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JHL Biotech Receives Positive CHMP Scientific Advice for Global Phase III Clinical Trial of Proposed Trastuzumab Biosimilar to Treat Breast Cancer

HSINCHU and WUHAN, China, Aug. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — JHL Biotech has announced it received a positive Scientific Advice from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) related to the EU approval pathway for its proposed trastuzumab biosimilar, JHL1188, to treat breast cancer.

The reference biologic trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to target and block the function of HER2, a protein produced by a specific gene with cancer-causing potential when it is overexpressed. Given on its own as monotherapy, as well as in combination with or following standard chemotherapy, trastuzumab has been shown to improve overall survival, response rates, and disease-free survival while maintaining quality of life in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. The reference innovator biologic achieved approximately US$7 billion in sales globally in 2017 accordingly to publicly available sources.

The EMA, like other regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and State Drug Administration of China (SDA), adopts the principle of a step-wise approach and the totality of the evidence from all studies in regulating the development and approval of biosimilars. In its correspondence to JHL, the EMA confirmed it agrees with JHL’s development approach, clinical development proposal, and study design of the global Phase III clinical study for JHL1188 in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Based on the EMA’s review of these factors, the results of the Phase III clinical study will be acceptable for the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application as a biosimilar product, assuming the Phase III trial is completed successfully.

About JHL Biotech
JHL Biotech, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company founded by a group of industry veterans with deep experience in biologics development and operations. With a mission to provide the world with affordable medicines of exceptional quality, the company is focused on research and development of new protein-based therapies and biosimilars. JHL Biotech’s experienced leadership team, ongoing global clinical trials for its pipeline of biosimilar candidates and two Asia-based world-class biologics manufacturing facilities built in accordance with United States, European Union, and ICH cGMP regulations and standards uniquely position the company to be a leading global supplier of high quality biologics. JHL Biotech is backed by premier financial firms, including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital, Biomark Capital, Milestone Capital, Fidelity and the China Development Industrial Bank. For more information, please visit www.jhlbiotech.com.

Media Contact
Jill Liu | Email: jliu@jhlbiotech.com | Phone: +86-27-87879208
Amber Chen | Email: achen@jhlbiotech.com | Phone: +886 3-658-3899
Lee Henely | Email: lhenely@jhlbiotech.com | Phone: +886 3-658-3899

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “will,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. JHL undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of either company. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements.

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TOT BIOPHARM raises US$102 million in Series B Financing Round

TOT BIOPHARM’s high-end oncology drug technology platform garners great attention

SUZHOU, China, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — TOT BIOPHARM Company Limited (“TOT BIOPHARM”), headquartered in Suzhou Industrial Park, China, today announced the completion of a Series B financing round, raising US$102 million in capital. The financing round was supported by China Universal (Cayman) GP Limited and several renowned domestic and foreign investors, as well as investors who had participated in earlier rounds, including Center Laboratories Group, Vivo Capital, Chengwei Capital, Yuanta Financial Holdings Group and Cathay Capital. TOT BIOPHARM focuses on the R&D, manufacturing and marketing of high-end anti-tumor drugs. The company now has over 10 drugs in the R&D stage, including three biologics and three small molecules, which have received investigational new drug application (IND) approvals, as well as one antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), which is expected to receive approval soon. All project pipelines are meeting their milestones and all products on the roadmap are expected to reach the market according to their planned timelines.

TOT BIOPHARM general manager Gloria Huang said, “With the completion of this round, we are very pleased to see that our achievements to date as well as what we foresee for the future have been recognized by several renowned domestic and foreign investors and continue to receive the support of our existing shareholders. The financing will allow us to accelerate development of our key pipelines. TOT BIOPHARM is taking advantage of the high-speed growth opportunities in China’s oncology market. In the future, we will also utilize the existing advantages of our established platforms to expand multi-perspective partnerships and cooperation at different levels, so that the benefits of resource integration will be maximized.”


TOT BIOPHARM COMPANY general manager Gloria Huang

Vivo Capital, a major shareholder of TOT BIOPHARM, has partnered with the Series B investment team spanning several projects across multiple sectors. Existing shareholders and several renowned investors participated in the Series B round, fully demonstrating that investors have confidence in TOT BIOPHARM’s current achievements and future prospects. As a hi-tech company with the advantage of having built an integrated product R&D, manufacturing and marketing platform in the Chinese anti-tumor drug market, TOT BIOPHARM has been at the forefront of technological innovations and expansion into international markets for many years, and, as a result of having held steadfast to this approach, has achieved solid and steady progress. The firm has entered into strategic partnerships with several top-tier companies in the global anti-tumor sector. The completion of the Series B round will serve to accelerate the R&D of new products as well as the commercialization of existing ones, greatly improving TOT BIOPHARM’s competitive power and value.”

TOT BIOPHARM recently announced results of the Phase I clinical trial (double-blind, head-to-head pharmacokinetics and safety comparisons) of Bevacizumab biosimilar, TAB008, at ASCO 2018, demonstrating that both in pharmacokinetics and safety indicators, TAB008 shows high similarity to Avastin®. TAB008 is now in Phase III clinic trial, and, in terms of progress, TOT BIOPHARM is among the top three firms in China competing to get the drug on market. The financing will further accelerate the progress of TAB008’s Phase III study, as well as other R&D programs. The IND application for TAA013, an ADC, submitted by TOT BIOPHARM, is currently in the review process. With the higher threshold for manufacturing ADCs, the number of companies in China that can produce such drugs is quite limited. However, TOT BIOPHARM has its own manufacturing technologies and capability. The firm is in the process of ramping up production of its third-generation innovative oncolytic virus drug TVP211. Combined with its domestically leading BSL-2 certified virus manufacturing plant, TOT BIOPHARM plans to further accelerate the development program, taking a leadership position in this promising technology sector.


Mass cell culture for production of monoclonal antibodies

The construction of TOT BIOPHARM’s second-phase project – the monoclonal antibody R&D and manufacturing base was completed and put into operation in May 2018. The base, with a planned cell culture scale of up to 16,000L, was built in full compliance with international standards. Plans call for the establishment of three preparation production lines, responsible for the filling of drugs with different specifications. The facility also plans to successively launch a pre-filled preparation line, a lyophilized preparation line and a Grade OEL-5 plant for the mass production of ADC. The facility also has the flexibility to expand production capacities and adjust the layout of the production areas. Combining the existing 500L pilot plant, the facility is prepared to meet all demands for biologic drugs, from upstream R&D, pilot manufacturing, and clinical trial drugs to commercial production. 


BOSCH liquid preparation production line

The completion of the financing is a major milestone in TOT BIOPHARM’s efforts to accelerate commercialization of product pipelines. Together with the international standards-compliant monoclonal antibody R&D and manufacturing base, TOT BIOPHARM will open its platforms for collaboration, making it the most distinctive company and the best strategic partner in the high-end oncology field.

About TOT BIOPHARM

Founded in 2010, TOT BIOPHARM COMPANY Ltd. is headquartered in Suzhou Industrial Park in China. It is a bio-pharmaceutical company specializing in developing, manufacturing and commercializing oncology drugs.

TOT BIOPHARM has 3 technology platforms: (1) monoclonal antibodies/ ADCs, (2) oncolytic virus products, and (3) specialty anti-cancer drugs (liposomal drugs). 4 mAbs and 3 small molecules INDs were submitted, and 6 INDs have been approved by CFDA. A Phase III study of a mAb is ongoing.

TOT BIOPHARM established a competitive oncology drugs R&D and manufacturing base in Suzhou Industrial Park. The stage 1 construction includes a 500L-biologic pilot plant, OEL-5 isolator for ADCs, BSL-2 certified viral facility, and small molecule plants (oral and injectable). The Stage 2 construction is a state- of-the-art antibody R&D and manufacturing base with 16,000L capacity to accommodate the high-quality commercial manufacturing.

TOT BIOPHARM upholds its philosophy, “A Balance between Humanity and Technology”, and strives to break through high-tech barriers and develop economical new medication. The company focuses on affordable anti-cancer drugs, and offers patients the most suitable products at a reasonable price. Our ultimate goal as an anti-cancer corporation is to “Help cancer patients achieve mental and physical wellness”. For more information, please visit the company’s website http://www.totbiopharm.cn.

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Educating Future Health Diplomats: INDOHUN-style Health Sector Advocacy for Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — With a strong determination to produce brave, intelligent, and emphatic Health Diplomats in the global arena, Indonesia One Health University Network (INDOHUN) in collaboration with USAID and One Health Workforce (OHW) will hold an intensive health diplomacy training program at the Grand Bidakara Hotel Savoy Homann, Bandung, West Java, August 25-29.


GHD 2018 will be held at the Grand Bidakara Hotel Savoy Homann, Bandung, West Java, August 25-29, 2018

This health diplomacy training has a mission to create a superior generation in Indonesia that is able to play an active role in global health diplomacy with a target of producing 150 reliable health diplomats in 3 years period. This health diplomacy training consists of 40% theory and 60% practice. All training materials are prepared by the national and international level trainers from England, the Netherlands, United States of America and Africa.

This Health Diplomacy Training or Global Health Diplomacy (GHD) training is attended by young health-related professionals with minimum work experience of 3 years. Participants consist of various disciplinary backgrounds, such as public health disciplines, medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, defense diplomacy, pharmaceutical microbiology, international relations, and public administration.

The presence of health diplomats is important in relation to health issues that always arise in the realm of global politics, so that a comprehensive understanding is not only about political diplomacy, but also a deep understanding of health. Health diplomats are expected to be able to complement the colors of the global political realm with their knowledge in overcoming various health problems, resolving conflicts, and building collaboration to improve the quality of life of the global community.

In its implementation, the GHD provides scholarships worth IDR 7,000,000 or USD 800 for 30 selected participants. This scholarship includes accommodation, consumption, modules, training kits, and training costs (exclude transportation to/ from venue). The selected participants will be able to experience international networking session and world-class negotiation simulations free of charge.

GHD also provides practical education to hone participants’ skills. Each participant is required to follow a whole series of activities including practice of diplomacy and negotiation, political communication and lobbying, and the official international trial simulation or multi-stage negotiation simulation (MSNS).

In this MSNS the participants will conduct a diplomatic session simulation and act as diplomats who must be critical of foreign policy, national and regional security, have tactical response to the development of global health problems, as well as quick and appropriate attitudes in making strategic decisions.

Professor Wiku Adisasmito as a global health expert who is also the coordinator of INDOHUN stressed that the application of MSNS in this GHD training aims to give participants realistic diplomatic simulations. In the simulation, they are required to be able to be Indonesian Health Diplomats with high integrity for the nation and state.

“Not only through MSNS, the participants were also provided with training on diplomatic strategies and table manner training which is very important for global health diplomats” explained Wiku who is also Professor of the University of Indonesia’s Health Faculty.

This Health Diplomacy Training also answered instructions from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during the opening of the International Conference and Table Top Exercise for Global Health Security at the State Palace last year. At that time President Jokowi emphasized that to prevent global health threats, cooperation between health practitioners, across sectors and across countries is needed. President Jokowi also emphasized the importance of investing in human resources in various fields, one of which is investment in health human resources.

Like the tit for tat, President Jokowi’s statement was then responded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Center for Multilateral Policy Study and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) through the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activity “Indonesian Health Diplomacy Strategy in a Global Context” held in Depok, March 2018 ago.

The FGD reaffirmed some of Indonesia’s achievements in the health sector, including Indonesia’s success in gaining access to the H5N1 vaccine in 2008 and the role of the Bio Farma Indonesia industry which currently supplies 60% of the global polio vaccine. In this FGD also noted the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in addressing various health problems both at national, regional and global levels.

This GHD training is the second GHD training that INDOHUN held. Previously it was held in Jakarta in 2017. It was participated by 30 young health professionals who were selected through a very strict selection. There were at least hundreds of people who registered in 2017, and that number doubles this year. High interest from the registrants shows how important GHD activities are for health professionals who want to get education to become a reliable Health Diplomat. This year’s GHD activities will be very different from the quality of the programs that continue to be improved from the previous year. This GHD participant registration is still open for non-scholarship programs. This training registration form can be accessed through THIS link.

“Our focus this year is the health system in the current era, of course this theme will be dissected by national and international trainers through various diplomatic materials and practices that we prepared specifically,” explained Fiqhi Rizky as the GHD Program Officer this year. (*)

Register and find out more here: http://globalhealthdiplomacy.id/index.php#contentExecutive

Media Contact:

Syayu Zhukhruffa
Communication Manager
Indonesia One Health University Network (INDOHUN)
G Building 3rd Floor, Room G316
Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java
phone/fax: +6221 29302084

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Alternate Health Signs Contract Expected to Significantly Increase Lab Business

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Alternate Health Corp. (“Alternate Health” or the “Company“) (CSE:AHG) (OTCQB:AHGIF), an international leader in software solutions for the medical cannabis industry, announced today that the Company signed a binding contract on August 6, 2018, to provide laboratory services for a large multistate laboratory provider.


Alternate Health Corp.

Alternate Health expects to begin testing samples in August and is targeting a ramp up to a monthly sample rate of 25,000 – 30,000 by December 2018. August is forecasted to begin with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 samples monthly with an increase of 5,000 to 6,000 additional samples per month. The assumptions on sample volumes, both to start in August and the December projections, were made after carefully reviewing the current needs and future growth projected by the referring entity.

Regional fees per sample run between US$50.00 to US$250.00, with averages falling into the US$130 to US$150 range. Costs and expenses associated with performing the tests certainly vary with volume, with Alternate Health’s historical numbers falling between US$35.00 to US$70.00 per sample.

“This is a major step forward for the Company and Alternate Health Labs,” says Dr. Michael Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Alternate Health. “This deal represents the culmination of all the hard work and dedication we have put into our laboratory strategy.”

In late 2017 through 2018, the Company completed a program of upgrades at Alternate Health Lab’s San Antonio facility. As a result, Alternate Health Labs now has the capacity to run blood, toxicology, allergy, pharmacogenetics, respiratory pathogen panels and women’s health panels. 

“With this agreement, Alternate Health will benefit from the investments we have made in our laboratory business,” says Dr. Murphy. “We are excited to build a stable financial foundation to move forward with our mission to be the technology leader in the international cannabis industry.”

Company Updates

Dr. Michael Murphy will also provide an update to the last CEO Report in the next week as promised.

For more information about Alternate Health, visit www.alternatehealth.com.

About Alternate Health

Alternate Health Corp. (CSE: AHG, OTCQB: AHGIF) Alternate Health has established multiple arms-length operations within the medical cannabis industry, each of which drives consumers, data and strategic opportunities to the Company’s other verticals. This sophisticated cross-integration of the company’s enterprises has positioned Alternate Health as one of the only cannabis companies that delivers consistent revenue and intellectual property without growing, manufacturing or distributing the cannabis plant. Through its software solutions, data analytics, and patented delivery systems, Alternate Health’s goal is to be the global authority on scientific and clinical support for cannabis in regulated markets. Alternate Health is well positioned to reinvest internal operating cash flow in its platform over the long term, creating an attractive investment profile for its shareholders.

Alternate Health resides in the cannabis sector along with companies like GW Pharmaceuticals, AXIM Biotechnologies Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation, and Aphria Inc. Alternate Health is differentiated from other cannabis companies by its focus on ancillary services for patients, healthcare professionals and regulatory providers rather than selling a commodity.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “expects” and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company’s future operations, business prospects, anticipated lab sample increases and potential revenues, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

For Further Information: Investor Relations Contact: Nancy Goertzen, CPIR, 1.604.512.7122 | n.goertzen@alternatehealth.ca; Jim Griffiths, Director, 1.416.607.5757 | j.griffiths@alternatehealth.ca

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Source: Alternate Health Corp.

I-Mab Biopharma and MorphoSys Announce China IND Submission of TJ202/MOR202

SHANGHAI, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — On August 8, 2018 Beijing time I-Mab Biopharma (“I-Mab”), a Shanghai-based biotech company focused on innovative biologics in oncology and autoimmune disease, and German biopharma company MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX; NASDAQ: MOR) announced today that I-Mab has Submitted an investigational new drug (IND) application to China National Drug Administration (CNDA) for TJ202/MOR202, a human monoclonal antibody directed against CD38 for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer worldwide. The patient number has gradually increased in China in recent years due to an increasingly aging population. Yet there are no effective biologics approved in China for this indication and current therapies have been associated with serious side effects and limited treatment efficacy.

TJ202/MOR202 is a monoclonal antibody derived from MorphoSys’s HuCAL antibody technology. The antibody is directed against CD38 on the surface of multiple myeloma cells, and, according to its suggested mode of action, recruits cells of the body’s immune system to kill the tumor. Scientific research suggest that an anti-CD38 antibody may have therapeutic potential in other cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases.

China recently issued a new round of reform initiatives to accelerate clinical trial approval for new drugs, especially in oncology. “The IND submission was done after a successful pre-submission consultation meeting with Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of CNDA, which is required under China’s new drug regulation, unless waived,” said Dr. Joan Shen, Head of R&D at I-Mab.

“CNDA has endorsed the overall clinical and regulatory strategy, as well as the study designs, which should lead to the biologics license application (BLA),” said Dr. Joan Shen.Through a licensing agreement with MorphoSys AG in November 2017, I-Mab gained exclusive rights to develop and commercialize TJ202/MOR202 in Greater China territory, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

After observing patient responses in an interim analysis from an ongoing Phase I/IIa trial in patients with relapsed/refractory MM in Germany and Austria, MorphoSys decided to support I-Mab to lead clinical development of TJ202/MOR202 in Greater China. MorphoSys will continue to evaluate additional other suitable indications for further global development of TJ202/MOR202.

Dr. Malte Peters, Chief Development Officer of MorphoSys AG commented: “We are delighted that our partner I-Mab has taken this important step in advancing TJ202/MOR202 into clinical development in China. We look forward to supporting I-Mab in developing this investigational compound with the goal of helping Chinese patients in multiple myeloma, an indication with a high unmet medical need”.

“With a fast-to-market strategy under the new drug regulation, we hope to bring this innovative treatment to patients as soon as possible,” Dr. Shen commented. “MorphoSys and I-Mab plan to continuously evaluate the potential and further development of TJ202 in other indications.”

About I-Mab Biopharma

Having built a world-class R&D capability and highly experienced team, I-Mab focuses on discovery and development of First-in-Class and Best-in-Class biologics in the areas of immuno-oncology and immuno-inflammation. The company has already submitted several IND applications and is prepared to submit additional INDs in order to initiate clinical trials in China and the US, including multiple Phase II and Phase III studies. I-Mab is on a fast track toward becoming an end-to-end fully integrated biopharma company. The company has been well recognized by capital market by successfully raising US $330 million within two years, the recent Series C financing was representing one of the largest amounts ever in C round by an innovative biotech company in China. http://www.i-mabbiopharma.com

About MorphoSys:

MorphoSys is a late-stage, biopharmaceutical company devoted to the development of innovative and differentiated therapies for patients suffering from serious diseases. Based on its technological leadership in generating antibodies, MorphoSys, together with its partners, has developed and contributed to the development of more than 100 product candidates, of which 29 are currently in clinical development. This broad pipeline spans MorphoSys’s two business segments: Proprietary Development, in which MorphoSys invests in product candidates for its own account, and Partnered Discovery, in which product candidates are developed exclusively for a variety of Pharma and Biotech partners. In 2017, Tremfya® (guselkumab), marketed by Janssen, became the first therapeutic antibody based on MorphoSys’s proprietary technology to receive marketing approval for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in the United States, the European Union and Canada. MorphoSys is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the U.S. stock exchange Nasdaq under the symbol MOR. For regular updates about MorphoSys, visit https://www.morphosys.com.

HuCAL®, HuCAL GOLD®, HuCAL PLATINUM®, CysDisplay®, RapMAT®, arYla®, Ylanthia®, 100 billion high potentials®, Slonomics®, Lanthio Pharma® and LanthioPep® are registered trademarks of the MorphoSys Group. Tremfya® is a trademark of Janssen Biotech.

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies, including the partnering expectations in connection with MOR202 and expectations regarding the further development of MOR202 in multiple myeloma in Greater China, including the intended targeting of CD38, potential additional indications such as autoimmune diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus, potential future payments to be made to MorphoSys under the licensing agreement for MOR202, assumptions regarding the submission of an IND application to China National Drug Administration (CNDA) for MOR202 as well as expectations regarding the current clinical phase 1/2a development in multiple myeloma by MorphoSys. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which might cause the actual results, financial condition and liquidity, performance or achievements of MorphoSys, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions and liquidity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if MorphoSys’ results, performance, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with such forward-looking statements, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods. Among the factors that may result in differences are MorphoSys’ expectations regarding the partnering expectations in connection with MOR202 and expectations regarding the further development of MOR202 in multiple myeloma in Greater China, including the intended targeting of CD38, potential additional indications such as autoimmune diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus, potential future payments to be made to MorphoSys under a licensing agreement for MOR202, assumptions regarding the submission of an IND application to China National Drug Administration (CNDA) for MOR202 as well as expectations regarding the current clinical phase 1/2a development in multiple myeloma by MorphoSys, MorphoSys’ reliance on collaborations with third parties, estimating the commercial potential of its development programs and other risks indicated in the risk factors included in MorphoSys’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 and other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. MorphoSys expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, unless specifically required by law or regulation.

For more information, please contact:

MorphoSys AG
Alexandra Goller
Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR

Jochen Orlowski
Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR

Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Löser
Investor Relations Officer

Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-404
investors@morphosys.com

I-Mab Biopharma

Raven Lin, Vice President of Corporate Development
raven.lin@i-mabbiopharma.com 

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/i-mab-biopharma-and-morphosys-announce-china-ind-submission-of-tj202mor202-300693659.html

JNCCN — Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Strengthens Editorial Focus on Original, Impactful Research into Cancer Care Delivery

Journal reaches new heights for readership and impact rating thanks to expanding content, including new studies, panel insights, and NCCN Guidelines® 

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Today, JNCCN — Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network introduced new associate editors, who reflect the journal’s growing focus on original research designed to improve the quality of cancer care delivery, worldwide. The expanding focus on original research is led by Editor-in-Chief Margaret Tempero, MD, Professor of Medicine and Director of the UCSF Pancreas Center at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. This vision has resulted in an all-time high impact factor for the journal. According to InCites Journal Citation Report data from Clarivate Analytics, articles from JNCCN were cited 5,143 times in 2017, resulting in an impact factor of 6.471 for the year, which places it in the top quartile for all oncology journals. This upward trajectory is also illustrated by rising readership rates in print, a half-million jump in page views online, and research submission rates increasing 500% over the past four years.

“Our greater focus on original research helps us build on the strength of the NCCN Guidelines we publish, and furthers NCCN’s mission to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of care so that patients can live better lives,” said Dr. Tempero. “JNCCN is a key source for new information about health services, outcomes, comparative effectiveness, and quality improvement. The studies we publish are changing the way people with cancer receive treatment by drawing attention to where we fall short and highlighting how we can do better.”

In order to accommodate continuous growth, JNCCN recently restructured the make-up of the executive editorial board. After an extensive national search, the journal invited eight accomplished health services researchers from various NCCN Member Institutions to help oversee content. That group now includes:

In recent weeks alone, JNCCN studies have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Physician’s Weekly, Everyday Health, and numerous other outlets. Studies have featured topics such as: breast cancer survivor mammogram rates, the “weekend effect” on emergency colorectal cancer surgery, and the importance of communication around end-of-life care.

Every issue of JNCCN also includes the publication of a recently updated edition of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®).

“The NCCN Guidelines provide the foundation which all of our work is built on,” explained Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “JNCCN is one of the ways we share the latest updates in cancer care standards from those guidelines. The journal also provides an essential platform for disseminating the kind of high-quality research that leads to people with cancer receiving better care.”

JNCCN publishes 13 issues every year, with select content available for free online at JNCCN.org for three months after publication. NCCN Guidelines Panel Chairs serve as members of JNCCN‘s Guidelines Editorial Board to provide additional oversight, topic suggestions, and feedback on editorial decisions.

About JNCCN — Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
More than 25,000 oncologists and other cancer care professionals across the United States read JNCCN — Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This peer-reviewed, indexed medical journal provides the latest information about best clinical practices, health services research, and translational medicine. JNCCN features updates on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®), review articles elaborating on guidelines recommendations, health services research, and case reports highlighting molecular insights in patient care. JNCCN is published by Harborside Press. Visit JNCCN.org. To inquire if you are eligible for a FREE subscription to JNCCN, visit http://www.nccn.org/jnccn/subscribe.asp. Follow JNCCN on Twitter @JNCCN.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 27 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education, is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers.

The NCCN Member Institutions are: Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH; City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA; DanaFarber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, Jacksonville, FL, and Rochester, MN; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL; UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN; and Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Clinicians, visit NCCN.org. Patients and caregivers, visit NCCN.org/patients. Media, visit NCCN.org/news. Follow NCCN on Twitter @NCCNnews and Facebook @National.Comprehensive.Cancer.Network.

Media Contact:
Rachel Darwin
+1-267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org 

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Adlai Nortye Announces Engagement of Lars E. Birgerson, M.D., Ph.D., as CDO and President/CEO of Adlai Nortye USA

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd. (“Adlai Nortye” or “the Company”), a leading biopharmaceutical company in China, announced that Lars E. Birgerson, M.D., Ph.D., joins the company as Chief Development Officer (CDO) and President & CEO of Adlai Nortye USA Inc on July 1st. In his role, Dr. Birgerson will provide leadership and direction to advance Adlai Nortye’s pipeline of clinical development programs in cancer treatment, with primary focus on immuno-oncology.

Along with significant domain experience in immuno-oncology and global clinical development, Dr. Birgerson brings extensive knowledge from commercial, business development, and medical affairs, both globally and in the U.S. Prior to Adlai Nortye, Dr. Birgerson served as Senior Vice President, Medical R&D at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). At BMS, Dr. Birgerson was responsible for realignment of the Medical Affairs and Health Economics/Outcomes teams toward emerging opportunities in Specialty Medicine, particularly immuno-oncology.

Dr. Birgerson is a physician with more than 25 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in senior positions for a number of leading companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Roche, and Pharmacia. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. and completed residencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Surgery, Gynecological Oncology, and Urological Surgery at Uppsala University in Sweden. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Sweden.

“I am very excited to be joining the Adlai Nortye team in building a Global Biotech Company with Chinese roots. Adlai Nortye is a challenger in biotech with a very exciting portfolio of middle and late stage compounds, which holds considerable promise for patients,” said Dr. Birgerson. “I look forward to working closely with the many talents within Adlai Nortye to bring more innovative treatments to help enhance the lives of cancer patients around the world.”

“We are very fortunate to have the leadership of Dr. Birgerson in our clinical development programs and the operations of our US organization,” said Carsten Lu, CEO of Adlai Nortye. “At Adlai Nortye, our goal is to grow into a globally aligned, world-class biotech firm. I am confident that Dr. Birgerson, with his credentials and track record, will provide the leadership needed, adding to the strengths of the current Adlai Nortye team to help us achieve that goal and reach an even greater level of success.”

About Adlai Nortye

Adlai Nortye is a science-led biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing new drugs in the field of oncology/immuno-oncology. Our mission is to improve patient lives by identifying and acquiring differentiated innovative medicines that help people live better and longer. Through close collaboration with global partners, we have successfully positioned ourselves in the fields of immuno-oncology/oncology and have several programs ongoing from early pre-clinical to phase 3 ready.

For further information about Adlai Nortye, please visit: http://www.adlainortye.com/en.php

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Source: Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Different ways to move (Editor’s Note)

There are many ways that we can move to achieve our fitness goals. Everyone have a choice of CrossFit, TRX, yoga, zumba, weightlifting and many more. But the very basic that’s recommended is achieving 10,000 steps a day.

 

Achieving this is extremely unrealistic, says Stuart Heritage in his article in The Guardian. In the article, he suggests another alternative towards achieving 10,000 steps per day and tracking those steps using a fitness tracker. He also said SHAME should be our greatest motivator.

As blunt and direct Mr. Heritage is, I would have to agree. Being and keeping fit is not merely about meeting your daily step goals. I use Google Fit to track my steps and other exercise apps that are connected with it. However, Google Fit is unable to track how many random push ups I do per day. It also occasionally tracks me as running or riding a bicycle when all I’ve done is walking. I can’t have been walking that fast!

Now, putting your step tracking activities aside, there are different ways that we can move in order to achieve our fitness goals. These exercises do not have to be boring though. What counts is that you move – playing with your toddler, walking around in circles while on your phone, and more.

This week’s articles will introduce two different ways to move your body. We have Gyrokinesis review from Beyond Movement and a review of Jump Street. Both reviews feature different types of movement.

We also have an article of KYDRA sports apparel and a rehabilitative method called Rolfing. The latter is extremely difficult to describe but is extraordinary in helping people out with injuries and more.

Keep moving, dear readers! #Move8

Mundipharma’s painfocus(TM) Digital Platform Set to Revolutionise Pain Measurement and Management via Artificial Intelligence

Mundipharma joins forces with Singapore HealthTech Startup Biofourmis developing painfocus

SINGAPORE, Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Mundipharma has announced the development of painfocus, a revolutionary new end-to-end pain management solution that significantly increases the objectivity of pain measurement, something that has been historically difficult. This has the potential to completely transform how caregivers and doctors manage their patients’ pain.

Leveraging on Biofourmis’ biovitals analytics engine, painfocus uses advanced machine learning that combines multiple physiology biomarkers captured using wearable devices to calculate the presence and severity of pain.

The app can capture, monitor and analyse data generated by patients in an inpatient or outpatient setting, and share with caregivers an accurate picture of health including level of pain, quality of life and general physiology in real-time via a web-based dashboard.

It also enables digital patient-caregiver communication, which is particularly significant for patients who don’t have the ability to verbally explain how they’re suffering.

painfocus has been tested in an early feasibility study conducted in multiple hospitals in South Africa from January to May 2018 that continuously monitored the physiology of knee arthroplasty patients using Everion® physiology monitor. The study found significant correlations between patient-reported pain scores and the results calculated by painfocus in an ambulatory, real-world setting.

“Pain affects up to 1.9 Billion people globally[1], with massive associated healthcare costs,” says Mundipharma CEO, Raman Singh. “Currently there’s significant room for improvement in how pain is evaluated, and we’re working to address this through the innovative use of machine learning.”

“The ability to objectively assign a value to pain has the potential to transform how clinicians assess and manage their patients, resulting in a more optimal care pathway,” he added.

Mundipharma’s latest digital healthcare solution was developed and tested in partnership with leading digital health technology company Biofourmis, which specializes in augmenting personalized care with digital therapeutics. 

Founder & CEO of Biofourmis, Kuldeep Singh Rajput, said “To be able to measure pain has always been a challenge in the medical field. Many tests are too one-dimensional and only measure pain at one point of time, mostly determined by the physician. Using painfocus to continuously measure pain in an ambulatory setting will revolutionize how clinicians treat and manage their patients.”

painfocus will further be evaluated in an investigator-initiated study in multiple public hospitals in Singapore, on how this solution can augment clinical care for patients in treatment. The study is being funded by Mundipharma.

painfocus is the latest in a series of digital initiatives developed by Mundipharma out of its Regional Head Office in Singapore, which also acts as an innovation hub where digital ideation and content creation takes place. In the last two years, mobile apps and digital initiatives have been developed for all our therapy areas. Mundipharma have been early adopters of innovative technology including, virtual reality, augmented reality and gamification. These initiatives have been primarily focused on medical education for both doctors and patients and have been developed in response to ongoing unmet needs.

About Mundipharma

Mundipharma is a network of independent associated companies, which are privately owned entities covering pharmaceutical markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The headquarters for these territories is in Singapore. Mundipharma consistently delivers high-quality medicines while standing by the values it represents. Its mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients and to substantially improve their quality of life. Mundipharma is dedicated to bringing to patients the benefit of novel treatment options in fields such as pain, oncology, oncology supportive care, ophthalmology, respiratory disease and consumer healthcare.

For more information, please visit: www.mundipharma.com.sg

About Biofourmis

Biofourmis is a healthcare data analytics company that provides patients with affordable, effective health management solutions that personalizes and improves their experience and quality of care. Using mobile technology and wearable biosensors, their AI-empowered health analytics platform, Biovitals continuously personalizes user experience to optimize engagement and predicts exacerbation days in advance before a critical event. This dual-edged diagnostic precision and early intervention results in improved health outcomes, lowering the healthcare burden and costs.

For more information, please visit: www.biofourmis.com

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Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Wound Healing Society Singapore and Zuellig Pharma team up to advance wound care expertise in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday 3 August by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)’s Centre for Asian Nursing Studies (CANS), the Wound Healing Society of Singapore (WHSS) and Zuellig Pharma to launch a Wound Care Programme to promote excellence in wound care and management in Singapore and the region.


(L-R) Frederick Fong, Zuellig Pharma Regional Marketing Director, George Eassey, Zuellig Pharma SVP Commercial Solutions, Dr Chew Khong Yik, President of the Wound Healing Society of Singapore, Assoc Prof Tan Bien Keem, Dr Eugene Fidelis Soh, CEO Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Yong Keng Kwang, Chief Nurse Tan Tock Seng Hospital

(L-R) Dr Chew Khong Yik, President of the Wound Healing Society of Singapore, Frederick Fong, Zuellig Pharma Regional Marketing Director, George Eassey, Zuellig Pharma SVP Commercial Solutions, Assoc Prof Tan Bien Keem, Dr Eugene Fidelis Soh, CEO Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Yong Keng Kwang, Chief Nurse Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Members from Zuellig Pharma, TTSH and WHSS

Based on the Woundexpert ICW programme by German certification body Initiative Chronische Wunden (ICW), this wound care programme is co-organised by CANS and WHSS, and led by ICW-certified trainers Dr Chew Khong Yik, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and Ms Diane Eng, Nurse Clinician at TTSH, with support from an international pool of wound care experts. The programme covers topics such as management of wound infection, coordination of care for patients with chronic wounds, and multidisciplinary approaches to wound management. There will also be two days of observational clinical attachments.

The ICW certifies wound care professionals and their hospitals and clinics as wound management trainers and centres in their respective countries. Over 30,000 healthcare professionals have been certified by the ICW across Europe.

In the treatment of wounds, the goal is to accelerate the wound healing process towards full wound closure and promote the well-being of patients. Ageing populations and the rise of non-infectious chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia have been contributing to the growing prevalence of chronic wounds in Singapore, i.e. wounds that last more than eight weeks and with an underlying cause. If not seen to properly, infection and other complications can set in, affecting the patient’s healing.

The management of chronic wounds is multifaceted and complex. As such, different specialities may adopt various approaches in treating these difficult problems. With the rise in chronic wounds, there is a need for greater education and training for healthcare professionals in the treatment of such wounds, in order to deliver consistent and continuous care and management.

Mr Yong Keng Kwang, Chief Nurse of TTSH and Director of CANS, said, “CANS aims to be a platform for transforming nursing practice in Asia, and we’re excited to give regional and local nurses the opportunity to form a Community of Practice in advancing wound management especially targeted at an Asian patient base. TTSH sees more than 7,000 wound cases a year, and on top of their daily work, our four wound nurse specialists have been conducting research studies in order to advance wound care for our patients.”

Dr Chew Khong Yik, who also serves as President of the WHSS, commented, “WHSS represents all healthcare professionals and allied health professionals who are passionate about wound care in Singapore. To this end, the new ICW standard aims to provide a common platform for all wound care practitioners to come together and contribute in the education of chronic wound care, to raise public awareness and to help combat the increasingly common problem of chronic wounds.”

George Eassey, SVP Zuellig Pharma Commercial Solutions commented, “Supporting the training of medical professionals and making innovative solutions available in the treatment of wounds are critical to improving access to quality healthcare. We are proud and very eager to bring necessary attention to wound care and help patients accelerate their recovery through this partnership.”

The Wound Care Programme will be launched officially in October 2018.

About Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Tan Tock Seng Hospital is one of Singapore’s largest multi-disciplinary hospitals, with more than 170 years of pioneering medical care and development. The Hospital has 43 clinical disciplines and three institutes that are spearheading care, research and innovations in geriatric medicine, infectious diseases, and ophthalmology. Powered by 9,000 healthcare staff, TTSH sees over 2,700 patients at its specialist clinics and some 450 patients at its emergency department every day.

TTSH is part of the National Healthcare Group, providing holistic and integrated patient care. With a strong quality culture steeped in patient safety, TTSH constantly challenges itself to provide faster, better, cheapter and safer care for patients. To achieve this, the Hospital keeps abreast and believes in investing in its staff, facilities, medical technology and system improvements.

More information is available at www.ttsh.com.sg

About the Centre for Asian Nursing Studies

The Centre for Asian Nursing Studies seeks to become the first dedicated Asian centre to strengthen nursing’s contribution where regional and domestic partners can better collaborate to grow competencies, transform practice, and promote thought leadership through nursing education, research, and innovation. More information is available at www.ttsh.com.sg/nursing/cans

About Wound Healing Society Singapore

The Wound Healing Society of Singapore seeks to represent all doctors, nurses and allied health professionals involved in wound care. As an association, we form partnerships with our counterparts in Asia and beyond. We strive to promote active collaboration among all practitioners in tackling the increasing problem of chronic wounds by providing a platform to share ideas on the epidemiology, prevention and management strategies.

About Zuellig Pharma

Zuellig Pharma is one of the largest healthcare services group in Asia. We provide world-class distribution, digital and commercial services to support the growing healthcare needs in this region. The company was started almost a hundred years ago and has grown to become a US$10 billion business covering 13 markets in Asia with over 10,000 employees. Our purpose is to make healthcare more accessible. Our people serve over 320,000 medical facilities in Asia and we work with over 1000 clients including the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world.

More recently, we launched our Zuellig Health Solutions Innovation centre to develop new services and address some pressing healthcare needs in Asia. Since then, our teams have been focused on creating data, digital and disease management solutions, supporting patients with chronic conditions and helping payors manage healthcare costs.

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