, discovered in-house at Merck, is an investigational, oral MET inhibitor that is designed to selectively inhibit the oncogenic MET receptor signaling caused by MET (gene) alterations or MET protein overexpression.

Additional pipeline abstracts feature updated data from Merck’s comprehensive DNA damage response (DDR) portfolio. These include results from a Phase I trial investigating M6620 (formerly VX-970) in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced NSCLC, and combined data from two Phase I trials of DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, M3814. Results will also be shared from a Phase I/II trial of M7583, a Bruton’s TKI, in patients with B-cell malignancies, as well as a retrospective analysis of the Phase I/II Poseidon study investigating abituzumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Data to be presented at the congress for Erbitux^® will add to the growing body of real-world evidence supporting the therapy’s role as a standard of care in RAS wild-type mCRC and first-line recurrent or metastatic SCCHN (R/M SCCHN), and for patients with locally advanced SCCHN (LA SCCHN) who may not be able to tolerate cisplatin-based regimens in full.  

*Avelumab is under clinical investigation for the treatment of RCC, MCC, CRC, gastric and GEJ cancer, and has not been demonstrated to be safe and effective for these indications. There is no guarantee that avelumab will be approved for RCC, CRC, gastric or GEJ cancer by any health authority worldwide.

**Tepotinib is the recommended International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for the MET kinase inhibitor MSC2156119J. Tepotinib is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use anywhere in the world.

Tepotinib, M7824, M3814, M7583, M6620 and abituzumab are under clinical investigation and have not been proven to be safe and effective. There is no guarantee any product will be approved in the sought-after indication by any health authority worldwide.

Notes to Editors 

Key Merck-supported abstracts slated for presentation are listed below. In addition, a number of investigator-sponsored studies have been accepted (not listed).

About Avelumab 

Avelumab is a human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody. Avelumab has been shown in preclinical models to engage both the adaptive and innate immune functions. By blocking the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 receptors, avelumab has been shown to release the suppression of the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response in preclinical models.^[1]–[3] Avelumab has also been shown to induce NK cell-mediated direct tumor cell lysis via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro.^[3]–[5] In November 2014, Merck and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.

Avelumab is currently being evaluated in the JAVELIN clinical development program, which involves at least 30 clinical programs, including seven Phase III trials, and more than 8,600 patients across more than 15 different tumor types. For a comprehensive list of all avelumab trials, please visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Approved Indications in the US 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for avelumab (BAVENCIO^®) for the treatment of (i) adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and (ii) patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Important Safety Information from the US FDA Approved Label 

The warnings and precautions for BAVENCIO include immune-mediated adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction, and other adverse reactions), infusion-related reactions and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients treated with BAVENCIO for mMCC and patients with locally advanced or mUC include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, peripheral edema, decreased appetite/hypophagia, urinary tract infection and rash.

About M7824 

M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that is designed to bring together a TGF-β trap and ‘fuse’ it with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism. M7824 is designed to simultaneously block the two immunosuppressive pathways – targeting both pathways aims to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. M7824 is currently in Phase I studies for solid tumors.

About Tepotinib 

Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an investigational, oral MET inhibitor that is thought to inhibit oncogenic MET receptor signaling caused by MET (gene) alterations, including both MET exon 14 skipping mutations and MET amplifications, or MET protein overexpression. It is a precision medicine and is designed to have a highly selective mechanism of action.

About M6620 

M6620 (previously known as VX-970) is an investigational small-molecule thought to inhibit ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR). ATR is believed to be a key sensor for DNA damage, activating the DNA damage checkpoint and leading to cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of ATR could potentially enhance the efficacy of DNA-damaging agents, but is also being investigated as a monotherapy against tumors with high levels of replication stress induced by overexpression of oncogenes.

About M3814 

M3814 is an investigational small-molecule which is thought to inhibit DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). DNA-PK is a key enzyme for non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), an important DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway. Clinical studies investigating combinations of M3814 with other commonly used DNA-damaging agents such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are underway.

About M7583 

M7583 is an investigational therapy that is thought to be a highly selective covalent inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTKi) designed to minimize off-target effects.

About Abituzumab  

Abituzumab is an investigational pan-αν integrin inhibiting monoclonal antibody thought to show activity against αvβ1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 integrin heterodimers. Merck entered into a development agreement with the SFJ Pharmaceuticals Group for abituzumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This collaboration will allow Merck and SFJ to develop the potential of abituzumab in a targeted way, focusing on a patient population that may benefit from the treatment the most.

About Erbitux^® (cetuximab)  

Erbitux^® is a IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth. Based on in vitro evidence, Erbitux also targets cytotoxic immune effector cells towards EGFR expressing tumor cells (antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, ADCC).

The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.

Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in over 100 countries world-wide for the treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux, a registered trademark of ImClone LLC, outside the U.S. and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998.

All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to http://www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck 

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 53,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of € 15.3 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

References 

1. Dolan DE, Gupta S. PD-1 pathway inhibitors: changing the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Control 2014;21:231-7.
2. Dahan R et al. FcγRs modulate the anti-tumor activity of antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Cancer Cell 2015;28:285-95.
3. Boyerinas B et al. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity of a novel anti-PD-L1 antibody avelumab (MSB0010718C) on human tumor cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3:1148-57.
4. Kohrt HE et al. Combination strategies to enhance antitumor ADCC. Immunotherapy 2012;4:511-27.
5. Hamilton G, Rath B. Avelumab: combining immune checkpoint inhibition and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017;17:515-23.

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — According to the report of BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), the number of death toll because of recent earthquakes and tsunami in Central Sulawesi has reached 1,424 people. That number consists of 1,203 death tolls in Palu, 144 death tolls in Donggala, 64 death tolls in Sigi, 12 death tolls in Parigi Moutong, and 1 death toll in Pasangkayu. The death toll reached 3 times more than that in recent Lombok’s earthquakes. BNPB report on October 5th showed the death toll has reached 1,558 people and will rise sharply due to high number of victims who have not been evacuated from the ruins of building or who were trapped in the mud.

The areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Palu were more than 350 ha, of which those officially released by BNPB and Lapan were 180 ha in Petobo, 202 ha in Jono Oge, and 47.8 ha in Balaroa. The current situation of the three regions concerns the world since those residential areas considered ‘lost’ due to the earthquake and tsunami mud sweep. The breadth of the area damaged by the disaster caused the affected victims escaping to other areas, such as Mamuju Regency. Recorded up until October 5th 2018, Mamuju Regency received 4,257 refugees.

The damaged facilities and infrastructures due to the disaster’s devastation in Central Sulawesi made it hard to access electricity, clean water, sanitation, food, and other basic life needs, as well as the proper refugee camps. Those conditions might lead to the spreading of infectious diseases. Various studies about diseases caused by natural disasters indicate that the diseases’ clinical phase, which number of diseases are spreading high in a disaster, is at the disaster’s post-impact phase and recovery phase.

Basically, a disaster has 3 phases, namely the impact phase (1-4 days), the post-impact phase (4 days to 1 month), and the recovery phase (more than 1 month). In the post-impact phase, infectious diseases that are easy to spread are diseases caused by air, water and food. Those spreading supported by the bad condition of refugees’ camp. Meanwhile, during the disaster recovery phase, infections with a long incubation period begin to appear its clinical symptoms. In this phase, diseases which become endemic in an area could become epidemics due to displacement of refugees from one region to another.

According to various studies, diarrheal diseases account for as much as 40% of deaths at disaster sites and evacuation sites. The spread of diarrhea is related to contaminated water sources, water contamination during transportation and storage, use of shared cooking utensils, lack of soap, and contaminated food. In the 2004 Aceh tsunami, 85% of refugees in Calang City experienced diarrhea after drinking water from contaminated wells (Brennan & Kimba, 2006).

The study of Isidore et al (2014), a literature study from various post-disaster disease case report studies, shows that other infectious diseases which also infect refugees are leptospirosis, cholera, hepatitis A and E, acute respiratory infections, measles, meningitis, TB, malaria, dengue fever, tetanus, and Cutaneous mucormycosis fungal infection. The spread of influenza diseases such as H1N1 or commonly known as swine flu was also noted to develop very quickly with high mortality just after the devastating earthquake that shook East Japan in 2011.

Acute respiratory infection was the most common diseases causing deaths among refugees in Banda Aceh due to the 2004 tsunami. The risk of acute respiratory infections would increase in consequences of overcrowded conditions, poor ventilation, poor nutrition and cold weather. In addition, measles and meningitis were also reported to infect many refugees in Banda Aceh. Overcrowding refugees camp, poor hygiene, and difficult access to health care facilities and staying close to infected people are the main risk factors associated with the spread of these two diseases. The spread of tetanus was also reported to occur during the post-impact and recovery phases in Aceh tsunami. The spread was caused by open wound infections and populations who are not well-vaccinated.

Beyond the high number of death toll and the destruction of more than 65,000 buildings, the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Central Sulawesi also affected fisheries, agriculture and livestock. Animals that die from disasters would increase the risk of zoonotic diseases exposure in human, such as anthrax, rabies, leptospirosis and others. In the same study, Isidore et al also noted that there were leptospirosis outbreaks in several disasters which occurred around the world, such as storms in Taiwan and China, and floods in Thailand and India.

General Directorate of Infection Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia dr. Anung Sugiantono stated that Palu, Donggala and regions around them are malaria endemic areas. Environmental changes after the earthquake and tsunami will facilitate the spread of diseases carried by the Anopheles mosquito. For this reason, One Health approach is needed to prevent the expansion of malaria endemic in Palu and its surroundings.

One Health is a collaborative effort of multi-professions and health institutions which work locally, nationally and globally in achieving optimal health through the prevention and mitigation of adverse impacts due to animal, human and environmental interactions. This means that doctors, veterinarians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, epidemiologists, and health institutions and other related institutions collaborate in addressing health issues. The One Health approach considers the role of changing environment with regard to the risk of infectious and chronic diseases affecting humans and animals.

Based on the situation, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito as INDOHUN (Indonesia One Health University Network) coordinator conveyed the importance of implementing One Health concept as an effective effort which could be applied in preventing the spread of post-disaster infectious diseases. “One Health concept developed by multi-disciplinary science and integrated cross-sector could prevent outbreaks of post-disaster diseases, especially the transmission of diseases between humans, animals and the environment.”

The step which should be taken by the government is establishing coordination between local city/regency offices and provincial agencies, also with the national level agencies to produce a comprehensive handling strategy. One example of a program which could be accomplished with multi-sectoral cooperation is a refugee shelter program that meets the standards.

Refugee shelter such as tents or barracks should be in proper condition, thus it would not increase the number of deaths caused by infectious diseases. The proper conditions for refugees’ camp are indicated by the availability of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, as well as sufficient food. Health workers or volunteers are also expected to fulfill the qualifications in order to provide the best care supported by adequate amounts and types of drugs. Minimum standards of health services in refugees camp according to the Ministry of Health are public health services, reproductive health services, and mental health services. Prevention and eradication of infectious diseases also need to be done by conducting surveillance, vaccination, and case management of disease.

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181009/2262032-1

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — China’s leading one-stop healthcare ecosystem platform, Ping An Good Doctor (the “Company”, stock code: 1833.HK), today announced the strategic partnership with China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“CR Sanjiu”). The two parties will integrate their respective superior resources, such as Ping An Good Doctor’s leading AI healthcare technologies and massive user scale, and CR Sanjiu’s product advantages in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, to build the emerging business model of “Internet + Medical” together. The collaboration will not only enhance the medical services of both companies, but also bring a deep integration of the mobile internet and medical services to the industry.

CR Sanjiu is a large state-owned pharmaceutical listed company that mainly engages in the research and development, production, sales of pharmaceutical products and related healthcare services. Its main businesses are OTC and Chinese medicine prescription drugs. In terms of OTC core products, CR Sanjiu maintains leading market shares in the products of cold medicine, gastroenterology, dermatology, pediatrics, cough medicine and orthopedic medicine. Its Chinese medicine prescription drugs also have a strong presence in the Chinese market, including Chinese medicine formula granules, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular medicine, anti-tumor medicine, anti-infective medicine, etc. CR Sanjiu’s flagship brands include “999”, Xue Sai Tong Soft Capsules, Shunfeng and Tianhe, which are highly reputable and influential in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.

Ping An Good Doctor is a leading one-stop healthcare ecosystem platform in China. Leveraging the world’s leading AI healthcare technologies, the Company consolidates its in-house medical team of more than a thousand medical professionals, external contracted doctors and offline healthcare network, to establish a self-contained servicing system that allows its users to consult doctors and purchase medicine online, or consult doctors online and receive medical treatment offline. Ping An Good Doctor now works with approximately 3,100 hospitals (including more than 1,200 Class III Grade A hospitals), and more than 2,000 healthcare institutions such as physical examination centers, dental clinics, cosmetic surgery institutions and more than 10,000 pharmacy outlets.

In China, the “Healthy China” plan has become the national strategy, and “Internet + Medical” is emerging as an important part of China’s Healthcare Reform. The integration of internet medical and traditional medical entities has become one of the development trends of the medical industry. The strategic cooperation between Ping An Good Doctor and CR Sanjiu reflects this trend. They will consolidate their respective resources on pharmaceutical new retail, Chinese medicine revitalization, medical AI, family doctor services, marketing and poverty alleviation programs.

In terms of pharmaceutical new retail, the two companies will leverage on Ping An Good Doctor’s internet hospital, in-house medical team and substantial user traffic, as well as CR Sanjiu’s advantages in product and brand, to strengthen the self-contained servicing chain. From doctor consultations, prescriptions, product purchases to drug delivery, the comprehensive healthcare service will provide a better experience for its users. For the revitalization of Chinese medicine, the two parties will focus on online Chinese medicine healthcare. They will also use Ping An Good Doctor’s big data and user’s profiling to explore new models of “internet + Chinese medicine healthcare” and “internet + chronic illness management”, striving to promote the standardization of Chinese medicine and expand the client base of the Chinese medicine market. In addition, the two parties will collaborate to strengthen marketing programs, promoting each other’s brand online and offline, and to expand the client base and enhance user loyalty.

About Ping An Good Doctor (01833.HK)

Ping An Good Doctor is the leading one-stop healthcare ecosystem platform in China. By combining “mobile health + AI technology”, the Company strives to provide every family with a family doctor, every person with an e-health profile and everyone with a healthcare management plan. Ping An Good Doctor has established a comprehensive, one-stop healthcare ecosystem covering family doctor services, consumer healthcare services, a health mall as well as health management and wellness interaction.

As of the end of June 2018, there were 228 million registered users and the Company’s MAU reached 48.6 million. Ping An Good Doctor is today the largest mobile medical application in China in terms of user scale. Ping An Good Doctor employs more than a thousand medical personnel (Assistant Supervisor Level or above from Class III Grade A Hospitals) in its in-house medical team and contracts with 4,650 renowned external doctors. This in-house medical team, empowered by our proprietary AI technology, provides users with 24 x 7 online consultation services. In our offline partnership network, Ping An Good Doctor collaborates with approximately 3,100 hospitals (including more than 1,200 Class III Grade A hospitals) to provide services such as hospital referral, appointment and inpatient arrangements. Ping An Good Doctor also partners with more than 2,000 healthcare institutions, including physical examination centers, dental clinics, cosmetic surgery institutions and more than 10,000 pharmacy outlets, to provide relevant health and wellness services to our users. By integrating our AI-empowered medical team, external doctors and offline network, Ping An Good Doctor has established a closed-loop healthcare ecosystem which enables our users to enjoy online consultations and online drug purchases, as well as online consultations and offline follow-up treatment, thereby providing convenient, high-quality and efficient family doctor services.

In April 2015, the App “Ping An Good Doctor” was officially launched. In May 2016, the Company completed an A round financing and raised US$500 million. In December 2017, the Company completed the pre-IPO financing from Softbank Vision Fund, during which it raised US$400 million. On 4 May 2018, Ping An Good Doctor became the No.1 listed internet health-tech company in the world when it joined the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, stock code 01833.HK. Our IPO cornerstone investors include Blackrock, Capital Group, GIC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Swiss Re and CP Group.

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181003/2256229-1

MOSCOW, Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Kinetic Step’s Russian military engineer has invented a biomechanical exoskeleton which provides an easy method of travelling, based on the principle of physical pendulum movement. Whilst developing KineticStep, the key task was to give individuals a chance to walk as easily and efficiently as wheel rolls. This would provide consumers with the opportunity to walk 2-3 times further than their usual walking distance, to maintain a fulfilling, active lifestyle. The Kinetic Step exoskeleton has been specially designed to enable individuals to walk great distances and carry heavy loads with almost no effort.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8412651-kineticstep-first-biomechanical-exoskeleton/

Despite this, having solved the main biomechanics problem (optimised transportation of the general center of an individual’s mass), the design based on pendulum mechanism interaction also revealed a number of positive effects applicable in medicine. Kinetic Step also aims to compensate for less abled consumers’ lost functionality, to increase strength, and to expand an individual’s range of movement through the use of external frames and actuators. The ability to walk without joint stress promises the possibility of exoskeleton-efficient use in cases of knee joint injuries or diseases. Through this, it will be able to give anyone and everyone the opportunity and ability to walk with relaxed legs, without bending their knees, and maintain a healthy and active life style.

This new concept is a revolutionary one because it solves the key biomechanics problem, as seen here: https://youtu.be/mtOGAFyEV8c.

The Kinetic Step biomechanical exoskeleton’s key benefits are:

• New Opportunities and Efficiency – It allows both able bodied and less able individuals to walk 2-3 times further, while using the same amount of energy
• Health – It gives elderly, sick, and injured people an opportunity to keep active, and enables fit individuals to walk even further
• Environmentally friendly
• Care – significantly reduces the stress put on leg joints and the spinal column daily
• Ergonomic – small size with versatile design of adaptable binding, which fits people with shoe size 5 to 13 (US), 34 to 46 (EU) and weight up to 160 kg

Kinetic Step does not use any external energy source to boost the individuals’ muscle strength. It is 40 times smaller in size and weight than other exoskeletons and its cost is 150 times lower, which makes it affordable to everyone. The project has been launched on the «Indiegogo» / crowdfunding platform, where customers can order their exoskeleton, https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kineticstep/.

Official website: http://kineticstep.com/

Contact: kineticstep@gmail.com, +7-928-353-80-25

• New collaboration center to provide support from pre-clinical through full-scale production in a non-GMP environment
• Hands-on customer access to Merck’s product portfolio, technical expertise

SAO PAULO, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Merck, the vibrant science and technology company, today officially opened a state-of-the-art M Lab™ Collaboration Center in Brazil, serving the Latin America region. The center will provide Life Science customers with a shared, exploratory environment where they can closely collaborate with Merck scientists and engineers to solve their toughest challenges and accelerate development and production of new therapies.

“With a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry in Brazil and Latin America, and demand for novel and cost-effective therapies worldwide, there is a need for full end-to-end process development support,” said Udit Batra, member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “At our M Lab™ Collaboration Center, customers will benefit from Merck’s deep technical expertise to develop processes for manufacturing drugs faster, safer and more effectively than in the past.”

The 1,000-square meter lab facility includes non-GMP pilot and bench scale labs for customers to engage in process development support, troubleshooting, demonstrations and hands-on training. It is one of nine such centers around the world, each of which allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to explore new ways to increase productivity, improve processes and mitigate risks. Each year, more than 1,500 customers visit Merck’s M Lab™ Collaboration Centers, where they work alongside Merck’s team of experts and get access to sizing and simulation tools and methodologies as well as analytical and modeling support. Formal bioprocessing courses are also available, including traditional classroom-style training and interactive, hands-on sessions. Other M Lab™ Collaboration Center locations include China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, France and the United States.

Merck opened its first customer-facing laboratory in 1995 in Massachusetts, USA. The global network has steadily grown over the years, not only to meet the training and process development needs of customers in local regions, but also to allow and ensure successful technology transfer between countries for global customers. In 2015, Merck began reimagining these labs as the M Lab™ Collaboration Centers with a focus on customers.

Follow Merck on Twitter @Merckgroup, on Facebook @merckgroup and on LinkedIn.

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 53,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life — from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of 15.3 billion euro in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the “Merck” name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/752710/MilliporeSigma_M_Lab_Brazil.jpg

-Platinum Sponsor-

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — miR Scientific, LLC formerly known as miR Diagnostics (miR or the Company), a precision molecular bioscience company, today announces that Martin Tenniswood, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer presented at the 2018 World Urological Oncology Federation Conference to be held in Seoul, Korea on October 4, 2018 at 12:10PM Korea Time.    

“miR Scientific is very pleased to have presented and sponsored this renowned congregation of urological leadership,” said Sam Salman, Chief Executive Officer of miR Scientific. “We believe strongly in collaborating with the oncologists and urologists who are on the frontline of cancer treatment. We look forward to presenting the results of our latest research and having meaningful discussions about the latest breakthroughs on emerging biomarkers, with the aim of disrupting legacy diagnostic methodologies to rapidly and effectively improve urogenital cancer treatment.”

Presentation Time: 12:10PM Korea Time, October 4, 2018
Presentation Title: Urinary Micro RNAs and SNOs as a Prostate Cancer Biomarker Platform
Location: Seoul Dragon City

The World Urological Oncology Federation was formed by the global leadership of 19 societies of Urologic Oncology whose shared purpose is to provide a formal integration of members to address challenges facing worldwide oncology communities.  Laurence Klotz, M.D., FRCSC,CM, Chief Medical Officer of miR Scientific also serves as the conference chairman.

About miR Scientific, LLC

A subsidiary of NRS Health and Wellness GP LLC, miR Scientific is a precision molecular bioscience company that creates and delivers scalable breakthrough technologies for the provision of accessible diagnostic, prognostic, monitoring and companion products and services for large at-risk cancer populations.  miR’s pipeline of products includes the Prostate Cancer Sentinel Assay Test™, a urine-based liquid biopsy test with unprecedented accuracy that has the potential to save thousands of men from suffering possible severe side effects of unnecessary prostate cancer treatments. The Company was founded in 2014 as a commercial spin-out from the State of New York University at Albany’s Cancer Research Center and currently has operations in Rensselaer, New York City, Israel and Canada.  For more information, visit www.mirscientific.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including with respect to the clinical development and prospects for commercialization of the Company’s product candidates, the impact and potential of the Company’s technology, and the expansion of the Company’s platform.  These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including delays or complications in clinical trials and attainment of regulatory approvals.  The events and circumstances discussed in such forward-looking statements may not occur, and the Company’s actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied thereby. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this release.

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HKSH doctors to join the first–in-market “AXA Signature Network” to provide a revolutionary medical service experience

HONG KONG, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — AXA Hong Kong (“AXA”) and HKSH Medical Group (“HKSH”) entered into collaboration today (3 October 2018) under which HKSH will be the first and biggest partner of the market-first “AXA Signature Network” (“the Network”). Doctors from HKSH will provide quality and professional medical treatment and advice to AXA customers. As a long-term partner for its customers, AXA Hong Kong understands customer needs. The newly set up AXA Signature Network will be available in selected plans in the near future and will enable its customers to enjoy high-quality medical services, simplified procedures and a revolutionary medical services experience. It may also help to relieve the burden on the public medical system and the pressure on hospital beds.

“Rising healthcare costs have long been a concern for Hong Kong people. We strive to provide customers with adequate counselling and the most appropriate treatment when they need it with access to high-quality medical services. AXA shares the same beliefs with HKSH Medical Group. We are honoured to have them to join our AXA Signature Network as a founding member, and as the medical organisation with the largest number of participating medical professionals,” said Etienne Bouas-Laurent, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Hong Kong. “As a market-leading private hospital, HKSH Medical Group is recognised for its advanced medical technology and highly skilled medical professionals. We also have great confidence in their internal governance system, and believe our collaboration will bring the greatest benefits to patients. We aim to provide our customers with the most professional medical advice, simplest administrative procedures and the most comprehensive services.”

“The unprecedented collaboration in HKSH history represents a joint effort by HKSH Medical Group and AXA to put the patients first and foremost by broadening access to high-quality healthcare — top-ranking doctors in their respective fields, the most comprehensive array of advanced medical equipment and warm nursing care. The patient-centric approach demonstrated in the plan will help minimise patient anxiety by ensuring coverage and handling associated administrative tasks offline,” said Dr. Walton Li, Chief Executive Officer, HKSH Medical Group and Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

“AXA Signature Network” is the first in the market, and will have 5 private hospitals with approximately 500 doctors in total participating in the Network, covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. The Network doctors will offer the best quality medical services in a simple, hassle-free and cashless way, thus enhancing the total customer experience. We will continue to develop and expand the “AXA Signature Network” and offer this in conjunction with our existing and new medical insurance and employee benefit plans. This not only gives more customers quality medical services in reputable private hospitals, but may also help to relieve the burden on the public medical system and the pressure on hospital beds,” said Yi-mien Koh, Managing Director of Health and Employee Benefits, AXA Hong Kong.

Comprehensive network with top-ranking doctors — HKSH as the first and biggest Network Partner

The first-in-the-market “AXA Signature Network” invited more than 130 doctors from HKSH to participate. As the first medical institution to join the “AXA Signature Network”, the specialist services from HKSH Medical Group are the most comprehensive in Hong Kong private hospitals, covering primary care to cutting-edge medical care.

“Over 130 HKSH specialists will be put on the ‘AXA Signature Network’ list, covering over 30 specialties. These doctors include our Honorary Consultants and we hope more will join in future,” Dr. Li added.

The plan will cover a number of common specialties, including Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dermatology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Oncology and Surgery.

“Other than the variety of specialities, service location is also important. HKSH Medical Group’s service locations under the Network will include our hospital campus in Happy Valley, all five sites for specialty services in the major business districts on Hong Kong Island and the new centre in Shau Kei Wan which will open in 2019. Patients using our services in different sites can be reassured that their electronic medical records will be accessible. The cooperation with AXA Hong Kong at this time reflects the trust and the confidence of the insurance industry towards HKSH’s clinical governance. HKSH will closely monitor clinical governance, maintain fee consistency and transparency to ensure the efficiency and quality of our medical services, as well as to protect patients’ rights,” said Dr. Joseph Chan, Chief Medical Officer, HKSH Medical Group cum Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

Top expert to provide a second medical opinion[1]

In the face of critical illness, especially cancer, patients hope to seek the most appropriate medication and medical advice. AXA understands the needs of customers and believes that Hong Kong has the best medical professionals. The “AXA Signature Network” has invited the top local medical practitioners and authoritative experts from various specialities including university professors, academicians and experienced medical practitioners to offer a second opinion. With just one phone call, AXA will help to arrange one free meeting with an authoritative expert within ten working days after collecting a patient’s data. There will be no need to wait for a medical report from an overseas hospital, instead, the patient will be able to meet the local authoritative expert directly and obtain a second medical opinion in order to have the most appropriate medical treatment. There will be more products in the future to offer “AXA Signature Network”.

No pre-authorisation required and direct billing[2] to offer a simplified user experience

The “AXA Signature Network” will offer a simplified procedure, customers will only need to present their AXA medical cards[3] and personal identification document to the selected healthcare facilities in order to make an appointment with the medical practitioners within the Network. Without prior document submission and pre-authorisation, customers can focus on recovery and enjoy a cashless treatment experience as long as it is within the overall annual benefits limit[4] and the treatment is medically necessary.

“For the best medical care, we believe in 3Rs: ‘Right patient with the Right doctor for the Right procedure‘. It is through this that healthcare resources can be used most efficiently and effectively for the betterment of Hong Kong while ensuring better clinical outcomes,” Dr. Chan said.

ABOUT AXA HONG KONG

AXA Hong Kong, a member of the AXA Group, prides itself on serving over 1 million customers* in Hong Kong and Macau. Besides being one of the largest health protection providers in Hong Kong, it is also the #1 General Insurance provider^ and the #1 insurance brand worldwide for the ninth consecutive year^#.

AXA Hong Kong has a clear goal of ’empowering people to live a better life’. This is reflected in everything we do. AXA Hong Kong is one of the most diversified insurers providing a full range of coverage for individual and commercial customers. We offer all-round, integrated solutions across Life, Health and Property & Casualty to address all their insurance needs.

AXA Hong Kong leverages on Big Data and AI to transform the end-to-end customer experience, making insurance simpler and more personal. As an innovative insurer, we continue to drive innovation notably in health and protection, supporting customers in prevention, treatment and recovery.

We also believe it is our inherent responsibility to support the communities in which we operate. The AXA Foundation is our flagship corporate social responsibility programme covering all of our efforts in promoting health, education and community support to create a positive and lasting impact for Hong Kong.

About HKSH Medical Group

HKSH Medical Group, officially launched in September 2017, promotes public health and advanced medicine through a multi-faceted, coordinated approach in clinical services, medical education, scientific research and public health education. Members of the Group, including Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, HKSH Healthcare and the soon-to-be commissioned HKSH Eastern Medical Centre, are dedicated to offering top-quality holistic care to patients, upholding the motto “Quality in Service, Excellence in Care”.

Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, established in 1922, is one of the leading private hospitals in Hong Kong known for its high quality of patient care based on advanced knowledge, expertise and technology. With about 500 beds and more than 30 specialist centres, the Hospital is committed to ensuring clinical and health care excellence in a pleasant, comfortable and modern environment.

HKSH Healthcare comprises a network of medical centres, which aim at delivering state-of-the-art and patient-centred care in Hong Kong. It offers top-quality community care, primary care and specialty care at convenient locations throughout Hong Kong. HKSH Healthcare Medical Centre located at One Pacific Place in Admiralty, currently offers ophthalmology, refractive surgery, dental care, digestive medicine, endoscopy, day surgery, pain management, cardiology, dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and skin laser services. Meanwhile, family medicine and primary care services are provided by HKSH Healthcare centres in Central, Taikoo, Island West and North Point. Oncology, neurology, rheumatology, and endocrine and diabetes services are also provided at our Central location while geriatric medicine services are available in both Central and Island West. Located in Tanner Hill, North Point, the Senior Citizen Wellness Centre is also now in service.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE:  AXA.COM.HK

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results and AXA’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Document de Référence (Annual Report) for the year ended December 31, 2016, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181003/2256183-1

ISNES, Belgium, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) (“Volition”) today announced very encouraging preliminary results from a proof of concept study using its Nu.Q™ diagnostic test in veterinary medicine at the 10^th anniversary meeting of the Belgian Technology Mission at Texas A&M University. The meeting was sponsored in part by the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX), a long-time supporter of Volition in Belgium.

The proof of concept study demonstrated that nucleosomes can be detected in dogs and, therefore, the potential to differentiate cancer from other conditions. Volition will now test its Nu.Q^™ platform in larger trials in veterinary medicine. Volition’s extensive intellectual property portfolio includes coverage of veterinary medicine applications.

While the veterinary market for cancer diagnostic testing is potentially large, Volition intends to do as much of this clinical trial work as possible through external collaborations thereby maintaining its internal focus on clinical research for human diseases. Volition has engaged an experienced consultant in the United States to define the business strategy and foster key relationships necessary to launch the commercialization process.

Volition plans to determine the performance of Nu.Q™ assays in larger trials in the most prevalent forms of canine malignancies in collaboration with Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles DVM, DACVIM, Associate Professor and Dr. Fred and Vola N. Palmer Chair in Comparative Oncology, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Small Animal Clinical Sciences Department.

Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles commented, “The Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine Oncology Department is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Volition. Their innovative work in the early identification of cancer has the potential to significantly impact veterinary oncology as we know it.”

Dr. Jason Terrell, Chief Executive Officer of Volition America Inc., said, “We are fortunate to be a part of the unique relationship between the Wallon region of Belgium and Texas A&M University.  AWEX, Texas A&M, and the various affiliates have been extraordinarily helpful and supportive of our efforts. We’re confident this partnership will provide the framework to expedite the development and commercialization of our veterinary diagnostic platform. The U.S. is currently the largest veterinary market in the world and has a clearly defined regulatory pathway via the USDA, requiring fewer and smaller clinical studies than the FDA process for human diagnostics. This generally allows a much faster route to revenue for veterinary products as compared to human products.”

About Volition

Volition is a multi-national life sciences company focused on developing simple, easy to use, cost effective blood tests designed to help diagnose a range of cancers. The tests are based on the technology platform of Nucleosomics®, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid – an indication that disease is present.

As cancer screening programs become more widespread, Volition’s products aim to help to diagnose a range of cancers quickly, simply, accurately and cost effectively. Early diagnosis has the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life. 

Volition intends to expand the application of its technology beyond cancer by exploring other disease applications. The company’s research and development activities are currently centered in Belgium, with additional offices in London, Texas and Singapore, as it focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide.

For more information about Volition, visit Volition’s website https://volitionrx.com/

or connect with us via:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/volitionrx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionrx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolitionRx/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VolitionRx

The contents found at Volition’s website address, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document.  The addresses for Volition’s website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are included in this document as inactive textual references only.

Media/Investor Contacts

Louise Day, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
mediarelations@volitionrx.com
+44 (0)7557 774620

Scott Powell, Executive Vice President, Investor Relations
investorrelations@volitionrx.com 
+1 (646) 650 1351

Joseph Green, Edison Advisors
jgreen@edisongroup.com 
+1 (646) 653 7030

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “aims,” “targets,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “optimizing,” “potential,” “goal,” “suggests,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to the effectiveness of Volition’s bodily-fluid-based diagnostic tests as well as Volition’s ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and/or other disease applications. Volition’s actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition’s failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products in the clinical IVD market; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition’s development pipeline or any other diagnostic products Volition might develop; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition’s intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics market and its rapid technological change; and other risks identified in Volition’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Nucleosomics®, NuQ®, Nu.Q™ and Hypergenomics® and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

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Source: Med X Change, Inc.

Source: Lifescan, Inc.