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Merck Set to Join Forces with Project Data Sphere to Pioneer Global Oncology Big Data Alliance

DARMSTADT, Germany, Sept. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ —

Not intended for U.K./U.S. based media 

  • Big data platform to help accelerate innovative discovery, development and delivery of new approaches in cancer care  
  • Enhanced analytical capabilities to better define personalized treatment options and help predict treatment outcomes 
  • Focused on areas of high unmet need to help enhance advancement in understanding, and empower and connect oncology community  

Merck, a leading science and technology company has announced that it will enter into a strategic collaboration with Project Data Sphere LLC, an independent, not-for-profit initiative of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer’s Life Sciences Consortium, to jointly lead the Global Oncology Big Data Alliance (GOBDA). This was announced at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday, to coincide with Merck’s Award Ceremony announcing the recipients of its 2017 Grant for Oncology Innovation, held during the annual European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO 2017) in Madrid, Spain.

“The ultimate goal of our alliance with Project Data Sphere is to unleash the power of big data to bring value to cancer patients,” said Belen Garijo, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Healthcare. “Merck is deeply committed to investing in initiatives that push the boundaries of cancer research, that we hope will accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of innovative treatments to all who need it.”

The GOBDA initiative has been formed to expand the open-access of de-identified patient data sets to further enhance analytical capabilities, by building on Project Data Sphere’s innovative digital platform. The current platform contains historical clinical trial data from almost 100,000 patients provided by multiple organizations, and access to this information has already led to new and potentially practice-changing findings. GOBDA will expand this platform to include rare tumor trial, experimental arm and real-world patient data. Leveraging these data with big data analytics will help to optimize clinical trials, build a registry of data and help to enable advancement in the understanding of cancer treatment globally, with the mission to address the significant unmet needs in this field. In addition, by unleashing analytical power and big data to study and learn how to better manage rare but serious immune-mediated adverse events, institutes and industry will be able to assist regulators to adapt these new learnings into treatment guidelines. As well as establishing models to help enable early adverse event identification and improved patient outcomes.

“Big data is changing the face of healthcare as we know it, and advances in our ability to collect data, share and analyze it has already led to ground-breaking work,” said Dr Martin J. Murphy, CEO of Project Data Sphere LLC. “The joint force of Merck and Project Data Sphere will aim to connect and empower a truly global oncology community with these big data and analytical capabilities. We are excited about the Global Oncology Big Data Alliance initiative and the continuing engagement of a diverse community focused on finding solutions for cancer patients.”

Investment in the initiative builds on Merck’s commitment to rewarding innovation and creative thinking that could further advance the field of medicine, and begins a new chapter for global oncology innovation. Since 2014, the company has awarded a total of €4 million to further research in oncology through the Grant for Oncology Innovation award, which has engaged over 1,000 investigators worldwide, generated 12 winning research proposals from leading academic institutions, and generated seven high impact manuscripts. More information about the program can be found online at: http://www.grantforoncologyinnovation.org

About Project Data Sphere, LLC 

Project Data Sphere, LLC is an independent, not-for-profit initiative of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer Inc.’s Life Sciences Consortium. The CEO Roundtable on Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded by President George H.W. Bush in 2001 to develop and implement initiatives that reduce the risk of cancer, enable early diagnosis, facilitate access to the best available treatments, and hasten the discovery of novel and more effective anti-cancer therapies.

For more information, visit http://www.ProjectDataSphere.org, or follow the Project Data Sphere initiative on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ProjDataSphere.

About the Global Oncology Big Data Alliance (GOBDA) 

The Global Oncology Big Data Alliance (GOBDA) will be a joint alliance, co-led by Merck and Project Data Sphere with the shared vision to connect and empower the oncology community with big data and advanced analytical capabilities. It is the goal of the initiative that by unleashing these data capabilities, this platform will help accelerate discovery, development and delivery of innovative treatment approaches for cancer patients, and address current significant unmet needs in this field.

A joint steering committee will monitor the initial progress of the collaboration including expansion of the PDS database with new data sets provided by the National Cancer Institute and other parties, designing the first FDA/Industry immuno-related adverse event Safety Meeting on December 15, 2017. The anticipated overall term of the GOBDA project and strategic collaboration shall be from 2018-2021.

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

About Merck 

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of EUR 15.0 billion in 66 countries.

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

Your Contact: Martina Brunner +49-6151-72-43959

PRNews

Merck Collaborates with Angiex to Speed Clinical Readiness of New Cancer Therapy

– Project is first for Merck’s Massachusetts BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions center

– Collaboration gives Angiex access to Merck’s process development tools and technologies

DARMSTADT, Germany, Aug. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced a new collaboration with Angiex, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA to support the biotechnology start-up’s ability to speed its lead oncology antibody drug candidate to clinical use. Angiex is developing an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for cancer against a vascular target, TM4SF1.

The collaboration with Angiex is the first project to be undertaken at Merck’s new biodevelopment center in Massachusetts, USA. Merck will give Angiex access to end-to-end process development tools, education programs and training to support its success.

“Companies benefit from our expertise and experience in developing GMP manufacturing processes for early clinical development programs,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “With an end-to-end approach, Merck can facilitate and accelerate scaling and technical transfer for companies like Angiex.”

Angiex CEO Dr. Paul Jaminet applauded Merck’s broad range of process development capabilities and services for customers at all stages of molecule development and commercialization. “Through this collaboration, Angiex hopes to accelerate our path to the clinic. We appreciate Merck’s expertise in bringing to cancer patients an innovative treatment capable of addressing the most dangerous solid tumors,” Jaminet said.

Merck’s BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions deliver products and services allowing biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate the progression of potential new therapies from the laboratory into clinical trial and on toward commercialization. The turnkey package includes process development, cGMP manufacturing, facility design, equipment for pilot-plant production, process and equipment training, technology transfer, equipment qualification and set-up for commercialization. To further support its global BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions, Merck will inaugurate its new biodevelopment center in Burlington, Massachusetts in October 2017.

Merck’s BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions is part of the Process Solutions business area within the Life Science business of Merck.

About Angiex
Angiex was founded by world-class scientists to develop vascular-targeted biotherapeutics. Angiex targets fundamental aspects of endothelial biology with a focus on angiogenesis. Angiex’s lead product is an antibody-drug conjugate therapy for cancer. Angiex is resident at LabCentral in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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

About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of €15 billion in 66 countries.

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

PRNews

A Delegation led by Director Li Weimin of West China Hospital, Sichuan University Visited the UK

CHENGDU, China, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — On July 9-14 this year, a delegation led by director Li Weimin of West China Hospital, Sichuan University visited University of Liverpool, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Imperial College London in the UK. The delegation consisted of representatives from multiple departments and divisions of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, including Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Department, Cardiac Surgery Department, Anesthesiology Department, Health Care Division, Biological Specimen Bank, Information Center, and International Exchange and Cooperation Office.


Prof. Li Weimin of West China Hospital signed a cooperation with Takis Kotis, CEO of UKeMED Platform of Cambridge University

While at University of Liverpool, the delegation visited its core medical research departments including Clinical Research Center, Research Accelerator, North West Cancer Research Centre, Biobank, Institute of Integrative Biology, and Institute of Translational Medicine, and held discussions with the host about potential cooperation in the field of biomedical research in the future.

On July 10, a bilateral cooperation forum was organized, and leaders and experts from University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool University participated. In this forum, director Li Weimin reviewed the cooperation history between University of Liverpool and West China Hospital, stating that University of Liverpool had cultivated nearly ten talents for West China Hospital and that reinforced cooperation would greatly benefit both parties due to their traditional focus on scientific research. Executive vice director Wan Xuehong gave an overview of West China Hospital, and recommended further cooperation plans with regard to doctor and post-doctor cultivation, expert exchange, and joint establishment of West China Liverpool Biomedicine Research Center and Liverpool West China Center. After the forum, director Li Weimin signed a Liverpool – West China cooperation memorandum with Bob Burgoyne, executive pro-vice-chancellor of University of Liverpool and dean of Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

While at Cambridge University, the delegation met the managers of remote medical platform UKeMED, and communicated with representatives from institutes such as Cambridge University Hospitals and University of Bedfordshire. The delegation also made a video presentation about world leading medical technologies of West China Hospital. After the meeting, director Li Weimin and Takis Kotis, CEO of UKeMED Platform, signed a cooperation memorandum concerning remote medicine and education as well as a letter of intent for cooperation under The Belt and Road initiative.

On the afternoon of July 12, the delegation met Roland Sinker, CEO of Cambridge University Hospitals. Later, the delegation paid a visit to Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Of Cambridge University, during which discussions were held with experts of the centre about challenges confronted by West China Hospital in biomedical research.

During their stay in London, the delegation visited Health care UK (HCUK). Ms. Deborah Kobewka, managing director of HCUK, introduced NHS medical system of UK and its operation conditions to the team members. She described HCUK as a government interface between UK and foreign medical partners, welcoming cooperation between West China Hospital and famous UK organizations like Cambridge UKeMED. The delegation also visited four private high-end UK medical centers at Harley Street. The team led by Director Li Weimin and executive vice director Wan Xuehong met representatives from some departments of Hammersmith Hospital affiliated with Imperial College London, including Anesthesiology Department, Cardiac Surgery Department, and Health Care Division, and expressed their thanks for multiple training sessions provided by the hospital for the medical team of West China Hospital.

On July 14, the delegation met Ms. Betty Yue, supervisor of Continuing Education & Training Center of Imperial College London, and Professor Desmond Johnston, vice president of Medicine School. Both parties achieved deeper understanding of each other, which laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.

This visit to University of Liverpool, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Imperial College London improved mutual understanding between West China Hospital and advanced academic research institutes in UK, and was concluded with preliminary cooperation plans regarding medical education and research. Such cooperation will enable West China Hospital to better build an international brand and integrate international resources, thus greatly promoting internationalization process of West China Hospital.

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PRNews

Major Beijing health investment company betting big on China’s co-working Unicorn

BEIJING, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — UrWork, Beijing — China’s largest co-working space provider UrWork announced on 5th July to add Beijing Love & Health Group (known as Beijing Aikang Group), a major Chinese conglomerate with robust investment portfolio in health and hospitality sector into its growing investor roaster, fuelling future growth in vertical development of UrWork’s service platform.


Shenzhen UrWork Alicloud space

The announcement of Beijing Love & Health Group’s strategic investment, equivalent of US$ 29.4 million, was made on July 5, seeing the two Beijing-headquartered companies to co-develop a novel co-working model, set to launch in the first half of 2018.  The announcement came two months after the announcement of the US$ 58.8 million fund injection from Star Group, China’s leading supplier of table tennis equipment and incubator for professional snooker pool players.

Dr. Wang Dong, founder and Chairman of Beijing Love & Health Group spoke highly of the investment: “Dr. Mao Daqing has demonstrated phenomenal audacity and leadership through driving UrWork from complete scratch to the Unicorn status as it is today over a short course of two years. We see this as an opportunity to extend our portfolio in real estate developments and I am confident that the strategic investment built on our shared values and complementary strengths will see UrWork going from strength to strength.”

Wang adds that UrWork’s strategic alliance with governments, the growth prospect of co-working industry, palpable commercial growth potential and strong management team are core factors that influenced the deal. He believes that UrWork sets the industrial standard and is happy to invest in a standard around which the whole industry can coalesce.  

Beijing Love & Health Group, founded in 1993, is a leading Chinese conglomerate with diversified investment portfolio in pharmaceutical and medical, securities and funds, hospitality and catering, as well as real estate sectors. With a clear health-oriented investment strategy, the company champions medical system upgrading and provides excellent post-investment support.

“This new fund injection will help further strengthen our core verticals and diversify our investor portfolio. Beijing Love & Health Group’s investment is the forerunner of a series of facility and service upgrading at UrWork and we will continue to complement our existing platform facilities and resources with targeted health hospitality real estate, and contingent resources in shared working space sector,” said Dr. Mao Daqing, founder and CEO of UrWork.

UrWork’s current investor portfolio counts the big names of the industry such as Zhen Fund, Sequoia Capital, Gopher Asset, Noah Wealth Management and Sinovation Ventures. The company is valued at US $1.3 billion after its merger with its biggest rival in China New Space in February. It counts Unicorns such as ofo, Mobike, BlueGogo, Bilibili, Today’s Headline, as well as large global enterprises such as Amazon China, JD.com as its roaster tenants.

UrWork (Beijing) Venture Investment Co., Ltd, known as UrWork, is a co-working disrupter and leader in China, providing start-ups, SMEs and corporate tenants with on-demand, short-term leasing and customised space solutions at an exceptional value. The company has last month opened its first overseas location at JTC launchpad in Singapore in tripartite partnership with Singapore International Enterprise and CapitaLand, and sets to open another 150 locations across 32 cities worldwide including Los Angeles, New York and London over the next three years, enabling community connection for 40,000 individual members and over 5000 enterprises.

While actively building economy of scale through soliciting investments, UrWork advocates consumption-upgrading in line with the central government’s national economic development scheme. Offering integrated multi-functional services and modern office facilities, UrWork platform aggregates over 1000 partner enterprise and third-party service suppliers, encompassing financial advisory, human resources, media, consultancy, international shared-medical-service platform, online sport travel commerce, intellectual property protection, intelligent hardware, start-up accelerator and interior design.

The global sharing economy in 2014 was reported to reach US$ 1.5 billion and US$ 8.1 billion by 2015. The total market capitalisation of share economy is estimated to reach US$ 335 billion, with 36% year-to-year growth rate. Assessing from the current growth trajectory, China’s sharing economy volume will crown the world within the next three to five years.

“The rising concept of co-working address the more mobile working style modern urban professionals have today, where an increasing number of people work on the go, resulting in an under-utilisation of working space. By making space more dynamic with well-crafted furniture and facilities, and supportive services, this recaptures the latent under-utilised space, which also helps drive greater cost efficiencies,” said Mao, a former real estate executive with 23 years of experiences in the commercial and residential real estate under his belt. “We are looking to diversify our portfolio and strengthen our brand asset in a bid to create a more comprehensive and inclusive ‘UrWork’ experience integrating all contexts in work and life.”

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements contained here that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward-looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of UrWork company and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate or may be under the control of unrelated third parties. UrWork does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

For further information please contact:

Visit http://www.urwork.cn to access more information about the facility, accelerator and mentor program from the company. 

About UrWork:

Founded in 2015 by real-estate veteran Dr. Mao Daqing, UrWork (Beijing) Venture Investment Co., Ltd is a leading co-working space provider in China offering long-term leasing, hot desk and corporate-customization solutions and professional services across a broad spectrum for small-to-medium enterprises. Backed by renowned investors such as Sequoia Capital, Zhen Fund, Noah Wealth Management, Sinovation Ventures, UrWork posts a valuation of US$ 1.3 billion after B-round as of June 2017, and has grown to cover over 78 locations in over 20 cities in China, Singapore and New York, servicing over 3000 enterprises, 40,000 members in total. UrWorks expands globally through partnership with accredited facility operators and franchisers and UrWork is the largest and most recognised co-working space brand in China. (www.urwork.cn)


UrWork at CapitaMall Minzhongleyuan, Wuhan

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