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BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
Total Cocaine smuggling haul worth more than £10m, court told
Cocaine worth more than £10m was being smuggled into the UK when Border Force officers intercepted a boat off the Cornish coast, a court has men have gone on trial at Truro Crown Court for trying to smuggle 230kg of high purity cocaine - but the jury was told the total haul was 380kg with a wholesale value of £10,260, Johnston, 37, of Havant, Hampshire and Michael May, 47, of Kelveden Hatch, Essex, deny a charge of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the other men have admitted their part in the conspiracy, the court heard. 'Cocaine not recovered' Prosecutor Frederick Hookway told the court Edwin Tabora Baca, who previously pleaded guilty, had sent images of the drug bales to a contact showing a total of eleven bags - but only six were recovered by the added at least 150kg of cocaine was not recovered after being jettisoned into the sea by three men aboard a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that Border Force officers were attempting to three men landed the vessel at Gwynver beach near Sennen and were arrested as they ran up the of those men was Mr Johnston, while Mr May was alleged to have been in a van on the Cornish coastline waiting to transport the smuggled drugs - he was arrested later. Watertight bales The court was told the drugs were brought across the Atlantic on a cargo ship from South America and were dumped into sea in watertight bales were fitted with GPS tracking devices attached to Apple air tags so they could be recovered from the sea by a smaller vessel and transported to the coast of Cornwall to be off trial which is due to last two weeks.
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Men deny attempting to smuggle cocaine into Cornwall
Two men who deny smuggling more than 200kg of cocaine into the UK have gone on trial. Five other men previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle the drugs, worth more than £6m, into Cornwall, Truro Crown Court was jury heard the drugs were secreted aboard a cargo ship sailing from South America and then offloaded into the English Johnston, 37, of Havant, Hampshire and Michael May, 47, of Kelveden Hatch, Essex, deny a charge of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the UK. 'Bales of drugs' Prosecutor Frederick Hookway told the jury a Border Force boat spotted a fast moving rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in the sea off Cornwall one morning in September last court heard the RIB sped off towards land and dumped drug bales into the sea after Border Force gave Hookway said the black watertight bales of drugs were fitted with a GPS tracking device attached to Apple air tags so they could be located by a second smaller boat to be taken to the Cornish court heard how Mr Johnston was one of three men on board the RIB and was found to have £2,615 in cash on other two other men on the vessel, Peter Williams, 43, of Havant, and Edwin Tabora Baca, 32, of Barcelona, Spain, have admitted a charge of drug landed the RIB at Gwynver beach near Sennen, where they attempted to run off in different directions before being arrested, the jury Hookway told the court the second defendant, Mr May, was arrested in a van on the Cornish coast, and alleged he was going to transport the unloaded drugs. 'Value of £6.2m' The court heard how a satellite phone was found in the target RIB showing where it had sailed, revealing it had left Mountbatten in Plymouth, Devon, the night before it was site analysis and number plate recognition inquiries showed the interaction between some of the men involved in the drug smuggling plot, the court Hookway said six bundles thrown into the sea were recovered and contained 230 blocks of high purity cocaine, weighing 1kg each, and with a wholesale value of £6.2m."It is suspected not all the discarded drugs were recovered," Mr Hookway two defendants deny the charge that they conspired with Peter Williams, Edwin Tabora Baca, Billy Pearce, Terry Willis, Alexander Fowley and others unknown to smuggle cocaine into the trial continues.
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
PHC and CCRM Collaborate to Develop Primary T-Cell Expansion Culture Processes to Enhance Efficiency and Improve Cell Quality
TOKYO & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 10, 2025-- PHC Corporation has signed a Master Collaboration Agreement with CCRM to work together on the development of primary T-cell (*1) expansion culture processes that will seek to accelerate the manufacturing of cell and gene therapy (CGT) products. This joint initiative will integrate 'LiCellGrow TM(*2), PHC's cell expansion system under development, with CCRM's deep knowledge of regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing to establish new culture processes to improve cell culture efficiency and quality for CGTs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: *For research purposes only. Anticipated visual image of LiCellGrow. All features subject to change. (Graphic: Business Wire) Primary T-cells are used in process development and manufacturing for CGTs, such as in CAR-T cell therapy. (*3) However, primary T-cells derived directly from patients often exhibit significant variability in growth rates and quality, making it challenging for researchers to ensure stable cell counts and maintain quality throughout the culture process. To address these challenges and improve the quality of cell-based therapeutics, better cell culture processes are needed. Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC and Head of the Biomedical Division that leads the company's Life Science business, commented: 'We are delighted to begin this joint research and development initiative with CCRM, a leader with 14 years of experience in the commercialization of regenerative medicine and CGT. By combining the technologies and expertise of both of our organizations, we aim to advance the manufacturing processes for cell-based therapeutics and cell culture technologies, contributing to the early practical application of CGT.' PHC has developed proprietary In-Line monitoring technology to track key indicators of cell metabolism in real-time, which can help researchers address issues like cell quality and reproducibility, and establish optimal cell culture methods. This technology enables precise, continuous measurement of glucose uptake and lactate production during cell culture, providing a more precise understanding of changes in cell metabolism over time than is possible to observe using traditional sampling methods. In 2024, PHC launched the live-cell metabolic analyzer 'LiCellMo TM(*4) " incorporating this technology in the United States, Canada, Europe and some Asian markets including Japan, China, Singapore and Taiwan. Building on this technology, the company is also developing 'LiCellGrow,' a cell expansion system designed to exchange media automatically based on the metabolic state of the cells and to maintain the culture environment in an optimal state. PHC aims to further expand its product lineup to seamlessly support research, process development, and commercial manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics. 'We are excited to collaborate with PHC to unlock new possibilities in cell culture,' explained Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM. 'Technology development partnerships, like this one, are key to advancing the industry and making CGT more cost effective, and therefore more accessible to patients around the world.' The joint research with CCRM will allow PHC to analyze culture conditions using 'LiCellGrow' to establish optimal culture processes for primary T-cells. The collaboration will seek to accelerate LiCellGrow's development, contributing to improved cell quality, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, and cost reduction in the production of cell-based therapeutics. (*1) Primary T cells, or autologous T cells, refer to T cells that are directly isolated from the body. T cells are part of the immune system and develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. (*3) CAR T-cell therapy is a type of treatment in which a patient's T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory so they will attack cancer cells. About the Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation Established in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry helping researchers and healthcare providers in around 110 countries and regions through its PHCbi-branded laboratory and equipment and services including CO 2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers. Established in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry helping researchers and healthcare providers in around 110 countries and regions through its PHCbi-branded laboratory and equipment and services including CO 2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers. About PHC Holdings Corporation (PHC Group) PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex and Mediford. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. PHC Group's consolidated net sales in FY2023 were JPY 353.9 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries. PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex and Mediford. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. PHC Group's consolidated net sales in FY2023 were JPY 353.9 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries. About CCRM and OmniaBio CCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients with specialized teams, dedicated funding, and unique infrastructure. In 2022, CCRM established OmniaBio Inc., a commercial-stage CDMO for manufacturing cell and gene therapies. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at . CONTACT: Contact for media inquiries: Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Department PHC Holdings Corporation TEL: +81-3-6778-5311 E-mail: [email protected] for product and service: Marketing Department, Biomedical Division PHC Corporation E-mail: [email protected] for CCRM: Stacey Johnson 1-647-309-1830 [email protected] KEYWORD: JAPAN NORTH AMERICA CANADA ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: STEM CELLS BIOTECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY HEALTH ONCOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES RESEARCH INFECTIOUS DISEASES GENETICS SCIENCE HARDWARE SOURCE: PHC Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 02/10/2025 12:00 AM/DISC: 02/10/2025 12:00 AM
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PHC and CCRM Collaborate to Develop Primary T-Cell Expansion Culture Processes to Enhance Efficiency and Improve Cell Quality
TOKYO & TORONTO, February 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PHC Corporation has signed a Master Collaboration Agreement with CCRM to work together on the development of primary T-cell(*1) expansion culture processes that will seek to accelerate the manufacturing of cell and gene therapy (CGT) products. This joint initiative will integrate "LiCellGrowTM(*2), PHC's cell expansion system under development, with CCRM's deep knowledge of regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing to establish new culture processes to improve cell culture efficiency and quality for CGTs. Primary T-cells are used in process development and manufacturing for CGTs, such as in CAR-T cell therapy.(*3) However, primary T-cells derived directly from patients often exhibit significant variability in growth rates and quality, making it challenging for researchers to ensure stable cell counts and maintain quality throughout the culture process. To address these challenges and improve the quality of cell-based therapeutics, better cell culture processes are needed. Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC and Head of the Biomedical Division that leads the company's Life Science business, commented: "We are delighted to begin this joint research and development initiative with CCRM, a leader with 14 years of experience in the commercialization of regenerative medicine and CGT. By combining the technologies and expertise of both of our organizations, we aim to advance the manufacturing processes for cell-based therapeutics and cell culture technologies, contributing to the early practical application of CGT." PHC has developed proprietary In-Line monitoring technology to track key indicators of cell metabolism in real-time, which can help researchers address issues like cell quality and reproducibility, and establish optimal cell culture methods. This technology enables precise, continuous measurement of glucose uptake and lactate production during cell culture, providing a more precise understanding of changes in cell metabolism over time than is possible to observe using traditional sampling methods. In 2024, PHC launched the live-cell metabolic analyzer "LiCellMoTM(*4)" incorporating this technology in the United States, Canada, Europe and some Asian markets including Japan, China, Singapore and Taiwan. Building on this technology, the company is also developing "LiCellGrow," a cell expansion system designed to exchange media automatically based on the metabolic state of the cells and to maintain the culture environment in an optimal state. PHC aims to further expand its product lineup to seamlessly support research, process development, and commercial manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics. "We are excited to collaborate with PHC to unlock new possibilities in cell culture," explained Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM. "Technology development partnerships, like this one, are key to advancing the industry and making CGT more cost effective, and therefore more accessible to patients around the world." The joint research with CCRM will allow PHC to analyze culture conditions using "LiCellGrow" to establish optimal culture processes for primary T-cells. The collaboration will seek to accelerate LiCellGrow's development, contributing to improved cell quality, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, and cost reduction in the production of cell-based therapeutics. (*1) Primary T cells, or autologous T cells, refer to T cells that are directly isolated from the body. T cells are part of the immune system and develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight (*2) URL: (*3) CAR T-cell therapy is a type of treatment in which a patient's T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory so they will attack cancer (*4) URL: About the Biomedical Division of PHC CorporationEstablished in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry helping researchers and healthcare providers in around 110 countries and regions through its PHCbi-branded laboratory and equipment and services including CO2 incubators and ultra-low temperature About PHC Holdings Corporation (PHC Group)PHC Holdings Corporation (TOKYO: 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex and Mediford. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. PHC Group's consolidated net sales in FY2023 were JPY 353.9 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 About CCRM and OmniaBioCCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients with specialized teams, dedicated funding, and unique infrastructure. In 2022, CCRM established OmniaBio Inc., a commercial-stage CDMO for manufacturing cell and gene therapies. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at View source version on Contacts Contact for media inquiries:Investor Relations & Corporate Communications DepartmentPHC Holdings CorporationTEL: +81-3-6778-5311E-mail: phc-pr@ Contact for product and service:Marketing Department, Biomedical Division PHC CorporationE-mail: Contact for CCRM:Stacey Sign in to access your portfolio
