AGC Biologics Expands Capacity at Copenhagen, Denmark Facility

Strategic expansion will meet increasing global demand for biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing

COPENHAGEN, Denmark and BOTHELL, Washington, Aug. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — AGC Biologics, a global leader in clinical and commercial manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, announced today that as part of its global expansion strategy, the company is increasing manufacturing capacity at its Copenhagen, Denmark facility. 

The Copenhagen facility will add a Single-use Bioreactor (SUB) 6Pack™ suite, consisting of six 2000L production bioreactors and a 2000L seed train. The addition of this proprietary bioreactor configuration will enable more flexible, innovative and customized cGMP production capabilities, offering scales from 2000L to 12000L within a single run. The six bioreactors will be run in single unit operations or in groups; simultaneously, sequentially or staggered; to meet each client’s specific production needs.

The expansion also includes additional capabilities for harvesting, purification, buffer and media production that will support the processing of different therapeutic proteins, including high antibody titer processes. The new suites are scheduled to be online in November 2018, and are expected to support the manufacturing of several commercial products.

“We’re very pleased to implement this important capital expansion that addresses our clients’ evolving needs for increased capacity and customization in development and production,” said Gustavo Mahler, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of AGC Biologics. “The investment in our Copenhagen site enables AGC Biologics to offer more production capabilities within accelerated timelines, while continuing to provide our deep industry expertise, continuous innovation and proven technical excellence.”

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:
Bob Broeze
Chief Business Officer
Email: bbroeze@agcbio.com 
Phone: +1 609.273.3414

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624983/AGC_Biologics_logo_Logo.jpg

GHD 2.0: Multi-national Training for Multi-sector Health Issues in the Sustainable Development Goals’ Era

BANDUNG, Indonesia, Aug. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — INDOHUN is holding The Global Health Diplomacy (GHD) 2.0 which carries the big theme “strengthening the health system in the SDG era” at Bidakara Hotel, Bandung on August 25-29, 2018. SDG’s or Sustainable Development Goals is a development agenda that has been set by the United Nations for the benefit of people throughout the world. Regarding SDG’s fulfillment, the health system as a foundation for the quality of human resources is important in the effort to achieve the development agenda in general.


GHD 2.0: Multi-national Training for Multi-sector Health Issues in the Sustainable Development Goals’ Era

In an effort to strengthen the health system in the SDG era, this health diplomacy training titled GHD 2.0 brings together young health professionals from various institutions from different countries, such as Andalas University, Chulalangkorn University, Flinders University, University of Stirling, International University of Japan, Kasetsart University, etc. to be educated to do health diplomacy.

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). The training aims to give participants realistic diplomatic simulations. In the simulation, they are required to act as 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 Adisasmito, Professor of the University of Indonesia’s Health Faculty.

GHD 2.0 is attended by up to 40 participants consisting of various health-related professionals, including nurses, researchers, lecturers, NGOs practitioners, civil servants, private employees, doctors, and postgraduate students from various scientific backgrounds such as medicine, public health, health and international development, social policy and criminology, international relations, bio-veterinary medicine, tropical medicine, etc.

Supported by 9 international-class speakers who are professionals in their fields, GHD 2.0 hopes to produce reliable health diplomats who can contribute positively in the global sphere. Dr. Laura Bloomberg – Dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, USA; Prof. Wiku Adisasmito – Professor in health policy, University of Indonesia and INDOHUN coordinator; Prof. Makarim Wibisono – Indonesian representative for the United Nations (2004-2007); Dr. Sudeepa Abeysinghe – Global Health Policy Unit, The University of Edinburgh, UK; William Bazeyo, M.D., M.Med., Ph.D. – Dean of the School of Public Health, Makerere University – Uganda (2009 – 2017); Dr. Remco van de Pas – Maastricht Center for Global Health, Maastricht UniversityNetherlands and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Dr. Aidil Chandra Salim – Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji; Odo Manuhutu, Director of Sesparlu, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Maj. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Dr. Suwarno – Head of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense’s education and training agency (2010-2013) is a line of speakers who will equip GHD 2.0 participants with various knowledge and skills related to health diplomacy.

Updates on the implementation of GHD 2.0 for five days can be monitored through the GHD 2.0 web page: http://www.globalhealthdiplomacy.id/

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

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180824/2220143-1

iHuman Team at ShanghaiTech University Deciphers the First Human Frizzled Receptor Structure

SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Xu Laboratory at the iHuman Institute of ShanghaiTech University has deciphered the high-resolution crystal structure of the first human Frizzled receptor. As a gatekeeping protein in regulating the fundamental Wnt signaling in embryonic development and tumorigenesis, the Frizzled receptors (FZDs) have been cancer drug targets for decades without success. However, these results, which illustrate the unique architecture of Frizzled-4 in ligand-free state and explain the long-standing hurdle of identifying potent ligand for this family of receptors, will benefit basic and therapeutic research that could lead to important new drug discoveries. These new findings are published today in the advanced online edition of the journal Nature, titled “Crystal structure of Frizzled 4 receptor in ligand-free state” by Yang et al.


Overall structure of Frizzled4 and highlight of the narrow pocket.

“In order to understand why no one has been able to develop good tool ligands or drug molecules for FZDs and to tackle the mystery of FZD signaling, we solved the intact transmembrane domain structure of Frizzled4 receptor (FZD4) at 2.4 angstrom resolution,” said Fei Xu, Assistant Professor at iHuman Institute and the School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, and corresponding author of the study.  

Surprising to the authors was the observation that the traditional orthosteric ligand binding site is very narrow making it hard for small molecules to enter or bind. “These findings improve our understanding of the FZD ligand and signaling, and show that ligand design for this pocket may require special considerations that could be inspired by this crystal structure,” said Fei Xu.

“To generate a more stable human FZD4 protein amenable for structure determination in the absence of a ligand (apo state), the team spent four years and screened hundreds of constructs, optimized purification procedures, and tried thousands of possible crystallization methods,” said Shifan Yang, postdoctoral fellow at iHuman Institute, and first author of the paper. “It turns out to be extremely challenging to obtain diffraction-quality crystals, likely due to the lack of a tool ligand to lock the flexible region in the protein.”

With further optimization of protein engineering, purification, and crystallization conditions, the team finally solved the structure of FZD4 in the apo state, which is the first structure of the Frizzled family GPCRs and the first apo structure of a ligand-regulated GPCR.

“For close personal reasons, I chose FZD4 four years ago when I started my postdoctoral career. It is an amazing protein, as it is not only a target for eye blindness given its critical role in retinal angiogenesis, but also a unique representative for us to understand other FZDs which are emerging cancer drug targets,” said Shifan Yang.

“The orthosteric ligand binding pocket is very unique in FZD4 and other FZDs,” said Yiran Wu, Research Assistant Professor at iHuman Institute, and second author of this paper. “It is not only narrow, but also highly hydrophilic making traditional GPCR ligands difficult to bind tightly.”

In addition to the discovery of a vacant pocket, this work also reveals an unusual packing in transmembrane helix VII and the short helix8, providing new insight into a potential activation mechanism of this family of receptors. “Such a remarkable structure provides a more accurate template to redirect the efforts on Frizzled drug discovery”, said Raymond Stevens, Director of iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University.

Other key co-authors of this paper are: Shaowei Dong, Yuxiang Chen, Yu Guo, Suwen Zhao, Bingjie Zhang, Wenqing Shui, and Mengchen Pu from ShanghaiTech University; Ting-Hai Xu, Parker W. de Waal, Yuanzheng He, Zachary J DeBruine, Eric Xu, and Karsten Melcher from the Van Andel Research Institute; and Gye Won Han, Petr Popov, and Vsevolod Katritch from the University of Southern California. Financial support for this work comes, in part, from the Shanghai Municipal Government, ShanghaiTech University, and an NSF of China grant.

Link to the full text: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0447-x

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ihuman-team-at-shanghaitech-university-deciphers-the-first-human-frizzled-receptor-structure-300700777.html

Bridge Biotherapeutics Presented Preclinical Study Results on BBT-877, an Autotaxin inhibitor at the IPF Summit 2018

  • BBT-877 demonstrated the best-in-class potential at the preclinical experiments in comparison with competing compounds
  • US IND will be submitted by year end

SEONGNAM, South Korea and SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Bridge Biotherapeutics Inc., a clinical stage biotech company headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, presented the results of the preclinical study on ‘BBT-877’, an investigational drug candidate for IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) treatment, at the IPF Summit 2018 held in San Francisco, California.

BBT-877 was discovered by LegoChem Biosciences, publicly traded Korean biotech and licensed to Bridge Biotherapeutics for the worldwide exclusive right for further development. BBT-877 targets Autotaxin (ATX), which has emerged as a promising target for various diseases such as fibrosis and cancers.

GLPG1690, an ATX inhibitor being developed by Galapagos has been approved to proceed to phase 3 clinical trial bypassing phase 2b study in the U.S. after showing promising results of phase 2a performed with 23 IPF patients.

Bridge Biotherapeutics presented the results of BBT-877 preclinical study at the poster session of the IPF Summit 2018, which demonstrated strong efficacy in the bleomycin-induced mouse model. The study indicates that BBT-877 has effectively reduced lung fibrosis as presented by reduction of Ashcroft scores and the deposition of collagen (staining), compared to the other drugs. The data implies a high potential of BBT-877 to be the ‘best-in-class’ drug for IPF treatments.

Bridge Biotherapeutics now plans to submit a US IND of BBT-877 by the end of this year.

“It is a great opportunity for Bridge Biotherapeutics to present the outstanding preclinical study results on BBT-877 at the IPF Summit 2018. Bridge Biotherapeutics aims to develop BBT-877 as the best-in-class drug for IPF as fast as possible to bring this investigational compound to patients as new treatment option,” said James Lee, CEO of Bridge Biotherapeutics.

Bridge Biotherapeutics is developing BBT-401, the first anti-Pellino-1 compound in Phase I in US for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and aims to initiate the international multi-site FIP (first-in-patient) study by year end. BBT-401 was discovered by SKKU (Sungkyunkwan University) and KRICT (Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology) and was licensed the exclusive worldwide right to Bridge Biotherapeutics in 2015.

For more information

1. Bridge Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Bridge Biotherapeutics is a virtually-operated, venture-backed clinical stage Korean biotech engaged in the development of novel therapeutics in the therapeutic areas of high unmet needs such as ulcerative colitis, fibrotic diseases and cancers. It currently licenses novel NCE (New Chemical Entities) or NME (New Molecule Entities) mainly from Korean academics or biotech/pharmas to develop them globally. The company has raised $30m from Korean local VCs from the inception.

2. Autotaxin

Autotaxin (ATX) is a protein of approximately 900 amino acids discovered in the early 1990s, and an enzyme important for generating the lipid signaling molecule, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Autotaxin has lysophospholipase D activity that converts lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into LPA. LPA, the bioactive lipid catalyzed by Autotaxin, engages in signaling via LPA receptors and the LPA signaling results in cell proliferation, migration, secretion of cytokine and chemokine and reduction of cell apoptosis. Pathologically, Autotaxin has been found to be engaged in inflammation and fibrosis and it emerges as one of attractive drug targets.

3. IPF, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible and fatal lung disease. A number of investigational drugs are being developed while only two therapeutics, pirfenidone and nintedanib, were approved by US FDA.

4. IPF Summit 2018

2nd Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Summit organized by Hanson Wade was held from August 20th through the 22nd, 2018 at The Marker San Francisco, San Francisco, California. With the incredible breakthrough success of drugs now in our arsenal for slowing IPF disease progression, the increasing importance of identifying genetic mechanisms, closing the translational gap between preclinical and clinical results, and developing candidates to reverse fibrosis have opened up further challenges within IPF drug development. (http://ipf-summit.com/)

Contact: Bridge Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Director, Jong-Jin Lim (Jong-Jin.Lim@bridgebiorx.com, +82 10-4396-9874)
Manager, Joengbin Ahn (Joengbin.Ahn@bridgebiorx.com, +82 10-6257-3517)

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bridge-biotherapeutics-presented-preclinical-study-results-on-bbt-877-an-autotaxin-inhibitor-at-the-ipf-summit-2018-300700793.html

Source: Bridge Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Natural & Organic Products Asia 2018 to Debut Organic European Skincare, Live Demo of 100s Products, and Business Seminars

Industry’s Most Established Educational Platform and Product Showcase for Natural & Organic Professionals to Convene 29-31 August in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Aug. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — With the global demand for organic products continues to rise, organic food and beverages market is forecasted to nearly triple by 2025 reaching $320.5 billion; an estimated 9.5% compounded annual growth rate in organic personal care market; all eyes are on Asia to fuel that surge. From natural foods & beverages offering plant base alternatives and natural ingredients, to natural beauty products toting cruelty-free manufacturing and clean packaging, to the growing nutraceuticals market in response to natural and healthy lifestyles, Asia is projected to witness the fastest growth in the “organic movement” and account for over 12% of global revenue by 2025.


Glowing Skin Luxury Body Oil for Dry Skin by Atlantis Skincare

As proof, this month in Hong Kong from 29-31 August, the 5th edition of Natural & Organic Products Asia (NOPA) will host first time to debut products for the worldwide market alongside 1,000s of organic and natural products from international bestselling companies and manufacturers.


Natural & Organic Products Asia (NOPA) 2018 expects to welcome over 6000 trade professionals in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 29-31 August

Established since 2014, Natural & Organic Products Asia has provided the leading platform for introducing one of the largest ranges of international natural and organic products throughout Asia.  This year’s edition will see the launch of several first time to debut products including Glowing Skin Luxury Body Oil for Dry Skin by U.K. based Atlantis Skincare loaded with vitamins, proteins, amino acids and antioxidants and Turmeric & Orange Coffee Body Scrub & Mask by Pure Purpose Cosmetic in U.K., an award-winning body scrub that helps with brightening the skin and improves skin circulation. NOPA 2018 will also play host to the eat-like-a-Finn experience with featured foods from Finland — some of the purest foods grown in the world due to cultivation within the clean Arctic climates — including the healing properties of Finnish luminous oats. “Try Swedish” is another experiential component at NOPA 2018 offering visitors a sample of the healthy Swedish lifestyle in “Swedish Fika” or the art of the Swedish coffee break.  


Exhibitor presents their latest innovations at NOPA Live Theatre

Likely one of the most anticipated components to Natural & Organic Products Asia is the return of the NOPA Live Theatre where dozens of NOPA’s selected exhibitors present their latest natural and organic innovations in 15-minute internals inclusive of product application demonstrations, live tasting and sampling, and Q&A direct with the manufacturers. Products showcasing in the Live Theatre this year include PuraCHOICE, the only hypoallergenic cleaner removing surface and airborne allergens that is safe for both you and the environment and NAVEEN PMD Outdoor Activity Shielding Spray, a 100% natural insect repellent suitable for all family including toddlers.

Looking to better understand the natural and organic market? The changing consumer habits for natural and organic products? Or want to know about current business opportunities to be made in this growing industry? NOPA’s Natural Business Forum features 20 business seminars in conjunction with companies like Google, Baidu, WGSN, Hong Kong Organic Resource Center, the Federation of Beauty Industry Hong Kong and many more. Some featured sessions this year includes Benefits of Propolis, Different Usage & Applications; Innovating with Wellness Technology; and Ethical Labels in Cosmetics Industry.

Natural and Organic Products Asia 2018 expects to welcome over 6,000 trade professionals to the event’s four exhibiting zones including Natural Food & Beverage, Health and Nutrition, Natural Beauty & Spa, Natural Living together with national pavilions and the innovative Start-up Zone. Online registration is open through Friday 24 August and onsite registration commences Wednesday 29 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information on all NOPA 2018 activities, exhibiting companies, and up to date conference schedules visit: www.naturalandorganicasia.com.

For enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Winnie Ho
Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager
UBM Asia Ltd.
Tel: +852-2827-6211
Email: winnie.ho@ubm.com

About Natural and Organic Asia

Rebranded as Natural and Organic Asia in August this year, the exhibition is part of UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world.

To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.ubm.com and www.informa.com.

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2217106-1-a
Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2217106-1-b
Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2217106-1-c
Logo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2217106-1LOGO-d

Medtec Japan 2019 to Highlight Medical Device Design and Manufacturing Industry in Tokyo

TOKYO, Aug. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Asia’s largest exhibition and conference dedicated to the Medical Device Design and Manufacturing industry, “Medtec Japan 2019” will be held in Tokyo from 18th Mon — 20th Wed March 2019.


Medtec Japan 2018

Medtec Japan 2018

Medtec Japan 2018

Over 560 exhibitors from some 25 countries around the world exhibited their latest technologies and services last year in Japan, the second largest medical device market in the world after the United States. With a rapidly aging population and rising demand for increasingly sophisticated treatments, the medical devices industry is one of the few sectors that have seen continuous and steady growth.

Over 31,000 visitors attended the previous event from nearly 30 countries.  Medtec Japan is a highly targeted event, with over 60% of visitors coming from medical device manufacturers. Among them are buyers and R&D staff from companies such as Terumo Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Nihon Kohden Corporation, OMRON Corporation, PHC Co., Ltd., Kawasumi Laboratories Inc., Nipro Corporation, Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd., JMS Co., Ltd., Create Medic Co., Ltd., HOYA Corporation, Konica Minolta, Inc.,  Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Sysmex Corporation, FujiFilm Corporation, Toray Medical Co., Ltd., GC Co., Ltd., J. Morita Mfg. Corp, Yoshida Seisakusho Co., Ltd., and Eisakusho Co., Ltd.

Medtec Japan is co-located with five other exhibitions:

  • ElectroMED Japan
  • Smart Health Japan
  • Test Kit Japan
  • Care/Welfare Robot & Device Expo
  • Medical CITY / Disaster Medical / Innovation for Creative Technology (NEW)
    Connected service / technology, Wi-Fi service / technology, Telecommunication service / technology, Signal, Power saving Technology, Censor, Security system , Security camera, GPS, Cloud service, Smart Hospital Technology, Service and Technology for Ultra-aging society, Healthcare management service/facility/technology, Smart House, AI, Manpower service, Nursing human resource development service, Disaster medical, and Medical equipment / Technology for Disaster medical

Putting the Global Spotlight on Japan’s cutting-edge Medical Technologies:

Medtec Japan is one of the ten highly-focused life science related exhibitions that will be held concurrently in Tokyo under an umbrella “Japan Life Science Week 2019”. Japan Life Science Week provides a unique platform for the creation of new business opportunities in the field of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, as well as focusing world attention on Japan’s cutting-edge medical technologies.

Medtec Japan 2020 will be held in Tokyo from 18th Mon – 20th Wed March 2020. For more information, please visit www.medtecjapan.com.

Logo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2215874-1LOGO
Logo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170222/8521701055LOGO
Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2216986-1-a
Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2216986-1-b
Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180821/2216986-1-c

Source: UBM Japan Co., Ltd.

Lower price for nutrition assessment tool expands global access

PATH and Quansys Biosciences, Inc. improve access of the Q-Plex™ Human Micronutrient Array for low- and middle-income countries with a new price of US$1.43 per analyte

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — PATH and Quansys Biosciences, Inc., have agreed to reduce the cost of the Q-Plex™ Human Micronutrient Array (7-Plex), an innovative nutrition tool launched in January 2017 to improve women’s and children’s health around the world.

With the assistance of PATH, Quansys has lowered the price of the micronutrient array to $1.43 per analyte, making it even more affordable and accessible to the countries that need it most. This new price was the result of a yearlong collaboration between the two organizations. PATH and Quansys explored commercialization options to support an improved pricing structure better aligned with the needs of nutritional programs, while also being sustainable for Quansys.

The micronutrient array is now available at a significantly lower price than current commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methodologies, while offering several advantages over ELISA methods which include multiplexing capability, ease of use, faster run times, and automated read-outs. The new price, which equates to $400 per test kit, is available to low- and middle-income countries, and organizations involved in public health research that benefits low- and middle-income countries.  

“PATH and Quansys want to ensure the micronutrient array is affordable for organizations working in nutrition in low- and middle-income countries,” says Neha Agarwal, commercialization officer at PATH. “We collaborated with Quansys to streamline the production process, resulting in a more accessible pricing structure and broader access for the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

More than two billion people are affected by micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions contribute to impaired development, disease, and death, with the burden falling especially hard on young children and expectant mothers in low- and middle-income countries. Micronutrient deficiencies can be addressed through nutrition programs, but it can be difficult and expensive to conduct wide-scale population surveillance needed to guide these interventions.

The micronutrient array simultaneously quantifies vitamin A, iron, and iodine deficiency biomarkers in addition to biomarkers for inflammation and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Prior to its introduction, users needed to use multiple diagnostic tests for these biomarkers, testing for one analyte at a time with multiple samples. Furthermore, in low-resource and remote settings, these samples needed to be shipped internationally for analyses, requiring time and high costs. Multiplexing enables researchers to obtain more information from a single sample in less time and at lower cost, and the robust nature and ease of use of the Q-Plex technology allows for testing of samples near the communities where they are collected.

As expanded population surveillance becomes simpler and more cost effective with new tools such as the micronutrient array, countries and programs can make data-driven decisions for public health interventions and put limited resources to the most effective use.

The micronutrient array is the result of a partnership between PATH, Quansys, and the University of Washington. The array is manufactured with ISO 9001 and 13485 quality systems to ensure a consistently high-quality product.

The Q-Plex Human Micronutrient Array (7-Plex) can be ordered directly from Quansys Biosciences.

Q-Plex is a trademark of Quansys Biosciences, Inc.

This project is supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About PATH

PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide. Learn more at www.path.org.

About Quansys Biosciences, Inc.

At Quansys Biosciences, our teams build and develop customizable multiplex and singleplex protein assay technologies that allow pharmaceutical companies, clinical laboratories, government institutions, universities, and researchers around the world access to large amounts of quantitative data quickly and efficiently. Q-Plex Array Technology has been aiding researchers to better understand disease and improve their biological sample testing since 2005.
www.quansysbio.com

To learn more about Quansys and Q-Plex: 
Meghan Young
myoung@quansysbio.com
(435) 213-9818

Contact:

Shineco, Inc. Enters into Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the People’s Government of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture for Apocynum Industrial Integration Construction Project

BEIJING, Aug. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Shineco, Inc. (“Shineco” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TYHT), a manufacturer and distributor of Chinese herbal medicines, organic agricultural products, specialized textiles, and other health and well-being focused plant-based products in China, announced today that the Company, through its joint venture company, Xinjiang Shineco Taihe Agriculture Technology Ltd. (“Xinjiang Taihe”), has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement (the “Agreement”) with the People’s Government of Bayingolin Mongol (“Bazhou”) Autonomous Prefecture (“Bazhou Autonomous Prefecture”) for the Company’s Apocynum Industrial Integration Construction Project (the “Project”.)

As previously disclosed in a press release dated July 2, 2018, the Company officially established its Apocynum Industrial Integration Construction Project in Bazhou. The Project is now operated by the Company’s joint venture company, Xinjiang Shineco Taihe Agriculture Technology Ltd. and has secured the requisite local government approvals.

The Company and the Bazhou Autonomous Prefecture have entered into the Agreement to take full advantage of the local ecology of Bazhou for growing Apocynum, accelerate the processing and development of Apocynum, expand and strengthen the Apocynum industry, promote ecological restoration, boost farmers’ income and assist the local population alleviate poverty. The cooperation between the Company and the Bazhou Autonomous Prefecture is expected to play an active role in and provide benefits to the local economy and locals’ livelihood. After consultation, the two parties formed a strategic partnership to build a whole industrial chain development model and industrial layout integrating Apocynum fiber extraction, cotton and linen blending and comprehensive utilization, and promote the development of the Apocynum industry in Bazhou.

Pursuant to the Agreement, both parties agree to establish a long-term and stable cooperation mechanism to develop relations of mutual cooperation, honesty and trustworthiness, and mutual development. Specific cooperation matters are expected to operate in a market-oriented manner. Based on relevant local industrial policies, the Bazhou Autonomous Prefecture is expected to support the Company by coordinating support and advocating for financial assistance and subsidies on behalf of the Company when the Company applies for preferential policies in the areas of ecological protection, poverty alleviation, technological innovation, investment promotion, textiles and clothing in the countries, autonomous regions and autonomous prefectures. The Company plans to promote the planting of Apocynum plants on fallow farmland or grassland without affecting the local water ecology or increasing water use indicators and carry out the transformation of secondary grassland to improve the yield and quality of Apocynum. The Company intends to carry out Apocynum growing, cutting, and cultivation activities based upon the principles of preserving the ecological environment, wild vegetation, and maintaining the original ownership of the grassland. We expect to apply scientific methods in Apocynum planting and harvesting, and Apocynum cultivation is planned to be fully optimized to maintain water and soil and minimize the effects of wind and sand, and to avoid vegetation degradation of the Apocynum plants that may otherwise be caused by unlimited cultivation.

The Company expects the Project will absorb the local rural surplus labor force in Bazhou to carry out Apocynum cultivation, harvesting and other activities. The Company plans to use its information, technology, human capital, industry coordination, other competitive advantages and support the development of Apocynum industry chain projects such as Apocynum landscape tourism development, fiber comprehensive extraction and blending processing, bio-pharmaceuticals and food processing to promote the extension of the Apocynum industrial chain and increase the added value of products.

Mr. Yuying Zhang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Shineco, stated, “Shineco will always insist on serving local economic development and maintaining long-term close cooperative relations with the People’s Government of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. This Agreement opens a new chapter in the relationship between Shineco and the People’s Government of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. We expect to use our advantages in scientific research and industrial planning to provide comprehensive support for the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. We believe our capabilities and advantages will become a major engine in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture to drive the rapid development of the local economy.”

About Shineco, Inc.

Incorporated in August 1997 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Shineco, Inc. (“Shineco” or the “Company”) is a Delaware holding company that uses its subsidiaries’ and variable interest entities’ vertically- and horizontally-integrated production, distribution and sales channels to provide health and well-being focused plant-based products in China. Utilizing modern engineering technologies and biotechnologies, Shineco produces, among other products, Chinese herbal medicines, organic agricultural produce and specialized textiles. For more information about the Company, please visit  www.tianyiluobuma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information about Shineco’s view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with its ability to raise additional funding, its ability to maintain and grow its business, variability of operating results, its ability to maintain and enhance its brand, its development and introduction of new products and services, the successful integration of acquired companies, technologies and assets into its portfolio of products and services, marketing and other business development initiatives, competition in the industry, general government regulation, economic conditions, dependence on key personnel, the ability to attract, hire and retain personnel who possess the technical skills and experience necessary to meet the requirements of its clients, and its ability to protect its intellectual property. Shineco encourages you to review other factors that may affect its future results in Shineco’s registration statement and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact:

Tina Xiao
Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Phone: +1-917-609-0333
Email: tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shineco-inc-enters-into-strategic-cooperation-agreement-with-the-peoples-government-of-bayingolin-mongol-autonomous-prefecture-for-apocynum-industrial-integration-construction-project-300698903.html

The Buck Institute, Insilico Medicine, and Juvenescence Found Napa Therapeutics to Develop Drugs to Impede Age-Related Disease

Collaboration will harness AI technology to address an aging-related target

NOVATO, California, Aug. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Insilico Medicine, and Juvenescence Ltd announced today that they have formed Napa Therapeutics, Ltd to develop drugs against a novel aging-related target. The Buck Institute is one of the leading research centers in the world focused solely on research on aging and the elimination of age-related disease. Insilico Medicine is an AI company focused on a range of verticals devoted to aging. Insilico Medicine stands to earn more than $100M in milestone payments should the program be successful. Juvenescence is a company focused on developing drugs to modify aging and the diseases of aging.

Napa Therapeutics is based on groundbreaking research in NAD metabolism conducted in the lab of Eric Verdin, MD, President and CEO of the Buck Institute. The Verdin lab will collaborate with Napa, using Insilico’s drug development engine to speed the discovery of new compounds. “This is a unique opportunity to use cutting-edge AI to accelerate drug discovery,” said Dr. Verdin. “The Buck is excited to join forces with Insilico and Juvenescence as we work to eliminate the threat of age-related disease for this and future generations.”

“I am most excited by this model and the ability to combine the quality science of the Buck Institute with the remarkable deep learning engine at Insilico Medicine. To me this is another big step in the evolving process of using AI with HI (human intelligence) to extract the best of both systems,” said Gregory Bailey, MD, CEO of Juvenescence. “Napa Therapeutics lets Juvenescence deepen our collaboration with the Buck Institute and with Insilico Medicine. We hope to shorten the time required to identify molecules that can be brought to the clinic and most importantly help patients.”

“We are very happy to partner with the Buck Institute and Juvenescence around a very promising set of targets in a pathway overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry. Aging research is among the most altruistic causes that will improve and extend the lives of everyone on the planet and reduce the pain and suffering associated with the age-associated diseases. However, in order to scale, our efforts must become sustainable and provide reasonable returns to investors. If successful, Insilico Medicine alone stands to earn in excess of $100 million in milestone payment from this deal,” said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.

About Napa Therapeutics. Ltd
Napa Therapeutics, Ltd. is a biotechnology company focused on a novel target linked to one of the fundamental processes of aging. A privately held British Virgin Islands company with an office in the Isle of Man, Napa is developing small molecule drugs to address this target.

About the Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede the ways in which we age. An independent, nonprofit institution, our goal is to increase human health span, or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging, the number one risk factor for serious diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes, the Buck wants to help people live better longer.  Learn more at: https://buckinstitute.org

About Juvenescence, Ltd.
Juvenescence Limited is a company focused on developing therapies and drugs to increase human longevity and complementary investments in related sectors. It was founded in 2017. The Juvenescence team is composed of highly experienced entrepreneurs and drug developers focused on life science and commercial drug development. Juvenescence creates new ventures and invests time and money directly in both start-up and in conjunction with established longevity related companies offering operational support.

Juvenescence believes that advances in science have made real the possibility of slowing, halting or potentially reversing some elements of ageing and is assembling a pipeline of therapeutic agents through joint ventures.

About Insilico Medicine, Inc.
Insilico Medicine is an artificial intelligence company with R&D offices and resources in the US, Belgium, Russia, the UK, Taiwan and Korea, sourced through hackathons and competitions. The company and its scientists are 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 pioneered the applications of the generative adversarial networks (GANs) and reinforcement learning for generation of novel molecular structures for diseases with a known ligand and with no known targets. In addition to working collaborations with 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 advanced bioinformatics and deep learning techniques. 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 for potential in social impact. In 2018, the company was named one of the global top 100 AI companies by CB Insights. In 2018 it received the Frost & Sullivan 2018 North American Artificial Intelligence for Aging Research and Drug Development Award accompanied by industry brief. Brief company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l62jlwgL3v8.
http://www.insilico.com

Contact: Qingsong Zhu, PhD
Insilico Medicine, Inc. 
9601 Medical Center Dr, Suite 127
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 443 451 7212 
Email: zhu@insilico.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/703474/Insilico_Medicine_Logo.jpg

Redefining Cause-Based Corporate Engagement

The Asia Pacific Leaders’ Malaria Alliance (APLMA) joins with Yoma Strategic and Shopee to end malaria

SINGAPORE, Aug. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — To mark World Mosquito Day, the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Malaria Alliance (APLMA) will expand its efforts to end malaria through a new partnership with Yoma Strategic Holdings (“Yoma Strategic”) and an awareness campaign with e-commerce platform Shopee. This collaboration comes through M2030, a platform launched in April which engages international health organizations, consumers and prominent business leaders in eliminating malaria by 2030.

Established on World Malaria Day 2018, the M2030 initiative aims to reach close to 50 million people in the coming years to raise awareness about the urgent need to end malaria in the Asia Pacific region and to fund crucial programmes to stop this devastating disease.

Yoma Strategic joined this collective today at a special launch ceremony in Yangon. The organisation will spearhead the M2030 initiative in Myanmar through various private sector engagements, including planned campaigns with Wave Money, a mobile financial service agent network, and Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospitals. These campaigns will be executed through social media, as well as panel and roundtable discussions to support fundraising and malaria education.

“In Myanmar, an estimated 31 million people are at risk of contracting malaria[i]. Along the border, we see particular challenges with high rates of transmission and drug-resistance,” said Melvyn Pun, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Yoma Strategic Holdings. “As an organization with deep roots in Myanmar, we are proud to partner with APLMA and M2030 to champion this cause and to stop malaria’s impact within our own borders.”

Shopee, one of M2030’s pioneer partners, launched its second regional educational campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence of malaria in Asia. The campaign, held across multiple markets in the lead up to World Mosquito Day, was able to reach out to millions of users across the region.

“As a homegrown company, it is important that we do our part to improve the lives of consumers across the region. We aim to leverage our reach in each of our markets to raise awareness and educate users on how they can contribute to a meaningful cause. This series of educational pushes is part of our long-term partnership with M2030, and Shopee will continue to work closely with M2030 to roll out more initiatives to support the fight against malaria in Asia,” said Chris Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Shopee.

Patrik Silborn, Head of External Relations at APLMA, further commented, “Malaria elimination is a big job, but it is also achievable. Bringing new partners, fresh perspectives and innovative thinking into this effort gives us the best opportunity to get over the finish line. I am confident that the valued support of Yoma Strategic and Shopee will drive us even closer to achieving this important goal.”

The partnership with Yoma Strategic and Shopee will see continued efforts to support malaria education, as well as public health initiatives like the testing and treatment of the disease in the region.

M2030 is a partnership comprised of Tahir Foundation, DT Families Foundation, Dentsu Aegis Network, Outdoor Channel Asia, Shopee, Yoma, WaveMoney and Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospitals.

[i] World Malaria Report 2017, WHO

About APLMA
APLMA is an affiliation of Asia and Pacific heads of government, formed to accelerate progress against malaria and to eliminate it in the region by 2030. APLMA was created by the East Asian Summit (EAS) leaders in 2013 to further strengthen anti-malaria efforts, both to help protect hard-won national gains and, ultimately, to defeat malaria in the region altogether.

About Yoma Strategic Holdings
Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Securities Exchange Trading Limited (SGX-ST), Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd. is a leading business corporation with a diversified portfolio of businesses in Real Estate, Consumer, Automotive & Heavy Equipment, Financial Services and Investments in Myanmar. Together with its partner, the SPA Group, the Group is taking a conglomerate approach to build a diversified portfolio of businesses in Myanmar. The Company was ranked in the top 5% of the Governance and Transparency Index 2018, ranked 26th out of top 100 largest Singapore companies in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard 2017 and won the Best Managed Board (Gold) Award at the Singapore Corporate Awards in 2016.

About Shopee
Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and become the region’s e-commerce destination of choice.

Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion and fitness equipment.

Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce and digital financial services across Greater Southeast Asia. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology, and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE.

For any media enquiries, please contact:  

APLMA
Patrik Silborn
Tel: +65 (0) 8411 3061
Email: psilborn@aplma.org

Logo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180817/2214918-1LOGO

Exit mobile version