Fullerton Healthcare Redeems US$175m 7.0% Senior Perpetual Capital Securities, Underscoring Resilience Amidst COVID-19 Uncertainty

SINGAPORE, Apr 6, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Fullerton Healthcare Corporation Limited ("Fullerton Health"), the leading integrated healthcare platform in the Asia Pacific, announces that it has fully redeemed its US$175 million senior perpetual capital securities today, underscoring its financial resilience and commitment to stakeholders amidst economic uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The redemption of the 7.0% senior perpetual capital securities (ISIN Code: XS1589875548) was made on the first call date (6 April 2020), funded by a combination of internal and external resources.

The proceeds from the perpetual securities had helped Fullerton Health expand geographically, add new capabilities and service offerings, and deepen core markets presence. With operations in nine markets, more than 6,500 staff, over 500 owned facilities and a network of over 12,000 third party providers, Fullerton Health is vertically integrated across a range of services, including managed care and network management, primary care, diagnostics, ancillary and speciality care.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the investors of the perpetual securities for their confidence, trust and strategic input over the last three years. Our ability to combine internal and external resources to redeem the perpetual securities underlines the trust placed in the operational and financial strength of Fullerton Health. We will continue to execute our mission to provide affordable and accessible care for all in the Asia Pacific," said David Sin, Group President of Fullerton Health.

While the pandemic has affected all healthcare operators, Fullerton Health has been well prepared with its diversification strategy across markets and its service lines, built and well-executed over the years. It serves to buffer the impact of the COVID-19 situation.

"Our robust and quick infection control response ensures the safety of our staff and viability for patients to access quality care. Our close operational relations with key clients allow us to customise support efforts to help them care for their employees' health and well-being during this difficult time," said Ho Kuen Loon, Group Chief Executive Officer of Fullerton Health.

About Fullerton Health

Fullerton Health is a leading integrated health system in the Asia Pacific region. Founded in Singapore in 2010, today the Company serves clients through over 500 healthcare facilities and a large global network of healthcare providers across nine markets in the Asia Pacific. Fullerton Health's value proposition is the integration of healthcare service offerings with customized management and advisory capabilities, in line with its purpose to deliver affordable and accessible care for all in the Asia Pacific. For more information on Fullerton Health, please visit http://www.fullertonhealth.com/.

For more information, please contact:
Isaac Tang
WeR1 Consultants
D: +65 6737 4844
M: +65 9178 0269
E: fullertonhealth@wer1.net

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

Vingroup Starts to Produce Ventilators and Body Thermometers

HANOI, VIETNAM, Apr 4, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – In response to the call of the General Secretary, the President, the Prime Minister of Vietnam for the whole country's participation in supporting Covid-19 fight and under the drastic guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung; on April 3, 2020, Vingroup announced its decision to produce (invasive and non-invasive) ventilators of all types and body thermometers to the domestic market.





At 12 PM on March 30th, 2020, the Group's Leaders convened an emergency meeting and requested all of its Research Institutes to stop daily tasks and focus on finding and researching methods to produce ventilators. The units assigned the main responsibility include Automobile R&D Institute 1, Automobile R&D Institute 2, Mobile Device Research Institute, Smart Home Appliances R&D Institute, Telecommunication Equipment R&D Institute, Smart Battery R&D Institute, VinFast Automobile Factory and VinSmart Electronics Equipment Factory. All Group Leaders and specialized departments are responsible for coordination, support and are required to work directly via telephone on a 24/24 hour basis.

After just one day and night, they found a lot of partners willing to share their design and necessary information to start production. Soon after that, Vingroup entered into a license agreement with US-based Medtronic to use their design for the PB560 invasive ventilator and at the same time began researching a non-invasive ventilator based on the community-shared design by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The supply is divided into 2 categories. The former includes components that can be purchased on the market and the later includes components which must be self-made by Vingroup or made with Vingroup's cooperation or support to manufacturing partners because of their limited production capacity. "Vingroup has an advantage of having both automobile factory and electronics factory which enable us to manufacture both large and mechanical parts as well as rare and smaller parts at the same time such as electronic boards. Our excellent design engineers are capable of transforming the conceptual and 2D designs into detailed and complete designs required by the manufacturers" – said Mrs. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup.

It is expected that the first batches of components for non-invasive ventilators will arrive in two weeks and components for invasive ventilators will arrive in another two weeks. The group claimed that with enough components, it can produce ventilators in one day and transfer them to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology for appraisal and quality tests before they are distributed to health facilities nationwide.

The group has successfully tested and produced their body thermometers with the component cost at VND16 million, about ten times lower than other body thermometers on the market. The group estimated the component cost for a non-invasive ventilator at about VND22 million and for an invasive ventilator at VND160 million.

"We expect to supply these devices to the Ministry of Health at their component cost. We won't include the costs of transportation, labour, production and other costs as well as taxes into the price. In the immediate future, we will give the MOH 5,000 non-invasive ventilators to timely treat COVID-19 patients" – said CEO of Vingroup Nguyen Viet Quang. He added that "In addition, with the capacity of VinFast and VinSmart factories, the group can produce up to 45,000 non-invasive ventilators and 10,000 invasive ventilators per month and we can support other manufacturers around the world by processing equipment for them, or providing part of the demand – any specific quantity depending on their ability to supply components".

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

Skin Elements Enters Binding Agreement with Holista Colltech To Launch All Natural Skin-Friendly Sanitiser

KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 3, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Australian-listed companies Skin Elements Limited (ASX: SKN) ('Skin Elements') and Holista Colltech Limited (ASX:HCT) ('Holista') announced today a Binding Collaboration Term Sheet (Agreement) to launch a natural alcohol-free hand sanitiser that combines Skin Elements' new skin-sensitive anti-microbial formula with the Path-Away(R) active ingredient distributed by Holista.

Skin Elements is leveraging on its research into skincare formulas which has already achieved global market recognition. This will make the Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser a world-first in combining advanced natural skincare formulations with the Path-Away(R) active ingredient.

Skin Elements' Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser will hit stores in Australia and New Zealand this month ahead of other global markets as part of an accelerated collaboration between both companies to meet the increased global demand for sanitizers.

The all natural product will address a major concern faced by the repetitive use of alcohol based sanitisers. Many Australians are increasingly concerned about skin sensitivity due to high alcohol content in sanitisers. Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser does not use alcohol.

Skin Elements' Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser is a plant based formula incorporating the Path-Away(R) active ingredient. The Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser is currently being formulated by Skin Elements using third party independent test results on ingredients. Once this product has been finalised the assessment of applicable regulatory framework and further appropriate independent laboratory testing will be undertaken as required.

The Invisi Shield(R) Natural Hand Sanitiser is not required to be registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as it is deemed personal cosmetics products which comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination 2018.

The Path-Away(R) active ingredients are listed as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) under the Code of Federal Regulations and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and have been successfully tested at several laboratories approved by the World Health Organisation.

Holista has exclusive rights to distribute in Australia the Path-Away(R) sanitiser ingredient developed by Global Infection Control Consultants LLC based in South Carolina in the United States. Holista also sells under the brand Natshield.

Skin Elements has the capacity to initially produce up to 20,000 100ml bottles Invisi Shield(R) Natural in the first month at its West Perth facility, and will review quarterly its capacity to assess if additional contract facilities are required to increase production to meet increased future demand.

As part of the Agreement, Holista will ship Path-Away(R) as a concentrate to be included in the manufacture of the Invisi Shield(R) Natural sanitizer. This will be made in Australia by Skin Elements in accordance with the unique dilution recommendations for the Path-Away(R) concentrate provided by GICC. Skin Elements will allow its production outputs to be independently verified by competent auditors of HCT, or as the case may be, by GICC.

The initial order of the Path-Away(R) ingredient under the Agreement is for a minimum of $600,000 in the first year. Payment terms will be 50% on order and 50% before shipment. The minimum order quantities will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, in order to assess capacity to increase order quantities as required to meet increased demand.

It will be available in Australia and New Zealand through its network of four distributors which service in excess of 10,000 retail outlets. It intends to introduce other bottle sizes for handheld or table-top use and can increase production to meet demand in Australia and New Zealand and from the global markets.

"We are excited by the collaboration with Holista and the launch of Invisi Shield(R) Natural which will position Skin Elements as a global leader in providing high-quality hand sanitisers. This new sanitiser significantly strengthens our range of existing sanitisers which is being unveiled after two years of product development and test marketing to independent pharmacies, and selected schools and day-care centres in Western Australia," said Skin Elements' Executive Chairman Peter Malone.

"It extends Skin Elements' portfolio of award-winning nature-based healthcare and skincare products researched and developed over the past 20 years. These include the Soleo Organics sunscreen, which has won multiple awards as the world's best natural sunscreen, including being rated the number one natural sunscreen by the Environmental Working Group of the United States, PapayaActivs natural therapeutic skincare, and the Elizabeth Jane Natural Cosmetics brand," he added.

"Our partnership with Skin Elements places Australia on the global map in terms of innovation. The inclusion of Path-Away(R) combines trusted skincare solutions developed by Skin Elements with a powerful active ingredient that has been tested as a sanitiser. Life after COVID-19 will see more use of sanitsers at a personal level and I am happy to see two Australian companies take the message of "all natural and "alcohol free" to the world as an alternative to alcohol," said Dr Rajen Manicka, CEO of Holista.

This announcement is authorised by the Board of Directors of Skin Elements Limited and the Board of Directors of Holista Colltech Limited.

For further information, please contact:
Peter Malone
Executive Chairman
Skin Elements Limited
T: +61 439 430 770
E: peter@skinelementslimited.com

Media and Investor Inquiries
James Moses
Mandate Corporate
T: +61 420 991 574
E: james@manadatecorporate.com.au

About Skin Elements

Skin Elements is an ASX listed skin care company focused on the development of natural and organic skin care products, as an alternative to current chemical-based products. It has developed a portfolio of products which includes its lead product, the Soleo Organics 100% natural and organic sunscreen, pawpaw based PapayaActivs natural therapeutic skincare, and the Elizabeth Jane Natural Cosmetics brand. The Company has completed a highly successful test marketing phase in major international markets for Soleo Organics and has regulatory approval with the USA FDA, TGA and other significant regulators. Skin Elements aims to become the number one recognised international natural products brand. Further information is available via the Company website: http://skinelementslimited.com

About Invisi Shield(R)

Invisi Shield(R) Natural is a proprietary all-natural hand sanitiser formulation which uses a combination of the key ingredient, Path-Away(R), with organic plant extracts being olive leaf, echinacea, Manuka honey, Kakadu Plum, papaya, chamomile and thyme.

About Holista Colltech Ltd

Holista Colltech Ltd ("Holista") is a natural wellness company, the result of a merger between Holista Biotech Sdn Bhd and CollTech Australia Ltd. The company has 3 main divisions:
– Dietary supplements and personal care
– Food Ingredients
– Ovine collagen

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"), Holista researches, develops, manufactures and markets "health-style" products to address the unmet and evolving needs of natural medicine. Holista's suite of ingredients includes low-GI baked products, reduced-sodium salts, low-fat fried foods and low-calorie sugar without compromising taste, odour and mouthfeel. Holista remains the only company to produce sheep (ovine) collagen using patented extraction methods. For more information, please refer to http://www.holistaco.com

Contact:
Corporate Affairs & Business Opportunities
Dr Rajen Manicka: rajen.m@holistaco.com
General Enquiries: enquiries@holistaco.com

Media and Investor Relations:
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
E: holista@wer1.net; P: +65 67374844

About Path-Away(R)

Path-Away(R) is the active ingredient in the Invisi Shield(R) Natural hand sanitiser. It is a powerful plant-based anti-microbial compound, developed by US-based Global Infection Control Consultants LLC (GICC) in South Carolina under the leadership of Dr. Arthur Martin. GICC is the premier private company in the United States that specialises in the dynamics of the pathogenic bioaerosol connection to the human infection matrix. Further information on GICC is available via the website: https://www.giccllc.com

Path-Away(R) is an all-natural, alcohol free, rinse-free multi-purpose sanitiser which is proven effective for a broad spectrum of pathogens. It is environmentally safe with a very low toxicity (especially relative to competitor products), and has been tested, proven and approved by numerous laboratories and agencies globally.

Path-Away(R) is the result of years of research leading to the company's proprietary plant-based active ingredients. The products and processes are wholly owned by GICC. The Company's aim to provide cutting-edge solutions organic solutions to bacteriological, biological, and viral pathogens affecting home and personal life. Further information is available via the Path-Away(R) website: https://path-away.com/

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

Avance Clinical on Top Reasons APAC Biotech Clients Choose Australia for Clinical Trials

Adelaide, AUS, Apr 2, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Leading Australian CRO Avance Clinical today detailed the top reasons its APAC biotechs selected Australia for their early phase clinical trials, based on client onboarding feedback. Avance is a specialist Australian CRO with more than 20-years of early phase clinical trials expertise.





Avance Clinical said a primary reason that APAC biotechs chose Australia was the attractive Australian Government financial rebate of more than 40% on clinical trial spend. Avance Clinical CEO Yvonne Lungershausen said this makes good financial sense for biotechs in early clinical phases.

Another key factor is that, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, sites can pivot to patient video visits or telemedicine, which this week got a Government funding boost as part of a AUD$1.1 billion COVID-19 package.

Watch Avance Clinical COVID-19 capabilities video here: https://www.avancecro.com/

Ms Lungershausen said:

"This additional funding into an already high-tech medical environment means sites are rapidly able to incorporate telehealth visits to overcome challenges faced by patients not wanting to visit clinics during the pandemic."

"Australia's reputation for FDA compliant scientific and research excellence, its advanced healthcare, and the opportunity to access patients in a less clinical trial competitive environment further reinforces its advantage as a destination for clinical trials."

"Avance is the CRO of choice for clinical trials – as well as those targeting COVID-19."

The top reasons for selecting Australia are:
1. The Government R&D grant means more than 40% rebate on clinical trial spend
2. Telehealth pivot during COVID-19 pandemic – speed and continuity
3. Site Initiation Visit (SIV) and Study Start achieved in 5 – 6 weeks
4. No IND required for clinical trials
5. Full GMP material is not mandated for Phase I clinical trials
6. Established clinical trial environment with world-class Investigators and sites
7. Established healthy subject databases and specialised patient populations
8. Five independent Phase 1 facilities across Australia including hospital-based units for critical care
9. Major hospitals with world class infrastructures and dedicated Clinical Trial Units with a long track-record in FDA compliant research
10. Seasonal studies: Northern hemisphere Sponsors can conduct their studies year-round by taking advantage of Australia's counter-flu and allergy seasons

For more information about the benefits of running your next study in Australia contact us: https://www.avancecro.com/contact-us/

About Avance Clinical

Avance Clinical has more than 20-years of experience and is now one of Australia's leading Contract Research Organisations. Avance Clinical facilitates quality drug development by aligning people, skills, and expertise in the pursuit of drug development for a healthier world.

Avance Clinical is committed to providing high-quality clinical research services with its highly experienced team. The collective pool of knowledge and experience at Avance Clinical continually grows through the careful selection of experts who also demonstrate passion in their chosen field.

Avance Clinical offers high quality services in an established clinical trial ecosystem, that includes world-class Investigators and Sites able to access specialised patient groups. Other benefits include:

– Access to independent Phase 1 facilities across Australia including hospital-based units for critical care
– Dedicated Investigators committed to clinical research
– Major hospitals with world class infrastructures and dedicated Clinical Trial Units
– Expedited clinical trial start-up timeframes

Media Contact:
media@avancecro.com
Chris Thompson

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

Agilex Biolabs Taps Biopharma Leader Dr Caroline Popper for Board Chair as part of APAC Bioanalytical Services Growth

Adelaide, AUS, Apr 2, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Award-winning Australian bioanalytical laboratory Agilex Biolabs announced today it has appointed US-based Dr Caroline Popper, MBBS, MPH as Board Chair as part of its APAC clinical trials bioanalytics growth plans.



Dr Caroline Popper



More than 38% of Agilex Biolabs' biotech clients already come from the APAC region – primarily from China and South Korea. APAC clients are particularly attracted by Agilex' FDA-inspected status, and the more than 40% rebate on clinical trial spend that applies in Australia.

Agilex Biolabs specializes in bioanalysis of small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity, biomarkers and immunological pharmacodynamics assessments, and the only FDA-inspected lab of its type in the region, is located in Adelaide, South Australia in a science and biotech specialist hub.

Dr Popper was first appointed to the Agilex Biolabs Board in July 2019.

Agilex Biolabs CEO Jason Valentine said:

"We are extremely pleased Dr Popper accepted the Board Chair role and we look forward to an exciting phase of growth under her guidance."

"Dr Caroline Popper is a medical doctor, pathologist, health economist, medical consultant and experienced company director, with over 20 years of hands on experience in the healthcare, medical devices and drug discovery fields.

She has managed a wide range of diagnostics, device and drug discovery businesses in both Fortune 500 and start-up settings, at amongst others, Becton Dickinson, bioMerieux, and MDS."

Dr Popper said:

"My clinical experience enables me to help interpret relevant market forces, develop strategies and create partnerships that thrive in the global and fast changing and challenging health care landscape."

"Agilex Biolabs is a stand-out leader in the pharma services space and I look forward to taking on this significant role and being part of the next phase of growth for the company, leveraging its position in the important APAC region."

"The Aglilex Biolabs team of scientists and specialist PhDs is quite exceptional making it well positioned to rapidly deliver bioanalytics for biopharma clients running clinical trials in Australia, Asia and the US, and the EU."

The company specialises in bioanalysis of small molecules and biologics for PK, immunogenicity, biomarkers and immunological pharmacodynamics assessments utilising LC-MS/MS, immunoassay (Mesoscale, Gurolab, Luminex) and flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony A3, 20 colour cell analyser).

Agilex also offers pharmacodynamics services that include immunobiology services using the latest state-of-the-art technology to support immunology, cell biology and mode of action assays, including:
– Immunophenotyping
– Receptor occupancy
– Cytokine release assays (whole blood or PBMC stimulation assays) and cytokine/biomarker profiling
– PBMC assays and cellular mechanism of action assays (eg: ADCC)

CEO Jason Valentine said:

"Our FDA-inspected facilities have more than 65 dedicated laboratory staff, and annually support more than 80 clinical trials. This year we will analyse more than 60,000 samples for pharma/biotechs from US, Europe and APAC."

"By combining specialised expertise, technological innovation and a 20-year track record, we have supported hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials around the world."

"Our world-class bioanalytical facilities have OECD GLP Recognition with NATA (Australian Government OECD GLP Compliance monitoring authority) and ISO 17025 Accreditation for global recognition."

Learn more about Agilex Biolabs in this Video: https://youtu.be/3lyodiqqM_k

About Agilex Biolabs

Agilex Biolabs began as a group of academic scientists providing clinical trial and bioanalytical services to the local Australian pharmaceutical industry in the 1980's, and has now grown into a global business for early phase clinical trials. In our 20 years of performing regulated bioanalysis of small and large molecules, we have accelerated hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials around the world. Today, our clients include many of the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in Asia, Europe and the USA. Call +61 8 83028777 or +1 800 247 1909 or visit https://www.agilexbiolabs.com/.

Agilex Biolabs is built upon four core values that drive our performance:
– Scientific excellence and technological innovation
– Customer focus
– Data integrity and quality assurance
– Timeliness/speed

See us featured in Endpoints https://tinyurl.com/uqmkzcu

Media Contact:
Team@DMGPR.Com
David James
AU: +61 2 8218 2144
USA: +1 415 951 3228
Asia: +65 3159 3427

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

Kingworld Medicines Seizes the Opportunity Foster the Diversified Development of Product Specifications

HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Kingworld Medicines Group Limited ("Kingworld Medicines" or the "Group", stock code: 01110.HK), a globally leading and well-known omni-channel enterprise with a complete supply chain in the greater healthcare products and services industry in China, has announced its unaudited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2019 (the "Year Under Review").

For the Year Under Review, the global economic environment is complicated and aggravated the downward pressure on the Chinese economy. The Group continued to monitor changes in the domestic and foreign environment and optimise its product portfolio while continuing to develop down-market penetration in different channels and strengthening channel management to explore market niches and expand product coverage. For the Year Under Review, facing the financial volatility and uncertainty in China and abroad, the Group's total revenue slightly decreased by 9.4% to approximately RMB977,928,000, profit attributable to owners of the Company increased by 5.9% to approximately RMB43,427,000 and basic earnings per share increased by 6.1% to approximately RMB7.00 cents. For the Year Under Review, revenue from the pharmaceutical products segment amounted to approximately RMB633,700,000, accounting for 64.8% of the Group's total revenue. Revenue from the healthcare products segment was approximately RMB151,114,000, accounting for 15.5% of the Group's total revenue. Revenue from the medical devices segment amounted to approximately RMB193,114,000, accounting for 19.7% of the Group's total revenue.

Mr. Zhao Li Sheng, Chairman of the Board of Kingworld Medicines, said, "During the Year Under Review, both the domestic and global economic environment are complex and challenging which have slowed down global economic growth. Social unrest in Hong Kong and subsequently the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic caused more uncertainties in the overall economic development in China. Facing the uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, the Group continues to provide customers with high-quality healthcare products, has seized market opportunities, and bolstered its competitive advantages to achieve steady development. In 2019, the Group geared up for further penetration of various product channels to widen the product coverage in third- and fourth-tier cities and rural villages, which can further expand the exploration to the market gaps.

For the pharmaceutical products segment, the Group continued to undergo channel optimisation for the Nin Jiom product series. By leveraging its brand appeal and product reputation, Nin Jiom has expanded the market into lower-tier cities and enhanced terminal coverage for the products as well as the cooperation with regional pharmacy chains, so that more consumers can enjoy the benefits of Nin Jiom products. The Group actively coordinated with Nin Jiom and conducted various large-scale promotional events and new media brand promotion activities which aimed at cultivating younger consumer group as well as consolidating the loyalty of old customers and injecting a contemporary sense into the brand. During the Year Under Review, the China Pharmaceutical Enterprises Cooperation and Development Organisation Summit ("the CPEO Summit") announced that "Nin Jiom" ranked 18th in the "Brand. Value Ranking", with a brand value of RMB3.989 billion. In addition, the Group implemented orderly marketing activities and maintained a stable price for Taiko Seirogan from Japan, another core product of the Group's pharmaceutical segment. The Group through full-scale distribution and market perpetration and product display in key areas, as well as through different product deployment activities to expand its market coverage. As for branding promotion, the Group placed large billboard advertisements in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads in cities, trains and advertising campaigns at high-speed train stations. In addition, the Group also launched online e-commerce promotional events with various cooperative companies or e-commerce platforms, mainly including JD.com, Alibaba Health, and Dingdang Medicine Express, in order to facilitate integration of its online and offline channels.

For the product series of medicated oils for external use, Kingworld Imada Red Flower Oil made breakthrough development in channel, terminal sales and brand promotion. Kingworld Medicines strived to strengthen the cooperation with downstream enterprises, so as to enlarge the market coverage of the product. As for terminal sales, the Group enlarged the deployment of products in terminal retail stores to increase market coverage. The Group also offered bundled-gift purchase activities for consumers during major festivals to improve terminal sales and boost brand influence. As for brand promotion, the Group proactively supported a variety of sports events and continued to offer product trial packs and offer massage service of Kingworld Imada Red Flower Oil to the residents in major communities. Through providing direct experience with its products to consumers, both the product recognition and purchase confidence were enhanced. For the Mentholatum series, the Group increased its market share through product deployment activities, concentrated display activities in prioritised major cities and staff training and customer education activities. And as for Hoe Hin White Flower Embrocation, the Group actively participated in marketing activities during shopping festivals on e-commerce platforms and offered gift-with- purchase activities for consumers during major festivals to improve terminal sales and brand influence.

In terms of the Healthcare Products Segment, the sales volume of Lifeline Care maternal and infant fish oil nutrients product series from Norway, another star healthcare product of the Group has significantly increased. During the Year Under Review, the Group formulated comprehensive promotional strategies for Lifeline Care maternal and infant fish oil, which mainly included establishing strategic cooperation with cross-border e-commerce platforms and maternal and infant public accounts, so as to reach a wider group of target audience. The Group captured the trend of promotion platform by cooperating with key opinion leaders ("KOL") to raise hot topics on different promotion platforms like Xiaohongshu and Kaola.com. Meanwhile, the Group through recommendations from professional doctors, maternal and infant experts and celebrities, consumers' trust in our brand was greatly enhanced. Lifeline Care maternal and infant fish oil nutrient product series gained well-deserved reputation towards its brand and products. For the Culturelle Probiotics product series, the Group adjusted its marketing strategy accordingly and invested the core sales resources for the development of the product in the Hong Kong and Macao markets in 2019. In addition, the Group plans to launch collaborative project in probiotics with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST"). HKUST's research and development capability with the Group's analysis and expertise regarding the future market trends. The cooperation aims to develop Chinese medicines with probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties in order to expand its product line and accommodate various demands of a broader spectrum of consumers.

Kingworld Medicines actively carried out channels reform. In view of the uneven development of urbanisation in second- and third-tier cities, the Group proactively refined its target markets. For the Year Under Review, the Group proactively developed down-market penetration to different channels, strengthening channels management, exploring untapped market niches and expanding the product coverage to meet the consumption needs of domestic consumers while further improving channel marketing and customer loyalty. During the Year Under Review, the distribution network of the Group increased from 200,000 to 210,000 OTC retail pharmacies, which shows the channel optimisation efforts have achieved significant results.

Looking ahead, the macroeconomic environment is more complex and volatile. The uncertainty of the Sino-US trade negotiations and the continuous initiation by the Chinese government of new policies related to the pharmaceutical industry make the industry's prospects more challenging. Facing changes in the business environment, market and consumption patterns as well as technology, Kingworld Medicines strives to seize opportunities presented by the favourable policies toward the vigorous development of the Chinese medicine industry in China. The Group actively engages in further cooperation with long-established traditional Chinese medicine manufacturers. The Group will utilise the scientific big data analysis of the Market Sales Traceability Management System (the "SMART System") to accommodate to the changes in consumers' needs and competitive landscape and set up comprehensive marketing plan and distribution for each product portfolio of the Group. In the future, the Group will continue to develop channels in lower-tier cities. Through the "SMART System" together with its upstream and downstream integrated supply chain and logistics, the Group will further enlarge its product coverage and reach in third- and fourth-tier cities and explore untapped markets, so as to increase market share and profitablity.

Mr. Zhao concluded, "The domestic and global economic environment are complex and challenging in 2019. At the end of the year, affected by COVID-19 outbreak, the overall sentiment of the market is poor, and the Group also encountered opportunities and challenges amidst the turbulence. The Group will continue to adhere to its motto of "to serve the community and to heal the souls", and continuously source home healthcare products for consumers. The "Pu Ji Kang Gan Granules" can be applied to upper respiratory tract infections. The product is highly efficacious with limited side effects and can help to prevent and treat virus infections. In the future, the Group will enlarge its existing product categories, including anti-epidemic items for households, such as face masks, disinfection supplies, hygiene goods, and strive to counter the epidemic together with the nation. Looking forward to 2020, Kingworld Medicines will further build a sound foundation and enhance competitiveness of its core products in an orderly and effective manner. The Group also focuses on cost control as it strives to maintain its profits, continues to develop a sound system in financial risk management and maintains sufficient cash flow, so as to protect the return on investment of shareholders and other stakeholders. In the future, Kingworld Medicines will continue to introduce new products while optimising its product structure, expediting the implementation of negotiated projects and enriching its product portfolio, At the same time, the Group will expand its development in the greater health industry in order to develop the Company to become a domestic leading and world-renowned enterprise with a well-established upstream and downstream supply chain for the greater health products and service industry."

About Kingworld Medicines Group Limited

Kingworld Medicines Group is a globally leading and well-known omni-channel enterprise with a complete supply chain in the greater health products and services industry in China. It provides high-end logistics management service, B2C trading service and data service to major leading pharmaceutical and healthcare product suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, and is a pharmaceutical and healthcare product supply chain management service enterprise integrated with logistics, product and information flow. The Group's business in the greater health industry includes: (i) an agent and distributor of high-quality and well-known pharmaceutical products from overseas, including the star product series of Nin Jiom product series from Hong Kong and Taiko Seirogan from Japan; (ii) actively introducing high-quality and well-known healthcare products from overseas into the China market, such as the star product Culturelle probiotics product series from the United States, Lifeline Care maternal and infant fish oil nutrient product series from Norway, "Global Slimming" product series and medicated oils for external use; (iii) undertaking research and development, manufacturing and production of medical devices. In terms of total import value, Kingworld Medicines Group was among the Top 100 Import Enterprises of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Product for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014, and was named as one of the Top 5 Sales Enterprises of Chinese Patent Medicine in terms of sales in 2013. The Group also ranked among Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and continued to be recognized as a "Shenzhen Time-honoured Brand" in 2019. The Group manages a portfolio of over 60 kinds of medicines and healthcare products manufactured in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, Singapore and Mainland China, and has a distribution network covered about 210,000 OTC retail pharmacies.

For further information, please visit http://www.kingworld.com.cn/.



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

Dyadic Announces Nonexclusive Research License with WuXi Biologics

JUPITER, FL / ACCESSWIRE, Mar 30, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Dyadic International, Inc. ("Dyadic" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:DYAI), a global biotechnology company focused on further improving and applying its proprietary C1 gene expression platform to accelerate development, lower production costs and improve the performance of biologic vaccines, drugs, and other biologic products, at flexible commercial scales, today announced that it has entered into a nonexclusive research collaboration with WuXi Biologics, a leading global open-access biologics technology platform company and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO).

Under the terms of the research license agreement, Dyadic will grant WuXi Biologics restricted access to its proprietary and patented C1 gene expression platform and allow WuXi Biologics to evaluate the C1 technology in a cGMP facility and to perform certain experiments to the C1 cell lines for any other internal noncommercial purpose. WuXi Biologics, one of the global top ten CDMOs, which provides development and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies globally, will invest its own resources to evaluate the C1 platform for their customers worldwide.

"We are excited to announce this agreement with one of the world's most prestigious CDMOs. As highlighted by the current coronavirus vaccine and drug situation, there appears to be a growing market demand to find a faster and more efficient gene expression technology platform for vaccine and drug development and manufacturing. We believe that our C1 technology may be ideally suited to help fill this gap for many types of biologic vaccines and drugs and we are continuing to see interest from both our previously announced collaborators as well as other global bio-pharmaceutical companies and governmental agencies," commented Matthew Jones, Dyadic's Managing Director, Business Development and Licensing.

"We believe that today's announcement further highlights the diverse and growing opportunities for Dyadic to leverage its C1 technology platform to begin to help address the cost of goods issues associated with vaccine and drug development and manufacturing as well as to help overcome gene expression challenges that have either been shelved or stalled in R&D. The agreement with WuXi Biologics has the potential to further expand our global footprint and provide another potential catalyst for growth," said Mark Emalfarb, CEO of Dyadic.

"Over the past decade, microbial fermentation has reached a higher level of sophistication, with wider adoption in the biopharmaceutical industry and we are excited to expand our technology platforms into this promising area, utilizing our extensive know-how in biologics discovery, development and manufacturing," said Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics. "We have been exploring the right time to work with Dyadic in the hopes of further speeding the adoption and use of their industrially proven C1 gene expression platform. With our decision to expand our technology platforms and CDMO service offerings to include microbial fermentation, coupled with the significant improvements Dyadic has and continues to make to its C1 technology platform, it now seems like the appropriate time to evaluate C1 at WuXi Biologics where it may be better suited to speed the development, lower the cost and improve the performance of a number of biologic vaccines and drugs for our customers."

About WuXi Biologics

WuXi Biologics (stock code: HK.2269), a Hong Kong-listed company, is a leading global open-access biologics technology platform offering end-to-end solutions to empower organizations to discover, develop and manufacture biologics from concept to commercial manufacturing. Our company history and achievements demonstrate our commitment to providing a truly ONE-stop service offering and strong value proposition to our global clients. As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 250 integrated projects, including 121 projects in pre-clinical development stage, 112 projects in early-phase (phase I and II) clinical development, 16 projects in late-phase (phase III) development and one project in commercial manufacturing. With total estimated capacity for biopharmaceutical production planned in China, Ireland, Singapore, Germany, and the U.S. exceeding 280,000 liters by 2022, we will provide our biomanufacturing partners with a robust and premier-quality global supply chain network. For more information on WuXi Biologics, please visit www.wuxibiologics.com.

About Dyadic International, Inc.

Dyadic International, Inc. is a global biotechnology company which is developing what it believes will be a potentially significant biopharmaceutical gene expression platform based on the fungus Thermothelomyces heterothallica (formerly Myceliophthora thermophila), named C1. The C1 microorganism, which enables the development and large scale manufacture of low cost proteins, has the potential to be further developed into a safe and efficient expression system that may help speed up the development, lower production costs and improve the performance of biologic vaccines and drugs at flexible commercial scales. Dyadic is using the C1 technology and other technologies to conduct research, development and commercial activities for the development and manufacturing of human and animal vaccines and drugs, such as virus like particles (VLPs) and antigens, monoclonal antibodies, Fab antibody fragments, Fc-Fusion proteins, biosimilars and/or biobetters, and other therapeutic proteins. Certain other research activities are ongoing which include the exploration of using C1 to develop and produce certain metabolites and other biologic products. Dyadic pursues research and development collaborations, licensing arrangements and other commercial opportunities with its partners and collaborators to leverage the value and benefits of these technologies in development and manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. In particular, as the aging population grows in developed and undeveloped countries, Dyadic believes the C1 technology may help bring biologic vaccines, drugs and other biologic products to market faster, in greater volumes, at lower cost, and with new properties to drug developers and manufacturers and, hopefully, improve access and cost to patients and the healthcare system, but most importantly save lives.

Please visit Dyadic's website at http://www.dyadic.com for additional information, including details regarding Dyadic's plans for its biopharmaceutical business.

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including those regarding Dyadic International's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company's most recent filings with the SEC. Dyadic assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more complete description of the risks that could cause our actual results to differ from our current expectations, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Dyadic's annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Dyadic's periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at http://www.dyadic.com

Contacts:

WuXi Biologics
Media Contact
Kevin Huang PhD
Phone: +86 (510) 85353705
Email: Kevin_Huang@wuxibiologics.com

Ireland Business
Angus Turner
Phone: +44 (0) 7407 733336
Email: Angus_Turner@wuxiapptec.com

Dyadic International, Inc.
Dyadic International, Inc.
Ping Rawson CFO
Phone: +1 (561) 743-8333
Email: prawson@dyadic.com

SOURCE: Dyadic International, Inc.

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

IVD Medical’s Revenue Surged 464.0% While Profit Significantly Increased 156.1% In 2019

HONG KONG, Mar 30, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – IVD Medical Holding Limited ("IVD Medical" or the "Group"), a leading distributor of In Vitro Diagnostic ("IVD") products in the PRC, has announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2019 ("Period"). During the Period, the Group kept its rapid growth trend and recorded revenue of RMB 2,332,740,000, representing a significant increase of 464.0% as compared with the last year. Profit for the Period significantly increased by 156.1% to RMB 254,819,000. Profit attributable to owners of the parent also surged 165.9% to RMB 275,001,000. Such significant increase was primarily due to the consolidation of the financial results of Vastec Medical Limited ("Vastec") together with its subsidiaries following completion of the acquisition of Vastec. The Group has been able to steadily increase its market share and profits by taking advantage of its competitive and diverse product portfolio, extensive distribution network and hospital coverage.

Mr. Ho Kuk Sing, Chairman of IVD Medical, said "The year 2019 is important in the Group's development history. The Group successfully listed on the Main Board of HKEX to be the first IVD Company listed on HKEX. It not only marked an important milestone in the development of the Group's business, but also enhanced the brand recognition of "IVD Medical" and laid a solid foundation for the Group's future development. At the same time, we also achieved outstanding performance during this year. The Group acquired the remaining 60% equity interest in Vastec in January 2019. After completing the acquisition of Vastec, we will be able to further integrate our distribution value chain, which will help drive the Group's future development."

In view of the satisfactory operating results in 2019, the Board recommends a final dividend of HK$ 5.366 cent per share for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Business Review

The Group is a leading distributor of IVD products in the PRC. In 2018, Vastec was the fourth largest Tier-1 IVD distributor in the PRC, and the Original Group was the third largest distributor in the Shanghai IVD market. The Group also engages in the research, development, manufacturing and sale of its self-branded IVD products under the brand name "IVD".

Distribution business
The distribution of IVD products forms the cornerstone of the Group's business. It primarily is involved in the trading of IVD analysers, reagents and other consumables to customers such as distributors, hospitals and healthcare institutions, and logistics providers.

The Group acquired the remaining 60% equity interest in Vastec in January 2019. Vastec was an associated company of the Original Group before the Acquisition, and was under the same core management team including the founders of the Group. After Vastec became the Group's wholly-owned subsidiary, revenue from the distribution of IVD products through Vastec was consolidated into the Group. Vastec is the sole national distributor of Sysmex' haemostasis products with exclusive distribution rights in the PRC since 1997. It also procures a diverse portfolio of IVD products from other leading international brands and distributes them in the PRC. On 1 April 2019, Vastec and Sysmex entered into a new distribution agreement which extended the term until 2022. This newly signed agreement will further stabilize relations between Vastec and Sysmex. During the Period, there were approximately 7,186 Sysmex haemostasis analysers (2018: 6,359 unit) installed by the Group at hospitals and healthcare institutions accumulatively. The existing and rising installation will create continuous demand for reagents, thus generating stable recurring income for the Group.

At the same time, Vastec began to provide 4 Thrombotic Markers to the market. These new products are manufactured by Sysmex with high sensitive chemiluminesence technology, which may help the early diagnose of thrombosis and fibrinolysis, and they are aimed at further expanding the Group's product portfolio. During the Period, there were approximately 64 Sysmex analysers installed by the Group at the hospitals and healthcare institutions, and the use of 4 Thrombotic Markers has commenced.

In addition, the Group provides solution services to the clinical laboratories of hospitals through Dacheng Medical Equipments (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Dacheng"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. This has enabled the Group to establish and maintain direct relations with local medical practitioners so as to keep the Group close to the frontlines of the medical practice and the market demand for IVD products. During the Period, Dacheng actively expanded its business and provided solution services to three new hospitals in the PRC (located in Shanghai and Shandong) and has successfully recognized revenue. Solution services contributed revenue of RMB 132,798,000 for the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: RMB 108,705,000), representing an increase of 22.2% compared to the last year.

Through years of operations, the Group has established an expansive distribution network across 29 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in the PRC with an extensive hospital coverage. As of 31 December 2019, the Group had 265 direct customers, including hospitals and healthcare institutions, and 903 distributors in its established distribution network. As of 31 December 2019, the Group also covered 1,315 Class III hospitals mainly through its sub-distribution networks in the PRC, which further enhanced the competitiveness of the Group.

Maintenance services
Apart from distributing IVD products in the PRC, the Group also derives revenue by providing maintenance services to end customers of Sysmex' haemostasis analysers in the PRC. In 2017, Vastec entered into a maintenance services agreement with Sysmex to provide maintenance services for the haemostasis analysers of its end customers. The maintenance services provided by Vastec generally include maintenance and repair services, installation services and end customer training. Vastec primarily provides its maintenance services to hospitals and healthcare institutions. During the reporting period, the maintenance services business was able to sustain steady development.

Self-branded products business
During the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2018, the factory of the Group undertook the re-setting, adjustment and calibration of self-branded IVD analysers of the Group, for adapting the self-branded IVD analysers of the Group that are originally designed for use in the outpatient department to now operate in the emergency department of hospitals. The factory reset for the upgrade of self-branded IVD analysers of the Group can improve users' satisfaction and will have positive effects on the self-branded business of the Group in the long run. The manufacturing and sale of such IVD analysers re-commenced in 2019.

Outlook
In the future, the Group will consolidate its leading position in the IVD industry in the PRC and adopt active development strategies. To realize this goal, the Group aims to continuously expand its product portfolio by diversifying product categories, increasing brand coverage and further expand the breadth of distribution network and hospital coverage. In this way, the Group will be able to capitalize on the high growth potential of the IVD market.

Concurrently, the Group will continue to develop its distribution business by enhancing its capacity to provide solution services. By being the general supplier of their clinical laboratory department, the Group is involved laboratory layout design, provides centralized procurement of IVD products, conducts real-time inventory monitoring and delivers other after-sale services to clinical laboratories. It also plans to provide solution services for two new hospitals in 2020. Moreover, the Group will continue participating in national and local IVD symposiums, as well as academic conferences to raise brand awareness.

In addition, the Group believes that strong research and development capabilities are critical for securing its future development and sustainable growth. It will therefore invest more resources in improving its research and development capabilities, including acquiring equipment and instruments, and hiring experts from relevant fields. The Group will also engage in research projects to further develop self-branded IVD products that hold promising market potential. The Group is keen as well to further strengthen product quality management, and optimize the performance and applicability of its self-developed products to enhance the Group's competitiveness in the market.

Mr. Leung King Sun, COO of the Group, added, "There will be a significant growth potential for the healthcare and medical device market, especially the IVD market in PRC with the aggravating trend of ageing population, the growth of medical expenses per capita and the progress of technology development. Looking ahead, we will continue to diversify our product mix, distribution network and hospital coverage so as to enhance our capacity to provide solution services to hospitals and further improve our product research and development capabilities. We will also seize opportunities that allow us to realize sustainable business growth and boost shareholder value."

About IVD Medical Holding Limited
IVD Medical Holding Limited ("IVD Medical" or the "Group") is a leading distributor of IVD products in the PRC. Its key subsidiaries include Vastec Medical Limited, Dacheng Medical Equipments (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., IVD China Limited and Suzhou DiagVita Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The Group's distribution network covers 29 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across the PRC. It is the sole national distributor of Sysmex' haemostasis products in the PRC and provides maintenance services to its end customers. It also engages in the R&D, manufacturing and sales of self-branded IVD analysers and reagents and provides solution services to clinical laboratories of hospitals for centralised procurement.



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

GeoMap Clinical Platform Introduces Video Visit Links to Connect Patients with Sites to Boost Recruitment

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Mar 30, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Award-winning global digital patient recruitment Platform GeoMap Clinical said it was making video visits (telemedicine, telehealth), instantly available to patients with services like Zoom, WhatsApp, Google, Skype and Facebook, via SMS messages and email to screened eligible patients.





The GeoMap Platform finds, screens, and then sends patients direct to sites via email and doesn't keep their information. Recruitment starts in 24 hours and doesn't require IRB/EC approvals.

The Platform's new video service allows simple one click connections for sites and patients to engage via video for their first screening "visit" and ongoing communications and check-ins.

In addition, rather than a typical tick box question and answer screener, GeoMap uses an advanced AI conversational speech or typing technology to determine eligibility – making it easy for young and old potential patients.

The GeoMap Platform recruits and screens patients online. Advanced algorithms find the right patients via news websites, social media, health and wellness websites and more, and connects eligible people with sites via encrypted email.

The GeoMap Platform recruits for clinical trials in North America, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and the EU.

The company said: "Recent recruitment data from the GeoMap Platform showed 48% of people preferred telemedicine and home visits instead of clinic appointments. GeoMap is working closely with biotechs and CROs around the world to keep screening patients and connecting them with study coordinators online to support important ongoing clinical research amid the COVID-19 crisis. GeoMap also offers a pre-recruitment service for studies on temporary hold or those about to start."

The GeoMap Platform is a 3-step process:
1. Find the right patients online using advanced algorithms across country specific social and news media, as well as video and online search
2. Screen them using the Proprietary AI Patient Screener Funnel of more than 300+ possible questions
3. Connect them to sites via direct secure encrypted email to the study coordinator/s for a phone call.

The Platform is the fastest most accurate targeting tool available that doesn't require IRB/EC approval and can start recruiting in under 24 hours. The Platform has strict verification and email encryption so PHI is managed in accordance with state and country regulatory guidelines.

For more information and pricing please click here: https://www.geomapclinical.com/start-today/

About GeoMap

The GeoMap Clinical Platform is the world's most advanced geo-location/targeting and AI platform powered by specialist algorithms that find and screen the right people living or working near sites. The Platform is a sophisticated location and health profile search service that sends only highly eligible people to their nearest site.

GeoMap has been designed to end pain points across the clinical trials sector saving time and money at every stage, while ensuring patient privacy and regulatory compliance. The GeoMap Clinical Platform is not a database builder. Patient ID is redacted instantly and the focus is instead on finding only motivated patients to support enrolment and retention. For a tour of the platform, visit: https://www.trial-wire.com/.

For a briefing please click here: https://www.geomap-clinicaltrialfinder.com/patient-recruitment-covid-19/

Media Contact
Chris Thompson
team@dmgpr.com
AU: +61 2 8218 2144
USA: +1 415 951 3228
Asia: +65 3159 3427

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

EuroEyes’s Revenue in 2019 Rose by 14%, Launch New Clinics and Services in 2020 to Boost Future Growth

HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – EuroEyes International Eye Clinic Limited ("EuroEyes" or the "Company", stock code: 1846), is one of the leading brands in the vision correction industry that combines German ophthalmology excellence and 25 years of experience with individualised customer-care and principally engaged in the provision of vision correction services in Germany, Denmark and the People's Republic of China ("the PRC").

2019 Annual Results Highlights
– Total Revenue for the year 2019 reached approximately EUR49 million, up approximately 14% YoY
– Gross Profit for the year 2019 reached approximately EUR20.3 million, up approximately 16.3% YoY
– Adjusted Gross Profit1 for the year 2019 was approximately EUR20.6 million, up approximately 18.4% YoY
– Adjusted Gross Profit Margin for the year 2019 was 42.1%, increased 1.6 percentage points YoY
– Adjusted Net Profit after tax2 for the year 2019 reached EUR5.7 million, up approximately 4.2% YoY

The Revenue by Geographical Regions
– Total revenue in Germany increased by 12.5% YoY
– Total revenue in the PRC increased by 6.8% YoY
– Total revenue in Denmark increased by 45.7% YoY

EuroEyes is pleased to announce its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2019 (the "Year 2019").

For the Year 2019, the Group's revenue increased by approximately 14.0% on a year-on-year ("YoY") basis to approximately EUR49.0 million, adjusted gross profit increased by 18.4% YoY to approximately EUR20.6 million, and the adjusted gross profit margin was 42.1%, representing a YoY increase of 1.6 percentage points.

In respect of geographical regions, the operating revenue from Germany, the PRC and Denmark was EUR30.2 million, EUR12.9 million and EUR5.8 million accounting for 61.7%, 26.4% and 11.9% of total revenue, respectively. .

In respect of the types of surgery, the total revenue for the Year 2019 generated from lens exchange surgery was EUR22.9 million, accounting for 46.8% of total revenue. Lens exchange surgery consists of monofocal and trifocal lens exchange surgery. The total revenue generated from phakic lens (ICL) surgery was EUR6.7 million, accounting for 13.7% of the total revenue.

During the Year 2019, the Group's total revenue in Germany increased by 12.5% YoY, of which EUR13.4 million was from lens exchange surgery, representing an increase of 23.8% YoY. The Group's revenue in Germany has grown each year since 2016 as the Group established its position as the market leader in Germany. In Denmark market, the Group's revenue for the Year 2019 increased by 45.7% YoY. The Group achieved strong revenue growth in Denmark, mainly as a result of the Company's effective marketing strategy. In addition, the revenue of lens exchange surgery recorded EUR4.9 million, representing a YoY increase of 39.8%.

During the Year 2019, the Group's revenue in the PRC increased by 6.8% YoY. The growth rate of the Company's business in the PRC market is expected to increase as the Group expands operations and executes new marketing strategies throughout the PRC. Revenue generated from lens exchange surgery was EUR4.6 million, representing a YoY increase of 27.8%

Strategic Steps Taken
As a leading vision correction company in the world, EuroEyes is committed to be the go-to eye clinic group in Europe and the PRC as it provides patients with the best service combined with state-of-the art German technology and expertise. The Group is actively expanding its business into the PRC while maintaining top quality of the services in Germany, Denmark, and the PRC.

The Group opened two new clinics in the PRC in 2019. The Hangzhou Clinic commenced its operation in June 2019 while the Beijing (East) Clinic opened in September 2019. Further, the Company began construction of the Chongqing Clinic in December 2019, which is expected to commence its operation along with the new Fuzhou Clinic in 2020. In addition, the Company plans to open two new clinics in Chengdu and Qingdao.

As Chinese households become wealthier, they have a greater disposable income to afford high quality eye treatments. This increase in the middle-class is propelling the growth of the ophthalmic market in the PRC. Since entering the PRC in 2013, EuroEyes has provided advanced German technology and 100% German services to patients with myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and cataracts, enabling them to have clear vision without glasses. Dr.Jorn Slot Jorgensen, founder and the chairman of EuroEyes has successfully completed over 100,000 ophthalmological surgeries and helped patients in Europe and the PRC to have clear vision without glasses.

New Services Was Launched in EuroEyes Clinics
Around 30 years ago, less than 1 % of the Chinese adult population had diabetes. These levels today, however, have increased to around 12 %. This is approximately 114 million diabetic patients in China. The longer a patient has diabetes, the higher his or her chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Up to 80% of those who have had diabetes for 20 years or more develop diabetic retinopathy. The Chinese government is paying greater attention to prevent diabetic retinopathy as it is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults in China. In recent years, Chinese government initiated the "Chinese type II diabetes prevention and treatment guideline (2017)", stating that diabetic patients need to have their eye screened once every one to two years (or more frequently depending on his or hers condition). It is estimated that at least 90% of new cases could be reduced with proper treatment and monitoring of the eyes by detecting the disease at its early stage.

Against this backdrop, EuroEyes will launch its new service for eye screening in the PRC in April 2020 subsequent to its successful commence of the same service in Germany and Denmark.

EuroEyes will also launch its new service of EDOF treatment in Germany in the second half of 2020 for the people of age 45-55. Given the ICL treatment has been well received in the market for the people of age over 55, the Company believes the new service will become a new revenue growth driver for the Group as it is expected 75%-80% of the people of age 45-54 would accept vision correction surgery for presbyopia.

Recent Development

As at 18 March 2020, EuroEyes's clinics in Germany and Denmark saw a steady business growth during the majority time Q1 2020. Adjusted Gross Profit Margin for the year 2019 was 42.1%, increased 1.6 percentage points YoY. Meanwhile, the clinics in the PRC resumed their operation in mid-February and received a strong demand for surgery booking via its online platforms.

The Company has incorporated various measures to minimize the impact from Covid-19, such as opening online consultations and online info lectures, maintaining close connection with patients, operating on a reservation-only basis, taking strict measures on disinfection and cleaning of the clinics and consultation centers etc.

The Company believes the volume of surgery will grow steadily in Germany, Denmark and the PRC market after the end of Convid-19 outbreak based on the indicated interest and recorded bookings.

Dr.Jorn Slot Jorgensen, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of EuroEyes commented, "Thanks to all our supporting parties and diligent staff of the Group, EuroEyes has seen a substantial return as it has experienced outstanding business development in the Year 2019. With the strategy of expansion and strong marketing efforts by the Company, we have seen an aggressive surge in the company's overall revenue and the growth rate of lens exchange surgery in all three countries where EuroEyes is located. We are extremely pleased with the pace of opening our new clinics and plan to continue opening two to three new clinics each year in the PRC. During the Year 2019, the Group continued to fulfil the huge market demand for vision correction using our in-depth experience and technology. In the coming years, the Company will continue to deploy its strategies and resources with a combination of prudent and proactive approaches with an aim to realise our goal of "Nie wieder Brille!" (No More Glasses)."

About EuroEyes International Eye Clinic Limited
EuroEyes was established in 1993 and is one of the leading brands in the vision correction industry that combines German ophthalmology excellence and over 25 years of experience with individualized customer care. EuroEyes is one of the few eye clinic groups with a far-reaching geographical coverage, with operations in Germany, Denmark and the PRC. The Group's vision correction services include (i) refractive laser surgery (which includes ReLEx smile and Femto LASIK); (ii) phakic lens (ICL) surgery; (iii) lens exchange surgery (which includes the monofocal and trifocal lens exchange surgery) and (iv) others (which include PRK/LASEK and ICRS implantation).

(1) Adjusted gross profit is derived from adding pre-operating expenses for two clinics in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") in 2019 to the gross profit.
(2) Adjusted net profit is derived from adding pre-operating expenses for two clinics in the PRC, listing expenses and foreign exchange loss to the net profit for the year.



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