Olympus announces acquisition of FH ORTHO, an international orthopedics company in France

Tokyo/Hamburg, Nov 2, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Olympus Corporation (Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) today announced that it has acquired FH ORTHO SAS, an international orthopedic company headquartered in Heimsbrunn, France, following the close of a definitive agreement the two companies signed in the summer of 2020. The acquisition underscores Olympus' commitment to expanding in the growing field of orthopedic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) both organically and through mergers and acquisitions, with the overarching goal of developing innovative solutions that improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance quality of life for patients.

By acquiring FH ORTHO, Olympus builds on its portfolio of innovative and patient-focused solutions that are used in MIS procedures in ligament repair, foot & ankle, and trauma surgery.

Olympus is already active in orthopedics in Japan, where its joint venture Olympus Terumo Biomaterials Corp. distributes products such as bone substitutes and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) plates and screws. Beyond this, Olympus has also developed the first ultrasound device indicated for arthroscopic surgery, supporting more accurate and safer cutting of bones.

The acquisition of FH ORTHO will strengthen Olympus group's sales channels by enabling it to expand the distribution of both Olympus' orthopedic products via FH ORTHO's existing distribution channels, as well as to sell certain FH ORTHO key products in Japan.

By expanding its distribution network, Olympus will reinforce its position as a leading global medtech company as it continues to innovate and create solutions across all areas of the MIS workflow.

"We are pleased to integrate FH ORTHO's product portfolio, market reach and talented people to our orthopedics business," says Toshihiko Okubo, Senior Vice President, New Business Development, Global at Olympus. "By combining FH ORTHO's expertise and its excellent business presence with our products and solutions for the minimally invasive orthopedics surgery, the benefit of our offer to the patients and healthcare professionals will be further enhanced across the world."

Jean-Marc Idier, CEO of FH ORTHO, comments, "The FH ORTHO team very positively welcomes the arrival of Olympus as a recognition of our ongoing efforts and past accomplishments, whilst providing us with new means to accelerate the next phase of our international expansion."

About FH ORTHO

FH ORTHO develops and manufactures orthopedic devices and instruments for surgeons around the world. Founded in Mulhouse, France in 1964, FH ORTHO is represented in over 37 countries, with products focused on joint reconstruction, ligament repair, biologics, foot & ankle, and trauma surgery. R&D and factory are based in Quimper, France. Backed by 55 years of forward-thinking innovation in devices, techniques and product delivery, the company today is positioned for rapid expansion globally.

With an unrelenting commitment to innovation, research and collaboration, FH ORTHO continues to bring new ideas and techniques to advance the forefront of orthopedics globally. FH ORTHO products are developed and refined by surgeon experts who are among the world leaders in their respective fields. Prized for elegant design and distinguished by clinical sophistication and flexibility, FH ORTHO products help surgeons deliver ideal patient outcomes with devices, systems and tools that simplifies patient management for the surgeon, at an overall cost structure that is a benefit to the entire patient continuum of care.

About Olympus' Medical business

Olympus' Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Olympus' Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments for endoscopic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 15142369420
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan
Yuka Horimoto
+81-90-2490-1071
yuka.horimoto@olympus.com

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Leading U.S. Government-Accredited Lab Confirms Path-Away(R) Natural Active Ingredient Can Kill Actual COVID-19 Virus Within Two Minutes, First In The World

Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Bluffton, SC (USA), Oct 20, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – A leading laboratory acceredited with U.S. Government agencies has released test results which confirm that Path-Away® – a plant-based active ingredient that contains no chemicals or alcohol – can kill the actual virus that causes COVID-19 within two minutes, the global distributor of Path-Away® announced today.

Holista Colltech Limited (ASX: HCT, or Holista), the Malaysian-based global distributor, and Global Infection Control Consultants, LLC (GICC LLC), the developer of Path-Away®, said they believe the tests confirm the active ingredient to be the world's first totally natural and safe organic disinfectant to meet the U.S. testing standard.

The independent tests of the Path-Away® Anti Pathogenic Aerosol Solution on SARS-CoV-2, the actual virus that causes COVID-19, were undertaken by Microbac Laboratories, Inc. (Microbac) in the United States. With over 50 years' experience, Microbac is accredited under the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).

The Microbac tests were conducted using the direct inoculation method and follow successful tests in an approved laboratory in the United Kingdom (completed in April 2020) of the efficacy of Path-Away® against the feline coronavirus which is a recognised surrogate of SARS-CoV-2. Path-Away® has also proven to be effective against a broad spectrum of microbes including the SARS and the H1N1 viruses.

Listed on the Australia Securities Exchange (ASX), Holista distributes Path-Away® under its own NatShield™ and Protectene™ brands. Apart from a hand sanitiser, Holista and GICC LLC are also co-developing a NatShield™ nasal balm that will include Path-Away®. This balm is expected to be launched before the end of 2020.

The latest test results will significanly accelerate efforts to roll out the M3 System®, also developed by GICC LLC, which can disinfect large buildings by dispensing Path-Away® through heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ("HVAC") systems to treat harmful pathogens, including airborne viruses.

GICC LLC, based in Bluffton, South Carolina, has recently secured a 36-month contract with the U.S. Government to manufacture and install up to 10 million units of its M3 System® in large buildings. The system measures, monitors and contains airborne (aerosol) viruses, pathogens and other biological contaminants.

Holista and GICC LLC concurrently announced that they will form a 51:49 joint-venture company in Singapore which will have the rights to manufacture the M3 System® outside the United States. Holista is exclusive global distributor of the M3 System® excluding the United States, China and the Gulf states.

Apart from global distribution rights of Path-Away® for use as a sanitiser under the NatShield™ and Protectene™ brands, Holista also has rights to distribute Path-Away® for use in aerosolised disinfection of buildings using a high-pressure fogger.

Dr Arthur V Martin, the president of GICC LLC, commented: "To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a completely natural, all-organic compound has been successfully proven to kill the actual virus causing COVID-19, to 99.9% within two minutes. We are excited because this will allow us to speed up the formal U.S. Government process of listing on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "N-List". EPA expects the products on "List N" to kill SARS-CoV-2 within two minutes. This will also allow for a wider use of this all-natural disinfectant for human use. The findings by Microbac confirm what we have known about the effectiveness of Path-Away® on other coronaviruses. The results are also particularly pleasing in light of recent research that showed that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces far longer than scientists had originally calculated."

Dr. Roscoe Moore Jr., D.V.M., Ph.D., D.Sc., Former Assistant U.S. Surgeon and member of the Global Virus Network and its International COVID-19 Taskforce, said "There is a big need for natural and human friendly disinfectants that can be used frequently and safely without long term health side effects and while being environmentally safe. The recent tests from Microbac are most welcome as the public is looking for an agent that acts specifically against COVID-19". Dr Moore also chairs Holista's Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr Rajen Manicka, Chief Executive Officer of Holista, commented: "This product will address the significant untapped global market for all-natural disinfectants that are safe to be used on hands and faces. The results from Microbac will give our customers a greater level of confidence that NatShield™ and Protectene™ can be effective on skin, surfaces and as an aerosol, against the highly contagious COVID-19 causing virus. We have fielded enquiries from large organisations which need to disinfect buildings and facilities with sizeable human traffic. We are also preparing a submission to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to label our Natshield™ and Protectene™ range of sanitizing and disinfectant products, as well as to have Natshield approved for aerosol delivery through fogging units and through buildings' HVAC systems in Australia."

Information of Path-Away® and Microbac Test Results

How Path-Away® Works

Path-Away® attaches itself to the virus and inhibits its ability to take up amino acids – their basic building block. This forces the viruses to clump together, in the process killing themselves, almost instantly. The compound is environmentally safe with very low toxicity and does not harm humans and pets.

Details of Results of Tests Conducted By Microbac

– Cells containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus were seeded in 24-well plates and 2.0 mL (millilitres) of Path-Away® was added to the (live frozen samples – thawed out) dried virus inoculum and held for the contact time of 2 minutes at 21 degrees C with 53% relative humidity (RH). For the test to be deemed successful, Path-Away® must demonstrate a ≥ 3 Log10 reduction on each test carrier in the presence or absence of cytotoxicity.

– Path-Away® achieved this benchmark in each of the 24 instances (100% success rate). All controls met the criteria for a valid test and Microbac's conclusions are based on observed data.

– Log Reduction stands for a 10-fold (one decimal) or 90% reduction in numbers of live bacteria. A 3-Log Reduction equates to a 99.9% reduction – greater than 1,000 time reduction in potentially harmful microorganisms.

– Path-Away®, killed 99.9% (≥ 3 Log10) of the COVID-19 causing virus on a hard surface after being exposed to Path-Away®.

– The full test report and process will be featured on the Holista website at https://www.holistaco.com/

About Holista Colltech Limited

Holista Colltech Ltd ("Holista") is a natural wellness company with the following divisions:
– Dietary supplements
– Food Ingredients
– Ovine collagen
– Infection Control Solutions

Holista has a global collaboration with Global Infection Control Consultants LLC to use Path-Away®, a plant-based solution that is proven to kill a broad spectrum of microbes. The all-natural alcohol-free active ingredient is used in Holista's range of disinfectant products under the NatShield™ brand.

For further information, please contact:
Corporate Matters: investor@holistaco.com
General Enquiries: enquiries@holistaco.com

Global Investor relations and media enquiries:
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
E: holista@wer1.net
T: +65 673 74 844

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

TOT BIOPHARM International Company Limited Optimises Company Management Structure to Promote Strategic Development Upgrade

HONG KONG, Oct 16, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – TOT BIOPHARM International Company Limited ("TOT BIOPHARM" or the "Company"; stock code: 1875.HK), is pleased to announce that Ms. Yeh-Huang, Chun-Ying, Executive Director, has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board while she has resigned as General Manager of the Company. Besides, it has also announced that Dr. Liu, Jun has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will cease to act as Chief Operating Officer and Vice General Manager.

Mr. Fu, Shan, Chairman of the Board of the Company, said, "To implement the strategic development plan of the Company in the next decade, the appointments of the Board and the management will be conducive to optimising the Company's management structure, or initiating a long-term succession plan for the management, so that the Company will achieve long-term sustainable development and be fully equipped to enter the commercialization development stage. Also, this move will enhance the development of the Company's overseas R&D projects and international cooperation projects, promoting its strategic deployment of internationalization."

Ms. Yeh-Huang has established a comprehensive industrial chain platform for the Company, laying major milestones as well as a solid foundation for its long-term development. She will also continue to promote the Company's strategic development, enhancing its brand recognition and public relations.

As a scientist and senior management of the Company, Dr. Liu has been deeply involved in the R&D of biological drugs for years and also possesses profound experience in internationalization management. After taking the helm of CEO, the Board believes that Dr. Liu will continue to pursue the Company's strategic goal of developing TOT BIOPHARM into a leader in the field of China's antibody drug conjugate ("ADC") and establish a competitive CDMO business platform, leading the Company to scale new heights.

Dr. Liu, Jun, aged 53, joined the Company as Deputy General Manager in October 2016, and was appointed as Executive Director, Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer in October 2018, March 2019 and April 2020, respectively. He also serves as a member of the Strategic Committee, and is responsible for the Company's R&D, supervising overall operations as well as business development.

Before joining the Company, Dr. Liu was the Senior Scientist of Bayer HealthCare's Global Biologics Development Group in Berkeley, the US, the Chief Researcher of Immunology Department at Beckman Research Institute in California, the US, and also the Executive Director of Biologics Research and Development Department at Shanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.

Dr. Liu possesses a professional background with international exposure, holding a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry from the University of California, Davis in the US and a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Science & Technology of China.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Broncus Closes Series C Financing

HONG KONG, Oct 14, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Broncus Holding Company ("Broncus"), a global leader in diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung diseases, today announced the closing of a Series C round of funding led by Lake Bleu Capital, and including Baidu Capital, the venture arm of one of the world's largest Internet and data science companies, Ascendum Capital, CNCB Capital and DCP Capital, along with previous investor Qiming Venture Capital.

The funds will be used to further develop markets and technology across lung cancer, emphysema and other important lung diseases. Efforts will include expanding global market adoption of the Archimedes Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation System combining Fused Fluoroscopy, real-time bronchoscopy and virtual bronchoscopic navigation for 3D views and access to nodules anywhere in the lungs; expanded commercial adoption and global clinical studies of the InterVapor System for Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation (BTVA) used in emphysema; U.S. and European studies of the EMPOWER RF Catheter used in Bronchoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (BRFA); and further development of next-generation RF technology to precisely treat lung nodules.

Zhan Guowei, CEO of Broncus, said, "In recent years, medical device leaders such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson have invested in the market development of technologies for lung disease, which validates our forward-looking vision to focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the lung. Securing investors such as Lake Bleu Capital, Baidu Capital and Intuitive Surgical further supports our strategy to 'own' the lung when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Our breakthrough navigation technology is enabling us to accelerate the development and commercialization of precise interventional technologies for diagnosis and treatment in order to improve options for patients with lung diseases and the physicians that care for them."

Dr. Li Bin, founder of Lake Bleu Capital, said: "Broncus is Lake Bleu's major investment in the medical device sector this year because they are addressing a large and unmet need globally in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Their world-leading Archimedes lung navigation technology is supported with robust data and uniquely helps physicians accurately locate and reach targeted lesions, which will open the door to new and exciting interventional lung therapies. We believe that Broncus is well positioned to lead the world in providing less invasive methods to diagnose and treat lung disease broadly."

Broncus recently announced a new strategic partnership with Olympus Europa to exclusively distribute Broncus Medical's Archimedes Planner and Archimedes Lite Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) system in several European countries.

Early investors in the company include Intuitive Surgical, an early pioneer and global technology leader in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery.

About Broncus Holding Company
Broncus is dedicated to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung disease. Founded in 2012, the company's primary technology platforms focus on the diagnosis of lung cancer and the treatment of emphysema. Its lung cancer portfolio includes the Archimedes System, Archimedes Planner, LungPoint Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) System, LungPoint Planner and FleXNeedle.

The Archimedes System has been cleared by the FDA (U.S.), CE (Europe) and NMPA (China) and had broad patent protection globally. The InterVapor System has received the CE Mark.

About Lake Bleu Capital
Lake Bleu Capital is an investment platform that specializes in healthcare in Asia/Greater China. As one of the largest healthcare public equity funds in Asia, the USD public equity fund under Lake Bleu Capital has won multiple industry-leading performance awards for the region of Asia ex-Japan. Meanwhile, Lake Bleu Capital has also focused on private equity investments in the Chinese healthcare industry, successfully completing multiple investments in flagship innovative companies across different healthcare subsectors.

Media Contact:
Broncus
Shirley Deng Email: shirley.deng@dnamedtech.com

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hua Medicine Announces the Drug Manufacturing Permit Granted for Dorzagliatin

SHANGHAI, CHINA, Oct 14, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Hua Medicine (the "Company", Stock Code: 2552.HK) announces that, after review and on-site verification under the Marketing Authorization Holder ("MAH") system, the Company has obtained the drug manufacturing permit for dorzagliatin, its investigational first-in-class drug, issued by the Shanghai Municipal Drug Administrative Bureau.

Since the beginning of this year, Hua Medicine has successfully completed two critical milestones for marketing registration, SEED (HMM0301), the Phase III clinical trial of dorzagliatin monotherapy in drug naive patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and DAWN (HMM0302), the metformin combination clinical trial in T2D patients inadequately glycemic controlled with metformin. The results of the studies showed that, during the relevant treatment period, dorzagliatin has demonstrated its long-lasting efficacy and favorable safety profiles, and can improve the pancreatic beta-cell functions, promote early-phase insulin secretion and reduce insulin resistance, which is expected to fundamentally treat diabetes. On August 17, Hua Medicine and Bayer announced the establishment of their strategic partnership and concluded a cooperative agreement on the commercialization of dorzagliatin in China. Hua Medicine will be responsible for the clinical development, registration, product supply and distribution, whilst Bayer, as the exclusive promotion service provider for the product in China, will be responsible for its marketing, promotion and medical education activities in China. Hua Medicine will receive an upfront payment of RMB 300 million and additional payments could reach up to RMB 4.18 billion if certain milestones are met. The grant of the drug manufacturing permit will further accelerate the dorzagliatin New Drug Application (NDA) process of Hua Medicine, facilitate the commercial production and supply of the drug upon the product launch and lay a solid foundation for the expected increase of production capacity in the future.

According to the newly revised Drug Administration Law and Administrative Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Drug Manufacturing, the MAH, as the main party engaged in drug manufacturing, must obtain the drug manufacturing permit, whether it manufactures drugs by itself or entrusts the manufacturing to a third party. Hua Medicine is among the first group of biotechnology companies that have obtained the drug manufacturing permit since the implementation of the new Drug Administration Law on December 1, 2019. The grant of the drug manufacturing permit indicates that Hua Medicine and its CMOs have completed the core work related to commercialization of the drug. After dorzagliatin is approved for commercialization, Hua Medicine may entrust the manufacturing of dorzagliatin to the current CMOs to prepare for product launch. At the same time, the drug manufacturing permit is a requisite for submitting the NDA, which will help speed up the approval process for new drugs.

As one of the first batch of MAH enterprises in China, Hua Medicine has established management systems for drug safety/pharmacovigilance and pharmaceutical quality that are in line with its responsibilities as a MAH and also comply with international and domestic standards. The drug manufacturing permit granted for dorzagliatin is a recognition of Hua Medicine's management capabilities and management practices. It also means that Hua Medicine, who will become a drug marketing and registration applicant and a drug marketing license holder, fully possesses the compliant, high-quality and efficient management systems and management capabilities necessary for drug life-cycle quality management, entrusted production management, drug safety and pharmacovigilance management, risk management, post-market traceability system and liability compensation.

"The drug manufacturing permit granted for dorzagliatin marks an important milestone of Hua Medicine. It is also a full recognition of the principle of 'high standards and high quality to create high value' that Hua Medicine has always adhered to. Hua Medicine will continue to work with partners in the fields of clinical trial, drug production and commercialization to bring dorzagliatin, the first-in-class drug for diabetes, to patients in the world as soon as possible," said Dr. Li CHEN, CEO of Hua Medicine.

About Dorzagliatin
Dorzagliatin is an investigational first-in-class, dual-acting glucokinase activator, designed to control the progressive, degenerative nature of diabetes by restoring glucose homeostasis in patients with Type 2 diabetes. By addressing the defect of the glucose sensor function of glucokinase, dorzagliatin has the potential to restore the impaired glucose homeostasis state of patients with Type 2 diabetes and serve as a first-line standard-of-care therapy for the treatment of the disease, or as a cornerstone therapy when taken in combination with currently approved anti-diabetes drugs.

About Hua Medicine
Hua Medicine is a leading, clinical-stage innovative drug development company in China focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of diabetes. Founded by an experienced group of entrepreneurs and international investment firms, Hua Medicine advanced a first-in-class oral drug for the treatment of T2DM into NDA-enabling stage and is currently evaluating the therapy in adults with diabetes in two Phase III trials in China and various earlier stage clinical trials in China and the United States. Dorzagliatin has achieved its primary endpoint in both of its Phase III monotherapy and combination trials in China over the 24-week trial period, and completed its 52-week Phase III monotherapy trial. The Company has initiated product life-cycle management studies of this novel diabetes therapy and advanced its use in personalized diabetes care. Hua Medicine is working closely with disease experts and regulatory agencies in China and across the world to advance diabetes care solutions for patients worldwide.

For more information
Hua Medicine
Website: www.huamedicine.com
Investors
Email: ir@huamedicine.com
Media
Email: pr@huamedicine.com

Issued by Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group for and on behalf of Hua Medicine. For further information, please contact:

Mr. Bunny Lee +852 3150 6707 bunny.lee@pordahavas.com
Ms. Louisa Chen +86 75523807432 louisa.chen@pordahavas.com
Ms. Cecilia Chen +852 3150 6733 cecilia.chen@pordahavas.com
Ms. Catherine Yu +852 3150 6729 catherine.yu@pordahavas.com

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

US researchers seeking 6,000+ participants for world’s largest eating disorder genetics study

Chapel Hill, NC, Oct 13, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – University of North Carolina (UNC) researchers are seeking 6,000+ participants aged 18 years and over with first-hand experience of eating disorders to enroll in the world's largest ever genetic research study of three complex and devastating mental illnesses.

The ground-breaking Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) aims to identify the hundreds of genes that influence a person's risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, to improve treatment, and ultimately save lives.

According to survey results evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on Americans living with eating disorders, performed by EDGI Principal Investigator, Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, UNC, Professor Cynthia Bulik and her research team, support for those with eating disorders is more crucial than ever, given two-in-three respondents expressed concerns about their mental well-being.(1)

"Individuals with current, or past experience of an eating disorder face unique risks due to the current pandemic(1). While COVID-19 related factors, including the effects of quarantining, lack of clear information, and fear of infection, will influence the broader community's mental health(2), they are likely to further impact those battling pre-existing mental illnesses, such as eating disorders.(3,4)

"Our new data show that over two-thirds are worried about the impact of the pandemic on their mental health – even more than are worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their physical health (46%)(1)," said Prof Bulik.

EDGI is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, and follows the ground-breaking advances made through the collaborative Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI), which revealed both psychiatric and metabolic origins of anorexia nervosa, explaining why people living with the disorder struggle to gain weight, despite their efforts. The study identified eight regions in the genome significantly associated with the illness.(5)

"Our new study, EDGI, offers us a unique opportunity to further investigate the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to eating disorders, in order to improve diagnosis, management and treatment – an endeavor that is evidently even more critical during the current pandemic," Prof Bulik said.

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that for some, can lead to severe and permanent physical complications, and even death.(6,7) While various studies have explored one's genetic predisposition to developing an eating disorder, only a handful of the responsible genes have been identified to date, leaving many more to be found.

"We are inviting all Americans, aged 18 and over, with first-hand experience of an eating disorder, to participate in this important genetics study," said Prof Bulik.

Participants need to be aged 18 years and older, and currently, or at some point in their lives, experiencing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder.

Those wishing to volunteer for, or learn more about EDGI, can visit www.edgi.org, email EDGI@unc.edu or call (984) 974-3798.

According to Assistant Professor, Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine, Dr Laura Huckins, New York, findings from family and twin studies indicate eating disorders are heritable.(8)

"To further these studies, EDGI researchers will analyze participant saliva samples to point toward specific genes associated with eating disorders. DNA will be extracted from the saliva samples and genotyped to provide a read out of each participant's genetic code."

"Genetic variants will then be tested statistically for association with eating disorders, by comparing the genomes of large numbers of individuals with eating disorders, to large numbers of individuals without the illnesses,"(9,10) Dr Huckins said.

Nearly half of all individuals with eating disorders experience other mental health conditions at some point during their lives.(11) Therefore, by comparing the EDGI samples with samples from individuals with other disorders will also help the researchers to understand the genetic relationship among eating disorders and commonly co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance use problems, as well as other medical illnesses including metabolic conditions.(12,13)

According to author, founder and Executive Director, Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T), Ms Laura Collins Lyster-Mensh, Virginia, eating disorders are not a choice, but rather, are biologically-influenced medical illnesses(14) that can cause significant distress, and affect the lives of individuals, their families, carers, partners, and friends.(15)

"Eating disorders are recognized as a significant public health concern,(16) which appear to be on the rise, noting the average prevalence of eating disorders has more than doubled since 2000.(16) Concerningly, eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness.(17)

"People of all genders, ages, body sizes, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds can be affected by an eating disorder. Those with an eating disorder may also appear to be healthy, yet be extremely ill,"(14) said Ms Collins Lyster-Mensh.

Yoga teacher, writer and mental health advocate Maris Degener, 22, California, who battled anxiety and an eating disorder during her youth, constantly felt compelled to chase perfection and control with no end in sight. Her parents eventually discovered she was self-harming and purging her food, and through a subsequent doctor visit, learned she had also been starving herself.

"After spending much of my young life struggling with mental illness, I hit breaking point when I was hospitalized with an eating disorder during my freshman year. I was a slave to the demands of my eating disorder, which allowed no room for flexibility, freedom, or intuition," Ms Degener said.

A year later, at 16 years of age, Ms Degener began practicing yoga to manage her life-threatening illness. She has since become a role model for women of all ages, through her wellness blog, workshops and mentoring program.

Ms Degener is also a strong advocate for EDGI.

"Learning more about the genes involved in the development of eating disorders should open the door to more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while hopefully challenging common misconceptions of the potentially devastating mental illnesses," said Ms Degener.

Should you suspect that you, or a loved one, may be living with an eating disorder, speak to your local healthcare professional without delay. US patient support services offering helpline services include:
– National Eating Disorder Association – Call (800) 931-2237, Crisis text 741741
– National Association of Anorexia Nervosa (ANAD) – Call (630) 577-1330.

To volunteer for, or learn more about EDGI, head to www.edgi.org, email EDGI@unc.edu or call (984) 974-3798.

Issued by VIVA! Communications on behalf of University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.

Digital Media Kit: https://www.edgimediakit.org
B-Roll Broadcast Vision: https://vimeo.com/464100773/35c0fa5552

Media Contacts & Interviews:
Phil Bridges
University of North Carolina (UNC)
e: phil.bridges@unchealth.unc.edu
t: (919) 457-6347

Casey Adams Jones
C. Adams Agency, US
e: info@cadamsagency.com
t: (336) 906-5246

Kirsten Bruce & Mel Kheradi
VIVA! Communications, AUS
e: kirstenbruce@vivacommunications.com.au / mel@vivacommunications.com.au
t: +61 401 717 566 | +61 421 551 257 | +61 2 9968 3741

To join the conversation:
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References
1. Termorshuizen JD, Watson HJ, Thornton LM, Borg S, Flatt RE, MacDermod CM, et al. Early impact of COVID-19 on individuals with self-reported eating disorders: A survey of ~1,000 individuals in the United States and the Netherlands. Int J Eat Disord. 2020. ul 28. doi: 10.1002/eat.23353.
2. Holingue, C., et al., Mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults without a pre-existing mental health condition: Findings from American trend panel survey. Prev Med, 2020. 139: p. 106231.
3. Kaufman, K.R., et al., A global needs assessment in times of a global crisis: world psychiatry response to the COVID-19 pandemic. BJPsych Open, 2020. 6(3): p. e48-e48.
4. Rodgers, R.F., et al., The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder risk and symptoms. Int J Eat Disord, 2020. 53(7): p. 1166-1170.
5. Watson, H.J., et al., Genome-wide association study identifies eight risk loci and implicates metabo-psychiatric origins for anorexia nervosa. Nature Genetics, 2019. 51(8): p. 1207-1214.
6. National Institute of Mental Health. Eating Disorders: About More Than Food. 2018. [Aug, 2020]; Available from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml.
7. Fichter, M.M., et al., Long-term outcome of anorexia nervosa: Results from a large clinical longitudinal study. Int J Eat Disord, 2017. 50(9): p. 1018-1030.
8. Yilmaz, Z., J.A. Hardaway, and C.M. Bulik, Genetics and epigenetics of eating disorders. Adv Genom Genet, 2015. 5: p. 131-150.
9. Bulik, C.M., L. Blake, and J. Austin, Genetics of Eating Disorders: What the Clinician Needs to Know. Psychiatr Clin North Am, 2019. 42(1): p. 59-73.
10. Dunn, E.C., et al., Genetic determinants of depression: recent findings and future directions. Harv Rev Psychiatry, 2015. 23(1): p. 1-18.
11. Samnaliev, M., et al., The economic burden of eating disorders and related mental health comorbidities: An exploratory analysis using the U.S. Medical Expenditures Panel Survey. Prev Med Report, 2015. 2: p. 32-34.
12. Hudson, J.I., et al., The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry, 2007. 61(3): p. 348-358.
13. Jordan, J., et al., Specific and nonspecific comorbidity in anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord, 2008. 41(1): p. 47-56.
14. Schaumberg, K., et al., The Science Behind the Academy for Eating Disorders' Nine Truths About Eating Disorders. Eur Eat Disord Rev, 2017. 25(6): p. 432-450.
15. Deloitte, Social and economic cost of eating disorders in the United States of America. 2020.
16. Galmiche, M., et al., Prevalence of eating disorders over the 2000-2018 period: a systematic literature review. Am J Clin Nutr, 2019. 109(5): p. 1402-1413.
17. Smink, F.R.E., D. van Hoeken, and H.W. Hoek, Epidemiology of eating disorders: incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Curr Psychiatry Reports, 2012. 14(4): p. 406-414.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Olympus Launches ENDO-AID, an AI-Powered Platform for Its Endoscopy System

Hamburg / Tokyo, Oct 9, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Olympus Corporation today announced the launch of ENDO-AID(1), a cutting-edge platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that includes the endoscopy application ENDO-AID CADe (computer-aided detection) for the colon. This new AI platform enables real-time display of automatically detected suspicious lesions and works in combination with Olympus' recently introduced EVIS X1, its most advanced endoscopy system to date.

ENDO-AID CADe: real-time computer-aided detection for endoscopy

ENDO-AID

ENDO-AID with EVIS X1

As a global leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, Olympus aims to improve the health and quality of life of patients by providing advanced medical technologies. Its latest endoscopy system, EVIS X1, was developed to set new standards for image detection, characterization, staging, and treatment. With the newly introduced endoscopy CAD (computer-aided detection/diagnosis) platform ENDO-AID, Olympus is now enhancing the capabilities of EVIS X1 through AI technology, aiming to elevate the standard of endoscopy around the world – whether for applications to disorders of the esophagus, stomach, colon or other gastrointestinal organs.

ENDO-AID CADe: real-time computer-aided detection for endoscopy

ENDO-AID CADe is an application for computer-aided detection powered by AI which runs on ENDO-AID. It uses a complex algorithm via a neural network developed and trained by Olympus. With this new application, the system's sophisticated machine learning can alert the endoscopist in real time when a suspected colonic lesion (such as a polyp, malignant neoplasm or adenoma) appears on the screen.

ENDO-AID CADe was developed toward the following improvements:

– Improved observational performance in adenoma detection: By providing visual support, ENDO-AID CADe aims to improve the observational performance of the endoscopist's adenoma detection.
– Support of the colonoscopy screening process: The system provides visual support during screening, allowing the endoscopist to focus on any abnormalities indicated by the software regardless of the experience level of the endoscopist.
– Efficient endoscopy operation: Due to the simple and intuitive display of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe has the potential to make endoscopy easier and more efficient for the endoscopist by reducing the need for excessive eye movements.

A first step towards the future of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy

With ENDO-AID, the latest feature of the EVIS X1 endoscopy system, Olympus has created the basis and infrastructure for the installation of future applications supported by AI. "At Olympus we are committed to innovation and driving our research and development with passion," says Frank Drewalowski, Head of Endoscopic Solutions Division, Olympus Corporation. "Especially in AI, we recognize the power of elevating endoscopic imaging to uncharted levels. Considering ENDO-AID as a first step, we are planning additional AI-powered applications for image detection and characterization – not only for colonoscopy."

Prevention of colorectal cancer remains our focus

There is a positive impact of an increase in adenoma detection rate (ADR) on the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC)(2). Supporting the identification of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe is designed to increase ADR(3). We are aiming to increase the quality of CRC screening and its preventive efficacy against CRC. The prevention of CRC is a core element of Olympus' endeavors in medical endoscopy and beyond.

"With the launch of ENDO-AID, we are not only providing endoscopists across the world with an additional innovative tool," says Takaharu Yamada, Vice President, GI Endoscopy Business Leader, Endoscopic Solutions Division. "We are also preparing for the future and following our vision of putting CRC in the history books."

Official launch at United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW)

During the virtual UEGW from October 11 to 13, ENDO-AID will be presented to the public for the first time. ENDO-AID is initially and commercially being launched in Europe beginning in November, followed shortly afterwards by some Middle Eastern, African and Asian-Pacific countries. Japan, the Americas and China markets will follow at a later time after complying with laws and regulations in each region. EVIS X1 and ENDO-AID are manufactured by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation. The company and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus.

(1) Product Name: Endoscopy CAD system
(2) Corley, D.A.; Jensen, C.D.; Marks, A.R.; et al. Adenoma Detection Rate and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Death. N Engl J Med. 2014; 370: 1298-1306. Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036494/. Accessed in October 2020
(3) Compared to WLI (white light imaging) without CADe

About Olympus

Olympus is passionate about the solutions it creates for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries, as well as cameras and audio products. For more than 100 years, Olympus has focused on making people's lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling by helping detect, prevent, and treat disease, furthering scientific research, ensuring public safety, and capturing images of the world.

Olympus Endoscopic Solutions uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Starting with the world's first gastrocamera in 1950, Olympus' endoscopic portfolio has grown to include endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as systems integration solutions and medical services.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 15142369420
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan
Yuka Horimoto
+81 90 2490 1071
yuka_horimoto@ot.olympus.co.jp

Asia Pacific
Oliver Clarke
+61 3 9271 5508
oliver.clarke@olympus.com.au

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

China Biotech Services (8037.HK) and National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (NIVDC) to develop Genetically Engineered Recombinant Vaccine for COVID-19

HONG KONG, Oct 5, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – China Biotech Services Holdings (CBSH; 8037.HK) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Shenzhen Genius Biotech Services Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Genius) and the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (NIVDC) of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) have entered into a technology transfer agreement for cell lines of a genetically engineered recombinant candidate vaccine for the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Shenzhen Genius has the right to develop, transfer, evaluate, register and conduct clinical trials for this vaccine as well as conduct clinical research, and manufacture and sell the vaccine on its own, jointly with other entities, or by commission. Shenzhen Genius has completed global patent registration for the vaccine, as prevention for the 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia. The vaccine is a genetically engineered subunit which removes the harmful genes of SARS-CoV2, and is considered the safest type of vaccine among those currently under development.

Related animal experiments and efficacy trials have shown the vaccine to be well tolerated with no side effects. It can therefore be manufactured commercially through genetic engineering in an ordinary GMP manufacturing plant, thus eliminating the biosafety risk of cultivating the virus. It can quickly be manufactured with a high degree of safety at a low cost with annual production capacity reaching more than 2 billion human doses at one-fourth of the cost of existing vaccine types.

The biotechnology industry plays a pivotal role in containing COVID-19 as the virus rapidly spreads throughout the world. China Biotech Services, with its international research team, is one of the top ranking companies in cell drug development and medical testing in the world. As the third COVID-19 outbreak hit Hong Kong, China Biotech Services partnered with BGI Health (HK) Company Limited to incorporate Sunrise Diagnostic Centre Limited to provide community testing services to Hong Kong citizens. Nearly 2 million samples were tested with more newly confirmed cases identified, which help to cut the chain of infection and demonstrating Sunrise Diagnostic Centre's accurate and efficient detection capabilities.

With people around the world eagerly awaiting a COVID-19 vaccine, China Biotech Services received the transfer of COVID-19 cell lines of genetically engineered recombinant candidate vaccine technology from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, providing China Biotech Services the right to conduct clinical research, manufacture and sell the vaccine on its own. China Biotech Services formally joined COVID-19 vaccine research and development in hopes of reducing the spread of the deadly virus. The company is combining its precise testing capabilities with its advantages of actively accelerating vaccine research and its development and industrial production capabilities as it jointly accelerates the development of a vaccine to combat the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Cell Lines of the Genetically Engineered Recombinant Candidate Vaccine were developed by Professor Bi Shengli's team which has years of extensive research experience in the field. Professor Bi is currently the Director of the Hepatitis Division of the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He graduated from Tongji Medical University in 1984 and the Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine in 1989. From 1989 to 1993, he was invited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States to conduct postdoctoral research. During this period, he was the first in the world to complete the gene sequencing of the human hepatitis E virus and the first Chinese researcher to complete the gene sequencing and cloning of hepatitis C virus. Professor Bi and his team will join China Biotech Services to collaborate with its team of scientists on the COVID-19 vaccine project.

China Biotech Services looks forward to working closely with Professor Bi and his team to fully promote the development and industrial production of the Cell Lines of a Genetically Engineered Recombinant Candidate Vaccine, as they fight to stop the COVID-19 epidemic. The Company is confident in the ability of the biotechnology industry to improve the quality of people's health throughout the world. China Biotech Services, committed to creating an advanced biotechnology platform, will continue to explore enhanced technology and product collaboration and acquisitions internationally, as it embraces the tremendous development opportunities within the global medical and health industry.

Discover more at China Biotech Services Holdings website: http://www.cbshhk.com/.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

China Biotech Services (8037.HK) cooperates with the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC for developing a new generation of Genetically Engineered Recombinant Vaccine

HONG KONG, Oct 5, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – China Biotech Services (8037.HK) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Shenzhen Genius Biotech Services Co., Ltd. ("Shenzhen Genius") and the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention have entered into a technology transfer agreement for cell lines of a genetically engineered recombinant candidate vaccine for the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19). Shenzhen Genius has the right to develop, transfer, evaluate, register and conduct clinical trials for this vaccine. Shenzhen Genius also has the right to conduct clinical research, manufacture and sell the vaccine on its own or commission other entities to conduct the aforesaid or jointly conduct the aforesaid with other entities. The company has completed the global patent registration for the vaccine.

The Cell Lines of the Genetically Engineered Recombinant Candidate Vaccine will be used for the prevention of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia. Related animal experiments and efficacy trials have shown the vaccine to be well tolerated with no side effects. The vaccine is a genetically engineered subunit vaccine, which removes the harmful genes of SARS-CoV2 and is considered to be the safest type of vaccine among those currently under development.

The vaccine can be manufactured commercially through genetic engineering in an ordinary GMP manufacturing plant, thus eliminating the biosafety risk of cultivating the virus. It can quickly be manufactured with a high degree of safety at a low cost with annual production capacity reaching more than 2 billion human doses at one-fourth of the cost of existing vaccine types.

The biotechnology industry plays a pivotal role in containing COVID-19 as the virus rapidly spreads throughout the world. China Biotech Services, with its international research team, is one of the top ranking companies in cell drug development and medical testing in the world. As the third COVID-19 outbreak hit Hong Kong, China Biotech Services partnered with BGI Health (HK) Company Limited to incorporate Sunrise Diagnostic Centre Limited to provide community testing services to Hong Kong citizens. Nearly 2 million samples were tested with more newly confirmed cases identified, which help to cut the chain of infection and demonstrating Sunrise Diagnostic Centre's accurate and efficient detection capabilities.

With people around the world eagerly awaiting a COVID-19 vaccine, China Biotech Services received the transfer of COVID-19 cell lines of genetically engineered recombinant candidate vaccine technology from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, providing China Biotech Services the right to conduct clinical research, manufacture and sell the vaccine on its own. China Biotech Services formally joined COVID-19 vaccine research and development in hopes of reducing the spread of the deadly virus. The company is combining its precise testing capabilities with its advantages of actively accelerating vaccine research and its development and industrial production capabilities as it jointly accelerates the development of a vaccine to combat the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Cell Lines of the Genetically Engineered Recombinant Candidate Vaccine were developed by Professor Bi Shengli's team which has years of extensive research experience in the field. Professor Bi is currently the Director of the Hepatitis Division of the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He graduated from Tongji Medical University in 1984 and the Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine in 1989. From 1989 to 1993, he was invited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States to conduct postdoctoral research. During this period, he was the first in the world to complete the gene sequencing of the human hepatitis E virus and the first Chinese researcher to complete the gene sequencing and cloning of hepatitis C virus. Professor Bi and his team will join China Biotech Services to collaborate with its team of scientists on the COVID-19 vaccine project.

China Biotech Services looks forward to working closely with Professor Bi and his team to fully promote the development and industrial production of the Cell Lines of a Genetically Engineered Recombinant Candidate Vaccine, as they fight to stop the COVID-19 epidemic. The Company is confident in the ability of the biotechnology industry to improve the quality of people's health throughout the world. China Biotech Services, committed to creating an advanced biotechnology platform, will continue to explore enhanced technology and product collaboration and acquisitions internationally, as it embraces the tremendous development opportunities within the global medical and health industry.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

China Biotech Services (8037.HK) corporates with the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC for developing a new generation of Genetically Engineered Recombinant Vaccine