Chiron AS in Trondheim, Norway, Has Developed The World’s First Commercial Microplastic Reference Materials

TRONDHEIM, NORWAY, Apr 9, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Chiron AS, now part of ZeptoMetrix®, has developed the world’s very first commercially available microplastic reference materials. This revolutionary new product range, called MicroPRefs®, was developed in close collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and was made possible by grants from the EU project EUROqCHARM and Innovation Norway.

Chiron by ZeptoMetrix

Microplastic particles are found in large quantities in water, soil, and in the air. Plastic pollution of various kinds breaks down in nature into tiny particles. These range in size from macro- to nano-sized particles. Microplastics are also carriers of various environmental toxins such as PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and brominated flame retardants, and cause significant environmental and health risks to communities around the world.

“In order to measure the quantity and type of microplastic substances present, there is a need for a yardstick or a ‘reference material,’ which is a material developed in the laboratory that can be used for comparison. ZeptoMetrix’s Chiron AS business has now developed the very first commercially available microplastic reference materials for the six most abundant plastics in nature. New variants will follow successively throughout this year,” stated Huiling Liu, Ph.D., Senior Director, R&D Analytical Reference Materials.

MicroPRefs® microplastic reference materials feature a novel tablet format containing a defined number of particles. The particles produced are of known plastic type and were designed to provide sizes and shapes that mimic microplastics found in nature. The tablets are dissolved in water and then analyzed using various methods and in parallel with real samples from nature.

The first single polymer tablets produced contain microplastic particles ranging in size between 50 and 300 micron. Multi-polymer tablets contain a mixture of three different plastic types. Further variants containing different size, quantity and combinations of plastics are planned to support researchers in their endeavors.

“The need to monitor microplastics in our surroundings is paramount to protecting the ongoing health of our communities. ZeptoMetrix is committed to fostering innovations that will help solve real-world issues as laboratories around the world can now deliver microplastics test results with greater confidence,” stated Evangeline Gonzalez, President of ZeptoMetrix. “In addition, our scientists are partnering with industry organizations and leading laboratories to incorporate microplastics into our innovative proficiency testing programs.”

About ZeptoMetrix

Chiron AS is part of ZeptoMetrix®, an Antylia Scientific company. ZeptoMetrix is the industry leader and manufacturer for innovative solutions solving challenges in the evolving Diagnostic Microbiology, Infectious Disease, and Oncology markets, as well as Analytical Reference Materials for the Applied Markets. We focus on our customers’ success by providing premium product quality, reliability, and expert technical knowledge, enabling our customers to develop and advance many applications across diagnostics, pharmaceutical, environmental, food and beverage industries. From in-stock solutions to custom control and panel development, our scientific teams provide our customers with comprehensive, performance-oriented, and cost-effective products and services that positively impact the field of clinical diagnostics, analytical testing and contribute to a healthier world. ZeptoMetrix is a division of Antylia Scientific, an operating company of premier life science and diagnostic brands, including Cole-Parmer, Environmental Express and ZeptoMetrix.

Contact Information
Nancie Geddings
Global Business Development Leader
nancie.geddings@antylia.com
1-843-277-5230

SOURCE: ZeptoMetrix

View the original press release on newswire.com.

World Hepatitis Summit 2024 Convenes in Lisbon

LONDON, Apr 4, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The World Hepatitis Summit (WHS) 2024 convenes in Lisbon from 9 – 11 April and will bring together global experts to discuss the latest advances in hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

World Hepatitis Summit 2024WHS logo

Policy makers, civil society members, representatives from the private sector, academics and other stakeholders will convene to deliberate and share updates on innovative approaches to increase access to testing, vaccination and treatment services for viral hepatitis. Deliberations will also focus on addressing stigma and discrimination and advocating for funding, with an aim for viral hepatitis elimination by 2030.

At the Summit, the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will present findings from a first-of-its-kind report examining levels of stigma and discrimination surrounding people living with hepatitis in Europe. The report finds that half (50%) of those living with hepatitis B and C struggle to tell people about their hepatitis. Around a quarter of people living with hepatitis B and C report they have not told their family (23%) or friends (25%) about their hepatitis.

Eliminating the stigma surrounding hepatitis through the introduction of policies and structural changes has been named as a key factor in hepatitis elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the opening day of the Summit, WHO will release its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report. It is the first consolidated report on viral hepatitis epidemiology, service coverage and product access, with improved data for action. With information from 187 countries, the report outlines regional perspectives and actionable steps to scale up interventions, emphasising the importance of leveraging lessons from the COVID-19 response. A standalone press release will be issued by WHO on 9 April.

About the World Hepatitis Summit

The World Hepatitis Summit is organised by the World Hepatitis Alliance, with the support of the Ministry of Health of Portugal and co-sponsored by WHO. Its mission is to support countries in meeting the targets needed to eliminate viral hepatitis. It is being held in Lisbon and virtually. More information: http://worldhepatitissummit.org/ and https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/.

About Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. WHO says that the total deaths cause by viral hepatitis, including acute cases, cirrhosis and liver cancer, accounted for 1.1 million deaths globally in 2019. In total, over 350 million people in the world are living with viral hepatitis. Each year, over a million people lose their lives because of conditions related to acute hepatitis and chronic infection that cause liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Contact Information
James Gillies
Communications Contact
james.gillies@worldhepatitisalliance.org
00447932328287

Steve Shaw
Marketing Manager
steve.shaw@worldhepatitisalliance.org

SOURCE: World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA)

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Psilocybin Clinical Trial Sponsored by Clairvoyant Therapeutics Reaches 90% Randomization

Vancouver, BC, Apr 3, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Clairvoyant Therapeutics Inc. (www.clairvoyantrx.com), the private clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing psilocybin treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), today announced that it is on target to potentially become the first in the world to commercialize clinically validated psilocybin treatment. Clairvoyant believes it may achieve this milestone in H2 2025.

Clairvoyant’s randomized controlled trial, CLA-PSY-201, has dosed more than 90 per cent of the expected 128 subjects for its 24-week Phase 2b clinical trial of synthetic psilocybin treatment for AUD (two dosing sessions of a 25 mg oral capsule over 8 weeks) at 12 active clinical sites in Canada and Europe. A top line read out from the clinical trial is expected in Q3 2024 and a Series A financing round is currently underway.

“We are quickly approaching a critical and exciting moment for psilocybin and its potential use as a recognized treatment,” said Damian Kettlewell, CEO, Clairvoyant. “We have the compelling efficacy and safety data on psilocybin treatment for AUD from a phase 2a study previously published in JAMA Psychiatry[i] in 2022 and earlier data published in 2015. Assuming our trial has similar results, we believe there is a regulatory pathway to conditional market authorization in Canada in 2025 and in the EU in 2026.”

Conditional marketing authorization of psilocybin would be based on recognition of AUD as a serious, life-threatening or severely debilitating disease for which psilocybin demonstrates a significant increase in efficacy in relation to existing AUD drugs. Conditional authorization of a new medicine, known as NOC/c in Canada and CMA in Europe, allows the marketing of a new drug with the condition that the sponsor undertake additional studies to verify the clinical benefit. Under NOC/c and CMA, companies are required to conduct confirmatory studies to validate the initial efficacy evidence. Clairvoyant intends to launch a pivotal confirmatory trial in H2 2025, with a read out in 2027, to support full approval of psilocybin treatment in Canada, the EU and UK.

About Patient Safety

Clairvoyant is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. Participants are supported by two therapists in preparation for, and during, the psychedelic experience induced by psilocybin. Clairvoyant has trained over 50 therapists in its 35-hour training program. Therapists are monitored for adherence to the trial protocol and ethics under Clairvoyant’s industry leading therapist adherence monitoring program. No ethical concerns have been identified to date.

About Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol is the leading risk factor for overall burden of disease among men and a significant risk factor among women.[ii] A regional study recently reported that fewer than 5 per cent of patients diagnosed with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder receive recommended medications.[iii]

About Clairvoyant Therapeutics

Clairvoyant Therapeutics is a Canadian biotechnology company trailblazing a path to global mental health through psilocybin treatment. Clairvoyant’s speed-to-market clinical strategy is designed to enable psilocybin treatment in Canada, EU & the UK for patients living with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) beginning in 2025.

The company’s exceptional team, with deep clinical development experience, has made Clairvoyant the most advanced company developing psilocybin for the treatment of AUD. Clairvoyant is a member of Life Sciences BC.

Additional information about Clairvoyant’s clinical trial may be found at ClinicalTrials.gov

For more information:
Damian Kettlewell
damian@clairvoyantrx.com

[i] Bogenschutz, MP et al. (2022) JAMA Psychiatry. 2022;79(10):953-962. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2096

[ii] World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014 Accessed March 2024 at WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014

[iii] Maria Eugenia Socias, Frank Xavier Scheuermeyer, Zizhan Cui, Wing Yin Mok, Alexis Crabtree, Nadia Fairbairn, Seonaid Nolan, Amanda Slaunwhite, Lianping Ti. (2023) Addiction. 2023; Volume118, Issue11: 2128-2138. doi.org/10.1111/add.16273

SOURCE: Clairvoyant Therapeutics

Topic: Company Update

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CMS and Incyte Announce Collaboration and License Agreement for Povorcitinib in China and Southeast Asia

HONG KONG, China and WILMINGTON, Del., Apr 1, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) and Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) (“Incyte”) are pleased to announce that on 31 March 2024, that the Group, through a wholly-owned dermatology medical aesthetic subsidiary of the Company (“CMS Skinhealth”), and Incyte entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement for the development and commercialization of povorcitinib (the “Product”), a selective oral JAK1 inhibitor, to research, develop, register and commercialize the Product in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Region and eleven Southeast Asian countries (the “Territory”) and a non-exclusive license to manufacture the Product in CMS’ Territory.

Under the terms of the agreement, CMS will make an upfront payment to Incyte and Incyte is eligible to receive additional potential development and commercial milestones and royalties on net sales of the licensed product in CMS’ territory.

CMS will receive an exclusive license to develop and commercialize and a non-exclusive license to manufacture povorcitinib in autoimmune and inflammatory dermatologic diseases, including non-segmental vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), prurigo nodularis (PN), asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria, for patients in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and certain countries in Southeast Asia.

“We are excited to announce the addition of this collaboration for povorcitinib, expanding our relationship with CMS in the Dermatology space beyond ruxolitinib cream, to include two products with the potential to help patients with limited treatment options,” said Herve Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer, Incyte. “There remains a significant need for new, innovative treatment for vitiligo and other immune-mediated dermatologic conditions, and we look forward to working together with the CMS team to bringing these products to market in China.”

Mr. Huang Anjun, the general manager of CMS Skinhealth, stated that, “We expect that this collaboration will enhance CMS Skinhealth’s portfolio of potential treatments for vitiligo that, if approved, will provide differentiated treatment options for vitiligo patients in China. Upon approval, povorcitinib is poised to synergize with the innovative drugs in the commercialization stage of our pipeline ILUMETRI (tildrakizumab injection), original drugs including Hirudoid (mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream) and Aethoxysklerol (polidocanol injection) in terms of our network and market resources, which will help the Product to realize its clinical and commercial value.”

The transaction is effective immediately upon the execution of the Collaboration and License Agreement.

About Povorcitinib

Povorcitinib is a selective oral small-molecule JAK1 inhibitor, with compound and use patents in certain countries/regions in the Territory. Currently, povorcitinib is in Phase 3 clinical trials for non-segmental vitiligo and HS in multiple countries outside of China. Additionally, Phase 2 clinical studies of povorcitinib for PN, asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria are also ongoing.

About Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, which results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of vitiligo.

It is estimated that there are approximately 14 million vitiligo patients in China and 6.5 million in the eleven Southeast Asian countries respectively. Non-segmental vitiligo patients account for approximately 85% of them[1]. Vitiligo can occur at any age, although many patients with vitiligo will experience initial onset before the age of 30[2]. Currently, therapeutic options for vitiligo are limited, and the condition is difficult to treat, especially for patients with moderate to severe extensive vitiligo.

About Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

HS is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin condition characterized by the presence of painful inflammatory nodules, abscesses, ruptures, as well as the formation of sinus tracts and scarring. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of HS[3].

It is estimated that there are approximately 470 thousand HS patients in China, about 75% of whom are moderate to severe patients[4]. Additionally, it is estimated that there are approximately 13 thousand HS patients in the six Southeast Asian countries, comprising Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippine, Vietnam and Indonesia. HS has been included in the second batch of the Rare Disease List in China. Given the debilitating nature of condition, it can have a profoundly negative effect on patients’ quality of life. However, currently in China, there are no biologics or small molecule medicines approved by the National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of HS, creating an urgent need for effective therapeutic options[5].

About CMS Skinhealth

CMS’s Dermatology and Medical Aesthetic Business “CMS Skinhealth” regards dermatology prescription products as its core, and extends to dermatology-grade skincare products and light medical aesthetic products, continually optimizing full lifecycle skin-health management solutions, and gradually moving toward becoming “the largest and most professional skin-health management company in China “. Relying on its strong clinical development and commercialization advantages, CMS will realize the commercialization of povorcitinib in the Territory as soon as possible to meet the clinical needs of oral vitiligo drugs with efficacy and benefit relevant patients.

About Incyte

A global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to Solve On., Incyte follows the science to find solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. Through the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics, Incyte has established a portfolio of first-in-class medicines for patients and a strong pipeline of products in Oncology and Inflammation & Autoimmunity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Incyte has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

For additional information on Incyte, please visit Incyte.com or follow us on social media: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.

About CMS

CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.

CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.

CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries. While strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology business, CMS independently operates its dermatology and medical aesthetics business, and ophthalmology business, aiming to gain leading positions in specialty therapeutic fields, whilst enhancing the scale and efficiency. At the same time, CMS has expanded its business territory to the Southeast Asian market, striving to become a “bridgehead” for global pharmaceutical companies to enter the Southeast Asian market, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development of the Group.

Incyte Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information set forth herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding whether and when povorcitinib will be approved for use in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or Southeast Asia; whether and when CMS will bring povorcitinib to market in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or Southeast Asia; the potential of povorcitinib to treat patients with vitiligo, hidradenitis superativa or for any other indication; the potential for Incyte to receive royalties and payments from CMS for development and commercial milestones; and the potential for Incyte to broaden its ability to bring new medicines to patients in Asia and elsewhere, contain predictions, estimates and other forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on Incyte’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including unanticipated developments in and risks related to: unanticipated delays; further research and development and the results of clinical trials possibly being unsuccessful or insufficient to meet applicable regulatory standards or warrant continued development; the ability to enroll sufficient numbers of subjects in clinical trials; Incyte’s dependence on its relationships with its collaboration partners; the efficacy or safety of Incyte’s products and the products of its collaboration partners; the acceptance of Incyte’s products and the products of its collaboration partners in the marketplace; market competition; sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution requirements; and other risks detailed from time to time in Incyte’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Incyte disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CMS Forward-Looking Statements

This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. This press release may not be all inclusive and may not contain all of the information that you may consider material. Any liability in respect of the contents of or any omission from this press release is expressly excluded.

Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

Contacts:
CMS
Investor Relations: ir@cms.net.cn

Incyte
Media: media@incyte.com
Investors: ir@incyte.com

Reference

1. Ezzedine K, Eleftheriadou V, Whitton M, van Geel N. Vitiligo. Lancet. 2015 Jul 4;386(9988):74-84. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60763-7. Epub 2015 Jan 15. PMID: 25596811

2. Frisoli M, et al. Vitiligo: mechanisms of pathogenesis and treatment. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 2020;38(1):621-648

3. Solimani, F., Meier, K., & Ghoreschi, K. (2019). Emerging topical and systemic JAK inhibitors in dermatology. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 2847

4. Prevalence of Acne Inversa (Hidradenitis Suppurativa) in China: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study

5. Diagnosis and treatment of acne inversa/hidradenitis suppurativa in China: an expert consensus statement (2021 version)

Media Contact
Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.
Contact: CMS Investor Relations
Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

Avance Clinical at World Vaccine Congress to Share Latest Vaccine Clinical Trial News Including an HIV-1 Study

Adelaide, AU & North Carolina, USA, Mar 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Avance Clinical, the award-winning Australian and North American market-leading CRO for biotechs, will attend World Vaccine Congress in Washington DC (April 1-4, 2024) and share the latest clinical trial client news including the Uvax Bio announcement. (Booth #267)

Avance Clinical CEO, Yvonne Lungershausen said the World Vaccine Congress was an important event for the company’s US and Australian teams as they continue to excel in biotech vaccine CRO services.

Lungershausen said Avance Clinical is a mid-sized, agile, and responsive CRO with a proven track record of swiftly advancing high-quality clinical programs. “This makes us an ideal CRO partner for vaccine focussed biotechs,” she said. Lungershausen said the company has had significant vaccine client successes in infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and RSV, as well as other diseases such as Hypertension and Psoriasis.

She said Avance Clinical is proud to be working with many innovative vaccine biotech companies including Uvax Bio who have just announced another milestone in their Phase I HIV study. Mary Giffear, Uvax Bio’s Director of Clinical Operations reported, “we have completed enrollment in our Phase 1 study of the Company’s HIV-1 vaccine candidates, UVAX-1107 and UVAX-1197, and the Australia-based trial is on schedule.”

Lungershausen said Avance Clinical is focussed on accelerating drug development for its biotech clients, from preclinical stages through to Phase III.

“This is our GlobalReady program and we have more than 90 biotech clients leveraging this unique, streamlined multi-region process. With a globalized strategy, we ensure efficiency every step of the way,” she said.

“Biotechs are looking for a partner that can seamlessly help transition them with the ability to start fast with high-quality data that is readily accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies. Our in-house global regulatory affairs team assists biotechs to navigate regulatory complexities with confidence and work to support our clients with FDA, EMA and TGA submissions,” she said.

“In addition, our GlobalReady Site Partnership Network of over 1,250 highly qualified sites across the United States ensures maximum efficiency and effectiveness in our biotech’s clinical trials,” she said.

Another key advantage for vaccine biotechs is that Avance Clinical is accredited as a gene technology CRO which allows it to manage pre-clinical and clinical trials for vaccines and GMO therapies.

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has developed globally compliant regulations and accreditations which are in line with international guidelines.

Avance Clinical’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Gabriel Kremmidiotis said: “This means that as an OGTR accredited CRO we can support our international biotech clients with extensive OGTR knowledge and experience to accelerate their clinical research. Indeed, we would argue the clarity around the OGTR regulations makes Australia one of the most attractive destinations for Cell and Gene Technology research,” he said.

Find out more:

Learn about the GlobalReady model
For more information about the benefits of running your next study with Avance Clinical contact us
Request a Proposal here

Media Contact:
Avance Clinical
media@avancecro.com
Kate Thompson

About Avance Clinical

Avance Clinical is the largest premium full-service Australian and North American CRO delivering quality clinical trials, with globally accepted data, in Australia, New Zealand and the US for international biotechs. The company’s clients are biotechs completing Phase I to Phase III of their drug development program that requires fast, agile, and adaptive solution-oriented clinical research services.

Frost & Sullivan Awards
Avance Clinical, a Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific CRO Market Leadership Award recipient for the past four years, has been providing CRO services in the region for more than 26 years.

Pre-clinical through to mid to late phase
Avance Clinical offers pre-clinical services with their experienced ClinicReady team right from pre-clinical through to Phase III clinical services leveraging significant Australian Government incentive rebates of up to 43.5% and rapid start-up regulatory processes.

With experience across more than 120 indications, the CRO can deliver world-class results and high-quality internationally accepted data for FDA and EMA review.

Technology
Avance Clinical uses state-of-the-art technology and gold standard systems across all functional areas to provide clients with the most effective processes. Medidata, Oracle, TrialHub, Certinia, Salesforce, Zelta and Medrio are just some of the technology partners.

www.avancecro.com

China Medical System (867.HK) 2023 Annual Results: Despite of the Temporary Financial Performance Pressure, Fresh Catalysts Emerged from Successive Innovation Breakthroughs

SHENZHEN, Mar 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – On March 27, 2024, China Medical System (“CMS” or the “Company”) released its 2023 annual results. The Company recorded a turnover of RMB8,013 million, a year-on-year decrease of 12.4%; in the case that all medicines were directly sold by the Group, the turnover would be RMB 9,472 million, a year-on-year decrease of 9.8%. Profit for the year was RMB2,384 million, and normalized profit for the year that excluding provisions of impairment losses on related assets was RMB2,709 million. The results announcement shows that in 2023, the Company has affected by the implementation of the National Volume Based Procurement (the “National VBP”) of its three marketed original products (sales of these three products recorded a decrease of RMB1,708.7 million, and the sales of them for the second half of the year declined approximately 50% compared with the second half of last year), resulting in temporary turbulence and decline of its overall operation performance. Although three products have not been selected in the National VBP, they are all original medicines for chronic diseases with oral administration, with good brand recognition and large retail market shares. Therefore, the overall impact from National VBP could be expected. The Company’s exclusive non-VBP products has continued to grow. In addition, the Company’s newly marketed innovative product portfolio has been expanded to 4 drugs, and the commercialization and large-scale clinical application of innovative products has provided the Company fresh driving forces. Based on above, CMS has successfully entered into its “New Period” of innovation and internationalization development.

4 innovative drugs have started large-scale clinical application, unveiling CMS’s first year of commercialization era of innovative drugs.

In 2023, CMS delivered quality innovation outcomes. Its three innovative drugs, Diazepam Nasal Spray (VALTOCO), Tildrakizumab Injection (ILUMETRI), Methotrexate Injection-psoriasis (METOJECT), have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) after obtaining approvals of marketing in China, and have steadily entered into the commercialization stage, further enriching CMS’s marketed product matrix in the specialty therapeutical fields, and supporting CMS to accelerate commercialization process of innovative products.

In addition, in February 2024, CMS obtained the exclusive license of the first-line phosphorus-lowering innovative drug Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide Chewable Tablets (VELPHORO), which has been newly included in the China NRDL and issued its first prescription in China. As of now, CMS’s 4 innovative drugs have officially started large-scale clinical application in China, marked as the start of the CMS’s commercialization era of innovative products

The differentiated innovation pipeline stands as an important driver of the Company’s high-quality development. Driven by the twin-wheel of “Collaborative R&D and Independent R&D”, CMS has continuously deployed global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products guided by patient and clinical demands, and has enhanced its R&D capabilities of differentiated innovative products to empower the continuous transformation of scientific research outcomes into clinical application. As of now, CMS has deployed approximately 30 innovative products. Among them, 2 products, Methotrexate Injection – rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Methylthioninium Chloride Enteric-coated Sustained-release Tablets, are currently under NDA review in China. Meanwhile, over 10 innovative products are undergoing clinical trials in China, mainly randomized controlled trials (RCT). Furthermore, the Company has about 10 self-developed R&D innovation projects, covering large molecules, small molecules, siRNA, etc., among which Highly Selective TYK2 Inhibitor CMS-D001 tablets and GnRH Receptor Antagonist CMS-D002 capsules have obtained IND approvals in early 2024.

CMS states that innovation products expected to be continuously launched every year with higher efficiency and more controllable costs starting from 2023, continuing to energize the Company’s mid- to long-term development. CMS is ready to embrace a brighter future full of opportunities.

Rooted in specialty therapeutical fields, empowering products to achieve clinical and commercial values

Commercialization capability is one of CMS’s core competitiveness. By continuously reinforcing and integrating its commercialization platform, the Company has further consolidated its specialty therapeutic fields focused operation system, and has promoted the independent operation of its three major business segments including cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology, dermatology/medical aesthetics, and ophthalmology. Simultaneously, by leveraging upgraded compliance control system and supporting digital tools, CMS has continuously optimized its professional academic promotion capabilities guided by clinical evidence, and built a number of agile and efficient specialty therapeutical fields-focused commercialization teams.

The Dermatology and Medical Aesthetic Business “CMS Skinhealth” regards dermatology prescription products as its core, and extends to dermatology-grade skincare products and light medical aesthetic products, continually optimizing full lifecycle skin-health management solutions. CMS Skinhealth has officially initiated the promotion of ILUMETRI, relying on the accumulated academic platform of existing marketed products including Hirudoid (the repair agent for skin barrier with multiple functions) and Aethoxysklerol (a German original brand for the treatment of sclerotherapy of varicose veins with years of clinical application). Meanwhile, CMS Skinhealth has obtained the exclusive licenses for the commercialization of three regenerative medical aesthetic products, including Poly-L-lactic Acid Microparticle Filler Injection, Polycaprolactone Microsphere Gel for Injection and Calcium Hydroxylapatite Microsphere Gel for Injection, enriching its regenerative medical aesthetic product portfolio and enhancing the Company’s competitiveness.

The Ophthalmology Business “CMS Vision” continues to improve its organizational structure and operating system, and actively promotes the identification, development and commercialization of urgently needed clinical solutions. Innovative medical device, EyeOP1 Glaucoma Treatment Device, has completed market access in many provinces and cities, and is synergized with the exclusive marketed product Augentropfen Stulln Mono Eye Drops in marketing and promotion. VEGFA/ANG2 Tetravalent Bispecific Antibody, a class I innovative biological agent, is under the phase I clinical trial stage in China.

The results announcement shows that as of the end of 2023, CMS has approximately 4,400 professional academic promotional personnel, and its promotion network has covered over 50,000 hospitals and medical institutions across China and nearly 250,000 retail pharmacies. CMS’s marketed products portfolio mainly includes exclusive branded drugs, with the successive approvals of innovative products in 2023, the Company’s future growth potential will be further released. At the same time, leveraging the accumulated advantages in cardio-cerebrovascular, gastroenterology, central nervous system, ophthalmology, dermatology and other specialty therapeutical fields, and its strong professional academic promotion capabilities, compliant and efficient management system, CMS has further enhanced its business efficiency and competitiveness to create broad commercial potential for its innovative products and exclusive products.

Accelerating international business development, forging new growth engines

Guided by the local unmet medical needs, CMS’s Southeast Asian business company “Rxilient Health”, leveraged the Group’s advantageous resource and operated by a local team with rich pharmaceutical industry expertise, has rapidly introduced a diverse product portfolio and established a business network covering various Southeast Asian countries. In March 2023, Rxilient Health entered into a collaboration agreement with Junshi Biosciences, leveraging Rxilient Health’s drug registration and commercialization advantages and Junshi Biosciences’s strong R&D strength, two parties to collaboratively develop and commercialize intravenous toripalimab, one of the key Chinese innovative drugs going overseas, in nine Southeast Asia countries.

In December 2023, CMS and Rxilient Health joined hands with Pharmaron and others to jointly complete the acquisition of a manufacture plant in Singapore and accelerate the process of CDMO business. This cooperation is expected to improve the accessibility of quality drugs with unmet clinical needs in emerging markets and help global pharmaceutical companies to quickly enter markets such as Southeast Asia. The acquisition of Singapore manufacturing plant will optimize the CMS’s overseas supply chain and manufacturing capabilities, and enhance the stability of its international supply chain. Moreover, it will facilitate CMS to carry out product collaborations with its global partners in the future, continuously building a collaborative, mutually beneficial pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.

The Share Award Schemes enhances employee enthusiasm and creativity, enabling long-term binding towards a shared future for all.

In order to maintain the momentum of innovation and accelerate the commercialization process of innovative products, on March 27, CMS announced the adoption of the “Share Award Scheme Related to CMS New Products”, which using the Company’s own funds to purchase its shares. No more than 100 million Shares will be granted to the Group’s core management and key personnel at nil consideration, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance targets and in compliance with the CMS Scheme to encourage them to continue to make outstanding contributions to the launch and sales of new products.

According to the announcement, the schemes will determine “the stipulated performance targets” based on the overall financial performance of the Group, the cumulative sales revenue of a specified product or products, number of new products launched during any specified period. Among them, the “performance targets” associated with The First Batch of Share Awards include: launching 10 new products from 2020 to 2024. The cumulative total sales revenue of three blockbuster innovative drugs: METOJECT, VALTOCO, and VELPHORO in the three years from 2024 to 2026 will reach RMB2.5 billion. “Performance targets” associated with the future share awards include: the rolling share award scheme for the sales of new products, and to launch 12 new products from 2025 to 2027.

In addition, the three independently operated business segments of “CMS Skinhealth”, “CMS Vision” and “Rxilient Health” will formulate the separate Share Award Schemes based on their respective business development situations. ILUMETRI, as a significant innovative product of “CMS Skinhealth”, will be included in the assessment under the separate Share Award Scheme of “CMS Skinhealth”.

By continuously improving the long-term incentive mechanism, CMS closely links employee interests with the Company’s innovation development, maximizing employee enthusiasm to serve the Company’s long-term development diligently and responsibly. Furthermore, the schemes releases sufficient confidence to the capital market for the CMS’s steady development in the future.

Looking ahead, CMS will embrace “New CMS and New Era” after the short period of turbulence.

While accelerating its development under the guidance of innovation, CMS is firmly ushering in a new era. At the beginning of 2024, the term “innovative drugs” has been included in the government work report for the first time, indicating that innovative drugs have a leading strategic position among domestic emerging industries and have received great attention from the government. It will benefit pharmaceutical companies with advanced R&D capabilities, rich pipeline layouts, and mature commercialization systems.

CMS is diligent and devoted to innovation, and has always adhered to its mission of providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs. With the gradual digestion of national VBP implementation impacts on its existing products, and the further deepening of its innovation development, CMS has been well-prepared for a brighter future going forward and will return to the track of sustained and healthy growth. Under its compliant and efficient commercialization system, the Company’s innovative products and exclusive drugs will grow steadily. Concurrently, it is expected that more differentiated innovative products will be continuously launched with higher efficiency and more controllable costs every year in the future, continuously optimizing the Company’s marketed product structure. As a mature pharmaceutical company with excellent historical performance, although the turbulence of adjustment period is inevitable, with the continuous enhancement of its innovation strength, CMS will surely usher in a new cycle of performance growth.

Media Contact
Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.
Contact: CMS Investor Relations
Email: ir@cms.net.cn
Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

Moderna Achieves Positive Interim Results from Phase 3 Trial of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine

mRNA-1283 induced a more robust immune response compared to Spikevax® COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273.222
Next-generation mRNA vaccine design offers the potential of longer shelf life and storage advantages, and paves the way for combination vaccine against influenza and COVID-19, mRNA-1083

Cambridge, MA, Mar 26, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today announced that mRNA-1283, the Company’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, has successfully met the primary endpoints of its Phase 3 clinical trial, demonstrating a higher immune response against SARS-CoV-2 when compared to mRNA-1273.222, Moderna’s licensed COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are excited to announce our fourth infectious disease vaccine program with positive Phase 3 data, further validating our robust mRNA platform,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. “mRNA-1283 is a critical component of our combination vaccine against flu and COVID-19, mRNA-1083, and this milestone gives us confidence in our ability to bring this much needed vaccine to market.”

In the NextCOVE (NCT05815498) Phase 3 pivotal trial, mRNA-1283 was shown to elicit a higher immune response against both the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and original virus strains of SARS-CoV-2, compared to mRNA-1273.222. Importantly, this benefit was most acutely seen in participants over the age of 65 years, the population that remains at highest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. The most common solicited local adverse event was injection site pain. The most common solicited systemic adverse events included headache, fatigue, myalgia and chills.

The NEXTCove clinical trial is a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled study of approximately 11,400 individuals aged 12 years and older in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. mRNA-1283 was found to have a similar safety profile to Moderna’s approved COVID-19 vaccines.

The storage, shelf life and pre-filled syringe presentation of mRNA-1283 could alleviate healthcare provider burden and potentially increase access into new settings to serve public health. A detailed analysis of the Phase 3 clinical trial data for mRNA-1283 will be shared at the Company’s Vaccines Day event on March 27 and presented at upcoming scientific conferences.

About Moderna

Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna’s mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit modernatx.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Spikevax®is a registered trademark of Moderna.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding: the potential longer refrigerator shelf life and storage advantages of mRNA-1283 compared to Spikevax; and the ability of mRNA-1283 to maintain effectiveness compared to Spikevax. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Moderna’s control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Moderna’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in subsequent filings made by Moderna with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, Moderna disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Moderna’s current expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release.

Moderna Contacts

Media:
Elise Meyer
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
+1 617-852-7041
Elise.Meyer@modernatx.com

Investors:
Lavina Talukdar
Senior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations
+1 617-209-5834
Lavina.Talukdar@modernatx.com

SOURCE: Moderna, Inc.

DC Healthcare Continues Growth Momentum with Second DC Body Outlet Opening in USJ Taipan

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 25, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad (“DC Healthcare” or the “Group”), an aesthetic medical services provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, continues the Group’s growth momentum to announcing the opening of the latest DC Body outlet in USJ Taipan. This opening mark a significant stride in DC Healthcare’s mission to make superior aesthetic and wellness services more accessible while continuing to cater to the diverse needs of its growing clientele.

Managing Director of DC Healthcare, Dr. Chong Tze Sheng

DC Body – USJ Taipan represent an innovative leap for DC Healthcare, extending the Group’s offerings into specialised weight management, personalised nutrition counselling and body contouring. DC Body – USJ Taipan is designed in harmony with the Group’s philosophy of personalised, holistic care, developed in collaboration with esteemed medical professionals from Dr. Chong Clinic and certified nutritionists. By integrating cutting-edge technology with tailor-made wellness programs, DC Body aims to redefine the wellness journey for individuals seeking comprehensive body care and transformative health solutions.

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare expressed his enthusiasm for the Group’s expansion, “We are thrilled to introduce our DC Body centres, broadening our spectrum of health and aesthetic services. This expansion into USJ Taipan not only demonstrates our commitment to excellence and innovation but also signifies our response to the growing demand for holistic aesthetic and wellness solutions. We believe in empowering our clients on their journey to wellness and aesthetic, and the new outlet is a testament to our dedication to providing comprehensive, client-centered care.”

As DC Healthcare continues to extend its geographical reach, the strategic placement of new outlets is anticipated to significantly contribute to the Group’s growth trajectory. With a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and patient satisfaction, DC Healthcare is well-equipped to lead in the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine and wellness, promising a future where aesthetic and health go hand in hand.

Avantor Wins Five Prestigious Awards at Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024

SINGAPORE, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences advanced technologies industries, has secured five prestigious awards at the esteemed Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) 2024. The ABEA event, held in conjunction with the 11th Annual Biologics Manufacturing Asia 2024, 8th BioLogistics World Asia 2024, and 2nd Annual Clinical Trials Festival Asia 2024, underscores Avantor’s exceptional achievements in bioprocessing, logistics, and supply chain management, as well as its leadership in the biopharma sector.

Avantor sweeps 5 Biopharma Award at the Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 in Singapore.

(Right) Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor receiving the Bioprocessing Leadership Award

Avantor is honored with five ABEA awards, including three excellence recognitions and two individual accolades:

Overall Downstream Bioprocessing Supplier Award
Best Aseptic Fill-Finish and Packaging Supplier Award for Formulation Development
Best Bioprocessing Supplier Award for Single-use Systems
Bioprocessing Leadership Award presented to Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor
Supply Chain Management Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Yee Seng Ng, Vice President, Operations, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Rao said, “We are honored to receive these awards, which represent our steadfast commitment to providing indispensable support to the biopharma industry across the AMEA region. I am proud of Avantor’s commitment to advancing manufacturing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality while supporting our customers at every stage of their innovation lifecycle, from discovery to commercialization. I also would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Avantor for supporting the growth and development of our team.”

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Avantor team,” remarked Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President of AMEA, Avantor. “At Avantor, we understand the critical importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains to enabling progress across the biopharma sector and we are committed to empowering our customers to optimize their bioprocessing operations.”

As a trusted global partner to the biopharma industry, Avantor supports customers across the AMEA region in navigating operational challenges such as productivity constraints providing unwavering support and driving innovation to accelerate life-changing innovation.

The Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) recognizes exceptional Asian bioprocessing, biologistic, clinical trials and aseptic fill and finish experts, organizations and technologies. It celebrates outstanding achievements and innovations in the bioprocessing industry across the Asia Pacific region. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, and winners are selected based on their contributions to the advancement of the bioprocessing industry.

About Avantor®

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries. From discovery to delivery, we work side-by-side with scientists around the world to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology at scale. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries.

For more information, visit avantorsciences.com, newsroom and find us on LinkedIn, X(Twitter) and Facebook.

Regional Media Contact:
Christina KohDirector, Communications – AMEA
Avantor
M: +65 9720 0169
Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com

Neusoft Xikang Holdings Inc. Releases 2023 Annual Results, Business Structure Gradually Optimized, Share of Medical Services Business Continued to Grow

HONG KONG, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Neusoft Xikang Holdings Inc. (“Neusoft Xikang” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the “Group”; Stock Code: 9686.HK) was pleased to announce its audited consolidated results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

In 2023, internet medical services were more widely recognized and developed rapidly, and digital healthcare services are becoming a regularised healthcare option for the public. The government has continued to release a series of favorable policies to provide support for the digital healthcare to expand into other healthcare scenarios, which has brought strong impetus to the sustainable development of the internet medical services. The Group has responded positively to the industry development trend in the post-pandemic era, pushed forward business restructuring in an orderly manner, focused on businesses with high strategic synergies, continued to optimize its business structure and resources allocation. Meanwhile, it increased the proportion of its medical services business and strengthened its production control, resulting in a sustainable and healthy development of its business in general, with an improvement in its gross profit margin and a significant reduction in its net loss.

During the Reporting Period, the Group achieved revenue of approximately RMB537.7million, representing a decrease of 21.8% for the same period of the previous year; gross profit margin increased by 6.1 percentage points year on year to 30.6%; and net loss of approximately RMB154.9 million, representing a significant decrease of 36.3% year-on-year. Revenue from medical services business increased by 14.3% year-on-year. Among them, revenue generated from home care services amounted to RMB22.7 million, representing an increase of 279.2% as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. And the number of doctors and nurses increased by 14.7% and 81.2% year-on-year respectively. More than 150,000 attendances of home-based care were provided.

Accelerating the expansion of cloud hospital platform services with local governments as the core starting point

During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to adhere to the strategic to the market strategy featuring the cooperation among medical institutions with local governments as the core starting point, and continued to focus on markets in the East, North and South China regions and strengthen the cooperation with existing government customers and the expansion of new government customers by tapping into the advantages of its cutting-edge technology, experience, resources and customer base. As at 31 December 2023, the number of medical institutions connected to the Group’s platform was 36,000, of which the number of hospitals was 2,610 and the number of primary medical institutions was 33,000. During the Reporting Period, the number of paid medical institutions was 491, an increase of 238.6% for the same period of the previous year.

In Zhejiang Province, the Group continued to strengthen its cooperation with the government of Zhejiang Province and acted swiftly to promote the construction and operation of the platform, “Healthcare in Zhejiang”. It took only one year for the platform of “Healthcare in Zhejiang” to expand from Ningbo City to other 11 cities in Zhejiang, with more than 570 healthcare institutions stationed on the platform. In East China, the Group continued to strengthen the construction and operation in Ningbo City and Jiangsu Province. By the end of 2023, 45 online hospitals were stationed on the Ningbo cloud hospital platform and 159 hospitals were stationed on the Online Hospital Platform in Jiangsu Province. In North China, the Group assisted the government of Henan Province in the second half of 2023 in the construction and operation of a provincial-level home care service platform in Henan Province – the service platform of “Home Care in Henan”, and as at 31 December 2023, 54 medical institutions were stationed on the platform. In Shenyang, the Group, in conjunction with the Shenyang municipal government, continued to promote the development of home care services in the city, and as at 31 December 2023, there were 57 medical institutions offering home care services in Shenyang.

Meanwhile, the Group has strengthened its cooperation with medical institutions and promoted them to land on the Group’s platform in a faster and more economical manner. During the Reporting Period, the Group launched upgraded platform products oriented on patient treatment experiences, further assisting hospitals in optimizing patient treatment processes and enhancing treatment efficiency. As of 31 December 2023, 151 online hospitals have had presence in the platform, an increase of 52.53% from 99 in 2022.

Continuously improving service quality and efficiency, diversifying service content and gaining steady growth of online medical services

Centered around patients’ health, the Group has further enhanced the coordinated development of online hospital services, family doctor services and remote medical services, strengthened cooperation with hospitals and physicians, and diversified online medical service content to improve medical efficiency and user experiences. During the Reporting Period, revenue generated from the Group’s online medical services amounted to RMB157.6 million, an increase of 14.3% from RMB137.8 million for the same period of the previous year, accounting for 29.3% of the total revenue.

Regarding online hospital services, the Group vigorously boosted the development of online medical services in large hospitals based on the city-specific cloud hospital platform, enhancing the enthusiasm of medical institutions and physicians. As of 31 December 2023, the Ningbo cloud hospital platform had provided online medical services for over 1.5 million treatments, a 114.2% increase for the same period of the previous year. In 2023, online medical services provided by city-level online hospitals in Ningbo accounted for 53% of the total services in the city. At the same time, the Group continued to optimize the medical service process, constantly diversified scenarios and content of online medical services, leading to a significant increase in customer services. For instance, the introduction of appointment services for medical tests and examinations advanced by the Group in Ningbo saw 260,000 appointments in 2023, a 233.3% increase for the same period of the previous year.

In terms of remote medical services, leveraging abundant medical resources and a sound operational system, the Group continued to strengthen the development and operation of medical specialty consortiums, facilitating medical collaboration between urban primary family doctors and professional physicians from large hospitals. This promoted the establishment of a multi-level remote medical collaboration system based on urban primary family doctors, supported by professional physicians from large hospitals, and centered on experts in regional renowned disciplines. As of 31 December 2023, the Group’s remote medical service treatments reached 1.45 million, an increase of 36.3% yoy.

Concerning home care services, the Group continued to explore innovation in models, by facilitating government departments establishing complete standards and systems for the services. While at the same time, there is ongoing innovation in home care service content and optimization of home care service processes, and improvement of service quality. During the Reporting Period, revenue generated from home care services amounted to RMB22.7 million, representing an increase of 279.2% as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. As at 31 December 2023, home care services are provided to more than 150,000 clients, representing a year-on-year increase of 185.9%, of which, the volume of home care services provided in Zhejiang Province exceeded 120,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 295.6%.

Strengthening corporate health management operations and enhancing professional service capabilities

Focusing on employee health and user health, the Group continued to build a new offline and online integrated health management service system. During the Reporting Period, the revenue generated from health management services amounted to RMB245.9 million, an increase of 17.6% compared to the same period last year.

During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to tap into the health needs of its employees and explored innovations in the health management service model, with a view to providing personalized, more precise and professional medical and healthcare services to its clients. In terms of market development, the Group adhered to the dual market development strategy of institutional and individual clients, continuing to consolidate its cooperation with institutional clients, actively expanding online sales channels and focusing on the development of large and medium-sized institutional clients. During the Reporting Period, the volume of health management services reached 590,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 22.5%; among them, institutional clients accounted for approximately 88.3%, with services provided to 520,000 institutional clients, a year-on-year increase of 26.4%. With the professional service capabilities and experience accumulated in the field of health management services, the cumulative number of institutional clients for the Group’s health management services reached 7,441 by the end of 2023, and the institutional clients retention rate in 2023 was 78%.

Future Prospects

In 2024, the Group will continue to adhere to the strategic model of city cloud hospital platform and continuously optimize its business structure. The focus will be on the coordinated development of “Medical + Nursing + Health” service business, providing users with more sustainable, convenient, and high-quality medical and health services. In terms of the cloud hospital platform services, efforts will be made to continue cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Technological empowerment will be utilized to enhance product performance and improve the user experience, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the cloud hospital platform. In home care services, there will be continuous enrichment of service content and optimization of service experience, aiming to create a new integrated medical and health service system that manages the entire process seamlessly from pre-hospital to in-hospital and post-hospital. In terms of health management, there will be ongoing efforts to strengthen the operation of corporate health management, explore customer needs, and drive the continuous expansion of the health management business.