Category Archives: PRNews

10 Years of Digital Chest Drainage: Medela’s Milestones Show How State-Of-The-Art Technology Has Transformed Today’s Post-Operative Patient Care

BAAR, Switzerland , May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

From Heber-principle to digital systems, thoracic surgery has significantly changed and improved over the course of time – so has chest drainage. Ten years ago, chest drainage therapy as we knew it was completely overhauled with the introduction of digital drainage systems. An onboard motor creating vacuum in a closed system consisting of tubings and fluid collection container opened a whole new way of how to manage chest drainage patients. In addition to the option to mobilize all patients with a chest drain, digital drainage systems also allowed the general reduction of complications  [1]. These systems monitor the patient and alert if the measured data are out of range. Due to the digital control of the negative pressure, the system is able to objectively quantify the presence of parenchymal leakage.

Based on science and innovative research, Medela has continuously proven to be the technology leader in this area. In 2007, Thopaz™ was introduced as the first truly portable, digital drainage system. In 2014, Thopaz+was launched, the first digital drainage monitoring system with electronic measurement of air-leak and drained fluid. Vast amounts of clinical and global experience show how 10 years of digital drainage have truly impacted the medical field:

  • 1’000’000 patients on chest drains worldwide have experienced the benefits of Medela’s digital systems in the past 10 years
  • Patients benefit from a significantly shorter chest tube duration (study results show 1.1 days shorter chest tube placement on average with Thopaz™) [2]
  • Thopaz + is cost saving compared with conventional chest drains for people who need drainage after a pulmonary resection or because of a collapsed lung. Healthcare systems and hospitals benefit from shorter length of hospital stay. NICE resource impact assessment concluded that, at a national level, adopting Thopaz + is expected to save around GBP 8.5 million per year in England (a study from Italy showed EUR 751 saved per patient with Thopaz™) [3] [4]

Medela Healthcare is working with various leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare institutions to bring innovation in thoracic surgery to hospitals and to help revolutionize post-operative patient care. Through a publication matrix, the latest research findings in the field of modern chest drainage systems can be easily filtered through a number of keywords on the Medela website.

Marcel Hohl, Vice President of Global Marketing at Medela Healthcare, says: “We are very proud to announce the 10-year anniversary of digital chest drainage. During these past 10 years, thoracic drainage research has become a key element of our success and, with the help of our partners; we have reached many milestones that are proof to us that this innovation is here to stay. The previous launches of Thopaz™ and Thopaz+ only mark the beginning of this exciting journey. Medela takes great effort to take a modern role in medicine exploring the power of data to eventually allow for better health profiles and predictive models for patient with a chest drain.”

Citations

Frank Detterbeck, Professor of Surgery, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Yale University and Associate Director of the Yale Cancer Center: “Scientific data from 381 patients proving shorter duration of chest tube placement, shorter hospital stays and a higher patient satisfaction for digital drainage compared to traditional drainage systems was remarkable for me.In practice, Thopaz™ allows complete patient mobility and independence while the chest drain is still in situ, thereby realizing the full potential of the minimally invasive surgery we are performing.”

Konstantinos Papagiannopoulos, MMED Thorax MD at St. James’ University Hospital: “I have collaborated with Medela since 2007 and became actively involved in modifications and improvements of their suction and drainage portable pumps. We quickly embraced the benefits of a technologically advanced device like Thopaz™. Our patients became extremely satisfied. They are now free, mobile and experience modern treatment with a modern device. They feel safe and comfortable with our fast-tracked discharge service facilitated by data recorded from the Thopaz™ electronic suction pump.”

Thomas Kiefer, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Lungenzentrum Bodensee: “Early digital systems were flawed in various ways, but the introduction of Thopaz™ gave us a product with every quality that we had been looking for. We gradually understood the predictive value of the digital air leak readings, allowing earlier, effective interventions for air leak post-operatively, which in turn further minimized the harm of prolonged air leakage. Thopaz™ has also proven to deliver highly reliable and effective outcome measurements for our clinical research into intra- and post-operative air leak interventions. Thus, we have redesigned our chest drain management protocols to take advantage of the benefits of digital drainage.”

Phillip Antippa, MBBS FRACS, Head, Thoracic Surgical Services, The Royal Melbourne Hospital: “After seeing Thopaz™ hard at work whilst on Sabbatical Leave in the U.K., I was very keen to introduce this technology to –Australia and New Zealand. Not having any experience with electronic drainage systems, our institution was reluctant at first and we conducted a feasibility study confirming the international results that drain tubes could be removed at least a day earlier. This quickly led to the seamless implementation of Thopaz™ into our service and into other parts of our Hospital. Our surgeons easily adopted its use and we have continued to collect data from Thopaz™. Our ongoing research projects in close collaboration with Thopaz™ design engineers and scientists will continue to cement Thopaz™ as an important sophisticated clinical diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

The greatest enthusiasm however has come from our nursing staff. After a simple education process, Thopaz™ has become an integral part of Thoracic Surgical management for our patients. It has definitely made patient care easier and our staff feels more engaged – the only complaints we receive is when a patient returns to the ward with an analogue system!

Many of our patients understand the benefits of Thopaz™. Certainly they are pleased that they are receiving best possible care and enjoy the freedom that the device allows.”

About Medela

Medela concentrates on two business units: “Human Milk”, with basic research recognised globally and leading in the development and manufacture of breastfeeding products and solutions, and “Healthcare”, engineering and manufacturing highly innovative medical vacuum technology solutions. In 2007, Medela Healthcare launched the Thopaz™ cardiothoracic drainage system, followed by the launch of Thopaz + in 2014. Follow
this link to screen all the research studies according to keywords.

References

  1. Read Miller, DL. et al., Digital Drainage System Reduces Hospitalization After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lung Resection. Ann Thorac Surg. 2016 Sep;102(3):955-961, Leo, F. et al., Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 Oct;96(4):1234-9
  2. Pompili, C. et al., 2014: Multicenter International Randomized Comparison of Objective and Subjective Outcomes Between Electronic and Traditional Chest Drainage Systems. Ann Thorac Surg. 98: 490-497.
  3. NICE Guidance MTG37: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/MTG37
  4. Pompili, C. et al., 2011 Nov: Impact of the learning curve in the use of a novel electronic chest drainage system after pulmonary lobectomy: a case-matched analysis on the duration of chest tube usage. Interact Thorac Surg. 13(5): 490-3
  5. Cerfolio, R.J. & Bryant, A.S., 2009: The quantification of postoperative air leaks. Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg.: 1(409).
  6. Brunelli, A. et al., 2011: Consensus definitions to promote an evidence-based approach to management of the pleural space.
    A collaborative proposal by ESTS, AATS, STS, and GTSC. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg.: 40(2):291-7.
  7. Read https://www.medela.co.uk/healthcare/news-events/news/medela-wins-bbh-award
  8. Barozzi, L. et al., 2015: Do we still need wall suction for chest drainage? J Cardiovascular Surgery. 2015;56(Supp.1)102.

Media Contact: 

anja.zoellner@medela.ch

Burson-Marsteller: daniela.suter@bm.com
+41-444558457

AGC Biologics Enters into Commercial Manufacturing Agreement with Horizon Pharma plc

Manufacture of teprotumumab for treatment of thyroid eye disease

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — AGC Biologics, a global leader in clinical and commercial manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, announced today it has entered into an agreement with Horizon Pharma plc for commercial supply of teprotumumab, a monoclonal antibody biologic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active thyroid eye disease (TED).

TED, also known as Graves’ opthalmopathy or orbitopathy, is a rare condition in which the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause proptosis, where the eyes are pushed forward (resulting in “staring” or “bulging” eyes), and the eyes and eyelids become red and swollen. In certain cases, swelling and stiffness of the muscles occur, shifting the eyes so they are no longer in line with each other and/or unable to close.

The teprotumumab antibody works by targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R), a well-validated target.

“Thyroid eye disease can be an incapacitating disease, having a significant effect on a patient’s daily quality of life,” said Gustavo Mahler, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of AGC Biologics. “We’re proud to partner with Horizon Pharma in the manufacturing of teprotumumab, a potentially life-changing therapy.”

About AGC Biologics
AGC Biologics is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), with a strong commitment to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients and partners. AGC Biologics is the product of the convergence and integration of Asahi Glass Company (AGC) Bioscience, Biomeva GmbH, and CMC Biologics. The company currently employs more than 850 employees worldwide. Our extensive network spans three continents, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, WA; Berkeley, CA; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Yokohama, Japan; and Chiba, Japan.

AGC Biologics offers deep industry expertise and unique customized services for the scale-up and cGMP manufacture of protein-based therapeutics; from pre-clinical to commercial production, for mammalian and microbial. Our integrated service offerings include cell line development, bioprocess development, formulation, analytical testing, antibody drug development and conjugation, cell banking and storage, and protein expression — including our proprietary CHEF1® Expression System for mammalian production. Further information can be found at www.agcbio.com

AGC Biologics Media Contact Information:
Ms. Kim Yang
Director, Global Marketing and Communications
Email: kyang@agcbio.com
Office: +1 425.415.5438

Beckman Coulter Achieves CE Mark for Its Early Sepsis Indicator*

First-of-its-kind hematology-based test intended to alert emergency department clinicians to the possibility of sepsis or risk of developing sepsis as part of a routine CBC with differential test

BREA, California, May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Beckman Coulter announced today European CE Mark of its Early Sepsis Indicator, a hematology-based solution designed to alert emergency department clinicians to the possibility of sepsis or risk of developing sepsis. The first early sepsis warning solution to be offered as part of a routine CBC with differential test, the Early Sepsis Indicator gives physicians a rapid and simple tool that can aid in the fight against sepsis. The new marker will be commercially available on the recently launched DxH 900 hematology analyzer.

Sepsis is an often-deadly condition that affects 26 million people worldwide every year1 and is increasing at a rate of 1.5% annually.2 Timely and accurate detection solutions in the acute-care setting are key components to stopping the progression of sepsis, as patients with less severe sepsis can progress to severe sepsis or septic shock within 72 hours.3 Up to half of patients with sepsis die.2,4 In addition to the human toll, this global crisis places a significant clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system.5 A clear link exists between the timeliness of treatment and the possibility of death. When antibiotics are administered early to patients with septic shock, the likelihood of death is decreased by 7.6% per hour.6

“Because emergency department personnel are often on the front line of care for people facing critical conditions, giving them a simple and easy tool for detecting sepsis can help us make significant strides against this prevailing threat,” said Peter Soltani, Ph.D., senior vice president and general manager of the hematology business at Beckman Coulter. “The fact that this early warning indicator is part of a routine blood test means that clinicians receive results rapidly, with no additional workflow burden to the laboratory or emergency department.”

The Early Sepsis Indicator uses the DxH 900 hematology analyzer’s unique Coulter technology, which characterizes cells in their near-native states. The system’s powerful VCS 360 technology can uniquely detect morphological changes in monocytes—cells of the innate immune system that provide a first line of defense against infections. Monocytes play a role in the dysregulated immune response to sepsis, and identifying morphological changes provides insight into possible sepsis earlier than other indicators.

The company plans to submit a 510(k) for the Early Sepsis Indicator to the U.S. FDA in the near future. After receiving 510(k) clearance, the Early Sepsis Indicator will be released to the U.S. market.

About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics helps healthcare and laboratory professionals provide better patient care by delivering the accurate diagnostic information they need, when they need it. For over 80 years, Beckman Coulter has been the partner of choice for healthcare organizations. Our scalable instruments, comprehensive diagnostic tests and business management services are trusted by hospitals, laboratories and other critical care settings around the world. We share in our customers’ mission toward continuous improvement and quality patient care because we believe when efficiency and clinical outcomes are improved, patients benefit and we can move healthcare forward for every person.

1.     Sepsis Alliance. “Critical Fact Sheet.” Sepsis.org. Accessed January 15, 2018.
2.     Angus DC, van der Poll T. “Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.” N Engl J Med, vol. 369. 2013, pp. 840–51.  
3.     Glickman SW et al. “Disease Progression in Hemodynamically Stable Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Sepsis.” Acad Emerg Med, vol. 17. 2010, pp. 383–90.
4.     Engel C, Brunkhorst FM, Bone HG et al. “Epidemiology of Sepsis in Germany: Results from a National Prospective Multicenter Study.” Intensive Care Med, vol. 33. 2007, pp. 606–18.  
5.     Torio C, Moore B. “National Inpatient Hospital Costs: The Most Expensive Conditions by Payer.” http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb204-Most-Expensive-Hospital-Conditions.pdf, May 2016. Accessed January 15, 2018.
6.     Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE et al. “Duration of Hypotension Before Initiation of Effective Antimicrobial Therapy is the Critical Determinant of Survival in Human Septic Shock.” Crit Care Med, vol. 34. 2006, pp. 1589–96. 

Disclaimer: The Early Sepsis Indicator is CE Marked and is pending 510(k) clearance by the U.S. FDA. Not yet available for in vitro diagnostic use in the U.S.

The DxH 900 analyzer is not available in all countries. The Early Sepsis Indicator is not available in all countries.

© 2018 Beckman Coulter. All rights reserved. Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo and the Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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World Smile Day: Smiling Shenyang Sets Its Sail Again to Create the Most Beautiful World Map

SHENYANG, China, May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — On 8th May, 2018, the smile-drifting book Hello Smile 4.0 will start a new journey from Shenyang. As this year’s smile-bridge, Shenyang Broadcasting and Television Station is to collect the most beautiful photos of smiles it can gather, with which to pass blessings, gather strength, create warmhearted smiling map and start happy journeys for all those whom the book is shared to.


Smile Shenyang

May 8th is World Smile Day, which was established by the World Mental Health Organization in 1948 and is the only global festival of celebrating a human expression.

On May 8th 2012, the 62th World Smile Day, Hello Smile 1.0, China’s first smile-drifting book officially started its happy journey from Shenyang to every corner of the world, and left its footprints in dozens of countries and regions, evoking strong resonance among millions of people. A series of books like Hello Smile and Smile Travel Journal have been published one by one, and Shenyang Broadcasting and Television Station has traced the whole process.

The themes of Smiling Shenyang have varied over the past six years:

2012 — The smiles setting sail from Shenyang;
2013 — Smiling Shenyang welcoming National Games;
2014 — Loving Smiling Shenyang;
2015 — Connecting the world with smiles;
2016 — See the smiles, city smiles;
2017 — Smiles, the power of change.

All these themes of the past 6 years share the same idea, the power of smiles.

Image Attachments Links:
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Sinovac Forced to Temporarily Suspend Flu Vaccine Production Due to Disruptive Actions taken by Minority Shareholder of Sinovac Beijing

BEIJING, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SVA) (“Sinovac ” or the “Company”), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, today announced it has been forced to temporarily suspend its flu vaccine production and destroy the flu vaccines it is currently producing. The Company expects this will result in its inability to supply flu vaccines for the 2018 to 2019 flu season. These decisions have been made necessary by the actions taken by Aihua Pan, the Chairman of the Board of the Company’s controlled Chinese subsidiary, Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd. (“Sinovac Beijing”), who was appointed Chairman by Sinobioway Biomedicine Co., Ltd. (“Sinobioway”), the minority shareholder of Sinovac Beijing.

As previously announced, on April 17, 2018, Mr. Pan and dozens of unnamed individuals forcibly entered Sinovac Beijing’s corporate offices in Shangdi site and limited the physical movement of the employees in Sinovac Beijing’s general manager’s office and finance department. This was in an attempt to take control of Sinovac Beijing’s official seal, legal documents, accounting seal, financial documents and financial information systems. In attempting to forcibly take control of the Company’s corporate offices, these individuals cut power to the facility in Shangdi site, thereby disrupting Sinovac Beijing’s hepatitis A and seasonal flu vaccine production, seriously impacting Sinovac Beijing’s production and manufacturing processes and very possibly damaging product quality.

Sinovac Beijing initiated its emergency response protocol and resumed production and quality management activities step-by-step. Once flu vaccine production was resumed, the quality assurance department performed several assessments of the production environment and vaccine safety. Unfortunately, it was determined that the quality and safety risks associated with salvaging these vaccines were not able to be completely eliminated. The Company is assessing the risk associated with other vaccine production at Shangdi site in parallel.

About Sinovac
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a China-based biopharmaceutical Company that focuses on the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of vaccines that protect against human infectious diseases. Sinovac’s product portfolio includes vaccines against enterovirus71, or EV71, hepatitis A and B, seasonal influenza, H5N1 pandemic influenza (avian flu), H1N1 influenza (swine flu), and mumps. Healive, the hepatitis A vaccine manufactured by the Company has passed the assessment under WHO Prequalification procedures in 2017. The EV71 vaccine, an innovative vaccine developed by Sinovac against hand foot and mouth disease caused by EV71, was commercialized in China in 2016. In 2009, Sinovac was the first company worldwide to receive approval for its H1N1 influenza vaccine, which it has supplied to the Chinese Government’s vaccination campaign and stockpiling program. The Company is also the only supplier of the H5N1 pandemic influenza vaccine to the government stockpiling program. The Company is developing a number of new products including a Sabin-strain inactivated polio vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and varicella vaccine. Sinovac primarily sells its vaccines in China, while also exploring growth opportunities in international markets. The Company has exported select vaccines to over 10 countries in Asia and South America. 

Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements.

Contacts:

Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
Helen Yang
Tel: +86-10-8279-9871
Fax: +86-10-6296-6910
Email: ir@sinovac.com

Media

ICR Inc.
United States
Phil Denning
Tel : 1-646 277 1258
Email : Phil.denning@icrinc.com

China :
Edmond Lococo
Tel : +86 10 6583 7510
Email : Edmond.Lococo@icrinc.com

Investors:

ICR Inc.
Bill Zima
Tel: 1-203–682-8233
Email: william.zima@icrinc.com

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Source: Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

Beckman Coulter Launches the DxH 900 Hematology Analyzer

System helps laboratories deliver fast, accurate results through near native-state cellular characterization, precise flagging and a 93% first-pass throughput [1]

BREA, California, May 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Beckman Coulter announced today the release of the DxH 900 hematology analyzer, giving mid- to high-volume clinical laboratories the ability to perform complete blood count and white blood cell differential tests with minimal repeats. The DxH 900 is now available for sale in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The DxH 900 analyzer offers advanced technologies to support patient care, by delivering the right results the first time. Foundational to the system are its core technologies, including the enhanced Coulter Principle, VCS 360 and DataFusion. These features offer high-resolution analysis of cells in their near-native states, providing a precise cellular assessment for excellent red blood cell, platelet and white blood cell test results on the first pass.

“The DxH 900 hematology analyzer is an example of our commitment to the voice of the customer. We had over 100 of our customers view prototypes, and we enhanced our designs based on their input. Truly, the DxH 900 was designed by customers for customers,” said Peter Soltani, Ph.D., senior vice president and general manager of the hematology business at Beckman Coulter. “The suite of technologies is intended to help laboratories deliver quality results for fast, accurate clinical decision-making. At the same time, the system includes automated solutions that streamline the number of procedural steps needed to produce those results, offering predictable performance and greater laboratory efficiency.”

The DxH 900 analyzer demonstrates industry-leading 93% first-pass throughput,1 providing accurate flagging and reducing the number of slide reviews. This helps to generate reportable results as quickly as possible, reducing the time, supplies and costs that may be required for systems with higher repeat rates. Adding to this is the analyzer’s lean reagent portfolio, which includes four reagents compared to 11 reagents required by other analyzers.2 Further, the DxH 900 features one of the smallest footprints in its class, making it highly efficient in utilization of laboratory space.

Many of the parameters available with the DxH 900 analyzer are designed to directly impact patient care by addressing critical conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukopenia. Sepsis, is another often-deadly condition that affects millions of people worldwide each year. A recognized global healthcare concern, sepsis puts patients in grave danger and places a significant burden on the healthcare system as a whole. Beckman Coulter is evaluating a hematology sepsis* parameter that is part of a routinely ordered test in the emergency department, where earlier recognition and treatment of sepsis can begin. This test can be performed on the DxH 900 analyzer.

The DxH 900 hematology analyzer complements the recently announced DxH 520* system, and further expands Beckman Coulter’s hematology portfolio. These solutions provide a high level of continuity of care for clinical laboratories, regardless of whether they are small- or high-volume facilities.

About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics helps healthcare and laboratory professionals provide better patient care by delivering the accurate diagnostic information they need, when they need it. For over 80 years, Beckman Coulter has been the partner of choice for healthcare organizations. Our scalable instruments, comprehensive diagnostic tests and business management services are trusted by hospitals, laboratories and other critical care settings around the world. We share in our customers’ mission toward continuous improvement and quality patient care because we believe when efficiency and clinical outcomes are improved, patients benefit and we can move healthcare forward for every person.

  1. DxH series side-by-side results documentation.
  2. Automated hematology analyzer manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (IFUs).

Disclaimer: The Early Sepsis Indicator is not available in all countries.

* CE Marked and is pending 510(k) clearance by the U.S. FDA. Not yet available for in vitro diagnostic use in the U.S.

© 2018 Beckman Coulter. All rights reserved. Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo and the Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/525815/Beckman_Coulter_Logo.jpg  

Source: Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Sinovac Forced to Plan to Destroy Bacterial Seeds intended for Pneumo Vaccine Production and Postpone Site Inspection

BEIJING, April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SVA) (“Sinovac” or the “Company”), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, today announced it has been forced to destroy the bacterial seeds intended for use in the production of its 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or PPV, and to suspend all preparations for and ultimately postpone the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) inspection of the manufacturing site necessary for 23-valent PPV production approval. These decisions have been made necessary by the actions taken by Aihua Pan, the Chairman of the Board of the Company’s controlled Chinese subsidiary, Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd. (“Sinovac Beijing”), who was appointed by Sinobioway Biomedicine Co., Ltd. (“Sinobioway”), the minority shareholder of Sinovac Beijing.

As previously announced, on April 17, 2018, Mr. Pan and dozens of unnamed individuals forcibly entered Sinovac Beijing’s corporate offices and limited the physical movement of the employees in Sinovac Beijing’s general manager’s office and finance department. This was in an attempt to take control of Sinovac Beijing’s official seal, legal documents, accounting seal, financial documents and financial information systems. One of the Company’s buildings has been occupied by these individuals since this date, and Sinovac Beijing employees are still not permitted to enter.

Portions of the 23-valent PPV manufacturing facility, as well as one of the refrigerators where the bacterial seeds are stored, is located in the occupied building. In accordance with the Company’s internal quality management regulations, employees are required to inspect and record the temperature of the refrigerator twice daily. With Sinovac Beijing employees unable to enter the facilities and perform these quality checks, the Company has no assurances as to the quality of bacterial seeds and other key materials stored in this building for use in the production of the 23-valent PPV. As a result, Sinovac Beijing has been left with no choice but to plan to destroy the bacterial seeds and suspend preparations for the CFDA site inspection required for production approval. The Company expects this will delay the commercialization of its 23-valent PPV.

Sinovac Beijing’s 23-valent PPV is designed to prevent streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) infections in people over two years old. The vaccine development was initiated in 2008 and was approved for human clinical trial in 2014. The clinical studies were completed in 2017 and the production license application was submitted to the CFDA in June 2017.

About Sinovac

Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a China-based biopharmaceutical Company that focuses on the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of vaccines that protect against human infectious diseases. Sinovac’s product portfolio includes vaccines against enterovirus71, or EV71, hepatitis A and B, seasonal influenza, H5N1 pandemic influenza (avian flu), H1N1 influenza (swine flu), and mumps. Healive, the hepatitis A vaccine manufactured by the Company has passed the assessment under WHO Prequalification procedures in 2017. The EV71 vaccine, an innovative vaccine developed by Sinovac against hand foot and mouth disease caused by EV71, was commercialized in China in 2016. In 2009, Sinovac was the first company worldwide to receive approval for its H1N1 influenza vaccine, which it has supplied to the Chinese Government’s vaccination campaign and stockpiling program. The Company is also the only supplier of the H5N1 pandemic influenza vaccine to the government stockpiling program. The Company is developing a number of new products including a Sabin-strain inactivated polio vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and varicella vaccine. Sinovac primarily sells its vaccines in China, while also exploring growth opportunities in international markets. The Company has exported select vaccines to over 10 countries in Asia and South America. 

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements.

Contacts:

Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
Helen Yang
Tel: +86-10-8279-9871 
Fax: +86-10-6296-6910
ir@sinovac.com 

Media

ICR Inc.
United States
Phil Denning
Tel: 1-646 277 1258
Phil.denning@icrinc.com

China:
Edmond Lococo
Tel: +86 10 6583 7510
Edmond.Lococo@icrinc.com

Investors:

ICR Inc.
Bill Zima 
Tel: 1-203-682-8233 
william.zima@icrinc.com

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Source: Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

Concord Medical Files 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F

BEIJING, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited (“Concord Medical” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CCM), a leading specialty hospital management solutions provider and operator of a network of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging centers in China, today announced that it filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. An electronic copy of the annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on Concord Medical’s investor relations website at http://ir.ccm.cn and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of Concord Medical’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 free of charge upon request. Requests should be submitted to http://ir.ccm.cn.

About Concord Medical

Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited is a leading specialty hospital management solutions provider and operator of a network of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging centers in China. As of December 31, 2017, the Company operated a network of 44 centers with 30 hospital partners that spanned 29 cities and 18 provinces and administrative regions in China. Under long-term arrangements with top-tier hospitals in China, the Company provides radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging equipment and manages the daily operations of these centers, which are located on the premises of its hospital partners. The Company also provides ongoing training to doctors and other medical professionals in its network of centers to ensure a high level of clinical care for patients. For more information, please see http://ir.ccm.cn.

For more information, please contact:

Concord Medical Services
Ms. Carol TIAN (Chinese and English)
+86 10 5903 6688 (ext. 608)
yuan.tian@ccm.cn

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GC Pharma Reports Q1 2018 Results

-Efficiency improvement and pipeline progress remain top priorities

YONGIN, South Korea, April 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — GC Pharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) (KRX: 006280), a South Korean biopharmaceutical company, today announced unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Key Figures

Q1 2018(1)

Growth(1)

Total revenues

KRW 294.1 billion

+6.8%

Operating income

KRW 14.5 billion

+5.7%

K-IFRS net income

KRW 18.6 billion

+167.7%

(1) Results and percentages compare to equivalent 2017 period.

Financial Highlights

  • Delivered total revenues growth of 6.8% to KRW 294.1 billion (Q1 2017: KRW 275.4 billion), driven mainly by strong performance across all businesses.
  • Operating income increased 5.7% to KRW 14.5 billion (Q1 2017: KRW 13.7 billion), primarily due to 0.9% lower cost of sales ratio and only 0.8% higher SG&A expense rate compare to equivalent 2017 period.

EC Huh, Ph.D., GC Pharma President commented:

“We delivered fairly strong top-line growth in the first quarter. I am pleased to see that our sales growth came from across our broad portfolio. Our priorities for the rest of 2018 remain unchanged: generating operational efficiencies and advancing our pipeline of protein therapies.”

About GC Pharma

GC Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company that delivers life-saving and life-sustaining protein therapeutics and vaccines. Headquartered in South Korea, GC Pharma is the largest plasma protein product manufacturer in Asia and has been dedicated to quality healthcare solutions more than half a century. Green Cross Corporation updated its corporate brand as GC Pharma in early 2018. Green Cross Corporation remains the company’s registered, legal name.

This release includes forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Pharma’s management. Such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Sun Life Malaysia & BookDoc Activate Malaysians To Live Healthier Lives With SunActiv

A wellness mobile application that rewards you for staying active and healthy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Sun Life Malaysia recently announced its collaborative partnership with BookDoc to create a more health-conscious society through its wellness reward mobile application — SunActiv.


Mr Raymond Lew, CEO & President / Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia (right) working hand-in-hand with Dato’ Chevy Beh, Founder of BookDoc, to help Malaysians #LiveHealthierLives with SunActiv.

SunActiv is a program developed by BookDoc that offers great rewards for active users where all they need to do is to just walk and stay active. Introduced under its Live Healthier Lives strategy, Sun Life Malaysia aims to empower its Clients to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle for a brighter life.

To officially signify the collaboration, a symbolic event was held on 21 April 2018 during Sun Life Malaysia’s Brighter Lives Roadshow at The Curve Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Present at the event were Raymond Lew, CEO & President / Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia, Dato’ Chevy Beh, Founder of BookDoc, and over 50 management members and representatives of both organisations.

Raymond Lew said, “Sun Life Malaysia is very pleased to partner with BookDoc to enhance our Client value proposition through SunActiv. We are a caring and responsible insurer that not only takes care of our Clients protection and financial needs, but also their health and wellbeing. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, SunActiv will encourage our Clients to stay active and live healthy because every step they take will count towards redeeming great lifestyle rewards.”

“Besides Clients, we have also made SunActiv available to our employees. We hope it will help both our Clients and employees improve their overall quality of life and prevent diseases like diabetes because according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, almost one in five Malaysian adults has diabetes, and one of the contributing factors is the sedentary lifestyle,” he added.

Dato’ Chevy said, “BookDoc is pleased to partner with Sun Life Malaysia to help gamify people’s behavior to take of their health. A lot of people understand that prevention is better than cure but people unfortunately do not take a proactive actions to live a healthy life until something happens to their love ones or themselves only they start changing which sometimes is too late. We hope will this partnership with Sun Life Malaysia we can help drive positive changes in people’s life.”

During the event, Sun Life Malaysia also introduced its Live Healthier Lives Ambassador, Abdul Rahman Lee, who is the Malaysia’s SEA Games 2017 Discus Bronze Medallist.

“We chose Abdul Rahman Lee to be our health ambassador because being a sportsman, he lives an active and healthy lifestyle and he is in the position to inspire others to do the same. Our aim is to provide avenues for our Clients especially and Malaysians in general to proactively take ownership of their health,” said Raymond.

Features and benefits of SunActiv:

  • Search & Book — Find and book healthcare professionals.
  • Activ — Track every step one took and the average monthly steps will determine the Reward level (Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum) to access lifestyle deals from over 50 rewards partners.
  • Health Info — Stay connected with the latest news on medical and technology locally and globally.
  • Marketplace — Get the best value from a one-stop shop for health, wellness and fitness offerings.

SunActiv is currently available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store by invitation only.

About Sun Life Malaysia

Sun Life Malaysia (Sun Life Malaysia Assurance Berhad and Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Berhad) is a joint venture by Sun Life Financial Inc. and Avicennia Capital Sdn. Bhd., a fully owned Khazanah Nasional Berhad investment holding company, specialising in Insurance and Takaful.

Sun Life Malaysia offers a comprehensive range of life insurance and Takaful products and services to Malaysians across the country and is focused on helping Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Sun Life Malaysia distributes its products through a range of distribution channels including bancassurance, direct marketing, telemarketing, agency, telcoassurance and government and corporate business. 

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organisation providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of 31 December 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management (AUM) of CAD$975 billion.

For more information, please visit www.sunlifemalaysia.com.

About BookDoc

BookDoc, with presence in 5 Countries and 20 cities (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia), is an online platform that operates across the healthcare continuum connecting patients to healthcare professionals anytime and anywhere, while incentivising all to stay active.

BookDoc has established an integrated online ecosystem for local and overseas health travellers. The ecosystem allows users to search and book healthcare professionals anytime and anywhere, and integrates seamlessly with navigation (Google Map, Waze), transport (Grab, Uber, AirAsia), accommodation (Agoda and Airbnb) and recommended restaurants & attractions (TripAdvisor) for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience to healthcare appointments. In addition, through BookDoc Activ, it rewards users for maintaining high level of activity by partnering major retailers and service providers that offer users discounts for achieving reward tiers based on activity level. Among the reward partners are Zalora, Fave (Groupon), Guardian, Secret Recipe, Oldtown White Coffee, Coffee Bean and many more.

The company is backed by a diverse group of investors from entrepreneurs to seasoned healthcare and insurance professionals, banker, regulators as well as ICT professionals. It has made records in achieving the highest pre-seed and seed valuation in Asia Technology Start-up history. It is available online at www.bookdoc.com, App Store and Google Play Store.

For more information, please visit www.bookdoc.com

For all media enquiries, please contact:                                                     

Sun Life Malaysia
Tricia Loh: tricia.loh@sunlifemalaysia.com, +6012-3805990

BookDoc
Valerie Voon: valerievoon@bookdoc.com, +60193366758

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180430/2118511-1