Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award Unveils Top 10 Finalists for 2025
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has today announced its Top 10 finalists for 2025, one of whom will go on to win the grand prize of USD 250,000. The finalists for the fourth edition of the awards were selected from a pool of 100,000+ registrations received from 199* countries worldwide. These finalists were selected following a rigorous evaluation process, led by esteemed expert jury and grand jury panels. The entire process was independently moderated by the appointed 'Process Advisors' Ernst & Young LLP.
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The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes: Catherine Maree Holliday (Switzerland), Edith Namba (Papua New Guinea), Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (UAE), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (India). To know more about the top 10 finalists, please visit: https://www.asterguardians.com/
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Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, ' The Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work – selected from over 100,000 registrations that were received for the 4 th edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe. '
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The final stage will involve public voting and interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, with the winner set to be announced at a gala event in Dubai, UAE on May 26, 2025.
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Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across seven countries. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of 'We will treat you well'.
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National Post
29-07-2025
- National Post
ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (IPA) Reports Full Fiscal Year 2025 Results, Record Fourth Quarter Revenue, and Record Fourth Quarter Adjusted EBITDA
Article content AUSTIN, Texas — ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. ('IPA', 'Company', 'we' or 'us') (NASDAQ: IPA), a bio-native AI company operating at the intersection of TechBio and next-generation drug discovery, today announces its financial results for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025. All numbers are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Article content Financial Highlights: Article content Article content Achieved strong revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 of $24.5 million Delivered highest-ever fourth quarter revenue of $7.0 million Reported record fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of ($0.3) million, reflecting improved operating efficiency Achieved fourth quarter gross margin of 64%, up from 48% from Q4 FY24 BioStrand segment grew over 180% in Fiscal year 2025 and had gross margins approaching 90% BioStrand currently represents over 5% of total annual revenue this year, up from less than 2% in Fiscal Year 2024 Article content : Article content The Company's LENS ai ™ platform demonstrated that it's in silico epitope mapping achieves results on previously unseen antibody–antigen complexes with results that are on par with gold-standard X-ray crystallography—yet delivering structural insights in hours instead of weeks. An important breakthrough using the Company's HYFT®-powered LENS ai platform, as it identified a highly conserved epitope across all four dengue virus serotypes, a key milestone toward developing a potential universal dengue vaccine. Subsequently announced in silico data supporting the vaccine candidate's safety and its ability to activate a balanced immune response. IPA's AI-designed GLP-1 peptides outperformed or matched semaglutide in independent receptor activation studies, further validating the Company's HYFT-driven LENS ai platform. Entered a strategic USD $8–10 million partnership with a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies for potential oncology therapeutics. Realigned internal R&D strategy to focus on launching an AI-powered therapeutic pipeline, reinforcing IPA's shift toward a bio-native AI drug discovery model. ImmunoPrecise subsidiary signed material transfer agreement with Biotheus (now BioNTech), for the transfer and evaluation of antibody assets for bispecific tumor-targeting. Successfully engineered antibodies in silico to a challenging tumor target using LENS ai, advancing IPA's vision for accessible, next-generation therapeutics. Appointed industry veteran Jon Lieber to its Board of Directors, bringing over 30 years of strategic leadership across biotech, capital markets, and public company governance, further strengthening IPA's financial oversight and commercial execution. Named Jeff Fried, a recognized healthcare data visionary, to its Advisory Board. Fried has played a key role in advancing IPA's AI platform capabilities, particularly the integration of vector search to support large-scale, AI-driven discovery within LENS ai ecosystem. Regained compliance with Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement, reflecting strengthened investor confidence and continued alignment with strategic listing standards. Article content 'Fiscal 2025 was a record-setting year for IPA across multiple dimensions,' said Dr. Jennifer Bath, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies CEO. 'We delivered strong annual and record fourth quarter revenues, significantly improved gross margins, and achieved one of our strongest adjusted EBITDA performances in the Company's history, with a loss of only $316,000. This reflects our continued progress toward profitability while accelerating innovation through our HYFT-powered LENS ai platform. Our BioStrand segment alone grew by more than 180% in Fiscal 2025, highlighting the strength of our AI-driven pipeline. These results underscore the growing commercial validation of our technology, our strategic collaborations, and our ability to deliver real-world impact through next-generation antibody discovery and therapeutic design.' Article content 'As we look ahead to the next fiscal year, we are well-positioned to build on our momentum. We are poised to refocus our business on AI-based product development utilizing our LENS ai platform, powered by our patented HYFT technology. We anticipate the near-term completion of the previously announced divestiture of our Dutch subsidiary, as part of our continued focus on streamlining operations and aligning resources with strategic priorities. Together, these strategic steps will sharpen our focus, strengthen our core capabilities, and set the stage for an even brighter future for IPA,' concluded Dr. Bath. Article content Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results Article content Revenue for the three months ended April 30, 2025, was $7.0 million, representing an 8% increase compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2024. Article content Gross profit for the three months ended April 30, 2025, was $4.5 million, up from $3.1 million in the same period last year. Gross margin for FY25 rose sharply to 64%, compared to 48% for FY24. This improvement was driven, in part, by a greater contribution from high-margin BioStrand revenues. Article content Research and development ('R&D') expenses totaled $1.1 million, down from $1.3 million in the prior-year quarter, due to reallocating project-related R&D efforts to cost of sales for clients. Article content Sales and marketing expenses increased to $1.0 million, compared to $0.9 million in the same period last year, due to an increase in digital campaign expenses. Article content General and administrative expenses declined to $3.7 million from $4.1 million, driven by ongoing cost control efforts. Article content Operating loss, excluding amortization and non-recurring charges, improved significantly to $1.4 million, compared to $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. Article content Net loss narrowed to $2.2 million, a marked improvement from a net loss of $17.6 million in the same quarter last year, which included a $15 million non-cash impairment charge related to BioStrand's goodwill and intangible assets. Article content Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $0.3 million, compared to a loss of $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, reflecting improved gross profits and enhanced operating efficiency. Article content Full Year 2025 Financial Results Article content Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 was $24.5 million, up slightly (without rounding) from $24.5 million in Fiscal Year 2024. Article content Gross Profit for Fiscal Year 2025 was $13.5 million, a 12.4% increase compared to $12.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024. Gross margin expanded by 600 basis points to 55%, up from 49% in the prior year. This margin improvement was driven by a greater revenue contribution from the high-margin BioStrand segment, coupled with an increased focus on cost efficiencies. Article content Research and development expenses were $4.9 million in Fiscal Year 2025, up from $4.0 million in Fiscal Year 2024, reflecting increased investment in R&D activities within the BioStrand segment. Article content Sales and marketing expenses were $4.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025, compared to $3.5 million in Fiscal Year 2024, reflecting increased spending on advertising related to digital campaign expenses. Article content General and administrative expenses totaled $14.7 million in Fiscal Year 2025, down from $15.6 million in Fiscal Year 2024, reflecting the Company's continued focus on operational efficiency and cost discipline. Article content Operating loss in Fiscal Year 2025, excluding amortization and non-recurring charges, improved to $10.4 million, compared to $11.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024. Article content Net loss in Fiscal Year 2025 was $30.2 million, or $(0.91) per share on a basic and diluted basis, compared to a net loss of $26.1 million or $(1.02) on a basic and diluted basis in Fiscal Year 2024. Article content Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, including restricted cash, were $10.8 million as of April 30, 2025. Article content Three Months Ended April 30, Year Ended April 30, (in thousands) 2025 $ 2024 $ 2025 $ 2024 $ Net loss (2,161 ) (17,610 ) (30,234 ) (26,115 ) Income taxes 261 (1,214 ) (4,033 ) (2,588 ) Amortization and depreciation 913 1,579 5,119 5,735 Accretion 2 4 10 19 Asset impairment charge — 15,031 21,184 15,031 Foreign exchange realized gain (loss) (33 ) 18 (5 ) 142 Interest expense 209 323 948 849 Interest and other income (3 ) 3 283 (23 ) Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 443 (65 ) 594 (86 ) Share-based expense 53 237 445 1,535 Adjusted EBITDA (316 ) (1,694 ) (5,689 ) (5,501 ) Article content *All financial figures are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise stated. Article content Conference Call and Webcast Details Article content The Company will host a live conference call and webcast to discuss these results and provide a corporate update on Friday, July 29, 2025, at 10:30AM ET. Article content The conference call will be webcast live and available for replay via a link provided in the Events section of the Company's IR pages at Article content ***Participant Dial-In Details*** Article content Participants call one of the allocated dial-in numbers (below) and advise the Operator of either the Conference ID 3224490 or Conference Name. Article content USA / International Toll +1 (646) 307-1963 USA – Toll-Free (800) 715-9871 Canada – Toll-Free (800) 715-9871 Article content ***Webcast Details*** Article content Attendee URL: Please call the conference telephone number five minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. Article content Anyone listening to the call is encouraged to read the company's periodic reports available on the company's profile at and including the discussion of risk factors and historical results of operations and financial condition in those reports. Article content About ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. Article content ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. is an AI-driven biotherapeutic research, technology and scientifically robust life science company that discovers and develops customized and novel antibodies by generating proprietary and patented processes, procedures and innovative approaches to antibody discovery, development, and production. IPA has several subsidiaries in North America and Europe including entities such as Talem Therapeutics LLC, BioStrand BV, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (Canada) Ltd. and ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (Europe) B.V. (collectively, the 'IPA Family'). Article content For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. These statements reflect the Company's expectations, plans, projections, and beliefs regarding future events or performance. Words such as 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' 'believes,' 'plans,' 'potential,' 'will,' 'may,' 'continue,' and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Article content Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's operational and financial outlook, the potential impact and continuity of strategic partnerships, including the recently announced commercial agreement and collaborations with cloud infrastructure providers, our projected growth in AI-driven revenues and margins, our ability to commercialize new technologies such as de novo antibody design and AI-designed GLP-1 therapeutics, future demand for our platform capabilities, ongoing strategic initiatives including business realignment and divestitures, and our ability to drive sustainable profitability. Article content The Company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. These non-IFRS financial measures are adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating expenses. The Company believes these supplementary financial measures reflect the Company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in its business. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Article content The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as operating earnings before taxes, amortization, depreciation, accretion, asset impairment charges, foreign exchange gain/loss, interest and other income and share-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is presented on a basis consistent with the Company's internal management reports. The Company discloses adjusted EBITDA to capture the profitability of its business before the impact of items not considered in management's evaluation of operating unit performance. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted EBITDA is net loss. Article content These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, but are not limited to: execution risks related to strategic partnerships, delays or failures in technology development or commercialization, market adoption of AI-based drug discovery tools, fluctuations in financial markets, general economic conditions, and risks related to funding requirements and liquidity. Article content The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All such statements are made as of the date of this release and, unless required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Article content IMMUNOPRECISE ANTIBODIES LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited – Expressed in Canadian dollars) (in thousands) April 30, 2025 $ April 30, 2024 $ ASSETS Current assets Cash 10,665 3,459 Amounts receivable, net 4,115 3,790 Tax receivable 143 414 Inventory 2,095 2,139 Unbilled revenue 548 277 Prepaid expenses 1,188 1,408 18,754 11,487 Restricted cash 126 86 Deposit on equipment 502 475 Property and equipment 15,762 16,696 Intangible assets 1,067 23,557 Goodwill 8,230 7,687 Total assets 44,441 59,988 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 5,283 4,372 Deferred revenue 1,090 1,352 Tax payable 475 553 Leases 1,850 1,563 Deferred acquisition payments 314 284 9,012 8,124 Leases 11,553 12,118 Deferred income tax liability 250 4,068 Total liabilities 20,815 24,310 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share capital 136,371 119,773 Contributed surplus 12,833 12,388 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,216 2,077 Accumulated deficit (128,794 ) (98,560 ) 23,626 35,678 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 44,441 59,988 Article content IMMUNOPRECISE ANTIBODIES LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended April 30, 2025 and 2024 (Unaudited – Expressed in Canadian dollars) (in thousands) 2025 $ 2024 $ Operating activities: Net loss for the period (30,234 ) (26,115 ) Items not affecting cash: Accretion 10 19 Amortization and depreciation 5,119 5,735 Asset impairment 21,184 15,031 Deferred income taxes (3,935 ) (1,773 ) Foreign exchange 622 15 Gain on investment (7 ) (2 ) Share-based expense 445 1,535 (6,796 ) (5,555 ) Changes in non-cash working capital related to operations: Amounts receivable (298 ) (601 ) Inventory 138 (102 ) Unbilled revenue (248 ) 360 Prepaid expenses 261 624 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 827 983 Sales and income taxes payable and receivable 8 733 Deferred revenue (302 ) 374 Net cash used in operating activities (6,410 ) (3,184 ) Investing activities: Purchase of equipment (799 ) (1,397 ) Security deposit on leases — (141 ) Deferred acquisition payments — (146 ) Sale of QVQ Holdings BV shares — 121 Net cash used in investing activities (799 ) (1,563 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from share issuance, net of transaction costs 12,228 2,360 Proceeds from debenture 4,242 — Repayment of leases (1,577 ) (1,339 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 14,893 1,021 Increase (decrease) in cash during the period 7,684 (3,726 ) Foreign exchange (438 ) (1,095 ) Cash – beginning of the period 3,545 8,366 Cash – end of the period 10,791 3,545 Cash is comprised of: Cash 10,665 3,459 Restricted cash 126 86 10,791 3,545 Cash paid for interest — — Cash paid for income tax 2 — Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Cision Canada
22-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Artificial Intelligence Influence in Ophthalmology Industry Projected to Create a Billion Dollar Revenue Opportunity
NEW YORK, /CNW/ -- According to a report from Research And Markets, the AI in Ophthalmology Market was valued at USD 209.23 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 1.36 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 36.79%. The rising prevalence of eye diseases, advancements in imaging technology, and expansion of teleophthalmology services are factors contributing to market growth. The report said: "In addition, growing preference for personalized treatment plans and increasing government initiatives fuel market growth further. The increasing prevalence of eye-related conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma, is a significant factor driving the adoption of AI in ophthalmology. As the population ages, the incidence of these diseases increases, creating a need for efficient and accurate diagnostic tools. For instance, according to the CDC, the estimated number of Americans living with glaucoma in 2022 was 4.22 million. AI algorithms can rapidly analyze complex retinal images, facilitating early detection and treatment. For instance, AI systems have shown high sensitivity and specificity in identifying diabetic retinopathy, which allows for timely interventions and reduces the risk of vision loss. Moreover, integrating advanced imaging techniques such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) with AI has revolutionized ophthalmic diagnostics. High-resolution imaging provides detailed views of ocular structures, which enhances diagnostic precision when analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI). The availability of large datasets from these imaging technologies allows for the training of robust AI models, improving their accuracy and reliability in clinical settings." Active healthcare/tech companies active in the diabetes treatment industry include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Alcon Inc. (NYSE: ALC), Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM). Research And Markets continued: "Furthermore, teleophthalmology, the remote delivery of eye care services, has gained traction, especially in underserved regions. AI is crucial in this expansion by enabling automated analysis of retinal images, facilitating remote diagnosis, and reducing the need for in-person consultations. This approach increases access to eye care and optimizes resource utilization in healthcare systems. For instance, in June 2024, C3 Med-Tech, an ophthalmic health tech startup, raised USD 0.23 million to launch AI-enabled, portable eye screening devices. The funding is expected to support telemedicine integration, real-time disease detection, and expansion across India, aiming to reduce avoidable blindness, especially in underserved communities facing a shortage of ophthalmologists. Moreover, AI's ability to analyze and interpret data from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) facilitates personalized treatment plans in ophthalmology. AI predicts disease progression by assessing patient history, genetic information, and imaging data and recommends tailored interventions, further contributing to market growth." Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) Joint Venture Partner Presents AI Technology at Roche Ophthalmology Conference - Avant Technologies, Inc. ("Avant" or the "Company"), an emerging technology company developing healthcare solutions using both artificial intelligence (AI) and developments in biotechnology, today announced that Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avant's partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), was a featured speaker Friday and Saturday at Roche's Latin America "Macular Spectacular" Ophthalmology conference in Cartagena, Colombia. The conference highlighted the latest in scientific advances in treatments for the most common eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, while also focusing on strengthening collaboration between industry specialists in Latin America. Ainnova's CEO, Vinicio Vargas, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova's technology portfolio, discussed the status of AI and its uses in the industry to improve patient outcomes. Vargas and a host of renowned speakers that included Dr. Laura Velásquez, Dr. Roberto Gallego, Hugo Ocampo, and other ophthalmologists and experts presented the latest tools to transform visual health in the region, reflected on unmet needs, and explained how innovation can help build stronger, accessible, and patient-centered health systems. In Q4 2024, Ainnova entered a strategic alliance with global biotech, Roche, and leading pre-paid health plan provider, Salud 360, to start a pilot program to combat diabetic retinopathy using Ainnova's AI-powered, cutting-edge technology, Vision AI. The alliance aims at improving access to vision screening in patients with uncontrolled diabetes with the hope of decreasing the risks of diabetic retinopathy. If the program is successful, Avant and Ainnova hope to implement a similar program in the United States, Canada, and Europe through AAC. AAC has the worldwide licensing rights for Ainnova's technology portfolio, which includes Ainnova's Vision AI platform. In other diabetes developments and happenings in the biotech market include: Alcon Inc. (NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, recently announced that UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio. "Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone," said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. "We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients." Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, recently launched"Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye." The campaign aims to educate about dry eye through personal stories, compelling imagery and new survey data, and encourages people with symptoms to speak with their eye doctor to find relief. Eyes Tell the Story builds upon Know Your Dry Eye, an educational campaign launched in 2024 that featured data and insights from the company's first State of Dry Eye survey, which showed the majority of Americans may not know that their eye symptoms are associated with eye dryness, despite the growing prevalence of dry eye. This year's survey, conducted among dry eye sufferers who are using either a prescription treatment or over-the-counter (OTC) product, further supports the need for more patient education and to dispel ongoing misconceptions surrounding dry eye. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) recently launched TECNIS Odyssey IOL in Europe, the Middle East, and Canada. The TECNIS Odyssey IOL was first launched in the US in October 2024. The TECNIS Odyssey IOL is a full vision range intraocular lens (IOL), built on the TECNIS platform from Johnson & Johnson, which, according to the company, provides 2 times better contrast in low lighting than PanOptix. The TECNIS Odyssey combines advanced optics and proprietary materials, offering consistently clear, high-contrast vision, according to the company. Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Tempus ECG-Low EF (ejection fraction) software, which uses AI to identify certain patients who may have a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Tempus ECG-Low EF joins Tempus ECG-AF as the second FDA-cleared ECG-AI device in Tempus' growing suite of next generation devices designed to identify patients at risk for a variety of cardiovascular conditions. "With Tempus ECG-Low EF, we're adding another powerful tool to the hands of clinicians to help them identify patients at risk for serious cardiovascular conditions much earlier in their care journey," said Brandon Fornwalt, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President of Cardiology at Tempus. "Detection of LVEF is essential for undiagnosed patients, and this technology enables us to deliver that capability at scale to transform patient care. The addition of a second FDA-cleared Tempus ECG-AI solution reflects our continued commitment to advancing AI-driven cardiology." DISCLAIMER: (MNU) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. MNU is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. MNU and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. MNU'S market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. MNU is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed MNU was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Avant Technologies, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. MNU HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MNU undertakes no obligation to update such statements.
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Total Investment of Approx. USD 7.3 Million in Malaria and TB R&D Projects With Partners Including European Vaccine Initiative, University of Copenhagen, and University of Tübingen
TOKYO, /CNW/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1 billion (USD 7.3 million 1) in four R&D projects for the development of vaccine, drug, and diagnostics for malaria and tuberculosis (TB). 2 Investment of JPY 800 million (USD 5.5 million 1) in malaria vaccine project Malaria is a serious infectious disease that affects more than 260 million people and claims approximately 600,000 lives worldwide each year. Over 90% of all malaria cases occur in Africa, with more than 70% of those affected being children under the age of five. 3 Malaria is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. While prevention and treatment methods are available, the efficacy of currently available vaccines remains limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of vaccines with higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection. To address this challenge, the GHIT Fund has decided to invest JPY 800 million (USD 5.5 million 1) in a malaria vaccine development project currently in the preclinical stage. This project is being led by the European Vaccine Initiative, the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD) at Osaka University, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Tübingen, Danish biotechnology company AdaptVac, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., and Nobelpharma Co., Ltd. This investment is a continuation of previous projects supported by GHIT, which has invested a total of approximately JPY 630 million (USD 4.3 million 1) from 2013 to 2022. The present project aims to develop a vaccine that prevents the proliferation of malaria parasites during the blood-stage of infection. The vaccine is designed to achieve higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection with fewer doses. By reducing manufacturing costs, the project also aims to improve access to vaccines in malaria-endemic regions. In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 260 million (USD 1.8 million 1) in the following three R&D projects: (1) Target research project for malaria diagnostics by Ehime University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (2) Target research project for TB drug by the University of Auckland and the University of Tokyo (3) Target research project for malaria drug by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), LPIXEL Inc., and University of Dundee This investment brings four new companies and universities on board. Through collaborations with 190 partners across 39 countries — including 64 Japanese and 126 non-Japanese institutions — we aim to contribute to solving global health challenges and accelerating product development. Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages. As of July 17, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 37 projects, including 15 discovery projects, 13 preclinical projects, and 9 clinical trials. 4 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 39.3 billion (USD 271 million 1) (Appendix 2). 1 USD1 = JPY144.81, the approximate exchange rate on June 30, 2025. 2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002 and RFP2024-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Target Research Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2024. 3 WHO: 4 This number includes projects in the registration phase. The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. Appendix 1. Project Details ID: G2024-201 Project Title Biomanufacture and preclinical development of the blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate SE36/cVLP Collaboration Partners 1. European Vaccine Initiative (Germany) 2. RIMD, Osaka University (Japan) 3. University of Copenhagen (Denmark) 4. AdaptVac (Denmark) 5. University of Tübingen (Germany) 6. Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan) 7. Nobelpharma Co., Ltd. (Japan) Disease Malaria Intervention Vaccine Stage Preclinical Awarded Amount JPY 800,715,002 (USD 5.5 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] This team's goal is to fast-track the clinical development of the SE36/cVLP vaccine candidate and obtain supporting evidence for a safe and efficacious blood-stage vaccine that could be deployed as a stand-alone or potentially combined in a second- generation multi-stage malaria vaccine. The main objectives are to: 1. Manufacture a large GMP batch of SE36 2. Produce a GMP batch of SE36/cVLP 3. Conduct a GLP-compliant nonclinical toxicology study for SE36/cVLP + Sepivac SWE adjuvant 4. Prepare clinical trial documentation for the conduct of a phase I/IIa (CHMI) trial for SE36/cVLP (+/- Sepivac SWE) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and time-to- first episode of clinical malaria in malaria-naïve vaccinated subjects [Project design] The previous GMP manufacturing process for SE36 was largely based on the E. coli expression system with modest yield after several chromatography steps. Benefiting from recent collaborations and new adaptive vaccine technologies, the project team now proposes to manufacture a larger batch of SE36 using a simplified, high-yield process with Corynex™, which utilizes Corynebacterium glutamicum. Moreover, to increase the vaccine immunogenicity, SE36 antigens will be displayed on capsid virus-like particles (cVLP) ensuring unidirectional and high-density display. A previously manufactured small lab-scale batch of SE36/cVLP showed that coupling was stable and that coupled SE36 was highly immunogenic in the mouse model. Armed with this success, the project team now expands its efforts to manufacture a larger GMP batch of SE36/cVLP, conduct a GLP-compliant nonclinical toxicology study and prepare trial documentation to conduct a phase I/IIa trial with this newly optimised formulation of the SE36 vaccine candidate. A successful completion of these activities will set the stage for a first-in-human safety, immunogenicity and efficacy trial. ID: T2024-153 Project Title ZOO-RDT: Validating a novel biomarker and associated reagents for diagnosis of acute zoonotic malaria in southeast Asia Collaboration Partners 1. Ehime University (Japan) 2. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia) Disease Malaria Intervention Diagnostics Stage Target Research Awarded Amount JPY 64,693,198 (USD 0.4 million) Status New project Summary [Project objective] There are no P. knowlesi -specific point-of-care (PoC) tests. Rapid diagnostic tests based on the pLDH biomarker show high cross-reactivity between P. vivax and P. knowlesi making them impossible to distinguish. Current diagnostic practices take time and delay patient access to treatment. Simple, accessible PoC tools are urgently required. Identification of P. knowlesi- specific diagnostic markers has been largely neglected. The serine repeat antigen (sera) multigene family has been extensively studied in P. falciparum and rodent parasite lines and plays critical roles across the parasite life cycle. The P. knowlesi Serine Repeat Antigen 3 (PkSERA3) antigen 2 has been identified as a P. knowlesi -specific exposure marker, with laboratory and population-level evaluations showing no cross-reactivity with P. vivax, a phylogenetically closely related species. The project team will use this antigen to develop reagents for a P. knowlesi PoC diagnostic test. [Project design] Overall aim: Validate novel biomarker(s) and associated monoclonal antibodies for lateral flow assay development for the diagnosis of acute infections. Objective 1: Reagent optimisation: the optimised PkSERA3 ag 2 protein plus two variants will be used in the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Objective 2: Analytical and clinical validation of PkSERA3 Ag2 and variants as species-specific indicators of acute P. knowlesi infection across epidemiological zones. Objective 3: Assessment of Technical Feasibility in the lateral flow system. The best performing mAbs will be assayed by ELISA, and further down-selection will lead to selected mAbs being printed onto test strips. Antibody reagents will be provided to a diagnostic test developer Contract Research Organization (CRO) to validate the technical feasibility of integrating the developed mAbs into a lateral-flow RDT. Objective 4: Stakeholder consultation to understand the preferred test design, and to inform Product Design and generate evidence for a business case for this novel malaria RDT. Target results: Validated P. knowlesi -specific mAb reagent for use in LFA development. ID: T2024-253 Project Title Harnessing genome mining for novel tuberculosis antibiotics Collaboration Partners 1. The University of Auckland (New Zealand) 2. The University of Tokyo (Japan) Disease Tuberculosis Intervention Drug Stage Target Research Awarded Amount JPY 100,000,000 (USD 0.6 million) Status New project Summary [Project objective] In the short term, this project aims to enhance TB antibiotic discovery by identifying secondary metabolites that specifically target essential metabolic pathways in M. tuberculosis. By focusing on mechanisms absent in mammalian cells, the project team aims to identify secondary metabolites with selective antimicrobial activity and minimal side effects in humans. This selectivity is expected to improve patient experience, compliance, and treatment outcomes. Early identification and testing of these compounds against purified proteins, M. tuberculosis cells, and human macrophage infection models will provide critical insights into their efficacy and potential as new therapeutic agents. In the long term, this project team's goal is to translate these research findings into clinical applications, offering new treatment options for TB patients worldwide. A key strength of this proposal is this project team's established expertise and drug development pipeline, specifically in the TB context, which will be instrumental in advancing subsequent research and development phases. [Project design] Despite significant advances in understanding the metabolic features essential for M. tuberculosis, developing new antibiotics remains a major challenge. Enzyme inhibitors often exhibit limited activity against M. tuberculosis, and many bioactive compounds have unclear modes of action. To overcome these challenges, the project team will (a) identify secondary metabolites that specifically target key metabolic pathways in M. tuberculosis, and (b) test these metabolites against purified proteins and M. tuberculosis cells to assess their effects on bacterial growth and pathogenesis. ID: T2024-268 Project Title Machine learning-based deconvolution of antimalarial drug mechanisms of action through cell painting of compound-treated Plasmodium falciparum -infected erythrocytes Collaboration Partners 1. Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) 2. LPIXEL Inc. (Japan) 3. University of Dundee (UK) Disease Malaria Intervention Drug Stage Target Research Awarded Amount JPY 99,628,772 (USD 0.6 million) Status New project Summary [Project objective] The project ultimately aims to deliver a new high-throughput and information-rich platform for informing and classifying antimalarial modes of action (MoA) and highlighting novel compound-induced phenotypes. This proposal seeks to leverage advances in cellular imaging and machine learning-led pattern recognition. The final goal is to develop a robust, reproducible method to deliver information on a compound's biological impact (whether its MoA or pathway is novel or known) in synchrony with the confirmation of growth inhibition and thus allow clustering on both chemistry and biology, potentially saving months in the context of Hit Generation. [Project design] The project relies on high-content imaging and subsequent analysis of drug-treated Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The initial assay development phase will optimise methodologies for staining, fixation, and imaging of parasite-infected red blood cells, including both healthy untreated parasites and those treated with a pilot set of compounds with defined MoA. This will allow preliminary development of artificial intelligence (AI) models to classify parasite morphology across the 48 hour lifecycle, as well as the phenotypic impact of drug-treatment. Once treatment and imaging parameters have been optimised, data collection will be performed with an expanded set of compounds covering a diverse range of MoA, in order to refine and validate the development of AI models for pattern recognition. AI models will ultimately be packaged into a cloud-based, user-friendly application so that images generated by researchers can be analysed without specialist AI knowledge. *All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY144.81, the approximate exchange rate on June 30, 2025. Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of July 17, 2025) Investments to date Total investments: 39.3 billion yen (USD 271 million 1) Total invested projects: 139 (37 active projects and 102 completed projects)
