HOUSTON, June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

India-Based APAC Biotech and US-Based Diakonos Research sign a first-of-its-kind technology transfer and licensing agreement to bring new immunotherapy technology to India as an advancement of immuno-oncology therapeutics for solid tumors.

This new path breaking technology effectively targets and activates the tumor antigen specific CTL-response and is differentiated from peer technologies in its ability to generate durable immunological memory. On the basis of pre-clinical animal data shared by Dr. William Decker and his research team at Baylor College of Medicine, APAC Biotech plans to launch phase II clinical trials in India for advanced brain and pancreatic cancers, that have limited treatment options.

“We are committed to accelerating the availability of novel immuno-oncology treatments to patients with high unmet medical needs in India and around the globe,” said Mr. Arun K. Mehra, CEO, APAC Biotech Pvt. Ltd, the new long-term memory potentiation technology is a highly promising, best-in-class cancer immunotherapy anticipated to improve outcomes even further. APAC management is in talks with large investors for production scale-up of currently approved products and future clinical development trials.  

About APAC Biotech 

A leading biotechnology company in India involved in research and manufacturing of Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer since over a decade. Their product APCEDEN® was developed after a thorough research based on the principles of Immunology. In the trials conducted by APAC Biotech in the past with APCEDEN®, an overall response of 42.1 % (irRC) was demonstrated in patients with advanced refractory solid cancers and APCEDEN® was approved by the Indian FDA in March 2017.

About Diakonos Research, Ltd. 

A development-stage immuno-oncology partnership founded in 2015 to commercialize basic research discoveries made in the Texas Medical Center. The company holds multiple licensing agreements with Baylor College of Medicine and an extensive worldwide IP portfolio in the immuno-oncology space. Diakonos is pursuing US-based clinical development strategies with novel innate signaling, CAR T-cell, and cell-based vaccine strategies while simultaneously capitalizing upon strategic partnerships in foreign marketplaces.

This press release contains ‘forward-looking’ statements, including statements regarding the conduct of clinical trials. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in healthcare development. APAC Biotech undertakes no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Contact
Dr. Bandana Sharan
+91-124-4207575
drbandana@apacbiotech.com 

Source: APAC Biotech Pvt. Ltd.

Improving the quality of life for cancer patients worldwide with innovative science and technology

SUZHOU, China, June 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese bio-pharmaceutical developer, manufacturer and marketer of oncology drugs TOT BIOPHARM announced recently that its second phase project, a monoclonal antibodies (mAb) production site with 16,000L capacity, was inaugurated in Suzhou Industrial Park in May 2018. The 13,000-square meter facility will be capable of meeting all-around demand from the biopharmaceutical sector for upstream research and development, pilot-scale production, clinical trial drugs production and commercial production. With the new facility, TOT BIOPHARM will also be able to produce both biologic drugs and small molecular drugs at commercial scale. Attendees at the ceremony included Suzhou municipal standing committee member and Suzhou Industrial Park party secretary Wu Qingwen, accompanied by leaders of the party working Committee and the administrative committee, among them, Sun Yanyan, Han Jiang and Zhu Jiang.

TOT BIOPHARM Company Limited, established in Suzhou Industrial Park in 2010, is a high-tech enterprise specialized in the R&D, production and marketing of innovative oncology drugs. The company has established an industry leading anti-tumor drug technology platform, developed multiple series and varieties of antitumor drugs and formed a high-quality product portfolio. The first phase of construction for the specialized cancer drug production base, including 500L-biologic pilot plant , OEL-5 isolator for ADC, BSL-2 certified viral facility, and small molecule plant (2 oral and 1 injectable plants), was completed in 2012.

In a move to enhance the company’s production capacity and further meet the demand for oncology drugs worldwide, TOT BIOPHARM broke ground on the construction of the second phase for a mAb production base in 2016. The new facility integrated advanced biotechnology and high-end manufacturing technologies in tandem with upgrading existing equipment, processes, products and quality standards, and will include a production line of pre-filled preparations and a commercial scale lyophilization area for antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). The production capacity of mAbs is on track to be scaled up to 16,000L, making it one of the largest such facilities within China’s biopharmaceutical industry. The factory is expected to provide high-quality yet affordable drugs to patients, acting to cut the country’s medical costs while enhancing the global competitiveness.

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Academy to Provide Accreditation Technical Assistance, Preparation, Resources and Training

OAK BROOK, Illinois, June 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Joint Commission International (JCI) and China Resources Healthcare Group Ltd. (CRHG) have named the JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management, a joint venture of the two organizations, as the exclusive provider for JCI advisory services for health care organizations in Mainland China (PRC), Hong Kong and Macao. The JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management provides accreditation technical assistance, preparation, resources and training, allowing Chinese health care organizations to have one official source for all JCI advisory services. 

“Our expert advisory services are in high demand among local hospitals,” said Marwa Zohdy, PhD, CJCP, vice president, Global Consulting Services, JCI. “These hospitals need top-tier consultants, who bring a global perspective on the JCI accreditation process, but also understand the local context. The JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management addresses these needs, and it benefits not only organizations new to JCI accreditation but also those in need of re-accreditation and other quality and safety improvement support.”

“We look forward to continuing to invest in PRC and see opportunity for the growth and improvement of health care across the region,” added Paula Wilson, president and CEO, JCI.

“These new advisory services, offered exclusively by the JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management, mean more Chinese health care professionals will receive top-level training to help increase the adoption and transformation of patient safety improvement practices in our nation’s public and private hospitals,” said Jeff Shan, chairman of the board, JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management.

JCI is a global leader in health care quality improvement and patient safety — nearly 1,000 organizations in 68 countries have earned its prestigious Gold Seal of Approval^®. In PRC, 93 hospitals, academic medical centers and ambulatory facilities are accredited by JCI. CRHG is a health care industry platform centered on medical treatment that specializes in hospital investment and operations management.

The JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management launched in 2015, and some of its first activities were translating JCI’s popular titles into Chinese, including its 6th edition of Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, as well as conducting education and training events for health care organizations across PRC.

JCI will continue to perform accreditation surveys separately. The use of JCI advisory services is not necessary to obtain accreditation from JCI, nor does it influence the granting of such accreditation.

For more information on the JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management, please visit jci-crhg.com.hk.

About Joint Commission International
Joint Commission International is the world’s leader in health care accreditation and the author and evaluator of the most rigorous international standards in quality and patient safety. The mission of JCI is to improve the safety and quality of care in the international community through the provision of education, publications, consultation, and evaluation services. JCI seeks a world where every patient receives the highest quality of care possible. Founded in 1994 by The Joint Commission, JCI works with international health care organizations, public health agencies, health ministries and others in more than 100 countries. Learn more about Joint Commission International at www.jointcommissioninternational.org/?ref=JCIPR.

About China Resources Healthcare Group
China Resources Healthcare Group Limited, founded in Hong Kong in 2011, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd. (CR). CR is one of the key, large-scale state-owned enterprises under direct administration of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. China Resources Healthcare, as a primary profit center under CR, is specialized in hospital investment and operations management. It is a healthcare industry platform centered on medical treatment, which will be CR’s future focus. Learn more about China Resources Healthcare Group at www.crhealthcare.com.hk.

About JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management 
JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management (Beijing) Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between Joint Commission International (JCI) and China Resources Healthcare Group, incorporated in April 2015 and headquartered in Hong Kong with a wholly owned foreign entity in Beijing. Through the provision of advisory services, education and publications, the company aims to cultivate local professionals in quality management using JCI’s leading knowledge system of quality and patient safety to improve health care organizations in PRC. The address is 2107A, Tower H, Phoenix Place, No.A5, Shuguangxili, Chaoyang District, Beijing. To learn more about the company, call +86 10 59363888 or visit www.jci-crhg.com.hk.

Media Contacts 
Katie Bronk
Joint Commission International
+1 630 792 5175
kbronk@jointcommission.org

Suna Zhong 
JCI-CRHG Academy of Hospital Management 
+86 10 59363888
suna.zhong@jci-crhg.com.hk

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SHANGHAI, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — June 19, 2018, Luye Pharma Group announced that clinical applications of the company’s new compound candidate, extended release tablets (”LY03012”), a China Class 1.1 new chemical drug, have been formally accepted by the China Food and Drug Administration. LY03012, an investigational drug for analgesia, will now soon commence Phase I clinical trials.

There has been lots of good news lately related to Luye Pharma’s pipeline development. Recent clinical progress with the investigational biological antibody drug LY01008, the development of the next generation of drugs for use in immuno-oncology and partnerships with a number of global leading biotechnology companies have showcased the strategic positioning and comprehensive planning employed by Luye Pharma in securing its global product pipeline.

LY03012 is an orally-administered small molecule compound. Non-clinical studies have shown that LY03012 can inhibit presynaptic membrane 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (SERT), noradrenaline transporter (NET) and dopamine transporter (DAT), thereby increasing the concentration of norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and dopamine in the synaptic cleft. LY03012, by enhancing the descending inhibitory pain pathway, can exert an analgesic effect. Different from other marketed drugs with the same indications, LY03012 can regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, and while producing an analgesic effect will not cause adverse events associated with CNS inhibition, such as sedation and somnolence.

Luye Pharma believes that analgesic drugs have optimistic market prospects and growth potential, both in China and in other major pharmaceutical markets. According to IQVIA (previously known as IMS) data, sales revenue of analgesic drugs in the U.S. and European markets combined to total US$17.946 billion in 2017, with sales in China totaling RMB 11.473 billion. Sales of analgesics have maintained double-digit growth over the past two years in these markets.

At present, Luye Pharma owns LY03012 patents covering the chemical compounds, the crystal forms and the formulation of the extended release tablets. The declared indications include the treatment of chronic pain, such as diabetic peripheral neuralgia, musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia. In addition to the Chinese market, Luye Pharma is also dedicated to the registration and launching of LY03012 in the United States, Europe and Japan, as well as other countries and regions.

In addition to LY03012, Luye Pharma has also been developing several other analgesic candidates. The acquisition of Europe-based Acino’s transdermal and implant business at the end of 2016 improved Luye Pharma’s R&D capabilities, as well as facilitating with R&D and reducing time-to-market for fentanyl three-day and buprenorphine seven-day patches, among others.

“LY03012 will enrich and expand our current analgesic pipeline, promoting the company’s development in the field of pain relief”, a senior management spokesperson for Luye Pharma said. “Recently, drugs which have been under our development are now gradually coming into their harvest season. We hope to continue to increase investment in R&D for innovative drugs, planning comprehensively for subsequent products in the pipeline to lay a solid foundation for the company’s future growth in the global market.”

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– With membership, Tongji University to get exclusive access to Merck’s genome-editing technology, comprehensive technical support
– University joins a network of 70 CRISPR core labs around the world

SHANGHAI, June 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced a new CRISPR core partnership with Tongji University in Shanghai. Tongji University is the first in China to join scientists from renowned, global academic institutions, including Harvard Medical School, Columbia University, Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University, in Merck’s CRISPR Core Partnership Program.

Tongji University Joins Merck’s CRISPR Core Partnership Program

“We are honored to have Tongji University, an institute known for its stem cell research, as a core partner in our CRISPR program,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “As a core partner, Tongji University will get exclusive access to Merck’s genome-editing tools as well as the opportunity to collaborate with a network of some of the world’s most prestigious labs.”

Professor Shaorong Gao, Dean of the School of Life Science and Technologies, Tongji University and Steve Vermant, Managing Director of Life Science China, Merck attended the signing ceremony.

Under the partnership, Merck will provide Tongji University with CRISPR workflow solutions from assay design and bioinformatics to manufacturing, validation and application testing to further develop the field of genome editing.

“Merck’s CRISPR Core Partnership Program will bring benefits to the stem cell research which we, at Tongji University, are working on,” said Professor Shaorong Gao, dean of the School of Life Science and Technologies, Tongji University. “There is great value in collaborating and sharing knowledge with like-minded gene-editing scientists and experts, which will help advance research in solving challenging diseases.”

The Life Science business of Merck has secured patents in Australia, Canada, Europe, Israel, Singapore, South Korea, and most recently China, covering foundational CRISPR technology. Its CRISPR patents are directed to chromosomal integration, or cutting of the sequence of eukaryotic cells and insertion of a synthetic exogenous DNA sequence to make a desired genomic change. Scientists can replace a disease-associated mutation with a beneficial or functional sequence — important for creating disease models and allowing new gene therapy solutions.

As a company that has been highly involved in genome-editing innovation, Merck recognizes that genome editing has resulted in major positive advancements in biological research and medicine. At the same time, the growing potential of gene-editing technologies has opened scientific, legal and societal concerns. As both a user and supplier of gene-editing technology, Merck supports research with genome editing under careful consideration of ethical and legal standards. Merck has established a Bioethics Advisory Panel to provide guidance for research in which its businesses are involved, including research on or using genome editing, and has defined a clear operational position taking into account scientific and societal issues to inform promising therapeutic approaches for use in research and applications.

For more information on Merck’s work in genome editing, visit:

https://www.merckgroup.com/en/stories/350-anniversary-its-all-in-the-genes.html

About the School of Life Sciences and Technology

The department of Biology of Tongji University was originally established in 1937, which was later closed down due to mergence into other university. In 1996, Tongji University rebuilt the department with the title “School of Life Sciences and Medical Engineering”. It was officially renamed as “School of Life Sciences and Technology” in 2002; meanwhile it was approved by Ministry of Education and State Development Planning Commission as one of the National Life Sciences and Biotechnology incubators. According to the Competitiveness Rankings of key universities in China issued by Wuhan University in 2014, the department of Biotechnology of Tongji University has been rated as 5-star level. 
The school is organized into three paralleled structures: departments, research institutes and key laboratories. It consists of three departments: Department of Biological Medicine and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Bioinformatics; one research center: Protein Research Institute; as well as one key laboratory: Shanghai Signal Transduction and Disease Research Key Lab. 

For more information about Tongji University School of Life Sciences and Technology, visit life.tongji.edu.cn.

About Merck’s CRISPR Core Partnership Program

Introduced in 2014, Merck’s CRISPR Core Partnership Program is the first of its kind, providing a networking platform for genome-editing experts in the Life Science industry, as well as dedicated technical support and collaboration opportunities with Merck’s R&D team. Through the program, scientists at partner core facilities are given exclusive access to Merck’s CRISPR reagents and other innovative products in support of their research.

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.

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

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.

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Source: Hebron Technology Co., Ltd.

The company has leveraged its expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analytics, and blockchain to create an ecosystem of cutting-edge solutions to support R&D for aging-related products and solutions

LONDON, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the North American market for artificial intelligence (AI) for aging research and drug development, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Insilico Medicine with the 2018 North American Technology Innovation Award. The company’s AI-based platform bridges biology and chemistry and digital health. It connects genomic, metabolomic, proteomic, and other clinical databases and then analyzes the data to find pathologically activated pathways. In turn, these can aid in the creation of actionable targets for age management and the company generates novel molecules for these specific biological targets using the Generative Adversarial Networks and Reinforcement Learning (GAN-RL) techniques. Insilico Medicine has shown visionary capabilities in understanding the aging-related technology needs of academia, pharmaceutical companies, dietary supplement manufacturers, and cosmetics companies.

“Insilico Medicine employs unique methodologies for aging R&D, such as the ‘in silico Pathway Activation Network Decomposition Analysis (iPANDA), for analyzing signaling and metabolic pathway perturbation states,” said Neelotpal Goswami, Senior Industry Analyst. “It studies the effects of external perturbations on the activation of signaling pathways and their effect on downstream targets. This offers clinicians a clearer understanding of the ways in which genes involved in age-related diseases and cancers are dynamically controlled by complex networks of signaling pathways.”

Insilico Medicine uses parallel, high-performance, AI-enabled computing solutions for in silico drug discovery and drug repurposing for multiple diseases, including cancer, age-related diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and fibrosis. To keep its lead in aging-focused R&D, the company has collaborated with a number of leading research-based universities around the world, like the University of Copenhagen, to develop drugs to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular diseases. The company also has an alliance with Gachon University and the Gil Medical Center in South Korea to develop multimodal aging biomarkers as well as interventions intended to slow down age-related loss of function. The company collaborates with WuXi AppTec to validate novel targets and molecules discovered using its next-generation AI pipelines. WuXi AppTec, Pavilion Capital/Temasek Holdings, BOLD Capital Partners and Juvenescence are among the strategic investors in Insilico Medicine.

Meanwhile, the company is working on multiple projects that leverage its core AI expertise in diverse areas. For example, it offers an AI-powered digital health platform named Young.AI that helps users track health-related parameters over time to better manage healthy aging by integrating multiple predictors of a person’s age. Young.AI enables testing and real-life performance evaluation of these predictors. Another significant digital tool from the company is the Nutriomi personalized nutrition management platform for healthy aging. It employs an omics-informed personalized approach to nutrition, wherein scientific data is used to match personal preferences and needs of healthy nutrition for longevity.

“Technology leadership in artificial intelligence for drug discovery and biomarker development, academic excellence, extensive collaborations with pharmaceutical and consumer companies, novel methods of attracting top talent, and increasing global reach have allowed Insilico Medicine to build a credible and sustainable business model in the nascent longevity biotechnology industry,” noted Neelotpal Goswami. “In recognition of its pioneering research and ability to introduce novel products and solutions for age management, Frost & Sullivan is pleased to present it with the 2018 Technology Innovation Award.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid market acceptance. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Insilico Medicine, Inc.

Insilico Medicine, Inc. is an artificial intelligence company headquartered at the Emerging Technology Centers at the Johns Hopkins University Eastern campus in Baltimore, with R&D and management resources in Belgium, Russia, UK, Taiwan, and Korea sourced through hackathons and competitions. The company and its scientists is dedicated to extending human productive longevity and transforming every step of the drug discovery and drug development process through excellence in biomarker discovery, drug development, digital medicine and aging research.  Insilico Medicine’s work was recently covered by MIT Technology Review China, Nature Medicine, Nature Biotechnology, The Pharmaceutical Journal and many others. The Company is routinely publishing advanced research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at the major industry conferences.

Insilico pioneered the applications of the generative adversarial networks (GANs) and reinforcement learning for generation of novel molecular structures for the diseases with a known target and with no known targets. In addition to working collaborations with the large pharmaceutical companies, the company is pursuing internal drug discovery programs in cancer, dermatological diseases, fibrosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, diabetes, sarcopenia, and aging. Through a partnership with LifeExtension.com the company launched a range of nutraceutical products compounded using the advanced bioinformatics techniques and deep learning approaches. It also provides a range of consumer-facing applications including Young.AI.

In 2017, NVIDIA selected Insilico Medicine as one of the Top 5 AI companies in its potential for social impact. In 2018, the company was named one of the global top 100 AI companies by CB Insights. Brief company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l62jlwgL3v8 
www.Insilico.com

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Samantha Park
P: 210.247.2426
F: 210.348.1003
E: samantha.park@frost.com

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Source: Hebron Technology Co., Ltd.

SINGAPORE, June 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — FrieslandCampina today announces the publication of a milk consumption trends study in SciFed Food and Dairy Technology Journal. This study is the first of its kind to examine the key drivers and barriers of milk consumption among adult Singaporeans.

Led by Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, Domain Lead for Applied Nutrition & Glycemic Index at Temasek Polytechnic, the study drew on published research and findings from focus group discussions conducted in 2017 among participants aged 18 to 65 years old. These focus groups provided qualitative data on the overarching attitudes, beliefs and barriers regarding milk consumption, as well as actions that can be taken to increase consumption.

Analysis of focus group discussions found that majority of participants did not view milk an essential daily source of nutrition, and their ingrained attitudes, misperceptions and behaviours are noted to prevent regular consumption. Participants cited milk’s perceived contribution to weight gain, gastrointestinal side effects and taste as barriers. These disadvantages are, however, unfounded and not scientifically proven. There is also a prevalent ignorance of milk’s benefits beyond calcium. Existing literature from Singapore’s National Health Survey also found that 50% of adult Singaporeans do not consume any milk.

“It is interesting to note that while there is an increasing demand for milk and dairy in Singapore, the increase in milk consumption is not specific to adults. With a growing ageing population, it is important to educate and inform people of milk’s benefits to general health and prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis,” said Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran.

Hendro Poedjono, Corporate Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina AMEA, said: “The health and well-being of our consumers are a priority for us at FrieslandCampina. Our collaboration with Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran aims to address the gaps in health and nutrition education. We hope that through collaborative efforts with public and private sectors, we can raise the level of health and nutrition status of Singaporeans of all ages now and in the future.”

The publication is available online at: https://www.scifedpublishers.com/open-access/milk-consumption-trends-in-singapore.pdf

About FrieslandCampina AMEA

FrieslandCampina AMEA comprises of operating companies that are active in the consumer products segment in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

FrieslandCampina has acquired leading positions in many countries across the region with its strong brands and wide range of products. The company provides a range of long shelf life products including milk powder, condensed milk, infant and children’s nutrition to dairy drinks, yoghurts and desserts. Some of its leading brands across the AMEA region are Dutch Lady, Foremost, Friso, Frisian Flag, Rainbow and Peak.

As one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives, FrieslandCampina spreads the goodness of dairy by actively contributing to food and nutrition security initiatives across these regions, and is committed to being a responsible business with the goal of creating a sustainable future for the business and communities that it serves.

For more information please visit www.frieslandcampina.com.

About the study

This is a first-of-its-kind study conducted on the trends of adult milk consumption in Singapore. Led by applied nutrition expert Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, the study analyses published literature on the topic as well as findings from a series of focus group discussions conducted in 2017. The study notes the low level of milk consumption among adult Singaporeans, and explores the existing attitudes, beliefs and barriers that account for the low uptake. It also uncovers a general ignorance of the benefits of milk beyond calcium.

Commissioned by FrieslandCampina Asia, it is hoped that the findings from the study can affect the action and discussions needed to not only promote the intake of milk, but also to remind Singaporeans of the need for balanced and nutritious diets.

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NEW YORK, June 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — HelpMeSee is presenting their Eye Surgery Simulator and companion eBook for teaching Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) at the International Council of Ophthalmology’s (ICO) 2018 World Ophthalmology Conference (WOC) in Barcelona, Spain. WOC attendees interested in scheduling demonstrations can email stefany@helpmesee.org or visit booth #7062 at the conference which starts on June 16.

A view of the virtual eye through the microscope of the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator.

In addition to the demonstrations, HelpMeSee will be hosting a workshop on June 16 entitled, “Making the Most of MSICS: A Course to Develop your Tunnel Skills.” HelpMeSee medical experts, Dr. Glenn Strauss, Dr. Daniel Hutter, Dr. Ashish Bacchav, and former ICO regional coordinator Dr. Van Charles Lansingh are facilitating this class. For additional information and registration details visit http://www.icoph.org/downloads/WOC2018-Hands-On-Courses.pdf.

It is estimated that 20 million are blind and 80 million are severely visually impaired due to untreated cataract. While cataract surgery is a common procedure in North America and Europe, many living the developing areas of Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, needlessly lose their vision due to a shortage of cataract surgeons. HelpMeSee is on a mission to change this and transform medical education through their Eye Surgical Simulator and training program, by teaching tens of thousands of cataract surgeons on MSICS.

According to HelpMeSee’s Chief of Training Operations, Jon Pollack, “The HelpMeSee’s Eye Surgery Simulator creates a unique environment for students to learn the complex foundational skills needed to perform MSICS surgery.  With the simulator, students receive real-time feedback and can practice until competent. Students can also learn in an environment in which live patients are not put at risk. Additionally, training sessions can educate the pupil on the management of complications that are difficult to come by in the real world. This simulation-based type of training is the future of medical education. The Eye Surgery Simulator establishes HelpMeSee as a leader in this space.”

The eBook portion of HelpMeSee’ program delivers the knowledge component of the MSICS courseware through engaging graphics, photos, videos, and 3D images. End of chapter assessments in the eBook measure students’ understanding of the material.

To sign up for news and updates on HelpMeSee’s Eye Surgery Simulator visit: https://learnmore.helpmesee.org/eye-surgical-simulator/.

About HelpMeSee 

HelpMeSee is a non-profit organization committed to ending the global health crisis of cataract blindness. Focusing on simulation-based training for cataract specialists, HelpMeSee develops sustainable solutions to increase access to safe, affordable treatment. Led by a network of trained cataract specialists, HelpMeSee aims to expand access to cataract surgical care and improve the quality of eye care across the developing world. 

CONTACT: 1-212-221-7606, pr@helpmesee.org  

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