Malaysian Genomics Sees Rise in Profit Margins for 1Q

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Nov 23, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad, a leading genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist, today reported a revenue of RM3.81 million for the first quarter ended 30 September 2022 (1Q 2023) versus a revenue of RM9.32 million in 1Q 2022, as the Group refocuses on immunotherapy and cell therapies under the biopharmaceutical business and pushes for organic growth of its genetic screening business.


Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Dato' Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min


The Group recorded a 254.16% increase in profit before tax (PBT) to RM0.85 million for 1Q 2023, compared with RM0.24 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year, on higher profit margins and revenue contributions from the new biopharmaceutical business.

Earnings per share for 1Q 2023 stood at 0.68 sen compared with 0.20 sen in 1Q 2022.

Dato' Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min, Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Malaysian Genomics said, "The Group's pivot to immunotherapy and cell therapies from vaccine distribution continues to pay off as PBT improves on higher profit margins. We expect more improvements to the biopharmaceutical business as the Group's expansion of its distribution network and footprint overseas in the Middle East and Southeast Asia takes shape."

"We are pushing the genetic screening business as the Group continues to reach out through business-to-consumer channels for a wider market reach. We believe better awareness and education is prompting more people to take action on how they can enhance their health, and the Group will leverage on this through catering to the different needs and groups from our suite of healthcare-related solutions. We are also seeking to acquire assets or invest in businesses that will support the expanded market reach of our products and services."

"The Group is well positioned to be a leading provider of genetic screening, genome analysis, and biopharmaceutical products in Southeast Asia, as we are equipped with a high-throughput sequencing lab, an advanced microarray facility, and a new state-of-the-art cGMP cell processing lab for cell therapies, including immunotherapy for various types of cancers. We are confident that we are in a position to provide patients with better access to the latest precision and personalised healthcare solutions."

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad: 0155 [BURSA: MGRC] [RIC: MGRC:KL] [BBG: MGRC:MK], http://www.mgrc.com.my/

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Perfect Medical Announces Interim Results for FY2022/23

HONG KONG, Nov 23, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Perfect Medical Health Management Limited (the "Company" , Stock Code: 1830.HK), one of the largest aesthetic medical operators in the world, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Group"), is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022.

RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS
— The Group's revenue decreased by 16.6% to HK$668.3 million, impacted by Covid-19 pandemic causing suspension of 20 days in Hong Kong, 39 days in Macau, as well a business disruption for an average of 14 days, 23 days, 63 days and 19 days across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing respectively.
— The second quarter marked a 52.1% growth in revenue quarter-on-quarter in Hong Kong following the ease of Covid-19 pandemic.
— The Group's EBITDA decreased by 25.5% to HK$229.7 million.
— The Group's net profit decreased by 30.4% to HK$150.7 million, representing the net profit margin of 22.5%. Basic earnings per share was HK12.1 cents.
— The Board recommends the payment of an interim dividend of HK13.0 cents per share, representing a dividend payout ratio of 107.4%.
— The Group operated a total of 307,000 square feet in Hong Kong, China, Australia and Singapore, with an addition of three shops in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing during the period.

For the period under review, the Group's performance has been impacted by the slower consumption trend in Hong Kong and the return of the pandemic in China. The Group's revenue decreased by 16.6% to HK$668.3 million (FY2022 interim: HK$801.6 million). At EBITDA level, the Group decreased by 25.5% to HK$229.7 million (FY2022 interim: HK$308.2 million). During the period, the Group has taken a prudent approach in our business expansion, enhancing operating efficiency, business mobility and adaptability in the forefront to better protect the assets and profitability of the Company. Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was HK$150.7 million, dropped 30.4% year-on-year (FY2022 interim: HK$216.4 million), representing a net profit margin of 22.5% for the period (FY2022 interim: 27.0%). Basic earnings per share was HK12.1 cents (FY2022 interim: HK17.7 cents).

As of September 2022, the Group operated a total of 307,000 square feet in Hong Kong, China and overseas.

Hong Kong Operation

Revenue from Hong Kong operation decreased by 21.5% to HK$492.4 million (FY2022 interim: HK$627.5 million), owing partly to the suspension of business on 1 April 2022 to 20 April 2022 as well as the slower recovery in the first quarter when we resumed our business operation. Following the ease of pandemic, second quarter in Hong Kong marked a 52.1% growth in revenue quarter-on-quarter.

As of 30 September 2022, the Group has a well established network of service centres in Hong Kong covering a total of 189,000 square feet. During the period, the Group has opened an additional service centre in Yuen Long to capture additional demand in the surrounding areas.

With the gradual resumption of business in last few months, we witnessed a progressive improvement in customer spending and shop utilisation in the aesthetic medical business. Continual effort were made through the combination of online and offline marketing to reach out to existing and new customers.

As for the medical business, our current scope comprises a range of complementary services including hair growth treatment, pain treatment, health screening service and others, which allows the Company to enjoy additional revenue stream from the existing customers through cross-selling and further reinforces the Group's image as a one-stop shop for your beauty and medical in Hong Kong.

Regions outside Hong Kong

Revenue from regions outside Hong Kong increased by 1.0% to HK$175.9 million (FY2022 interim: HK$174.1 million), impacted substantially by the suspension of business in China and Macau but compensated by the encouraging performance in both Singapore and Australia. As of 30 September 2022, the Group has an extensive network in China, Macau, Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore, covering a gross service area of approximately 118,000 square feet.

For the period under review, our business in China continued to record decent profit amid the difficult circumstance. Currently, the Group focuses on the first tier cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen to maintain superior branding in the industry. During the period, the Group has opened two shops in strategic locations in Guangzhou and Beijing to strengthen our presence.

Prospects

Dr. Au-Yeung Kong, the executive director, chairman and chief executive officer of Perfect Medical, said that "as a home-grown enterprise which has been established for more than 19 years, the Group is confident on the long term prospect of our aesthetic medical and medical service business model. In future, the Group will expand both organically and inorganically to offer additional and complementary services to our customers.

While the pandemic fluctuation is going to be short-term, the Company will be cautiously expanding our geographical coverage and replicating our success in mainland China and overseas in the coming years, taking advantage on our efficient business model.

Looking ahead, the Company will increase the proportion of medical services and proceed with its international business expansion, with a view to becoming a truly multinational medical group."

For further information of the Group's FY2022/23 interim results, please refer to the Company's Interim Results Announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website at:
https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2022/1123/2022112300240_c.pdf

About Perfect Medical Health Management Limited
Perfect Medical Health Management Limited is a multinational aesthetic medical corporate and one of the largest aesthetic medical operators in the world established in 2003. The Group focuses primarily on non-invasive aesthetic medical services and medical services in Hong Kong, China, Macau, Australia and Singapore with a total service area spanning approximately 307,000 square feet. Our operation offers a broad spectrum of professional services with assurance of utmost safety and efficacy. The Company was included as a constituent stock of the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index on 27 May 2021, demonstrating the confidence from the capital market and recognising the investment value of the Company.


Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

China Medical System (867.HK) S&P Global CSA Score Achieved Significant Improvement, Leading the Industry Globally

SHENZHEN, CHINA, Nov 18, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (S&P Global CSA) released the 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores for China Medical System Holdings Limited ("CMS" or the "Group"). CMS achieved a significant improvement with a score of 53 in 2022 from 36 in 2021, surpassing 92% of the global peers and being significantly ahead of the industry average. This result shows the Company's outstanding achievement from its active integration of ESG governance into strategic development and daily operation.

S&P Global CSA is the global leading assessment tool of corporate sustainability practices initiated by S&P Global. S&P Global CSA provides comprehensive evaluation on corporate sustainability performance, and the Group's identification and management abilities of potential opportunities and challenges by considering factors, such as corporate economy and governance, environment protection, and social responsibility. S&P Global CSA has been regarded, by stakeholders, as one of the most important references for making business or investment decisions.

Based on a well-established, scientific and effective ESG governance structure, CMS has been continuously improving its overall operations with the concept of sustainable development. Its latest S&P Global CSA-ESG scores indicated the Group has achieved significant improvements in several issues including Human Rights, Occupational Health & Safety, Supply Chain Management, Product Quality Management, Information Security & Cyber Security, Environment Policy & Management Systems, Addressing Cost Burden and Improving Access to Healthcare. Especially, the Group received excellent scores in Marketing Practices, Product Quality Management, and Addressing Cost Burden.

Adhering to compliant operations, CMS has built an honest, efficient, and open operational culture via a solid internal management system. By continuously enhancing its innovative product incubation platform and fully leveraging its strengths, the Group promotes diversified collaborative R&D and continues to build a pharmaceutical ecosystem in a collaborative setting for the benefit of all stakeholders, to improve pharmaceutical R&D efficiency, and constantly offer patients with accessible, affordable, and quality products. In the future, upholding visionary corporate mission and responsibility, CMS said it will continuously enhance its corporate governance, environment control practices, and social responsibility fulfillment, and promote the integration of ESG concepts into the Group's strategy, striving to be the leading sustainable pharmaceutical company in China.

Media Contact
Media Team, CMS
Email: ir@cms.net.cn
Website: http://www.cms.net.cn/

Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

AJG Publishes Data from HighTide Therapeutics’ Phase 2 Study of HTD1801 Treatment in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

ROCKVILLE, MD and SHENZHEN, CHINA, Nov 17, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – HighTide Therapeutics, Inc. ("HighTide"), a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases, today announced the publication of the results of their Phase 2 study of HTD1801 in adults with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

This study met the primary endpoint and multiple key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of HTD1801 in treating PSC. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a key biomarker of PSC disease severity. Data show that compared to placebo, both low and high doses of HTD1801 treatment could significantly reduce serum ALP levels. In addition, HTD1801 significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), further supporting the beneficial effects of HTD1801 in treating PSC. HTD1801 was shown to be safe and well tolerated at the doses studied in PSC patients. No severe adverse event related to HTD1801 treatment occurred.

Professor Kris Kowdley, M.D., Director, Liver Institute Northwest and lead investigator, said, "There is a significant unmet medical need in treatment for PSC. The improvements in ALP we observed in this study, along with the excellent safety profile of HTD1801, are promising. In addition, the results of this study lay the foundation for future studies that will potentially prove the significant role of HTD1801 in the treatment of PSC."

Dr. Liping Liu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HighTide Therapeutics, said, "We are pleased to share the news of this publication. The results of this study encourage us to further study HTD1801's effects in treating PSC. We believe the long-term treatment of HTD1801 will lead to more clinical benefits for patients with PSC, who suffer with a disease with no effective therapy until today."

About Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the intra-and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts, resulting in multifocal bile duct strictures. Most patients eventually have liver failure and cirrhosis, and their risk of malignancy significantly increases. PSC is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The accumulating evidence from various studies continues to strengthen the hypothesis that the gut microbiota plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of PSC. Until today, there is no approved therapy for PSC. As the fifth leading indication for liver transplantation in the U.S., PSC is a disease with significant unmet medical needs.

About HighTide Therapeutics

HighTide is a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery and development of novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company's lead drug candidate, HTD1801, is a first-in-class new molecular entity, currently in clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). HTD1801 has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA for both NASH and PSC, as well as Orphan Drug designation for PSC. In China, HTD1801 has been included in the National Major New Drug Innovation Program. For more information, please visit www.hightidetx.com.

Contact
Jeffrey Dao
ir@hightidetx.com
+1-650-580-3872

American Journal of Gastroenterology:
https://tinyurl.com/mr3wyhu6

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

American Journal of Gastroenterology Publishes Data from HighTide Therapeutics’ Phase 2 Study of HTD1801 Treatment in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

ROCKVILLE, MD and SHENZHEN, CHINA, Nov 16, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – HighTide Therapeutics, Inc. ("HighTide"), a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases, today announced the publication of the results of their Phase 2 study of HTD1801 in adults with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

This study met the primary endpoint and multiple key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of HTD1801 in treating PSC. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a key biomarker of PSC disease severity. Data show that compared to placebo, both low and high doses of HTD1801 treatment could significantly reduce serum ALP levels. In addition, HTD1801 significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), further supporting the beneficial effects of HTD1801 in treating PSC. HTD1801 was shown to be safe and well tolerated at the doses studied in PSC patients. No severe adverse event related to HTD1801 treatment occurred.

Professor Kris Kowdley, M.D., Director, Liver Institute Northwest and lead investigator, said, "There is a significant unmet medical need in treatment for PSC. The improvements in ALP we observed in this study, along with the excellent safety profile of HTD1801, are promising. In addition, the results of this study lay the foundation for future studies that will potentially prove the significant role of HTD1801 in the treatment of PSC."

Dr. Liping Liu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HighTide Therapeutics, said, "We are pleased to share the news of this publication. The results of this study encourage us to further study HTD1801's effects in treating PSC. We believe the long-term treatment of HTD1801 will lead to more clinical benefits for patients with PSC, who suffer with a disease with no effective therapy until today."

About Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the intra-and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts, resulting in multifocal bile duct strictures. Most patients eventually have liver failure and cirrhosis, and their risk of malignancy significantly increases. PSC is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The accumulating evidence from various studies continues to strengthen the hypothesis that the gut microbiota plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of PSC. Until today, there is no approved therapy for PSC. As the fifth leading indication for liver transplantation in the U.S., PSC is a disease with significant unmet medical needs.

About HighTide Therapeutics

HighTide is a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery and development of novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company's lead drug candidate, HTD1801, is a first-in-class new molecular entity, currently in clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). HTD1801 has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA for both NASH and PSC, as well as Orphan Drug designation for PSC. In China, HTD1801 has been included in the National Major New Drug Innovation Program. For more information, please visit www.hightidetx.com.

Contact
Jeffrey Dao
ir@hightidetx.com
+1-650-580-3872

American Journal of Gastroenterology
https://tinyurl.com/mr3wyhu6

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

InaVac gets emergency approval from BPOM

Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Nov 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for InaVac, a COVID-19 vaccine developed by researchers from Airlangga University (Unair).


InaVac, COVID-19 vaccine, is developed by the University of Airlangga in Surabaya, East Java Province. (ANTARA/HO-BPBRIN Unair)


"InaVac has obtained emergency use authorization from BPOM and will be mass-produced," the rector of Unair, Prof. Moh. Nasih, said on the sidelines of the campus' dies natalis (anniversary) on Wednesday.

The vaccine, which can be used to prevent a COVID-19 infection, has been made using an inactivated virus, which means, a virus that cannot reproduce and cause disease.

InaVac has been approved for use as a primary vaccine for people aged 18 and above for boosting immunity levels.

According to Nasih, the vaccine was developed as part of an effort by the university to significantly contribute to and impact the health sector.

Following the provision of EUA from BPOM, he expressed his gratitude to various stakeholders that have supported the development of the vaccine.

"Thank you to the Ministry of Health for providing support in the form of large amounts of funding; the provincial government has also provided extraordinary support," he remarked.

"Dr. Soetomo Hospital has also been very supportive. Equally important has been the role of Unair researchers who worked hard for this," he added.

Former state-owned enterprises minister Dahlan Iskan also expressed his pleasure over the completion of the domestically-made COVID-19 vaccine.

"I am happy because Unair has processed this vaccine to completion. How this vaccine was successfully launched, how to find people who want to undergo the vaccine. Finding people who are willing to be clinically tested is extremely difficult but Unair managed to finish it," he said.

It is hoped that after InaVac, more vaccines will be produced through continued research and development so that they can answer future challenges and problems.

Unair is currently developing a booster vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine for children.

"The news about vaccines has been very encouraging; hopefully, later booster vaccines and children can be produced," he said.

For further information, please visit: https://www.unair.ac.id/

Written by: Abdul Hakim, Yashinta Difa, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

CR Pharmaceutical Becomes Constituent of MSCI China Index Once Again

HONG KONG, Nov 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited ("CR Pharmaceutical" or the "Group") (stock code: 3320) has announced that the Group will once again be included as a constituent stock of the MSCI China Index, which will become effective after the market close on 30 November 2022.

The MSCI Indexes are key benchmarks for institutional investors investing in the global equity markets, and cover companies with positive operating performance and solid potential. The selected stocks must meet the market capitalization, liquidity and free-float requirements, and thus have a high reference value. The MSCI China Indexes consist of a range of country, composite and non-domestic indexes for the Chinese market, intended for both international and domestic investors, including Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors (QDII) and Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFII) licensees. The indexes are calculated according to the MSCI Global Investable Market Indexes (GIMI) Methodology.

The inclusion of the Group in the MSCI China Index reaffirms the market's recognition of the Group's business development. CR Pharmaceutical's share price has been on a valuation recovery trajectory since 2022. The Group's innovative and transformative strategy and stable business performance have been widely recognized by the market. As at the end of October, the Group's market capitalization increased by almost 50% compared with the beginning of the year, and stock activity also increased year-over-year. As a result of this inclusion in the MSCI China Index, a large number of passive indices funds are expected to purchase the Company's shares. This will further improve the Company's performance in the stock market.

In the future, CR Pharmaceutical will uphold its mission of "being the guardian of human health and improving quality of life". It will continue to optimize its business structure and consolidate its leading position in the industry with R&D innovation and investment in M&A as its engines. This will bring favorable returns to its shareholders and contribute to the growth of the health industry in China.

China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited
China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited ("CR Pharm", stock code: 3320) is a leading integrated pharmaceutical company in China. It primarily engages in the research and development, manufacturing, distribution and retailing of an extensive range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. CR Pharm is one of the largest pharmaceutical enterprises (manufacturing 600 products), the largest manufacturer of over-the-counter drugs and the third largest distributor of pharmaceutical products in China. Its pharmaceutical distribution network comprises approximately 200 subsidiaries, and covers 28 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in the country, distributing products direct to local hospitals and other medical institutions. It also operates one of the largest retail pharmacy networks in China, consisting of 787 pharmacies under premium brands including "Dexin Pharmacy" and "CR Care", and 221 of them are DTP pharmacies.



Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Healthcare and Medical Leaders Gather to Shape the Future of Global Health

HONG KONG, Nov 11, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – New research and innovations in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) are injecting new momentum and creating new opportunities for the regional and global healthcare and medical sectors, as highlighted in the two-day Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH). The second ASGH and the physical element of the 13th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Healthcare Fair concluded successfully today.


The second Asia Summit on Global Health, co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and HKTDC, and the physical part of the 13th HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair conclude successfully today.


Kenneth Tsang, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Kyle Wong, PanopticAI CEO & Cofounder (R) signed a MOU on digital healthcare solution improvement on the first day of the Summit, witnessed by Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director (L).


As the flagship events of the first International Healthcare Week initiated by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the summit and fair attracted close to 30,000 online and physical participants from 68 countries and regions. More than 280 one-on-one Deal Flow Matchmaking sessions and 600 business meetings have also been arranged to assist participants in seizing business possibilities. Riding on this year's success, the HKTDC plans to expand International Healthcare Week in May 2023. In addition to forums and exhibitions, it plans to include more healthcare and medical-related activities to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading hub in this globally important industry.

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said, "The importance of the medical and healthcare sector to the global economy cannot be overstated, especially during the past three years. As markets across the world gradually recover from the fallout of the pandemic, the health crisis needs to be tackled in tandem. This can only be achieved through collaboration. The pandemic knows no borders and collaboration should not either. It is vital that diverse sectors and players come together and share insights and practical solutions to ensure better efficiency and sustainability in healthcare for the world."

Shaping the Future of Global Health

The ASGH is co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKTDC to help the industry build connections, create business opportunities and highlight the advantages of Hong Kong's healthcare and medical industries in scientific research, investment and financing as well as its trading platforms.

The Summit featured more than 80 speakers, including healthcare officials and members from international organisations, scientists and medical experts, investors, business leaders, financial specialists and service providers. They shared their insights on a wide range of topics, ranging from healthcare development in Mainland China, the challenges of Ebola and COVID-19, the impact of GBA's innovation and the role of Hong Kong as both a fundraising and innovation hub. Participants also were given updates about new trends, such as the application of robotics and ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), ESG in healthcare and global challenge of mental health.

At the fireside chat on the first day of the summit, Prof Peter Piot, Chief Scientific Advisor Epidemics and Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission and co-discoverer of the Ebola virus in 1976, shared his views on the challenges in creating a more sustainable future for global health and Asia's contribution to global health in the years to come.

Prof Piot said: "COVID has definitely been a wake-up call to the importance of developing a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. The reality is that we are very likely entering an era of pandemics, and we must be better prepared. We must also assist the least developed countries, such as [those in] Africa and Southeast Asia, in manufacturing vaccines and other essential medications and developing the infrastructure they need to be ready for the next pandemic. I see this as a collective effort that would benefit the whole world; and everyone, including governments, businesses, civil society and individuals, should contribute in their own way."

Bring New Perspectives to Universal Issues

On the first day of the Summit, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau remarked during the panel discussion titled "The Next Development of China's Healthcare Sector" that China had made remarkable progress in healthcare, especially in transforming treatment-oriented and hospital-based services to community-based services. Dr Donald Li, Chairman of the Elderly Commission who chaired the panel, said the high demand for healthcare services in the GBA has created many new opportunities for business and healthcare professionals.

Addressing the audience of a panel discussion titled "How Innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Area Reshapes Global Healthcare", speakers shared that the GBA, Shenzhen in particular, would be a new base for innovation and research amid the boom of university lab research in the city.

Prof Michael Marmot, Director of the Institute of Health Equity of Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London, pointed out at the thematic session titled "Adding Health to ESG: How Can Businesses Impact Health Equity?" that contribution of business and industry to healthcare was crucial. "This is because they have the capacity to improve the health and well-being of employees and customers through goods and services, whilst also making a positive impact on the communities they serve."

Deal Flow Matchmarking to Facilitate Exchange and Collaboration

The Deal Flow Matchmaking on the first day connected funders from around the world with projects encompassing life sciences, medical apparatus and medicine, digital health, community health and more, with a total of 280 one-on-one meetings scheduled, of which 156 were successfully held on-site.

The hybrid InnoHealth Showcase and exhibition area featured more than 180 projects and solutions from healthcare-related innovative technology enterprises, connecting them with investors around the world as well as potential business partners. A number of biotechnology and healthcare start-ups also took advantage of the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone, receiving a full range of professional advice from investors and industry experts.

PanopticAI, one of the winners of HKTDC's Start-up Express 2021, was one example of successful business matching at the Summit. The company uses patented AI and algorithm to instantly obtain health data, such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and stress index of subjects through ordinary lenses. They attended ASGH in the hope to expand to the GBA and Southeast Asia. With the support of the HKTDC, PanopticAI signed an MOU with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong on the first day of the Summit to further apply its research results in Hong Kong hospitals to help more people in needed.

Dr Yuanyuan Yu, Assistant Professor at the School of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Baptist University commended the Summit's vibrant atmosphere and she was impressed by the synergy International Healthcare Week provided. The university delegation was able to meet with a lot of potential investors, business partners and academia collaborators and they anticipate further project discussions.

Medical Fair Provides One-stop Platform for Industry Buyers and Professionals

The 13th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair adopted the HKTDC's new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. Its three-day physical exhibition came to a successful close today, while the Click2Match platform that provides smart business matching to help build connections between exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals worldwide will remain active until 18 November.

The fair brought together more than 300 exhibitors from different countries and regions to feature a range of the latest medical technologies and equipment, healthcare and beauty products, healthcare solutions and related services, drawing many buyers and industry professionals to source both on-site and online.

Kenny Lam, Sales Manager of SWS Limited, a local exhibitor that offers textile management solutions for smart hospitals, said the Medical Fair provided a valuable platform for the company to showcase its automated uniform dispensing unit and respond to buyers' enquiries. He added: "Government officials and buyers from public and private hospitals are very interested in this system after watching our on-site demonstrations. Their feedback is overwhelming!" Additionally, they said they would support this kind of locally invented systems.

Ketkanok Sasibavronyod, Senior Business Development Manager of Thailand's leading medical device distributor BJC Healthcare Company Limited, travelled to Hong Kong for the Medical Fair to source telemedicine solutions, wearables for health monitoring, medical equipment and elderly care products. She stated: "HKTDC's Click2Match smart business matching service is very useful. Thanks to it, I found and scheduled to meet in-person with two potential suppliers of elderly care equipment, VR training solutions for elderly rehabilitation and VR therapy solutions. The fair is a good place for me to see new trends in medical equipment too!"

The Medical Fair is co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA). During the show, more than 10 content-rich events were held, including the highlighted HKMHDIA MedTech Forum 2022, with industry professionals keen to participate. Industry players can watch videos of the forum through the fair website.

In addition to the two highlight events, the first International Healthcare Week also featured other related events, including the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2022, the Hong Kong Urological Association 27th Annual Scientific Meeting and the Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium.

Websites
– International Healthcare Week: https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en
– Asia Summit On Global Health: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en
– Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3UwJjMI

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media Enquiries

For enquiries please contact:

Asia Summit on Global Health
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

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Novotech Chairs BioCentury Summit Workshop on How to Build and Finance an East-West MRCT Strategy

SYDNEY, AU, Nov 11, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Novotech, the leading Asia Pacific biotech specialist CRO, is sponsoring BioCentury-BayHelix East-West Summit 2022, and Novotech's Chief Commercial Officer Barry Murphy is Session Chair for the expert panel on How to Build and Finance an East-West MRCT Strategy Workshop at the Summit (14-16 November 2022).

Novotech is sponsoring the Networking Reception and Dinner.

Workshop details:
Global Development Workshop: How to Build and Finance an East-West MRCT Strategy
November 15, 2022
2:30 PM – (PACIFIC TIME ZONE)
BioCentury-BayHelix East-West Summit 2022
https://conferences.biocentury.com/china-healthcare-summit/schedule

Panelists are:
– PATRICIA KEEGAN, M.D.: Chief Medical Officer, Junshi Biosciences
– KE LIU, M.D., PH.D.: Chief Development Officer, Marengo Therapeutics
– ROGER LUO, PH.D.: Chief Development Officer, Overland Pharmaceuticals
– PEONY YU, M.D.: Chief Medical Officer, Apollomics Inc.

Novotech has significant real-world experience in East-West MRCT strategy after more than 2 decades managing clinical research programs for biotechs across Asia Pacific and the US.

Commenting on Novotech's experience, Chief Commercial Officer Barry Murphy said the right drug development pathway supports investor attraction and a successful clinical program.

"Local regulatory knowledge and expertise will accelerate early clinical programs, while a global perspective with a focus on US FDA and NMPA requirements, will support key market approvals. Strategies for an East-West MRCT include:

– Companies should engage with the US FDA and NMPA early to confirm guidance on their clinical roadmap.

– Biopharma companies should take advantage of China's revised regulatory framework around acceptance of foreign clinical trials data for drug approval, making it easier for foreign companies to enter the Chinese market.

– For biopharma companies looking to enter China, China's pharmaceutical market has advantages such as conducting first-in-human trials (FIH) and utilization of overseas clinical trial data for clinical trial application (CTA) filing, leveraging expedited clinical development pathways for accelerating the approval process; implementation of the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) system, favourable government policies to enhance domestic and global innovation encourages foreign direct investments (FDIs) in R&D that benefit the overseas companies.

Novotech regularly produces expert reports on East-West strategies. A new publication is now available for international biotechs considering China for their clinical research, as well as China biotechs conducting research in China.

The report details regulatory requirements for biotechs including NDA and IND processes as well as ex-US research guidance for a successful US FDA approval pathway. Download whitepaper here https://novotech-cro.com/whitepapers/china-biotech-landscape-opportunities-china-and-path-usfda-approval

Novotech, with experienced clinical teams in China and the US, can provide the relevant regulatory knowledge and drug development pathways specifically designed to support the US FDA and NMPA approval process, avoiding delays and additional costs.

Novotech has operations across the Asia Pacific and the US offering a unique and unparalleled suite of CRO services for early to late-phase biotech clinical research. The company has decades of biotech drug development experience, exceptional site and investigator relationships, access to vast patient populations, and a project management approach focused on problem-solving, ownership, and flexibility. Consistent investment in advanced training and technology systems combine to deliver a specialist full-service biotech CRO solution.

Novotech has recently been benchmarked as a top 10 CRO among the world's leading CROs, is a finalist in the prestigious Scrip awards, and has just been awarded the Gene & Cell Therapy Excellence Award. In Asia Pacific Novotech has more than 50 Leading Site Partnership agreements with major medical research institutions which delivers exclusive benefits for sponsors.

About Novotech

Novotech is the leading Asia-Pacific biotech specialist CRO. Novotech has integrated labs and phase I facilities and provides drug development consulting and clinical development services across all phases. It has been instrumental in the success of approximately 4,000 clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas. Novotech is well-positioned to serve biopharma clients conducting clinical trials in Asia-Pacific and the US. For more information visit https://novotech-cro.com/contact

Media Contact
communications@novotech-cro.com

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Prenetics Announces Record Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Raises Full Year 2022 Revenue and EBITDA Guidance

LONDON AND HONG KONG, Nov 10, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Prenetics Global Limited (NASDAQ: PRE) ("Prenetics" or the "Company"), a global leader in genomic and diagnostic testing, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Third Quarter 2022 and Recent Highlights:

— Reported third quarter 2022 revenue of US$80 million
— Reported loss from operations of US$9 million, adjusted earnings1 of US$21 million and adjusted EBITDA2 of US$27 million in the third quarter
— Achieved gross margin of 59% in the third quarter
— Appointed Professor Robert Harris, founder and former CEO of Lakeside Healthcare Group, one of UK's largest GP practices, as Executive Chairman of Prenetics EMEA
— Ended the third quarter with cash and other short-term assets3 of approximately US$250 million
— Obtained HSBC banking facilities of US$50 million for general corporate purposes and liquidity for potential acquisitions, demonstrating confidence from financial institutions

Danny Yeung, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Prenetics, said "I'm very proud of our strong results, demonstrating our continued growth, and reflecting the success we've had in performing over 26 million COVID-19 laboratory and at-home tests to date. Looking ahead, we expect to see continued demand in COVID testing to drive near term revenues. I'm also very excited to see our global clinical strategy taking shape, as we launch more tests into more clinics. As part of our UK restructuring, we've recently added Professor Robert Harris as our Executive Chairman for Prenetics EMEA. We are thrilled to be able to leverage his knowledge and experience as a co-founder and former CEO of Lakeside Healthcare Group, which he grew into one of the largest GP practices in the UK. We believe with the addition of Prof. Harris and our new UK strategy, we aim to provide clinical care to 1 million people by 2025. Lastly, we are now in final discussions for multiple acquisitions in the area of clinical cancer genomics, virtual care and primary care clinics which we believe would be highly synergistic and accretive to Prenetics as we continue on our mission to build an end to end health ecosystem. I look forward to providing key updates in the coming months.

Professor Robert Harris, Executive Chairman of Prenetics EMEA, added "I am thrilled to join Prenetics as they continue to scale the business and approach exciting roll-up opportunities. Having previously built one of the UK's largest GP practices, managing hundreds and thousands of patients, I'm impressed by Prenetics' suite of preventive and diagnostic tests, and their goal of providing a greater level of care to patients."

Financial Guidance

Prenetics provides guidance based on current market conditions and expectations for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-IFRS financial measure.

For full year 2022, Prenetics raises revenue guidance to the range of US$270 million to US$280 million and raises full year adjusted EBITDA guidance to the range of US$47 million to US$53 million.

About Prenetics

Founded in 2014, Prenetics is a major global diagnostics and genetic testing company with the mission to bring health closer to millions of people globally and decentralize healthcare by making the three pillars – Prevention, Diagnostics and Personalized Care – comprehensive and accessible to anyone, at anytime and anywhere. Prenetics is led by visionary entrepreneur, Danny Yeung, with operations across 9 locations, including United Kingdom, Hong Kong, India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Prenetics develops consumer genetic testing and early colorectal cancer screening; and provides COVID-19 testing, rapid point of care and at-home diagnostic testing and medical genetic testing. To learn more about Prenetics, visit www.prenetics.com.

Enquires:

Investors:
investors@prenetics.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Prenetics, and also contains certain financial forecasts and projections.

All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this document, including, but not limited to, statements about Prenetics' future results of operations and financial position, plans for new product development and geographic expansion, objectives of management for future operations, projections of market opportunity and revenue growth, competitive position, and technological and market trends, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "target," "seek" or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements are based upon estimates and forecasts and reflect the views, assumptions, expectations, and opinions of Prenetics, which involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any such estimates, assumptions, expectations, forecasts, views or opinions, whether or not identified in this document, should be regarded as indicative, preliminary and for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to: changes in applicable laws or regulations applicable to Prenetics; developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic; the regulatory environment and changes in laws, regulations or policies in which Prenetics operate; Prenetics' ability to successfully compete in highly competitive industries and markets; Prenetics' ability to continue to adjust its offerings to meet market demand; Prenetics' ability to attract customers to choose its products and services and grow its ecosystem; political instability in the jurisdictions in which Prenetics operates; the overall economic environment and general market and economic conditions in the jurisdiction in which Prenetics operates; and Prenetics' ability to execute its strategies, manage growth and maintain its corporate culture as it grows. In addition to the foregoing factors, you should also carefully consider the other risks and uncertainties included in Prenetics' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") from time to time.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Prenetics does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

Website

Prenetics intends to use its website as a distribution channel of material company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Company's website at https://www.prenetics.com/. Accordingly, we recommend you to monitor the investor relations portion of our website at https://ir.prenetics.com/ in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company when you enroll your email address by visiting the "Request Email Alerts" section of our investor relations page at https://ir.prenetics.com/. However, the additional information contained on our website is not part of our SEC filings.

Basis of Presentation

Unaudited Financial Information and Non-IFRS Financial Measures has been provided in the financial statements tables included at the end of this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading "Unaudited Financial Information and Non-IFRS Financial Measures." Unaudited Financial Information and Non-IFRS Financial Measures

To supplement Prenetics' consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), the Company is providing non-IFRS measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted profit for the period. These non-IFRS financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies. Management believes these non-IFRS financial measures are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's ongoing operating results and trends.

Management is excluding from some or all of its non-IFRS operating results (1) Equity-settled share-based payment expenses, (2) depreciation and amortization, (3) finance income and exchange gain or loss, and (4) other discretionary items determined by management. These non-IFRS financial measures are limited in value because they exclude certain items that may have a material impact on the reported financial results. Management accounts for this limitation by analyzing results on an IFRS basis as well as a non-IFRS basis and also by providing IFRS measures in the Company's public disclosures.

In addition, other companies, including companies in the same industry, may not use the same non-IFRS measures or may calculate these metrics in a different manner than management or may use other financial measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of these non-IFRS measures as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, the Company's non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review the non-IFRS reconciliations provided in the tables captioned "Reconciliation of (Loss)/Profit from Operations under IFRS and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)", "Reconciliation of Gross Profit under IFRS and Adjusted Gross Profit (Non-IFRS)" and "Reconciliation of Loss attributable to equity shareholders of Prenetics under IFRS and Adjusted Profit for the period (Non-IFRS)" set forth at the end of this document.

Notes
1. Adjusted Profit (non-IFRS) represents (loss)/profit from operations under IFRS before equity-settled share-based payment expenses, other strategic financing, restructuring costs in relation to UK and diagnostic business, transactional expense and non-recurring expense and fair value adjustments. See the section titled "Unaudited Financial Information and Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Reconciliation of Loss attributable to equity shareholders of Prenetics under IFRS and Adjusted profit for the period (Non-IFRS)" for more details.
2. Adjusted EBITDA (non-IFRS) represents (loss)/profit from operations under IFRS before equity-settled share-based payment expenses, depreciation and amortization, other strategic financing, restructuring costs in relation to UK and diagnostic business, transactional expense and non-recurring expense, and finance income, exchange gain or loss. See the section titled "Unaudited Financial Information and Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Reconciliation of (Loss)/Profit from Operations under IFRS and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)" for more details.
3. Represents current assets, comprising cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial assets, trade receivables, deposits, prepayments and other receivables, deferred expenses and inventory.


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